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

[DarkRawen]

"Or do you plan on just continuing the mistake of a year ago and continue to aid Zeus?"

"Regardless of what you think of Ragnarok or Zeus, allowing Loki to live is more dangerous than flying to Olympus and challenging Zeus to battle. Zeus may be powerful, but his desires and plans known quantities. Loki is a snake with a thousand plans, a million secrets, and a penchant for surviving any judgement passed down upon him. Loki must end, and soon."

Andrew looked to Prometheus, his expression somewhere between knowing and amused, any annoyance or worry kept out from his mind still. How could he not feel like that, having mentioned that this very thing would happen? He supposed they were lucky, though, here they could work it out, in South America they would have less of a choice. Hymir, apparently assuming that he had ended the discussion, went on to talk about strategies.

"I know of tactics and strategy; we first need to be of one mind and to trust each other enough to work together. Otherwise, the group needs to know what each of us can offer, as much information on Loki's tactics as possible, and - in the case of Loki - a simple battle plan which leaves little room for Loki's great intelligence to twist to his advantage."

"So, did I miss anything?"

"People don't agree," Andrew responded. "Nothing to worry about though." He then looked between Rias and Hymir, before speaking.

"I'm with Rias," he said, still smiling brightly. An odd feeling for him not to try to talk down on people, but certainly not unfamiliar.

"Well, partly, at least. I don't care about what happens to Loki, but I don't particularly feel like aiding Zeus in any way, he's not someone I'd like to trust. I never did. That said, if Loki can aid us, that would be great. If not, then we'll just get rid of him. Besides, Hymir showing up would make him unlikely to want to work together with us, which means that we might not have a choice either way," he mused. Then he shrugged.

"Anyways, as long as we don't instantly cut him down, I'd say that we should try to figure out if he can help us or not. Anything is better than playing into the hands of Zeus, and I have a feeling that's what the lists are for. Anyone who takes care of someone else on the list has a better chance of being taken off it, right? By going after someone on the list, we're playing his game."

Andrew leaned on a nearby bench, pulling on one of his curls, twisting it around his finger, occupying himself. He was feeling idle, impatient almost.

 

[Lunar Templar]

Rias nodded, acknowledging Andrews statements, she'd prefer he wanted him removed from power a little more actively, but his statement was good enough for now. "Not in total disagreement, I agree that questioning Loki after the potential battle is a bad idea. If he knows your just going to kill him anyway, he's even more likely to lie then usual. So there's that to keep in mind."

Rias then turned to Hymir "Ragnarok is a minor concern next to what Zeus is doing, in fact it would fix the situation with Zeus and the traitors that still side with him. It's why it was Dio's 'go to' plan. Though I'm not keen on the idea of trying to get that ball rolling again if only for the fact I've no desire to take over my mothers throne." Rias said, some what offhandedly

"I'm sure eliminating Zeus will have a similar effect on his allies as when Dio was killed. Which is why we need Loki. He is everything you say, unquestionably, but its those quality's that make him so dangerous that also make him a highly valuable potential asset. He's probably got a plan or seven that might work for getting rid of Zeus. So unless you happen to have some one on speed dial that's equal to Loki in terms of cunning and intelligence that we can trust to help bring Zeus down, I'm not going to help you strengthen Zeus's position by killing him." Rias said firmly.

"Zeus is the real problem right now, not Loki." She added just to reiterate.

 

[DarkRawen]

"Not in total disagreement, I agree that questioning Loki after the potential battle is a bad idea. If he knows your just going to kill him anyway, he's even more likely to lie then usual. So there's that to keep in mind."

Andrew raised an eyebrow.

"And when are we supposed to question him?" he asked, sounding a bit confused. It was his tone, though the reasoning baffled him, perhaps Rias could imagine meeting with Loki without a fight happening, but he certainly could not.

"Do you honestly think we can just approach him? No, we need to fight him, and if someone's life is at risk, even kill him off. I'm just saying, let's check and see if there is any use in keeping him alive. as I said, Hymir, if Loki recognizes him, as well as me and Nicole being there would likely result in him not wanting to have a friendly little chat, however, some people are a lot more willing to bargain once they think they might die."

He had certainly seen the kind in the hospital. With a sigh, he listened to the rest of Rias' argument.

