Mythic Mayhem (Dario Agger, closed)

[Ysmir]

Midday, somewhere near Genesee Valley, New York...

"Whatever Thor can't do -- Hercules can accomplish more mightily!"

---

Call him simple, but Hercules truly did appreciate the small differences in modern life.

For one thing; the beer. By the Gods, did the modern age know their beer! Perhaps the most exciting aspect of learning to acclimate to life among the humans of today was learning about different brews, different techniques, and the different styles of crafting the ultimate mug of sweet, sweet ale.

Not to put his origins down; Mycenae and Argos had their fair share of stellar breweries. By the Seven Hells, don't even get him started. But they lacked a certain... quality of care and balance accrued over thousands of years of perfecting the art. Hercules was simply glad that he was able to be around to see it develop! He dared to think humanity's brews might even rival that of the nectar of Olympus. Why, if Dionysus knew that Herc held such wicked and blasphemous thoughts, he might never let him live it down. Good thing my dear brother knows he can't best me.

Herc smiled. The Golden Mace rested across his shoulder, his left hand hung lazily on its grip as he walked through the blowing grass fields of western New York. He reached the edge of a cliff that dropped down to a grand view of the river below. To his right, a waterfall. The landscape was reminiscent of Greece, of home, a place he hadn't traveled to very often in his recent years with the Avengers. It was good to get out and simply exist for awhile. So much time was spent sating his itch for glorious combat, he often forgot to stop and quite literally smell the roses every now and again.

But it seemed the time of peace was drawing to a close. On a nearby trail that led from the scenic view to a small town, he heard yells and cries of despair. Ever curious, the Prince of Power made his way through the thicket to investigate.

"DOWN WITH ROXXON, DOWN WITH ROXXON! NO MORE ISLAND!"

A group of civilians had gathered around near the only main road going through their home. Above, looming in the skies, was an ugly thing; a chunk of rock propelled by noxious tubes that emitted smoke and brimstone into the air. Smokestacks scraped the clouds and forced more of the vile fumes upward. Herc's brows furrowed.

"Citizen," Hercules began, walking toward the crowd. When they beheld his size and... choice attire, they immediately stopped and gaped. "Or... erm, citizens. May I be of assistance?"

"Pfft," one of the people scoffed. She was a shorter woman, with a blonde ponytail and thick black-framed glasses. "Not unless you can yank that thing out of the sky, big guy."

"Ha! A splendid idea! I found myself growing restless as it were," Hercules replied. He gestured for the crowd to make room. "Please, stand aside."

The confused citizens dispersed and made room. The woman frowned, moreso out of confusion. "I... wasn't being serious. You could always just help us protest?"

"I speak with actions, my lady; not words. You may not be serious, but Hercules never turns down a challenge," the Olympian said with a grin. Bearing no more conversation and needing no more convincing, Hercules crouched and then kicked off from the ground, propelling himself into the skies using his prodigious strength. The crowd gasped and pointed as they watched him practically take flight.

"But wait, the town--!", the woman yelled, but far too little, too late.

He hung loosely in the air just above the floating island, before gravity did its job and brought him crashing down right in the middle of the industrial hellscape. The entire island shook and trembled under his landing, and Hercules stood to his full height as he gazed around the main square. A terse gentleman in a fine tailored suit stood off to the side, having nearly fallen over after the rumble caused by Herc's landing. The Lion of Olympus turned to this individual and grinned.

"Greetings and salutations, my four-eyed friend. I bid you good tidings. If you'd be so kind as to direct me toward the proprietor of this..." Hercules began, but trailed off as he looked around the place. His hands rested on his hips. "Establishment? Home? I'm not sure."

[bio858]

Roxxon Island

Roxxon Island was quite the feat of engineering, with the use of various engines and the like to both keep the island floating and powered for all of its unique residents. Whether it was the wealthy elite who spent extra money to allow themselves to live on a floating island, to the high level execs that live on the taller towers on this flying fortress, it wouldn't be far fetched to feel like a god looking down on the common rabble below. This didn't include the common factory worker that basically lived in the lower levels of the island, all to make a decent income for their families. Roxxon, at least, provided them living accommodations, and did provide flying vehicles in case they decided to leave. Otherwise, they weren't really living in the best of conditions.

