Shadows of Olympus: Chapter Three IC

[MerlotBeauty]

Areiôn

Areiôn roared wordlessly, his energy filling the room in pulses--not that he felt it; not that it made a difference to his predicament. In his entire existence he had never known such rage or such unadulterated hatred as he did at the goddess of wisdom in that moment. Her "offer" it was not a choice: To lose everything that she was, or to be forced into solitude—to be lost to everyone and everything—to be banished. It was worse than a simple execution.

Why could the fucking goddess of Wisdom not see that Tyche just needed help coping from war? Was she blind? Stupid?!

“Athene you bitch! You cannot-- Argh! Call your gods-damned lackeys off! This is wrong and you-AGH!” He spat the words out, his face red, his eyes shining as liquid silver, glaring and unfocused. Areiôn fought against the filaments, the fabric stretching taught against his skin, but holding strong. His flesh started to burn from the eight-legged freaks making good on Athene’s promise of pain and forced silence if he did not “behave.”

No. Areiôn would not let this happen; not after he was just starting to get through to the wee goddess. Tyche could recover from this. She could be strong. She could make amends to Hermes. Perhaps—given time—even Nemesis could find forgiveness. This was worse than any punishment of Tartarus. This was cruelty. This was pure and simple revenge. Clearly Athene wanted to avenge Hermes.

Such thoughts did nothing but fuel Areiôn’s defiance. With each phrase his words grew more unintelligible. More muffled. It did little to stop him from trying. “I am begging you, Athene, let me help her-” Areiôn turned his liquid silver gaze to Tyche. I love you.

The last three words were lost behind a tangled web.

[Lyzan]

Ares

He almost smiled at the Queen's reply before they began. Her laughter still ringing in his ears, surprisingly soothing and causing a tad of dizziness as his heart pumped more blood to his head. Glancing to her direction as they scanned over the land like scavenging animals in search for a piece of scrap meat, he couldn't help but wondered why she did what she'd done for him thus far. There's no doubt he'd taken a couple of Goddesses as well as mortals as his wife but he could never find himself on the same ground of understanding with any one of them. Except for Aphrodite. Or at least Ares would like to believe he had. Was he truly in her heart, he'd asked himself? Or was he merely a substitute for which was lost to her? A Rebound or some sort. Where will he be then, should Hades returned to her side? For eons they'd been together, ruling the Underworld while everyone else decided to put on a disguise and walk among men. Eons they'd known each other both inside and out. Could that one incident truly keep them apart? It's only been recently that her heart was shattered, it's honeyed content spilled straight from the... stolen chalice and onto the thirsty, dry earth. But before Gaea could absorb what was left, Zeus, saved the daughter by presenting him, to her. And there he'd witnessed how quickly her loyalty had pledged to a new allegiance. Had she already been standing on both her two legs before she'd demanded of him for his loyalty? Was the brief act of jealousy or the display of possessiveness as genuine as it'd seemed? Nevertheless, despite of all the inquiries that'd barged into his mind, Ares don't quite give a damn to any of them. No longer would he be clinging unto what was done. No longer would he be bothered by mundane matters. Now, he seemed to be somewhat detached from his past, from his former self. A result from the long hours of brooding, perhaps. Or have he, entirely?

A day at a time, Ares reminded himself. I can have plans for tomorrow or for the years to come but, I'll take it a day at a time.

The God of War then lifted his head up, staring into the canopy of thick dark clouds for a beat or two, as if to address Zeus like he always had, before he turned himself around, dismissing the habit. Far behind Persephone, the obscenely dressed Ferryman already started collecting the fees for his service. Ares snorted and fought back the urge to question Charon on whatever he needed the toll for. Mundane. So he held the Queen's gaze. They'd swept the coast thoroughly and had taken more than enough time on searching. In the end, nothing was found. He shook his head to Persephone and then waited for her to fulfill her end of the deal.

Ares remained silent until she vanished from his sight. Then, all of a sudden he felt lonely. A deep sinking feeling consumed him as the absence of another body became stronger. Smells, touch and voices. The lack of interaction from these senses soon overwhelmed him. This situation reminded him of the bronze jar. The longing for her scent, for her smooth flesh against his and to hear her cries were a torture.

Laughter... He'd heard her. His head then whipped about, searching. Ares, she'd called out to him, in a whisper. The god turned the other way but found nobody there.

A touch... Soft, like a silken fabric from a shawl waving in the wind over his shoulders as it trailed in her path.

Ares... Her voice once again came. This time a little closer and Ares spotted her. The War-God held her gaze as he stepped towards the blurry figure. His hand reached out but she wafted through them like a fog before she disappeared.

