RIIINNNNGGGG!!
Lincoln looked up hearing the bell rang announcing lunch time. He was relieved to get out of math class, the numbers and equations had been swirling in his head not really sticking in as they were soon replaced by the faint echo of his dreams. He packed up his things and headed out the door, his mind still preoccupied with the mysterious visions. He had to admit, he was getting tired of them, they weren't usually an issue, but recently they have increased and getting more intense, more...clear?
They were usually shadows and noises, but now..he could define shapes, feelings...
"Uggg wouldnt be an issue if it wasnt because its getting hard stop thinking about them" he thought as he made his way to the cafeteria.
But that was steadily becoming impossible especially since along with those visions he'd been getting a strange feeling as of late....like something big was approaching...closer and closer...though he had no idea what.
That...and because he NOW do knew he was being watched if the whispering students around him (pointing and talking) was any clue.
"Oof!"
The sound of someone colliding with the floor snapped Lincoln out of his thoughts. He looked around to find the source of the commotion and spotted a girl sprawled on the ground, her books scattered around her like a literary minefield. His heart skipped a beat when he realized he was the one responsible for the collision.
"Oh, shit! Are you okay?" He rushed over, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. He bent down to offer his hand, but she flinched away from him, her eyes wide with fear. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you," he said, his voice full of genuine concern.
The girl, a petite brunette with a sprinkle of freckles across her nose, looked up at him with a mix of terror and confusion. She was trembling slightly, her breaths coming in short gasps.
"D-don't come near me," she stuttered, her voice quivering.
Lincoln's brows furrowed in confusion. Why was she so afraid of him? He took a step back, raising his hands in a peaceful gesture.
"Look, I'm not going to hurt you," he assured her gently. "I just wanted to make sure you're okay and help you up." he tied to approach a hand.
"DONT TOUCH ME!!!" The girl shrieked pushing herself away from Lincoln with surprising strength, her eyes never leaving his.
Lincolns heart sank. What was going on? He had never seen this girl before, had never talked to her, had never done anything to upset her, so why was she so terrified of him?
But before he could even try to ask her name or what was wrong, a commotion came from the crowd that had gathered.
"Back off, Loud!"
The harsh voice echoed through the hallway, and Lincoln's head snapped up to find Trent, the school's poster boy for 'bully with a capital B,' and his entourage approaching. His heart sank even further. Trent had always had it out for him, ever since the days when he was just Chandler's sidekick, following him around like a lost puppy. But now, with Chandler gone, it seemed he'd appointed himself as the school's self-proclaimed top dog.
"What do you want Trent?" Lincoln asked with a sigh while giving off a faint scowl.
"Me? nothing" the bully sneered as he pushed through the crowd, his eyes fixed on the trembling girl. "But seeing you attacking someone, well...I cant have that happening" He said with a smug smile.
"Attacking someone?" Lincoln repeated incredulously, "i'm not attacking anyone!" He exclaimed wondering what the hell was going on.
"Then why is she screaming?" Trent retorted pointing at the girl who was still cowering on the floor "Its obvious you did something!"
The crowd murmured in agreement, their whispers stoking the fire of accusation that was spreading through the hallway. Lincoln's heart raced as he looked around, his mind racing to think of what he could have possibly done to scare this girl (and apparently everyone) so much.
"I don't know!" Lincoln protested, "I just accidentally bumped into her and she started freaking out when I tried to help her!"
Trent sneered, clearly not buying it.
"Yeah, right. Just like you 'accidentally' came across the hydra at the park" he said with a smug grin.
Lincoln eyes widen in slight shock but also confusion on how Trent knew about it had word spread about what happen at the park...than why was everyone acting so weird?
"What are you talking about?" the white haired boy asked with a frown, "why would I intentionally look for a hydra of all things?" He asked shaking his head in disbelief.
Trent just chuckled.
"Oh you tell me" he said "Maybe you want it to cause chaos? Maybe you're working with Ragnarok?" Trent spat the words out like venom "Trying to make gods look bad" he accused.
Lincoln shot him a look of disbelief.
"What in the world are you talking about?" He retorted back getting an angry look on his face, "First of all Ragnarok are a bunch of psychos who attacked me and my friends at the park!" He snapped his face turning red, "Secondly all of my older sisters are inheritors! Why would I want to make gods look bad?"
This however seems to be something Trent was happy to hear if the victorious smile on her face was something to go about.
"AHA! so if you are not with Ragnarok..then it means you do are in cahoots with monsters as Chandler said!" Trent's smirk grew wider as the whispers grew into murmurs around them, the crowd of students growing larger.
"What?!" Lincoln yelled out his face nothing but shock while doing his best to hide his worry he couldn't let anybody find out about his powers...at least not yet....and not like this, "Do you ever hear yourself?!" he demanded with a glare, "since when do monsters work with anybody?!" He asked putting as much incredibility as he could into his face, "What's next you going to say I actually have a way to control them." He asked putting out a disdainful scoff.
"Maybe you do!" Trent retorted back with a sneer "How else would you survive a hydra?!" he asked with heat "not to mention that you're supposed to have been in the middle when the monsters escaped, and yet you didn't have a scratch on you." he said folding his arms in front of his chest, his words causing the murmurs to rise into accusatory whispers.
"The second one is because I was lucky to get out there alive with Haiku and Jordan!" Lincoln snapped back, "The first is I survived the hydra because my sister being overprotective worked in my favor for once!"
Ok this was bad. How the hell did he even knew he was one of the kids involved in the Hydra incident? names were still being kept from public for what he knew!
"And how the heck do you even know I was attacked by the hyrdra?" He demanded before coming to a conclusion as he glared at Trent, "Don't tell me you're actually with those Ragnarok psychos?!"
Trent's smile slipped, his eyes flashing with a genuine anger.
"How DARE you?" He roared his fists clenched tightly at his sides "I'd never work with those...those...pagans!" He spat the word with such venom it seemed like it burned his tongue "My god...Chandler would never..." his words trailed off as his gaze darkened "I am the future right hand of Zeus!" He proclaimed proudly "and if you think I would ever work with someone who goes against him..." he took a step closer to Lincoln his eyes narrowing "you are more of a fool than I thought!" He shouted.
