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[/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=ea7e5d][I]Seattle Sacred Heart Hospital[/I][/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=ea7e5d][b][i]Ares & Athena[/i][/b][/color][/right][/sup][/indent][hr][color=gray]
[center][i]...Flashback - Morning of the 3rd...[/i][/center]
It was a quiet day in the hospital. Four guys had been dragged in by the cops in the early morning and were patched up in the ICU. Now they were kept in the hospital to recover a little. Cops were guarding their doors, of course. They were drug dealing criminals after all. Except there was no drugs on the scene and nothing to tie them to a mob. It was a quiet day, that suddenly was interrupted by the roar of heavy German cars driving up to its entrance.

Ares marched out from the first car before it drove off again. Surrounded by three of his most trusted Spartans. From the next two cars harried lawyers that had been talking on the phone for over an hour now walked out. Followed by associates carrying piles of files and briefcases. Some more senior associates walked with notepads, jotting down every note. A few carried recording devices on their hips. They passed the income without a second glance. Having already acquired where the four victims were. The entire group of lawyers and high ranking criminals commandeered three elevators. Five minutes later they walked into the hallway. The beat cops were ready to stop them, but a quick lecture given in pure legalize let them quickly pass.

“Hello, I am Lars Johanson. Not Johnson. I will be your lawyer for the coming hours. Please remain in your beds and we shall go over some bullet points.” The lawyer pushed his small, round glasses up his nose as an associate handed him a notepad. “First point, do not talk to the press. Second point, do not talk to the cops. Third point, always plead your fifth amendment rights. fourth point,-“

Ares let the overly expensive lawyer ramble on while the desks in the room were taken over by the associates already preparing every legal defense they could summon. It was kind of funny to see them at work. Back in the law offices themselves several charges of assault and battery were prepared against the hooded individual. Just in case the cops would fail their criminal investigation. Which wouldn’t be a first. The god of war walked up to one of the dealers and sat on the chair beside him. [color=ED1C24]“Tell me what happened?”[/color]

“I don’t know, sir.” The man said, clutching his ribs in pain, but not wanting to stop talking; “He came out of the dark. Was upon us fast. Too fast. I’ve never seen anyone fight like that. One moment I was just minding my own business, the next I’m bleeding on the ground.”

Suddenly, before any warning was given, the door swung wildly open, the annoyed face of Detective Natalia Steele and a slightly more worried-leaning face of Colin Brady entered the room, scanning it immediately. The four beds spread in a perpendicular fashion was the source of Natalia’s ire and she ignored the pleading nurse to stop, citing some nonsense about how she wasn’t allowed in the room (in addition to the weary looks of the beat cops who stood outside the room).

“I’m sorry sir, all she asked was where your client’s room was and she just--”

Athena took over, stepping to the furthest bed and she saw it for herself: the bandages, the blood still remaining on their faces, the cuts, and [i]that[/i] face looking up at her the chair beside her. That subtle smugness hidden behind a veil of confidence that always stirred the fires of war within her. It was that face that she couldn’t stop herself from loathing. Even now, as Natalia Steele, his face made her blood boil and the urge to want to shoot him dead might make her feel justified, but in doing so, she knew she would expose them both. 

So she took in the deepest breath and tried to find that peaceful center she often went to when her rage got the better of her. [color=ea7e5d][sub][i]You’re better than he is. Control yourself.[/i][/sub][/color] And so she did. Her eyes remained locked on him, though, but she kept it professional -- kept it in line with their mortal identities. [color=ea7e5d][sub][i]Our mortal identities.[/i][/sub][/color]

She cracked a smile. [color=ea7e5d]“Mr. Miknosos, was it?”[/color] She addressed him directly. [color=ea7e5d]“I wasn’t expecting to find you here.”[/color] The tone of her voice hinted at the truth they both knew to be prophecy.

Few people could summon rage in Ares’ as much as his accursed half-sister. Even as mortals, he and Athena stood opposite of each other. And now, in this room, the tension between them was not only instantly clear, it was creating an almost physical presence of pressure in the room. The mortals, both victims and lawyers, looked awkwardly at each other. Ares knew what was happening. Fear crept into their hearts. Lars Johanson, brave as he was capable, took a step towards the detective with his finger raised. Probably ready to point out some legal or technical thing that would force her out of the room. Instead he was stopped by Ares, who knew one of his better lawyers would be eaten whole on the spot if he did.