Nonetheless, the city would enjoy the magnificent sites and the low level of traffic. There would be a private security force to maintain the peace within this small, advanced city, with a shield around the edges of the island so no one would somehow, accidentally fall off. It was practically a utopia of sorts (minus the lower class workers), but there was one big issue. The high level of pollutants coming off from the bottom of the engines, which were definitely feeding into the widening the Ozone Layer in the atmosphere. The intense fumes were very apparent to anyone who were unfortunate to spot the island flying above their small towns. However, due to where the island tends to travel, none of the cities had the resources to apply any valid lawsuit to sue them. Especially when the company itself provided "hush" money to any of these towns' politicians, just to avoid any possible hassles in the future.

However, it is doubtful that the company expected a Demi-God to jump onto their floating "utopia". It was especially surprising to one Gary Mathis, who was simply walking the streets to enjoy the sights. There would be a few other onlookers as well, simply enjoying some joy-rides or walks, looking on towards Hercules as he asked the man his questions.

"Greetings and salutations, my four-eyed friend. I bid you good tidings. If you'd be so kind as to direct me toward the proprietor of this...Establishment? Home? I'm not sure.""

The bespectacled man would stammer, unsure of what to say. He would stammer with his words, shocked at the man's incredible feat.

"H-how did you get up here? W-wait, you're one of those Avengers? You're related to Thor right?"

Another woman, in a business suit, would walk up to the muscular man, eyeing him up like he was some kind of piece of meat. She'd appear to be a bit of an older woman, but in great physical shape. In some sense, she did seem attractive despite her age, with brown hair hanging down to her chest.

"No, you driveling idiot. This...specimen calls himself Hercules. One of the more famous Demi-Gods of Greek myth. And my, my, what a legend you are. I don't know why you're here, but it seems my prayers have been answered. How about you come up to my personal suite, and we...get to know each other better?"

Before she could try to coax the god to her chambers, Roxxon security would arrive on the scene. They would drag Gary and the older woman away, much to her chagrin. After this, Roxxn would speak through their radio, letting one of the guard's voices project through the speakers of their armored vehicle.

"We request that everyone return to their homes. I repeat, everyone return to their homes. We have an intruder on the premises. Repeat, an intruder on the premises."

However, Roxxon security would quickly arrive on the scene, dragging the man away, and forcing the others to return to their respective premises.

With about several armored vehicles arriving onto the scene, a large number of troops would exit, all wearing unique SWAT gear with the label "Roxxon" imprinted on each of the uniforms. All of them were armed with unique laser rifles, as they aimed them at the Ancient Avenger. This would include some of the tanks, which had a large cannon mounted at the top. Strangely, it seemed these vehicles were practically prepped for war.

"You have one chance! Put your hands up and surrender! We will not ask again!"

[Ysmir]

"Whatever Thor can't do -- Hercules can accomplish more mightily!"

---

"Related?! Pah!", Hercules said as he slapped his thigh, chuckling. "Aye, in a way. If by "related", you mean "better than". But all jests aside, Thor Odinson is like family to me, as are all the Avengers."

Herc placed his hands on his hips and smiled. However, before he could ask another follow up question, his attention was turned toward the new arrival who marched up like she owned the place. Her rather direct approach and... predatory gaze was more than a little discomforting to Hercules. His smile didn't fade, yet he lifted a curious brow when she spoke.

"Sp-... specimen?", Hercules repeated, confused by the word. Then, when she drew closer and propositioned him, both brows shot up in surprise. "Oh -- uhm... well, you see, that isn't exactly why--"
Interrupted once again, Herc's head snapped around as the security force began swarming into the scene. He lifted his hands -- submissive, for the moment -- and stepped back as the impressive force encircled him. Despite their advanced weaponry and vastly superior numbers, however, the Lion didn't waver at all in his confidence, merely turning about in place and noting each and every one of their troops.

