Fred
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John
The unanswered calls and texts were getting old. Esmeray locked her phone and put it in her pocket as she stared up at the obscenely white house. It was beautiful, the white sandstone and stone walkway like a prelude to what was held within. She couldn't fault her brother for being utterly predictable as the gods had a knack for taking their aesthetics a step too far. But something about it made her gut twist. She would have thought, like her, he would want to stray away from the consistencies of their kin but here it was like a painting honoring that of which their father gave him. She also knew it was a part of him more than it was her. 

Esmeray climbed the steps and opened the door, looking around for any indication that he wasn't home alone. She didn't find the need to knock or ring the doorbell when he wouldn't even answer her texts but she also didn't want to intrude on anything else that may be taking place. She sighed as she stepped inside and shut the bright blue door behind her. The front room was intense, the white of the outside in parallel to the inside made it look both large and empty. The house was beautiful and the intricate design felt like a museum compared to her place at the sanctum. 

"What a way to live." She whispered as she walked through the house, peaking into each room as she passed them, all of them as spotless and minimal as the last. 

"Tri, are you here?" The words echoed down the hall ricocheted against the almost blank walls. A room at the end of the hall looked darker than the rest, the curtains closed to drive out the sunlight. The perfect place to lay and waste a day away. "Tri, what the crap man?"


Esmeray stepped in the room. His form lay twisted within the white sheets of his bed, the tan of his skin sticking out in stark contrast. It was sad that he was here moping like a neutered puppy. She had known that Nemesis had broken up with him but he was a good-looking man who probably had women flooding his social media. Nemesis

Was probably in the pubs or at the coffee shop, meeting the next person she would catch within her grasp. 

"Get out of bed." She pulled the sheets off of him and threw them on the floor. She wasn't estranged to nudity, a normal occurrence in the world of gods and goddesses with a heavy sense of vanity but she looked away from her brother's bed despite not knowing what he had or didn't have on. She was not in the mood to scrub her eyes with bleach today. 

"I don't understand your need to mope around. I mean I would also be upset if Nemesis broke up with me but that's beside the point." Esmeray walked towards the windows and pulled the cord to open the blinds. The sun was shining upon Olympus today and it seemed as if the storm clouds were keeping their distance despite the turmoil that seemed to be a constant within them. It was almost a sin to be locked inside on a rare day such as this. "You are a god so act like one." 

She continued to trek through Triton's room, opening a drawer and throwing a shirt and pants at him. He needed a shower more than anything but getting him out of bed was the least she could do.
Cora
Triton found himself rudely awakened from his melancholic slumber by the familiar, commanding presence of his half-sister, Esmeray. Despite the tumult of emotions swirling within him due to his breakup with Nemesis, Triton couldn't help but feel a slight irritation at his sister's unannounced intrusion. When she wasn't letting herself in she was making fun of his pad and how he chose to decorate it, a sore spot for the God of the Sea. And yes, sure, he had been ignoring her calls, but he'd always been a bit absent-minded when it came to maintaining relationships. She should be used to it. It had nothing to do with the breakup... Right? With the ease and nonchalance that often carried himself with, he slowly sat up in bed, the stark contrast between his tanned skin and the pristine white sheets highlighting his solitary form. Triton was indeed as naked as the day he was born, not seeming to care one bit. It wasn't the first time she'd seen him, and it wouldn't be the last. 

Esmeray's actions, from stripping the sheets off his bed to forcibly opening the blinds, were met with a passive resistance. Triton's gaze followed her movements, the sunlight now flooding the room and dispelling the shadows that had been his only companions in his self-imposed exile. He squinted and muttered under his breath. Despite his annoyance at her intrusion and her insistence that he *Act like a god,* There was a begrudging respect for her and her ways. In a world where gods and goddesses often navigated their existences with a blend of vanity and power, Esmeray's blunt concern pierced through all of the bullshit.

Ignoring Esmeray's chastising words, Triton's focus was drawn to the small, neatly rolled spliff he had left on his bedside table the night before. Picking it up, along with a black lighter, he lit it and inhaled deeply, not her disapproving gaze from the corner of his eye. He hadn't always smoked, but since picking up the habit he had come to enjoy it. It mellowed him out and gave him a sense of ritual. It helped him keep things in perspective. Tilting his head back, he exhaled a plume of smoke up towards the ceiling, still not having said a word. Just when it appeared he was about to speak, he inhaled deeply again from the joint, smoke swirling around him like the ocean currents he commanded, Triton exuding an air of affected indifference. His sister's attempts to motivate him, to remind him of his divine heritage and responsibilities, were met with a silent, smoky exhale. Though part of him acknowledged the truth in her words, the rawness of his feelings made the thought of facing the world outside his sanctum unbearable.

"I don't recall inviting you over to lecture me, Ray Ray," He finally said, rubbing his eyes. 

Yet, even as she tossed a shirt and pants at him, signaling a demand for him to get up and get moving, Triton felt anchored in place. It had already been a few months, but the mention of Nemesis was still like an open wound. He had really liked her, even if he did find her rigid and insufferably stubborn. The woman was positively unbending, unreasonable, and unfuckingbelievable too. Holding the spliff between his lips, he finally got out of bed and put his jeans on. No need for a shirt. They hung low on his hips as he walked passed his sister, heading out to the kitchen. He cracked open a beer from the fridge and then opened the door leading to the balcony patio overlooking the Aegean Sea. Sitting, he set his beer on the table and glanced over his shoulder to see her following close behind.

"So, what is it now? The old man giving you hell again?" He chuckled, kicking his feet up onto the railing.
John
The smoke seemed to hover above her head as she stared daggers at his head. The low sense of self preservation and the attitude was not something she wanted to deal with today. She had asked to speak with him because he was the only one she knew who could relate to her unrelenting problem but had seemed to stumble upon him waking up on the wrong side of the bed. 

