Realistic or Modern Oracle Manor

[BoneBrain]

Hayden Kaneko

History- The weight of expectation can be crushing, especially when those that lord over Hayden don’t believe he’s earned it. Grandmother always wanted more from him and as a boy he’d wanted nothing more than to see the approval in those cold eyes of hers. So he worked hard, harder than any of the kids his age. By the end of his college days his CV was more impressive than the entirety of his graduating class combined. From Mathlete championships to taking the belt in the schools divisional boxing matches- if there was something that required talent Hayden was determined to be the best at it.

And yet none of it was good enough, after all wouldn’t someone that was actually of Kaneko bloodline be better? Despite his accomplishments in his grandmother’s eyes he was no better than the streets he’d been rescued from. There was always something that could have been better, and she’d taken great pleasure in reminding him of all his imperfections when he’d come to live with her after the accident that had taken his parents. Hayden had never once given up however, and the memory of his mothers final words pushed him harder than ever to seek her acceptance- after all he was the only heir to the Kaneko empire now.

It’s been 29 years of aiming for perfection… and though he won’t admit it; he’s growing weary of trying.

Appearance- Hayden stands at 5.7, and while he doesn’t necessarily look to be on the stronger side, one might find an impressive set of muscles under those designer suits. Hayden’s default expression tends to be one of stern scrutiny, like he’s sizing you up and finding all your weaknesses at once- which is exactly what he’s doing. He’s partial to darker colours when it comes to fashion and frequently forgets to cut his hair so it ends up a dark fluffy mess on the top of his head. Hayden tends to go for the stubble look but does grow out his beard on occasion. He has no tattoos, but does have a very thin scar on his upper thigh from an accident in his youth. When he’s thinking too hard or absolutely flabbergasted, a little vein near his left eyebrow likes to pulse.




----------


There was nothing like the crack of a fist against ribs, the sensation of impact that coursed up ones knuckles. Or the resounding grunt as an opponent fell to his knees, but most of all there was nothing quite like the taste of victory. Hayden's dark black hair was pressed to his forehead and neck, the sweat seemed to course from his every pore, and yet the rush of the win was evident in the lights of his eyes and the way his normally stern mouth curved the slightest degree upwards.

“Feeling better Mr. Kaneko?” Hudson groaned from the mat, flopping hard onto his back and tapping three times on the deep blue of the cushioned ground beneath him.

“One more.” Hayden bounced in place, fists still up and ready to deal his next set of blows.

“Absolutely not- besides you have to get changed. We’ll already be late as it is.” Hudson ordered, the poor bodyguard grunted only a fraction as he forced himself up to a sitting position. “You feeling ready for the big day?” He asked. “It’s not everyday you get-“

“I don’t want to talk about this Hudson.” Hayden turned without looking back at the man who had guarded him for the better part of ten years. “I’ll meet you upstairs.”

Everyone knew the order of the world revolved around two constructs- Money and Favour. For generations humanity vied for the attention of the rich and famous and they prayed for the God’s to notice. It was the game they all played and in return the rich grew richer and the devout earned their favour at any means necessary. It was a game Hayden Kaneko knew well, one he’d been trained since birth to win at.

Kaneko tower stood tall in New York’s most prestigious area, like a glass palace among the skyscrapers, its elevator a shiny cage that brought Hayden up from the buildings gym and to the very top floors. The ones he called home. He barely gave the billion dollar view a second glance, choosing instead to mop at his brow while checking over the latest news before entering his apartment and heading straight for the shower.

The announcement that the God’s had chosen their next contestant’s had been a world wide sensation, and reporters travelled from far an wide to stand kilometres away from the shining gates of Oracle Manor just to get the shot as fifty owls, birthed from Athena’s mighty flock took to the sky and sought out those who might be worthy. It had become a world wide holiday, business's closed and everyone stayed home- hoping for a glimpse of wing and feather and the chance to prove their mettle.

“And there they go! Off and away to collect this years contestants and what a beautiful sight it was! As you all know, every contestant picked will have one week to get their affairs in order before making the trek up to Oracle Manor where they’ll spend one year competing against one another for the position of emissary. This time five of our illustrious and most honourable Gods have laid down the gauntlet and oh boy we just can’t wait to see who comes out on top!” The new’s reporters sunny voice trailed quietly out of the enormous TV embedded in the wall of Hayden’s bathroom. He was surrounded by luxury; massive floor to ceiling mirrors, rainfall shower head that came from the roof and even a massive tub that looked like it could host him and about five others stood in front of a large window.

Hayden ignored the gorgeous sight from the window, the glimmering lights of New York did nothing to ease the strain that settled deep within him, burrowing deep between his brows, leaving their marks upon him. Instead he leaned closer to the mirror after his shower, impatiently brushing back the hair that likely needed a trim from his face, and pressing his thick rimmed glasses further up his nose. Nearby a perfectly pressed patterned suit- straight from Milan hung awaiting him, but Hayden found he wasn’t quite ready to put on the suit and face the music. Two stories below him the company and most importantly his grandmother waited. She would be there, sitting front and centre, back pin straight and arms folded neatly over her formal wear, she would give nothing away as she waited for the arrival of her only grandson.

“The Gods this year are Hades, Dionysus, Hera, Athena and last and certainly not least Poseidon.” The reporter’s hand lifted, curling lightly into her hair as she spoke of the God of the Sea. He so rarely made his appearances, choosing to stay in New Olympus along with the rest of the Gods but when he did, the God of the sea was certainly a sight to behold. It wasn’t clear to humanity where New Olympus was- but those who had been lucky enough to win a position of Emissary or be ferreted away as a lover of a God had spoken of the city as if it were a mecca, something incredible to behold. “Each God has invited ten lucky contestants and should they be the last one standing of their group that lucky winner will get the most coveted prize of all!” The reporters hands clutched tightly around the mic, almost as if she could hardly contain herself or her excitement. Hayden glowered at the screen, thinking for half a moment to make a single call and get the woman off the air- her sunny disposition was too fucking much. He had the power and the connections to make it happen certainly, but then the reporter continued speaking. “Not only will our contestants be welcomed to New Olympus with open arms each winner will receive a single wish- a wish the Gods have promised to fulfill. You can of course save the wish or use it right away.”

One wish, he knew exactly what he would wish for if given the chance. Gods, if only…

Hayden’s hands clenched on the marble counter top of his bathroom vanity, he already knew the truth- no owl would be darkening his doorstep; his fate had been set. Grandmother had seen to that. The thought that he couldn’t glean any information or logic out the gods selection process was maddening. However through it all one fact remained true- all winners in the past had been extraordinary. Finally Hayden donned the suit his grandmother had deemed worthy for the day and with one last look over himself in the mirror Hayden pushed all the strain and fear from his face.

Slowly the crease of his brow lessened, bringing to light smooth luminous skin, a family gene his grandmother was most proud to claim even if it wasn't true. His glasses were perched perfectly over his nose, framing deep brown eyes that almost looked black except when the sun hit them just right. He wasn’t the tallest man, but with constant training and a tailor that cost thousands he certainly filled out the suit perfectly. Smoothing the jacket down one last time Hayden let out the final breath, filled with the last remnants of his stress and stepped out of his rooms.

Two body guards joined him and Hudson, falling just a step behind him like silent sentinels. They made no complaints or noise as Hayden skipped the elevator- taking the stairs down two at a time. After all his work was just a few floors down. If everything went Grandmothers way It would all be his soon. The thought made him itch.

“Grandson!” Her grandmother stood from her spot in front of the TV upon his entry. She barely looked old enough to have a grandson, though that was mostly due to the help of a rather skilful surgeon and thirty pounds of Botox. Her hands reached out gripping his own tightly, there was a brief moment where the sunny disposition slipped away and Hayden was greeted to the familiar sight of her overwhelming expectation. Everything from the cool grey of her eyes to the slight tilt down of her perfectly painted mouth warned him. The look told him in no uncertain terms that if he wasn’t the picture of perfection there would be hell to pay.

“Mr and Mrs Balliste, if I may introduce my Grandson. Hayden Kaneko.” Grandmother’s arm swept to the side, the long elegant fabric of her sleeve draping in front of him as she gestured. Immediately Hayden dropped his head, forcing his body down exactly 30 degrees into the graceful bow that had been drilled into him since infancy. He waited, counted silently in his head and then raised his gaze to see the middle aged couple doing the same.

“It is a pleasure, Mr. Kaneko.” Mr. Balliste lifted first and his wife quickly followed after him. “It is also our pleasure to introduce our daughter to you at last.” The man stepped aside and a petite young woman- rather a girl stepped forward. Hayden schooled his expression quickly, never letting his smile falter even as the realization of what was about to happen settled over him. She couldn’t have been more than nineteen. “This is Mei Balliste.”

“Pleasure.” Hayden bowed once more and Mei did the same. Behind him his grandmother began to chatter on excitedly about their upcoming nuptials as well as what it would mean for both families and their businesses. While they spoke he took the opportunity to look over his future wife, shrewd eyes missing nothing.

Weak limbs, limp hair, mousy nose- she was still a child for all that he could tell. Logically he could agree the merger of Balliste and Kaneko was a smart one, set to make both families billions of dollars- and yet he couldn’t quite find it within him to want it. Not when the poor thing looked like she might jump out of her own skin when she met his eye. Hayden tended to have that effect on people- his cold dark gaze seemed to unnerve most. He felt his grandmothers darker gaze upon him and he forced the inane urge to throw himself out the 40th story window to the side.

“Are you interested in the Oracle Manor Mr. Kaneko?” Keiko’s father approached his thumbs tucked into the leather of his belt. Together they turned towards the TV where the another reporter got as close as he dared to the gates of Oracle manor before the storms of Zeus’s protection halted him. Before he could answer yes his grandmother - as always - answered for him.

“My grandson certainly would be most honoured to be chosen, but I cannot think the God’s would take him away. Especially when the work we do is so important.” She spoke as if the God’s cared about money and multi billion dollar deals that resulted from arranged marriages.

By dinner time Hayden was feeling considerably worse over the days events, not that anyone would know. He smiled through Mrs. Balliste’s monologue over her gardens back in Tokyo. He laughed at Mr. Balliste colourful retelling of how he’d managed to hunt a rhino in Africa just last summer and when Mei finally worked up the nerve to speak to him she confessed that she held a deep love for spinning wool out of her rabbits fur- nothing - other than a slight twitch of his eye- about his expression betrayed the fact that he wanted to die. They sat now at a large table, their plates framed by every type of cutlery imaginable. Salad forks, soup spoons, lobster picks, fish knives; Grandmother had spared no expense. They were just being regaled by Mr. Balliste about another one of his hunts when a commotion from the hall had his grandmother rising to her feet.

“What is this?” She cried, slamming her napkin onto the table. Hayden also rose, his neutral expression shifting to something more alight at the thought of watching his grandmother lay into someone. At least that would be entertaining. He followed her into the hall, his gaze shifting as Hudson and the rest of the bodyguards crowded around the doors to the stairs, speaking softly into their headsets. “What is the meaning of this!” Grandmother cried out, and Hayden could picture the way her small feet stamped under her kimono in indignation.

