A/N: Here's part 1 of the Court sessions. I'm struggling with school right now guys cuz it's crunch time plus I gotta sign up for classes tomorrow Morning. That said, enjoy and goodnight.

Chapter summary: In which troubles brews in paradise and tension builds in the Triad of the Balance.

Hearsay and Tension

Artemis tossed the weakened god of war to the marble floor in the middle of the council chamber. The other gods present reacted with surprise, a few even standing in shock. But Artemis paid them no heed. She wanted vengeance.

"Sister!" Artemis turned and saw her brother Apollo racing over to her, his blue eyes filled with concern.

"What is the meaning of this?" Zeus demanded standing, his long white robes gleaming in the light surrounding this place.

"Hear me, Zeus," Artemis said, her voice carrying through the open air council, ignoring Apollo for the moment. "I seek retribution for crimes against me and mine."

Zeus slowly eased himself back into his throne. "Crimes you say?"

"Yes, my father," Artemis replied.

"Speak then," the king of the gods commanded.

"Ares has attacked one of my own using trickery," she said, allowing Apollo to stand by her side. She did not need his presence but it was nice to know she had him on her side already.

"How was this done?" Zeus asked.

Artemis's eyes narrowed. "By taking over the mind of Set, the Egyptian god of Chaos, and forcing him into battle against Diana and the Thanagarian."

"Took over..." she heard Apollo murmured in shock. His words were echoed by several other gods present including Dionysus. "But he is a god."

"How can what you say be true?" Athena asked, her calm voice and cold logic broke through the rush of heightened emotion. "You are accusing him of attacking another pantheon and controlling one of their gods."

"I am," Artemis said, refusing to be intimidated. "Diana of Themiscyra told me herself when she delivered Ares to me."

"And was he already in this state," Dionysus asked suspiciously, "or did you..."

The goddess of the hunt shook her head. "I did nothing. He was in this condition when he arrived. I believe it was a courtesy warning from the Egyptian pantheon."

"At least he's back," Hera said calmly. "I will have Helios all off the search."

"There is no need, my Queen," Artemis said. "He was there when Ares was delivered to me."

"Oh was he now?" Dionysus said, a playful smile on his face. "I was under the impression no man could step into your temple in Themiscyra. Was I mistaken or is Helios hiding something from us?"

Artemis rolled her eyes. "You are not mistaken and since Helios never set foot in my temple, I have taken no offense. However," she said, turning back to the King of the gods. She thought carefully on her words, knowing they could lead to consequences no one could ever have anticipated. "Helios has been hiding something from us."

"I knew it," Ares muttered at her feet, distracting her for a moment. "That Titan has no business here among Olympians."

"That is enough Ares," Zeus said, voice calm and under control for the moment although thunder rolled in the distance. "You have deliberately disobeyed my expressed command to wait and committed a crime against the Egyptian pantheon which leaves us in their debt."

"He was a human," Ares spat. His handsome face framed by fire red hair and proud brown eyes gazed boldly back at Zeus. "Humans are fair game, always have been."

"Unless they fell under the domain of another pantheon rendering them out of our reach," Hera countered. "Or humans who have been deified over time and become gods themselves."

"I did not control Set," Ares said, shaking off the all but faded bonds of whatever Hades-accursed spell was cast on him. He stood tall straightening his shoulders. "I controlled a mortal named Seto Kaibawho was himself possessed by two other entities. One was begging him to attack the Amazon," he cast a scathing glare at Artemis beside him, "and the winged alien woman and Seto was of the mind to do so. I merely gave the finishing push over the precipice of decision. He and whatever was controlling him did the rest."

Artemis seethed. "You still provoked a god to-"

"Silence Artemis," Zeus said, waving a hand dismissively. "I will hear your side in a moment. Ares," he continued, "you say there were two entities controlling one Seto Kaiba and yet you have only described one."

The Greek god of war nodded. "The other felt much like Seto himself did but older and more chaotic."

"Set?" Apollo asked.

"Quite possibly," Ares replied.

Zeus sat back in his throne and listened as Hera leaned over to whisper something in his ear. He turned his storm gray eyes to his wife attentively murmuring in response to whatever she had said. Hera said something else and Zeus nodded slowly.

"You say Seto was already going to attack?" Hera asked.

Ares nodded. "I would not have had the ability to influence him otherwise."

Hera nodded. "Seeing as how you have already suffered a kind of punishment from the Egyptians- I assume that was what put you in the state you were in upon your arrival?"

