Ares eyes felt like a hawks, narrowing in on its prey, which in this case was her. A scary thought to be at the mercy of Ares like Aphrodite was in this very moment; his eyes burned into her back as she walked further into her apartment, but then again Aphrodite always knew when Ares eyes were set upon her; the butterfly's in her stomach were always an indication, 'calm yourself woman, you are a goddess, not some mere mortal a man shouldn't have this affect on you' the blonde goddess mentally scolded herself. Placing her bags in the middle of her lounge, she made a mental note to unpack them letter, she more pressing matter at this moment in time.

He was staring, still; not to mention he hadn't answered any of her questions and quite frankly it was beginning to infuriate her. Ares had always been a man of very little words, but this, well this was something new. Turning to face him, Aphrodite watched as his eyes raked over her body, the lust in his brown orbs was evident, without any attempt to hide the powerful emotion. The blonde bit her lip, her nails drumming against the marble counter tops of her kitchen, the tension between the two immortals nearly unbearable.

Looking away Aphrodite's lust was becoming almost insufferable, it wasn't until she heard the clicking of Ares boots did she look up to see her lover striding towards her. In an instant she was wrapped up in his warm, muscular arms, too Aphrodite it was the safest place in the world. Inhaling his masculine scent, the blonde smiled into his chest, leaving a trail of light kisses along his collar bone, it was good to be back in his arms.

A buzzing signalled the simultaneous receiving of texts to their phones, with a light groan, Aphrodite felt one of Ares arms unwrap itself from her body as he read the text. "Our great and glorious leader has summoned us to dinner...So much for some time alone" his voice broke the silence, his comment causing her to chuckle slightly, glancing up "We had better not keep father waiting, but first I must change" she smiled up at Ares, placing a quick kiss on his lips turning turning away from his embrace.

Zeus – Brandon Powers

Zeus’s Mansion.

Right after Athena entered, strolling in was Demeter with panic shining in her bright eyes. Brandon having not noticed the apprehensive state his sister was in, immediately stepped to Athena’s side and threw out his arms to welcome her.

“Demeter-!”

She had dropped her purse and walked past him as though he were but an apparition. Brandon’s welcoming smile was frozen on his face, teeth clenched and equally as brilliant like most of his kin. He lowered his empty arms as soon as they started aching and he followed after Demeter’s worried pacing to inform: “Calm down. She hasn’t arrived yet.” Jesus that woman is crazy…Ha! I said Jesus.

The father god scowled, his brown brows coming together at his forehead when he saw Demeter shaking his son around. He approached the distressed mother and just as his lips parted to confront her, a certain news report slipped into his ear. Brandon’s attention turned to the television set as the news covered the fire that was consuming his sister’s shop.

“What is this?” he growled; his voice rumbling like a nearing storm.

Just in, firefighters have uncovered the bodies of one white male and female. A case of arson has just become a murder investigation…

Brandon was baffled; a male and female victim? Even if gods were caught in the fire, gods couldn’t be burned by normal means. They were more resilient than that. Brandon returned his focus to Hermes and Demeter, his expression showing conversion to Demeter’s chaos.

“Where’s Persephone?” he asked Demeter. Immediately, he remembered the goddess being just as lost as. He turned his frown on Hermes and demanded, “Where’s Persephone?”

Two gods were now on the godling’s case in a manner that he might as well had gone and lit the fire. Brandon’s attention once again snapped over to the front door when he saw it open. He strode briskly toward it, his brows rising in hope that it was Persephone. Upon seeing his brother enter and offer a warm greeting, Brandon latched his hands onto his older brother’s shoulders, and at that moment, the two may have seemed like godlings again.

“Poseidon, have you seen Persephone?” he asked fearfully.

The gods seemed to be pouring in as seconds after Poseidon, the door opened once again, and walking in, besides the stranger that accompanied her, was Persephone.

“There she is!” Brandon exploded, possibly cutting off his brother’s explanation. He patted Poseidon on the shoulder and said quickly, “Glad to have you—Hey! Demeter!”

He turned back to the harvest goddess and yelled, “Persephone’s here!”

Whirling around, he enveloped his other daughter in a warm hug and then held her at a distance with his hands upon her biceps.

“Are you all right? I saw Ambrosia burning on TV. Your mother is worried sick.”

His brown eyes darted to her tall friend, and he slapped on his egotistical grin.

“Hi! I’m Brandon Powers; I’m sure you’ve heard of me.” He then leaned close to Persephone’s ear and whispered out of the corner of his mouth, You better get rid of this guy before Hades’s minions’ see him. They’re not allowed on my property, but they’re like pests. I can’t get rid of them sometimes.

Anton stared at his father with severe disappointment. How did a father not recognize his own son? As Anton frowned softly at the floor, Brandon blushed a little, wondering if Persephone’s friend had overheard him. Laughing in an attempt to lighten the mood, he slapped Anton in the arm and said, “Well, thank you for ensuring my daughter’s safe arrival. I, uh…” What was a nice way to kick someone out? He dunked his hand into his rear pocket and fished out his wallet. Fingering through a few Benjamins, Brandon glanced up at the young man and smiled, “How much do you want?”

Anton’s frown hardened and Brandon laughed, “Don’t be shy! Seriously, this wallet doesn’t even cover 1% of my bank account.”

She had walked from where Hermes was simpering; telling her to get a drink in order to quell her fears.She shot him an antagonistic glare and turned to her brother. "I don't know where she is, that's why I'm asking!" She shrieked, her hand running across her scalp and taking a few red hairs along with it. She watched her daughters father question first Hermes, and then Poseidon as he made his entrance into the Mansion.

Just in, firefighters have uncovered the bodies of one white male and female. A case of arson has just become a murder investigation…

Thump-thump-thump..

Her heart began to beat rapidly like the start of a plane. The room seemed to spin then, and Hermes, Zeus, and her brother seemed miles away from the Goddess. Where was she? The female inside could not be her daughter. As much as she loathed Hades, he had always protected her with a ferocity even Demeter could admire time to time.

The sound of glass door opening, the hiss of a iron hinge nearly made Demeter crumple to the ground.

There she was though, as beautiful as ever. Her daughter glided into the room holding the hand of a handsome tall man. Any other day she might have questioned her daughter about who the mysterious man next to her was, but it was last on her list of priorities today.

"Persephone." Demeter said with a relieved sigh, watching as her brother gave their daughter a warm hug in greeting before voicing his own questions to the man near her.

Before Persephone was even able to offer a greeting, Zeus was before her. He threw his arms around her and embraced the woman in way only a father could. She could sense the tension that was around her, and her eyebrows raised in confusion.

“Are you all right? I saw Ambrosia burning on TV. Your mother is worried sick.” He then leaned in to whisper a warning in regards to her brother beside her, which left her with even more confusion.

"What?" She laughed, a sudden tingle traveled down her spine. "Daddy, what are you talking about? Ambrosia is fine and that's Heph." Her blue orbs traveled to where one of her brothers was standing, the t.v. flashing behind him as an anchorman stood in front of remains of a shop.

Her shop.

Persephone began to shake underneath her fathers gentle touch. The center of her palms began to tingle as well and her knees buckled. She threw a hand to the closest wall near to her in order to keep a standing position.

Demeter promptly took her place near her daughters side the minute Zeus informed her of the fire. Sadness was clear in the crystal blue eyes and she could tell Persephone was undoubtedly troubled by the whole affair. She plucked her daughters hand and rested it in her own, caressing it in a soothing manner as she did when the girl was still a child.

"We can rebuild." She told her, a finger tracing the inside of her daughters palm.

Persephone stared at her mother with a somber expression. "I only wanted to make people happy. Why would anyone do this?" She asked, turning from her mother to the rest of the Immortals near her.

Because the Titans are cruel. Demeter couldn't say for sure it was her father that had caused the fire, but seeing them in the shop and then having it burn down hours later pretty damn suspicious. "We'll find out who did this and they'll be punished. Won't they, brother?" Demeter asked, her voice asking the question but her eyes demanding Zeus agree with her.

Persephone bit her lip in thought. If Zeus couldn't find out what happened then no doubt Hades would. His way of questioning people; even those who didn't want to talk, always brought better results than her father. "Has my husband arrived?" Persephone asked, as quietly as she could hoping her mother would mimic her own tone once she learned about Hades being invited.

Demeter's eye twitched." Why would Hades arrive? It's still spring dear, I've got you for another five months." Her laugh was bright for a moment before it quickly became hollow once she realized no one was laughing with her. "Zeus....." She began. "What is our daughter talking about? You didn't....invite him did you?"The last few words she spoke were barely understandable as her jaw became clenched so tightly together.