"Maybe next time you should answer your phone so you don't have to see my pretty face when you wake up." She followed him out onto the balcony and looked over the railing. The water was beautiful today, the soft waves crashing ashore and the smell of sea crisp in the air. She'd probably love the sea more if it wasn't for the harsh feelings she had behind one of the men who controlled it. A part of her always calling out to the void that had yet to be mended. 

She turned to him as another puff of smoke hit her face. "I'll ask you *Nicely* Once before I take that and throw it over the balcony." The tone of her voice was as if she wasn't asking at all but demanding him. Her face was flat, showing her general seriousness. While she normally didn't mind someone's habits, something about her brothers made her irritable. He was better than this. 

"Considering this is the first time he's ever spoken or laid eyes on me you could say hell was exactly what he gave me." The coolness of her voice had slowly transitioned into one of grief, a daughter who was scorned by a *Faultless* Father. She grabbed Triton's beer from the table and took a swig, her nose instantly turning up in disgust. "I would have thought you had better taste in beer than this." 

Esmeray sighed and put the bottle back down on the table, falling swiftly into the accompanying seat. She had so much to say but didn't know where to start.
Cora
A hint of irritation flashed in his cerulean eyes as he gave her the side-eye. "You know I enjoy your pretty face, just not when it shows up unannounced. I don't think my phone is even charged—never liked the things, personally. Always tracking your whereabouts, listening to your conversations. Nah. That shit responsible for poisoning society. You should really get off of it. You'll feel better. Might make you less upright," He added, knowing that would stick in her craw. The siblings were close and knew just how to get under each other's skin. He followed her gaze out over the ocean, and he took a deep breath, inhaling the salty sea air. Fishing ships and commercial vessels dotted the horizon, maneuvering this way and that, blowing their horns and going full steam ahead. "Meditation and water are wedded forever, aren't they? Can't help but get introspective when staring out over its great blue expanse."

He ashed the spliff before taking another puff, smirking. "And I'll throw you right over after it." Always butting heads, these two. He had grown weary of her bossing him around all of the time, and was in just the right kind of mood, given everything that has happened, to push back. "This is the only thing keeping me sane right now. I swear, everyone has lost their goddamn minds." Standing, he swiped the beer from her and said, "You've always struck me as more of a Chardonay kind of girl," Before taking another swig. Leaning his elbows on the railing, he stared out thoughtfully, the breeze blowing a stray strand of hair from his face. "The old man is impossible. His whoring around isn't your fault. You shouldn't expect too much from him. I'm his first born and he doesn't give me the time of day... Fuck it, let's talk about something else. There's nothing more boring than daddy issues. Unless you need to *Vent*." It was clear she had come here to unload all of her problems onto him, but he figured they both didn't need to be wallowing right now.

He sat back down next to her, taking one last hit before flicking the spliff into the half-empty can of beer. It gave a satisfying hiss before he set it down and crossed his ankles in front of him, stretching out languidly. "I'm just about done with the lot of them." Esmeray had heard this all before. Triton seemed to be perpetually stuck in neutral, unable to choose a path and stick with it. "Did I tell you he has Nemesis babysitting me now? I'm at her beck and call. It's the *Worst*. If she barks one more order at me, I swear, I might just impale her with my trident."
John
Esmeray wanted to ignore the comment but he sounded like the mortal conspiracy theorists who wore tin on their heads and prepared for doomsday. Although, now that she thought about it, the prepping was probably smarter than she originally gave them credit for. She waved it off knowing she didn't form quite as big of an attachment as he so believed. Her ties to the phone only in the form of communication which he seemed to lack. "We half mortals are not as blessed to have Hermes at our beck and call." Though she knew the god had far too much to do to actually be at anyone's beck and call it was a fun jab to throw out. 

When he stood and took the bottle back she glanced at him, looking for indication that he wasn't a full blown mess like he was seeming to be but she could see the sadness in his blue eyes and a weight on his shoulders. He called her uptight but he was so held down in whatever was disabling him that he had no room to talk.
 
"Chardonnay is meh, I really could go for gin or rum." The talk of alcohol and drugs was a short distraction for both of them. A cover for the emotions that they both held but didn't want to speak of, a small ode to each other knowing that the true conversations they wanted to have were too heavy. That only translated over further when he dismissed the talk of their father. She could understand it, the constant disappointment that they held for and with Poseidon. It was always a weight they would hold no matter how much they talked about it. 

What did escape his mouth next was what surprised her, an admission to something that she could so easily weaponize against him. The half- siblings had always been the type to bicker, the bossy younger sister and the melancholy eldest brother who, a majority of the time, took it fairly well.

"You did not just tell me that," She said as a ornery grin lit up her face. She leaned forward in her seat and stared at him, her mouth slightly ajar with shock. "First off, can she babysit me too? Second, you known she'd absolutely annialate you." She wanted to stand up and look for baby monitors as if she were watching them right now but knew he said it in both confidence and seriousness. She straightened and pulled her lips in her mouth as to keep the smile off of her face. "Why is she babysitting you? Its not like you do anything."
Cora
Triton grinned lopsidedly at her, rolling his eyes and saying, "Oh, yes, that's right, you're one of those *Half breeds.* You're just as annoying as the rest of the full fledged Gods that I'm always forgetting. Still, that shit will rot your brain." He wasn't interested in solving her problems, just gleefully pointing them out. "Come on, let's go inside and play some music." Triton had an old record player because of course he did. *Vinyl just sounds better,* He'd say, with absolutely no proof. He shuffled through his collection, a connoisseur thoughtfully perusing before making his selection. He landed on Lynyrd Skynyrd, ignoring any potential protest on his way to laying on the couch. 

