The Return; Reunions

War. War had changed.

As Shatari opened the door for the rage embodiment and proceeded to give him a thumbs up along with a jest about his knocking style he would simply roll his eyes letting out a chuckle. She technically was his boss in some regards but that didn’t stop Hayden or her from taking a more than lax approach when confronting each other or discussing business- was the Yuudeshi way to some but for Hayden it was a means to an end. Not that it wasn’t some enjoyable oh never get that crossed, he quite enjoyed the aura that came with interacting with the Yuudeshi’s and Shatari alike.

“One of these days you might Indeed…”

But just as Hayden made his retort she told him to enter into her premise knowing that he was here for something, which was half true at the very least. She usually could help him in his private and public endeavors so she was regarded as one of his allies and friends- allowing her to perhaps become apart of his inner circle one day. But that was a discussion for another day.

“Only half the reason, Banshee.”

Banshee. Partial nickname to which Hayden had taken to calling the raving woman- a shortened version of her full title some would say. The name was something short and able to be spoken quickly enough to not waste unneeded time nor too formal- perfect for a soldier like Hayden.

So as they entered into the lethargic room Hayden couldn’t help but feel like this was one of the luxuries that came with power and influence the Yuudeshi’s possessed, it was a little humbling but not enough to dampen the King of the Iron Banner. A title he had taken to replace his former one, no longer he was the fallen soldier on the fields of war but risen to the status of Kingly honor. A secondary title the Yuudeshi may have heard of the new abilities the ‘barbarian’ had gained since they last spoken specifically the title of Holder of Eight Gates. But it was clear she notice the shift in his raw power despite his attempts to dampen it for now, felt nice being seen as stronger.

But it was quite interesting to see her take a seat and bring a cup of coffee out of the air, again one of the damn near magical things they could produce with such ease. It makes someone wonder what would happen should that system ever fall, one could only hope nothing of that sorts every comes to fruition.

Oh look. She just blew up a terror cell. Well that was quick.

“Oh well you know me, I prefer to do my business in person. Plus I just had to see just how much you’ve changed since we last spoke. Gotta say it’s a little shocking.”

No one could argue the developments both of them have made, one of them changing both physically and cosmetically. Hayden certainly had gained a few more scars on his body and a nasty gash on his cheek from the war in iceland, but as he took his leave from the vanguard for a few months to train with Cirno and infiltrate into greece to find his family origins- he had gained considerable power. As for Shatari she seemed to have matured physically into a well… woman.

“But you also know, I like to finish business quickly. But don’t worry I ain’t as stiff as I was back then, you could say I’ve been enlightened in more ways than one.” He chuckled before leaning back a bit into the couch lifting his hands behind his head. “Frankly, my clan has made a huge comeback. In Africa we’ve adopted two countries in trouble; Ethopia and Somalia. Hollow infested hell-holes with little to their name but amazing amounts of raw resources. Terrible infrastructure and with a improving government. Long story short I need some Yuudeshi level backing to help me rebuild these nations and make them the powerhouses they could be.” He paused removing his hands from his head placing his elbows on his thighs leaning forward.

“Frankly, The Iron Banner (my clan) are just a part of a larger operation I’m privately conducting. With those two nations I do plan to expand. I plan to grow my influence across Africa, so much so where land access and sea access can be monitored and controlled including trade- with the ever increasing threat of Shadowfall having Africa under control would allow us to have a direct line of sight of the enemy. On top of fixing a continent that has been divided for centuries I would be able to restore my clan to former glory.” Hayden made his pitch before a small smirk came on his face, almost as if a new thought came to his head.

“And frankly Shatari, I value my family dearly. I value those who have been with my since my fledgling years. I value you as a friend, this knowledge I am providing is on a need to know basis for if anyone outside of inner circle knows this could bring the whole thing crashing down. No one ever pays attention to Africa, which makes it the perfect target for a new beginning.” He finally finished exhaling softly. “Forgive all the words but as you can tell my passion for this is hardly containable. I’d take any questions, acceptance, or denial.”