The moon was high and bright, capturing the attention of the goddess. Despite it being one of her symbols, Artemis had always been enamored by the thing. It felt comforting in a way to have the light, the energy, on her skin. The moon always made the world look different compared to how it was during the day. It made it her own domain at this time.

Her attention was diverted as she watched her brethren arrive one by one. Zeus, Hera, Athena, Hermes was probably inside as well. She thought before continuing on with the count. Demeter, Poseidon, Persephone and… is that Hephaestus with her? That actually shocked the goddess a bit, getting the god out of his workshop and to one of these family meetings was almost impossible. Artemis of course, could understand why Heph wouldn't come; the relationship between him and both of his parents wasn't exactly strong. The relationship between Artemis and Zeus was nothing to really brag about but at least her relationship with both her mother and Apollo kept her feeling loved.

Just a few more left then…Aphrodite, Ares, and Apollo. She contemplated waiting for her brother's arrival but after a few moments of waiting she decided that time would pass more quickly inside where there were things to entertain her.

Making her way through the doors of the mansion, it wasn't hard to hear where everyone was staying. Needless to say, she walked into the usual chaos. The brunette tried to stay quiet as to not draw a great deal of attention to herself, she disliked these gatherings anyway. She was only listening half-heartedly to the conversations that were going on as she made her way away from the 'loud' area and walked next to Hermes. "What happened to Ambrosia?" She asked, looking curiously at the other god.

"Has my husband arrived?" She heard Persephone ask Zeus. All Artemis could really think was a stream of obscenities. This was definitely going to be a rather interesting reunion.

Atlas

---

Atlas sighed to himself as he stared out of the window atop his company's building. It was a wonderful view, encompassing the great wonders of the city. A city that he had helped build and shape over the years, watching this part of the world develop after the descendent's of his saviour rampaged throughout Arcadia and destroyed everything his lineage had wrought in the Greek city states.

"America is a godless, soulless nation without any real identity, yet it is where all those wishing to find out who they are make their way." Chuckling to himself Atlas shakes his head "I dearly hope I'm not getting philosophical in my old age."

"That is how it sounded to me." Said a soft voice from the other side of the room.

Turning to the speaker Atlas smiled “Maia, you always were one to turn up during my bleaker moods. But I think I can surmise what’s brought you here tonight.”

The soft smile his daughter had flashed when he had first faced her faded in an instant before she nodded “We’re worried Father, the gates of Tarturus were broken down by the river that encircles the world. It poured deep down into the earth and shattered the chains which bound Them... You know what this means, for us, and for the mortals.”

Nodding slowly he walks towards a decanter filled with a shimmering golden liquid looking almost like honey, he begins to speak as he pours himself and Maia a glass. “I know my dear. I know what it means. War, blood and death. We were wronged greatly but this world is far beyond what it was when we ruled. Our goal then was to create a golden age where the mortals could exist in harmony with us and the world around. That goal may have been foolish but all the same Humanity has taken its rightful place and another war like the one during the twilight will see their existence snuffed out like a waning candle.” Turning to her he passes over the glass and takes a gentle sip from his own. “The taste is off, an omen of what is to come I think my dear. I do not wish to take the fight to the Olympians nor do I wish to stand against the Titans, however humanity may be risked if I do not try. Both my Uncle and his Son have always sought to be the rulers of mortals, and that will be their undoing if they begin the cycle again.”

He slowly seats himself on the large leather couch at the far side of the room, directing his daughter to join him. Taking the seat near him she looks at her glass before taking a long gulp ”What do you plan father?” she asks, cradling her glass as her frown deepens before she stares up at him.

Atlas sighs gravely and shrugs slightly, causing him to wince in pain as the act has never came easily since he was unable to move his shoulders for so long. ” The first act of war has already been made. A flower shop, I believe you know which one, was burned to the ground earlier this evening. Regardless of my personal choices or stakes in this war my Uncle has already made himself known with his usual subtlety. I know my wife would rather I try to talk to them, but I doubt either side would listen to me. At best I’d be forced to fight for them in their bloody war, and at worse I’d be killed or chained to the foundations of the world again.” Carfully he lifted his glass to his lips, draining its contents and placing it onto the table nearby before looking back to his daughter.

”Don’t get yourself killed, and talk to her before you leave. I know she would hate you if she never got to say goodbye.”

”I will. I promise. I assume she is in the Garden?” He asks, already knowing the answer. After all there was nowhere better for her to be right now. His daughter nods, a weak smile crossing her face, no more words left to say. As Atlas stands to leave he rests his large hand on her shoulder, squeezing it gently before walking to the large oak doors that lead out of the office and heading through the corridor and into the lift that is already waiting for him.

---

The lift travels down through the building, his fingers beating a tattoo on the wooden walls. As the doors open he waits a moment before opening a panel on the lift and inserting a key into the lock hidden beneath. The rear of the lift opens, revealing pale glass doors leading to a wide garden under a large doomed glass roof; smiling he closes the panel and steps through the doors carefully closing them behind him as the lift locks itself. He navigates through the vegetation to where several large trees stood in a small orchard, each tree bearing apples the colour of a deep rich wine, coated in a thin layer of gold-leaf.
Under the shade of the largest of these trees sits a woman playing chess with a child who looks to be in his early teens. At the sound of his approach they both look up, causing the woman to smile as the child jumps up and runs over, wrapping his arms around Atlas and hugging him tightly as he chuckles, ruffling the child’s hair with his large hands.
”Hello Nathan, I hope you haven’t been too much trouble for your mother today?” He smiles and looks over to his wife.
The child chuckles and shakes his head as his mother’s voice calls over ”He’s never any bother Atlas, you know that” she laughs as she slowly stands, walking over and taking his hand in hers, a flicker of worry crosses her face for a moment before she buries it.
Nodding slowly Atlas kneels down to speak with his son, resting his hand on his shoulder in a mirror of the gesture he did with Maia earlier ”Nathan, go find your sisters, they should be tending the grove. Your mother and I have to talk.”

After Nathan has ran off into the garden, Atlas walks some distance over to a small stone area with several chairs and a table and sits down next to her ”I know something is up my dear. It’s begun hasn’t it?”

He nods slowly, taking her hands in his and kissing them softly ”I must go and speak with my Uncle, I need to do something. Nothing will dissuade me from this.”

”I know, and I will be here when you return my love.” she smiles softly before kissing him on the cheek.
”I will return Leto, I promise to see you and our children again when she business is done.” He pulls her close to him, holding her tightly and taking in her scent, inhaling the rich texture of her body to remind him of what his life has become. After several moments he pulls away from her returned embrace. ”I know where they will be, I heard the summons earlier. I must go.” He stands and gives her a soft kiss on the lips, his deep blue eyes locking with hers for a moment before departing the way he entered.

---

About forty minutes later his car pulls up outside the building, his manner is strangely calm for what he must now do. After a long deep breath he turns off the ignition and climbs out, locking the doors after him. Slowly he walks up to the door of the building, knocking on the wood hard before straightening up his suit.

Hermes

( Mansion)

The minute he spotted Hephaestus, Hermes let out a hearty laugh and pointed at his brother.

"HA-HA! Dad, is old age finally getting to you? You can't even tell who your kids are now?" Hermes snorted before getting control over himself again.

He figured his Dad would be too busy getting bitched at by Demeter to hear anything he said, so he stuck his hands in his jean pockets and continued leaning against the wall. His eyes lit up as he spotted the slim Huntress making her way through the crowd and over towards him.

"What happened to Ambrosia?" The younger Goddess asked, looking up at him with her wild green eyes. Hermes shrugged his shoulders and gave a nod towards where Persephone, Demeter, Hephaestus, and their Dad was standing. " Somebody burned it down with a couple humans inside. Queenie over there" he said, nodding towards where Seph was standing "didn't seem to know anything about it. That's all I know about it, but I guess the big question is...who the hell would burn it down?

He didn't bother saying anything else because not much else was left to say. He just wanted all this dinner and drama to be over with. Not that the real drama would even start until Ares and Hades arrived.

A thought occurred to him to ask the only sane Immortal at the moment who was still standing near him.

"Hey Arty." He started, pulling his hands out of his pockets and crossing them over his chest. " You feel anything weird lately? Like..." He paused, trying to find the word for exactly what he had been feeling.

"It's like a buzzing. I keep hearing it in my ears. First I thought Hades sent his Furies or some shit to annoy me because I flirt too much with Seph, but...I don't know, maybe I'm just tripping out or something. He couldn't elaborate much more than that, since it didn't even make sense to him. He figured it'd make even less since to his sister.

Zeus - Brandon Powers

Zeus's Mansion

Daddy, what are you talking about? Ambrosia is fine and that's Heph.

