[center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/743937859198648470/1065677797403660329/image0.gif[/img][/center]
[right][sub]location: Pasithea’s home
interactions: [color=a187be]Isabel[/color], [color=FF69B4]Aphrodite[/color], [color=8f99fb]Pasithea[/color]
mentions: [color=f7976a]Psyche[/color], [color=FF446E]Eros[/color], [color=5C5248]Anubis[/color][@metanoia][/sub][/right][hr]

[center][b]FLASHBACK[/b][/center]

[color=FF446E]“I-I need to go too!”[/color]

[color=F7976A]“Don’t.. Eros! Wait!”[/color]

Isabel stood with her back against the wall, out of sight of everyone, as she eavesdropped on the love birds. At first, it was to satiate her guilty pleasure. Instead, her veins froze over. What was it that she said that made Eros suddenly flee? What happened? And why did she feel sad that whatever moment they had just a second ago had now crumbled away. Obviously, it was her fault. And there was nothing she could do to help Psyche. Again she felt useless. Worse than useless. She didn’t mind hurting people if it was with a purpose. That’s what her father had taught her. Yet now she had hurt – indirectly perhaps – Psyche at the very least.

She swallowed that guilt down as much as she could. It wasn’t the first time this sort of stuff happened. Maybe she was cursed by her brother? That thought felt cathartically comfortable. She let out a long drawn sigh and then stepped forward looking at least for Pasithea, whom she faintly remembered having taken her gun.

Aphrodite watched the drama unfold as the two past paramours rushed out the front door, a tinge of a smirk playing on her lips as she took a sip of tea. She didn’t want her son to suffer but it made her a bit proud to see his choices taking him in the right direction. She didn’t really have time to bother with their messy relationship though before the thought that her son abandoned her caused a bit of a frown. Now what was she supposed to do? She could call one of her other children but she was still hoping to give them a bit of a surprise. She hadn’t planned to stick around here either and Pasithea had been more than accommodating. This day was not going at all as planned and she was still worried about Ares safety as things kept being delayed. He was strong and could take care of himself but it didn’t stop her worry, not when it was the second of her family to be missing. 

[color=FF69B4]”Ah, there you are! How are you feeling, dear? Any better? I hope your sweet brother introduced himself before rushing away. Come, sit, tell me what your next steps are in finding your father.”[/color]

[color=a187be]“I nearly broke a pot over his head.”[/color] Isabel said as she looked around, but she did so with a warm smile of a memory she’d cherish for a very long time. Still, another of her few precious belongings was gone. Her gun was out of sight. What did Pasithea do to it? She opened a cupboard. Nothing. Then the gears in her head turned over. She popped her head out of the cupboard. [color=a187be]“Hold up. You speak English!? I wrack my blood deprived brain speaking Greek to you and you speak English!?”[/color] Isabel was only mad for a second before she realized some sort of God Divine… thing must’ve happened.

She chuckled at the first comment, shaking her head a bit and feeling fond of the reaction as it reminded her of her darling Deimos. It seemed violence was always a first with their type, not that she minded. Strength and confidence had always been her thing and she was proud that her child embraced it. That soft smile instantly became a childish pout and a bit of cringe in disgust at the unsavory subject of her new language skill. [color=FF69B4]”I didn’t speak English at that time. Now I do and I would rather not go into the how or why. Just be grateful and thankful that you no longer have to use your non native language.[/color], Aphro replied in a bit of a snippy tone as she loudly placed her tea on the provided saucer. [color=FF69B4]”Just what on earth are you searching for that seems far more important than my direct questions?”[/color]

[color=a187be]“My gun!”[/color] Isabel exclaimed as she dove back into the cupboard. She didn’t feel particularly inclined to push the subject of Aphrodite’s new language skills. Again she rummaged through the cupboard, finding nothing but a suspiciously extensive tea collection. Really who needed this much tea in their lives!? [color=a187be]“Where are you?”[/color] She said out loud to no one in particular before she realized Aphrodite did not have the faintest idea what a gun was. She popped out of the cupboard again. [color=a187be]“It’s a weapon that… fires small arrows very fast.”[/color] It was a good enough explanation. 