“It’s here.” Hudson spoke both into his headset and to grandmother.

“For heavens sake what is here!?”

“An owl.” Hudson said simply, pulling the door open. There was a great whoosh of air as a massive owl flapped it’s wings, propelling it forward. It was like his world shifted, all his attention focused on the great birds keen eyes. He was dimly aware of his grandmothers screeching voice, shouting that this was a mistake but he didn’t pay her any mind. Instead he watched as the owl settled on the marble floor in front of him, his eyes seemingly peering through his very soul, and for the first time in a long time a faint glimmer of hope burst into flame inside of him.

The Gods were never wrong.

 

[Becboc]

Essa Hariki

History
There hasn’t been a day go by where Essa hasn’t questioned how cruel twists of fate can be, or what she must have done in a past life to deserve the circumstances of her current one. Essa Hariki was born with nothing, grew up with nothing and to this day has survived with… nothing. Her mother and father have and always had have their own problems, mainly gambling and drug addiction to name but a few – far too many to cope with the two daughters that on more than one occasion they have described as accidents. Essa has always been good at blocking out the screaming matches about her existence, but became even more so when she had Esther to protect, to distract. Becoming a mother figure herself at such a young age grew Essa quickly, hardened her to life and the world around her. Esther’s wellbeing gave her purpose above all else and to this day she truly believes that caring for her younger sibling, making sure that she’s fed, warm, happy no matter the cost… has allowed her to survive in return. The slums of New York are a dark and dangerous place for vulnerable girls, which Essa has always managed to avoid… until the fated day her father returned from an unsuccessful gambling match, only to announce that his loss this time was not cash, or substances. No, this time his loss was very simply… his eldest daughter.

Appearance
Standing at an average height of five foot six, Essa is of a slender, almost boyish build, mostly because of her upbringing. She’s been slightly malnourished, slightly underweight for most of her life but somehow she has managed to maintain a certain kind of strength, a speed to the way she moves, simply because she’s had to be quick and strong to ensure the protection of her sister. Essa’s skin tone is light brown, her hair the same shade but darker and she often wears it in a disarray of curls that swish this way and that when she moves. Untameable. Lighter (almost amber) hazel eyes stare out from beneath them, eyes that are lined by rows of naturally dark and thick lashes. Her cupid bow lips are usually pressed into a stern line, one that is only broken when Essa is worried or frightened, the giveaway her top teeth tangling with her bottom lip. She also has a light spattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose that become more pronounced when exposed to the sun.

 

[Becboc]

There had been numerous occasions in which Essa had learned to welcome the white noise inside of her head. She wasn’t completely sure when her body had started reacting in that way, most probably somewhere along the line during her younger adolescent years. She couldn’t fully explain it or control it, but after so many instances of hearing things that she didn’t want to hear, she had learned to accept the ringing, the zoning out of everything around her as a gift; an uncomfortable one, but a gift all the same. This time however… this time, was perhaps the worst of all of them. Because this time she needed to be able to hear, needed to know… what the fuck she was going to do about the fact that her own father had sent her up shit creek without a paddle.

Her father. The man who stood in front of her now, red faced, veins bulging from his faded, tattooed neck, couldn’t really be described as that, could he? As he shouted and spat at her mother who stood in front of him, screaming back, small hands gesticulating, who… couldn’t be described as a mum really either, could she? Because parents didn’t sell their daughters to part of a drug ring for cash. Because parents didn’t treat their children like this.

At her side, a smaller version of Essa began to cry, soft little gulps that only just stroked the edges of her older sister’s consciousness, fraying the white noise strand by strand, grasping at her to come back, to make this right, just as she always did. But Essa knew. She knew that no matter what she did, no matter how hard she tried, this time there was no making this go away. Not when the kind of people her father was involved with would simply take Esther if Essa refused. Not when her parents would be willing to let that happen.

“When?” The word came out hoarsely, not much above a whisper, as though it was stuck in her throat. The screaming continued.

“When?” Louder this time but still nothing.

“For the love of God, look at me!” The white noise stopped, suddenly and with startling clarity. Silence filled the space that had once been choked with anger and almost as if they remembered her existence, both Essa’s mother and father turned to look at her. Esther still gulped softly by Essa’s side.

“I asked you a question.” Essa’s voice trembled, despite her desire to remain calm for her sister. “When?”

Another silence followed but it was shorter this time, more loaded. Waiting. “Tomorrow.”

Her father’s voice was beaten, downtrodden but not… remorseful. He had lost but it was not what he had lost that ailed him. Her mother tutted, clicking her tongue in disgust although at what part of this, Essa couldn’t be sure and so now that she had her answer, she nodded, slowly before reaching out to take Esther’s hand in her own. “Then I’ll be ready at dawn.”

The screaming continued long after Essa had pulled her younger sibling from the room, as though they had never been there at all, as though this didn’t affect them more than it would anyone else. Essa closed and locked their bedroom door behind her, their small sanctuary in which they shared a single bed, drawings and paintings covering the walls to brighten up the drab, peeling wallpaper that should have been replaced long ago. The taller of the two girls encouraged Esther down onto the edge of the mattress and kneeled before her, cupping her tear-stained cheek in a shaking hand. For the first time since in as long as she could remember, Essa felt a swell in the back of her throat, tears stinging her eyes but she blinked and hard, not wanting to frighten her sister any more than she knew she already was. “It’s all going to be okay Ess,” Essa told her, firmly, soothingly. “I’ll keep you safe. Somehow… I’ll make this right. Okay?” A fierce kiss was pressed to her sibling’s forehead as Essa finally rose and sat down beside her, pulling her close. “I promise.”

It was perhaps the first time that Essa had ever made her sister a promise and doubted whether she would be able to fulfil it.

---

Esther fell asleep long before Essa did, who remained awake, staring at the ceiling well into the night, her mind going over and over what she could do, how they might get out of this. Whichever which way she turned though, it came back to the same conclusion. There was no way out, no escape. She needed to do this for Esther’s sake, needed to trust that she would be okay without her. The thought in itself pulled her from the bed, carefully so as not to wake her sister from her slumber to face anymore turmoil than she already had. Essa looked around the tiny room, wondering for a moment what she should pack and then very quickly remembering that she had nothing to pack. The thought almost made her smile with a sick kind of irony. Almost.

Padding to the window that looked out onto the city below, Essa was not oblivious to the commotion happening around the world, the city. She just had… too much else to worry about right now to consider it. There was a faint crackle of a TV chittering through one of the windows on their block, the reporter’s voice floating into the cold night air. “The God’s this year are H… tschk… Dionysus… tsssk… Pos…. frsssk.”

“Fucking thing! Lada! Tv’s out again!” This time Essa did manage a small smile as the cursing was followed by a series of thumps and she had just been about to steady her mind elsewhere when a sudden gust of wind blew into the room from somewhere overhead followed by… a shadow. A shadow that was much, much too large to belong to a bird… wasn’t it?

For a moment, Essa was frozen in place but then it happened again… and again and again. A steady rhythm began to form, a beating sound… wings. The dark haired girl stood back from the window in surprise when the owl came into view, before Essa could truly comprehend what was happening, it’s large form overshadowing her entire being when it perched upon the railing outside, the metal creaking under its weight. The land was graceful for such a huge creature and Essa for a moment, could only stare straight back at it, as it cocked its head one way, then another. Assessing. Waiting… Requesting. As those bright yellow eyes stared back into her own as if it were looking into her very soul, with a message for her and her alone.

The Gods were never wrong.

 

[BoneBrain]

The week that followed for Hayden was nothing short of chaotic. Grandmother had been so utterly devastated at the news that she had keeled over right there in front of the Balliste's and fainted dead away. She raged at him from her plush hospital bed surrounded by the best doctors and staff money could buy. She told him that he'd ruined everything. His mother and father, gods rest their souls, would be devastated to know how he'd hurt this family. How on earth could he be so selfish? Hayden stood at the edge of her hospital bed and knew that this would be the last time he'd ever see her scornful face. He was going to get that wish, or he would die trying.

"Farewell Grandmother. I won't miss you." He told her as she took a breath in the middle of her tirade. He didn't think he'd ever seen anyone turn that deep shade of red before, and Grandmother's perfect face contorted into a mess of irate wrinkles. She screamed her curses at him and her wails echoed down the sterile halls as he walked away from her demands that he make this right. Fuck her and her expectations.

He stepped out of the hospital and into the blaze of hundreds of camera flashes as the press swarmed him like flies. They shoved microphones in his face and snapped shot after shot of his schooled bland expression. It wasn't the first time he'd been swarmed by the masses, though in the past it had been about page six news like the women he spent time with at gala's or charity events.

"Hayden! Hayden! What's going through your head?"
"Do you think you'll win the Gods favour?"
"Are you prepared to do whatever it takes to win Mr. Kaneko?"
"Are you afraid of potentially dying?"

He didn't grace any of them with an answer, instead he plodded forward looking for his driver. He pushed through the masses, bracing against the bodies that pressed against him until he was able to shut the door to all their questions and breath out a sigh of relief. His breath stopped short when he realized he wasn't the only passenger in the car.

"Joe..." Hayden spoke his drivers name, demanding an answer to the presence that sat across from him. She was an elderly lady, white soft curls haloed around her face and she extended a hand in greeting.

"Hayden Kaneko, it's a pleasure. I've been sent on behalf of the Gods to help you finalize your affairs before your flight this coming Friday." Hayden took her offered hand but he didn't return the smile.

"Excellent." He said. "Let's get to work."

Hayden sat in the ornate interior of the private jet set to take them overseas to the private airport that was on the grounds of Oracle Manor. He brought nothing with him, not his phone, wallet or any sort of suitcase. Everything he needed the gods would provide upon his arrival. He took comfort in knowing he'd transferred most of his funds to an account out of his grandmothers reach and he would have a comfortable nest egg to return to when this all as through. He didn't care what happened to the Kaneko empire now, and he'd denied any sort of help to keep the business running while away. That was a curse he would leave for Grandmother.

Hayden sipped on the exquisite vintage merlot and waved down one of the two pretty flight attendants that meandered through the plane.

"Excuse me? Why haven't we left yet?" He asked and the woman shot him a stunning smile.

"We're just waiting for our last contestant to arrive. She should be here any moment. Can I grab you a blanket or anything before take off?" Hayden waved her away and took another sip of the rich wine. It wasn't common to have contestants from the same city let alone the same country. But perhaps there was an advantage to this, he could size up whomever it was for the few hours they had alone together. Even though none of the contestants knew which god had chosen them just yet it was important he glean everything he could to come out on top.

Hayden fucking loved winning, and the thought almost put a smile on his face as he waited for his enemy.

 

[Becboc]

The days that followed were nothing like Essa had ever experienced before in her life. Suddenly her privacy was wrenched out from beneath her, press swarmed around her apartment block, they crowded her if she tried to leave and when they couldn’t get to her, well… her family was the next best thing and needless to say they took the opportunity and ran with it. Selling their eldest daughter would pay off their debts but selling a God’s wish? That would be life changing.

