Topic: Redressing Grievances

Infernal Vengeance

Date: 2016-10-04 00:14 EST
Prologue

It was misdirectional information that told the mortals she worked for Hades or Persephone. Some even believed that she worked for Nemesis, divine retribution. In the very least, they thought she worked with the woman. None of it was the truth. But much like any game of telephone, down the lines and the generations, the truth was lost in the midst of lies and misunderstandings.

Not to say the mortals were too far off, however. On good terms with Nemesis, they worked on different standards. The woman was far more powerful than the primordial goddess could ever dream to be. She was polite, even respectful of Persephone upon paths passing. Even pleasant in demeanor, showing none of her infernal turmoil that was always coiling in her belly.

Hers and her two sister's existence came into play through a grotesque act of malice. When a god's son castrated his father, the Furies were born from the blood of the spurned.

The furies belonged to Styx, an underrated goddess and something else all together than what the Greek mortals could ever imagine. Their mundane minds couldn't fathom something else being higher than the gods, yet those they deemed as 'gods' or 'goddesses'....some held an even higher power than some could even fathom. Styx, she was one of them. A woman of Oaths, a being above the gods, she was someone the Furies could respect.

However, the Greek gods and goddesses dwindled in their power. Hardly anyone believed the myths, only believing them to be fabled stories fabricated by the mortal minds that were appealing to read about but never to believe. Styx and those like her didn't have that problem, being worshipped in another realm that kept her strong. Powerful. Something to be feared far more than any ferryman or Keeper of the Dead. To break an Oath pledged to Styx was a death sentence.

The being detested Oath Breakers just as much as those sending souls to the Underworld or leaving them on the various planes of existence, seeking revenge and closure with no ear to listen to their quarries.

The Erinyes had particular jobs. Separated by domains that pertained to each Fury. Apart from her two sisters, stories to be told by another, the focus of this story belongs to Tisiphone.

The avenger of the damned. The Voice of Revenge. A listener, a hand of death and punishment to those seeking vengeance on the ones who wronged them through homicide of any kind. Preferring to handle the treacherous turmoils of the mortals over dealing with the Gods, she had a role she held immendous pride in.

And that is where this primordial Goddess' story begins.

Infernal Vengeance

Date: 2016-10-04 01:25 EST
Chapter 1: Addressing the Issue

"I was informed you wanted to speak to me," the primordial Goddess rounded the corner into the living quarter of the existential being. Her fingers coiled around her upper arms, painted nails nearly digging into the flesh at the nipping cold of the room that always seemed to hover around the ominous woman.

"Yes," she spoke in a monotone that was eery and hair-raising to some, but was the soothing sound of a mother's lullaby to Tisiphone. The gloomy woman turned around, the hearth fire snapping behind her as she "set" her gaze on Tissy. "I have a task for you." The long gown that was darker than any shade of black, seeming to be a moving shadow in itself, writhing as if it was alive slid across the floor with each step taken.

She couldn't help but admire the fluid motions of the woman, there was a reason why she was one of the most feared of her kind. Her own gown, a deep set color of red that held the glimmer of fresh blood swept her legs as she followed suit. They both turned, taking a seat side by side in chairs separated by a small table that held a bottle of Ambrosial wine and two goblets. Without hesitation as she lifted one leg over the other, fingers rearranging her dress over her legs, "a task" What are your instructions?"

It was Styx that poured the glasses of wine, one at a time. When the first was filled, it was held out to Tissy, only for her to return to the second glass to continue her task. "There is a realm, a place called Rhy'Din. It's drawn attention to many of my siblings, all of whom are trying to either convert or spread their own influence." She spoke plainly, as if the subject were an absolute bore. Far from the case as it may be, it was difficult to tell. The woman always spoke with such a manner. Just as she never looked at anyone directly, yet she saw everything.