"Yes, my Queen."

"Then let that be a lesson to you," the Queen goddess of motherhood said. "Do not interfere with or provoke another pantheon. Should they decide to take offense, we will be forced to bow to their wishes as the offenders. That goes for everyone," she said louder, turning her proud gaze to all those in the airy council chamber. "However much we hate to admit it, we are no longer at the level of power we once enjoyed. Remember that and think twice before angering other gods."

Ares bowed his head in a show of obedience while inside, he was furious. The Olympians should be feared and respected throughout the world just as they were ages ago. They would rise to power again one day soon. Ares had faced the Egyptian god of chaos and found him pathetically weak and mortal, which meant he could be killed and manipulated. He would make the mortal god pay for this humiliation. There were worse things out there than gods, after all.

He did wonder about the second presence within Seto's mind. He had not mentioned it before because this was something he wished to investigate on his own. The first presence was likely the sentient power the Dark Ones used, but that meant the second presence was entirely different from that. Ares had sensed an awareness more acute than the sentient power within the other presence. He even suspected the presence of being aware of him and his part in the fiasco of Seto's attack on the Amazon.

Perhaps this was not a fiasco after all. Perhaps this could be a way for Ares to earn back his pride. He was willing to bet his prized helmet Zeus would be interested in knowing who or what this second presence was. Ares personally doubted it was Set. This presence did not feel like a god. It felt like Seto's twin would feel, separate but the same. It was an intriguing puzzle indeed.

"Artemis," Zeus said, startling Ares from his thoughts.

The goddess of the hunt bowed her head in respect. "Yes, my King."

"You were in the middle of telling us something about Helios," the god-king said, lightning flashing in the clouds surrounding them. "You said he was hiding something of importance?"

"Zeus," a new voice called.

The King of Olympus turned his eyes to the only Titan in the council. "Selene," he said, voice carrying on it the faintest edge of warning. "You wish to speak?"

To her credit, Selene did not hesitate before nodding. "I do, great Zeus. I wish to say my brother hides nothing from you. Should you ask he would tell you whatever he could. He has served you loyally and would never betray you."

Artemis hesitated before speaking. "I agree with Selene," she said. "I do believe Helios is loyal to you and I did not mean to imply otherwise. However, Helios is aware of some things I think may have a bearing on this decision regarding the current Egyptian pantheon."

"Ooh, intrigue," Dionysus purred settling into a more comfortable position to watch the proceedings. Hades groaned and shook his head at the other god's manner.

Artemis ignored the drunk god and spoke. "Helios knows the one called Set," she said earning various reactions from the other gods including Ares. "He had indirect contact with him through one of his worshippers who lived in old Heliopolis."

"Is this true Selene?" Hera asked the moon Titan.

Selene closed her iridescent silver eyes in silent pain. "It is, my Queen. I do not know the whole story of what happened. Helios never told me. But I do know it was event not easily forgotten." She opened her eyes and lifted her head, suddenly appearing very much a Titan, older and more regal than Hera. "Should you ask, my brother will tell you want he can, although I doubt even he truly understands everything that occurred."

"I agree," Artemis said. "Helios did not seem to know the full story. All he could say was he never found his worshipper's spirit in Hades. He said her soul remained with Set."

"Remained with Set?" Aphrodite exclaimed, sitting up. "She worshipped Helios, did she not? She never converted to Set's gods?"

Artemis shook her head. "No, she did not. I think it would be best if you asked Helios for the details as everything I say is all second hand from memory."

Zeus nodded. "We shall wait until sundown when Helios returns from his daily ride. Then we will summon him and get the answers we seek."

Selene stood and silently descended the two step dais to her throne and made her way to the exit.

"Where are you going, Selene?" Zeus called.

The moon goddess paused. "I must guide by chariot through the sky as is my duty, a duty I have done long before you were born." She turned her porcelain face to gaze steadily over her shoulder and nodded her head in a bow between equals. "I will return late tonight."

"You would let her speak to you like that?" Ares demanded.

"She is indeed older than all of us, Ares," Zeus said. "I, at least, acknowledge that fact."

"Acknowledge certainly. But-"

"I also know she is nowhere near my level of power," Zeus continued. "A Titan she may be, but a war monger she is not. She picks her battles well and remains loyal to the side she has chosen. I respect that that."

"She'll just warn Helios," Ares said. "Give him a chance to escape."

