Ares’ mind paced with many scenarios, but he quickly came to the conclusion that he had yet to have a good read on the situation and Peros’ might. The guy was a god, but he had never really faced a god before. His regeneration was the only thing that really kept him in the fight, whereas Peros had way more cheat like abilities, his entire physique was probably unrivalled by anyone he had ever met.

Peros smiled once more. “If you do not wish to attack me.” Ares caught their ankle again, his body moving by itself, but this time Peros hopped and then aimed a kick towards Ares’ head with their free leg. The shin struck the side of Ares’ head. Yet Ares didn’t move, nor did he wince as he glared into Peros’ eyes.

“Is that all?” ‘You motherfucker, that shit fucking hurts!’ Ares’ head was pounding wildly, his neck felt as though he had woken up with a crick in his neck everyday for years and it got worse with each passing day to the point it affected the entirety of his side. ‘Wait… maybe it hurts Peros too, but he just doesn’t show it? You piece of shit!’ Ares glared at them. “The first one was free.” Ares said before he then spun and tossed Peros towards the rocks they had dashed him to, only for Peros to land as graceful as a ballerina.

Ares kept an eye on the dragonfolk who refused to move, remaining in their usual forms, just watching with baited breath. ‘Looks like I only have to worry about the g-’

Ares ducked as Peros swung their leg where his side was once more, before bouncing back up onto his feet again. “Don’t you have any new tricks?” Ares rolled his shoulders and cracked the other side of his neck.

“Very well.” Peros said with another smile, and Ares realised that perhaps he shouldn’t really tease the god if they were going easy on him.

Peros this time reached out and a beam of light expanded forth from nothingness, then he grabbed the top of it and swung it towards Ares. The heat of his was intense, though Ares had managed to draw out his sword just in time, clashing against the blade of light.

Peros couldn’t his the shock on his face, not at all expecting such a development. Ares took the chance and then kicked Peros in the nuts, because this guy killed one of his, he could at least return that. Apparently a god’s balls were made of diamonds cause the contact felt fairly solid, though this time Peros did manage a wince.

Ares caught the god’s gaze. “So. Gods can die.” Ares whispered, with a voice so dark that one could believe he was the devil. Then Ares tackled the god down, only for Peros to flip up and Ares squat down, sword ready and willing to strike.

“You shall die a a death befitting a thief.” Peros drew his blade of light once more before he disappeared. Ares’ body moved by itself as the pair clashed, their blades striking against each other several times before they paused, and then began their assaults again.

Ares dropped down and then he swiped at their legs, but the god flipped aside and brought down the blade of light, but Ares hopped aside.

“To think a child like you could dance like a monkey.” Peros thrust forward, though it glanced across the shimmer mithril sword. “I shall return such wonders to their rightful owner.”

“Fuck off.” Ares replied back, his brow throbbing. “I was given these by a good friend of mine, so you can piss right off.”

Peros glanced towards the sword. “Where did you get the sword?”

“It was gif-” Ares replied but then paused a moment, his sword swaying slightly ahead of him, ready and eager to strike. “If you want to know who did it, beat me first.”

“Why are you asking Rivea for help?”

“I told you, my daughter is sick.”

“Why would Rivea help you?”

“Why wouldn’t they? I don’t know them.”

“What…” Peros paused a moment. “What do you mean by that?”

“What do you mean, what do I mean by that?”

“… You speak no lies, yet I know what you say is untrue.”

“I’m a really bad liar, so that’s on you.” Ares replied back, a little unsure of what was going on. Peros seemed to be deep in thought, and Ares allowed the god to continue.

He looked at the dragonfolk who had yet to move from their positions. They were powerful beings in their own right, and he was glad he didn’t have to deal with them all at the same time. Yet, if this was a chance to talk, as much as he said he wouldn’t talk about it, this god was serious business.

Ares was on the backfoot, that was for sure. Even with each moment that he gained the upper hand, it lasted but an instant, and then he was back trying to figure out not to get hurt too badly. Even his powers were barely able to let him keep up.

“The only being I know that possessed such items was Rivea. Just who gave them to you?” Peros asked, waiting, blade still in their hand.

“It wasn’t Rivea.”

“What was their name?”

“I can’t really say. They gave it to me in confidence.”

“…” Peros then raised four fingers up and Ares stared at them before looking up at them. Then Peros held one finger up. “L.”

Ares stared at Peros and then narrowed his eyes. He bowed his head slightly. “You know them?” Ares asked.

“They and I are very close friends.”

“Oh.” Ares said as he froze for a moment, then he shifted the sword away. “Okay.”

Peros and Ares stared at one another for some time. Peros then made his own blade disappear and the pair stood across from each other silently. ‘How awkward…’