Chapter Text
Imagine the seedier sort of "gentlemen's" club, where men--who are no gentlemen but like to consider themselves a cut above the rabble--meet to discuss the deeds that make them no gentlemen.
This is not that sort of place. It may not in fact be a place at all.
Nevertheless, there are two present, and they are no gentlemen.
One of them has no actual identity. This is part of his problem. The other definitely does.
"That all depends," said the one with an identity. "Supposing I don't want you to succeed in your aims? The fact that we have, as you claim, enemies in common, does not mean that we are allies."
I should think that having fewer heroes around would be to your benefit by default, the other said, or conveyed. He did not exactly have a mouth at the moment. What he had, in vast abundance, was dark power. A vast abundance of dark power can make up for lots of shortcomings.
"Do you often invite others into your schemes?"
Minions only. You are the first of noteworthy caliber. Consider this...a test.
"This being a test, as you say, aside, why is it that I'm the first one that you are giving this offer to? I know very well that there are others that would like to see these heroes dead just as much as I do. I could practically name at least three others."
You seemed like the more reasonable choice. You've had to face one of them on more than one occasion.
"True, but even still, that's only with one of them. If we are going by the horrid logic of 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend' is there a reason why you aren't bringing in the 'friend' who has fought more than one of them, and has done so the most often?"
They are rather, indisposed, at the moment. I've yet to find a way to reach them without using up to much of this power that I'm offering you.
"Yes, your new power, this 'Black Blood' as you call it. What's so special about it any how that would make me even consider your offer?"
Not only does it increase the strength of a common monster, it could do wonders for increasing your own. If I'm able to, I would like to share it with all of the ones like us. All who would like revenge on the Goddess's heroes.
"And if I take your offer? What's the catch? I know how this sort of thing works."
All I ask is for help lowering their numbers. I simply ask for your help in eliminating a single one of them. You may do so however you please and it should be no problem at all with this power.
"Give me the choice of which one to eliminate, and we have a bargain," said Vaati the Wind Mage, after having thought over the Dark's offer for a few moments, a smile forming on his face.