"You're accusing me of somehow doing what no one else has done mortal and god controlling monsters!" Lincoln snapped back glaring not showing any fear, "putting aside how i'd never put anybody much less my friends or family in danger...how the heck would I be able to control monsters!?"
This caused a new wave of murmurs as some students actually began thinking about it and questioning Trent's accusation. Some of them had seen Lincoln's sisters in action, knew of their godly abilities, and understood that such power was nothing to scoff at. Yet, Lincoln's lack of divine lineage made it all the more perplexing.
"He's right.." Spoke a voice from the crowd with the figure of one of the more popular girls in school Mollie stepping forward, "This whole thing about Lincoln controlling monsters is complete insanity." she stated with a frown toward Trent, "And the only thing crazier are the people who believe it."
The girl had dark brown hair, 3 pairs of eyelashes, and buckteeth. She was wearing a pink shirt, purple blazer, red skirt in a checkered pattern, purple stockings and brown boots.
"Grrrr you stay out of this Freilich" Trent called out, his hands balled into fists as he pointed at Mollie.
"Or what?" the girl asked without fear crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow, "you'll throw another one of your tantrums?" she asked with a smirk. "Or maybe get your friend Zeus here to defend you? thats if he still accepts you calls" she added with a mocking look.
"What's that suppose to mean?!" Trent demanded with an angry face.
"Nothing I just think it's hilarious that Chandler even still gives you a second thought." Mollie said with an eye roll, "And how sad it is that you still think you're his right hand man or anything in his eyes."
Trent's face grew red with anger as he took a step forward toward Mollie.
"You don't know anything!" He shouted, pointing a finger at her, "I'm his chosen one, his future commander and leader of his cult!"
"Cult huh?" Mollie however seemed to raise her brow at the last word, "interesting word to use.." she said tapping her chin, "wasn't the last inheritor who tried to play cult leader locked up after trying to sacrifice an entire town in some crazy ritual?"
Trent's eyes widened as if she had just hit a nerve.
"It was never proved an Inheritor was responsible of that!" Trent bellowed, his fists clenching tighter.
"It was never denied either" Mollie quipped back with a shrug.
The incident in question was a weird phenomenon that happened some years ago in some town in England. It was a Tuesday afternoon when the town's residents began to witness peculiar occurrences that seemed to have been plucked straight from the pages of their dusty old mythology books. It began with a sudden downpours that lasted days, followed by some weird greenish fog that had rolled in from the countryside covering the town in an eerie silence. The local animals had gone mad and the crops in the fields were dying in a way that no one could explain. Of coarse Inheritors were called in to investigate, and it seems they found something and fixed it cause things seems to return to normal not long after the investigation began.
Except because the town fell in some sort of radio silence; no one in no one out. The greenish fog that had rolled in was still there, thick and impenetrable, a silent sentinel that held the town hostage to its whims.
No one would have noticed this if it wasnt because one man seems to have escaped the town by fighting his way out (thanks to the wounds and signs of fighting he had in) calling for help and managing to report about some cult that had taken over the town and its people before succumbing to some madness that ultimately ended his life.
"And Chandler trying to form his own little cult doesn't exactly imply good things either." Mollie said giving Trent an even stare, "perhaps he's got more than just an attitude problem.." she said before softly smirking, "fortunately if he goes rogue....well we know what happens to rogue inheritors"
The hallway had grown tense as the argument grew heated. The whispers and murmurs had turned into a low rumble of conversation, with students taking sides or simply watching the drama unfold. The girl on the floor had managed to gather her books and slip away unnoticed in the chaos.
Trent's eyes narrowed, the veins in his neck popping out as he stared at Mollie.
"You better watch your mouth, Freilich," he threatened, his voice low and menacing. "You're treading on dangerous ground."
"Why? Don't like the idea of your master being locked up with all the other scum bags who abused their position and power?" Mollie asked with a smug mocking smirk.
It was then that Trent had had enough.
"Dont you dare talk about your betters like that!!" Trent spat as he took a step closer to Mollie his fists tightly balled up in a threatening manner.
Only for Lincoln to get in the middle before the bully could approach the girl.
"Trent back off!" the Loud boy said with a heated glare, "I don't know where all this craziness came from, or what your problem is." He said before giving the other boy a firm look, "but i'm not about to stand by and let you hurt anybody."
He already had a weird morning at now Trent and his accusations were chipping at his patience!
At this point he wanted a moment to breath and process all, but he wouldnt let Trent bully Mollie like that.
Mollie looked at Lincoln, her eyes wide and surprised. The concern etched on his face was something she wasn't quite used to seeing from anyone, especially not from someone like him. Her heart fluttered, a mix of confusion and something else, something warm that spread through her chest like a gentle flame. She had heard about Lincoln, the 'normal' one in a family of gods, but she had never really talked to him. His willingness to stand up to Trent on her behalf was...touching, to say the least.
Plus for some reason she couldn't help but think he looked kinda cute and dashing standing up to this moron.
Blink-Blink
Cute and dashing? where did that came from? Come on girl! you and him werent even friends and you are acting as if you are crushing on him?
Mollie blinked as she realized she had let her thoughts wander. She quickly regained her composure, shaking her head as if to rid herself of the odd sensation. She wasn't one to get flustered over a boy, especially one who she wasnt even close to. But there was something about the way Lincoln was standing up to Trent, something about the determination in his eyes and the protective stance he took that made her heart race in a way it had never done before. As if there was something...familiar about it all.
The girl slapped herself mentally before turning her attention back to the confrontation. Later she can address these weird thoughts but now she had an idiot to deal with.
"Me hurt somebody?" Said idiot repeated glaring at Lincoln, "we should worry about you hurting someone!"
"Oh really?" Mollie asked raising her voice, "And what's your proof?" she asked "some make up video in the internet?" she smirked.
"Grrr you want proof!" Trent snapped reaching into his pocket before pulling out his phone, "here's your proof!" He growled bringing up a certain video in question before holding it up.
Lincoln felt some dread noticing one of the Ragnarok guys that he faced in the park in the vid, talking about him to the world (luckily it seems he had forgot to name him).
However he did his best to hide his worry while Mollie standing behind him arched an unimpressed brow.
