Black Hearted

Part 84

Nate stood up, reaching to take the collar from Kai. Kai resisted giving it to him, dryly saying. "You don't want to be holding onto this... trust me." Nate yanked it from Kai, defensively replying. "It has the strength to hold both Titans and Gods... and you think I'm just going to let you hold on it?" Kai rolled his eyes, releasing it as he stated back firmly. "It's my job to collect things and keep them safe. And THAT is a dangerous item to have just lying around on this Earth." Mark staggered up to his feet, interjecting. "I have to agree with Kai on this... but I don't think he should have it either." Kai tossed his hands up, snapping out. "What?! I'm the ONLY person that should have it! I kept the Sea Crown safe for years! If Oceanus and Poseidon hadn't helped you fuckers get in. I would still have it!" Granny pointed to a fishnet bag on Kai's shoulder, asking curiously. "Is that why you are hoarding the net too? Afraid I'll put you back in it?" Kai turned glowing blue eyes on Granny, growling out in a deep dark tone. "Watch yourself. Age has not been kind to you. Remember? You lost our fight!"

Granny moved closer to him, flicking her long dark hair off her shoulder as she sneered back. "Maybe we should have a rematch. No more distractions and no help from your sirens. Just you and me. I'll tear every scale-" Kai cut her off, baring his sharpening teeth as he snarled back. "Just try! I've been killing people for a living! You mossy old toad!" Sean thrashed his tail and reached for his amulet.  He needed to change back... but the sea crown had broken his amulet.  A set of hands pushed them apart and ordered in stern commanding tone. "Enough! Haven't we spilled enough blood for one moon cycle!" Sean felt lost without his amulet, but let Mark heft him up into his arms before looking over his father with fearful eyes. Both Granny and Kai bowed their heads in respect as they apologized. Poseidon then grabbed his bare side where teeth marks were still fresh on his skin. Hefting a sigh, Poseidon told them all. "Since when did the clans turn on each other?! We were once a united people!" The Atlanteans on board all sank to their knees with shame on their faces. The humans on board were too stunned to speak as they stared in disbelief at Poseidon.

A soft whistle drew Poseidon's attention to the side of the ship where Oceanus was climbing on board. Oceanus tossed a golden trident at Poseidon, who caught it easily. The trident began to glow in his hand as Poseidon shuffled his feet nervously. Oceanus was taller than Poseidon even in their smaller sizes. Oceanus moved closer to Poseidon, answering him coolly. "Times have changed since last time you walked the earth. The blood moon turned a lot of clans into Sirens... Those that survived had to flee to land and... humans influenced the behaviors you see in them now." Poseidon lowered his eyes to the floor as Tethys climbed stiffly onto the ship. Her long sleek gown of blue river water hugging her slim frame. Her legs didn't appear to work as well as she walked. She was like a child trying to learn again. Staggering, Oceanus caught her and hugged her close. Oceanus puffed his chest up, telling Poseidon seriously. "We need to talk." Poseidon glanced at the humans and merfolk, before gruffly stating out under his breath. "There isn't anything to say. We can't change what happened."

Poseidon turned to leave, and Sean reached out to try and stop him from going. He wouldn't leave now. Would he? Poseidon made it to the side of the ship but stopped when Oceanus bellowed out loudly. "Don't go. You can't leave like this." Poseidon stepped down from the edge and back onto the ship as he snapped out. "None of this would have happened if you had just helped! She may be your wife, but I'm your paramour! I needed you to help save MY people! You let my brother win... And that hurts." Oceanus lowered his head, honestly telling him. "I'm sorry... but I can't change what I am. I don't feel like you do. I'm a Titan. I'm made of sand and salt. You and your brothers... this rivalry you hold onto... It's going to get you all killed!" Poseidon pointed his trident at Oceanus, snapping out loudly. "There is no one left that is strong enough to kill Olympians! Except you and her. And you were a coward!" Oceanus's voice thundered through the sky, causing everyone on board to whimper and tremble with fear as he bellowed out. "WHY? Because I refused to kill my wife?! Because I refused to watch you play your brother's sick game! He won because you turned against ME! I asked you to listen! I begged you! And in the end... I had to imprison you both!"