Fall of the Spectrum

Chapter Twenty, Part One

Tension crackled in the air, and Gwen noticed that like herself, many others were shifting uncomfortably, glancing between Forneus and Zeus as though afraid of an imminent explosion. Both Apollo and Artemis had drawn closer, though whether with the intention of intervening if Zeus lashed out, or in an unconscious show of solidarity, she couldn't tell. Athena, by contrast, had moved a few steps back, the corners of her eyes tight with apprehension. None of the commanders or their seconds said a word, though Gwen could easily differentiate between those who agreed with Forneus, and those who didn't—as well as those who would sooner not get involved.

There was a split second where she could see Pantha glowering at her from across the table, and then Forneus spoke, his shoulders slumping in resignation. "I offer my most heartfelt apologies to Lady Athena and the rest of the council for my misconduct. It will not happen again."

"See that it doesn't." Zeus held Forneus's gaze for several heartbeats longer. Apparently convinced of his contrition, he declared, "In one hour, Mortal Standard Time, you are to make your way to Iris's last known location. It is believed that she has a hidden stronghold in the Shikoku Region, not far from Kochi city. Find her base and infiltrate it to gather what information you can; not only about our missing operatives, but of Vajra and Osiris's Crown. Should you find either of the artifacts in question, it is your duty to bring them back here. Apollo will supply you with the coordinates. Any questions?"

At confirmation from Forneus that there were none, Zeus declared the meeting adjourned, and Gwen found herself being jostled every which way as they descended the stairs and exited the council chamber.

In spite of the fear Zeus inspired with his mere presence, Gwen felt the stirrings of something else deep in her chest, a simmering anger unlike any she had ever known. The fact that Zeus saw her as nothing more than a tool, though bad enough, she could easily handle. But his treatment of Forneus? That most certainly had not been okay with her.

After everything Forneus had been through, after every risk he had taken—both to protect Gwen and to retrieve the artifacts—it still wasn't enough. It didn't matter how far they had come over the past two months, didn't matter that they had put their very lives at risk every single time they set out to restore the artifacts.

Gwen didn't care what Zeus's reasons were. Whatever had originally motivated him to form the council, to protect the worlds the gods had created and the peoples who lived in them, it was clear that they no longer held any sway. How could he claim to still care about humanity, yet see her as nothing more than a means to an end? How could he claim to serve the interests of those who served him, like Forneus, yet treat their concerns with such blatant disregard?

Something of what she was thinking must have shown on her face, for before Gwen could say a word, Forneus rested his hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"If you wish to vent your frustration with me or with Zeus, you may do so later." When she opened her mouth to argue, he held up a hand, cutting her off. "Right now there are much bigger things at stake. Now come; we only have an hour to prepare, and I suggest we use every precious second of it."

Gwen faltered in her steps, frowning. "Doing what, exactly?"

Forneus gave her a tight-lipped smile. "Training."

*

Reeves released a frustrated sigh. "Very well, then. You may go—for now. The Akuma will collect you when it's time."

Lucas inclined his head respectfully and without a word, strode from the temple, his boot heels clicking softly as he descended the stone steps.

Reeves waited until Lucas disappeared around the corner before settling onto the shadowy throne he had conjured behind him. Tilting his head back, he could just make out the gathering storm clouds from beneath the temple's overhanging roof, the thick swirling miasma of grey and black complementary to his mood. The wind had begun to pick up over the last three days, and judging by the scowls the Akuma wore—particularly Kizah and Misa—it wasn't any wonder. In spite of their power having lessened when Iris divided their singular form into the three beings before him, it seemed they had managed to regain just enough of their former power to affect the weather.