Children of the Gods: Arc 2 [Game/Closed]

[IFS]

"That would be sweet of you."

"No problem," she replied with a smile, glad to see Remus acting more cheerful, her wings unfolded in miniature for a brief moment as she sent the golden aura to Remus, she wasn't sure how long it would last but it ought to help at least a little, "It was Andrew's idea, I hope it helps."

"Hey Nicole! Are you on good terms with mother dearest?"

Prometheus yelled as she finished the blessing, she turned towards him as the wings faded away, am I? I mean we've never had an argument or anything she's just never around. I don't really care about her I guess, but I dunno how she feels about me, she doesn't really show much...

"I guess so," she replied somewhat hesitantly "We don't talk much, but we've never had a fight or anything either. Why are you asking?"

She remembered the pillar of Nike was nearby, and she did remember the power boost she assumed had come from her mother, was her mom still sticking around there? If so they could do with a little assistance, though it would certainly be nice if Nike would just come to them, rather than make them hike their way up to her. Even so we could do with some more victory...

 

[DarkRawen]

"Andrew does raise a good point; I'd rather not endanger any more people. So I guess we'll get a minibus. Having never been to the Northern countries, I don't actually know where we are going. We'll get a boat to Italy then drive up, I guess. We can walk and talk though; best not to waste any time."

He heard that? I'm surprised he didn't just ignore it.

"Yeah sounds like a good plan to me. As for Remus I'm not sure, I could but it would be temporary, I'll ask him if he wants the boost I guess. Thanks for sharing."

Why are you thanking me?

It was obvious, he was just pointing out what everyone else would have gotten long ago if they weren't idiots.

At least it's better to be thanked than yelled at.

Part of him liked to be thanked, while the other part decided to ignore it. Outwardly, he shrugged. "Someone needs to do the thinking around here," he muttered. Nicole walked over to talk to Remus, and Andrew paid attention to them while walking himself, if only to make sure Remus took the boost. Nicole didn't mention Andrew's involvement in it when she asked if Remus wanted some extra energy, that at least was good judgment on her side. However, after Remus had taken it, Andrew heard Nicole mention his name, and looked away from the two, in case she had noticed him looking over there again.

Why did you mention my name now? You were doing so well.

Andrew had no reason to, nor any desire, to be involved with the pissed off Remus. He heard Prometheus mention something about the Pillar of Nike, even if there turned out to be nothing there now, it would still work as a way to make sure they were on the right track. Other people were talking. No one said anything else of interest to him. Andrew decided to ignore all of them. Remus was going to be as good as he could be right now, and no one else needed his help, so he had the liberty of doing so.

His mind touched upon Kirsten again, and he steered it away. Anything but that, she was forgotten, cut off from his like as one would do with a tumor. However, it went dark, to the place where he often ended up after a while. Philosophy wasn't his strongest field, because it always ended up like that. Thinking about the meaning of life, and death, of all that. Then, thinking the same thoughts he had thought before, just... not the same. His meaning with life was to help people, and his powers would help with that, right?

What happens if it becomes too much help?

The natural order of life, illness was as natural of healthiness. Did that mean that his role was as two-sided as his powers?

I'm half a god, does that give me the right to manipulate that much of a human life?

Andrew shook his head, this wasn't the time to think about that.

I need to stop being a fool like this.

He had been occupied earlier, he had been stressed. And now he wasn't. Yet, his mind still went to that point. He found himself wanting to stop walking, hesitate, slightly. However, he was too proud to let it show, the only hint of him being worried was in his eyes. He kept ignoring the others, however.

 

[Deu Sex]

As the gold aura surrounded Remus, he felt an invigorating energy flow through his body. His muscles ceased to ache and the anxious thoughts that pecked at his thoughts were replaced by confidence. He let out a breath, the sort a starved prisoner might make after getting water for the first time in days. Remus was still physically tired, and knew the buff wouldn't last forever, but he didn't care. He was feeling fine now and that was all that mattered.

"It was Andrew's idea, I hope it helps." he heard Nicole say before Prometheus called her over.

That surprised Remus. "Is that so?" He hadn't expected Andrew to be concerning himself with the welfare of others, considering what an ass he had been the night before. "Maybe he was just in a bad mood." He remembered the doctor had always been friendly and helpful previously.