"Perhaps," Hera said. "But I know Helios. He is not the type to run from danger. He will come whether summoned or not."

"On your heads be it," Ares ground out, turning on his heel and stalking out of the council. He stilled halfway down the stairway when he caught a glimpse of silver white moving in the corner of his eye. Selene.

Selene strode down the stairs leading away from the council room to her dwelling in the nearby Fields of Elysium. Her two winged horses, Pandia and Ersa, were already tied to her chariot and pawing at the earth, ready to embark on their nightly flight. Between the two pegasi stood a man with hair the color of midnight and eyes of dusk blue. He smiled at her and Selene found herself unable to stop her own smile from gracing her lips.

"Endymion," she whispered, leaning up to press her lips softly against her lover's. When she pulled back, her eyes were serious. "I must stay late tonight, my love. I fear my brother may have gained Zeus's disapproval. I wish to start my rounds early and finish quick if I am to catch Helios 'ere he returns."

"Helios?" Endymion asked. "But he is calm tempered and mild of manner. How could he have angered Zeus?"

Selene shook her head, silver hair tumbling over her shoulders. "I believe it to be a misunderstanding but nevertheless, Helios is my brother and I would protect him. He would do the same for me."

Endymion nodded. "I will be here when you return." He helped the Titan climb into her silver chariot, giving her one last lingering kiss of farewell. "Good luck."

He watched the woman he loved snap the reins and ride gracefully over the cliff of the Fields of Elysium and into the air.

Oliver felt himself floating in a thick darkness he recognized as the Shadows. The were chaotic and welcoming, brushing against him like a favorite pet. Then he opened his eyes and saw the Earth. The planet was literally hanging in space far below his feet, or was it down, or above? Directions seemed meaningless here so he forced his mind to stop grasping for them and focus on the hand holding his.

He looked to his right and Kaiba standing next to him, eyes closed and head slightly tilted back with a peaceful expression on his face. It seemed a sin to disturb him but just when Oliver began to feel the silence was dragging on, Kaiba opened his piercing blue eyes. His ageless blue and Oliver's forest green met for a moment before Kaiba turned away and stared directly at the Earth.

Oliver followed his Regent's gaze and felt Kaiba's Shadows slither down towards the planet. They scattered, scurrying across the atmosphere before settling in the state of Oregon near the coastline in the approximate location of Starling City and, curiously, in northern Egypt on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

"Why is-?" He cut off when Kaiba raised his free hand abruptly indicating silence.

Obediently, Oliver watched the proceedings. He blinked and was startled to find himself back in his base staring directly at Mai and Shaadi. The vigilante turned and was a little unnerved to see his body still sitting crosslegged across from Kaiba's body. Kaiba's two bodyguards stood behind Oliver facing the Justice League acting as a barrier of sorts.

He saw J'onn as well. The Martian Manhunter was staring directly at Oliver in something akin to surprise. The vigilante attempted to say something when he felt Kaiba's grip on him tighten once more and he looked back to Mai and Shaadi. The two Shadow users closed their eyes.

A moment later, their surroundings changed, returning to the space above the Earth this time with Mai and Shaadi standing in front of Oliver and Kaiba. Oliver kept his mouth shut with some effort, instead focusing on following Kaiba's Shadows to the Egyptian coast. He frowned when he noticed their location change once more, morphing into what looked like a bedroom.

Kaiba walked through the room taking Oliver with him since the Regent had yet to free the vigilante's hand. He stepped up to one of the beds where a woman lay sleeping and gently placed his free hand on her shoulder, startling her awake. She instinctively reached for her knife hidden under her pillow but stopped when she recognized Kaiba. Sighing she moved to replace the knife when she noticed Oliver.

She was beautiful. Her tan skin was a lovely shade of copper and her hair was a long, thick river of night that flowed over like oil. Her eyes were a dark gray-blue that held more knowledge then they should for someone her age. Lifting a thin black eyebrow, the woman turned her gaze back to Kaiba and gave the faintest hint of a smile.

"You always did have the worst timing," she said brushing her finger across her bare clavicle. Kaiba snorted and placed his free hand on his hip in a show of tolerant impatience. The woman reached over to something wrapped up lying on the bedside table and then laid back down on the bed holding the item close to her chest.

The environment changed again, returning to the space and Earth and this time the Egyptian woman had joined Mai and Shaadi. Finally, Kaiba released his hold on the vigilante and slipped both hands into his pockets. "Sorry to wake you up like that, but this is important."