"I'm sure eliminating Zeus will have a similar effect on his allies as when Dio was killed. Which is why we need Loki. He is everything you say, unquestionably, but its those quality's that make him so dangerous that also make him a highly valuable potential asset. He's probably got a plan or seven that might work for getting rid of Zeus. So unless you happen to have some one on speed dial that's equal to Loki in terms of cunning and intelligence that we can trust to help bring Zeus down, I'm not going to help you strengthen Zeus's position by killing him. Zeus is the real problem right now, not Loki."

"Loki is not vital to that, though," Andrew replied, looking at the particular hair curl of his rather than anyone in particular. He spoke in a friendly, casual tone still.

"Nor is killing Loki. The important thing is to have someone who can make a decision instantly talk to him, one way or another. If it turns out that he's not at all dependable, then we'll kill him. If it does, then we'll keep him alive. You both seem to overestimate his intelligence, since I assume he's not this all-knowing being. That's just as dangerous as underestimating him, don't you think?" With another smile appearing, he looked back at the two disagreeing.

"Besides, while I would love to oppose Zeus and all of that, I still value the life of myself and certain people more than I value doing so. At the same time, I've don't have any intention on throwing away a chance like this without attempting to do something about it, Hymir isn't the only one who wants to---" he trailed off, not finishing his statement. He didn't think the others would regard it too well if he said he wanted to aid Apollo. Instead, he went on to addressing Hymir especially. Still smiling, but clearly more serious now, he spoke, trying to appeal to the man.

"I'd like you to consider that going to South America to fight Loki is already doing you a huge favor, seeing as we have no way of knowing that this will aid the rest of us. So please, at least allow people to try to salvage their own situation, okay? I doubt that it will result in anything, but it would be foolish not to try anything. There are six other people here with their own situations and people they want to protect, and some of us, I'd argue all of us, cannot afford to waste possible opportunities."

 

[Athol]

After snapping a series of photos of the guy on the bike, Keshi returned her attention to the 'slime' that seemed to mark out the camp. What the hell is this shit? Dunno, but it's probably not natural. Indeed. Tucking her camera back into its bag, she rummaged around, before pulled out an old metal film canister. Sure the age of film was obsolete, especially in her line of work, but those old canisters were still bloody useful.

Taking the US cash that she'd been storing in the canister, and tucking it into the bag as well, she then used the lid to scrape up several samples of the slime. Sealing the lid tightly, she stuck the sample in an outside pocket of the bag. I think we're done here. Agreed, now let's see if we can get back to civilization... Backing deeper into the jungle, she waited until she could no longer see the logging camp before she consulted the GPS she'd bought for this job. Getting her bearings, she began to make her way towards where she'd hidden her own dirt-bike.

 

[hiei82]

"Zeus is the real problem right now, not Loki." Rias said. Andrew followed by saying "I'd like you to consider that going to South America to fight Loki is already doing you a huge favor, seeing as we have no way of knowing that this will aid the rest of us. So please, at least allow people to try to salvage their own situation, okay? I doubt that it will result in anything, but it would be foolish not to try anything. There are six other people here with their own situations and people they want to protect, and some of us, I'd argue all of us, cannot afford to waste possible opportunities."

Hymir could only shake his head in frustration. Replying to Andrew, he once again tried to explain the problem. "If you wanted to capture and question Loki, I'd understand and agree. I doubt he'd tell you anything true enough to use and more than likely it would be deceits meant to prolong his life, but I understand it and it's your decision to trust the god of liars. The difference is that Rias is suggesting we allow him to live as an "asset to fight Zeus". The practical issue is that he can't be an asset." he said, pausing to let what he'd said sink in before elaborating.

"What can Loki do to aid your cause? He could perhaps provide information but - being a god of tricks and lies - that information will be questionable at best and detrimental at worst. We could try to use his divine abilities against Zeus but that would require a way to control Loki. After all, if you let him out of your sight without some kind of control - which doesn't exist so far as the Aesir are aware - he's just going to escape our grasp an either hide until Ragnarok begins or remain a constant thorn in our side." Hymir said, pointing out the reality of the situation. "Even captured, his value is questionable at best and negative at worst."

