Mythology Reborn 2.0

Kheten stared momentarily at the Leshy as if to beg forgiveness, then turned his many acidic eyes on the fire-wielder. The manscorpion extended a hand to him, which sported three large, clawed fingers, "Come, let us have words."

What new scheme is this, Khetenakhten?

The Forest

"YOU MAY PASS,", said the Leshy, "BUT IF YOU BREAK SO MUCH AS A SINGLE TWIG, OR SHRED A SOLE BLADE OF GRASS, WE WILL APPEAR AGAIN. WE ARE... WEAK. THE FOREST IS WEAK. WE ARE ALL WEAK. IT MAY NOT SEEM SO, BUT THIS IS THE TRUTH. IN TIME, UNLESS SOMETHING IS DONE, WE WILL ALL DISAPPEAR AS QUICKLY AS WE ARRIVED. WE WILL ALL PERISH." The Leshy then waved it's right arm, indicating Tyson, Lorenz, and the pinstriped man. "THIS MEANS YOU."

The Streets of New Olympus

"Not Charly anymore?!', cried out the Cameraman. "He was my fucking dog! I don't care if he was big or three-headed or bozo the clown, he was my best friend in the whole world!He was all I had. And you all; you all murdered him! Charly..."

Meanwhile, a man at last stepped out of the black van. He was a tall, black man dressed in a tall, black business suit. His head was bald, his sunglasses were impenetrable, and he looked just like Samuel L.Jackson. He strolled over to Charly and Sarah, and then looked over at Cerberus, summing the situation up within his head.

"Fine work. 'Course, could have been a touch more discreet." He then pulled a small container out from his shirt pocket. "Mint?"

edited 30th Oct '14 5:46:16 PM by kkhohoho

Oh yay. A talent scout. Anansi drawled in mock excitement.

"Who are you?" Caleb asked, his face set in his usual stony frown.

edited 30th Oct '14 5:40:38 PM by SvenOrzoKarkoff

Streets of New Olympus

"Marcus Stone," said the man who suspiciously looked like Samuel Jackson, "CIA. Mint?"

"You know, normally CIA operatives don't announce that they're CIA operatives." Still, Jeremy took the mint as offered.

Streets of New Olympus

"Normally," said Marcus, giving Jeremy the mint, "little terriers don't turn intro giant three-headed poochies." He then turned towards Caleb. "Mint?"

"…Thanks." Caleb nodded, and took the offered confection.

Sarah backed up at the approach of the mysterious man. This definitely wasn't something she wanted to be roped into.

"I...think I better leave before I hear anything confidential or something," she said nervously, "Probably not a good idea to get a college student like me involved or anything." Never mind the fact that she doubted this guy was even CIA to begin with. She knew they didn't just approach people like this, gods or no gods.

"I agree, we must hurry and leave." Nidaba thought. "I am not about to put my abilities to serve anyone except Enki or the other gods of Sumer."

"Your abilities?" Sarah thought, then regretted it. Of course those new powers she had were those of the goddess. Damn it, why'd she have to think like that?

"It's fine. I know you meant no offense," Nidaba reassured her. Sarah simply sighed, and waited for this CIA guy's response.

The pinstriped man sneered at Khetenakhten's offer. "We're 'having words' now. Why do it somewhere else? Or is there somewhere more secluded you want to bring me than the middle of the fucking woods?!"

And then the sickly centaur spoke. Something about protecting the trees and being weak and not enough belief, yada yada yada.

Leshy speaks the truth, Mason.

Truth is relative, pal. This only proves that old Nessus is as delusional as you.

Perhaps it is you who is delusional.

The world's turning into a storybook, I can throw fireballs, and there's a self-righteous prick in my head claiming to be a god. Yeah, you might be right.

Ravencat finally found a group of people gathered near a dead puppy.

This was the threat to muy city? I am not impressed.

Ravencat walked up to the black man in black and said "Meow I say, Meow," then turned back to human form.

"That thing probably would have killed you. Notorious aspect of monsters, that."

He looked as the man walked out of the van and over to the group.

"Discrete isn't exactly easy with the whole 'giant devil-dog' thing."

Streets of New Olympus

"Yup," said Marcus to Nico. He reached into his left pocket and pulled out another container of mints; specifically, ' EXTRA MINTY '. He popped one into his mouth before putting it away, and again bringing out the normal brand.