Aphrodite...

[Hale]

Dionysus...

This was perfect. He couldn't help himself seeing her this way, that anger couldn't be mistaken; Aphrodite was as every bit as vicious as she was beautiful. Dionysus split his mouth apart subtly, inhaling the radiant heat that smouldered beneath her and forced his gaze away to the brute. His eagerness was stifling, what these mortals would do to have a chance between her legs. How repulsive! At least he had the files with him, the poor fool had no idea that enjoying his prize would be so short-lived. He rose from his seat when it was time to complete the trade, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his slacks casually and allowing the stormy goddess lead the way to the hotel room.

How right you are, Aphrodite, this man is in for the night of his life. His strides were evenly paced to keep a short distance from her and walked alongside of Tony, leaning in to nudge the man as he passed a nod. The man turned his head to him while they walked, too distracted to really catch the smirk on the god's face. Dionysus' eyes danced mirthfully, jerking his thumb to her while she busied herself with her rage.

“I trust you won't be too rough with her,” Dionysus flashed a smile, leaving that thought to linger in the mortals mind as they walked. The man quirked a brow, pointed lamely to Aphrodite's back.

“Whaddaya mean?” Tony replied suspiciously, Dionysus simply waved his hand and chuckled lowly, turning a corner and spotting the bank of elevators not far ahead.

“She's the kind of woman that has... aggressive tastes.” Dionysus commented, lifting a finger to hint at his cheek to gesture the mark that was still slightly visible on hers. It took an eternity for the twit to clue in to what Dionysus was getting at, beaming with disgusting glee and nudging Dionysus back.

“No shit?! She likes that kinda stuff?” Tony's jaw lowered in surprise, Dionysus threw his hands into the air and looked rather smug. Almost boasting.

“If you really want to make her go wild then just keep in that in mind, you won't regret it.” Dionysus' confidence passed over to Tony, watching the man perk up with his chest puffed.

They stopped briefly at the elevator bank, Dionysus reached to call for the elevator and looked to Aphrodite. I'm sorry to have to put you through all of this, my love, he thought with a touch of sympathy. The elevator chimed as the numbers flashed over the door, a loud 'ding' sounding as the mirror-like doors slid open and they stepped in to go to their floor. Once the floor had been selected, the doors closed and silence ensued.

He felt the jerking in his wrist, subtle and faint, placing it behind his back with his other hand holding it still. He craned his head forward, eyes stooping to the floor as the surging sensation swelled inside. Yes, just a moment longer, Dionysus reminded himself and fought back the urge when his eyes fell on the back of Mr. Campagna's neck. Eyes narrowed, the stench of sexual arousal was thick in the air; choking the god's senses. The tiny steel box was too close for comfort, he stepped back against the wall and leaned his weight to it.

It was unbearable, his power was being awakened though it was a far-cry from his former state. Still, he felt much more powerful when he was like that then when he had his wits about him. That made him stronger, even with the down-time that it brought. The only question that racked his mind was if it happened again, how long would it last? A month? Maybe just a year or possibly even a decade. The mania did not manifest as often as it once had but now it was worse than he could ever remember. He had been a good boy for almost seventy years.

Dionysus!

Yes, I think it's time for a little madness. The elevator stopped and the doors opened, the three departed and made for the hotel room. Now the brute was at her side, with no one around, Tony slipped his arm about Aphrodite's thin waist and moved her closer to him. Dionysus' eyes veiled, feeling the hunger as he stalked behind them. Yesss... so close, he mumbled and let the lavish surroundings blur around the two before him. How they walked so close was hypnotic to him, he could feel the heat rising faster; his hands twitched and his nails scratched at his pants but he bit back.

They were standing outside the door to their room, Dionysus' hand was on the key card as he took it and flashed it over the scanner. The LED screen blinked green and he heard the lock release, looking over to the two and smiling as he opened the door for them.

“Come in...” He gestured quickly, wanting them to be alone. As he ushered them inside the suite he turned and hastily closed the door behind and locked it, trying not to lean into it as his eyes took them in. But it wasn't her that he was interested in at the moment, it was him. Tony was quite oblivious now that they had some privacy but before he could take her right at that moment, Dionysus cleared his throat and extended a hand.

“If you will, I'll take those files and look them over while you two move into the bedroom.” He watched Tony shrug as he reached back into his coat and carelessly jerk out the envelope, chucking it over to the god with a big smirk.

