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Tweak says, "Take Justin with you."

Messing with the gods' plans for mortals (favoriteofzeus) wrote in wariscoming,
@ 2012-05-12 16:00:00

Entry tags:

hercules, livia/eve

Who: Hercules and Livia!
What: Face to face meeting for the first time.
Where: Herc's room in the complex
When: Now/afternoon of the 12
Rating/Status: I'd say in the PG to PG-13 range at most/Complete

Seeing that Livia agreed to meet with him, he fired off a quick reply. He rose to his feet, leaving the laptop open, and glanced around his small apartment. Really, he didn't need much space. He knew there were larger apartments in the building, but given it was just him right now, he didn't need much. But he wasn't concerned about impressing the Roman warrior with the size of his living space. It was clean and neat and slightly personable so far given he'd not been here for long. But once he had fully mastered this modern English language, he planned on finding a way to earn a living in this world while helping to fight the demons and forces of evil.

He was also determined to do his best to make this as much like home as he could. Though it was strange to be staying in one place and not constantly wandering around to help people. He moved over to the door and made sure it was unlocked, his leather pants creaking slightly with the movements. While he had gotten himself modern day clothes from that Walmart place, he preferred being in his normal clothes when he was staying in the complex. They were more comfortable and easier to move in. And part of him felt naked without his gauntlets on too. They were like a connection of sorts to his own time.

Positive that everything looked presentable, Hercules sat down and waited for Livia. Part of him wondered what she'd be like. Would she be like Xena had been when they had met on the battlefield? Full of hate and rage and eager to make a name for herself? Or would she be a bit more mellow about things? Something told him, that with Ares having trained her, it would most likely be the former. Still, his brother wasn't here, Livia was. There could be a chance where the demigod might be able to get through to her as he had with Xena. At least to some extent. Part of what had helped Xena, he thought, was her army having betrayed her.

Fiddling with one of the ties to his left gauntlet, he stared at the door and waited patiently.

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bitchofrome
2012-05-12 10:08 pm UTC (link)

Hercules. Of course she knew about him. She'd had to have known about him having been taught by Ares. And he'd taught her well. But she was Rome's daughter too, she knew how to act around men like him. He wasn't a god. He wasn't normal by any matter or means though. And she knew well what Ares would want her to do. She did miss him. His guidance was always so welcome to her. But here, in this place, she was alone, and she had to fend for herself. Which meant dealing with people like Hercules. Which meant playing nice with the slaves. For now at least. The Bitch of Rome had no place here just yet. Not until she found her feet and worked out what she needed to do. It would take her time, she knew that too. But for now she would allow herself the occasional surprise. In private at least.

And so with that in mind she went from her room into the complex to his. 101. The very first room. How fitting for the hero. But living in an inn, a large building with self contained houses with so many things that still confused her. Like the boxed room that moved by ropes, like the mechanical things in the rooms to make various things. It was all so very odd, but she was adaptable. Always adaptable. The door was open of course. He was waiting for her. From Ares she knew what to expect, even with the God of War and his bias against his half sibling. She knew how heroes worked. Always had known, and always knew just how to put them down. She was raised Roman and taught by the very best.

"Herclues." she said simply, pushing past the door and still wearing her usual Roman Garb, red as ever her preferred colour and sword at her side as usual. She'd learned from Gaia it wasn't normal to walk around with weapons but meeting Hercules she wanted to be ready. She wanted everything under her control. He was stronger than her of course, but sparring with Ares had taught her about fighting such opponents. Though she expected this meeting wouldn't go the way of her spars with the god of war. She couldn't help a smirk crossing her lips at the thought, but as she stepped into the room she made herself focus.

"You're more or less what I expected actually, big hulking Greek with a hero complex. And you wanted to meet me. Let me guess, to pull me away from Ares and his dastardly influence. Am I right?" she asked, more than a little amused at the thought.

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favoriteofzeus
2012-05-12 10:38 pm UTC (link)

He heard her footsteps faintly as she approached. Instead of getting up though, he stayed seated to show her he wasn't worried by her presence. Or that she should consider him a threat. Though the moment she started running around trying to enslave people, he would put a stop to that. He watched calmly as she entered his room, armed he noted, and dressed in her Roman wear. So perhaps it was good he opted to wear his normal outfit of leather pants and sleeveless top.