"My friends -- I do believe we've gotten off on the wrong foot, here," Hercules announced to the guards as he spun to look at each of them. "I wish none of you any harm for the time being. I simply request to speak to your leader. Or... whatever equivalent to a leader a peculiar place such as this has."

[bio858]

Atop Roxxon Tower

Dario would look down from the highest floor of Roxxon's own, space-scraping tower. From within his personal office, he'd see all the sights and sound within both Roxxon Island, and everything below it. Here, he was practically like God, as he should be. No one was higher than him. No one.

However, like all Gods, he'd unfortunately have to hear some messages from the rabble. Particularly dealing with the eye-sore that was the Avenger speaking with the security guards down below. He'd barely note the people there, as they were all practically the size of ants. In fact, the only reason he'd notice such a commotion at all is due to the large amount of vehicles piling up on the road. His security force worked quickly enough to deal with whatever intruder had decided to come up onto this island. However, he didn't know why this particular invader was here in the first place. Hence, the messenger that would involve a woman in a dress suit knocking on the door further behind him.

"Come in."

The woman would enter, quickly informing Agger of the events that were preceding down in the streets below him.

"Sir, we have a problem. It seems there's an Avenger on the premises. We aren't sure why here, but it seems he wants to speak to you sir."

Dario would simply sigh. An Avenger would prove troublesome, especially on the legal side of things. For all intents and purposes, their ID cards practically functioned as warrants to let them go wherever they pleased. The only way to provoke such privileges was to catch the hero in quite the immoral act and record it for said legal purposes. Pretty difficult to do with the more, righteous of Avengers. Even more so for those with a brain. However, perhaps he could try something with this one.

"Did you identify who this Avenger is?"

"Yes sir. We believe he calls himself Hercules."

She'd showcase her own tablet, displaying the images of Hercules on the screen. Dario would see the article displaying the many feats the hero had displayed over the years. However, Agger had no time to read over such drivel himself. Instead, he'd scoff at the irony of a Greek Hero practically barging in on his "door step".

"Hercules, is it? Perhaps I can make an opening in my schedule. Tell the men to escort him here. And make sure they're quick. I don't like to be kept waiting."

The woman would nod in obedience, rushing back to her office to make the call. Dario would return to look through his glass window, looking down over all the sights and sounds below. It was time to meet the supposed Greek Hero of Legend, and see why he decided to come crashing down into his island in the first place.

---

Back Down in the Streets of Roxxon Island

The men would keep their rifles fixed upon the Avenger, shouting out various orders to try and keep him in line. Such as their own rude response to when he asked if he could speak with their leader.

"You don't call the shots here big guy! Mr. Agger doesn't have time for the likes of y-"

Another soldier would take charge after getting the order to escort Hercules to the tower. Hence, he'd interrupt the soldier that was badgering the Avenger himself.

"Apologies Mr. Panhellenios. Mr. Agger has asked you to come visit him in his quarters. Let us escort you to the tower."

The soldier that initiated the badgering would turn around with a wide-eyed look, but even he had to fall in line. Soon, the soldiers would return to their vehicles, and decided to beckon Hercules to enter inside one of their tanks if he wanted to.

[Ysmir]

"Whatever Thor can't do -- Hercules can accomplish more mightily!"

---

When they shouted their jeers and insults, the Lion smirked. The smirk turned into a grin, which turned into a hearty chuckle as looked about. Go on, give me a reason. Fire your puny weapons.

Tensions rose. Hercules began to lower his hands. He asked politely, he gave them a chance. If it was a fight they wanted...

"Apologies Mr. Panhellenios..."

Pan--? My last name? Hercules spun around to the new arrival, confused by his sudden arrival and usage of his full name. "You know my last name?", Hercules asked with a tilt of his head. Then, his eyebrows shot up, and so, too, did his smile. "Of course you do! It seems this Mr. Agger is a learned and well-informed man."