“Sure thing, boss! C'mon, baby...” Tony licked his lips, his hand darted for her rear and squeezed playfully; Dionysus was trembling as he peeled back the seal and felt his fingers fish for the papers. He moved toward the lounge and left them as he withdrew a manila file, he set it on the bar counter and flipped the cover over. The contents revealed a police report describing the scene in graphic detail followed by a written description of those found, that he didn't care for. His eyes snapped to the picture clipped to the inside of the file, recognition filling his eyes as his heart pounded in his chest.

“Aeolus.” Dionysus muttered, snapping his neck up suddenly as his teeth clenched together. The convulsion rocked through him now that he had obtained what he came for, he stumbled back and pressed his fingers through his hair as everything was going dark. His back arched forward, lights sparking in his mind as he growled and lurched into the bar harshly.

“No... no... no... nooo!” He whimpered and sagged down against the bar, he felt his fingers clawing at his face as the world around him began to swirl and bend into itself. The floors and ceiling stretched out, twisted inward before expanding again; it was all collapsing before him. Voices flooded his thoughts, screaming like banshees for him to release the darkness inside. His body felt electrified, bursts of energy spread through him as he crawled his way to his feet. There was a hollowness in his eyes, his step light as he sauntered over the floor like he was standing on a thin layer of cloud.

Standing at the door to the bedroom, his neck bent to the side playfully to listen to what noises might come from the other side. He could hear him but not her, now that was something of a novelty for the goddess of love; oh, well! Dionysus' hand took the door handle and twisted, pushing it open leisurely and stepped into the entrance and found the man with his pants about his ankles with his back to the god. She was not where Dionysus expected her to be, not on Tony in any case; the man was still busying himself with unbuttoning his shirt. Stupid man. Dionysus stepped forward, moving up behind the man and stopping a few feet from him.

“Mr. Campagna...” He said sweetly, eyes shimmering and seeing Tony turn around surprised to find him in the bedroom. Tony looked bewildered before he glared at the god, now that was not a very pretty looking mug!

“What the fuck do ya think you're doin'?!” Tony spat angrily.

“I came to thank you.” Dionysus smiled meekly, the hand that reached up took Tony by the shoulder firmly before it squeezed with sudden and violent strength. Tony howled at the vice-grip, reaching up to try and remove him but in a split-second he was hurled across the room like a rag doll and collided against the wall and hit the floor. Dionysus cocked his head to where the man flew to and chuckled, turning and walking toward him as Tony slowly got up onto his feet.

“Wh-what the fuck! You can't do this... I-I gave you the fuckin' file! We had a deal!” Tony cried, his shoulder hanging dislocated while his other hand clawed for the sidearm on his ankle.

“I didn't make a deal with you, Mr. Campagna. She did.” A burst of speed had Dionysus against Tony, pinning him to the wall before his fingers snaked around the officer's neck. He raised him up in his hand, watching the man dangle and jerk violently as Dionysus' head tilted back.

“I'M A COP!” Tony gurgled, his hands swinging out to strike the god's face, not fazing him in the least.

“Heh... ha... yes, yes you are! You are a COP, let me show you what I am.” Dionysus' smile increased watching the man's eyes go frantic, his face contorting as the fingers around his neck crushed down. It felt like hours, crushing every last nerve and muscle in his neck, not paying attention to where she was or if she saw him like this. This... this was... fun!

SNAP! Thud!

Tony crumpled to the floor, his eyes wide and mouth gaping as Dionysus stood over him. His entire body shook seeing the man on the ground, the experience was... ecstatic. Every last ounce of his life had been squeezed out, it seemed rather appropriate for such a vile creature. Vermin like Tony Campagna would no longer be tolerated.

“Ha... yesss.” That was bliss, Dionysus turned to find his lover. Now that he had sated that hunger, it was time to satisfy the other...

[Fallenreaper]

Tyche

At Athene’s words about burning them alive Tyche’s temper had rose, a few degrees biting into her. Why was everyone misunderstanding her? She didn’t mean it that way and it wasn’t like it was one shot and he burned, the mortal had had more than one chance to redeem himself. Five to be exact. Every time he cheated it was that same woman and it hurt like a blade purged into her heart, twisting and bleeding it out slowly. Then it would melt to forgive, forgetting the misery set upon it in the first place to allow it again and again. It was a reason she lived by the moment…no happiness in her life lasted long enough. It never would or did. A fact she couldn’t escape it.


The pressure of Athene’s eyes moved from her, reaching for Areion as subconsciously Ty’s body moved to defend him from the sight even before she knew it. She wasn’t surprised, not anymore by the reaction.