"And....what exactly is this suppose to be?" she asked gesturing toward the phone with a frown.
"what...its obviously proof!!" yelled Trent.
"All im seeing is some crazy Ragnarok guy spewing nonesenses without actually showing something!" the girl called out with a roll of her eyes, "You really think that's going to convince anyone?"
At that the surrounding crowd of students began to mutter to themselves with Lincoln seeing this as his chance to turn the tide as he addressed the scowling Trent.
"Yeah plus he's one of the crazies who attacked me at the my park with my friends over a Cerberi puppy of all things!" He exclaimed out shaking his head in disbelief, "And he's seriously blaming the hydra on me?! How does that even make sense?!"
The crowd began to murmur louder as they watched the confrontation unfold. Some looked at the phone with skepticism, others at Lincoln with curiosity.
Trent growled feeling he had lose the crowd's attention as he stared at Lincoln with pure anger.
Who did this little freak or that bitch think they were! The fact that Chandler alone said this freak controlled the monsters should be enough! They all should be burning him at the stake or locking him up! So why wasn't anyone speaking up?!
"Oh, so now we're just taking the words of a bunch of psychos as gospel?" Lincoln scoffed, trying to play it cool despite his racing heart. "What's next? Are you going to tell me I've got three heads and a tail?"
"Grrr shut up!" Trent snapped glaring at Lincoln, "It's not just Ragnarok, Chandler himself said you controlled those monsters which means it has to be true!" He snapped only for Mollie to scoff.
"More like Ragnarok heard about his little freak out and saw an opening to exploit because of it." she remarked with an eye roll.
The crowd's murmurs grew louder as they processed the accusations and counterarguments. Some looked at Lincoln with suspicion, while others nodded in agreement with Mollie. Trent's fists tightened around his phone, his knuckles turning white.
Noticing this Lincoln got closer to him.
"How about before you do something stupid you take one second to think things through and stop making us lose lunchtime with your conspiracy theories?" he said with a snarky tone, trying to diffuse the tension. "Besides, even if I had powers, which I don't, why would I use them to cause chaos? It's not like I've got a throne to fight for or something," he added, trying to keep his voice steady despite the panic rising within him. "If i had that kind of power I would be using it to help my sister keep monsters away from the city, not summoning them into it," Lincoln said with conviction.
After all that was probably going to be his long term plan once he got a proper handle on his ability....I mean what else would he use those powers for? Go crazy and try to take over the world while forging a harem of beautiful women to serve his twisted desires....and wait where did that last thought come from?!
He had spend too much time hearing his sister´s romantic fantasies.
"You heard him" called Mollie "If you dont have something bette then beat it!" she exclaimed with a smirk.
"Grr....this...this isn't over!" Trent snapped glaring at Lincoln, "I know somethings not right with you and i'm going to expose you for the freak you are!"
With that he stormed off with his gang leaving Lincoln and Mollie alone.
"Tch no power no Chandler and he is still a pain in the ass" scoffed Molly as the cowd of students began to beak too.
Lincoln couldn't help but chuckle nervously.
"Well, thanks for backing me up...I guess." He turned to face Mollie, his heart still racing.
Because this was way too close of a call! And if that video really had hit the net...and the Ragnarok members who had gotten away from the park were spreading the word....how many people thought like Trent or that scared girl from earlier?
"Eh dont mentioned it" said Mollie with a shrug "Trent is a plague I dont wish on anyone, plus people are already nervous enough to have someone like him causing more panic" she huffed "And honestly I don't even get where all this nonsense of you being able to control monsters came from." she added with a roll of her eyes.
Lincoln flinched a bit at that.
"Ehem..ehh..who knows...maybe Chandler convinced him to do this to mess with me" said Lincoln a bit nervous "I mean you know how they were" he said with a frown with Mollie giving a snort.
"Tell me about it." she remarked with crossed arms, "It's like the moment he became a inheritor everybody forgot how much of a condescending jerk he was to everyone, and threw themselves at his feet just to get in good with a god." she said her tone full of disdain and derision as she'd never been the biggest fan of inheritors for some reason, particularly Chandler as something about him....just made her blood boil and had her seeing red from the first moment she ever met him back in kindergarten.
"Well...not everyone" Lincoln said with a smirk, remembering all the times she had stood up to Trent and his friends, "you never had that problem."
"what can I say..gods dont impress me" Mollie said with a smirk before walking away with a swing of her hips. "But will say a certain boy with white hair certainly has" she added with a glance over her shoulder seeing Lincoln's eyes following her feeling her with pride and satisfaction for some reason.
As she disappeared into the crowd, Lincoln felt a sigh of relief escape his lips. The confrontation had been intense, and while he was grateful for Mollie's support, it had only served to remind him of his precarious situation. He couldn't let anyone else find out about his powers, not until he understood them better.
But do will say...having Mollie defending HIM of all people...he didnt know why but it felt kind of...good.
And strangely....familiar for some reason? But he shook that thought off with a frown wondering what he could do about this video and the rumors that were likely springing from it.
Also he should go and tell Jordan and Haiku about this.
"Lincoln!"
Speaking off, he saw the tomboy rushing towards him.
"Hey Jordan you okay?" He asked with a look of concern from the worried expression she had.
"I should be asking you that." Jordan asked with a frown, "there's crazy rumors spreading about you all over the school." she told him with a worried angry scowl.
She had tried to approach Lincoln before but it seems Emma wasnt the only friend she had that also believed that vid (and tried to "protect her")...nor the only one that joined Chandler´s cult.
And needless to say she was feeling beyond both betrayed and pissed right now!
"Yeah just got out of a confrontation with Trent about those" scoffed the white haired boy "if it wasnt for Mollie I dont know how I would have get out of it"
"Mollie?" Jordan repeated with a blink, "Like Mollie Freilich? What does she have to do anything?" she asked while a feeling of protective jealousy started to flare up in her chest.
"Oh, you know she was just in the right place at the right time." Lincoln said with a shrug trying to play it cool, "But yeah she was pretty cool about the whole thing." He added with a smile not noticing Jordan´s eye twitching.
"Well...i'm glad to hear...that you had someone in your corner." she said with a forced grin, "but you know that you can count on me too right?"