"Livia." The way she moved and carried herself spoke volumes. She definitely viewed herself as a better. And there might have been some Ares swagger in her walk if he were to hazard a guess. Still, he knew his brother. And while this young woman may think herself Ares' partner and possibly equal, the demigod trusted his instincts in that Xena would possibly always be Ares' favorite, no matter the era they were in. He listened to her speak before he finally got to his feet.

"Water?" he offered instead of answering right away. He retreated to the kitchen spot and got some water for the two of them. He returned to the main section of the room and set both glasses down so Livia could have her pick. Not like he'd poison them, but he would pander to her for the moment.

"Is wanting to help those the gods oppress or who need the help a hero complex?" he countered calmly, his blue eyes studying her carefully. "As for pulling you away from Ares, I don't need to do that. This Seal did it. I only wonder how long it will be when you realize nothing but death for you lies down the path he has you walking." He calmly folded his arms over his chest and stared at her.

"In truth I wanted to meet you to see why Ares would even make an attempt at training another woman warrior."

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bitchofrome
2012-05-12 11:15 pm UTC (link)

Oh yes, yes she could see his heritage just in how he held himself. It really was obvious when one knew what to look for. And Livia had been taught well how to spot threats when they found her. And this guy, well he was number one on the threat list according to her god. He'd had priests and priestesses in his temples but never someone like her. Never someone so perfectly loyal to everything he stood for. A warrior blade honed in the blood of slaves. Skills so rarely matched. A true daughter of Rome. There was nothing else she needed or wanted that he couldn't get her. Like Rome. He was going to have given her Rome on a platter while that fool Augustus allowed it happen.

He would bow to her. Maybe the great Hercules would do the same.

For now though she had to get to know him. She took the glass of water nearest her amused at what he'd done. He wouldn't poison her if she knew her tales. He was a hero like they didn't make them anymore. If he had to fight her, he would fight her and she would have to kill him. Unfortunate end. She of course was not above poison if she had to. But only if she had to. she'd really rather not. The fight would be a challenge. Delightful. Hard fought. But in the end she'd win. She always won. "Opress is it. I've never felt particularly oppressed. Ares has always taken such a hand in my upbringing." she said not even bothering to hide the smirk. Oh he could tell her what he wanted. Her loyalty was fixed.

"The seal can't keep him from his chosen warrior. Don't you see? He'll come for me. He'll bring me back to Rome and then he and I will fulfill the destiny we have so long awaited." Rome would be hers. That was all there was to it. But Hercules would tell her how Ares was tricking her, lying to her. He could say what he liked. It was cute.

"So tell me, you've met me Hercules. Tell me what you think he saw in me. Or what you see in me, if indeed you see anything." she took a sip of the water, before placing it down and moving to circle the demi god. She was ready for a fight if it came to that but she believed he was likely here to talk. Befriend her. Maybe she would let him eventually. But not right away. He'd never buy it from her this early. He had already marked her as his brothers. Whatever he made of her now was down to his smarts and his faith in people. Livia didn't have that anymore. People were weak. People were tools to be used. She was above all that.

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favoriteofzeus
2012-05-12 11:37 pm UTC (link)

How he held himself really had nothing to do at all with his god heritage. Though Livia would probably doubt it. But no, it had been his mother, a plain, ordinary mortal woman, who taught him to hold himself with pride. Not because of who his father was, but because he could be anything he wanted and he should take a small measure of pride but know that just because he was part god didn't make him any better than anyone else.

Oh how young and foolish this girl was. He shook his head as she spoke of never feeling oppressed by Ares. "Really now? So you never once in your life wanted to do something different other than what he wanted you to do? And answer this too: Do you come running to his every beck and call and crave his affection and approval in all you do for him?" Hercules' stance on the gods was well known and part of that was bleeding through in what he was saying.

Oh this girl was so blinded if she thought herself Ares' chosen warrior. So, so blinded by ignorant devotion. "He'll only come here Livia if the Seal let's him. Ares is not all powerful. I once saw him on the brink of death at the hands of Dahak and I had to save his life." He shook his head some. It would be cold to show this child the fall of Rome. At least so soon in their first meeting. But Hercules had been curious about Rome so he had researched it. And he found it ironic at how so great an empire became too great and soon had to rely on barbarians to keep her safe. The very same barbarians they had so long oppressed.

No, for not he'd not mention Rome falling. He didn't move as she circled him. She was light on her feet he gauged, nimble, like Xena was. A similar, focused stare. "Speaking honestly? I think he saw an easily seducible child he could use to his own ends." He stared at her hard, his gaze intense. "As for what I see? I see the possibility of true greatness, not the twisted, perverted image Ares is using you for." He unfolded his arms and picked up his own water, taking a small sip. "Once he has what he wants from you, he'll cast you aside like all the other warlords. There's only ever been one he's truly wanted after all."

