Chapter 164: Chapter 135

The atmosphere in the room shifted when he made his declaration, Ishtar tilted her head to the right as if to examine him. She hummed thoughtfully and lifted herself off the ground again, floating as she crossed her legs and drifted overhead, she tapped the chin of her helmet as she gave it her full consideration. She didn’t have a problem with doing it, frankly she found the whole idea amusing. What was troubling was that neither she nor Sonya had ever actually tried to use a deal to strip someone of their ability. She closed her eyes and searched her instincts related to Broker.

It had been a while, if she was being honest with herself, and one thing she noticed was that the details were barely any different than the first time. Sure, there were the inclusions of how to use the subsidiary features, like investment, merger, and sanction. But otherwise it simply gave her the baseline as always, how to make a binding deal. In fairness, she and Sonya should have explored this a bit more, but the way it worked for them so far had been enough.

She thought for a few more seconds, her mind whirring through ways to figure out whether or not she could do the thing he was requesting. She couldn't actually test it, there was no one to test it on. More importantly, showing such ignorance was a very bad play in front of an intelligent man like Erebus.

Then it hit her. Why not just try to say so?

“I have the ability to strip a person's powers and deliver them to you,” Ishtar said aloud, pausing for a moment after she said it. Oh, so I guess I can, Broker didn’t choke me out. Interesting. She was unable state factual falsehoods, while that obviously didn’t apply to things she didn’t know about she had the instincts of Broker. They were limited, but if she didn’t have the ability to do it right then and there, it would be a lie. It was a leap of logic, sure, but it was confirmation enough for her about her own powers.

She snickered a little behind her mask and floated back down, drifting towards the Spice King. She tilted her head, “The question is,” She continued, “What are my services worth to you? This isn’t an ordinary support deal. I’m not throwing supplies at you and letting you do your own thing,” She waved a finger, “No, I’m taking direct action, I’ll be present, and that means a chance of me getting more involved if necessary.”

He kept his head forward as she slowly drifted in orbit around him, lounging on her side. He cleared his throat, “I have plans for that ability once it’s mine.”

Ishtar shifted and her head popped out next to his, “Oh? And what might those be?” She asked with excitement, “Details, Erebus, details!”

Around him, his sons shifted uncomfortably. Several of them were still getting to their feet after the harrowing ordeal of feeling her presence wash over them. Her lips twitched behind her mask, pathetic, she hadn’t even brought the visage out fully. Just a little taste was enough to knock them on their backs. Erebus cleared his throat and reached into his sleeve, he plucked out a blue coin, “I’m not sure how you do it, but you ascribe value to these coins of yours. The value fluctuates wildly,” He said as he twirled the coin between his fingers.

She drifted back and shifted her head a little towards Mephisto before looking back at Erebus and giving him a small nod.

He smiled a little, “Villains like using these coins to pay for just about anything these days in the underworld, I like it too,” He said with a smirk, “However, would it not be better if they were a standard currency, with backing? A more reliable value?”

Ishtar narrowed her eyes behind her helmet and drifted down to the ground again, walking past him and crossing her arms. She tilted her head, “You want to be the villain bank? Back Charon’s little currency with gold.”

“Precisely,” He said and raised his head up, “Of course that would involve me holding on to the lions share of actual wealth, a matter of trust,” He said with a smirk, “And easy funding to ensure that my own faction grows out here,” He trailed off.

“You’re putting me in a position to protect you if something comes up, though,” Ishtar said with a tittering laugh, “Since it would be in my interest to protect the gold that is backing the underworld’s currency,” She tilted her head, “The backing for the ferryman’s coins is valuable to me, but we’re back at square one again, aren’t we? My protection and you getting to use all of this to build your faction? Where is my profit?” She asked and waved her hand, a stool appearing behind her, first as a hard light construct before she wrapped it in an illusory wood skin. She sat down and crossed her legs, “So far, you come out on top with me just getting more stability, come on now, what are you hiding?” She asked with a laugh, “Quit playing coy, dear.”

The Spice King rubbed his chin for a moment, nodding, “You’re right, you’re right,” He said thoughtfully before he glanced up at her and his eyes glinted. “There is a rumor that you have associates among world leaders in North America and Europe,” He began and paused when she tilted her head towards him in warning, he held up his hands, “Only vague details! But all signs point to it,” She relaxed a little and he continued, “I would like to head up your group in this part of the world. Semi-independently of course. I’ll do all the footwork in gathering the useful parties for you and host them.”

She crossed her arms, “Okay, go on.”

He held up a finger and then a second, “Second, we will of course consider ourselves allies of your organization and of the greater underworld led by Charon,” He said with a grin, “We can come and assist when called upon.”

Having access to his people and to more resources in the middle east would be beneficial for her, “That goes both ways, don't try to play me Erebus,” she cautioned, “I am assisting you in acquiring potentially limitless wealth, so long as you manage it,” She said with a dismissive wave, “Try again.”

The Spice King frowned for a moment and rubbed his chin, “I concede the point,” He said, “A share of the dungeons harvested by my organization, crystals, ores, monster materials, and rewards for clearing.”