It wasn't common knowledge that Styx was blind, something those closest to her or her followers typically found that out. She was impressive at hiding it, right down to the lack of a drop of wine spilled as she finished pouring her own glass and set the bottle aside as if she knew precisely where to put it. She'd explained to Tissy about her sight, that though she couldn't see things like the rest of them, she saw everything. I see the truth, my dear Fury. No one can hide from me, I will always find the truth. No amount of darkness or shade can change that. She was a puzzle to the Erinye, but one to be admired and respected. To allow the pieces to come together in front of you on their own instead of trying to force the pieces together yourself. Even Tissy could be patient when she wanted to be.

"You want me to go to this place." She didn't pose it as a question, but fact. She knew how her Goddess worked, she wouldn't be here telling her such things if she didn't want Tissy's hands in it.

"Yes," spoken behind the rim of the goblet. Unfocused dark orbs that were blacker than could be nearly bore into the Fury's soul, a feeling that had a strange yet welcomed tingle up her back. "I want you there....doing exactly as you do best." Her instructions were always vague, nearly left up for interpretation. She expected her followers to know what to do on their own, instead of following her 'blindly'. Following directions was easy, unimpressive. Knowing what to do, and following directions that weren't given....that was how to get the woman's favor.

"I will leave promptly." Admiration or not, she still held a business-like tongue with the woman. They worked together, there was no direct personal ties to either that had them speaking as if they were friends. Perhaps because Tissy knew that if that were to happen, she would be pushed away. Styx was the spurned, the one to be feared and hated. She didn't understand, nor did she want friendship. Tissy could respect that. In the woman's line of work, friendship only got hairy.

"Finish your wine first. No sense in letting it go to waste." Spoken as a suggestion, not an order like always.

"Of course, thank you." She settled into her chair, sharing a silent drink with the blind woman and then perhaps another.

Reference for Styx is Eva Green, link above.

Infernal Vengeance

Date: 2016-10-04 23:55 EST
______________________________________________

Tissy was never one to waste time. She'd enjoyed her silent visitation with Styx, the precisely two glasses of wine had between her and her boss. She'd left with a final word given to her by the blind woman, words that had her looking at the woman questioningly for a few seconds.

Do not let your arrogance get away from you. You are strong, but this place is nothing like Earth. Trust in your instincts, trust in what you know as the truth.

Wise words from an entity that had likely seen it all, and then some. She knew of things that would leave the primordial goddess stumped beyond repair, but she never bothered to ask. It wasn't her place, it wasn't her job. She was well acquainted with what her job entailed, and it typically left the punished without entrails.

"I will heed your words with the utmost care, thank you." A bow of her head that regardless of the woman being blind, she knew she sensed it.

__

She understood it was a new realm altogether, perhaps with entities she'd never yet seen but it didn't change the fact of what she knew she had to do. How does one prepare when they don't know what to be prepared for?

It was simple, she brought the necessary items. Leaving the Underworld was simple, she didn't make any farewells. She didn't find it necessary to say her goodbyes to Hades or Persephone, not even her sister Alecto. She'd likely fly off the hinges at a later date, but it wasn't Tissy's problem. She was given direct instructions from Styx, instructions she felt no need to dawdle or delay.

Bringing herself and the clothes on her back, the whip that she always claimed around her waist in the form of the belly chain lined with the various charms held dearly to her existence. A small fortune for whatever she would need to access in the new realm, she was ready.

No time to waste, the primordial goddess was well on her way from the decrepit realm of the Underworld, seeking this place named Rhy'Din.

Infernal Vengeance

Date: 2016-10-07 08:05 EST
Chapter 2: Arriving Ahead of Schedule

She'd arrived in Rhy'Din not two days after the instructions were given to her by Styx. A second visit from a courier just as she made it to the door, with a letter from the boss with even more detailed instructions on how to reach such a realm.

The finishing statement had the primordial Goddess beaming brightly, it was by far the best praise she could ever receive from such a being she respected and admired so much.

"I have the utmost faith in you, my dear. I know you will not disappoint."

It was left unsigned, but she couldn't mistake the elegant handwriting that she still didn't quite understand how a blind woman could manage.