Essa had always known that her parents were crooks but after it got out that she was chosen? Their performance as doting parents was second to none; even she found herself wanting to believe the speeches they gave, the happy charade, until the masks came off back in their hotel suite that they had kindly been put up in after her father’s request for privacy. Or rather, the kind of posh apartment that he believed that he deserved. Having to share it with his family was merely an inconvenience.

With all of this going on around her, Essa hardly had a chance to prepare for what was ahead. One minute she’d been planning how to save her younger sibling from a fate that she saw as worse than death but now… the hope of a wish had changed everything.

All that she needed to do was win it.

The day the car pulled up outside of the Pembrookshire Hotel wasn’t a day that Essa ever thought she’d be ready for. It wasn’t the trials she knew she would be facing, or what being summoned by a God meant for her, it was simply that… she hadn’t been apart from Esther for more than a couple of hours in her whole life and yet here she was… leaving her for what could be the very last time. Essa knew full well that she might not survive this. She was a nobody; she didn’t have money, influence… the knowledge and power that she was sure the other contestants most likely had. She had strength but would that be enough? Essa didn’t know but she was willing to fight tooth and nail to make sure that it was.

The goodbye happened in a whirlwind of emotion as she held Esther tight to her and in turn reminded her father that if anything should happen to his youngest while Essa was away… he would pay. She would make sure that he would pay, in one way or another.

By the time that the eldest Hariki sibling was sat in the sleek black car with black out windows, she was struggling to hold it together. A grey haired, handsome man sat beside her but she didn’t greet him, paid him no mind as she looked up at the hotel that held the most precious thing to her and watched it disappear as the car took her away from it. “The guardian’s arriving tomorrow morning? First thing?”

“Yes, Essa. First thing.” To this, the dark haired girl nodded and with a slow exhale she sat and faced forwards. She had not used her newfound fame for anything, other than ensuring there would be someone to take care of and protect her sister while she was away. “Now. Let’s get you prepared for the journey ahead, shall we?”

It wasn’t long before the car was pulling up outside of the private jet. Essa stared at the plane (she’d never been on a plane before), her heart rate increasing slightly at the thought of it zooming up into the sky. “So the jet is private, but you won’t be alone on the journey,” the older man explained nonchalantly. “There’s another contestant from the city who will be joining you. It should be a good chance for you both to… connect.”

Unsurprisingly, Essa did not respond to this, for multiple reasons but first and foremost her fear was growing and it was growing fast. The very last thing she wanted to do right now was climb the steps onto the huge flying death trap in front of her, but like so many things in her life she realised that she didn’t have a choice. And so, with a face that was slightly paler than it should have been, she exited the car wordlessly, her rucksack slung over her shoulder as she started towards the steps with grim determination on her features. She was surprised, once inside, to find that the jet was lavishly furnished. The seats were adorned with plush leather, not sat in uncomfortable rows like you saw on the television. The space was comfortable, cosy almost, and as she made her way down the aisle she relaxed maybe a fraction. Or at least that was until she remembered and realised all at the same time that she was not alone.

Amber eyes met with the stranger who sat in one of the seats, the stranger who Essa assumed was the other contestant. Her gaze roamed over him, the way he dripped expensive, the way he looked… at home within his surroundings. Unlike her who looked mildly uncomfortable, if not impossibly tense. A swell of bitterness rose in her throat as she took in the sweep of dark hair, the familiarity of the sharp features she couldn’t quite place, her own turning into an involuntary scowl before she looked away again. Unfriendly. Suspicious. Essa wasn’t one for conversation at the best of times and sitting across from who was pretty much an enemy to her wasn’t exactly the situation that would prompt her to feel talkative, if such a situation even existed. And so, the eldest Hariki sister said nothing as she dipped her bag from her shoulder and moved past the stranger to take up a seat on the opposite side of the plane, just slightly behind him. An advantageous move, so she could see what was happening at all times.

Once she was settled, she pulled the headphones from around her neck and placed them over her ears, foot tapping nervously, top teeth already chewing on her bottom lip while she looked out of the window for any sign that they’d be leaving soon.

 

[BoneBrain]

Of all the contestants Hayden had been expecting, the wild haired woman with the sad eyes had not even been on his radar. His finger traced over the rim of his wine glass and the crystal sang under his touch as she passed. Their eyes mirrored one another's, scanning up and down- assessing. She took up a seat a little ways behind him and he had to resist the urge to twist his head to keep peering at her. The wine glass ceased its humming as his hand lifted and the captain announced they were ready for take off. He'd done this song and dance hundreds of times before and he didn't blink an eye as the engine of the plane flared to life.

The plane rumbled after it's taxi to the runway and Hayden twisted his head to watch as the sights and sounds of New York turned to a blur as the jet sped down the runway, eventually lifting and taking them high into the clouds. After the captain had turned off the seatbelt sign Hayden got to work- it was time to get to know his competition. He got up, adjusting the cuffs of his $40,000 dollar suit and once he was assured he looked perfectly presentable he made his way towards the back of the plane. The flight attendant was pretty and perfectly accommodating as he requested a bottle of champagne and two glasses. With the bottle tucked under his arm he returned to the set of seats the woman had taken up and settled himself across from her without bothering to ask for an invitation, or caring she still wore her headphones. To get what he wanted from her he needed her to think she didn't have an option or escape from his presence. Which to be fair- in an airplane was an easy task.

"It seems congratulations are in order for the both of us. Two New Yorker's chosen by the gods." He mused as he popped the cork off with ease and began to pour the golden bubbles into each of the tall glasses. When he was finished he placed the bottle in the bucket of ice the flight attendant had slid over to him before leaving them be. Hayden's smile was all easy going, but it didn't quite reach the darkness in those eyes of his as he slid the glass towards the woman. From here he could see the thick lashes the shuttered her eyes from him and the soft spattering of freckles that dotted her nose. Certainly a woman like this would have no hardship being chosen by the likes of Aphrodite but that goddess was not a part of the competition this go around; which meant there was much more to this woman than her pretty face.

"I must admit that the idea of company on this nine hour flight seems much better than spending it alone. Don't you agree?" Hayden stuck out his hand then, wanting to feel the strength of her handshake. "I'm Hayden Kaneko." He took in everything he could about her, noting the the gaunt hollows of her cheeks and the dust and grime under her nails. His inner Hercule Poirot all but twiddled his mustache in the assumption that the woman before him had not spent much time with the finer things in life.

"First time flying?" He asked.

 

[Becboc]

It went without saying that for the most part, Essa was completely engrossed in the idea that she would be flying through the sky in next to no time at all. She tried to use the sounds of Bon Iver to drown out her impending anxiety, the raw and rumble of the engine that she could feel quaking beneath her feet. She ignored the hostesses as they gave the necessary safety demonstrations, the way they clipped themselves into their seats and encouraged that she should do the same. Amber eyes remained glued upon the window as the jet began its taxi to the runway and a hushed curse left her lips when it finally began to gather speed, ready to launch up into the sky. Essa didn't realise that she'd been gripping onto the armrest of her seat for dear life until it was over, until the clouds encompassed the world below and she realised, for the first time that she was now well and truly being taken away from everything she had ever known.

It wasn't until the seatbelt sign went off that Essa finally relaxed just a fraction, enough to release her grip from the seat where indentations of her fingers remained. For a long while, she simply stared out of her window, thinking, considering, perhaps even enjoying just a little the view from a new perspective. In her whole life, Essa had never believed she would ever see anything like this and she knew that flying was only the beginning. It was... overwhelming, exciting, terrifying and she was glad of being left alone to sift through all of her varying emotions, so much so that she didn't realise that she was no longer alone until the stranger, the other competitor who now sat beside her, began to speak.

Light brown eyes met with darker ones, their owner's brow furrowing slightly. She noticed that the stranger's lips were moving, his voice muffled before she slipped her headphones from her ears and back around her neck. "What?" The question came out perhaps a little sharper than she had intended it to, as though whoever this was and whatever he wanted was simply a huge inconvenience to her which... wasn't that far from the truth.

It took Essa a moment to catch up with what he'd said to her and when she did she chose not to acknowledge it. Most probably would say congratulations were in order, but she wasn't so sure. What this meant for her, for Esther, was still yet to be seen and Essa had to really try not to scoff at the man in the expensive suit who was now pouring her a glass of something that looked as expensive as he did. For a small while longer she watched him, took him in, the little details she had missed when only walking by him. He smiled at her, an easy going kind of expression though she could see that something different was reflected in the way he was looking at her. Something... darker, much less warmer than the offer of company he was now providing. It put Essa immediately on edge, despite the fact she sat back in her seat, allowing her head to fall against the headrest.

"Not really," she answered him curtly, and then added, "I like my own company." As if that wasn't enough of a hint, the stranger then introduced himself and held out his hand to her. Hayden Kaneko. A familiar name but still one that Essa couldn't quite place. Her gaze dropped to his offer and there was a reluctance about the way she considered it; the way she became very aware of the dirt beneath her finger nails and the size difference between their fingers. In the end, she simply looked and sat up straighter without offering her own hand in return.

"Essa," she muttered, looking back out to the window at his follow up question about her flying. There was more to this interaction than a simple greeting, she could sense it - it would seem that the trials had begun early.

"Maybe." A few beats of silence followed in which Essa wondered if it was that obvious... and then a few more in which she wondered whether she should be insulted. "Why? What makes you think that it is?"

 

[BoneBrain]

Those sad eyes gave him nothing but suspicion, even the windows to this woman's very soul were boarded up tight. Hayden twirled the stem of his champagne glass- lifting it and taking the smallest of sips when she refused to lift her hand and shake his. Hayden could tell a lot about a person with their handshake, callouses and strength of grip were all factors that led towards his inevitable conclusion of a persons character. Perhaps the woman in next to him knew that as well, hence her refusal. He was starting to think that she might give him nothing when at last her name slipped free. She looked away as she said it, and Hayden's fake smile turned up the slightest degree.

"Pleasure to meet you Essa." He murmured. To his question about her first time flying her words grew even more curt- a sure sign that she'd never seen the blue of the ocean from so high above before. She demanded to know his reasoning and Hayden was more than happy to oblige. "These markings here." Hayden gestured to the armrests, the little half moon shapes of her nails were still embedded in the lush leather. "And you look considerably paler from when you first arrived. Here have some of the champagne, it'll help with the nerves." He slid the flute closer to her. It might also help to loosen her tongue.

"How does it feel to fly?" He asked. "Is it everything you imagined?" While he had made countless flights all over the world, Hayden could still remember his first- the way his mother smiled encouragingly at him and his father made sure he got the chance to look in the cockpit. It had been overwhelming- he wondered what it was like to experience such a monumental first all alone. The clouds drifted lazily below them offering glimpses of the rolling ocean below, they were far enough away from the mainland now that it looked to Hayden the earth was just covered in deep blue waves. He leaned closer to Essa, peering out the window along with her.

"It never does get boring. Seeing the earth like one of the titans. Like I could just crush a city with my foot." He murmured softly. He caught the faint whiff of her shampoo, and found he liked the combination of it along with the smoky woodsy scent of his Tom Ford Cologne. He wondered what that wild hair might feel like and he resisted the urge to reach out and tug lightly on it. Instead he leaned away, his dark eyes never leaving Essa as he assessed her reactions to his closeness. He wanted to know what it took to unnerve her.

