Kyoto.
About an hour after the incident with Cao Cao, I was sitting in the familiar guest room, and Sun Wukong was smoking his pipe across from me, clearly studying me and my aura.
Yasaka was in her chambers, still asleep, and her life was not in danger.
Kunou and the palace servants were watching over her, while the demons and Azazel had returned to the hotel they had rented for their stay in Kyoto. Jeanne and Heracles were locked in dungeons under the palace, now awaiting the verdict of Yasaka or Ama-chan herself. However, Heracles definitely didn't care, as he was already a brainwashed puppet.
I made a cup of coffee and took a sip.
- "So, what an interesting guest has visited Kyoto, and at such a time," I began. "As I understand it, Indra is disappointed in Cao Cao?
As far as I remember, Indra sent Sun Wukong to watch over Cao Cao, because the Hindu god was helping the Hero Faction and intended to use them to wage war against Shiva. After all, the True Longinus, which was now in my possession, was a very powerful artifact, the strongest among the other Longinus spears.
In the canon, more or less the same thing happened, and the spear ceased to obey Cao Cao, which Indra was not particularly pleased about. But then the pseudo-hero could have regained the True Longinus and even participated in the 'Cup of Azazel', unlike the current circumstances, and now it is unknown what fate awaits Cao Cao.
However, I didn't care. Cao Cao must appear again, and if that is not meant to happen, then so be it.
- "So, you know about that too? He will be there, and I don't think Cao Cao should hope for a lenient outcome," Sun Wukong said calmly. "Cao Cao interfered with the negotiations with Amaterasu and Yasaka, and Indra sent me here for two reasons. And both of them were related to you, one indirectly and the other directly.
- "To watch me, huh?" I grinned, and he nodded in agreement. "If he wants to talk, let him come to me himself. I'm sure he's aware of recent events, and I'd be surprised if he remained indifferent.
- "Yes, he knows that the Biblical faction is now under your command. And he will pay you a visit, for everyone knows of his desire to defeat Shiva," said Sun Wukong. "But in order to negotiate, one must understand who one's enemy is, and that is why he wanted to observe you first."
- "For a god of war and 'King of Gods,' he is quite reasonable and sensitive.
- "That's why I respect him," agreed Sun Wukong. "And I'm starting to respect you too."
- "As you wish," I shrugged.
- "You are indifferent to Cao Cao, but at the same time you are aware of the power you possess and how to use it.
I think that's why the world still exists as it is.
I smiled.
Technically, he's right, because the limitations of the plot haven't gone anywhere. However, even if they weren't there, I doubt I would have used Solomon and Goetia's power to its fullest extent. Like, I also want to live in a relatively normal world.
- "In any case, tell him that I'm not averse to talking to him if he observes basic norms of decency," I said and stood up. "I'm going, I didn't get much sleep last night, unfortunately."
- "Women, I presume?"
- "You have no idea," I chuckled and teleported, but not home, just somewhere else.
He rarely takes the initiative, so I was curious what he had in mind. Besides, I doubt I'll be able to sleep with Morgan and Tia around. At least not tonight.
And let Yasaka rest. The Shintoists would have enough to do without me, and I didn't need to summarize the results. They would contact me if they needed anything, and now...
-0-
Kuoh.
The circle spat me out by the river that ran near the city. It was a peaceful and quiet place under the open sky, which was currently illuminated by the bright moon, and the silence was broken only by fireflies flashing in the grass and the soft sound of the wind.
And in the midst of this peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, a lone Heracles sat by the riverbank, holding a proportionate fishing rod in his massive hands, clearly created by Archer. His breathing was steady and calm, but he was clearly preoccupied with some thoughts that were troubling him, and I had a pretty good idea what they were.
I slowly approached him and lay down next to him on the green grass, putting my hands behind my head, and then closed my eyes.
- "You know, if something's bothering you, you can tell me," I said quietly after a moment. "And not just me, but others too. You're part of our family, you know."
- "Grrr," Heracles growled softly after a few seconds of silence.
- "It's just that you rarely leave the house, either to help someone or something like that," I said. "I'm not saying you have to share your feelings with me, but right now you seem kind of lonely to me. However, if that's what you prefer..."
- "Grrrrr," he growled, and even though I couldn't see it, he definitely smiled.
- "Oh? Am I like Jason? I grinned. Well, there are definitely some similarities, like Rizevim instead of Medea, although I'm not that obsessed with women."
- "Grrr?"
- "From what I've heard, Medea was very determined in her feelings for Jason before she came to hate him so much, and Rizevim is doing pretty much the same thing, except without the last part," I said, shrugging mentally. "If you want, we could go on vacation to Greece.
After all, like you, I also feel the weather changing in that region. And there could only be one person to blame for that, or rather, one god. You'll see each other, chat, and all that.
Yeah. The weather in Greece had been unsettled lately, not rainy with thunderstorms, but still. Apparently, Zeus was very eager to pay me a visit or summon me to Olympus to discuss Medusa and Heracles. Therefore, a visit to the homeland of these two Servants was not without meaning.
Of course, Medusa, unlike Heracles, would hardly find this appealing, since her story in this world was relatively similar to hers, but such an outcome would have happened sooner or later. The gods of Olympus could, of course, demand something, exert pressure, or make threats, but Gil and Enkidu, or perhaps just Gil, were enough for them. I wouldn't even need to intervene.
- "Grrrrr," Heracles shook his head. "Grrrrr."
- "It will happen anyway," I said. "Rizevim told me that Hades informed Zeus about us. That is why Greece is currently experiencing a relatively sharp change in weather. I would bet that Hermes will visit the residence within a week."
- "Grr?" Heracles growled in surprise.
- "Yes, Hades."
- "Grrrrr."
- "You're right about that. Hades is one of the most pleasant gods of all the Olympians who remain in this world. He's hard-working, reserved, and doesn't stick his nose into everything that moves. However, the local Hades is not particularly fond of the biblical faction. And I'm sure it has to do with his job, because the flow of souls from one religion sometimes intertwines with another."
- "Grrrrr," Heracles growled in defeat.
- "Yeah, he'll only rest in the afterlife," I smiled and looked at him.
- "Anyway, let's get back to you. What would you like to do? It's no problem to organize, just tell me."
- "Grrrrr," he shook his head and smiled back at me. "Grrrrrrr."
- "Just sit and fish in peace and quiet?" You really are a sweetheart, you know that, Heracles," I grinned, and he laughed. "Alright, then I won't bother you. Will you take me home when you leave?"
- "Grrr." Heracles nodded. "Grrrrr."
- "Have a good time," I said and closed my eyes.
And why did he have to go through what he went through? Of course, the life of a demigod, especially Zeus, couldn't be easy, and Heracles had seen all kinds of shit in his time, but still, I'm glad he got to live at least a little bit of a good life on the Argo.
Although, Hera definitely deserved a couple of punches in the face, considering how Heracles died. And anyway, why take revenge on a child when it's all Zeus's fault for sticking his dick wherever and whenever he wanted? "Goddess of marriage"? Yeah, right.
I took a deep breath, and sleep was already beginning to overtake me.
Well, let's see what comes of all this. And now I can sleep while I have the chance. After all, Morgan and Tia, whom she has brainwashed, won't let me sleep properly at night, will they?
-0-
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