Kore walked outside into the empty training yard, the cold sea air nipping at her cheeks turning them a rosy red. She wrapped the jacket Aidoneus lent her around her body as she continued her walk. She wanted to explore his house, she was going to be here for a while anyway, so why not?
She heard a small barking as she turned to see Sam running towards her. She bent down to greet him; he slammed into her knocking her over while she laughed. He attacked her face with an onslaught of drool covered in kisses. Peter stood in the doorway laughing at the two. He trotted up to her.
"How did he fair last night Peter?" She asked as she stood up, the pup ran around Peter's feet.
"Slept like a rock" he said as he tried to avoid stepping on the dog.
"Aidon sent you out here, didn't he?" She looked at him with her eyebrow raised. He nodded sheepishly. They continued on her walk, walking next to the tall walls that barricaded the back of the house. She reached up and touched the vines growing on the wall, and as she did so flowers started to sprout. Peter stared in awe.
"I thought it could use some color" She shrugged.
"Please, afentikó doesn't know what color is!" Peter chuckled. Sam tried jumping up to snatch a petal, Kore pushed him down gently and told him to calm down while patting his head, he turned his attention elsewhere and ran off. Peter ushered her forward to continue their walk.
Aidoneus was in the car garage rummaging through the car they used last night. He knows he put his phone in there, he just couldn't recall where. He popped open the glove box and it fell out; he caught it midair.
"Se píre!*" he turned and sat in the passenger seat as he scrolled through his notifications. A notification from TechTube popped up that there was a new video from Channel 6 news that was suggested for him to see. He clicked on it.
"Breaking News! Has Zen Doukas lost his mind? Will there be riots from the betrayal of the families that run the city? Is anyone safe? These clips of interactions with the families and more will answer these questions" The newscaster faded out of the screen as a video of people rioting in mid-town was pulled up, it then cut to people standing outside of Technologia holding signs saying, "No Powers, no rights??" as Hippio entered the screen. He was hit with several objects and out of anger he knocked all the protesters back with a wave of water. The clip then faded to Zen standing outside his house, electrocuting the cameras around him as people ran away screaming, another transition and it showed the downtown district in smoke as it cut to the Hyperion family. A reporter caught up to Vasileios Hyperion.
"Mr. Hyperion! Mr. Hyperion!" They shouted. He turned, shoving them away from him. He grabbed the camera and pointed into it.
"Mark my words Aidoneus Doukas, you're not safe, even gods can die", he said in a heavy Greek accent and spat on the floor. More footage flashed across the screen, people throwing things into Adino's family's windows, Adamo's family burying their daughter while angry mobs were being held back. It cut back to the new reporter.
"Such madness" he said facing the camera, he turned to face another "And on top of that our law officials have still yet to catch the menacing doll killer" he turned to another camera "Another victim was claimed sadly last night, this time the body was found in the upper district. One must think..." As he turned back to another camera "Is this man employed by these families? Doing their dirty work?" He moved again, one last time facing a new camera "The only one who seems to have those answers is none other than the underworld boss Aidoneus Doukas, who has been mysteriously MIA". A viewer discretion is advised slide popped up on the screen.
"The Doll House Killer" a woman's voice read over as slides of previously murdered women showed up. The voice continued "A serial killer who has been plaguing all of Atlas for months. Law officials have not made way in the cases, which brings one to wonder, are they protecting this heinous monster?" Aidoneus flinched at the word but continued to watch. A picture of Aidoneus walking out of the crime scene he checked out popped up.
"Could the underworld boss be the perpetrator? Or could he be hiding this wanted man. With Aidoneus 's current position of running the lower district one has to wonder if he wants this man caught." The voice continued, "As women are dying, our protectors are lounging and enjoying a peaceful night" pictures of Zen with other women popped up, along with Hippo's in the red-light district. Aidoneus heart jumped into his throat as a picture of him and Kore walking down the street popped up. "This brings to question, what are these family's intentions? Do they plan to wipe out the weak? Are they superior due to their abilities? We may never know, as we all slowly fall victim to the doll house killer" a new picture of his victims popped up. Aidoneus paused the video and zoomed in, the last picture was new.