Every person had a breaking point, the right combination of things that felt uncomfortable or made their skin prickle before the light of fear filled their eyes. He'd spent enough time with societies finest and meanest to know the subtle jabs or the tactics one used to make others feel small. The bubbles of the champagne exploded on his tongue as he drank once more. He contemplated what the victory of finding out Essa's triggers might feel like- it didn't seem possible but his eyes darkened as his tongue slid between his teeth. He liked the idea of finding that out a lot.

"Have you lived in New York all your life?" He asked.

 

[Becboc]

Immediate suspicion flickered in Essa’s expression as she looked to the expensive bottle of champagne that the stranger suggested would cure her tension. She realised, as he gestured towards the marks her fingernails had left in the armrests, that he was perceptive, maybe more than she initially gave him credit for. He was assessing, noticing behind those cold, dark eyes, like a shark roaming over its potential prey. The sensation did not make Essa feel uncomfortable though, instead it only made her more determined to wriggle free of the impending danger. To do that though, she needed to be smart about it.

For a small while after the flute was slid her way, Essa did not respond. Her fingers reached out to curl around the stem as they both looked out to the window and she lifted the glass to her lips as though she had tasted champagne a thousand times before, when in reality this would be another first for her. The liquid exploded into bubbles on her tongue and she almost wrinkled her nose at the sensation, but managed to compose herself before slipping the drink back onto the surface between them. In doing so, she immediately noticed Hayden’s closer proximity, gaze glancing over the sharpness of his profile, the scent of his woodsy cologne stroking her nose as the scent of her shampoo did his. For a moment she didn’t move away, but when he spoke again her brow furrowed, her expression turning into something else entirely.

“It feels like we’re in the sky in a tin box that could drop at any moment. Not exactly the stuff dreams are made of.” Essa’s tone was scoffed, mocking almost. This time, the dark haired girl pressed herself back against the seat, a sign in body language that Hayden should do the same. It would seem that his comments had landed incorrectly somehow, that Essa was now even more determined to shut down their avenue of conversation than she had been previously and it was for this reason that she did not verbally respond. No, sometimes silence was the key to learning more about an enemy, giving them the noose to hang themselves with, so to speak.

She shook her head slightly, as if to rid herself of the amusement caused by that thought. “I have. Though I imagine I know the city in a very different way to what you do.”

 

[BoneBrain]

She played his game well, side stepping any sort of signs that might lead him to any clues as to her weaknesses, she was strong of mind he concluded and the thought pleased him. She shifted away from him, clearly telling him that his nearness was unwelcome. She seemed less than impressed with his interpretation of their view and once more he she showed him that everything around her was a setting in which she was not familiar. The height at which they flew was unfamiliar, as were the metal walls around them- it was strange and not at all welcoming to the likes of her. She confirmed his thinking when she answered his question about her living in New York- and while she wasn't wrong she also wasn't right. New York, in his experience was just as ruthless in the penthouse as it was under the dimly lit bridges.

"Hmm, that's quite the assumption." He immediately kicked himself after speaking, realizing quickly that was quite the clue to his identity. While his adoption had been quite the media sensation back in the day and it was hardly a secret he didn't like the idea of Essa knowing more about his history than he knew of hers. He fell quiet for a long while, sipping away at the golden liquid while he glanced between the window and Essa. One of the flight attendants moved through the cabin then, pushing a cart filled to the brim with all sort of items meant for comfort. She told them both that they would soon be dimming the lights, and it was highly suggested that they sleep before the welcome ball that Dionysus was governing. Here they would meet their fellow contestants and also have their chosen god or goddess revealed. Hayden considered for a moment, hesitating between finding out more about the intriguing woman next to him- but he'd heard tales of the famous Dionysus and his debauchery that often lasted until late in the morning. And so with some reluctance he accepted the pillows and blankets, and lifted from the seat next to Essa and took up residence on the row directly across from hers on the left side of the plane.

There he could give her the space to sleep while still keeping an eye out on her. Hayden reclined his chair and after fluffing the incredibly soft pillow he rested his head- letting his eyes drift over Essa one last time. The scent of the pillow was almost drugging and he found his head and his eyelids grow heavy almost instantly. his mind was just barely puzzling the pieces together that whatever he was laying on was more than just a pillow when sleep took him.

Hayden could hear the sounds of tittering laughter in the distance, and he rolled over trying his best to escape the annoying noise, gripping the pillow tight to his head as he tried to drown out the laughter as it grew louder. He heard footsteps and the sound of a door opening which confused him. Surely there were no doors that sounded like that on the plane.

"Oh my god, he really is as good looking as the photos." He heard a soft whisper and Hayden slowly lifted his head his eyes opening blearily. Fog still roiled around his brain and it took him a moment to understand that his settings had completely changed. The rumble of the plane and the soft leather seat was replaced by bird song and quite possibly one of the most comfortable beds he'd ever laid upon. Golden beams of light shone through a near by arched window, gilding the walls and it's inhabitants with it's glow.

"Good evening Mr. Kaneko." Hayden sat up straight, running a hand over his face as he was welcomed.

"What happened?" He grumbled, trying his best to be on full alert but the last bits of fog seemed quite stubborn.

"Don't worry, this happened to everyone as per the Gods decree." Hayden was wondering why his vision remained blurry when he realized his glasses were missing. As if sensing what he wanted one of the two ladies stepped forward offering him a thick pair of glasses that were not his own. He reached for them and when the sheets shifted he realized he was also as naked as the day he was born. "Whenever you're ready we can get you fitted for the party that's soon to happen as well as answer any questions you may have."

"Right." Hayden slipped on his new glasses only slightly surprised that they were the exact right prescription. "I couldn't even bring the clothes on my back into the manor?" Hayden asked the two women he assumed were maids and stood up and holding the thin sheet strategically near his waist.

"It was the gods decree." The taller of the two women said, a pleasant smile over her features. He didn't miss the way her eyes shifted down his body.

"I get the feeling that might be the answer to most of my questions." Hayden said dryly. The woman only smiled brighter at him, though her smile dimmed when he shot her a scathing look. If she wasn't going to provide him any information he decided he had little time for her. He was in the game now, it was time to play it. "Alright," he said. "What am I wearing?"

 

[Becboc]

His response to her was not what she had been expecting and naturally, Essa found her gaze drawn to Hayden again as she considered that she had indeed made an assumption and whether it was perhaps misplaced. Then she considered if she even cared. It was a strange, confusing mix of emotions and thoughts, to the point that she was grateful when Hayden fell silent. She did the same, feeling much more comfortable without conversation than with it, even more so when he finally moved away from her to accept the sleeping materials given to him. Essa did the same, the still half full glass of champagne fizzing on the surface beside her.

Light brown eyes watched her fellow contestant from where she began to settle herself as he did; she didn't relish the idea of sleeping at all, should anything happen she might need to be awake for. But as she started to get comfortable, and as she laid back into the plushness of the pillows, she felt her eyelids growing heavy until sleep claimed her without her being given a choice in the matter.

----

This had to be the comfiest bed she had ever slept in. It was warm... soft, so much different to the threadbare, springy mattress that she was used to. She even had her own space, with no Esther to steal the covers, or push her towards the edge or...

Essa sat up with a jolt, trying to squint through the fog of her vision and of her mind. Her head felt like it was spinning, her hands grasped at the sheets around her, trying to get her bearings. Esther. Esther wasn't here, wasn't beside her where she usually was so then where...?

"Miss Hariki? Miss Hariki, are you alright?"

Essa frowned, rubbing fiercely at her eyes, trying to remember... "Miss Hariki?"

The third time her name was asked of her, everything seemed to fall into place with startling clarity. The owl. The man. The plane. Hayden...

The dark haired girl groaned, finally managing to open light browns to a very blurred vision of an unfamiliar bedroom, with sunlight sparkling in through an arched window, illuminating the soft white, creams and golds that decorated her surroundings. By her side was a young woman who was gripping at her upper arm, peering down at her with concern etched into her prettily petite features. "Where...?" Essa tried, licked her lips and then tried again. "Where... am I? Th-The... The plane...? Did we... Did we crash?"

This time, a chiming bell laugh flickered around the room. "No, Miss Hariki. You are quite safe. This is Oracle Manor. Your new home for... the forseeable future."

Finally, Essa's vision seemed to clear, though she looked no more like a mess of confused curls than she had a couple of minutes ago. "But...?"

"Please, try to relax. This happens to everyone as per the gods' decree."

"The gods' decree is to drug us?" The words were muttered but Essa knew the stranger had heard.

"It was the gods' decree." The woman smiled, pleasantly and Essa chose this time not to answer as she sat rubbing at her temples, trying to make sense of what in the hell had happened. Was about to happen. She wanted to know more, wanted to ask more but... what was the point? She was here now. There was no turning back.

"Now that you are awake Miss Hariki, I have been sent to ready you for the ball this evening."

"The ball...?" As the stranger began to speak once more, Essa was lost to her own thoughts, the words of the flight attendant before she had... slept flitting through her mind. She had mentioned something about a ball too, and the same pit of anxiety had opened up in Essa's stomach then as it had now.

"It's always such fun, and you will finally have the chance to get to know your fellow contestants."

"Mm," Essa grumbled, another frown beginning on her features. "And I'm guessing I have to go to this? I can't... call in sick?"

The woman looked confused and then her features broke out into another bright smile. "You are quite humurous, Miss Hariki. Come. Let me show you what you will be wearing."

 

[BoneBrain]

Fine cashmere slid over his skin and Hayden waved away any of the maids attempts to offer him a bow tie. He'd had enough of the constricting material around his neck to last him a life time. Even now he could distinctly feel his Grandmothers claws tightening the fabric around the column of his neck. Never again. His suit was richly patterned, made in a royal purple with lighter geometric accents and once his hair was neatly styled into a wave over his forehead he was given the all clear to leave the room. While he'd dressed Hayden had been told that the room he'd woken up in with all it's opulence would be his for the duration of his stay and soon it's dressers and drawers would be filled with clothing for him to choose from. He'd also been informed that he would only require assistance with dressing when it came to formal events like the ball this evening.

It was a comfort to know that he would have a place mostly to himself when he needed to think. The outside world had often speculated that contestants were lumped into dorm like bedrooms, and it pleased him to know they were wrong. Curiously, Hayden pulled open the door to his room and revealed a long hallway with similar doors lining each side. Each door held a number and he turned to see that his was number 4. Something fluttered in his stomach and Hayden could all but hear the collective gasp of his ancestors as they took in the unlucky number. In Japanese culture 4 sounded just like the word death. His mouth turned down at the sight and he forced his gaze away from the offending digit and turned to walk down the hall and out into a main entryway of the manor.