Hercules walked up to the new arrival and clapped him on the shoulder gently -- as gently as the Prince of Power could muster, at least. He grinned and pointed a large finger at the soldier. "You, my tiny friend, are the only one amongst this rabble with sense. Take pride in that."

With one last pat on the shoulder, Hercules turned and made his way toward one of the large armored vehicles. It would bring him no small amount of pleasure to hitch a ride with the very same imbeciles who were threatening him with mere weaponry. He clambered into the tight crew space and settled himself down across from a few members of the security force. As the tank rolled out to bring him to their destination, Herc wore a smile the entire time.

"Quite the armament you gentlemen posses," Hercules noted, looking around the interior space. "Preparing for war, are we? Historically, not very wise to maintain a standing army in times of peace."

[bio858]

Roxxon Island

The soldiers would drive on ahead towards Roxxon tower, with each of the soldiers sitting alongside Hercules feeling a bit intimidated by the larger frame of the Avenger. Wouldn't be surprising of course, given the fact that he was pretty much the Prime Image of masculinity. The mercenaries themselves weren't even sure if their laser rifles would even be able to bring the hero down, if he did decide to just attack each of them inside. For all intents and purposes, it would just be the end of them if they happened to somehow piss off the Demi-God.

Thankfully, that didn't happen, as no one tried to reply back to the Greek Hero. Well, except for one of the troops.

"We tend to have a lot of enemies that target those that live here. We're here to ensure their safety. Especially when the world keeps getting weirder and weird with folks like you popping up all over it."

Hercules would have the chance to respond if he wished, but they'd all soon exit the vehicle once the armored vehicle came to a stop. It seemed they all parked in front of the large tower that was labeled fittingly as "Roxxon Tower".

"After you, sir." said another soldier, urging Hercules to step out first. They'd all be behind him, keeping their weapon trained on the hero if he tried anything funny.

Hence, they'd guide the hero through the front door, past the reception desk, where the seated women would stand up, both wide-eyed and shocked at the hero's presence. They'd eventually guide him into an elevator, where only a few soldiers could fit inside alongside the Greek Legend.

It would prove to be a crowded fit, as one of the agents pressed the respective floor number, as well as the pass-code to be allowed up the higher floor. Soon, the elevator door would close, and they'd all eventually start rising up. Now was as good a time for elevator talk, if Hercules was in the mood for such a thing.

[Ysmir]

"Whatever Thor can't do -- Hercules can accomplish more mightily!"

---

The soldier's reply earned him nothing more than Herc's curious gaze.

Sure, the Lion could have corrected the mere mortal that heroes such as himself had been present in this world since the time of his ancestors. He could go on at length about the Twelve Labors, about the siege of Troy, the first Olympics, his defeat of the sixty-thousand ton nuclear lizard living beneath the oceans of the Atlantic. He could wax poetic of all these stories and more, but for once in his life, Herc chose not to. Not because he didn't think he could convince the man, but because he wasn't sure if he should convince him.

Hercules had made a promise; that he'd start trying to use his mind more than his fists. Of course, if it came to blows, then he'd be more than happy to oblige whoever tries to start a fight. But until then... words first. It feels odd, but I must be true to my word.

Once the cavalcade had arrived at its location, Hercules took the invitation (or order) to step from the vehicle. He glanced upward at the tall and imposing tower, though arched a brow at it, crossing his arms. "Compensating for something, are we?", he said with a sly grin, glancing to one of the unamused soldiers. Still wearing a smile, Herc followed his escort through the front door.

Noting the wide-eyed greeter, Hercules shot the woman a glance and a hearty two-fingered salute. He took note of his surroundings; modern, egalitarian, very pragmatic architecture. Zero heart or soul in any of it. His father would be saddened to see such lifelessness put into a building of importance. Though, more importantly, Hercules noted the utter lack of any convenient exits and entrances. Smart.

