Their rite. It had to be connected to Deez's miraculous recovery. It was the only thing that made sense to her. Still, she'd feel more confident with Yensid's confirmation, or at least thoughts on the matter.
"Master Yensid, my Lord, sorry to interrupt, but we are in need-" she squeaks as she's suddenly grasped and lifted off the ground.
"What happened?" Hades demands with a shake, "you smell like blood, and the Momma Squid gasped."
"Put. Her. Down." Harry demands before his eyes widen as he notices where the god's hands were, "an' be watchin' her arm!"
"I'm sorry for the alarm, my Lord, but there has been a turn for the better in your daughter's state." She offers quickly before Hades could snap at her Prince.
"Oh?" Yensid asks as he walks up beside the god, "if you don't mind, Lord Hades, I would be interested in hearing this after you've returned Faustina to her feet."
"And the blood?" Hades glares in her face.
"I was in the middle of receiving a tattoo that you are currently grasping, my Lord."
Hades' eyes widen as he drops her unceremoniously out of alarm. "You? You got a tattoo?" He looks down at his hand, "and I touched it!"
"Sorry, my Lord, I know you aren't particularly fond of-"
"What are you doing, Guyliner? I don't know what's on my hands! Go get something to make her not die."
She blinks in surprise at the god's concern.
Harry pales, "right!" He screams before he turns on his heels and runs.
"Also ew."
Her lip twitches, ah, there it was.
Yensid pulls a cloth from his bag before he rips it in half, handing one section to Hades before he douses the other in a clear liquid and hands it to her, "this should help."
She smiles as she wipes the smeared blood from her arm, "thank you."
"Mortals and their body modifications." Hades grimaces as he roughly cleans his hands, "modifications. Like you all don't leak enough strange fluids."
She shakes her head before she turns to Yensid, "you asked us to inform you if anything strange happened after our rite, and with the timing…"
"What changes have you noticed in Deez?" Yensid asks as he steps forward, bag clutched to his chest, "I am hoping it's something good, since you stated a turn for the better."
Her cheeks burn, "I'm afraid I didn't take the time to fully assess much more than her healing."
"I see." Yensid looks from her to Hades, "would you mind waiting here for a moment for Harry to return while I check on your daughter?"
Hades turns his glare to Yensid, "yes-"
"My apologies, my Lord, but as much as I appreciate the concern for your daughter, I doubt it would be well received at the moment."
Hades growl rumbles through the room, "fine. Fine. It's cool." he turns to Yensid and points a finger in his face, "but you better tell me everything the second you walk back."
"Who am I to deny the Lord of Death." Yensid offers, unable to do much about the mirth sparkling in his eyes. "Faustina?"
She eyes the god with a frown, "I think it best that I linger for the time being."
Yensid nods, "as you wish." He offers before he departs.
She waits several moments before she steps forward and boldly places her hand on Hades arm, "I appreciate your patience and understanding, my Lord. I can only imagine how frustrating and confusing this must be for you."
"What? Pfft," Hades looks away from her, "I'm not any of those things."
Liar.
"My mistake, my Lord."
"You make a lot of those."
"I am rather presumptuous in that regard, my Lord. My apologies for speaking out of turn."
For all his posturing, she couldn't help but notice that he wasn't moving the arm she was in contact with.
She schools her features, fascinated that even gods needed comfort.
"So, you gonna tell me what happened?" Hades watches her from the side of his eye, "or leave me waiting for Beardy to return."
Once more her cheeks burn, "unfortunately my Lord, I didn't remain long enough as I found retrieving Master Yensid more pertinent. The injury from the blade seems to have healed rapidly, though not entirely."
Hades turns fully to her, "wait. Her hands looked fine last I saw them. What do you mean the injury from the bl-" his eye twitches.
"My Lord?"
"Wait," he holds one hand up, "long ago," he presses the other hand to his temple and forehead, "need to pull from it."
She bites her cheek to keep from speaking, relating to his need.
"Some kind of curse." Hades explains in exasperation after what seemed like an eternity.
She frowns, she'd feared as much.
"If that's the case, however, surely there's a way to counter it." Her brows furrow, "though alas, with it having been Mim, I doubt it will be so easy to unweave…" She sighs, "not that Master Yensid isn't up for the challenge," she adds encouragingly as she squeezes his arm, knowing full well, despite his posturing, he was worried.
