Mark of a God

[John]

John Summers stood at the edge of The Gods territory, waiting on the man... "Unfettered" his old fellow S.H.C.P to show up. Summers himself was a little more than suspicious about the personal request from Hades for him to show up.

Summers had moved his ballistics fox mask to the left side of his face, leaving one of his dark red eyes exposed along with half of his face. He was smoking while he waited.

["Unfettered"]

BECAUSE TRANSITIONS ARE INTERESTING

The German arrived in a clean change of clothes. Clearly there was a story to his massive trip behind the Dragons territory, simply to bypass all of the Barker territory, but it was all negligible.

The roar of the motorcycle came to an anticlimatic end and the German hopped off it, locking his suitcase and his bike next to metal pole... trapped behind a brick building.

Catching sight of John, the German would hop on over in his uniform and grin.

"Herr Ong.

"It's been a while."

[John]

John watched Winters make his way around, listening to Winters speak a grin crossed his face.

"Nice bike."

he ignorred the statement for a minute, before turning to face the territory they where about to enter.

"You sure about this?"

Yeah John was concerned. He didn't know anything about what may have happened after the battle between everyone and these Gods, but he knew Winters was directly responsable for almost crippling Hades. Under her orders.

["Unfettered"]

"HAHA, NEIN"

"Danke, Ich... borrowed one of ze spare ones Delilah fixed up und kept in Crows' garage," the German would smile, choosing not to make further commentary on how awful his first ride on a the bike up here was.

At John's concern, the German would laugh.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA"

A lot.

"---HAHAHAHAHAHALet's get zis over vith," the German abruptly changed, choosing not to let anything more than a pleasant smile etch itself on his face. Unless Mr. Ong chose to, "Unfettered" would lead the way, in all black, and cursing the goddamned sun...

...And his need to be terribly illogical.

There was no hiding here, so the German walked "confidently" through, willing to stop at the first sign of a God or any underling, quick to heil hail them with a salute.

[John]

John was going to finish his cigarette, but it seemed "Unfettered" had a different idea, so he'd follow the guy. It'd only take about five minuts of walking before everything started to look... Very well taken care of, rebuilt, shiny in some aspects, and the people wearing traditionally old clothes depending on their allegience or worship. Spreading between old greece, Egyption, or Norse. A few random Irish/Scottish and British here and there.

Sooner or later though a young man wearing that all too familier shiny green armor would walk up, carrying a staff with a glass of wine on the end of it.

"Well, well. It seems a visit from some old adversaries is in order."

The young Dionysus would say.

["Unfettered"]

A Drink Would Be Nice

The culture... was well tended to. The repairs, impeccable, the cleanliness good. The clothes of the people though, peaceful as most appeared to be, was the most interesting aspect. In perfect recognition of the Gods' influence, the German would nod at any passersby that gave him a look. After all... aside from some tweaks to his own apparel, the German may have appeared to come out of World War II.

And if wearing clothes was representative to what one believed in in this land, then it raised questions as to what exactly "Unfettered" prayed to.

---The German would halt and stare ahead. For assurances sake, he would look to his flanks so as to give Herr Ong a nod. A note of confidence. Then he'd turn and bow from the waist up with his hand over his chest to the green-armored man...

...With the glass of wine in one hand.

"Old, old adversaries indeed... Dionysius?"

It was rude, but the German couldn't recall if indeed he had met this particular individual or no. However, without breaking, the German would raise himself and nod, approvingly of the God.

"In spite of zis, Ich am genuinely glad to see your lands well kept und your people in good health," the German smiled.

[John]

Dionysus would put the cane to the floor and lean over it, the wine being shifted in the glass to one side as he smiled. They never having met personally, though at one time sharing a love interest in her. She talked about him back then, so he felt like he knew him. He'd give an acknowledging lowering of his head to the two.

"Eh, call me Dion. I'm not so far gone to actually believe I'm a God."

He'd raise a hand.

"I'm sure though since you two are here, its time to talk business. From the perspective's of Mr. Asiv, and, who do you represent? Thrush was it?"

John simply kept to himself, finishing off his cigarette, in honesty he was here to deliver a message and make sure "Unfettered" was treated fairly.

["Unfettered"]

Progress & Change

The way in which Dion held himself was a glaring reminder. The cane, the simple but extraordinary elegance. This man was not Hades, but there was a strange level of charisma about him nonetheless.

"Eh, call me Dion. I'm not so far gone to actually believe I'm a God."

This prompted a playful chuckle.

So many years ago... They may as well have been Gods in his eye(s).

Also, because if the "n" was removed in Dion's name, it would be "Dio."

"MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA
MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA
MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA"

---Italian for God. He wondered if Dion was part, maybe even full-blooded Italian.

"I'm sure though since you two are here, its time to talk business. From the perspective's of Mr. Asiv, and, who do you represent? Thrush was it?"

