AresJoxerCupidStrife - Dane

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

HEy People,

I'm back with a new one. This one is called Strife's Quest. I hope you like it.

Disclaimer: All the Gods mentioned are not in my list of properties so I have no right to any of them. Same with Joxer. It's all fiction, baby!
Pairings: C/S, A/J(later on)
Summary: Strife comes back from the dead only to go on a quest.

Strife's Quest
By Dane

Part 1:

Strife was never the same after coming back from the dead. Once reborn, he immediately requested from Zeus that he be turned into a mortal and that he be sent to earth. Of course, Ares and Eris, his mother and the Goddess of Discord, refused vehemently because they don't want him to die again. Strife didn't budge in his decision. It was only through the intervention of Cupid did Strife and the rest of his family reached a compromise. It was through this compromise that he would still go live on earth not as a mortal, but as a demigod. At least, Ares said sullenly, he won't die again.

No one understood why Strife wanted to become mortal or his need to live among mortals. Neither did he volunteer any answers nor reason to his resolution. His only request other than this was that the Gods were to leave him alone, at least until he would call upon them. This shook Eris to the core of her being, as she kept on asking her only child why. As usual, Strife did not give any answer.

Few knew about Strife's problem, and one such was Mnemosyne, the Goddess of Memory. Strife approached her one evening asking for a potion to make him forget that he was a God. The Goddess that gave birth to the Muses frowned.

"Why would you need such a potion, Mischief?" she asked.

With gentle movements, he grabbed her hand and placed them on his fore brow. "Please read my mind, my memories, and I'll let you see why I need the potion."

A bit shocked, Mnemosyne did what she was asked to do. Of course, being the logical and sometimes lateral thinker that she was, she started from the earliest memories that the Mischief God could remember. As expected, she saw the troubled childhood mixed with happy moments, then godly adulthood, and his death at the hands of the mad goddess, Callisto. Then she saw the things he saw in Hades' realm, and she had to calm herself as nausea afflicted her stomach. She withdrew herself from his mind and gave him a sad, sympathetic look.

"It's only no wonder you are doing this. Does anybody else know about this other than myself?" asked the Memory Goddess. She summoned up a cooling cloth and placed it on her brow. Her infinitely purple eyes peering to the young god before her.

Mischief shrugged his shoulders. "Other than you, Persephone and Hades. Both of them were forbidden by the Fates to say anything about this matter. Now that you know, so are you. I will be gone for a long time. It's just no one knows about it yet. After I drink this, can you place a suggestion in my head that will convince me to leave Greece?" Mnemosyne nodded. "Good. For my journey to work, I need no interference from anyone. Being a demigod won't be easy. At least if I were completely mortal, I would still have contact with Uncle Hades and Aunt Sephie when I die and I would still be reincarnated to do my task. Now I'll be alone in the fact that I won't be able to see anybody. Small price to pay to ensure a future."

"Not to say that I totally agree with you, it's just I wish that there's another way. Let's just hope that your quest will be successful, for all our sakes." She stood up and went through her stores, looking for the particular potion that Strife requested. Once she found it, she turned towards him and gave him a pleading look. "I may not be the powerful Titaness that I once was but I'm still a Goddess. Please Strife, allow me to grant you a gift to help in your quest." Strife wanted to protest but was silenced by the Goddess. "Hear me out first. Other than your demigod gift, you will think that this ability is part of you. It will be completely natural hence it will help you with your journey."

Strife considered the offer and replied, "Okay, if it's going to help then I accept."

"Here, my dear nephew. I grant you the gift of retaining all knowledge to the very core of your being. Every bit of information, every learnt skill, every talent, every memory from the moment after the potion takes effect, you will remember. Normal humans, even demigods, have been cursed with forgetting with old age. I will not allow that if it means helping my family." Memory then gave Mischief a vial of purple liquid. "Once you become human and reach earth, drink this. It will take a full day for you to forget your life as a God. Once that happens, only the basics will be left to be remembered. Take care Strife. Know that a few of us will miss you."

Tears were running down the cheeks of Strife. He smiled at Mnemosyne and vanished with blue sparkles, leaving the Goddess to weep in silence.

* *

Strife reappeared in his temple, contemplating whether he should tell at least Cupid about what he was going to do but decided against it. He paused outside his bedroom, knowing that the Love God was there, waiting for him. A lone tear fell, knowing that this was going to be the last night that Strife would even remember his soul mate.