Lincoln smiled at her.
"I know..and Im thankful for that" he let out a sigh "want to share a table for lunch? we can take a breath of this and later we can talk with Haiku to make a plan"
"That sounds great!" Jordan squealed out a bit excited at the idea of having lunch with Lincoln...alone. Before realizing how she was looking so with a cough and flush she added, "I mean a break and a quiet lunch together sounds like just what we need." she said with a smile before adding with a sigh, "After all it seems Chandler has all my so called friends eating out of his hand as part of his cult so I don't think i'll be sharing lunch with any of them again any time soon."
"Uff sorry to heard that" said Lincoln. He knew that become part of a cult (ok it was officially call "become part of a temple" but it was a cult) was..kinda a big deal for a good chunk of society as Muses and sentries had basically a secured job after graduation.
"It's cool...not your fault." Jordan said with a sigh frowning at the floor, "I just thought after what he did to me...my friends would see him for the creep he was." she admitted a trace of hurt leaking out of her voice causing Lincoln to frown in concern before firming his expression.
"Well than who needs them anyway." He said getting her attention as he held out his hand, "after all you got real friends like and Haiku right?" He asked with a smile that caused Jordan to feel warm inside.
Jordan looked up at him and took his hand with a determined smile.
"You're right, Lincoln" and she hopped he will be more than a fried soon "and hey! maybe if we...solve your..ehem..thing...maybe I can become one of your muses" she joked.
At that Lincoln found himself flushing and giving a cough since he knew some of the rumors about the muses and their chosen gods had them painted as a god's personal harem....and also knew that in quite a few case that was the truth...so Jordan offer certainly took him by surprise and caused his mind to have some thoughts he tried to ignore.
"Heheh ah maybe..." He said with a flush and nervous smile "i'd certainly be lucky to have you." He added while looking away before giving a cough, "but ah hey how about that lunch!" He said reaching out to take her hand and guide her to the lunch room.
"Sound good to me...oh great Loud god" she said in over-dramatic god "if thats your command" she added with a smirk.
At that Lincoln let out a chuckle but flushed at the word command.
"Hehe it is indeed, but careful.." He for some reason felt a bit bold and shot her a teasing grin, "I might be tempted to command you to do something naughty"
Jordan blinked.
Lincoln blinked.
"Pfff hahahahahahahaha" and both began laughing.
Though unnoticed by Lincoln, Jordan had a blush and small smile on her face.
(Meanwhile)
Mayor Theresa Davis was a woman that always tried to place the safety and concerns of the town's citizens before her own.
No matter if they were humans or gods, she always tried to be fair to everyone and try her best to keep peace in her town. She had a heart of gold, and her smile was contagious. The townsfolk knew they could count on her to listen to their woes and do her best to alleviate their burdens.
Whatever there was a monster attack or an Ice-cream shortage, Mayor Davis was always the first to respond. Her office, situated in the heart of town, was open to all, and her door was never closed.
Until today...when a literal mob of angry people paraded down the street and her security force, the police and GODA agents shut the doors close to her. It was a scene she had never seen before. And sure she knew the organization Ragnarok have been making waves int he community but never like this!
"Its not good ma'am" Officer Schoffner called inside the office "the crowd is getting really heated, we dont know how long we can keep things from escalating."
"Any word from the Elysian Council about the video that caused all this?" The mayor asked with a stressed expression, "Please tell me they've made some kinda response and are sending someone to help us deal with this chaos!" she plead to the officer.
"On the former...nothing yet ma'am" the female cop/centurion called "as for the latter..." she gave a scoff.
BAM!!!
That deepened as the doors of the office were pushed open.
"Hehehe well, well, well...Schoffner...weird seeing you out the opera outfit" said a mocking voice.
The speaker was a hefty woman with dark orange hair (with white strands) and a black mole on her left cheek. She wore a thick parka made of polar bear fur, with the furry hood pulled over her head. In her gloved hands she held an ancient-looking spear, which was topped with an intricately carved bone tip. She strutted into the room, the fur from her boots brushing the floor like a furry dance partner.
"Cavanagh" Schoffner greeted with a scowl clearly recognizing the woman and not being happy about it. "weird seeing you not terrorizing kids in the ice-ring"
"Hehehe oh still on that?" Cavanagh, retorted with a sneer. "I told you, those kids had it coming. They were disrespecting the sacredness of the ice! And now, Mayor Sweetcheeks, you've got your own little problem to deal with, don't you?" her face adopted a more feral look as her eyes turned full black, fangs grew from her mouth and her hands became white furred claws "well you are in luck, I've got something for you that could turn this whole shindig around"
FERN CAVANAGH-REINCARNATION OF NANOOK (INUIT).
"Hahahaha indeed Mayor" called a second, male, figure "we will having that crowd under control in no time" the speaker was a very muscular manwith a black Mohawk and a black beard.
He was dressed in an Aztec warrior outfit with a silver and blue snake motif, which was intricately woven into the fabric of his clothing. The outfit was adorned with feathers and gold trimmings. His bare chest was tanned and covered in ancient tattoos. In his right hand, he held a sturdy wooden shield that bore the same serpent motif as his outfit. His left hand gripped a red spear with what looked like a misty snake that coiled around it, its eyes glinting with an eerie light. The snake's head was at the tip, poised to strike.
STANLEY "STAN" STANKO-REINCARNATION OF MIXCOATL (AZTEC).
"And what exactly do you have in mind?" The mayor asked with a wary look, "Because tensions are spiking and one wrong move could send the entire city if not beyond into chaos." she added looking worriedly out of her window.
"And I know you Cavanagh" scoffed the officer "if the Council sent you and this brute" he pointed at Stan "It means they expect things to get violent and for you two to handle it the only way you know"
With more violence with a side of smiting she added in her mind.
She knew "Stern" Fern from long before her ascension and she knew she could get quite violent when she felt someone was "misbehaving" as she liked to say. Her methods were unorthodox, but she had a way of keeping things in line. The same went for "Intimidating" Stank. He was feared and revered for his fierceness and tactics, which often mirrored the Aztec deity he was the reincarnation of.
Yet that was also the reason why Schoffner was visibly uneasy.
