[center][h2]The "Talk"[/h2][/center]

((Collab between Bee, Raijin, Santa and Savato )) 

Isabella was a bit surprised, and admittedly, a little humiliatingly frightened, at Sebastian's escape, but thankfully, Issac - she should give him more subjects in the future - and Camille - what a wonderful brat - had come to her rescue, giving her the advantage once again. Regaining her poise and hauteur, Isabella spoke:

"Sebastian, Sebastian Sebastian, I don't have any personal animosity towards you," a minor lie; she hated being manipulated, but she can cast that aside for now, "it's just that you were preying on enough pawns to make the rest feel like doubting me, and no leader can survive being doubted by her followers." Isabella sounded reasonable enough.

Sebastian smiled at Camile, ignoring Isabella entirely.

"Great see you as well Camille, hows the eternally childish body and addled mind treating you. Speaking of addled minds, where's Jaden. He and I have much to discuss, but that will have to come later."

Sebastian found himself a chair and sat down, looking completely relaxed despite the fact that he was very much outgunned at the moment. "I must say Issac, quite the impressive specimens you have here. Unlike Isabella, you make sure each of your creations are absolutely perfect, or as close as you can get. Isabella just throws spores at whatever moves and gives it power, only to get mad when said abomination get knocked over like bowling pins by her enemies. Oh, and I must say that my 'preying' as you call it, though lets be frank and call it torture shall we, it flows more eadily off the tongue and is quite closer to the truth."  

"Anyway, what do you expect when you rule by fear and doping, getting weaklings high on power, only to have them be massacred by the hundreds, it's not a particularly effective way to raise an army, one of any true worth that is. But then again, who am I to judge, for I have no army at my back, no forces willing to die for me. I'm just an insignificant speck, a drop of blood that goes unnoticed to the world, and I'm quite content with that. A true testament to my modesty, no?"

It seemed that Sebastian had recognized the small fry of the team and didn't hesitate to remind her of the fact that she was indeed quite small given her age. Camille rolled her eyes at the disgusting young man's remark before making her dandy way toward her colleague while the redhead entered one of his ridiculously long speeches. She approached the short scientist whom she considered possibly their best asset in this organization, excluding herself of course, placing her gloved hand on his shoulder. She was still shorter than his petite figure, so a little boost by standing on her tip toes would help her smooch the young man's cheek with her cold, damp lips. The smooch lasted about a second and ended just as Sebastian tackled the army subject. 

When that strange little moment of affection was over, Camille beamed at the talkative fugitive with a rather seductive look. She knew what kind of crazy and disgusting fuck he could be, and she would tease him. She quickly paved her way toward a nearby shelf which held random antiques. She promptly grabbed a pretty looking plate with blue patterns on it, only to mercilessly throw it at Sebastian's infuriating face as if it were a Frisbee. 

"[b]Punaise FERME TA GUEULE, Jeez no one gives a single butt about your ceaseless discharges of crap![/b]" 

Camille shouted out of the blue, almost as if she was angry at the pretentious man and how he dared to present himself this way to her mother. Indeed, she was ticked off by him, but that was because she was fully aware of how manipulative he could be. Luckily the need for real violence was absent considering the situation he was in. Even Light wouldn't stand a chance against the people in this room teamed up. 

The child-like female still waited her mother's response as to what she would do, but spending a little more time throwing things at Sebastian was something she'd be willing to do. 

Isabella fumed at Sebastian's points, points that poked holes at her means of control. However, before she can respond, Camille threw things at the redheaded offender, amusing her and almost - almost - bringing a laugh.

"And what do you suggest, Sebastian? That I rule by love and friendship like those 'Reformists'? That I rule by genuinely looking out for the hoi polloi? Even if I do that, the fact that you were going after essential personnel, Metahumans who didn't need my alterations, and torturing them to death, well, let's just say that it deprived me of people whom even I didn't want to lose. No, my leadership methods work, and even if they have drawbacks in the long run, said drawbacks can be accepted."

"Besides, it's not as if I don't pay attention to strength; after all, as Camille said, I managed to defeat Cedric 'Starchild' Wessex and Light. In fact, we might be on the verge of victory."