When he opened the door, Cupid was laid out on the bed, on his back with his wings flat on the sheets. Contrary to what other Gods say, it was Cupid that takes up most of the space. Strife tended to lie still and not move until the next morning. That thought suddenly depressed Strife and he decided to do some last minute errands before facing Zeus at dawn.

* *

For some reason, Strife never mentioned when he was leaving so most of Olympus were caught unaware of the fact that Mischief was gone. Eris, Cupid, and Bliss cried for weeks, they being the ones closest to the young God other than Ares. The War God himself was angry. It was to the point that Zeus had to stop him from causing too many wars. The rest of Olympus went back to normal after a week since Mischief's sudden departure. Only the House of Aggression seemed to care, while three pairs of eyes wore wary eyes over veiled faces to hide the truth. A truth that may spell the end of Olympus.

* *

In the lands west of Greece, a farmer found a young man on the side of the road, with hardly any stitch of clothing on him. The farmer took pity on the man and placed him on his cart to bring him home. His wife met him at the farm's edge.

"Octavia, I found this young man on the side of the road," the farmer said. Octavia looked at the boy with pale skin and wild dark hair. Her heart felt pity for the boy and turned to the farmer.

"Bring him inside, Antenor. He has bruises all over him. We need to clean him up and give him some clothes to wear. Put him on the cot near the hearth so he won't freeze." Antenor did as he was told and let his wife take care of their guest. "By Juno's hand, isn't he a handsome boy, Antenor? Just like our sons before the plague took them. Oh, how I miss them?" She placed the basin of water that she was holding down beside the cot and she started to cleanse the boy with a rag. "What do you think his name is, and where do you think he comes from? Do you think some bandits got to him earlier?"

The farmer sat down on a nearby chair. "I don't know dear, but thank Jupiter that I found him. Bad enough I found him beaten up and almost naked. If I have left him there, he wouldn't survive the night, what with the cold air and the wolves about. Fortuna smiles upon this boy." He smiled and his wife smiled with him as she continued on with her task. His eyes then spotted a glint of gold on the boy and noticed a pendant, tarnished by the dirt and grime. It was in the shape of a small face that was laughing, well not really laughing, more like smirking. Its eyes were also made of really small dark opals that added the picture of mischief to the face. "Interesting pendant this one has. It's a wonder how the bandits who got him missed this."

* *

Bliss was sad. Ever since his other daddy went away, again, his Daddy has done nothing but be miserable. The young godling felt his Daddy's heart break every time he saw him cry at night. Nobody but Bliss would see this, which would break his heart as well.

But Bliss has a secret. He knew where his Daddy Stwife was. Well, something like that. He could see where he was and what he was doing, thanks to the mirror that Daddy Stwife left for him to find him wherever he may be, but he can't go to him. His Daddy doesn't know about it because Daddy Stwife made him promise not to show the mirror to anyone, not even his Daddy. Now, Bliss isn't sure he likes keeping this secret but he was `a man of his word', and kept it.

Right now, he could see that his Daddy Stwife was lying down on a bed. Two strange people were talking about him. Though there were some words he couldn't understand like `Juno' or `Jupiter' but basically he understood that he was okay. With one last look into the mirror, Bliss turned over for the night, hoping that his Daddy would be better in the morning.

* *

Down in the underworld, Persephone put on her veil and went in search of Morpheus. The young God of Dreams was relatively easy to find because he slept most of the day in his temple, which was on the boundary that separated Tartarus from the Elysian Fields. The queen of the deed peered inside the temple and saw all the dream bubbles that were filled with the hopes and fears of both God and mortal alike, since they were the only source of light in the dark temple. Up on his throne, which resembled more of a bed, laid the Dream God himself, sleeping.

"Morpheus, I'm in need of your help," announced the Queen of the Underworld to wake up Morpheus. He didn't wake up instantly; only with a burst of her power did the Dream God wake.

"What is it that you want, Aunt Sephie? You know that I need all the sleep I can get during the day so I can work non-stop when the evening comes," moaned Morpheus as he struggled to get up and open his eyes. "Well, what is it that you want?"

