[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/M5I1dzL.png[/img][/center]
[color=gold][b][u][center][h2]Not Too Long Ago[/h2][/center][/u][/b][/color]
With the battle having concluded, the wasteland that was the grand graveyard had resorted back to its vigil silence. No living creature stirred these parts, not without the Angel of Death's blessing. Even now her lowers were assisting in the process of cleaning the stage in their own special way. Roses were dissipated by the mark of death and lingering souls ferried back to where they belonged. Surrounded by the dead, it made the Imperator's presence stand out all the brighter. Like a golden beacon, she was a bleeding warmth to the rest of the cold but her dull glare indicated she could and would purge those who dare lay finger on her form. For it was rare indeed for the Imperator to leave her palace of Heaven, her glowing form walking among the graves to the established meeting place.

If the Imperator of Celestia was a beacon, then the High Queen of Mankind was the Sun, shining upon this land of Death and Decay. Eos' form and purpose were anathema to the dead at their very core; being a being created to purge the world of their presence, wielding the hallowed majesty of Amaterasu. It was no wonder that, whatever vehemence they've shown towards Deva as she made her way through their ranks was turned into apprehension and dread in Eos' face. Regardless of the restless one's reactions, the High Queen too made her way to the appointed meeting place. She arrived there just as Deva did so and, for a moment, stared at the Imperator in stoic silence. Until she finally spoke, [color=f49ac2]"It has been some time since we last met,"[/color] out of courtesy to the other leader.

[color=gold]"You can save the greetings Eos. We both know this project has failed."[/color] The Imperator frowned, crossing her arms as she stood amongst their [url=https://i.imgur.com/KIntPwq.jpg]gathering point[/url]. Marianne had gave her word they would not be disturbed in this place and so Hell's leaders could not see beyond into their conversation. Speaking of which.... [color=gold]"Your plan to foil this new government of Hell has fallen. If anything, they've become more accustomed in their roles and have nothing to fear. This battle was a mistake,"[/color] she said in accusation to Eos.

[color=f49ac2]"Disregard will always be their defining characteristic. It's thanks to that we were able to sway away so many of their ranks' best. I did not expect that they would show any manner of reaction,"[/color] Eos replied in a dull monotone. [color=f49ac2]"Their lack of skill as rulers is remarkable. Just as much as the incompetence of any Demons who aren't the Blood Countess and Henry Avaritia, both of which aren't factors we need to consider for the time being, if my data regarding her is correct. At least, Roma will not allow Avaritia to flee, in case his mood suddenly swings back to Hell,"[/color] she added, before doing a short pause. [color=f49ac2]"The outcome of this engagement was still in your favor, I presume that —once they stop to think— the idea of having an Angelic enclave in the middle of their territory will bring unrest to Hell. It's just a matter of time,"[/color] she concluded.

The Imperator was silent to ponder the android's words. [color=gold]"....yes. I suppose this victory was of some use,"[/color] she said evenly, eyes flicking over to the snow-laden graves shifting all around them. [color=gold]"Even still, this little alliance of ours was much too risky. I can assure you many of my own soldiers were concerned with the lack of Machina pawns in this battle. Or perhaps you were expecting me to do all the work for you against this Team RILD,"[/color] the Imperator said.

[color=f49ac2]"That's something that's barely within my command. Despite being their Rulers, we still have to follow the Court's commands on how to manage our subjects. I was given a troublesome lot from the beginning. Most of the forces I sent to the battlefield are unreliable at even the most optimal circumstances. The still perform better than the Demons, however. I suppose that their Oligarchy will have to realize it soon enough: they are at a frank disadvantage,"[/color] Eos replied before thinking of a proper answer to Deva's second statement. [color=f49ac2]"Wasn't I supposed to rely on an ally, at temporary as she may be? That said, we still deployed more troops than your side, they just got... lost in the battle."[/color] One could almost taste the chagrin on Eos' voice as she admitted so.

[color=gold]"Our objective is to make sure they don't realize that fact,"[/color] the Imperator said, mildy annoyed with the responses she got. [color=gold]"Well, there's nothing we can do about it now. Though this secret little alliance of ours is open for subjugation,"[/color] she said, already moving to turn away. There was nothing left to discuss and if Eos wanted to spitball more ideas to deal with the growing threat of Team RILD, she knew how to contact Heaven's ruler. But given the half and half results of this battle, the Imperator was doubtful she'd be taking those chances again by throwing her lot with the Machina.

[color=f49ac2]"I still do not understand,"[/color] Eos said just as Deva began to walk away. [color=f49ac2]"How is it that you, who are so favored by Them, has any need to bother yourself with such matters? Hell is almost irrelevant since they have no sponsors in this dispute and are ruled by those scorned by Court. Even their representative is little more than a mindless lizard who thinks that she can change the status quo by screaming out loud how awesome the 'Great Balancer' is. Hell has nothing going for them, so... why do you even care? Is it fear that, if they realize their potential, you may soon find yourself in one of their alcoves against your will? Or, do you have a great plan, regarding all of this?"[/color] Eos turned away to leave as well, not  waiting to see if Deva would even bother to reply. She too had her doubts regarding the Imperator, after all. What was it that could make Deva pursue an objective with such passion?

The Imperator would have liked to remind Eos just how dangerous this Team RILD one. Given all four of them were powerful entities in their own way; but no, she would let the pompous leader of mankind find out for herself. Her only response to these statements, if Eos even bothered to see, was the Imperator shaking her head in disgust and closing her eyes before her body dismantled into many sparkles of radiating light. When she opened one eye again, she saw herself sitting in her throne once more among her loyal subjects. Pink had just walked in, no doubt eager to meet Ruxen. She gave her thoughts on the matter before closing her eyes once more, most likely away from the realm of Heaven.

She remained undisturbed even as Pink fell into Ruxen unceremoniously. The Beastkin was ready to give Pink more verbal denial when the other wolf was suddenly atop her. When the hell had that happened?!? [color=red]"Ugh, get off!"[/color] Ruxen whined, trying to kick Pink away with her legs. When that didn't work, she resorted to trying to push her off and even slap her in the face with her tail. All the while, she felt...weird. She was still angry of course because Ruxen was always angry. But now she felt almost kind of excited too? It was weird and she definitely didn't want any more of it. [color=red]"Hey come on, get off already!"[/color] she said with a cringed look on her face, kicking her face to avoid being licked anywhere else. [color=red]"Chen quit fucking staring and do something you piece of shit!"[/color]

Within other Factions, this sort of spectacle was nowhere to be witnessed. Even in Hell's Throne Chambers, where one would expect these types of shenanigans to play out the most, only Ira was there to greet Khaine's presence. Dana was currently with Apia at the moment and probably pranking Victoire all at once, Rufus was too busy spent in his own activities, and Lucille was nowhere to be found. That left only the Great Demon to look at Khaine's arrival, her helmet resting on the table in front of Hell's couch. [color=red]"And who are you?"[/color] she questioned, expression hard to decipher.