Blood everywhere

The next day came and checking everything was at hand Zeus began to order his guards to their positions and the list of signs to alert everyone if something happened, Damian however was given a free pass to both join in the festivities but also check wherever and whenever he wants. They knew he would be around and taking this task seriously. All invited had to disarm and each one checked beforehand but majority of the underworld gods invited had only come for one thing; too see Damian.

The groups rushed up, hurriedly trying to get in and in the distance they could see the bulky body of Damian ordering the guards around and scouting the area, even checking the guests himself. Persephone tried to call out but being barged out of the way by Ares who had come looking for Aphrodite and true to his personality in a rage. “I’m not disarming” Ares yelled searching for Aphrodite who using the disruption to her advantage snook behind the others. “Stand down Ares!” Zeus warned but not being intimidated by the multiple guards surround him yelled, “Aphrodite the bitch, come back to me now or else!” Aphrodite shook her head before screeching, “You killed Adonis!” and growling as he threw the nearest guard away, “You were sleeping with him whilst with me!” Aphrodite shrugged but Zeus not wanting anymore of this irrelevant arguments snapped, “Ares I won’t warn you again, disarm and we can discuss this peacefully” “Come and take it then” he yelled, Athena walked forward trying to calm him with Hera before diving to the floor to avoid his next swing they looked up to see Damian’s armoured boots stand opposite Ares, “How about you hand me your sword before I put you in the grave” Ares clapped his hands in anticipation as Damian drew his blade to accept the duel. The crowd backed away giving tie duelling pair space but despite the ferocity of Ares the gadgets and tools helped the young god. However despite this the secret of Damian soon came to light. In one swing from Ares and a dodge by Damian; Damian snapped grabbing Ares’ arm, “Now you’ll drop the sword” Ares’ eyes widened seeing the black rot take place causing the skin and metal on the god to decay and crying out the other gods stared in shock to see Ares now shriek in pain grabbing his wounded arm, nursing it hoping the pain would go away and Damian slamming the sword into the floor state, “Guards clean him up and take the weapons away; Asclepius would you mind trying to do something with the hand?”

Asclepius rushed away to aid the wounded man and leaning over to help Athena up Damian comforted her with, “Don’t worry I can control it” “What are you?” Persephone challenged and standing up next to him Hera explained, “It’s the reason he is above Zeus, has more authority and doesn’t answer to anyone; he’s decay and everyone can be a victim of it” Damian nodded before shrugging replied, “It’s a good party trick… unfortunately there is no reversal to what I can do. Ares will lose the arm and no Aphrodite we aren’t together. This is me doing my job” Aphrodite shrugged before trying to tease him teased, “Come on; my hero needs a reward!” and shrugging he replied, “I don’t understand what people see in you. You rely on looks because your personality is shallow. Give me Athena, Artemis, Nyx or anyone else over you!”

The others laughed seeing Aphrodite’s embarrassment and turning his own attention to Hera and Athena his immediate concern was their health but seeing they were fine Athena grumbled, “If I could have my weapon I would have defeated him!” Damian shrugged before stating out of practicality, “This way you never got hurt and didn’t have to deal with Zeus’ whining about injuring his son” she shrugged before nodding replied, “Thanks all the same” he nodded as a sign of respect to the goddess of wisdom causing her to ask, “So your condition what is it?” “Decay… rot, whatever you want to call it; it all boils down to me accelerating the decomposition of materials, minerals and life. I can do it to anyone and anything and it’s why I don’t answer to anyone or anything. I haven’t perfected using my mind to control it but touch is easy. A weird side effect is my body… I don’t bleed and most of the time blades don’t even make an scratch on me; Zeus believes it was an mistake or glitch in the process of making me a god but… he would say that to someone stronger than he is.”

