Summary:
Kara, Lincoln and Gwen get into a discussion of what being an Inheritor and a mortal means for each of them
Back at the fountain, Lincoln gently helped Kara sit down, his brows furrowed in concern.
"Look, I know you're hurt and scared," he began, his voice soft but firm, "but we're not going anywhere until we know you're safe. And if that means waiting here for my sister or Gwen's cousin to show up, then that's what we'll do."
Kara's glare didn't falter, but she was running out of energy to argue. She was in no condition to run or even stand, much less fight. Reluctantly, she allowed Lincoln to help her sit against the fountain's edge, her eyes never leaving his.
"I'm not going anywhere with her," she murmured, her voice tight with pain and distrust as she glared at Gwen "And you should know that her kind brings nothing but trouble." she added at Lincoln "Living with five of them should have teach you as much"
"Hey now," Gwen interjected, her tone light but firm "I know we might not see eye to eye but that doesn't mean we can't help each other out."
The younger girl was not convinced of this
"Tell that to all to those that got frozen over by your ice queen," Kara muttered, wincing as she tried to get comfortable despite her injuries.
Lincoln blinked..suddenly realizing something.
"You are Ragnarok arent you?" Lincoln said, his voice a mix of curiosity and suspicious "what is more you were on the protest at town hall, werent you?"
Gwen's eyes widened at the accusation, but she remained calm.
"I know the tension between the gods and mortals is high, but I'm not here to cause trouble," she assured Kara, her expression earnest. "I'm just a student at the academy, trying to help."
Kara snorted.
"Yeah, sure. Just like your kind hasn't been 'helping' by causing all this mess." She said while throwing Gwen a dirty look, "If it weren't for you so called gods none of those monsters would probably even be around."
The inheritor rolled her eyes.
"Or maybe they would appear anyways and without us, you'd all be even more screwed," Gwen shot back, her voice laced with a hint of defensiveness. "We're here to keep the balance, to keep monsters like that from overrunning this town."
"and to have statues raise in your name, and people to worship you like some kind of saviors," Kara spat out with bitterness.
"Hey! you think I wanted this statue to be made or that I like the attention?" Gwen's voice grew a bit defensive "You think I enjoy being treated like a figurehead? That I like having everyone's expectations on my shoulders?!" she pointed to her body "you think I like looking like this? I will let you know I cant take a bath without turning all furry" its was one of the downsides of being a water related goddess, she couldnt control how she looked if she gets wet.
Kara's eyes narrowed.
"Sure, whatever makes you feel better," she murmured, not truly convinced by Gwen's words. "Only thing you suffer is having people throwing themselves at your feet and pretend to study something in that fancy academy of yours"
Gwen let out a sigh, trying to keep her temper in check.
"Look, I get it," she said, her eyes flashing with a bit of frustration. "You're mad, you're hurt, and you've had a crappy day. But we're not the enemy here."
"No you just act all heroic even when YOU are the reasons monsters are attacking us!" Kara retorted, her voice rising despite the pain. "If it wasn't for you and the rest of you freaks we wouldn't have to live in fear of being eaten, turned to stone, ripped to shreds, we could all just have normal lives with sane normal worries!"
"Or you could get eaten faster!" yelled Gwen back at her. "You accuse us of bringing the monsters yet you forget WE are always the first to risk our lives against them!" she was getting mad herself, she had to admit.
"Uhh maybe we should take a moment to breathe here..." something Lincoln realized as he spoke up with a nervous look wanting to prevent a fight.
"Oh please! like you dont enjoy the attention and the power!" Kara shot back, her eyes flashing with anger. "what you know about feeling pain or fear!?" she spat out the words.
A silence fell on the park.
Both girls looked at each other with anger and hate...
"I lost my grandfather to monsters"
...Until Lincoln spoke again making them turn to him.
The white haired boy took a breath before looking up at another of the statues of the fountain. This one representing Poseidon.