She wasn't one to keep such meager possessions as letters, finding no need to keep such a flimsy piece of parchment that would likely get destroyed, stained or lost....but this one, this was the one she would keep close to her as long as she possibly could. Preferably tucked into a safe place that wouldn't be found by any prying eyes.

The parchment was carefully folded and tucked into the left cup of her bra, a light sentiment from an ancient being.

Infernal Vengeance

Date: 2016-10-07 08:09 EST
_______________________________

Following the instructions without hitch or delay, she'd made it to her destination in record time. The first person she spoke to, she hadn't expected it to be a familiar face.

She'd passed by the Docks, getting an exploring feel for the city she would call home for an undetermined amount of time. Fingers trailed through her burnt chocolate locks, breaking the strands free from any tangles that threatened that luxurious curtain. It was being called out by a man's familiar voice that had her pausing in step, the heels that had been clicking down the boardwalk of the pier growing silent.

"Tisiphone?" The voice sounded confused, faintly distant against the ocean winds that had the man's boat rocking on the waves of the sea.

She blinked, fingers that had been streaking through her hair falling to her side as she swiveled on one of her heels to put the face to the voice that had called out to her. Squinting, she stared at the man standing on top of the boat and slowly relaxed her gaze. Arching brows darted up her forehead as she started in his direction, "I hadn't expected to see you here," she admitted, peering at him quizzically.

"Yeah, guess I could say the same to you." The rope he'd been coiling in his hands dropped with a heavy thud to the top of the boat as he leaped off the captain's deck. He wasn't what one would expect of demi-god, especially not one of Greek origin. He wasn't as pretty as they were typically portrayed, though perhaps in some light he might be found attractive....or at least used to be when he was young. Now, he could probably stand to stop lifting weights, he should've stopped with the tattoos ages ago as they were now covering at least 80% of his body. The skin of his torso, neck and arms impossible to witness beneath the expanse of artwork. Even his face had a few tattoos scattered, including 'Unbreakable' just below his hairline. His hair was the same as it had been for centuries, shaved on one side with the rest flopped over his forehead in a lazy mohawk.

"I'm supposed to be here," and that's all she gave to the 'so called' Demi-God in front of her. Not to mistake that as anything other than the fact that what he thought he was, she knew better. She knew who his father is, she knew he was no 'Demi' anything. He was a Greek god, born from two gods that raised him even higher on the totem pole. Same went for his buddy Kratos. She worked for the boy's mother. She approached the boat, remaining on the pier as she had no interest to board ship. Her arms lifted and crossed, hooking over her upper arms and hugging them tight against the nip in the air offered by the ocean. She liked the smell, but not the feel of the ocean. It was never a place she preferred to be.

Against the rocking that he was talented in maneuvering against, he stepped off the boat and onto the pier. He'd seemed friendly a moment before, not he was skeptical and giving he a sidelong look. "Your sister isn't here....is she?" He looked like he was ready to bolt depending on her answer, perhaps because he was. He didn't mind Tisiphone, she didn't have her guns out for him. He wasn't a murderer. Alecto on the other hand....he couldn't name the times he'd been chased around Olympus by that angry hag.

There was a soft smile at his question, a knowing and silently laughing expression on her round face as she peered up at him. A light shake of her head that had her coiled locks smoothing over her shoulders like they were alive. "No, Alecto doesn't even know I'm here." She soothed his worry, ticking her head to the side as cherry red lips parted in a smile. Her chin tucked as she looked up at him, eyes squinting as she made a feeble attempt to keep herself from laughing at him. "You can calm down. She's not going to pop up and try to drown you."

He visibly eased, shoulders losing their tension as his wide smile returned as well as his goofy nature. "Good, now that I don't have to worry about my head getting smashed by a boulder. Want a drink?" He motioned with his hand to the boat, those black brows raising as he extended the welcome.

