Of gods and things ((open))

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Mercury hadn’t had time off in well…. A few years. Mercury sighed as he passed off a few of his last deliveries to a wind spirit that had been floating around, bored, and looking for something to do. So after finding that unsuspecting spirit, Mercury had a few hours off till tomorrow. So here was Olympus. He had been hanging out around Camp Jupiter for a few days. He didn’t mind checking in on his kids and grandkids from time to time. They called him a hard ass, but he had the camps best interests at heart. Or at least that’s what he generally thought. He tried to keep his fingers on the pulse of the economy of New Rome and did his best to generally help push it forward. He loved his romans, he loved the mortals, the people, and everything about being around the mortals was fun. It was cooler to be down on earth then up on Olympus with some of the stuffed shirt divines that called this place home. If he had to listen to Mars gripe about that whole renaissance debacle one more time, Mercury would probably steal the idiot god of war’s favorite weapon. Of course Mercury was having issues keeping his hands to himself. Whether it was a rather exquisite looking coin purse on Vulcan or a gorgeous nymph that was serving Minerva some drinks, it took a lot of self-control for the mischief maker to not start anything.

Mercury wasn’t dressed like the usual divine that you could find up here on the 600th floor of the Empire state building. Jeans, a half buttoned up shirt, a pair of leather boots and a fedora adorned this particular god. Mercury stretched out on one of the fainting couches that lined the golden streets. A few wind spirits greeted the god like he was one of them. Mercury got along with most people, divine or otherwise. Okay except for Mars, but it seemed that only Venus could get along with that blockhead. Mercury purchased a few things for some of his kids and grandkids and a few of his favorite semi-divines down in Camp. He even got something for that socially awkward little forge boy. Though his gift would probably go un-opened and left to gather dust, the forge boy, Edmund, was wary of gods. The boy had a good reason and Mars and Diana were not helping the fact. They didn’t know how to act around mortals and they didn’t realize that the gods needed the mortals. Mercury lowered the fedora over his eyes as he continued to stretch out. He let out a sigh of contentment. It was a good deal of fun to watch and size up some marks that were more likely to turn you into a bug when you pinched their purse.

The random Faun walked by, bumming some change off of a nearby dryad, Mercury preferred the satyrs of the greeks to the fauns of the romans, but that was an opinion a few other he had spoken to had, at least they were of the same mind. He felt they should be doing something other than begging for change or some Styrofoam cups for a snack. Mercury sighed; he would have to talk to Pan or Bacchus about that. Pan might have been his son, but all fauns/satyrs loved him. Of course they also loved Bacchus too, but after all, they were his grandkids. Despite the fact he had the hat covering his eye, he had a sliver of vision in case someone wanted to sneak up on him. Many tried; they all failed at the challenge. Mercury was just waiting to see who would try to sneak up on him today.

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Of all the places Neptune decided to place a visit to today he had to have choosen Mount Olympus. Why? He doubted he even knew. It wasn't like he was tired of the ocean. Heck, why would the god of the ocean be tired of it. There was so many creatures inhabiting it, waiting for his attention. No, Neptune left the ocean to get a breath of fresh air probably. Maybe after Olympus he would even drop by the little Roman camp. He still had kids there, right? Ah, yes. A boy and girl. What were their names again?

Neptune frowned as he walked along the paths laid out in Mount Olympus, giving the formal nod of the head to anyone who noticed his presence. He stood out from all the minor god-lings who were wearing ancient roman styled garb. Neptune, on the other hand, was wearing a green jacket over a blue-green polo. He hated the stereotype of him always wearing beach shorts or carrying a fishing pole. That was only on the weekends, and it was never on Mount Olympus. Unless his little brother decided to be a prick and call him up to his chair to hear another discussion about how little brother Jupiter wasn't getting his way, again. Talk about annoying.

