The frazzled-looking woman crossed her arms as Andrew spoke, sticking her tongue between her teeth. Clearly wary of any form of trick, she hesitated in her answer, flicking her gaze from Andrew to his companions. Laying one hand on the rolled hide, her voice was far calmer, though still full of venom.
"If you're not working for Apollo - and I'm not sure I believe you anyway - you are far too close to him for me to allow you to lay hands upon such an item. Had I known the creature-girl was with you, I would never have offered it! Not for sale!"
Sliding the hide off the table, she wrapped it in heshan, before sliding it into a canvas bag. Lowering her voice, she leaned across the table, staring straight through Andrew.
"If you truly don't know about Apollo's little 'operation', I suggest you call the man yourself! If you speak to him, tell him Al-Qutbay watches over me like a hawk."
With that, she rather emphatically slapped her hand on the table, before reclining into a slouched pose and picking between her teeth, clearly done talking.
------------
The burly man raised an eyebrow at Prail's request to take the blade. Frowning as he finished the contract, he handed it to Prail, while retrieving the curved blade. Keeping a firm grip on it, he spoke.
"If it's an appraisal you're looking for, then I hope you don't mind if I keep hold of it while it's looked over. Can't be too careful these days. Who are you with? Have a read of the contract while we walk."
Looking round, he waited for Prail to point out her destination.
I [Sign Here] agree to serve Wudga de Vayland for a period of
92 Days
In the position of
Body-guard
At the appointed time of
- Upon Request -
For the total price of
- Bartered Item -
Failure to fulfill this contract will result in:
Immobilization until the bartered item is reclaimed.
Please mark blood and sign ---------
----------
Prometheus was glad to see Rias come quickly, and made a face regarding the woman.
"Geez, someone fell out of bed this morning. Did you find anything you were looking for? I don't think it's wise to split from the group - you're probably the most wanted out of all of us. We'll be leaving soon anyway."
Nodding to Nicole, he was impressed by her quick thinking regarding her transaction. Looking over to the apathetic individual in question, he raised his eyebrows, as if to motion for him to take the deal.
------
The bespectacled man perked up as soon as Nicole mentioned competition, immediately placing his hands upon the table and leaning forward, an excited shine in his eyes.
"Really? Any competition? Like fighting? How long will it last? If it's good enough you can have one of the phials - I don't know what it is, but I'm sure it's worth something?"
Seeming eager, his forearm muscles twitched in anticipation.
------
There was silence from Hymir's father, before very deliberate, and carefully spoken words emerged from the aether. His fathers tone dropped, and Hymir could hear the concentration in his voice.
"I cannot see those who you travel with, nor can Freyja, or the others. I suspect you are near something that hides you. Though they are capable fighters, do not place your trust in them. Much of their family is unaccounted for, or worse."
With a sigh, the concentration left his voice, to be replaced with a dull melancholy.
"Much of the world is dark to me, Hymir. Dark to all of us. Fight well; stay safe."
With that, the link was broken, and the sound of the marketplace flooded back into Hymir's ears.
"If you're not working for Apollo - and I'm not sure I believe you anyway - you are far too close to him for me to allow you to lay hands upon such an item. Had I known the creature-girl was with you, I would never have offered it! Not for sale!"
Andrew sighed, glancing around to ensure that no one caught the first part. Not that it mattered, if this woman got to it, she would probably tell the interested parties themselves.
Well, this was a waste of time.
He would have argued that, with the fact that he had no idea what Apollo was doing, where, or why, he couldn't be said to be close to the god either way, but the woman was clearly not going to care.
"Fine, if you're going to be that way, then I won't bother," he replied, eager to end the conversation and to leave. He bit his tongue, keeping him from calling her a crazy witch or something a lot more insulting.
No use being polite when she clearly isn't going to be.
However, she decided to speak again, because wasting his time wasn't enough.