"Further; I've agreed to aid you in your objectives in return for Loki's life. If this oath is broken, than I've no reason to uphold my end." Hymir added, matter-of-factually. He didn't particularly want to leave their company, but he'd do so if he needed. As it stood, he was the only one who could direct them toward the god once in Brazil.

Turning his attention to Rias, he made a more personal argument. "Keep in mind what you're asking me to do is akin to asking you to work beside and trust Autolykus-" he said, turning to the others "-or Dionysus when you know he's going to kill someone you love." There are things he just could not do.

"If you must find some value in this quest, than perhaps find a way to benefit from Loki's death. Perhaps use it to get closer to Zeus that your blades might find his neck."

 

[Green Shoes]

Prometheus listened intently at the discussion at hand, with no small amount of contentment. It didn't particularly matter to him that they disagreed right now; what was important is that everyone was considering and conversing logically, and almost politely.

Prometheus spoke slowly as Hymir finished his ultimatum, quick to reassure both sides. Hands in his pockets, he assumed a relaxed demeanour.

"I agree with Hymir - mostly - in that leaving Loki alive is too much of a risk; to ourselves, to potential allies, and to innocent people. However, if he does hold some useful information, or has some use that is worth more to us than killing him, then perhaps we will delay his demise. Temporarily."

Rolling his shoulders, he arched his back like a cat, before the pleasant chime of the announcement system was heard. Their plane was boarding. He was about to step towards the boarding gate, before memories of their last flight came flooding back to him.

Turning to the group, he nodded to Andrew and Nicole.

"The last time we flew, Loki brought the plane down. He killed many, many people. Last time we were lucky in that someone knew how to fly the damn thing. Just...be on guard. There has yet to be another deity-related massacre since Dionysus, but, you never know."

Realizing that he may have struck the chord a little strongly, he put on a brave face, and pushed thoughts of flying out of his head.

"Anyway, it should be fine! Nicole, Rias, see you on board!"

Prometheus stepped away and paced briskly onto the plane, smiling a little too strongly at the greeting crew, trying to detect any abnormal presence. A futile effort, met with uncomfortable glances. Falling nicely into his padded, business class seat, he awaited the arrival of the others. The seating was 3, 4, 3 from left to right, and the Titan held an aisle seat.

Spoiler: Seats!

Business:

Rias/Nicole/Prometheus - 0/0/0/0 - 0/0/0

Economy:

0/0/Hymir - Andrew/Shiro/Prail/0 - 0/0/0

-------

As Keshi strode towards her dirt-bike, the visible sky between the canopy quickly darkened, and heavy rain began to pummel the forest floor. In a matter of minutes, the deep bellow of rumble rocked through the forest, and flashes of lightning cast flickers of shadows to and fro.

Pools of water were already beginning to form in small crevasses as she started her dirt-bike, the heavy rain making it gleam amongst the foliage.

 

[CrazyGirl17]

Shiro listened to the conversation, thinking about the task at hand. He hadn't faced Loki yet, but from what he had learned, he had to be bad news. The question was, what do with him if... when they defeated him?

"The last time we flew, Loki brought the plane down. He killed many, many people. Last time we were lucky in that someone knew how to fly the damn thing. Just...be on guard. There has yet to be another deity-related massacre since Dionysus, but, you never know."

Mentally, Shiro swallowed hard. Suddenly, he was missing his sword even more. Shiro might be strong and tough (and not for the first time he wondered if it had to do with his father's blood), but now he had to keep that in mind while they were flying...

"Anyway, it should be fine! Nicole, Rias, see you on board!"

Yeah... should be fine... Thanks for that...

He turned to face the others. "Anyone have any backup plans if something goes wrong?"

 

[DarkRawen]

"I agree with Hymir - mostly - in that leaving Loki alive is too much of a risk; to ourselves, to potential allies, and to innocent people. However, if he does hold some useful information, or has some use that is worth more to us than killing him, then perhaps we will delay his demise. Temporarily. The last time we flew, Loki brought the plane down. He killed many, many people. Last time we were lucky in that someone knew how to fly the damn thing. Just...be on guard. There has yet to be another deity-related massacre since Dionysus, but, you never know."