Persephone gave him an indulgent smile. "I need two of your dream bubbles, great-nephew. Events are going to happen soon that may cut us off from Olympus and we need some special way to monitor the upcoming happenings."

Intrigued, the Dream God sat a little straighter. "Whose dream bubbles are we talking about, Aunt Sephie? And why all the subterfuge? Can't you approach Zeus himself about this?"

Shaking her head, Persephone answered, "We are not sure yet of the proceedings, so Zeus may not believe us when we say it. Only a chosen few and the Fates know about the whole affair and its not pretty, I can tell you. But know this, Morpheus. Me and Hades won't tamper with the bubbles but only gaze at the reflected dreams in them. It will be our way of watching everything that's going to happen. The Fates themselves have bounded us to do nothing. At least, this way we can watch, and if possible, intercede indirectly."

"Pretty speech, Aunt Sephie, but tell me first whose bubbles are we talking about?"

"Bliss' and Strife's."

If he wasn't awake then, Morpheus was indeed awake now. He searched at his great-aunt's soul to see any malice, but found concern and troubled thoughts instead. With a wirily expression, he just had to ask, "Why the youngest of the Love Gods and the now- mortal former right hand of Ares?"

"Both of us know that you have direct links to everyone's subconscious in Greece, Italia, and other places where us Greek Gods are known. Strife is a main player in this, and Bliss knows things." That didn't make a whole lot of sense to Morpheus, so he gave a confused look. "You don't understand, but just trust in me when I say that both of them will be important to what's going to happen." With a pleading look, The Dream God relented to Persephone's request and held out his hand. Like a storm made out million of bubbles, the dream bubbles swirled around and around, until them suddenly stopped, leaving two different colored bubbles, one golden and the other blue. From Morpheus' palm, they floated down to the hands of the underworld's queen. "Thank you, Morpheus." With that, she left the gloomy temple and the God of Dreams to sleep.

* *

The young man with wild, dark hair woke up to the sounds of a rooster outside. He rose up slowly, if just to get his bearings. He noticed that he was wearing a clean shirt; different from the one he wore yesterday. Looking around, he guessed that he was at some farmstead.

"Glad that you are awake, young one. Me and my husband thought that you might never wake up. Now, get up and grab a chair. You need to eat to get back your strength and so you can tell us who you are."

The man searched for the source of the commanding, female voice and found her over a stove, cooking an aromatic stew. Sitting up, he managed to observe more of his surroundings, and he found it rather comforting, in a rustic sort of way. Getting out of bed proved to be a little difficult as his body felt like he was struck by lightning. When food met his senses, nothing else seemed to matter as he compulsively shoveled the flavorful stew to his mouth. Once sated, he faced his benefactor with a grateful smile.

"Thank you."

"Oh no thanks are needed, young one. It was our pleasure," she said as her husband entered with a tired, exerted look on his face. "This is my husband, Antenor, and I'm Octavia. As you can see, we live here in this farm. We live not far from Rome. He found you near the road, all bruised up and dirty. Antenor brought you here and you've been asleep close to three days now," she bustled as she scooped some stew onto a plate. The young man still stoic but alert.

With a pleased face as Octavia produced another plate of food for her husband, he kissed her on the cheek then resumed his focus on the unknown young man. "Now, do you have a name, or do we have to start calling you by something else." He then started to eat slowly as not to give any wrong impressions on the boy.

He thought for a minute, but drew nothing but a blank from his mind. "I don't know who I am." Without warning, tears formed and sluiced down his face, and Octavia quickly abandoned her husband's side to fiercely embrace the young man. "I don't know who I am," he cried. Antenor joined his wife in holding the confused boy.

Part 2

Bellona, the Goddess of War, fumed as she walked around the home of the Roman Gods, pounding along with her spear, her symbol of power, on the marble floor. The strikes of the spear echoed in the hallways, announcing her presence to the minor godlings to get out of her way, while the few major Gods merely rolled their eyes and continued with their occupations. Her long, braided blond hair hung on her chest in contrast to her breastplate that covered torso and her blood red cape was gripped tightly in her free left hand. Her intense, cobalt blue eyes focused with rage, while her thoughts flowed mostly about the news about her husband's infidelities.

