Meredith Mackenzie's Story

The German Shepherd sat on his haunches, tongue lolling out and eyes bright, his ears were pricked as though waiting for something which in this case he was. He whined and to anyone who did not know the dog it sounded like he was in pain. The young woman sitting nearby, head bent over her sketchpad, ignored him concentrating instead on the pad in front of her. The dog whined again and after another minute she sighed and put the sketchpad aside.

"Fine you win Jake." She said with a sigh and a small smile

Jake, the German Shepherd, bounded to his feet and began wagging his tail furiously and all but bouncing on the spot. She picked up the rather worn and damaged looking tennis ball beside her and threw it as far as she could. Jake was off like a shot chasing after the ball which she had intentionally thrown pretty far. She grinned as she watched her dog pursue his prize with single minded determination. She stretched her arms above her head working out the kinks in her shoulders from sitting hunched over for so long, she had been sketching most of the day but had been so absorbed in it that she hadn't realised how late it had gotten.

That's very good Meredith

Meredith jumped in shock and was sure that her heart had actually stopped for a minute, once she had recovered she sighed loudly and turned to glare at the large wolf that now stood behind her.

"Will you stop doing that Apollo!"

But you make it so much fun Meredith.Even though Meredith heard the voice in her head she swore the wolf in front of her would laugh if it could. Why Apollo persisted in appearing as an animal to her when he didn't have to appear at all still confused Meredith, but then he was a god and she guessed he needed something other than scaring her to keep him amused.

"What do you want Apollo? And it better not be another dig about my wardrobe!"

Apollo was known as one of the most handsome gods and Meredith had learned that he liked to dress well and expected the same of his chosen. But he had not yet managed to get her to dress how he wanted but that still did not stop him from trying on an annoyingly regular basis. She happened to like the way she dressed and wasn't about to change for anyone but there was also a part of her that enjoyed thwarting the god.
Actually it is not, I have come to tell you it is time. The ceremony is tonight. You need to be leaving for this address as soon as possible. Do not let me down Meredith.

Before she could protest the wolf had vanished and Jake was running back towards her with the ball. "Bloody hell apollo, you can't just drop something like that on me and then leave!"
Unsurprisingly there was no reply and she cursed loudly before grabbing her stuff and Jake's lead and heading back to the small apartment she shared with her brother. Thankfully he wasn't in and so she was able to change and leave again wiithout having to explain anything. Her brother knew of her deal with Apollo but wasn't particularly happy about it and she didn't really want to have to argue with him.

A short time later she stood outside a coffee shop feeling distinctly underwhelmed at the choice of venue for what was supposedly an incredibly important ceremony. She hesitated outside trying to convince herself that it actually wouldn't be that bad, that things would somehow magically turn out perfectly and she wouldn't end up bonded with someone who hated her. She wondered if she could get away with walking away and not actually going inside but she pushed that thought away, Apollo might appear gentle and kind but he did not like to be disobeyed. She had learned that lesson a long time ago.

With a final sigh she ensured her clothes were ok and straightened her long red t shirt over her black skinny jeans and pulled her leather jacket closer together before pushing open the door. She was clearly one of the last to arrive as there was a few people already sitting in there and all looked awkward and uncomfortable about being there. A red haired girl was handing out what appeared to be...name tags.

"Hey there." She said. "so this is the lets get bonded, whether we want to or not, party. I see I haven't missed much."

She plucked her name tag out of the ones remaining as the red head passed and with a grimace pinned it to her jacket.
"So yeah, I'm Apollo's chosen or whatever you'd prefer to call it."

She looked around for somewhere to sit and decided on a seat on the other side of the table to where a guy with lots of scars sat. He was huge and looked pretty pissed at being there.

Kat Jones


As she handed the first his name tag, he answered her.

“Andrew. Andrew Harolds. Chosen of Athena. A pleasure to meet you. Forgive me for not greeting you earlier, but I didn't want to disturb your conversation with your friend. An interesting day, isn't it? Well, good luck. I think we'll will need it," Her nervous nature kept her from responding so she just smiled in return. He seemed friendly enough, very nice and well mannered. It eased her nervousness. She moved next to the brutish looking guy, she winced at his less than gentle demeanor, but gave him a small smile despite it.

As she approached the muscly blonde she felt a tightness in her chest. He was one of those 'cool kids.' Someone who would berate her for spending her time playing Mario Kart for hours on end. He seemed nice enough, if a little abrasive but it didn't ease the anxiety creeping up within her.

“Hi!” She said a little too enthusiastically. “I'm Kat, Chosen of Dionysus.”

”Well I'm Christopher Flynn, I go by Chris. But you can call me anytime Kitten." he responded. Kat tried not to look too horrified at being flirted with and instead slowly turned a color that matched her hair.

“Uhh.....” She stammered as he flipped through the basket. Zeus. He picked Zeus. Of course he did. He seemed to watch where her eyes fell.

"Yep, I'm the almighty himself first draft pick." He said with a smile. "But your guy, Dionysus sounds like a blast. God of parties right? Zeusy not that much fun, with his Gandalf hair style. You'd figure a guy that's been depicted as such a man-whore would be some fun. But it makes ya wonder how much of the myths are true huh?" She didn't have the heart to tell Chris that Dionysus didn't pick her for her party-hard lifestyle, but instead of her unstable mental state. He glanced over at Anthony.

"So, your buds with Sabretooth over there? Is he not hunting Wolverine anymore or something?" Kat snorted at the glorious marvel reference but then looked a little concerned. She didn't like it when people picked on Anthony for his animistic appearance.

“Well he's not a member of the X-Men I assure you,” She answered.