"...I was really small and dont remember much about him" he admitted "But my mom still weeps and suffer remembering him and I know my older sisters do too." He added looking at Kara with a serious expression "You think because they are gods we are above fear or pain?" He shakes his head "My family has suffered just like any other" he said with a sad smile "We've might have 5 inheritors, maybe more as my young sisters still have to go through the ritual, but that only gives my parents and me more reasons to fear that one day one of them wont return from their duties." And Lincoln knew that Lori, Leni, Luna, Luan and Lynn knew that fear all too well. In their moment (and still to these days), they had returned home tired, stressed, hurt and sometimes with a heavy heart. The reality of being an inheritor was not a bed of roses, but a battlefield of expectations and responsibilities.
After all they're not only risking their own lives but so are their friends, and the harsh truth is that sometimes an inheritor can't save everyone.
Kara's expression softened slightly at Lincoln's words, the anger in her eyes fading into something more complex. The weight of his family's loss was clear in his voice, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for her harsh accusations. She took a deep breath, trying to ease the tension in her body.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, looking away. "I didn't mean to... I just..." Her voice trailed off, unable to fully articulate the storm of emotions she was feeling. "Gods...havent been kind to me or others.." she looked up at Gwen "and whatever you think you´re good or not, you only end up causing more pain that what think you ease"
Gwen's gaze soften before sighing.
"I get it and I won't deny there are a few inheritors out there who are real pieces of work." She said with a slight scowl, "But a lot of us just want to help the world and people in it.." She looked over to Kara, "and trust us gods aren't strangers to pain and loss either." she added as she took off the white mask and looked it in yearning; the image of a boy smiling and the sound of a guitar flashed for a moment in her eyes. "I know we're not perfect, Kara. And I'm not saying that we gods are without fault either. We've made our share of mistakes." Gwen's voice was softer now, the anger dissipating into something more reflective. "But we're not just here for the glamour or the worship. We're here to protect." She looked back at Lincoln, who nodded solemnly. "And I dont know about others, but for sure I will do everything in my power to keep this city safe."
She owned and promised that to...him.
Kara at that frowned before looking away with a conflicting expression. Lincoln noticed this and took a seat beside her.
"I know it's tough," he said, his voice gentle and understanding. "But we can't blame all gods for the actions of a few. Just like we can't blame all humans for the mistakes of some." He paused, giving her a moment to absorb his words. "Look, I'm not saying everything is perfect, but we can't ignore the good they do either. And Gwen," he nodded towards the goddess, "she's here to help."
Kara remained silent, her eyes focused on the ground. The weight of her words hung in the air, and Lincoln couldn't blame her for her skepticism. The world of myth and magic was complex, filled with heroes and villains dressed in the same garb.
"I understand your anger," Gwen said, her voice gentle. "But not all gods are the same. And not all of us want to just... take. We want to give back."
Kara looked up, her eyes meeting Gwen's with a hint of doubt. The goddess's eyes were filled with sincerity, and for a moment, the anger in her chest seemed to lessen.
"sigh..fine"
With a defeated look, Kara leaned back against the fountain with a tired sigh.
"Ok, then lets check those wounds" Gwen said with a gentle nod "Ella will be able to cure them but giving them a quick check and clean them wont hurt" she said taking her spear and touch the surface of the fountain´s water "Lincoln help me getting her sweater off please" she asked her new acquaintance.
"WHAT?!" both kids exclaimed together.
"You have a shirt under it right?" asked the goddess with Kara nodding "then wont be an issue, I also need to check if you dont have any wound in your back and think would be easier for someone your size to do it" she added with a smile as she pulled out some cloths out her belt and set them in the water.
Lincoln gulped, feeling a bit awkward but also understanding the necessity of the situation. He turned to Kara with an apologetic look.
The girl stared back at him with a mix of annoyance and defeat.
"Tch whatever, but you better dont get any ideas Mr!" Kara warned him with a glare, but Lincoln was already blushing and fumbling with the task at hand.
"Just...just hold still okay?" he muttered as he carefully helped her remove her sweater.
Kara rolled her eyes but complied, grimacing as the material brushed against her bruised and cut skin. The coolness of the evening air hit her, making her shiver, as her sweater was pulled over her head (with surprising care from Lincoln) to reveal a simple sleeveless white shirt underneath. She could see the shock in the boy's eyes as he took in the full extent of her injuries.
Gwen's eyes narrowed in concern as she saw the bruises and shallow cuts that covered Kara's arms and torso and had the nasty feelings some of them didnt come from her encounter with the panthers.