[color=FF69B4]”To know another language, you have to have comprehension of the subject. I know what a gun is even if I don’t know how to use it. We are going to have to have a serious talk about you threatening people with it since I didn’t appreciate the new information that I was being threatened earlier this morning. That being said,”[/color], she paused looking in the direction of the kitchen and calling out to their fine host. [color=FF69B4]”Pasi!”[/color], waiting for the small woman to peek around the entryway, her gaze set on the dark haired woman still roaming through the cupboards. [color=FF69B4]”Isabel is looking for her weapon. Could you please return said item?”[/color]

[color=8F99FB]”D-Do I have to? As much as I admire and care for you Aphrodite…some of your children are not able to resist the urge of weapons….I would rather not be shot today.”[/color]

[color=FF69B4]”Don’t be silly my lilywhite! Isabel isn’t one of mine and my children are simply misunderstood angels. They know better than to hurt you. Far too delicate for such greetings and rivalries.”[/color]

[color=8F99FB]”Debatable…”[/color]

Aphrodite’s amusement paused, a serious look locked on the goddess of relaxation. [color=FF69B4]”Pasi…I am no longer asking. Return the firearm.”[/color]

Pasithea wearily looked between her two guests before biting her bottom lip before heading to the freezer, fishing it out of the back before returning to the living room and placing it on the coffee table. [color=8F99FB]”There…happy?”[/color], she asked while nervously rubbing her arm and sitting as far away from the other two as possible. This has been a drama fueled morning and she was ready for it to stop. Her heart already went out to Psyche who she knew chasing after would be impossible while watching over these two. Eros really was a moron but she understood the fears when love was involved. It’s why most had been afraid of Eros in the past. Why he didn't see that most would kill to have such a dedicated partner was beyond her. She thought if anyone would still be together it was those two. It made her wonder what luck the rest of them had.

[color=a187be]“You put it in the freezer!?”[/color] Isabel exclaimed as she rushed over (as much as she could without exerting her wounded leg) to the coffee table. She grabbed the piece and looked at Pasithea. In that moment she wanted to aim it at the goddess and pull the trigger. How dare she put her father’s gift in such a horrible place! [color=a187be]“Are you insane? You might have broken it!”[/color] She exclaimed again. It had to be checked immediately.

She could’ve taken a breath, put the gun down on a piece of cloth and disassembled it. Surely Pasithea would have a tooth brush she didn’t need anymore (and frankly Isabel would’ve just taken hers if she refused). It would take about fifteen minutes to check if the gun was alright. Or…

With a press of a button and a flick of her wrist the magazine flew through the living for a second before Isabel caught it with practiced precision. She pulled back the slide, sending the chambered bullet flying before she caught that one between her two fingers. With her thumb she flipped off the safety as she aimed at a nearby window and pulled the trigger.

[i]Click[/i]

Isabel let out a sigh of relief. The firing mechanism wasn’t frozen over yet. Then her ire could truly shine through at Pasithea. [color=a187be]“Don’t ever put my gun in there again!”[/color] She yelled. There was real anger in her voice now. [color=a187be]“Ever!”[/color] She snapped again.

The bullet she put back in the magazine, she turned the safety on again, put the magazine back and chambered a round before she put it away in her pocket. The outburst had somewhat cooled her a bit. She sat down in front of Aphrodite then. [color=a187be]“I don’t really know where to go next.”[/color] She admitted. [color=a187be]“I went to his hotel room cause I got a message saying that he was either taken or dead.”[/color] She left out most of the other stuff the pre-recorded message had said. About how he was proud of her. She couldn’t believe that. Not right now when she was so wounded and useless.

