Offer, Reunion and Rejection

Rossweisse was on her way to visit the Greek Gods to negotiate about them joining the alliance. She was still a little miffed because Odin just sent her away when she was his bodyguard. She was sure it was because she was strict with him, but nobody could blame her for making sure he behaved properly. It was just unfair.

„What's with the sullen look? Are you still longing for Odin?" Ezekiel asked with a slight smirk.

„Wha-?! I am not!" She cried out after she registered his words.

„But he won't take his job seriously if he is on his own. He is irresponsible!" She further vented with an exasperated look on her face.

„Don't worry about it too much and enjoy your downtime. I doubt you will be as stressed the next few days and it's not like you can change your situation" Ezekiel replied.

Rossweisse wasn't convinced but she nodded nonetheless.

„How about this, if your employer doesn't value your skills, maybe you deserve better? I can give you better terms if you ever think of becoming an angel." Ezekiel joked, half serious.

To his surprise, Rossweisse began to ponder and consider his words. After a while she turned to him and asked: "How are the terms exactly?"

"Well for once, I can set you up with a friend of mine. You would make a cute couple to be honest." Ezekiel mused, making her stutter and turn red.

"B- b- but that's not what I meant." She quickly tried to deny his suggestion.

"Why not? I think I heard you and Odin bicker about it, and it seemed like you wanted a boyfriend."

"That's something else, I don't think I'm ready." Rossweisse got quieter to the end of her sentence but Ezekiel still heard her.

"Is it because you are shy?I did my homework and you are very talented when it comes to magic, but even beyond that. You seem dedicated and hard-working and are obviously beautiful. I wonder why you have trouble finding a boyfriend. Maybe you are just working too much?"

Rossweisse was silent and turned her head away. She was weak to compliments, even though Ezekiel only spoke the truth.

„Or is it because you don't want to go on a date with someone you don't know? I can vouch for him. He has a good personality and cares for his friends. I would say he is good-looking and has a stable job. You should give it a try."

„Can you give me some time to think about not?" She finally asked.

„About the boyfriend or joining my Brave Saints?" Ezekiel asked.

„Both." She simply stated.

Now while her sudden gain in confidence surprised him, he smiled at that. He had a good feeling about her, and she would make a good addition to his odd group of angels.

"I will await your answer then." He gave her a smile and turned to the front, where they saw their guides. He wasn't surprised to see Abelia waiting together with her mother to guide them around Mount Olympus and finally toward the Chief Gods. Earlier this week he contacted Demeter with the help of her daughter to fix a meeting. Demeter was a beautiful looking woman looking to be in her mid-thirties with a mature charm. One could see the resemblance she shared with Abelia and how Abelia got her shapely curves.

Abelia looked stunning as always and Ezekiel turned the whole world around them out. Her long white hair, gently swaying in the wind. Her beautiful face, he was sure what the feelings in his stomach were, but he didn't want to rush it. They had all the time in the world to get closer after all. He didn't immediately recognize it, but after spending the last few weeks together in Kuoh, he started to miss spending time with her. Demeter had a knowing smile on her face while Rossweisse was surprised and instantly lost in her own thoughts due to their former talk.

As he noticed her gaining a slight blush, he stopped staring as he didn't want to make her uncomfortable. He went forward and extended his hand toward Demeter, greeting her.

"It's nice to meet you and thank you for your assistance." He shook her hand.

"Please don't mind it, the pleasure is mine. My daughter spoke a lot about you." She smiled as she answered to his greeting.

"Mother, please!" Abelia protested. Things like these were embarrassing for most children and Abelia and Ezekiel both had no prior experience dealing with this.

Demeter just laughed as she and Rossweisse exchanged greetings, before turning to them: "You two just take your time. I will guide Rossweisse and before you catch up again."

As they walked away, Abelia turned towards Ezekiel and jumped in for a tight hug that he enjoyed as much as she did.

"I missed spending time with you." She said in a quiet voice. The last few weeks in Kuoh were a new experience for her and she preferred it over staying on Mount Olympus all day, even if she liked most of her family.

"I missed you as well Abelia." Ezekiel answered with a smile while glancing at her from above.

They stayed like this for a bit before they loosened their hug and Abelia tiptoed to give him a peck on the cheek before smiling at him.

"Let's get going then, I will show you around before meeting up with mother again. Afterwards we will meet the some of the Chief Gods." She said while starting to walk, Ezekiel shortly after following.