"Ok, let's get these cleaned up," she said, her voice gentle but firm as she began to unravel the cloths.
With trembling hands, Lincoln took the damp cloths from Gwen and approached Kara. He tried to be as gentle as possible as he dabbed at the blood and grime, noticing how tense she was. Her bruises were an angry mottle of purple and blue, and her arms were crisscrossed with scratches. It was clear she had been through a lot today.
As he worked, Kara couldn't help but flinch at the coldness of the water. Despite her tough exterior, she was obviously in pain. Her teeth chattered slightly, and her breath came out in small puffs of mist. Lincoln felt terrible for her, and his heart went out to the girl who had been so unfairly targeted by the panthers.
"Relax, the cold water will help with the pain" Gwen said as she prepared more cloths.
Kara grunted but remained still, her eyes squeezed shut as Lincoln gently wiped the grime from her arms. The coolness did indeed feel soothing, and she couldn't help but let out a small sigh of relief as the sting of the water helped to ease some of the ache. The three of them worked in silence for a few moments, the only sound being the occasional splash of water and Kara's shallow breaths.
As Lincoln continued to gently clean Kara's wounds, dabbing away the grime and blood with surprising care, Gwen's eyes narrowed in observation. Some of the injuries, beneath the fresh cuts and bruises from the panther attack, looked older, almost scarred over and reopened. A thoughtful frown creased her brow.
"Kara," Gwen began, her voice softer but with a new edge of concern, "these… some of these look older. Have you… have you been hurt before recently?"
Kara flinched slightly at the touch of the damp cloth on the older mark, her gaze hardening again. She avoided Gwen's eyes, focusing instead on Lincoln's careful ministrations.
"Doesn't matter," she mumbled, her voice tight.
But Gwen pressed on, a growing suspicion forming in her mind.
"Ragnarok… they've been more active lately, haven't they? Sending their people out to… deal with things." She chose her words carefully, remembering Kara's earlier accusations. "Were you… were you fought monsters before the panthers?"
A flicker of something – anger, resentment, maybe even fear – crossed Kara's face.
"What if I did?" she challenged, her tone sharp. "Someone has to do something. The 'great gods' don't seem to be doing a very good job of it."
"But… risking yourself like this?" Gwen countered, her concern growing. "Someone of your age fighting monsters? That's incredibly dangerous."
"And living in fear of being attacked isn't?" Kara shot back, her voice rising again, despite the obvious pain it caused her. "At least when I fight back, I have some control. Unlike waiting around for some god to maybe show up and save us."
Lincoln, who had been quietly listening, paused his cleaning. He looked at Kara, a thoughtful expression on his face. He could understand her frustration, the feeling of helplessness. He had felt it himself, many times.
Gwen sighed, running a hand through her damp hair.
"I understand your anger, Kara, I truly do. But there are other ways. And going up against creatures…" She shook her head. "It's a miracle you weren't more seriously hurt."
"Tch some scratches and bites its not the end of the world" scoffed Kara "and this only show that if you can do it so we can"
Gwen hd to hold up a groan.
"We are trained for that..." she started only to be interrupted
"Well we also got training and has been working isnt it?" the younger girl called out.
"yeah with...how many people already having to go to the hospital again?" Gwen couldn't hold back the sarcasm in her voice.
Kara's jaw clenched but she didn't reply, she knew Gwen had a point, but she didn't like it.
"Well...if you actually do your jobs and be around to do something that wouldnt happen!" Kara snapped, unable to hold back her frustration any longer.
"Umm actually you cant blame them fully for that" said Lincoln suddenly "I mean...the ratio between adult inheritors and those that are still on the academies is like...60/40" said the boy with a frown "think we should be seeing this fully around this year but...after the great monster wave, the amount of fully developed inheritors really dropped" He added, remembering the news reports of the aftermath.
The Great Monster Wave was something that everyone knew about. It had been a time of chaos and fear, a time when the world had seen just how dangerous the mythological creatures could be when they were not kept in check. It had been a decade ago, but the scars remained fresh in the minds of those who had lived through it. The event had not only claimed the lives of many humans but had also decimated the number of active inheritors, leaving the world vulnerable and the survivors scrambling to rebuild.