Of course Athene’s words about them being too mortal made her eyes tighten and hadn’t helped the least in shimmer her rage down, didn’t she think Tyche didn’t know this? Bruises were living proof of that as she crumbled and punished herself for the weakness, no matter how hard she hurt herself, Ty’s mind didn’t accept she was a goddess as everything seemed to be falling apart. At one point it made her wonder if Athene knew the dark spots that lined her body before casting it away. She couldn’t.


Even with Athene’s reasoning it didn’t help, they scattered so quickly after Hades that it was painfully clear none of them wanted any connections to each other. How could she get to know her when she hadn’t the chance?


The fact that her grandfather knew hurt a bit even provided the punishment, as well as another option by Athene herself. From her pocket Athene withdraw a small vial so fragile looking that Tyche was a little impressed -even in her anger-that it hadn’t broke before now. In it swayed a dark colored liquid, almost blacker then night which Athene explained was from the River Lethe- another Hades river provided a solution thought Tyche bitterly. When Athene moved her hand presenting the choice, Ty’s body immediately flinched and took step back impulsively, fear, not of her Aunt but of her own reaction. She hurt enough of those she loved already.


Silence for several moment ticked by like sands of time beating across the hour glass in her own head.

Tyche stood there, her mind frozen at the paths set before her held out by the beautiful yet very life changing liquid. The conflict in her eyes would be hard to miss yet… there were was something terribly final in her withdrawn form. Again she knew this feeling, the anger swept about her like a furious tide that seemed to drown her mind faded to that heavier one.


Options Athene wove seemed so easy that the last bit of her words sounded almost sad at the idea. A thaw to the ice she would never see in Nemesis. Easy choices were only the outside facts in reality, they weren’t, each had their own price and though she hated the fact she fell so fast, so hard there was a choice to be made. In the end which price was she willing to pay? Her life or her memories, and in the end would it matter?

Her eyes stared at the vial, unsure of her decision as she went back and forth.

The Lethe waters spelled an end to the nightmares, the pain and misery that seeped through her like poison setting in. Yet…it took everything from her, the reasons she loved them and cared, as much painful memories that would be gone so too the best times of her life. The times of carefree play with Persephone in the fields of flowers, being cradled in the arms of her adoptive grandfather Okeanus, the first time she met and truly connected to Areion, Ares’s kindness of late- odd as it sounded she believed there was some good in him- and worst of all, her parents. Her mother might not have been part of her life but it didn’t mean Aphrodite wasn’t something in it but it would be her father’s she would miss the most. How he tied the family together, the weakest and forced her to open up even when she wanted to close herself off.


Then there was banishment.

It meant she would be truly alone, not just inside her mind but all around, forced to watch the world turn knowing those she grew close to would someday day. As harsh as that sounded in the end she couldn’t hurt anyone. There would be no one. Her mind flashed back to the room, her temper blazed and out of control that she hit Ares and gods only knew what more damage she could have wrecked if it had been someone else. Someone like Persephone. Tyche’s mind melted to the scene of how a simple grab made her hand ready to hit Areion, no mercy, no commands but just to make him stop. Her insides flinched at the thought of him being hurt like her father. For all she knew, Tyche could have decided to hurt her dad from the very beginning like a true monster. Monsters…they didn’t deserve be around anyone.

It should have been the first choice, the easiest, but in her heart Tyche let the guilt rule her decision pushing it to the worse of the two. She didn’t trust herself for this to work and she wouldn’t risk anyone being hurt besides, she would just be a painful reminder to her dad. She couldn’t do that to him, no more pain then what had already happened. The decision seemed so wrong and final. Her lips formed the letter B before Areion’s words cut her off preventing the sounds to reach. Her head twisted, watching him insult Athene as his body tensed and pushed viciously to buck against the webbing. His lips sewn shut by the spinners though his words still poured through, his pleading eyes seemed to sever her soul and for the moment Tyche forgot her choice, the need to suffer every day for her crimes pushed aside because of one question: What if she chose Banishment instead of the Lethe waters?


Empathy had its own little role to play, her mind visualizing the places switch as he chose banishment and this time, it was she who couldn’t stop it. In the end the results felt like it was torn from her, he would suffer like she would there. No matter how much she believed she deserved to be tormented, to pay for all she done, it would be Areion that would ride alongside her pain. Her choice, her decision now affected them both the most. Was banishing herself just to protect everyone and give her unending suffering the right decision?