"If you truly don't know about Apollo's little 'operation', I suggest you call the man yourself! If you speak to him, tell him Al-Qutbay watches over me like a hawk."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Andrew said, dismissive, as he turned away from her and walked away. He took note of what she said, but there was no reason to let her know that.
Perhaps I should call Apollo, to know what this little 'operation' is. I doubt he would even tell me, but it might be worth a try. Who is Al-Qutbay, though?
From the sound of it, some sort of middle-eastern god or person. Noting that Nicole was still busy dealing with someone -so she was having a lot more success than him now- he went over to Prometheus and Rias.
"Can I have the arrow back?" he asked, and motioned for the bag. "I'd like to remind myself of that the trip down here wasn't completely wasted. The woman I tried to make a deal with has an issue with my father, so she refused to sell me anything."
Should I let Prometheus know that I'll call him?
Andrew didn't know, but he got the phone he had gotten from Apollo from his backpack.
Well, I can at least give the man--- titan a fighting chance. If he wants to stop me, he can.
"If you'll excuse me, I'm heading outside for a little while," he said, knowing that he was probably making it rather obvious. "I have a phone-call to make."
"Really? Any competition? Like fighting? How long will it last? If it's good enough you can have one of the phials - I don't know what it is, but I'm sure it's worth something?"
"Yeah it works for fighting, helped me out in a number of scrapes," she replied "I'll try to keep it going as long as I can, but I can't honestly guarantee more than an hour at most."
She frowned for a second, unsure that she wanted a phial of god only knew what, and equally unsure of how to prove her powers efficacy. I guess I could just use it on him, he'd be able to feel it, people have said it makes them feel like running a marathon after all.
"Here why don't I just show you," she said, unfurling her wings invisibly behind her, concentrating briefly on delivering a blessing at full strength to the man "There, you should be feeling it now. If that's good enough then I guess I'll take the phial, though I'd like to know what it does, if that's not enough then I guess I'll just dismiss the effect and be on my way."
"Geez, someone fell out of bed this morning. Did you find anything you were looking for? I don't think it's wise to split from the group - you're probably the most wanted out of all of us. We'll be leaving soon anyway."
"She's not worth a second glance, and not really, the Son of Heimdallr seems to be in the process of voiding it out though" Rias said with a shrug "No matter, the fool will likely be back to try and finish the job later, I just need to stay on my guard till then." She said with a shrug, which it self said 'I'm used to it'. "Or do you really think I survived last year on luck or something?" She said taking offense to the implication she 'needed them'. Rias took a moment to let the irritation leave her tone. "When did I say I would join your group though? I don't recall saying I would, just that I was willing to make some kind of deal with you all." She asked, curious as to when she said she'd join them. "A certain member of your group a side, I'm not totally opposed to it mind you, Gods know I could use the kind of sleep you can only get when you feel safe enough, I just don't recall us ever coming to that agreement." She asked, her tone, surprisingly casual, a subtle clue she really was open to the idea of a 'team up'.
His arms folded, the man stuck his tongue between his teeth as he thought. Raising his eyebrows at Shiro, he sighed apologetically.
"Nothing new at least. Rumor has it most of them are shutting themselves off on some island. The older generation never did want any part in world affairs..."
A grim smile sprouted, and he nodded again to Shiro's sword.
"Though I don't know if I can speak for the younger generation! But I wouldn't put much stock in rumors in this day and age. Information is now a commodity. It wasn't always so."
Shrugging, the man pulled a fig from his pocket, and twisted off the stem.
"Anything else I can help with?"
-------
Prometheus handed Andrew back his arrow, careful to face the point away from him. Looking past Andrew's shoulder to the woman in question, the Titan narrows his lips.
"I'm not surprised. Your father has a lot of enemies - which I suppose means you have a lot of enemies. Whoever, you call, try not to let them know where we are. Or how many of us are with you."
The Titan figured he probably couldn't stop Andrew from calling, so he hoped he would at least be tactful about it. Shifting his attention back to Rias, Prometheus was surprised she had called his bluff. Clearly she was more astute than he gave her credit.