Athena nodded before lightly poking his skin remarked, “It’s solid, like rock. I bet even the sharpest of blades would struggle to pierce it” he nodded before helping her discoveries explained, “Also poison doesn’t kill me, high falls and fire doesn’t effect me, I also can’t drown. Zeus calls me a unstoppable machine; but yet I still need sleep and the occasional meal. It is what it is; I suppose” “Zeus I suggest you let me and Asclepius study him after this. The more we can study his condition the better understanding we will have about him” Zeus looked to Damian who shrugging replied, “I suppose it has some logic and you did tell me to get an hobby…” “Yes an hobby, not be a hobby for someone else” Zeus explained but Athena already taking this an sign to both study and be close to her former besotted admirer began to write her initial thoughts down and almost like a puppy followed his every step. He stared at the Underworld gods who disarming made Zeus promise he wouldn’t attack and Hades pointing at Damian demanded, “And him. Don’t you dare set him on us under a banner of peace!” “Hey asshole. I have a name and secondly, I don’t answer to Zeus I only bring him his children’s head, I would do the same to you if any of your children were evil but fortunately your children know control” Persephone walked up and pushing both sides apart hugged Damian before crying out, “It has been soo long. I’m glad to see you are in one piece and safe” “Have we met? I know you by description; nothing more to my recollection” “We… we knew each other a long time ago, you just need to know that I care for you!” he nodded shaking her hand before turning to Hades asked, “The same to you I guess?” “Yes; I’m sorry about what I said but I just don’t trust Zeus to keep his word” Damian nodded before reassuring Hades explained, “Zeus is unarmed; I already checked. The guards stand guard and only act upon my order and I will be circulating; just to make sure nothing happens. You have nothing to worry; now if you don’t mind let’s begin!”

The groups took time to talk to each other and circulate among each other apart for Athena who continued to ask her questions and make notes. “Everything okay Hera?” she nodded kissing his cheek glaring as Athena continued to dot down her notes, “Yes, just keep an eye on Persephone and Hades there’s a lot of bad blood between both sides” “Funny enough they said the same thing about you lot. I’m going to be running out of eyes soon; luckily I have an scribe to help” Hera nodded still not taking her eyes off Athena who now eavesdropping on the conversation heard Hera start to mockingly tease and equally annoy her with, “Aphrodite was asking about you and Artemis… I told Artemis maybe and Aphrodite that you are spoken for by an mature woman who knows how to properly please men” “So that means you are coming to my room again tonight?” she nodded smirking as Athena’s head dropped and even more when Hera replied, “Yes I need my breeder to ensure the job is properly done” “Really Hera after everything?” Athena protested, “Shouldn’t have been listening Athena… now you’ve learned your lesson” Athena trying to hide her sadness retaliated with the note of, “Likes old hags, is she just a tool to him? Like the women are to Zeus or is this because of his upbringing?” Damian laughed slapping Athena’s back before commenting, “You’re getting it… if Hera pisses you off, just mention Zeus’ affairs and duck the flying chairs” before catching the goblet being launched at Athena. Athena giggled childishly before carrying on her task of following him stopped when he hugged Artemis who returning it began to once more apologise about last time, “Like I said Artemis, I don’t get payed to think, I get payed to do; I trust my instincts and base my judgement off of it. If you all want to get dragged into the politics then so be it but I won’t” Athena quickly dotted the note down, underlining his quote of not thinking down and getting ready to question it considering it takes some sort of decision making to one make the decision of trusting his instincts and secondly some sort of thinking to give him his instinct decision however her thoughts were distracted by the phrase of, “How’s Athena?” “I fine just occupied” Athena quickly replied but shaking her head Artemis replied, “No I mean his runt called Athena” Damien held it up in his hand proudly before stating, “She will eventually be able to take down a Minotaur when I’m done, mark my words! Anyway seen Nyx?” Artemis nodded, “Over there bored apparently, waiting for you to grace her with your presence. I don’t honestly know what you see in her” “She’s chilled about most things. She knows naturally what to say and not say but better than that lets me be me. Also for being one of the oldest women here she looks better than Aphrodite and is up for practically everything in bed apart for bodily fluids then that’s a no go” Athena raised her eyebrow confused before hearing what it meant be whispered into her ears scrunched her face up sickened by the potential idea of it, “Just to clarify that’s not my thing either oh and fucking men either. Her other one apparently is not in public after the last time… she was chained to Persephone’s throne in the temple and got caught; Persephone stuck a double-ended dildo on her, then sat down on her and the dildo for two hours apparently. Funny for me” “I heard about that; that was you?” Athena responded and nodding Damian’s attention was turned to Aphrodite who trying to get herself a few more love slaves stopped when a few of the hybrids surrounded her and began to get too familiar for her liking.