"He is very clever, for a mortal. Well, mortal-ish."
"I just imagine it will take some time to discern exactly what curse the witch has performed- And to gather the magic to undo such evil."
"Time." Hades huffs, "it never mattered before, but now it's like there's never enough of it."
"I believe that just comes with the territory, my Lord."
"And what territory would that be, Arachne?" Hades' drops his gaze to her arm as she feels the palm of her hand heating, "being locked in this hell for over twenty years? Watching mortals fight for scraps of fucking trash? Or being forced to sit on the side as horrible things happen to baby mortals, some that I have annoyingly-" he pressed his claw like curled fingers against the side of his head, "begun to worry about, while they're getting killed and, and, fuck, other gods only know."
She frowns, refusing to back away from the flames that had erupted around his fist, trusting him, probably more than she should, that he would not let his flames burn her, "multiple things can be true, my Lord. Life is full of complexities and complications we can't anticipate."
"You are getting as cryptic as Beardy." He glares at her, "not a fan."
"My apologies my Lord, once more I'm being presumptuous in my assessment, but I believe things became more difficult for you both when you were imprisoned, and then even more so when you began to care about the mortals you once scorned." She bites her lip, "and there is nothing more-" she pauses, "unsettling than someone you are fond of, even if mildly, being in peril."
"Very. Mildly." Hades says through his teeth, "but, that seems right. Though it's more annoying than unsettling."
"I'm only mortal, my Lord, my apologies for insinuating that once such as yourself would be unsettled by such matters." She placates.
"Didn't say it wasn't," he holds up a finger, "just more annoying."
"My misconception, my Lord, I misspoke. I know you aren't as-" she pauses as she searches for the least offensive explanation, "unmoved, as you wish people to believe. I can see where it would be cumbersome for one with your past. You've been very-" she bites her lip, "open-minded of my musings, and I appreciate your…" She pauses, "acceptance of our association." Her face burns, "I feel humbled by your reception to one such as I."
"Huh," Hades tilts his head, "you really mean that. As broken as you said it, you really mean it."
She smiles up at him, "thank you for your belief in me, my Lord. Your confidence in me truly means a lot to me. That you trust my word in this matter. I do not say it lightly."
"I know kid," Hades chuckles softly, "believe me, I've been the target of your ire enough to know you speak your mind."
Her lip twitches, "I would hate to be completely obsequious, my Lord, there would be no fun in that at all."
"You get me," Hades blinks. "Well, that's a first," he continues in a mumble.
An unbidden smile curves her lips at the implied praise, "I try, my Lord, though admittedly I appreciate you keeping my wit sharp."
"Ha, yeah, I guess I do give you lots of opportunities," Hades rubs his chin before his eyes flick to the other side of the cave, "maybe I should keep that in mind for the rest of you."
"If I may make a suggestion, my Lord, I'd be cautious of diving in without testing the waters. They hardly tolerate your presence as is, and they've enough to keep them on edge."
He waves her off, "opportunities. Not banter. Isn't that what you wanted me to do anyway, offer up gifts and then continue to, I don't know, be on my best behavior?"
"I think it would behoove your intentions, my Lord, as I hope it will ease the contention. You've given them little cause to like you, let alone trust you. You have a lot to make up for."
"Well, they should have been more entertaining." He frowns, the look almost petulant, though she'd never tell him that, "it would have made it more fun to listen to them."
"You are the God of Death, my Lord, and a tumultuous God at that-"
"I can't help the job I was given. Or the anger at being reduced to this place."
"I understand your frustrations, my Lord, I was merely trying to provide you with their perspective."
Hades sighs before he looks over her shoulder, "Guyliner is waiting for you. Go clean up, so nobody blames me if you get sick."
"As you see fit, my Lord." She bows her head graciously, "perhaps later we can visit your stores."
He nods as he waves dismissively, "I think I need to find something anyway. Just need Beardy to come back and tell me his thoughts."
She smiles as she turns to exit, before it sinks in that Harry had most likely overheard their conversation.
Oh.
She bites her lip.
How long would the god really have allowed Harry to eavesdrop? Surely not that long-
Right?
She wasn't sure she could handle his temper, or worse him losing faith in her.
She takes a deep breath, oh dear.
She sighs before she continues forward, praying the god was too ashamed of his emotions to let Harry hear too much.
"My Prince," she greets him hesitantly.