The Egyptian woman crossed her arms delicately. "I would assume so." She glanced at the vigilante. "This must be your new kohai I've seen so much of."

"Seen?" Oliver murmured in confusion.

Kaiba nodded. "It is. Oliver Queen, or more commonly known as Green Arrow of the Justice League."

"Hey!" Oliver exclaimed. "It's called a secret identity for a reason."

The Egyptian woman laughed softly. "Do not worry, Oliver," she said. "I have been aware of your identity for a while now. I am Ishizu Ishtar, Priestess of the Triad of the Balance."

Oliver stared at the woman in growing horror. "Ishtar," he repeated. "As in Marik Ishtar?"

The woman smiled the smile of a snake. "I see you've met my brother." Her eyes turned to Kaiba seriously. "Have his Shadows been returned?" Kaiba nodded and the tension Oliver had not even noticed drained out of her. "Good. I was beginning to fear for his life."

"Seth found him," Kaiba said, "and the King stopped the Penalty Game."

"My thanks."

"Don't mention it." Kaiba sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. "You are aware of...the Traitor's involvement in all this," he said.

Ishizu nodded. "I am. I am also aware of the Pharaoh's Penalty Game. It was hard to miss what with him summoning Osiris like that. Was it against Akhenadin?"

Kaiba shook his head fighting the urge to flinch. "No, Lex Luthor. He was working with Shadow Thief and the Traitor to hide Marik from us. I'm a little confused about his involvement in all this."

"Yes," Shaadi said, breaking his silence. "As much as I dislike speaking ill of the Pharaoh and the King, I believe they may be keeping some information from us. Although why that is, I cannot say."

"How so?" Mai asked.

"He has his reasons," Ishizu said sagely, again brushing her fingertips across her bare clavicle. "More importantly," she turned her gaze to Oliver, "I would like to know why you brought him here. You have never brought a new user into a Triad meeting before."

Kaiba did not answer causing Mai to snicker. "He likes him."

Blue eyes blazed furiously when Ishizu covered her mouth to politely hide her laughter. "Say what?"

Shaadi sighed. "She means, Oliver has caught the Regent's interest as a potentially strong Shadows user."

"It's true," a new voice said softly. "He is strong and a quick learner."

Oliver looked over his shoulder and saw a new person standing to Kaiba's right. He wore a simple cream tunic that fell to his ankles. A split ran up the seams on either side of the tunic up to his mid thigh revealing hints of long tan legs. He wore a thick gold sash bound the fabric at his waist. The only adornment he wore were two golden ankh earings.

His skin was the shade of coffee and his hair was two shades darker. The hair at his crown was cropped and fluffed out. The longer strands in the back were tied at the nape of the person's neck by a gold band before splitting into three braids which dangled between his shoulder blades. His eyes were a cold blue that reflected ages of knowledge and experience.

"Seth," Ishizu whispered in shock.

"Seth?" Mai gasped.

Seth's form flickered, fading as if projected on mist before solidifying once more. His lips pulled back in a small smile. "Hello Mai," Seth said to the Sorceress. "We finally meet face-to-face."

Mai strolled up to Seth who cocked his head to the side watching her curiously. When she leaned in close, he leaned back, eyes growing large in equal parts fear and confusion. She gave Seth a fascinated look before poking his nose with her index finger. Seth slapped a hand over his nose and stepped back away from Mai in shock.

"Well, what d' ya know?" Mai said with a cheeky grin. "You're a lot cuter than I'd thought you'd be."

Seth flushed, his form flickering hazily. Kaiba growled at his Sorceress earning a surprised look from her. "Well, well," Mai said. "Is someone jealous?"

"Go to hell," Kaiba growled.

"Been there, done that," Mai said waving her hand dismissively. "It's boring. All the heat with the smokin' men or comfortable beaches."

Seth watched the argument in open confusion. His eyes caught Oliver's between the two speaking people and he lowered his hand from his face to nod a greeting.

"Seth?"

Seth flicked his eyes to Ishizu who had tears pooling in her eyes, refusing to slip down her cheeks. Seth's blue eyes, identical to Kaiba's softened and his smile returned. "Isis."

Isis? Oliver stared hard at Ishizu in surprise. Now that he looked at her, he realized how noble she was. The way she spoke, the way she held herself, everything about her screamed nobility and power. This was a woman who could command men without anyone questioning her. She was strong but could be gentle if she wished.