A cold chill of startle shot down his spine when his daughter mentioned the blacksmith's name.

Hephaestus? Zeus thought. He stared at the quiet young man for a good five seconds before he squinted his eyes. While he was examining the thought-to-be mortal before him, he happened to overhear Hermes's quip:

HA-HA! Dad, is old age finally getting to you? You can't even tell who your kids are now?

I should have let Demeter shake the piss out of him, Zeus grumbled in his thoughts. He wasn't old!

His son's fiery aura was very dim, outlining his body in an orange brilliance. It was a god signature he hadn't seen in years, and for a father that bore many sons it was unforgettable for it was Hephaestus who was born from the fires of his and Hera's passions.

Anton raised his eyes to meet the stunned, brown eyes of his father's. The two regarded each other in silence until the corner of Brandon's mouth began to curl with an awkward smile.

"S~o~n..." he greeted roughly. He felt so embarrassed. Shit, he had been trying to play the good father up until this point. He must have hurt the boy's feelings. Thrusting out his arms with rejuvenated exuberance, he continued, "You actually came!"

Anton narrowed his eyes at his goofy father. Had it really been this long? For so many centuries the rumors about his father described a powerful and charismatic leader. They may have been true in some cases, but they obscured that one characteristic and that he was an oddball.

Brandon's smile had widened into a forced grin. "Come hug your father."

When Anton made no attempt to, Brandon stepped forward and wrapped his arms about him. With his cheek smashed against his son's chest, he stared apprehensively across the room as the smell of smoke and oil filled his nostrils.

Bathe much?

Brandon's eyes widened when he felt his son's arms move. Anton couldn't get anymore humiliated. The reunion with his father was so far number one on his list. With an exasperated sigh, the mastersmith raised his arms and wrapped them about his father in a warm hug. What had been a simple return of affection, weighed heavily on the father god's heart.

I won't cry... Brandon thought as he rolled his lips back into his mouth. His eyes glittered as tears threatened to stream from them. For so many years he thought that Hephaestus still held a grudge against him and his mother and that had been the reason why he never came to his gatherings. Yet, his son was here and in his arms.

Brandon stepped back from their embrace and rubbed his sleeve across his eyes. "Man, these contacts..."

Resting his hands on his hips, the millionaire glanced off to the side while he shifted his weight from foot to foot, "Whew; what a night, and it's only just starting."

Catching the end of Demeter's conversation with Persephone, Brandon blurted, "Yes. Hephaestus can rebuild your shop for you."

Anton had been heading for the living room that Hermes and Artemis occupied when he overheard his father's declaration. A shadow of fuming irritation fell over the god's face as he replied without turning his head, "Sure; why not."

He didn't get a chance to offer to fix Persephone's shop before it became his job by his father. The blacksmith whirred past his other siblings to find the couch where he intended to sit for hopefully the whole night, but when it came time for dinner, he dreaded facing his mother and his wife. What would they think of him? His father obviously didn't see him any different.

Brandon dropped a fist into his palm and gave Persephone a reassuring smile.

"No one was hurt, so that's something to be grateful for. As for punishing anyone, we'll discuss that over dinner once everyone is here."
He started in the direction of the kitchen when he heard over his shoulder:

Has my husband arrived?

His pace quickened.

Zeus...what is our daughter talking about? You didn't...invite him did you?

Brandon whirled around, still wearing a pleasant smile as he walked backwards toward the kitchen.

"I told Hermes to invite whomever he felt should come. So..." Brandon tossed his hands up and shrugged absentmindedly. We'll see who has the last laugh. The father god had set the fire back on his joker of a son before he vanished behind the kitchen door.

Ares - Caeleb "Cael" Hennings

Aphrodite's apartment.

Cael slightly leaned forward when Aphrodite retracted her rose petal lips. The kiss had been too quick, and its teasing sensation passed through him on a wave of heat and arousal. As she turned from him to get dressed, his hand shot out to snag her hip with every intention of yanking her back into his arms and making love to her right there, but the thought of his father being kept waiting didn't settle well with him nor did a quick romp. His fingers relinquished their grip a second after to trail loosely along her skirts. When his arm fell against his side, he tilted his head to the side and breathed a loud sigh of exasperation. Accusative glares trailed down her back as silent questions hammered against his closed lips: Why did you have to come back today? He honestly couldn't blame her for their father deciding to have cock-blocking dinner at cock-blocking 9 o'clock.

"No hurry," Cael grunted as he turned and headed for the sofa.

There was no point in telling a woman to hurry; especially, a goddess. If there was one thing he learned about them, it was to be patient because they took their time in nearly every situation. Cael plopped across the couch, his head sank into a throw pillow and he parted his jean-clad legs comfortably. He arched his right leg and allowed his left to remain planted on the floor. With one hand, he reached behind his head to draw his black hood over his head; and with his other, he reached into his denim pocket to remove a touchpad phone. His eyes gleamed as the screen lit up. With his finger, he scrolled through his messages and emails, skimming over available assignments, bounties, and...he arched a brow at a news article that read: "Flower Shop in Flames." Before the page even loaded, he already had a hunch that it was the shop of a certain goddess and her daughter.

The article blew up before his eyes and Cael skimmed until the word "Ambrosia" read as clear as day. A smirk cocked on his face. He imagined his sister being in tears, but he couldn't imagine how his uncle must have felt, if and when he learned of the news. Some punk was going to pay, and Cael only hoped that he would be called to do the honors but knowing his uncle, when it came to anyone messing with Persephone, he tended to enjoy handling them personally.

Tucking his cell phone away, Cael snuggled his back into the couch cushions and crossed his strong arms beneath his chest. The mercenary closed his eyes and took a short nap to rid his overworked body of fatigue. "Overworked" had never been in his vocabulary before, but ever since he found himself a mortal shell: tired and exhaustion were regular feelings with his line of work. He took a nap any chance he got, and if Miss Vanity managed to actually be ready a little early, she would find her lover purposefully making snoring sounds to tease her about the delay.

Athena

---

Athena had stepped aside when Demeter had stormed past, obviously concerned for her daughter and if their store had been burned to the ground then rightly so. Always feeling uncomfortable at these family gatherings, she had started to examine the room and its occupants, though she had barely began when the double doors to the room burst open and dear sweet Persephone entered, accompanied by what at first glance seemed to be an awkward mortal craftsman.

But oh no. He was more than that she realised. Her jaw tightened slightly and her eyes narrowed. Him, She had dared to bring Him here?! Athena growled slightly to herself as her thoughts threatened to overwhelm her before she turned on her heel and walked towards the glass doors leading onto the patio; sparing a moments amusement at both the fact her father had no idea who the man was and how uncomfortable it made the lame smith.

"I need some air" she muttered under her breath, her voice tinged with fury as her eyes almost visibly burned "I refuse to be near that foul pig, he makes Ares seem mild-mannered." she growled through clenched teeth as she passed near Hermes and Artemis before stepping out into the mild night air.

Standing near the stone wall that encircled the patio she tried to settle herself, breathing deeply as she materialised a long-stemmed glass of rich red wine. "I shouldn't let it get to me, not after all this time." she whispered to herself, before taking a long drink. As her nerves had settled slightly she began to click her tongue several times causing a faint beating of wings to echo from the eaves of the house as a small white feathered owl flew down to perch on her shoulder.

"I'm just going to have to suffer and survive, am I not Minerva?" She whispers, her head turning to look at the owl as she smiles softly.

She sighs to herself again and looks out across the garden at the back of the mansion, her eyes lighting upon a singular tree, planted near the centre of an elaborately designed maze. It was looking well kept, but something about it felt... well, lacking.

"I see he's continuing to try to let it grow. They're a dying breed, you know?" she chuckles before nuzzling Minerva's neck slightly "And without the Hesperides to tend them they will all wilt eventually. I'd say that is one of the last remaining in the world now, if not the very last." shaking her head slightly she refills her glass before turning to examine the rest of the garden, her gaze eventually returning to the room behind her.

How I hate these reunions she thought to herself, draining her drink once more.

There was nothing quite as satisfying to her as watching drama unfold around here, especially when it didn't involve her.

Hera found herself looking at her family with a curious expression. How have we not killed each other yet? The thought amused her, but it was a serious question to think on. Surely some of her siblings, nephews and nieces wanted to kill one another, so why hadn't they done so already?

When her eyes landed on the unfamiliar hulking figure standing near, and eventually hugging Zeus, her eyebrow raised.