Infernal Vengeance

Date: 2016-10-07 08:10 EST
She stared at his features for a moment, head tilted in her silent and studious gaze. She didn't quite know how Mordekai couldn't see it, after all he looked just like his father. Shaking her head, breaking free of her silent reverie, she blinked and peered up at him once more. "I'd love one but..." A glance to the boat, she crinkled her nose. She hadn't strapped on her sea legs.

"Come on, kick off those heels and hop on board. You puke....well, just lean over the side." He grinned at her, even winked a bit as he went off toward the boat, swinging one leg then the other as he stood steady on the rocking boat. His hands held out to her, that silent offer to help her on board as he waited for her to make her decision.

Her lips pursed and twisted, hugging her arms to her chest before her bare shoulders lifted and fell against the sigh she released. "Alright, fine." She gave in, releasing her hold on her arms before she kicked one leg up then the other, taking off one heel at a time. With the straps of her heels looped in her fingers, she strode forward until she reached the edge of the pier and namely the edge of his boat. A swing of her arm had the heels flying into the boat, clacking against the floorboards as she took the man's extended hands. Shaky legs climbed into the boat with his help, and she wavered in her balance once she was aboard. "Have I ever mentioned how much I hate the sea?" She growled, a sound that contrasted with the classy look about her.

For a moment, he seemed insulted but it passed. "How can you hate the sea?" They were Greek after all. He'd helped her on the boat easily, refraining from just grabbing her waist and lifting her onto the boat. He knew better than to manhandle a Fury, and though familiar with this one, they still weren't all that close.

"Easily. It's salty, cold and.." She almost finished that when a particular wave had the boat rocking joltingly and nearly sent her falling into Kai. "See! It doesn't like me either." She scowled, glaring daggers at the waves in the distance. Safe to say, she'd never been close to Poseidon.

His hands extended and steadied the Fury at the shoulders, only to fall away when she'd found her balance. "What do you expect' You said you didn't like it first." He let out an estranged cackle that carried into the wind, only to shake his head and leave her side to fend for herself against the waves. "Go ahead and take a seat, before you end up falling off the boat." He pointed to the cabin, the table and chairs that was set up like a mini kitchen that was comfortable and cozy.

"Doesn't mean it has to be so rude about it," she sneered, caught by the man and steadied which earned him a warning raise of her brow. Being smart, he released her and she lifted her hands to hug her arms to her chest. "Thanks," still being polite to thank him for his aide, unnecessary or not. She gritted her teeth, not like being told to do by anyone with exception to Styx, but the cabin looked far warmer than standing in the open air. "I will, because I want to." She narrowed her gaze at him, striding over into the cabin with bare feet before settling herself gently into a seat offered.

Infernal Vengeance

Date: 2016-10-07 09:24 EST
"Got it," he snickered. He had to keep himself from rolling his eyes. Speaking with the Furies was always a touchy ordeal, each of them could probably deal with some anger management. Tissy out of the lot was the most controlled from what he'd seen. She showed restrained, he respected that. Unlike Alecto, that went after him on sight, he had no problems with the avenger. "Hope you don't mind bourbon, I don't have any Ambrosial wine here." Having gone to the few cupboards in the cabin, plucking out two glasses and a bottle of bourbon. He didn't have food in his cabin, but he had plenty of booze.

Settled in the chair, she crossed one leg over the other and folding her hands neatly in her lap. She lifted one of her pale shoulders to his words. "Anything but....what is it' Beer?" She wrinkled her nose. She wasn't stuck up, but considering what she was used to....well, beer was just absolutely awful. "Anything but that." She repeated, shaking her head.

"Beer wouldn't do me any good," he scoffed, making his way to the table with two glasses of bourbon poured. He set one of them in front of her, taking his seat on the bed across from the table with his own glass. The bottle was set between them on the small side table beside the bed. "Wouldn't taste it anyways." Being a strange combination of demi-god and vampire, his taste buds were nearly dead. It took something strong of flavor, heat or liquor for him to be able to taste it. Without, everything just tasted like dirt unless it was blood.