A girl was nude, her parts censored out along with the brutal image of her intestines spilling onto the floor. She was posed with the world on her back, bent over as an eagle pecked out her liver. The depiction was a jab at the situation going on.
Aidoneus turned his phone off and sat on the passenger seat. Is the killer saying he's holding Atlas up? Is he saying Atlas will fall? He rubbed his chin thinking, he chewed his lower lip, scoffed and left the car slamming the door. His phone went off, he checked it. It was a message from Hestia saying she was on her way.
Aidoneus entered the courtyard; he saw Kore sitting on a bench with Peter as Sam rolled around on the small patches of grass. He could hear them laughing as Peter told tales of him and Aidoneus 's shenanigans when they were young.
"He did that! "She laughed as Aidoneus approached her.
"Yes, o fílos mou he really set Hippio's pants on fire in public" He snorted. She leaned forward laughing, she couldn't imagine Hippio with a hole burnt in his pants, exposing his buttocks.
"Don't be telling all my secrets o fílos mou" Aidoneus grinned as he walked up to them. Peter stood up, holding his stomach from laughing too hard, he offered his boss his seat. Aidoneus accepted with a nod.
"We're expecting a guest Peter, please escort her here when she arrives?" Aidoneus sat next to Kore, Peter nodded and took his queue to leave.
"I take it he showed you around?" He gestured over to the wall that had fresh flowers sprouting from the vines. She nodded, looking down at Sam eating a weed.
"You know, for such a big place, it's awfully empty." She smiled over towards Aidoneus. He took her hand in his and kissed it.
"I don't have a need for unnecessary things. I saw this property; thought it was nice and bought it. I house my guards in the back, while Peter and Adrian are in the front." She looked at him with an eyebrow raised as he finished explaining.
"Won't they get jealous of that though?" she asked as she scooted over to be warmed up by him.
"No agápi̱ mou, we all have an understanding that Adrian and Peter are the ones closet to me, they all have the same chores and routine, Adrian and Peter work more though since they always escort me when I'm off property." He wrapped his arms around her to keep her warm, he could feel her shiver from the wind.
"Do you wish to head inside agápi̱ mou?" He looked down on her. She shook her head no. Kore got cold easily, but she found the sea wind comforting and refreshing. She was used to the city winds which weren't as intense due to the buildings blocking most of the wind that was being pushed in by the ocean.
She leaned into him as he heated up the air around him. She smiled, she loved feeling his warmth. Aidoneus looked up at the sky as a small rumbling could be heard in the distance. Clouds started to roll in on them. A flock of seagulls flew high above them, fighting against the current. Aidoneus couldn't help but relate to their struggle. He sighed as he leaned his head gently on Kore's as the sky started to release drizzle.
Kore lifted her head as the drizzle started, it soon started becoming heavy rain, as Aidoneus 's heated their area up she could see it fall just above them and sizzle out. She let out a small giggle as Sam ran underneath them. She stood up and stepped out of his warm cocoon and looked up to the sky as the rain hit her face. She wrapped the jacket tightly around her as she took in the feeling.
The sea rain is different than the city rain. It made her feel more in touch with nature, she took a deep breath. Aidoneus walked up beside her, he dropped his warm barrier and let the rain splash on him. He wrapped his arms around Kore, kissing her neck.
"Panémorfos*" he whispered as his lips grazed over her ear. Kore shivered, even though she was wrapped up her body became covered in goosebumps as she felt his lips brush against her ear. She turned to him; he held her face in his hands as he pulled her up into a passionate kiss.
*Beautiful, Sublime, Exquisite *
He kissed her deeply as the rain poured around them, she wrapped her arms around him as he pulled her closer, their bodies pressed against each other as he placed his hand on the back of her head, his fingers getting tangled in her hair. He tugged her head back gently from his, she let off a small groan as he went to kiss her neck Kore felt a small pinch as he slightly bit her, she gasped. He looked up at her as she bit her lower lip looking into his eyes.