Stone pillars held up crown moulding and painstakingly painted ceilings, while small windows gave glimpses to rolling green hills of the surrounding lands. Hayden could hear soft music playing from the lower level and he descended the rug covered stone stairs and turned to see two large double doors opened onto one of the most beautiful ballrooms he'd ever seen. Gold chandeliers lit up the wood dancefloor, illuminating a few of the people who mingled. Floor to ceiling windows were decorated with lush ivy and fairy lights and Hayden could smell the rich wine being poured from one of the nearby tables. His gaze landed on the few folks in the middle of the dancefloor and when they noticed him he was greeted with a mixture of appraisal and welcoming.

One of the more welcoming faces flounced up to him- her dress a pale pink, with it's flouncy skirts looking like the petals of a flower. The material shimmered around her bodice and he let his gaze move up towards the toothy grin being shot his way. He took her outstretched hand, finding her hands rougher than he anticipated and strong.

"I'm Annelijn, but my friends call me Anne." She told him and from the hiss of her S he could instantly make out her Dutch accent.

"Hayden. It's a pleasure."

"Come, you must meet everyone. It's important to look everyone in the eye before we start this- don't you agree?" Hayden could only nod in agreement before Anne was grasping his arm tightly and leading him towards the small cluster of people. Anne's voice was bright and cheery despite the circumstances- she almost reminded him of a Disney princess as she took him around the circle and introduced three men and two other women. Hayden smiled politely, offering his nods and greetings like it was any other party and not the eve before a very intense year. "Oh look, here's another." Anne turned and Hayden followed suit.

It must have been the brain fog of the drugs still effecting him, because when he turned and saw that it was Essa entering he had to fight off a smile.

 

[Becboc]

Being dressed by another person was certainly an experience that Essa wouldn't forget in a hurry. Despite her several attempts to dismiss the stranger who had still not told Essa what her name was even though she'd lost count of the amount of times she'd asked, the maid remained insistent that every contestant was in need of a helping hand now and again, and that Essa should make the most of it while she had the chance. Plus, her name wasn't important. It very much felt, as it had since she had first been announced as one of the chosen, that Essa didn't really have a choice in the matter and so she eventually quietened and let the stranger fuss over her, her nerves beginning to build for the social event that was only a few mere hours away and creeping ever closer.

Needless to say, Essa was not at all well-versed in such functions. She worked as a waitress and then she went home to look after her sister; that was her life and had been for as long as she could remember. Socialising was way out of her comfort zone but apparently a neccessary evil that came as part of this whole, gods and wishes package deal she had been forced into. All of this aside however, she was at least a little bit intrigued when the maid finally turned her towards the oppulent floor length mirror that stood in the small dressing room that was attached to her bedroom. Dressing up was also not a luxury she had the fortune of experiencing and so when light brown eyes met with her reflection for the first time, they instantly widened in surprise at the vision that stood before her.

A slender figure in a burnt orange and gold dress that complimented beautifully her darker skin tone was the reflection. A gold cuff of the same feathered design hugged the top of her left arm and golden earrings to match hung out from the mass of wild curls that had somehow been left to their own devices in a way that looked... good. Her cheeks glowed a soft pink and her eyelids shimmered with an irridescent glitter. The stranger who now stood in front of her was not Essa Hariki but a god or goddess' chosen, a warrior, a fighter. Strong. Confident. Sexy.

Essa took in a breath as her maid smiled at her. "You are ready, Miss Hariki. The ball awaits."

The ballroom was of course, much bigger and luxurious than Essa could ever have imagined. The large double doors opened to reveal the gold chandeleirs, the floor length windows that sparkled with ivy and fairylights, and the bodies that already milled around in between them.

Unrecognisable faces turned towards her and seemed to warm upon casting their gazes upon her beauty, yet the same could not be said for Essa herself who looked wildly uncomfortable and very much like she wanted the floor to swallow her whole.

After a couple of beats she began to descend the stairs, the orange material of her dress trailing behind her. Amber eyes flickered around the groups of people, wondering if there might be anyone that she recognised when she spotted a familiar face from the plane amongst them. Her gaze lingered upon him and the rich colours of his suit, then onto the girl who stood beside him in a pretty pink dress. For a moment, Essa wondered if she was another contestant until her and Hayden's gazes met from across the room. They seemed to hold, unreadable yet communicative until Essa's attention was finally stolen by another presence appearing in front of her.

Essa didn't recognise him, yet he seemed to look at her as if he'd known her all his life. "Essa, is it?" His voice was thick like honey, to match the shimmering shade of his tousled waves, the blue of his eyes rich and deep and... mishievous. He held out his hand and despite herself, Essa found that she took it, and allowed him to press his lips to her knuckles.

"Julien. It's a pleasure."

 

[BoneBrain]

He watched her like she was an enigma that he couldn't quite pin down- how could one look as ethereal and powerful as she did when her eyes remained sorrowful amber pools? Her hair was a mighty halo around her head and she shone like the very sun Helios streaked over the horizon. Hayden felt almost frozen in time as their gazes held, and when the gentle plucking of lyre music began he had to remind himself it wasn't some movie soundtrack and was rather the band starting off the evening with a lively tune. His vision of Essa was interrupted when a man he didn't recognize slid in front of her and offered his own greeting. The image of the mans head bending, presumably to kiss the knuckles of the very hand he was denied broke him out of his haze and he turned quickly away from the sight.

"God's I wish I had hair like that." Anne sighed appreciatively towards Essa, her own blond curls were weak and limp in comparison.

"It seems like a hassle." Hayden grumped out before he could stop himself and Anne let out a bright cheery laugh.

"Oh it must be, but it certainly seems worth it, don't you agree?" She peeked at him out of the corner of her eye and Hayden didn't dignify her with an answer. Instead he reached out for a passing waiter and plucked two goblets filled to the brim with rich red wine and offered one to Anne. Even before he lifted the goblet he could smell the hits of the barrel it was aged in and the lingering aroma of crushed grapes.

"Is this from Dionysus's personal batch?" He asked, and Anne shook her head after taking a sip and licking her lips.

"I've heard when you drink the wine of the God's you'll know it. What we have here seems to be human made." They fell into soft conversation about the wine and the home, as well as getting to know the contestant's he would soon be pitted against. The ballroom began to fill with more bodies and soon there were fifty of them, all mingling and drinking while wide eyes looked around, wondering what was to come next. The music picked up and Anne, who was well into her third drink, clapped excitedly before reaching out to a tall black man, with the biggest hands and shoulders Hayden had ever seen. He watched with a mixture of amusement and embarrassment as Anne pulled the poor man, named Jay Rennall to the centre of the dancefloor and began to sway with him. It was like watching a Barbie trying to dance with a super soldier. Already Hayden had taken stock of Jay's bad knee and he knew just where to send his blow to get past Jay's size advantage.

Anne's dancing was short lived however when a deep rolling thunder echoed above them and the entire ballroom fell silent. The God's were ever the showmen and bright spotlights, shifted down towards the giant glass doors that led to the outside. The door's opened of their own accord and the message became clear, the God's wanted them outside now that they had been wined and dined. Fifty bodies began to mull outside and Hayden found himself standing next to Essa as they made their way out onto the ornate balcony surrounded by marble carvings. They followed the spotlights leading them down into the lush gardens and towards a stage where five people of various heights and shapes stood waiting for them.

"Welcome challengers." A melodic voice sounded out from hidden speakers in the garden and Hayden couldn't help the raise of his brows and he looked down towards Essa with a clear look of surprise. He knew the god's were full of pageantry but this certainly was something else. The look he shot the wild haired woman said it all- are you seeing what I'm seeing?

"It brings us great pleasure to welcome you Oracle Manor..." Another voice spoke, this one sounded like an elder. "We are certain to see great things from all of you this year."

 

[Becboc]

Julien, as it turned out, was another contestant.

Essa wasn't one to allow herself to be whisked along by anyone but there was something about the way he spoke, the trickery that shone within those blue pools. He was trying to figure her out, trying to lure her in and she found herself wanting to rise to the challenge. Perhaps if she got him on side, she could stab him in the back later, when he was least expecting it? Scheming aside however, it was also much easier to be by someone's side who seemed to be able to hold themselves well in social situations such as this; Essa by comparison, had no idea what she was doing and stayed quiet for the most part, watchful... observant. She wasn't here to make friends. She was here to win. There was no other option.

"Come, I imagine you to be a fine dancer, Essa." The hand held out to her for a second time was this time declined with a coy curl of her glossed lips.

"On the contrary, this dress is doing a wonderful job of hiding my two left feet." And with that the wild haired girl turned away from Julien, who for a moment looked quite put out and very unused to being turned down. Essa had been happy to use him as a shield of sorts, but now his use had begun to dwindle, just in time for the rolling thunder that stole the contestants' attention.

Light brows lifted to the ceiling in search of where the noise was coming from but before she was able to query it, Essa noticed the double doors opening and was being swept along by the other contestants who saw fit to start through it. It would seem that this where their cue.

The fresh, sweet scented air of the gardens was a welcome change to the stuffiness of the ballroom and Essa's shoulders relaxed slightly; she looked more at home in these surroundings than she had all evening. The scratchiness of her dress was forgotten, the heaviness of her makeup. Instead she took a few deep breaths as she came to stand next to Hayden, unaware for now of him by her side until the voices began to speak.

Flashing lights followed the melodic voice and stopped for the older sounding one. The whole thing screamed fancy gameshow to Essa, and just as her gaze flickered to Hayden's dark eyes who she now saw looking her way, her expression turned to a gentle smirk in the shadows, one of amusement though rather than awe. Couldn't they just get to the point?

"So without further ado," a woman's voice continued, but it was different to the first. Stronger. Much more affirmed. "We shall announce the God's chosen. Listen for your names and step forwards when you are called."

 

[BoneBrain]

There was something most pleasing about the way Essa's eyes blinked towards his, their gazes caught and held for a few moments and Hayden once more resisted the urge to let his lips curve up into the wry smile that matched hers. She seemed just as amused as he in the pompous grandeur. He would have assumed a woman of Essa's stature would have been round eyed and awe struck at the finery that surrounded him, instead they wore twin expressions of steely determination when the first of the emissaries welcomed them and announced they would soon be placed under their chosen God's wings.

Up on stage a man moved forward holding a thick yellowed scroll that he unfurled before setting some thin reading glasses perched above his nose. With narrowed eyes he bent his head and began to read from the list of names. They began with Hera's group and Hayden bit back his surprise when Jay's name was called. He couldn't imagine what the Goddess must have been thinking, but it wasn't his place. Poseidon's group came next and another ten hopefuls stepped forward into the designated area for the God of the Sea.

"And now we will move onto the select few our wise lord Hades has deemed worthy." The man droned on, about halfway down the scroll now. "Beau Montegue" A sturdy man stepped forward, with neatly trimmed blond hair and a charming smile that lit up as the surrounding group applauded the first of Hade's chosen. Several others were called and with only two more names to go Hayden started to shift on his feet. He grew restless with the waiting, it wasn't something he was accustomed to. He leaned from one foot to the other, barely noticing as his arm grazed against Essa's. People began to clap around him and it took Hayden a moment to realize his name had been called out, he couldn't quite explain the rush of relief or the sudden rightness in his soul at the knowledge of his chosen God. He moved to step forward and halted for only the briefest second to toss Essa a glance over his shoulder. He shot her a dark gleeful look that even the lord of death would have been remiss to not return.

