Coral * So, Nix... Coral * If Proteus really was just planning to ambush us... * Maybe it'd be a good idea to try and catch him out? Do a sweep of the area, see if you can't spot anything! I thought you were on their side. You didn't think Proteus will ambush us. Coral * Ahaa, I don't like to think of these things in terms of sides... You thought that I was wrong and they were right. Why pretend the other way now!? Coral * Okay... I don't really think there's gonna be an ambush. * But. * If I'm wrong about that-- and I could be wrong -- that could wreck the whole mission! * If you take a look around, then we'll have all our bases covered. * Everyone's a winner, ay? ... You're just trying to shut me up. Coral * I'm trying to find an outcome that works for all of us-- To shut me up!! You don't think I'll find anything. You just want to keep me quiet so you don't have to think about me ever again! Coral * How about a wager? * We both make a bet that we're right, and the other is wrong. What. That's stupid, you don't have anything I want. Coral * Nah, nah, not for something so petty as a mere physical possession. * Whoever wins gets to gloat about being right as much as they want. * Reallllly let it simmer. * Aaaand then the loser isn't allowed to say anything! They just gotta sit there, and take it. Yeah? ... Deal. And when I win, then you'll be sorry. I am going to talk for so long! You will never be allowed to forget this!! Coral * If you win! * And if not? Ohhh, you're gonna learn just how deep my mean streak runs!! That's what you think! —Polyta— Girls-- eyes up. He's here. —Proteus— I see you've arrived to grovel. —Proteus— Have your wills already shattered? Broken against the waves of true adversity, with no recourse but to beg that I stay my hand. —Girlbeast Alexi— Look at this buncha boobs! Haw! I bet I could down 'em all in one great big swing. Just say the word, boss! —Silencing Knight— ...... —Polyta— Tell your lieutenants to cease their theatrics, Proteus. I expect the terms of our meeting will be honored. —Proteus— Oh, of course. I still have my pride as a host. —Proteus— You have my word that for the duration of this talk, no harm shall befall you. —Girlbeast Alexi— I'll just kick back and look mean, then. That's what I do best anyways, heh heh. —Silencing Knight— ...... —Girlbeast Alexi— Awwh, shut up, Silo. —Proteus— And what do we have here? —Proteus— I see you've finally decided to return to your home... daughter. —Helen— Not in a million years, Dad. I'm just here to make sure you don't pull one of your tricks. It's not cause I actually wanted to see you again. Coral * Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??? He's your dad? —Proteus— How foolish my sister must be, if she thinks she can appeal to my sentimentality. —Helen— It was my choice to come here! The Goddess had nothing to do with it. Coral * Shit, I am learning a lot about this family tree today —Proteus— Did she not? I find that hard to believe, when we're also graced with the presence of her loyal hound. —Girlbeast Alexi— Adorable little thing, isn't she? Just look at all that fluff. Can I keep her, boss? I wanna put her on my shoulder, teach her tricks. Haw! —Proteus— ...I was referring to Captain Polyta, Alexi. —Girlbeast Alexi— Whuh? That's stupid, who's the dog then? Coral * Aha, I'm glad you asked!! * The name's Coral, I'll be acting as chief negotiator. * I'm sure with a little discussion, we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement. * Would that suit you? —Proteus— Aahh. A dedicated orator. It seems my sister has gone to quite the extent to ensure these talks work to her favor. Very well. —Proteus— Astound me with your wit, Coral.