Tyche took a deep breath bring her body closer to Areion in a few slow steps, her eyes flickered to Athene asking silently for a moment, even if it was denied. Her body felt like glass almost break able and threatening to shatter at any time. Pulling herself down, leaning closer to his face while his mouth tried vainly to open and speak, Tyche’s face reach mere inches not cared if the spider bite or hurt her. She probably not feel the pain anyway. Her voice sounded pathetic to her, unsteady but held something more in the words said,” I know… I do too, from the moment you kissed me on the roof. I have to make a decision, not based for my guilt or regret, but what’s best. For you…and most of all me. I won’t remember but it wouldn’t stop how I feel about you. Thank you…”


Without a pause, Tyche lean in and kissed his head before taking a moment longer to rest her forehead against his letting him see the slight peace in her eyes. Smiling was much harder and inappropriate in this moment. It was done, her choice made clear to him she felt her heart break and seize while she pulled upward to face Athene and the liquid in hand. There a few things to finish up, the loss of memory would prevent it yet she hadn’t the right to demand some time. Drawing closer Ty reached a hand out before pausing just from taking the vial, her eyes looked into Athene’s while she held it there and made her request.


“Before I take this, there a few things that should be said before everything disappears. I’m not stalling, really. Some of it is also about what I noticed about the things that attacked me in Hades and once I drink, it will be gone. Not to mention something from and about Ares as well,” Tyche’s words sounded unsure if what she spoke would be of any help but the idea of it being lost, never spoken felt terrible. Please let me speak…

[tirgesfu]

Hermes

Who was playing what games with whom? Hermes thought as he tried to keep pace with spindle legs and yet keep out of the aim of the shot gun. “You pissed in his well?” Hermes gave Anasi a playful scolding look. He turned the doctor, “Blessed Virgin?” Hermes shook his head. “Why do you two torment each other? Not that I don’t appreciate the humor, but,” Hermes held both hands up and laughed. “I came with him because we couldn’t find you. I was sent. You are needed.” Might as well be as clear and short as possible, Hermes thought. All he needed was to get into a pissing contest with old jungle hermits. He was sure the two of them could measure and aim and spout off for hours, for days, for decades.

“What do you say we leave spider head here, turn that beast around,” Hermes swung his hand back to point to the jet. “and I’ll explain more on the trip out of here. Bring…” another swing back toward the French non violent lass, “her and lock the place up. We’ll bring you back, promise.”

That was all of it in a nut shell. How could anything go wrong? Hermes put his hands on his hips sure everything was settled. He looked around and wondered what the hell was really going on here.

[Lillian Thorne]

Athene

3:35

Stared at the too think body as it lay on the bed, blond curls akimbo, limbs limp and lifeless. Tyche had been succinct but thorough when she’d told Athene all she knew about the creatures and Athene had to admit that she was impressed with the foresight the girl had exhibited in asking to tell. It gave her further hope that with a fresh start Tyche was something worth saving. She had spoken about their attacks, and their reactions to Ares assaults. Different than what Iris had explained, these ones had been slower, did that mean there were differences? Athene had been hoping it was the same bunch but now she wasn’t so certain. That the girl had spoken long and passionately in defense of Ares was an annoyance. Something that these two didn’t seem to understand was that some acts were not forgivable, no matter the reason. Areiôn had flailed and screamed at her, cursing her for the choice she’d laid down upon the broken goddess, convinced that just a little more love would help the girl.
Some things were too deep for love to fix.

But he’d fallen silent as her minions had gotten to work. She hadn’t even turned to see him, simply rolled her eyes heavenward as Tyche had gone to him. Fortunately the girl had been motivated to get this over with and hadn’t lingered long at his side. She’d returned to Athene, told her everything of note and then, with bravery and grace swallowed the waters of Forgetfulness. Athene hadn’t known what to expect, but Tyche’s eyes had rolled up in her head and she’d collapsed back on the bed, landing as she was now poised. Athene was a man’s god, she knew how men were, she’d certainly mentored enough of them to understand what they needed. Females, not so much.

But that didn’t mean she didn’t know how to be tender or how to care, she simply showed it in different ways. She wasn’t one to hug for comfort, but she was one to show affection by service. Something many of her siblings overlooked. Did they think she did so much because she needed to? No, she did so much of what she did to show her regard and her affection. Hephaestus got that about her, her father too, no one else. She sighed and stepped towards the fallen goddess and with gentle, hands in an act of tender affection that was thankfully unwitnessed she arranged the girl’s limbs into a more comfortable configuration and then tucked her in under the luxurious blanket on the bed. She paused for a moment to brush back the curls from Tyche’s face, seeing much of her father in her features and overlooking the touches of her mother. A sweetly sad look crossed the goddess of wisdom’s face and she said softly,

“Now, let’s try this again little one.” Before she turned back to regard the white shrouded figure that was Areiôn.