Remus then turned to face Andrew. He walked over and placed his hand on the doctor's shoulder. "Hey." he said, then flashed a smile. "Thanks." Remus removed his hand from Andrew's shoulder and continued to walk along.

 

[DarkRawen]

Andrew was soon enough snapped out of his attempt of pretending that no one else in the world existed.

"Hey. Thanks."

Remus was... smiling to him. Even placing his hand on his shoulder for a short amount of time. Was Nicole's aura really that powerful? How much of a mess had Andrew been the day before, then? Andrew eyed him carefully. The man remembered what he had said the day before, right?

This is unnerving, he was so mad before.

Andrew wasn't sure about what he should do, not at all, which just ended up annoying him.

Why did Nicole have to bring my name into this? I mean, I don't mind being thanked, but it's not necessary, not at all.

He considered just not saying anything, but that might make things more difficult. Should he put on the mask again? No, he didn't desire that anymore. Even if it meant trouble, right now, for the remainder of this quest, around this group, he didn't want to pretend anymore. Andrew finally spoke.

"This is the last time I'll say it," he said, sounding mostly professional, and slightly annoyed. There was a coldness in his words that was unmistakable. "I'm a doctor. My job is to make sure people are physically fine, and do whatever I can if they are not. There is no reason to thank me." He knew that this might lead to conflict, but he didn't feel scared, due to a inability to become truly frightened. However, he was still wary of the other, his hazel eyes examining the other to see his reaction, and attempt to understand it.

"Now, unless there is something you need help with, leave me alone."

 

[Green Shoes]

Prometheus turned his head to Nicole, shifting Aria's weight across his shoulders. He spoke plainly; there was no use, or need, for secrets at this point.

"I've seen lights at her pillar; felt odd winds and all that. I just wonder what goes on up there, is all. And whether we should check it out."

From the back of the group he could hear Andrew...being Andrew. The Titan shook his head; he didn't know what to do with him.

Rounding a narrow turn in the woods, the town of Syracuse came into view. Approaching from the West, the group had made it to the outskirts of the city; small houses lined cobbled roads, and the sun was high in the sky; plenty of light left in the day.

Speaking to the group, he kept walking, Aria's shoes kicking into his waist.

"If people ask, we've been on a forest hike. Let's get some food while we're around."

Narrowing his eyes, he could just make out a small restaurant; The Phoenix Grill. It sounded nice enough, and they could do with some good food. He thumbed the credit card Hekate had given him, praying it still worked. Making a mental note to contact her somehow, he looked again at Aria.

"Think you can walk from here? Or do you want to pretend to be my daughter?"

 

[Lunar Templar]

"Nah, I'll walk my self, thanks for the lift though" Aria said as she was set down "Sides" Stretching a bit "I needed to stretch." while she stretched she thought about what they should do about the pillar. "If its only a little out of our way, can't hurt I guess, but my powers are being pissy, and not recharging like they should so keep that in mind while planning treks through potentally hostile areas."

 

[IFS]

"I've seen lights at her pillar; felt odd winds and all that. I just wonder what goes on up there, is all. And whether we should check it out."

Nicole considered it briefly "Yeah we probably should, before we entered the underworld I felt like something or someone gave me a boost, probably was mom," she said "If nothing else we should thank her, and see if she can help us out in any other ways."

She wondered if Nike could give her that blessing, or whatever it was, again maybe for longer this time. It would be nice to have but she wouldn't want it to run out when they needed it. A weapon might be nice as well, she was getting a bit tired having to fly about distracting and supporting others, being able to attack on her own would be nice. Might be able to pick something up in the town if nothing else... a bow might work though I'm not sure how well I could fire it without having anything to stand on, proper stance is important for that sort of thing.

 

[Deu Sex]

Remus' smile was replaced by a frown at Andrew's words. "Oh. Still an asshole then." With that Remus turned his blue eyes away from the doctor and resumed walking, increasing his pace slightly to place distance between himself and Andrew.

It was long before the group reached Sarausa. Although he had lived on the island for most of his life, Remus had never been to the old city. He never had any reason to. If he wasn't still a bit tired from being on watch last night, he might have been able to better admire the sights.