Sam wasn't having it; he started barking shrilly due to being left alone under the bench. He was soaked, he was cold, and he wanted inside. He bolted past them and ran up to the awning, sitting there grumpily. Kore laughed as Aidoneus leaned his head on her chest, letting out a frustrated sigh.
Peter opened the door for the poor pup who ran inside happily, shaking off the excess rain, splashing Peter and Hestia who was behind him. Peter chuckled and picked up the pup, as Hestia stared into the courtyard. The sight she saw made her smile.
Aidoneus wrapped his arms around Kore, heating her up before they made their way back inside to meet with his sister. She felt the rain evaporate off of her skin slowly, the sensation was incredible. Aidoneus picked her hand up gently, kissed it and then led her inside.
Hestia had her arms crossed with a coy smile on her face.
"Adelfós, so this is the girl I've heard so much about?" She raised an eyebrow at Kore. Kore smiled at her and extended her hand.
"Hi! I'm Kore..." Hestia grabbed her hand and pulled her into a hug.
"I'm Hestia, it's wonderful to meet you!" She said chipperly letting Kore go.
Hestia intimidated Kore a little bit, she was so pretty, and she beamed at the confidence Kore felt she lacked. Kore also couldn't help but notice the resemblance between her and Aidoneus. Hestia made her way to her brother and pulled him into a hug.
"Looking a lot better than you did a few days ago adelfós," she said while patting his cheek. She laughed as he playfully pushed her.
"Adelfí̱, to what do I owe this visit?" He said, taking his place next to Kore. He placed his arm around her shoulders.
"I came here to ask you what in the world were you thinking?" She crossed her arms and tapped her foot while looking at him. "You're now a major target! Zen and Hippio are infuriated, and the families are falling apart as we speak!"
"Adelfí̱, you knew it was bound to happen one day or another, our city was corrupted, even before father passed" he said as he took the jacket off of Kore and placed it over his arm. He gestured towards the kitchen, "Coffee?"
They all made their way to kitchen, Hestia complaining in Greek to Aidoneus who was responding back in the language. Kore felt a little left out, she was curious because this was the first time she ever heard Aidoneus mention what happened to their father. Hestia pushed Aidoneus playfully while gesturing to Kore. Kore blushed a bit from embarrassment.
They entered the kitchen, Aidoneus headed over to the coffee maker, Kore followed behind him. Hestia took a seat next to Adrian who was enjoying some baklava. He glanced over at Hestia, then looked back to his sweets. She smirked at him, reached over and stole a piece. He pouted.
"Sorry o fílos mou" she took a bite, licked her lips towards him seductively and said, "I love sweets". Adrian sat up straight, a slight blush went over his cheeks. Kore could defiantly see the resemblance between Aidoneus and her now. Hestia chuckled as she grabbed a napkin and placed the reminder of her treat on it. She only met Adrian officially once, but she could tell she was going to have fun with him.
Adrian cleared his throat, grabbed his baklava and coffee, then hastily left the room.
"Adelfí̱, please stop scaring my guards away" Aidoneus turned to face her, he had a cup of coffee he set in front of her. She took it, clasping her hands around it as she inhaled the scent.
"Mm, coffee and baklava, sure beats breakfasts at Zens, Hera is adamant we eat eggs" she stuck her tongue out making a disgusted face. Aidoneus laughed while leaning on the counter, holding his cup, Kore took a seat next to Hestia.
Hestia reached up and grabbed a strand of Kores hair. It was frizzy but felt smooth.
"So beautiful! Natural?" She asked while she took a sip of her coffee. Kore nodded as she shyly looked away.
"Now I know why Minithe was so mad, she's fried her hair from dying it too much, that fídi needs to crawl in a hole where she belongs" she took a bite of baklava.
Aidoneus glanced down at his coffee as his hand unconsciously reached up and rubbed the spot Minithe left.
"Adelfí̱, can we please not talk about her" he looked up at his sister with a pained look. Kore felt a tug at her heart. Hestia let out a sigh, smiled at her brother and nodded.