[color=ED1C24]“Ah, detective Steele!”[/color] He said with an almost overly smug tone. [color=ED1C24]“I would say the same but then we’d both be lying.”[/color] She and him had crossed paths many, many times. She got close to his operations sometimes. And he had gotten her reprimanded by her superiors on more than one occasion. It never changed anything. [color=ED1C24]“But someone has to care for these unfortunate, low-income, lower class people. Tell me Jeffery, how is that veterinarian school going?”[/color] Ares called out. 

And one of the beaten goons replied from across the room: “Good bo- sir. One more year and I’m licensed.” Ares just threw him a nice smile as he looked past Athena, before turning his attention back at her again.

[color=ED1C24]“So. What will you do, detective, to capture the man that brutalized these innocent civilians of our fair city?”[/color]

She stood there for a long moment, trying not to digest so much bullshit she was being fed from Ares. Although, if there was one thing she had to commend him for, it was his ability to train those dogs to do what he doubtless told them to say. The fear in their eyes was obvious, but she couldn’t necessarily call them out for that. Given how badly they were beaten,  it’s a fair assumption that any rookie would say it was due to that and not the God of War sitting next to them. [color=ea7e5d]“Of course, Mr. Miknosos. We--”[/color] she gestured to her partner, [color=ea7e5d]“--that is to say myself and my partner, Detective Brady, only want to catch the person responsible. As I’m sure you would agree, monsters who are allowed to roam free without answering for their actions is the real crime.”[/color] The entire time she spoke, her eyes hadn’t left Ares’, as if she was talking to [i]him[/i], and not the Alexander Miknosos alias he hid behind.

Any time before three days ago, and Ares would’ve started the verbal threat dance with Athena until both of them were basically threatening to blow up each other’s houses. And he would’ve enjoyed that as much as any fight with a mortal. Not today though. Today he had far too many worries on his mind. Between Hephaestus, Hebe and now this hooded assailant, Ares did not allow himself to risk losing control. If anything, his entire world would have to be pulled together even more. [color=ED1C24]“There’s a criminal on the loose. Yet here you are talking about the philosophy behind his crimes.”[/color]

[color=ED1C24]“The real crime is that these poor men were beaten and left bloody in an alleyway. I’m sure the boys here would be willing to give you a statement of their facts. If that is not why you are here, I suggest you leave this room immediately before I’ll have my lawyers here start filing complaints that will chain you desk duty for the next decade.”[/color] To back him up, ever so meekly, two of the four victims raised their legal pads upon which they had already ever so neatly written their statement of the facts and only the facts… that suited them. Leaving behind certain facts and making up a reason for why all four were together so early in the morning. Their stories would, in the broad strokes, all be the same. Each recalling vague details that may or may not be true. No statement is surgically the same but Ares’ lawyers had the art of statement creation mastered.

[color=ED1C24]“So who will your prey be, Miss Steele? An actual criminal on the loose, or your metaphorical free monsters?”[/color]

As much as she wanted to say, outloud no less, that he was wrong and these four got what they deserved, that part of Athena’s being that hated it so much, had to swallow that need because [i]Natalia[/i] didn’t have the proof to back up such a claim. [color=ea7e5d]“There is only one monster, Mr. Miknosos.”[/color] Her eyes left Ares’ and to one of the bloodied and bruised men that lay in the bed. [color=ea7e5d]“It is the man who is responsible for what they did to you. I swore an oath to serve and protect and if your ...lawyers will allow me to, I would like to ask you a few questions about the person who did this to you.”[/color]

Ares let only a small smirk of victory shine through as he stepped aside. [color=ED1C24]“Gentlemen, please offer up your statement. One at the time. Mr. Johanson please make sure that everything goes according to the guidance of the law.”[/color] With that said, he sat down letting Athena take control of the room. 

And that’s exactly what they did. Colin had taken the reins on the first two - Tommy and Charlie. As that happened, Athena did the same with the ...victim that was in the bed in front of her, while Ares sat on the opposite end. These weren’t her ideal circumstances, but she had to get the facts for her report. It didn’t matter to her personally because Athena knew what she was about to get out of him was fabricated; she just couldn’t prove it.  

[color=ea7e5d]“So, if you wouldn’t mind, Jeffrey, tell me exactly what happened to you? What can you remember?”[/color]

He hesitated, one eye going to Ares shortly before he took in a breath and began speaking. “Me and my boys were just walking, ma’am. And then we got jumped by this animal.”

[color=ea7e5d]“Just walking? In a back alley? You’re gonna have to give me a bit more specifics.”[/color]

“Okay, so it’s like this: we’re all pretty into this mobile game, Pokemon Go.”