One building did catch his eye though. Prometheus seem to been gazing at it as well. Phoenix Grill; an unusual name. English was rarely seen in the deep south. Maybe it was an American-themed restaurant. Whatever it was, Remus didn't care. He hadn't consumed anything but whiskey between now and last night. His stomach was growling like a lion.

"If people ask, we've been on a forest hike. Let's get some food while we're around."

"Sounds good to me. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm starved." he said.

 

[Dogmatic99]

Able gave Remus a nod as he turned down the spear. It was a lame idea anyway. The mute stepped over to their titan guide at Aria's call. Her arm was looking better at least, not that that was saying much. Prometheus was asking about what the two of them could tell them about the Norse gods or at least the myths around them. Of course Able could tell him a good deal, he'd been reading up on the Norse stuff since he found out about his dad. Of course it was impossible for hims to tell any of them that while they were on the move! Abe just slumped his shoulders and sullenly carried on.

Come on man, why even bother asking me on the road?

The town they were coming into looked really nice, in fact everything they'd found in Italy had been really nice and idyllic when t wasn't trying to kill them or was covered in the gore of other people having being killed. Painting an image of Italy as a country of extremes. True Able couldn't hold the sights he'd seen in the underworld against this world but there was still the vineyard massacre site. Of course he couldn't forget Gaea's house of fun under Ayers Rock. If they went in search of the Norse gods then who knew what they'd find up north.

We should open an alternative travel agency after all this is over... and bomb completely.

Once they made it to the restaurant Able asked one of the waitresses for paper and pen like a socially acceptable mime. She got on board with it very quickly was happy to lend him a hand (she thought he was deaf). So after ordering some pizza because how often did he get to eat a real Italian pizza? He joined the group and set about scribbling down what he wanted to say. It had felt like forever until he could actually 'talk' to the others.

[I've done my share of research on the Norse gods, can't say I know any of them personally though so I can't say what good it'll do. Anything you want to know?] He scrawled the note down and slid it over to Prometheus.

The thought occurred to Able that he'd only told Nicole which god he was related to and she'd never even heard of Vidarr. Not that he could blame her, from what able had read of him his dad had a pretty crappy PR team.

 

[Green Shoes]

Prometheus watched as Able made a beeline to the restaurant, already seated and equipped with pen and paper while the others tried to catch up. He chuckled loudly as he shepherded the group into the building.

"Someone's hungry!"

The group was seated in a large booth at the far corner; their window looking out over a few hills, and deep into the forest from whence they came. The Phoenix Grill was decorated like an amalgamation of America and Italy; various references to Roman and Phoenician history scattered the walls, though somewhat inaccurately. It was tacky; the waitresses wore black-smocks with a phoenix grilling assorted meats. Still, it was nice to take a break for a moment.

Able, Nicole, Andrew and Remus were seated opposite to Vera, Etna, Steven and Aria. Prometheus dragged a chair over, to sit somewhat askew next to Vera, on the edge of the booth.

The group was handed menus, save Able, who sheepishly had already ordered pizza. Looking at his scrawled note, Prometheus did have a question.

"If you were to take a guess, who would be aligned with Loki? We should steer clear of them."

Another thought struck him, and he now spoke to Vera.

"What about the Persian Gods? Do you know where they'd stand?"

A waitress brought over several pitchers of water, one of which Prometheus hastily downed.

 

[DarkRawen]

"Oh. Still an asshole then."

You were the one to bother me.

He thought about saying it aloud, but it seemed, somehow, like Remus had been disappointed, or at least expected something else. When the Italian decided to increase his pace, Andrew shrugged. He wasn't trying to become someone's friend, and this meant that Remus wouldn't snap, at least. It was the best possible outcome, yet he wondered if he should have tried to word himself a bit better.

He got it, there is no need.

Of course.

"If people ask, we've been on a forest hike. Let's get some food while we're around."

They approached a restaurant called the Phoenix Grill, an odd place considering the decorations inside, but it was food, and he hadn't eaten a thing since they left to investigate that one place, and ended up in Hades. He had seen the remains of a deer in the clearing in the forest they had spent the night in, but the others had obviously finished it. Andrew sat down, and started looking at the menu.

Grilled beef, grilled ribs, hamburgers.