"Thank you," she told him as she took the glass when it was offered. As he got seated, she took a slow sip of the bourbon. At least it was a good brand. Strong, enough to make the hairs in your nose tickle, but it was still good. When he mentioned not tasting it, she swallowed roughly. "Mhn..." Nodding, she shook her finger at him until she could speak again with an empty mouth. "That's right, I heard about that. Mira, is it?" She raised a brow, question the strain of vampirism he'd taken on.

"Welcome." To her gratitude. He didn't sip his, instead he took a large gulp that puffed out his cheeks slightly. He rolled it around on his taste buds, nodding when she questioned which he belonged to. Swallowing, he responded. "Yeah, Mira. Like I'd be caught dead being one of Daemien's." He snickered, shaking his head at the thought alone. He couldn't stand the guy, but perhaps that would've been different if he didn't know what the Blood King had been like to his sister.

Infernal Vengeance

Date: 2016-10-07 09:25 EST
She scowled at the name spoken, ticking her eyes away toward the door. Shaking her head, it was clear from expression and motion alike that she didn't care for that twin. "Mira....Well, I can tolerate her. Daemien....I lose it every time he's around." She grit her teeth, swallowing another sip of the bourbon.

"She won't be a problem," there was a bit of sternness there, protectiveness. That little warning that if she went after Mira, he'd intervene. He blinked it away, shaking his head as he swallowed that growl that had started rising. "Watch out for the asshole, though. He's in town." He didn't warn her like he had with Mira, he didn't care if the guy got taken down by the Fury or not. The only part he cared about would be that Mira would be out for blood then, that may prove to be a problem.

She stared at him a moment at the tone in his voice, the expression. There was a hint of the growl in his voice that he couldn't hide from her. Eyes bore into him over the rim of the glass as she took a sip from it. She didn't say anything, perhaps because she understood. Mira was the least of her concern. She narrowed her hues at the mention of the other twin, however and she let out a sigh. "Of course he is..." Almost a grimace, she swallowed it down with a splash of bourbon. "Was hoping someone killed him by now."

Thankful for her not lingering on the topic, sticking to Daemien instead. There was a shrug of shoulder there as he spoke. "Won't do any good, the bastard just keeps coming back." Shaking his head, he reached a hand up to push the dark locks of wavy hair out of his eyes. "That what you're here for?"

"Tell me about it. Every time I hear about him getting taken down, he just pops back up on the map." A light growl, she fell back into the seat, looping her arms loosely over her lap. "Frustrating." She looked at him when he asked that question, and she took a moment to think on it. Finally, she shook her head. "Out of my jurisdiction." She gave him a pointed look, saying nothing on it as she lifted her glass to her lips slowly.

"Seems to be a habit for him." A light scoff, he leaned forward to prop his elbows on his knees. Ticking his head to the side, he stared at her for a moment until she gave him that look. "Right." He didn't want to say her name even, but he knew who she meant. "Let's hope she doesn't show up, huh?" He sneered, almost a glare but it wasn't directed at Tissy. He didn't like to talk about her.

She shrugged a shoulder, watching him as he seemed to seethe at the mention of his mother. "It would be....inconvenient, yes." She didn't say anything more, frankly because she knew he didn't like talking about her and she was in no mood to listen to him rant about her. Finishing off her glass, she set it aside. "Thanks for the bourbon," she started to stand to her feet.

"Be more than inconvenient," he muttered but cut it off when she did. He swallowed the last of his bourbon and watched her as she stood to her feet. "Leaving already?" He raised a dark brow at her, questioning.

She stopped at the door, looking at him as she cocked out her hip. "What were you expecting" A date?" She scoffed, reaching out to give him a rough pat on the cheek. "It was good catching up with you, Mordekai. We'll have to do it again soon. For now, I've got to find a place to stay and everything in between."