Athena gave both Jeffrey and Ares  a dumbfounded look, shaking her head in a subtle manner. [color=ea7e5d]“And that’s it? You four were just playing this game and then that’s when the perp attacked you?”[/color]

Jeffrey nodded. “That’s correct ma’am. We’re all very lucky he didn’t kill us.”

[color=ea7e5d]“I’m sure you are.”[/color] Athena jotted down everything Jeffrey said in her notebook. [color=ea7e5d]“Were you able to get a good look at him? Do you remember his skin color? Or how tall he was? Or even what he was wearing?”[/color]

“I don’t know, Detective. He came at us from behind. All any of us know is he wore a blue sweatshirt. The hood was covering most of his face. I think maybe he was white. Probably with something resembling a blond goatee.”

[color=ea7e5d]“Right.”[/color] She scribbled more into her notebook. [color=ea7e5d]“Now do you know why this man would have target--”[/color]

[color=ED1C24]“Excuse me, miss Steele.”[/color] Ares piped up from his corner. Interrupting what felt like more of an interrogation than someone taking a statement. Of course Athena would be fishing for a reason as to why they were attacked. [color=ED1C24]“I believe this is a very clear cut case of nothing but senseless violence and bloodshed.”[/color] But it probably wasn’t. Still, all the men in the beds looked at Ares and nodded in agreement.

Much like the police, Ares had a room that was slowly being dedicated to the hooded stranger. This wasn’t the first hit on his operations, and it wouldn’t be the last. In truth though, the man was nothing more than a thorn. An annoyance. He never could get a hit on a shipment or disrupt the pipeline of product. The only thing he seemed to do so far was just beat up his dealers. Sadly, mortals were quite frail and began demanding protection against the stranger.

Then, with a simple nod towards Lars was enough to get the lawyer in now: “Alright, miss Steele. As I understand my four clients are not under arrest, so we will request your leave now. Of you and your police officers outside the door as well.” I could see in the glint of at least one associate that they had the words ‘police state’ and ‘abuse of power’ ready and loaded like they were bullets. “They will visit the police station at their earliest convenience to deliver their written statements.” Lars continued, and then motioned at the door. Which was already held open by one of the associates.

She was an idiot. If it was just the Deities of War and the “victims” in the room, Athena wouldn’t think twice about giving Ares the full extent of her ire. She would give anything to wipe that smug expression off of his face, make him know who the true alpha of the two of them are. It would be her way of unleashing some parts of her wrath that were reserved for his mother. Instead, she practiced restraint and let him see her smile. 

There was a hint of fire in the way she glared at him. For anyone but them, it was an uncomfortable silence, the kind of silence that often made those who weren’t involved look elsewhere. [color=ea7e5d]“If I were you, Mr. Miknosos, I’d advise these men to not keep me waiting.”[/color] She, again, completely ignored the mortal lawyer as she focused all of her attention on Ares one last time.

Ares just kept the grin up. Her tone was enough. There would be no complaint, just a small mention towards the police commissioner of Seattle. Noting … abrasive behavior coming from miss Steele. It wouldn’t do much other than just annoying her but that was enough. With the detective’s exit Lars went over several more points of legalities and rights. Assuring everyone in the room that they were in fact victims of a brutal assault. Not cocaine dealing criminals. By tomorrow they would be released from the hospital’s care and ready for their statements. Despite wanting to take their sweet time for it, Lars would force them to go almost immediately after they would be released. Every interaction after they gave the statement could be seen as harassment after all.

Knowing his men were in good hands, the god of war stepped out and pursued miss Steele. [color=ED1C24]“Detective!”[/color] He yelled out. [color=ED1C24]“A moment of your time, please. For… a private matter concerning our shared friend.”[/color] He looked passed her at the other cops, hoping she’d get the clue and send them on. He hated the fact that they were now forced on the same team. Under the umbrella of their father who no doubt already informed her of the book and the stranger. But this wasn’t about him or her. It was about their family. It was about Hebe.

Her partner and the other cops looked at her, as if gauging whether they should leave her alone. Natalia waved them away. [color=ea7e5d]“It’s fine. Go on ahead without me,”[/color] she said to Colin as he and the other cops walked on ahead.

Athena faced Ares. Given their history, she didn’t know what it was he had to say to [i]her[/i]. Usually whenever they were inches away from one another, someone’s nose was broken. So, if anything, he had her curiosity. [color=ea7e5d]“If we are to talk, don’t you think that maybe we should go somewhere a little more private?”[/color] She didn’t bother to wait for him to respond and walked past him in the direction of the chapel inside the hospital, which was on the same floor they were currently on.

