The other guests at the table had been annoyed by the intruder who had so rudely interrupted an otherwise enjoyable meal. Tantalus had been pleased with the amusement wrought by her sudden appearance through the door of the Ritzy Raichu, but the mood was beginning to dim as the other Avatars took the woman’s persecution and trouble-making to heart. Darkrai’s Avatar, Vuduin had left the table, bound for the washroom, and the young child, Kaze, was literally casting a dark shadow on the proceedings. The boy’s mood was dire, a furious scowl developing as he trembled.
Apate began to stir in Tantalus’s lap, readying herself to spring if she is needed. This isn’t good. Should this continue, violence is going to be unavoidable. If it kicks off, what should I do?
Hit the woman with all your strength, I’ll back you up. Pray it doesn't come to that, however. There are too many people here to go all-out. Tantalus’s reply was wary. Fighting here would not be a good idea, but the chance was growing with each passing second. He began to drum his fingers on the table, without noticing, running ideas and tactics through his head, something as second nature to him as breathing.
And then Seras spoke up.
Seras launched a tirade towards the intruder, verbally flaying her with a dazzling display of veiled insults and blatant truths. It was clear she was highly annoyed at the disruption to the dinner, as well as the woman’s horrific attitude towards her fellow Avatars. Tantalus watched, spellbound, as Seras tore the intruder’s argument to shreds.
“I suggest that we continue this conversation as equals.” The scepter in Hope’s hand suddenly flew across the room, landing firmly in Seras’s hand. She turned towards Tantalus.
“Would this be a sufficient down payment for your stolen wine?” His eyes went wide. She was offering the scepter to him? Words failed. Tantalus stared for a few seconds, blankly, before a surge of inspiration hit. Picking up Apate, he placed her down on the now-empty chair. A grin spread from ear to ear, as an outstretched hand plucked the scepter from Seras. He inclined his head in a gesture of gratitude. With confidence, he began to speak, ensuring his voice traveled across the room.
“I appreciate the sentiment, Miss Bancroft. It is nice to see that civility still exists somewhere within these walls.” Tantalus moved his hand, grasping the scepter firmly, keeping it in view. He felt like a king, which was fitting for someone of his stature. “However, I do not seek a down payment for the wine. What I wish for is a quiet meal, and I fully intend to partake in one. I trust the lost of this” he said, shaking the scepter “will hurt you, my dear, but I’m afraid such is life. You have entered this place, a civil gathering of Avatars, and caused an upset. Persecuting others when you have no right to do so, and as a result, at least two of our party are struggling to cope with the situation. Actions have consequences.”
He lowered his voice, speaking in a softer tone. “Kaze, I’m glad to see you are calming down. You are the Avatar of Suicine, are you not? I’m sure you have done the rest of us proud with your antics, helping the people and Pokemon of this world. You are better than this, and I will handle our guest.” Tantalus offered the boy a somber smile. “Seras, I appreciate you sending Charity after Vuduin, also. With luck he will rejoin us shortly, and when he does, that this dispute will be resolved.”
He considered mentioning Rebeca and Giratina, but neither seemed particularly wounded by any remarks. In fact, Rebeca had shrugged them off and began digging into her volcano on a plate. The dish was so hot, his eyes stung.
Tantalus raised the scepter, thrusting it tip-first in the direction of the intruder. “If this trinket means a lot to you, then I offer a deal. I will return it to you as an olive branch, if several conditions are met. One. Sit down at the table, and join in our discussion if you have anything more to say, and you do so civilly. Two. You do not persecute a guest at this table again, especially when you, yourself, have done nothing of note. Three. Apologise to both Kaze and Vuduin when he returns for causing them distress. Four. Walk over here and collect the scepter by hand. No fancy portal teleportation.”
His voice grew harder, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice, accompanying a scowl now present across his face. “You entertained me at first, but our meal has been completely disturbed as a result of the comments which have spilled forth from you. As such, I’m beginning to get rather aggravated. If you do not wish to accept the hospitality offered, feel free to steal the scepter back and leave. Continue to cause trouble, my dear, and you will find you must deal with me.”
Tantalus stood, behind his chair, his armed and loaded Mawile in full view of everyone, scepter outstretched towards the woman. “Consider my kindness. I will not extend it to you again.”
PlatinumSkink