Her sons mortal form was more pleasing to the eye than his godly visage, that was for sure. He was no Adonis, but at least now he was a bit more bearable to look at. Hera took a few steps forward in order to move into the light and announce her presence to the rest of the Immortals. Standing only a couple feet away from her son, she crossed her arms and tilted her head in the way a buyer might in front of a painting they were considering buying.

"Not bad." She replied, the smallest ghost of a smile over her sharp features. Normally she did not praise her children, but she decided a small compliment might do her crippled son some good. Her brief attempt at being motherly was interrupted by Demeter's voice.


"Zeus...what is our daughter talking about? You didn't...invite him did you?

Hera rolled her eyes and wrapped a stray hair around her finger;watching while her sisters face went from calm to enraged in a matter of seconds. Demeter went through several shades of red before the poor thing looked as bright as a tomato. Everyone knew she hated Hades and vice-versa, and while their spats were amusing at times Hera wanted no part in any of it tonight.

"I told Hermes to invite whomever he felt should come. So..." Zeus replied, shrugging his shoulders carelessly.

Figures. Put the blame on your kid. Hera thought. She gave a snort before turning on her heel and turning to follow her husband into the kitchens. She picked at a passing caters silver plate, deciding on a silver green olive before she began to speak.

"I told you inviting Hades would be a bad idea. Especially with your little Spring Goddess's shop burning down. Did you think after hearing that he's going to still be a tamed lion?" She questioned, popping the tiny olive into her mouth and chewing it thoughtfully as she waited for her husband to reply.

Hades - Dmitri Ruslan

Zeus's Mansion.

Speak of the devil. Literally. The mansion doors opened and eight men dressed casually in suits and ties crowded the entrance and lined up in fours abreast of each other. The quiet clap of dress shoes trailed across the floor as a man wearing a snow hare fur coat sauntered down the line. The fluffy coat trailed behind him barely brushing the floor as he walked to the end of the line and swept the foyer from behind his black shades. The god resembled a prince. His coat hung from his shoulders like a cape and his hair glistened with light oil from a fresh cut that had his sideburns thin like sickles. His outfit, as usual, always managed to be in good taste. The mafia boss never strayed from his fondness for dark, Underworld colors--as he liked to call them. His wife had tried to bring some spring to his wardrobe, and the only item that he chose to wear at one time was a bold-red dress shirt. It had even been too loud for her tastes.

Beneath his coat, Dmitri sported a white blazer with a black undershirt speckled in tiny white spots. The top button on his shirt was left undone to expose his collar bone and the beginning curves of his solid chest. A polished-leather belt wrapped his waist with a silver buckle and coal-black trousers road down his legs to buffed, dress shoes.

The mafia boss's teeth clenched behind a straight-lipped smile. His welcome had been cold, and the only gods that he could see from his position were Hermes, Artemis, Poseidon and Demeter. Where was his wife as promised? If she had been there, the ward had made it so that he couldn't see her, feel her, or even hear her voice. Zeus wouldn't dare take him for a fool.

Bernard stared past the heads of the henchmen before him at the dark lord's wife held hostage in Demeter's presence. He glanced at the back of Dmitri and felt the anger radiating from his person. It made the minions nervous. The mafia boss's eyes shrank with impatience as he growled, "Why is it that I can only see my ragweed of a sister here?"

In the kitchen, Brandon was tasting a tender piece of medium-rare rib eye when his magnificent wife walked in.

"Mm...that's some good stuff," Brandon uttered with a smile as he chewed the marinated meat. The smoky flavor added a sharp taste that paired well with the mango marinade.

I told you inviting Hades would be a bad idea. Especially with your little Spring Goddess's shop burning down. Did you think after hearing that he's going to still be a tamed lion?

Rolling his eyes, he replied, "Oh come on; he's not anymore as bad as Ares. As long as Persephone's happy, then he's happy. Hephaestus will restore her shop, so there's nothing to worry about."

Beyond the kitchen door, Brandon heard a loud smash of what sounded like pottery. "That's him now!"

Dmitri had been trying to keep his composure, but he hadn't gotten an answer. He had removed his shades and hooked the slender leg upon the neck of his collar before he walked over to a clay vase situated upon a pedestal and kicked the damn thing over.

"Hades!" Brandon greeted happily as he overlooked his brother's destructive anger.

Dmitri leered at the millionaire with eyes black and the size of beads. "Where is my wife?!"

Brandon pointed simply in Demeter's direction, the ward disspelling with his permission. "Over there."

Dmitri's wild eyes followed Brandon's gesture over to the golden-haired beauty at his sister's side. The sight of his beloved extinguished his anger instantly. The mafia boss's murderous glare was replaced with awe and relief. Turning his head, he hid his face from her, not wanting her to see the dark circles that had formed about his eyes. He slid the sunglasses back onto his face and regarded the smashed vase out of the corner of his eyes. Had she seen him do that? Dmitri knew that Persephone was well aware of his temper, but it always bothered him when she was forced to see it. Seeing her standing by her wretched mother got him wondering if she had changed any. Had she missed him as much as he missed her? Even now, his heart was craving her.

"It's been too long," Dmitri forced from his lips. It felt too much like a dream to be true. Never had the dark god got to see his love in the spring. The mere month he had survived without her had felt like ages.

Demeter found herself looking at Persephone with a gentle expression after she finished glaring at Zeus. The corners of her mouth lifted and her dimples appeared.

"Persephone.." She started, slipping back into her motherly tone even though the evidence of her anger was still obvious in the way a blue vein in her neck continued throbbing.

"You know how unfair this is don't you? This is supposed to be my time with you. "She complained,pressing her lips into a childish pout. She allowed a small tear to trickle down her cheek in effort to keep up the saddened facade. Her daughter was usually weak to tears, more so her mothers than anyone elses.

It probably would have worked to if her brother hadn't made his extremely inappropriate entrance. She rubbed the tear away and crossed her arms as she looked him over.

His human form was, as usual, as dark and menacing as the place he called home. He wore a fur coat that she could only assume was real (if he could kill a man she was sure he would have no qualms wearing a dead animal.) There was also something annoying to her about the way he held himself. His posture was perfect, but he walked into the building as if he owned the place.

"Cocky bastard." She mumbled under her breathe, making no attempt to hide her dislike for her brother. They both were past the false kindness some in-laws maintained for one another.

She was still staring at his menacing figure when she placed a cool moist hand on her daughters porcealin shoulder. When Hades made no movement, Demeter realized Zeus had not removed the ward that kept the monster from seeing her child.

"Come on dear," She murmured persuasively , her voice as low as possible as she tried not to catch Hades attention as he turned to speak to their younger brother.

Anxiously, she turned and looked at Persephone with her eyes silently pleading. "Quickly child, before your father expels the wards."

"Over there." She cringed the minute her brother lifted the ward. Though Persephone looked no different to her, she knew that her daughter was now exposed to the villain before her. "Keep a five foot distance monster." She snarled, standing in front of her blonde haired angel in a protective stance.

---

"So then, we took a few containers of gas and burn the place down." Cronus once more let out a victorious laugh as he explained what his brother and sister had accomplished. He clapped a hand over his stomach. He was beginning to have cramps in his abdomen from all the things he had done today and the laughter that followed.

"Brother." Iapetus interrupted, raising a hand as if that made it more polite.

Cronus raised an eyebrow, but his mood was too great to chide his brother.

Iapetus cleared his throat and began. "So now we've alerted them of our presence, burned down a store, and killed a couple of mortals. " Cronus waited for the question that his companions had continually asked him since they were resurrected. "What next?"

Cronus sighed. "Must you all lack vision? Clearly my children will come to us now. No matter how stubborn my children are, they aren't fools. They'll find us." He declared.

Whether his brother found the answer he had been given satisfactory or he was wise enough to remain quiet, the Titan King didn't care. The sound of knocking took his attention away from his elder brother and made himself jump out of his chair. He traveled down through the hallway to where the large front door stood between him and the human world.

Unlike suspicious mortals, Cronus had no problems simply swinging the door open without peeping through the small hole in the middle door. Jerking the door back, he came face to face with a Immortal he had not suspected to see .

"Atlas." He said, running his fingers through his beard as he narrowed his eyes suspiciously towards his nephew. He opened the door enough so that his nephew was free to walk in if that's what he chose to do.

The hand on her hip stopped Aphrodite in her tracks, turning back to face Ares, one of her perfectly shaped brows risen in curiosity, his expression was positively ravenous and it was hard to contain her smirk of satisfaction, yet she knew the god of war wouldn't have taken to kindly to that so she kept it at bay, this was not a time to gloat. They couldn't be late for fathers 'family meal' yet she knew once Ares let lust take over his senses it was hard for him to stop; he was as passionate in the bedroom as he was on the battlefield. Feeling his hand leave her hip, she wasted no time in walking away 'always leave them wanting more.'