“Leave me Aeacus and you Achilles” Aphrodite spat pulling herself free, “Come on… you said you wanted an strong man, I’m strongest” Achilles motioned to his muscles but laughing Aphrodite replied, “Your bracers are the reason for that. He is the strongest” she pointed to Damian and firing back Aeacus stated, “Because he an made up god constructed by experiments. It isn’t natural! You said I was the smartest because I am a judge for the dead!” “Correction you were forced into this role after the wall you built was quite easily destroyed; a intelligent man would have built it to last. He is smarter and my latest interest” they both growled when she threw her arms around Damian’s shoulders who simply glaring back at her snapped, “I’m working!” “These men were giving me trouble” “And you’re giving me trouble so back off” she sighed before kissing his neck muttered, “I’ll see you later!” giggling when his eyes rolled, “I’ll make you do that for free!”

“Damian, I again apologise for earlier; we just don’t trust him” Persephone exclaimed and nodding Damian explained, “Let’s put it this way… you saw what happened to Ares, if Hades attacked then he would truly know what it’s like to be dead. You on the other hand…” she smirked getting closer teased, “What? Going to take me to bed like your step mother and breed me because let me tell you something… she maybe in charge of Fertility but I’m better under the sheets” “You say that like I use sheets… just ask Nyx” “I have seen it, in my temple as well! I made her lick my throne and floor clean you know!” he shrugged before responding with, “At least it’s clean I suppose… but back to matter in hand I thought Isu from the North were meant to be joining us today to discuss something important” “Cancelled because like us with Zeus they don’t trust us. Odin also didn’t want Freyja to come because he felt like she would try and make a deal with us and relaunch the Vanir war against the Aesir despite Ragnarok approaching” “Ragnarok?” “You know… when the North gets completely destroyed and the cycle restarts, we offered prior to help fix it but they won’t listen” “I’ll try and contact her later then, maybe a one to one conversation or a smaller gathering may be more welcoming” “Really? You trust Zeus?” “No… but Freyja, Hera, you, Hades and Poseidon with Athena as scribe and me as security wouldn’t be too bad surely…” “Good point, you’d better go now Hera is getting jealous or staring at your ass” “It’s both and remind Hades of what I said!”

The discussions followed their usual formula of hatred filled insults for about half an hour then a few of the group would try and restore order which resulted in Damian slamming a bust of Zeus over the table but after that proper discussions began to take place. Mainly about boring boundaries, who’s included, who supplies what men and most important of all incentives for each side. It was a ridiculous charade however the thing they did interest Damian was item five on the list, him. Who will he be assigned to?

The room commenced the discussion but focusing in on the new sound from up above the balcony Damian retreated into the shadows to silently make his way up. Not bothering to waste time in alerting the others but Hermes seeing his sneaking slid quickly into the shadows to join him, “Going somewhere?” Hermes challenged with a whisper and nodding Damian explained, “A clunk of an armour. Like someone has fallen after a hit over the head. If you are all unarmed then who’s making it?” Hermes nodded before pulling Damian’s short blade out explained, “Then let’s go. I’ll cover you since you are better prepared!” “How do I know you aren’t behind this and trying to take me out to leave an clear cut to the others?” “I’m bored of their pointless discussions and the next issue is about you so you should be there. You can’t trust me because you don’t remember the past but your former self did and I never once betrayed him. Okay?” “I suppose since all of Zeus’ guards fucking useless!” the pair ventured up and seeing the balcony was empty Damian muttered, “An attack is going to happen. I had 10 guards on either side here. Told them not to move an inch. Go and tell them!” “And if they are still up here?” “I’ll end them! Now go!” he rushed down the stairs as Damian checked the doors and finding the poorly hidden body immediately examined the wounds, they were good but not experts and by the lack of care in hiding the bodies they were rushing. Maybe surprise was their game? However as the doors swung open and the call for guards the group of masked figures walked in leaving the group exposed.

“Kill everyone and anyone!” the leader spat but hearing the boots rush above them and then saw the figure leap over the side to land with a thud in between them Damian snapped, “Leave or this ends badly for you!” “Kill him and the rest are defenceless!” Damian drew his sword before edging them on snapped, “Let’s do this!”