They crowded into the elevator, Hercules maintaining a position in the center. He placed his hands on his hips as he looked about the enclosed space.

"It's an impressive building, to be sure," Hercules began, either uncaring of the silent tension or unaware, "must have taken some time to build. Tell me, how is it your island floats? I am intrigued. Magic? Science? Perhaps both?"

[bio858]

Roxxon Island

The elevator ride proved to be a bit long, with it slowly rising up higher and higher to the top floor. Hence, the demigod thought it best to pass the time with a bit of small time. His first question would involve asking about how the island was floating above the many towns and cities it had passed by. Most of the soldiers decided to respond back with silence, as they all still held tightly to their guns. They held some paranoia towards being in the same small enclosure with an Avenger after all. However, at least a few of the soldiers there did warm up to the Greek Hero.

"Oh, this baby is floating cause of like a crap ton of nuclear engines. They all keep powering up the engines to keep us floating for like millennium. Pretty cool right?"

The other soldiers would simply give a strange look towards the soldier. It seems they probably weren't supposed to speak too much about the island. Whether that was in part, due to some work related purpose, or that they were afraid of their boss remains to be seen. They'd all eventually arrive at the intended floor, as the elevator doors opened.

He'd walk inside a wide room that owned by Dario Agger. A few lights were on, as Dario seemed to stand completely bathed in darkness. He'd turn around to face his soldiers, with Hercules standing in the middle amongst them.

"Ah, Hercules Panhellenios, it's quite the pleasure to finally meet you. If you haven't already figured it out, I'm Dario Agger."

He'd look towards the rest of his men, and decided to simply shoo them off. He wanted the Avenger to feel comfortable, not threatened in the slightest. Best to get the soldiers out of the way.

"Captain Miller, I appreciate the escort, but you and your men can go. I'll be safe here. After all, my guest is an Avenger."

He'd offer a cold smile, as he clapped his hands to turn on the rest of the lights in his large office. The Captain would try to object, but to no avail.

"But sir-"

"-No buts Captain. Now, hurry along. The rest of my guests living here require your protection after all."

The soldier would stop with the reply, and head back towards the elevator. With the rest of the squadron descending back down the tower, Dario would then look back towards Hercules to offer his full attention.

"So Hercules, I can call you Hercules right? Why are you here on my island? You made a bit of splash on arrival, so I want to know if the reason you're here isn't about something serious."

[Ysmir]

"Whatever Thor can't do -- Hercules can accomplish more mightily!"

---

"Oh, this baby is floating cause of like a crap ton of nuclear engines.."

The soldier's almost childlike candidness earned him a heart chuckle from the Olympian Avenger, who merely shook his head at the revelation. Of course it was nuclear. Herc sorely missed the days of yore when war was fought on the battlefield with blade and fist -- and maybe the occasional bow. In the last one hundred years, humanity has become so obsessed with its own ever-growing power that now, all you had to do to start and end a war was push a button. Nuclear power was just another word for ticking timebomb. If the prior protests he'd seen below didn't harden his resolve already, this new information did. The Island had to go.

"Ah, you do have a first name. Your soldier-types and lackeys were beginning to make me wonder if it was Mister," Hercules said as he emerged from within the elevator. Despite the ominous feel of the room and Dario's presence in the darkness, it seemed Herc was wholly unintimidated.

Hercules watched as Agger waved his troops off. The Lion was unsure if it was a tactic to earn his trust or if the suited man was being genuine; regardless, he was happy to be rid of their puny and prying eyes. When the lights turned back on, Herc shielded his face for a brief moment before lowering his hand down.

"Aye, my reason -- a fair question," Hercules said, stepping closer to the main. He stopped about midway through the room, a few meters away. Herc crossed his arms. "It seems as though your Island's presence has upset some of the local townspeople on the surface. You see, I am a man of the people, and also of the planet. They are unhappy with your eyesore poisoning their air."

[bio858]

Roxxon Island

"Ah, subjective tastes in architecture I see. Well, I would most likely distaste your home of Mount Olympus, but my bias may derive from...past experiences."