"I'll see you out there." He turned then and took his place amongst the men and women that were his direct competition now. Beau wasted no time in welcoming him, throwing a deceptively strong arm over Hayden's shoulder and jostling him around like he'd just run a football halfway across a field and earned them a touchdown. Normally Hayden wouldn't have shrugged off the unwelcome touch but the feeling of being chosen, of being wanted by a powerful being such as Hades had a rare true smile blooming and he joined his competitors in their uproarious cheering. It was a strange mixture of relief and disappointment that flowed through him when Essa was not revealed to be the last of Hades chosen. He knew undoubtedly that she would have been a challenging opponent. He couldn't help but hope that he would get the chance to see her at work.

"And now for Athena's chosen." The emissary shifted the scroll and waited for the jubilations to die down.

 

[Becboc]

When the names finally began to be read out, was the first time that Essa found herself feeling… nervous. Her heart skittered around her chest and her fingers curled into her palms without it being a conscious decision for them to do so. Light brown eyes remained focussed upon the words tumbling from the emissary’s lips, her attention upon them rapt, intense, waiting for the familiar syllables of her name to ring out around the crowd. Instead, the wild haired girl found herself watching the near constant stream of the contestants before her and at one point, even wondering if she had somehow been invited here by mistake. The only thing that pulled her from these uncertainties was the brushing of an arm against her own, the soft yet sturdy material of Hayden’s suit pricking against the bare skin of her upper arm. Essa immediately averted her attention to the point of contact, instinctually moving away but not without lifting her opposite hand to brush where it had once been. The sensation was odd, lingering and she found herself glancing up at the dark haired man at the same time that his name was finally called.

Hades. Hayden was a contestant for Hades. Of course.

This knowledge felt right somehow and paired with his gleeful look, Essa almost felt herself smirk. Almost.

She didn’t say anything as he stalked by her but maintained eye contact perhaps longer than what could have been deigned to be an accident. There was a strange feeling bubbling within her after this brief exchange, a feeling of righteousness, of competitiveness, but also of… something else that she couldn’t quite place and it remained with her until the emissary shifted his scroll and moved onto the next group that would belong to… Athena.

Essa wasn’t sure what it was, but she felt deep in her bones before her name was called that she would be amongst this next handful of Chosen. The feeling manifested itself in nerves once more, like a building sense of anticipation, of anxiety, fluttering with every name that was called. By the tenth, Essa’s whole body was tense, poised, waiting until…

“Essa Hariki.”

There was an explosion, both within and outside of her as the crowd clapped and as Essa’s heart soared with something close to jubilation. This was right, this was… correct. This was what she had been waiting for. Athena, goddess of wisdom, of craft, of… warfare. Of everything that Essa had been striving for, using, living her entire life, in one way or another.

She took a breath before stepping forward into the light, her glossed lips even managing a hint of a smile. Joining the other contestants, she stood alone in amongst the flurry of excitement, basking in the warmth that now flooded through her and when she inevitably caught Hayden’s eye again through the throngs of bodies, she even dipped her head a little in silent recognition, in acknowledgement as if to say… Game on.

The emissary continued once the crowds had again died down and Essa half-watched the rest of the contestants be matched to their deities. She was hardly surprised to see Julien attached to Dionysus with a similar display of catlike pride he had shown earlier, and her wild curls shook with her head when he tossed her a wink over the heads of the people around him. By the time that the ceremony had finished, the contestants were encouraged from the stage once more into the next stage of what Essa assumed was further celebrations. The mood had lightened considerably as the emissary once more straightened his glasses and announced this year’s Chosen for one final time, dismissing them into the lit dancefloor that stood in front of the stage. Drinks were passed around again and conversation flowed easily though Essa, always on the fringe of group discussions, found herself slipping away from the noise and the chatter, found herself wandering through the shadows of the gardens and towards what felt like the edge of the island. A beautiful wandering Cliffside that overlooked the moonlit sea is where she eventually found herself. For a moment she closed her eyes and took a breath, took a moment just to re-centre herself, to remind herself of why she was here and of… what she needed to do. She could still hear the chatter and laughter from the party but right now, her thoughts drifted to home, to her sister. To… meaning.

This was her chance to change it all and she was going to take it with everything that she had.

 

[BoneBrain]

The party flared back to life with renewed enthusiasm and Hayden found himself surrounded by the group hand picked by Hades himself as they rose their goblets high into the air and clinked them together in congratulations. There was no mistaking the cunning gleam in each of his competitors eyes and Hayden kept his practiced smile in place as they all threw their heads back and gulped down the luxurious wine like it was nothing more than apple juice. Others filtered in and out of the group and Hayden was soon joined by Anne who had been chosen by Dionysus- she beamed widely up at him and Julien who flanked at her side. Of all the people here Hayden felt Anne was the most at ease in her surroundings- and despite the looming deadline of tomorrow her laughter was bright and true.

Through it all- there was one face that was missing from it all and Hayden felt his gaze searching the crowd for one wild haired woman, only he couldn't find the gleaming gold of her dress or the eyes that knew too much. Carefully he extracted himself from the boisterous crowd and he walked it's perimeter his dark eyes scanning over the crowd. Even without her close by he could still see the look she shot him after her placement- one that told him without a doubt that Essa was here to win. It was the same sort of look he thought Athena might have shown her loyal warriors moments before battle. It was... a problem- if not the tiniest bit inspiring, but mostly a problem.

Even now Hayden recognized that he should be back with the group of Hades chosen, seeking out vulnerabilities to exploit and yet he couldn't focus on that, not when he didn't know where she was. He thought of all the things that Essa could be doing and each one of them involved her somehow getting a leg up on the competition and well, that was just unacceptable. If he wanted to play this game he needed to make sure he was focused and that there would be no distractions and Essa was proving to be quiet the distraction. His keen eyes took in the surroundings and he watched as a couple- already too inebriated with wine and excitement slipped down a darkened path of the garden for a little privacy. He noticed another path closer to his side of the dance floor and took the opportunity to slip away as well, his hands resting in the deep pockets of his trousers as he walked.

The lush smell of the garden permeated through each of his senses and Hayden caught the barest whiff of salt water that reminded him of the sea. He passed neatly trimmed bushes and gleaming marble carvings that depicted mighty hero's and their slain foes. He recognized most of the stories told in stone and spared them little attention, instead heading for the faint breeze that carried the promise of the ocean. He came up short however when he spotted the lone figure standing near the edge of what he assumed was a jagged cliff- the gold of her dress glinting in the moonlight.

It was like a painting that an artist had painstakingly spent years on. The broad brush strokes of the night sky curled around her, melding the ocean and it's choppy waves as she looked onward. Immediately he glanced around them, finding them both alone. The strategic part of himself thought that it would be so easy- one little push and then he would return the party alone and none the wiser- with the distraction taken care of. And yet there was another quieter more insistent voice that asked to join her there, that wondered if she would answer his questions or just roll those sad eyes his way. Hayden listened to neither voice however. Instead he stepped backwards, the sleeve of his suit brushing past an array of flowers neatly arranged in a vase upon a pedestal.

Hayden didn't know the language of flowers, but when he spotted a blood red bloom with it's curled petals he couldn't help but think it would make for a beautiful warning. Careful to avoid the thick thorns that threatened to pierce his skin he plucked the dangerous flower from it's vase. He took quiet steps forward as Essa contemplated the horizon and when he reached a small carved bench a little bit behind her he placed the flower down- hoping she might see it when she turned and made his escape.

Hayden didn't return to the party, instead he took the long way round and headed back into the quiet halls of Oracle Manor- passing by a statue of Hades that almost seemed to look at him disapprovingly as he made haste for his room.

 

[Becboc]

She hadn't expected anyone to follow her but Essa sensed almost immediately when someone drew near. Her body and mind were poised, ready, as they had been her whole life living where she did. You couldn't walk around her neighbourhood at night without some kind of street smarts and so Essa also knew that it wouldn't be wise to turn until the last minute, to capture some element of surprise if that's what was needed. Whoever it was very clearly didn't want her to know that they were there, otherwise they would have spoken, made themselves known. As it turned out in the end however, she was not yet to find out who the cuplrit was. She heard the retreating footsteps and before she had a chance to whisk around and find out who they belonged to, they were gone, leaving behind nothing more than a blood red flower left on the white mabrle bench behind where Athena's Chosen was standing, looking wistfully out into the horizon.

Essa loosed a breath as she made her way over and plucked it, narrowly missing the thorns that tried to reach for her skin along the stem. She twirled it between her fingers for a moment, considering, thinking. To gift someone a flower was considered to be romantic and yet... the colour choice of this one seemed poignant somehow. Blood red. A warning, perhaps? The thought in itself tilted her lips into what could only be considered as a somewhat dangerous, if not slightly amused smirk.

The plan had formulated quickly in her mind before she had a chance to think better of it. It would not be difficult to find out who had left the message for her, so long as she was quick and... subtle. There were footprints left in the dirt, bushes and branches that had been pushed aside to make way for a body, dirt on the marbled floor that had loosened from the sole of a shoe. Essa moved with purpose through the remaining celebrations, until she caught sight of a stand out suit heading around the perimeter of where everyone else was dancing... the red flower still held carefully in her hand.

It did not take her long to find out where Hayden's room was, with a few well-directed questions punctuated with feigned innocence, so by the time that she arrived at his door, he had not yet arrived himself. Essa stood a few feet away from it, leant against the wall so she would not be missed when the culprit finally came into view. A few seconds later, that's exactly what he did.

Her amber eyes were like glowing flames as they locked onto shadows. Essa straightened with all of the gracefulness and cunning of a slinky black cat, holding the flower out in an oustretched palm. "I believe this belongs to you. Hayden, was it?" She took a few steps towards him. "You left it on the bench just behind where I was standing... if I'm not mistaken?" By the time she had finished speaking, Essa was standing in front of Hayden, head tilted back slightly so she could see him.

"I thought that maybe I should return it to you, seeing as you're going to need the warning much more than I do." And with that, she tucked the delicate little thing into the top pocket of his suit, before standing back to admire her handiwork. This time when her eyes met his, the amusement that had been simmering there before had all but dissipated to be replaced with... something else. Something colder. Something... angrier. A warning in itself.

Essa didn't say anymore as she turned away with a light scoff in a display of outright confidence; to turn your back on an enemy could be considered stupid. Or at least that was if you didn't believe yourself to be quicker than them. "Maybe you should try a little harder, next time."

 

[BoneBrain]

He was waylaid from his return to his room when a few more of the contestants ran into him, all eager for some information about their fellow contestants. Training forced him to smile and comply for an appropriate amount of time before he took his leave and continued on his plight to get away from it all. His smile all but felt frozen in place as he extracted himself from one last conversation before he managed to slip inside the beautiful manor. Inside it's hallowed halls the music and voices grew dim and it almost felt like a weight was lifted from his shoulders- though Hayden should have known better.

