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Yearning
Yearning

_{location: In The Car | Freyja’s House
a @Legion02 @Fabricant451 & @smarty0114 collab}

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Hel pushed down the metal pedal with her heel as deep as she could. The engine in front of her was far beyond roaring and now well into letting out a dreadful wailing sound telling the goddess she was pushing limits she really shouldn’t. Behind her more than a few cars honked their horns as she wove through them. She watched them in her back mirror like specs of dust in the light of their headlights. That’s all they were right now for her. She didn’t mean them any malice but there were bigger things in life right now.

She took the off ramp her GPS told her to take and was forced by the roads to slow down. It didn’t do her much good. Now that the crazy race through the highway was over she was forced to think. What would she say? What wouldn’t she say? Would he even recognize her still? And what then? Would she embrace him? Kiss him!? No, no never that last one. He was Aesir.

She took a turn right and then left. She couldn’t kiss him, of course. What else was she supposed to do though? What would be her duty now? Maybe she should take him home? Her GPS gave her a small ping to tell her she arrived at the right house. Hel parked her car on the driveway and stepped out. He would need a bath right? And probably a refresher on everything that happened too? Some clothes? She could provide for him. But then what? Did she keep him to herself, as her secret? What would her siblings say? What would the Aesir say? What would he say?

All those questions stopped as she rounded the corner and reached the backyard.

Baldr was seated on a leather couch, straight-backed and shaking. He was still naked, though his body had been splattered with blood. The couple who had owned this house lay on the floor in front of him, broken and bloody. He had not wanted to hurt them, or at least, he wanted to believe as much. He had hurt them though, despite his protests. The fogginess that had gripped his brain so tightly was lifting now, but it did not leave any answers. Rather, he only felt like his confusion had grown.

He glanced to his left, out the sliding glass door into the backyard, and he saw her. Her. She was unchanged, as beautiful as the day he’d last seen her. He stood with a start, rushing to the glass door. He blinked, fearful that she was just an apparition, waiting to disappear the moment his eyes left her form, but she did not. She was real, and she was here.

His hand reached up and found the glass and then he was punching through it, ignoring the shards that cut into his mortal flesh. The pain was unimportant in the presence of the most graceful guide of the graceless. He had searched for her after the Fall, and he had searched for her in his dreams, and he had not found her until today. As his feet touched the moist grass, he fell to his knees before her. Words he had not known before today flooded his mind, strange and alien sounds. “You found me,” he said, his voice thick with emotion and pain. He did not know how he’d known those words, or even what language he was speaking. Only that she was here, and the nightmare was ending.

“Always.” Hel said as tears welled up in her eyes. She fell on her knees before him as well. There were no walls so high that they could stop her emotions from flooding her in this moment. After far too long they were together again. A droplet traveled over her cheek. The first of many to come. With one hand she cupped his cheek. “I missed you.”

And finally she could not hold herself back. She embraced Baldr. She could feel his warmth on her skin. It melted the ice in her veins and around her heart. A sob went through her. Hel tightened the embrace as if she was afraid that she’d lose him again. “I missed you.” Emotions were overwhelming her now, completely. The goddess of the graceless dead had never felt anything like this for two millennia.

His head fell forward, pressing their foreheads together, and for the first time since his slumber had ended, he felt safe. He breathed in the scent of her and felt it soothe his body, felt his muscles relax as her hand came upon his face. “I’ve missed you as well,” he said, his voice cracking as tears threatened to drown out his words. He met her gaze, bringing his hands to her’s so that their connection would remain. For a moment, he could not find the words. They were lost behind the lingering fog of confusion, and the pull of those beautiful eyes. “What is this place, Hel? What realm have I awoken in?” he finally asked, certain that she would not lead him astray.

“Midgard.” Hel answered, slowly but surely she got up, guiding him to stand as well. She never let go of his hands though. The glass in one of his hands was stinging her hand as well now but she never let go. “But things are… different. We are weaker and.. there are others.”

A siren echoed far away. Hel looked up like a deer suddenly looking for a predator. It was the sire of the firefighters. Still, the goddess knew well enough the problems that could arise if the police would come. Knowing strong, unharmable Baldr it would not end well for them. “We must go. I know a place.” That was a lie. She didn’t have a clue where to take Baldr. Still, she tugged him gently along to her car. Where she held a blanket to at least cover his modesty. “We’ll be safe there.” Hel kept insisting with her little lies. The lies came easy to her. She had used those little lies before, in Helheim.

Baldr marveled at the chariot Hel had placed him in. The mortals had been even busier than he thought. This was certainly not the Midgard he had known. He jolted as Hel started the car, startled by the rumblings of the engine, but he calmed when he realized Hel felt no fear. He trusted her, more than he could ever put into words. “You said there were… others. What did you mean by that?” he asked, gripping the handle above him as the car lurched forward.

“Thor and Odin are here too.” Hel answered as she put her car into gear and drove away. Without her lights on for a little while. Then once on the main road she drove exactly as any other car would. Perhaps a bit more carefully but still, she made a real effort to drive as normal as possible. “Heimdal is here as well, in Midgard. As is Freyja.” Of course, she summed up the Aesir and Vanir first. They were his family and they would be delighted to know that their Most Beloved finally returned from Helheim.

Something that only made her mind swirl more as she was driving. Keeping Baldr was selfish. She realized that now. As much as she hated them, his family deserved to know he was alive. They would be able to care for him better than her. After all, Freyja asked everything in existence for his return. She couldn’t give that much love to Baldr, she never had that much to give to begin with really. In English she bid her GPS to lead her to Freyja’s address. Then she dictated a quick text message heralding Baldr’s arrival in half an hour to the Norse goddess of love, war and magic. Her eyes she kept glued on the road. It would make the farewell easier. “I’m happy you’re here though.” She did say. Her voice quivered a little bit.

The Most Beloved nodded at Hel’s words, unmoved by mentions of his family. It had been ages since he had last seen them. Civilizations had risen and fallen and risen again, entire bloodlines had been wiped from the earth, and he had spent the vast majority of it asleep, and if not asleep, then imprisoned. The family he knew… Well, he suspected that he did not know them anymore. Still, he saw nowhere else to turn, not in this world of iron carts and talking glass.

“I-thank you. For finding me. I would not have blamed you if you’d forgotten me in my absence. It seems I’ve been asleep for…some time.” Baldr watched Hel watch the road, grateful for this moment. If this all turned out to be one last dream before his final slumber, he would not mind. At least he would’ve seen her, one last time.

“I could never forget you.” The words escaped Hel’s lips before she knew it. It was the truth, the absolute truth. For two thousand years, every day, she did find herself thinking of Baldr in some way or another. Now he was here beside her. There was something in her heart telling her to open up. To tell him she loved him, even now. Especially now, after Ragnarok must’ve already passed. She wanted to tell him that she wanted to feel his heat on her skin.

Those thoughts exhilarated her. Because of that though, she feared them now more than ever. Back in Helheim she felt the same. For the rest of the car ride, Hel closed herself off. She stopped talking, though answered any questions he might have. She became cold. This way - so she thought - was better. Safer. No one would get hurt this way. No one would cry this way.

Eventually, after a car ride that felt like it lasted a century, she reached Freyja’s house.

He turned to her with eyes that betrayed an ancient innocence. He trusted her, more than he trusted anyone. “Where are we?” he asked, glancing out the window at the unfamiliar home. He knew very little about this strange new Midgard, but he knew, at least, that he did not wish to lose Hel once more.

Little lies, Hel. The goddess thought to herself as she looked in Baldr’s eyes. Little lies for the greater good. For duty. Everything for duty.

“Somewhere you could make a home here in Midgard. Trust me.” Hel said with a comforting smile. She hid away her own aching heart behind that smile. It was for the better. Hel got out of the car. He would be at home here, amongst his family. His brothers would embrace him. His mother would kiss his cheeks. He would drink, feast, and smile and laugh here. It was for the better. She kept telling herself that as she rounded the car and opened Baldr’s car door to let him out.

Baldr stepped out, still wrapped in the blanket Hel had given him. “You will stay, though?” he said, his voice pitching into a question. He reached for her hand and gently stroked her slender fingers, desperate to hold onto them until the world split apart once more.

For just a few seconds they just walked in silence. “I’m afraid not.” Hel answered and she kept walking. She kept herself tightly in control. No, she would not allow her voice to break or her lip to quiver. This is what she had to do.

From the wide picture window on the second floor of her home, Freyja, half finished glass of red cradled between her fingers, watched as the car rolled to a stop outside though she turned away before the doors opened. Sixty minutes ago she had just gotten home after a difficult birth and wanted nothing more than to enjoy a warm bath, a bottle of wine, and an episode of a far too long running medical soap opera that was so wildly inaccurate she couldn’t help but to love every tawdry minute. Thirty minutes ago she was onto her third glass and the bath water was steaming and the only thing separating the water from her body was a short robe that promptly introduced itself to the floor. Twenty-five minutes ago her phone pierced the relaxing silence of water and stress fading away with a shrill trilling ringtone. How had she forgotten to turn the damn thing off? It was like being on call, a constant string of annoyances only this time there wasn’t an emergency that warranted her attention.

Or so she thought.

When she read the message her first instinct was that it was Hel’s idea of a sick joke but that couldn’t be possible; in the eternity that Freyja had known Hel she couldn’t recall the last time Hel said anything remotely funny. It had to be true. Her son. After all this time. Not a day had gone by that Freyja hadn’t missed him; how could she not with how…protective she had been with him back when she had magic at her command. But of course she knew he had to be fine…she had willed it so…all except that damn mistletoe…but after so long she had every reason to believe that the death was…permanent. How naive.

Fitting for one of Washington State’s ‘most eligible bachelorettes’, head OBGYN and fertility medicine specialist at the prestigious Hope Valley Medical Center, and one of the ‘medical experts’ on multiple seasons of the now canceled reality show ‘Couples Counseling’ and its much higher rated spin-off ‘I’m A Celebrity, My Relationship Is Fine!’, Katherine Nilsson’s home was a modest contemporary house that was far too big for the single person who lived inside. But Freyja had enjoyed the finer points of owning a home. Such as being able to enjoy a bath. Until that message. And the car arriving.
Hel and Baldr didn’t even have to ring the doorbell or knock on the front door. The lights on the first floor turned on as Freyja descended the stairs, signaling that, yes, someone was home, and that someone opened the front door, having set the wine glass on an endtable en route, and though every emotion welled up inside of her all at once as her eyes laid sight on Baldr…Freyja didn’t cry. All those years ago when the Fall had just happened, Freyja spent years crying every tear out of her body. Even now, when every part of her from brain to heart was telling her to weep…she couldn’t. She could only blink, mouth open, breathing heavy, expression somewhere between relief, fear, shock, and warmth. What could she say? What could she do?

“You’re…naked.”

In a similar state of shock, Baldr looked down at himself, blushing. “It seems I am. Hel was not quite prepared for my return,” he said, softly. There was a wariness to his words, a tension to this reunion. The centuries they’d lost seemed to stretch out between them, a wall that kept him from running into his mother’s arms. The sight of her conjured visions of a happier time, long before the Aesir had known tragedy, and yet what stuck was all the time they had missed. He knew how much he had changed in the wake of his death; who then, was the woman who stood before him? His mother, or someone else entirely? It appeared that he would be forced to find out.

---

Isabel reckoned this would probably end up in Anubis’ notes when she went back. The video message her father had sent her didn’t make her world spin. It didn’t reduce her to a sobbing, desperate mess. At first she was panicking but then something else took over. She could never explain it. It was like some sort of drive took over. All the while she’d feel numb. That alone probably had some shrink explanation. The gun in her pocket as she casually strolled into the hotel lobby would probably be the second note point.

She almost whistled as she walked past the concierge of the big hotel chain as if she was a guest. With uncharacteristic patience she waited for an elevator. Her eyes were darting around though. She had seen every camera in the lobby. There was no way to get in unseen. She had her eyes on the cute, drunk couple beside her as well. It could all be an act. They could be waiting for her. Let them. She had her finger on the trigger in her pocket. The concierge picked up a phone. Isabel felt her heart beat faster. Was he calling his wife or a hitman?

Her father – no, Ares – would have recognized the slight jolt that went through Isabel for what it was: a sign of pure tension. She was strung like a violin cord. Still, she stepped into the elevator. The cute couple stepped up to get in as well. They looked at Isabel while laughing, stopped, and took a step backwards. Maybe it was because she looked like a racoon that hadn’t slept all night and really should’ve. Maybe it was because of the fresh blood on her pants leg. Or maybe it was because Isabel just really didn’t want anyone in that elevator right then.

She rode it upwards. The elevator ride was smooth. Smooth enough that Isabel didn’t feel the wound on her tight ache. Just as gently the elevator stopped at the designated floor. Isabel casually strolled out. The floor’s corridor was always. At this hour, most people would probably still be in their bed or getting into the bathroom to prepare for breakfast. Isabel made her way toward the door of her father’s room. It used a keycard but there was a regular lock too. Again, one of her more questionable hobbies came in handy. Hotel locks were so easy to pick.

Slowly Isabel opened the door and pulled her gun. Normally nobody should be in the suite. Still, she had her finger on the trigger. Like she was trained to, she began to quietly move through the suite to check the rooms. Most places were clear. The bedroom was last.

And there the mortal was met with the strangest of sights. A blonde woman in the bed. Immediately Isabel pointed the gun at her. With her free hand she switched the lights on. “You have exactly five fucking seconds to tell me where my father is.”

To say the light turning on was an annoyance, was a huge understatement. The ‘phone as Ares had put it when explaining its function had been useless, the contact of Pasithea getting an unknown voice as a reply. She didn’t call upon her children, wanting to surprise them in person and she was not one to let herself look like an embarrassed fool as she tried to get a handle on this new world. She didn’t trust to leave the safety Ares had provided so she had decided to stay. Now, an unknown mortal was with her and holding Hephaestus’s forge knows what while spattering on in an odd language. Ares really needed to keep better company. Was this the woman he hinted at? A mortal lover? That would explain the violent expression but one that held little in comparison to those she had seen before. Looking closer at the woman, she was indeed beautiful but it was sullied with an injury or what she would assume as one and the dark circles were telling.

She rose from the bed without shame of her nude form, trusting Ares was true to his word that the place was safe and she had never been one for modesty. ”Αγαπητέ μου, φαίνεσαι θετικά στενοχωρημένος. Αν ψάχνετε για τον Άρη, θα πρέπει να περιμένετε, αλλά κανείς δεν θέλει να επιστρέψει σε αυτό..” (My dear, you look positively distressed. If you're looking for Ares, you'll have to wait, but no one wants to come home to that..), she tutted and stepped forward to cup the mortal’s chin, tilting it to take a better look at her face. ”Φαίνεται ότι πέρασες ένα μονοπάτι. Μακάρι να μπορούσα να προσφέρω τσάι, αλλά ο Άρης φαίνεται να έχει έλλειψη υπηρέτες.” (Looks like you crossed a path. I wish I could offer tea, but Ares seems to be short on servants.), she stated as she let go of the woman, taking a seat back on the bed and leaning back a bit to lounge more comfortably as they waited.

This was probably the weirdest experience in Isabel’s whole life. And in the last twenty-four hours she had a lifetime of weird experiences. Her gun was completely disregarded, as was the threat. The woman’s nudity shouldn’t have taken the mortal off guard but it did. She was beyond beautiful. Yet she spoke Greek and mentioned her father’s real name.

Isabel barely understood most of what the woman said. It had been half a decade since she last learned Greek and it was beyond rusty. Slowly, she tried to talk while still keeping the gun at the ready: “Ποιος είσαι? Πώς... ξέρεις το... πραγματικό... όνομα του πατέρα μου?” (Who are you? How do you know my father’s real name?)

She blinked, confused by one of the questions but decided to at least answer the first. ”Ζητώ συγγνώμη, δεν πίστευα ότι έπρεπε να το δηλώσω όπως θα έπρεπε να είναι προφανές, αλλά κατηγορώ την απουσία μου στην άγνοιά σας. Επιτρέψτε μου να συστηθώ... Αφροδίτη, Θεά της Ομορφιάς και της Αγάπης.” (My apologies, I did not believe I needed to state this as it should be obvious, but I blame my absence on your ignorance. Allow me to introduce myself... Aphrodite, Goddess of Beauty and Love.), she replied, leaning to properly sit up in a regal stance and looked over the other woman again. “Και ποιος μπορεί να είσαι, εκτός από μια κόρη του Άρη?” (And who might you be, besides a daughter of Ares?), Aphro questioned.

The mortal felt her stomach twist again as she realized she was – again – facing off against a divine. The paramour of her father no less. Why was she here!? Control was once again slipping from Isabel fingers. She did not like that. There were too many questions and far too little answers. The grip around her weapon tightened. Her mind raced as she tried to remember anything and everything about the goddess she learned from myth. Aphrodite was never violent, but she was manipulative. Isabel did not want another thread twisting around her. She couldn’t give the goddess much. No, she couldn’t give her anything.

Was she one of the bad ones? The utter disregard for her weapon suggested so. That and the slightly unhinged feeling Isabel was getting from her. In myths, Aphrodite was never violent, but she was shrewd and manipulative. Isabel didn’t need another thread twisting around her. “Είμαι αυτός που κάνει ερωτήσεις.” (I am the one asking questions.) She sneered. “Είμαι αυτός που κάνει ερωτήσεις.” (Why are you here?)