"Now, far as I can see, things aren't exactly normal down here, are they? And in more ways than one. Whole city's practically becoming the living wetdream of both classical painters and greenpeace, and yet, you all seem to still be pretty damn human, more or less. Oh, don't get me wrong; throwing lightning or whatever else, well, that means somethin's still up with you, damn straight. But what's really got my interest is that you can do all that, but you still look human. Now, as someone in my line of work, I gotta' know all I can, 'specially in what, if what I just saw is any indication, is amounting to a warzone. So, here's the deal. You tell me all you know, everything you got, and I tell you all I've got. 'Cause, hard as it may be to believe, I've got quite a bit."

He then opened the mint container again, and looked towards Nico. "Mint?"

edited 31st Oct '14 6:57:15 PM by kkhohoho

Oh hey. Catwoman. Caleb was't too surprised at the feline changing into a woman...after Khetena...scorpion guy's appearance, this seemed tame.

The fact that Anansi said he could turn into animals as well might have something to do with his lack of reaction.

"You sure we're supposed to be talking about all this out in the street?" Caleb asked, glancing at the cameraman. "Out where anyone can hear us?"

edited 1st Nov '14 8:21:19 PM by SvenOrzoKarkoff

Streets of New Olympus

"'Course not," said Marcus. "I've got a spot not far from here; just a few minutes away. But I figured I'd at least get the ball rolling."

He once again turned to Nico. "Mint?"

"I'm good"

Nico said, refusing the minty offer. He then turned to Caleb.

Chaos, who have we got here?

His face visibly contorted as he thought to his inner myth, evidently preferring to speak out loud.

I believe he is hosting Anansi.

The spider guy?

The African spider trickster, yes.

"Well Anansi, some of us just very visibly fought a giant monster, showing off your abilities to any waiting cameras. I think people know. But I need more information on this, so sure."

edited 1st Nov '14 2:21:39 AM by TenebrousGaze

Streets of New Olympus

"Suit yourself," said Marcus, placing the small container back within his pocket. "Now, I think we should—"

"CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRLLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!"

The voice had come from where the cameraman stood, but in his his place was a viscous beast with four lanterns sticking out of it's back. It was foaming at the mouth and seemed mostly mindless, but if what it was roaring at the top it's lungs was any indication, there was one part of it's former life that stuck:

"CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRLLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!"

And in the sight of this brazen monstrosity, where lesser men would scream for mommy and flee in terror, Marcus Stone, fearless so-called agent of the CIA, simply... smirked.

"Perfect."

Marcus ran off in a blur towards the van, leaving the three hosts he had just offered minty treats to, as well as the catty new arrival, to their own devices. Speaking of which, if Caleb and Jeremy didn't have cast-iron stomachs and immunity to poison, they might have started feeling awfully queasy. On the other hand, at least their breath smelled nice...

edited 1st Nov '14 6:42:38 AM by kkhohoho

Fortunately for the teen, Anansi's resistance to poison resulted in Caleb feeling nothing more than a slightly upset stomach. Meanwhile, Caleb was slowly backing away from the sudden monstrosity, one hand reaching for something on his belt.

You gotta be more cautious, Cale. The spider God chided his host. The poison in the mint would have made you an easy target for the Oni if I wasn't around…or at least I think it's an Oni. Never heard of one with lanterns on it's back.

Great, so we know it's an Oni! How do we kill… Caleb trailed off when he realized an important fact. Wait, didn't the big guy take a mint as well? He thought, glancing at Jeremy.

edited 1st Nov '14 7:09:25 AM by SvenOrzoKarkoff

Another fire to put out, Kheten thought as he heard the cry. He gave one last look to the man in the pinstriped suit, and skittered back toward the rest of the group.

If he could, he would sneak up and restrain the lantern-creature with his pincers while it was distracted by the others. He would follow up with his axe and tail.

"Oh, come on!"

Nico shouted as the next monster emerged.

He ran across and climbed onto a higher chunk of land to get a bit of distance between himself and the lantern creature before focusing on it and creating a small area of chaos static, trying not to catch any of his fellow hosts in it while disorienting the monster.