Tempted to leave him hanging, safe and out of the way, she brushed aside the impulse and moved to free him. To leave him was the coward’s way out. She was no coward. It had been a hard task she’d done here, and none of it had been of her making but she’d had to be the one to carry it out. So she was destined to be the bad guy. She could live with that, she had before. She knew he was going to be rather furious when he came out but she was certain she could deal with that. With skilled hands she began to pull at the webbing, great swaths of it pulled free and slowly, bit by bit, the horse was freed, for good or ill.

[MerlotBeauty]

Areiôn

His eyes did not part from Athene’s cool grey eyes. Her eyes looked as cold as his felt hot. Liquid silver warred against stone. He stepped from the web and his entire body trembled; each pump of his blood pulsing off his skin. For a breath he stood there and stretched his neck, a light pop to one side and then the another before he turned his gaze to the blonde beauty, sleeping within a sea of white purity.

Slowly, he moved to her and reached down, and let his fingers trace down her cheek. His fingers moved to her neck, searching for a pulse so that he might feel her alive. He needed to know that her skin was warm, that the gentle rise and fall of her chest meant that she was alive; only asleep. She could never die. Gods were forever, and yet could they endure? How did one exist age after age? Eventually, worlds would collapse and stars would die. Mortals would one day spark out of existence, long after they forgot about the gods entirely. In the grand scheme of an immortal, how did anything matter?

With trembling shoulders his face fell, if only for a moment. She was not Lucky. She would never be his Lucky again. He could not take his eyes off the sleeping beauty.

His voice belied his temper, of course. It was quiet, practical; almost soothing. “It is a trap, you realize—Ares’ plan for you to get these... god-suckers. I was being literal when I said he was sitting in Hades’ throne. Tyche was completely loyal to him, and Persephone is not far behind. I cannot prove it, of course, but he’s gaining in power in the Underworld. Time is not on your side.”

Time was cruel indeed, and it made watching Tyche drink the Waters all the worse. She had forever to make up for her mistakes, and now she had no chance. Everything she was, and might have been was lost—washed away in a single sip. Ages of knowledge, of good and bad; of fortune and ruin was lost. Every smile, every laugh would be a mere echo of a sweet, enthusiastic girl. Lucky would never know just how strong she truly was.

Areiôn gently he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. Goodnight, sweet Lucky.

Areiôn stood then and turned to Athene, meeting her cool eyes. Tears that lingered finally brimmed over. The energy that he kept at bay, the subtle cadence of rage took control again, and those silver eye almost danced as he pulled out his Beretta. He aimed it at Athene. “Then again, time is all you assholes have.”

The Prince of Horses pulled the trigger.

[Lillian Thorne]

Athene

3:40

She felt the incoming violence in him when his eyes met hers. Was it supposed to intimidate her? It didn’t. She’d faced many an angry man’s glare on hers over the ages and many an angry god. This one was neither; he was just a horse who’d forgotten himself. She watched him check on the blond “victim” that lay on the bed. And prepared herself to endure a swing or two if it helped him feel better. She understood he felt helpless and angry in this situation. She’d seen it in many of the heroes she’d mentored over the years. They always needed to vent their anger on a target before the collected themselves enough to be rational. She would be that target if it sped up this scene and let her get on with her duties.

When he spoke she heard the controlled anger in his voice but also the honesty. She was aware of the danger Ares represented, she had eyes that saw and the experience to know what Ares would do with the little bit of leash he had. She’d spoken often to her father about it but wasn’t given her own lead to do anything with it as of yet. It chafed but she would obey. She let his words wash over her, taking from them the kernels of truth and wisdom contained within and letting the rest leave her unaffected. She was not one to fly into anger over some hot-heads bitter words, words sure to be followed by a display of strength, of dominance, of violence. She was braced for a blow.

A gun however was a different matter. She had anticipated physical violence, held in check until a dramatic moment, a stallion posturing and intimidating was nothing new but she hadn’t anticipated that weapon. It wasn’t often that the the goddess of wisdom made such mistakes. The bullet flew at her, everything rushed away in an instant leaving no sight but the bullet rushing at her, no sound but the unnatural slowing of her heart as moment became eternity. She watched as the bullet streaked towards its target, her heart. It was oddly fitting, from his perspective she’d “attacked” his heart and so he was retaliating. She moved, slower than she once had been but faster than a mere mortal. Unfortunately she was not faster than a bullet and though she jerked to the side she wasn’t fast enough and she felt a wash or red, angry pain explode in her left bicep as the bullet struck the bone.