Unimpressed, that was currently the appearance and expression she held after the comment. She looked at her fingernails as if in boredom before tucking her hand under her chin, crossing her legs as if thinking about the answer but instead cocked her head with a sweet smile. ”δυστυχώς, έχετε την τάση να μην απαντήσετε, οπότε νομίζω ότι θα κάνω το ίδιο και θα το αφήσω έτσι.” (Unfortunately, you've inclined not to respond, so I think I'll do the same and leave it at that.), Aphrodite replied. She didn’t see the need to keep talking to someone that wouldn’t give the same decency they were asking for. It was about respect and if the child was smart, she would be careful in messing with her. She might not be her father’s lover anymore but they still cared for each other and if she ruined the safety he provided, it would look worse on the child than herself. She had dealt with more stubborn and violent looking children than the one before her.

Isabel’s finger was on the trigger, ready to squeeze it. Then she remembered one of her father’s lessons. Aphrodite was no direct threat right now. At least not physically. She had the time. So she closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. If she knew anything about her father’s disappearance, she wouldn’t have just stayed naked in his bed. And she would’ve known all of his children for sure. That’s the least of what Isabel herself would do if she wanted to take someone down.

So Aphrodite was probably not involved. So what was she doing here? What was happening? How should she deal with the goddess? Again her mind harkened back to the myths she was so obsessed over when she was young. Aphrodite, what did she crave? Isabel’s demeanor shifted. With her thumb, she put the safety on and put it away.

“Σε παρακαλώ δέξου την συγνώμη μου. Ήταν μια μεγάλη νύχτα και δεν περίμενα να συναντήσω κάποιον σαν εσένα.” (Please accept my apologies. It has been a long night and I was not expecting to meet someone like you.) She said as she tried to calm herself further. “Είμαι η Isabel και σε σύγκριση με εσένα, δεν είμαι πολύ περισσότερο.” (I am Isabel and compared to you, I am not much more.)

“Η κολακεία θα σε πάει παντού γλυκό μου κορίτσι. Ποτέ μην φοβάσαι, δεν θα το κρατήσω εναντίον σου αλλά μην δυσφημήσεις τον εαυτό σου. Είσαι κόρη του Άρη ακόμα κι αν δεν είσαι δική μου.” (Flattery will take you everywhere my sweet girl. Never fear, I won't hold it against you but don't discredit yourself. You are a daughter of Ares even if you are not mine.), she replied, her posture relaxing once more before standing so she could gently try to guide Isabel to sit down as a mother would with a hurt child needing comfort. “Δυστυχώς, ο πατέρας σου και εγώ δεν είχαμε μια μακρά επανένωση. Μόλις πρόσφατα ξύπνησα από έναν βαθύ λήθαργο, οπότε με άφησε εδώ για τώρα, μέχρι να προσαρμοστώ σε αυτόν τον νέο κόσμο. Σχεδίαζα να επικοινωνήσω με έναν από τους άλλους αλλά άργησα. Την τελευταία φορά που μιλήσαμε, ήταν στην πραγματικότητα πολύ βιαστικός και είχε κάποια θέση που έπρεπε να είναι. Θα υπέθεσα ότι θα ξέρετε περισσότερα από εμένα για τις ερχομούς του.” (Unfortunately, your father and I did not have a long reunion. I have just recently awoken from a deep slumber so he left me here for now, until I can adjust to this new world. I planned to contact one of the others for assistance but it was late. Last we spoke, he was actually in quite the hurry and had some place he needed to be. I would assume you would know more than I on his comings and goings.)

She wasn’t a fool as most people might believe. She noticed the shift in attitude but as long as it kept things pleasant between them and offered no harm to her or those she cared for, Aphrodite saw no reason not to humor the girl. She didn’t mind sharing information and loved learning a thing or two from others but she was quite in the dark. She wasn’t sure how close Isabel was with her own children and if she was unaware of Pothos disappearance then she did not wish to further upset the woman. It was better to just reply to the recently asked question of her own arrival and skip on too many extra details. It did leave one question though, why was Isabel here? Did she live her as well? That would be rather strange. ”Δεν θέλω να παρέμβω, αλλά υπήρχε λόγος που έπρεπε να τον δεις; Ίσως θα μπορούσα να βοηθήσω ή θα μπορούσαμε να περιμένουμε την επιστροφή του. Θα χαρώ να έχω παρέα τελικά!” (I don't mean to intrude but was there a reason you needed to see him? Perhaps I could be of some assistance or we could wait for his return. I would be delighted to have some company afterall!)

“Δεν νομίζω ότι θα έρθει εδώ.”(I don’t think he will come here). Isabel said. She didn’t sit down though. Even though it felt so very alluring. Now that the intensity of the situation abated she started to feel tiredness in her body. Soon she would start getting slow. That would be bad. She still had to find her father. “Έστειλε αυτόματο μήνυμα λέγοντας ότι κάτι έχει συμβεί. Εξαφανίστηκε ή..." (He sent an automatic message saying that something has happened. He vanished or…) The words got stuck in her throat. Only now did she realize that her father could actually no longer be alive. She shook the idea out of her head. He wouldn’t die that easily. They’d need to drop a nuke on him to stop him.

“Ήρθα εδώ ψάχνοντας-“ (I came here looking for-) A knock on the door interrupted Isabel. She frowned. Immediately she pulled the gun again and walked towards the door of the hotel suite. Through the looking glass, she saw two big men dressed in suits with earpieces. “Shit.”

“Security. Please open up.” The men said as they politely but firmly knocked on the door again.

Her blood ran cold at what Isabel was suggesting before it started to boil over with rage. Vanished? Pothos and now Ares? She was starting to take this as a personal attack and if she found out who was behind this, they would be sorry. Her gaze darkened as she stood ridgid, placing a hand on the other woman’s shoulder as she was about to reassure her when they were interrupted. The knock on the door had her head snapping in that direction, her power building to defend herself as she had no weapon currently to protect herself. Aphrodite was still irritated by the weak amount of her power being tugged to the surface but it was more than earlier which was a plus.

She followed carefully after Isabel as she approached the door. There was that strange language again from both Isabel and whoever was on the other side of the door. She certainly didn’t trust it and the other didn’t seem too pleased by the arrival. Ποιος ειναι εκει? Τι είπαν? (Who is there? What did they say?), Aphro asked her curiously while looking towards the door. ”Πρέπει να χειριστώ την κατάσταση?” (Should I handle the situation?), her tone changing to something dark, sultry, and with a hint of anger due to the interruption.

“Μην τους σκοτώσετε!” (Don’t kill them!) Isabel whisper-exclaimed to Aphrodite. That would make a whole new mess she wasn’t willing or able to clean up right now. Still, she did pull her own gun again. The situation was bad though. Ares - the one who booked the suite - had disappeared. Instead, two women were crashing in it. One who didn’t speak English, and the other who looked like she hadn’t slept in a full week. “Προσπάθησε να... δεν ξέρω! Πείστε τους να φύγουν.” (Try to… I don’t know! Convince them to just leave.)

Aphro blinked at the exclamation, wondering who the child had dealt with in the past…well, besides her father. Okay, that right there was probably where that comment came from but she handled issues in another way. ”Το να σκοτώνεις είναι πολύ ακατάστατο για τα γούστα μου, καλύτερα να το αποφύγω καθόλου αν είναι δυνατόν. Δεν χρειάζεται να ανησυχείτε, είμαι σίγουρος ότι μπορώ να τους πείσω.” (Killing is too messy for my taste, better to avoid it altogether if possible. No need to worry, I'm sure I can convince them.), she whispered in return before carefully opening the door, not even bothering to fetch something to make herself decent.

”Γεια σας, πώς μπορώ να σας βοηθήσω και τους δύο καλοί κύριοι; Υπαρχει ενα προβλημα?” (Hello, how can I assist both of you fine gentlemen? Is there a problem?), Aphrodite purred, lust dripping off every word as she relaxed against the door frame, crossing her arms under her bust to make them more prominent while gazing over both of them as if wishing to devour the duo in a fit of passion. Her powers flowed freely, ready to entice the security officers and bend them to her will. It was hard to say with the new limitations what would happen but she was at least willing to try. Aphro was still unused to the world but mortal men could not have changed all that much. It would be surprising for sure if they had.

The two guards were taken by surprise when Aphrodite opened the door. Even though they shouldn’t have been. It wasn’t the first time they had to check in on a guest that opened the door naked like that. Yet with this woman they were stunned for a moment.

Isabel stood behind the door with big eyes. She couldn’t believe what was happening. The goddess just opened the door and spoke some Greek!? How was that going to help them at all!?

The men were looking at Aphrodite with a slight edge in their gazes. There was a feralness in them that wanted the woman. If both of them had still been in the marines things might have gone differently. But now they were married. One of the guards was reminded of his wife when he saw the woman. The other was reminded by the college girl next door. He had a tougher time holding himself back.

“Excuse me, ma’am.” The first said. “I’m afraid that we don’t really speak… whatever that is. Do you speak English?” He had his fair share of experience with beautiful foreign women. Though he was hoping she did speak English. If not this would require a lot of hand motions.

Meanwhile, Isabel, who was feeling the threads of the situation unraveling even more slowly raised her gun and put the barrel’s end against the door, approximately at the level of where the security guard’s head was. Just in case things went really south.

Frustration clawed at her again as it had earlier when trying to deal with Ares. Her powers were a failure, usually able to turn any head, desperate for her approval but now it seemed only a slight pull. On top of that, she couldn’t even twist her way with words as they understood none of what she had to say and she certainly couldn’t understand them. If Isabel’s body movement said anything it probably wasn’t a positive and the other woman didn’t seem in the best of moods to speak. She had a feeling if she left her to handle it, then it would end as well as letting Deimos run around with a knife and no rules. She tilted her head, debating on what the best course of action could be but she was at a loss. The closest thing she could do was let Isabel be her interpreter.

Aphrodite put on a smile, trying to cover most of her annoyance and spoke calmly, appearing to speak to the two before her but actually addressing the one behind the door. ”Απογοητευτικά, οι δυνάμεις μου δεν λειτουργούν όπως περίμενα. Τι λένε?” (Disappointingly, my powers aren't working as expected. What are they saying?)

Isabel turned pale. It wasn’t like she could actually say anything!

The second guard who was considerably younger spoke up. “Would you mind if we come in?” He didn’t wait for Aphrodite’s answer. He needed to get with her behind closed doors first. So he stepped forward and pushed the door more open.

Isabel had her finger on the trigger when she heard that. The door was moving. It pushed her aside. She wanted to squeeze the trigger but then remembered something her father once told her. An important lesson. She had shrugged it off at the time. Not now.

“We just have to check if everything is in order.” The younger security guard said as he walked in. His eyes were focused on Aphrodite still. How could they not be!? “We’ll be quick, I prom-“

With a hard hit on the back of his skull, Isabel tried to knock the guard unconscious. His head sprang back up though. So she wacked him again. This time he did fall forward. The older guard grabbed his pepper spray. Isabel moved faster. She pointed her gun at him. “Drop it.” He did as told. “Πιάσε το μπουκάλι - το πράγμα που του έπεσε.” (Grab the bottle- the thing he dropped.) Isabel ordered Aphrodite in almost the exact same way Ares would. “You, inside, now.” She said to the older guard again.

She did as she was told, feeling the urgency in the sudden request for this weird thing. Aphro felt bad for the passed out mortal as this situation that had become hell in a handbasket but at the same time, she hadn’t appreciated the unwelcome barging in of her space, whether it was egged on by their original purpose at the door or if it was because of her powers. She waited until the second man was completely in the room before closing the door, not wanting any prying eyes if things got overly violent. She at least remembered they would become groveling idiots or viciously angry while screaming at the one they blamed.

”Είστε σίγουροι ότι αυτό θέλετε να κάνετε? Οι θνητοί μπορεί να είναι άστατοι για τέτοιου είδους πράγματα και να ζητούν αποζημίωση με τη μία ή την άλλη μορφή.” (Are you sure this is what you want to do? Mortals can be fickle about this sort of thing and ask for compensation in one form or another.), Aphrodite asked, glancing up and down at the man before her, feeling more inclined to make sure he wasn’t harmed. He had been polite and unrushed, plus while it annoyed her he was able to resist more, something made her feel like it was because of something she held precious. Love. She couldn’t completely fault the man for that but at the same time, these two could have left them alone and the trouble wouldn’t have started. Mortals, how they left the feeling of contradiction with each action.

At this point the umpteenth time Isabel was running on little more than adrenaline. It kept her going but she felt it was wrong. She should rest soon. Except she couldn’t. “Δεν μπορώ να γυρίσω τον χρόνο πίσω.” (Can’t turn back time.) Isabel said to Aphrodite. Then she addressed the still-conscious guard: “Bind yourself to that door.” She motioned with the gun toward one of the interior doors of the suite. The guard did as he was told. Obviously, who would want to die in a place like this for what was probably only a little bit more than minimum wage?

Once the guard had tied himself up Isabel took his tie and made it into a gag. Then she turned towards Aphrodite. “Δεν θα υπάρξει καμία αποζημίωση για αυτούς.” (There won’t be any compensation for them.) She then looked around. They had bought themselves a few more minutes but the front desk would get suspicious. “Αυτό το μέρος είναι επικίνδυνο τώρα. Πρέπει να φύγουμε. Πιάσε ό,τι σου έδωσε ο μπαμπάς και μετά πάμε.” (This place is dangerous now. We need to leave. Grab whatever dad gave you and then let's go.) Her eyes were getting more wild. Her focus was getting blunt. It felt like she was forgetting something.

She nodded, moving back to the bedroom before placing the coat he gave her back on and slipping the phone as well as the… what had he called it? Card or something like that…the new money system for the mortals. It was a bizarre thing but she shoved both items in her pocket, regrouping with Isa in the main room. Isabel had her fathers instincts so if she said it wasn’t safe, she would believe her. Aphrodite wished Pasithea had picked up last night, it would have been so much easier. ”Δείξε το δρόμο.” (Lead the way.), she commanded, feeling on edge. She hadn’t liked being in the city area with all the watchful eyes and the carriage she had been brought here in was comfortable but strange. She wished she could get a handle on everything but it was overwhelming which is why the room had felt so nice. Hopefully Isabel knew of a similar place to go.

She didn’t.

Finding a new place was barely on Isabel’s mind right now. She couldn’t focus on thinking that far ahead. Right now she felt more driven by instinct and it was telling her to get out. She didn’t say anything to Aphrodite as the women regrouped. She just headed towards the elevator. A spell of dizziness hit her in the hallway. She stopped and put her hand against the wall to hold her up. She couldn’t collapse right now. After two deep breaths she kept on going.

In the elevator, her vision got blurry for a moment. At this point it was anyone’s best guess why. Blood loss? Fatigue? Emotional distress? The doctors would probably be able to say. Too bad she wasn’t about to go find either of them.

The elevator announced Isa and Aphrodite’s arrival in the main lobby. Again Isabel led the way forward. This time towards her car. With the press of a button she unlocked it. “Get in.” She said, before remembering that Aphrodite didn’t speak English. “Μπες μέσα.” The adrenaline was wearing off too quickly. Especially when she sat down behind the wheel. Her time was limited and she had nowhere to go. She hated that feeling of helplessness. It made her feel useless. Yet she had no choice now. She shouldn’t succumb to pride. Not now. “Σε χρειάζομαι... να μου πεις... πού πρέπει να πάω.” (I need you... to tell me... where I need to go.) She said. Only when she spoke did she realize how hard she was breathing.

Aphrodite had been silent, following instruction with worry at the woman’s declining health. She had tried to get her to rest earlier but she refused and now the concern was reaching high levels. Would she be able to be a stable driver? She couldn’t take control if needed. She bit her lip, pulling out the phone and looking at the screen again. Pasithea hadn’t answered yesterday no matter how many times she tried. Would this really work now? She had to try so instead of replying to Isabel, she hit the contact and prayed for an answer. The ringing sound entered her ear again, nerves frayed that she would hear the same unknown voice. Instead, she heard a voice she recognized but in a language she didn’t understand. Aphro heart lifted, pure joy and excitement overshadowing her concern for but a moment. ”Πασιθέα!” (Pasithea!)

There was a pause, just a moment of silence which made her fear she was wrong or that something happened where she could not hear. Had the magic worn off the phone? Relief flooded her as the goddess on the other side started to speak, “Αφροδίτη! Πως τα πήγες....που είσαι;! Είσαι ασφαλής!? Θα έρθω να σε πάρω.” (Aphrodite! How did you....where are you?! Are you safe!? I'll come get you.)

”Είμαι ασφαλής, αλλά χρειάζομαι ένα μέρος για να μείνω. Θα τα εξηγήσω όλα μόλις είμαι εκεί, αλλά χρειάζομαι οδηγίες.” (I'm safe, but I need a place to stay. I'll explain everything once I'm there, but I need directions.)

Στέλνω τη διεύθυνση στο τηλέφωνό σας. Απλώς δώστε το στον οδηγό και θα πρέπει να ξέρουν τι να κάνουν από εκεί. Φροντίστε να το λάβετε πίσω για να είμαστε σε επαφή. Πρόσεχε! Ενημερώστε με όταν φτάσετε.” (I'm sending the address to your phone. Just hand it to the driver and they should know what to do from there. Make sure you get it back so we can stay in contact. Be careful! Let me know when you have arrived.)