Infernal Vengeance

Date: 2016-10-07 09:26 EST
He scrunched his face at the date comment only to squeeze an eye shut at the cheek pat. "I'll pass on the date, unless you're taking off your dress." Snickering, sleeping with a Fury wouldn't be the dumbest thing he'd ever done. He paused, looking at her. "Finding a place to stay' Temporary or permanent?"

She looked at him for a moment, as if considering it but it was a fleeting thought. She had no interest on being another notch on the slutty Greek's belt. "Pass." She shrugged to his next questions. "Everything's temporary with me, Kai. It's just a matter of how long 'temporary' is." She crossed her arms over her chest, taking a lean on the door way to steady herself. Standing was proving to be difficult on the boat.

He shrugged, nonchalant and seemingly uncaring on either way she decided. He'd go for it, but he wouldn't beg. The offer was out there. He nodded then, knowing how the Furies worked. "Fair point, alright....uh....You looking for an actual house or an Inn?" Offering help depending on how she responded.

"House, preferably." She watched him, head ticking to the side. "Frankly, Kai. I don't know jack shit about this place." She sighed, though she couldn't deny it was nice seeing a familiar face. Maybe it wouldn't be quite so bad. "Mind helping a girl out here?"

Setting aside the glass on the side table, he leaned back on a propped elbow on the bed. A slow nod of his head, "house, got it." She was staying longer than just a couple weeks, then. That much he could tell if she was going to be house hunting. Those dark brows skyrocketed as she actually asked him for help. His hands held out, eyes looking around the cabin of the boat as he chuckled. "Does this look like the place of a house hunter to you?" He teased, then let his hands fall lazily. He considered it for a moment, lifting his chin to her. "What's in it for me?" His brows rose, waiting for an answer.

She rolled her eyes at his question, taking a heavier lean on the door frame as she was losing patience. She tilted her head and gave him a look stating so. Her head pulled back and she scrunched her face, speaking through it. "What do you want"..."

He gave her his own look at her question, scoffing as he sat up. "Please, if I'm going to rock the boat with you, it won't be out of a deal, sweetheart." Shaking his head, he stood to his feet and looked at her. "I'll help you find a place, help you get settled. But if I need a favor later that your business delves into, I want you to help out without a hitch." He stared at her, waiting and watching.

Infernal Vengeance

Date: 2016-10-07 09:27 EST
She scowled at his terminology, clearly not all that pleased with how he worded it. Rock the boat... Though knowing that's not what he's out for, she perked up some. Even more so when he mentioned his part of the bargain. She almost rolled her eyes at the simplicity of it. Without hesitation, "..deal." Shaking her head, she felt as if she was getting the better end of the stick here. Shrugging away from the door frame, she actually mustered up a smile for him. Stepping forward, she lifted a hand to pat that muscular chest of his and stood on tip-toes to press a light kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, Kai. I appreciate it." Lowering herself down to flat feet, her hand slid away as she made her way through the door and onto the deck.

"Good," to the deal having been made, easily at that. He should've known that it may be a pain in the ass for him, but that didn't matter. Now, he had a Fury that owed him something. Though he wasn't expecting the cheek kiss, muscles stiffening as she got closer. He blinked at the kiss and watched her walk out the door. He would've followed her and helped her off the boat, but he was a little too weirded out about the Fury kissing his cheek.

There was a grin on her face when she made it over to her heels she'd discarded. That should stump him for a while. She bent at the waist, scooping up the shoes before straightening. A look over her shoulder to the man, a twiddle of fingers and a smile, and she was working her way on climbing out of the boat onto the pier. She didn't even bother with putting on her heels until she got a feel for solid ground again. But when she had, she slipped them on the sound of her heels clicking on the boardwalk could be heard as she was off into the night.

Stumped him she did, and he didn't move a bit. Instead, he just gave her a strange look, standing in the doorway as she smiled, waved and walked off. After she was gone and on the pier, he puffed out his cheeks and widened his eyes while shaking his head from side to side. "Weird chick.." He muttered and reached for his bourbon again, skipping the glass this time.