Many tittles (like his grandfather´s) were lost and only recently they have been reclaimed by the new generation of inheritors. This has also put some pressure as this new generation had to grow up too fast and had already to cover for the lost of the old ones.
The worst part? up to this day no one was sure HOW or WHY the wave happened.
Which needless to say not only fueled a lot of conspiracy theories, but made people terrified at the possibility of it happening again.
"We train also to keep records of monster incidents and report if numbers increase or decrease too much that could mean something like that could happen again" The new goddess of sea life continued "people might like that monster attacks decrease..but if they vanish completely it could mean something is hiding them and that's what scares everyone more"
"I'll...give you that much." Kara admitted with obvious relunctance at admitting the god scum had a point. But even she knew the monsters being where you can keep track of them even if meant attacks, was better than having no clue where they were and the paranoia growing at something big coming. "plus there's also some of the crazy rumors going around about the monsters that attacked the school fighting smarter and even using teamwork." Kara said giving a snort rolling her eyes, "personally don't buy it myself, but certainly has people even in Ragnarok freaking out a bit more."
Gwen's expression grew serious at the mention of the school attack. She knew of the incident, of course although she was in the group that arrived late, at the scene (but she was the first to know what crashing into an out of control chariot felt like), but she agreed that the idea that the monsters were becoming more coordinated was troubling, to say the least.
Lincoln gulped a bit there.
"yeah that...was crazy" he coughed hopping he didnt look nervous "My sisters and the others arrived just in time, although the majority of the monsters escaped instead of keep fighting"
"yeah lucky break there.." Kara admitted with a nod personally she didn't think she'd care that much if inheritors got hurt, but she knew if the monsters kept attacking it could of meant more innocents caught in the crossfire.
"Yeah...lucky." Gwen muttered in a low tone as truthfully the fact so many monsters had retreated rather than forcing the attack in itself was another uncharacteristic trait...especially for some of the species that were reported to be there.
"My sisters and others do their jobs as best as they can" said Lincoln to Kara "I know you can think this as an excuse but they know they cant be everywhere at once and have a long road ahead. but I can promise they will be great Inheritors and will help keep everyone safe."
And I will help them in any way I can he added mentally.
After all once he gained greater control of his powers...if he could truly control monsters...just imagine the possibilities.
He could show everyone that he wasn't just a burden or a liability. That he could be...useful.
"Well, I guess we all do what we can, huh?" Kara said with a forced smile, trying to lighten the mood a bit. She knew she was right, but it was clear that Gwen and Lincoln weren't just going to agree with her without a fight.
And honestly she was to tired after today´s events to try keep up a fight.
Plus...talking about the wave...and Lincoln mentioning his gradfather...inheritor or not that hit closer to home that what they knew.
BARK, BARK, BARK, BARK, BARK, BARK, BARK, BARK, BARK, BARK, BARK, BARK.
Fortunately for her, it seems things were going to end soon as they began hearing the barking of the returning Cerberi pack.
"Im coming, Im coming! you puppies are really ager you know that?" followed by the female voice of who she supposed was Gwen´s cousin.
Although when the Cerberi came into view they werent herding a human or a centaur like Gwen...instead it looked more like a...deer? elk? no it was a caribou.
Yes a big brown caribou with large, branching, whitish antlers that appear to emit a soft glow. Between them floated a pale pink cloud or mass; alongside green leafy elements and small red shoots that appear to grow from its legs and body. The more notable was a pink bandana? around its neck.
Once they got close enough the pack of dogs broke and rushed to Lincoln with expecting looks
"Ehh good boy...boys...everyone" he called with the dogs looking in delight tails waving happily
"Ella just in time." Gwen greeted casually with a wave and smile before getting a serious look, "we had a close call with a group of water panthers.." she reported frowning.
The pink cloud seems to gain shape until it became a face.
"Oh my! that sounds horrible" it talked with a...sing-like tone? Kara wasnt sure how to call it, but it was definitely something she had heard before...out of some old animated princess movie or something. "anyone got hurt?"