Aphrodite nodded, not really thinking about the concept that Pasi would not be able to see the gesture. The sound cut off and a ding startled her as something appeared on the screen. She showed it to Isabel like she was told to, hoping she would understand it. She didn’t really know how to work this thing and was afraid to do more with it. ”Πρέπει να πάμε εδώ. Θα μας φροντίσουν και θα είμαστε ασφαλείς. Ξέρεις που είναι?” (We have to go here. We will be taken care of and we will be safe. Do you know where it is?)

At this point Isabel barely registered the Greek. All she understood was “here” and “safe” when she looked at the address on the phone. It was enough. She gave Aphrodite a slight nod. Her wound was aching though. She rubbed it. It felt wet and warm. With bloodied fingers she slowly started to type in the address in the GPS. Midway she paused. Dizziness sent her vision spinning for a second. When it passed she finished it she put the car into gear and slammed down the accelerator.

Hades looked around his throne room and could help but smile in satisfaction at everything before him. The rather overly sized dining table was moved out and placed before the throne room to accommodate their guests who slowly began to trickle in and converse amongst themselves. It was so rare that he had visitors to his realm for much other than quest, but any time he had to shove it to his brothers he would gladly take it.

Hades was ripped from his thoughts as he felt Persephone's hand touch his for a moment as she leaned closer “Have you seen the Children dear?” she asked in a worried tone. Hades turned to his wife with a reassuring smile “I'm sure their fine Zag is probably just….” Hades paused for a moment as his mind couldn't form the words he knew he was supposed to say. Something was wrong, something was deeply wrong and Hades could feel it in his core but couldn't quite put his finger exactly on it.

Almost on cue all noise in the hall ceased at once causing Hades head to snap to the side just in time to see the hall itself fade away to darkness. “What is this? What is happening? Persephone?” Startled Hades turned to his wife who seemed unfazed about the very underworld around them fading away. “What are you confused about my love? You did this after all.” As she finished her sentence her very body seemed to morph into rose petals before they withered and dispersed revealing the lifeless bodies of his two children. Hades, unable to control himself, collapsed to his knees as he hung over their body, a deep sorrow filling him as his whole body slouched in defeat.

Tick….. Tick….. Tick….. Tick…..

Hades could feel his blood pressure rise with each tick that echoed throughout the empty void that surrounded him. Each progressive tick echoed louder and louder as they seemed to bounce off walls he couldn't see nor did he care to. He didn't care what the sound was or where it came from, all that mattered was his dead son laying before him. The ticking sound reached a crescendo that felt as though it was going to split his head wide open before it was cut short, being replaced by an eerie silence. Hades' eyes only moved as he saw a pair of shoes that seemed familiar come into view just on the other side of his. He was confused for a moment before a chill went down his spine when the being finally spoke.

“No need to put on this show for me. I know you're secretly glad to be rid of the brat once and for all.”

Hades immediately shot to his and took a step back in fear, something he couldn't remember having done in his long life. Standing before him was a perfect copy of himself down to the last detail. “Who are you? Why are you here?” Hades yelled through a shaky voice a far cry from his usual imposing self.

The copycat before him smiled wickedly upon hearing his question, “You already know the answer to those questions. That's why you still haven't responded to my last statement. You know it's true.”

“Are you mad? That is my son. My only son!” Hades finished as he pointed to the ground where his son once laid only to see it vanished. “No no where is he? Where is my son? Where have you taken him?” Hades shouted, Anger and frustration filling his voice.

“He's gone and you know that.” the figure stated as the two began to circle each other like predators waiting to pounce. “I'll say it again, you're glad he’s gone, admit it. Now he doesn't pose a threat to your rule. You're only mad you didn't do it yourself.” [/color]

Hades had heard enough as he rushed forward grabbing at the imposter's suit which merely faded away into smoke like the wearer before reforming a safe distance behind Hades. “What monster do you take me for? You think I would kill my own son to keep power!?” Hades screamed.

The figure before him brushed off his suit with an annoyed expression on his face. “Of course I do. Your son would have usurped you just as you did to your father and he to his own father and so on.” the wicked smile returned on the man's face causing Hades' stomach to twist.

“I'm not my father. He was an evil tyrant of a man who cared nothing for anyone, not even his own children.”

“And you're any different? You let two of your children die alone and you don't even know where the third one is. Who knows maybe your Precious wife will get it next. Though in her circumstance it would probably be a blessing rather than a tragedy.” He paused for a second seeing Hades' face before continuing. “Don't look at me like that, it's not as if the feeling is mutual between you two.” As the figure finished his sentence Hades' hands passed through him once again having failed to grab the figure's throat.

“Don't you dare talk of my wife in such a manner do you hear me! Ill rip you apart where you stand for such remarks.”

“Please, you know she could never truly love you. You're the very monster that kidnapped her from her own mother and friends and forced her to marry you and then trapped her inside your realm for half the year.”

“I never forced her to marry me. The pomegranates were her idea. I have shown her nothing but respect and love since the day I met her.” Hades snapped back attempting to disprove the statements of the doppelganger.

“Only after you trapped her in your castle and refused to give her up. What was she supposed to do? Deny one of the three Kings? Even now she only stays with you out of fear and dread of what might happen if she leaves. Not that I blame you of course it was the logical move. You saw something and you took it just as a god should. Just like I would have done.”

The void around them seemed to tremble at Hades' silent hurry with his eyes glowing a deep reddish orange, a tell-tale sign of his anger boiling over beyond the point of control. “Don't you dare speak of my wife in such a way. You are not worthy to say her name. But I will make you apologize just before I end your pathetic existence.”

The figure before him simply rolled his eyes as a small laugh escaped his lips before an evil smile returned on the face he shared with Hades. [color=0072bc] “It's not like you could even if you tried. Even at the height of your power it took all of you backstabbers to seal me away in that prison.”

Tick….. Tick….. Tick….. Tick…..

[color=0072bc]“It seems we're almost out of time but quite your tantrum. I expect such things from your brothers but i always figured you would be above it, you certainly act like you are. But we both know the truth, don't we son.” As he spoke Kronus stepped towards his eldest son placing a hand on his shoulder and leaning close to his ear. “You….. are…. Just …. like ….ME.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Hades awoke his head shot up from its resting position on his desk where he had apparently passed out. Though he had a raging headache Hades hand immediately went to the shoulder that his father had grabbed. As his hand rested on the shoulder he felt a chill run down his spine as the words he had just heard began to set in. Standing from his desk Hades began to exit his office before stopping just in the door to turn and look towards the large Grandfather clock that stood against the wall. “I'm nothing like you.” he said in a stern voice that hid the slightest bit of doubt before closing the door behind him.

Tick….. Tick….. Tick….. Tick…..

---

‘You have reached your destination.’

The GPS announced Isabel’s arrival at the apartment. To say she was entirely lucid at this point was a lie. Darkness was already creeping in from the edges of her vision. If a cop had seen her driving he would’ve tried to pull her over for sure. “We’re here.” Isabel muttered as she opened her car door, forgetting entirely that her passenger didn’t speak English. Still, she managed to stand up and limp up towards the apartment building. This time she didn’t need to think about it, the concierge at the front desk was eyeing her with absolute suspicion. With tired eyes she scanned the intercom, searching for the right number. Eventually, she found the button behind which temporary respite laid. She pushed – and left a bloody mark - on the button calling Miss Chalaróste.

Aphrodite stared at the mark left behind, not saying anything for the sake of the woman’s pride but she was concerned for the mortal. Blood was never a good sign and she was pushing herself too hard, something was going to snap….well, more so than attacking other mortals. Either way, she wasn’t sure what they were waiting for by a random wall until that same wonderfully sweet but nervous voice appeared from the box instead of through the phone, though the strange language was getting annoying.
”I-I’ll buzz you in, j-just take the elevator up.”
She waited for Isabel to guide her, sticking close behind and getting ready to catch the young woman if she keeled over because she was positive it was inevitable at this point. Stubbornness seemed to be a strong trait of Ares because Aphro was now convinced it no longer was from her side in the equation of their offspring while observing one that was not her own. The ride up was a silent one, the silence comfortable as they headed to see the one she viewed as her adoptive daughter even if she was related to her past paramour.

Many floors above, Pasithea was a nervous wreck at the sight through the camera of who had delivered Aphrodite to her. She didn’t like to deal with those of Ares’s blood and there was no missing it in the other woman’s face. She had spent enough time as a pretend mortal and immortal to know one a mile away. The woman looked weak though and she had gone through the trouble to reunite her with someone she viewed as precious. She couldn’t turn her away no matter how much she wished to. ’I’m too nice for my own good. This is gonna be a freaking mess…, she groaned in her thoughts as she physically rubbed her hands over her face before hugging herself for comfort. She paced back and forth on repeat until she heard a knock, taking a deep breath to try and steel her nerves for what she was going to have to face.

Isabel rode the elevator clinging to staying conscious for dear life. Her breathing got shallow. In the elevator. She zipped up her coat, it was getting cold. Still, just a strong coffee would be enough to get her going. All she needed was some fluids and she’d go back out to find her father. The elevator announced her and the goddess’ arrival on the right floor. Despite her state, she could still find the right door and knocked on it hard.

The door opened slowly, a soft smiling Pasithea on the other end as she moved to the side to allow them entrance. She understood that Aphrodite wouldn’t understand English at this point and simply gestured them inside, gasping as she was engulfed momentarily in a warm hug. One that caused a soft blush on her cheeks as she returned it gently before pulling back. ”Χαίρομαι που σε βλέπω και πάλι.” (I’m glad to see you again.)
”Κι εγώ εσύ, κρίνο μου λευκό.”
(And I you, my lily white.)
”Λοιπόν, ποια είναι η νέα σου... γνωριμία?”
(So, who’s your new...acquaintance?)
”Πού είναι οι τρόποι μου! Πασιθέα, αυτή είναι η Ισαβέλ, κόρη του Άρη. Πραγματικά, αγαπητέ, πρέπει να ξέρεις την ανιψιά σου…”
(Where are my manners! Pasithea, this is Isabel, daughter of Ares. Really, dear, you must know your niece…)

Pasithea lightly frowned, holding the bridge of her nose for a moment to get herself under control instead of stating the fact that she might know if Ares didn’t enjoy secrets so much, plus it wasn’t like she wanted to be a part of Ares’s life or his children or at least the more violent ones. It was at least good that it was confirmed on who she was dealing with and not just having a strong guess. She also didn’t want to debate with Aphrodite again about her half-brother. Instead, she moved around the pair, eyeing Isabel cautiously as she closed the door behind them before facing the other woman head on.”P-Pleasure to meet you, Isabel. N-Now, why don’t we all have a seat and t-then I will take a look at that leg of yours. W-We can have a cup of tea while I work.”, she said softly, trying to keep her powers in check as she tried to lead them to the living room. The sooner she took care of Isabel and got Aphrodite settled in, the sooner she could work out what to do next and see which of Aphro’s children might be right to get into contact with. They were going to want to know about their mothers sudden appearance. There was also someone else she needed to contact and the goddess before her wasn’t going to like it.

“No need.” Isabel said as she held up her hand, in response for both the tea and the aid. If she sat down now she was fairly sure she wasn’t going to get up again in a few hours. That was unacceptable. Normally she would’ve looked Pasithea up and down and judged her before the woman even spoke. Right now she couldn’t even think what Pasithea was the goddess of. She was getting far too tired. Carrying along the weight of the gun didn’t help, so she pulled it out and tossed it on one of the raised surfaces around. “I just need… a coffee.”

By now Isabel was gritting her teeth. Why was she feeling so tired right now!? It was weakness. She hated weakness. She was hating herself for getting weak. Her father never got weak. When he was home he would work out in the gym through the entire night. She heard him yelling through the pain of exertion. Why couldn’t she do that? She was his daughter! Instead, she felt the growing, aching pain in her leg breaking her down. Her own body was betraying her and she hated it for that.

Isabel might not have been able to look her up and down in judgment but that didn’t stop Pasithea from doing so to her. She was just as confusing as half of Ares' children but there was a trick she used when dealing with stubbornness. It wouldn’t take much from the look of it to lull the woman into sleep or at least to be a bit more compliant though she hated to use her powers without Isabel’s permission, but it was the only way that she would be able to help. Her half-brother never seemed to seek help when he needed it most and while it had advantages, it was also his downfall in many ways. Pasithea smiled, clasping her hands together with a small nod. ”Coffee, of course. How do you like it?”, she asked as she let her powers flow freely, trying to let the poor woman relax as well as take control of the situation while letting Isabel feel like she was the one in control and not Pasi.

”Τι συζητάτε εσείς οι δύο?”
(What are you two prattling about?)
”Απλά ρωτάω για τις προτιμήσεις ποτών. Θα πάω στην κουζίνα για να τα μαστιγώσω όλα μαζί, όσο εσείς οι δύο θα είστε στο σπίτι.”
(Just asking about drink preferences. I'll go into the kitchen to whip everything together while you two make yourself at home.), Pasi answered smoothly, not taking her eyes off Isa as she did. She could hear Aphrodite moving to lounge on the couch, drifting into a relaxed and inviting position much like in the old days when she served the woman along with some of the other charities. She wished that it had just been the two of them, able to reminisce on the past and catch up without prying eyes or ears but things never seemed to be simple.

“Black.” Isabel said in a meek voice. Something was happening. The tension that kept Isabel together began to ebb away. In its place came fragility. It felt as if she was getting sick. Was it one of the goddesses? Isabel was no stranger to being influenced by them. Even if it wasn’t them, the weird, siren call of the couch didn’t sing to her until she stepped into the apartment. “This was a mistake.” She mumbled. Her eyelids felt heavy and her head was spinning.

“I need to go.” She managed to get out as she reached for her gun. This place wasn’t right. It wasn’t right. At this rate she wouldn’t be able to search for her father anymore. She needed to get out. With small steps she made her way toward the door.

Pasithea bit her lip, debating on if she should be the bigger person and stop her or if she should selfishly take the out she had been given. ’I must have something wrong with me…’, she thought to herself before getting ready to sign herself up for some punishment, possible gun shot and all. ”I really don’t think you should be w-wandering around aimlessly in your c-current state. Frankly, I-I’m surprised you made it here at all. Why not have some coffee and get into a better place physically?”, Pasi said, trying to convince the other to stay.

Aphrodite frowned, noticing the talking and being ignored yet again but most of all it was Isabel trying to leave. This girl was going to be the death of her or at least her patience. She could only imagine what Ares might say if she let his mortal daughter gallivant after him the way she looked now. He had always been protective of what was his after all. She stood up from her quite comfy position, marching beyond both women to stand in front of the door with her arms crossed. Her eyes narrowed at the two, her irritation coming to a full head and her patience thin. ”Πού νομίζεις ότι πας; Δεν θα σε κατηγορήσω για το πείσμα σου δεσποινίς. Μπορεί να μην μπορείτε να δείτε την κατάσταση στην οποία βρίσκεστε, αλλά δεν είμαι καθόλου τυφλός. Ξέρω ότι θέλεις να βρεις τον πατέρα σου, αλλά δεν είναι αυτός ο τρόπος. Τώρα καθίστε, αποδεχτείτε ευγενικά ό,τι προσφέρεται και μετά θα διαμορφώσουμε ένα σχέδιο δράσης.” (Where do you think you are going? I will not be blamed for your stubbornness young lady. You might not be able to see the state you are in but I am far from blind. I know you wish to find your father but this is not the way. Now, have a seat, graciously take what is being offered, and then we will formulate a plan of action.), she stated, pausing for a moment before angerly adding, ”Επίσης, απαιτώ να αποφύγετε οι δυο σας να με αφήσετε έξω από την κουβέντα!” (I also demand that you two refrain from leaving me out of the conversation!)

“I’m fine!” Isabel screamed. Something snapped in her. Someone else had called her out. She was weak and people could see it now. “I’m fine! I don’t need help! I never needed help!” What did this goddess know of her plight anyway!? She wouldn’t roam aimlessly. She’d find the clues. She’d find her father! How could she ever rest without finding her father!? She turned around only to see Aphrodite standing in front of the door with her arms crossed.

Isabel could only understand snippets of the Greek the goddess of beauty gave. She heard something about stubbornness, something about this not being how it’s done, taking a seat and finally, in an angry tone, something about not wanting to be left out of the conversation.

None of it mattered to Isabel right now. Stopping, waiting, it was all useless. None of it would do her father any good. “Out of my way!” She returned. Her tone was a mixture of anger and frustration. She took one step towards Aphrodite, ready to pull her out of the way if need be.

It broke the camel’s back.

Her leg buckled. Like a graceless sack of potatoes, Isabel collapsed. She let out a scream. Pain shocked her system. It was coming from everywhere now. She immediately began to cry. Then she screamed against the floor. It was a scream of pure frustration. But after that she bit through the pain. She grabbed the back of the couch and pulled herself up from the floor. Something as trivial as this pain would not defeat her. She couldn’t let it. How could she ever face her father if she knew she failed here? How could he ever be proud of her? How could he ever love her again? She was not going to give up, so she took another step.

But her legs refused to carry her. She fell again.

Aphrodite hadn’t flinched in the face of anger and frustration, standing her ground even before the failed step. She had fights with Ares, with her children, with other immortals and she was still here. She might not be the best physically but she knew how to get her point across and would willingly put herself in harms way for what she wanted. She watched the screaming in disapproval, chalking it up to the snap she had been waiting for and now let the tantrum ensue as she would a toddler. If she had just listened to her in the first place, she wouldn’t be in this position now. Aphro wished to have a seat and relax once more while being spoiled by Pasithea but she wasn’t about to trust Isabel to think straight and not attempt to leave again if she got enough energy to do so which had Aphro planted firmly at the door, leaning against it while waiting to see the next outcome.

