[hr][color=0054A6][sup][h1] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/8tBR0vD.png[/img][/center] [b][center][/center][/b] [/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=0054A6][I]The Blind Tiger[/I][/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=0054A6][b][i]Ares & Hades[/i][/b][/color][/right][/sup][/indent][hr] [b]“Did you betray them?”[/b] The question had been hanging in the air ever since the summons. In the car during the late night drive it was a formidable presence to the mortals. Like a stone upon their hearts. They were curious but still full of fear. Few were called to that particular bar and rarely for good news. Ares turned his gaze away from the car’s window and looked at the one Spartan who spoke up. If he told them now that yes, he had betrayed the Three, they would swallow deeply and prepare their MP5s. They were those few chosen who were more loyal to him than to the three in the mob. That loyalty was important, for Ares was the only one who could operate in and around the mob without being a complete part of its hierarchy. Because he didn’t answer to the Three. He answered to the One. The one that not even his Spartans knew about. The puppet master behind the mob empire that was, of all places, ran from Seattle. [color=ED1C24]“I didn’t.”[/color] He said coldly and instantly everyone let out a sigh of relief. They knew it to be true. Ares did not lie to them about these things. But they still had those curious looks in their eyes. Like a dog wondering what you were chopping on the counter. [color=ED1C24]“It took them long enough to summon me anyway.”[/color] He said, to feed that curiosity a little, before looking away back outside. Into the streetlamp illuminated night in Seattle. Minutes later his car drove off. Leaving him alone in a neighborhood most wouldn’t want to be caught in at night. The houses were pressed up against each other, tall and old. There was nothing remarkable about the building in front of him. No broken windows. No extravaganza on display. The house itself though, didn’t matter. It was the apparent cellar door below it. Only a few stairs down from the street. After Ares tossed the half-burned cig, he went inside. The bouncer let Ares into the empty bar. At first glance you’d think it was just a faithful recreation to a roaring twenties speakeasy. In truth, it was one and the décor had been specially shipped over Washington. The wood still smelled of cigar smoke while the neatly cleaned countertop had that faint hint of Scottish whiskey and champagne combined with moonshine. Parts of the hardwood floor were covered by carpets, seemingly thrown around chaotically. If there were normal patrons, Ares knew they wouldn’t pay it any mind. Criminals like him though, knew where the blood splatters had fallen. Right now the bar was empty. So the god of war did what anyone would do. He took off his jacket, strapped up his sleeves and poured himself a mid-shelf whiskey. The door shut quietly behind Hades as he made his way towards the bar that Ares had stationed himself at. Releasing a long breath Hades allowed for a large billow of smoke to escape his lips from the cigar he was currently working on. This place had been the result of so many “disappearances” over the years it had basically become an urban legend to criminals. Never sit under a chair without a carpet they used to say. The thought itself made him laugh inwardly. The mortals were always a superstitious bunch especially when their lives were put in danger. Finally making it to the bar Hades looked over the various liquors adorning the wall all ragning in quality and price. [color=0054A6]“Grab that for me will you.” [/color] Hades said as he looked towards one of the more expensive bottles resting on the shelf. [color=0054A6]“We have a lot to discuss, and it's been a long day.” [/color] turning around slightly Hades scanned the room once more looking over the various chairs and tables. Turning back and grabbing the glass off the counter Hades began moving to a table positioned in the middle of the empty bar. [color=0054A6]“Come sit, might as well get this over with.”[/color] [color=ED1C24]“It has been, indeed.”