Ares wondered why she stayed away from him and his spawn, this over the top reaction was exactly why. She already flinched at being called insane since olympus forbid she could care less about a weapon but the extra threats in her own home made her extremely uncomfortable. She felt nervous and fearful, trying not to have a full blown panic attack and also wanting this woman out of her home. She wanted her far far away from her. She wanted to run away or tell her to leave right now. If she was brave enough for the conflict, she still wouldn’t have for Aphrodite’s sake. It didn’t mean she liked it. Pasithea swiftly got up from the couch, quickly making her way out of the room as any plans to have any relationship with this ungrateful woman were quickly washed away. She had shown her that she was one of the untrustworthy ones, proving again that the loving and more Aphrodite type of children were the easiest to get along with when she had to. 

Aphrodite herself frowned, not appreciating the coldness towards Pasithea who clearly had not known better. It showed the sides of Ares that had been a problem here and there with their relationship. It made for loneliness if not careful. She decided to let it go, planning to make it up to the sweet girl later but it was important to think of a way to help Ares. [color=FF69B4]”Well, when one is looking for something, it is best to retrace your steps. When was the last time you saw your father? Obviously the hotel is the last place I saw him and that didn’t turn up leads. There might be someone that knew where he was going or at least a location of where to start.”[/color]

Isabel leaned forward. Her father found her in the hospital. Those two were dangerous. The one that tortured her was particularly vicious. Hathor, she was called? But her father walked out there without problems. Then they went to the shrink. He seemed to at least have a better rapport with her father. [color=a187be]“Anubis.”[/color] She said while deep in thought. After that things were more blurry. She ran and apparently her father bumped into an old flame. But after that? He was in a hurry as well. Clearly, he had his own troubles as well. What was going on? Did someone get killed? Or had someone disappeared before? He was tracing something for sure.

All of it was too much thinking and too little doing. [color=a187be]“We’re going to visit the shrink.”[/color] She decided. He would at least be amicable to helping them. Or so she hoped. The doctor’s friend wouldn’t. That was for sure. Isabel rummaged in her pocket, pulled out her keys and tossed them to Aphrodite. [color=a187be]“You should go try out the car.”[/color] She said. [color=a187be]“I still have some things to say to Pasithea.”[/color]

That name, it felt like it rang a bell, like a distant memory but she didn’t have time to think on it before she talked about visiting the shrink. That was definitely an…interesting place to start. She wasn’t one to question Ares methods but that seemed a strange place to start on the trail. Why had they seen a shrink? It just caused a bit of a concern. She caught the keys before she even registered that they had been thrown, looking down at her hands and her mind scanning over the thought of the car. She now in theory at least knew what it was and how it operated but doing something and knowing something were two completely different things. 

[color=FF69B4]”Alright, Hun. Don’t have to tell me twice.”[/color], she nodded, standing up and heading over to the front door, pausing for a moment as she opened it. [color=FF69B4]”Word to the wise, Pasithea is a fragile and soft soul but while she is related to Ares…he is not her favorite. She is not one for violence which tends to be a side of those with his blood in their veins. Don’t get me wrong, my children are perfect but not everyone can handle that. Don’t break her. Be careful with your words, Isabel. This one is under my protection.”[/color], Aphrodite’s words were deadly serious as she glanced back at her with a stern look, one that even Deimos might be proud of before that dazzling smile reappeared. [color=FF69B4]”Don’t be too long!”[/color], she added before making her way out the door and to the elevators.