"Our father is an asshole," He began, circling back to the topic he'd previously dismissed. If I were you, I'd keep my distance—honestly, you're not missing much." Arms behind his head, he stared up at the ceiling, trying to turn off his brain and just listen to the music. It was *The Ballad of Curtis Loew.* He was mellow until the conversation spun back around to Nemesis. His eyes narrowed on his sister, and he said, "Annihilate me? Please." Irritated, he sat up and pointed at her. "I told you that in confidence. I don't need the whole world knowing. And I don't know why the old man put her in charge of me. Maybe just to mess with me. Who knows. I'm trying not to dwell on it." Clearly, he was though.

"I do plenty. What do you do, hm? Besides arrive unannounced and annoy me." Thins were getting a little testy now, the playful banter mixing with more serious, threatening tones. It was emblematic if Triton's entire life of running hot and then cold, but never settling on one. Perhaps he was the God of Indecisiveness. "Seriously though, what do you have going on? I've been so caught up in all of the shit with Nemesis that I haven't asked in a while. Do me a favor and stay away from her."
John
Esmeray stood despite the internal want to stay in the sun while it was out. She traced her hand over the chairs as she reluctantly followed him into the house and watched as he looked through the collection with intent. She was slightly impressed, being a lover of vinyl herself, as she saw him flip through a couple of valuable ones. She walked over, squatted before the collection and sifted through it as he spoke. 

"I think I just hate that the only true family I have left are all gods who have more problems than me." A weak smile met the words, she would have appologized but they both new what she said was true. She pulled up a record 'The Animals' in perfect original condition and examined it. She appreciated his taste in music, the melancholic jazz seemed to fit her melancholic brother to a tee. He made it way to easy. She put the record back and stood looking at him laying on the couch on the edge between anger and not giving a fuck. She had to give it to him, he was trying hard but everytime Nemesis' name was spoken it was as if she was there in the room with them and with every fiber of her being she felt the need to push him just over the edge. 

"We both know without the sea you are nothing against Nemesis. Heck, you are nothing against me either." With a small wave of her hand she made the plant in the corner sprout to life, she wouldn't push her powers to far, it wasn't a threat as much as it was a implication to the truth behind her words. "But that's not the point of this conversation. He may think you could switch sides at any moment. The only downside of Nemesis," She paused for a moment, "And you, is the alignment with him." She rolled her eyes as she leaned back against the small table, resting her hands on both sides of her to keep steady. She knew her brother's alignment currently resided with their father despite her constant push to get him to go against their fathers wishes. Something told her that it would take quite a bit to get him out from

Under Poseidon's thumb but she would try. 

"I'm trying to stand up for the other half of me, the innocent souls that are caught up in godly manners that have nothing to do with them. He would kill the entirety of humanity and not even blink. He doesn't care that his wrath is effecting the balance of life and death, all he cares about is being superior and holding all the power. I'm actively looking for a way to protect life, that is what I've been up too. So what is the *Plenty* That you do? Because all I see is a sad excuse for a man who is held up in a house to wollow in self pity." The anger had festered farther than she expected it to, the true thoughts and emotions that were brewing underneath the surface finally spilling out in ripples.
Cora
"You can borrow it, if you'd like," He said, upnodding at the vinyl of 'The Animals' that she was admiring. Even amidst their quarreling and sibling rivalry, he still had a small soft spot for her, believe it or not. But a single gesture of kindness did not a truce make. 

The air in the interior of the house was been well-circulated by the warm breeze of the Aegean. As he looked around its arched thresholds, he quietly appreciated rich textures of stone and the comforting touch of terracotta tiles. The air was tinged with the scent of sea salt, mingling with the faint aroma of olive oil and oregano that drifted from his kitchen, where traditional meals were often prepared for one.

Streams of sunlight poured through the blue-framed door, painting a ballet of light and shadow upon the pristine white walls, which bore rustic ornaments and modest artwork. It also served to illuminate his sister, enhancing what was already her stunning beauty. The furniture, with its time-softened grace—from the ornately carved wooden cabinets to the charming ceramic pieces—seemed to recount fables of Greek lore, some of which inspired by Triton himself. Lynyrd Skynyrd continued to serenaded them both, along with the distant cries of seagulls and the rhythmic sound of waves kissing the shore. Triton's home was right on the water, of course. The home's closeness to the water served as a perpetual homage to Poseidon. But perhaps more pragmatically, it kept him close to the source of his power.

Triton glanced over at the plant sprouting to life under the willful concentration of Esmeray, a smirk spreading across his face. "Oh please, sister. Your piddling powers have clouded your mind." He stood slowly and approached her, searching her eyes as if he could read her very soul. "I don't consider myself aligned with him as much as I'm not aligned *Against* Him," He shrugged, standing before her now. "Your battle is not my own. And I don't appreciate you threatening me in my own home either."

He draped his arm over her shoulder, drawing her into him in a half-hug, half-headlock kind of way. He felt stronger than she may have remembered. "I think it's time you hit the road, dear sister. I've suffered enough of your insults for one day." He pressed his hand to her back, guiding her towards the door, moving away from the living room and down the hall.

||
John
Esmeray studied her brother, his anger coming to life with her words. She knew she might have pressed just enough to get some sort of rise out of him but his words expelled the truth. His blue eyes meeting hers in a cold and quiet combat. 

"Please, deflate your ego. It wasn't a threat." But it could be if he wasn't careful. She waved her hand at him as if both to keep him from coming close and dismiss him from allocation of actions he did not mean. She stood her ground as he grew closer anyways, bowing up to him to let him know she was not backing down. He may have a few inches on her and the full blood of gods but she wouldn't let that wouldn't intimidate her. He felt threatened so he retaliated. She couldn't blame him. "What is your battle then, Tri? Because it sounds to me the only real reason for picking his side is fear and possible self preservation." 

