Chapter 628: Brothers and Sisters
"Sister Artemis. Why do you associate with such people?" Ares asked as his disdain for Persephone and Aphrodite was clear on display.
"Oh brother Ares. I didn’t see you there. To think a big, strong man such as yourself would actually be so bold as to come talk to such weak women like us. How honored are we to be graced with your presence," Aphrodite said a bit louder than needed before giving an exaggerated bow.
"Quick your sucking up woman. I have nothing again home makers like you. But this is a meeting for warriors, not for those of weak mind and hearts," Ares said, taking half a step back while still insulting Aphrodite with words.
Persephone walked forward, the chains of her dress scratching against the rough stones beneath them as she stood in front of the large man. Her eyes caught his and made him shudder, the darkness in them making every hair on his body stand on end. Persephone was known for her erratic and down right crazy behavior which usually earned her a wide space from those who didn’t associate with nor like her. But right now she was standing straight in Ares face, so much so that the slight hint of death she always carried with her was starting to affect his senses.
Ares took yet another step back.
"Sister Persephone. I didn’t think I would see you out here today...."
Even if he wasn’t trying to be rude, bringing up the fact that Persephone was usually a prisoner in her room and if it wasn’t for the fact that a ruler’s return required all children within the house to be present, she would have had to stay there alone again irked her greatly as she took another step towards the massive man.
Aphrodite put her hand on her sisters shoulder to restrain her. Persephone looked down at the hand then back to the large man before turning away. The awe of those who didn’t know this silent sister was now showing on all their faces. They had never seen Ares back off from someone else before, ever.
"You should truly watch your tongue brother, lest you lose it in an unfortunate accident," Aphrodite said in a gentle tone like one might use while talking to children.
"Watch your own dear sister while you control that one’s actions. I have been appointed as war minister in father’s absence so all must follow my example and orders as we prepare to defend against this approaching menace. Sister Persephone would do well to remember just where her position lay as well, least her husband be disappointed with her when he returns," Ares said, attempting to stand proud but basically saying he would tell on Persephone to her husband if she didn’t behave.
"Of course dear brother. Please enjoy yourself while using your new big stick of authority. After all... it’s the only big stick you’ll ever have to wield that you actually own and didn’t buy...." Aphrodite said before walking away, laughing. While her words were ambiguous at best, all those gathered seem to have caught the meaning, long before he did. Many of the women turned a slight shade of red while the men tried their hardest to hold back their laughter.
It was one of the worst kept secrets after a night of heavy drinking and bad decisions.
"YOU FUCKING CUM SLUT BITCH OF A ...."
"BROTHER!!!!" Artemis said, punching her brother hard in the stomach before he could finish that statement. While he had no love for his own mother, calling his mother a whore would also be insulting everyone gathered, including himself. While many of his brothers and sisters were in the camp of their father, that didn’t mean they hated their mother as much as he did and would not be happy to hear of her referred to as such.
Quickly realizing his mistake, Ares quickly stopped his rant before taking a few deep breaths and turning to this younger sister of his.
"Your punches have gotten quite a bit stronger. I see my advice to work on your body and just ignore the hard thinking parts of ascension seemed to have worked for you," Ares said, rubbing the sore muscles that had suffered due to his sister’s punch.
’In the past her punch would be nothing but a tickle....’ Ares lamented before calling over some of his usual aids.
"Get your team ready to set out after the war council. Your scouting will be of the greatest of assistance for the upcoming battle. I wish to have constant eyes on the enemy at once. And send back word when you encounter father’s procession. I wish to greet him personally on his return to the fortress at Palamidi."
"At once brother," Artemis said before dashing off to contact her teams.
Ares watched his sister go before shaking his head.
"I suppose she would be ok. As long as she can take care of my house as well as she can manage her units..." Ares said in a voice that was both a whisper and yet not.
"You wound me with your words brother. Why am I not being offered a place at your house? I thought I had already earned the right..." Athena said, her golden armor glistening in the sunlight.
"You? Be a women of the home? Ha. You would sooner cute off your own hands than give up a blood filled battle field willingly," Ares said, laughing.
"Perhaps you are right. But to think you would favor sister Artemis in such a way is most concerning. You know how father feels about sibling marriage after all... Isn’t that why we must keep our own relationship a secret?" Athena said, sliding up close to Ares.
"Keep your voice woman. Do you want everyone to know of what we are?" Ares said, looking around as his generals were gathering close by.
"Relax yourself. I know better than anyone the end result of such a scandal. However, brother... I must ask that this question to don’t try to sly your way out from. How does sister Aphrodite know of the size of your member? Is there something you wish to tell me about?" Athena said, a dangerous tone to her voice.
"Ha. What does that slut know of my massive steel. You heard her disparage my massive rod. Isn’t that proof enough of her lack of knowledge? Now if you’ll excuse me dear sister. Plans much be made," Ares said before walking to the gathering generals, leaving Athena staring after the escaping man.
"You’re right. I know better than anyone just how unsatisfying your tiny weapon is. But since she seems to also know.... am I not the only woman making a move on you to collect your power? I didn’t think I would need to be wary of her of all people since she never seemed interesting in such affairs but it seems she is not to be trusted. I should see what she is up to before I am dragged away to the frontlines again," Athena said under her breath before heading in the direction Aphrodite had just vanished to.
...
Within Hera’s rooms, several of the kingdoms best healers had gathered, but the looks on their faces told her everything that needed to be said.
"So you’re saying it’s just a matter of time? If that’s all you can do for me... what is the point in keeping you alive?" Hera scowled, scaring the men and women who stood before her.
"We are sorry my Empress. But this shadow poison isn’t something we have ever seen before, much less would know how to treat. Had it not been for you, we wouldn’t even know what to call such a poison.... Still. There is some hope for you. We have the medical records of all of those of the past. We shall all go quickly to consult the old tombs and see if therein lines a cure. Please do not give up hope great Empress," the oldest man their said and bowed deeply as the other’s followed suit.
"UHG. Just leave before I change my mind," Hera said, drinking heavily of the liquor that she had grabbed on her way to the treatment center.
As they hurriedly ran off, an old woman, one who looked to have placed one foot in the grave already, approached her from the shadows, the cloth covering her eyes a dark contrast to the wide smile etched on the pale skin of her face.
"You already knew that they would be hopeless in this endeavor yet you called for them anyway? The old woman asked.
"It’s for the coverup later. They will be the perfect fallback if someone were to ask too many questions," Hera said removing the bandage on her side. Showing the old woman the dark and twisted skin that used to be the side of her abdomen, the old woman couldn’t help but gasp at the serious nature of the wound.
"Are you sure this kid is as special as you say?" the old woman asked, doubt clear in her voice.
"You should already know the answer to that, do you not?" Hera said with a laugh as she walked to the door to get the attention of a guard.
Before she could even open the door however, several women came into view, heading straight for her suite of rooms.
"Looks like something else has happened. I’ll leave you to it then after summoning the boy for you." The old woman took a step back and vanished, the shadows growing darker for a moment before returning to normal.
"Perhaps it’s time to see what exactly happened while I was away?" Hera laughed to herself, wondering just how much she could guess.