The mortal didn’t respond but the message was crystal clear. When Aphrodite left she pulled out her gun. It looked unharmed. Only the safety was preventing it from firing now. She put it away again and began to look for Pasithea. The goddess wasn’t too easy to find. She wasn’t in the kitchen or the hallway. Eventually she opened the bedroom door without knocking: [color=a187be]“You here Pasithea?”[/color]

[color=8F99FB]”W-What do you want?!”[/color], Pasithea asked with a clear fear stricken voice, scrambling off her bed on the side as far away from Isabel as possible. She had heard the front door close, she had thought they had finally left but now she was in a panic having to be alone with [i]his[/i] child. Why would Aphrodite leave her? Sure, she tried to be pleasant with the children they had but she hated being alone with them. This one wasn’t even Aphrodite’s child so she had no idea what she was dealing with and instantly thought the worst after a moment ago.

Isabel let out a small smile when she saw the goddess. She took a deep breath, took out her gun, and put it on a table, hiding it behind a vase from Pasithea. The smile turned sheepish, then a little worried. [color=a187be]“I just wanted-”[/color] She said, then stopped. [color=a187be]”Nobody ever-”[/color] She stopped again. [color=a187be]”You’re the first to-”[/color] Again she stopped. Frustration was growing. None of the things she wanted to say came out right. It all sounded too selfish, too pathetic, or too fragile. She tried again. [color=a187be]“I didn’t-”[/color] Stop again. Frustration grew. [color=a187be]“You’re very-”[/color] Stop again. This was getting too hard. Shooting, putting up the act in court, that all came naturally. Speaking like this in a perfect way was impossible.

So she snapped. [color=a187be]“You’re the first of my family to help me!”[/color] She blurted out extremely fast, fearful she might swallow up the words again. Then she pressed her lips together. This was unfamiliar territory. It made her fearful. What if the goddess snapped back, throwing her words back with venom? After all, Isabel had snapped at her first and hadn’t been very kind herself. [color=a187be]“And… I just wanted to say… thank you.”[/color] Every word was dripping with uncertainty and it was horrible. So she quickly added: [color=a187be]“Even if you did it only for Aphrodite.”[/color] That made sense to Isabel in the moment. Of course, she did it for another goddess, not for her. The stitches, the rest, it was a favor to the goddess of love. Not to her.

Pasi felt fear, panic, and confusion which only grew with each failed attempt at speech from the other woman across from her. She gripped the bottom of her shirt nervously, just waiting for Isabel to say what she needed to say which would make her leave sooner. When she snapped, she flinched but slowly took in the words that were said with complete shock. Well, somewhat shocked since she didn’t know all of who Isabel had met yet but it felt weird to be thanked. Actually, it might be one of the first times someone of the Ares bloodline had thanked her for anything. It kinda felt wrong. No, scratch that, it felt really wrong. So much so she really didn’t know how to react and what to say at first. She probably looked like a fish out of water, opening and closing her mouth. [color=8F99FB]”Y-You’re welcome…”[/color], Pasi started, biting her lip and shuffling her feet a bit as she nervously went back to twisting her shirt. [color=8F99FB]”F-For the r-record…it w-wasn’t just Aphro. I-I mean, it’s a big part b-but what kind of relaxation goddess would I be i-if I didn’t help someone through a s-stressful time.”[/color]

This felt… nice to Isabel. It was very unfamiliar but not necessarily bad. [color=a187be]“Maybe… I could come back someday?”[/color] She sheepishly said. Then she caught the sight of the gun in the corner of her eye. It was hidden from Pasithea but Isabel could feel its stare. This was nice but unearned. She wished dearly she could stop and get to know Pasithea better but her father was still out there. So she took a deep breath, pushing down all these feelings of happiness and kindness. This was not the time for this.

[color=a187be]“After I’m done.”[/color] She added as she reached and grabbed the gun. Its steel was cold and uncaring to her touch. Her entire demeanor had shifted again as she raised it up and looked at it. She could not stop now. [color=a187be]“First, I have a few things to do.”[/color] She put the gun back into her pocket and turned towards Pasithea again. Somehow she stood a bit taller now and looked a lot more confident again. [color=a187be]“Thanks for stitching me up. I can keep going now. I hope I get to see you again.”[/color] With that said she left the goddess of relaxation.