"Just Kara here" pointed Gwen "we could use some of your healing powers"
"But of course you know i'm always happy to help those in need!" Spoke the cloud face as it floated over to Kara who suddenly looked a lot more wary and fearful.
"Its okay, Ella won't bite" Gwen said with a laugh trying to ease the tension "she's the sweetest thing in the world...much to my annoyance" she added in low tone
"Love you too cuz" called Ella as the face returned to the main body and the caribou began prancing "lets give this little lady a healing hoof" giggled the inheritor as hooves and antlers began glowing "Blooming spring!!!"
The caribou stomped the ground with a hoof and a burst of energy shot towards Kara. Flowers began sprouting and blooming as a soft aura began covering the girl's bruised body. The glow grew stronger, the pain lessened and the bruises began to fade away as if they had never been there. It was a strange yet oddly calming sight. Kara's eyes widened in shock, her breath hitching in her chest as she felt the warmth of the power seep into her, soothing her injuries. It was unlike anything she had ever felt before, and she couldn't help but let out a small gasp of amazement.
"this is.." she said with a low tone betraying a hint of her awe.
"yeah inheritor healing is something else.." Lincoln agreed giving a small chuckle.
He was a bit used to it thanks to Luna and her healing songs, but Ella´s healing felt different, like a fresh spring day after a harsh winter.
Even the Cerberi seems affected as they began playing and prancing around trying to catch the light particles that danced in the air with their tongues.
"I..thanks...I guess." Kara said with a unsure reluctant expression as her body started to feel as good as new.
"hehehe no problem, cant let a little princess like you get hurt" Ella giggled as she finished her healing spell, the pink light dimming down as the flowers around them slowly wilted "There you go, good as new!" the caribou tilted her head "well not your clothes, shame I didnt bring my emergency dress-up set up to help patch your outfit"
"Uhh that's not necessary!" kara said with a yelp as she stood up taking a cautious step backward, "And honestly think I should be leaving anyway, but thanks for the help." she said wanting to get out of there before she got arrested for being with Ragnarok or something.
"you leaving? you sure?" asked Lincoln as he petted some of the Cerberi (with Charles trying to keep his attention on him).
"Yeah, I gotta go," Kara said, her voice firm but her eyes still wary. "But I appreciate the help...both of you."
She still wasnt trusting the gods..but she will maybe admit Gwen could be...maybe...a good one...maybe.
And Lincoln, he seemed like a cool dude....plus growing up as a mortal in a family full of inheritors couldn't be easy, besides she supposed she owed him one for his help earlier.
Gwen watched Kara, the concern in her eyes not entirely dissipating.
"You're sure you're okay to go alone?" she asked, genuinely worried.
"I will be fine, I dont live far from this park anyways" Kara assured them, not meeting their gazes. "Thanks again for the help." She turned to leave but paused a moment "And Lincoln?" she called "I work now in the new comic store close to downtown...maybe we could talk again sometime without the monsters around?" she offered "also have discounts for no-inheritors" she added.
Who knows..maybe she can help him open his eyes to the true nature of Inheritors and have him join the organization.
"Eh sure...that sounds great." Lincoln said with a blink and smile more than open to the idea of making a friend, and hoping to get Kara to see not all inheritors were bad.
Admittedly he probably wasn't one to speak considering his own personal experience with his so called friends and Chandler, and how even some of his sisters could get sometimes, but still he knew that inheritors were as bad as Ragnarok made them out to be.
Also, the idea of a discount didn't sound half bad, especially since he had been eyeing a few new comics that had come out recently. Plus, it was nice to have someone to talk to that wasn't constantly reminding him of his "godly" heritage.
"Ok, smell you later Loud" Kara smirked before taking one last look at the two of them "See ya around...gods" and with that she walked away as fast as she could without looking like she was running away from them.
"Since she's heading off ,we better get you to your sisters.." Gwen said suddenly causing Lincoln to wince.
"Don't suppose we could leave out the water panther incident?" He asked with a forced grin but at Gwen look he already knew the answer.
"Oh yes Leni!" Ella called as she was surrounded in a pink glow for a moment.
When it dissipated, in the place of the caribou now was a slim girl with short black hair and black eyes dressed in a pink princess skirt, pink blouse, pink gloves, pink choker and pink Mary Jane shoes.