Ishtar nodded, “Now we’re getting somewhere,” She said, “Fifty percent.”

He chewed his lip, “Thirty.”

“Forty,” She countered.

“Done,” He nodded as his sons shifted around a bit, he cast them all a scathing look. “I’ll include some of the rewards we’ve already acquired as an upfront payment,” He added, “My sons have been doing well for themselves, they even managed to clear an Epic dungeon with the help of my footsoldiers in the region. The trophies are yours,” He added with a magnanimous bow.

Ishtar tilted her head for a moment and considered it, An Epic dungeon already? Black Lotus will be sad. That girl needs to catch up. “Acceptable,” She added, “But not enough. An alliance is good, the payments are good, but I need to see commitment from you, Erebus,” She hissed and slipped off the stool, it vanished behind her. She stepped towards him and looked him in the eyes, “What part of yourself are you willing to give up for this? I can tell it's important to you, the first step in a larger plan perhaps?” She asked.

He held his ground but she enjoyed watching a bead of sweat on his brow. “I-”

“You called me out here, now you know the consequences. There’s a reason I deal through Mephisto. My time is valuable, and if things get interesting during this scheme of yours you may see first hand just what you’re paying for,” She added, her presence growing heavy in the room again, “Show me that you’re worthy of that name of yours.”

He cleared his throat and took a step back, he glanced at the young men lining the room; “I’d give any one of my sons-”

She was about to wave it off, rejecting it out of hand. The idea revolted her. However, there was an option to consider. One where she could test his resolve and show perhaps a little mercy. “Saleh’s ability,” She finally said.

She didn’t know what it was, of course, but that didn’t really matter, did it? He gaped at her, wide eyed, he looked at his youngest son for a moment and swallowed. He looked at her and a flash of pain crossed his face. He clenched his fists and nodded in silence. She clapped her hands together in delight and turned to the young man, “We’ll settle up on that first,” She said and held out her hand, “Come here, boy.”

The young man looked to his father in horror only to receive a grim nod in response. The boy looked crestfallen for a moment before he walked towards Ishtar. She tilted her head a little, “It won’t hurt,” She promised, “Give me your hand.”

With a heavy breath Saleh put his hand in hers.

Analyze.

She held back a gasp, The Earth analogue to Firestorm! Oh, I know just who to give you to. When she’s ready, of course.

“All done!” She chuckled and pulled her hand away, flexing her fingers as she pulled it from her warehouse.

Saleh blinked, “Huh? But-”

“I didn’t say I was going to keep it,” She said dismissively, “I just want to try it out!” She cackled and with a flex of will caused the ground to shake. The building trembled for a moment before it settled and she put it back in her warehouse. She turned back to a dumbstruck Erebus, “You pass,” She said, “Mephisto?”

He immediately swept in and stood between them, clapping his hands together with delight. “I think it’s a wonderful agreement! The underworld gets stronger as a whole and everyone gets richer! My mistress is satisfied with the Spice King’s commitment to his cause and will receive due payment!” He said playfully before glancing towards the Spice King, “I hope those treasure from the dungeon are worth my Mistress’ time?” He asked.

The Spice King stared at her for a long time before he let out a snort, then a laugh, running his fingers through his hair and visibly relaxing. “You truly are the Queen of Villains, Madame Ishtar,” He said with a grin, “The epic reward will most assuredly be to your liking, thank you for showing my son mercy,” He added with an inclination of his head. “If it’s all the same I’ll keep the details of the epic reward to myself for now. Until the scheme reaches its conclusion.”

Ishtar barked out a laugh, “Fair enough! I really enjoy making deals with you, Erebus, you’re such a generous man.”

“I am getting infinite wealth out of this deal!” He laughed in response, “Whatever I throw at you in exchange is paltry as far as I’m concerned,” he paused, “Even so, I appreciate you accepting what I did offer, Madame Ishtar, and being so kind as to not make any overtures on that woman’s ability for yourself.”

No problem, Analyze will work just fine for my purposes, She thought smugly, “Of course! I will make certain that her power becomes yours. My purpose is to support the villains of the world,” She declared, raising her hand to her heart, “I want to see to it that you grow up nicely.”

“A magnanimous queen!” Erebus laughed, throwing his head back. She joined him in her own jolly laugh before they looked down at one another. He glanced over at Mephisto, “The contract, then?” He asked.

She chuckled and walked towards him, “Oh no, you get the royal treatment, Erebus,” She said wryly. She paused before turning her head towards his sons, “Leave us.” She commanded.

They looked to their father for a moment before he scowled at them, “You heard Ishtar!” He barked, “Leave us!”

The young men glanced among themselves before all nodding and quickly making their way out of the room. In a short time it was only Ishtar, Mephisto, and Erebus. She extended her hand to him with a shrug. Erebus glanced down at her hand and blinked a few times before reaching out and taking it. In an instant the full details of their agreement filled her hud. She gripped his hand. Finally, I’ve been curious about his ability. It has to be mythic, of course, but even Mephisto has said he hasn’t had a chance to see it in action. She thought at high speed, her brain processing the use of her ability at high speed.