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bitchofrome
2012-05-13 01:08 am UTC (link)

Oh he was so blind to it all. Livia was quite content to go running when Ares called. He showed her so much more of the world than Augustus ever had and she knew full well that he'd continue to do so. She was his. She'd been his for as long as he'd shown an interest in her because Livia was all about the power and Ares could give her more power than any mortal could hope to. Even the Emperor of Rome. She'd take that title from him. Become Empress, and she'd build temples to the god that had put her there. She knew well what Ares wanted from her in return. And he'd have it. And her.

"I've never wanted anything other than what he offers. I've never wanted to do anything different than what I do and he doesn't stop me being who I am. He saw something in me Hercules, and that's all that matters. And I don't run. I don't run for anyone. But he comes to me. He gives me everything I could hope to want and more besides. But you've never liked them have you, especially him. Oh he told me all about you. You hate them, you hate their power and never once could you see that some of us like what they do for us. You'd see them destroyed if you could. All of them."

As for saving his life. The Roman woman laughed, the very idea. "He will come here, when he wants. No power of this new god is going to stop him. No power can stop him. Don't you see that? And as for saving his life, as if I'd even believe that, in fact, even if for a second I did, are you actually trying to convince me you'd save his life rather than watch him die?"

Easily seducible child. Oh he was just mocking her now. Insulting her, and how dare he. How dare this, this... "And what if I like being seduced." she finally said, stopping directly in front of Hercules, she wouldn't get angry. Much as anger was the first emotion to her mind. She'd wait. She'd focus for now and she'd get angry later, when she could make more than just Hercules pay."But I'll give you one thing. You see greatness and believe me, there is greatness to be seen. He sees it in me to. You won't turn me against him so I suggest you don't try. We can be civil you and I? Can't we? Or is one so loyal to your brother an affront to you."

He'd never cast her aside. She wasn't like the other Warlords. She could offer him so much more than any of...

"...I suggest you stop that conversation right there. I don't care who that woman was or what she did. He has me now. He doesn't need to want for anyone else."

She stared at him, daring him to continue but hoping against hope that he'd take her advice and leave it there. "Is this how you plan to help me settle in? Insulting me?"

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favoriteofzeus
2012-05-13 01:42 am UTC (link)

He listened to her rant. So, she thought she knew Ares did she? Well, if Ares was ever pulled here, he had no doubt she'd find out the truth. She would eventually see the lies that his brother had used to twist her to his will, to make her faith in him all but absolute. He shook his head though as she accused him of hating the gods. "I don't hate the gods. Not all of them. I merely hate how they meddle in the affairs of mortals for their own whims and gains. There's only ever been one goddess I've ever hated. And that was my stepmother for slaughtering my family in front of me. Just because she was petty and jealous that Zeus bedded my mother and I was the result." He kept his eyes trained on her, watching her for any sudden movements.

"As much as I dislike the gods Livia, they are my family. At least the Greek pantheon is. And yes. I would rather have saved my brother who wouldn't mind seeing me dead than let him die. And it's a good thing I had saved his life. Or the time you come from wouldn't have come to pass. Dahak needed Ares dead to gain enough power to break free before my friend Iolaus and I were able to stop him. The gods fled and hid from Dahak Livia. Very few people stayed to fight him."

He stared down at her calmly, no trace of anger on his face at all. "Then I think you should find a better man to seduce you Livia. Ares only cares for himself and power. But that is just what I've seen from years of having to deal with him. When it comes to my brother, we will have to just agree to disagree. And I never meant to insult you. But I'm not going to pander to your ego either. I merely spoke the truth on what I saw in my first impression of you. I'm sorry if that offended you."

To prove that he meant no threat to her, he moved to the chair and sat down, gesturing to a spot for the Roman to sit if she wished. "Truly, I am sorry if my words offended you. Perhaps I should have chosen better words. Regardless, there's a threat in this time and place that we all need to focus on. And for that, we should set aside our differences and focus on settling in here and fighting this Lucifer. Agreed?"

