A DEVIL AND A TIME LORD MEET AT A CROSSROADS
We cut backstage where Jacob Mephisto is stalking the halls, flanked on his left and right by Patience and Decius Montgomery. The reigning SHOOT Project Iron Fist Champion is fresh off his first victory in PRIME, but looks almost bored as he watches road agents and other PRIME staffers rush to and fro.
He rounds a corner, sending an annoyed glance at the camera crew following him for half a second before almost running directly into Anna Daniels, who seems to be preparing for their upcoming match.
Mephisto stops, a light smirk that never quite reaches his pale, gray eyes playing at his lips.
Jacob Mephisto: Well. Anna Daniels. I’ll be damned.
To this, the vessel of Anna Daniels looks at him. There is some internal deliberation about this turn of events and exactly how to react. On one hand, we are supposed to connect with these people, yes? Get into the depths of this place? On the other hand, cult leaders and professional wrestling make for explosive results (sometimes literally if a former version of Vegas was any indication). Her head is forced to shake off that potential ramble as the pale green eyes of the Multitudes match up to the gray of Mephisto’s, seemingly ignoring the other two beside him. In terms of approaching the matter, Firebug’s snark barely gets beaten to the punch by the Prime’s caution.
Anna Daniels: Mister Mephisto. What can we do for you?
As civil a response as can be given. Ultimately better than the first thought of “you very much are damned” by a country mile. Her back leans on a wall, as if expecting some type of nonsense to go down.
Mephisto takes in the pale greens as they survey him. The expressions on Anna’s face are miniscule, but this man is well versed in the art of reading body language. He sees the subtle shifts, almost sensing the internal conversations.
He knows to tread carefully around this one.
Jacob Mephisto: What can you do for me? Not much. I’m simply an admirer. I even ordered the shirt. I’m a really big fan of how you ran off Ria Nightshade. That must feel like a real feather in your cap.
He pauses for half a beat, searching for a reaction.
Jacob Mephisto: Still, you have a match coming up, yes? Don’t let me… distract your collective consciousness from that. I’m just, you know, acquainting myself with PRIME and its… inhabitants.
He puts a subtle emphasis on the last word, a slightly bitter tinge accompanying the final syllable.
Anna Daniels: Mmm-hm.
That “mmm-hm” has a subtle coat of doubt to it. That little comment about Ria only makes it obvious that ol’ Two Face is trying to start some shit. A part of her wishes to suss out the why of it. But knowing how the human condition is and observing the man in front of them, there’s this funny little feeling that if he really wanted to tell the why, he will do it on his own time. Not to mention that slight emphasis on ants.
Anna Daniels: Bold of you to assume we could run off Ria in anything. All we did was fight. Ya know, that thing most everybody does around here. And you’re absolutely right. We do have a match coming up.
The vessel plucks her crown from its resting place and gently places it on her head.
Anna Daniels: We have a masked head to collect. Whether that be solely figurative or literal…
The Prime lets that hang with a smirk as the cape comes around. Her eyes finally drift to acknowledge the twins that revolve around the Iron Fist Champion.
Anna Daniels: So forgive us for this being such a short acquaintance period. We’re sure you and your entourage will gain your intel in due time. And thank you for buying the shirt.
He most likely didn’t, of course. But one must attempt to keep some form of manners until further action deems the abandonment of such.
Patience Montgomery starts forward, anger etched on her features.
Patience Montgomery: Do you have any idea who you’re…
Mephisto extends an arm, stopping her in her tracks.
Jacob Mephisto: Not the time or the place, dear.
He never takes his gaze off Anna, making a point to keep eye contact. Of course he didn’t buy the shirt. He knows she sees through this facade. The Patriarch finds this most intriguing.
Jacob Mephisto: Best of luck collecting your mask, dear. I’m a bit of a collector myself. Maybe one day we’ll have a chance to compare collections.
He offers an obviously insincere smirk before turning on his heel and stalking off, The Twins falling in beside him, Patience Montgomery scowling over her shoulder. And over her shoulder, she no doubt sees Anna smiling widely and waving at her. Patience probably thinks the New Era is mocking her. She would be right.
Anna Daniels: Yet another fine mess we’ve gotten into simply by existing.
Just like that, the waving hand goes down. A glance at the camera. A shrug.
Anna Daniels: But first thing’s first.
This is the part where the Time Lord spins on her own heel. She gives a peace sign to the camera as she walks to…do we even call it the Gorilla position in this ‘verse? We need a glossary of words here, chief. The scene fades to black, but not before one last bellow.
Anna Daniels: BUY THE SHIRTS, YOU FUCKING COWARDS.