Normally, he would have ordered a small burger and salad, and be done with it. However, he was really hungry now, and his appetite seemed to have increased these last few days, probably because of his use of powers. In the end, he decided to order a large burger, a salad, and some grilled ribs. When he had ordered, he turned to Nicole, who had heard him out before.

"I need to get a bow when we get to mainland Italy," he said, not very loudly. She, and perhaps the person next to her, was the only one who could hear it. What he wanted to do, was to ask her if she could help him find a place, going alone seemed like a bad idea, but he didn't want to ask anyone any favors without having to.

"You should probably get something there yourself," he continued.

 

[IFS]

Nicole looked over the menu eventually deciding on a large burger, after everything that had happened in the underworld she was feeling rather hungry. Having some of the deer last night had helped but mostly it had just taken the edge off of her hunger. Plus this will probably be the last decent meal we get for a while.

"If you were to take a guess, who would be aligned with Loki? We should steer clear of them."

"Hmmm," Nicole thought about this for a moment, most of her knowledge was of the Greek gods so she wouldn't be able to speak for very many deities but she had a few suspicions "Hermes maybe, he was a trickster god along with a messenger god... probably Eris, she definitely seems the sort to get in on this, I'm not sure who else though."

"You should probably get something there yourself,"

Nicole turned to Andrew, surprised to hear him echoing one of her thoughts from earlier. Still he had proven handy with a bow in the underworld, if nothing else he could give her a few pointers if she got one.

"Yeah I was just thinking about that actually, probably get myself a bow or something," she replied "I've had a little practice with one before, though I think I'd need a bit more before being able to use one in combat, never tried firing one while flying either."

 

[Dogmatic99]

"If you were to take a guess, who would be aligned with Loki? We should steer clear of them."

Able scratched at his cheek absentmindedly. He'd never really thought of his extended family in terms of politics. but besides Vidarr he'd never really thought of any of them as family and even then it was hard to think of his dad as his dad. It had always been hard to put a real character to Vidarr. Most of the others seemed to have met and spent time with their parents, though most of them sounded like they wished they hadn't. Except for Remus who apparently had never met Mars at all.

In a way Able equally jealous of both paths. He may have only met Vidarr for a few minutes but it was enough to put the thought in his mind that they could meet again. It wasn't something he could really describe but that meeting had served had set his mind with finding out everything he could about his father and now this journey, despite the downsides, ad given him a real chance. He could get some answers. Able had no idea what his questions were but he knew he just needed to find Vidarr or the others and he'd know what to do from there, he was sure of it.

[His daughter, Hel would be the biggest deal. She's another god of death. She's supposed to rule over the dead that don't make into Valhalla. Maybe she hangs around the same underworld as Hades?] The fact that parts of the mythologies crossed over and that the gods fought over turf had thrown a lot of what Able thought he knew threw a loop, who knew how much of his information was right anymore.

[Then there's Fenrir/Fenris the giant wolf. The one we think Dio is after, or his bindings. Plus there's Jormungandr, the giant snake but it's supposed to live in the ocean.] Able always forgot to add the accent over the 'O'. [His wife could be a wild card. Sig] he had to think, crap he always forgot her name. Sigin- No, no think Y there's always a Y or a J where you don't expect them.

[Sigyn. I don't know much about her but the stories always show her like some kind of domestic abuse victim. Loki is supposed to hate her but she loves him anyway, at least that's what it says. After what we've seen I have to admit that this is all second hand information.] And Nicole lent her expertise on the matter. Able hadn't even thought that Loki might be looking for help outside of his own pantheon.

Except Loki isn't the brains behind this. Able reminded himself. He did his writing openly so anyone in the group could see it if they craned their head a little.

 

[DarkRawen]

"Yeah I was just thinking about that actually, probably get myself a bow or something. I've had a little practice with one before, though I think I'd need a bit more before being able to use one in combat, never tried firing one while flying either."

When Andrew had mentioned it, he had thought of something like a hunting knife. He hadn't really considered that Nicole would think of a bow. His mind filled with different questions, which of her eyes was the dominant one, did she use a bow sight, and had she ever used a hunting bow? What bow had she used before, how far had the target been from where she stood, and had she ever tried to hit a moving one? However, right now the others were discussing who the possible enemy was, which was a smart move, surprisingly enough for them. Andrew didn't know enough about mythology to speak, if you weren't sure of something, speaking up was idiotic and a waste of time.

