[img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/552541122153414703/975084088304222258/strange.png[/img]
[b][right]177A Bleecker Street - NYC // 1042HRS[/right][/b]

[quote=Previous Post]
[color=f7976a]"-and in doing so you are neglecting the Master of the Chinese and Japanese Sanctums who have come to seek the counsel of the Sorcerer Supreme."[/color]

[color=orange]"You could always-"[/color]

[color=f7976a]"No. There is tradition, it must be you. Five minutes. They'll be expecting you."[/color]
[/quote]

Stephen knocked on the door before entering. Sleep looming under his eyes, he ignored the look from Wong as he bowed his head slightly to the delegates from the other sanctums. He and Longwei had studied together during Stephen's time at the Japanese sanctuary, and in-actuality he was surprised Longwei hadn't given him a prior warning about this meeting. 

That said, Eri from the Japanese sanctuary was young, upcoming and ambitious. So it wasn’t all surprising, it was likely her idea.

[color=orange]”Greetings exalted Guardians. I would like to wish you welcome to my Sanctum.”[/color]

The two representatives bowed. [color=orange]”I hope that-”[/color] He paused as Eri raised her hand to stop him.

[color=b6d7a8]“Perhaps we can skip the pomp-and-ceremony and just get down to business?”[/color] Stephen internally gave a sigh of relief, finally someone who understood that many of the Magi traditions were obsolete, and did nothing but waste time, but at the same time… [i]why.[/i]

He looked over to Wong who merely shrugged. [color=f7976a]I don't know what's going on either Stephen.[/color]

Stephen signalled to the seats. [color=orange]”Straight down to business. I can do that. Why don’t you tell me why you’re here Eri-”[/color] He paused as Wong raised an eyebrow. [color=orange]“-If I can call you Eri?”[/color]

She nodded as she sat down. [color=b6d7a8]“Yes, you can call me Eri.”.[/color] She smiled politely. It was a pretty smile, the kind one used to get what they wanted. [color=b6d7a8]“The Japanese Sanctum would like Yao transferred there, or to China-''.[/color] She pointed to Longwei who bowed his head slightly.[color=b6d7a8] “-Japan has one of the largest Magi communities out there. The recent mutant activity on Genosha has reignited the belief of many that perhaps our community is not best left in the dark, and that we should announce ourselves to the world and become true world citizens. We believe having Yao close we could easily question him, to find some of the more troublesome individuals before they do any harm.”.[/color]

Longwei cleared his throat next. [color=6aa84f]“It is the belief of many within the Chinese Sanctum-”[/color] [i]political speak for many, but not mine.[/i] [color=6aa84f]“-that Yao should be returned home to answer for his crimes. During the revolution he used the unrest and chaos to eliminate many political rivals and entire families. Some groups are still merely listed as being missing. We wish to put him through the Trial of Shangti.”[/color]

Stephen nodded along. [color=orange]”I understand where you are coming from-”[/color]

[color=b6d7a8]“But you are going to deny our request?”[/color]

Stephen had to steel himself, so as not to audibly scoff. He could practically see the disdain on Wongs face at the blatant lack of respect for tradition. [color=orange]”It was always my belief, as taught to me by Arhi’ahn-”[/color]

Wong nodded. [color=f7976a][i]Good play, dropping the name of the master.[/i][/color]

[color=orange]”-that together we all form an international community. Therefore it truly doesn’t matter where he is being held.”[/color] Stephen raised his hand as he saw Eri about to interrupt him again. [color=orange]”[b]That said[/b], he is too powerful to be moved elsewhere. Afterall, I am the Sorcerer Supreme and it is my duty to uphold the Sanctums. Keeping him here, and secure is my duty-”[/color]

[color=b6d7a8]”-and you don’t trust anyone else?”[/color]

Wong raised an eyebrow. [color=f7976a][i]What is she up to?[/i][/color]

[color=orange]”I trust you both, you are doing a fine job fulfilling your duties and keeping your sanctums secure. Surely you can both understand that Yao is far too powerful. Even if I were to move him myself there is still a chance he would escape.”[/color]

 [color=6aa84f]”Perhaps we can figure out an alternative solution.”[/color] Stephen smiled at his friend, always trying to find the diplomatic solution, the middle ground, the solution that everybody could agree too.

[i]Son of a bitch.[/i]

That was why she included Longwei. She learnt of Chinas interest in Yao and used that, his connection with Longwei and his renown for finding middle ground. Stephen had come into this meeting expecting a game of checkers, and yet she had come prepared for a game of chess.