He turned down the hall, his hands already on the button of his jacket when he spotted her leaning against the door to his room, the orange glow of the hallways lighting making her tanned skin gleam as she pushed away from the wall and regarded him like he was a peasant in her kingdom. Hayden's steps faltered only the slightest as she held out his gift in her palm, her eyes filled with nothing but contempt and challenge. Gone were those sad orbs, and for half a moment it looked like there was a spark of life to reserved woman.

"You're a sneaky little thing, aren't you?" He sounded almost pleased with the news, there was a cruel tinge to the curve of his lips as she approached.

She stood in front of him now, her head tilted back, and Hayden could make out the gleam of some sort of product on her collar bone that made her skin shimmer. His dark eyes were hooded as she reached to place the flower in his pocket. Certainly she didn't miss the flare of his nostrils as she leaned close to tuck it neatly next to his heart before she stepped back. There was something delicious in the way her eyes moved up and down his frame, lingering on the gift she'd so kindly returned. She turned away from him then, and Hayden let his instinct take over- he twisted, the movement similar to something he might have done in the boxing ring and quickly snatched up her wrist. His hold was tight on her, not enough to bruise- but enough so that even if she struggled to pull her hand away he wouldn't let her.

Hayden got in her space, so much so that he could feel the huff of her angry breath over his face, and each time they took a breath he could feel the brush of her dress over the lapel of his jacket.

"It's a shame Hades didn't find you worthy- for I very much would have enjoyed bending you until you break." He couldn't stop his eyes from dipping to her lips, even if it was for the briefest moment she surely would have noticed. "No," he purred, "anger like yours is meant for battlefields, isn't it Essa? It would be a shame to have such a talent lost to Athena and on the first night no less." He let go of her then, stepping back and adjusting his cuffs all the while keeping his eyes on her like he was a predator that might strike at any moment. "Maybe I will try harder next time. Keep a sharp eye little bird." With those parting words he stepped back, not making the same mistake as Essa and turning his back on her. He found the handle of his door and with one last rueful glare in her direction he stepped into the quiet of his room and locked the door tightly.

Hayden took deep measuring breaths as he laid the flower on the top of his vanity before he removed the suit and laid it out neatly on the dresser. Anger still coursed through him, and he looked to the door, wondering what it would be like to march out there and extinguish that angry fire from her eyes. What it might be like to watch those orbs grow cold as breath ceased in her lungs. He'd known that this journey would involve potentially taking the life of another, and he thought he'd made peace with the fact, and yet for Essa to be the first... it just felt wrong. He had no doubt in his mind that he could kill her, as surely as she thought she could kill him- but the question wasn't if he was capable, it was a matter of wanting to.

He let out a deep sigh as he fell back into the plush sheets, his eyes open on the ceiling and tracing over the crown moulding. He thought of Essa, and what the morrow would bring them.

 

[Becboc]

There had certainly been a shift in Essa's demeanour since she had been given her identity, her reason for being here. It was almost as though Athena had bestowed a blessing upon her with her name alone; had stoked the fire within her belly, had given a rousing speech readying her for battle. The passion had always been there, though perhaps buried, hidden by years of sorrow and defeat. Essa's goal was clear but now her path was too and woebetied anybody who dared challenge or get in the way of it.

The slender, wild-haired figure did not refute that she was sneaky, almost enjoyed the accusation, for it at least informed her that Hayden had not expected her to catch up with him that maybe he' even underestimated her.

Good. Then that made her all the more dangerous.

Although, that wasn't to say that she wasn't capable of mistakes either and her first came, apparently in believing that she had done enough to win this fight. Hayden's sudden grip upon her wrist startled her, locked her in place as he twisted her smaller form back towards him. Essa met him first with surprise and then heated fury but she didn't try to pull away, not once. In fact, there was hardly any resistance to her being pulled into his chest, to feeling his hot breaths tickling across her face, her eyes dipping to the lips they fell from, very much like those dark eyes flickered to hers. It would have been all too easy for Essa to explain the hammering of her heart as anger, as an innate kind of need to end the component who right now was her biggest threat, but simmering away underneath it all there was... something else, too. Respect perhaps, if she dared allow herself to believe it.

"Do you always wait until your opponents have their backs turned?" Essa eventually hissed back at him through gritted teeth. "Some might say that befalls the behaviour of a coward." The words weren't in response to anything in particular; they were a simple way of lashing back at her loss, a way of showing Hayden that Essa wasn't scared. If anything, she was simply... irritated. Surprised. Curious.

When he finally let go of her was when Essa deigned to pull away from him. She stretched out her hand out where the ghost of harsh fingers had dug into her wrist but her eyes never never faltered from the retreating figure, not until she was sure that he intended to go to his room, not until she knew she was safe to return to her own. He was right about her... and wrong too. Her anger was meant for battlefields but it was for that reason she would never have allowed him the enjoyment or satisfaction of snapping her... and for that reason that she never would. She could see now, why Hades had chosen him and her lips almost quirked at the edges into a dangerous smirk at the thought of relishing the challenge now set before her.

"Game on... Hayden."

---

The party lasted well into the night. Essa could hear it from her bedroom window, the shrieks of laughter, the splashing of water, the clinking of endless glasses. She didn't sleep well as she tossed and turned and thought of home, of Esther, of what might be happening to her, of... what the next day might bring. A part of her felt the need to sleep with one eye open but she tried to brush off the feeling as she buried her head in the pillows, only for it to be pulled back up moments later by a presence in her room that felt it fit to tug open the curtains. Essa herself was up onto her feet in a matter of moments, with one of the said pillows in hand, poised, ready--

"Oh, Miss Hariki! You gave me such a fright!" The maid from yesterday stood with her hand to her chest, mouth agape.

"You... I... You frightened me! I was... I was asleep!"

"I'm sorry, Miss Hariki. I didn't mean to startle you. The sun is already up."

As Essa glanced towards the light now pluming in from the exposed window and she found herself squinting into beautiful golden light. "I... I suppose it is," she offered, lowering her pillow and stifling a yawn, still half-asleep, very much disorientated and confused as to how someone had gotten into her locked room. "What are you doing here?"

"I have come to ready you for breakfas, miss." When Essa's expression remained blank, the maid continued. "It is the day of the opening ceremony."

 

[BoneBrain]

The door to his room creaked open and Hayden's eyes jumped from his weary expression to the set of maids that had clothed him the day before. Their giggles drew up short and and he watched as both schooled their expressions before dipping their heads low.

"Mr. Kaneko. We did not expect you to be up quite so early. Forgive us for not knocking."

"Come in." He gestured for them to enter and stood from the vanity seat he'd taken up residence in. When he wasn't being drugged by the Gods, Hayden struggled to keep his eyes closed for more than four hours at a time. His doctors had always warned him against such sleeping habits but how on earth was he supposed to sleep for longer when the demands of the day loomed over him like the titans the Gods had long ago locked away. "What grand event are we preparing for this time?" He asked dryly as the women got to work laying out clothes for him.

"The opening ceremonies are set to start right away, after breakfast of course." One of the maids said cheerfully as she began pulling out a number of hair styling tools that looked a bit like torture devices to him.

"How... fun."

Later when Hayden was dressed once more to the nines in a dark suit with touches of baby blue he found himself seated at one of three long tables filled to the brim with contestants as they ate their meals in relative silence. The mood was different today, and even without the formality of the opening ceremonies it was clear to everyone around them that the games had already begun. It was announced just before the arrival of their food that the first of the casualties had already happened the night before. Two had lost their lives at the party, and from the whispers Hayden knew one had been from Poseidon's group while the other had been from Hera's. One had found themselves at the bottom of the cliff side and the other face down in one of the estates many pools.

Hayden managed to take in a few pieces of sausage and toast before the doors to the hall opened once more and the five that he recognized as the emissaries stepped forward.

"We're ready for you all." Joan Slater, an elderly woman with salt and pepper hair curled in an intricate braid said. Hayden knew her to be the emissary he hoped to replace, and he wondered what those cool blue eyes had seen of the Gods. She looked to be such a stern woman he wondered why she hadn't used her wish for a more angelic expression. She gave no more instruction and the room was filled with the sound of scraping chairs and muffled whispering as 48 contestants followed he through the doorway and down a hall Hayden had not yet explored. He hadn't seen Essa as of yet in the midst and though he wanted to look around for her Hayden kept his eyes forward.

The group was brought into yet another large ornate ballroom, though this one had a stage facing the front and a great number of camera crews milling about in the front row. A large booming voice sounded from the speakers, making a few of the contestants jump as they were directed to take a seat. Hayden caught sight of the gleam of one of those cameras as they turned towards the contestants.

"Welcome, welcome!" A cheery voice called out and Hayden turned his eyes away from the cameras back up to the stage where a man in a glittering suit lifted a mike to his mouth and greeted them all with a bright beaming smile. "I do believe this is turning out to be one of the most exciting competitions Oracle Manor has ever seen. Already two have lost their way and myself and the world are certainly on the edge of their seat to see who will find themselves at the top 365 days from now!" The MC gave an appropriate pause for dramatic effect and Hayden was certain folks at home were eating it all up.

"Now I'm sure you lovely viewers at home are just as curious about these contestants as I, and so like we do every year we'll invite them up for a little chat and in a fun twist this year Dionysus has also decreed that each contestant must give a little showcase of a talent." Hayden could all but see the sparkle of the man's smile into the camera. All around him he heard the sharp intakes of breath as people scrambled to think of what talent to showcase. "The winner for each God's group will be given one hour to speak to their respective emissaries tonight. I'm certain plenty of you have questions- whether or not you choose to share what you learn, is entirely up to you. Now without further ado, let us welcome our first contestant to the stage, fighting for the spot of Dionysus is Julien!"

 

[Becboc]

Any hope for a quiet morning was quickly diminished as Essa was once more dressed for an occasion. Her dress this time was much less fancy than the first; a soft a-line nude number that was decorated with slightly darker swirls of beige velvet. It hung from two thin straps on Essa’s shoulders in a loose fit, with a slit up to one of her thighs; on her feet, she wore smaller heels, golden, strappy… uncomfortable. At least her attire gave her some kind of inclination as to what she was walking into though; not a physical trial she assumed… unless the gods had a warped sense of humour.

As she entered the dining hall once more with the tables lined full of the other contestants, Essa sat quietly as she delved into fruits and pastries, amber eyes scanning the crowds, listening to rumbles of what had happened after she had excused herself for the evening. It would seem that her new friend was not the only one who might have gotten ideas above his station, the thought in itself curling her glossed lips into a slight smirk as she scanned the table in search of Hayden and those dark, shark like eyes that she had no doubt were probably doing the same of others.

By the time that the double doors opened to reveal Joan Slater and the other emissaries, Essa was growing slightly restless. She wanted to know what today would bring, what to expect. She followed with the rest of the group as everyone began to stand, her gaze meeting that of the pepper-haired man who had met her from her home. He did not let on that he knew her, but remained as steely faced as the rest of them and Essa couldn’t help but wonder if that was to be her future and if so, what did it mean?

