Drowned Dragon

[Kelpie]

As Kelpie waited, she filled the passage in front of her with a swirling wall of water.

[Apophis]

Before long, the wall of rubble burst open. Apophis, his tactical armor broken and torn, stepped out.

"What the fuck now..." he growled, staring at the wall of water.

[Kelpie]

A face formed from the water and looked at him. "So you're the dragon they were so concerned about?"

[Apophis]

"I am, so you would be wise to get out of my way."

[Kelpie]

"You're in my domain now, dragon. And you'll be polite." Some of the water splashed out at Apophis' face as if someone had squeezed a spray bottle..

[Apophis]

He growled but managed to hold his temper in check.

"Forgive me, I was not aware I was in anyone's domain," he said with false humility.

[Kelpie]

"Well, now you are aware. Who are you and why should I let you pass?"

[Apophis]

"I am Apophis, leader of the Sun Eater mercenaries. As such, I'm more than capable of paying my way."

[Kelpie]

"Money is of very little use to me. I assume that's what you were offering." The voice sounded amused. "Believe it or not, I have heard your name before. They said you were a monster."

[Apophis]

"Aren't we all?" he answered with a smirk. "And money is far from all I can offer."

[Kelpie]

"I prefer to think of myself as a nightmare," the face in the water smirked. "What could you possibly have that could interest someone like me?"

[Apophis]

"Name your price."

I don't have time for this.

[Kelpie]

"First, tell me which side of this whole thing you're on. And answer carefully. Your answer may mean the difference between a deal and a horrible death by drowning."

[Apophis]

"My side is my own. Even under Balor the Chaotics were divided and weak, and world domination is a game for fools."

[Kelpie]

The face disappeared and the water parted to reveal Kelpie standing behind it. Behind her was another wall of water. "Then I think we can negotiate," she said with a smile. "I take it your recent misfortunes have left you short some personnel."

[Apophis]

"Some of my best."

[Kelpie]

"Then I propose a partnership. A 'deal with the devil', if you will." She smiled, "I'm looking for a nice, safe place with plenty of water and maybe some non-artificial light. You look and sound like you could use someone to listen to who isn't you and doesn't report to you. A reflecting pool if you will." At her words, the water wrapped around her arms, cascading into the shape of a reflecting bowl on a pedestal.

[Apophis]

He tapped his chin in thought.

"I believe I have just the place," he said with a slowly growing smile.

[Kelpie]

"Make no mistake, Apophis, this deal puts us on equal footing. I won't pretend to command your mercenaries. You don't pretend to run my life." She grinned, an unsettling look in her eyes, "Do we have a deal?"

[Apophis]

"I know better than to turn down a mutually beneficial arrangement," he agreed, "We have a deal.'

[Kelpie]

"That's settled then," she said. The walls of water dropped and rushed out of the tunnel and back towards the Thames. "Now let's go see this place you have in mind."

[Apophis]

"How do you feel about a penthouse with it's own private pool and plenty of windows?" he smirked.

[Kelpie]

"I think I could make do with that."