Prepare to be shook...
Every Shadow has its Light
"What about Manara?" I popped a grape into my mouth and leaned into Aurora's shoulder, pressing my own against hers.
She grumbled and flipped the page of the thick book; "No. That sounds like Marinara sauce."
My hand automatically dropped onto her big belly and I smiled dotingly; "You're right. It should be a strong name. She'll be strong."
Aurora looked up at me with an amused expression, her lips curved at the ends. "Is this making you a little emotional, darling? I thought I was the one who had to cry every five hours?"
I shot her a look and wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. The big book of baby names slid off her lap. I was still in the opinion that we didn't need the help- we'd find our daughter's name ourselves. "Is it wrong for me to be excited?"
"Not at all, but you do look a little bit like a wreck lately. Nervous?"
I chuckled, but couldn't deny her words. I was a wreck. My daughter was going to be born in less than three months and I still didn't have a name for her. Perhaps it was one of those things that would come when they were meant to, but in all honesty, I didn't believe in that shit. I was a planner. And my daughter was my main priority. Of course, Aurora's safety and happiness too...
"I'm fine. Are you fine?"
"For the hundredth time.... I'm wonderful. Stop thinking the worst and relax, Thane."
I sighed and rolled my eyes, but I could see her point. I suppose after six months of me trying to coddle her was slowly becoming rather annoying. Well, I didn't care. She was my wife, my life and the mother of my unborn child. I was allowed to panic every now and then- silently.
"What about Callidora?"
"Calli-what now?"
"It means 'the gift of beauty', and she'll no doubt be a vision. You are her mother, of course."
Aurora smiled and patted my cheek; "I'll think about it."
"Basilia?"
"Sounds like the name of a fort. No."
"Damia?"
"That must be some Greek disease?"
"Leora?"
"Boring."
"Yalena?"
"Where are you getting these from?"
"Xochitl?"
"Um... I'll never be able to pronounce that."
"Apolliona?"
Aurora burst out laughing; "Now you're just pulling my leg!"
"Okay, okay, I'll stop." I laughed along with her as she grabbed the book back from me and replaced it on her lap. Aurora flipped back to the page she was on and smiled absentmindedly. "It must be a Greek name. And it must suit her. I wonder what she'll reign over?"
"We'll see when we cross that bridge, but I agree about the name."
Aurora suddenly looked up at me and her smile half faded from her plump lips. "I nearly forgot to ask you; did Apollo grant you ownership of the east lands? You said you'd go speak with him again yesterday?"
Me mocking his name had clearly brought her memory back to our conversation yesterday. I sighed and shook my head; "No. I thought I'd do it today. He was in a bad mood when I went to go see him."
"Right... Well, I know you'll convince him." Aurora looked back down and flipped the page; scanning the crisp white paper with her calculating eyes.
It wasn't going to be as easy as Aurora had made it sound. For the last six months, I'd been hinting at Apollo about the lands, but whenever I brought up the subject, he'd change the topic completely and would refuse me to speak about it any further. He was clearly pressed up against two rocks- one the one end, he wanted the lands for himself. I must admit, if I were king, I'd definitely push for them to be bordered off until they were officially declared under my own name. But on the other end, he knew I could just keep them and not bother giving them back and there would be noting he could do. It also didn't help that he was dating my sister and the princess of those lands, which technically gave him some access to them if they were to marry.
I tried to ease my stomach at the thought.
As long as Hemera is happy...
I was being generous 'asking' his permission to keep the lands, but we both knew deep down that I wasn't giving them up to the throne. Apollo just had to come out and say it, so that I could stop dodging the subject at parties. He was my best friend and I didn't want to make him look weak in front of the populace, but if he kept avoiding the subject of adjoining lands, he was going to lose out.
He could make a public speech- declare a truce between the whole kingdom and the east of the Underworld. There hadn't been one since before my parents took over those areas. It would make him popular among those people and show him in a generous and giving light, but Apollo was stubborn. I don't think the fact that I was trained to 'strip' him of his crown helped much either. I knew he trusted me now, but there was still a lingering patch of doubt in his mind.
Somehow, I had to ease it. Or manipulative my way past it.
Aurora could sense my unease. I was quiet as I sat next to her and thought of a strategy. It didn't help that Apollo nearly walked away every time I brought up the topic. I'd have to glue him to the floor to talk. "Thanatos," Aurora said softly and watched me with cool eyes. "Do what you have to."
I met her eyes. She wasn't smiling, but she looked like she knew something I didn't. "I will."
She was calm as she spoke; "I want those lands for us; for her." Aurora stroked her hand down her swollen belly. "I love Apollo dearly, but he won't take them."
"No, I promise he won't."
"And you know if anyone can convince him..." Aurora looked at my lips with suggestion and back up into my eyes. "It's you."