The ornate ballroom that they were herded into also did little to surprise her. Although she was not used to existing in such vast, extravagant places, Essa already knew that wherever they were brought to on this island was likely to be grand and on a scale the likes of her family could only ever dream of experiencing. It was stunning of course, but the contrast of wealth sickened her as much as it humbled her. From what beginning she had come from, Essa couldn’t help but wonder how many more people there were like her, struggling with their day to day lives, struggling to protect the people they loved while a small handful of others wined and dined in such opulent surroundings, with nothing but the sparkle of the cutlery to worry about.

The contestants were quickly directed to impeccably placed seats and Essa’s eyes immediately roved to where the booming voice appeared from as the man in the glittering suit made his first appearance. The cameras on the front rows moved to point to him and with a sinking feeling in her stomach, Essa realised that this was the first event to be filmed. And not only was it a first event but also… an interview and a… talent contest?

A cold prickle of dread began up the length of her straightened spine as she considered herself to be marginally talentless, as well as a very subdued conversationalist. In fact, she avoided such socialising if she could; the thought of speaking in front of all of these people, in front of the cameras, her family at home… Esther, let alone perfoming in front of them... The pressure began to build as Julien was the first to be called to the stage, demonstrating all of the charm and wit that Essa was sure was expected of Dinoysus' chosen. He wooed the crowds, he recited poetry with all of the romance of an Austen protagonist and had the MC eating out of the palm of his hand by the end of it.

Several more contestants followed as Essa’s knee began to bounce, her heart thrumming, her mind trying so desperately hard to come up with something, anything that she could do, or say that might earn her the upper hand on all of the others who sat around her. In fact, Athena’s Chosen was just beginning to spiral when the MC boomed out another name… calling Hayden Kaneko to the stage.

 

[BoneBrain]

His name boomed out of the speakers and Hayden felt almost as if the world was rushing out from under his feet as he stood. There was an appropriate amount of applause as he made his way out of this aisle of chairs and down the red carpet that led him right to the stage. The contestants around them were dwindling as they were not expected to stay, but Hayden found it rather stupid to not stay and see what his fellow contestants were capable of. Dionysus might want a show but Hayden was happy to keep every bit of information he could glean locked away for later use. Julien, the poet had started off the show with a bang, bringing the nearby Anne to tears with his earnest declarations. Charisma like that shouldn't be discounted.

"Welcome Hayden!" The MC shouted into the microphone and Hayden plastered on his most award winning smile and reached out to shake the glittering man's hand. Together they seated themselves on a few plush chairs and Hayden could feel the zoom of the camera's lens on him as the MC prepared his small flashcard of questions. "It's such a pleasure to have you here, I know a few of us have seen you on page six when we frequent New York- how was it jumping from the gossip column to full on TV?" Hayden paused, considering the question like he'd been taught, even if the words were already there. It's always best to appear thoughtful! His grandmother screeched in his head.

"It's a real pleasure to be here, I want to thank the gods for this opportunity before I even begin to answer." There was an appropriate awe from the MC, and the man clutched his microphone to his chest like it was a stuffed animal he wanted to squeeze tightly. "As for your question, I have to admit it's a lot different, but I think it's a good different. It's nice to be known for what I can accomplish rather than what I ate at the latest charity gala."

"Or who was on your arm." The MC supplied helpfully.

"Or that." Hayden agreed, though he wanted to twitch.

"As I've heard you had to leave a little someone to come here." The MC waggled his brows at Hayden and Hayden knew then and there what his talent was going to be. It took everything in him to not frown as he answered the question.

"Oh? I'm afraid I'm not sure what you are talking about?"

"Come on now! You can't tell me all those whispers about a potential engagement were nothing but rumours." The MC leaned closer, a wide expectant smile on his face.

"I'm so sorry to disappoint you, but I have not been, nor will I ever be engaged." He was firm with the answer and for a moment the MC seemed to fight with the desire to ask just one more question but he eventually relented, his flashcards resting on his lap.

"Thank you so much for your time Hayden, perhaps you might regale us with your talent before we let you go? I must admit I'm excited to see what you have in store. I hear you're quite the talented man."

"Thank you. I will be needing a volunteer, would you like to partake?" Hayden asked, already reaching for the buttons of his jacket. The MC gave him the once over, watching as the jacket was shrugged from Hayden's shoulders.

"Well now I need to know what I'm getting into before I say yes, Mr. Kaneko." This time when Hayden smiled his grin was a flash of lethal glee.

"Fair... I'm quite the talented boxer." It was worth it to see the colour drain from the MC's sparking face, ever so quickly the man shook his head.

"Uh... You know I think I'll pass. But I do know we have a few security guards here who would be happy to help you demonstrate. What an... interesting talent to showcase."

It took no time for a security guard dressed in all black to step up onto the stage. He was a little bit larger that Hayden and he could tell the guard thought that Hayden had not a chance in the world. After unbuttoning the top few button of his dress shirt and neatly taking off his shoes and socks, Hayden was ready to go. Both men took their stances, and at the MC's order they advanced on one another. The guard came out swinging, confident in his abilities- Hayden wove through the first few punches, blocking them with the sides of his arms before spotting his opening and giving the mans face two sharp jabs.

The guard was stunned, his eyes opening wide and rolling backwards. Before the guard could collapse to the ground Hayden moved forward with speed and precision, catching the guards heavy body and guiding him gently to the ground as the MC looked on a little bit awestruck.

"Hayden Kaneko, ladies and gentleman." There was some applause as Hayden gathered his things and left the stage. He didn't bother with the jacket again but once he was settled back on his chair and Jay was the next to be called to the stage he bent to put on his socks and shoes once more. He caught Anne's eye behind him and she gave him a quick thumbs up. Jay finished with a cultural dance he'd learned from his mother and when he finished the next name was called.

"Can we please have one Ms. Essa Hariki to the stage please?"

 

[Becboc]

Although she’d be loath to admit it, Essa’s senses perked up a little when the next name was called. She’d drifted during Julien’s display, dramatic as it was, but there was perhaps a small seed of intrigue that began to blossom in her chest as the audience clapped and encouraged Hayden Kaneko to the stage. This would be a good chance to learn more about him, to see what made him tick, to understand the image that he wished to portray to the world. An opportunity to look for weaknesses. Hayden wasn’t even a true competitor to her title, Essa realised this, and yet… she relished the thought of toppling him for one reason or another. It was maybe misdirected anxiety, yet it remained all the same.

The suave exterior and at ease persona didn’t really surprise Essa as she watched Hayden shake the hand of the glittery MC but what perhaps did was hearing of his background. Something tickled around the edges of her mind, something familiar. Yes… she had seen Hayden before now, she realised. His face occasionally littered newsstands, or his name was mentioned on the television. She rarely paid such notice to things but it was as though she’d taken it in somewhere internally, squirelled the memory away to be used at a later date. Hayden Kaneko was heir to the Kaneko empire, was rarely seen without a model, or celebrity on his arm. It almost made Essa want to scoff, until the part of the interview that truly had her stiffening in her seat.

Hayden’s rebuff of the rumours that he was engaged… bingo. Essa could tell that he wasn’t prepared for the question, not only by his answer but by his body language too. She could use this. This was what she’d been waiting for. There was something there, she was sure of it. Behind his cold exterior was something more, as there always tended to be.

The interview was wrapped up rather quickly after this and Essa continued to watch as a large bodyguard stepped up to the challenge, as Hayden seemed to prepare himself and within a few short moves he’d knocked his volunteer completely prone. He moved as if he were dancing, quickly, gracefully, with strength and precision that she knew she could never match. It was a breath taking display really, and dare Essa say it, once it was over she almost felt marginally… impressed. Her golden eyes remained upon Hayden once he exited the stage, right up until he found his seat once more and the next contestant’s name was called, which as it happened… was hers.

For a moment, Essa blinked as a spotlight found her in the crowd; she had been so deep in thought about Hayden Kaneko of all people, that her own planning had taken second place and much to her chagrin, she now realised through a smile with gritted teeth, that she was going to have to do what she really, really hadn’t wanted to.

Nerves bubbled within her throat as she took to the stage with an almost shy looking smile, allowing the glitter clad man to take her by the waist and kiss both of her cheeks in greeting. Afterwards he held his arm out, gesturing her to take a seat and once they both appeared settled… the interview began.

“How wonderful to see you here my dear. This is a far cry away from the world that you’re used to, isn’t it?”

Essa had been expecting that and she smirked lightly. “It certainly is a lot… brighter, yes.” This was responded to with a laugh and Essa forced herself to appear relaxed, one ankle tucked behind the other, her hands clasped neatly in her lap. She wasn’t going to perform. She would answer the questions, but that’s all that anybody was getting out of her.

“And how are you finding the bright lights, the clean corridors, the… opulent dinners? There has been suggestions that you may feel... a little out of your depth before the trials even begin?”

The audience remained silent as Essa took a breath.

“I mean, aren’t we all out of our depth in circumstances such as these? For one reason or another we will be questioned, challenged, assessed, some of which may show our strengths, others our weaknesses. I admit, being here compared to what I am used to has been… different. But I like to think that makes me stronger. I’m competing from the get go, so I’ll be well practiced when it comes to the actuall competition.” Laughter ended her response, as the MC clapped his hands together in delight.

“Oh I have no doubt, Miss Hariki. That’s fighting talk ladies and gents, right there. I imagine your family will be very proud of you, particularly… Esther. That’s right, isn’t it? Your…" He looked at his cards quickly, "...Little sister?”

Essa swallowed this time, her features dropping just a fraction. “Yes, th-that’s right,” she managed to get out, the realisation that her sister was most likely watching her settling into her stomach, fluttering her heart in her chest. “I hope so. I'd like nothing more than for her to be proud of me.”

A doting ‘aww’ followed and the MC this time clutched his hand to his chest before taking to his feet once more. “Well, there’s no time like the present to make it so, is there? Thank you so much Essa for your time today. I will say no more, other than informing you that your stage… awaits.”

The man swung an arm towards the performance area and Essa stood, her expression no longer a smile as he shook her hand and ushered her into position. For someone who moments ago had not known what talent she could possibly portray, what she needed to do was now clear within her mind. It wasn’t so much a talent as a way of sending a message, in the only way that Essa knew how.

Her small form stood still in the centre of the stage and taking in a breath, a few moments passed, then a few more until:

Oh ro soon shall I see them;
Oh he ro see them oh see them.
Oh ro soon shall I see them the
Mist covered mountains of home.

There shall I visit the place of my birth
And they'll give me a welcome the warmest on earth
All so loving and kind full of music and mirth,
In the sweet sounding language of home.

Her voice began softly at first, quietly… almost mournfully until it began to grow in strength through the song. The room was quiet other than the sweet earthiness of Essa’s tone stroking the ears of the audience, the melody she had sung for her sister so many times to try and cover the voices of her parents arguing. She was transported in that moment, her amber eyes finding the camera that also found her; for she was not singing for the contest, nor the audience but Esther and Esther alone.

By the time that she had finished, there was a pause before the audience collapsed into raucus applause, as though they were surprised by what she’d offered. Essa however did not smile, did not acknowledge them as she breathed and fought against the emotions that threatened her, barely hearing the MC’s praise as she was finally invited to leave the stage. Essa did not stop there though, but continued past the seats, past the people looking at her and into the corridor outside of the hall just... needing a moment. To gather herself. To... breathe.