The group came but being outmatched by the hybrid’s speed quickly killed the first 5 in clean strikes. Athena fumbled for a weapon with the others but seeing the next one get thrown back into the crowd they watched to see the explosive pouch be set off and kill the next 8. He drew two throwing knives and killing the nearest two killed the next 3 with quick arrow fires before snapping the next’s neck by using his bow. He threw his bow to the ground as he launched two hatchets at the next and cutting the next two down with his sword marched forward to the remaining five. Artemis rushed for the bow and rushing to the side to fetch arrows for herself heard the cries as Damian didn’t longer use his weapons instead dodging the strikes used his abilities to stick his fingers through the next two skulls and let the decay rot away their skulls. The leader sent the last two forward as he fumbled for the door but once more hearing he screams of his men looked back to see their legs were black and no longer useable with a stomp to each persons head Damian stormed up and met his last target.

With a throw at the table the man cried feeling Damian’s bear sized fists reign down the shots. “Tell me who you are working for!” “I won’t tell you nothing!” *thud* *thud* “Fine you won’t tell me… I think I will make the decay eat away at you from the inside out!” “Please anything but that!” “Speak then!” “I’m dead if I do!” “You’re dead anyway, speak and I will make it clean and quick!” his lips remained silent but feeling the blackness peel away at his skin and shrivel his bones he screamed, “Zeus’ sons! They have had enough of being hunted and want you all dead. It’s their time to rise up even if it means freeing the titans!” Damian laughed before clicking his knuckles spat, “Where are they hiding?” “I don’t know. We were passed on a note from a person who received it from a person” “And you thought you would succeed?” “The order was to cause panic not succeed. We didn’t bank on you being here!” “Obligations unfortunately otherwise they would be dead!” then in one cut from his knife Damian quickly got to work putting his case together leaving the shocked room just glare at his ruthlessness and lack of care about the scar on his face.

Nyx smiled rushing up to Damian who catching her welcomed her kisses, “You saved me!” “Well saved everyone but yeah…” she smirked before laughing at the shocked room it was Persephone who explained, “What? They are practically fuck buddies” Athena growled to herself still feeling the burning jealous that she had earlier. Nyx jumped down joining his side when he marched up to Zeus pushing away Hades’ hand who was trying to thank him, “Okay I get it Hades. Father, they were ordered to do this. They knew they weren’t likely to succeed and order states the aim is to merely scare everyone. Let them know of their presence and what they want. The bodies show at least a few hybrids and a lot of humans are part of this. Hercules and a few other of your remaining sons are trying to kill you and the family so they can take over. With permission I would like to go and track this group down if not I fear the Titans will get free and help take you all down” Zeus nodded moving out of the way when Hades pushed past to thank Damian again but waving his hand to signal ‘it’s fine and I don’t need your thanks!’ Persephone seeing the mini disagreement pleaded to both Zeus and Damian, “You can’t be serious… you don’t know how many of them are out there!” “It’s my job. My role. I’ll end this movement one way or another!” Hera seeing Persephone’s concern echoed it with, “At least take an small group with you. Take at least one from each side and one other of your choice” Damian refused it once again explaining why with, “I don’t need any of your help. Your involvement and personal morales would get in the way. Plus I won’t be alone… I have Athena watching my back!” the group stated in shock at Athena who equally confused by his willingness to work with her nodded when Artemis explained to the room, “What that runt? What’s she going to do nibble at their toes?” Damian opened his jacket and popping out so the room could see the small button nose and tiny but glaring eyes Damian joked, “Those eyes alone will cause murder” “It’s cute… nothing like me though” Damian winked causing her to blush but laughing at the creature Nyx taunted, “This is the vicious killer that will later take down the Minotaur and giants. Don’t forget it!” Damian shrugged before closing his jacket said, “We are going to start small and move up. Anyway, I’m wasting time” as he took his leave the room once again launched its argument about him, his attitude towards the situation and Zeus’ willingness to let him go and fight.

Days passed and true to Damian’s words he hunted them down. Blood ran through the streets and the list of son’s and daughters were quickly getting ticked off. Damian was thorough and even worked on trimming the other gods children number to size. Some of Ares’ children were involved but he also worked reducing Aphrodite’s, Poseidon’s and other gods with a large quantity (anything over 5), this helped confuse the group were confused on what his actual agenda was but also questioned where he would strike next. He did despicable things that many would have challenged or find disgusting but to him it was just a job, so as the bodies were left for the animals to feast on and as a note that he was coming for them. The one thing they both knew is Hercules wanted to free the Titans.