"Let me be ah cleanin' yer arm," He holds out his hand, "then Gil be ah wantin' ya back after I be ah puttin' more goop on ya."
She swallows her sigh of relief before she smiles and takes his hand, "lead the way, my Prince."
He smiles as he pulls her with him, though he doesn't take the tunnel that would lead to their room.
Uh oh. Nothing about the direction bode in her favor.
He knew Faustina humored the god, but after listening to their last conversation?
He hadn't known the god of death was capable of talking like that.
Sure, it was still barbed, but it was so… Unlike the image the god had built for himself.
Masks.
Was he also wearing a mask?
And when was he not wearing it?
He closes his eyes as he continues to the lowest room of the cave system, wanting to be as far away from the god, and as close to the roar of crashing waves, as possible.
Why did the damn god decide to let his mask, whatever it was, slip with his Pirate Princess?
Just, why?
He doesn't say anything even when they reach the edge of stone looking over the waves crashing into their old cove cave.
But neither does Faustina, who was fiddling with her sleeve nervously.
"I ain'nah bein' upset, if that be why ya be fidgitin'." He quickly explains as he takes out the cloth Yensid had given him.
She sighs with relief as she drops her hands, "oh, thank god."
"Not exactly," he grins as he dabs at her irritated skin, "more like, that's really how he is with you?"
She bites her lip, "not at first. He used to be a lot more cruel with his tongue."
"See, that, that I can be ah understandin'." He slowly shakes his head, "so, what be ah changin' then? Ya be usein' magic or somethin'?"
She turns to stare at him with concern, "if I had that type of power, my Prince, we wouldn't be in this situation."
"I don'anh be gettin' how magic be workin'," he shrugs, "I just be ah learnin' ta not be underestimatin' ya."
Her lip twitches, "I'm choosing to take that as a compliment."
"Good, cause it were."
She offers a small smile as she studies him, "so, exactly how much did you hear?"
"I be ah hearin' somethin' 'bout unweavin' an' Mim, then Hades sayin' Yensid be clever 'nough ta be helpin'. Then ah whole lot of Hades soundin'-"
His brow furrows. He still couldn't believe he was about to use this word in association with the OV that tormented his sister.
"-sad. Like, for real sad. An' then angry, an' then more sad." He shakes his head, "an' ya just be talkin' him through it like he ain'nah bein' huge an' able ta snuff the life outta ya."
She frowns as she looks behind her and then to the waves thoughtfully. "He's only genuinely tried to kill T once."
"I ain'nah talkin' 'bout him." He blinks before he holds up a finger, "though that number ain'nah bein' wholly correct-like I think."
"I'm not saying he hasn't had the urge on multiple occasions, who hasn't thought of strangling T just a little."
"Wantin' ta strangle yer brother ain'nah bein' the same as wantin' ta kill 'im."
"Maybe not to us, but he's a god, and a capricious one at that. If he truly wanted T dead, I wouldn't be here."
"All that concernin' shit aside-" he swallows hard, feeling acid in the back of his throat at the thought of never being able to meet her, "I be hearin' him. He really be takin' advice from ya."
"I'm a good listener."
"Aye, ain'nah soul gonna be arguin' that," he sighs before he pulls her into an enveloping hug, "ya be ah winnin'."
Faustina wraps her arms around him, "winning what, my Prince?"
"Ya be ah askin' us ta be givin' the god ah chance." He pulls her back to look in her eyes, brushing a stray lock of hair out of her face before he continues, "I ain'nah sayin' I be wholly droppin' me guard. But, I can be ah givin' him the chance ya be wantin'."
She looks up at him in surprise, "really?"
"Aye. It be fuckin' scary as all hell. An' I ain'nah ever gonna be forgiven' the way he be treatin' me Fire Princess-" his eyes widen as he chokes.
"She might have lost her flames, my Prince, but our Constellation Chaser will always be full of fire. I don't believe there's a force in the world strong enough. I can't. Even now, she's full of life and passion, despite all she's been through."
He coughs to clear his throat before he squeezes her appreciatively, "aye, that be our Baby Girl."
She smiles as she runs her hand down his arm, "and nothing will ever change that."
"Aye," he shakes his head, "so, aye, I can be ah hearin' the god out an' be tryin' ta not insta-react with hell no's an' such."
"I understand your reservations, my Prince, and despite how it may seem, I haven't forgiven his treatment of Deez either, and he's very much aware of the fact."
