DECISIONS [P]

She regretted not killing Sui Feng now. Simply running her blade through her chest the moment she appeared in front of her. She comes to her domain, insults her, and then has the gall to try and sway her back to the Gotei? It was pathetic. She slammed her fist against the side of the bath she now resided in, the steam rising around her. It was an attempt to relax and rid herself of the stress and anger. After so long she had finally gotten a break, only for a Shinigami to come and ruin it. Lowering herself further in to the water so it reached just below her neck, she inhaled deeply, then exhaled. What was she to do? The Gods had diminished, she had been betrayed, and her father was missing. She felt more alone than ever. Sighing she closed her eyes, and attempted to ignore the soft footsteps that had entered. "Oracle. What is it you want now? I'm trying to relax." She was quiet at first. "I know of your meeting with the Shinigami." Emi sighed. "Of course you do. What of it?" The Oracle knelt beside her, and ran her hand through the water. "What will you do?"

Emi opened her eyes and looked at her. "What do you mean? I'll remain on Olympus, and plan for the upcoming war." The Oracle shook her head and smiled sadly. "Why?" She was growing irritated now. "What do you mean 'why'? Its what father would have wanted, and I intend to carry out his wishes. For an Oracle, she was really bad at seeing the future. "Your father is not here, Athena. There is no one here, save you. The others have left, and you intend to war with the Quincy and the Shinigami?" Emi rose further out of the water now, anger marring her face. "Watch your tongue, Oracle. You may be immortal, but you still serve me." The Oracle rose, clasping her hands together in front of her. "I have served you and your father faithfully, I have seen you rise from a scared little girl in to the warrior you are now. And I see your heart in turmoil. Your thoughts are clouded. If you remain on this path, you will die. Alone. Is that what you really want? Would your father want that?"

Emi rose to her full height now, the water splashing around her. "IT IS ALL I KNOW! I was raised to be a warrior, to hate the Shinigami. And why shouldn't I? Its because of them that I stand upon Olympus, with fury and hatred in my heart. Father abandoned us. Me. But I know I will find him, and together we will crush the Shinigami-" She was cut off by the sudden embrace of the Oracle, her head buried in her shoulder. She shook, with anger at first, then sadness. Softly, she spoke. "Why...? Why did he leave? Why did he put so much burden on me? I didn't ask for any of this..." Tears began to streak down her face, as the Oracle separated their embrace only slightly, she wiped the tears away. "He believed in you, he knew you would lead your people to greatness. And you will. But you cannot win this war alone. Go to them. Open your heart. And if you truly cannot forgive, then think of it as a strategical advantage. They have resources you do not, and may be able to aid in finding your father. And when you are ready, return to Olympus, and live the rest of your life." Emi wiped her face, her expression hardening again.

"Very well. Ready my armor, and gather twenty Spartans. If I am to leave and reside in the Soul Society, I'm going to bring a piece of Olympus with me." The Oracle smiled and nodded, departing from the bath immediately, the bottom half of her robe dripping with water as she left. She would not find it comforting to be back in the Soul Society, but it had its advantages, and she would endure it for the time being. When the time was right, she would make her move.