She tried to duck out of his way as his arm draped around her neck but he was quicker and a little stronger than she was expecting. 'I think it's time for you to hit the road, dear sister...' She put her arms along his side pushing away so that she could be set loose from his *Embrace*. She took a few steps from him and braced herself for whatever he had up his sleeve next. 

"You aren't going to just kick me out because your feelings hurt. If you are so quick to anger then what I'm saying runs true. So do something about it." She threw her hands up with her words. Here he was living in a luxurious home by the sea, which she didn't let slip her mind as she pushed his buttons more and more. 

The sound serenity of the world was like a chorus of tranquility around them. The soft sounds clashing together with the aire of discourse was tight against them. She was such a loyal person and as much as she wanted to show him that, she couldn't do that if he was acting like this. 

Esmeray looked at the door and then at him. She could leave here and end the hostility that had somehow crossed between them or she could try

To convince him to act. She hoped it would be with humanity or even with the side that kept Zeus upon his thrown but she knew at the rate he was going, she would most likely push him further into the clutches of their father. 

 "Don't let him control you your entire life." She whispered just loud enough to hear over the music and crashing waves.
Charlotte
***Amphitrite had decided it was time to pay her sweet, loving, and often irritating son a visit to his home. Poseidonia was a beautiful quarter in the City of Olympian. Perhaps one of her favorites since the houses sat right along the beach. She did her best to remain in contact with him, despite her own marital struggles. Her phone remained silent despite the many calls and texts to him, igniting a growing annoyance towards him for his lack of communication. Just like his father good riddance, she thought to herself. Just like his father, terrible with communication of any kind if it doesn't involve fighting.*** 

***She climbed the steps towards Triton's house, a beautifully designed white exterior. With steps leading up to it. Beauty on the outside... But would it be as neat on the inside. She only came to check on his well-being, not to have to chide him for disgusting living preferences. She made it to the blue door, not even bothering to knock. Why should she? She is his mother after all. She pushed open the door, stepping inside immediately. Her sandals softly tapping along the floor as she glided inside. Her nose scrunching in distaste at the sight before her. It reeked of weed, seeing it littered along the tables and floors with bottles of alcohol. It was horrifying to witness in her eyes. Such a beautiful home, destroyed by a complete slob.*** 

***Her blue eyes instantly settled on Triton, and her step-daughter Esmeray. A beautiful young woman she adored, despite her being a product of one of Poseidon's numerous infidelities. She didn't blame her for the man's idiocy, she is innocent in all of it. Amphitrite crossed her arms, tapping her foot on the ground. Watching as they fell silent, her eyes glaring at her son. Her voice cutting through the air, filled with her disapproval at him.*** 

"So this is how you treat the lovely home you have, by leaving alcohol bottles all over the ground? Not to mention the stench of weed? It is unspeakable, what is the mean

Ing of this Triton?" 

***She questioned him, stepping closer. She offered a kind smile to Esmeray, quickly engulfing her in a hug.***

"Sweet child, I hope you have been well lately. We need to spend some more time together truly. Do you know the meaning of this?" 

***Amphitrite, kept her eyes on Triton. Looking at him expectantly. She was giving him the chance to tell her the full, honest truth. Before she decided she would have to become forceful. Her blue eyes took a quick glance around, before she left today this house would be cleaner than it has been in gods knows how long.*** 

"I am insanely disappointed in you Triton. I call and I text, and what do I get? Silence. Complete, utter silence. I birthed you and raised you, the least you could do is pick up your damn phone and let your mother know you are alive and well. Though by the looks of it you are more alive than actually well." 

***She huffed, feeling her temper flare up only slightly. She had to remain as calm as can be, and so she took in a few deep breaths. Letting peace wash over her, listening to the waves outside to keep herself from completely losing it on her own son. She loved him greatly, but in moments like these she often found herself losing her temper. Whenever he didn't uphold the standards she taught him, it brought her disappointment. She knew he could do better, she always told him he could do better no matter what.***
Cora
Triton felt a familiar pounding in his head as Esmeray was just unrelenting in her incessant criticism and need to be right. He cracked his neck and smoothed his hair back, synching his manbun tighter as he regarded her with weary eyes. He was too hung over for this. "Right now, my battle is you," He said, adding, "Go deal with your daddy issues yourself and stop trying to recruit me." After she managed to slip away from his grasp he walked back to the couch and sat down to roll a cigarette. A half-full ashtray sat nearby, surrounded by empty beer cans and a red pair of women's panties. When Esmeray threw her hands up, squaring up to him, he laughed, not taking her seriously. "The only thing that's true is that Nemesis is as emotionally cold as a cod fish. I've just about had my fill of stubborn women, present company included. So, If you don't mind..." He licked the rolling paper and sealed it shut, popping the cigarette between his lips while reaching for the silver Zippo on the table and lighting it.

The tobacco helped calm his nerves... That is, until his mother, Amphirite entered unexpectedly. The color drained from his face, and an audible groan escaped him as he pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered, "Oh jeezus..." He blew a stream of smoke from his nostrils and stood up, eyeing his mother before looking around the place and shrugging his shoulders. "Come on, it's not that bad. Don't be such a nag." He watched the two women embrace with a distant gaze, his mind wondering back to the ocean. If he just made for the balcony and jumped, he could make it to the water in no time. He simply couldn't be bothered with all this family drama. "Relax, mother, fucking hell. I was just telling my lovely sister here that I don't really use my phone anymore, which is why I haven't been returning either of your calls. I'm trying to unplug and live more *Authentically*. It's all the rage right now. You should try it." Was he being condescending? Maybe.