"So, did Dionysus give you any deeds on what's going to happen? Zeusy never tells me anything. He's a dick like that." His smile was nice and warm and Kat ended up smiling too.

“No, unfortunately I think they like keeping us in the dark.” She answered. “I'm sure we will all know soon enough.” She went to walk away, when Chris continued to talk.

"Sorry if I come off a little.......strong. I'm just a little excited. I can't wait to get this over with. I've waited a long time for this. I'm glad to finally......meet all the fine goddesses such as yourself." Kat felt the emotions in him swirl, she wasn't trying to read him but he was very expressive. Even someone who wasn't an empath could tell he was on the verge of saying something way more serious. He tried to cover it all with a wink. A very handsome wink. Kat wasn't used to being flirted with. She wasn't used to being winked at. She turned bright red again.

“Well...uh...thank you? I think we are all ready for this to be over.” She then hurried off before the beautiful blonde man could make go any further up the red color scale.

The next girl didn't actually tell her what her name was. Only introduced herself as Hades. It must be really hard to have him as your god. She wondered what kind of terrifying powers came with that. What did she get in exchange for this bond?

“So, this isn't awkward at all, is it?” The girl asked.

“Yeah it is,” Kat sighed, glad someone shared her view on the situation. The girl didn't seem the like the talkative type so Kat didn't linger long.

“Hopefully it will all be over soon,” Kat answered as she left.

She tried to keep her cool as she walked up to the last man. What was it with all these stupidly attractive people here? She felt like garbage compared to them. Especially this guy. She was suddenly very grateful that Dionysus had dressed her. At least her dress was pretty.

'You are being an idiot.' She chided herself, took a deep breath and approached him.

“I'm Kat, Chosen of Dionysus.”

”Lewis. Aphrodite’s chosen.” He answered shortly, taking his tag.

“It's nice to meet you,” She answered. She kept her encounter brief with him and hurried to sit down next to Anthony. She was counting the name tags when another girl walked through the door.

She was dressed in red and black, her dark hair falling loosely about her. She seemed pleasant and warm and just as uncomfortable as the rest of them.

"Hey there." She said. "so this is the lets get bonded, whether we want to or not, party. I see I haven't missed much."

“Yeah,” Kat answered. "We are still waiting on a few people. I'm Kat, Chosen of Dionysus.”

"So yeah, I'm Apollo's chosen or whatever you'd prefer to call it." the dark haired girl replied as she took her name tag. She then took a seat next to Ares' Chosen.

'Brave girl,' Kat muttered.

“The dining room is ready for you guys,” The receptionist called to Kat.

“Excuse me?”

“The dining room? Is ready for you?” The girl seemed weirded out that Kat didn't know about it. Kat followed the girl into a double doored room. As the doors opened a large table with 12 seats sat before her. It was covered in all sorts of foods. There was a basket in the center of the table. Filled with red ribbons.

Red Ribbons. That was a Chinese legend though, not Greek. Kat sighed. This whole day had been one stressful event. She took the closest seat.

“Go ahead and eat,” The receptionist offered. “I'll lead the stragglers in with their name tags as they arrive.”

Kat nodded, but didn't rush for a plate. Her stomach was suddenly in knots.

“I guess this gives us a chance to get to know each other?” Kat said aloud to no one in particular. She knew better, most of the people here were pretty standoffish.

“The ribbons, it's a legend you know.” She started rambling, nervous. “It is said in Chinese lore that when you are born an, invisible red thread attaches you to your soul mate.” Kat suddenly felt stupid but couldn't quit talking.

“Uh.. but how can a ribbon be invisible and red at the same time? It doesn't make sense,” She laughed very awkwardly and then grabbed some of the fruit from one of the plates to give her mouth something to do other than humiliate herself.

This was perhaps the most trying experience of Jamie's life. Sitting in the middle of a coffee shop waiting for the love of his life to show up as it were wasn't exactly his idea of a thrilling time.

I mean would've killed it you to spring for maybe a strip club or some place they serve booze at least. The Vice President of the Southside Demons MC thought with an annoyed sigh that his brothers in arms could tell you boded ill.

Don't blame me skerb I wanted dancing girls and rivers of intoxications. They others voted me down bunch of fucking prudes I tell ya..in Hades case the zombie is just cheap.

By Hades balls I'd have paid for a decent party myself if money was the issue.

And I would've paid for a damn party myself if the other useless gods and goddesses would've agreed.

Deciding that line of thought would profit him nothing Jamie abandoned it and ordered himself a triple expresso knowing it might be a long night. Slowly sipping it he watched the other chosen go about their social interactions. Normally one for being in the thick of such things the Berserker wanted nothing to due with this group. Because in and amongst them was the one with whom he would be bonded. A concept the scarred and tattooed fighter also wanted nothing do with.

He loved the freedom of his current life. Jamie loved the open road as he rode beside his fellow Southside Demons. A bond mate seemed the complete opposite of the freedom of a steel horse and a loaded gun. But a promise was a promise even when made under the duress of orphanage life.

Lost in thought it was no wonder he almost missed the subtle difference of a woman sitting across from him. Almost that was. He turned his head briefly to look at her and decided he didn't mind some eye candy. Though she was tiny compared to him, then again so was everyone really.