"We didn't, I just assumed you'd be smart enough to travel with the rare collection of people who don't want you captured. Jon isn't a threat, and while you managed a whole year, the world is getting smaller for fugitives. The more people that are taken out, the less there are to hide among..."
Looking over to Hymir, he called out, eager to leave.
"Are we good to go, Hymir?"
-------
The man in suspenders bunched his knuckles and arched his back, a smile across his face. He quickly began packing the table up into a small chest at his feet, muttering as he did so.
"Good, good, take the phial. I'm sorry I don't know what it does. I'm sure you'll find out. Best not to drink it though, I'd say."
Having placed all items within the chest, he quickly snapped a padlock onto it with a hastily scrawled note, before vaulting the table and leaving, with a skip in his step.
Andrew reclaimed the bag with the arrow in it, and put it into his backpack. The less obvious it was, the better, especially since he was likely going to be preoccupied for a while.
"I'm not surprised. Your father has a lot of enemies - which I suppose means you have a lot of enemies. Whoever, you call, try not to let them know where we are. Or how many of us are with you."
Prometheus didn't seem opposed to Andrew's intended action, and Andrew decided that was the other's blessing. At least, he figured the titan knew very well who he intended to call.
I mean, who else would I call?
"I won't," Andrew replied, and continued, muttering the latter part. "And I am not my father, his enemies shouldn't be mine. I don't have any intention of passing that woman's message on either."
With that, he stepped away from the group, hoping to find a place where he could talk without getting interrupted, or anyone listening in. Not that he intended to make it easy to know what he was talking about when he did, but it was good to be sure.
It seems like I won't get much privacy here, though.
Hesitantly, he motioned for Prometheus, making it clear that he was heading outside before leaving. Though it wasn't exactly the safest thing to do, Andrew was just eager to get it over with. Besides, the others wouldn't be too far behind. Finding the same bench as before, he sat down, choosing the only number in the phone-book.
Here I go.
Andrew thought to himself.
Hopefully he'll be in a better mood than I am. If not, this will end up being very unpleasant.
If, of course, Apollo even picked up. Andrew waited for the call to go through, intending to greet Apollo with a single statement.
It would be simple; "Hi, I don't know why I'm getting dragged into your problems, but I need you to tell me what you're doing," only worded with less hostility and annoyance, if still rather ambiguous and without mentioning his name.
"I cannot see those who you travel with, nor can Freyja, or the others. I suspect you are near something that hides you. Though they are capable fighters, do not place your trust in them. Much of their family is unaccounted for, or worse. Much of the world is dark to me, Hymir. Dark to all of us. Fight well; stay safe."
"Yes Father." Hymir said, nodding absentmindedly. However, as he said it his voice cracked slightly. In a twist of irony, Hymir was almost glad his father couldn't see him for his face had run pale. It was true then; The Asgard were on their last legs if even Heimdallr found himself blinded. They were scattered to the winds, leaderless, and their powers were fading. Ragnarok was no doubt nearing. He'd have to hurry.
Hymir heeded his father's warnings as well. He'd known the group was hunted by Zeus in one form or another so he at least trusted their motivations at least that far, but they'd made it clear that Loki's destruction was at best an alternative. For the time being their goals were aligned, but the seeds of dissent had been sown on the first day. Hymir would remain wary of the companions, trusting them and helping them as much as he could, but the moment Loki was broken and beaten before them, he'd slaughter the foe without pause no matter what tricks Loki used or what his allies thought. If they got in his way... he'd try not to kill them.
His thoughts were broken by Prometheus. "Are we good to go, Hymir?" Hymir turned and opened his eyes. He smiled widely and spoke. "Very nearly Shield-Brother. I must make the final arrangements with the woman for our information." he said, burying the thoughts of his Shield-Bothers and Sisters eventual, potential betrayal and what he'd need to do.