"Well aren't you two just a couple of peas in a pod. Hey! I have a great idea. Why don't you girls go have a spa day. You can get your nails done, get facials, full body massages... It'll be great. I'll even pay for it if you agree to just get the fuck out of my house so I can have a little peace and quiet. Is that too much to ask?" Triton delivered a quick peck to his mother's cheek as he breezed by her to the fridge, where he grabbed a cold slice of pizza from last night. Meanwhile, the Ballad of Curtis Loew finished, and Lynyrd Skynyrd was on to singing about Tuesday being gone with the wind, or some such poetic metaphor. Triton just wanted to zone out and listen while people watching from the balcony, but first the harpies needed to go.
John
Esmerays stared straight into her brother's dazed eyes, the effects of the medicinal crop and the words in which he spoke made him seem as if he was far less emotional than he was. She wanted to wrap him within her vines and strangle him until he fell out of his rut. She reached her hands out like she was going to strangle him with just her bare hands but quickly dropped them. He was hurt, broken, and lonely. Taking his frustrations out on the only person in his vicinity, who was also pushing his buttons. He spoke of daddy issues like he didn't equally share the burden. 

"She walked to the counter, where she had seen his phone, and grabbed it. It was dead, just like he originally stated but she couldn't help but note how cracked the screen was as well. She walked to the couch and threw his phone at him before walking towards the door. "Charge your damn phone, Tri." 

She was so close to giving him what he asked for but as soon as she did Amphitrite walked through the door. The way she entranced a room was admirable, her beauty and grace just as amazing as the first day they met. Esmeray smiled as Amphitrite pulled her into a hug, she wrapped her arms around her small frame and gave her a loving squeeze before she pulled away. 'Sweet child, I hope you have been well lately. We need to spend some more time together truly. Do you know the meaning of this?'

"Seems as if someone has broken his heart." She held her tongue from saying what she truly wanted to say. Trying to mind her own in front of her step mother. Esmeray wanted to stick her tongue out at Triton as he walked, the childlike side of her being pulled out as if by magic. 

"Why don't you go with us? Your treat. We can even invite Nemesis." She clasped her hands together and smiled. Proud of herself for the quick retort to his words.
Charlotte
***Amphitrite had released Esmeray from the hug, her arms now crossed as she glared at her beloved son. Blue eyes filled with irritation towards him. She loved him, more than anything. But this attitude of his often annoyed her to no end. She looked around his living room once more, her face contorting into one of disgust. She was sure that his floor had all sorts of dirt in it, thankfully she had worn her favorite sandals for this occasion. She tapped her foot against the floor, staring at him in utter silence. Letting it hang in the air that she was more than displeased now. She couldn't believe how he had spoken to her. Finally, after a few moments of her silence, she spoke up. Her voice calm, a little too calm for how he had spoken to her thus far.*** 

"Jeezus? Is that how you greet me these days? Not that bad? Triton it reeks in here, I can practically smell the alcohol seeping from your pores. It is a pigsty, I know I raised you better than this. This house is not a dumping ground. It is hardly nagging considering the absolute state of this beautiful home" 

***She pinched the bridge of her nose, taking in a deep breath to calm herself. She was more than grateful for Esmeray here, at least someone else cared enough to check on him.***

"Relax? This attitude of yours is out of hand Triton, it is disrespectful as hell. Is your mother not allowed to worry about you? For all I know you could have been dead somewhere in the city, or kidnapped. Perhaps next time I ought to not even give a thought to you since it is such a problem. You can live as authentically as you wish, but you could think of the mere fact people who care about you will worry. You want me to stop caring Triton? Because I certainly can grant that wish for you" 

***Amphitrite spoke with venom laced in her voice, only matching the energy her son wished to give her. She turned her attention to Esmeray, needing a break from her child's time wasting tantrum he seemed to be throwing at her. She smiled

Warmly at her, tilting her head slightly.*** 

"I am very happy to see you here, it helps knowing others care about him too. As for this breakup now, I was unaware he was even with someone. Triton, do you wish to tell me or should I continue to ask Esmeray?" 

***She said with a tight smile. Amphitrite, while grateful for even his little display of affection, glared at Triton once more. Her eyes shooting daggers into his back, slightly twitching from her growing annoyance towards him. Sighing heavily, she looked between the two.*** 

"First I want to know what Nemesis has to do with this. Secondly, Triton you aren't getting rid of us this easy. We are staying right here, perhaps we should even move in with you. Or you could come back home to Atlantis, either way you are not allowed to be alone if this is the kind of behavior you are indulging in"
Cora
Triton bit into the piece of pepperoni pizza, chewing slowly while looking between his mother and sister with a calculating gaze. "Don't touch my shit, Ray Ray. You worry about your phone and I'll worry about mine. I mean what the fuck, I didn't even invite you over and you're busting my balls non-stop." The overt display of affection between the women annoyed him for reasons he couldn't quite put his finger on, but existed nonetheless. 

Finishing his slice, he walked over to the mantlepiece and removed his silver trident that was displayed on the wall. Triton's trident, a symbol of his dominion over the ocean's vast expanse, was an artifact of unparalleled magnificence and power. Forged in the heart of a dying star and cooled in the deepest abyss of the Mariana Trench, its handle was crafted from the purest silver, mined from the sacred lunar craters by forgotten celestial beings. The metal, imbued with the luminescent glow of moonlight, shimmered with an ethereal light, its surface adorned with intricate engravings that depicted the ebb and flow of tides. The trident's three prongs were sharper than the fangs of the mightiest sea monster, each one gleaming with an inner light that mirrors the stars themselves. At the junction where the prongs meet the shaft, a sapphire of the deepest blue is set.