"Take your time" Ares grunted behind her, Damn right I will take my time. Entering her bedroom, the goddess breathed a sigh of relief as she closed the door behind her, it was good to be home in her very own fortress of solitude, where she hadn't a care in the world, although one could argue that her one and only care in the world was sitting on the other side of the door, but if she beckoned him in now, they would never make it to dinner and she would rather not feel the wrath of Zeus. Surprisingly it didn't take her too long to get ready, after a quick shower, she dried and curled her golden tresses, not having to apply makeup saved her time, why cover up already flawless skin? Next she got dresses, nothing too extravagant just a simple black shift dress with matching black stiletto heels. Glancing over to the mirror she quickly placed the diamond stud earrings on her lobes and took in her appearance with a satisfied smile.

"Ares" she called lightly for the god, a light snoring caught her attention as she walked towards to couch, she had to admit it was a little surprise to see him passed out asleep on her couch, she had thought he would have had better stamina than to resort to Nana naps. Although he did look dreadfully cute asleep, god he would kill me if he heard what I just said. Perching lightly on his lap, Aphrodite smiled as she place a trail of feather light kisses along his jawline "wake up my love" she whispered delicately in his ear, running her fingers down his face smoothly as she waited for him to rise from his slumber. It was moments like these that all other worries fled the blondes mind, she was too caught up in Ares allure to give them a second thought, the tender moments were rare between the two Olympians but Aphrodite relished in the few she given, now she could have happily sat and watched her lover sleep for hours, watching the gentle rise of his muscular chest, smiling deeply as he would utter her name in his dreams, for a split second she almost felt...normal.

Persephone eyes lingered on her mother's tear stained face. When she was younger and more gullible, the woman's tantrums had more of an effect on her. Hundreds of years living with the Harvest Goddess had made Persephone more aware of her trickery and almost immune to her charms.

She tilted her head. "Oh stop crying." She chided, though not unkindly. She clucked her tongue and continued listening to her mothers attempts to spirit her away from the mansion and banquet her father had prepared

"You know we can't do that," she began, her flaxen hair swept from her face with a hand "besides, you shouldn't interfere with affairs between husband and wife." She was suddenly surprised by both the bluntness and ferocity in her voice as she spoke to her mother. Normally she was a gentle as kitten when speaking to the stubborn Goddess, but with the burning of her shop and her mother attempting to smother her again, well... even Goddess's had their breaking point.

She may have said more, perhaps even going so far to shoot a few insults her mother's way had it not been for the sudden scent and presence that entered the room.The smell of death and blood had clung to him her husband much like a perfume when she was younger. Especially in the first days of their calamitous marriage. Now he smelled the perfect combination of heaven and sin, rolled into one very attractive man.

Persephone took a step closer; her lips forming his name but no response once she had spoken it . She waved a hand towards him almost frantically, but when he did made no move to take her in his arms, she knew her father had yet to dissolve the wards. Her mother made attempt to whisper into her ear, but she was having none of it. Persephone even went so far as to shake the hand her mother placed on her shoulder off in an annoyed fashion.

Looking past her husband, she saw the small group of companions standing nervously behind him. When Bernard locked eyes with her, she parted her lips in a smile. He was by far her favorite of Hades lackeys, and one of the few people involved in her husbands work she could actually stand to be around.

The sound of pottery smashing distracted her from staring at the henchman, and brought her attention back towards her husband. His temper had managed to get the best of him.

When her father resurfaced once more from the kitchen and began greeting her husband cheerfully, the Spring Goddess began to fidget anxiously. Why didn't her father just take the ward off earlier? Did he enjoy teasing the both of them so much , or was he planning on toying with them for his own amusement. She threw the latter of the two thoughts from her head and shook the blonde curtain of bangs that hung in front of her face.

Her father was many things, but even she knew he wouldn't be that cruel.

"Over there."

Persephone flicked her head up and looked to where her father was pointing a finger directly at her. Blinking rapidly, she took a step forward and could feel her husbands eyes upon her.

"Keep a five foot distance monster." Her mother threatened, moving in front of Persephone. The tears had disappeared from her eyes and were quickly replaced with rage and disgust. Persephone rolled her blue orbs up towards the ceiling before pushing her mother out of the way in haste to meet with her husband.

Now standing before him, the Springtime Goddess shivered in his presence. The magnitude of their love and meetings had always brought goosebumps across her lithe body, and this meeting was no different. When his warm words met her ears, Persephone lifted the back of her hand to caress his sun kissed face.

She nodded her head in agreement to his soft words. "Very true," she replied, her hand gliding across his jaw line in a rhythmic motion. "Though I have to wonder what Daddy's poor vase ever did to you to make you hate so." She teased, glancing back towards the remnants of the broken vase. While her voice will filled with adoration, she could never miss an opportunity to tease the Lord of the Underworld.

With him so close beside her, she finally felt..

Whole.

Hermes' voice drew her attention back to him. "Somebody burned it down with a couple humans inside. Queenie over there, didn't seem to know anything about it. That's all I know about it, but I guess the big question is...who the hell would burn it down?" Artemis gave him a look clearly showing her dislike towards the nickname he used for Persephone. Even still she was shocked.

Ambrosia had been a lovely little shop and many people in the area frequented it. She found herself wondering if maybe Hades had done it. There had been many times when the goddess stopped by her cousin's shop and found lines of men in the waiting area; either to buy flowers because they had done been put in the doghouse by their wives/girlfriends, or just using it as an excuse to be in Persephone's presence. Artemis wouldn't put it passed Hades to burn the shop down in order to keep those men away from his wife.

Artemis closed her eyes, shaking her head quickly in an attempt to clear her mind. She really shouldn't have been thinking about her best friends' husband that way, the brunette knew how much Perse loved him. It was strange really, Artemis had spend the last few centuries trying to dispel her negative feelings towards men but even still, she sometimes found herself thinking nothing but the worst of them.

"Hey Arty, you feel anything weird lately? Like..." She looked back towards the god of messengers, waiting for him to continue on. "It's like a buzzing. I keep hearing it in my ears. First I thought Hades sent his Furies or some shit to annoy me because I flirt too much with Seph, but...I don't know, maybe I'm just tripping out or something."

Her features grew serious at Hermes' observation. So apparently she wasn't the only one who felt something off, it sent a somewhat comforting feeling through her body. Then again it really could have been Hades revenge for Hermes' flirting with his Persephone and Artemis was actually just paranoid. Thinking it over for a few seconds she decided that it would be better if she announced her feelings.

"I was actually just telling Perse this morning about this uneasiness I had been feeling all day. The energy flow is just off to me, like something's changed." Her voice trailed off as she looked to the ground, contemplating what it could possibly mean. "I wonder where my brother is…" Her sight moved to the doorway, where the entry way was located. She'd feel better once her twin made an entrance.

Ares – Caeleb “Cael” Hennings


Caeleb smiled as he felt Aphrodite peppering his jaw with her sweet kisses. He opened his eyes and raised his wrist to regard his watch: 8:45. Lowering his arm, he smirked and teased, “Shit; it’s 9:30. You sure took your sweet time.”

The war god’s palms cupped her bottom and his fingers gave it a firm squeeze. He sat upwards and slid his hands onto her hips. His fingertips inspected the black shift that hugged her snuggly, his honey orbs playing along her flat tummy and breasts. Caeleb’s eyes met her gentle blues as a naughty smile crept onto his lips.

“Five minutes,” he said before he tilted his head and kissed her neck. The stubble on his jaw was like light pin-pricks against her creamy skin.

“10 minutes,” he muttered between kisses. His left hand rose to rest against the side of her neck. He gently rubbed his thumb up and down her succulent flesh and extended his fingers up her nape into her amber ripples. “I hate you…”

Caeleb eased back with a sigh and glanced off to the side. He didn’t even want to look at her or they just may never leave. “C’mon, let’s go. I ain’t got a second helmet on me so you’re gonna have to grip me tighter than them purses you like carryin’ around.”

The mercenary rose off the couch beneath Aphrodite. His right arm was slung diagonally across her hips as he steadied her. Just feeling her pelvis smashed against his pelvis, his hips against her hips, was making him frustrated. He felt like he was being eaten alive. Caeleb wasn’t expecting Hephaestus to be at the dinner. The master smith was probably slaving in his shop as always, cooling weapons with his tears. Hey, whatever kept his god wheel armed.

Resting his hand in the small of her back, he escorted the belle to the door.

