MY NEMESIS

Anons! Your build has been invited to break bread and make peace with his greatest (external) enemy! What do you do? Do you accept that it's a trap and go anyway? Do you decline the invitation? Do you try to turn this into a trap of your own? Are there circumstances that would change your answer? Would you accept a temporary ceasefire but not a permanent one? Who is your greatest enemy?

December 11th - Kyoto, Ukyo Ward

The three of them eyed the abandoned warehouse warily.

Inigo: "You sure this is the right place?"

Junichi, frowning: "That's what the note said."

Christopher, arms crossed: "This is where people take kidnapped victims."

Inigo: "Right? No witnesses. It's perfect. I need you two around just in case things take a turn."

Christopher: "What's with you and this guy anyway?"

Inigo: "It's a long story."

The trio entered cautiously, prepared for anything. In the dim warehouse, a single bare bulb illuminated a small table with two chairs on opposite sides. One was already occupied by a familiar figure - Oyster-san.

Inigo: "What's all this about, Oyster Guy?"

Oyster-san, coughing and waving a hand: "Have a seat, Inigo. I believe it's time we talked."

Inigo sat slowly while Junichi and Christopher took up positions behind him. Oyster-san's own cronies flanked him as well.

Inigo: "Look, if this is about the cake thing, I already said I was sorry-"

Oyster-san: "Sorry doesn't bring back my tiramisu! No, this is bigger than that. Our...history."

Inigo: "Yeah yeah. We've had our differences."

Oyster-san: "Differences? You've been a continuous thorn in my side! Ruining my meetings, destroying my possessions, terrorizing my leisure time-"

Inigo: "Hey, the feeling's mutual, pal! How many dates have you interrupted? How many close calls have I had thanks to you?"

Oyster-san, slamming his fist: "This isn't a contest!"

Inigo: "Sure feels like it sometimes..."

Oyster-san pressed his fingers to his temples.

Oyster-san: "Look. Clearly there is animosity between us that runs deep."

Inigo: "Yeah, I'd say so."

Oyster-san: "Thus, for the sake of peace, I propose a truce."

Inigo, eyes narrowed: "A truce? After everything you've put me through?"

Oyster-san, shouting: "You started this!"

Inigo, shouting back: "Like hell I did!"

The bivalve-man rose from his seat. His men tensed, ready to act.

Three bone blades rose up from Junichi's knuckles menacingly while Christopher reached into his coat.

Oyster-san: "G-gentlemen, please. I invited you here under the banner of good faith. What do you say, Inigo? Can we let bygones be bygones?"

Inigo: "I dunno, pal. This seems too convenient. Although, I guess holding grudges gets tiring. I have a lot of other things on my plate right now. And it'd be nice to grab some takoyaki with Hoge without constantly looking over my shoulder..."

Oyster-san: "Yes, excellent points!"

Oyster-san, extending a hand: "So, do we have an accord?"

Inigo considered the outstretched hand a moment before shaking it firmly.

Oyster-san: "Alright, Oyster-guy. Truce."

Oyster-san: "Excellent! Please, have some tea. We have much to discuss."

He poured two cups from an elaborate teapot that seemed oddly out of place.

Inigo accepted the cup gingerly. As he lifted it to his lips, a thought struck him.

Inigo: "Hold on. How do I know this isn't poisoned or drugged or something?"

Oyster-san: "What? I would never-"

Inigo: "Yeah right. You totally would!"

Oyster-san, sputtering indignantly. "The tea is perfectly fine! Watch! I'll drink it.

Oyster-san lifted the teacup to his uppershell before suddenly stopping. Inigo eyed him warily.

Oyster-san: "I suppose I can't entirely rule out the possibility that one of your friends tainted my drink..."

Inigo: "Tch. Almost got ya."

They glared at each other across the table. Then they both sighed.

Oyster-san: "You poisoned the tea..."

Inigo: "You poisoned my cup first!"

Oyster-san: "But that was before-"

Inigo: "-the truce. Yeah. Figured I'd still try."

Oyster-san: "Alright, alright. Look, why don't we just...toss the tea, start fresh? We both tried to poison each other."

Inigo: "That's fine with me. Exactly what I'd expect from my worst enemy."

They emptied their cups onto the warehouse floor.

Inigo: "So... Peace and harmony. New leaf. Clean slate. All that good stuff."

Oyster, nodding: "Just so. I look forward to more positive interactions between us."

He extended his hand once more. As Inigo shook it, Oyster-san leaned in closely.

Oyster-san: "But know this - our history will not be forgotten. And should you cross me again, our truce shall crumble to dust. You. Will. Regret it."

Inigo: "Likewise, my friend. I get bored easily and I get a lot of ideas. Tread lightly."

They held the handshake a moment longer, eyes locked, before stepping back.

Inigo: "Well, this was productive!"

Oyster-san, smoothing his jacket: "Quite. We should do it again sometime."

Inigo:"Definitely. Oh, and Oyster-san? You're getting old. You might wanna get that cough looked at. Wouldn't want anything unfortunate to happen on account of...ill health."

Oyster-san paled slightly, before recovering his composure.

Oyster-san:"I appreciate the concern. Do take care as well, Inigo. So much can happen to young heroes in our dangerous city. I'd hate to see you meet a...premature end."

Their eyes met one last time, equal parts promise and warning, before Inigo headed out into the night, trailed by his companions.

Junichi: "Do you think he bought it?"

Inigo: "Doubt it. But we've got an understanding at least."

Christopher: "Until the next disaster."

Inigo: "Remember when you two where at each other's throats? It's kinda like that, except this is justified."

Christopher: "I didn't even know who he was!"

Junichi: "I never cared..."

Junichi and Christopher shot each other a cautious look.

Inigo, clapping them both on the back. "Come on, bros! We did great! First round's of ramen's on me! Thanks for coming along."

As they walked off in search of food and drink, Inigo allowed himself a small smile. This truce won't last forever. And when that day comes, he'll be ready.