Warmly, the German would walk the rest of the way so as not to push Dion any further on his cane and firmly took his hand, shaking it.

"'Unfettered,' now.

"'Unfettered' of Crows. Ich am here to represent them to discuss business und negotiations in general."

And Militia. And other things. But the German would keep it concise for now. When Dion decided to break off the handshake (or if it was done simultaneously), the German would stand back, placing his hand on his hip in a fist. An affirming nod.

"Ich am prepared."

[John]

"All right then."

Dion would take the hand shake, and lead them to the actual man made mount olympus, up the stairs to the plateu of a top with thrones. Zeus, Posiedon, Hades, and Athena sat in their respective thrones. Yet many an empty seat was about. Dionysus being a minor god made his way to the pool of Aphrodite to hit on the nymphs.

Zeus would wave for Unfettered and John to step into the center. Posiedon stared at John, while Hades and Zeus watched Unfettered.

["Unfettered"]

Ausländer

With a smile, the German would walk up the stairs, looking back to make sure Herr Ong was fine. Otherwise, he'd distract himself by observing the buildings... and the people. Beautiful. Strange. Different. The German looked on down to his own attire and laughed at how he was very much the imposing foreigner.

They climbed for a ways up a man-made mountain, to which the German's eye raised. The Gods version of Mount Olympus was... incredible. He made sure to pace himself so as not to become short of breath, lest he lose his composure. And then they arrived.

The air was cleaner, so high in the elevation... and thinner. And the people that he looked upon were incredible to view upon. He only recognized a few as the German himself wasn't truly active in all of the battles with the Gods... just the first one.

And then, the one unmistabkly built with the form of a God himself, Zeus, would wave him over. At this the German would give singular wave back and a very low, waist-level bow for a good five seconds. When he erected himself, there was a very obvious smile on his face and he would walk to the center piece, casting his attention to the one God he did know for certain.

And he wondered what this man thought of him now, so many years later after the fact.

"Greetings. Ich am 'Unfettered', co-founder and representative of Crows. Ich am here on ze grounds of diplomacy."

[John]

"Well met, Unfettered of Crows."

Zeus would say as he looked to his brother and then to the boy with the hammer.

"I am John Summers. Simple representative for Zack Asiv."

Zeus would nod at this.

"Tell me then, Unfettered, what are your means of diplomacy?"

Poseidon's knuckles where turning white at his grip to his own throne's arm rests.

["Unfettered"]

Honor The Past

The German would nod in support as Herr Summers announced himself.

"Tell me then, Unfettered, what are your means of diplomacy?"

The German would bow again, before speaking, solemn being the key tone in his voice.

"Mein means are mein vords.

"Ich am here to negotiate for an alliance.

"Zat does not mean that ve have forgotten our old standing.

"Years prior, Crows, which is heavily derived from Public High School #259 was at odds with you, the Gods. Ve vere ze equivalents of mortal enemies. Ve have fought each uzzer on multiple occasions. Ve are old foes.

"Und then... the missiles came."

He stopped to frown. He stared off, away, into the sky. The small planets that could shine through their muddied atmosphere.

"By extraordinary comparison, our old differences are petty by comparison."

And here, the German would crease his eye closed and smile quietly. And perhaps strangely... admiringly. He would begin to walk around the center piece, waving his arm, gesturing to beyond the mountain.

"Ze lands du have cultivated are beautiful. Peaceful. Ze strength of the Gods is admirable und to be feared. While you protect them, your people are at peace. Perhaps the Gods hold no need for ze strength of Crows.

"Yet as Ich have stated, Ich am not here to dismiss old grievances, but rather to accept them. Particularly of which ist Barker, who has made not only transgressions to all of humanity, but ze Gods as well, ja?"

The German would continue to pace about, holding his head low, his eye downcast, speaking as fluidly as possible.

"Ich have no doubt du have learn of what lays beyond, as ve have. Barker has staked his claim on ze entire world. He encroaches on us all, threatening us, threatening our people. Yet, Ich have learned zat Crows holds ze key. What Barker seeks. What he shall make himself vulnerable to. Und he shall pour upon us all ze lives he has thralled."

But here, the German's eye grew downcast and he frowned, his eye sly.

...And he turned away.

"Barker outnumbers us all. It may be good council yet to let us, Crows, flounder und die. But if du do, with his goal achieved, he will then have all ze time to focus on ze world. It may be better council, then, to surrender and negotiate to Barker on good standing. Und while Ich would never want to see the Gods fall to disparity, life is more valuable than pride, is it not?"

He looked back with the profile of his face, arms crossed over chest. A tentative smile on his face.

How would the God-King, Zeus, react?

[John]

As "Unfettered" spoke, Zeus listened rather intently picking apart the double meanings and hidden truths. Though it was smart of him, considering the information he was hinting at would be vital to the destruction of Barker and all his ilk.

"Then you suggest we throw our differences to the wind, and join forces to bring Barker to justice?"