"Which is why I will be magnanimous. Torture and kill the Reformists instead, and don't come near us any longer. If not, then you won't leave here alive." 

[b]"Isabella, don't be so short sighted."[/b] Isaac said, wiping his cheek and pacing slowly towards his dragon.

He put a hand on its side, feeling one of its familiar vital points. He found that it was still healthy, but he knew that it didn't have a long lifespan. He had grafted metahuman parts onto a base body, added life, added growth. It grew like he wanted it to, with a few pushes along the way. The trouble with accelerated growth was short lifespans, and there was little Isaac could do about it. A large complex beast like the dragon had taken a long time to grow and nurture, and it would all go to waste if it was killed or it outgrew its life expectancy.

[b]"This dragon took time, Mr Lyone. An army of weaklings has its benefits."[/b] Isaac said, studying the dragons life signals.
He withdrew his hand and turned back to address the group.

[b]"But I agree with you on some points."[/b] Isaac said. [b]"What we need now are not weaklings. We need stronger units. Quantity can only go so far."[/b]
Isaac paced back to the beast-man, taking a step for every word to accentuate the point.

[b]"And that is why I wish to use your strength, Mr Lyone.[/b] Isaac said. [b]"Quality takes time, and it'd take time we don't have."[/b]
He touched a vital point under the beast-man's neck and measured its vital signs.

[b]"As I said before, an army of weaklings has its own merits. Ms Lancaster has proved that she is an effective leader, and her skills have benefited us."[/b] Isaac said, withdrawing his hand and turning around to face the group. [b]"Regardless of our individual grudges, it is necessary to band together, lest we face annhilation; and that is why I suggest we put our grudges aside for our ultimate long term goals."[/b]

Sebastian easily deflected all of Camille's projectiles with his blood tendrils, his face remaining as calm and passive as ever. It'd take more than a bratty temper-tantrum to get him to lose his cool.

"Now Camille, the adults are talking, so please stay out of it. And stop trying to act your real age, it just comes of as creepy and strange unless you're a pedophile, which I'm not." 

Turning back to face the adults, Sebastian listened to Isabella's counter and Issac proposal, deciding to respond to the former, grasping at any chance to deflate her ego.

"I suggest you become an actress, and that's all I'll say about that. And about your supposed victories over Wessex and Light, I ask you, are either of them dead or in your possession? No, Wessex was escorted out by some of your flunkies when he offered them a better deal, and Light is Light. I know from reports I that she's an impossibility to kill and that her abilities could make her one of the most devastating metas there was if not for her morals, so excuse me if I doubt your little pet was able to do more than delay her a little. And what has these small setbacks to your enemy cost you, your base of operations, the name and reach of your company in all likelihood, a good chunk of you forces, possibly even your new pet project if you don't get Wade out of here in time. All of this loss, because you acted rashly and tried to kill Miss Olivia when she came to negotiate. You're right Issac, she's an amazing leader, one I would gladly follow into battle without a singular doubt in my mind." Sebastian reclined into his seat, head propped up by his fist as he rested his elbow on the arm. "As for how I know about all of this, well, that's what we call a secret."

"Issac, I'm sure you realize Isabella's maiin issue. She isn't nearly as smart as she thinks she is, and the arrogance that come from this delusion clouds her judgements and decisions. I can't even begin to fathom why you've left Halo alive or outside of your custody for so long, her ability being both a great utility and an even greater risk." 

His little rant/reprimand over, he took a breath to settle himself before he asked the all important question.

"That was very eloquent, Issac, truly, but I do wish for you to get to the point. I have a new tag-a-long that shares my love of inflicting pain, and I do wish to get back to her before she starts. . . experimenting without me."

[b]"My point is, Sebastian, we cannot stand alone."[/b] Isaac said, adjusting his glasses. [b]"So long as there is a threat, the majority will never rest."[/b]
He turned to the hole in the wall contemplatively and stepped slowly forwards, hands behind his back, as if in comtemplation.

[b]"I acknowledge that Isabella has her short comings, but everything in this world has a use."[/b] Isaac said.
He spun back around to face the group.
[b]"Tell me you all, why did you join the underground movement?"[/b]

Isabella then spoke, seeing that Camille had gone inactive.