Deciding to forget the trauma within that island, he'd continue to speak to the Demi-God. After all, the Avenger was here on some mission from the people. Best to see if that was a particular detail that he could take advantage of.

"So, you're here on behalf of the ant-I mean, people down below. Well, I suppose people can always trust in gods like you to answer their prayers."

He knew that from experiences. His particular...gift came from such a prayer long ago. However, he knew that one couldn't over rely on the gods. After all, the heavens, or at times the hells, can only help one so much.

"But you must consider that I can't just shut down this island because of their protests. People paid good money to live here. I can't afford to disappoint them. After all, humans only have so long to live, especially when compared to immortal folk such as yourself. If they have the funds to live in luxury, why not let them? It's a bit selfish to force us to live down there and never excel above our station. After all, you gods have enjoyed the heavens for quite some time. Can't we humans join in?"

He'd make sure to keep note of the hidden cameras throughout his office. They were there for security purposes, but there was a part of him wondering about the particular biology of a Greek God. Was it something his scientists could exploit, possibly as a way to provide new-found immortality that new clients would pay top dollar for? Best to see where else his conversation with Hercules could take him.

[Ysmir]

"Whatever Thor can't do -- Hercules can accomplish more mightily!"

---

When the suited man spoke of Olympus as though he knew of it, the Lion was given brief pause; he regarded Agger with a raise of his brow. On the surface, he appeared as nothing more than ordinary man, with little to know identifying marks or noteworthy traits to speak of.

Oh, how little Herc knew...

"Nay, not prayers, good sir -- justified worries," Hercules corrected, moving his hands to rest upon his hips as he began to pace around the office. He swept his eyes over the architecture, both in study and admiration. "You see, I know what it is like to be rendered helpless -- believe it or not. To see injustice and exploitation, and to be unable to take action against it no matter how hot your heart may burn with desire. It is a horrid thing, a thing I will not stand for."

When he mentioned Olympus -- nay, compared it to his abhorrent floating island -- Herc turned to him with furrowed brows. "Aye, my father and his patrons enjoy their luxury. I do not. I choose to remain among the humans because I feel they know and appreciate life better. And so far, I've not been proven wrong."

He turned fully toward Agger once more, taking a few steps closer. "Tell me, sir; what right have you to flaunt and endanger the common folk simply because you possess greater wealth? Is it not the responsibility of the powerful to enrich the lives of others, not worsen them?"

[bio858]

Roxxon Island

"What a question. What a pointless question. Only a powerful person would ask such a thing, for only they have such an opportunity to waste time on such a pointless endevour. Besides, my company provides numerous services for all of its paying clients. If they want us power to their homes, they simply sign up with us. A common give and take. I have no need to offer free charity. I have employees to pay after all, with families of their own. And this island provided new job opportunities for these "common folk" you speak of. If people with the money and the resources wish to live like gods, then why can't I exploit such a desire? It grants my company more money, and allows my employees another pay check to support their families."

He'd walk slowly around the god, as if carefully examining the specimen. It was as if he was wondering what kind of value Hercules could provide. The risks, the rewards, the value, all of it was carefully thought up as he looked more and more at the god.

"You can probably see, that is also a give and take. In exchange for their services, I pay. They work hard, they'll be able to provide for their respective families. And no charity is offered, as we all benefit. I get this island, they get their money. And the rich get the chance to live out their god-like fantasy, high up on this island. I shut it down based off some mere protests, all of that is thrown out the window. But I imagined a god like you must have realized that, right? I don't need to offer charity, for people are capable of getting whatever they desire, if they actually put in the effort to obtain. If they want just enough money to support themselves, they can find a way by finding a job, beg on the streets to take money off idealistic idiots, or take the risk of the law and steal if they have to. If they want to live on an island like this, well, they just have to find the right people and have the right amount of currency. The world is give and take after all. There is always a sacrifice that needs to be made to get whatever you desire. And people always seem to find problems with such sacrifices. But I've learned to live with them. You should do the same."

