Buying a Nation (Future - Cyrus x Neo)

The travel was quite long. I mean, they are on opposite sides of the damn continent, but in saying that, when you have a mount capable of flying well above the speed of sound, it still doesn’t take the time it should. Mido was dropped down right in the middle of the shogunate territory. Usually a dangerous move to pull off, but with Goa being the angel of the night, no one could see nor hear it as it made the delivery and turned tail to fly back to Neo and Aiya whom were no doubt facing confrontation elsewhere. The streets were dark, but even still, Mido could be seen stalking in the shadows. An overgrown wolf with the scorched fur of hell itself, not exactly an easy target to miss, however there were none who stopped him. Around his neck, a thin rope with a letter attached to Cyrus of the Blades, Neo’s insignia holding the piece together. It was a common sight that has been popping up around the land lately, his taming skills so profound that the stock delivers itself with no fee or outside interactions. The dog would stroll through the streets until coming up on the destination.

It took guards a fair few minutes to decide whether to let Mido past or not. After all, it was a stray animal, it could be an assassination attempt. Was Cyrus even around? Who knew to be perfectly honest. After the discussion, it was escorted to his room, the office of the great leader, where the beast would perch itself strongly, waiting for the arrival of its new master. Or temporary one? Whatever, it didn’t matter much, what mattered was getting this meeting over and done with so he could get back to his mate and fertilise her so their pups were good for sale a few months from now. After around 2 hours, even the guards were bored of waiting, but the dog sat tight, not budging a muscle. Taking this is training…okay, it gave up. Now its laying down for a nap. Well, he should be by soon enough.

Dropping into a country in the middle of the night isn't the best way to set up a meeting and as such Cyrus had been asleep...like any normal person at 3 in the morning...when a Primus knocked on the door of his tiny apartment and delivered the news that a wolf had arrived in the capital city of the Shogunate with a message. Not exactly the news you're expecting early in the morning and for a moment Cyrus simply rubbed the sleep from his eyes and stared at his soldier with a blank expression, expecting this to be a dream. After the Primus repeated this information Cyrus sighed and realized this was in fact real life and still his life, lucky him. I'll be in my office shortly, have the beast wait there and make sure it doesn't...pee anywhere. Take it outside if it needs to use the bathroom. Cyrus said with a tired sigh, he wasn't in the mood to deal with a beast. His sharks were so much better behaved than any furry mut he had ever encountered.

Cyrus took a look around the room and sighed, it was really time he upgraded to something more fitting for a Legate of the Shogunate. He just hadn't had the time. After all he had only come home from the Land of Madness a few days ago. To be honest he forgot the exact amount of time he had been home because as soon as he stepped foot back in the country he had been bombarded by requests, demands, and general political bullshit. The fun of avoiding a war, no? He looked around the room and found a large, comfy robe that was relatively regal looking. Then again, it was a wolf at 3 in the goddamn morning, fuck him Cyrus can show up in whatever he feels like. He threw the robe on over his bare chest and loose fitting shorts he usually slept in, tying it tight in front of himself. With that he snapped his fingers and moments later in a literal flash of green light appeared sitting in his chair, his bare feet up on the desk of his office. The Flying Thunder God seal he had placed on the floor of his desk just beneath his leather chair actually came in handy quite a bit. He let out an audible yawn before looking down at the sleeping wolf, You rang Spot?

Well fucking hell. He could have at least tried to make Mido comfortable. He wasn’t a mindless robot with no feelings. You hurt those feelings. The wolf Midogaron would wait until they were alone before dropping the bombshell. “It’s Mido Actually.” It would say, though his mouth wouldn’t move for the words to form. Never did understand the whole talking part, guess it’s just magic. Cracking its neck, the dog would grab the letter and yank it from the rope, walking over and handing it to Neo. “A proposition." He would say. Before putting its ass to the floor, sitting in silence. Sure, he was just a kid like all the leaders in this world. But he was still someone of influence, and to be honest, Neo was no different when age became a factor. With the recent establishment of his information network in Epsilon, the need to expand his ears was becoming obviously apparent. Throwing money around is always a poor answer to these puzzles, yet Neo had very little need for currency to start with, why hold onto it so fiercely.

The letter would read:
Dear Cyrus of the Blades,

I would ask you please destroy evidence of this letter regardless of your actions with the following offer. To be as direct as possible, I want to hire you as a contact. A consultant willing to be more loyal to my organisation then your nation. I understand that I am asking you to commit a capital offence, and I do not request this at light expense. I am willing to secure your loyalty and talent at the cost of 1,000,000 Xel each month, starting at the next full moon. Should you accept, simply tell Mido and he will explain the details of this operation. Should you refuse, we bare no ill thoughts nor grudge and commend you on such a firm belief in your nation.

You may ask why I desire access to you as a valued resource. Simply put, knowledge is power, and you have power while I desire knowledge. A mutual relationship that will positively influence us both. I hope you understand the value I place on you, not just as a strong leader and asset, but also as a former classmate. I am ashamed to say we didn’t speak then as a result of my own lack in control, forcing a bridge between myself and other students, however there were several strong characters which have burnt into my memory, you being among the most prominent.