" Name's Jamie, chosen of Ares in case the sign wasn't enough. " Jamie spoke up to his fellow chosen sitting across from him. His left hand indicating the ridiculous name tag pinned to his leather jacket. The crest embroidered on the leather vest atop the jacket wriggled as he stretched his shoulders. " I'd offer to buy ya drink but the Gods must think us kids who don't drink. They only serve coffee here, how about a latte instead? "

Chris couldn't help but find Kat's awkwardness a little charming. It's kind of adorable. He watched as another chosen entered a little bit late, she was Apollo's if he read the name tag right. She was pretty hot. He saw that the dining room was open, and evidently they were going to be continuing the ceremony in there. Well at least it's a change of scenery, even if it's merely a room. Chris leaped up out of his chair and followed shortly behind Kat. 'Well, this is at least somewhat better Zeusy.' He thought to himself as he looked the room over.

He noticed the red ribbons in the bowl in the middle of the room. "Weird." He commented about them. He listened as Kat talked about the legend in Chinese myths about these ribbons. "Maybe the ribbons are suppose to represent blood? Like a blood bond." He chimed in. "You know, like what kids do when they cut their hands and mix their blood together. It was pretty common back in the day in Southeastern Europe. Such as Greece. I think the Greeks called it Adelphopoiesis. It's the same principle as the Chinese ribbon thing, but more of a choice." He explained. "Although I think they did it when Christianity rolled in. So I might be reading too deep into it."

Chris was surely an odd fellow indeed. One minute he's this overconfident loud mouth, the next he's this nerdy kind of guy, and then he's an almost insightful guy, and back again. He's a puzzle to be sure. "Or they could just want to be all fancy like. It's something to wonder at least." He sat down at the table next to Kat's, and started digging into his food like a rabid animal. Again he's a puzzle. "Mmmm, not half bad." He inaudibly said with a mouth full of food.

Anthony blinked as he heard Chris and Kat talking about him, er, at least, Chris, talking about him as if he were from Marvel. For now, he just smiled; that was a new one, one he'd let slide for a little while before it got old and annoying. He merely yawned again, his teeth yet again showing before standing up as Kat returned to him.

"Well then, after you." He said to Kat, gesturing as if he were a gentlemen; bowing slightly and gesturing with his hands towards the doors that were opened. Of course, he didn't really let her pass him, and walked beside her, not exactly enjoying the fact that Zeus's chosen was right behind them, or the fact that he was hitting on her, but....it's Zeus....what else is there to explain?

Anthony's eyes widened as he saw all the food. "I see steak." he commented, sitting next to Kat but making sure he had some steak on his plate. Eagerly he cut it up and practically shoveled it into his mouth, proving that his canines were not for show, but were his legitimate teeth. The teeth cut through the meat with ease and allowed Anthony to shovel more meat into his face than normal people would even try doing.

However he was very clean in doing so, making sure that not one drop of succulent juice from the meat, or whatever else he piled onto his plate, never left his mouth or the plate unless he wanted it to. He was also quite quiet while eating, but then, he was usually quiet; being lazy had it's perks. You could move quietly, you could breath quietly, and most importantly: you could listen to everything around you.

This meant that Anthony was usually always aware of who or what was around him before most people did, and gave him what he counted as an edge over the other Chosen here. He looked at the Chosen of Apollo as she entered and nodded in greeting; his Goddess being Artemis, and Artemis and Apollo being siblings, he felt a some-what sisterly feeling towards Apollo's Chosen even though they had never met in person.

"So, Kat....what'cha think of this food? Good am I right?" He asked to help break the silence, his feline eyes glancing over everyone in the room once or twice more so he could get a good look at everyone before those yellow orbs fell upon Kat, a soft playfulness to them that Kat could most likely easily pick up on, thus probably cheering her up-or help break the awkwardness of the situation, whatever worked for Kat.

For such an assuming guy, he held himself with a type of confidence that said "Don't try anything stupid; I'm not what I seem." without the need for him to say it himself or have to stare at people with those predatory feline eyes of his. He also had an air of lazy playfulness to him that was typical of cats, not humans. Strange, he was a bit of a puzzle himself, but not as big a puzzle, it seems as Chris, who was like a nerd, geek, and jock all wrapped up in one.

"Of course, there could be more steak....there can always be more steak." Anthony laughed softly as he plopped another hunk of meat on his plate; this one being the third 12 oz. steak cooked to perfection. Before he took the first bite, he looked back to Kat. "You want some? Come on, you can't tell me you don't want some steak, this stuff is good and I feel bad hogging it all like this." he said, patting her back gently with his hand.

As for the other Chosen, every now and again Anthony would again glance over them, their name-tags, then back to them before looking away to move to the next one, or back to his plate.

Lennon followed the other Chosen into the dining room. She walked through the double doors and saw a table for twelve covered in food with a basket of ribbons at the center. She sat down, leaving a chair between her and the cat-looking guy. ”Fancy,” she said, looking around the room.

The barista showed up with her coffee. ”Do you want you pie now, or with dessert?” he asked.

”Ummm....” she said, thinking. But before she could answer, her vision became blurry and the room started to spin. She knew what this meant.

The dining room around her was replaced with the outside of the coffee shop. It was dark outside, as dark as it could be in New York City, and the smell of smog and different kinds of food filled her nose. The gentle breeze of the nighttime air made her shiver. The barista came out of the shop in uniform but wearing a sweater. He checked his watch, then stood on the sidewalk, watching the traffic. He looked left, then right and saw an opening. His eyes on a white car to the right of him, he started crossing the street. When he got about halfway across, a bus to the left of him hit him at full speed.

”Miss?” she heard someone saying, which jerked her out of her vision. She looked up at the barista who was still waiting for an answer.

”Ummm, you know? Cancel the pie, I'll just stick with the coffee.” The barista walked away and she looked down at the steak on her plate and felt a little queasy. She looked over at the cat-guy and saw him digging into his steak with gusto. She picked up her plate and scooted over to the chair beside him.