"Ma'am, the Council rarely sends in their own reincarnated agents unless it's an emergency like a big monster attack. And they don't do it for tea parties," she whispered under her breath, eyeing the duo suspiciously.
"I know but we can't exactly refute the council.." the mayor agreed with a worried grimace.
"but if we let these two head out they'll make things worse!" the office hissed out, "we might as well kick off world war three with mortals and inheritors at each others throats!" she added in a low worried whisper.
"I understand your concerns, Schoffner," Mayor Davis replied calmly, her eyes never leaving the window and the tumultous crowd beyond it. "But we are at a crossroads, and we must choose our battles wisely. If they have a plan to quell the chaos without unnecessary bloodshed, then we must give them a chance."
Fern chuckled, her eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and confidence.
"Oh, don't you worry your pretty little head," she said, patting the spear affectionately, "Stan and I are here only as...protection"
"Indeed they are" another female voice called as Schoffner frown became really notable as Jancey Yates entered the room "It is you mayor the one that should calm the waters" the reincarnation of Athena said in her typical sing-like tone "as leader of the town thats your duty after all"
"And you don't think I know that." The mayor asked back with a frown, "but calming the waters as you said is a lot easier said than done!"
And as if to emphasis her words a brick was thrown threw the window.
"Gods be dammed!" Schoffner exclaimed, jumping at the sound of shattering glass. She quickly regained her composure and rushed to the window, peering out at the now unruly crowd.
"Not the expression I would use officer" said lady Yates with a smirk, "But yes, the situation is indeed...spiraling" she said with her typical smile as if there wasnt an issue at hand "I would be good if our dear Mayor could do something about it"
"I'm working on it!" The Mayor snapped, her eyes still glued to the mob outside. She had to think quickly. "I dont get how one video could get everyone so...so worked up!"
"Have you by any chance seen the video in question?" Jancey Yates asked with a arched brow
The mayor frowned.
"I did" she said "something about a white haired boy controlling the hydra at the park" she replied, her voice a mix of confusion and concern.
After all...someone capable of controlling monsters? It was unheard of...Ridiculous even.
But the townsfolk weren't buying it. The video had gone viral, and with every share, the panic grew. They had seen the destruction monsters had caused in other towns, and the thought of one being controlled by someone within their midst was too much. They were demanding answers, demanding action, and Mayor Davis knew that she couldn't ignore their fears much longer.
"Cant you simply..find this boy and ask him?" asked Stan with a shrug, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder.
Schoffner took the word.
"Thats the first thing we thought of cloud head" she said with a scowl "but you know how many white haired individuals exists in Royal Woods?" she asked "at least 4...3 males...1 female...2 of them are boys not even teen yet...and both are recorded mortals after failing the ritual" she sighed, "And no we cant ask those Ragnarok about it because someone release them from the precinct" she added with a gritted teeth.
"What?!" The mayor looked surprised at this, "But with their charges if attempted assault on minors they should of been held without bail!" She called having heard of that particular incident to Ragnarok member arrest not to mention the scene tied to all their current Chaos.
"Apparently they had some very...persuasive lawyers" Schoffner replied with a roll of her eyes before looking directly at Jancey "And with that I can tell an Inheritor was involved"
At that Jancey actually frowned something extremely out of the norm for her while the inheritors at her side exchange looks.
"Any names..." She asked her tone a peeved as she held back a great bit of anger after all Ragnarok fools were the worst if Morty scum who didn't know their rightful place, but they were also a growing annoyance and thorn in her and all other inheritors sides.
Any inheritor throwing their lot in with them was not only as alarming as it was confusing, but was an issue that needed to be dealt with.
"Silence vow to Styx" scoffed the policewoman making both the mayor and the new Athena flinch.
From the mythological era some old ways of making contracts and vows have been kept to the mother times.
Vowing by the Styx was a serious matter, not to be taken lightly. It meant that the individuals in question had sworn an oath so binding that even the gods themselves would hold them to it. Mayor Davis felt a chill run down her spine. If someone had gone to such lengths to protect these Ragnarok members, then the situation was indeed dire.
"I see.." Jancey said evenly with an expressionless face, "Hmm this is certainly starting to look like a set up...especially with recent events." she stated aloud with a frown thinking back to the school and the interference of that still unknown third party.
"Well, it's clear we can't ignore this any longer," Mayor Davis said, stepping away from the window. "We need to address the people, to calm their fears and assure them that we are doing everything we can to find the truth behind this video."
"And how are we going to do that?" Schoffner asked with an arched brow.
"First of all by calming the crowd we have at our doorstep" said the mayor firmly. "We can't have our own citizens attacking each other" she added "I will go out there and talk to them!"
"Are you sure that's wise" Jancey asked with an arched brow.
"Yeah that mob looks ready to rip anybody apart for saying the wrong thing." Fern said with a scoff.
he hated misbehavior of any kind, and this crowd was already making a mess of the street they paraded.
"Then I will make sure to talk with the only thing will calm them!" declared the mayor "with the honest truth"
"Which is that this kid probably doesn't even exist." Schoffner said with a scoff, "and if he does doubt he can control a hydra." She added with a roll of her eyes.
"Exactly!" called the Mayor with a smile "Im sure explaining the truth will be enough to calm everyone and give us time to investigate this" she then turned to the three Inheritors "I can trust you will be hold back and let me try calm things without the need of violence right?"
"By all means.." Jancey gesture for her to proceed while her companions looked annoyed, "if you believe you can resolve this matter peacefully who am I to stop you."
After all...if she were to fail and the crowd turned violent...
She eyed the other two new gods with her...there was a reason why SHE choose to sent these two. After all besides having the proper mindset of the place of gods like themselves and mortals, they also weren't afraid of getting their hands dirty and doing what needed to be done to keep the order.
"Although, I will once again say you show too much leniency towards that group" the new Athena called with Mayor Davis giving a frown but not turning to look at the inheritor.