Pasithea on the other hand was more empathetic and felt herself ache at watching the scene unfold before her. She hated seeing Aphrodite upset, her features so much more dazzling when she smiled and also one less person being smited was always a plus because that was the look she normally gave before trouble started. She also hated seeing someone push themselves to the brink and for Ares no less but it just showed that the wilted woman before her thought that highly of her father and loved him dearly. She couldn’t fault that. She loved her father just as dearly and would face any danger or trail to help him but she also knew when to get help. It was a surprise that something had happened to Ares but Aphrodite had promised to fill her in on the details of her return which should include the extra information. For now though, she knelt down beside the woman slightly crumpled on the floor, gently taking her arm with strong guiding hands as she looped it over her shoulder to help Isabel stand before focusing them to move toward the couch. She inwardly cringed at the blood stain she might have to deal with but that was a future her problem. Pasi wasn’t sure if she was going to have a fight either but she was stronger than she looked, at least when going up against a wounded mortal or part mortal.

The mortal didn’t resist. Couldn’t resist. At least not physically. The pain had finally reduced her to a sobbing mess. She felt useless. Weak. Slow. Everything she hated in life. Everything she knew her father hated too. “I-I have to.. I have to..” she kept saying, breathless. “I can’t be… useless. Weak. Dad.. is still.. Missing.” But then she was laid out on the couch and the darkness took her.

Aphrodite was relieved when Isabel was finally out for the count, lazily pushing off the closed door to resume her previous lounge position as she watched Pasithea flitter about. The rustling in the other room had the goddess figuring that the sweet flower was preparing refreshments and working out each step to keep the two safe and relaxed. When she entered once more, she knelt before Isabel, working on the wound if she had any thoughts on the matter but she felt her eyes heavy. The room around her was already wavering between reality and illusion, the other goddesses power pulling at her to the past. It was much more pleasant to let herself relax into sleep than re-live a possible nightmare.

Pasithea washed the blood off her hands, drying them with a hand towel in her kitchen as she turned off the screaming kettle with a frown. She had stitched up Isabel once more, the fresh stitching having come undone which had been the mortal's ultimate issue and now both her guests were sleeping. She had hidden the gun that Isabel brought, not wanting it used upon her if Isa woke up in good shape and bad mood. Ares could be in trouble and one of her visitors was concerned enough that Pasi couldn’t just ignore it. There were few she knew to be on the case of the murders and some not the biggest fan of the war god or those she didn’t know. If the disappearance was part of all this, then someone needed to know and be on the lookout. She had to be careful that they wouldn’t come here either as she wanted to keep Aphrodite safe.

She pulled out her phone, biting her lip as she looked at the unanswered message from yesterday and debated if it was worth texting again. Would he answer? Would he ignore her? Pasi shook her head, not letting fear get in the way or convince her not to help Ares. She was scared of him but he was still her blood.

To: Hati
I wasn’t sure who to contact or what to do…Ares is missing. I usually would go to Athena for this but I can’t risk her showing up here. Do you think you could check in on this? See what you can dig up? A woman named Isabel showed up here and is worried for him. I might have used my powers and I’m not sure what she will do when she wakes up.

That out of the way, she set to dial a number this time and knowing the goddess in her living room was going to be extremely upset if she found out what she was planning. Pasi waited on the line, waiting for the kind and gentle feminine voice on the other end. ”P-Psyche, I need a huge favor a-and I’m apologizing in advance for having to ask but this is important.”

---

Connections

_{location: Pasithea’s Apartment
interactions: Aphrodite | Pasithea | Psyche | Eros}

---

Her blue eyes turned frigid as glaciers, glaring daggers as she stiffly sat with rage boiling just under the surface while trying to show some semblance of maintaining a regal composure. She scanned her gaze to the betraying goddess, the sweet girl unable to face her because of the crime she had committed against her person. How dare she bring this lowsome woman before her?! The one that had turned her followers' heads and made them abandon her shrines, resending their offerings to bestow them on a falsity. The one that had been painted as the Goddess of Beauty and Love in human form or by some miracle believed she had been the one to bless such a conniving harlot. This vile trickster who stole her beloved son’s heart and then instantly betrayed his trust. The one who burned him. The one who couldn’t even manage to complete her challenges to earn forgiveness without weakly gathering the sympathy of others to cheat and gain immortality. Psyche had never been good enough to be with her son and she couldn’t stand to be in her presence even if they were not speaking. Aphrodite couldn’t stand it any longer, a strict and harsh tone laced with a tinge of hurt was the voice greeting Pasithea as she made her displeasure known.

”Πώς τολμάς να φέρεις αυτό το παράσιτο μπροστά μου! Ποτέ δεν πίστευα ότι ήσουν ικανός για τέτοια προδοσία. Σε έχει αλλάξει τόσο πολύ ο χρόνος?”
(How dare you bring this parasite in front of me! I never thought you were capable of such betrayal. Has time changed you that much?)
”Με όλο μου το σεβασμό—“
(With all respect—), Psyche started, trying to come to Pasithea’s defense and spare her some wrath, only to be cut off abruptly as Aphrodite’s head and attention snapped to her suddenly.
”Δεν σου μιλούσα! Κράτα τη γλώσσα σου εκτός αν σου ζητηθεί.”
(I wasn't speaking to you! Hold your tongue unless asked.), came her words, vicious and dripping with venom. If looks could kill, Psyche was sure she would be dead and buried. It caused a chill down her spine, remembering all the attempts at her death during the challenges put forth by Aphrodite. Eros had kept her going then, made her fight on because he was worth dying for. Now, there was no one around to fight for and she felt far less brave than she once had when facing this woman.

Pasithea sighs as she hugged herself, looking pitifully sad and awkward by the encounter happening in her home. She knew this wouldn’t be easy for either of the goddesses but this was getting out of hand. She let some of her powers flow once more, Psyche seeming to take hold of that to smooth her frayed nerves while Aphro seemed more irritated, resisting against it. She figured it might be showing her a more negative side of things which was a problem.
”Πασιθέα, απαντά τώρα και μην προσπαθήσεις ξανά να μου αποσπάσεις την προσοχή.”
(Pasithea, answers now and do not try to distract me again.)
” Όσο κι αν μισείς να το ακούς, χρειάζεσαι τη βοήθειά της. Η Ψυχή ήταν απρόθυμη να βοηθήσει και παρόλα αυτά άφησε τις διαφορές της στην άκρη για να είναι εδώ.”
(As much as you will hate to hear this, you need her help. Psyche was reluctant to assist and still put her differences aside to be here.)
”Δεν θέλω ούτε χρειάζομαι τίποτα από αυτήν.”
(I want nor need anything from her)
Θέλετε να προκαλέσετε ταλαιπωρία στα παιδιά σας? Οι άνθρωποι εδώ δεν μιλάνε τη γλώσσα μας. Θα τους αναγκάσεις να σου ερμηνεύσουν? Αφιερώνουν εγωιστικά το χρόνο τους και φαίνονται αδύναμοι μπροστά τους? Η ψυχή θα σου δώσει γνώση χωρίς αγώνα.”
(Do you want to cause a hassle for your children? The people here do not speak our language. Are you going to force them to interpret for you? Selfishly take up their time and appear weak before them? Psyche will give you the knowledge without struggle.)

Aphro hated this. Pasi was right but she hated to admit it. She would do anything for her children. They were the joys of her life. They should be happy and surprised to see her but if she could speak this new language for them, that would make things easier. Her lips turned to a thin line as she shook her head slowly to answer the questions set before her, relenting to the words spoken.
”Ωραία, θα δεχτώ για χάρη των παιδιών μου.Τι πρέπει να κάνω?”
(Fine, I will accept for my children's sake. What do I need to do?)
”Κλείσε τα μάτια σου και θα αναλάβω τα υπόλοιπα. Κάτω από το άγρυπνο βλέμμα της Πασιθέας φυσικά...για να είσαι ήσυχος.”
(Close your eyes and I will handle the rest. Under Pasithea's watchful gaze, of course...so you can be at ease.), she said softly, knowing full well that the goddess before her was going to flip her lid in a moment. Psyche could only hope that whichever child Pasi called earlier would arrive before their mother sent her to a hospital.

Aphro shot another distrustful gaze before closing her eyes, fingers curling into tight fists to control herself. She was just glad that Isa was asleep for now, not wanting to show the fragile child this side of her and also because the other needed the rest. It was probably the only reason she hadn’t fully screamed or shouted at this point. All she could hear was her own heartbeat in her ears, ringing as she worked to keep her frayed nerves and rage in check while waiting for the unknown at how to fix her current issue involving speech. The shuffling of feet distracted her for a moment, making her eyes almost open when a brush of lips pressed lightly against her own causing her to freeze for a split second, her mind clicking two and two together. The next moment, she yanked away as her eyes flew open, bringing up her hand and slapping the goddess in front of her across the face with her full strength before standing to tower over the woman now gripping her cheek in pain. She hadn’t even noticed the lack of Pasi behind the couch anymore or the fact that the front door was open as she focused in on Psyche. ”How dare you!”

There was silence from the doorway, until footsteps made their way across the wooden floor, stopping next to Aphrodite. A hand gripped her forearm and pulled it away, lest she try to harm the goddess again. The smile that Eros had worked so hard to plaster on his face had been wiped away, instead replaced by something difficult to define.

"...Mother?" Words finally managed to spill from his lips as he tried his best to avoid glancing in Psyche's direction. He daren't look and risk seeing that which he had always feared. It ended with him staring at his dear mother; irritation, confusion, and most of all sadness maring his usually good-humored features. "I…" He paused. He didn't know what to say. The temptation to just run was there but the dark haze that had clouded his mind since his encounter with Phobos lingered, making his clothes feel as heavy as lead and his legs as if in chains. "Why are you--what are you--what the hell are you doing?!" He finally blurted out, failing to acknowledge that she may prefer him to be speaking in greek. "Pasithea said you've only been back a day and you're already slapping people?" The god of love shook his head, trying hard to ignore the slight shakiness in his hand and the feeling of his heart beating uncomfortably fast.

Aphrodite was stunned to say the least when the hand wrapped around her forearm was that of Eros. She should have known wherever Psyche was that he would not be far behind which made the situation look negatively in her favor and once again made the other goddess look like a saint. Here she was being scolded when his wife had just kissed her! Sure, most of the Greeks were not very honorable when it came to spouses but she always thought these two had been (much to her annoyance since she couldn’t use that option in the past to cause jealousy or break them apart). She wanted to throw accusations, cause a fuss and scream but she knew it would most likely fall on deaf ears though that isn't why she didn’t speak. She looked at her son’s face, seeing the mixed emotions but honing in on the sadness there. Ignoring his questions, she cupped his face gently and asked softly, ”Who brought you such sadness? Was that my fault?”

Psyche couldn’t say she wasn’t prepared for retaliation but damn did it smart. She was probably going to have a nice mark for awhile with how bad it stung. She thought the footsteps were Pasi getting between them but when she glanced up and saw the shocked woman by the front door who instantly looked over apologetically at being distracted, she realized it was whoever Pasi called. The voice that spoke had her heart racing with only one word, butterflies dancing in her stomach, and hope gripping hold of her as she laid on Eros, the closest she had been to him since the fall. She almost thought he was an illusion, a hallucination from Pasithea’s power that had just kicked in late but then Aphrodite had reacted to his presence. He was real. He was right there and yet he still felt so far away, as if there was a wall between them. She wanted to get up, force him to look at her, demand the answers to the questions she had been longing to ask. She couldn’t bring herself to do it though, already feeling like she had ruined what was supposed to be a happy reunion with his dear mother. Psyche sat there, holding her cheek while her eyes never left the back of his form while praying just for a glance at what Aphro was seeing. She wanted to be the one to chase away his sorrows, to ask those important questions on who she should confront but it wasn’t her place. It hurt to think it but what else was there to think when your…well, was he still her husband if he ran at the sight of her. She bit her lip, trying desperately not to let tears build up or fall even if she could blame them on the pain. She had not let Aphrodite see her cry and she wasn’t about to start now, even if the ache in her heart was worse than anything else in this moment.

Eros blinked as he felt his mother cup his face, his eyes darting to the floor. "Nothing…nothing is wrong." He lied, though by the time he looked up again he had managed to smile. It was a smile that always eased her concerns and could charm even the most stone-hearted of men. "You worry too much as always. I was just surprised to see you here, though I'm so glad you are!" Eros chimed as happily as he could, taking her hands between his own and squeezing them tightly. It was his duty as a son to appear joyful, even if all he really wanted to do was sleep for a long long time. Since he was born that had been his role. To please his mother, though he had not always been able to manage even that. The thought made him acutely aware once more of how close to Psyche he was and his eyebrows furrowed as he realized that she was probably in pain. Without turning to face her, he addressed her, his voice monotone for worry that it might tremble.

"Are you okay Psyche? Perhaps Pasithea may have something to ease the pain…"

”If you are sure, my sweet! I have missed you so much and I’m so glad I was still able to give you a wonderful surprise! I did not realize that I would be seeing you so soon.”, Aphro smiled brightly, happy that her son was by her side. She wished all of her children could have been here but she was delighted one of them had appeared. She squeezed his hands back, trying to reassure him of her presence. She loved all her children but it was not surprising to most that the son before her had always been the closest to her. They were just similar and he had always been more on her side than some of her other children. She tried not to frown at the sudden concern for Psyche but it was fair she guessed. She had slightly broken the promise to not harm or interfere when it came to the other goddess after all.

Psyche was startled at being addressed, feeling tongue tied at the first conversation they were going to have and yet, she felt crushed. Tears built up in her eyes that she desperately tried to hold back at the monotone voice, how he was still unable to look at her, and finally asking Pasithea to help about the pain. Her cheek didn’t hurt anymore or at least she couldn’t feel it compared to the emotional pain in that moment. ”I’ll be fine.”, she replied weakly, trying to convince herself but also realizing that or more accepting that this was over. Whatever they had was gone at least for him. She had waited for so long and had gotten an answer without having to ask. She should have listened to Fen. She should have given up sooner and just found someone else to love but…she hadn’t wanted to, she still didn’t but…it wasn’t her choice to make.

Pasi knew the moment she saw Psyche’s expression that she had messed up. She had been so worried about keeping Aphrodite happy and honestly, she didn’t know much about the lives of Ares children. She had assumed
they were still a thing even with Eros' bizarre business. ”I-I’m sure that there is s-something I can do. Don’t worry!”, she answered also, trying to soothe over the awkward situation. She had a feeling she was going to be supporting someone falling apart soon while also looking after a patient that didn’t want to be one. This was not shaping up to be a pretty day. Pasi quickly scrambled to the kitchen, taking out an ice pack from the freezer and carefully wrapping it in one of her clean dish towels before returning to Psyche, offering up the item to help soothe the ache. ”Thank you.”, she said in a dazed tone, trying to keep it from shaking with the emotional strain of holding back tears before offering up a light smile as she pressed the cold compressed to her cheek.

Eros couldn’t help it. It had been centuries since he’d even been in the same room as Psyche and despite that, he still could not resist the urge to make sure that she was okay. He glanced in her direction, noting the tears that were welling up in her eyes and how beauti-- he looked away before he could dwell on that thought anymore than he already had. It would be too painful. He couldn’t…wouldn’t risk encouraging even a modicum of hope inside of him. Making sure to still keep his smile light, he gently steered his mother away from the other two goddesses, hoping that they would be out of earshot.

“I sort of assumed you would go to father if you ever woke up.” He replied honestly, “Though, I…I don’t understand why Psyche is here.” Even saying her name tugged at his heart and the images that had flashed through his mind at Phobos’ hands flared back into life. “Or why you were kissing her.” He whispered, a pout almost forming on his lips. It’s not that he was jealous that his mother had gotten to kiss his wife…ex wife? But well, yeah he was jealous. “Not that I have anything against kissing people. Kissing people is great. Who doesn’t like kissing?” He was rambling. Stop thinking about kissing Eros. “But, well…it was pretty weird.”

Aphrodite raised a brow at his words, pouting with a hint of disgust as she crossed her arms. ”You act as if I was the one to kiss her. If you want answers ask your wife because I had nothing to do with that display. As for going to your father, I did but then he did what he does best and had better things to do. I was suddenly greeted by his newest child in the morning and she stated that not only is your father now missing but it wasn’t safe at his place. This was the safest place I could think of without spoiling the surprise for all my children. She had a prior injury and is currently down for the count in Pasi’s room now.”

A look of bewilderment crossed across Eros’ face. “Newest child? What are you talking about?” His mind ticked over trying to figure out what the hell his mother was on about. The part about his father going missing seemed to concern him less. Newest child…newest child…wait, did Psyche have a child?! Was she married? Was it to a god or a mortal? All these thoughts ran through his head, pushing past the heavy leaden feeling and spurring him into action. He took hold of his mothers shoulders and shook her dramatically. “Tell me!” He pleaded desperately, apparently having completely missed the part about the child being his fathers. “And I can’t speak to her! You have to do it. Please please please!”

Her eyes widened at the sudden desperation in her son’s voice, not understanding why he was so stirred up about a new half sister. Also, when had he ever not been able to speak to his wife…well, except after the betrayal of trust. ”What in the underworld has gotten into you? I didn’t think a new half sister would cause so much concern. Also, why do I have to speak with her?! The less we talk the better.”