[/color] Ares agreed with Hades on the long day. And even though it had been so long, it still felt far too short. There weren’t enough hours in a day anymore. It used to be simpler, but Ares was never one to wallow in the past like some. As his boss asked, the god of war took one of the finest, upper-shelf whiskey, his own glass and walked around the bar towards the middle table where his boss said. Putting his own glass down before pouring Hades’. With a sigh he almost threw himself back into the old, wooden chairs. One without a carpet underneath. He took his own glass and raised it as if he just gave a silent toasted, and sipped it. It was fine for the probably unpleasant conversation that was about to follow. Brining the glass to his lips after the small toast Hades sipped some of the amber liquid resting in the glass. The beautiful liquid stung a bit as it went down but no the less was a welcome taste for the crime boss. [color=0054A6]“How did the hospital go? I assume your lovely sister gave you hell as always.”[/color] as Hades placed the glass back onto the table he eyed Ares with a bit of a grin. He knew all too well how little the two could stand each other. He'd go so far as to say it would take a miracle or a catastrophe for the two to not be at each other's throats, then again, it wasn't any better than his brothers were. [color=ED1C24]“She did. But I put her in checkmate. She will hunt the hooded stranger as well.”[/color] Ares said after the almost liquid smoke tasting drink washed down. Under any normal circumstances, that would’ve been the highlight of his day. The one thing that could make him proud. He outplayed his sister. Used the chains to the police and the law against her. But today was not a normal day, and there was not a hint of pride in Ares’ voice. [color=ED1C24]“Did the traitor confess?”[/color] The god of war returned then. This was their small talk. Manipulating the law and torturing traitors. Compared with what both did on a daily basis as gods, it really did pale. [color=0054A6]“More or less.” [/color]Hades said in an even tone taking another sip from his glass with a grin on his face. [color=0054A6] “I am glad to hear your sister so graciously offered to help us with this matter.” [/color] as Hades let out a large puff of smoke from his lips his demeanor shifted slightly becoming more serious. [color=0054A6]“Have you found anything about Hephaestus?”[/color] Hades waited watching Ares and any reaction he would have. He knew this was going to be a sore subject for a while with Ares, hell it still was for him even if it was to lesser degree, but nonetheless it had to be done. [color=0054A6]“I have my suspicions already but i'd rather not start a war until necessary.” [/color] he finished letting his words hang on the end of the sentence that was clearly directed at Ares. Ares’ face soured as he was once again reminded of his failure. [color=ED1C24]“No.”[/color] The word stung far more than the whiskey he just downed in one gulp. It didn’t wash away that bitter taste. With disgust, mostly towards himself, he almost seemed to toss the glass upon the table. It didn’t break though. [color=ED1C24]“I’ve found a notebook.”[/color] He followed up. [color=ED1C24]“In his apartment. With a bunch of names in it. Names of minor gods and… Hebe. Hers was circled several times. There was also someone caught on tape entering his apartment. But I haven’t been able to find out who it was.”[/color] He should be taking pride in the fact that he had a lot more than Athena already. Instead he hated the fact that it still wasn’t nearly enough. [color=ED1C24]“As much as I’d love a good war now.”[/color] That was a lie, but a well told one. There was another thing he wanted so much more than a war now. And he already fucked it up. [color=ED1C24]“I wouldn’t start one over suspicions.”[/color] If they did, then they would be at war with the Romans for about 1699 years now. [color=ED1C24]“It’s pissing me off.”[/color] Many things were pissing Ares off now and the sourness combined with the slow slipping of control made that evident. [color=0054A6]“Well that is interesting now isn't it?” [/color] Hades said, beginning to mull over the facts that had just been laid out for him. [color=0054A6]“But we do need to be careful on how we move forward. Whoever did this targeted Hephaestus for a reason, and I don't think it was because they didn't like him.”[/color] Hades let his statement hang for a time as he poured himself more of the Whiskey thinking about everything that was happening. It was so odd that so many things were beginning to happen all at once. [color=0054A6]“We need to keep an eye on Hebe too. She doesn't need to be part of this, any of it.”[/color] Hades said in a serious tone. He may not have had much if love left for his brother and his wife but those same feelings did not apply to his niece. [color=0054A6]“Oh don't worry I don't plan to start anything just yet. But I am preparing for it.”