The way Prometheus worded things made it clear that he were still trying to push them away from wanting to become the ally of Loki. This made it feel as if Andrew really was correct, Prometheus still thought that Zeus was the way to go, regardless of this mess. He couldn't agree with that. He couldn't agree with the other's rather casual mention -in his opinion at least- of the incident with Loki last year. However, Andrew decided not to dwell on that either.

Instead, he looked at Hymir, who had tried to "put them in his shoes" by trying to turn the situation around on them. He was smiling, and he was going to be pleasant, but the other had made a rather huge mistake in comparing the two.

"I cannot agree with your example there, Hymir, because my fiance is in danger, and will be until this is figured out. I can only hope that me being here makes her less of a target, because I couldn't hope to protect her on my own. Moreso, comparing a mortal, who has nothing to do with any of this, to your father? A god who has lived for thousands of years already, knowing about his death for what seems to be almost as long, and very clearly is involved in this mess? I wouldn't be that quick to do that if I were you."

With that, Andrew figured the conversation was over. They wouldn't agree, but at least there was a chance they may try, and that was good enough for him. Besides, he hadn't raised his voice, simply spoken his mind, while he wasn't angry it still stung a bit, it wasn't right. Perhaps if he compared it to his own father, but it hadn't seemed like that was Hymir's intention. About to get his earplugs, he stopped when Shiro spoke.

"Anyone have any backup plans if something goes wrong?"

The Japanese man said, likely due to what Prometheus had just told them about. Andrew nodded.

"Well, last time we didn't discover it because of where we were seated. This time, with people in both parts, it should be easier to tell if something is up. Apart from that... make sure that someone always keeps an eye out? I'm planning to get something to drink, but I can assure you that I won't get myself too drunk to act should something happen. So, I suppose, plan if something goes wrong: make sure that the pilots don't die, and that it's taken care of quickly. Don't worry, though, we're stronger now, Nicole and I aren't about to let it go that far ever again."

With that, he too stepped onto the plane, greeting the crew with a smile and laid-back attitude, and took his seat, on the left edge on the middle row of seats. While he would very much have preferred a window seat, at least this made it simpler to order drinks, and while it wasn't as comfortable as the business class seats would be, and even if the space between the seats were a bit limited, at least Andrew wasn't so tall that it would be uncomfortable for him.

 

[Athol]

"Well at least it's warm." She muttered as she pulled her bike out of the foliage. It's kinda nice actually. Checking to make sure her bag was closed tightly, she then gave the bike a couple of swift kicks, and it burst to life. Clattering off down the jungle track, Keshi fought for control as the bike bounced between puddles and ruts.

For the love of God, are you TRYING to kill us!?

"Fuck off...I've never ridden a dirt-bike until I got here!"

I KNOW! That's why I'm fucking concerned!

"Do you want to drive!?"

YES! At least if I crash, I won't cave my skull in on a fucking root!

Stopping the bike, Keshi got off and walked a few paces away from it. Closing her eyes, she was suddenly enveloped in whorl of fire; moments later the fire dispersed and a new figure appeared. The brown skinned, mud splattered?and clothed Keshi was gone, replaced by a blue skinned, (for now) clean, and essentially naked four armed version. Stretching all of her arms she got back on the idling bike and was underway again.

Just remember to stop well short of the city this time...we don't need a repeat of Libya.

How many times do I have to apologize for that? By the way...this bike revs really nicely.

God damnit...

 

[Lunar Templar]

Rias just sighed and shook her head "Yeah, cause humans who don't have anything to do with this are totally the same as a god who's death was prophesied century's ago, and IS involved with this. But what ever. Do what you want, just know that I will sooner die then bend a knee, for any reason, to Zeus." Rias paused for a moment to listen to that boarding call. "Unless of course that reason is me lunging at him to bury my claws knuckle deep in that bastards chest." With that, she turned toward the plane.

She kinda snickered about the Titan's comment about the 'flight being safer this time, maybe',mostly cause it wasn't as reassuring sounding as he probably thought it was. Rias boarded the plane and followed the Titan to her seat, which was apparently by the window, that made her smile a bit, so she squeeze past the Titan and took her seat.

