Mania

Men are so necessarily mad, that not to be mad would amount to another form of madness. -Blaise Pascal-

[pay-yourdues-blog]

"I guess they do, but I’ve grown quite fond of my solitude. I see no reason in changing that now." Charon shrugged gently, genuinely unconcerned with the prospects of partnership. "That can’t be true, I’ve come to understand that anyone could be special someone material just need to find that person willing to put up with you no? Although you’ve got to want them first I think.” Anything Charon knew of love or it’s close cousins were not learned first hand. Stories of lifelong, forlorn and forbidden lovers were popularly told to him by the patrons of his boat. Anything else he knew by the way of his king, Hades. 

"I know the idea is absurd, but obeying and staying out of the way will ensure you keep your head." The man spoke with amusement lining his words. "Rise up to the challenge, Mania. The only ones beneath this war are the humans, you are great and it’s time you show the others what you could really do. There would be little need for our armies to shed blood if all the humans are too busy trying to keep you out of their heads." A sinister grin grew on his pale complexion, "Now, now who in this broken world told you that?"

[sanityavoidance]

"I highly doubt there is anyone willing to put up with myself, so I think I will return to my latter status of not trying." She nodded, knowing little of love, thought she had seen much of lust from her friends. Dionysus and Hedone were closer to her than many others and they both dealt in the idea of closeness. However, she didn't seem to detect love within their workings. In fact it seemed to be something that should be avoided for whatever reason.

Mania gave a small laugh and nudged him a little. "I'm not gonna lose my head." At least she hoped not. She'd lost her mind, but she was often very good about hiding that fact. "It's not a challenge, it's a bummer." She crossed her arms. "There is a difference, but I do enjoy dancing about across the gyri of their minds." With a nod, she made a slight face. "I don't know... no one I guess..." She shrugged. "I don't think they quite understand my way of life, you know? I like to be free. I do not wish to work under a leader." She shook her head. 

[iswearby-the-physician-deactiva]

Only If You Run // Asclepius & Mania

The injuries Asclepius had just come across left him dry heaving for a bit. He had risked walking into the open street in case someone had been unfortunate to survive the attack.

It was the smell as well as the sight. He’d seen a lot of dead bodies and a whole array of injuries but this - this was a whole other level. Asclepius could guess who was responsible and that terrified him to no end, it felt as though he were on the verge of a panic attack with his heart racing. It didn’t help his nausea either. He didn’t even consider trying to fix or raise any of the injured. As much as he wanted to he knew that must have gone through such pain and fear they’d be better off dead.

He had now managed to calm himself enough to turn back to the bodies. Long thick burns riddled them. Dead, third degree burns. Some only ah done long one which would have been enough to kill them whilst others were unlucky and had a painfully looking crisscross of whip marks. The stink of charred flesh filled the air and Asclepius had to turn away again. He crouched down and hung his head between his knees trying to calm his breathing. It was all in vain as he heard footsteps and his heart felt as though it were about to burst out of his chest again.

The footsteps were heavy. Asclepius scurried around for somewhere to hide. He was pretty much in the open so had to crouch with his head near the ground behind a pile of bricks the dead had fallen over making it a bit taller His eyes were scanning the area for somewhere to go - a building he could get to quickly without being seen. It wasn’t looking possible.

He could hear Ixion draw nearer. The crackling and sizzling of his whip and his heavy footsteps. Asclepius took a deep breath getting ready to sprint but he couldn’t move from the fear.

[sanityavoidance]

The world was a mess. That was old news. Yet somehow, everything grew continually worse. Mania couldn't even walk out onto the street without fear that someone would be aiming to take her head. No. She didn't like her circumstances in the least. She should be prancing through the chaos like a carefree puppy, not hiding behind things and avoiding decapitation and other less than fortunate treatments. She couldn't even peak out of her spot without seeing piles of dead bodies filling the streets. She knew there certainly were not many people left and wondered to herself where they all might have gone. 

A tilt of the head and Mania became alert once again as she heard approaching footsteps. It felt strange. Familiar, but she didn't dare push herself into the open. What could would it do to find herself face to face with one of Tartarus' little pets. Instead, she simply squished herself down farther behind some of the rubble. 