"You've seen the videos?" She changed the subject like asked. Aidoneus nodded.
"I have to unfortunately head out and go check out the new crime scene of the latest doll house victim" He glanced at Kore "Sorry agápi̱ mou, you have to stay here, the press already has your picture plastered on the media" Kore looked at him with an eyebrow raised.
"Really? I hope it was a good one" she chuckled. Aidoneus smiled at her. He liked how she kept a positive view on these things. Hestia snickered as she playfully nudged Kore as she giggled.
"You can stay and keep her company adelfí̱," Aidoneus sipped his coffee. Hestia shook her head.
"I unfortunately can't, the longer I'm MIA the more Zen will look for me, he knows I'd come see you, he might use it as an excuse to show up here." She pushed her coffee away as she took the last bite of her baklava.
"I only came here to check on you, and you seem perfectly content" she smiled raising her eyebrows in Kore's direction. Aidoneus made his way to kiss her on top of her head.
"If you need anything just call agápi̱ mou" He smiled down to her, she smiled back. Hestia grinned at the two as she got up to walk with her brother to the garage, leaving Kore alone. She sat there sipping her coffee trying to figure out what to do with her day.
Aidoneus and Hestia made their way to the garage, her brother walked her to the car she abruptly stole from him. He opened the door, she slid in.
"Adelfós, it's nice to see you happy" she reached up grabbing the seat belt to buckle herself in. She looked up at her brother. "Be careful please, I don't need my new adelfí̱ running for the hills", she laughed as he closed the door behind her. He watched her leave as Peter entered the garage.
"Ready afentikó?" Peter was in a t-shirt; he couldn't wear long sleeves until he fully healed from his burns. Aidoneus saw the marks on his friends' arms, his jaw clenched.
"I'm good to go by myself o fílos mou" he said as he reached a handout for Peter to hand him the keys. Peter stuffed the keys in his pocket and shook his head.
"No. Last time you went off on your own you got exposed to the media, almost burned down a hospital and then got beat senseless by your brothers." He took a deep breath "And I will not sit idly by while you destroy yourself, you got to come back in one piece for Mrs. Catarino, and I will make sure you do just that" he glanced up at his boss with a determined look on his face. Aidoneus nodded and stepped aside for his friend.
Peter opened the door for Aidoneus who thanked him as he entered the back seat of the car. He closed it and hopped into the front seat. He pulled up the GPS and asked his boss where they were heading. Aidoneus sighed.
"Unfortunately to the Grand Terrance banquet hall." Peter shot a glance at him through the rear-view mirror and typed in the address as he drove off.
Zen stepped out of his car as his driver opened the door for him. He looked up at the middle-sized apartment building. It was worn down on the outside and looked utterly disgusting to him. He scrunched his nose as he headed towards the door. His usher opened the lobbies doors.
He entered, the orange hued lights made everything look old, the staircase was rusted, and the receptionist desk was empty. He turned to enter the staircase and noticed the bodies from the previous night lying there.
"Seriously? Did no one call this in?" He raised an eyebrow as he made his way over them. He made his way up to the second floor and noticed room 67's door was open. He entered to see that the walls had bullet holes in them, plaster scattered around the floor along with shell casings and small splatters of blood on the side of the kitchen counter. He walked up to the counter, there was mail scattered over it. He picked it up and looked through it.
Most of it was junk. He found an interesting envelope that didn't have a return address, it looked worn with stains on it. He slid his finger under the edge and opened it. He flipped it upside down as a chemical smell emitted from it. Perfectly reserved white rose petals stained in blood clattered on the countertop as a band aid followed behind it. A slip of paper stayed inside.
"Interesting" Zen smirked as an evil smile plastered on his face.
Zen exited the building with the slip of paper in hand. He pulled his phone out, snapped a picture of it and sent it to Hippio. He put in the body of text: "Now we just wait for him to make his move, we'll corner Aidoneus and get rid of him when the times right." He hit send and headed back to his car.