Thanks to the few of you who reviewed. I know this chapter's short, but the next will be longer!
The leather clad godling appeared in his Uncle's temple. The priests who worked there had retired for the day, leaving the latest offering on the alter. Strife swiped an apple from the pile of exotic fruits, throwing it up and catching it easily. He giggled to himself as he tossed it again.
"Strife?"
Strife froze. The apple, now forgotten, let out a splat as it hit the stone floor. Strife gave an annoyed sigh and turned around. Sitting gracefully on Ares' throne, dressed in her usual black leather, was Eris. She tilted her head in a way that reminded Strife of Aphrodite. He smiled at the thought of his somewhat ditzy aunt. Oh, how his mother would hate to hear that she held any similarities toward her half sister.
"What's so funny?"
Her irritating voice wiped the smile off of Strife's face.
"Nothing,"he replied, holding back his fiery comment about her face.
She stood up and strode over to Strife, looking at her son, eye-to-eye. Stretching her arm out, she touched Strife's midnight black hair.
"I thought I told you to cut it. It's too long." Strife stepped out of her reach, crossing his arms. She frowned. "What's wrong now? Ares said you've been acting odd lately."
Strife glanced at his mother, seeing a small hint of concern in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced with anger.
"Strife? An-"
A flash of light lit up the room as Ares appeared. The Great God of War looked toward his twin, then to his nephew. He gave them a brief smile as he sat in his throne.
"Discord?" Eris slunk over to her brother, running her hands through his dark hair.
"Yes?" She purred.
"Hercules is headed to Corinth. He's visiting his dear old buddy, King Jason. It seems that old Kingy has been having some problems with warlords."
Strife smirked. "Yeah so? Can't his army take care of it?"
Ares glared at his nephew for a moment, before continuing.
"So, those warlords work for me. Dareus is one of my best men. Look, I don't want Hercules on his trail, got it?"
Eris smiled. "So you want me to stir up a little trouble for our dear brother? How fun!"
"Yes, that's what I had in mind."
"Alright then. Wait..."She glanced toward Strife,"Am I taking the runt too?"
"Runt?!" Strife snapped to attention. "Who are you calling 'runt', you-"
"No. He's staying here. With me."
Strife shut up. Oops. Calling mum names is one thing, but pissing off Uncle Ares is a one way trip to Tartarus.
Sneering at her son one more time, Eris disappeared.
"Strife."
"Yes," he thought for a moment,"Sir."
"Let's go...take a walk."
Strife gave a small smile, not knowing what to expect.
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