Peeking out, she could she the familiar top of someone's head, hiding just a little ways in front of her. A small smile formed at the corners of her lips and she quietly scooted from her place to join him in his. He seemed rather terrified. It was only logical to be terrified to Ixion. A man who was out for blood with flaming whips wasn't exactly something you ran towards. That is, unless you were into that kind of thing. The thought caused Mania to zone out a little bit wondering if any of her friends had those sorts of kinks before she shrugged it off. 

Once she was behind, Asclepius, she considered simply speaking, but knew that might cause him to yell, which would probably not be in either of their best interests. So instead, she quickly covered his mouth from behind before moving in front of him and placing a finger over her mouth to signal for him to be quiet. With a whisper, she let go. "Hi. Don't freak out, it's just me." The words felt rather odd coming from her lips. Normally she would be encouraging freak outs. However, normally, she wouldn't be hiding from a large scary creature who intended to destroy everything in his path. 

[aftertheglitterfadesxx]

[pay-yourdues-blog]

"I’m just pressing your buttons, I won’t speak for another." Charon scowled at his companion, suspicious of her intentions. "No. Why would I need someone special?" The man leaned back eyeing the girl, "Do you?"

"So I’ve come to understand, that is why you should let me make them for you. That way you only have to obey." Charon said in cheerful manner, allowing himself to chuckle at her comment. "No you don’t, but then again neither do I. Nor am I a warrior… There’s a place for everyone in this war, it’s whether or not you’re willing to rise up to it." Charon paused realizing he had ended his thought a little more forcefully than he had intended. He shrugged understanding where the girl was coming from—even if he didn’t agree. Her powers were better suited for their cause, but that was up to her to realize. “You belong where you and your powers will be celebrated.”

[sanityavoidance]

"I don't know... People seem to pair up a lot." Mania raised her eyebrows. "Me? Oh... no of course not." She shook her head. "Why would I need anyone? I am not exactly special someone material, if you haven't noticed." She shrugged. "That's just how it is."

"Me? Obey?" Mania gave a short laugh. Now, that was a funny thought. "You say rise up to it as if I am beneath this war..." She observed. "Neutrality does not equal inferiority." The spirit rubbed her arm and suddenly became very interested in her feet.

The Olympians would never find anything to celebrate in her discord. He did have a point there, but she couldn't let him have the satisfaction of knowing that. Nope. "It's not like your side exactly thinks I'm all that great."

[sanityavoidance]

Oops

Mania made her way across the street, skipping over a puddle of a questionable substance and laughing as she reached the other side. As she did so, two individuals hiding in the nearby alley began to laugh too before starting to run in circles. Mania continued smiling at them until they each ran straight into a wall and fell to the ground. Mania immediately looked away and whistled. "They were totally like that when I found them..."

[hecate-the-callous]

"Hopefully soon, Mania. This warring is as tedious to I as it is to you. The faster they wield to Hades will, the easier things will be for the majority." Hecate, despite her self, smiled. "Do as you please, spirit. But be warned, Hades is likely not to be forgiving of the neutrals. And only a fool would not aggravate his wrath."

"If you ask me, the Infernal are quite the interesting bunch." 

[sanityavoidance]

"Are you certain of that? You don't seem to mind it all that much." Mania cast a knowing glance in her direction. "He doesn't seem to be all that forgiving to anyone... I do not live to annoy him, I only live to live. It would be a shame if he felt that choosing freedom was against him."

"Are you now?" Mania laughed. "More mischievous maybe, still not quite as much fun as the neutrals. Maybe one day."

[partywithhedone-deactivated2014]

Trouble | Mania and Hedone

[partywithhedone-deactivated2014]

"I know that feeling." The spirit could closely relate to not remembering the night previous’s events upon waking up. It was obviously a reoccurring theme for both of the girls. She broke into a grin, before letting out a half scoff, half snort. "Yeah, right. Can you imagine us in a fight?" Hedone shook her head, "there’s only one kind of spear I like to wield." 