Athena

---

Sighing to herself she re-enters the house, closing the doors silently behind her; however the commotion coming from beyond the main doors to the room seem to drown out the majority of activity as a voice raised in anger echoed loudly. Hades' entrance was as full of rage as always, looking to Athena as yet another means for him to frighten those before him into submission. And while he could most likely back up the façade he projected, it just felt somewhat forced to her. Rolling her eyes at the way Persephone and Hades almost ran towards each other, into a lustful embrace she turned away from their premature reunion. If I wanted to watch such a display I could quite easily have just put the TV onto any of the drivellous soap operas. Athena thought as she seated herself next to the chess board she had given to her father, smiling as she examined the pieces in an attempt to ignore events. It had been one of the only items she had ever requested from Hephaestus, though followed not long after by the incident over her weapons. Each of the pieces on the white side representing the Gods while the pieces on the black were the Titans. Hades and Poseidon were naturally the bishops and both her and Ares the knights to their father Zeus as king, while her stepmother Hera sat as the queen. Though had she put anyone else in such a role, then the board would have long ago been destroyed. Artemis and Apollo were the rooks and Hermes the pawn. It had been a gift that caused much argument but as far as Athena was concerned it was the game in question that mattered, though the aesthetics were still important. The Titan pieces however were her personal favourite as black was her choice whenever she played with her father.

Athena sighed softly to herself, noting how her siblings were talking animatedly amongst themselves nearby and gathering from the glances Artemis made that she was looking for her twin. Causing her to wonder herself where Apollo could be. She smiled warmly towards Minerva, lightly stroking her neck for a moment before starting a chess game with herself to pass the time.

"I wonder when we shall be graced with my brother's presence, though doubtful till they have finished with each other. Then I surmise that Apollo will most likely be the final arrival." she softly whispered to her owl.

“Shit; it’s 9:30. You sure took your sweet time.” Aphrodite smirked at this "yes well, they say you can't rush perfection" she replied, giggling as his hands started to travel south of her waist, squeezing her buttocks before returning his hands to her waist. Tilting her head back, granted the god better access to her neck as he scattered soft but slender kisses down her nape; her eyes closed as she gently bit her lip, he certainly knew how to excite her. "I hate you" The goddess heard her lover mumble against her skin; staring into his golden orbs she firmly shook her head "You could never" she replied confidently.

"Fine" she groaned in response to riding his bike to the meal "the helmets only mess up my hair anyway. Now lets go, otherwise we are going to be phenomenally late." Ares snaked his arm securely around her waist as they left her apartment, taking the stairs down to the lobby and finally walking out onto the now quiet New York pavement, towards Ares bike.

Thankfully the traffic in and about the city had long since died down, so the journey to Zeus mansion went rather stress free, especially with Ares able to dart around cars, they were rarely held up. As they approached their fathers luxurious home, Aphrodite felt slight apprehension well up inside her, she was looking forward to seeing Zeus, that much was certain but as for the other gods and goddesses she had never really cared for them as they never really cared for her; there were definitely a million things she would rather be doing tonight. As Ares cut the engine, the blonde hopped of the bike, immediately pulling a comb and compact out from her bag, quickly pulling it through her golden strands before putting it away "Well I guess we should enter the Lions den" she mumbled with a roll of her eyes, her hand immediately reaching for Ares, she wanted, no, needing his touch to help her get through the evening.

Hades – Dmitri Ruslan

Zeus’s Mansion.


Keep a five foot distance monster.

Persephone’s beauty became obscured by a gorgon that decided to get in his way. Dmitri stared at Demeter with an empty expression. There had been too many emotions assaulting his mind at once just from the audacity of it all. Anger eventually overwhelmed him and to cure his condition, he reached into his inner jacket pocket and removed his new glock. He pointed it right at Demeter until Persephone stepped into the crossfire. Flipping the pistol’s nose upwards, Dmitri retracted the gun and tucked it away back into his coat. The bitch was lucky.

Dmitri’s heart near swelled out of his chest when Persephone stopped before him. When her hand touched his face, his hand rose to clutch the back of it.

Very true…Though I have to wonder what Daddy’s poor vase ever did to you to make you hate it so.

“It looked like he bought it from Pier 1,” Dmitri answered.

Holding out his free hand, he snapped his fingers and his henchmen marched outside. Dmitri drew from his shoulders the snow hare fur coat and draped it about Persephone’s shoulders. He pulled it snug about her, cradling her in its downy texture. He stepped closer to her; the lust that simmered within him exuded from him in waves. Without a word of delay, Dmitri leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. He took hold of her bottom lip, the tip of his tongue tracing it before his tongue entered her mouth.

Brandon watched the lover’s sensual reunion. His hands were resting comfortably in his pockets and his eyes drifted to his sister, curious as to how upset she was about their meeting. It was only for a night. The thugs returned inside the mansion with gifts wrapped in vanilla and gold wrapping paper. The gifts put a smile on his face, temporarily, that was until they entered with a separate, small, dining table, chairs, and what smelled to be a meal of their own.

Brandon frowned. “Why are they bringing in food? I already have food prepared.”

The fur coat had absorbed the mafia boss. Wrapped in the white coat with his wife, he fondled her bosom and massaged her hip with his hungry fingers. Brandon’s brow twitched in irritation when he saw that he was ignored and the touching reunion was quickly taking a sinful turn with Dmitri’s wandering hands.

“Hades!” Brandon irritably shouted.

Dmitri retracted his lips from his flower’s cloves with a wet and audible smack. He gazed into her lovely blue hues before he turned his head to nonchalantly regard his brother. “Why are you confused? I said I would come, but I didn’t say I would consume your mediocre cooking. Huh, I rather enjoy the healthy state of my mortal. If I’m ever suffering from constipation or self-destructive thoughts due to the separation of me and my deyvooshka (fem. lover Rus.), then I may reconsider.”

Brandon face-palmed and then lowered his hand. He asked in exasperation: “Have you even tried the rib-eye? It’s delicious.”

“I bought some things for you,” Dmitri told Persephone. Bernard and the other thugs approached the lovers, bearing the evident garment boxes. Dmitri turned her around in his arms so that she could watch them unwrap a white winter dress, crocheted in Russia to match the fur coat he got her. The next gifts were a white Cossack hat, fur-lined heels, a purse, and snowflake jewelry. The clothes complimented the winter, the season he anticipated seeing her in.

The mafia boss smiled and lowered his lips to her cheek. “I hope that you find them suit-”

Persephone was gone.

Dmitri’s eyes grew in shock to see that his winter angel was no longer there. Bernard gazed at Dmitri in confusion as he watched him slowly back away from Persephone, but then it hit him. He could no longer see her and that meant…

Brandon rested a hand on his stomach as he laughed insensitively at his brother, “Your expression is priceless!”

Dmitri gazed at Brandon with raised brows. He was so confused.

Quieting his laughter, Brandon wiped a tear from his eye and informed, “Yeah, don’t ignore me. I’m serious about that steak. I won’t let you see her until you’ve tried it.”

The corner of Dmitri’s mouth twitched as though he was having a difficult time choosing between happiness or anger. A harsh snicker left him and he leaned forward, hanging his head in laughter. Brandon absently joined him, the two were engrossed in mirth. As he told Hera, Hades wasn’t as bad as Ares. His brother at least had a sense of humor.

It was when Dmitri straightened to reveal the pistol in his hand that Brandon’s laughter stopped and Dmitri was the only one laughing. The mafia boss’s jaws cracked as his teeth grew gnarled and craggy. His eyes were completely black behind his shades except for the silver rings of his irises. He stretched out his arm and squeezed the trigger on the glock until the magazine was exhausted.

“DIE~!” he roared.

Brandon had held out his hand and from his fingers shot a chain of lightning that caused the rounds to pop like cherry bombs before the end of the electric chain tagged Dmitri’s pistol. The weapon leapt out of his hand, leaving electric snakes to dance down Dmitri’s arm. Dmitri’s arm trembled from the shock. It bothered him to see that he had bought a weapon that was incapable of killing his own brother.

“Not until you try my steak!” Brandon returned with a triumphant smile.

Dmitri charged Brandon, and the father god whirled around. The two brothers commenced chasing each other around the mansion. Anton had been watching television and had been trying to ignore the noises that echoed from the foyer when a loud bang came from the ceiling. The smith glanced up and heard the muffled curses of his uncle.

“Keep laughing you son of a bitch! I got a pit in The Underworld with your fucking name all over it!” Dmitri snarled.

“Hey! She was your mom too. Try my steak!”

“I’ll see you in Hell first!”

A loud smash that shook the mansion’s foundations occurred.

“That was my couch you bastard!”

“Fuck your couch!”