I think I understood what she meant. I'd thought about it too, but I would never want to upset Aurora with my unorthodox plan. Her happiness at this time was my top priority. "I'm not sure-"
"I am." She smiled smoothly and I couldn't help but be entranced by the women in front of me. Perhaps Eleos had been more than perceptive when she'd noticed how good Aurora was at manipulation. It was admirable. I found myself attracted to her mind- the way she kept her dark corners at bay. She certainly was a vision. And she was all mine...
"For the good of us." She smiled at me, dropping her hand to her belly and touched my cheek. I leaned into it and caught her lips with my own. I placed my large hand over hers and squeezed.
"Consider the East ours."
The two gods were standing beside the large, golden throne.
Thanatos rolled his eyes and shook his head in annoyance. If he'd thought Apollo was in a bad mood yesterday, he was sadly mistaken. Yesterday he was irritated, but today he was angry.
Apollo had had a rather awful and time-consuming conclave with the elder gods of his large council and was in no mood for anymore issues, much less such a big one. He knew he'd eventually have to address the eastern lands subject, but good gods, not today. He was done compromising his will.
"No, no, no!" Apollo said loudly and it echoed over the great chasm that was the lavish throne room.
"I'm keeping the lands, Apollo." Thanatos said calmly and watched as his best friend and ruler paced from side to side, his hands tucked behind his back. Apollo looked tired.
"Must we really discuss this now?"
"How much longer do you want to avoid it?" Thanatos sighed and crossed his arms over his broad chest. His black cloak coiled around the edges and lifted its sharp ends off the ground with a curl. It was agitated, or perhaps bored? Thanatos could never really tell for certain.
Shadow was back in Evlogiméno, watching over Aurora and most probably playing with Trimorphe. Thanatos wanted to do this task alone.
"Fine then!" Apollo stopped and threw his hands in the air with a snarl; "The lands rightfully belong to me. You will hand them over. No- I'm taking them."
"You wouldn't dare." Thanatos said with a cool tone and it irked Apollo even more than if his friend was being his normal, temperamental self. But clearly Thanatos had something up his sleeve. "Besides, don't you owe me? I saved your life, Apollo. Without me there to side with you, Nyx wouldn't have hesitated to direct the staff directly at you."
"I see your tactic now." Apollo chuckled, but he wasn't amused. "I thanked you and I threw you a massive festival to honour your brave efforts, but you know just as well as I do that those lands have always belonged to Zeus, and now they should be mine."
Thanatos narrowed his eyes in exasperation. He was not in the mood for one of Apollo's many dramatic outbursts. "It's not a tactic. I'm asking you as your general and friend to give me your blessing. I don't need it, but I'd prefer your consent on the whole matter."
"Spare me the theatrics!" Apollo yelled loudly and Thanatos' thin patience snapped; "I shouldn't even be asking you, you malaka! Those are my lands and my family will rule over them!"
Apollo growled and stepped right up to Thanatos, pushing his face into Thanatos' personal vicinity. "No! I refuse your appeal!"
"You have no right!"
"Show me some respect! I'm your king!" Apollo huffed angrily and bumped his chest against Thanatos'. The two men stared off and Thanatos knew he'd have to calm the situation down or Apollo would command him to send his own, royal army to block off the lands. And that was out of the question.
So Thanatos leaned forward and whispered; "I think I've shown you enough, don't you?"
Apollo's eyes impulsively fell to his best friend's lips and quickly he forced them back up to meet Thanatos red stare. It was knowing. "I'm allowing you to be with my sister."
Apollo scoffed, sending hot air into Thanatos' face. "Allowing?"
"Did I stutter?"
Apollo frowned; "As arrogant as always..."
"Good. So you heard me."
Apollo narrowed his eyes and felt his temper subside. How did Thanatos manage to quell his furious mood? It was a pointless question. Apollo knew how, but he wanted to avoid thinking about it at all costs.
But perhaps hat was just it? Perhaps Thanatos wanted him to think about it? This was an odd new tactic by the god of death. Odd, but... interesting.
The king examined Thanatos for a few more seconds and finally made up his mind. "You're dismissed."
"And the lands?"
"I'll think about it." He'd already thought about it. He'd already decided. But if he was going to stick to his favourable decision, Thanatos would have to deliver on his submission.
A surrender for a surrender.
It was only fair. And he was a king. King's had subjects for a reason. Although, Thanatos wasn't really used to bending the knee. Perhaps just this one time then?
Apollo would be stupid to let it slip away.
"There is nothing to think about." Thanatos titled his head and raised a dark eyebrow in response. "Is there?"
Apollo hated the fact that he was king and yet Thanatos could still stand before him every day and tell him his 'suggestion'. They both knew they weren't suggestions at all. They were orders. Manipulative bastard. Sly, cunning and quick- why did Apollo ever think that the east would be his? With two shadows whispering in his ear every day, it's a wonder people hadn't noticed how wealthy and powerful Thanatos and Aurora had become.