[/color] Hades looked off into the corner of the room looking over the various old pictures and items from years passed that now adorned the old bar, these were the only witnesses to the conversation himself and Ares were having. [color=0054A6]“The main problem I have now is knowing what pieces are on the board… and on what side.”[/color] Hades finished his eye ever so slightly glancing back at his nephew. [color=ED1C24]“Hebe’s already covered.”[/color] Ares said, as he poured himself another glass of whiskey. This time from the expensive bottle. [color=ED1C24]“Zeus and Athena will look after her. I couldn’t. The Spartans won’t blend in with the whole…school setting.”[/color] He loved his sister, but why couldn’t she just go somewhere else but a school? Well, he shouldn’t admonish her for that. She was probably already becoming smarter than half the Greek pantheon. She probably was smarter than him. Ares didn’t catch Hades’ eye though. He just looked straight in front of him. Like a fire would erupt any second from where he was looking. Instead he just took another gulp of the whiskey. [color=ED1C24]“Killing Heph wasn’t the goal though.”[/color] Ares said after a fairly long break of silence. It just didn’t make sense. Gears kept turning but nothing made sense. Slowly he leaned back in his chair. Pondering over the facts. [color=ED1C24]“I mean, the man who killed him had to know he was a god. And they had a god slaying weapon with them.”[/color] That much was evident of The Morrigan’s speech about his threads of fate being so suddenly cut. He wasn’t just moved out of Seattle for sure. [color=ED1C24]“But if you have all that, then why go after Heph? Why not you or me or Jupiter or Mars. Any of tens of other gods that are vastly more dangerous even in their mortal form? That leaves only two more options: his death was a message…or they weren’t sure whatever kills gods actually could kill them.”[/color] Hades shifted slightly at the mention of his brother being the one to look after Hebe, sure it was his daughter but he doubted his brother had what it took anymore. [color=0054A6]“Well I'm sure Athena can handle it, you two may never get along but you're both too stubborn to fail.”[/color] Hades kept his eyes where they were still thinking about what the death of hephaestus meant and more importantly how to narrow down his suspicions. Releasing another puff of smoke hades turned his body back towards Ares before placing the cigar on the table. [color=0054A6]“Ah but that's where you’re wrong Ares. Hephestus is quite the dangerous god, or at least in special circumstances. Let me ask you something. Of any of us who do you think stood the best chance of understanding that stupid stone that leavs us chained here?”[/color] Hades paused for a brief moment to let it sink in for Ares and let the gears turn some in his own head. [color=0054A6]“Cause while I may be wise and smart I was never a forge god nor was I one particularly skilled in that form of magic.”[/color] [color=ED1C24]“That would only matter if we actually knew where the bloody thing is.”[/color] Ares said after a brief pause as he waltzed the whiskey in his glass. He maintained his course of thoughts. Right now the biggest threats to any pantheon were still alive. Hathor, Jupiter, Loki, all still breathing and happy. Half of them would be easy enough to get alone. Use just the right words and you could make anyone go anywhere. Instead Hephaestus was dead. [color=ED1C24]“It had to be a message. He was too public. Too visible even to the mortals.”[/color] He took another sip of the liquid. Even as he had said the words, he knew he wasn’t absolutely sure of them. [color=ED1C24]“Whoever did it… they left no trace.”[/color] No trace, barely a clue. [color=ED1C24]“They had to be in deep. Erasing camera footage. Forging alibi’s. Have locations to work at.”[/color] How else could they just have the Seattle mayor vanish so suddenly? [color=ED1C24]“Nothing of this is making sense.”[/color] And he wasn’t talking about Hephaestus alone. [color=0054A6]“True I suppose. But something still feels off about this whole thing.”[/color] Hades began looking up to the ceiling for a second as if hoping to pull out an answer from nothing. [color=0054A6]“Why does this news happen now? And more so why does Mars drop by at that precise moment acting as if he cares if one of us was the one to pass?”[/color] Hades' gaze settled back on Ares. [color=0054A6]“And then to top it all off my Brother”[/color] Hades let the last part come out in slight disgust [color=0054A6]“shows up after 2000 years of thinking he had died to the colossus.”