Pain, filled her world for a second but for a goddess who’d spent the better part of two months growing back internal organs it was little on the scale of pain she’d endured. But it was enough to seriously piss her off. She was just doing her job; she took no pleasure in this. This whole scene had been brought about by the small frail, weak girl on the bed and her inability to deal.

Rage as hot as any Ares ever felt filled her, twisted through with cold hard fury filled her and she launched herself at the horse, snarling, ready to geld him with her bare hands.


Meanwhile, across town on the shoulder of a crippled giant of a god, a tiny grey spider began to try to frantically get his attention.

[Vanquished]

Aphrodite

Her mood had only turned more sour with each sloppy kiss she had to endure on the way to the room. They needed privacy before she could spurn him and show him what he was actually in for. So instead, she smiled and laughed when his arm came around her waist, she leaned into him for each kiss adding payment to what she would later extract.

Inside the hotel room, Aphrodite caught her first glimpse of something going right, Tony threw the files at Dionysus before lumbering after her towards the bedroom. Tony would have five minutes, no more and then she was going to wish she would just kill him and end his horrible existence.

His lips were to her throat again, still slimey and revolting. She scowled as she made the appropriate moans. Too quickly for Aphrodite to stop him, his hand was against her face, her cheek stinging. That was enough, he wouldn't last the five minutes. She pulled back, a hungry grin across her face, but Tony wouldn't understand that it wasn't the same hunger he felt gnawing. "You're that kind of man Tony? Give me a moment, I think I have something you'll like."

Tony looked surprised, and then pissed to have his woman interrupting him and his hand twitched at his side as if he would strike her again.

"Don't worry, you can punish me when I come back..." She moved towards the bathroom, ducking in to steady herself. She took a few deep breaths. "Why don't you get ready for me, you beast," She called out through the door. She looked at herself in the mirror, testing her resolve, her reserves.

She opened the door, but as she did so, Dionysus was bursting through to the bedroom and quickly had the fumbling Tony in his grasp. Aphrodite stayed in the doorway watching with a mix of anger and approval. As he broke Tony and strangled him to death, the anger won out. What in Hades did he think he was doing? Perhaps Hebe had not been wrong about his madness, but it was too late to do much now. It seemed she would need every ounce of resolve she had left.

She took a few steps out of the room, her face still in a scowl. Dionysus' hunger wasn't sated, that much was clear from the look in his eyes. But it wasn't the same Dionysus, she had seen him like this before. She would have no control over him. She would be his plaything and that was enough cause for her to throw up her hand halting him as she did now.

"No."

It was just one small word, but its timbre was dark, commanding. He moved closer anyways, that same hungry stare set to his eyes. The goddess of love had never been taken against her will; hers was the realm of love and pleasure, she would not allow it to be twisted and defiled against her, not even by a god. "Dionysus, son of Zeus, stop."

He wavered, for just a moment, but it was all Aphrodite needed. She moved left, towards the door leading out of the bedroom, pushing out against it and quickly shutting it behind her. She leaned against it, her heart pounding with rage. She pulled the couch against the door, thankful it opened out instead of in, and then added the two chairs and a coffee table.

"You can come out when you're yourself, my love." Aphrodite sweetened her voice, but just below the surface it boiled yet.

She picked up the files he had discarded. At least it seemed he had read them first, hopefully there wasn't any information needed from Tony. She opened it, the picture of the man had a name next to it, albeit one she didn't instantly recognize. His face though, even as sallow and lifeless as it was, stirred some kind of memory. She scanned the page for any other information, there was a lot they kept from the public after all. Alan Batross, Mistral Inc... Dionysus likely knew who that was, but so would Athene likely. Aphrodite didn't want to talk to either of them, but her anger against Dionysus would cool sooner. She'd wait.

She flipped a few more pages of notes from interviews with eyewitnesses, the scene was nearby, Aphrodite quirked her eyebrows up, and the assailants were two young college kids. Autopsy reports showed heroin in their system? She brought her slender fingers to her temples and rubbed in slow, tight circles. If this had all been a waste of time...no, there was still something unsettling about the case.

She slid the papers back into the manila folder. They'd need to go check out this sports bar, talk to the bartender or manager again, but with Dionysus in this state she wondered if she'd have to do it alone.