Phoebe laid in Damian’s arms, her naked flesh against his and giggling to herself she knew she would have been able to easily squish him under her pure size remarked how good he was for his size. “Not bad hybrid but I guess you came to me for more than some fun” “The rebellion of Hercules…” “yes, he wants to free the titans so you came to the free titan to get answers… it’s going to cost you though” “What do you want?” “What I will tell you is important and very risky for me if they find out I told you. I want a deal; you free me and the other female titans and give us a place to live and I’ll tell you everything” “It won’t be that simple… Zeus will want you to swear loyalty to him or something” “Ask Persephone or Hades then” “And have him claim they are plotting against him… I’ll sort it; Zeus owes me a few favours, you have my word!” “And why would I believe that?” “Because if I went back on my word you would know where to find me, you can also come with me to bring the issue to him” “Fine. Hercules and the remaining members should be located south-west of Tartarus; in an ruined temple. They plan to launch an attack in the next few days by sneaking in from the top and breaking the titans and other criminals out and lead them against the Isu. Start by taking Hades’ realm over which as we know has very little defence against an army of that size and then spread taking Elysium, Atlantis, the woodlands and spread all the way up to Mount Olympus. When discussing this the women titans who were already free, so me, Rhea and Themis were against it and urged for us to leave and start fresh but when notes got to Kronos ears the men were ready for the fight. You must stop them from freeing the Titans!” Damian nodded before standing up began to check his gear before hearing, “Hercules likes to go out and scout in the morning, near dawn. You will find him south of the ruins near the destroyed trees” he nodded weighing up his choices before ordering, “Take this note and head to Athena’s temple; it will explain why you are there and will issue my wishes for me to see him with you and the female Titans after I am done here” she nodded graciously taking the note from him, “Thank you, I will” “Oh… when you are there ask Athena to make contact with the Northern Isu Freyja. I want to speak to her; so try and organise an meeting with her for me” she nodded kissing his cheek feeling his hands reach around her waist and gripping him tighter she muttered, “Do this and all the Titaness’ will be all over of you, remember that and that I can only satisfy you the way you want!”

a few hours later and landing a blow to Hercules’ knee Damian watched as Hercules fell back clutching the side for support. “I thought you were super strong? Or is that all lies like you now meaning to kill your human wife’s?” “Don’t you dare talk about them!” “Just did didn’t I?” Hercules staggered forward but dragging his fists Damian lifting the leader up by his chestplate and slam him down onto the ground before launching punch after punch at him barked, “Tell me! How many more are there!” “That’s one thing I give father credit for. He sent the best after us; there isn’t anyone else. You destroyed my followers and sent the Titaness’ fleeing in hope you don’t kill them. In just over a week you have killed over 80 Isu children and a lot more humans; the sad thing is the others were just doing it for change; they never wanted to rise up against you but now their life gets worse!” Damian shook his head before replying, “That’s if I tell them about the mortal’s involvement I know what will happen if I do but tell me one last thing. How did you ever expect to win it with a lack of willing support?” “The male Titans led by Kronos and the Giants. Of course you stopped us from releasing them but the giants were going to rage war across the land!” Damian nodded then with an flick of his wrist sent his blade through the demigod’s throat, “Right let’s bring the head back to Zeus. Then maybe I can organise that meeting with Freyja and her representatives.”