"A whole little club!" The redhead shifted between either foot, clearly excited. "You can bet your little blonde ass more than enough for some fun." Mania’s delight only added fuel to Hedone’s fire, and she trailed after her without thought. Her eyes scanned over the all too familiar architecture of the house, breathing a reminiscent sigh void of any strife. "I’ve missed your nut house, Mania." She floated into the bedroom, plopping onto the bed. Her attention followed the blonde’s, eying the pillow, "you get used to destroyed sleeping amenities when in my trade." 

Sly fingers twisted the cap from the bottle and red lips came to wrap around the neck of it, downing a small sip as she watched Mania. “Have you got any lace?” Hedone formed a dreamy smile, her thoughts drifting to the wonderful world of lace. “Humans love lace.” 

[sanityavoidance]

Mania giggled, always loving Hedone's little innuendos. She looked back at Hedone and shook her head quickly. "I can start fights! Though, I don't think I'd be much of a warrior." She sighed. "Wouldn't really be fair for us to be on either side, would it? We'd just turn their brains to much in our own special way before going about our business." She shrugged. 

"And I have missed you in my nut house. You should visit more." Mania shook her head. She could always sew her pillow up. She'd collected more than enough pieces of thread and random sewing needles for just that occasion! And that was yet another reason that she could use to argue against throwing things away next time someone accused her of being a hoarder. 

"Lace... Um..." Mania dug through another drawer before undoing her bra and replacing it with a red lacey one. "I have this... Oh!" She quickly replaced her underwear with a matching pair. "But... I'm not sure that I have anything lacey to go over it... hm..." She started searching through her closet until she came across a really short red dress. "There's this..." She looked over to Hedone for approval having no clue when it came to style and related topics.

[pay-yourdues-blog]

Charon tutted, “You shouldn’t be so close minded about fun, little one. I have a hobby thanks very much, and lady friends are also in ample supply. There is no need for concern.” The man shook his head amused, “Change is also good, in that case you need to change faster. Although I’d hardly call it little. This is the end of an era, that’s big regardless of what you think. And it’s about time.” The man grinned mischievously, raising his hands in surrender. “Fine, but do keep this in mind the Olympians do not have your best interests in mind.” He leaned in his eyes meeting hers, “I do.”

[sanityavoidance]

"Why does everyone always call me little? I don't get it..." She sighed a little. "Don't you want a special one some day?" She raised her eyebrows and tilted her head a little bit before rolling her eyes at him. "I don't like decisions. I avoid them if at all possible." The spirit shrugged. "I'm not a fan of them anyway. They're stuffy." Mania made a face before quickly adding "But that doesn't mean I'm choosing to fight for your side either. I'm not meant for this war. Do I look like a warrior to you?" She met his gaze before lowering her eyes, knowing good and well that he always watched out for her, but she didn't want to listen. "I don't belong with either side."

[outcasted-goddess]

Ceto looked up strangely at the little-ish child. If anything she was quite amusing. “You are strange child.” She laughed. “But I can’t disagree with you on that. Making up words can be much more effective.” She smiled. She watched as the girl who moved like a wisp played with the sand. “To each their own.” She nodded. “So, tell me. Why do I often catch you watching me?” She questioned. 

[sanityavoidance]

Mania wondered to herself why people always felt the need to call her a child and call her little. She wasn't that little was she? She was pretty little... "I am strange. Thank you for noticing." She grinned. "And yes, sometimes those words that already exist have already been used too many times, so we have to replace them with something fresh." She cave a decided nod. "I am curious of your friends." It fascinated Mania that someone with such amazing power could be so kind.

[poseiidone]

"Perhaps that wasn’t the best choice of words." Damn unnerving girl. It had to be the opening of Tartarus that was making him vulnerable, it had to be, he could feel the threat of attack in the air, salt on his skin. As much as he wished he could just dive into the sea a kilometre away, that was not an option. He had brought himself into this conversation with Mania and Poseidon would have to get himself out.

"We are a party. You know Dionysus, he’s one of us, is he not?" He paused. Was Dionysus fighting with them? He didn’t seem the type. "Well, he’s our flesh and blood, certainly." 