Analyze.

She forced herself not to react but instead moved on with the deal quickly, “It’s a deal, Erebus,” She said and ordered her ability to proceed. A very faint charge ran up her arm for a moment, it was one of her more complicated deals and it seemed that she was able to feel it as a result.

He glanced down at his hand and furrowed his brow, pulling his fingers away and examining them for a moment before glancing at her. “You are the true source of Mephisto’s dealmaking ability, the endorsements,” He said bluntly, “His true powers lay elsewhere. This is how you are able to acquire so many powers. Fascinating.”

Ishtar chuckled, “Very astute!” She said, “I suggest you don’t divulge that information,” She added warningly.

He barked out a laugh, “We are allies now! I wouldn’t dare!” He agreed before waving his hands. He lowered them and looked at her plainly, “Thank you for sending my sons away, I imagine you would have killed them if they had come to the same conclusion as myself. Or overheard me.”

Ishtar didn’t even hesitate, “Yes, I would have, and you would have been powerless, I’m afraid.”

He closed his eyes and let out a sigh, “You have my gratitude,” He said and inclined his head before glancing past her at the door, “Saleh! Come in here boy!” He barked.

A moment later the young man hurried inside. There was pride on Erebus’ face, and relief. The young man looked hesitantly at his father before standing next to him. He reached out and clapped his hand on his son’s shoulder before nodding to Ishtar, “Now that the deal has been struck, we are off to the planning phase. I would have Saleh here for this, since he will be participating,” He said brightly before ruffling the young man’s hair. He looked like he was about to pull the boy into a hug. Saleh politely endured it, only fussing with straightening it after his father turned his attention back to Ishtar. Ishtar shrugged and shifted on her feet, crossing her arms and inclining his head to him to begin explaining the plan.

“I have gathered a strike force of villains from across the region who have agreed to support me and my vision for the area,” He said with a smirk, “Many of them come from groups that oppose one another but have tired of ceaseless fighting,” He nodded to Saleh, “I’ll have my young prince lead them.”

“Prince?” Ishtar asked, glancing at the boy before exchanging a look with Mephisto, “He’s your youngest.”

“And most powerful,” Erebus said as his eyes lingered on his son, he paused for a moment and then glanced at Ishtar, “I’d like to discuss another deal with you after this is over. If you wouldn’t mind,” He said gravely.

She glanced at the boy and the way he clung to his son, Ah. I see. “Very well, continue explaining your plan for now.”

“As I said earlier, I’ve taken pains to ensure that woman comes here. You may already know this, but she is obsessed with diamonds and gemstones,” He said, “And has no personal feelings towards precious metals. She murders wealthy collectors with her ability, turning them into solid gold before abandoning their corpses. She could be using her ability to enrich herself, or anything else, but she is like a woman possessed.”

Ishtar shrugged, “It’s likely she was a serial killer before the flash,” She said offhandedly, waving a dismissive palm at the topic, “Pandora Sickness on top of it would make anyone do something stupid and foolish. I’ve encountered a few like that myself,” She said and got a snicker from Mephisto. She grinned behind her helmet, “So you placed the bait, sowed some rumors in the underworld and kept an eye out.”

“Yes,” Erebus said, “She’s in the country right now. Apparently she has had enough presence of mind to use her ability to hire a few protectors.”

“I see, that’s where your little strike team comes in. You lure her into the target location, destroy her allies, and leave her helpless. After that, what? You goad her into exchanging her life for her ability? Seems a bit tame for you,” Ishtar pointed out, “Where’s the flair?”

He pat his belly and laughed, “You’re one of a kind, Ishtar!” He chortled, “I’ve submitted an anonymous tip to the Pandora Committee that she is here. It’s a bit late and they’re lagging about a day behind her,” He smirked, “She’ll have heroes on their way behind her, us in front of her, cornered with no way out except cutting a deal.”

She narrowed her eyes, “You called the Pandora Committee here?” She asked, “With me present?”

He raised an eyebrow, “Can you not handle them?”

She stared at him for several heartbeats, her eyes narrowing more and more, “What is your real aim out here in this region, Erebus?” She asked, “Self enrichment, is that really it?”

He hesitated, genuinely hesitated, for a moment before looking towards his son, “Our corner of the world has been torn by war for far too long,” He said, “Constant upheaval, religious war, madness,” He snarled and looked at her, “You are a woman who understands order, I can tell, so I believe you will understand me when I say that the only way for the fighting to end is when a victor is declared.” He growled, “My goals are a long way away, but this is the first step to securing the future of what you call the Middle East, my family, and my place in history,” He said with a dramatic flourish, spreading his arms wide. “Who better to do it than me?”

Arrogant, driven, greedy, filled with malice for his enemies, capable of doing whatever is necessary and fully willing to embrace cruelty. A man with a vision, a clear goal, and the means and intellect to get there. Evil to the core, but someone I can respect. She smiled behind her mask. At last, a proper villain shows his face.

“Erebus the Conqueror, it has a ring to it!” She barked out a laugh, her cruel rasp carrying through the hall, “Let the heroes come! I’m looking forward to it!”