The poison hit Jeremy like a ton of bricks, doubling him over and making him retch. "What did you do to me?!" Then, he saw the monstrosity coming towards him. What the hell is that?

It's an oni. Japanese and very nasty.

It never rains...

Shut up and keep moving!

Jeremy managed to hide behind the wreckage of the van, heaving his guts out. He was utterly useless and would have to rely on the other gods and hosts for protection.

edited 1st Nov '14 11:48:11 AM by daird

"Well that was a waste of fucking time." Said Tyson, scowling. He started walking further into the forest. Like he'd just disappear off the face of the earth.

Foolish spirit. The world will not ignore TYPHON!

Shut up. I ain't gonna be your mouthpiece.

Tyson turned back a moment. "Yo, Pinstripes, you comin'?"

edited 1st Nov '14 1:10:16 PM by kagescorpionakki

"With pleasure." grinned the pinstriped man. He walked alongside Tyson while producing a card from his jacket pocket. The business card read:

Mason Meade, PH.D

Associate Professor of Philosophy

The logo on the top right corner had "Athena University" underneath it.

"The card's a little dated, but it works for introductions."

edited 1st Nov '14 11:38:10 AM by TheodoreHastings

"Philosophy? What the hell kind of job do you get with a degree in Philosophy?" Tyson said, bemused.

Mortal, be aware that there is another in this forest.

It's a fucking forest. Of course there are other things in it. Tyson mentally sighed. I really wish you had a mute button.

You cannot silence me, mortal. More to the point, there is another divine host behind you. Now that we are not about to battle, I have generously deigned to inform you that a witch, who I guess as Circe, was groveling before. She suggested we destroy the mightiest tree in the forest. I know not if she was lying, but she could prove a useful tool nonetheless. Show your might so that he may serve us.

Whatever. Tyson rolled his eyes.

"Heads up, Mason. Another jackass with god powers." He turned to face Lorenz, glaring, his snake heads hissing dangerously. Then he blinked as he saw who it was. "Hey, you're that guy who was yelling earlier. What, you scared to be alone in this forest?"

edited 1st Nov '14 1:17:22 PM by kagescorpionakki

Lorenz yelped, dropping to his knees, bucket of snails also hitting the ground."Iwasjustcollectingsnailspleasedonteatmemrfatherofmonsters!". The youth added, trying to shield his face with his hands in fear, shaking visiblely.

I am going to die, and it is your fault. Lorenz mentally chided to his inner myth.

If Typhon was attacking us you would not have time to panic... this is just normal male posturing. Endure it. Or not, you can let me out...

NO! Lorenz resisted, as he seemed to come to his wits somewhat... right before staring back at the monster. His will to resist shattered and he was at loss. Fine, you are the diplomatic expert. But keep my body safe! Please!

Do not worry. It is my highest concern as it is mine too, after all. This might hurt a little. The inner spirit sounded giddy. However, for Lorenz, the nightmare had just begun. A sharp pain in the abdomen made him keel and face the ground, nausea building up as bones and joints were popped in new positions. Certain parts of his body also swelled in a feminine shape. It was more than Lorenz could take, the trauma of having his innards rearranged made him barf on the ground, as an increasingly feminine moan was heard. The hair of the youth almost exploded, triplicating its length and taking a vibrant red color as it did so. Fine, elegant hands removed Lorenz glasses as the new curvaceous body stood up, gold eyes peeking into the dreaded form of Typhon.

"Such a powerful sight, o abode of the son of gaea. Few people would have resolve enough to face your might. Of which i am grateful, since i could get out. Hope you will excuse my barf soaked masculine clothing. I really need to polish that trick. My name is Circe, daughter of Helios, and yes, the host called Lorenz Smith really has no spine"

Hey! The freshly relegated consciousness chided in Circe's mind, but made no effort to fight.

edited 1st Nov '14 1:39:43 PM by AtomicNut

Streeets of New Olympus

"CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRLLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!"

Just as Kheten caught the oni in it's pincers, the wave struck. The former cameraman was temporarily disorientated by the chaos waves, but it didn't seem enough to disable him completely. The same, however, was not guaranteed for Kheten, who had been right next to the oni when the wave hit, and so he was affected by it as well...

edited 1st Nov '14 1:53:23 PM by kkhohoho