"Patience and peaceful cooperation must always be the priority for everyone inheritor or mortal." she replied back her tone even "No one should be afraid to speak their part and if they agree or disagree with something or someone" she added "thats a freedom we all are born with not matter our status"
"Hmm yes but not when what they have to say amounts to threats to the natural order of things." Jancey replied back with a small smile "After all, I know from a good source that one of the so-called..suspects...that video talked and could be target by that organization, its from the Loud family" said the new Athena "and we can agree it wont be look good if one of our most prestigious Inheritor families its attacked by a group of...zealots...that think themselves better" she scoffed "Much less when certain people are still shaken up over the incident with the Zhau family." she added clicking her tongue.
Of all the incidents of morties attacking gods, THAT one in particular was one she hated the most considering it happened in HER territory.
She personally made sure to bury those involve in the incident and made sure to keep an eye on that family too (only one god...but still this could be a good chance to recruit the polynesian goddess to her side).
The last thing she needed was a repeated of said incident with the Louds of all families.
That a kid (specially of normie parents) become an Inheritor was already a big bet and even having "godly parenting" did not ensure a godly lineage (could happen but wasnt 100% certain). So the fact the Louds had 5 kids all becoming Inheritors was nothing short of a miracle.
Add to the fact they had some big names in the form of Hera, Hercules, Loki, Hephaestus, Aphrodite (no matter Leni Loud wasnt exactly "good" at her post) and even a minor Egyptian music god (who was surprisingly quite powerful).
And the fact there was still 5 more kids that needed to do the ritual and have the possibility of becoming gods themselves?
The potential of the Loud family was a delicate subject among the Elysian Council and any misstep could mean the loss of a powerful ally in the mortal world.
It didnt matter the sole male kid was mortal. That family was like a walking jackpot for Inheritors and if they lost even one of them it was like losing a piece of their future. And with Ragnarok growing bolder...no she couldnt allow that.
Especially since, even if mortal, the male child still had his uses in binding his family closer to her own, and by extension her agenda, through Beatrix.
But Mayor Davis wasn't privy to the political games of the gods. All she knew was that she had to protect her town, even from the very beings that were supposed to safeguard them. With a heavy sigh, she turned to face the three Inheritors.
"Thank you for your support," she said with a hint of sarcasm. "Now, I'm going to go out there and try to calm this situation down. I'd appreciate it if you could... assist me without causing any more trouble."
Fern and Stan shared a look, their eyes lighting up with the challenge. Jancey nodded solemnly, understanding the unspoken command to keep a low profile unless absolutely necessary. The three of them followed Mayor Davis out of the office.
On the hallways there was some panic and worry as workers and security forces rushed back and forth trying to either keep some "normality" by resuming their jobs or trying to stop chaos from spreading in the town hall. Mayor Davis walked through the corridors with determination, her eyes focused on the main door leading to the street. She knew she had to be the one to face the mob. The Inheritors followed her, their divine auras subtly influencing the mood of those they passed by, calming the panic and instilling a sense of order.
Outside the building, police and security had formed a tight barricade around the town hall. Anti-riot shields, official vehicles, and flashing lights created a stark contrast with the normally peaceful atmosphere of Royal Woods.
Security Cerberi were kept in tight leashes as their multiple heads (dog and snake) growled at the chaotic mob. The crowd was a sea of angry faces, fists raised in the air, their chants a cacophony that echoed through the town hall's walls. The Mayor took a deep breath, stepping out onto the makeshift podium hastily set up by her staff. The moment she appeared, a hush fell over the crowd, their eyes all locked on her.
"People, people if I could have your attention please!" Mayor Davis called getting the crowd attention, "I know you're scared but you must know rioting like this.." she shook her head, "is not only NOT the answer but putting innocent people yourself included at risk."
The crowd looked at her with a mix of anger, fear and hope.
"So you say!" someone yelled.
"But we know the truth now!!!" another added, holding a phone with the viral video playing on repeat.
The crown began murmuring again.
Mayor Davis held up her hands, palms out, to quiet the murmurs.
"I know what you've seen," she said, her voice steady and strong, "but let's not jump to conclusions. The safety of our town is of the utmost importance to me, and I promise you, we are looking into the matter of the video."
"The inheritors are liars!" Yelled out a voice angrily from the crowd.
"Yeah they've been putting us in danger or getting us killed, just so they can look like heroes!" another voice screamed in agreement.
The mayor felt a knot form in her stomach, but she remained unflappable. She knew she had to tread carefully; the anger in the air was palpable and could ignite at any moment.
"We dont have evidence that prove that anything the video told is true," she said firmly, "We're looking into it and we will find out who's behind it"
"Evidence the inheritors will fabricate to deny the truth!"
"We wont be tricked again!"
"Down with the gods!!"
The chant grew louder, the people's fear morphing into anger and resentment. Mayor Davis could feel the pressure building, the weight of the town's fears and suspicion heavy on her shoulders. She had to act fast before the situation spiraled out of control.
"I understand your concerns," she shouted over the din, her voice clear and commanding. "But violence is not the answer! We are a community that stands together"
"Yeah under those bastards calling themselves gods!" A voice called out with Mayor Davis starting to realize that some of those shouts were coming from the same people.
Jancey also noticed this.
Narrowing her eyes she used Stan´s body as cover as she summoned her owl and send it to fly hidden to spy on the crowd.
"No matter if you are an Inheritor or a normal human!" called the mayor trying to keep control of the situation "we all have a part to do in our city"
"Yeah like protecting our families from monsters those gods set loose!"
"Again there is no proof Inheritors can do that" called the Mayor a bit exasperated "No Inheritor has shown to be able to do that!"
On a close by tree the owl set as its eyes glowed allowing Jancey to see through its eyes.
"Because they wouldn't let us know! It's no secret that the inheritors hide things from us mortals! They would hide something like this for sure!"
The crowd murmured while others called in agreement.
"Inheritors have protected humans for ages" called the mayor "it doesnt make sense they would do something like this!"
"Of course it does! Without monsters around to terrorize us, then we have no reason to depend on them for protection! All it costs us is our freedom!"
Jancey narrowed her eyes as she saw through the eyes of her owl...she was sure she knew who this was...wasnt he some worker at some burger place?
Bah! She suppose it hardly matter she had found her troublemaker after all.
"Left row of the crowd...close to the trees" she whispered at Stan.
The Aztec god grinned and moved his spear behind his back.