[TheEdwardian]

Poseidon

Poseidon slumped himself down in a chair as Athene left to deal with Tyche and Aeriôn. He wasn't sure what drew Aeriôn to Tyche for that Goddess was nothing but trouble and she was certainly having a negative impact upon his son. But why should he care for he had never cared for his son nor made any effort to contact him. Poseidon could have and he certainly wasn't busy yet for some reason he just couldn't. He'd always liked the thought of getting in touch with the Prince of Horses but he could just never bring himself to do so , perhaps it was time to change that. Athene would have no doubt finished her business with Aeriôn and Tyche by the time he arrived for she was bloody effective at tying up loose ends within a matter of moments, something he had a slight admiration of. Athene was by no means as bad as she initially appears to be and whilst Poseidon had never truly gotten over the incident regarding Athens , he felt as though the two were slowly recovering a decent relationship , albeit both of them had to be careful not to piss each other off. In any case , she certainly wasn't the worst Goddess around , definitely not. Tyche was certainly worse than Athene , for all the shit she could cause in mere seconds and then there was Aphrodite , she was just a whore. Infact , when he thought about it Athene was actually one of the better Goddesses.
Poseidon rose from the chair whilst brushing down his clothing he exited the Conference Room and proceeded into the desolate hallway. I'm not going to sit around doing fuck-all , I'm going to speak with Aeriôn for all it's worth. He looked left then right , then left again for he had no idea what room they were in within this modernized labyrinth. The God swung his arms in the air giving up almost instantly before he began to wander aimlessly , hearing all sorts of snippets of conversations from within the rooms. He proceeded down the hall at a snails pace , simply studying the paintings lined along the walls detailing the Worlds History whilst examining the hall itself. Paintings used to be dedicated to him as the mighty Poseidon. Lord of the Sea and Shaker of the Earth but now it was just random shit. The times truly had changed for worse.

THUD

Poseidon twitched his head almost instantly as he heard the noise. At first thought , it simply sounded like a heavy object hitting the ground yet he knew it was more than that. His gut instinct knew it was more than that. He began to follow the noise precisely , wandering through the maze of halls in order to reach the source of the peculiar noise. He turned a corner as he heard a muffled sound of what appeared to be a scuffle. He cocked his head as he proceeded to cautiously walk up to the room as the noise increased. 717. Poseidon opened the door slowly , flinching as the door made a small click fearing whatever was inside would launch at him. Yet nothing did. He continued opening the door and was instead greeted by the back of Athene whom was now pinning Aeriôn against a wall , ready to tear him apart which she was more than capable of doing. No doubt Aeriôn gave Athene a push , to which she most clearly responded with a shove. Poseidon trudged in as he slammed the door behind him. The two of them still in their own little world , focused purely on ripping each other to shreds as Tyche lay still on the bed. The God stuck out his bottom jaw firmly as his face contorted , the anger building towards not only the two of them, but towards Tyche also. She was always present at this type of shit. Always. His voice bellowed out as he continued walking towards the two

' Zeus help me , can you not stop trying to kill each other for but a few seconds ?! Must you always have an adult to babysit you ?! '

Poseidon wrapped his broad arms around Athene as she pinned Aeriôn against the wall. He lifted her back as her fists lobbed away at Aeriôn , whom was clearly worse for wear. Poseidon took several steps back maintaining a tight grip on Athene as he pulled her from reach of the Prince of Horses , her arms flailing in a fit of pure fury as Aeriôn remained locked against the wall , staring coldly towards Athene. They would happily see the death of each other at this point that was certain.

' What in the name of Zeus are you playing at Athene ? Your the Goddess of Wisdom and intelligence yet you see fit to launch yourself at Aeriôn ? '

He looked down , seeing the blood covering her left arm that had continued to trickle down her body and not to mention the blood covering Aeriôn , then again most of that was probably his. Poseidon stood still as Athene showed signs of calming. Her arms fell to her sides as she breathed heavily staring towards Aeriôn. He released his grip on her with one arm and took her left arm firmly before proceeding to study it without saying a word. That little shit actually shot Athene , that little shit. Poseidon didnt particularly care whom he was about to scold and it didnt matter what he thought of Athene , the mere fact that his son had the audacity to shoot a God was enough to give him a solid reason to get discipline into that boy sooner than later. Poseidon continued looking at the wound as his face contorted further , turning a crimson red. Still remaining silent he let go completely of Athene as began to speak with no emotion , or no emotion showing at least.

' I'll deal with Aeriôn. He's my problem. '

He turned on his heel as he faced Aeriôn before marching over to him at a pace he thrust out his hand and grabbed his son by the neck , smashing him against the wall and holding him there , careful not to squeeze too tightly albeit not too loosely. Poseidon simply stared at Aeriôn. He felt disappointment more than anything , he hoped to make good relations with his son over time yet the boy was making that more of an impossibility with his every action.

' You little bastard. '