The White God, Damian, studied the Black God's youthful features, both pitying and wary. Black Gods grew into their powers the way he had discovered his White God powers, though he suspected an evil education was far from pleasant. The gangly youth before him had dyed his hair from platinum back to its natural color of black. His brown eyes were shadowed, his Hispanic features the color of caramel.
"Why did you call me here?" the Black God asked, ill at ease in the small room in the basement of their old headquarters in Miami.
"We both have a mutual problem. Believe it or not, I come in peace," Damian said. He spread his arms to show he wasn't carrying any weapons.
"Is my sister okay?" The Black God's gaze turned sharp.
"Absolutely," Damian said and smiled to himself, marveling again at the turn of events that led to his chief assassin, Dusty, mating with the Black God's sister.
"He knows what I'll do to him if something happens to her?"
"I'm pretty sure he gets the picture," Damian said, unable to help his amusement. "It's not every day you marry the sister of a God."
"Then what do you want?" the Black God asked.
"We have a pest problem. You know by now about the Watchers and Others?"
Jonny, the Black God, hesitated before nodding.
"You know they're at war with each other and playing games with us here on earth."
"I …" Another hesitation, as the youth grappled with what to say to his sworn enemy. "Yes. The Others were attempting to influence the outcome of who won the Black God mantle by using me. It didn't work." Angry light flared in the Black God's eyes.
"They staged a revolt within the Black God's ranks," Damian reminded him. "Something like this won't happen among the Guardians."
"Except for Claire."
"Ah," Damian said with a tight smile. "You're learning fast."
"No one is invulnerable to temptation, Damian."
"Some of us are," Damian countered, impressed by how far the youth had come in so short a time. He'd wondered if the kid had the guts to embrace the Black God's mission, or if he'd shy away from it.
"Some, not all," Jonny allowed. "I've heard rumors among my vamps of the Others walking among them. I don't like it."
"Neither do I," Damian agreed. "Which is why I want us to reach an agreement. Let the Others and Watchers fight amongst themselves without our involvement."