Oh. A half-sister. Yep, that made more sense. His father had no qualms about keeping secrets from them all, so it wasn’t exactly a surprise. “She’s here?” He said curiously, peeking around her shoulder. “Is she hot? Wait, no, I mean…is she nice?” As much as the Greeks had blurred such boundaries, he was well aware that it was no longer socially acceptable. He’d probably need to make a note to tell his mother of this. Biting down on his lip, he once again steered Aphrodite even further away from the others. Spotting a closet door, he opened it and squeezed them both inside, letting out a small ‘ow’ when a mop handle fell on his head. He didn’t want to admit this to his mother, knowing how much she would likely bask in the news. But he knew he had to. Steeling himself, he took a deep breath. “I haven’t spoken to Psyche for two millenia. Well, I guess except for a moment ago…” He admitted sullenly, “So I was thinking maybe…you could…do it for me?” Eros shot her a hesitant smile.

”She is…very much your father’s child.”, Aphro answered in regard to Isa, feeling more confused by her son as the seconds passed. She felt like she was missing a key piece to the puzzle. It wasn’t long before she (unimpressed mind you) found herself in a cramped cabinet, led there by Eros and completely confused to the point of it all. She waited patiently, clearly wanting an explanation and boy was it worth the wait. She didn’t even bother to hide the pure delight and happiness about his statement. ”That is simply wonderful! I’m so glad to hear you came to your senses even if it was when I wasn’t aro…wait, why do you want me to speak to her? What is it that you intend to make me discuss with her?”, she questioned as a frown slowly etched its way onto her features.

“Oh I don’t know. How she is, what she’s been up to, has she met anyone, is she married…” He trailed off, there were too many questions to be asked and so little time. The change in his demeanor was dramatic but the love god had always been subject to such whims. “And I didn’t have any sense to come to! No, I mean, I just figured the arrow's magic wouldn’t be working anymore, so she wouldn’t love me after the fall. And I couldn’t risk her telling me that. It would be a disaster!” The words, which he had never spoken to anyone, spilled out of his mouth like water over a cliff. It showed how much he trusted his mother, even when she delighted in his pain. Unbidden, his eyes began to well up with tears, emotions that he had tried so hard to repress coming to the forefront of his mind & heart. “I know you never liked her but I need to know if she…” Eros swallowed, his mouth and throat feeling uncomfortably dry. “If she hates me…”

Her heart clenched much to her frustration as she watched her baby boy almost shed tears. She had never been able to handle his sadness let alone any of her other children and she wouldn’t be a love goddess without noticing the feeling that still was there. It annoyed her to pieces. Aphro couldn’t stand the partner he chose but she wasn’t going to make him suffer more. She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose and nodded in defeat. ”Fine….you know I can’t stand to see you like this…you owe me.”, she replied, slamming open the door in irritation before heading back into the room, taking a seat and crossing her legs as she stared straight at the other goddess.

”My son has brought it to my attention that I acted…out of place. I believe we have once again gotten off on the wrong foot…”, she said almost through gritted teeth and curled fists. Why did he have to ask such things of her? ”Perhaps, we can…start over. I know, why don’t you tell me how you have been? What have you been up to? Any grandchildren I should know about?”

To say she felt like she was walking on thin ice would be an understatement. First the two just randomly disappear, leaving Pasi and herself confused, both conversing between themselves and then Aphro just returns alone. Did Eros run again? Wait, did he go out a window? That was the least of her worries though. She felt like there was something deceptive and manipulative in the goddess before her. Had Eros not explained their situation? She would have thought Aphrodite would be tickled pink to not have to deal with her anymore. She awkwardly stared back for a moment and debated on if it was her place to inform her. Maybe she already knew and was just ready to rub it in her face while her son was out of the room. Yeah, that sounded about right. ”You don’t have to worry about grandchildren, at least not from me…Eros and I haven’t been together for quite awhile. I’ve been dealing with it and keeping myself busy with my bakery.”

”I’m so sorry to hear that.”, the false concern and the little smirk saying otherwise and ignoring the other comments to her questions. Hearing the news from her son had been nice but it was even sweeter to hear it confirmed by the one she despised. She took her earlier discarded cup of tea and took a sip. ”Anyone else filled his place yet? Human hearts are so fickle after all and easy to sway. Oh right, you are no longer mortal. I still forget at times.”

Aphro always did know how to grate her nerves and she wasn’t going to sit around and be insulted. ”Why don’t you say what you really want to say? If you are questioning my loyalty yet again then you should know better by now. No, there isn’t another and there has been no other.”

”Oh? So you don’t hate my son?”

”Are you seriously asking me that? Are you losing your touch?!”

”Perhaps I want to hear it from your own lips.”

”I could never. No matter how he feels about me.”, practically choking on her words. The spell was broken, Eros was free to do as he wanted and be with who he wanted. He could actually love another instead of a false love they shared. It had been real for her so the heartbreak she had alone was worse. At least he didn’t have to suffer like she did.

Aphrodite rolled her eyes, noting how these two were complete morons. It wasn’t her place to work it out for them and she sure as hell didn’t want them to. She could lie, just say that the goddess hated him and move on but she couldn’t crush her son in such a way. It was irritating that this leech refused to let up. It was even more so that the spell was gone and yet still the two were fawning. ”Excuse me, I think I’ll go check on Isa.”, with that exiting the room, planning on using that lie to inform her son if he hadn’t been listening in.

”Are you alright?”

”I’m fine, maybe I should go. I did what I came here to do and I think I am just making things worse.”

The words were barely audible from Eros’ place in the broom closet. And if anyone had peered down the corridor, they would’ve seen the god grappling with a set of precariously stacked boxes that were threatening to topple him to the ground. With a foot and an arm keeping them in place however, he managed to hear most of the conversation. His heart felt like a train thrumming through his body and for a moment, all he could too was stand there in the ridiculous position he had adopted, frozen in place. She didn’t hate him…she didn’t hate him but that did not mean she loved him. Would it be worse for her to feel nothing at all? To not care one way or the other? He was suddenly hit by a new, even worse fear. Ambivalence. It would make sense…for he had once been the monster that had stolen her away from her home and family. She had simply put up with his presence at first, and had only truly begun to love him after the mishap with the arrow.

It all made sense. Eros felt himself trembling and with that the boxes came crashing down on top of him. He let out a yelp as he fell to the ground, a moment of silence following before he groaned in pain. “Fuck…” He muttered to himself as he lay there, willing himself to move but not daring to go in the same room as Psyche. It was pointless though. He was so dumb to even expect her to hate him. He had been afterall, destined to never fall in love or be loved. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Psyche hadn’t even made it a step towards the exit as she heard the sound of something loudly crashing which caused her curiosity but at the yelp followed by a groan of pain had her completely forgetting what she had been about to do. Fear shot through her, her legs moving automatically as she roughly shoved past Aphrodite with little to no care as she rushed in the direction of the sound. Pasi quickly caught Aphro, making sure she didn’t tumble into the wall or slip more than she had in the startling action.

”Eros!”, Psyche gasped, seeing him laying there unmoving and quickly kneeling down next to him before removing some of the boxes in a panic. ”Are you alright!?! Are you hurt?! What happened!? Can you move?”, she asked, not really giving him time to respond as she checked him over with gentle touches before leaning over him so she could look at his face for injury but froze. Finally registering that not only had she invaded his personal space but touched him with all the familiarity she had been granted in the past and now was very close in a tempting way or at least tempting for her. She blushed brightly, nervously leaning back so her face wasn’t as close to his own. She tried to take her eyes off him but was unable to do so just like when she had first betrayed his wishes and gazed upon his beauty as he slept. It had been so long since she saw his face, she had almost forgotten how enchanting he was. Her heart went into double time, her hands shaking where they still sat on his form and unable to move, and bit her lip gently to keep from embarrassing herself more. He didn’t have feelings for her anymore and here she was fawning on him. Psyche was trying every second not to draw him into an embrace, kiss him passionately, and beg to give her another chance.

Eros never blushed. He rarely, if ever, had reason to feel embarrassed. But in that moment he did and his cheeks heated up in a way that was entirely foreign to him, and which matched the goddesses' own. He found himself staring up at Psyche, his gaze scanning over a face that had once been so familiar and which still had a hold on his heart. His skin felt as if on fire from her simple touches. Touches that had been no more than a kind person making sure he was not hurt.

Pushing a final box aside, he sat up, closing the gap between them once more. Close enough that he could see the complete lack of imperfections gracing her features. "I'm okay." He mumbled bashfully, a hand reaching up to rub the back of his head where it had collided with the floor. "I was just...making sure Pasi has enough cleaning supplies." Eros frowned at the ridiculous line and was glad that none of the acropolis boys were here to witness his abysmal state. His chest moved heavily in and out as he looked at her. Now they were face-to-face, he was having great difficulty in looking away and would've refused to in any other circumstances. Finally he leaned in closer, wrapping his arms around her and giving her a quick, if somewhat awkward hug.

"Thanks for the help." Eros mumbled before standing up and brushing himself down. Why the hell did he feel so awkward? This was not what he was meant to be like. The god of love was meant to be well...charming, good looking, full of grace. "I- I have to go." He added before turning to leave, not daring to look at her again.

Psyche actually giggled a bit at the comment, not believing for a second he had been worried about cleaning supplies but it didn’t matter. She could have been more grateful for the happy accident because she was here, in front of him, able to see his face instead of his form running from her or just seeing the back of him as he refused to even look at her. As he leaned closer, the blush of embarrassment quickly shifted to something real, heat rushing through her veins and relishing in the embrace as she leaned her head softly on his shoulder, her hands gliding to hold him closer but he pulled away too quickly. She wanted to curse herself for giving into a simple hug and almost getting carried away. She watched him stand, about to tell him it was no trouble when the words caught in her throat at his next words.

She desperately scrambled to her feet, reaching out to grab his arm with shaky hands. ”W-Wait! Do you really have to go? Can’t you stay even just for a little longer?”, Psyche asked, knowing that she was most likely setting herself up for failure but this was the first and maybe only time she would be in his presence again, to be able to touch him and see him if only for a moment. She had waited so long. She already cherished all she had gotten today but…for once, she wanted to be selfish. She wanted to be near him. She knew everyone pitied her. She knew things like this were the reason. That she couldn’t take no for an answer. That they all thought she should move on. They told her he had. Psyche wasn’t an idiot, she knew he could have anyone and probably did. Why would he have ever chosen her if it wasn’t for that arrow? She had been a maiden everyone sought out to see but never to wed. Never to love. Just a person to be admired. Eros had seen her for her. He had been a change for her, pushing away her loneliness. He had made her a better person.

---

U n i n v i t e d
U n i n v i t e d

_{location: Hathor’s Home
interactions: Hathor | Ra
mentions: Tlaz@KZOMBI3}

---

Hathor slowly shifted under the covers, something pulling her away from the tempting calls to fall back into sleep's peaceful embrace. She sat up slowly, the silken sheet and blankets pooling into her lap as she rubbed down her face with her hands, trying to remove the edge of slumber still present. She glanced out the window, practically wanting to groan in distaste as the first few rays of sunlight spilled in through her opened window. She cursed herself for not drawing the curtains closed, depriving herself of some much needed sleep after the rollercoaster that was the day before. It seemed she still rose with the sun now and then which was frustrating considering the occupation she had chosen but old habits die hard. Flinging the blankets aside, she stood up with a small stretch and made her way over to the window, fully prepared to shut the curtains before crawling into bed and hoping she was able to fall asleep quickly. That was until she heard something from downstairs. She paused for a moment, listening carefully to see if she heard another noise or if it was her imagination from the early hours mixed with lack of sleep.

At the confirmation that she heard footsteps and other noises drifting from downstairs, she moved more quietly, as if a panther on the prowl. Her footsteps were silent, careful and precise as she made her way carefully down the stairs. Whoever had dared to enter her home uninvited or was trying to steal from her had made a fatal mistake. She was not one to be trifled with and didn’t take kindly to those that disrespected her or her home. Hathor stealthily made her way to the kitchen, ready to grab a knife from the block to at least put fear into the mortal that had invaded her space but paused as she saw cleaned dishes on the drying rack, ones she knew for a fact hadn’t been used. It was then that she took a moment to realize that her kitchen smelled like breakfast, like someone had just been cooking not long ago. She swiftly grabbed the largest knife from the block, making her way slowly to the dining room when she found herself simply staring in shock. The mess and destruction of the dining room had been made spotless as if it had never occurred in the first place. The smashed dining room table, now was pristine and covered with different delicacies on serving trays but the thing that had her the most shocked, the reason why the knife in her hand clattered loudly to the floor due to her shaking, was the god sitting at the end of the table. Waiting for her as if he had been there all along.

”What are you doing here? How did you get in?”, Hathor asked seriously, trying to hold back a flood of rage at seeing him here. How dare he come into her home as if he was welcome?! She hated that buried with all the pain and hatred, she still felt that moment of her heart racing at seeing his face. That feeling that mortals called never forgetting your first love no matter the ending or how you parted ways. It made her sick. It made her angry. It made her feel weak. He had created her to be his wife and now, she desperately wished he hadn’t. She wanted no connection. She didn’t want any of the good times they had. She didn’t need a memory lane. Hathor officially wanted nothing from him and yet, here he was for some reason. She had had a peaceful existence without him and now he was back. Things never went well when it came to him in her life.

“I wanted to see you.” Ra said, in response to both of her questions, with a welcoming smile as he stood up. He was seated at the head of the new table. His suit jacket was neatly folded over the chair on the left of him. There was love in his eyes. A possessive love. “Please, sit.” He motioned with one hand to the chair on a 90° angle to the right of his. The only other spot on the table that was prepared with a plate. He remained standing as he held her gaze. It might have sounded like a request but it wasn’t.

An unpleasant shiver ran down her spine at his answer even with the welcoming smile attached to it, the lack of answer to the second question not going unnoticed. It really made her wonder how much she let him get away with things like this or if she had even noticed when she had been desperately in love. Her knees used to get weak with just that simple smile and she would have done anything to see it. Now, something told her to run but her feet wouldn’t move. She felt frozen under the weight of his gaze. Once the words were spoken, she knew very clearly that he wasn’t requesting…it was a demand. Hathor stood debating, wondering how much hassle it would be to ignore his order and simply walked away. Instead, she chose halfway in between, testing the waters and seeing what mood of his she was dealing with. ”And if I refuse?”, Hath questioned with a raise of her brow, holding his gaze from where she stood just as he was holding hers. She wasn’t going to appear weak. He had made her to be a queen so she would act like it, worry about how much this might crumble her later.

Ra’s smile faded. It was replaced by nothing. A neutrality. Underneath all of that something was simmering though. His authority was questioned to his face. He walked around the table. Without looking he pulled the chair designated for Hathor from under the table sideways. “Please don’t be difficult.” He said as he locked eyes with Hathor and brushed her hair behind her ear with one hand. He turned, and with one hand on the small of her back he ushered her forward towards the chair. “Let’s just enjoy each other’s company on this fine dawn.” His smile was there again. Still, with that simmering heat underneath.

Her hands balled into fists, the urge to slap the god before her increasing the more he casually touched her as if she would be alright with it. She doubted he cared what she thought or felt though as long as he had his way. It had taken her a long time to figure those points about his personality out. She didn’t speak a word after her question, nor did she grace him with a smile in return as she moved with his usher, simply to keep the peace for now. Hath took a seat, staring at the plate before her, irked that he still knew her favorites and was hoping to have at least one thing to pick at instead it was perfect in a frustrating way. At least eating would mean she wouldn’t have to talk so that was at least a positive. She had no idea why he had decided her company was worth wild and hoped that he lost interest quickly or maybe that Isis would appear and turn his head once again, keeping his attention off of her.

A cheeriness returned to Ra as he took his own seat up again. Hathor had listened to him. All was once more good in his world. And because it was good in his world, it was good in the world. “You look radiant this morning, my dear.” He said as he took a champagne flute. “I’m sorry it took me so long to visit you again. Mortality – even this deceptive form – can be quite the coil.” With his right arm he reached out and gripped Hathor’s hand. “So tell me, how have you been?”

Hathor calmly yanked her hand away, picking up her fork with the same hand to make it seem as though that had been the reason when it clearly was because she was done being played with and trying to be coiled around his finger. It was a game she did not want to be a part of. She took a few bites of her food, trying not to be hurt over the pet names or compliments that she believed were not meant or if they were, it was to inflate his ego in view of his creation. ”No apologies needed. I have been quite content without your visits. In fact, next time a longer extended period of absence might do us a world of good.”, she stated honestly, jamming her fork a few times into the food for her next bite. ”I do think it is an interesting coincidence though that you have not visited in all this time and chose to do so after two dead immortals appear.”

“It did made me realize I missed you.” Ra said as he swirled the flute of champagne with a melancholic and introspective look. “And it makes me sad to see you seem to claim you didn’t.” He followed up and then look at Hathor with a look hinting at sadness piercing through the mask. Then it faded again.

“Oh my. It would seem that I made a mistake then by not engaging Hera’s invitation. Who died? I hope not one of ours.” He said with a tone of surprise and almost shock as he leaned back in his chair. The acquisition was left ignored.