The misty snake "condensate" and moved like a breeze; hiding on the shadows as it moved from guard to guard using them to hide its movement.
Meanwhile the mayor was getting a bit desperate.
"People please! I assure you we will look onto this! we will check all the evidence we find but I assure you there is no need to get violent"
"She's a traitor and sell out! She's just spouting what those so called gods tell her to say!"
"Dont believe her! bet she had forces ready to attack us!"
"Give us the boy and we might believe you!"
"Justice for humans!"
At that the mob cries began to sound out as Mayor Davis took a nervous step back.
"People...people..please..."
CRACK!
But her cries were cut when a stone hit her.
"Ok, talk times are over" called Jancey
"Cloud trap!" called Stan called.
HISSS!!!
"Agggg!!!"
A giant snake made of mist suddenly appeared wrapping around a boy.
"Shield wall!!" called Mrs. Yates as she summoned her spear and shield.
8 hoplite warriors made of light emerged around her and the mayor; shields up to cover from any attack.
"Protect the mayor and dispel this crowd!" she ordered "arrest the criminals!"
"Finally!" called Fern with a predatory smile before her body began shifting
In a moment she triplicated her size as white fur covered her, her face tuned into a snout, her hands and feet into claws; and a giant polar bear replaced the woman
ROAR!!!!!
"It's a monster!" A voice screeched out in fear from the mob, "Somebody call Ragnarok!"
"Wait, calm down" the mayor tried to call but soon she was put on the hands of officers and pulled into the town hall as police and other forces rushed onto the crowd.
Oh this was turning into a complete disaster! She had to get control and order, but how!?
The mayor looked at the chaos unfolding before her eyes, the crowd that was once silent now a raging sea of fury. The three Inheritors had acted swiftly, their godly powers coming into play. The giant polar bear, Fern, had charged into the fray, her powerful roars scattering the crowd like a flock of startled birds. The misty snake, under Stank's control, had latched onto the boy they believed to be the ringleader, hissing and writhing, confusing and distracting the mob.
Meanwhile, Jancey remained at the podium, her spear and shield gleaming in the sun. She had not yet engaged physically but her presence was palpable, a silent threat to any who would dare cross her.
"This is insanity!" The mayor called out to her.
"No this is the gods bringing order." Jancey corrected keeping her smile.
The police and the town's security forces followed the Inheritors lead, moving to form a protective barricade around the town hall, pushing back the enraged citizens. The sound of shields clanging and furious roars filled the air, punctuated by screams of fear and pain. The sight of a giant polar bear and a misty snake was more than some could handle, and they fled in terror.
Mayor Davis was escorted back into the town hall, her heart racing. She knew the situation was escalating beyond her control. She had hoped to use reason to calm the crowd, but now she was witnessing the very chaos she had feared. As she was ushered into the safety of the building, she couldn't help but feel a sense of failure.
Outside, Fern the polar bear continued her rampage, her roars echoing through the streets of Royal Woods. The sight of the massive creature sent waves of panic through the mob. Some tried to flee, while others stood their ground, their fear turning to anger. They hurled rocks and makeshift weapons at the bear, their eyes filled with defiance.
Stan's cloud-snake, however, remained steadfast around the boy. The misty creature tightened its grip, but not enough to cause serious harm. The boy, clearly terrified, struggled against the ethereal bonds, his eyes darting around the chaotic scene.
"Let him go!" A group of protesters surged forward, brandishing makeshift weapons. "He's one of us!"
"HELP ME!" The boy cried out in fear.
"Hehehe dont worry" called the god with a smirk as the misty snake tightened its grip, "there is plenty for all!" he called as the snake seems to shrink (but still wrapping around the boy), while new snakes wrapped around the protesters.
"What the hell?!" called one of the men as he was dragged by one of the snakes.
"Hey!" another called.
"Kyaaa!!!" a girl screamed as one of the snakes wrapped around her body.
"This isn't happening, this isn't happening, THIS ISN'T HAPPENING!" Cried out a frantic terrified looking girl while backing away from the snakes.
But the snakes didn't pay any mind to her, they just keep slithering through the air, wrapping themselves around the more aggressive protesters, their hisses mixing with the shouts of the crowd.
But those that managed to ran from the snakes found another issue.
"ROAR!!"
Specifically the bear form of Fern, her teeth bared and her eyes blazing with divine power, swiped at the air, sending a shockwave of cold wind that sent the attackers stumbling back. Her fur bristled with each roar, the power of the arctic deity coursing through her. The crowd parted before her, the line of officers and security forces holding firm behind her.
"Stand your ground! Don't let these freaks see your fear!" Screamed out one hostile man angrily.
"Lets show them the power of humans!" another cried pulling out a knife...a bronze knife.
Jancey's eyes narrowed as she saw the weapon...that couldnt be what she thinks it was...right?
Fern actually laughed (or laughed as much as a bear was capable) as she saw the knife, it was almost adorable in its futility. She took a step forward, her paws slamming into the ground like thunderclaps, sending tremors through the pavement. The protesters with the bronze knives took a collective step back, their bravado slipping.
"Its that suppose to scare me?" called Fern with a mocking tone, "Those are but toys compared to what I can do!"
The man holding the knife swallowed hard, his hand shaking as he looked up into the towering polar bear's eyes.
"Hehehe come on...I will give you a free shot" the reincarnation of Nanook goaded the man with the knife.
The man looked at his comrades for support, but their eyes were filled with doubt and fear. With a grunt, he stepped forward, the knife glinting in the light.
"Ugg...FOR HUMANITY!" he yelled charging at the bear, the knife held high above his head.
Fern just rolled her eyes. She had fought more formidable opponents than some overzealous fanatics with knives.
The man with the bronze knife charged, a war cry escaping his lips, and just as he was about to plunge the weapon into Fern's side, she swiped her massive paw. The man's cut was swift, the knife managing to grace her paw.
Her expression shifted from mocking to confused as she felt the cut. It was a strange sensation, one she had never felt before. The blade was supposed to be useless against her divine form, yet it had sliced through her fur and into her skin. Fern's eyes widened in shock, and she took a step back, looking at the crimson stain spreading from the gash.
A gash that was glowing golden.