”Hey, you want mine? I've suddenly lost my appetite.” She saw him glance over at Kat at a few times, who was listening to the obnoxious blonde guy, and she rolled her eyes. She leaned in closer and whispered to him, ”Oh my Hades, you couldn't be more obvious if you clubbed her over the head and dragged her back to your cave. You know, Bonding ceremony or no, you should tell her how you feel. Life's too short.” She thought back to her vision. ”I mean, you could get hit by a bus or something. And anyways, you'd probably be a much better boyfriend than that,” she said, pointing to the blonde guy.

Still talking to the cat-guy, but saying it loud enough for the blonde guy to hear, she said, ”I haven't been so disgusted by someone eating since my cousin discovered pot brownies.” She looked at the blonde guy after she said this, leaving little room to doubt who she was talking about.

Simply observing, Andrew almost missed the receptionist coming out to tell Kat something. Wondering what it could have possibly been, his curiosity was satisfied as soon as he hears mention of food. Now that it was mentioned, he remembered that nothing had passed his mouth since a meager bagel that morning. Strange that he had not noticed. Was the anxiety getting to him? He was not one prone to feeling nervous, but this was something unknown, repercussions that he could not expect. Humans feared what they did not know. Looking at the man seated near him, Andrew sat that he was the Chosen of Aphrodite. An interesting choice for a female god, but then again, he was the Chosen of Athena.

Chuckling softly, he stood up and stretched a bit. Had he forgotten to do that after exercising? Maybe, but it didn't matter now. Turning to Aphrodite's Chosen, he said, "The name's Andrew. Shall we go meet the others? No sense in waiting." After waiting for his response, Andrew proceeded into the dining room.

Arrayed before him was a veritable feast. Foods of all kinds was arrayed along the table, delicate smells wafting across the room, supplanted by the heavier scents of more heavily spiced foods. Stomach grumbling slightly, he sat down at a seat across from Kat and this Chris fellow. Listening as they talked about the center-piece ribbons and bonding ceremonies from different parts of the world, he considered that. Chinese, huh? Was there some underlying meaning to the ribbons, or had the Greek gods simply chosen it for decorative purposes? The blond bonding was something he had heard before, but still interesting to hear some possible lore.

Cutting into his food, he began eating quickly yet neatly. No waste motions, more time to do other things. After filling himself up a bit. Turning back towards the others seated, he thought about what to say. Athena, goddess of courage and inspiration. Yet none of that came back to him. Social skills were definitely lacking. Andrew didn't get out much.

Breathing in, he exhaled quietly in preparation, preparing his inspiration aura so that it would flow through his words. "Whatever the bond is and however it works, it is something that we chose to accept. While we may not have fully understood at that point, we know more now, however much good that does us," he spoke to the table. "But while we may be forced to accept this by the gods, we are still masters of our own destiny. They may be the ones deciding the Bonding, but we decide what to do with it. Good luck to you all. To our futures." With that, he took up his drink and saluted before swallowing it as quickly as possible. That had been an effort, and a taxing one at that. He didn't like speeches.

Lewis Hartley

With the door to the main room now open Lewis hardly noticed, his attention drawn to a corner of the room and a deep daydream setting on. He was never one for being a people person, he could thank his lack of emotions for that, so this whole seemed more like a punishment then a special ceremony.
"The name's Andrew. Shall we go meet the others? No sense in waiting."
Blinking to the man he stood up “Lewis and I can agree with that.” he smirked.

Picking himself up he took his sweater off and walked in, taking the first seat he seen which happened to be right across from. There was a large spread of mixed foods and drinks with a large, ornate bowl of red ribbons in the center. He faded in and out of the others talking about them and put together that they had something to do with the bonding ritual or nothing at all to do with it. Grabbing an apple off one of the plates with his knife he leaned back and started cutting slivers off and eating them. “You eat as though you haven’t in awhile.” An apple snapping with his word. “Same to you.” he pointed to Kat’s friend who was talking to, or talked to by Lennon.

"Whatever the bond is and however it works, it is something that we chose to accept. While we may not have fully understood at that point, we know more now, however much good that does us,but while we may be forced to accept this by the gods, we are still masters of our own destiny. They may be the ones deciding the Bonding, but we decide what to do with it. Good luck to you all. To our futures."

Andrew did make a good point on this being mostly optional. If all he had to do was get bonded and then cast that person to the side this wouldn’t be as bad as he expected. With that thought in mind he grabbed his glass and took a sip.

Aeron was in the middle of a very important meeting with her lawyer when Hermes interrupted everything.

“Aeron we need to talk” his voice filled her consciousness. She tried very hard not to flinch, for the god's message was so powerful it made her temples ache.

“Are you okay Miss Smith?” the man in the suit across for her asked.

“Uh..yeah!” She flashed one of her award winning smiles. “I just have a bit of a headache that's all,”

”Not a nice thing to say about me,” Hermes retorted, although playfully.

“Well that's all the information I needed today. I'll call you before the trial so we can meet again to work out any kinks.” her Lawyer said. They stood they shook hands and Aeron left.

”So do you have time to talk to me NOW?” Hermes asked.

”Has anyone ever told you that you are super loud?” Aeron said affectionatly.

”Ready to meet all the other Chosen?” He asked, ignoring her question.

”Tonight? The Bonding Day is tonight?”

”Address is in your bag. Don't be late....and be the cutie I know you are. Represent ol' Herms well huh?” Aeron rolled her eyes. She reached in her purse. An invitation laid on top. It pretty caligraphy it read.

