Jericho waited in the empty dining area of Nightshade. He made sure that Caspian and his pack were out when Marcus came. He didn’t want Caspian to intervene with the conversation. No matter what, the hell hound wouldn’t want Marcus to do anything he found dangerous. Channeling a god of evil world probably fall under the category of dangerous.

Marcus was thrown into his position, he didn’t have a word in it or anything, he didn’t know what happened between them but from what he saw Marcus seemed scared of the experience. Not only that but the whole case made him uneasy. Anansi wasn’t a dumb D list god, he tricked countless gods, humans and creatures to do his bidding. He doubted some group with a D list name would be smart enough do him in, even with another vessels help. It just didn’t sit right with him. Then there was Marcus and how was going to fit in this and what Diana meant by protection. A sword could be used as protection but so can a shield. He was scared on how they would use him.

He sat on a bar stool and started to spin in circles, even though it’s been a couple of minutes but he was already felt anxious. It’s been a while since he saw Marcus, and he was nervous. He got taken right after they became a couple. Do they pick up right where they left off or will something change… It wouldn’t be too hard to believe if he got cold feet since then. He really liked the guy and would do anything to make him smile or laugh. He knew how he felt, but not Marcus and he was worried about it. He felt he had competition with Caspian but there was something else, he couldn’t put a finger on it. He waited for the guy to make a move but it never happened. He always just stood wistfully away and scared off others who would flirt with him. At first thought he was an overprotective older brother it was only a month later he learned he was just a friend.

Sighing in defeat he decided to not think about it. He was too young to get a migraine and the spinning was starting to make him want to hurl. He decided to wait it out in silence and in stillness. Marcus arrived at Nightshade an hour later. He walked into the bar with Diana beside him. He looked the same as when he was picked up. He wore his work uniform, black vest and everything. As Diana wore hers, red leather armor.

Jericho remembered asking her why people don’t question the armor or weapons. She laughed and gave me a glass vial that read, Glamor. She explained that just a small drop can hide a hydra from unwanted eyes. Only strong minds can see through it, she explained, it’s how Keepers keep their secrets from the world Jericho couldn’t help but want a jug of the stuff. The wonders he would do with a single jug.

Returning to reality he hugged Marcus. “Have you been wearing that for the entire time you were gone? How’d they treat you? Did they give you your lawyer? Were you thrown in the slammer? Wait do you guys even have lawyers or a slammer?”

Marcus laughed, “It was fine, I was comfortable and taken care of through the entire time, but you need to stop watching those crime shows, they’re getting to your head.”

“But you’re the-“

“We’re getting off topic,” Marcus cut through Jericho, red faced and flustered. He went behind his bar and started mixing drinks, “As much as I love being in Sacramento again, I need to know why. I’m smart enough to know this visit isn’t for my health.”

Diana glanced at Jericho with a pleading look. Jericho sighed, giving in to his new friend and spoke up, “Have you heard of…. Anansi?”

Marcus froze, drinks in hand, “I know him.” Putting the drinks down he put his hands on the bar, “I also know his vessel, Akande. Sweet guy, but like Anansi, a little of a trouble maker.” He laughed softly as he spoke, “The little punk loved a good prank. Once replaced my salt for sugar in the bar.”

“Marcus-” Jericho started.

He laughed out loud, “He even convinced me to start a prank war. No one was safe.”

“Marcus please-”

“How is he by the way, I haven’t seen him in a bit.”

“He was… found dead in the river with two other Keepers Marcus.” Diana finished. Her head hung low, at the information she gave.

There was a moment of silence before anyone said anything. All eyes turned to Marcus as he dug his nails into the bar wood with a loud scratch. “What. Happened.” He growled. Jericho had never him this mad, he could practically see his teeth grinding away.

Jericho explained the situation with the help of Diana filling in gaps he forgot to mention. Marcus was quite through it all, only motion he made was nod every so often.

“He’s not dead. Can’t be. Akandi and Anansi would find a way to escape some Kappas.” Marcus argued.

“That’s why we think the Cult is behind this. They could have gotten their hands on a vessel with a god willing to work with them. It’s not impossible.”

“But it should be. You locked away those secrets a long time ago. This shouldn’t be happening.” Marcus shouted, “What was the point then? Cursing me? Locking away Vesseling if people are still going to do it right under your nose.” He walked out of the bar and slumped into a booth, “You said you were going to protect him. To keep him safe and unknown. He trusted you…” The room was silent as Marcus took deep breaths to calm himself, “Where’s Anansi? He could give you some insight on this.”

“He isn’t answering our prayers or summonings. It’s like he vanished completely off the grid.”

Marcus buried his head into his hands and rubbed his face. “I’ll do it.”

“What!?” Diana and Jericho both said in union.

“You want me to help and you brought Jericho here to help you convince me.” Marcus summed up. He leaned on the table and looked up, “Though it wasn’t necessary.”

Jericho sat across from him and reached out to hold his hand, “You don’t have to do this.”

“If you’re worried about Trishula, don’t be, after a couple of decades people start to get along. And yes we have to do this. Trishula’s and I both counted Akandi as a friend. Skinning his murderer and rending their meat from bone is the least we can do.”