[hr][color=0054a6][sup][h1] [center] [img] https://i.pinimg.com/originals/09/98/d7/0998d7f825867ac89d62051288b14d63.gif [/img] [/center] [b][center][color=0054a6]Hades[/color] And [color=f6989d]Dio[/color][/center][/b] [/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=0054a6][I] The Ball, SEATTLE[/I][/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=0054a6][b]GOD OF The Dead,[/b][/color] [/right][/sup][/indent][hr] No matter how many times throughout history he had been forced to wear a suit, Dio could never be comfortable in one. It could be how stuffy and formal it made him feel, or could be deep-seated issues with his identity compared to his father. Both perfectly reasonable reasons, or so thought the god of wine. Fiddling with his collar he sat in the passenger seat of a car that probably cost more than a year's worth of rent for his apartment. The city was mostly a blur to Dio as the vehicle sped downtown towards the charity event. The invite had been very surprising to DIo, but he had soon realized how amazing of an opportunity it was. For starters, it would hopefully let him meet up with some friends of his he had not seen in centuries. Dionysus would also be able to talk to Artemis about her investigation and ask if he could help. Finally, it was going to be so much fun. So many people who hated each other were going to be in an enclosed space with copious amounts of liquor. There probably hadn’t been an event like this since the parties with the French monarchy. Dio could only imagine the chaos that was going to happen. [color=f6989d]“This is just funny isn’t it? The Romans hide for years then suddenly reappear and invite everyone to a party. Almost like they got lonely plotting the demise of everyone and missed us.”[/color] Hades continued to look forward as the city passed by him at a fast pace as he pondered his son's statement. [color=0054a6]“It is indeed.”[/color] Hades said in his usual even calculating tone. [color=0054a6]“I find it odd that they would openly invite everyone like this considering.”[/color] Hades stopped for a moment to let it hang in the air. He didn't need to bring up his Nephew, it was clear what he meant. [color=0054a6] “I am more concerned about my brothers being there and the usual drama that follows our family.”[/color] Hades thought for a moment more on the idea of his brothers all being present in a confined area for an entire evening, with Alcohol. They weren't even in the same room for long and the conclave had gone to shit in a heartbeat he couldn't begin to think what an entire evening would bring. [color=0054a6]“Just watch yourself when we get there. I don't trust the imposters, the rest of our family, and most other gods to not make some scenes tonight.”[/color] Hades knew his son could handle himself and definitely didn't need him as a protector anymore, but this whole issue still made him feel uneasy. [color=f6989d]“I plan to enjoy the spectacle rather than, be it. I’ll watch myself while I’m there.”[/color] Dio knew that his father didn’t like or trust the Romans, or really any of the other gods for that matter. While they were at the ball he would have to make sure to watch his tongue. Couldn’t let any of his father’s enemies know Hades’ plans. [color=f6989d]“I have a few people to talk to once I’m there, so I probably won’t see you until the end of it. Or maybe a few days from now depends on how drunk I get.”[/color] ------------ There was an easy silence in the car, not uncomfortable but rather nice, an easy calm before the storm that would inevitably hit the ball itself. That brief bit of silence was a nice feeling for Hades who had been so busy since the conclave it felt like the old days when his family once wagged war. That small time of peace, however, was quickly shattered as the car pulled into its place in front of the venue drawing the attention of plenty of photographers. [color=0054a6]“Well, it was nice while it lasted.”[/color] He said as he straightened his bow tie in the mirror. As he exited the car he put on a small smile just enough to please the swarm of mortals clambering for a photo of the wealthy man and his guest. [color=0054a6]“Always hated this part.”[/color] He said under his breath as he began to ascend the steps towards the ball itself doing his best to ignore the mortals and their rather loud and obnoxious questions. Dio couldn’t help but grin as the cameras began to flash all around them. While he managed to slip through most of the crowd unnoticed, his father was not nearly as stealthy. Being a film student at the local college thankfully let him be inconspicuous amongst the mortals. Dio caught his father's eye from across the crowd of people and gave him a quick wave before entering the venue. Dio took a moment to scan the gleaming room that spread in front of him. Dionysus immediately noticed many of the gods that had spread throughout the room before his arrival. Across the room, a few of the Romans had begun to gather around their “king”, though some still remained scattered amongst other guests. He hadn’t seen many of those faces for centuries, well at least not in person. His father could be described in many many words, but careless would never be one of them. Paranoid? Sure, but never careless. Ever since the fall, Hades has been preparing for war, and information is as valuable as Ambrosia. Other than the Romans a few other pantheons had decent representation, though none of them were as organized. Of course, his Greek family had scattered like leaves in the wind, off to mingle and get wasted. While locating his Greek brethren he noticed a poor fool who happened to be getting wasted at the bar. After a second Dio recognized that poor fool as being his Uncle Poseidon. Dio was happy the sea god had resurfaced, no matter how unfortunate the timing was. He always preferred Poseidon over Zeus back in the day, especially since Posiedon wasn’t married to someone who had tried to kill Dio. [color=f6989d]“I should go say something before the party is over. Doubt there will be much time for a calm discussion after this thing.[/color]” As he passed the threshold, Hades was immediately struck by just how blindingly bright white the room really was. As Hades let his eyes adjust slightly he gazed over the room seeing the usual suspects of an event such as these. Various companies, groups, banks, and especially politicians all mingling, trading stories, and fake compliments. So was the way of mortals he supposed, and gods to be fair, to always use an opportunity to push themselves forward. Glancing up towards the balcony of the main ballroom Hades could see two figures standing across the many attendants with a seemingly angry look on their faces, though it would be overlooked had you not been aware or perspective enough. [color=0054a6]“Ah so there sits the king,”[/color] he said to himself with a heavy amount of sarcasm as he lifted a glass from the serving tray that just passed him. Just as he began to lift the glass to his lips he paused for a moment at the sight of two figures gracing the dance floor. Almost immediately he could recognize the two people dancing carefree on the otherwise empty floor. For all his ability to never show a sign of weakness or a shred of emotion Hades felt a slight smile pull on the edges of his lips. It was almost too nice of sight to look away from until he felt a pain of shame and grief in his chest forcing his eyes to look away from the dance floor.