Making his way back over to the original shop, Hymir relayed the words of his father to the woman. "I have spoken with Heimdallr. He has agreed to give you passage, though he will inspect you himself to ensure there is no deception before allowing you passage over the Bifrost. So long as you're not trying to harm Asgard, there should be no issues."
"We didn't, I just assumed you'd be smart enough to travel with the rare collection of people who don't want you captured. Jon isn't a threat, and while you managed a whole year, the world is getting smaller for fugitives. The more people that are taken out, the less there are to hide among..."
"While all that is true, it also means there are less and less people to trust as well. As the 'pool' shrinks, those that remain become more desperate, more likely to appear friendly only to betray later." Rias said, and paused to let her words sink in. "I'm 'young', dear Titan, not stupid." Rias looked around the market a moment "The real question is, what are your designs for Loki? Simply hand him over for safety? Slay him, as I imagine the son of Heimdallr desires, or do you seek him to see if he's a means to fix the current state of the world?" she pondered her questions a bit "Though you should probably wait to answer those till we're away from such a questionable place. In any event, one can not sort through the betrayers from the potential allies without extending some measure of trust, so I agree to joining your group." Rias said turning back toward the Titan. 'So long as it continues to benefit me anyway' she thought as she extended her hand to seal the deal with a hand shake.
"The Shinto Gods? Nothing new at least. Rumor has it most of them are shutting themselves off on some island. The older generation never did want any part in world affairs..."
Shiro sighed. "Alright then, thanks anyway." He should have guessed it wouldn't be that easy to hear about their whereabouts, though even if he did find them, what would he say to them, let alone his father?
He glanced over at the stacks of books. "You wouldn't happen to have any books on samurai or the like, do you? I think I'd like to get something before I leave."
"Good, good, take the phial. I'm sorry I don't know what it does. I'm sure you'll find out. Best not to drink it though, I'd say."
"...Right," she said, inspecting the phial before carefully stowing it away. Well I basically got it for free, but for all I know it's acid or poison or something. Maybe one of the others can figure it out, Prommy or Andrew might know.
That thought in mind she rejoined the others, Andrew looked to be busy on the phone but Prometheus at least seemed to be free. She held up the phial as she approached him, hoping he would recognize it by sight. Unlikely, there are tons of nonmagical black liquids, but you never know.
"Hey," she said "I basically got this for free, but the merchant couldn't tell me what it was other than I probably shouldn't drink it, do you have any clue as to what it might be?"
Andrew heard the line ring, before a click, followed by a moment of static. The static then faded, to be replaced by a familiar voice.
"Andrew! What a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?"
Andrew could hear numerous voices in the background, accompanied by what sounded to be the ambiance of a crowded office-space.
-----
The woman flashed Hymir a smile as he strode back to relay the information. Putting her hands together, she nodded politely as he spoke, rolling her shoulders.
"I'm no threat to anyone, I assure you. That all sounds reasonable. Now, as for Loki..."
Ripping a page from her sketch-book, she produced a pencil, and quickly sketched an outline of the South-American continent. Tracing in the modern country lines, she circled the intersection of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Looking back at Hymir, she looked him up and down, before motioning him to come closer. Tearing off a strip of paper from the top, she wrote down a phone number, passing it into his hand.
With a wink, she spoke.
"Don't think I'm crushing on you - call me when you're at least on the continent and I'll let you know if he's moved about. Don't let anyone else get their hands on this phone number. And this conversation never happened."
Recoiling to an upright position, she smiled, before waving him away.
"Pleasure doing business with you."
------
The old man pulled a wood-bound book from his table. The bindings were of the traditional chinese style - the paper double folded to accommodate for the strong, dark ink. The wood was dyed faint blue. Thumbing to the title page, he showed Shiro the elegantly written Japanese script.
Hidden by the Leaves.
A gift for the Lord of Storms,
From his retainer, Hachiman
Noticing Prometheus summoning the others, the man pressed the book into Shiro's hand, remarking -
"For free. You've given me quiet conversation - something that is more valuable than much of what is on display. I think your friend is looking for you though."