Phoebe stood awkwardly next to the other assembled Titans who watching Zeus’ disapproval glare and the other Isu’s weariness heard Athena try and draw an conversation out of both groups but Zeus’ response was purely business. He demanded they waited for Damian’s results who soon enough returned causally tossing the bag of heads along the floor, “Really over my floor!” Zeus winced and nodding Damian stated wiping his hands clean, “All dead. Phoebe was right” “Did you find him at the trees?” Phoebe questioned and nodding he explained, “Waited until morning, he left and I dismantled the organisation before they could react. Hercules saw the blood and headed back waiting for the showdown. He lost of course and died by my hand” “Why did he do it? He was my favourite hybrid son?” “Because you did order for his death. You wanted the numbers purged and that’s what you got. He thought I was your ‘new favourite son’ who has come to kill the old. I told him it was just a job but he didn’t care. Safe to say the Titans are back where they are and those who surrendered are now safely locked up in Tartarus, which now has extra guards” “All except them!” Persephone spat and nodding Damian said, “The deal… yes. Zeus pay up. They want a new life they can have it!” “You can’t just make these decisions!” Hera replied and shrugging Damian spoke ushering himself to the door, “That’s fine… I thought after all the mess I have cleaned up for you all and life’s I have saved that I was owed many favours that didn’t equal a shield. Maybe the Hybrids were right… come Phoebe let’s free your siblings and get the war started!” the group seeing Damian’s ploy followed and killing the two guards who stood in the way Hades urged, “He will do it you know… he has the codes and everything to it!” Zeus sighed and nodding said, “Fine… you’re right and I don’t fancy starting another bloody war where you can’t ever lose. There is land between Hades’ realm and Persephone’s realm you have it for them. You will get the resources to build but you will hold them responsible for their actions and they must swear fidelity!” Phoebe nodded before issuing her own compromise got the others to repeat, “We swear fidelity to the lord of our realm Damian. We will listen to his requests and follow his advice, if he is loyal to you then we will but we will not submit in a form of humiliation to you. Themis let’s go!” Themis nodded leading the others away whilst Damian standing opposite Zeus heard, “Fucking Titans walking free!” “Fucking gods… Too many of them! Without the Phoebe a lot of you would be dead. The problem is, you all have too many children and don’t spend any time with them. Zeus all you do is make more children for no reason! half of them didn’t even know who their parents were because they were just dumped places for no reason. I lost count on how many children I executed from the Aphrodite-Ares partnership. Anyway… I can’t change your ways to life but so many were born and died for no reason” Damian shrugged before turning to Athena asked, “Did you get a message to Freyja?” “Yes but she was trapped in Midgard, some sort of “magic” used, Circe broke it though and she waits in my temple willing to talk. I suggested a group but she didn’t trust us enough!” Damian tapped her head before pointing to his forehead replied, “Think. A strange land with people she doesn’t trust and you want to get straight to business? We need to built trust first. I’ll go, you just assemble the group!” “You sure you don’t want me to come?” Zeus called out and shaking his head Damian replied, “You’ll scare her off with endless advances. Me and Hera will speak on your behalf.”

Phoebe smirked seeing Damian taking his leave and turning back to the group Rhea asked, “Is he… you know single? I like them with fire?” Hera growled and seeing Athena, Artemis and Nyx glare daggers at them Rhea already knew the response but Zeus finding it interesting teased, “Well if you want some entertainment, I would like to discuss your new freedom in private, I have some of the very best wine chilled” Phoebe shook her head already knowing what Zeus was like and deciding to belittle the man replied, “No one wants to spend time with an walking sexual disease. You’ve slept with soo many people, god knows what you are carrying. Plus Damian can really go at it with someone almost triple his size, you would feel like a pin inside me” Hera laughed nodding to the comment and embarrassing Athena unintentionally she stood back quickly making an excuse to join Damian and Phoebe so simply ask, “What’s wrong with her?”

The temple was empty which to the stranger concerned her but accepting the fact that she had to take Damian’s word for it chose to retreat into the shadows with her group who watched alongside her on if Damian would keep his word. She initially demanded him come in unarmed but explaining how it was unfair to expect this because she had an group with her that he also couldn’t trust. She took an breath of relief to see Damian walk in and a stranger who holding a tablet and pen but was otherwise unarmed walk in. “Athena relax. I don’t need you following me!” “It’s easier for both if I am here to write primarily notes” Damian sighed before sitting down by the table in front of the shadows called, “I can hear your breathing Freyja, please join me” he heard her take a deep breath then venturing out with the group hesitantly took an seat not even trusting her own guards, who were mainly Aesir and realising her situation acknowledged she was stuck between two groups she couldn’t trust both heavily armed. “Freya, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you” “You too Damian. I must say I was surprised the South would go to such great lengths to welcome me; especially you” “And we didn’t expect such hassle to bring you here. Circe, however had fun breaking the barrier that kept you bound in the living land” “I apologise for that” she stopped before eyes widening when she heard the code words be began to be issued returned to the conversation when Damian replied, “Look, I know it will be a long process to build trust in the South, even in me but I will try everything I can to earn such an remarkable woman’s trust” she cocked an puzzled face before chuckling to herself realised the man was checking her out as the humans would say. “remarkable? You don’t know me and call me remarkable?” “No but I know off you. The Queen of the Vanir, sacrificing herself for peace. That’s earn my respect among other things…” she chuckled again but hearing the last word of her guards Freya stared at Damian before grabbing her knife barked, “We can build trust by you slaying our hired assassin’s” the group glared at her but simply continuing with, “I know the code. Remember… I was married to Odin for 3 decades!” the men looked up at the man who storming to them got himself ready to make them suffer.

