The Rise of the Titans: Crimson Age » Places

         After receiving Athena's response, Brandon's eyes swept the table one final time and he concluded, "I want for all of my daughters, but Athena, to remain here and as for my sons, I am sorry, but I can only permit Ares and Hephaestus permission to leave."

Cael threw up his fists and cheered, "Hell yes!" Before he realized that his father had said that ALL of his daughters must remain, which meant Aphrodite. "Wait, what?" Where were they supposed to romp if everyone was home the entire time? Cael rose from his chair and slammed his palms down upon the table. "Why..." He wanted to defend that he could protect Aphrodite himself, but she wasn't his wife and complaining about not being able to find enough privacy to fuck didn't sound like a legitimate argument, especially not in front of the Goddess of Marriage or his brother. Biting back his words, Cael bowed his head and shook in his anger and sexual frustration, "Damn it!"

Furiously, the war god stormed from the table and Brandon called after, "I didn't say this meeting is over!"

"There ain't nothin' else to talk about!"

Brandon scowled at his son's fleeting back and glanced at his wristwatch. It was about time he went on his date any way. He glanced to his brothers and sisters, "We must act carefully. We don't know how powerful the Titans have become since we last encountered them. If you see a Titan, then let fighting be your last option. Try to get as much information from them about what Cronus may be planning."

It disgusted him how he had nearly called the beast his father. What father devoured his own children?

"He's obviously planning revenge," Dmitri said. He gazed across the table at his lovely wife and inquired, "If you wish for me to give a damn about this war and not turn neutral, then you must permit me to see my wife whenever I may please until its end. If not, then I will only destroy those who get in my way, and I won't give two shits about this family."

Demeter immediately objected, "This was not the agreement!"

Dmitri smiled condescendingly at his sister, "I know that. Thus, I am making a new one. Shit, you're stupid."

"Stop right there!" Brandon interjected. "I don't have time to hear anymore of your arguments. Deal."

Dmitri smirked proudly at his sister as Demeter glared at Zeus, "I won't forgive you for doing this."

Brandon nodded in his frustration. It bothered him to have to choose between Hades and Demeter, but his brother and his Underworld army was a crucial ally.

Poseidon sat there patiently through the bickering and drama that surrounded him. The god's mortal form was that of a simple fisherman. His arms were crossed before his chest and his brown eyes gazing back into his thoughts on the matter at hand. Oceanus...it had been so long. The Titan had withdrew from the war centuries ago to be with his wife Tethys, had they been converted to Cronus's side? The god had actually respected the man, and though he highly doubted that Cronus could sway the ocean that was Oceanus, he frighteningly experienced doubt.

I must speak with him, Poseidon decided. The Titan would make a powerful ally if he joined their cause.

"So, I believe we are finished here. If anything happens, then I rely on Hermes to keep everyone informed," said Brandon.

Hermes smiled boyishly, "Will do."

Dionysus moaned and sank back in his chair, feeling like Ares except he wasn't upset about being cock blocked. "Man, and I was going to this rave tonight. Shit..." He felt like he died on the inside.

"I'm sorry, but if any of my children were killed in this conflict, I don't think I could forgive myself. Artemis and Apollo; I leave you both to guard this house. No strangers are permitted here."

The twins nodded.

"With everything said, this meeting is adjourned. You are free to enjoy the dinner Hermaine has prepared. There is plenty for you to do here."

Hephaestus silently stood and didn't once gaze at his wife as he left the table. He strode out of the banquet room with purpose, his fists still clenched in the anger that he was suppressing. He would need to hold onto it in order to imbue the new golem with it. As he entered the foyer, he saw Ares standing by the door, looking like he couldn't decide whether to stay or leave. As the smith passed him, he turned his head to look the god directly in the eyes, and Cael returned the sharp expression.

"You got some balls," Cael growled.

Anton closed the door behind him as he refrained from replying to his hotheaded brother. He would get his soon enough.

Seeing as everyone was slowly dispersing, Poseidon being one of the few who remained to actually sample his chef's cooking, Brandon smiled in relief and started behind his wife's chair with every intention of heading for the door when Hera's hand shot out to snag his wrist.

"And where are you going in such a hurry?" she asked.

Brandon glanced at the hand coiled about his wrist and tugged a bit. She was pretty strong. Smiling innocently, he replied, "I'm going to do some research. I need to learn more about this situation."

Hera gazed up at him with calm and disbelieving eyes. Her grip tightened on his wrist, making Zeus tense uncomfortably.

"Wear a condom," was her only response before she released him.

Brandon's brows shot upwards in shock. "What? You would actually think that I..."

Hera shot him another cutting look. She wasn't an imbecile. Faltering under her gaze, Brandon fled his wife's presence and thought, Damn, she's good.