----
The Titan nodded in silent agreement with Rias. His plans for Loki were as yet undisclosed to the rest of the group - in particular Hymir - and he planned to keep it that way for as long as possible. He was glad Rias understood the necessity - she was aware of the constant danger perhaps more than anyone.
Taking her hand, he shook it firmly, maintaining eye contact. Although the Titan wanted to keep out of harms way as much as possible, his insatiable curiosity had the better of him - and he wanted to see her fight.
Switching his attention to Nicole, Prometheus brought his gaze level with the bottle, and gave it a few sharp taps on the side. A few bubbles could be seen to appear, before rising to the top and disappearing. Looking at Nicole, he shrugged.
"I have no idea. Not drinking it seems a given. But if it's free, it's free. I'm sure you'll find some use for it; if at least saying it's valuable and trading again!"
He gave her a grin, before cocking his head in the direction Andrew went.
"Andrew alright? I'm not sure how equipped we're going to be if he poisons another group of people."
Noticing Prail move away from the contract-peddler, he hailed her over.
"Prail! If you're finished market-hunting, I think we should get moving."
-----
The man frowned at Prail, crossing his arms. Clearly he thought he had made the sale.
"Absolutely not, I cannot replicate a contract like this! If you want your friends to look over it, that's fine with me, but if you're not ready to sign, then kindly take your business elsewhere!"
His veneer of charm and friendliness had quickly slipped away, and Prail could detect the deep reservoir of rage beneath his skin - his muscles twitched like that of a frenzied bear, and his eyes had tinged a light-red.
"Pleasure doing business with you." the woman finished. Hymir took the papers, smiled, and replied. "Likewise. Safe travels."
Hymir quickly memorized the phone number then - not having a source of fire nearby - shrugged, crumpled up the paper, and threw it into his mouth; swallowed it. Making his way back to the group he smiled and spoke up. "We need to get a map of South America and some plane tickets." he said before holding up the sketch. "When we get closer, I've got a phone number for more detailed information."
"Andrew! What a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?"
Andrew wasn't sure what the noises were, he could make out some voices and steps and so on, but nothing accurate enough to let him know where it was, or if it was a bad time to be calling. However, he figured that Apollo would have sense enough to let him know.
I still shouldn't mention anything about where I am, or with who.
Just in case, of course.
"Hi, dad, I'm sorry if this is a bad time, but I need to know something."
That's a good start.
Andrew thought to himself. He had a lot of questions, more than he had expected when deciding to call. What was Apollo doing? Did Andrew being on the list bother Apollo at all? Because Andrew was very doubtful that the god didn't know. And, in that case, why hadn't the other called him to let him know about that development?
I'm not sure I want the answer to the last one.
Regardless, he spoke, ensuring that he wouldn't be bothered by people around him, and attempting to keep a more friendly tone than he wanted.
"Why am I on the list? The only reason I can come up with is because you are, and considering that you never warned me or let me know that I'm suddenly in a lot of danger, I do think you owe it to me to let me know what it is you're doing." He paused for a moment, letting some people walk past him and ensuring that he was once again completely calm -as well as attempting to sound less judgemental- before he continued.
"Please. I've just been called "spawn of the wretched", and I have a feeling this is not the last time whatever you are doing is going to make life difficult for me. Knowing would at least allow me to understand why."
Shiro cautiously took the book, bowing politely. "Thank you very much, Sir. I will take good care of it."
Putting it away in his bag, Shiro bowed one more time before returning to the others. He couldn't help but overhear Prometheus's words, and wonder if his family had any enemies. Orochi, it seemed, was willing to let bygones be bygones, so...
Pushing aside those thoughts for now, he cleared his throat to get their attention.
"Andrew alright? I'm not sure how equipped we're going to be if he poisons another group of people."
"You know better than to think he'd do something like that," she said, rolling her eyes, she looked back down at the dark vial "I wonder if he'll be able to tell what this stuff is though."