She displayed that gentleness now as she stepped forward pushing Mai aside and placed her palms on either side of Seth's face, pulling his head down so she could gaze into his eyes. Her gray-blue eyes watered as she smiled. Seth reached up and covered one of her hands with his own insubstantial ones.

"You're alive," she breathed.

"I am." His eyes saddened. "For now."

Ishizu's smile faded replaced by worry. "What do you mean 'for now'?" Seth's smile faded and he removed her hands from his face, pushing her gently away. "Seth," she said. "Seth answer me."

"Back to the subject at hand," Kaiba said loudly.

"No!" Ishizu snapped, silencing the Regent abruptly. "Seto Kaiba," she said, drawing herself up proudly so she resembled the powerful goddess she had become. "Tell me what's wrong with Seth."

"I too am curious as to what Seth meant by those words," Shaadi said.

Seth turned his head to gaze at Shaadi, his face smoothing over to respect. "It is good to see you again, old friend," he said.

The faintest smile tugged Shaadi's lips. "It is indeed." Pale brown eyes met Kaiba's eyes in distant curiosity. "Is Seth unwell?"

"He'd better not be," Mai said, crossing her arms in a huff. "I spent a good deal of time making sure Seth stayed safe earlier. I'd hate it if I had to hurt you for messing up all that hard work," she said to Kaiba. She smiled when Seth ducked his head to hide a smile.

Kaiba, however, glowered at his Triad, removing his hands from his pockets to adopt a more defensive stance. Seth lifted his head and his smile faded to a worried frown. He placed a hand on Kaiba's shoulder which was quickly shaken off. Sensing an impending argument, Oliver took advantage of the tense situation and spoke.

"We're fighting Akhenadin tomorrow," he said, startling Ishizu who turned wise eyes to the vigilante. "That's what I'm assuming this...Court is for." He stepped forward. "We have plan for how we want things to happen, but I'm assuming Kaiba, the Regent," he corrected himself to suit the formal situation, "wanted you to be aware of what was going to happen as well in case you could lend him a hand."

Ishizu narrowed her eyes. "You plan on facing Akhenadin?" She turned back to Kaiba. "Alone?"

"No," Oliver answered in Kaiba's place. "Kaiba, myself, and Shaadi will go representing the Shadow Court and J'onn, Green Lantern, and Hawkgirl will join us representing the Justice League. We're hoping things'll go smoothly but I doubt that."

"Hawkgirl," Ishizu muttered. "I'm assuming you mean the false descendant of Ra among your ranks."

The vigilante nodded. "Yes. She and Green Lantern were specifically requested by Shadow Thief."

"Why?"

"We do not know," Seth said, stepping carefully around Kaiba who was staring at him none too kindly. "The League was given a reason by Shadow Thief but I sincerely doubt that is his true reason."

"I agree," Shaadi said. "It did seem a bit too out of the ordinary."

"Perhaps it has something to do with this," Ishizu said. She pulled out the bundle she picked up from the bedside table and unwrapped it revealing a bejeweled dagger. "This is the replica of the dagger Shadow Thief stole that we've had on display."

"That's it?" Oliver asked, stepping up to look at it.

"Yes," Ishizu said, holding out the dagger for the vigilante to look at. "The original was some sort of technology used by the false god-kings in Ancient Egypt. I remember very little of their technology save that it disrupted magic of many kinds."

"Except Shadow magic apparently," Oliver said raising a sardonic eyebrow.

"No, it affected Shadow magic," Ishizu said, eyeing Oliver in confusion. "If the Shadow user was struck by something like this in the middle of chanting a Spell or Trap or summoning a monster, they would most likely die no matter how superficial the wound."

"Yes," Shaadi said. "While true, Shadow magic as we refer to it is not truly magic but the manipulation of the sentient Shadows using our souls, real magic is used during the brief moment of summoning or casting. Once the monster is summoned or the Spell or Trap is cast, then it becomes a solid entity of created by the Shadows through the strength of the Shadow user's soul. Should the Shadow user lose his or her strength and die, everything they cast vanishes."

"That's it's weakness then," Oliver said after a moment of consideration. "It's harder to fight against because it's tied directly to the caster's life force."

"Soul," Seth corrected.

"Their soul then," Oliver amended. "But because it's bound to the soul, if anything ever happened to the user..."

"Everything would end one way or another," Seth said.

"And if the summon or Spell or whatever is destroyed?"

"Then the user's soul suffers the damage," Seth finished. "Neither result is pleasant, believe me."

"My god."