His brow furrows, "aye?"
She nods, "his treatment of her has been nothing but unacceptable until recent. I may trust him with T and myself, but at the moment, he knows I don't trust him with Deez. That I may never fully trust him with Deez."
It made him feel better to hear that, though it was still uncomfortable knowing she trusted the god with her and T's lives.
"So," he takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, "what can I be ah doin' ta help with this?"
Faustina turns back to the entrance once more before she turns back to him, "understand that despite his immortality, he's got the emotional capacity and social graces of T."
He blinks as he stares at her.
Really?
But T was so-
Stunted.
He takes another deep breath.
"He's been alone for so long, my Prince, and though I know most of it is his own doing, that doesn't change the fact he is isolated and misunderstood. He's got a short temper, and a sharp tongue. He keeps his guard up to keep himself safe from rejection. No one wants to befriend the god of Death, not unless they want something anyway… And whereas T responded to the fear by making himself valuable, the Lord of Death went in the opposite direction."
"Huh, well, that be ah tidal wave." He rubs the back of his neck as he tilts his head to eye her, "I ain'nah ever seein' reason ta be relatin' to the god afore. Not sure how I be takin' this."
"I don't expect you too if that helps, my Prince. I'm merely trying to explain his behavior, not make excuses for it."
"I be gettin' it, just lettin' ya know I don'nah be knowin' what ta be thinkin'. I be doin' that afore, lashin' out at anyone who be findin' me interestin'. I ain'nah ever givin' thought that he might ah be doin' the same."
"At the end of the day, he feels just as much as any mortal, though he will deny it to his detriment. But, honestly, he's just an outcast who's looking for acceptance. He might enjoy people fearing him, but he also wants to not be alone."
"So, all ya be ah wantin' me ta be doin' is ta be keepin' all this in me mind?"
"I know it's a lot to ask, my Prince, and I don't expect you to hold it paramount, but understanding goes a long way."
He nods before he pulls her back into a tight hug, "for you, I can be ah doin' that."
She looks up at him with a brilliant smile, "thank you for your consideration, my Prince." She pauses, "he really is just confused as to what he wants and what he needs. It's a hard thing to balance, just ask T."
"Oh, I ain'nah needin' ta be askin' T, I be seein' that all the damn time."
She chuckles, "I know it's hard to understand, but I relate with him. All I had ever known was T and my-" She grimaces, "Frollo. And all he's ever known is Pain and Panic, and his Olympian family, who banished him here after several millennia of treating him as their pariah."
Great, so Hades was an OV with a VK mindset.
VK-ish.
"I can only be doin' me best ta be keepin' it in mind when I be talkin' with 'im."
"Thank you, my Prince. I know how difficult this is for you, but-"
He holds a finger to her lips before he kisses her forehead, "if I ain'nah gettin' ya back ta Gil soon, he ain'nah goin' be happy with me."
She closes her mouth as she nods, "best not to make our Lion roar."
"Aye, he be ah mite scary when he be roarin'."
She nods again before she leans up and kisses the corner of his lips, "it really does mean a lot to me that you're willing to try, my Prince." She adds softly, "he requires more human interaction and consequences when he acts out of line."
He smiles, though the idea of meriting anything even close to a consequence for the god of death made him want to run and hide.
And she made it look easy.
He still felt sick every time he remembered her yelling at the god for invading their space, but-
He kisses her lips.
If that's what she'd been doing all this time, and this was where they were…
He pulls back to look into the deep green of her eyes, able to picture them perfectly, even though they didn't have much light.
She was a warrior. A warrior willing to face off verbally with a god.
Willing to battle his ruthlessness for the sake of those she loved.
He cups her jaw and runs his thumb across her cheek.
She was beautiful, in every way the word could be used.
He loved everything about her.
Even the parts that fucking terrified him.
What an insightfully enlightening chapter.
It's nice to be able to explain Faustina's behavior with the god on a more complex level than I've been able to in the past.
What do you guys think of her reasoning?
As her writer I, truly and utterly, have zero fucking clue as to how it happened-
But loving the results-
What about you guys?
Are you just as confounded and confused as Hook, or do you see the delicate line that Faustina is walking?
Absolutely in love with Dark's Hook introspection, though, it's just so fucking squee.
So, any thoughts, questions, or concerns about this chapter? Don't hesitate to let us know!
Much love and shit
-Twisted