"I'm ready to go, how about everyone else?"
"Yeah I'm ready to head out," she said, "I'll probably need to find a less conspicuous way to wear this armor, at least if I intend to have it on everywhere we go, but between it and the vial of mystery juice I made off pretty nicely, what about you Shiro?"
It was a big market and with all the strange things on display it made it hard not to wonder what the others had managed to acquire. Andrew had gotten a silver arrow certainly, though Prail seemed to have haggled her way out of being able to buy at least one item. She really should have just tried to take the deal as offered.
Still she could only wonder if what they had managed to purchase would be enough, the journey ahead was not likely to be pleasant so they had to be as prepared as they could.
Prometheus whirled to look at Hymir - he had yet to get used to the rather abrupt manner of speaking, and his requests sounded more like orders than proposed plans. Looking at the map, Prometheus made a mental note that he thought his map was far superior. Nevertheless, while trying to catch a glimpse of the person Hymir obtained it from, the Titan agreed.
"I assume this is about Loki? Pursuing him fulfills several needs - movement, a goal, information. If we're taking a plane, you'll need to find a way to excuse your weapons. Actually, that goes for most of us..."
Looking over to Shiro as he approached, the Titan nodded.
"I believe so. I was just mentioning that we may need an explanation as to why we're carrying weapons. Any ideas?"
As Prail addressed him, he turned out his hands, indicating they were empty. Revealing the trace of the cut from earlier, he quickly withdrew it under his sleeve. Prail still scared him, just a little bit.
"Me? I like to rely on my good-looks and charm. I take it your transaction didn't go too well..."
Noticing everyone had gathered, save Andrew, Prometheus motioned for them to follow him.
Leading them back up the stairs, they emerged once again in Paddington station. Giving a short wave to Andrew, Prometheus cocked his head away from the rails as a train roared in to stop. Noticing a churro a stall, the Titan quickly paced over, fumbling in his pockets for change. Returning with several piping-hot cinnamon sticks, he offered them to the group, munching happily.
-----
Silence met Andrew on the line, save for the mildew of indistinguishable voices in the background. A sigh, and then Apollo's voice came through, hushed and stressed in an effort to stay quiet.
"Make no mistake, Andrew, if I was already dead you would still be on the list. I'm afraid it looks like we backed the wrong horse. I am sorry for not contacting you - I was hoping they would have larger fish to fry, giving me more time to organize something. But...things crop up."
The voices grew louder, and Andrew heard Apollo muffle the phone, as he shouted for silence. He returned to the conversation no longer accompanied by office-sounds.
"The wretched? That's a bit harsh. While I may not have acted decisively before the rapture, I assure you I'm doing the right thing. Unfortunately, when you take a side, you alienate anyone else not rallied to your cause. I assume you spoke to one of Qutbay's people - if it was Zeus's we wouldn't be having this conversation. He's just a business adversary - good chap, and I doubt he would bring harm to you."
Another pause, before a female voice jut in.
"Sir, you have several calls waiting, one of them from Dis - "
"Yes, yes, one moment. Sorry Andrew - I have to go. Oh! You'll be pleased to know that I've organized protection for your gal-pal. Not that she's in danger! Just a precaution. Don't say I never do anything. I have to g-"
The line cut early, and Andrew was left holding a silent phone.
After shaking the Titan's hand Rias simply waited in silence, barring the odd yawn, for them to get going. At least until the son of Heimdallr came up to then stating he had a rough idea and a map of where Loki was supposedly at. South America it seemed. Good to know she'd heard right but there was no point no in bringing it up, since the son of Heimdallr had a map and a number to supposedly call when they got there.
Not long after the group headed up the stairs and back to the station where the son of Apollo was talking on the phone with some one. Before she could ponder to deeply on it, the Titan handed her a Churro. While the gesture surprised her, she still accepted it, thanked him, and began to much away on it, the tip of her tail flicking back and forth a little, in that 'this pleases me' manner cats tended to do.
