Settling Scores

[Strazio Rockwell]

Strazio sat in silence and listened to Ganondorf’s proposal. It was a noble idea, despite its less than noble implications. What he suggested was a certain lordship, a dominance over the population of the Omniverse. It would not be unlike the rule of a just but iron-handed king. In his own universe the Defender had no interest in lordship or control, but was rather interested in dogmatically hunting down Damien. But, this world was different; Damien was not here and as such he had no quarry to pursue. Perhaps joining this alliance would help him in his quest to save Darkshire.

The prime ate his food and listened to Sinestro and Ganon talk business. He didn’t have the same desire to plot and scheme as the other two, but they would prove to be useful allies. Enel seemed more or less content with the proposition. Strazio figured that the god would simply try to use them as pawns. The Defender wondered if Gilgamesh had similiar meetings with his subordinates. The damned golden king was probably too arrogant to allow anyone to be his equal. If these three wanted to become allies then Strazio would not object. He knew Ganondorf was powerful, and powerful men keep strong company.

The mage waited for his turn and finally spoke up “look, I don’t want to sound like an asshole. I’ve just got a policy of telling my allies my intentions.” He spoke with an even tone and looked each of them in the eye, making sure they were paying attention. “I’m not interested in domination of the Omniverse, hell I’m not even interested in domination of Darkshire.” He clutched the crest of Darkshire in his scarred hand and continued “here in the Omniverse my allegiance falls with Darkshire, if I must choose between any of you or saving the Moors... Well, the choice is obvious.”

“That’s perfectly acceptable Strazio, we each have our own agendas and we’ll see to it that yours is accomplished as well” Ganon spoke with the voice of a seasoned negotiator.

“Very well, I’ll join your little group” Strazio smirked slightly “just remember that I have a bit of a temper and I’m damn good at holding grudges, so don’t betray me.”

Enel groaned at Strazio’s braggadocios claim and rolled his eyes. Instead of speaking the Avatar of Anger glared at Enel, his pale eyes burning holes in Enel’s forehead. Silently he hoped that the god would make a move, but Enel returned the glare with a cocky smile. He was under Strazio’s skin and he knew it, he knew it all too well. To him Strazio was nothing more than a nuisance at worst and entertainment at best. After a moment of strained awkwardness Thaal put his hand on Strazio’s shoulder, snapping him back to reality.

“We’re all allies here, and we’ll take care of each other in due time” the red-skinned deputy crooned.

Similiar to a forlorn child Strazio huffed and crossed his arms, his apetite had left him. Ganondorf and Thaal continued their small talk and Strazio pushed his meal to the side. As much as he needed the alliance he had more pressing matters here in the Dunes. Gilgamesh was still waiting and their duel was still up in the air. Strazio hoped that fifth place in the Abyss was enough to impress the arrogant bastard, but deep down he knew that nothing short of grovelling at his feet would impress the king. Absentmindedly his hand moved to the Necronomicon; there was something alluring about the dark book. Maybe the power of the artifact was intoxicating, or maybe something more sinister at was at work. Whatever the case, Strazio felt emboldened by its presence.

He jumped slightly and moved his hand away from the book as the door to the tavern slammed open. In the doorway, back-lit by the scorching sun was a slender woman with fierce eyes and a damnable purpose. Those sharp eyes scanned the room and settled on the group of primes. With unholy purpose she stomped towards them and with one solid motion she swiped away their table. Strazio would have been upset if he wasn’t finished with his meal, hell he was still slightly miffed at her rudeness. But what followed paid for her hostility in spades. With an open palm she slapped Ganon, hard enough to silence the room and leave a mark across his proud face.

She slapped Ganon.

She slapped the Gerudo King.

And Strazio could barely keep his sides from exploding.

The angry mage burst into a laughing fit as Ganon sat there speechless from her assault. She jumped backwards and entered a fighting stance, ready for retaliation. Behind her stood a tall shady-looking man, but he seemed none too interested in her shenanigans.

Strazio continued to chuckle as he asked Thaal “who is she?”

“That’s Eighteen, her and Ganon... Well they’ve got some issues” he spoke coyly, trying to avoid getting dragged into the brawl.

As Strazio’s laughing fit subsided he watched the events unfold. Ganon stood to speak with Eighteen, but froze when the two met eyes. It was inevitable, a conflict between the two, Strazio could feel it. He knew that it was a matter of time before the two began to scrap. Around them the tavern patrons watched with bated breath, frightened at the prospect of an all out battle royale between the six primes. With a sigh Strazio stood as well he didn’t want to get involved, but he felt the need to at least speak.

“Now now you lovebirds” he began, but was quickly met with a withering glare from the both of them.

Eighteen spoke sharply “and who the hell are you?”

He faltered in his words and glanced away “right sorry, I’m Strazio Rockwell. Listen, as much as I want to see this red-headed bastard get pummeled into the ground I don’t think this is exactly the best venue for it. Whatever animosity you two hold for each other, no matter how justified, shouldn’t pull these poor innocent people in harm’s way. All I’m asking is that you two settle your dispute away from where anyone could get hurt.”