Dark Pact

Tsabo Tavoc reemerged on the rebuilt outer layer of Phyrexia. As it had originally been, Phyrexia was being rebuilt one layer at a time, from the mechanical parody of nature on the outermost layer to Yawgmoth's inner sanctum. Tsabo breathed in the heavy air of metal and oil and looked around. It was perfect. Then she remembered why she had come back.

"Vermin," Tsabo hissed. "How dare they hurt me. They shall pay."

Dragon engines flew throughout the sky, breathing fire. Mechanical insects buzzed around, landing on artificial plants. Someone walked up behind Tsabo. She turned around.

"Ah, Greven, good to see you again." Tsabo said and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I hope you have got something to do now."

Greven backed up away from Tsabo. Standing over seven feet tall, face pale and stretched over his head, taught with muscle, and with a body infused with Phyrexian science Greven il­-Vec was truly a sight to behold. The mention of his name could inspire fear within any sane person.

"Not yet, Tsabo, but soon." Greven said in a deep voice.

"Maybe you will yet get an air ship." Tsabo said. Greven hesitated before saying anything as he remembered his ship the Predator and all the victories he had had with it until it was destroyed.

"If only I could," Greven said. "There are enough Phyrexians being made to supply me with a steady crew. But I have come to notify you. There will be a meeting soon and all must attend."
"And I will, but first I must deal with my little problem." Tsabo said and revealed her damaged arms.

"You will be fixed and upgraded soon but now we must go." Greven and Tsabo then transported themselves to the meeting. They stood in a round room with many other Phyrexian creations, only some of who were identifiable, and others still who were not Phyrexian.

Tsabo looked around and saw across from her stood, in his white Phyrexian armor Volrath. The shapeshifter gazed at her and nodded. Tsabo preferred the second to last Lord of Rath to the last one, Crovax, who had killed her many years ago. While Crovax may have been pure power and might Volrath had much more finesse and Tsabo respected that. Standing next to Volrath was someone who Tsabo had met only briefly. He flexed his four sinewy arms back and forth as he readied himself for anything. Of course, Ertai was always prepared for anything, especially since he could handle anything.

And then there was the planeswalker. He looked like a demon, though in reality he could look like anything he wanted to. His upper body looked humanoid but instead of legs he had many tentacles. His entire body was black and Tevesh Szat preferred it that way. Tsabo did not know much of him except that he had been killed while on Phyrexia.

Then there were some newcomers as well, those who were not Phyrexians at all. One was dressed in very royal and formal attire, his face pale and impassive as he sat. Everyone kept their distance from him though, because any who the Cabal Patriarch touched withered and died. The one sitting closest to him was just as evil, even if he could not kill anyone physically. The former Ambassador Laquatas sat impassively as well, staring at each other member of the counsel, his mind constantly scheming. The last member was new as well. His head was red and white and he had long twisting horns emerging from his forehead. He was dressed in royal robes as well, because he, Johan, had once been the ruler of a kingdom long ago. The only member of the counsel not present was Memnarch, who was still waging his new war on Mirrodin.

And of course, their leader, Yawgmoth, was everywhere.

"I'm surprised Gix has not returned to us." Tsabo said.

"It is because he had failed Lord Yawgmoth too many times in the past," Volrath sad. "His services were unnecessary. Our new allies shall more than fill his place." He nodded to the only non-Phyrexians.

"I'm guessing by you return Tsabo that your hold over my former Cabal did not succeed for long?" The Patriarch asked slyly.

"I would have been Queen longer if it were not for some," She hesitated and moved her undamaged appendages. "interference."

"Do you mean Gerrard and the others?" Ertai asked.

"How did you know about that?" Tsabo demanded to know, had wanting to keep her defeat as private as possible.

"How else do you think Greven knew you were coming back?" Ertai replied smugly. "The Master told us."

Tsabo remained silent for a moment. "What has the Master planned?"

"He has informed me of everything," Volrath said and spoke to everyone. "And has placed me in charge of ensuring the operations go as planned. Greven, Ertai, and the Patriarch shall go to Mirrodin, to assist Memnarch. Meanwhile the rest of us will wait here and prepare, but when the time comes Tevesh and Tsabo will have their own mission, leaving Johan, Laquatas and I here."

"What is planned for us?" Tsabo asked.

"You will find out in time," Volrath said. "But I believe you are in need of repairs and I would rather not keep you waiting any longer." He then spoke to everyone again. "Our time has almost come and our revenge will be swift. Until then we must wait and be patient. This meeting is over." They all departed, each going off separately, except for two.

"Johan," Laquatas casually called to the former emperor wizard. "May I have a word with you for a moment?"
"What is it Laquatas?" Johan asked the merman.

"You and I have both once led empires on Dominaria," Laquatas whispered. "Haven't you ever wanted that empire back, to rule those that you deserve to rule?"

"What are you suggesting?" Johan asked.

"I have already spoken with the Patriarch, who is interested as well. Come with me and we'll talk." Together the two walked off into the shadows and schemed.