She had Toxicity’s loyalty and that was all that mattered as her white gloved frame approached the suggestion of a border between Ashen and its Armada. Sirius wanted to talk to Deathbelle before anything was decided, but she was still missing. Venom told the patrol to have her escorted to her as soon as any sight of her was found. As far as the girl was concerned, Deathbelle Klein was no longer the Empress of the Ashen Empire.

Now to just tell her mother’s Warlord that fact.

She took in a deep breath and closed her eyes, so certain and yet uncertain of the future ahead of her. Venom wanted to trust in Sirius, in her godfather, for his wisdom. She wanted to believe that he had her best interests at heart as she thought he did. That he wanted the same glorious future for the Empire that she did. She could rely on that with him, but what about his children? She pushed Azure from her mind as she lifted her head and sang out her request for Seer’s presence beside her.

Magnus had returned, Resin was splitting. He had decided to rekindle the Reaper challenge and would be announcing it soon. The Armada felt like a busy place, but the Warlord still felt the aches of his losses. A part of him missed the simpler time of being no more then Deathbelles guard. Another part of him knew he would never give up his people, not for the world.

He stood on the border of his pack, lost deep in contemplation when the sound of Venom called for him. He shook off his melancholy and knew pack business awaited him. He got to his paws, and started off at a light trot towards the border between the shrine and the grass plains. He found the young leader there, and offered up a smile to thr wolf he considered daughter. Even if thinks between him and his mother had gotten strange. His initial desire for Venom to be his blood had settled into a soft, protective and proud feeling towards her. "Venom, what can I do for you?"

Venom took in a deep breath, not having to wait long for Sirius to arrive before her. With how busy the Armada was she felt like the Empire was less so. Her wolves and family were so quiet. She had to change that fact, she had to. Determination played on her features as the Warlord approached, he was sweet in his greeting and despite everything Venom smiled slyly.

”There’s so much I could think of.” She chuckled, but the overwhelming feeling that settled over her didn’t move with the humor. ”I have something to tell you.” She took in another deep breath and looked into his eyes. ”Mom has been gone for longer than I’m comfortable with…” She led with, trying to keep her eyes on him though she wanted to look away. ”I’m going to take possession of Ashen.”

His lip began to twitch in a smile, and then her next words hit him. He frowned, wondering what she had to say - and wasn’t left wondering for long. She wished to take control of the Empire. He had wondered what Deathbelle was thinking, leaving as quickly as she did. The fact that she had not returned yet was somewhat alarming. But, Mortis had told him she was okay. He refused to tell him any more then that, and he hadn’t tried to ask too aggressively. It was probably better if he didn’t know. His attraction to Deathbelle had already got them in enough hot water.

He let out a soft breath, dismissing errant thoughts of attraction, and concentrated on what Venom was really telling him. “Your staging a coe.” it wasn’t really a question, ‘take possession’ wasn’t a friendly term. He had strong loyalties to both Deathbelle and Venom, what had his goddaughter put him in the middle of?

If Deathbelle hadn’t left and taken so long to return, he wouldn’t even consider it. It told him that Deathbelle was struggling to come to terms and compartmentalise everything. He also couldn’t side easily with Deathbelle without angering Zee… and then there was Venom, was she ready for leadership? He looked at the sharp-eyed girl in front of him and knew that she was. Still, unthrowning Deathbelle was… harsh. “I will support your claim to leadership, since you’ve already proven yourself, stepping up and filling her shoes, and because I believe you ready and equal to the job. However, as your Godfather and friend, and because of my respect for you I will be wholly honest. I have worked alongside Deathbelle for a long time now, and my loyalty to her will never fade. If you are doing this, it must be done with bare minimum bloodshed. I want to be there when you tell her, to try and talk her down from a fight if she desires one.”

She wasn’t sure what she was going to do if Sirius rejected her idea, and as his expression shifted she needed to think about that option. She didn’t back down, Venom held her ground and stood up to her once mentor and father figure. His words weren’t a question, but she wasn’t about to say those words. She was the heir, her mother was incapable of ruling, it was best if she took control now before the Empire began to spiral. Venom needed the full powers of Empress to shape her vision.

”Perhaps, but I’m only playing by the rules. Deathbelle has been rendered incapable of leadership, it’s my right to take her place.” Maybe she’d argue a little, but she wouldn’t give much more fight than that. Besides, she could very easily give in to his demands. Sirius went on to explain his position and what he wanted to see in what was happening. ”I can agree to that, Sirius. I..” She faltered slightly, but raised her eyes as she tried not to forget her strength. ”I don’t intend any harm. I just want the Empire to flourish wholly. The Armada is so incredible, I feel like we have fallen in your shadow.”

His eyebrows twitched a little in hearing her opinion of the Armada. She was in complete agreement to his terms, and he knew that if he was there he would be able to have a chance at ensuring the outcome worked out for everyone. He tried not to feel like a traitor to Deathebelle, the Empress had seemed almost depressed in her role for a while now. Perhaps she could see this as a good thing. A chance to find herself, and what she wanted from life. He could ensure that wherever she set herself up, she had attendants to see to her needs. Venom however had more drive and ambition. It was true that the Ashen empire had been languid of late. Perhaps Venom would be the wake up call it needed.

“I understand what you mean. Ashen needs a good shake, and I think you're the wolf for the job. I spoke to you earlier, briefly, on being equals, but not wanting to set anything in stone without the Empress. Well… that’s you now. I’ve been your mentor as you’ve grown, and taking on the job of Empress will be a huge step for you. I hope you will consider me as your mentor still, and come to me if you need advice in the weeks to come. You can lean on me, Venom. I do not see myself as your underling, but nor as your master. We are equals, and I think we can work best if we work together.”

She was glad to talk to him, he showed his utmost confidence in her, and it did much to bolster the young leader. Maybe she didn’t have as much faith in herself as she needed, but she wondered if Sirius had too much in her mother. The two of them were equal, and Venom felt that was right. Her lips turned up in a genuine smile, it was soft and almost innocent. She took a deep breath but this time she released it with relief.

”I really like the sound of that.” The future was uncertain, but perhaps Sirius was right. She just needed to shake the cobwebs from the pack’s very bones. This was no longer about her last name, but bringing glory to what had been built before her. She wanted to celebrate the accomplishments of the Empire and bring it to new heights. Venom would do that beside her Warlord. ”I think I’m ready for all of this.”

“I know you are, my little serpent” he paused, and then grinned, shaking his head. “I need a new nickname for you, there's nothing little about you anymore. Hmm… how about ‘Empress?’ “ he teased, then leaned over and ruffled the fur behind her ears. “We need Deathbelle to return so we know exactly where we all sit, but you have my support. Take some time to think about what changes you plan to implement, and i’ll offer you what advice I can on them.” he suggested. She had a lot of responsibility ahead of her, but Sirius knew she was equal to the task.

-end?-