I hope to welcome you warmly,
N

Cyrus raised an eyebrow as the wolf spoke to him in English, that wasn't something you saw every day...or morning as the case may be. He didn't react beyond that, of course enlightened animals were something people were very much so aware of, but that didn't make them any less unusual. Cyrus sat up, placing his feet on the floor of his office as Mido approached with a rolled parchment. Cyrus unfolded the letter and read it silently before looking up at the two guards in the room with himself and the wolf, Bring me some coffee, I have a feeling this is going to be a long night. Bring the wolf whatever...he...wants. Knock on my office door and leave the food, then go home for the night, you're relieved for the rest of the day. The guards nodded in confirmation of their order. They would wait for Mido to tell them what he wanted before leaving for the rest of the night. Cyrus knew there'd be a knock at the door within half an hour depending on what Mido wanted, but beyond that the two would be alone.

As the guards departed and shut the door behind them, Cyrus would read over the note once again. Truthfully he was a bit surprised to be hearing from Neo Arashi again considering what happened with the war; or rather what didn't happen. Cyrus assumed the boy would hold a grudge of some sort but clearly that wasn't the case. To betray his country, now there was something. It was no secret that Cyrus was aiming for the position of Legate Legionis, the supreme commander of all Shogunate forces. If anyone were to find out about this little arrangement, it'd be political suicide. Sure they'd have to challenge him for his position, but if all the Blades agreed to get rid of Cyrus...well...that would be a problem he wasn't entirely prepared for. Still, it never hurt to plan for a future, no matter how bleak one might seem now. Okay Mido, your boss has my curiosity, now get my attention.

Mido would ask the guards for water as they looked at him strangely. To be honest, sometimes he hated the attention, hence why most enlightened beasts tend to hide their ability. Above zoo animals but treated the same, irritating. In any case, there wasn't a flat out refusal, which was good, it means we can get further into the reasoning behind all of this, and there is a chance to persuade the Legionate over to our side. The winning side. "My masters current status as of late is no longer as secretive as it once was. I am aware that outside nations have very vague intel from within Epsilon walls, so I shall be blunt. My master is a crime under lord within the land, to an extent. Epsilon's lower world is more or less controlled by him, and operations outside the walls of the republic is at threat by other organisations. It was clear that we needed a means to expand beyond, and to do such, we need help from those who hold influence in places he does not. You were the first we thought to include in our business, and the first we have approached. Much like we'd appreciate you being at our side, we would very much like to be by yours. This would be a mutual relationship, aiding each where needed. We only ask that top loyalties bend more on our organisation then this nation who doesn't even reside in this land."

Mido was terrible at diplomacy. Would have been better to send Kech, she was excellent at all this stuff, however when needed, she was in the process of a collection in the Shinobi lands, preventing communication between him and her, and as such, pushing the task on the wolf instead. "We have a means of communication that won't ever put you out of your way, and has the least possible chance of detection, one requiring no words no tangible source. Before I tell you what we wish to get out of this, I ask firstly for you discretion and trust, as what comes next will not be common words on many tongues."

OOC: Sorry this has taken so long, been busy with life unfortunately.

Cyrus nodded in thought as he listened to Mido speak. So it would appear the simple tamer was anything but nowadays. A crime lord, impressive. Cyrus turned and looked out his office window at the city of Sheol and weighed his options heavily. The days of national pride and allegiance to the Shogun were long gone and had been ever since the Shogun himself left the Shogunate and retreated to the safety of the Empire back home. Cyrus hated him for his departure. Sure he had said there was urgent business to attend to and had practically tripped over his excuses as the door hit him on the way out. At first, in his naiveté Cyrus had even believed him, and believed that the Shogun would soon return to lead his people. However, it had been months, years even, since the Shogun had last been heard from and Cyrus's fear had quickly blossomed into hatred. He felt no ties to the Shogun, only this nation, which he now though of as his nation to protect by any means possible. Cyrus cleared his throat and turned back to Mido, Before we go any further I need you and your master to understand something Mido. My main concern is the protection and safety of this nation, of the Shogunate. If this partnership should grow and blossom then that's wonderful, but if at any time I feel as though the safety of my people has been compromised, then I will end this relationship and your master. With that being said, I can promise you the same loyalty and aid that you can promise me. I will scratch the backs of my friends and associates only, but equally, as much as mine is scratched. As such, for the sake of this conversation and your trust, I have sent my people away. This conversation dies with us...and I suppose your master once you report back to him.

Mido would have another envelop attached to his chest, which he'd rip off with a paw first before picking it up in his mouth and handing it over. "The first installment. Due to the nature of the arrangement, we won't be in contact for awhile. For now we only ask the ability to buy property here. Tavern's to be specific. In a few weeks time, Neo will send a new beast over, capable of creating a communication link between the two of you securely. For now however, I will make my leave." Within that second envelop was a grand total of 1,000,000 Xel. Mido would butt into the door until someone opened it, walking out calmly, as well as out of town. Out of State. and Out of the Continent. Getting a lift from a rather familiar Rathian one he reached a secluded area, heading home to inform his master of the good news.