Anton sighed and clapped a hand over his face. He only prayed that his father wouldn’t ask him to repair his mansion when Hades’s tantrum was over. The quarrel lasted for only ten minutes when Brandon was seen panting and exhaustedly descending the staircase back down to the foyer. Dmitri followed him; his shades lopsided on his face and his hair looking as though he made love to a wall socket. When the mafia boss reached the bottom of the stairs, he only had the energy to sit down on the last step and catch his breath. Brandon glanced over his shoulder to see that his brother was just as tired as he was and he stopped to also catch his breath. His hands went to his hips as his face glistened with a light sweat. He was thankful that Hades was tired for if he still had some energy, he might not have been able to dodge him for long.

“Looks like our mortals can’t keep up with us, huh?” Brandon laughed.

Dmitri rested his head against the banister and recollected his decision. He couldn’t believe that he went through all of this trouble over a piece of meat. It was Persephone he wanted and nothing else. He didn’t even care about what his brother planned to talk about over dinner. Adjusting his glasses and running a hand back through his hair, Dmitri stood and grudgingly growled, “I’ll try your damned steak.”

“Great!”

---

Mansion Kitchen.

Dmitri sat at the counter with a scowl on his face. The whole ordeal was ridiculous and it explained why he never attended Zeus’s banquets in the past. Brandon set on the counter a small saucer with a sliver of the rib eye on it. The pink meat was laying in a shallow puddle of blood, mango, and bouillon. Its edges were a rich, crispy brown and Dmitri had to give his brother some credit, the display was appetizing. When his brother set down an empty wine glass, Dmitri quickly informed, “I’m choosing the wine.”

Brandon returned to the counter with a bottle of white wine. Dmitri’s fists irritably clenched. “You don’t serve white wine with meat!”

Brandon wrinkled his nose at his brother. “Hey, this is my tasting. You taste what I serve you.”

Dmitri bowed his head as his face flushed in his rage. Persephone, Persephone, Persephone, he mentally chanted to himself. It was all for her sake. He massaged his temples as Brandon filled his wine glass.

“There we go. Try it, and I promise I won’t interrupt you and Persephone again,” said Brandon.

It was a worthy vow after all the nonsense he had to endure. Dmitri sighed and sat upwards. He first picked up the fork and knife and cut a small square off the meat slither. He then swirled it around in the marinade before inserting it into his mouth. As was Zeus’s experience, the sweet mango and smoky bitterness struck his tongue with an explosion of flavor. The meat wasn’t fatty nor too tender. Its texture was like rough leather.

Brandon grinned as he watched his brother sample the rib-eye. When Dmitri finished the meat, he picked up the wine glass and swirled it. Bringing it to his nose, he sniffed it deeply before frowning…the wine was going to be the worst thing about the tasting, but he kept his opinions to himself. Sipping it, he swished the liquid in his mouth, coating it in the flavor of lemon grass and other grassy flavors: Sauvignon blanc. Setting the glass down, Dmitri’s hands settled on his thighs as he contemplated the whole meal.

“Well?” Brandon questioned.

“I will admit that the steak was well-prepared, and it may have been better if paired with a red wine. Because its glazed in mango, I recommend a Carmenere. Its fruity and robust flavors will only compliment it,” Dmitri enlightened.

Brandon smiled and nodded. “I’ll take that into consideration. May I ask for your advice in the future?”

“Sure, why not. Can I see my wife now?”

“Be my guest!”

Dmitri wasted no time in exiting the kitchen. He returned to the foyer and was pleased to see his spring rose. Bernard had been keeping her company until his boss’s return. He didn’t know what to say to her: “Sorry I kept you waiting,” didn’t seem to cut it. Shit, why the hell would he need to apologize? It was her damn father that had interrupted them.

Hermes

( Mansion)

He listened to his sisters response with a surprisingly serious expression. "Hmph. I knew it couldn't have been just me" he responded, running his fingers through his wild bedhead, "anyways, we should probably tell Dad just in case."

The Messenger God turned his head to catch the lovey-dovey scene unfolding around him. The minute his eyes spotted Hades leaning in towards Persephone, they immediately closed shut, tightly.

"I think I'm gonna to yack." The God muttered, watching as the scene between the two lovers took place before his and the rest of the family's eyes.

Completely disgusting, yet he made him jealous of their passion for one another.

"Get a room already!" He called out in annoyance, though mostly because he was actually becoming a bit queasy from their intimacy. His face transfigured into a scowl and he turned back towards Artemis. "How are we even related to this people?" He asked, party rhetorical and partly seeking an honest answer from his sister.

Hermes shook his untamed mane and snuck a peek to where Athena was sitting along with her owl. He would have tried to strike up a conversation with his elder sister, but they always ended up being the most boring and awkward of conversations. The weather, her owl, random messages, and etc. Still, he should at least make the attempt to be friendly.


Taking leave from Artemis's side, he gave the virgin a small wink before venturing into the unknown and walking over towards where Athena was sitting. He was halfway there when the sudden sound of a bike purring outside made him halt.

Pandemonium started behind him, but he rarely payed much attention. Zeus and Hades bickering was so normal to most of them that their little spats did nothing to deter the other Immortals to continue their conversations.

"I think Ares is here guys. " Aphrodite too, he wanted to add but with the blonde heart throbs crippled husband standing only a few feet away he thought speaking her name might not bode too well for the mood. Now all they needed was Apollo and they could get this family dinner on the road.

Athena

---

The sounds of her father and uncle committing yet another brawl over something so petty and pointless were beginning to grate on her. After all this was supposed to be a matter of utmost importance according to what Hermes had text her earlier. Yet all they appeared interested in was shows of strength and posturing to see which of them was the better and most in control. And it always ended the same way, with both out of breath and defeated. But of course Zeus would emerge the victor, or at least not the one beaten. As always her father ensured that they maintained the status quo, after all he had so much invested in it.


"I think Ares is here guys." The sound of her brothers voice echoing around the room from just above her table snapped her out of her reprieve. She looked up and smiled softly at him, her grey eyes warming to a pale blue. Clearly he had decided that he should make an effort to talk to her, after all few of her family would do so of their own accord. It had to be out of some desire to maintain face that they would even approach her the majority of the time. She hoped that this time it might be possible for something more than stiff forced talk, followed by awkward silence and then a brief farewell.

Sometimes her own mannerisms cultivated a certain distance from her family. It had been the way they were in the old days, each was separate and they ruled their own areas of influence. They had temples and followers and heroes of the age that they were close too... But that changed, and the world changed with it; temples had crumbled, followers had turned from the gods, and the heroes had fallen by the wayside. The world had no need for their guiding hand any more and they became myths, forgotten and discarded. While this did not bother her at the time, nor any of her family, it did now.

So it had eventually just been the immortals. She felt almost without purpose these days, and each year she felt more alone. In the old days she had the companionship of her guided heroes to take her mind off her solitude. To ease the pain that the walls build around her had caused. Pride had isolated her and now pride condemned her. As each of her brethren took this modern world in its stride, worked together and thrived in each-others company, however destructive it may be at times. Yet throughout all this she'd just drew more into herself, more alone.

"Evening Hermes. My apologies for not greeting you earlier, but I had something on my mind. Care to join me for a game?" She gestured to the chess board as each of the pieces slowly moved back into position for a new match, and the chair opposite slid out slightly.

"Do you have an inkling as to our purpose here tonight?" She asked him, her voice just little more than a whisper but crisp and clear regardless.

Atlas

---

As the door swung inwards Atlas gazed down at the figure of his uncle, while well build he still looked small in comparison. As their eyes locked onto one another, and they began to weigh each other up in a matter of seconds Cronus narrowed his suspicion filled eyes

“Atlas” Cronus said, stepping aside slowly to allow his nephew to cross the threshold.
“Cronus” Atlas replied, his voice deep and somber as he steps into the house before bowing his head slightly.

“You know why I am here, your rather subtle message to the Olympians was clear enough. You wish to start the old war again, and instead of biding your time you've struck the first blow against a single building of little worth for even less gain.” Atlas sighs and shakes his head.

“So who have you got by your side this time?” He grumbles as he examines the room into which his host as just guided him, raising an eyebrow at the clearly defined air of expense that each item of furniture and decoration exuded. Never a fan of over indulgence when it came too objects for himself or his household he couldn't understand the waste, but he knew that some items were worth the cost.

“What of my brothers, and father?” He continues, his voice softer than it was when he first entered yet still as deep. Atlas had no interest in prattling on with pleasantries, he simply wished to know the facts of the matter and see what destruction Cronus had planned for this city and all of its inhabitants.