"Make no mistake, Andrew, if I was already dead you would still be on the list. I'm afraid it looks like we backed the wrong horse. I am sorry for not contacting you - I was hoping they would have larger fish to fry, giving me more time to organize something. But...things crop up."
"I understand, it's okay," was Andrew's only reply to that.
He wasn't sure what else to say to something like this, but Apollo had apologized, and that was something. It wasn't much of an explanation, and he certainly had a suspicion that he wouldn't get to know any actual details. Still, there was one thing that stuck with him.
I'd be on the list if Apollo was dead? Why?
To him, that was an odd thought. Surely he was on the list because of Apollo, either as a way to get to the god, or because he was believed to be working with him. If not... there was another reason for Andrew being on the list? But... that made no sense.
No use worrying over that now, I suppose. No matter what, I'm on the list.
Regardless of what Prometheus wanted, it would likely stay that way. Andrew couldn't see himself trusting Zeus, and certainly not doing another quest for the god.
"The wretched? That's a bit harsh. While I may not have acted decisively before the rapture, I assure you I'm doing the right thing. Unfortunately, when you take a side, you alienate anyone else not rallied to your cause. I assume you spoke to one of Qutbay's people - if it was Zeus's we wouldn't be having this conversation. He's just a business adversary - good chap, and I doubt he would bring harm to you."
"Yeah, I---"
"Sir, you have several calls waiting, one of them from Dis - "
"Yes, yes, one moment. Sorry Andrew - I have to go. Oh! You'll be pleased to know that I've organized protection for your gal-pal. Not that she's in danger! Just a precaution. Don't say I never do anything. I have to g-"
More questions on his mind, though one was a lot more urgent than the others.
Gal-pal?
Andrew asked himself. He would have thought Nicole, but she was here, and he hadn't seen any protection around her. Did that mean that it was for Kirsten?
I don't know. I hope it is.
Andrew shook his head. That didn't matter either, as long as he kept in touch with her and made sure she was okay. He ignored the urge to send a message now, he would do it later, when he felt less... involved in something he didn't want to be involved in at all.
"I assure you I'm doing the right thing."
Andrew wanted to believe that. Perhaps he did. Besides, that might not matter, not if he was on the list for a different reason. Still, he went through the information he had received in his mind. He put the phone in his pocket, closing his eyes to visualize the information better in his mind.
He's pushing for a different cause than Zeus and this Qutbay, who was a business adversary. Apollo had planned to organize something, what something? Talking to me? Or something else?
It sounded like the god was rather busy, which he supposed was understandable.
I still don't know what his thing is, is he working against Zeus? Or is he simply doing something Zeus don't approve of?
Whatever it was, it sounded like it was something a lot bigger than what Andrew and the group was up to, simply protecting themselves.
Speaking of which, there they were, finally done with their "shopping". Noticing Prometheus motioning for him to come over, he did, grabbing one of the cinnamon sticks as he addressed the others.
"So, anything new? Do we know where we're going next?"
Andrew took a rather large bite of the cinnamon stick -it was clear that he'd need more than that to get rid of the hunger- and waited, choosing not to mention anything about what Apollo had said. After all, if they managed to get the Norse trickster, yet decided that Loki wasn't enough of a prize to make Zeus happy, would his father be next?
I don't know.
It kept coming to that. Andrew's facial expression was unreadable, he was still considering every little detail, fragments of emotions and expressions shut behind a temporary guard of distantness.
Nicole followed along as they left, and gladly indulged herself in a cinnamon stick when offered one. I suppose I still owe Andrew a burger, not that that fits with his diet but I doubt we should be worrying about stuff like that one this trip. Again she found herself wondering what they might face, people had died on their last trip, friends, and she wasn't about to let that happen again. We'd better be prepared for what's ahead now.
Glancing over at Andrew she noticed his blank expression, and began to approach him when he spoke.
"So, anything new? Do we know where we're going next?"
Good question. She turned towards Prometheus, waiting to hear what the answer was.
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