Of course, he knew. And Hypnos- justice turned a blind eye. Of course, Apollo wasn't blameless; he enjoyed feeling powerful and having Aurora and Thanatos serve him. They were excellent at their jobs and domains? So what if Apollo allowed them slightly more power than a king aught to?
They glared at one another, but Thanatos hadn't moved away from Apollo's intruding face, pressed up in his personal space. His reaction wasn't normal. Again, this was an opportunity Apollo did not want to squander. He knew it was hopeless denying the god's request either way- he might as well find some benefit in this loss of territory.
"Leave." Apollo said with a curt and angry snarl.
Thanatos scrutinised the king for a moment, but then stepped forward to pass him.
Apollo's hand reached out to yank Thanatos back. The god of death's back hit the wall with a loud thump, but the force being applied to his mouth was far greater. Apollo's lips latched onto Thanatos' with urgent hunger and deep resentment.
Thanatos didn't move- he knew what he'd surrender for the east. A taste of death for a taste of an empire.
Apollo's hands travelled up the god's hard chest and pulled him in deeper to intensify the kiss. Thanatos let him and opened his mouth when Apollo commanded entrance.
The king's hands reached up and tightened around Thanatos' neck with murderous thoughts. He'd never felt this way before- he could kill his best friend for his impertinence and his arrogance, but gods... That wasn't all he could do to him if he'd let him.
Thanatos gave in. He wrapped his arms around Apollo and forced his lips to move to satisfy a long running desire. Not his; Apollo's. Right then, Apollo's desire was paramount. It meant even more control over him.
Apollo moaned deeply and pressed the god in front of him harder into the wall. He'd thought of this so many times. Countless times. And he tasted better than he'd thought. That kiss they'd shared when Thanatos had saved him had only heightened Apollo's hunger for more.
Hemera must never know.
Aurora probably already did. Fuck, she probably suggested this. She was more like Nyx than she'd ever admit and Apollo never thought he'd find that to be a good quality, but at that precise moment, he thanked the Fates for Aurora's cunning. She was a bloody good royal advisor. Too good.
Thanatos didn't mind- he loved controlling things, but honestly, Apollo knew there was something that man could never control. The infatuation Thanatos had with his own wife. He'd do anything for her.
And Aurora died for death.
Apollo wasn't jealous. No, they were perfect together, but he did feel a sliver of envy when Thanatos pulled back, removing those plump lips to reserve them for Aurora later. It seems the negotiation was over.
Apollo lunged for one last attack and felt his hard groin press against Thanatos thigh. That scorpion...
Thanatos complied and bit onto Apollo's lip, leaving it cut and dripping. He snarled at the end of their arrangement and pushed Apollo towards the centre of the room, their lips still locked together. Apollo kept his fingers laced and locked in Thanatos' dark mane, tugging him closer.
The god of death pulled back and unlatched his mouth from Apollo's lips; "Satisfied?"
"Keep the east. For now."
"Yes," Thanatos whispered in Apollo's ear and bowed ever so slowly, "My king."
Apollo rolled his eyes and pressed down his arousal, while trying to calm his breathing. "Get out of my sight."
The king turned to his throne and couldn't help but wonder why he'd even bothered with such a large, golden display of his charade.
The god of death wiped his mouth again, for the tenth time, and strolled past the large gates to his land.
Tundra was particularly warm today, but the sun was dipping down and welcoming the night. Momus was waiting for Thanatos on news of the ownership of the east. Death made haste as he walked past the empty gardens and towards the back entrance of the palace, but as he was about to pass the small fountain, his eyes caught the back of a darkly dressed figure.
Thanatos stopped dead.
The god was staring up at a statue- old and made of the finest marble. It was aging out in the icy snow and cold temperatures, but to most, it only added an element of realism.
Of course, nothing could be more real than the figure standing in front of it, staring up at his own face.
Thanatos kept his distance. "Erebus."
The older god turned his head slightly to catch his son's eye and then shifted his attention back to the sculpture of himself. His deep voice calm- as usual; "I never liked this one."
Thanatos' eyes darted to the statue and he stared at it with an odd feeling of anger. He used to love that statue when he was a young boy. But just like the fading beauty and precision of the sculptor's work, so did Thanatos' fondness fade for the likeness of his father.
"My nose..." Erebus tucked his hands into the pockets of his black trousers, pushing his cape back to make space. "It was all wrong. Skew."
"I thought it was rather well done." Thanatos spoke up, breaking his silence.
Erebus stepped around and directed his critical gaze on his son. Those eyes that had just pulled apart the statue with one look were now directed and fully focused on Thanatos. The god of death, however, didn't falter in his stance or confidence. The time for hiding behind the image of a 'dutiful son' was long gone and dead.