'You have been cordially invited...to 22nd and Main street. Arrival time 6:45.” Kat looked down at her phone. That gave her very little time to get ready. She dashed to her house, ignored the living room full of people, who in turn also ignored her and went to her closet. She flipped through a couple of dresses until she found the perfect one. If she was going to be tied to someone for the rest of her life. She at least wanted to make a good impression. As she pulled thedress over her head she realized she couldn't recall where she had gotten it. But she looked stunning in it. Like she was the poster girl for Greek goddess.
She lightly curled her dark pink hair and threw on some light make up. No one said goodbye to her as she left. She jumped in her old Toyota Camry and headed to the shop. She wondered why of all the places to meet it was a coffee shop.

By the time she found a place to park she was pretty late, but to her surprise when she entered there was no one there.

“Hello! The others are in the dining room. Please take a name tag and I'll lead you to them.” the woman greeted her. She looked in the basket, found the Hermes tag and entered the dining hall. The rest of her chosen were sat around the table conversing when she entered.

”Hello! Nice to meet you all, I'm Aeron!” She flashed them a dazzling smile and sat down in one of the empty chairs.

Kat Jones

"Maybe the ribbons are suppose to represent blood? Like a blood bond." He chimed in. "You know, like what kids do when they cut their hands and mix their blood together. It was pretty common back in the day in Southeastern Europe. Such as Greece. I think the Greeks called it Adelphopoiesis. It's the same principle as the Chinese ribbon thing, but more of a choice. Although I think they did it when Christianity rolled in. So I might be reading too deep into it."

Kat was impressed, maybe there was more to that noggin of his than gorgeous blonde hair. As Anthony began to offer steak Kat snickered. He knew exactly what to do to make her smile. The more she thought about it, being bonded to him wouldn't be bad at all. He was pretty fantastic. She immediately chided herself for thinking like that. She had a 1in 11 chance of getting bonded to him. That was like a 9.09 percent chance. She didn't need to get used to the idea of anyone just yet.She was brought back to reality by Hades' girl speaking up.

”I haven't been so disgusted by someone eating since my cousin discovered pot brownies.” She looked at Chris when she spoke. Kat felt that was a little rude but of course said nothing about it. Next Andrew spoke.

“Whatever the bond is and however it works, it is something that we chose to accept. While we may not have fully understood at that point, we know more now, however much good that does us, But while we may be forced to accept this by the gods, we are still masters of our own destiny. They may be the ones deciding the Bonding, but we decide what to do with it. Good luck to you all. To our futures." Kat stared in awe at first, before rasing her glass to his toast. It was well spoken, like a true prodigy of Athena.

About that time a vision walked in the door. She was very pretty, pink hair flowing around her waist, a white and gold dress clinging to her. She had such a sweet smile as she addressed the group. Her name tag read Hermes. She came and sat with them. Kat ignored the pangs of self-consciousness that flowed through her.

“Sorry I'm late!” The girl smiled and waved at Lewis, giving him a soft wink. Kat really needed to learn to wink. She always looked like something was wrong with her eyes when she tried. She found the action very attractive on other people though.

”So! When is this bonding going to happen? I'm kind of excited.” Aeron said happily.

excited? Kat was terrified. What was with all these confident people? Kat was feeling more and more out of place by the second.

”It's all kinda just stressful for me” Kat said, amazing herself by her ability to speak. ”I mean, the bond doesn't mean you are falling in love with them as far as I can tell, but it's got to be hard to do that if you are going to be naturally drawn to someone for the rest of your life.”

She was rambling again.

“You know... or it's exciting... that's another word for it.” She looked down at her knees and blushed.

JAMIE SOUTHSIDE

Now this one has potential, much more interesting then the others. Jamie thought with a small smile as the chosen of Apollo introduced herself. Meredith, nice name.

Her appeal was sealed in the Beserker's mind however when she replied that she could also use a real drink. And when the woman derided the situation earned Meredith bonus points in Jamie's mind. Suddenly this bonded thing didn't seem so bad in his mind. Ares being the eternal jester the Vice President of the Southside Demons Motorcycle Club knew he'd just as likely end up with that mouse of woman handing out the name tags.

Hmm..now there is an idea. Teach ya to ignore me skreb. Ares spoke with laughter tinging his speech.

Just try it Ares but remember even a God can die. The scarred and tattoed street fighter answered the mental equivalent of dropping the gauntlet.

And that is why I love ya, you got the balls to challenge the God of War himself.

His conversation with the chosen of Apollo ended however as the summons to some sort of dinner was announced. At that Jamie's newest companion's stomach growled, a feeling he could sympathize with. One did not get to become the Berserker's size without learning the value of a square meal.

" Sure sounds like a date." He replied to Meredith's question with a decisive nod that spoke volumes to those that knew him. The bitch that was Lady Fortuna could rope him into a bond but his life was his own in the end. Filing into the dining room with the others he took a seat at the far end of the table, pulling out a chair for Meredith as he did.

Piling a plate with a lot of everything he dug around the inner pockets of his leather jacket and withdrew a silver flask engraved with his MC's crest. Opening it he poured a few drops onto the floor, whispering a prayer for the fallen. Then he took a sip and placed it by his table indicating Meredith was free to take a sip herself.

" Russian Vodka, Pyatizvyozdnaya. Nothing but the best for a Southside Demon. "

Eating with deft but quick bets he scanned the room taking it all in. All the theories about the table decorations and its link to their current situation. He also found himself agreeing with the chosen of Athena and his speech about being the real masters of their fate.

You listening skreb, ya still free. A bond is hardly the steel bars of a cage.