As Neptune kept walking he was trying to remember his kids names. You would think with those being his only Roman children he would remember better. Still, he went through a lot of names. Sometimes he even got Jupiter and Pluto mixed up. Neptune never said he was perfect. A smile flickered onto his face. "Alistair and Clare, that's it! Neptune thought to himself. Well, that had only taken him a good ten minutes. He would much prefer to call them something that had to do with the ocean. From now on his son was Sharkbait and his giggling little girl was Guppy. That worked out perfectly in Neptunes head. He wasn't there to name his kids so he would just call them what he would have named them. Besides, his kids would probably just be happy to be greeted in the presence of their immortal half and to have nicknames. In truth, these names were probably easier for Neptune to remember because they had to do with the ocean, his beloved kingdom.

As Neptune walked, deep in thought a fedora caught his eye. It had to be a God he knew. Neptune creeped closer to the god. A smirk flashed on his face. It was one of his favorite nephews, Mercury. Neptune pretended to stretch before seating himself on the couch that Mercury as laying upon. He sat on something that felt like feet. He bounced in place. "Well, this couch isn't comfy. I thought my brother would have better furniture in his kingdom." Neptune said with a hearty laugh before standing up and looking down at his nephew. "Or, relaxing Gods should put up a warning sign." Neptune said with a smile still highlighting his features.

outfit:here
words: 551
notes: Hope you don't mind Neptune joining you

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Mercury was the pain in the ass sort of father. He tried to be involved in his kids’ lives, to a degree of course. He wasn’t supposed to do it, but Mercury didn’t have much to say in the way of rules. He didn’t care if his father said he wasn’t supposed to have contact with his kids. The way Mercury, and probably a few other gods, saw it, their guidance was much needed in the way of demi-gods. They needed the help of their divine parents. There was just so much that the mortal parents couldn’t help or give advice on. The life of the divine and the semi-divine were more complicated in the way they were lived. The Romans were destined to be the strongest and the best while the other mortals were destined to mediocrity. They would never have the same sort of potential that the romans had. It was something that was always going to be true to the life of a demi-god. Mercury fluttered under the brim of the hat. He wasn’t quite ready to get his butt off the couch and find out why his stupid father had decided to summon him to Olympus. It was probably another lecture about hanging out with the kids at Camp.

There was a sudden weight on Mercury’s legs and a sudden wiff of sea air. Mercury smiled under the brim of his hat. He knew exactly whose rump had decided to call his legs home. It was his favorite uncle. Well let’s be honest, Pluto was so down and depressed, he worked himself to death. Mercury smirked at the thought. He was pretty good at jokes. Neptune was much more agreeable with the other gods. Sometimes Mercury envied his cousins and how much of a great dad they had. Jupiter was all about rules and all about following them to the letter. There was nothing the rules had for Mercury. Of course the only thing he knew how to do was bending and breaking them, he operated outside the rules at least three quarters of the time. “Well if it isn’t my favorite uncle. How are you doing? What brings you outside the ocean Uncle Seaweed?” Mercury grinned as he sat up strait on the bench and adjusted his hat, setting it properly on top of his head. Neptune was a bit more lax in his ways of going about doing things. Mercury had no problem helping out his uncle at any time he needed.

“You know, just relaxing before my dad decided he’s going to chew my ass out over something stupid again.” Mercury rolled his eyes. He fingered his caduceus in his pocket. Right now it was in the form of an I-pod. It was just what he needed in case his dad decided to get on a roll and if his last lecture was anything to go on, Mercury was going to need some entertainment to get him through another six hour lecture. “I know dad is the god of the winds and storm, that doesn’t mean he needs to be full up of hot air every time he wants to lecture me. Three months ago he gave me a six hour lecture. I thought I was going to turn into a statue before he was done.” Mercury shook his head. He ran some light fingers over his goateed chin and ran a sliver of hair behind his ear. “I don’t think I’ve done anything too bad here lately.” Mercury pondered what exactly it was he had done to try to piss his dad off this time.