 

[hiei82]

"I cannot agree with your example there, Hymir, because my fiance is in danger, and will be until this is figured out. I can only hope that me being here makes her less of a target, because I couldn't hope to protect her on my own. Moreso, comparing a mortal, who has nothing to do with any of this, to your father? A god who has lived for thousands of years already, knowing about his death for what seems to be almost as long, and very clearly is involved in this mess? I wouldn't be that quick to do that if I were you." Andrew said. Rias followed by adding her own thoughts"Yeah, cause humans who don't have anything to do with this are totally the same as a god who's death was prophesied century's ago, and IS involved with this. But what ever. Do what you want, just know that I will sooner die then bend a knee, for any reason, to Zeus. Unless of course that reason is me lunging at him to bury my claws knuckle deep in that bastards chest."

Hymir meanwhile felt like hitting his head on the table. Never-mind he'd just suggested 'people they loved' and hadn't named any particular relation - divine OR mortal - or that Heimdallr had remained neutral in all the events of the last year or so, Rias repeated his own argument back at him like it was her own point. Hymir just shook his head and tried to let it go. None of it really mattered; he'd find Loki and kill him whether they liked it or not. If they tried to stop him, then he'd deal with it then. For now, getting aboard the plane mattered more.

Despite Hymir's hurry to get to South America, he knew the plane wasn't going to leave until everyone present was aboard so he waited until final boarding before, well, boarding. He was somewhat annoyed to be spending the flight with only an isle between he and Andrew but was happy to be free of Rias for the moment.

For his part, Hymir took his seat and watched the other passengers carefully; not liking at all how limited his powers were at the moment.

 

[DarkRawen]

Andrew took note of the seating of the others, Shiro was in the seat next to him, Prail in the seat next to Shiro again, while Hymir was to his left, with the aisle between them. Not that he minded that, Hymir hadn't replied to what he and Rias had said, and seemed rather sour. It was a shame that the demigod had decided that the end result was more important than how they got there, however, as there had been no discussion of strategy.

Regardless, it wasn't Andrew's problem, his role in any sort of strategy seemed to be simple, keep to the back, yet close enough to heal anyone who got hurt, occasionally loosening a poisoned arrow to damage the enemy. He remembered how he had acted during the battle with Loki, pretend to want to change sides just for a moment's hesitation from the god. That seemed like a bad move now, since the Norse demigod would just stab him on the battlefield if he even tried to suggest it.

No thinking.

Andrew reminded himself of. As he had already established, it wouldn't help, and though he had addressed Hymir politely, it hadn't worked in his favor, so the other wasn't worth worrying over. He had managed to save the lives of people he didn't get along with before, and this was no different. Besides, he was going to keep to himself for most of the flight either way, Nicole and Prometheus was in the business class, and he didn't know how to speak to the two others, nor what to say.

"Oh hi Andrew didn't see you there."

Prail said, and he leaned over to look at her, since Shiro was sitting between them. It seemed... a bit odd, the way she said it.

"Hi," he replied, a bit puzzled. Prail didn't speak a lot, and the two of them had barely spoken to each other. Still, ignoring her would be rude, and it was a long flight, so he might as well get the talking over with so that he could start drinking. "Do you need something?"

 

[IFS]

"Well, last time we didn't discover it because of where we were seated. This time, with people in both parts, it should be easier to tell if something is up. Apart from that... make sure that someone always keeps an eye out? I'm planning to get something to drink, but I can assure you that I won't get myself too drunk to act should something happen. So, I suppose, plan if something goes wrong: make sure that the pilots don't die, and that it's taken care of quickly. Don't worry, though, we're stronger now, Nicole and I aren't about to let it go that far ever again."

Nicole nodded at the last remark, the memories of what Loki had done made her feel somewhat uneasy but only increased her determination to stop him. As for letting him live, he's far too dangerous to try to manipulate but for all we know he won't leave us a choice. Most of the gods we've fought haven't given us much opportunity to question them.

Personally she wanted the bastard dead, though she knew she should try to show restraint, even mercy she couldn't help but feel a cold pang of anger simply thinking about all the innocents he had slain last time. No sense arguing about it now though, lets just get on the plane.

She boarded the plane quickly, not entirely happy to be seated between Rias and Prometheus though at least she had a decent seat. I don't see any reason to start a conversation with her either, just relax and pay attention to the other passengers. Although... I suppose an olive branch might be in order... maybe once we're in the air.

