Chapter 33

Ever since Valentine's Day, Sho had been taking Aki's advice seriously. Kyoko and Kuon were certain that he didn't remember anything that had happened that day, but it was really strange not having him hounding her every step of the way. She couldn't help, but ask herself if he truly didn't remember being turned into a marble statue and back. Although, he did make a really great work of art. Something that her sisters would have been impressed with.

Ever since that week, each of the deities that had participated in the show had felt the wondrous results and slowly building infusion of power it caused. Of course they had seen and watched the Muses and their godly mates grace that stage. They had watched as they celebrated, danced, and joined in the music. Many were now suspecting exactly what had happened that day and there had been several small altars built by many musicians that had participated in the festival and Reino was leading the charge. He was enlightening them, training them on how to respect what was granted them, and Kyoko could feel the pull of their worship of Aoidḗ. She and her sisters hadn't felt this powerful in ages and they most certainly didn't need to go to their fans, they were coming to them.

Fans, now that was certainly a new concept for the muses. The power the fans were infusing in them was far more potent than the fear they had distilled in the past. They were being worshiped for being themselves instead of out of the fear of punishment. The few they had at the moment, were far more devoted than their followers of the past. It was exhilarating.

Lory snickered at what Ruto had informed him of on Valentine's Day. It had been a long time since he had witnessed something like that and certainly not from one of his favorite daughters. She had actually reversed a punishment and Deimos had been directly responsible for the achievement. Something like that was quite a fête on his part. He somewhat expected her to argue with him or, at least disappear for a few days at such a suggestion, but no. She actually conceded and instead of Fuwa decorating the lobby of Akatoki in marble, he was walking around freely still recording his now mediocre music.

What was even more wonderful, was the fact that his plan was working wonderfully. The first that had been affected by the celebration had been the three Muses, and Aphrodite and Ares' sons. The infusion of power was incredible. He could only imagine what they had felt like being at ground zero for the event. The brief mention of his existence to the Fuwa boy and Sho's realization, had spiked his own power for a moment before the mortal's mind had been cleared. Although, it wasn't exactly the kind of recognition that he desired. He was looking for the steady infusion that the children were creating and siphoning to the others, through their own existence and accomplishments.

Mortals nowadays were far more difficult to convince of something like this... gods and goddesses, but when they did it was so much more potent than in yesteryear. The steady influx that the fans were creating from the little makeshift shrines, were just what the deities needed and it would continue for years to come as the music and other forms of entertainment were listened to and watched over and over.

"Now for the next big step." Lory thought out loud as he skimmed over the proposal that had been submitted by the noted director. Lory had been a bit skeptical that Ren could control himself with Kuon's past and temper, but he was even more worried about his temper coming out as Deimos. Would he actually be able to control himself in such a situation? He didn't want him to expose himself and throw the entire plan off, on the set of Tragic Marker, along with having it all recorded on film for posterity. Certainly they needed the recognition, but he didn't want it to be so entirely blatant and obvious. What could he do to prevent such a situation?

He watched the little images of Aoidḗ, Deimos, and Sho again. He smiled mischievously when he noticed that the cooler head that prevailed in that situation had been Deimos. He laughed. "Why didn't I think of that before? It's perfect." Of course it was, they calmed each other. They contained each other. All he needed to do, is figure out a way to make sure that they stayed together during the filming and they could work out their issues during that time without interference. Kuon/Deimos still had issues he was still dealing with regarding his mortal childhood, and Kyoko/Aoidḗ, was still dealing with how the arrogant little mortal and many others over time, had used her and abused her and her blessings. She needed to see that she had worth for something other than being a muse, that she could accomplish something on her own.

Deimos needed to see that the past didn't make you who you are, it is what you did with yourself afterward that did. He needed to accept his mistakes. He needed to see that there were some situations that were engraved in stone by the fates. Not even Zeus himself could change what the fates decided, not that he hadn't tried many times. The only thing one could do is accept it and move on.

Yukihito/Phobos still did not approve of Ren/Deimos doing Tragic Marker as Cain Heel. He could understand the underlying reason for it. If Deimos had problems with the part or, if he became too overwhelmed by the character, they wouldn't make the Ren-Cain connection. Method actors had been conquered by lesser characters before. The history of theater was rife with method actors that became too submerged in their characters and couldn't break free. It made Phobos a little nervous thinking about what could possibly happen if there was no one there to catch his brother if he fell. He hoped that Zeus had a plan for something like that.

He was still fuming as he sifted through the contracts and offers in his office, while Cain Heel went through his identity testing. Yuki rolled his eyes at the ridiculousness of the entire situation. Of course his brother could do this, he was Kuon/Ren/Deimos and now Cain Heel. Just thinking about it was making him dizzy. So many alter egos. Yuki sighed and looked at the clock and wondered who was going to be his partner for this little endeavor that Lory had mentioned. He hoped that they could be trusted. If not, he would personally make sure that whomever it was, they would pay dearly if they didn't take care of his brother properly. He would send them to meet with Hades on an express ride straight to the underworld.

"Shh, shh... It's me Love. You were right. I just didn't expect it to be you to come and get me." He told her, stroking her hair to calm her. He was amazed that she only curled up into a little ball, instead of something more drastic. "I'm sorry I scared you." He chuckled a little and she frowned cutely.

"It's not funny." She pouted.

He shook his head. "I know. I really wasn't laughing at you. You're just so cute, I couldn't help myself. I'm a little shocked you didn't try to turn me to stone or, something." He kissed her temple. "Are you okay now?"

She sighed a little in relief. "I suppose." She furrowed her brow. "You know... That's actually the first time you've actually been able to scare me."

He cocked an eyebrow. "First time, huh? I've never scared you before?"

She gave him a small smile. "Nope... So... Why are you dressed like this and why did Father have me pick you up from the train station?"

He rolled his eyes. "He wants to make sure I stay in character. No matter what the circumstances are." He groaned a little. "I suppose I failed that one spectacularly."

She shook her head. "No, If I didn't know you as well as I do, I doubt I would have been able to tell it was you at all." She then explained in detail how she had figured out it was him.