Chris continued to stuff his face when the gothic looking chick, Hades pick of course, started shooting out insults at him. 'What did I do?' He thought to himself. 'Do you need a list?' The voice of the almighty Zeus thundered in his mind. 'Dammnit Zeusy! You know I hate that telepathic BS!' Chris shouted in his mind. He's a little uncomfortable with him being in his deepest thoughts, a feeling that Zeus most likely shares. 'You say that like I should care. I'm just checking in. Making sure you haven't sullied my name too much.' Zeus stated. 'No more than usual. Now please get out of my head! Or else you're gonna see some shit. Do you really want to see what I filter?' Zeus didn't give a reply.

Now onto the matter at hand. Chris got up from his chair, and relocated next to Hades' pick. And now the games begin. "What's the matter Doom N' Gloom? Jealous? Not gettin' enough attention from the big dog?" he asked with a sly grin. "Don't like me much huh? Oh! And look at that you're Hades pick as well. Ain't that something. Hades' pick doesn't like Zeus'. That's very stereotypical of you." He smirked. "Tell me, are you just as obvious? Do you like bad poetry, and heavy metal too? Do you just feel no one understands you, and all that angsty junk?" He said with a chuckle.

His attention then turned to the newest arrival, Hermes' pick. And what a fine pick she was. "Hi Aeron." He calmly, and suavely answered with a charming grin. "I'm Chris, and the pleasures all mine my dear." He then gently took her right hand, and gave it a gentle kiss, all while he kept one eye on Lennon's face, watching for her reaction, and gave her a small wink. That little show was all to annoy her. He then leaned back in his chair with a satisfied smile. He looked over at Lennon, a look that almost dared her to do something.

Lennon's eye started twitching in the middle of Chris's speech. There was no way she was going to let on how much he hit home. Was she really a stereotype? Thinking about, she realized that she was a match for everything people thought of about the goth and punk lifestyle.

Another girl came in and introduced herself as Aeron. She rolled her eyes at Chris's greeting to her. He sat back down and gave her look that just pissed her off. ”Barf. At least I'm comfortable in my own skin and don't have to seek the approval of others in order to feel good about myself. Flirting with women just to get validated by their attention is just sad.” She had no idea if she was anywhere close to hitting the mark, but she hoped she was at least in the ballpark. She's known quite a few guys like this before, and that's how it always was with them.

'Hades, your brother's Chosen is ticking me off,' she thought, knowing full well he wouldn't answer.

She realized that she was probably making a scene, but didn't really care. She did feel for Aeron coming when she did, though. The girl probably did not expect to be walking into this.

Meredith had to stop herself from staring at just how much Ares's chosen had piled on his plate, she had a healthy appetite but doubted she would manage half of what he had in front of him. She had some idea of how he had gotten to be so big and how he stayed that way. Not that she was complaining, he had very nice biceps, but it also occurred to her that if he really wanted to he could flatten her without much effort. Yet surprisingly given his size and intimidating appearance she found herself feeling oddly safe around him probably because she knew he could take on anything that happened to be threatening her. She already liked the way he looked but when he pulled a chair out for her he rose in her estimation. A guy with manners was not easy to find nowadays.

She piled a her plate with food and although small compared to the giants next to her it was large in comparison with what most people Meredith knew ate. But then she had always needed to eat a lot, a downside of her 'gifts' from Apollo, she had long ago stopped worrying whether others thought she was greedy or piggish and so she simply focussed on enjoying the food. She had to admit it was good, whoever had organised this had spared no expense and Meredith couldn't remember the last time she had eaten so well. In between bites she watched as Jaime took out a hip flask and poured out a few drops on the floor before taking a sip, he then placed it on the table and invited her to have some.

Meredith drank quite often, as with her higher metabolism she could drink more often and in larger quantities than most people as her body quickly burned up the alcohol. Due to this she had gotten used to having either a glass of wine with her dinner or a bottle of fruit cider. She didn't often drink vodka but she knew the good stuff when she heard it. She lifted the hip flask and took a sip appreciating the pure flavour and burn as it slid down her throat.

"That's good." She said appreciatively before taking another sip.

She observed the others as she ate and saw a few were talking with each other and some were not. She noticed the goth looking girl looking particularly pissed off, the blonde guy had started talking to her and clearly he wasn't welcome. She didn't blame the girl and smiled at her sympathetically before turning back to Jaime.

"So what do you reckon they'll get us all doing? I mean, are we gonna have to hold hands and have them tied together or something? God I hope not, being bonded sounds bad enough but actually being tied together?" She shuddered in disgust at the idea. Then she grinned. "Though depending who you're tied with it could be fun." She said wickedly.

Phoebe was underneath a car when Hephaestus suddenly appeared beside her. ”Hello, miss Cadwell,” came his rough, booming voice.

It startled Phoebe so much that she jerked and banged her head on the car. She had put her hand to her forehead and felt it a goose-egg. ”Shoot. You scared the heck out of me. You've got some bad timing, my friend.”

He pretended he didn't know what happened. ”Guess what, Sugar Tits, tonight is the Bonding ceremony. So you better get your ass in gear and head over there.”

Still rubbing her sore head, she looked over at him and said, ”You couldn't have given me more notice?”

Again, he pretended like she didn't speak. ”It's starting soon. At the coffee shop on 22nd Main Street. You'd better start getting ready unless you want to go looking like a grease monkey.” At that, he was gone.

Sighing, she slid out from underneath the car. Heading toward the back of the shop, she called out, ”Got somewhere to go Uncle Vick. Be back later.” All she got was a grunt in response, not that she expected in different.