She felt a pang of regret for a split second at the melancholy expression before she had to dive deep to brush it off, not let herself be sucked in and remind herself that nothing and no one really hurt Ra or his feelings. The last thing she needed was him trying to play husband once more since she was already having a taste of it this morning and needed none extra or even a chance she might cave in. She was already debating on if she should move or get new locks on the doors. It helped her mind and nerves when he switched subjects, the god not knowing something was doubtful. He always seemed to have a way of knowing everything. Another avoided question or hint which made her all the more on edge. ”Fortunately, no, the Egyptians are safe for now.”, she answered, taking a sip of her own flute and ignoring the question over which the victims had been. The less ammo he had in case he really didn’t know the better.

“Hathor. Look at me.” Ra said with a sudden sternness in his voice. There was an intensity in his eyes again. “Who died?” He then asked, with the same steely, cold, stern voice that he used to draw her attention. He had been indulging her little rebellions. It kept him engaged and her interesting. After all, that is how he made her. Apparently though, she had difficulty understanding when to cease playing games. “Who died? Tell me their names.”

She flinched slightly at the sudden stern tone, accidently jerking to look at him before even realizing she had done so but inwardly cursed when she had complied to his request out of shock in the sudden change. Hathor frowned, shrugging as she looked away and staring at her plate like it was the most interesting thing in the world. ”Just two of the Greeks. How am I supposed to know who? I don’t really run in their circles.”, she snapped irritatedly. It wasn’t technically a lie, there were little Greeks that she was close to and one of the dead she hadn’t exactly known in any way and she technically hadn’t known one was a god and thus hadn’t known his name until after the parting. He couldn’t expect her to know or care but it didn’t mean that he might not push harder. She was regretting bringing up the subject at all. She decided to change tactics and looked straight at him before glancing to the glass windows the dining room overlooked, ”Are you going to ruin our breakfast and this fine morning with such unpleasant topics?”

“No. No, of course I would not.” Ra said. The comfortable, cheery demeanor returned as he leaned back again. “But you insist on it, it would seem.” He continued a she swirled the champagne again. “You’re not a bad liar, my dear. That would make you boring. However, I did make you. I know you better than you know yourself. And I know you’re lying.” Then he took a sip of the sparkling wine. For a second he was quiet. Ra was pondering over something deeply.

“So why did you lie, my dearest? It’s okay. You can tell me. I’m not angry, but I am disappointed.”

Hathor had to use every ounce of her composer not to look at the god next to her with disgust at basically saying he knew her better because he created her. A mother created a child and that didn’t mean she knew them better but no, there was no point in making an argument. She had to remind herself that she was different than before and he continued to refuse to see that. Hurtful or not, she couldn’t let him get to her. For the first time since his arrival she gave him a dazzling smile and sweetly replied, ”Wouldn’t be the first time you were disappointed in me. I thought you would be used to it by now.”

“Ah quite the contrary my love.” He returned with a more contained smile. “I keep you in high regard. In the second highest regards of all, actually. I’ll never cease holding you to my highest expectations. Even when you fall short.”

“It is a tragic affair though. For a divine to leave my realm so absolutely. Zagreus and Macaria will be sorely missed.” Again he took a sip from the flute and pondered it. Then his phone buzzed in his pocket. He took it out, took a short look at it and put the glass flute down on the table. “My apologies. Duties call me away. This was enjoyable though. I look forward to our next breakfast.”

Hathor turned away from him as he spoke, finishing off her flute of champagne and trying not to pout or show her pure irritation. She wished he would hold her in less regard, actually just completely erase her from his radar and dub her a lost cause. He had no trouble disregarding and discarding her for Isis, why not return to that thought mentality. It took every fiber of her being not to crush the glass in her hand, as he proved her thoughts correct that he already knew the names and was toying with her. It was to show that she would bend to him and be the proper supportive wife that did as asked. She could have thanked the other person on the end of his phone for stopping her from opening her mouth with a snide comment and if she had known who they were, she might have kissed them for pulling the god away from her. The flood of happiness and relief was short lived however with the declaration of looking forward to their next breakfast. Hath felt shaky, trying to hold back a panic attack at the prospect of his random arrival again and having to endure conversation in what was supposed to be her safe space. She chose to stay silent, praying he would just get up and leave. She was at her limit of being civil and not resulting to violence which would probably ultimately not end well for her since it was still hard to rise against the one she had been partly designed to protect.

Ra got up and threw his suit jacket over his shoulders. Again he let the silence reign in the room, though he seemed utterly oblivious – or uncaring – to the tension in the room. At least, that was until he was about to walk around the table towards Hathor’s door.

He stopped behind her chair and put both his hands on her shoulders. “One last thing, my love. I know I’ve been absent for a very long time and that your heart will always yearn for someone. You don’t have to wait for me all this time. You can find someone to warm your bed with during these cold and otherwise lonely nights.” Then he leaned forward to whisper in her ear: “But always remember whose you are.” He leaned further forward, and gave her soft kiss on her cheek before whispering one last thing: “I love you, Hathor.” After that he took his leave.

She sat perfectly tense under his hands, stiff and still as the panic began to swell and her skin felt like it was crawling. She wasn’t sure how she had ever relished and wished for his presence or touch in the past because right now she felt like a trapped animal, to be viewed and admired but still broken in a cage. His ego made him delusional and she wasn’t even sure anyone could set him straight when it came to her. He viewed her as waiting for him but in truth, she had trouble letting people close for fear they were just like him. A falsity under a mask of pleasantness. Of course she wanted to be loved and cared for but this wasn’t love. At least not what others had described to her. This was possession or obsession, maybe both. She didn’t know how long she sat at the table after his departure, the feel of his hands on her shoulders and a kiss on her cheek burning her skin.

Hathor finally let everything from that morning sink in, her breaths shaky and choked as she came back to reality, hugging herself close. She needed to get up, to move, to do something but she couldn’t move just yet other than curling into a ball on the dining chair. Tears spilled down her cheeks, fear and anger swam through her veins as she hated how helpless she felt in this moment. In a blind panic, she rushed to the front door, locking it even though she knew that would do nothing, it was a small bit of comfort. Hath rushed upstairs, snagging her phone and rushing to curl in the corner of her closet as she tried to calm her shaking hands to make a call. She couldn’t think straight, she needed someone she trusted. She couldn’t be alone. She would self-destruct as she always did and let Ra’s words eat at her. She needed someone who would be on her side. It was early but she prayed the other would answer all the same.

”T-Tlaz, I need you to come over! Please! I can’t be alone here. He was here…I..please..please hurry.” she cried in a panic, words flying and jumbling, not sure if half she said was understandable or even if she had given the other goddess a chance to talk or just talked over her.

---

𝕽𝖊𝖚𝖓𝖎𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖆𝖙 𝖑𝖆𝖘𝖙?

---

"You want me to stay?" Eros replied, looking down at where Psyche had taken hold of his arm. It took all his concentration to keep his voice from trembling. Without warning tears suddenly sprung into his eyes again, spilling over onto his cheeks, hot and unbidden. He wasn't the type to care about such things and had shed more tears over the last two millennia than he had ever done before the fall, but that didn't mean he wanted her to see him in such a sorry state.

"Don't look at me Psyche!" He quickly yelped when he realized that he was crying, moving to cover her eyes with the palm of his hand. It was ironic that this was not the first time he had told her not to do so. As if looking at him would break some spell; that she would see the monster that the mortals had claimed he was. "Just keep your eyes closed for a minute…please." He blinked as he spoke, willing himself to adopt the light air of ease that he wore like a mask.

”Of course I do.”, Psyche answered as if it was the most obvious one in the world. She wasn’t sure why he had even needed to ask when she had ran after him for so long, this time being the only one she had even a chance of catching him. Shock and panic hit her like a freight train as tears spilled down his cheeks, making her wonder what she did wrong. Did he hate her so much that the hold on his arm or her wanting him around was too much? Had she forced him into a corner to finally tell her the truth? She was trying to think of words or something to say when a familiar phase hit her, stunning her for a moment before his palm covered her eyes with no chance to comply on her own. She waited like this, knowing that he needed this even if it ended the same way it had gone the first time.

She hated that he was in tears, her heart hurting as she just wanted to make it better. Psyche nodded softly at his next request, closing her eyes under his palm and trusting him not to flee. She carefully moved her hand up to the one covering her eyes, slowly pulling it away so he could see she had done as he asked before shyly linking her fingers with his own on the same hand. Her free hand shakily reached out, searching blindly in the air for a moment without her vision before landing just below his shoulder, fingertips brushing along the path of his shoulders to his neck, drifting upward to find his cheek and carefully wiping away the collected trail of tears that had fallen with her thumb. She kept her hand to his cheek, squeezing his other hand gently for support and reassurance as she spoke, ”Please don’t cry.”

Eros blinked as she softly touched him, lingering tears shedding like autumnal leaves. "I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I'm sorry..." He repeated the words again and again as if they were a prayer that, if said enough times, would reverse the last two thousand years. He couldn't put on a persona in front of Psyche, he never had been able to. Her sweet, kind words washed over him like an embrace, comforting him in a way that no one else could. He leant into the hand that was cupping his cheek, letting out a slow breath.

What was he doing? Why was he being such a coward? With her here, it dawned on him that he had been an idiot. Well more than an idiot. He realized that this was Psyche he was talking to…that even if she didn't love him anymore, she would break it to him gently. That it didn't make sense to run from her when she had only ever been her true, honest self with him. How shameful that he proclaimed himself a god of love.

"You can open your eyes." After several moments of silence he leant towards Psyche, whispering the words into her ear in a way that only a god of love could. Their hands still entwined, he felt whole for the first time since the fall.

She was grateful for their entwined hand for a bit of support, her knees feeling weak and her heart racing as her love whispered into her ear. Psyche let her eyes flutter open, leaning back a bit to gaze over his features, entranced by how handsome he still was even after fallen tears. She smiled brightly, a honey glow to her cheeks while feeling happier than she had in these last two thousand years. Psyche’s world felt complete with Eros near her. She could have stayed in the moment forever as long as they could just be together. For a second, she let herself get lost in the moment as if the time apart was a distant memory. She leaned her forehead against his own, the hand on his cheek gliding into his hair as she lightly played with the soft tresses. ”Feeling alright?…, Psyche whispered softly, gathering up a bit of courage before continuing, …or do you want a kiss to make it better?”

Eros found himself smiling in return, a hand reaching up to pull her closer towards him. She smelt like freshly baked bread and sweet cherry blossoms, like the home they had once shared together. His sadness melted away, leaving only a sense of calm, before his green eyes twinkled mischievously at her words. "You should know better than to tempt me so, Psyche." Unlacing their fingers, his thumb moved to rub gently over her bottom lip. She did not seem to hate him and in this moment he truly believed that she did not.

”Has knowing better ever stopped me from trying, Eros?”, she questioned breathlessly, her bottom lip tingling from just the gentle touch alone. The temptation of her offer hovering between them had Psyche on edge, still wondering if he would accept it. She had already been bold enough to ask so was there really all that much stopping her from showing what she wanted. To show him without words how much she loved him. Psyche’s eyes drifted from their locked gaze to his lips and back as if asking permission or giving him a chance to stop her as she started to lean forward. Her now free hand softly gripped the belt at his waist side, fingers curling for leverage before giving a light tug, tempting him to step closer.

“Who the fuck are you two?” Isa said. She was standing in the dark bedroom’s door, balancing on one leg while holding a vase with both of her hands. The plants and water inside were already tossed out. She had her father’s intense look on her face as she readied herself to hit someone over the head with the vase. In her mind she had all the moves mapped out already. Neither of them looked like they could fight. They looked weak, frail. Not like the psycho she fought in the hotel room less than twelve hours ago. Though in truth she knew it’d be a short fight. Her brief lapse of consciousness had not nearly been enough rest. Still, she’d be damned if she was going to be caught by surprise by two people who had the love language taken straight from a romance novel.

"Who are you? Eros shot back moodily, feeling a surge of irritation at the sudden interruption. His hand gently fell away from its place against Psyche's lips, head tilting in confusion as he glanced at the vase that she held clutched in her hand. Was she really wielding that as a weapon? What an odd person. Regardless, he didn't want her to suddenly attack Psyche so he gently pushed the goddess behind him, shielding her with his body.

"Oh wait..." For a moment the corner of his lip pulled up into a smirk and he looked eerily like the twins. It was not often that the resemblance between them was so striking. "You're the mortal right? How fun..." Normally he would take this opportunity to tease his new sibling but her impromptu arrival had rubbed him the wrong way. "But if you could kindly go away. You've interrupted something very important."

The smirk triggered a memory. For a split second Isabel wanted to smash the vase over this boy’s head and stab him in the eye with a shard. Just to make sure he couldn’t do anything. She stopped herself though. Again, he looked frail. He was a different sibling. “You’re Anteros.” Isabel said as she lowered the vase. Her eyes went to the girl he was with. She didn’t show the same eyes as the psycho. Hers actually looked nice. “And you… Pothos?” Then her eyes immediately shifted towards the one she assumed to be her half-brother: “Are you going to stab me?”

She peeked out from behind her beloved, staying where she was for a moment just in case of danger since she was not a fighter by any means before slowly joining by his side, wrapping her arm around his. She wanted to give the woman the benefit of the doubt though even with the sharp glances a moment ago and she had already overlooked the missed guesses to their identities. Did they really look that alike though? It was weird to instantly come to that conclusion right? She quickly shook it off, her head tilted in confusion, looking to Eros for a moment before glancing at the woman in front of them. What on earth had she been through to think they were going to stab her? Sure, Pasi had said a mortal daughter of Ares was hurt and resting but it sounded like it had been far more than just that.

”Oh um, Psyche, actually. It’s nice to meet you.”, she answered, still blushing from the recent turn of events and being caught in a sense which was embarrassing. She had never really been great at control when Eros was around, losing herself and the world around her. Aphrodite and Pasithea had at least left them to their own devices, probably one from politeness and other from disgust but at least they hadn’t witnessed or interrupted in such a moment.
”And this is not Anteros but um, you are in the right ballpark….”, Psyche stated. While normally she might go on and introduce Eros, but they really had some talking they needed to do first since…she was a bit confused on where they were at. Could she still call him her husband and introduce him as such? She didn’t want to chase him off or panic him with labels if he wasn’t ready or didn’t want them. ”But, why did you ask if we were going to stab you?”

Eros huffed from beside Psyche, looking like a child who'd had his favorite toy taken away. "Maybe I should stab her…" He mumbled petulantly, quietly enough that Isa would likely not be able to hear. He didn't mean it but he had always prided himself on his realm. On his beloved bow and arrows that had been able to strike a myriad of sensations into mortals and gods alike. It tugged at the vainglorious part of himself that Psyche was usually able to dampen so easily, and with a pout on his face, he strode over to his supposed sister. Grabbing onto her shoulders, he made to spin her around and redirect her into the bedroom. "Clearly you are an idiot so please go away."

“Nice to meet you- Wait. Psyche? As in the human- Hey!” She exclaimed as she was spun around by her brother. Her slightly more lucid mind quickly figured out who was pushing her back to bed like some… little sister? For a quick second she melted. Family. Kind family. Well, kinder than the first sibling she met. Still, she wasn’t going to do what he wanted that easily.

She tossed the vase at the bed, making sure it would land safely, then jumped to the side, ducked and twisted around her brother to get behind him. “You’re Eros. If anyone’s the idiot it’s-” She said as she moved with an inkling of grace. That is, until – out of pure habit – she landed on both of her feet. A pang of pain, less than what she had felt before, shot through her and she dropped. “Fuck!”

Eros rolled his eyes at her sudden yelp but crouched down next to Isa, holding out a hand. "Let me help you up." He muttered. He didn't really feel like helping her but he hadn't missed the brief moment of vulnerability, or the yearning that seemed to be desperately flowing from the mortal.

Psyche put her hands on her hips, shaking her head at both of them. They were definitely siblings and were already playing stereotypes of acting annoying to each other and weakly insulting one another before even getting to know about each other. ”Eros, you should know better than to startle an injured person.”, she scolded, knowing the feeling of disappointment at the interruption but he was acting like a pouting child…and while it was impossibly adorable, it was not the time. She stepped forward, crouching down as well but let her love offer his help to get Isa off the ground since he was far stronger than her for support after all. Her decision also definitely didn’t have anything to do with wanting to watch his physique and flexing muscles…not at all. ”Are you alright? That didn’t sound too pleasant from the reaction.”, Psyche asked Isa in concern, trying to offer a bit of emotional support and showing they were both here for her.

“No! No.” Isabel quickly said as she waved away Eros’ helping hand. With a small jump she managed to get her good foot under her again and slowly got up again, with one hand carefully leaning against the wall to keep her balance. Her father would disown her if he ever found her so weak she had to get up with help. “I’m fine. Just a small wound. It’s nothing.” She then said to Psyche as she was clearly still balancing on one leg. No way in hell was she going to show weakness again. That would disappoint her father as well.

Once she got her bearing again she looked at the divine, and how they looked at each other. For just a second she felt absolute jealousy. No one had ever given her a glance like these two looked at each other. They were so clearly absolutely in love. “I hope you’ve been here on earth as long as my father. We – mortals, I suppose – still sort of talk about your story. It’s like Romeo and Juliette. With a happy ending that is!” The jealousy, the yearning, It was getting a bit too much for Isabel. There was nothing she could do about it. Romantic love, like these two felt, she would never feel. She couldn’t feel it. Maybe that made her broken. Melancholy waved over her. Those thoughts would lead her down a rabbit hole that made her cry many lonely nights before. She didn’t have the privilege of breaking down like that right now. She still had a duty to carry out.