"How about you keep her name out of your mouth, sis," He snapped, tapping his fingers along the trident thoughtfully. Turning towards his mother, he simply shook his head, trying to keep his cool. "You need to respect my boundaries, mother. I apologize if I worried you, but I am a grown man and will live life as I choose, whether you approve or not. This is my home, and you'll respect that it is not yours. Now, if you must know, Nemesis was a woman I was seeing. It didn't work out, and it really bummed me out. I'll be fine, just let me wallow for a while. And for fuck's sake, neither one of you try talking to her. It's over, and I'm moving on."

Triton walked back out to the balcony, right on the water, and looked over the Aegean Sea fondly. It was only here that he felt safe and in control, listening to the water, which called to him even now. Perhaps no God, even Poseidon himself, was more a part of the sea than Triton. Turning around, he pointed his trident at them, the silver surface catching the light of the sun and reflecting it towards them. "I will go out and have a nice day with you both when I am ready. But for now, I have asked you to leave. Respect me and my wishes, and do not escalate this situation any further." There was an implicit threat in his words, made more powerful against the backdrop of the sea, the source of his might. Should they fail to heed his final warning, there was no telling what Triton might do.
John
Esmeray watched as he paced towards his trident, removing it from its rightful place and handling it like he was going to war. That small act of defiance, a threat of sorts to his own kin. She tried to let it slide but that sense of unease bubbled in her stomach.

"Oh, for goodness sakes. Is it really that bad?" She rolled her eyes into their closure as her hands reached her temples. His words quickly moved from her to his mother making Esmeray's eyes pop open and jaw go slack. The words showed how truly upset he was. He had come for her, that was fine. She was the annoying little sister and she could take it but the words he had used for his own mother were disrespectful. 


Esmeray made eye contact with Amph briefly before looking back to her brother. She moved her hand behind her back and flicked her wrist, the vines spring out from the plant in the corner and wrapped around his ankles and wrists. They pulled tight on the ligaments in his forearms to try and force him to drop the trident before she had to force it from his hands and give it to Amph herself. His temper was showing far too much, the similarities in him and their father now clear more than ever. That fact only caused a spark of anger to feed the vines, the constriction on his wrists pulling tighter. 

"If you don't get off your high horse, I swear." She paused and took a breath trying to contain her frustration. "You have two people here trying to help you, to look out for you and you are just letting your anger get to you. I don't understand why you feel the need to kick us aside. You are just like him." Her eyes grew wide at her final remark as she looked into his blue eyes. She said the words faster than she could think, something she wasn't prone to doing. But that led her saying something she didn't necessarily think was true.

'...Do not escalate this situation any further.' The threat was there and the moves had already been made. Esmeray stepped forward and squeezed her fist shut. The vines reacted pulling him to his knees.
Thomas
***Amphitrite watched on in pure disappointment. She could hardly believe how he spoke to his half sister, how little he seemed to care about her own feelings. She could feel her anger, bubbling just below the surface. Her usual calm exterior, slowly cracking the more he spoke. Always the calm one she was, yet her son was truly testing just how far he could push the sea goddess. She may calm the waters, but she held a fire within her. And Triton was stoking the fire.*** 

~

***She eyed Triton as he grabbed his Trident. A handcrafted piece gifted to him, beautiful and deadly all at once. A piece of art he now paced with in his hands, coming to a stop. And Amphi finding herself being pointed at with it. She uncrossed her arms, her once bright eyes darkening. She didn't fear her own son, instead she walked closer to him. Letting him see just how much rage she had tried so hard to contain. What was it about Nemesis that set him off so much? Had she broken his heart enough he no longer cared who he hurt? The goddess wouldn't stand for it, her voice loud and commanding whilst she spoke.*** 

~

"Triton, you cease this disrespect towards me and your sister. I couldn't give a single fuck about talking to Nemesis, I give one about you. Now suck it up and stop being a toddler, she is not worth any of this. You are moving on? It certainly looks like the opposite. Grow the fuck up Triton, end this now. You can tell me to leave all you want, I will still be here. I am your mother, and she is your sister. We are family, and I will not tolerate ANY of this nonsense towards it. I will respect your boundaries when you are capable of having any, do you understand?"

~

***It was far from a question, he would understand. He would do as she wished, or there would be consequences. It was when Esmeray grew tired of him, that she smiled in pride. Watching as her son was brought to his knees by vines, served him right for threatening his own kin. Amphitrite now held the trident in her hands, playing with it while Esmeray said her piece. When Poseidon was brought up, she finally stepped in. Placing on hand on Es's shoulder as a sign of comfort, nodding her head slightly. She knew the young woman didn't mean it, as Amphi herself had taught Triton to be better. But she wasn't wrong, he acted too much like his father in this moment. She stepped forward with the trident, sliding one of the prongs underneath his chin. Forcing him to look up at her, she tilted her head and laughed. Mirth lacing her voice, her anger broken free, and voice dripping with her threat.*** 

~

"I have heard enough of this Triton, you will be returning to Atlantis with me. I do not care what you want anymore, you will do as I say. And if you fight me on this, I will show you just how spiteful and angry I can get. We have allowed you to bully us, but we have grown tired. You will stay in Atlantis until I deem it fit for you to return to living on your own, and to ensure you can't just leave, you will be restricted. Have I made myself clear son? Or do I truly need to prove just... How... Serious I can be?" 