[Ysmir]

"Whatever Thor can't do -- Hercules can accomplish more mightily!"

---

The man -- Agger -- spoke in ways Hercules was wholly unaccustomed to, and about things that the Olympian didn't care to ponder; the idea of employment and exploitation to him was foreign. He didn't care for capitalist ventures and the grey morality of business not only because he didn't understand it fully, but because it was an ideal that he disagreed with at his very core. To him, the line between "good" and "evil" was a clear one, and this Agger had crossed it long ago with his moral bankruptcy in more ways than one.

And still, in spite of this, the man continued to defend his point as valorously as a soldier defended a key position in the heat of war.

Truthfully, the tone of the CEO's voice was so calm and collected that it almost seemed like he believed everything he was saying. Though, even still, Herc knew his type; honeyed words and strong conviction were second nature to them. He had to keep his head on a swivel lest he be swayed.

"You concern yourself with money and the corporate machine, then? But what use are such things when your soul is lost in the process, Dario? You call it a simple give and take, but I simply cannot see it the same way. I believe that there is always another solution to getting what you want; greed does not factor in it. Your clientele wish to live out god-like fantasies? I assure you, they will find themselves sorely disappointed to see what a god truly is. We are no different than mortals with a longer lifespan, and thus, a much longer list of trials and tribulations," Hercules retorted. He stood before Agger, nearly a head taller than the man. Admittedly, Herc found himself impressed by the man's utter lack of (apparent) fear. Agger seemed to know fully who Hercules was, but it didn't matter.

"And please," he said, dropping his crossed arms, his chipper facade fading somewhat, "do not lecture me on sacrifice. I've known more sacrifice in my time than you ever will. That being said... the legality of the matter isn't of import. Your ghastly flying contraption is poisoning the skies. Surely you must see that?"

[bio858]

Roxxon Island

"Ah right, I forgot about the many mishaps and scandals you have faced throughout your stint as a "god". Don't worry, when my clients aspire for such a thing, they weren't thinking about you." Agger would respond, when Hercules mentioned the failing of being a "god" in the first placce.

"As for this supposed issue, I don't see how that is my problem. I'm far above that. Besides, I have clients to satisfy and a business to run. Now, if that is all you're here for, then I recommend you go out the way you came in."

Dario would turn around and started heading towards his desk, as if he had better things to worry about than to deal with Hercules. As he slowly walked towards his chair, he'd wonder what the god would do next. Part of him wondered if he'd be capable of capturing such a figure with the men and resources he'd have at his disposal. He'd have to keep track of the demi-god after this meeting, unless the hero had other plans when dealing with Dario Agger. The CEO would await the next action of this supposedly heroic Avenger.

[Ysmir]

"Whatever Thor can't do -- Hercules can accomplish more mightily!"

---

That struck a nerve, one Herc was very poor at hiding.

The Olympian's right fist clenched at Dario's condescending tone. To Hercules, it seemed this mere man had taken a direct stab at his hard-earned and oft-relinquished title, and that carried with it no small amount of anger on Herc's part.

But, slowly, after Dario turned away from him, the fist unfurled. No, Hercules scorned himself within his own mind, you mustn't let him get into your head. You simply prove every word he says correct if you lose yourself here.

Breathing in deeply through his nose, Hercules collected himself as best he could -- but that did not mean he planned on letting up. Taking a few steps forth, he jutted an accusatory finger toward Mr. Agger.

"It is you types -- the lazy, the greedy -- who plunge the world into chaos at the whims of your machinations," he said, growing closer to the man. "I have witnessed it unfold throughout all of history. In ancient Thebes, in Athens; the politcians and landowners who tread upon the common folk and grind them into the dust for their own gain without so much as a second thought. Pathetic!" He swiped his hand across mid-air, an exaggerated physical manifestation of his disgust.

Then, halting his advance, he stood resolute and crossed his arms once more. "I will not leave until you haul this... thing elsewhere. This is my promise."