[/color] These questions were more rhetorical than anything he supposed, there wasn't nearly enough to go off of yet and what they did have were accusations at best. [color=0054A6]“I do sense something is coming though, and we need to pick those close to us very carefully.”[/color] Ares, in a way of agreeing, raised his glace and then downed it. His boss was right on all counts, but there were other things bugging him as well. Ares was perhaps in the unique position of not fearing Hades as much as a mortal would. But he was still the Greek god of the dead. Which meant, when the really unpleasant questions arose, Ares preferred to keep a distance between them. Which he did by getting up and walking over to the bar, grabbing the low shelf stuff. It felt more worthy of the pit that was slowly being dug below the god of war. Silence fell over the bar as Ares pondered upon the words spoken. [color=ED1C24]“And did you pick Hathor?”[/color] The question was thrown like a dagger, shattering the serene calm. Are stood with both his palms resting on the countertop, leaning over slightly as his burning eyes looked straight at Hades. He respected Hathor, and he acknowledged her in a way he acknowledged only a few gods. But that didn’t mean that he trusted her. To him, the series of suspicious events Hades had just summoned up was added upon: ‘And Hathor suddenly inching closer to you.’ Hades stiffened for a moment as the question came out of Ares lips. Hades wasn't entirely sure how to describe how he felt at the way the question was asked. Part of him was angry by the way Ares seemed to suggest that Hathor couldn't be trusted. [color=0054A6]“And if I did?”[/color] Hades said in a more serious tone turning his gaze to lock on Ares never flinching. [color=0054A6]“She has helped me in the past and made it clear she would be willing to help in the future should I need it.”[/color] as Hades finished he stood from his seated position and began moving towards Ares at the bar. [color=0054A6]“I trust her. Do you have any objections to that?”[/color] Hades said in a dangerous tone almost daring the war god to challenge him on the subject. [color=ED1C24]“I do.”[/color] Ares said, never averting his gaze. Even as he said, he knew it wouldn’t matter. Hades was master of his own fate and actions, as much as Ares was master of his own. And the both of them were far too headstrong to admit to the other one without good reason. Or could it be that he distrusted Hathor for another reason. A more personal one? No, that was impossible. [color=ED1C24]“We’re marching to war against a foe we don’t know. What if everything she did so far was just an act? A ruse building up to this?”[/color] [color=0054A6]“I've known her since the 20’s so I highly doubt she would be willing to put on an act for this long. I owe a great deal of my success to her and all she has done for this organization.”[/color] Hades hated the fact that Ares suggested the fact that Hathor could have been lying to him this whole time. Though if he was being honest himself it wasn't the furthest thing that could be true. Very few times in his life could he say that people, gods and mortals alike, were ever kind simply for kindness's sake when it came to him. As a god most did it as a favor to retrieve a loved one from his domain or out of fear of what he could bring, while trapped on earth it was that same. Fear of what he could do or greed for what he had. [color=0054A6]“If she has tricked me up until this point then I should congratulate her when she does betray me for being so convincing. But until then I have elected to trust her.”[/color] Ares let out a sigh as he leaned back, turned around and took two more glasses. Which he placed before his boss and himself, and then filled each to one finger with some of the other top-shelf amber liquids the place had. [color=ED1C24]“That’s the first time I’ve heard you speak so highly of someone.”[/color] He said as he poured. Which was still suspicious to Ares. Hades was not one to make such connections lightly. Even after twenty years Ares felt like little more than a dog sometimes. Not that he minded. With Hades his skills were at least respected. Under his own father he was kicked and ridiculed. Still, when he was done pouring he raised his glass once more. [color=ED1C24]“I suppose that I will remember that from now on.”[/color] The god of war wouldn’t trust the goddess yet. That would be insane. But if Hades trusted her for a damned century now… maybe she wasn’t aiming to get the god of the underworld killed. That didn’t mean she could be without motive though. He would find that motive though. As insurance.