"Your move was rather well done too."
Thanatos was wise enough to know that it wasn't a compliment. "Hmm. I thought so."
Erebus stared at his son- the dark prince he'd raised from afar. Little did Thanatos know all the things Erebus had thrown his way to better his son's durability and precision. But this was no time for chit-chat. "And now you rule."
"And now I rule." Thanatos waited for the conversation to go somewhere other than the obvious.
Erebus' expression remained blank and so did Thanatos' hopes for a quick wrap up of this conversation.
"You should thank me."
Thanatos refrained from laughing. "I should call the guards to remove you from my palace."
"You should also remember who you're talking to."
"I remember exceedingly well... Thank you."
Father and son glowered at one another from across the cold, snow-covered garden. The wind howled like a wild wolf in the distance and shook the tops of the tall trees.
"Congratulations."
"What for?"
Erebus pulled up his bottom lip as if to say 'well, the obvious.' "Your child."
Thanatos didn't reply. He hated the thought of this being coming into contact with his daughter. Erebus was banned from seeing her. He would never touch her. Thanatos would rather hand the east back to his father than hand over a sliver of information on his unborn child.
Erebus spoke again; "How is the artificial goddess?"
"Aurora is well." Thanatos wanted to snarl, but kept his voice calm and neutral; like his father's. "And she is not an imitation."
"Well, she's not exactly an original, is she?"
Thanatos dropped the issue- knowing that there was no point in arguing with stone. Let Erebus believe he'd won and go his way. There was nothing Thanatos wanted from his father any more.
"Why are you here?" Thanatos asked with a hint of annoyance. "You do not have the permission to be here."
Erebus' face didn't alter, but Thanatos felt a sliver of pleasure when he noticed his father's tone take on a rather... bothered tremor. "I've simply come to congratulate my son on his unborn heir."
"No, you didn't." Thanatos crossed his arms over his broad chest and noticed that for the first time, they were matched in height and stance. No longer was his father this towering figure, watching over him from the darkness.
"And to tell you that your mother is ostensibly... mournful."
"I do not care."
"No." Erebus shrugged with his hand still in his pockets. "I didn't think you did." He sounded bored. "She'd made wrong choices in the end and I do not pity her for her exile."
"Frustrated by her already?"
Erebus didn't move a muscle and his face remained stoic; "No. On the contrary- I believe it was high time she left this..." He looked around with that demeaning gaze Thanatos knew so very well. "...hole."
"Well, glad to be of service. Now," Thanatos gestured to the large gates; "Do see yourself out."
Erebus smiled.
Thanatos was momentarily stunned- but dared not show it.
"The move against you mother was incredibly risky. However, you made it all work for you in the end- the chaos and the deceit. Even the poignant love of others."
Thanatos didn't know where this was going. Frankly, he didn't know where anything Erebus said would end up. It was always a damn mystery. Every look, every word and every twist of his lips.
For the first time, Thanatos thought for a moment if that were the way others saw him?
"Even your mate was a good choice. I'm pleased."
Thanatos smiled, but it was laced with fury and venom. "Don't be. None of it was meant for you."
"Oh, I don't know..." Erebus turned his head again to look up at the statue and smirked back at his son. "I've heard the highest form of flattery is imitation..."
Silence.
Thanatos gritted his teeth; "I'll knock the statue down- consider it your last wish."
Erebus' smirk remained and he watched his son with keen eyes- knowing eyes; "Keep it. Consider it a gift. I know how much you love looking at it."
The old god withdrew his hands from his pockets and nodded his head once; "Goodbye, Thanatos. Your secret is safe with me."
Thanatos didn't move; "What secret?"
"I won't tell your new goddess that Uranus' death wasn't my idea."
"It was."
"Was it?" Erebus walked past his son and nodded in respect; "I would say be weary of trying something similar with your old friend on the throne, but I suspect you already have your plans." Their eyes met with understanding. "Good luck."
The god of deep darkness ripped open a portal so black, it nearly looked like the world had crashed and glitched, creating a vacuum of colour.
Thanatos didn't turn around as he whispered; "I'll keep the statue; and you keep the past to yourself."
"I wonder..." Erebus smirked as he stepped onto the threshold of his portal; "Would Aurora run if she knew? I think..." Erebus pulled his hood up over his head and grinned into the black night; "She'd ask you to do it again."
With that, the old left and the new remained.
Thanatos looked at the statue as the portal flickered to dusk, which scattered across the floor for the wind to swipe across the gardens and palace grounds.
Thanatos sighed and titled his head up at the tall statue. The marble face caught his eyes.
"Hmp. It is skew..."
Thanatos is no saint- far from it...
Can you tell I find the villains more interesting?
And y'all thought our boy had gone soft...