He leaned back, countering her angling forward. “No.” He was uncomfortable, but she didn’t need to know that. “You know my name, use it.”

[sanityavoidance]

"Right... party... And no." She shook her head. "I think I would know if my best friend up and decided to join you lot. He's in the middle with me on this matter. We are for the people." She nodded. "And by for the people I mean we aim to distract them from all of this with our own sort of madness. Provide an... escape." She nodded with a certain gleam in her eyes. 

"If you really wish to discuss flesh and blood, my own mother is neutral as well and my brothers? They are certainly not on the same side as yourself, so..." She giggled and moved away from him. "You are a horrible liar, Posie."  She smirked, just enjoying the opportunity to unnerve someone like Poseidon. It was priceless.

[sanityavoidance]

When delusions are better than reality...

TROH Mania

[pay-yourdues-blog]

"Well you didn’t succeed." The man shook his head, his brow raised disapprovingly. "Competition makes things fun, but I suppose I understand where you’re coming from. You just need to work faster, I hear we’re moving quite quickly." Charon broke into a chuckle, "Right, you’d think I’d know by now that fun is your number one objective. How foolish of me to think you’d want it to end as quickly as possible so you can get back to it." 

[sanityavoidance]

"Well that's just no fun at all. You're no fun. Maybe you should get a hobby... or a lady friend. Do you have a lady friend? You need one." She nodded decidedly. "And I work plenty fast. I should have to change everything to evolve around Hades and his little uprising. Gah... You'd think it was the end of the world or something." She stopped and made a face at her own word choice. "Hm..." She eyed him, knowing very well what he was trying to do. "Stop that... Trying to make me change my mind and whatnot."

[partywithhedone-deactivated2014]

Trouble | Mania and Hedone

[partywithhedone-deactivated2014]

"Oh," the redhead titled her head back slightly for emphasis, a reminiscent grin taking control of her face, "a reeeaally big smile.” Hedone levelled her sights with Mania’s, giggles rumbling out of her at the Cerberus joke. “I bet he doe—” she stepped nimbly out of the way, watching the goat run wild with an impressed arch eyebrow. “I’d ask what in the world you did last night, but I’m almost positive you won’t remember.”

She tilted her head sympathetically at her comrade, “I feel you, Mania. I really do.” Hedone touched a hand to her chest, “well, I say we pick up a sword and join the fight. It’s the only thing to do.” The spirit held her composure for a few seconds, before erupting into snickers. Mania or Hedone joining the war was about as far fetched as either side surrendering was. “Well, I have a wonderful selection of pretty coloured pills,” she touched a hand to the pocket of her particularly skin tight jeans where a small baggie of pills was tucked away nicely. “A bottle of something that tastes a bit like rocket fuel,” she shook the bottle in her left hand. “And, I think this will be your favourite part, the location of an underground mortal club full of playthings just waiting to be played with.”

[sanityavoidance]

"I remember nothing..." She shook her head. "Only that I woke up on the couch." She nodded, wondering if someone must have helped her home of if she surfed in on a goat. Who knew? "If we must we must." Mania sighed and looked down at her feet in faux solemnity, before bursting out into laughter with Hedone. 

"Oooh! I do enjoy colors." She grinned. "And anything in a bottle has to be wondrous in one way or another." She nodded, but what really got her was the final element to the excitement. "Oh  you have found some?" She bit her lip, feeling the all too familiar cravings returning to her. "A whole little club?" She bounced on her feet a little. "Well, then what are we waiting for?" She practically skipped to her bedroom, expecting Hedone to follow, but stopped int he doorway to tilt her head at a chewed up pillow and sighed. "I liked that pillow..." 

The spirit practically danced to her dresser, automatically stripping as she began searching for something to wear. "I could do jeans too... or a dress... or... hm..." Mania had never been very good at picking out clothes for certain occasions,but she did want to look nice as she tore apart their tapestries of reality.

[sanityavoidance]

[sanityavoidance]

Gain perspective. Stand on your head.