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Neptune thought to himself for a minute. He had no reason to be on Olympus. He just wanted some time out of the water. Probably to get away from his nagging wife. She usually wasn't this bad but since he skipped town to visit Camp last month she had gotten her panties in a bun. He had kids at that Camp. He wasn't going to ignore them just for her benefit. He was a good father. Well, in his mind. Granted, he did forget their names from time to time. But Guppy and Sharkbait were okay at the moment. That was their names right? Yes, in Neptunes brain.

"Well I was already out of the water. Planned on visiting that Roman camp to see Guppy and Sharkbait but they were both training. So then I decided to see if anyone interesting was hanging on Olympus. Then I sat on an uncomfortable bench." Neptune said with a cherry smile outlining his facial features. Mercury was by far one of his favorite godly nephews. At least he remembered his name. It probably helped he was immortal and didn't just die off and fade from memory in a few years. That was one good thing about having an immortal family. You don't have to worry about someone dying. However, you had to deal with them forever. "Also, Uncle Seaweed? Do you want me to start calling you Pickpocket Prancy?" Neptune said with a light laugh. He figured Merucry knew he was probably joking. Neptune didn't care what he was called as long as it didn't insult him.

Neptune sighed. His little brother sometimes found ways to chew someone out just because. Heck, Neptune was once lectured by Jupiter about how he got lectured from his wife. Like Neptune actually cared about stuff like that. He spent the entire twelve hours listing all the creatures in the sea in his head. "I know my little brother can come off as...well....arrogant at times. But he is your father. He probably has a good reason for chastising you." Neptune said in his best father figure voice. Though Mercury had a point. Neptune couldn't think of any recent Mercury related activities that could anger his brother. "Though, if he is ranting just to rant I recommend naming all the creatures in the ocean. It always helps me." Neptune stated with an encouraging smile.

outfit:here
words: 448
notes: sorry for the delay here Charlie!

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Mercury wasn't sure what brought his uncle out of the water, it was normal for him to have to go scuba diving in the deepest parts of the pacific ocean to find his uncle just to deliver a package or some mail. But once he revealed that he had gone to see his two kids, Mercury understood. Alistair and Clare, Mercury knew them on sight. Clare had her dad's personality, Alistair was a bit more sullen and a loner. The latter one Mercury hadn't had much contact with. But Mercury knew the feeling about checking up on his kids and grandkids. "Hey I'm planning on taking my two boys and my grandson fishing. Know of any good places?" Mercury asked. He could remember fishing trips with his Uncle Neptune from when he was a much younger god. It was just time for relaxation, to shoot the breeze and bull shit around. "I've been planning on it for a while, but I just can't seem to cut a break. Maybe that's why my dad is hell bent on lecturing me." Mercury frowned as he played with one of his frayed bracelets. He couldn't remember where he had gotten this one. Most of them had been stolen and offered up to him as an offering. Mercury always got some of the strangest things for offerings. One time he got a bunch of ding-dongs, some twinkies, a cell phone, and some baby bottles. Mercury could only imagine what his kids were thinking.


"Yes, you are Uncle Seaweed, Uncle fishy face, and Uncle Rip-Current." Mercury's eyes flashed with a mischievous grin. "As long as you don't call me FedEx like Minerva does, we are cool." Mercury shook his head. That woman needed to desperately get over herself. "She always comes up with the most hurtful names. She's so vindictive. I had nothing to do with her little fiasco and she always tries to take her PMS-ing out on me." Mercury rolled his eyes. Mercury had always been one of those go with the flow sort of gods, she didn't want get over herself and was one of the few that really pushed his buttons. Mars was one of the others. Apollo was one of his favorite drinking buddies and Prometheus? Well Mercury was indifferent about the Titan, though he felt like he was a bit of a two headed snake from time to time. "Oh I have a package for you, I picked up some salt water taffy from the coast of North Carolina. There's also some fudge in there too. Figured you might like some." Mercury pulled out a large parcel from his messenger bag and presented it to his favorite Uncle. "I hope you enjoy it. It's not like the one I delivered to Uncle Pluto if you get my drift." Mercury laughed hard as he thought about his Uncle Dead-head's tongue after he got done eating those candies.