She showed him around the places she frequented and most of them were tranquil spots with lots of nature and animals around. Ezekiel enjoyed their time together and soon it was time to meet up again.

"Did you have fun?" Demeter asked with her ever-present smile. Rossweisse on the other hand looked a bit exasperated. Didn't they come for serious business?

Ezekiel shook his head at his co-ambassador, she honestly was too serious and had to take some time enjoying the small things. Even if he knew that she was right in this instance, it would have cut short his reunion and Demeter seemed fine with it.

"It was wonderful to see, Mount Olympus deserves it's reputation of having beautiful sights." He praised meaningfully.

"Thank you for your praise Ezekiel. Are you ready? The meeting with Zeus and Poseidon will commence soon." She asked and Ezekiel just nodded in confirmation before they went on their way.

He was surprised. Meeting Zeus and Poseidon was expected, but he didn't expect Hades to not show up. Probably some internal quarrels. Hades was the only person of the Greek Pantheon he was somewhat cautious of. He was counted among the strongest beings and was very proficient in the use of magic. While he couldn't hold a candle against Ezekiel when it came to raw power, there were always other ways to harm someone. But even then, Ezekiel was sure he would overcome him, if he didn't attack him in hell where he had the home advantage.

As they advanced, they walked through a gaudy opening. Statues of the Gods themselves and gaudy decorations filled the hall. It didn't have a roof however and showed the vast expanse of the sky, probably Zeus's way of flaunting his claim on the sky.

The room was occupied by Zeus, his wife Hera and his brother Poseidon. They all looked far younger than their real age would suggest and especially Zeus had an arrogant disposition. Ezekiel wasn't fazed by this. If one would lust after family and cheat on his wife regularly one had to have the character to match such behaviour.

"A pleasure to meet you Zeus. You as well Poseidon and Hera." Ezekiel greeted. He didn't want to seem rude but he wouldn't support their 'I am superior' act. He had his own pride, position and he wouldn't shame his parents by acting subservient towards another stuck up person. If they had some ridiculous demands, he would just leave them to their own devices. If one didn't see the advantages of banding together, they can suffer on their own. It was an adamant view, but in the end one Pantheon more or less didn't make a big difference to him.

Zeus' eyes first roamed his sister, Rossweisse and then Abelia. Ezekiel already sighed inside his mind. 'Can you be an even bigger asshole? She's your sister for fucks sake and we are here on a diplomatic visit. At least show some basic respect.'

"It seems Gabriel didn't come?" Zeus' said as if it were natural to lust after his older sister. His expression and the underlying meaning spoke everything he needed to know.

"No greetings and just rude remarks? Straight to the point then. We, Heaven, the Devils and Fallen formed an alliance together with Asgard. As I sent some information beforehand you should be aware of the threat, we all will be facing, and we wanted to extend an invitation to work together." Ezekiel stoically replied.

Zeus didn't answer and released his pressure. He seemed to be a very petty person. Even Hera and Poseidon wordlessly watched on. Ezekiel would just shrug it off but even Demeter was not his match. Seeing Rossweisse and Abelia starting to pale, he replied in kind and released his own pressure, several times higher than Zeus', instantly causing him to sweat and releasing the girls from the unpleasant situation.

"This is your answer I take it? How pathetic. Think about it again and contact Heaven if you change your mind. You have exactly one second chance. All of us will be involved, if you like it or not." Ezekiel stated and turned to leave.

Rossweisse followed him instantly, she knew some Gods were too arrogant for their own good. It was just sad that their whole Pantheon would get implicated because of a foolish leader.

Demeter looked disapprovingly at her family. Hera as always was a yes-woman and Poseidon was just as arrogant.

"I will leave Mount Olympus. I don't want a place like this to be my home." Abelia exclaimed, shocking not just her mother but everyone else as well. Zeus had a very unpleasant face at that turn of events.

"Are you sure daughter? You are free to do as you like, but there might be no return. Where will you go?" Demeter asked in worry. She is glad, that Abelia made her own decision, but a mother can worry.

"She will go with me." Surprising everyone it was Ezekiel that answered in a serious voice, making Abelia turn to him with a smile.

He took her hand as they walked away.

"You are always a welcome visitor in Heaven, Demeter." Were the last words that rang out as they exited.