Once inside the chapel Ares spared no time to turn towards his sister and say: [color=ED1C24]“So what have you found so far in regards to our brother?”[/color] Half-brother to Athena, technically. Still, he hoped she would be willing to share the info she got. Much like he shared it with his father, knowing it would leak straight to Athena within minutes.

Athena leaned against one of the benches close to her. She crossed her arms over her chest and glanced up at Ares. [color=ea7e5d]“Unfortunately, I am no closer to figuring this mystery out than you are. Whoever it is, they hid their tracks well. Though, if I am being truthful here, Ares--”[/color] she sighed out, [color=ea7e5d]“--The lack of clarity surrounding Hephaestus’ death troubles me beyond anything this century.”[/color] It was unlike Athena to truly confide something like that in general, let alone to Ares, but given the subject matter, she made an exception. 

The chapel was a dark place to Ares. Lit only by faint lights in the ceiling and the few candles burning in the front. When his sister confessed she had nothing, he didn’t feel like he had won. Even though by all rights he should’ve. The law failed where his own vengeance was at least succeeding a little bit. Still, that did not bring him joy for once. For a second he let his sister’s fear hang in the air as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it. In this day and age, it felt as if the cigarette was the new incense. With eyes closed he let out a gentle breath of smoke which rose to the ceiling.

[color=ED1C24]“We’ll find who did it.”[/color] He assured her. Even if he had to face down the Godslayer himself. Still, there was so much more to do. So much more that was starting to weigh him down. For a second he let his exhaustion show as he sat down on one of the pews, letting his head fall backwards and close his eyes. In between the Hooded Man, the murder of his brother and… Tlaz he felt control slipping ever more. [color=ED1C24]“You don’t have to stay, I think we’ve both said what we should’ve.”[/color] He said after taking a very long drag from his cig. But he would stay. Just for a minute. To have just a fleeting feeling of serenity for a moment.

[color=ea7e5d][sub][i]We?[/i][/sub][/color] Athena wasn’t sure she liked that implication. [color=ea7e5d]“So, that’s what it is. You and mommy dearest are going to take the law into your own hands.”[/color] The part of her that felt like she and Ares had the potential of having a civil moment was whisked away as soon as she caught onto what it was he actually meant, not that she was surprised. Maybe a little disappointed, but given the temper tantrum he threw at the Conclave, it was on her for thinking Ares was above anything else. 

And how ironic that this all came out in the house of the Christian’s God. [color=ea7e5d]“I would ask if this was wise of you, but you were never known for thinking, were you, Ares?”[/color] She laughed at her own comment. [color=ea7e5d]“Because I am a fair Goddess, I will not give you any stern threat”-- [sub][i]not like you’d listen even if I did[/i][/sub],-- “but do know this, brother.”[/color] She stepped closer to him and towered over him. [color=ea7e5d]“Though I won’t forbid you to seek out the answers to this mystery because, if I’m being completely transparent, I am also curious who killed Hephaestus, if your quest leaves a trail of bodies, you won’t just have the Hooded Stranger to worry about.”[/color] The tension was so thick, not even Zeus’ Lightning Bolt could cut through it. [color=ea7e5d]“Do I make myself clear, Ares?”[/color]

Ares let out a deep sigh. Of course his sister was expecting the worst of him. Again. [color=ED1C24]“With ‘we’ I meant you and me.”[/color] His eyes weren’t looking at the altar straight in front of him. How strange the Christian god could be described as sometimes. Peaceful, forgiving, self-sacrificing. While at the same time he was in a way one of the greatest God Slayers around. But then he did look up and in his sister’s eyes. [color=ED1C24]“Or did you think I told father about the book, the stranger on tape and Hebe by accident?”[/color] His eyes turned away from hers again. He was in no mood to have petty struggles over something as important as this. [color=ED1C24]“You can’t solve this without my help, and as much as I hate it, I will need you as well.”[/color]

This was all a mess for a myriad of reasons. After her father had told her about this book, it complicated a lot of matters but it also made her consider an angle that she hadn’t: Hephaestus’ murder wasn’t random. And given the fact that Hebe’s name was circled, that stirred up Athena’s gut feeling that maybe Hera could be the main target. Or someone was aiming to hurt Hera. She would be the first person to admit that the Queen of the Gods wasn’t her favorite person, but Athena liked Hebe. She was a sweet goddess whose soul was untainted. If anything, that sold Athena on what she knew was the right thing to do: work with Ares.

[color=ea7e5d]“Very well, Ares.”[/color] She stared at him with a neutral gaze. [color=ea7e5d]“We will just have to enter a cease-fire until this is solved.”[/color][/color]