On the side, she heard that Mars, the God of War and her consort, was found at another Bacchanal in the throngs of passion with some local beauty. Apparently, Phoebus and Mercury instigated the whole thing but Mars just had to be weak and give in to their shenanigans. "Ohhhh! When I get my hands on that no good husband of mine, he'll wish that Juno never gave birth to him," she seethed, and then a mental summons broke her tirade.

"Bellona, daughter," said Jupiter, the King of the Roman Gods, telepathically in her head. "Please come to the Main Hall at once. And please compose yourself when you get here. We don't want a repeat of the last time you lost your temper."

The War Goddess rolled her eyes, and cleared her head of any anger before flashing out in a burst of red. She reappeared in the Audience Hall, facing the King and Queen of the Roman pantheon who were sitting on their thrones made of marble. She eyed Jupiter, her father, with a calm face. The King gave her a gentle smile as he stroked his red beard. Juno, on the other hand, gave Bellona an annoyed look of impatience. Neither one liked the other but the mutual respect is there. Bowing slightly, the Goddess of War waited for what they wanted.

"Bellona, there's something happening in a village that's about 20 miles from Rome," said Juno with a stiff posture. Bellona presumed that was needed for the Queen to steady the heavy crown on her head. She placed that amusing thought to the back of her mind to listen further to the Juno's explanation. "Their advancement seems to be way ahead of schedule for some reason. Saturn said that they weren't meant for the level of knowledge that they have for another 7 years. Someone has been helping them with their sudden progress. We want you to investigate this matter fully."

Bellona's curiosity suddenly piqued itself. "Why are you concerned about this? Isn't it good that mortals improve themselves and rely less on us to provide some unnecessary divine act?"

Juno sighed like a teacher trying to teach an unrepentant five-year-old. Jupiter just grinned and continued what his wife was saying. "We just want to see whether the progress is warranted as beneficial or threatening to us Gods. Since your judgment is far more sound than most of your brothers and sisters, I think we can trust you to act accordingly to the situation."

"I have complete control and whatever I do is okay?" Bellona wanted to smile; knowing that Juno didn't particularly liked her to have extra freedoms given out. Jupiter didn't have to tell her that she could kill, maim, torture, and punish to her heart's content if the situation would end up being a potential disaster in the making. This would help her let off some steam and relieve some stress that her husband was causing her.

"Of course, just finish this investigation as quick as possible. I know you have some battles to face and this will help clear your head," said Jupiter with a knowing smile. Bellona bowed, grinned widely, and then flashed out. Jupiter knew that she needed this before she decided to chop off her husband's head and really piss off Juno. "At least she's doing something constructive with her anger," he said to his wife. Juno `hmph'ed and summoned up the needlework that she was doing earlier in the day. Jupiter sighed loudly and went back to his favorite pursuit of finding beautiful maidens.

* *

To not attract any attention to herself, Bellona made a glamour of a scholarly young man to fool mortal eyes. A nondescript face with mousy hair and uninteresting brown eyes completed the disguise of second hand clothing and robes, and a satchel full of scrolls. With a quick assessment of her appearance, she blinked away a short distance away from the village. Seeing that no one was around to spell away, she disguised her spear to appear like a walking staff and then walked towards the village.

Gathering her information about her destination, it helped her pass the time until she reached her destination. The village didn't really have a name. Most of the people there were ignorant and set in there ways. A plague settled in about 5 years earlier, wiping out half of the youth population and almost all of the elderly. Add the fact that there was a severe drought the year before; she really didn't understand how this place could be prospering.

It was quiet for about a few more minutes before the sounds of people grunting in hard labor came to her ears. Bellona walked closer to the noise further along the road and nearer to the town, and saw that some men and quite a few women were building a structure of sorts at the edge of the village. Wood and stone were being moved and used to erect some sort of large house or something. The inquisitive side of her got the better of her and he approached a young woman who was offering the workers some food.

"Excuse me, miss?" Bellona asked the young woman. The girl acknowledged her.

"Yes, can I help you, young sir?"

Polite, Bellona noted and went on with her questions. "I'm curious as to what are you building here. It looks like a large house but from the looks of it, it's not a house, is it? Because it's too near the river?"

The girl smiled. "We are building a place called a convalescence center. It's to help our local healer and midwife to do their duties when emergencies happen. It's also a place where we could isolate sicknesses when a plague happens so the rest of the village would not be affected. When it's done, we are going to have some priests from Rome to bless this place as a sanctuary for the sick and healing."