 

[DarkRawen]

"Nothing in particular, just saying hi since we're going to be sitting with each other. After all we can't all be the sort of people that get to sit with Prometheus."

Andrew tilted his head, first a bit confused as for why she was saying it like that. Then, he realized that she might have heard his rant, and, even if it was just an assumption of his, it actually made him feel a bit unsure of how to reply. She didn't sound very upset over it, though, so she couldn't have minded not being called the prettiest girl. Besides, he hadn't meant anything bad with it.

No use worrying about it.

"Yeah, you think he'll let us sit in the nicer seats next time if we put on a pair of cat-ears?" Andrew mused, not chuckling at his own joke, but smiling a bit wider. It was easier to joke when he wasn't over-thinking things, though he supposed he wouldn't ever really be good at it. Kind of difficult when you hardly had a sense of humor.

"But I don't know. Perhaps he actually had something in mind, in choosing Nicole and Rias."

"How've you spent the past year?"

"I've been good," Andrew said. "I'm a surgeon now, and I've got a fiance, so I would definitely not mind this being sorted out soon. How about you?" Surprisingly, he was actually kind of interested, though he left an eye out for if someone who could provide him with alcohol passed by. He still hadn't forgotten his "promise" to himself when it came to that. Prail spoke some more, this time asking him about why he was there.

"So why are you here? I'd have thought most sane folks would have been turned away from all this after the first time and I was only there at the end."

A surprising question, though, perhaps not.

"Well, I didn't get a lot of details about what was going on, and since it was Prometheus who called... Oh well, I'm involved either way, and I'm gambling on this being the best option. Of course," he said, raising his voice a bit so that he was sure that Hymir heard it. There was a glimmer in his eyes as he spoke, and he couldn't keep himself from feeling a bit amused, though he masked it with a worried tone.

"I don't know how well this trip is going to go, considering that some people don't like co-operating, we're horrendously unprepared, so that was probably a rather big mistake. I mean, at least I know what to do, even if the rest of you are forced to improvise, but it still bothers me. If only we could have discussed it beforehand."

It wasn't an attempt to make the other angry, simply a bit of fun. Andrew still had a taste for making people act out, though far from as malevolently as when he had done it to Etna. Besides, the Norse demigod had mentioned knowing tactics, and if he took the very obvious hint, they might actually get somewhere.

 

[hiei82]

"I don't know how well this trip is going to go, considering that some people don't like co-operating, we're horrendously unprepared, so that was probably a rather big mistake. I mean, at least I know what to do, even if the rest of you are forced to improvise, but it still bothers me. If only we could have discussed it beforehand." Andrew said, loudly and obviously.

Hymir chose to ignore the the implication that he was somehow responsible for Rias's unreasonable suggestion. Though they disagreed on strategy, there was at least the potential to work out some tactics they could all abide by. After all, he'd already relented to letting them speak with Loki which meant the group agreed at least to the idea of subduing Loki first. The matter of what to do with him thereafter was up to some debate, but it was a debate he would win either through words of blades.

Hymir sighed and spoke up. "If the strategy is to subdue Loki-" he said, silently adding "in the pursuit of killing him" in his mind, "-then first we need an accounting of what resources we can bring to bare. We can't know what tactics we can use until then. From there, we need to know what resources Loki has at his disposal. Fortunately, that one's a bit easier as I've known him all my life and I believe your group faced him once before. From there, we need to account for our advantages and disadvantages. So far, the only things we know are that we have the element of surprise and that Loki's more powerful than any 1 of us save perhaps Prometheus. Once we have those pieces, we just need to arrange them into an effective plan with lots of room for improvisation." Hymir said.

He knew it was all kinda basic but that was why it worked. Complex tactics tended to fall apart under their own complexity. Thus, the best way to succeed was to create simple plans that were easily adaptable to the situation.

"So, for example, I learn extremely quickly, am decently strong and enduring, have an impressive divine sword, and can link our minds together for the battle, though I require the horn for that last one."

Spoiler: OOC

Got to the end of this post before realizing I'd been refering to Andrew as "Des". I think I got them all but I apolgize if I missed any.