I suppose I can ask her later. She might not even get a bow.

He wasn't particularly opposed to her using a bow, unless she was awful with it, or underestimated the amount of skill needed.That was a common mistake, people thought they could hit bullseye because they had watched people do it in the movies, and thought it looked simple. One of the first things people often noticed was that they lacked the arm-strength to use the bow, their aim getting ruined by their shaking arms. That wouldn't be much of a problem for Nicole at least, she was well trained from the looks of it.

I don't doubt she'll need a few pointers, though.

Even he had, in the beginning. But then again, she might just choose to go with a different tool, or even a gun. Not that waving a gun around in Europe sounded like a good idea, especially not the Scandinavian countries. Firing it would easily cause chaos.

"I'll help you out if you decide to get a bow," he finally muttered, again only for her ears.

The food he had ordered then arrived, and although he felt like he was starving, he started eating politely, although rather fast.

 

[Lunar Templar]

Aria ordered a steak medium rare, potato and salad. Those where pretty hard to 'fuck up' in her mind, not like ribs. She never ate those in a restaurant, at best she found restaurant ribs 'tolerable', at worse, she's yelled at cooks for heresy against the art of cooking good ribs.

While she waited she poked her head across the table to read Able's notes, everything seemed pretty reasonable, the Aria had a thought "What about the Frost Giants? Are they still around? I remember when I was reading up on Freya they where mentioned as an enemy to Odin and basically every god the follows his rule, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend' and all that." she added, uncertain if it even applied anymore, but figured if they where compiling a list of Northern threats they should be mentioned.

 

[Deu Sex]

After sitting down at a table with the others, Remus was eager to look through the menu. Normally he might have felt offended to see the names of awful, yankee garbage foods like cheeseburgers scrawled on the same paper as fine Italian cuisine...but he was too hungry to care. He ordered some spaghettini with shrimp after deciding he was in the mood for something Calabrese.

Remus listened to the conversations of the others as he waited for his meal. Prometheus was trying to get the group to brainstorm what sort of foes might be allied with Loki. Norse mythology was a subject that Remus knew damned all about, so he had nothing to contribute and refrained from butting in.

Then he overheard Nicole discussing weapons with Andrew. Bows specifically. "Yeah I was just thinking about that actually, probably get myself a bow or something. I've had a little practice with one before, though I think I'd need a bit more before being able to use one in combat, never tried firing one while flying either."

Remus found the idea silly. Anyone with a brain knew a gun was the best weapon to have. There was as reason they had replaced bows the main tools of hunting and warfare long ago. As his food arrived, Remus restrained his urge to chow down and instead threw in his two cents.

"I'd think a firearm would be a better choice. More powerful. More accurate. Better rate of fire." he said to Nicole. He looked over her briefly. "You seem like the sort who'd be good with a rifle. Or maybe a lighter carbine, since you have weak girly arms after all." he said with a teasing smirk.

 

[Not G. Ivingname]

Steven sat down with the others, deciding to just order the ribs as well.

"What about the Frost Giants? Are they still around? I remember when I was reading up on Freya they where mentioned as an enemy to Odin and basically every god the follows his rule, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend' and all that."

"They could be our ally," Steven said, "Or they may try just try to eat us. We don't have much to offer the Giants to make sure they don't betray us as soon as we find the wolf. From what I vaguely remember from high school European History, the gods of Odin and the giants were bitter enemies, imagine how they feel about gods of other pantheons, or their children? I also remember many a conflict where their more than two sides. Look up the Chinese Civil War when you have a chance."

"I'd think a firearm would be a better choice. More powerful. More accurate. Better rate of fire. You seem like the sort who'd be good with a rifle. Or maybe a lighter carbine, since you have weak girly arms after all."

Steven rolled his eyes at that. "I would suggest you talk quieter about guns around here," Steven said in a near whisper, "I bet many of the locals have English as a second language. This isn't the US, guns are much more regulated around here, they may think we are criminals or something. I do agree that a gun would be better than a bow. I am surprised how effective my pistol has been against everything we have faced. As a general rule of thumb, for both men and women, you should start with something like a .22."