On her forehead she had an antler headpiece with flower motifs.
ELEANORA "ELLA" AURORA TENGAN TREMAINE-REINCARNATION OF PINGA (INUIT)
"I totally forgot, have you found or seen her Gwen? I tried looking for her but couldnt find her before all these puppies came looking for me" Ella said, the pink glow of her transformation fading.
"She isnt in the park? though she wanted to spread love and give some blessings?" Gwen said with a slight blink arching a brow.
"Same plus we were supposed to work as a team today" said Ella "But I guess I can't blame her for wanting to go solo" she giggled "but she's gotta learn that sometimes she can't do everything on her own"
Gwen frowned, sure Leni tended to space off and go for her own side more often than not but still...
"Umm maybe we could use these guys again to track her?" suggested Lincoln pointing at the Cerberi.
Inside he was also a bit worry, Leni could be a bit...well...spontaneous with her "blessing" and sometimes her definition of it was...strange...but she wasnt one to simply leave without notice.
With the pup giving a whine before sniffing the air and barking...behind Lincoln...causing him to blink and turn toward a puddle...that was rippling as a form began to raise from the water.
"Leni (Oh Leni), Leni (Oh Leni), Leni (Oh Leni)! The goddess of love!"
And a musical choir filled the air...
"Ugg and for my life I cant even understand how she does that jingle" groaned Gwen in annoyance.
...from the fountain Leni appeared...and Lincoln felt his face heating up.
The new Aphrodite REALLY was making honor to her tittle as she was dressed in a teal-colored, strapless top with decorative central piece jewel. A flowing teal skirt is draped around her hips, featuring a high slit on BOTH sides revealing her legs adorned with golden, strappy sandals that wrap up to her calves (and gods! he was 90% sure she wasnt wearing anything under that as he could see her hips...her naked hips!). Golden armbands encircled her wrists and upper arms alongside gold earrings and a gold necklace with a pendant.
Seeing his sister dressed like that really brought a bunch of emotions he didn't want to think about. But even still it wasn't hard to see why Leni turned heads and it took reminding himself this was his sister not to stare, and than her godly aura didn't make it easy neither did Leni herself.
"Linky!"
Case in point as Lincoln found himself being hugged and held tight...his face pressing against Leni's bust.
"Leni! Personal space!" He protested with a muffled voice trying to push away.
The goddess of love giggled, her cheeks a soft pink.
"Oh sorry, I just couldn't resist!" she said with a wink. "I just had this urge to give hugs" she said while still holding Lincoln close, "and who could resist hugging someone as adorable as you Linky"
"hehehe he do is cute" cooed Ella "that white hair reminds me of a little bunny" she added "ohh can I hug him too?"
"NO!" Leni suddenly yelled out prompting pauses and stares, "Only me or my sisters can hug Linky!" Leni said with a slight huff squeezing him harder.
"Aggggg Leni!!!" which made said boy felt his back cracking...and his face being pushed deeper into the BARELY COVERED BOSSOM OF HIS SISTER!!!!
A part of him enjoying it despite the pain, but another part of him screaming at him that this was his sister, he should't be enjoying this position!
"come on Leni dont be like that" complained Ella with a pout.
"No! Sharing is nice, but Linky too sweet for just anyone to squeeze!" Leni huffed.
"Bit hypocritical if you ask me" said Gwen noticing how Leni was basically threatening to snap the boy in two...and for how his face was turning red he might also was about to run out of air "Ella leave the boy alone, and you Leni, also let him go and better explain where in the god´s names you went!"
"Hmm, what you mean?" Leni however gave her a confused glance.
"what...WHAT DO YOU MEAN, WHAT I MEAN?!" cried Gwen in shock "We were suppose to remain together once we came to the part but the moment we arrived you simply disapeared!" she was practically yelling at this point.
Leni blinked twice (and thankfully eased the grip on Lincoln).