Posiedon would stand from his throne into his water pool and begin approaching, only stopped when Hades sped to in front of him.

John would be looking at the exchange.

["Unfettered"]

Words of the Gods

The German would not move from where he stood, as he looked on at the Gods. The way in which Poseidon began moving towards him, only to be stopped by Hades... suggested...

"Ja," replied the German simply, closing his eye with a nod.
[1/9/2013 10:56:07 PM] Leon Sudeki: Zeus would wave and Posiedon would simply grimace and turn his back to the audience, where as Hades, shrugged and walked to his throne.

Hades would speak up at this point.

"I am in favor. As we have learned the world is basically dark, no leadership to speak of and what is out there is nothing more than minor resistance compared to the forces assembled by Barker."

Zeus still wasnt convinced.

"Please, like he could stand up to our might."

Athena however closed her eyes and lowered her head slightly.

"Even with all of the Gods and our forces being combined, we are heavily outnumbered and under manned. Would we have them know of our mortality?"

Zeus would ponder for a simple moment.

"I suspect you have a suggestion on how we should pool our resources then? Unfettered of Crows?"
[1/9/2013 11:26:37 PM] Michael De Vera: The German would raise up his hands and look at them.

"Undoubtedly, Barker's forces are formidable."

He raised up his left hand and balled it into a fist, but his eye was cool, his demeanor calm as his fist began to shake.

"Ze might of the Gods as vell as your peace in ze area makes you a natural threat."

And in kind, the German raised up his right hand and balled that too into a fist, with a bit of a smirk.

"Und so too, Crows has raised in the past year a force that has been raised by mein personal vanguard of veterans. Und so too have ve recruited the local populace of police and veterans of Americas wars to advise us. In the south we have made usage of our oceanic resources and have gained a sense of self-sufficiency in our force."

Slowly, with emphasis, he brought his two fists together, his biceps flexing. The strength of both.

"Ve have between us, that has taken over the central populaces. The aggressive Barker, who wishes to take over all would surely target all of the independent forces that have risen outside of his rule.

"Ve have a multitude of resources available to us. Ve have our own forces. Ve have our allies. Ve have our food. Und ve have our information network. Und ve hope to begin developing our diplomacy network.

"As you may known of our acquaintences to the east, ze Dragons have not yet been secured in an alliance, but vith reason... they should approach du soon vith vords bandying peace und a commonality against Barker as vell."

The German smiled.~

"It ist vith utmost emphasis, before anyzing else und above all else... Ve are not alone."

There was an ominous twinge to his words. But it spoke of optimistic hope... as he lowered his hands calmly back to his sides.
[1/9/2013 11:31:03 PM] Leon Sudeki: "The Dragons have made their peace with us, in trade and the like. One even joined our ranks to solidify our alliance."

Athena spoke, then seemingly got an idea.
[1/9/2013 11:31:20 PM] Leon Sudeki: "Maybe one of you should join us as well and become a god."
[1/9/2013 11:32:35 PM] Leon Sudeki: Posiedon would finally stomp one of his feet causing the floor to rumble.

"No! I can stand the Dragon, but this one, who wears my old armor! I will not stand for it!"

Hades would speak this time.

"You should feel honored brother, your junk is still useful."
[1/9/2013 11:39:53 PM] Michael De Vera: The German bowed, and swept his arm across his waist as he did... bowing low to the ground slowly and deliberately.

"Zis sorry fool or a mortal ist only good to be a mortal. Instead, Ich vould perhaps like to find du a canidate vorthy of such immortaility.

"...But..."

He raised his head. Heavily and quite seriously.

"Perhaps in immediacy, Ich can afford zis body of mein und temporarily loan it to Poseidon. So zat he can wreck upon it his vengeance."

...There was no hesitation in his eye. He began to stand up, proudly.

"As a Zero of Crows, as "Unfettered" of Crows und Militia, of 259, it vould be mein honor und pleasure to placate ze Gods vith mein blood."
[1/9/2013 11:46:16 PM] Leon Sudeki: Posiedon thought on it, Athena spoke.

"How about... You bring us a candidate, and should they prove worthy, there will be no need for blood. Yet should they fail, you both will bleed."
[1/9/2013 11:47:52 PM] Michael De Vera: The German raised his brow. Intrigued.

"By 'both'... du do mean Lord Poseidon und Ich?"

To bleed because of one another. To bleed for each other...

...'Blood Brothers'?
[1/9/2013 11:50:25 PM] Leon Sudeki: Athena nodded.

Zeus clapped his hands and Hades chuckled.

"I think that sounds good enough."

Zeus spoke up that time.
[1/9/2013 11:52:55 PM] Michael De Vera: The German nodded cordially.

"Ich as vell. At Poseidon's acceptance, Ich vould find zat more than acceptable."
The two forces would bid their adieus... and then the German would collect John Ong to follow after him. What awaited them was a long bike ride back home...

And much pondering on a potential canidate.