Spoiler: OOC

Sorry for not posting. I been very busy and the Escapist kept eating my posts when I had time. >_<

 

[IFS]

"I'll help you out if you decide to get a bow,"

Nicole was a bit surprised by this offer, well if he wants to help there isn't any point in turning him down, besides I will need training and a coach wouldn't hurt. She was about to reply to him when Remus interrupted with his take on the matter.

"I'd think a firearm would be a better choice. More powerful. More accurate. Better rate of fire." he said to Nicole. He looked over her briefly. "You seem like the sort who'd be good with a rifle. Or maybe a lighter carbine, since you have weak girly arms after all."

"Ha," Nicole replied, punching Remus playfully in the shoulder "I've had practice with bows and guns before, shotguns and rifles on a shooting range, my 'girly arms' are more than capable of using whatever. My main concern is that a gun would be harder to acquire than a bow, especially out here in Europe."

She paused and considered things for a moment, assuming they could get their hands on a gun and a bow which would be better... Bow would be silent, reusable ammo, and easier to carry around in public, transporting the gun with Prommy's bag isn't too big of an issue but then I have to get it from him each time we get into a fight and I'd rather not use a pistol they aren't as accurate as larger guns. Remus does have a point about guns being more powerful, and they are a bit easier to use, I wouldn't mind having both of course but I think for right now a bow would be the safer choice, especially since we get so few opportunities to stock up, the guns we do have have got to be getting close to being out of rounds by now.

"I wouldn't mind getting both of course," she continued "But I think for travelling a bow would be a safer choice for right now, easier to carry in public and the arrows could be reused, less concern about running out of rounds, also means I could practice without fear of wasting ammo. Besides a good compound bow can hit pretty hard too, some of those things don't fire arrows they fire mini-javelins."

 

[DarkRawen]

"I'd think a firearm would be a better choice. More powerful. More accurate. Better rate of fire."

Andrew stopped eating upon hearing that, and swallowed what he had in his mouth.

"A gun is only more accurate if you suck with the bow." he muttered, somewhat arrogantly. "And I would be inclined to agree with you, had this been America. However, guns? In Europe? You of all people should know the downsides of that."

He was about to say something else, but Steven then spoke.

"I would suggest you talk quieter about guns around here. I bet many of the locals have English as a second language. This isn't the US, guns are much more regulated around here, they may think we are criminals or something. I do agree that a gun would be better than a bow. I am surprised how effective my pistol has been against everything we have faced. As a general rule of thumb, for both men and women, you should start with something like a .22."

Yes, like the harpies in Hades.

Both Steven and Remus had attacked them with guns, yet he had been able to take out two of three with a bow and arrow. True, his skills with it were unique, and he had been able to poison the arrows, but the fact that he could poison the arrows, due to their size, added to list of advantages with arrows. Sure, he wasn't opposed to using guns, but he found this comparison idiotic and, quite frankly, done by someone who seemed to enjoy the use of guns way too much.

"Ha. I've had practice with bows and guns before, shotguns and rifles on a shooting range, my 'girly arms' are more than capable of using whatever. My main concern is that a gun would be harder to acquire than a bow, especially out here in Europe."

A good point. At least she has been thinking this through, then.

"I wouldn't mind getting both of course. But I think for traveling a bow would be a safer choice for right now, easier to carry in public and the arrows could be reused, less concern about running out of rounds, also means I could practice without fear of wasting ammo. Besides a good compound bow can hit pretty hard too, some of those things don't fire arrows they fire mini-javelins."

"There is also the fact that a bow is a lot quieter to fire, and that a gunshot in most of Europe would cause a lot more panic than it would in the States." He didn't really speak any lower than he had, despite what Steven said. The others were talking louder than that, and they were discussing mythological creatures and people. They didn't even sound like they were discussing it as a hobby, just like a bunch of crazy people.

"Besides, you can argue as much as you want, I don't care. I'll help her if she wants my help, but I'm not going to force her to pick up a bow, that's ridiculous."

 

[Lunar Templar]

"As a general rule of thumb, for both men and women, you should start with something like a .22."

Aria rolled her eyes at Steven comment, and stayed out of that conversation. She, ironically, didn't really like guns that much for one, two, they haven't really fought anything with real power, or the ability to use said power they had wisely in the case of the drugged Titan, and three, she was actually less dangerous with a gun then with out one.