"I think I might be able to get away if you like make a pizza order like half way through." Mercury winked at his uncle. "Thirty seconds or it's free." Mercury loved his teleporting. Heck, Mercury loved all of his powers. Pluto might have been bitter about getting the short end of the stick, but Mercury loved teleporting, he loved his business sense and absolutely loved his thieving skills with his understanding of all languages. "Oh uncle, I've checked your portfolio, you now have enough money to buy a whole fleet of fishing boats if you wanted to." Mercury had no real use for mortal money, so he decided that he was going to invest most of it in the stock market for his favorite family members. Neptune was included.

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A smile erupted onto his face. Fishing! That was something he wanted to do. His little nephew sure did take some aspects from him. Mercury was ,by far, one of his favorite Olympians. They use to hang out a lot, that was before he got the bloody messenger job. "Do I know of any good spot?" Neptune asked sarcastically with a scuff. "Of course I know of good spots. There is a beautiful koifish pond in Kyoto. Though, I think that is too long of a trek. Let me think. America....America....well, you could always go sea fishing. I'll be sure to bring you some good fish when you go. Just promise to put them back in the ocean." Neptune warned Mercury. He knew that humans needed fish to eat so he had an abundance in some places, but there was some very rare breeds, that were his favorite, that humans just killed to hang on their wall. That was horrible. He frowned. If anyone deserved a break it was definatly Mercury. He worked harder then most of them. Sure, Neptune, Jupiter, and Pluto all had domains to rule but they wouldn't be able to rule them unless they had Gods like Mercury, Apollo, and Mars. "I hope he gives you a break. If not I'll shove my Triton up his --" A boom in the distance cut him off. Neptune rolled his eyes. "I guess after you I'll be getting a lecture.


Neptune let out a deep laugh. "Don't worry. I don't think anyone is a big fan of Minerva in this form. Those ancients sure did mess her up didn't they. Besides, Fedex is a horrible name. I much prefer UPS." He said with a playful grin to his nephew. Then he thought. It was true that Minerva was usually giving everyone the worst nickname. It didn't help that Neptune already didn't get along with the Goddess then for her to be on a constant PMS roll in her Roman form. Neptunes life was torture when they crossed paths. "Well, at least you only have the names aspect to be worried about." Neptune stated.

Neptuen smiled widely at the package. "Ah, North Carolina sure does make the best taffy. South Carolina tries, but they will never be as good. Though South Carolina does have the better beach towns." Neptune laughed. His poor older brother. Needless to say the relation between the other gods and Pluto did not improve after that incident. "Oh don't worry lad, I wouldn't expect you to do that to me. Not unless you want to know what the inside of a sharks belly looked like." Neptune said with a too cherry smile on his face.

Neptune pretended to hold up a phone to his ear. "Yeah, can I get a pepperoni and ambrosia pizza? What do you mean you're busy? I want my pizza now or I'll send a tidal wave to New Orleans!" Neptune said with a laugh. "I don't think my younger brother would like New Orleans to get tumbled. He would have to deal with a whiny Bacchus again. Remember how bad he was after Hurricane Katrina? Now that hurricane was a piece of art!" Neptune said with a smile as he remembered creating the storm. Then his eyes narrowed. "Why were you looking at my portfolio? Also, I am still saving. I want to open up an island resort. Atlantis is doing real well, I think I should make another one soon." Neptune said with a smile.

outfit:here
words: 658
notes:

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Mercury laughed at his uncle's playfulness and how his face lit up at the thought of going fishing. Maybe deep sea fishing was a good idea. Maybe that's what he would do with Zidane, Josh, and Lance. "That's not a bad idea. I'll probably send you an IM when we head out if you want join up with us." Mercury extended the offer to his Uncle. "Of course I'll toss them back when we get done reeling them in." Mercury nodded and made his promise. Mercury may have been a liar and a thief, but he would never break his word to his uncles. Pluto might have been a pain in the podex, but he still wouldn't go out of his way to break a promise to him. His dad could go somewhere and shove that lightening bolt of his in an unmentionable place. "Well maybe. You know I love my job, but at the same time, a break would be nice." Mercury said as he played with a charm on his bracelet. It was something that one of his kids had gotten him a few decades ago. "But I'll always make a stop off for you uncle." Mercury said with a wink before giving a mischievous grin.


"Well Minerva... If you don't have anything nice to say.... I was told to keep my mouth shut." Mercury shook his head. Minerva was a pain, come to think of it, both of her forms were a pain. "of course you like UPS, the Underwater Postal Service." Mercury laughed as he took out a bottle of gatorade from his messenger bag. Mercury took a deep drink from the plastic bottle. It was a reusable bottle and Mercury would hate to mess up the environment and get another earful from Diana about conserving things. Or a mouth and a half from Pan. "I'm glad you will enjoy the taffy. I've only ever made a trip or two to Charleston in South Carolina. If I could ever get a break I might spend more time at the beach." Mercury preferred open fields and the prairies of North America. Someplace where he could just let loose and run as fast as he wanted to without bothering anyone. Occasionally he would run in Africa along the savanna. The latter was more fun since there were some beautiful creatures to look at there. "You know Uncle, I'm thinking about signing up for the Boston Marathon this year. I'm not going to win it...again.... but I think it would be fun." Mercury commented in a distant voice, thinking about how much fun he would have.


"Hurricane Katrina was your doing? I can appreciate a good storm. Most times it gives me a break." Mercury hated the destruction that the hurricanes would bring, but Katrina was a unique hurricane. "It was a good storm, but I think it was mostly whomever made those dams and levies. I'm sure Vulcan would have loved to fix that particular screw up." Mercury shook his head. "Bacchus can go soak his head. The drunkard needs a divine intervention to get him to sober up." Mercury paused for a moment before looking back at Neptune. "Don't get me wrong, I love Mardi Gras as much as the next male, but geeze." Mercury felt his confidence wane as Neptune glared at him for looking into his portfolio. He held his hands up in defense. "I'm just making sure your stuff is going good like it's supposed to. I also made a contribution to Clare and Alistair's portfolio. I'm making sure the kids are well taken care of." Mercury said in an explanation.

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Neptune thought for a moment. Fishing with Mercury and all of his juniors. Perhaps he could grab Guppy and Sharkbait to join in too. Have a nice big family fishing event. That sounded like a wonderful idea to Neptune. "Sounds like a plan. Although I might have to bring my kids along too. I'm pretty sure they would love for some Daddy time." Neptune said with a very full oh himself tone. Sure, his kids probably would enjoy seeing him but it was probably more realistic that they weren't craving his attention. Though Neptune did enjoy being with his kids he was a bit sexist with them. He didn't care if Clare messed up or didn't work hard, he would still love her. However he expected a lot out of Alistair. He wanted his son to be better than all of his cousins. Better than his girlfriend ever. Hearing that Alistair started dating the daughter of Jupiter, Neptune was overwhelmed with anger. It took him a good month to actually show himself to his son about it. Neptune smiled at Mercury. "Thanks. I think. " Neptune said jokingly.

Neptune nodded about the comment of Minerva. If anyone knew that Neptune did. He laughed at Mercurys comment. "Ah so you figured that out." Neptune said in reply to the Underwater Postal Service, or UPS, remark. "Well if you do spend time at the beach please try to not ruin my beautiful ocean." Neptune said with a happy smile. Then it was about the Boston Marathon. Neptune remembered when Mercury raced in it, and then won it. Not too many Olympians were happy about it. Then the demi-gods that found out about it were pretty angry at them all. "Well as long as you don't place any I'm sure we wont have a huge mess to clean up like we had to last time. Though, if it is something you want to do I say go for it." Neptune said as he placed a supportive hand on Mercurys shoulder.