"Olympian bronze" said Jancey with a frown, "Those knives are tipped with Olympian bronze!" she exclaimed knowing that was one of the few things that can harm even older Inheritors.
The man looked up at Fern with a triumphant smile before he could get another word out however, the giant polar bear slammed her paw into the ground with such force it created a shockwave that sent the attacker flying into a nearby tree. He lay there unconscious, the knife flying from his grasp and landing on the ground, the tip broken.
ROAR!!!!!
Fern roared in anger and pain, the sound echoing through the town square. The crowd took a collective step back, their fear momentarily overshadowing their rage. The glow from the wound slowly receded, but the realization of the danger they faced grew more intense. The protesters looked around, their eyes finding the other individuals who had brought forth the ancient weaponry. The air grew thick with the scent of fear and panic, as the true gravity of the situation dawned on them.
"OK! NO MORE MISS NICE BEAR!" Fern growled, her bear form growing even more menacing if that was even possible. She stomped towards the group of attackers with the bronze knives, her eyes fixed on them like a predator eyeing its prey as her form began glowing on an artic aura of cold.
Before crashing, the bear actually leaped onto the air as the aura grew in intensity.
"PUNISHMENT OF THE NORTH!" Fern's thunderous voice boomed across the square as she descended upon the group of attackers like a divine avenger, her aura of cold intensifying into a blizzard around her. The very air grew colder, and a flurry of snow began to swirl as the temperature dropped dramatically.
The moment she impacted into the ground, the entire area around her froze over and gigantic ice spirals emerged from the ground, trapping the attackers in a prison of frost. The crowd watched in horror and awe as the polar bear that was Fern stood tall, her breath coming out in thick plumes of mist, her eyes burning with a cold fury. The men and women who had dared to wield the forbidden bronze against her lay scattered and trembling, trapped in the icy embrace of her wrath.
"That's what you get for stepping out of your place." Fern said with a huff and dark grin.
"Fweeee...not bad" Stan called as he walked to his fellow god; his own prisoners still wrapped in misty snakes as the security forces arrested them "although you could have hold back a little" he pouted "now there is no one else to fight" he called as the rest of the crowd already had dispersed and ran away.
"First come first served Stan." Fern said with a smug smirk to her fellow inheritor and friend.
The new Mixcoatl was about to say something, when he noticed something.
"well...I will say you missed one" he said pointing at the far end of the ice pillars.
There was a dark-skinned teenage girl with dark brown shoulder-length hair, two eyelashes on each eye, and buck teeth. For attire, she was wearing a dark red sweater with a blue checkered chest stripe and a white collar, black shorts, and white ankle boots.
One of her boots was stuck on the ice as she pulled at her leg trying to free herself.
"Well, looks like she's not going anywhere in a hurry," Jancey said,looking at the trapped girl with a smirk. The girl looked up at her with a mix of anger and fear in her eyes. "But good to know now we can ask someone about that Bronze situation," Jancey mused aloud, twirling her spear.
"Hehehehe let me handle this" Stan chuckled as he strolled over to the trapped girl with his usual over-confident stride.
SNIK!!!
Only for a bronze spear to land in front of him.
"Thats enough!" called officer Schoffner pushing through the security line. "you two already did enough" the police woman said with narrowed eyes as she looked at Stan and Fern.
She wasnt surprised THIS was the result at having those two involved, yet still she was angry that THIS was the end result!
"She is only a kid so back off!" Officer Schoffner yelled, her grip tightening on the spear as she stepped in front of the trapped girl, her eyes never leaving Stan and Fern.
"au contraire officer" said Jancey walked also towards them "she is not only a kid anymore" said the new Athena "now she is a suspect of terrorism and attempted murder of an inheritor" she said pointing at the girl with her own spear.
The girl looked up at them, her eyes flashing with anger as she continue trying to release her leg.
"terrorism? attempted murder?!" repeated Schoffner incredulously, "On what grounds?!"
"The fact they had a material dangerous for Inheritors?" asked Jancey with a smug smile, "The same material that was just used to attack us?" she said "Material that only should be at the hands of security forces like you?" she added pointing at the officer´s spear "Maybe we could add thief to the charges"
At that Schoffner gave a stern look to Jancey,
"Be that as it may she's already caught, and i'm not about to let you perform a public execution." she stated giving Jancey a strong glare, "you're already pushing your authority to the limit as is with this chaos and you know it!"
Jancey´s eye twitched for a moment...her authority? she was Athena! a goddess!
"I could say the same about you officer" Fern spoke up with a growling tone, her bear form slowly shrinking back into the human form "You're letting these monsters run free in the town!" she looked at her hand noticing a small scar that will fade by tomorrow but still it was a reminder...a warning...that apparently this rebel/criminals of Ragnarok had more resources that what they thought.
"Monsters?" Schoffner repeated looking around in confusion before looking at the unconscious men and women, "some of them are just kids, misguided but still kids!" she yelled "You the one acting all and mighty forgetting that this isn't ancient Greece, while trying to prove everything those Ragnarok wackos say about inheritors is true." The mortal officer said showing no fear as she stared hard into Jancey's eyes.
Jancey took a step back slightly surprised by the officers audacity, her grip on her spear tightening as she felt her anger raise up.
The girl meanwhile grunted as she pulled hard.
POP
And her boot came off her foot, freeing her leg. She took a step back, her eyes flicking between the three Inheritors, the police woman, and the retreating crowd. The rage in her eyes was unmistakable yet she knew she couldnt do anything here and now.
With that she turned around and tried to run away.
"HEY!"
Try being the key word as Stan saw her.
"Oh no you dont!" called the reincarnated Aztec god as he gripped his spear and, before anyone could stop him, hurl it on the girl´s direction.
The crowd gasped as the spear flew through the air. Time seemed to slow down as the weapon approached her, the girl's eyes widened with fear and determination.
But in the last second...
CAW
CAW
CAW
CAW
A tornado of crows formed around the girl blocking momentarily the view as she disappeared into the flock.
The tornado disappeared a moment before showing the girl covering her face in fear.
Yet noticing she wasnt hurt she opened her eyes...and gasped.
As standing before her, catching the spear in his hand, was Wilbur Huggins, reincarnation of Odin and principal of Skyrus academy.