"Ohhhhhhh" Leni's eyes went wide with understanding, and she giggled nervously, her cheeks flushing a rosy pink. "Oopsies, I forgot! its just like, I realized the dress I had wasnt proper for being in the park" she said, her voice taking on a sugary sweet tone that didn't quite match the situation. "I mean like..white? hello Leni, that will certainly stain!" she giggled "so I went home and change into this nice blue one!" she pointed at the blue dress she was now wearing, which was definitely not what she had been wearing earlier. I mean isnt it pretty?" she said, twirling around and showing how revealing her dress was.
Lincoln coughed, his face still red as a beet and his heart racing from the sudden change of position.
"Yeah, it's...uh, nice." he managed to get out, his voice sounding a bit strained. He was still trying to process what just happened, his mind racing with all the thoughts and feelings that just assaulted him.
While Gwen and Ella certainly notice this and traded looks.
"Um...Leni isn't practicing the original Greeks habits when it comes to uh.... sibling bonding is she?" Ella whisper tentatively to her cousin with a blush.
Gwen rolled her eyes.
"Well she's the goddess of love, I guess that does give her some leeway" she teased before turning to Lincoln, "Are you okay, buddy?"
"Y-yeah," Lincoln replied, his voice a little shaky as he tried to compose himself, "Just, uh, had the wind knocked out of me for a second."
Grrrrr
Charles (alongside the other Cerberi) growled not liking the situation either.
"As for you Leni, I dont think a change of clothes would take so long considering you can create them out of water" Gwen said, her eyebrows furrowed in suspicion.
"Oh yes it didnt took me long" confessed the blonde girl "but like, when I came to the park I noticed this cute-looking couple and I noticed it seems they were having issues to express to each other their love and I just had to help!" she said with a wide smile, her eyes sparkling with innocent joy.
Joy the other two Inheritors plus Lincoln didnt shared knowing TOO WELL that Leni using her love powers was a disaster in the making.
"Love issues? And how did you help them?" Gwen asked skeptically, her arms folded over her chest as she watched Leni with a wary gaze.
"uh? well since they looked already in love I just decided to simply give them a small push and spark up their feelings" Leni replied with a smile "And since they kissed a moment after I think I did a good job" she added with a nod of confidence.
Gwen couldn't help but sigh, she knew all too well the kind of "small push" Leni could give with her powers. It was like throwing a match into a dry forest and calling it a "small spark."
She already could imagine what happened next.
(In another part of the park)
"Seriously?! In the park? with all the children around?!" a cop ranted in anger as he pushed two teens (naked covered in towels) into his car after catching them...being busy behind some bushes.
"Like dude you have to believe us, we don't know what happened!"
"He is right, this was just our first date!!" the girl protested, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
The cop glared at them, clearly not convinced by their protests.
"You two are coming with me," he said firmly, slamming the car door shut. "first date..yeah sure, I dont want to imagine how their honeymoon would be" he added with a snicker.
(Back to the fountain)
"Im sure they are fine, happy and enjoying their love" said Leni with a giggle, completely oblivious to the chaos she had likely caused.
"this is going to be another scandal isn't it?" Lincoln asked with a groan.
"Totally" the new goddess of marine life said in dry tone.
The boy groaned making a note to tell his parents as soon as he is back at home.
"So whats happening? are we having like a pup party?" asked the new Aphrodite looking around noticing all the Cerberi (that were giving her stinky looks)
"we had a bit of a close call.." Gwen said with a sigh before explaining what happened or at least part of it, no need to mention the whole Ragnarok member.
Meanwhile Ella looked at the pack.
"Umm on that note, are you taking care of these doggies? you need to take them to their owners or something?"
That made Lincoln realize that probably there were people looking for their dogs.
"Umm no..but you are right" he said looking at the pack who looked at him looking ready to obey "umm ok..good work everyone, you are all good boys" He said with a nervous chuckle as the dogs wagged their tails, some jumped at him, and others decided to start playing with each other. "hehehe yes yes, BUT..." he called for attention "time to go back to your owners" he said with a firm tone that surprisingly got all the dogs to stop playing and sit down looking at him.
"Wow linky, I never knew you were so good with doggies." Leni said giggling and smiling at the scene.
"Have to admit well trained or not.." Gwen friend arching a brow, "it is weird how they're obeying you so easily."