TROH Mania

[partywithhedone-deactivated2014]

Trouble | Mania and Hedone

[partywithhedone-deactivated2014]

The redhead was half way through another endearing adjective used to describe herself when she was cut off by the door. “Mania!” She exclaimed in the ways of a mortal girl greeting a companion who she hadn’t seen in awhile: loud and shrill. And then quietly, when she realised the poor spirit had just woken up, Hedone whispered, “Bobby? Robert? Bob? .. Alexander?” The girl shrugged indifferently, “some mortal with a really nice co-um, smile.” She flashed a shameless grin at her almost slip of words. 

A snicker escaped her, “don’t worry, I won’t judge you. Though if you’re into animals, I hear Cerberus has a body on him now,” the spirit teased, a big smug smile shaping her lips. Though her expression fell a little solemn as she spoke her next words, “let me take a quick moment to sympathise.. I imagine it’s as hard as it is to bring about pleasure when mortals are being ripped to pieces as it is to bring about madness when it’s damn near everywhere.” 

[sanityavoidance]

Mania winced at her ginger friend's original volume, but was thankful when the voice lowered to a whisper and couldn't help but laugh and shake her head a little. "A really nice smile?" She raised an eyebrow. "A really big smile?" She let out a sigh. "I was wondering why I woke up on the couch..." She shrugged, having absolutely no memory of the previous night's events. "Cerberus?" She grinned at the beast's name. "Oh I know. I've spoken with him for a little while. I think he's shill getting used to two legs and one head." Suddenly Mania tilted her head. "I wonder if he only likes it doggy-..." She suddenly turned as the goat came running towards her and she moved out of the way so it could run through the door. "I've never been great with kids..." 

"FINALLY... someone who actually understands my current predicament!" She shook her head about to comment how she could almost kiss Hedone for her understanding, but decided against it since the spirit would probably go right along with it. Maybe it would be best not to encourage her. "How do you suggest we remedy this situation? Hm?"

[partywithhedone-deactivated2014]

Trouble | Mania and Hedone

Hedone had awoken, not unusually, with a headache rocking her skull and a naked, nameless body by her side. Wait, nope, two bodies. A man and a woman, the curves and lines of their silhouettes all out on display in the rising morning sun. A flush of memories washed over her, memories of moans and hiccupy gasps and a whole lot of pleasure. Subconsciously she extended a hand with a pointed index finger, poking the buttocks of the tight muscled man. A snorted giggle fell from her lips at the firmness of it, tilting her head at an angle to fully appreciate the sight. The woman began stirring upon Hedone’s laughter. “Yep, that’s my queue to go.”

A few hours and a swift escape from morning awkwardness (which she strictly did not take part in) later, the redheaded spirit had found herself at the door of Mania’s nut house. She’d always had an appreciation for the bringer of madness. For the way she knew how to have a good time, but managed to remain somehow methodical in her ways whereas Hedone herself was all on the spot decisions and no consistency what so ever. And with the impending apocalypse and all, she saw a good opportunity to catch up. “Mania!” The spirit hissed, fingers drumming on her thigh. “Maaaniaaa. You’ve got a visitor. She’s charming… attractive.. hilarious…” she continued to babble on, and probably would until the door was answered.

[sanityavoidance]

Mania had spent all night out going crazy with Dionysus when she heard the knock on her door. She woke at a knock on her door and simply groaned in its general direction. Upon hearing Hedone's perky voice, Mania let out another sound and rolled into the floor before realizing that she had spent the night on the couch. Why had she done that? She shook her head, deciding not to question it. Mania finally made it to her feet and towards her front door, yawning and stretching, her hair even more out of control than usual, proving to be an adequate representation of the brain that it covered.

Mania opened the door, her eyes half opened as she let the door swing ajar. "Hm?" She finally managed to get her eyes open. "Hi." The single syllable was immediately followed by a yawn and a stretch up to the sky. "Whose house did you leave this morning, Hedonini?" The spirit tilted her head before scrunching her face up at a strange goat noise coming from her bedroom. "Ignore that. It's not what you think. He wasn't my type." She nodded.