Demeter stood slack-jawed, even as her two brothers began to fight with one another. For several minutes she was as still as stone, her mortal heart quickening as fierce rage flooded throughout her body. Had she really just witnessed Hades put his filthy tongue down her innocent daughters throat? Her hands began to quake, and rage was replaced by pure unstoppable fury. While her two siblings sauntered into the kitchen, Demeter took her daughters wrist with a grip as fierce and tight as a bear trap.

Persephone's lips still tingled even after her husbands lips had departed from her own. There they stood against one another; the fur he had placed over her still hanging snug and warm over her skin even as she pressed herself close to his muscular figure. "I've missed you much! I have so much to tell you, did you know that Ambro-." She paused, noticing his hazel eyes were no longer locked with her own, and it took her a few seconds to realize what had happened. Within moments that seemed much longer to her, both her father and husband were fighting and Persephone was left with only Bernard close enough for company.
While she turned in order to greet her husbands main henchman, her mother's sudden grip on her wrist made her blue eyes grow widen.

"What are you doing? Let go of me." She demanded, attempting to pry her mother's fingers off of her. She could feel her wrist beginning to bruise, and the look in her mothers eyes actually frightened her a bit. Normally the Harvest Goddess was gentle, even if she was as stubborn as mule. If she was ever violent, it was never directed at Persephone herself.

She did not relent, and instead pulled her daughter close to her. Her nails dug into her daughters supple skin. "How dare he act so vulgar in front of me! I've had enough of this, we're leaving!"

Persephone finally found enough strength to yank her poor wrist out of manic of a mothers death grip. She emerged victorious, but a small scratch from where her mothers fingernails had dragged against the top layer of Persephone's skin began to bleed. "Mother, stop it." Her voice came out as more of a whine than the strong command she wanted it to be. She was weak against the woman, even after years of her constant complaining.

Her daughters feeble attempt to end the conversation did nothing to diminish Demeter's rage. She could not punish the God of the Dead, so her willful daughter who insisted on protecting him would have to do. " Either you come with me right now, or you'll regret it Persephone. I swear by the River Styx, you will regret it."

As if Hades cockiness had finally rubbed off on the Springtime Goddess, Persephone took a step forward and raised her chin up . "Or what? You'll put me in time out? I'm not a little girl anymore and I'm done with you treating me like one." Her voice wobbled slightly at the end, but the proud look in her eyes never diminished. Her husband would be proud had he not still been in the kitchen along with her father.

See, I can stand up to her, she thought to herself as a brief smile flickered over her face as if she had already won against her mother.

Seeing that triumphant look on her daughters face had been the final straw for her. If Goddess's were able to have mental breakdowns, than this would be it. She had spoiled the girl too much, and perhaps her daughters attitude was due to her bad parenting. The reason why didn't matter as much as the present.
Demeter took a step forward and threw her hand back before letting her palm and fingers hit the side of her daughters face. Unlike this morning, she felt no guilt for the slap.

She shuffled back, nearly toppling into Bernard as she struggled to maintain her standing position. It was deja-vu from this morning all over again, only this time her mother had an almost satisfied expression on her face. The painful throbbing of her arm lessened as a even harsher pain lingered on her face.
Unlike the last time, she did not run away. Her blue orbs stared straight into her overbearing mothers and she charged. She put all her strength into a shove that would hopefully make her mother land on her ass.

Persephone's attempts at violence were similar to a kittens. She rolled her eyes and shoved the girl back. "Oh please. Put your back into it at least, that was pathetic" she taunted, placing her hands on her hips.

She never used violence as the answer for anything. Her husband did, and while she had begrudgingly accepted his way of life, it wasn't something she was fond of. Instead of a shove, Persephone mimicked her mother and laid her hand flat to her side before raising it up towards the sky where only seconds later it would come plummeting down to strike her mother on her left cheek.

Demeter clasped her hand against the burning sensation that flooded through her face. "You hit me," she said surprised, rubbing her hand now against her left cheek. She had never really expected her to retaliate, so the surprise of it all left the woman again as still as a statue.

With Hades return, Persephone attempted to hide the scratch her mother had given her behind her back. The sleeve of her new coat was almost long enough to hide it completely, but the end of it was still exposed; red and raw, despite her best efforts. She shot Bernard a look to not say a word. There was no reason for anyone to interfere between her Mother and herself, and she would have hated if Hades were to threaten her mother.

All she wanted was a simple dinner.

---

“You know why I am here, you're rather subtle message to the Olympians was clear enough. You wish to start the old war again, and instead of biding your time you've struck the first blow against a single building of little worth for even less gain.”

He slammed the door closed with a bit too much strength. The door hinges loosened and a small bolt fell onto the marble flooring. Cronus cracked his neck and turned to follow his nephew as he walked somberly into the house.

"Nice to see you again as well." Cronus replied, mimicking the same tone his nephew had used with him. He let the strongman ramble on with his questions until silence was finally between them once more.

"Despite what you may think, burning Ambrosia does have a purpose." Cronus answered, walking past his nephew in order to lead the Titan to where his brother and father were sitting along with the others."As for your last question, Iapetus and Epimethius are among us. Your..."other" brother has not yet joined us." He shrugged his shoulders back as if to say the younger Titans whereabouts mattered little to him.

The other Titans rose in their seats as Cronus reappeared along with the younger Titan in tow, back in the dining room. The others only took their seats once Cronus himself had found his own chair at the head of the table and sat down upon it with his usual Kingly grace.

"I have to say, I'm surprised to see you here."He admitted,leaning forward to take a sip of his water he had left while opening the door for Atlas. It had become lukewarm but Cronus drank it anyway, still not taking his eyes off the Sky-Bearer.

It's too bad he isn't still holding the damn thing. At least that would keep him away while his betters go to work.

He waited for the man to rage, complain, or to finally have some sense and listen to his Lord. After all, it was the only sensible option if he planned to survive all this.

Atlas

---

Atlas followed his uncle into the dining room, eyeing up the other titans seated around the table and as he spotted his young sibling he had to greatly resist the urge to lay into the wretch. He had doubted his younger brothers would be here but that one had come without the other shocked him greatly, for they were inseperable and had been since birth... for Epimetheus to have rejoined this cause spoke volumes to Atlas. Clearly something was being plotted between him and their brother; or his gift of foresight had shown him something important.

"I have to say, I'm surprised to see you here." Cronus admitted as he drank from his glass, his eyes never leaving his nephew.

The rumble of Atlas's voice was always deep and threatening even at the best of times, always sounding like he was about to burst into a furious rage even at his calmest, and when he spoke it was at a steady growl “I had to come. I've spent the better part of three millennia free to walk upon the surface of Gaia, and I don't want to wonder if today will be the day that someone binds me in chains beneath the earth or chained to the sky once again, and staying hidden it would be a matter of time before you or your son came for those without a side.” Atlas looked back at his uncle, not taking a seat but standing behind the one at the far side of the table to Cronus.

There was a moments silence before he shook his head and sighed deeply “I'll listen to what you have to say Cronus.” he said, his hands resting on the back of the chair till his words had settled, but still did not sit, prefering to stand.

In all honesty it was always an odd sensation for him to sit or do anything that was not standing, as it never felt right and always made him feel out of sorts; unless it was with his family of course. But old habits die hard he supposed.

Hermes

( Mansion)

"Evening Hermes. My apologies for not greeting you earlier, but I had something on my mind. Care to join me for a game?"

His sisters invitation was unexpected, but Hermes did appreciate the effort. Athena was more of a lone wolf than the rest of the Olympians, so for her to shy away from her wallflower attitude gave Hermes the same feeling as seeing Hephaestus coming out from under his rock. Pure joy.

"Yeah sure, I'll join you. I'm absolute shit at chess though." He grinned while plopping himself down onto the chair opposite his sister. He picked up a tiny white piece, where his own Immortal likeness was carved into and raised an eyebrow. "A pawn? Figures."

" Either you come with me right now, or you'll regret it Persephone. I swear by the River Styx, you will regret it."

Hermes placed the piece back onto the board and turned his head in his Aunt and sisters direction. From what he could see, Demeter had a pretty decent grip on the Spring flower. He watched as their normal bickering slowly evolved into a full brawl with both sides hitting one another, though in Seph's case it looked like she was trying to claw her Mom's face off.

"I'm not getting involved with hair pulling." He announced, reaching up to touch his own hair as if it was in danger of a pulling as well. He didn't do cat fights, but he wasn't opposed to egging them on.

"COME ON SEPH, GIVE HER A GOOD WHACK." He hollered, thrusting his fist into the air as he cheered his sister on. Every single one of them knew what a control freak Demeter was, so seeing Persephone give the old broad a couple good whacks made him a little giddy.

"You gonna go break them up sis?" Hermes asked, turning towards his sister with a cheerful expression.