In the back of the shop was an apartment-like room where her uncle used to live, and gave to her when she came to work for him. It was basically a bedroom with a full bathroom. She shed her clothes and hopped in the shower to wash off the grease that she was practically covered in. Afterward, she finished getting ready, and put on a fancy blue dress that was way too formal for a coffee shop. Not that she cared.

It didn't take long for her to get to the coffee shop, she only lived a few blocks away,but she was still going to be late. She practically sprinted inside, almost knocking over the receptionist. ”Oh, I'm so sorry!” she said.

The receptionist looked flustered, but smiled. ”It's alright, the party is that way.” She started walking away, and led Phoebe into the dining room.

She was the last to arrive. Of course. She walked over to the table and smiled. ”Hi everyone. I'm Phoebe. Phoebe Cadwell. I'm so happy to be here.”

Kat Jones

As the last one introduced herself a sinking feeling hit with Kat, this was it. They had no one else to wait for. The time was very close. She began looking around wildly trying to figure out who she was going to be bonded too.

”Quit freaking out Kat. It's time. Take a deep breath and it will all be over.” She wasn't entirely sure if it was in her head or out loud, but it was Dionysus's voice. Kat obeyed, breathing in slowly and deeply. When she opened her eyes she was surprised.

There was blackness. Total dark. She couldn't see anything. Kat was very frightened, she had never really liked the dark. She called out, but she realized she couldn't hear anyone else around her. Was she suddenly alone? Then there was a eerie red glow. It started slow, like an ember until it was so bright she couldn't take it. She raised her hand to cover her eyes but realized she couldn't, something was keeping her hand back. She looked down, a red cuff around her right wrist. When she pulled, it was like she was tied to a wall, it wouldn't budge.

Then all at once reality came back in a fade. The red light slowly left, leaving Kat back in the dining room, but the table and food was gone. She was standing. She tried to shake away the confusion, she felt like she had been hit in the head, her vision was blurry and slowly coming back to her. She looked down at her hand.

Was that the bond?
Was it over?
Her right hand was crossed over another very strong looking hand. Their wrists tied together with a red satin ribbon. It was glowing, but slowly fading out. As the light coming from the tie dissipated so did the string all together until it was just her hand lying on top of another.

That was it. She was Bonded. Kat panicked, working up her courage to look up from their hands. Finally she slowly raised her head to meet Chris' face. Her legs felt weak and she tried her best not to stumble into the prodigy of Zeus.

Her prodigy of Zeus. They were Bonded. But what did that mean? She barely knew how to make full sentences around this guy, how was she supposed to spend the rest of her life time being connected to him.

“Um...hi,” She said very lamely. She felt it though, the effects of the ceremony. She didn't know why but she felt a...draw to him. She realized her hand was still on his and wasn't sure what to do with it. She left it for now, afraid of moving, she still felt weak and her knees were wobbly.

JAMIE SOUTHSIDE

Hmm not bad O God of War. Jamie thought with a humorous tone as he watched Meredith take an appreciative sip of the Pyatizvyozdnaya he preferred above all other booze out there. Now this was a woman he wouldn't mind being bonded to.

Nah think I'm going to stick ya with Hades chosen.

Jamie took a look at the goth girl embroiled in a heated conversation with the chosen of Zeus and decided that Ares had to be messing with him.

Come on I'm sure she's right up your alley. The scars and tattoos I'll bet she'll eat that right up.

I'd sooner date the neko freak. The Beserker replied with disdain colouring his mental speech. Taking a look at said Neko freak Jamie did decide it'd be a kinder fate then living dead girl. At least the cat looked low maintenance. Truth be told though he was hoping Ares would match him with Meredith. Any girl that could take a shot of Pyatizvyozdnaya like she could was worth dating.

What's it worth to ya Jamie boy?

How about I'll listen to your next bit of advice.

Tempting, very tempting skreb.

" I doubt the gods are into the kinky stuff, I mean look at this lame dinner. No strippers, music, or even good vodka." Jamie replied to Meredith's question if the bonding would involve an actual binding with a dersive laugh. His right hand indicating all and sundry. He was also half tempted to drink another swig from his flask but didn't. Mainly because he had to be sober enough to ride his Harley Davidson Fatboy out of this little meeting.

" Though one can always hope." He answered Meredith's wicked smile with one of his own. The Vice President of the Southside Demons Motorcycle Club was really beginning to like the way the evening was shaping up. True the others weren't to his taste but the scarred and tattoed street fighter was liking what he saw in Apollo's chosen.

Tell ya what, if you are a very nice skreb I'll think about it.

Jamie Delmont Southside wanted to tell the Ares his standard go fuck yourself reply but suddenly everything was darkness. Not the darkness of an unlit room or a starless night. But the darkness only a man born blind might know.

In this place the normally carefree chosen of Ares felt the slightest concern over his fate. For all his senses felt severed from his mind. Sight, sound, touch, taste they were gone. The body he kept in peak shape felt gone.

But even as the Berserker felt his concern rising sight returned at least along with touch. Looking down at his hand where he felt pressure around his right wrist. A fragile looking red ribbon was tied around it. Wanting a closer look at it Jamie tried to lift his hand and failed. And here the Harley riding Southside Demon felt the greatest concern of his life. For his strength had always proven greater then anything thrown against him.

Then normality of everyday life returned. The dinning room of earlier only devoid of the feast. And the Vice President of the Southside Demons MC was standing tied hand and hand to Meredith. His dark silver eyes looking into hers. The chosen of war and the chosen of dawn were bonded.

I believe I'm owed some thanks.