Neptunes self-confidence soar again. "Well of course it was my doing. A majority of Hurricanes are my doing. Sometimes Jupiter helps. Oh but the worst ones are when Jupiter and I are fighting. Talk about a storm!!" Neptune said excitedly. "Well of course. None of his children helped make them so they were all pretty bad. Most of the citizens in New Orleans are related to Bacchus in some way. Guess that explains all the partying. But, you are right. Perhaps it is time Bacchus becomes more aware of himself and quit the constant drinking. At least his Greek self is still grounded." Neptune hugged Mercury. Which was a bit awkward to do seeing as how they were sitting. "I can always count on my favorite Nephew to take care of me. What ever would I do without you." Neptune asked all dramatic.

outfit:here
words: 540
notes: sorry for the wait.

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Mercury gave a laugh. He really liked all of the kids at camp. Well most of them in any case. There were a few that decided to get on his bad side, but Mercury wasn't much for holding a grudge. Sure he might toss the curse of being broke on someone, but it never lasted for more then a few weeks or so. A big family fishing trip would be fun, some immortals excluded of course. Mars for instance. That would be a no-go. Venus wouldn't get her hands dirty or muss up her pretty hair like a simpering jackanapes. Jupiter wouldn't take time out of his busy day to hang out with a few people, his kids, immortal or otherwise. Mercury really liked the idea of just hanging out with his uncle and his kids and his cousins. That would just be a great time. "I mean it uncle. I would always make a stop for you. Besides, another chance to see the greatest kingdom under the water? I would run across the world for that chance." Mercury wasn't just blowing smoke up his uncle's podex, Mercury admired the kingdom that Neptune had built and it was the most beautiful thing that rivaled olympus. "You do some of the most amazing work in the world. I know your kid Alistair is infatuated with the coral. Oh that reminds me..." Mercury dug through his bag for a few moments. He produced a sculpture of coral, it was a boat carving. "This is from Alistair, the forge boy made it for him after he gave the coral for some fun." Mercury said with a nod as he handed over the sculpture.


"Oh Uncle, please, I wouldn't dream of messing up your beautiful beaches. Why just the other day I had a nice run around the Island of Oahu in Hawaii. It was so wonderful." Mercury said, waving off the thought of him messing up such a beautiful thing. Mercury was one of those people that he tried to not really offend people that he cared for. Mercury nodded at the words coming out of his Uncle's mouth. He remembered how mad his dad had gotten after that last run in the 70's. But of course this time Mercury would be much more careful this time. He would be in the top ten instead of first place. But the other demi-gods shouldn't have complained, they were under the same sort of restraints as he was. but at least the consequences weren't as dire as they were for him. He had gotten his butt kicked for the next few decades because of that. Maybe that's why Jupiter was trying to keep him overly busy with deliveries and messages and errands to run. The thought made Mercury roll his eyes.


"Well Uncle, without me, you would probably live a happy, long and rather uneventful life. Other then Father trying to constantly berate you about something stupid." Mercury said with a laugh. "If you want, I think I can talk to Vulcan about some blueprints for your new Island resort. Or are you still going to use the Cyclops for labor?" Mercury couldn't deny the results that the one eyed creatures had. They really could get things done. "But at the very least you should extend me an invitation to your opening party." Mercury winked at his uncle, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Not that he would try to make trouble for his uncle, but trouble just seemed to follow him around no matter where he went. It was rather bothersome some times, but it could prove to be very entertaining on some occasions. Mercury accepted the hug from his Uncle, the awkwardness of his sitting proved to be amusing to a degree. "you know, Uncle, there's always a question I wanted to ask you when you got the chance..." Mercury mused.