The moon was high in the sky and the city was alive. People filled the streets with laughter and shouts as the night life had begun. Jericho and Marcus moved through the crowded sidewalks with ease as Diana struggled to get through.

Looking down at Marcus Jericho wondered what it was like to have someone in his head. The way Marcus spoke of Trishula, it seemed like a two souls one body type of situation. “I probably should have asked this a couple of blocks ago, but where are we going?”

“Somewhere quiet.” He stated, he kept fidgeting with the golden crown, as if he was trying to get it off.

“The crown uncomfortable?” Diana asked, she caught up to them as she finally managed to get her city legs.

“Yea, it’s somehow itchy yet slippery. Feels like it’s gonna fall off, gods, how did Sun put up with this.” Marcus sighed, scratching the rim of the crown “Plus it’s very tight.”

“It was either that or burning it into your skin Marcus. I choose the less medieval route.” Diana stated

Jericho shivered at the thought, “That’s a bit cruel, don’t you think?”

“The head of the Keepers are very old and traditional, they despise room for failure. They often times mistake what needs to be done with drastic measures. They don’t even know what to do with you yet Jericho.” Diana admitted.

Jericho glances down to see Marcus with a blank expression. No emotion visible, even his movements were controlled, each step didn’t miss a beat to his silent rhythm. Everyone else would think nothing of it, but after many game nights ranging from poker to monopoly, Jericho new Marcus was plotting something. But what, he wasn’t sure.

“Whatever happens, happens. I’ll get through it. I always do.” Jericho reassured Marcus, giving off his trademark cocky smirk. “I’ve been through too much to let a council of baby boomers to stop me.”

Marcus chuckled, “Haha, yea…”

Diana looked confused, “Baby boomers?”

~~~~~~~~

Marcus lead the group to an abandoned shack of a house. Water damaged walls, creaky holed floors, all that was missing was a tragic murder and the house would have been a hotspot for paranormal TV shows. “Why are we here? Planning on getting Trishula a roommate? Is he also the god of wrecked abandoned houses?”

“You done?” Marcus asked, slightly annoyed. “You’re not cute.”

“Yes I am.” Jericho poked Marcus’ ribs.

“Jericho please.” Diana chided. “Not now.”

Jericho rolled his eyes and cleared his throat, “Alright. Why are we here.” He kicked over broken furniture and pieces of wood.

“Calling a friend.” Marcus announced. “Stand back.”

Doing as they were told, Diana and Jericho took a couple steps away from Marcus and watched intently.

Marcus cleared his throat and took a deep breathe. “ANANSI! You spineless excuse for a god show yourself! I know you’re watching!”

Diana yelped, “Marcus No!”

Marcus shouted with even more ferocity, “You coward!”

“Oh gods, are we going to get smited?” Jericho whispered, with an uneasy excitement.

“Get your thorax out here!” Marcus shouted. Marcus took another breath as he was about to shout another series of insults again but he stopped.

They all watched as a hairy brown spider slowly make it’s way down a single web in front of Marcus. Once eye level to Marcus, the spider dropped from his web and landed with a hardy thump in front of Marcus. “Anansi.” He announced.

Slowly the spider started to morph, growing in size and shape, soon Anansi became a dark skinned man with short frizzy black hair. He wore a black suit with a red tie and a crown made from large red rubies. He would have looked like a normal man except for his eyes. Upon further inspection, Jericho noticed the the crown were actually six large eyes.

Compared to Marcus, Anansi towered of him, even Diana looked short compared to the spider. “Marcus, Trishula.” His voice was deep, and smooth like fine silk. Perfect for a storyteller.

“Spider.” Marcus announced.

What happened next surprised Jericho and Diana.

Before anyone could react, Anansi rushed Marcus for a tight hug, “Thank the stars your safe, I was so worried.”

Marcus hugged the god back, “I’m so sorry. I should have been there. I could have helped.” Marcus whimpered.

“Nonono, you couldn’t have done anything that would have prevented this little one. Not while your magic was locked away.”

“What’s happening, did I miss something?” Jericho whispered to Diana, “I thought Gods could only appear in vessels.”

“They don’t technically need one. They need a vessel to affect the world around them, they can still appear and take shape. And as for this.” She gestured towards the hugging duo. “The profile said that they were friends, but I didn’t expect this.”

A couple of heartfelt words later, Marcus gestured towards Diana and Jericho, “This is Jericho and Diana, they’ll help us find who did this.”

Diana walked up to Anansi and bowed, who scoffed and took her hand and shook it passionately. “No need to be so formal, friends of Marcus are friends of mine.” Diana laughed nervously and looked towards Marcus for help. Who just shrugged and laughed. Jericho had a sinking feeling that this was his revenge for the beanstalk comment.He had a terrible feeling that he was next.

He then turned his attention to Jericho and his expression turned blank, ‘uh oh’ Jericho thought, ‘that’s where he got it from.’ Like Marcus he seemed to move in a rhythmic way, each muscle movement seemed to fit a sort of pattern. He knew Anansi was analyzing him, he just didn’t know how to react.

“So you’re the boyfriend?” He announced, finally breaking the silence.

Jericho felt the hair on the back of his neck stand as all of his eight eyes focused on him. “Heh- Hi.”

Before he could say anything else, Marcus pulled him away, “Were getting off track, we can talk about my love life after we find Akande’s murderer.”

Anansi stopped, his stature dropping. “Right. I’m sorry.” He slumped to the floor and patted the area next to him. Jericho was surprised that creaky floor didn’t collapse under him.

Once every one sat around him, Anansi started to speak, “It all happened so fast. To be honest I don’t remember what exactly happened. Akande and I were coming home after work and then… nothing. Last thing I remember was watching Akande’s corp- Akande float around some Kappas.”

Despite Diana’s calm demeanor, a flash of anger passed over her. “I see. I wasn’t able to see any Kappas in the river when I was down there, though we’ll check again.”

“Draw them out, I recommend cucumbers.” Anansi spoke. “Little guys can’t resist that stuff.”

Diana nodded and bowed, “Thank you Anansi. I will try everything in my power to see you and Akande justice.” With that she got up and made a quick exit without a word.

Jericho and Marcus gave each other worried glances, something was up.

“Thank you Anansi. I’ll be back once this is over. Promise.” Marcus gave the man one more hug before chasing after Diana.

After they left, Jericho was left in the room alone with Anansi, “I should go-“

“Stay a while JJ.” Anansi interrupted. “We have much to talk about… vessel.”