Lewis Hartley

Downing the rest of his drink and throwing the apple core in the glass Lewis nodded the best greeting he could to what was apparently the final missing piece to this strange spectacle and once again found himself spacing out, this time at nothing in particular as he played with his string of his hoodie.

So when’s this thing starting? He wondered rubbing his eyes.

Why it already has darling. The sultry voice chimed in.

Opening his eyes was hardly an accomplishment. The room was completely dark and as he went to turn something jerked his arm. ”The hell?” Looking closer a bright red ribbon was tied around his wrist and unless he grew another hand he was tied to another. Subconsciously tilting his head he followed the arm up to the face and with the everything returning met Lennon’s.

Looking back around he noticed everything coming back into place except for the food. Where did they go? he wondered and if anywhere how long were they gone? This a very strange experience for him and he wasn’t too sure how to react. There was a strange sensation about the whole thing that he could feel surge through him. It was entirely uncomfortable. This was not a feeling he knew, it was completely foreign. What am I feeling? I don't like it.

You'll get used to it...maybe. Doll I can't tell you everything, I want to see how this plays out.

As helpful as always Aphrodite. Turning back to Lennon, the red ribbon slowly vanishing, shrugged “I guess this means we’re bonded.”

The next few minutes happened in a blur. Aeron supposed that's what she got for being late. She walked in to a fight between Hades and Zeus' chosen, in which she was given a very charming kiss on the hand (one she would have found more charming if it was not being done purely to annoy the goth girl in the first place.)

Then another girl walked in, Hephaestus. As she introduced herself everything got strange.

”Ready for a wild ride kid?” Hermes voice asked. Suddenly the room went dark, there was a bright red glow. She wasn't afraid, she trusted Hermes, they had always had a good connection.

As the glow disappeared she noticed she was back in the dining room. They all were. Her hand tied to another. The ribbon faded leaving only their hands and she looked up into the yellow eyes of Anthony. The boy hadn't even spoken to her but she already felt something strange. Was this the power of the bond?

“Hi!” She gave him a bright smile. “So we are bonded huh? It's nice to meet you.”

The Chosen of Hephaestus stepped into the room, introducing herself as Phoebe. Wearing a blue dress that would fit into any formal dinner party, she seemed much more confident than he had been. At least he had said something. A thought struck him, causing a feeling of dread to settle in his stomach. With each passing moment it grew, becoming an effort to keep himself outwardly calm.

No no no no no no no, Athena!

Calm down, Andrew. You will be fine. Just different.

Closing his eyes, Andrew slowly began hyperventilating. Why had he ever agreed to the bond? Sure the powers that had come with it had been helpful, but he should have seen this coming. There had to be a way to back out. There had to be!

Warmth began to seep through his skin, and he flung open his eyes. A void greeted him, bereft of sensory perception except for the heat and a red light that came from everywhere and nowhere. The heat flared, searing his skin. Pain swept through his body as he struggled helplessly against the Bond. He. Would. Not. Go! As quickly as it had come, the darkness faded away. Blinded by the light coming from the lamps, it took him a few moments to adjust. Realizing his hand was resting on something he looked down and then back up.

His hand rested on Adriana's, tied to it by a red ribbon. He tried to pull away, but it would not move. The ribbon dissipated, but he did not move. Could not move. The dread that had filled him earlier was replaced by shock. In the back of his mind was a little space that had not been there before, filled with Adraina's presence. If he walked across New York he could have pointed straight to her.

Trust in her, Andrew. But trust in yourself. Remember the words you said. Your destiny is your own. I shall support you, whatever your choice, Athena spoke into his mind.

Looking into her azure eyes, he let go of his earlier shock. Slowly, but he let go. Still too unsure to move his hand, he simply said, "I guess we're bonded then..."

Chris was about to reply to Lennon's comment about him seeking approval from others. It was probably going to be something snappy, semi-clever, and borderline sexual harassment. But his vision began to fade, darkness enveloped everything. "The hell? Zeusy, you doin this?" Chris asked, and of course there was no answer, at least not right away. "It is done." Zeus' thunderous voice bellowed. "Done?! What?! That's it?! Dammnit Zeusy! Showmanship! Turning out the lights ain't good enough!" Chris yelled out in frustration. He then felt something tugging on his left wrist, he looked down to see a red cuff on it. Then a brilliant red light flashed, it surrounded him and suddenly he was back in the dining room.

He was a little shaken up, who wouldn't be? He looked down at his wrist, and saw he was holding hands with someone. His eyes were transfixed on the ribbon that tied the hands together. Then the ribbon disappeared. He finally snapped back into reality, having processed what happened. He looked up from the pale, and slender hand to meet eyes with his bond mate, Kat. Odd pairing to be sure, but admittedly it wasn't that bad. It's not like they've been at each others throats like him and Hades chosen. But still, she's pretty awkward, and shy compared to himself.

She was the first to break the awkward silence between them with a nervous hi. He just noticed that she was shaking. 'Why is she nervous?' He thought. He gave her a reassuring smile, one that said that everything's ok. He looked back down at their still intertwined hands. "Soooooo, does this count as first base?" Chris smirked, hoping a slight joke might lighten up the mood. "So Kitten, we're bonded huh? I'm probably not your first choice huh?" He looked at her, and noticed she was somewhat weak. "Here, sit down." Chris said as he pulled her chair out, and guided her to set down. He took the seat next to hers, and let go of her hand. "Well, now that we're.....um.....partners I guess me should get to know each other huh?" Chris was a little nervous about her knowing about his past, but he hid it with a comforting smile. Hopefully he can give her some half-truths, and she wouldn't read too deep into it.