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bitchofrome
2012-05-13 04:31 am UTC (link)

So it was just Hera that he hated, for his father's unfaithful ways and her jealousy. It wasn't surprising she supposed, jealousy did funny things to people. Livia knew that even if she'd never admit to a moments jealousy over anyone else Ares took an interest in. There were no sudden movements from her. Livia moved to take the offered seat as Hercules spoke of his family and this Dahak that had threatened Ares. Even if he had saved him it would have been to stop this thing and not of any care for his brother. Fled and hid though, no that didn't sound right at all. And Rome would have existed, would always exist in their world. This world was different. It was weak and she hated it already.

And more lies, there were no better men, and of course he cared for her as much as a god could care for a mortal. He saw in her all that she could be and he was going to give her that. He was going to make her Empress of Rome, he'd shared her bed on more than one occasion and talked to her about it all. He'd give her Rome and she'd give him followers. It was a good deal. "I'm not going to argue it. I know what he wants from me and I am more than happy to give it. Truth is, I like power as much as he does. Our interests often coincide and having a god on your side is always a good thing in my book. Especially that god.

Agreeing to disagree wasn't much of anything to her but she hadn't actually come here for a fight with him. Not this time.

"You could have chosen better yes, you'd do well not to insult Ares around me. My anger is...legendary and you should remember who taught me. But as for this Lucifer, yes I suppose I'll be fighting him and his ilk, he stands against the gods and wants to destroy the world if I'm right? If he destroys the world, what is there left to conquer. You have me on your side in this at least. So perhaps we can be something akin to allies if that thought doesn't turn your stomach. Perhaps we could talk civilly you and I? And we will just have to, as you say, agree to disagree on Ares."

At least until she didn't need the demi god any longer. When she didn't, she could kill him, she'd find a way. Always did.

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favoriteofzeus
2012-05-13 11:05 am UTC (link)

Hercules rather hoped Livia kept the her sleeping with Ares thing to herself. He didn't need details. He was quite content without them. And while yes, he had saved Ares to keep Dahak from rising, he had also done it out of family bonds. As aggrevating as his brother could be, part of him still cared about him. Even if they did hate each other. Definitely a complicated brotherly relationship. But Ares and the other gods had fled when Dahak arrived. Where to, he didn't know. When he got back he was probably going to have to find them. Much as it irked him. The gods did have a purpose after all.

So, she was a power hungry thing. Not surprising. And her warning of not to speak ill of his brother around her was amusing. People had a right to speak their mind. But he stayed quiet on that for now. No need to rile her up more than she already was.

"From what I've been hearing, yes. He plans to rule this world and everyone in it. And it is wise if we work together. The enemy of my enemy is my friend." He sipped his water, his eyes still studying her. "I think speaking civilly would be a wise course of action. And perhaps we could find a suitable location as well to train."

He leaned forward and set the glass down on the table. "After all, we're out of our time and element here. It might be prudent to at least have a basic grasp of each other's skill set in case we have to fight side by side in this battle."

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bitchofrome
2012-05-13 09:41 pm UTC (link)

Well planning to rule the world just wouldn't sit with her. She suspected if they were right, he wouldn't let people in on it. There was no chance of a place for her and besides once Ares got here she'd just betray him for the god that had done so much for her. The god that cared for her above all others, no matter what Hercules said. Ares truly did want to see her reach the heights she knew she could. And being with him, being with a god. It truly was amazing. So no, she didn't want this Lucifer to win. They could trust her on that at the very least.

"And when he gets here, will you still consider that logic, that the enemy of your enemy is your friend. Will you hold to family bonds then?" she asked still a little unsure that he wouldn't fight his brother, because then she'd have to kill him and the fight against Lucifer would have lost someone. It wouldn't be what she wanted. Not at all.

"If you're willing to play nice then we can have a deal. And you're right. We need to know what each other can do. Which above all means that you and I need to spar, doesn't it. And wouldn't you love to see what your brother made me. What Rome made me. I'm the best in the whole Empire and I've brought such tributes to Ceaser you wouldn't believe. I'm not sure this is the best place for a fight, unless of course you're willing to get a little messy." she told him with that same arrogant smirk that in many ways though she didn't know it was so reminicent of the spirit she had been born of a reincarnation as. Or her mother in the old days.

"Will you fight me Hercules? Just to...grasp each others skills, like you said?"

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favoriteofzeus
2012-05-13 09:55 pm UTC (link)

Hercules knew that Livia would probably only fight with them for as long as Lucifer remained a threat. After all, he was no doubt an obstacle to her and Ares' plans to rule the world. But still, Hercules would be cautious when it came to Livia. His brother's warlords, the ones Ares took actual interest in, could be dangerous. Xena had been one of the most dangerous yet. Livia might just be at that same level. Maybe even above it if it really came down to it.