 

[Green Shoes]

The plane took off without a problem, climbing thousands of feet with barely any turbulence. Passengers were given the usual glass of sparkling and a refreshment pack - including a comically small set of eye shades. Snow-white strips of cloud were visible outside through the windows, as well as the ever fading sight of safe ground.

Prometheus clenched the armrests tight as they soared ever upwards - swallowing hard to unblock his ears. Quickly downing the supplied champagne, he reclined in his seat and spoke to Rias, keeping his voice even despite his discomfort.

"So, cutting straight to the chase, are you confident working with a group? Did you...errm...get much experience during the war? Or..?"

He allowed his voice to trail off into nothingness - Prometheus was fairly sure she knew what he was talking about. Turning to Nicole, he gave her a thin lipped smile, before wiping his brow.

"Have you heard from your mother recently? Or Vera?"

-------------------------------

The somewhat overdressed teenager seated next to Hymir turned his head in an attempt to eavesdrop on the conversation. As Hymir listed his skills, the American youth interjected in a loud, New Jersey accent.

"What game are you talking about?! Sounds awesome. Are you the tank? I play tank."

---------

The elderly woman next to Prail noticed her calm demeanor - contrasted with her permanently worried expression. Reaching up to take her glasses off, she muttered under her breath.

"I don't know how you young people do it all..."

---------------

The squeaking of a rather dated drinks cart announced the arrival of the stewards - stopping neatly between Andrew and Hymir, two women with heavy makeup and blonde, bunned hair offered those present a wide array of drinks.

-----------------

An errant lightning strike collapsed several trees ahead of Keshi - temporarily deafened, and with the path ahead of her blocked, she was faced with two choices: go around and try to find the path, or look for an alternative route.

A voice carried by the wind rushed past her; though her hearing hadn't fully returned, she could make out some words.

"...Kali...xipe...run..."

 

[Athol]

"Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck!" Keshi spiked the brakes as the trees fell, but due to her inexperience with motorbikes, she forgot to pop the clutch causing the bike to stall and wipe out on the muddy road. THAT is why I wanted to change...Okay, you've made your point.

"...Kali...xipe...run..."

You heard that too right? "Yeah...we should keep going." With that she began scrambling over the fallen trees, making good use of her four arms. "This connects to the main road not too far off right? I'll get there, and find a spot for you to hole up while you rest, then you can hitch into town." Sounds like a plan...assuming the universe stops fuck with me. The blue skinned woman let out a short laugh as she started walking. At least the weather doesn't really affect me.

 

[Lunar Templar]

"So, cutting straight to the chase, are you confident working with a group? Did you...errm...get much experience during the war? Or..?" The way the Titan's voice trailed off and with how quickly he asked about Nike, and some one named Vera, it made it sound like the Titan didn't really care about her answer so much.

"I was mostly a 'gofer'" Rias started "Ya know, 'Go for this, go for that', I did work with other demigods now and a again, but direct combat was never part of the 'mission'. Get there, get the thing, and get out. Fight only if necessary." Rias continued as she kicked her seat back a bit. "Never did see any 'heavy action', no direct conflicts with other gods I mean, that said though." She said grinning a bit "Mother has been a steady part of my life since I was like, thirteen, and I've spent full summers with her, learning from her, about things like the Cycle, which I admit is still hard to get my head fully around, 'The Rite of Inheritance', which is very likely the core reason you 'heroes'." Rias said, aiming the 'heroes' line at Nicole. "Are on Zeus's hit list, as well as just sparring with her."

Rias paused a moment, thinking, and deciding it would be ok to let them know a little of what she can do. "My mother, Sehkmet, as you may or may not know is a Goddess of War, among other things, and how that manifested in me, is I am a natural weapon master. Katar, Khopesh, Naginata, Claymore, even modern fire arms like the .50 Beowulf, I'm able to use any weapon you can hold in one or two hands at the level of a 'master'. Which might sound silly, why practice if I'm already so good right? Besides the fact it was mother daughter bonding time, I 'learned' how to fight, knowing how to do something naturally, and knowing how to do something because it's been practiced, are to totally different things."

"I never was able to beat her though" Rias added, sounding a bit disappointed at her win/loss record against her mother.