~

***She pushed the tip of the middle prong of his trident to his throat gently. Gliding it, she left a fresh, small cut on his neck. Her blue eyes staring into his as she did so. She was never one for torture, and she wouldn't ever do so. But, she had to prove she wasn't playing around. Not this time, she would apologize later for this act of hers. Her focus too much onto getting him home. She kept the trident to his throat, speaking once more*** 

~

"Now, apologize to your sister. And I mean a sincere apology, not a smart ass one."
Cora
There, at his most callous moment, wielding the legendary trident at his sister and mother alike, Triton felt a surge of confidence pulsate through his body, like he was alive again for the first time in months. In his gloom he had forgotten the thrill of combat, the high stakes and the even higher rewards. Would he truly fight his mother and sister? It was doubtful, but not out of the question. Two against one were terrible odds though, he knew this. Whether or not his final stand was for show would be unknown and not really matter, because Esmeray sprang into action, seizing his brother's wrists and legs by harnessing her control over plant life and sending vines to restrain him. "Argh! Esmeray! Release me immediately!" Even in his anger, Triton grimaced as the vines **Pulled**, stretching his arms out wide to the point of pain. He could only watch as she retrieved his fallen trident and delivered it to their mother, even as she made the vines pull even tighter, causing him to cry out. Then, with a squeeze of her fist the fines around his legs took out his ankles, coiling around him to force him to his knees while his arms remained outstretched. "I'm nothing like him! Don't take your daddy issues out on me, Ray."

"You do not understand, mother. You only see what you want to see. I am no child, and you would be wise to give me a wide-berth and let me live as I see fit." The frustration was evident in his voice. He watched with growing unease as she approached. Now she was the one to wield the trident, an unsettling sight. Amphirite was his mother, after all, and even greater than he. His Adam's apple grazed the razor sharp middle prong of the trident as he swallowed when she placed it under his chin, pressing just hard enough to break the skin.

"Return to Atlantis?! No wa—" He was cut off by the gliding of the prong along his throat, leaving behind a thin red streak in its path. He couldn't believe this. His muscles tensed with anger, but the vines and Esmeray's magic was too strong to overcome physically. With his mother continuing to dig the razor-like prong into his throat, he smiled tightly and looked up at his sister, letting out a slow breath. Was this the worst morning ever?"

"I apologize, Esmeray. I didn't mean to be a jerk, I am not myself lately." He looked back up towards his mother, gritting his teeth. "There. One apology, as requested. I'll behave myself going forward."
John
'Argh! Esmeray! Release me immediately!' Esmeray briefly closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she kept him at a tight resistance. The interaction went south quicker than she could have imagined between the three of them. She didn't want to have her brother tied up against his will as he threatened both her and his mother. She didn't want him to have any ill will towards her but she knew there would be. He was a stubborn man who wasn't getting his way and was being controlled by two important women in his life. He was hurt, wounded by Nemesis and now his mother and sister were demanding him to be better. His retaliation was somewhat appropriate but Esmeray knew he was also out of line. 

"I can't," She shook her head with both determination and a small feat of guilt. "I'm sorry, Tri." She flenched as he spoke to her, poking at the daddy issues she would always have. It was not his fault she had them, but his kinship to said father spoke in waves as he aimed the words at her. The poking and prodding at each other's wounds turned from sibling rivalry to straight warfare. "Then quit acting like him." 

Esmeray watched as Amphi's temper switched due to Triton's hostility. Her calm demeanor now the rage that matched the ocean on a rocky day. She was fierce and confident as she stepped towards Triton, her words matching, demanding an apology. When Amphitrite picked up the trident, Esmeray noted the change in its symbolism, beautiful and strong in Triton's hands now a beacon of fierce and unmoving motherhood. She held Triton as Amphi put the trident to his neck. The small shallow line appeared in warning, a reminder that though she may be his mother, she would not take his crap.

Triton did not meet her eyes as he spoke his apology threw gritted teeth, instead, he stared at his mother the entire time showing defiance in his submission. She knew part of it was a lie before he finished. He would not let them go easily, he would not leave his home easily for Atlantis. Th

Ere would only be one way they would get him out and she had a feeling it was going to involve her. Esmeray twisted her hands, making the vines pull his outstretched arms behind his back as if handcuffing him. It took the tight restriction off of his arms but didn't give him full freedom. She wouldn't allow him to have that, at least not yet. 

"We just want the old Triton back. We want you to be happy-go-lucky. I know relationships are hard and that getting your heart broken sucks but we are trying to help you. Why can't you see that is all we wanted?" Esmeray looked at him with disappointment.
Thomas
***Amphitrite raised a brow, keeping the trident at his neck. Her bright blue eyes darkened with her anger. A satisfied smile creeping up on her lips at the sight of her son, bound by vines with little choice but to listen. If only he learned earlier on that his mother never takes a no for an answer. Let alone his bitchy, whiny behavior he so wishes to have currently. He wanted to give her his crap, she would take it and throw it back at him. Never would she cower for anyone, not even her own child. She kept the prong digging into the skin, watching him closely. Her eyes seeking every detail that meant his apology was completely full of shit. She could tell it mostly was.*** 

"Triton that apology is complete crap, now redo it. Also, now what is this about not returning to Atlantis? Did I ask you? No, so why do you think you have a choice on this matter? You do not. You will be returning home, even if it means Esmeray keeps you bound by these vines and I have to sling you over my damn shoulders. I hardly care for what you want, we are doing things my way. You do as I say, and you also do as Esmeray says. Have I made myself clear? Or do you need me to give you yet another cut?" 