The last one fell on top of the pile, then calmly wiping his hands regained his seat before apologising for the mess a slight grin appeared on Freyja’s face to see how well mannered he was. He didn’t speak but instead pouring them both a drink greeted, “It’s nice to meet you Freyja once again. Sorry if I got blood on your dress” “It’s fine really. Like you said, it will take a lot to gain each other’s trust but you believed me when it came to the assassin’s that’s a step in the right direction. If there’s anything I can do for you, within reason I will comply” Damian nodded sliding the cup over before simply saying, “Truth or lie. It’s a tactic I like to use to help decide whether one is trustful or not” Freyja shrugged confused by the name but willing to listen to the proposal questioned, “What is it?” “Simply this: we both have one question each which we can ask the other. The other will answer truthfully before taking their turn. If one or both have spoken true, when we check it will be proven and therefore can be trusted. If it’s false then no other discussions will take place” she nodded finishing her drink and warning her Damian explained, “A bit of advice… I have done this numerous times and say this each time: I am very open in things that I am willing to discuss. This is your opportunity to get an exact and complete answer to possibly something no one else will know, so don’t waste it. Some have literally gone and asked “Am I seeing anyone” or “how old I am” and they’ve wasted it” Freyja nodded before pondering her choice asked, “The North and South hate each other and I cancelled the meeting. My question is why you? It would be so easy to just leave us to die but you went out of your way and insisted to see me. Why?” Damian contemplated it and seeing her wariness on the delay he began with, “I know what you are thinking by the delay but there is a lot of reasons. You’re famous, I want to do my part to help stop Ragnarok, to prove not everyone from the South is bad and I respect who you are no matter the identity. However, I suppose the main one was, the intrigue. Circe spent for ages to get you free from the curse, I didn’t understand at the beginning why you were at Midgard and not in Asgard. I knew you were married to Odin for peace so I tried to ask Odin but I saw nothing remotely related to you there, you just didn’t exist and you were despised so I asked the Vanir’s but they refused to even acknowledge you. So it interested me to see how you were willing to meet us to discuss your peoples safety when Ragnarok came” she froze knowing what was coming from him so pulling herself another cup drank it in one mouthful before pouring herself another replied, “You want to know what happened?” and not even bothering to look at him already knew the answer.

,

There was silence and to Damian it was a question on if she was going to decide upon a lie or truth but patiently waiting for her she began her explanation. “Years ago Aesir, the powerhouse of Northern Isu had pushed the Giants away and saw the Vanir as the next target; they wanted our magic or you call it abilities. Problem is we were more than capable of fighting. Mimir sought to bring peace and negotiated that the head of the Aesir Odin, marries me the head of the Vanir to unite the clans. At the start we tried to make it work and it did but as time passed it became more and more apparent that he only sought to get gain a better understanding of our magic and use it for himself. I didn’t see it coming but the Vanir abandoned me claiming I had abandoned them to live in Asgard and that’s why I never communicated or visited them. It wasn’t true, I was an prisoner. It was years of hell; everything I tried to fix and do was not credited to me and even at the end they took my son away or more like my paranoia did” Damian nodded not expecting her to finish but fighting back the tears she continued with, “The only good thing I had was Baldur, my son and I did everything to protect him, I casted a spell to make him immortal and only things outside of the 9 northern realms could harm him, this being mistletoe. He resented me because now he felt nothing and we fought, I tried to explain it to him but he refused to listen and then… then he sided with Odin. I was divorced and Odin’s parting gift was to “protect me from assassin’s” I couldn’t leave Midgard because he claimed Aesir, Vanir or other species would try and kill me. He took everything from me and now even used our own magic against me. I never forgave myself for what I did but at least Baldur being alive was something to show my years with Odin weren’t an waste” Damian nodded pouring her another drink but seeing her state he knew it was still raw and perhaps he was the only person she had told. “I found my son later whilst helping Kratos and Atreus or shall I say Loki spread their mother’s/wife ashes.”