"I founded the Underground Movement to gather all those who do not believe in peace and coexistence between Humans and Metas, to gather all those who wished for a world where Metahumans ruled and Normal Humans were either punished for their persecution and discrimination against the aforementioned Metas, exterminated, or turned into slaves. The Underground Movement is an umbrella organization for all those with issues against the 'Reformist' Establishment, minor and major."

"Sounds almost noble, isn't it? Problem with that, though, is that advancing the interests of someone other than yourself, even if it is the Metahuman community, is against the truths of power and pleasure I espouse. I created the Underground Movement to have a battalion of people to take care of my every need and whim, and to advance my position so that I can live according to my truths." She held her head arrogantly.

"Because I wished to see how far I could get, how high I could manipulate my way through the ranks. And my form was rather spot-on, except for one thing. I didn't count on how much of a motivator desperation was. By the time I figured out one of my toys had escaped, you were already on my tail. So I simply gave in, knowing the chance of death was still high, but trying to run or fight would've made it certain. The movement was just a stage for me to perform on, just like most places, and I preformed masterfully." 

Stretching slightly in his chair, with all the coiled poise of a jungle cat, his grern eyes blazed with a wild abandon. "Issac, I joined the movement because I could, nothing more, nothing less. I'm a simple man, with simple tastes, and no such thing as morals to get in the way of them." 

A bulge of veins formed on Camille's forehead as her facial muscles tensed in frustration over the pretentious tone the serial killer was taking as he addressed her mother. She gritted her teeth for her patience was wearing thin for the psychopath, not that she would be very patient at all to start with, but her already biased behavior toward him only made matters worse. She delivered a soul piercing glare at the young man's being, her intent on murdering him were becoming quite apparent, especially if one knew just how much of a fan of killing Camille could be. 

"[b]Mama, can I have my orders please? If I stay any longer I think I'm going to kill that piggy..[/b]." 

She took a deep breath, turning her head to her mother with a calmer look. She was obviously annoyed but at least tried to keep it cool for the individual she praised as her superior and mother. However something still roamed in her mind; Sebastian mentioned Light's behavior being playful, almost not serious, which made sense to Camille's mind. Thinking about it, she would swallow a bit of her pride realizing that the monster she had recently locked up could have very well been far superior than any other Meta they've locked up. She impatiently waited, so that they could end this quickly before that thing would show up again. 

"Camille," said Isabella, in a moment of perception, "I think you should guard our other asset, Ruby the Technopath." [i]The Reformists would not dare harm a pregnant woman like Cindy. Besides, I'm coming to fetch her myself.[/i]

She then turned towards Sebastian and Issac.

"I have no time for this; I have to either go see to my personal 'pet project', or unleash more 'abominations' onto the oncoming Police and Reformist Metas; either way works. So, I'll have to go."

And with that, Isabella left the room.  

[b]"Very well."[/b] Isaac sighed. [b]"Let me explain my deal."[/b]
He sat down on a piece of debris from the wall and continued.

[b]"As you know, the actions of Ms Lancaster has allowed the movement to be compromised."[/b] Isaac said, vaguely waving in the direction where the sound of combat was coming from. [b]"As you also know, in 2 weeks, the baby Eden will be born, so I'll make it simple for you."[/b]
He got up and walked towards his man-beast, turning to face Sebastian again.

[b]"Two weeks."[/b] Isaac said. [b]"Follow our orders for 2 weeks, and then after Eden is born, you are free to do whatever you wish."[/b]

[For clarification purposes, it's kind of like this: Sebastian has to follow orders for 2 weeks and then gets to do whatever he wants after Eden is born. This will put Sebastian's vengeance on hold and also give time for Isabella to come up with something to counter Sebastian and keep Eden safe if Sebastian decides he wants a piece of tree baby Jesus]

"Sounds doable, I'll have to go reclaim my protege though. I hope you don't mind if I stay out of sight around you guys, I've been planning to lend my love to the Reformist, see if Cedric is any smarter than Isabella, though that's not very hard, is it?" Sebastian chuckled, before he got up and walked over to Issac, hand extended. "I do believe we have a deal."