“Sorry, I have to go. I still have to find father.” She said as she started to hop towards the living room. Though right before she went in she turned to look at the two love birds again. “You know, I’m happy you guys are still together.” And then she hopped into the living to look for her weapon.

Eros had been smiling gently at Psyche, but as Isa spoke his face fell. Each word hit him like a bullet, tangible and painful. They'd had a happy ending once but that had been ruined. He'd messed it up too badly, it wasn't going to work. It's too broken... The young deity scrambled to his feet, panic etched across his face. His heart felt as if it was about to burst out of his chest and he found himself being unable to catch his breath. It hurt too much.

He glanced at Psyche, still taken away by her beauty as he always was and always would be. But he knew she would never truly forgive him and he couldn't cope with that. "I-I need to go too!" He stammered as he backed away from her, moving quickly towards the front door before anyone could stop him.

Psyche barely had a moment to stand before she was hit with Isa’s kind words, her heart warming even if it was a bit of a reminder that they still needed to talk fully. If a stranger could see something between them then it had to still be there right? Even if they weren’t technically fully together at the moment right? She looked over at Eros when suddenly she felt her heart sink into her stomach, the smile fading instantly from her face at seeing that same look that was featured in many of her nightmares. It was the same one he gave her when they had first fallen and again every time his eyes landed on her before he left. ”Don’t..”, she said barely above a whisper as her voice wouldn’t come out, choked up as she watched him back away before fully making an exit. It was dumb. She knew she appeared ridiculous much like every other time she went running after him. She couldn’t handle it again. Not after being so close. ”Eros! Wait!”

She ignored the ladies in the living room, flying out the front door and letting it rudely slam behind her. She rushed to the elevator, cursing and slamming her hand against the metal sliding protector as it closed. Psyche quickly jabbed the button on repeat, ”No, no, no, _{no, no…}, but it was to no avail as each was still headed downward. She quickly abandoned the elevators, rushing for the stairwell, sprinting and stumbling frantically as she dashed in a full blown panic. She ignored the sprained ankle, the pain in her elbow and hands when she had to catch herself multiple times on the stairs from a more serious injury. It didn’t matter if it harmed her, she would not slow down because she was determined to reach where she needed to be. The staff of the apartment looked at her with concern, startled by the commotion of her busting out of the stairwell and staring at the elevators in horror, noticing they were all headed up which means all of the passengers were already off.

Psyche frantically dashed out the entrance door, not even waiting for the doorman to politely open it for her. She looked back and forth down the street, gasping for air from her sprinting as well as full blown panic while gripping her hair in frustration. He was gone. He was right there. They had been able to touch. They had been able to talk. So close. So close. Her knees gave out, not even caring as they hit and scraped the pavement upon her collapse. Tears streamed down her face, her heart feeling broken and hollow as she gazed forward, blank and unseeing in front of her. Why? Why? What did she have to do? What had she done wrong? Why had she let herself be hopeful? She screamed loudly as if in physical agonizing pain with broken sobs, not caring if she looked like a two year old throwing a tantrum, not caring if she looked like a crazy woman to these onlookers passing her by on the streets, not even caring when the poor old man that just was trying to make a living opening doors tried his best to assist her. She didn’t hear any of it, letting herself for the first time in thousands of years feel the full force of her pain. For once, not being positive about the situation or optimistic. For once, not wishing to defend her husbands and just let herself be heartbroken.

“Miss, miss? Are you alright?”

She heard the voice filter in, her hollow gazing turning to the poor man as he looked at her with concern and then around at a few onlookers that had stopped, gossiping a bit between themselves. “Would you like me to call someone?” He asked politely, trying to be nice even with the extra attention. She weakly shook her head, tears still streaming down her face and each breath hitching with effort to breathe as it felt like there was pressure in her chest. She stood shakily, ignoring the blood dripping from her knees and the pain that flared through them with her full weight. “Miss, are you going to be alright? Can I get you a taxi?” She gave a broken smile, shaking her head softly with a horse reply, ”I’ll b-be f-fine. Sorry f-for the inconvenience.” That said, she stumbled away from the complex, not even bothering with her car and planning to get it later. She wouldn’t be able to drive anyway, not with the tears still bubbling and falling down her cheeks causing her vision to blur. She didn’t know where she was heading, just walking without a purpose. Psyche knew she should call someone to pick her up and have some emotional support but…she didn’t want to pretend to be hopeful but she also didn’t want them to be mad at Eros. Her heart felt like a knife stabbed into the crumbled pieces that were left at just thinking his name, her sobs becoming stronger once again.

---

“I-I need to go too!”

“Don’t.. Eros! Wait!”

Isabel stood with her back against the wall, out of sight of everyone, as she eavesdropped on the love birds. At first, it was to satiate her guilty pleasure. Instead, her veins froze over. What was it that she said that made Eros suddenly flee? What happened? And why did she feel sad that whatever moment they had just a second ago had now crumbled away. Obviously, it was her fault. And there was nothing she could do to help Psyche. Again she felt useless. Worse than useless. She didn’t mind hurting people if it was with a purpose. That’s what her father had taught her. Yet now she had hurt – indirectly perhaps – Psyche at the very least.

She swallowed that guilt down as much as she could. It wasn’t the first time this sort of stuff happened. Maybe she was cursed by her brother? That thought felt cathartically comfortable. She let out a long drawn sigh and then stepped forward looking at least for Pasithea, whom she faintly remembered having taken her gun.

Aphrodite watched the drama unfold as the two past paramours rushed out the front door, a tinge of a smirk playing on her lips as she took a sip of tea. She didn’t want her son to suffer but it made her a bit proud to see his choices taking him in the right direction. She didn’t really have time to bother with their messy relationship though before the thought that her son abandoned her caused a bit of a frown. Now what was she supposed to do? She could call one of her other children but she was still hoping to give them a bit of a surprise. She hadn’t planned to stick around here either and Pasithea had been more than accommodating. This day was not going at all as planned and she was still worried about Ares safety as things kept being delayed. He was strong and could take care of himself but it didn’t stop her worry, not when it was the second of her family to be missing.

”Ah, there you are! How are you feeling, dear? Any better? I hope your sweet brother introduced himself before rushing away. Come, sit, tell me what your next steps are in finding your father.”

“I nearly broke a pot over his head.” Isabel said as she looked around, but she did so with a warm smile of a memory she’d cherish for a very long time. Still, another of her few precious belongings was gone. Her gun was out of sight. What did Pasithea do to it? She opened a cupboard. Nothing. Then the gears in her head turned over. She popped her head out of the cupboard. “Hold up. You speak English!? I wrack my blood deprived brain speaking Greek to you and you speak English!?” Isabel was only mad for a second before she realized some sort of God Divine… thing must’ve happened.

She chuckled at the first comment, shaking her head a bit and feeling fond of the reaction as it reminded her of her darling Deimos. It seemed violence was always a first with their type, not that she minded. Strength and confidence had always been her thing and she was proud that her child embraced it. That soft smile instantly became a childish pout and a bit of cringe in disgust at the unsavory subject of her new language skill. ”I didn’t speak English at that time. Now I do and I would rather not go into the how or why. Just be grateful and thankful that you no longer have to use your non native language., Aphro replied in a bit of a snippy tone as she loudly placed her tea on the provided saucer. ”Just what on earth are you searching for that seems far more important than my direct questions?”

“My gun!” Isabel exclaimed as she dove back into the cupboard. She didn’t feel particularly inclined to push the subject of Aphrodite’s new language skills. Again she rummaged through the cupboard, finding nothing but a suspiciously extensive tea collection. Really who needed this much tea in their lives!? “Where are you?” She said out loud to no one in particular before she realized Aphrodite did not have the faintest idea what a gun was. She popped out of the cupboard again. “It’s a weapon that… fires small arrows very fast.” It was a good enough explanation.

”To know another language, you have to have comprehension of the subject. I know what a gun is even if I don’t know how to use it. We are going to have to have a serious talk about you threatening people with it since I didn’t appreciate the new information that I was being threatened earlier this morning. That being said,”, she paused looking in the direction of the kitchen and calling out to their fine host. ”Pasi!”, waiting for the small woman to peek around the entryway, her gaze set on the dark haired woman still roaming through the cupboards. ”Isabel is looking for her weapon. Could you please return said item?”

”D-Do I have to? As much as I admire and care for you Aphrodite…some of your children are not able to resist the urge of weapons….I would rather not be shot today.”

”Don’t be silly my lilywhite! Isabel isn’t one of mine and my children are simply misunderstood angels. They know better than to hurt you. Far too delicate for such greetings and rivalries.”

”Debatable…”

Aphrodite’s amusement paused, a serious look locked on the goddess of relaxation. ”Pasi…I am no longer asking. Return the firearm.”

Pasithea wearily looked between her two guests before biting her bottom lip before heading to the freezer, fishing it out of the back before returning to the living room and placing it on the coffee table. ”There…happy?”, she asked while nervously rubbing her arm and sitting as far away from the other two as possible. This has been a drama fueled morning and she was ready for it to stop. Her heart already went out to Psyche who she knew chasing after would be impossible while watching over these two. Eros really was a moron but she understood the fears when love was involved. It’s why most had been afraid of Eros in the past. Why he didn't see that most would kill to have such a dedicated partner was beyond her. She thought if anyone would still be together it was those two. It made her wonder what luck the rest of them had.

“You put it in the freezer!?” Isabel exclaimed as she rushed over (as much as she could without exerting her wounded leg) to the coffee table. She grabbed the piece and looked at Pasithea. In that moment she wanted to aim it at the goddess and pull the trigger. How dare she put her father’s gift in such a horrible place! “Are you insane? You might have broken it!” She exclaimed again. It had to be checked immediately.

She could’ve taken a breath, put the gun down on a piece of cloth and disassembled it. Surely Pasithea would have a tooth brush she didn’t need anymore (and frankly Isabel would’ve just taken hers if she refused). It would take about fifteen minutes to check if the gun was alright. Or…

With a press of a button and a flick of her wrist the magazine flew through the living for a second before Isabel caught it with practiced precision. She pulled back the slide, sending the chambered bullet flying before she caught that one between her two fingers. With her thumb she flipped off the safety as she aimed at a nearby window and pulled the trigger.

Click

Isabel let out a sigh of relief. The firing mechanism wasn’t frozen over yet. Then her ire could truly shine through at Pasithea. “Don’t ever put my gun in there again!” She yelled. There was real anger in her voice now. “Ever!” She snapped again.

The bullet she put back in the magazine, she turned the safety on again, put the magazine back and chambered a round before she put it away in her pocket. The outburst had somewhat cooled her a bit. She sat down in front of Aphrodite then. “I don’t really know where to go next.” She admitted. “I went to his hotel room cause I got a message saying that he was either taken or dead.” She left out most of the other stuff the pre-recorded message had said. About how he was proud of her. She couldn’t believe that. Not right now when she was so wounded and useless.

Ares wondered why she stayed away from him and his spawn, this over the top reaction was exactly why. She already flinched at being called insane since olympus forbid she could care less about a weapon but the extra threats in her own home made her extremely uncomfortable. She felt nervous and fearful, trying not to have a full blown panic attack and also wanting this woman out of her home. She wanted her far far away from her. She wanted to run away or tell her to leave right now. If she was brave enough for the conflict, she still wouldn’t have for Aphrodite’s sake. It didn’t mean she liked it. Pasithea swiftly got up from the couch, quickly making her way out of the room as any plans to have any relationship with this ungrateful woman were quickly washed away. She had shown her that she was one of the untrustworthy ones, proving again that the loving and more Aphrodite type of children were the easiest to get along with when she had to.

Aphrodite herself frowned, not appreciating the coldness towards Pasithea who clearly had not known better. It showed the sides of Ares that had been a problem here and there with their relationship. It made for loneliness if not careful. She decided to let it go, planning to make it up to the sweet girl later but it was important to think of a way to help Ares. ”Well, when one is looking for something, it is best to retrace your steps. When was the last time you saw your father? Obviously the hotel is the last place I saw him and that didn’t turn up leads. There might be someone that knew where he was going or at least a location of where to start.”

Isabel leaned forward. Her father found her in the hospital. Those two were dangerous. The one that tortured her was particularly vicious. Hathor, she was called? But her father walked out there without problems. Then they went to the shrink. He seemed to at least have a better rapport with her father. “Anubis.” She said while deep in thought. After that things were more blurry. She ran and apparently her father bumped into an old flame. But after that? He was in a hurry as well. Clearly, he had his own troubles as well. What was going on? Did someone get killed? Or had someone disappeared before? He was tracing something for sure.

All of it was too much thinking and too little doing. “We’re going to visit the shrink.” She decided. He would at least be amicable to helping them. Or so she hoped. The doctor’s friend wouldn’t. That was for sure. Isabel rummaged in her pocket, pulled out her keys and tossed them to Aphrodite. “You should go try out the car.” She said. “I still have some things to say to Pasithea.”

That name, it felt like it rang a bell, like a distant memory but she didn’t have time to think on it before she talked about visiting the shrink. That was definitely an…interesting place to start. She wasn’t one to question Ares methods but that seemed a strange place to start on the trail. Why had they seen a shrink? It just caused a bit of a concern. She caught the keys before she even registered that they had been thrown, looking down at her hands and her mind scanning over the thought of the car. She now in theory at least knew what it was and how it operated but doing something and knowing something were two completely different things.

”Alright, Hun. Don’t have to tell me twice.”, she nodded, standing up and heading over to the front door, pausing for a moment as she opened it. ”Word to the wise, Pasithea is a fragile and soft soul but while she is related to Ares…he is not her favorite. She is not one for violence which tends to be a side of those with his blood in their veins. Don’t get me wrong, my children are perfect but not everyone can handle that. Don’t break her. Be careful with your words, Isabel. This one is under my protection.”, Aphrodite’s words were deadly serious as she glanced back at her with a stern look, one that even Deimos might be proud of before that dazzling smile reappeared. ”Don’t be too long!”, she added before making her way out the door and to the elevators.

The mortal didn’t respond but the message was crystal clear. When Aphrodite left she pulled out her gun. It looked unharmed. Only the safety was preventing it from firing now. She put it away again and began to look for Pasithea. The goddess wasn’t too easy to find. She wasn’t in the kitchen or the hallway. Eventually she opened the bedroom door without knocking: “You here Pasithea?”

”W-What do you want?!”, Pasithea asked with a clear fear stricken voice, scrambling off her bed on the side as far away from Isabel as possible. She had heard the front door close, she had thought they had finally left but now she was in a panic having to be alone with his child. Why would Aphrodite leave her? Sure, she tried to be pleasant with the children they had but she hated being alone with them. This one wasn’t even Aphrodite’s child so she had no idea what she was dealing with and instantly thought the worst after a moment ago.

Isabel let out a small smile when she saw the goddess. She took a deep breath, took out her gun, and put it on a table, hiding it behind a vase from Pasithea. The smile turned sheepish, then a little worried. “I just wanted-” She said, then stopped. ”Nobody ever-” She stopped again. ”You’re the first to-” Again she stopped. Frustration was growing. None of the things she wanted to say came out right. It all sounded too selfish, too pathetic, or too fragile. She tried again. “I didn’t-” Stop again. Frustration grew. “You’re very-” Stop again. This was getting too hard. Shooting, putting up the act in court, that all came naturally. Speaking like this in a perfect way was impossible.

So she snapped. “You’re the first of my family to help me!” She blurted out extremely fast, fearful she might swallow up the words again. Then she pressed her lips together. This was unfamiliar territory. It made her fearful. What if the goddess snapped back, throwing her words back with venom? After all, Isabel had snapped at her first and hadn’t been very kind herself. “And… I just wanted to say… thank you.” Every word was dripping with uncertainty and it was horrible. So she quickly added: “Even if you did it only for Aphrodite.” That made sense to Isabel in the moment. Of course, she did it for another goddess, not for her. The stitches, the rest, it was a favor to the goddess of love. Not to her.

Pasi felt fear, panic, and confusion which only grew with each failed attempt at speech from the other woman across from her. She gripped the bottom of her shirt nervously, just waiting for Isabel to say what she needed to say which would make her leave sooner. When she snapped, she flinched but slowly took in the words that were said with complete shock. Well, somewhat shocked since she didn’t know all of who Isabel had met yet but it felt weird to be thanked. Actually, it might be one of the first times someone of the Ares bloodline had thanked her for anything. It kinda felt wrong. No, scratch that, it felt really wrong. So much so she really didn’t know how to react and what to say at first. She probably looked like a fish out of water, opening and closing her mouth. ”Y-You’re welcome…”, Pasi started, biting her lip and shuffling her feet a bit as she nervously went back to twisting her shirt. ”F-For the r-record…it w-wasn’t just Aphro. I-I mean, it’s a big part b-but what kind of relaxation goddess would I be i-if I didn’t help someone through a s-stressful time.”

This felt… nice to Isabel. It was very unfamiliar but not necessarily bad. “Maybe… I could come back someday?” She sheepishly said. Then she caught the sight of the gun in the corner of her eye. It was hidden from Pasithea but Isabel could feel its stare. This was nice but unearned. She wished dearly she could stop and get to know Pasithea better but her father was still out there. So she took a deep breath, pushing down all these feelings of happiness and kindness. This was not the time for this.