***She threatened, her eyes locked on his. Daring him to even think about going against her wishes. She was not playing his games anymore, it was hers now. And her game was to be played by her rules. She would not take anything less than that. She turned her head to look at Esmeray, thinking for a moment. If he was to return with her... What would happen with his house?*** 

"You said that very beautifully sweet Esmeray, I miss him when he was as happy as could be. Until he returns to his usual, loving, and obeying self he will be returning home. Where is it you are staying now? Oh before I forget also, do know Triton this Trident is now mine. Since you thought it smart to point it at your own mother, I believe it is far safer in my own hands."
Cora
"I'm not," He shot back at Esmeray, beside himself with indignation at this treatment. Perhaps the Sea God was full of wrath, but he couldn't actually do anything about it. Outside, the sea began to churn, with large waves gathering on the horizon to match his unrealized anger. Then, in an instant, the Esmeray made the vines pull his wrists behind his back and tie tightly together. Try as he might to break the binding, it was knotted tightly, nearly unbreakable, made more durable by the magic his sister used to control them. It seems the sibling had made good on her earlier taunt. "Happy-go-lucky?" He looked at her incredulously. "I just got out of a relationship, and now I have my mother and sister here acting like total bit—"

His voice was cut off as Amphirite interjected, laying down the law for her wayward son. He grit his teeth, looking up at her helplessly as she pressed the prong of his trident even harder against his throat, making him squirm. To have his own weapon used against him in such a way was a grave insult, but not one the Queen of the Sea seemed to mind. "I am at home in the sea, mother. You may take my body against my will, but my mind is untouchable. I will follow your rules for as long as I must, but know this will not be forgotten..." His eyes narrowed when she said she'd be keeping his trident—we'll see about that, he thought grimly, pressing his lips together. 

Once more he looked up at his sister, the look in his eyes frustrated. There was nothing to do now but do as they said, lest he incur more pain. He bowed his head and spoke. "I apologize, Esmeray. I should have listened to you earlier. Now, I am beaten." The storm outside continued to gather strength, though nothing to be alarmed by just yet. With a heavy sigh, Triton sank back onto his heels, looking between them both expectantly. They couldn't keep him like this forever. If they were going to Atlantis, then so be it.
John
Esmeray couldn't help but become somewhat hesitant. The turning tides of the environment outside matched with the conflict within her mind and gut. She took a deep breath and stepped forward towards them, keeping him bound within the tight confines of her vines. She watched as Amphi demanded a better apology from him, his trident never leaving his throat. 

Their encounter was hostile, a mother disciplining her son. A grown man who wanted to act like a toddler, a child. Her eyes moved from Triton to Amphi and back. She hadn't encountered family in a long time, just brief moments when talking to Triton alone, but she couldn't remember it being this dysfunctional. She wanted to laugh at the predicament. The idea of Amphi throwing Triton over her shoulder and hauling him back to Atlantis, her taking Triton's home as if it were her own until he was set free. She had spent so many nights in the confines of a pieced-together sanctum that she now called home that living in a house like this was both a luxury and far out of her comfort zone. All of it seemed like a big joke. 

She squatted down to Triton's level, looking him in the eye. Their eyes were so similar yet so different. His matching more of his mothers hue than the slight green of their fathers. 

"Maybe happy-go-lucky wasn't the best term to use." She softly smiled at him, trying to ease some of the tension. Trying to diminish the threat and hostility even though she knew it would stay. It was too far gone. "But I want to at least see you happy," She waved her free hand at the environment. The empty beer bottles and take-out boxes. The environment was beautiful slumped by the weight of depression and sorrow. Heightening the sincerity behind Amphi's words. "This does not prove you are happy nor that you can take care of yourself. This will be good for you. Your mom is right." Her eyes darted towards Amphritite and then back to him before she stood. 

"I will watch the house until you return." She said the words a

S if it was final as if he had no more that he could say. Amphi's mind was made up and when she spoke, it would be done.
Thomas
***Amphitrite narrowed her eyes at him, he would do well to know to shut up while he can. As angry as she felt towards him, a motherly concern seeped its way through it. She remained fierce towards him, but she worried about him. How could someone mess with his feeling so much he would act this way? She wouldn't do anything... Or speak to the woman like he asked. She felt an anger towards her, for breaking his heart and ruining his spirit. The urge to protect him from the hurt he felt grew stronger. Like the storm brewing outside, she had her own growing inside of her. She reminded herself to remain strong, she could be nice later. When he's fixed his attitude and gave real respect*** 

~

"Thank you for agreeing with me Esmeray, I think he knows he is spiraling and cannot handle himself. And you son, better watch yourself before calling me or your sister any names. You may not forget this, but you will do well to remember this is for your own damn good. You can think of it as a punishment all you want, but you will thank me later for this." 

~

***Huffing, she pulled the trident from his throat finally. Amphi gestured towards Esmeray, watching whilst he finally apologizes to her. She nodded her head silently in approval, keeping the trident in her hands. She would lock it away from him, for safe keeping. He wasn't deserving of it until he proved he could be a mature, calm adult. It was times like this when he reminded her too much of Poseidon. Quick to anger and difficult to calm at times. She could sense the storm outside, she would have to calm the seas if he unleashed it. She looked between the two siblings, moving closer to Triton*** 

~ 

"That apology was far better than the first one. Now, since we are all in agreement, Esmeray you won't be watching the house. This house, is yours for the time being. Until I feel Triton has earned having his own home, he will not have one. Do as you wish with this home, eventually I'll help you find one of your own. Now, my de

Ar son, it's time to go." 

~

***Using her strength, she hoisted up Triton and threw him onto her back. Almost like a fireman's carry except he's still restrained by the vines. She looked towards Esmeray and nudged her head. Motioning for her to grab his keys and keep them on her. She took one last look around the house, and started making her way outside.*** 

~

"Let's keep him tied up so he can't fight me on this. We can deal with the house later, let's just drop him off in Atlantis first. Then afterwards I was thinking we could have a girls day of some sorts? Go get some food, do a nice spa day after having to deal with this one. Maybe even go shopping a bit, do you need anything new dear? I am more than happy to buy you any necessities or anything you want."