[i]And deals are made to be broken. I will bide my time, waiting for the perfect moment to turn Isabella's crowning glory into ashes, basking in her despair. People are such idiots, always keeping me alive. If I were them, I wouldn't let them walk 5 feet before I lopped their head off.[/i]

Sebastian gave no indication of his treacherous thoughts, his mind, heart, and aura as peaceful and calm as always. He was the snake on the tree of knowledge, a manipulative serpant that will bring all who listen to his hissing whispers to ruin. But he sims even higher with his ambition than even the devil himself. He was going to burn the garden, increasing the beauty of it with ashen suffering. And all he had to do is wait for that golden moment, when no one is watching,to light the match and set the flame.

Isaac got up, took Sebastian's hand and shook it. The deal was done. In truth, Isaac knew that Sebastian was likely to betray the deal, but in all honesty, it wasn't Isaac's problem. Sebastian didn't have a problem with him, he didn't have a problem with Sebastian. Isabella would have to  come up with something on her own, because Isaac wouldn't step in when Sebastian inevitably went after her life.

[b]"Thank you for your cooperation, Mr Lyone."[/b] Isaac said. [b]"Now, if you'll excuse me, I will take my leave and pursue the matter of aiding our defences."[/b]
He let go of Sebastian's hand and snapped his fingers. The man-beast appeared next to him and teleported next to the dragon. The dragon moved closer and he disappeared in a flash of blue light.

---------------------------------

Outside, the battle continued, with the reformists on one side and Isabella's mutants on the other. Both side were suffering losses, but it was clear that the reformists had the upper hand. Suddenly, a monstrous roar sounded and 3 dragons, each a little larger than a bus, appeared from the hole in the ground, leaving charred, melted and frozen corpses in their wake. The green, red and white dragons landed on the surface and began blasting at the reformists with their breath, lending their power to the underground movement forces. With renewed vigour, the mutants attacked the reformists who were being suddenly put under pressure because of the dragons as even more demons surged to bolster the numbers.

[Don't worry, you can kill them, but they're pretty annoying to kill. Green is acid, red is fire, white is ice, obviously.]

---------------------------------

Releasing a sigh of relief, Camille was glad that she at least had something else to do in this time of crisis that didn't involve handling fodder. Ruby Greenfoot, she was the MVP of this whole thing from the start and that made Camille a bit jealous of her being the needy little girl of the group. A deal had been done, and she wasn't too happy about it which would oddly make her the most sensible person in the whole scene contrarily to her usually irrational behavior. In fact she'd likely be the least intelligent person out of the four, if we were to talk about eloquence and political acumen. Isaac had left and she frowned just a little, she wanted at least a little hug from the unfeeling man, not that it would bring her much but hey, kids. 

As Camille turned to face the exit she had previously used to report back from her mission, she fixated Sebastian for a cold second, expression her obvious disgust and distrust of him. As it was said, she wasn't really smart, which made her prone to being annoyed easily by his ridiculously long monologues and overconfident insults directed to her mother. 

"[b]Hmph.[/b]" 

Is all she said before walking toward the exit, only taking a small pause in order to grab a soft drink on the minibar her mother had specifically placed for her. Since Camille had lost a bit of blood by using her abilities, she needed to feed her body with energy. After all her abilities made her metabolism strong enough to quickly recuperate with enough food in her disposition. Once gone, she couldn't help but notice an advert on the back of the canned drink. Upon closer inspection, she saw the face of the woman she had exchanged blows with earlier, the dreaded Light. In a moment of enlightenment, she facepalmed. 

"[b]Ohhhhhh...[/b]" 

She groaned as she walked through the many hallways in order to regain the small dungeon they had locked up the Technopath in for safekeeping. 

[hider=tl;dr]A lot of dick slapping, ends up with Sebastian making a deal with Isaac to side with Underground for 2 weeks. Isaac is pleased but Sebastian plans to screw over Isabella. The leader doesn't appreciate him and Camille smells a rat. Sebastian is left in the room, Isabella left to get Cindy, Isaac bailed somewhere and Camille is fetching the (unbeknownst to her) escaped Ruby.[/hider]