“After I’m done.” She added as she reached and grabbed the gun. Its steel was cold and uncaring to her touch. Her entire demeanor had shifted again as she raised it up and looked at it. She could not stop now. “First, I have a few things to do.” She put the gun back into her pocket and turned towards Pasithea again. Somehow she stood a bit taller now and looked a lot more confident again. “Thanks for stitching me up. I can keep going now. I hope I get to see you again.” With that said she left the goddess of relaxation.

_{Flashback - Morning after the events at the Luncheon
]𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Anubis’ Home
𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. Hera@smarty0114 | Ares@Legion02
𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. Anubis @metanoia, Aphrodite @Akayaofthemoon, Isabel @Legion02}

---

Despite the rays of the multifaceted and benevolent morning gracing the world and the City of Seattle with her brilliance, something that, under normal circumstances, brings Anubis some semblance of peace or even a rebirth of one’s mood (as it typically did), he couldn’t say that was the case now. And this is for a myriad of reasons, but something was in the air and it had been since before first light.

Last night was an unorthodox night for the Guider of Souls. After returning from his private time spent at Illicit, Anubis received a call from an associate that nobody in their right mind would refuse. Ares, the Greek God of War asked a favor of his and he happily obliged. It was to see a human woman by the name of Isa. Their session was fine, or as fine as Anubis confidently could feel. Truth of the matter was that it went in a direction that he hadn’t expected.

Revealing their existence to someone outside of their species. Anubis had tried to ease her, but that wasn’t exactly what happened. He gave Isabel answers that only he could. Pensive as he was about it, how she reacted was…understandable, yet it plagued him well into the night. By 3am, he finally slept with the aid of one too many melatonin tablets, but he woke up just three hours later to a series of text messages on his cell phone. A series of texts that were from a former patient, sexual partner, and general bane of the entire Egyptian Pantheon’s existence.

Nooby Nooby, how I missed youuuu

We should play again soon! 💋

There have been very few to ruffle the nonexistent hair of his mane, but that chaotic serpent goddess, the technical queen-adjacent of his pantheon, somehow to always get under his skin regardless how much distance he put between them.

For the hours that followed, Anubis had gone out of his way to block out all of these feelings, but that one text was just the icing on the ominous feeling he had. Not even his famous shakshuka shook that overall unease. He only consumed half of it and had downed two shots of his preferred coffee of choice, which was Cuban coffee. Strong as it was, one just wasn’t enough.

As he finished the dishes, he heard a knock on his door. A series of knocks, actually. In the back of his mind, he feared it was Apep. She would be the type to text him and then show up at his condo as if nothing happened between them the last time they saw each other. With a deep sigh, wearing only his bed gown - a deep brown-colored pajama-like gown that he found comfort in that covered all parts of his body except his collarbone and slit down the middle in the shape of a V that went down the middle of his pectorals - and a pair of expensive and comfortable fluffy slippers, he opened the door after the third round of some urgent knocking.

“Sorry--” Anubis spoke as he was opening the door, only to find two women on the opposite end. Both of whom he knew, but one in particular immediately brought an unknowing smile to his face. “Isa?” He questioned, blinking a few times as he wiped his eyes free of dust. His eyes scanned the human woman for a few seconds, gauging her face for any clues to explain her presence here. “And…Aphrodite?”

Okay, Anubis was officially confused. Given the state that the human daughter of war had left his condo last night, he didn’t expect she’d willingly come back, much less be in the company of a Goddess, especially one so…infamous like Aphrodite. “Been a long time, Aphrodite.”

To say Aphrodite reflected Anubis’s internal confusion would be a massive understatement. It was clear that this God knew her but her mind wasn’t supplying any recollection to this extremely gorgeous face which in itself should have been a sin to forget. She gazed into his eyes, the windows to one’s supposed soul and found a familiarity in them, a kindness which made her feel soothed and created a feeling of safeness but still nothing was clicking. It was only when she drew her eyes downward to take in the rest of his appearance that a smile graced her lips at the sudden recognition, sliding into his personal space, hands gliding over the exposed skin of his chest, reaching upward to rest them his jawline. ”That it has. Quite the new appearance you have, Anubis. It suits you.”, Aphro purred, admiring the Egyptian jackal in a new light.

They had always been friendly when pantheons were mingled in the past before the mess of her slumber and the fall but she wouldn’t mind being even friendlier now. She had always enjoyed the view of his physique, wondering how nice those hands would feel against her form and what he could do with those muscles but unlike Zeus, animal forms were not quite her cup of tea which had left friendliness and light-hearted flirting she did often to others. This was a positive difference. A very positive difference. ”I hope we didn’t interrupt anything important, but we require your assistance. Isn’t that right, Isa? …May we come in?”, she asked, briefly glancing over her shoulder when addressing the other woman before ignoring her once more, leaning closer to the God before her, lips lightly brushing against the shell of his ear as she continued with a whispered tease, ”Or do you need some convincing?” She grinned with a cheshire grin that might have put Bast to shame, pulling completely away to give Anubis some space once more.

“We should’ve gotten you some clothes.” Isabel groaned to herself as she rolled her eyes at Aphrodite who stepped up closer to the Egyptian god. She just raised a curious eyebrow at whatever the goddess was whispering. Well, she could garner a guess. Promises of tangled bedsheets and shaken worlds. “Anubis.” Isabel cut through it all. Her tone was not playful like Aphrodite’s. There was an insistence in it. “We do need to come in. It’s important.” She said, her eyes were burning as the hollow sense in her chest was growing again. For every minute she wasted finding her father he could be bleeding out somewhere. Some pleasantries would have to wait.

Anubis had frequently enjoyed the playfulness of others, especially that of Aphrodite’s unique way of teasing, but he could surmise that the half-mortal, half-divine woman did not share the same sentiments (as noted by how quickly and abruptly she cut the Greek Goddess of Lust off). He saw the way Aphrodite reacted to it, but he understood and just nodded and stepped to the side, letting both women into his condo. As he closed the door, he guided them both to his living room. Isa would remember it well as it was the same area of his home that she had her session.

As Aphro sat down and Isa chose to remain standing, Anubis also kept his vertical base. “Before we begin, could I interest either of you something to drink? Tea? Water? Perhaps something stronger?” At that last offer, his deep gaze went to Aphrodite. He remembered how much she enjoyed the unique blend of spices and fermented grapes that was the Divine version of Egyptian wine. Strong in its alcohol content, it was a pleasurable experience on the palette.

”Something stronger is always welcomed, especially with the current situation.”, she smiled softly. She might have seemed relaxed and unworried compared to Isabel but one of her babies was missing and to know Ares was also missing was extremely concerning. She didn’t know who to lean on without causing more concern. When she had no one else to turn to, she did what she did best by showing nothing was faltering or affecting her. It might be silly to some but it had gotten her through many times when she felt like giving up completely or crumbling.

“Current situation?” Anubis inquired. He could make an educated guess that something in the air was troubling. Not even eight hours removed from when Isa had darted out of his condo after their session, he could tell she was in even more distress than she had been. “Allow me to get you some wine, Aphrodite. And Isa, I will get you some chamomile tea. Perhaps it will help you. It will just be a moment, I promise.”

And in five of those moments, Anubis came back to his living room area with a tray that had three glasses on it. Two glasses of a deep purple wine that was imported from Egypt, something that Anubis had been quite fond of for the longest time and a hot but not too hot cup of chamomile tea for Isa. “I put a sprinkling of honey in your tea, Isa. I understand it might be hard, but if you can, please at least drink it. Many of my patients find the flavor of Chamomile to be quite relaxing.” Anubis said as he sat, though he wasn’t sure if Isa would take him up on the tea. Regardless, it was there if she wanted it. “Now tell me what happened.”

“My father is gone.” Isabel didn’t touch the tea. She didn’t need to feel relaxed. If she did, she would’ve stayed with the literal goddess of it. No, right now she had to be tense. She had to be razor sharp. “And he didn’t leave like before.” She quickly added. Her father did have a tendency to leave her alone for months on end. But then he’d always come back. She pulled out her phone and showed Anubis the video message her father had left her.

The message was straightforward: Ares explained that if she received the message that he was either captured or killed. He explained that there is a family secret he carried around and gave Isabel a handful of names – mortal names of the Olympians – who would explain that secret. The message then began to stutter. The audio cut out. By some cosmic maleficent chance it appeared that the video had been corrupted somehow. Only a few words could be understood: proud… love… anger… release.

“I couldn’t understand anything at the end of it.” Isabel said. Hearing her father’s voice gave her a sense of melancholy. Normally – in a situation like this one – she would’ve called him already. She had called him. Over a dozen times. Normally he would’ve answered fast. Not now. And it made her feel a little more alone. “I need to find him, doc.” She said to Anubis. It wasn’t a demand. It was almost a plea.

Anubis’ own expression grew tense, matching the severity of what had been eating away at the Daughter of War. It’s true that Ares was a mysterious individual, but in his time of having past dealings with the Greek God of War, Anubis always had this impression that he was one who stuck to a schedule. This clearly exceeded that routine and, if he was being absolutely earnest, it was frightening. Often, Anubis felt a certain grief when life was lost. Yesterday he felt that loss when those children of death were slain.

“This is truly dire, Isa. I am truly sorry. But one thing I can tell you with absolute certainty is this.” Anubis leaned forward to give her his full attention. “I know your father is not dead. Something about myself, as well as I believe all those of us whose domain is the domain of death, I know when life is lost. I feel it in my heart and in my soul. I become overtaken by an unexplainable and outworldly melancholy that no mortal could possibly fathom. I felt it yesterday morning. About this time yesterday, but I have not felt it since.” But what troubled him more was those last words. What could they mean? “Please, if you take comfort in anything, let it be that your father still has a chance of being saved from…whatever may be responsible for his sudden disappearance.”

The words of the Egyptian were pretty and Aphrodite hoped that they were in fact truths and not a way to calm the pacing child. If it wasn’t true, she didn’t wish to know for fear of what that meant for those she cared for and if it was true, then she almost desperately wanted to ask what sense he had about Pothos. Her hands tightened around the almost polished off glass of wine, the usually exotic spices would be savored on her tongue but she couldn’t find a moment to fully appreciate it. It was a shame that it took so much more for immortals to feel the buzz she most definitely craved. Heck, there were quite a few ways she would like to be distracted from the nerve-wrecking anxiety of the unknown.

”Isa stated that the last place she saw her father was here. We were hoping that perhaps he shared his agenda with you or that you might have any ideas of where we can search next. He said something about the Festival when he was explaining what happened yesterday but I don’t know where that is or even what it is to be honest.”

Anubis could sense there was an atmosphere of dread between both Aphrodite and Isa combined. Naturally both had a certain investment in making sure that Ares was safe. Isa was his daughter and Aphrodite was the mother of several of his children. Anubis, too if he admitted it to himself, wished to see Ares' safety if not for the sake of the two women in front of him.

Looking between the both of them, though his immediate gaze fell on the Goddess of Love. "Regretfully, I cannot say with certainty where exactly. When Ares came here last night, he did so to leave Isa here with me. He was supposed to be back by 2am, but he never showed." Though Anubis wanted to respect the privacy between him and Isa's session last night, he knew to be as helpful as he could, he had to provide, at least, the bare minimum of why Ares was here in the first place. "You mentioned the festival. As I understand it, there was a luncheon held at the Olympic Club yesterday. Perhaps it might be a long shot, but could it be possible that's where he went? I admit, I had prior engagements yesterday so I couldn't make it myself, but I felt the events as if I was there to bear witness to the passing of our own." Anubis stared at the glass of Egyptian wine in his hand, staring down at it with a profound sadness in his eyes and on his face.

Aphrodite set her glass down and moved to Anubis’ side in an instant, taking his free hand gently into her own while her other hand rubbed his thigh gently since she was not sure how else to comfort him. She couldn’t imagine what it must be like to have death affect you without even being present for the events. The emotions once told of the event, sure, but to feel it as though bearing witness sounded like a painful sadness. It was a look that reflected in his eyes and it didn’t sit right with her. She wished she could fix it. Instead, she turned her attention to Isa for a brief moment before stating, ”Even if it is a long shot, I think the Olympic Club could be worth a try if we can manage to get access.” Her focus then switched back onto the God beside her. ”I’m sorry that you had to experience their passing in such a way. Death was never my forte and has not been one of the major qualms of my life but if you ever wish to talk, I would be happy to listen when the timing is more appropriate., she said softly, giving his hand a squeeze. ”For now, I really must thank you for providing a lead but by chance do you have an address or know which Greek owns the establishment? I can only assume with the naming that one of the brilliantly creative members of my pantheon owns it.”

Anubis gave Aphrodite a small smile, one that was bleeding with graditude and gave her hand a light squeeze in return, acknowledging her gesture and her compassionate words. He was appreciative of them, as well thankful for them. His abilities, even long since before the fall, was a heavy burden for him to bear but he always did so with a positive outlook on the unfortunate passing of souls from this realm to the one he one day hopes he may return to himself. Death was not the end of a journey. As the Guider of Souls, he not only believed with every fiber of his existence, but also as a man of Earth, that even without deities to control the passing of these lost souls into their respective afterlifes, he had to believe something or someone was still at play. He couldn’t entertain the notion that this wasn’t the truth. His entire belief system depended on that being absolute.

He shifted gears away from the melancholy of what consumed his mind for a few moments onto what the Greek Goddess of Love asked, almost musing a laugh in response but he remained composed. “I regretfully don’t know who owns it, but I do have the address. Hera, your pantheon’s queen, as I understand it, was the one who hosted the Luncheon yesterday. She was…very thorough. Made sure everyone who should have attended had the address and I still have the envelope it came in, though that might not be necessary as I memorized it.” Anubis reached for the table in front, grabbing his notepad that rested on it with a pen attached to it. He wrote the address of the Olympus Club on it, tearing the piece of the pad that had the address on it, and handed it to Aphrodite.

Isabel moved like a cat to snatch the piece of paper from Anubis’ hands. She knew a token when she saw one. And while the good doctor probably didn’t intend to trade for it, she wasn’t in the mood for whatever games Aphrodite and him would play with that piece of paper as a prop. “What’s Hera’s… mortal name?” She quick asked as well as she started looking at the address with her phone.

”Of course she hosted it, practically screams Hera a mile away since she has a need for control.”, she snickered at Anubis comment leaned back against the couch, crossing her legs and adjusting the uncomfortable coat material against her skin. She had been about to receive the address to pass to Isa since she was better at directions but it seemed the woman had other plans. ”Rude.”, Aphro muttered with a roll of her eyes at the snatched paper from her fingertips, letting the incident slide but still moving to rub her temples. Why did it have to be Hera? At least it wasn’t Athena but it still wasn’t good in any case since they had always had a rocky relationship, the golden apple mess had not helped with the Queen’s jealousy and irritation at her.

She gave a side glance at what was Hera’s grandchild and wondered if the knowledge of her existence would outweigh the Queen of the Gods hatred for herself if they needed to speak with her. It would be wise not to further upset Hera with the knowledge of Ares' disappearance but sadly, as a mother she did have the right to know and might have connections. It felt like a double edged sword and if it wasn’t for her own baby missing, she would suggest to Isa that they part ways here but she wasn’t sure that was a smart idea. Maybe she could just convince Isa to remove that factor all together unless they got caught. She grabbed her glass, tapping her fingers against it to keep her hands busy as she spoke, ”Do you really need her mortal name? Perhaps we should just avoid her and focus on the task at hand.”

For the moment, Anubis had just realized just how deep the Greek drama went, how much there was to it. Anubis had sworn to himself he wouldn’t ever become too entangled in their family drama, but that part of him that always felt like he needed to help those who were in need of it - the empathetic side that always led him down some very dark, melancholic periods - never shied away what made him visibly uncomfortable. “Isa, unless this is related to the situation at hand, I’m afraid I can’t divulge that information, for it is privileged information. Even for someone who is as…infamous as the Queen of Olympus, she is entitled to her privacy.” In truth, something about the way that Isabel was acting, the change in her demeanor, he couldn’t put his finger on it, but it was unsettling. His first instinct was to let his purple smoke calm whatever it was that pained Isa, but he couldn’t do that without her permission.

“Unless it is related?” Isa said. She felt herself getting angry. “My father… her son… vanishes and you sit here and talk about privacy?” It hit a nerve with Isabel, who was ready to do just about anything to get her father back. Someone else’s privacy did not matter at all right now. But she couldn’t lash out now like she did before. This anger, she had to focus it. So she closed her eyes for a second and took a single deep breath. “I got what I need then I suppose.” She said. The tone in her voice was unnaturally cold after the outburst. But it wouldn’t take a therapist to recognize the internalized anger.

It afforded her a dangerous clarity of mind. The guide of the dead had given her all he could at the moment. In fact, he gave her more than he expected. Sure, he would not divulge the name but he linked her to an event. A little social engineering could pry the name from the Club when she visited. “Thank you, Anubis.” She said as she got up. “I’ll take my leave.” The tea remained completely untouched.

“Of course. I apologize that I couldn’t be of any help to you, Isa.” Anubis let it show on his face through a gentle smile that hid a mind that was analyzing Isa’s subtle change in her demeanor. Even as he watched the demigoddess leave his condo and the door closed behind her. He understood, at least on some level, that she was likely holding something closely resembling a grudge against him because he didn’t divulge Hera’s mortal name to her.

With a sigh and he leaned back against the couch. He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. An immense disappointment overwhelmed the Guider of Souls. Not just in himself but because he couldn’t bring himself to help Isa in the way she wanted him to.