“Wait Kratos? Big Spartan, bald. Covered in ash and blood?” “You know of him?” Damian nodded before explaining, “Know him. We’ve met a couple of times. Years ago we were under an attack by another group of Isu; this was before I was born. Zeus basically made clones of everything and anything to lure the group off our scent and then take them by surprise. Kratos killed them after Ares tricked them into killing his family. He doesn’t know the truth but we have an understanding of don’t fight me and I won’t fight you” “He killed Baldur…” Damian fell silent before lowering his head apologetically she explained, “Baldur was sent by Odin to go after Kratos and Atreus who were doing no wrong. I don’t understand why but neither would back down. I tried everything to separate them but Jormungandr helped them to stop me. I didn’t know Atreus had something made from out of the 9 realms on him. An arrowhead so when Baldur grabbed him it went through his hand. I pleaded for them both to stop knowing Baldur could now die. They did but when I tried to talk sense into Baldur he refused to listen, I offered my life if it brought him some peace but we both knew it wouldn’t. He just wanted me to suffer for what I did. Kratos after his son’s plea killed him. It should have been me! Me! Not him!” she screeched. Athena looked down hearing the grief unfold but Damian taking Freyja’s hand replied, “Wrong. You tried your best to protect your son but that mistake didn’t cause your son’s death. Odin’s manipulation did!” “I can’t believe you want to discuss this. If I hadn’t made…” “If you hadn’t done it maybe but I have put down soo many of the gods children who have been manipulated by Zeus or their parents, I have seen them try and prove themselves to their superiors and it’s not fair to blame those who tried their best for them. You did that and I rather be sat here with something who is remorseful and understanding of loss then some Aesir who understands nothing” “I have nothing, those years…” “Wrong! You have everything in front of you. Did you marriage bring peace for the Vanir? Yes! Did you help those who needed it and try you best to not make peoples life shitty? Yes. Are you here now trying your best to help your family who want nothing to do with you; trying to save their life’s? Yes. Are you the first Northern Isu to come to the South and openly discuss terms with the South to gain collaboration? Yes. You have a lot more than you can see and potential for more” “I’ve lost my family; my son!” “And you have a chance to reunite with them and to start a new family; learn from mistakes. Don’t forget Baldur but instead remember his life as the son you loved!” His hand squeezed hers in his way of comfort but Athena urging him to hug her immediately let go to hug the women who grabbing him tightly for comfort cried into his arms and Damian issuing words of comfort, was willing to wait on her to finish and feel better.

“I’m…I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have” Freyja began pulling herself away but taking her hand once again he replied, “Don’t be. It’s nice to see you trust me to know something soo personal to you” “I haven’t told anyone before, not fully” “I can tell, it’s still raw!” she nodded but Athena lifting her hand up to quieten them both raised an eyebrow to the new scratching sound from the door. Damian laughed before calling out to the sound, “You know how to the open the door Athena!” Freyja stared at the other woman who explained, “His runt wolf, he thought it was funny to call it that” eventually the door nudged open and running in, falling almost over its owns legs Damian scooped it up to sit on the table and curiously staring at the woman sat opposite him, tears still on cheek she rushed up to her even though Damian commanded otherwise, “Athena, what I have told you about strangers! They may not want to smooth you!” but Freyja seeing the tiny fangs appear explained, “She knows I’ve been crying and wants to cheer me up, don’t you?” the pup continued to rub its head against her hand before losing its footing, Damian’s head fell into his hand, “I thought we have got passed the “fall over your own paws” stage” Freyja chuckled with Athena as they watched the pup stand back up but Damian contemplating what had happened asked, “How about we take this conversation somewhere less gloomy” “Damian!” Athena snapped assuming he was making an pass at the Northern woman but shaking his head Damian explained, “Look, Freyja has come her and has only seen this room and the route to this room, Athena needs a walk to strengthen her legs; so why not take our conversation on a tour of Elysium, including the potential area that her people could settle?” Freyja watched the pup again who once again fell over this time trying to lick her fur clean said, “I could use some air.”