"If my brother is pulled to this world, yes. I will hold to that logic and I think he'll see the benefit of it as well. At least for the duration Lucifer remains a threat to any plans he has." Hearing that she was willing to spar with him, he decided to ignore what she claimed Ares had made her into. He frowned though at the mention of Caesar.

"You're not talking about Julius Caesar, are you?" He doubted it, but wanted to make sure. "And no, this probably isn't the best place for a fight like we'll no doubt have. We'll need to find somewhere more suitable. Agreed?" Seeing the smirk on her face, he had a flash of memory at blond hair, brown eyes, and a lithe body dressed in black leather armor. Callisto had a smirk almost like that... he thought, a little unnerved. It didn't show though. Callisto, last he heard, had been a goddess. And had been killed by Xena after Gabrielle had died with Hope.

"I will. To see how well my brother decided to train you. Though I can tell by the way you carry yourself, it seems to be pretty well. I'd like to see just what skills you've learned."

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bitchofrome
2012-05-14 10:50 pm UTC (link)

Okay well if he held to that then Livia supposed she could deal with the son of Zeus. It was a sensible idea, working with him for now. At east until Ares arrived and decided on a different plan. Then she would follow that gladly. He'd have an idea that would get them out of this, back to Rome and back on track with their plans. This was just an obstacle along the way, a burden she had to endure until he arrived. But dealing with Hercules would be part of that. She'd do what she needed to do in that regard. Including fighting him.

"A wise decision. I didn't expect you'd be stupid about it. And as long as this Lucifer is a threat I think everything else needs to be put to the side. What do we know about him?" she asked, amused at the utter ignoring of the rest of her statement.

Ceaser though. "No, oh no, he was a great man from what I've been taught but I speak of Augustus Caeser. Emperor of Rome. Did you know Julius Ceaser?" she asked curiously. And no, he wouldn't fight her here. She wasn't about to destroy his living space for the sake of it. But she was ready whenever he was. "We can find somewhere appropriate to do this and we'll see just how good you are. I'm sure you'll be surprised by what Ares has taught me, things have changed since your time Hercules. But you should know at least that someone your brother decided to take a personal interest in has to be worth something great. In all of Rome, he chose me. You know as well as I what that means, don't you?"

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favoriteofzeus
2012-05-15 01:11 am UTC (link)

Whether or not Ares would appear in this world still remained to be seen. Did Hercules expect his war loving brother to appear? He sort of did. At least knowing his own luck. Hearing her claim it was a wise decision, he shrugged. "It's the best decision considering the circumstances. But I'm not sure on what all we know. I've not really spoken with anyone from this world." Which was true. "I've been trying to learn as much about these modern times as possible as fast as I can."

As she spoke of Julius Caeser being a great man, he kept from snorting in disagreement. "I never had the pleasure of meeting him face to face, but I know Xena did. But I did have the pleasure of all but destroying his dreams at taking over Eire." He shook his head. "The man was a fool. The world's too big to be ruled by one kingdom. Whether or not the gods are on that kingdom's side."

He gave a shrug, seemingly unphased by her boastful claims. "Rome is just one city Livia. The world is a vast place. Just because you're the best from Rome does not make you the best in the world. If she were here, my friend Nemesis would no doubt caution you that pride comes before the fall."

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bitchofrome
2012-05-16 01:11 am UTC (link)

Julius Ceaser was no fool. He was a visionary and he'd lead Rome to greatness before an untimely death at the hands of those he'd named friend. It was unfortunate and it was messy but such was progress. Augustus and Marc Antony had taken their revenge long before the fool had died in Egypt with the whore queen there and Augustus had lead Rome to greatness. Livia had been raised on the stories, the history from her teachers and the battles from the best teacher there was of such things. And here Hercules was telling her Rome was just a city.

"Not the Gods, Just one. Just the only one that matters. And who wants Eire, its a horrid little island, I've never bothered to try invading it. We'll take as far as Britannia and leave the savages their paradise, what do you think?" she answered, tauntingly not really expecting an answer. Nor did she much care what his friend had to say on the subject of pride. She was ready to fight and more importantly she was ready to win.

"If you're ready to spar then meet me in the training area in ten minutes. We'll see then what Rome and your brother have forged in me. I expect you'll be pleasantly surprised." she told him, proud of what she was and what she could do. And why wouldn't she. She was Livia of Rome. Chosen of Ares. She was Rome and no man would tell her otherwise.

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