"Its...uh, I guess I just have a way with animals" Lincoln stuttered out, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. He's not entirely wrong, but the true power behind his command was something none of them knew about. "Ehem..ok everyone...back to your owners now!" He waved his arms, and the dogs obeyed, trotting off in various directions, tails wagging as they dispersed back into the park.
Though Gwen still frowned while sharing a glance with Ella because something was off this was more than a talent this... this reminded her of inheritors tied to animals.
That kind of control needed something close to a miracle or a godly gift. Yet she knew Leni´s brother was fully mortal...or at least she thought so until today.
ARF ARF ARF!
Once the others left, Charles leaped onto Lincoln licking at his face with all his heads.
"hahahaha yes Charles you are the best boy!" Lincoln laughed and rubbed the dog's neck, trying to dodge the enthusiastic licks. "you were a real hero today yes you were!" Lincoln cooed.
Ella looked at the interaction with a smile, while Gwen was lost in her own thoughts.
"Well, I guess we should go too," Gwen said finally, breaking the moment of levity. "We still have to finish check up the rest of the shrines before meeting with the others for the report."
Ella nodded in agreement, her eyes lingering on the fountain.
"But first, I think we should clean this place up a bit," she said, her voice filled with determination. "It's a disgrace to the gods."
The trio of inheritors looked around at the destruction, knowing they couldn't leave the sacred site in such disarray. Leni's eyes sparkled with an idea.
"Why don't I use my love powers to make everyone who passes by feel a sudden urge to clean?" she suggested with a mischievous smile.
That caused the other three to exchange alarmed looks with Lincoln picturing couples making out like crazy, while Gwen and Ella couldn't help but picture a group orgy starting right in the park.
"Leni! No!" exclaimed Gwen with a stern look "Your love powers are a bit...extreme for just cleaning a fountain, don't you think?"
"Ah come on guys, nothing's better for anything then a little love." Leni added with a pout.
Gwen and Ella exchanged glances, knowing full well what kind of "little love" she could stir.
"Ehhh Leni..better not...remember that...ummm" Lincoln tried to think on any excuse "Umm that...ummm"
"You promised Carlota to show her your new outfit!" called Ella after a moment
Leni blinked confused
"I did?" Leni's face scrunched up "I cant remember have done that" she said looking genuinely confused.
"Oh but you did, and you don't want to disappoint a friend right?" Gwen chimed in latching onto the excuse.
"Oh right!" Leni's eyes lit up with realization "I must go then!" She said releasing Lincoln "I will help you guys later, promise!" she said before jumping back into the fountain
"Wait Leni no!" called Gwen but it was too late.
"Leni (Oh Leni), Leni (Oh Leni), Leni (Oh Leni)! The goddess of love!"
"ugggg!!!" and she groaned in annoyance as the choir sang again as Leni disappeared in a splash of water "We really need to find a mute button for that"
"I actually like her melody.." Ella admitted, "wouldn't mind one myself." She added flushing at Gwen's look, "that aside do you need help getting home?" Ella added looking toward Lincoln.
"No, I can manage." Lincoln said as he put the leach back on Charle´s collars "Thanks for the offer though."
"no problem you just keep safe okay " Gwen chimed in giving him a soft look.
Although internally, the hunter goddess of the northern sea was still feeling suspicious about the whole situation. She couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more to Lincoln than meets the eye.
"Ella...outside Leni, are you close to any of the Loud sisters?" Gwen asked suddenly.
"Eh? umm not really..but...isnt Luna in your classroom?" Ella asked back.
"She is yeah." Gwen reply back watching as Lincoln made his leave prompting a look of concern from her cousin.
"What's wrong Gwen?"
"Umm not sure...but...maybe nothing..." Gwen mumbled, her thoughts racing. She had noticed something peculiar about Lincoln's relationship with the Cerberi, something that didn't quite add up with him being a mere mortal. "come on..we still have things to do" she said trying to shake off the feeling, "and we should probably get going before it starts to rain" she added looking to the sky...was someone messing with the weather again? she was sure it was planned to be a sunny day today.
"Strange it was supposed to be a bright sunny day." Ella said looking up to the dark clouds, the wind picking up again, "Maybe we should hurry."
"Yeah..we should.." Gwen gave one last suspicious look on the direction Lincoln went before both Inheritors walked away.