Kyn, chest heaving like a shallow-water lungfish, skidded through an Atlantean archway made of spiralling seashells, Poseidon's enraged bellows trailing behind him. He had escaped, for the time being. The sea-god's temper tantrum had cleared a celestial path that no Atlantean would dare to cross. It was precisely the sliver of opportunity Flora required.
She intercepted Poseidon as he stalked towards his throne room, radiating a barely contained rage. Imagine her: glowing against the pearl-bright palace walls, draped in a gossamer silky dress, and exuding a concerned yet terribly knowing elegance.
"Poseidon," Flora said, her voice like windchimes on moonlit coral, a soothing melody against his aquatic roar. She let him storm past before gracefully joining him at his side, tilting her head with feigned innocence but hiding a glint of celestial cunning in her emerald eyes. "Forgive the intrusion amidst this familial flurry, but surely we both understand the weight of such pronouncements concerning matters of the heart."
Poseidon came to a halt, holding his trident defensively, like a conductor's baton about to strike a discordant note. He gave Flora a sceptical glare, his oceanic aura shimmering unnaturally brightly. "Heart matters?" he grumbled. "That man has entangled my daughter in another scandal! Is this Olympus' new courtship ritual: calculated heartbreaks served with kelp salad?''
Flora persisted, meeting his gaze directly but with honeyed diplomacy. "Indeed, the situation appears...unusual. Poseidon, please allow me to share a gardener's perspective. We both know that 'We' have a fondness for the wild and audacious." She made a vague gesture towards the heart of Atlantis. "Won't you agree that this union... this unexpected bloom, holds a sliver of promise?"
She leaned in, her voice lowering to a warm suggestion, "A lineage descended from both the sea and the unknown? Nothing like such an event has ever happened in our history. A union that binds Khaos and your oceanic realm more tightly than any treaty could? And, if the union succeeds, wouldn't it provide us with much-needed progeny for both pantheons?''
Meanwhile ...
Kyn leaned against an obsidian pillar, his chest still heaving from the sprint through Atlantean corridors. The peaceful bioluminescent kelp forest provided a stark contrast to the chaos that had just engulfed him, and for a brief moment, he felt like he could breathe again. Jasmine appeared in a flash of light, radiating an infectious energy as she materialised beside him, Beth in tow.
Beth followed closely behind, her usual upbeat demeanour dampened by the seductive atmosphere around her. Her emerald eyes shifted nervously between Kyn and Jasmine, but she remained steadfast by Jasmine's side. Jasmine, ever the daring one, did not waste any time. She held Kyn's arm with a possessive grip, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Kyn," she said in a low, sultry voice, "you look positively dashing amidst this oceanic opulence, wouldn't you agree, Beth?" Her gaze shifted to Beth, who shifted uncomfortably but remained calm. Kyn easily avoided Jasmine's embrace, his form moving with such fluid grace that he appeared to be gliding through the air.
"Jasmine," Kyn replied, his tone amused and resigned. "You know the drill. Lets hear what you have to say." He raised an eyebrow at her before gesturing to Beth's tightly clasped hands. "And, for the love of all that has happened, could we please get rid of this dramatic performance? Beth doesn't have to be in the middle of your little games."
Beth appeared apologetic, but determined. "Jasmine was adamant that I see this firsthand," she admitted, her voice soft and genuine. "She said it had to do with "unconventional celestial developments"—something like Poseidon throwing a fit and Flora being involved." She looked at Kyn, clearly attempting not to show her discomfort. "But honestly, I think it's more about her need for drama."
Jasmine pretended to be offended but then leaned in conspiratorially. "Drama is the spice of life," she murmured, her voice low and seductive, almost purring. "Besides, your dad has had his trident-wielding fit. Flora got caught in the middle of it, and she took care of it. "
She released Kyn's arm, noticing the spark still glowing faintly between them.
Kyn raised an eyebrow, his face unreadable. "Flora?" he murmured, but the implications were obvious. He knew Jasmine well enough to know she wouldn't stop until she'd said everything.
Jasmine smiled, her eyes full of mischief. "She's got some interesting developments to share about your... 'conventional' friend." She gave Beth a knowing look, and Kyn could almost see the wheels turning in her head as she considered how to play this scene to maximum effect.
Beth, still shy but determined not to show it, gave a subtle nod. "Yeah," she replied softly, "Dad's tantrum has created some unexpected opportunities."
Facing Kyn now directly, her voice still soft, almost a whisper, she spoke to him: "Plus... I want to be loved just like Jasmine." Her words were simple, yet they carried an underlying vulnerability that tugged at his heart. She held his gaze for a moment longer before looking back at Jasmine.
Jasmine's eyes flickered with amusement and something deeper—perhaps a knowing smile or a softening in her expression. She released Kyn's arm but kept her hand close by, as if to remind him of her presence.
Kyn sighed softly, a mix of affection, understanding, and something more profound in his eyes. He looked at Beth, then back at Jasmine, his tone quiet but direct: "Jasmine, spit it out. What's really on your mind?"
Beth jumped in before Jasmine could continue, stopping her from killing the mood. Her voice was soft yet determined: "Kyn... I just want to be loved and understood like you are with Jasmine." She held his gaze for a moment longer before looking back at Jasmine.
Noticing the serious atmosphere, Kyn matched her gaze and truth to it; she really was up for the challenge. At times, he wondered whether Jasmine just went about picking up strays as partners—first it was Athena, now Beth. It seemed that she had a specific agenda, with him being the primary target. What was mirrored in Athena's eyes the first night they met could be seen in hers too: a deep desire to believe and never get disappointed. Her green eyes just couldn't help but make him fold.
He sighed softly again, then took a step forward. "You realize Jasmine and Flora are one and the same being," he said quietly but firmly. "And if I were to take you in, you'd have to worry about her multiple selves." His voice was calm, yet there was an underlying seriousness that made his point clear.
"You won't have to worry about that," Jasmine interrupted, reaching out to grope Beth from behind. Her touch was light but deliberate as she leaned closer and said, "She and I have a lot of catching up to do. If you don't mind joining us." The way she spoke made it seem almost like a challenge, inviting him into their dynamic.
Beth's breath hitched slightly at Jasmine's closeness, but her eyes remained steady on Kyn. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before responding, "I trust you, Kyn."
Kyn's expression softened, and for a moment, he seemed lost in thought, his gaze drifting between Beth and Jasmine. He sighed deeply, then nodded slowly, his tone soft yet resolute: "Alright. But this is a serious decision, Beth. Are you sure about this?"
Beth met his gaze with fierce determination. "Absolutely," she said firmly.
'Well, she does have bigger bust to Athena; I'll give you that.'
Jasmine laughed.