Bellona's eyebrows peaked. "Could you show me around? I haven't been here in 3 years and everything is so new. I can't believe that all this," the Goddess looked at the building and the new additions in the village, "were done in that span of time. Last time I heard, this village was in shambles. What happened?"

The girl, Leina was her name, placed her hand on the crook of Bellona's arm and showed her around, leaving her duties temporarily for something more entertaining.

What amazed the War Goddess was how centralized the village was. The townsfolk decided to it Proserpine, since the legends said that she bathed in the river nearby that gave its magical properties. Leina explained that all the changes in the town were recent and that outsiders decided to help by settling down to live here. Their knowledge helped, of course, in the development of the town, making it more like a neighborhood in Pompeii rather than a country township. There was a town hall where records are kept, trials were taken place, visitors received, and complaints by the locals were sorted out. Houses, shops, and taverns were remodeled to pristine condition. Near the Convalescence Center, a Roman style bathhouse was made along side a school where the young children are taught how to read and write. The shrines and temples in the town were well maintained and newly adorned with not only offerings and symbols of the respective God, but artists worked in making murals, mosaics, and statues for them. In the farms in the outskirts of Proserpine, irrigation and farming sciences have been used to improve crops and special care were given to the farm animals so they would be the healthy and strong. How this much advancement can happen in 3 years was beyond natural comprehension. It was as if the people woke up one day and decided to better themselves.

"Who started all this? I mean, someone must be churning in the ideas for so many of the changes," asked the disguised Goddess as they toured the busy town whose population seemed to triple from the last time see looked. They narrowed avoided a gang of children as they ran towards their direction. Bellona saw that a young man with wild blue eyes and just as wild black hair stood in the threshold of the open school house where the children came from.

Leina pointed to the young man. "He's the one that started all this. His name is Julianus, spoken son of Antenor and Octavia. They found him abandoned on the side of the road, beaten-up and half naked from an encounter with bandits. He had no memory of himself, as if the Goddess of Memory wiped his history clean. At that the story itself is amazing but what he did after he was found."

Clearly curious about this story, Bellona asked if there was a tavern where they could sit and talk. Leina led them to one of the newly repaired bars in the main street and ordered the house special with some wine. Bellona was impressed with the wine; it was almost as good as the vintages that Bacchus produced. Leina explained that the wine came from the farm of Antenor. Since Julianus arrival, things have been so prosperous that the village was now one of the richest in Italy.

"Ocatavia's cousin owned a big plot of land that was used to growing grapes. She and Antenor inherited it after he died and, with the help of Julianus, made more wine than before." She told the Goddess more about the history of the town in the recent years. A few hours later, the bar had a commotion with the name of Julianus when he entered.

"Julianus!" cried Leina at the young man that they saw earlier. "Come on over. I want to introduce you to someone."

Julianus came over and Bellona felt a something, a sensation of peace, excitement, passion, and happiness all mixed up in a low, somewhat subdued level. With a quick look around the room, she noticed that the people were now livelier, more in high spirits than they were a few minutes age. It was as a wave of positivism washed over the people.

"Hello, stranger!" greeted Julianus. "Welcome to Proserpine." He took an empty chair and joined them at their table. The masquerading Goddess felt very at ease with this mortal for some reason and took up his offer of ale and wine.

* *

Cupid, despite with all of his grief of losing his consort, went on with his duties. He was all but mechanical in performing his duties. He didn't look like the pristine and immaculate God that was; now he looked haggard and tired all the time. His green eyes were red and tear-stricken. And his movements as of late were retard and slow.

This shocked most of the Olympians since he was considered one of the vainest among them. (He was probably secondary to Apollo and his mother, Aphrodite.) Everyone tried to snap him out of it. His siblings, namely Anteros, Harmonia, Enyo, Phobus, and Deimos, all tried to cheer him up. Anteros and Harmonia set up some orgies and festivals, but much to their disappointment, he didn't show up for any one of them, even if they were held in his honor. Enyo tried to appeal his War heritage and dragged him into battles to vent out any frustrations. The plan backfired as his pain just seethed and remained contained in himself. Even Phobus and Deimos failed in making him laugh with all the antics that they were providing. Even his parents tried their best to help the Love God, but to no avail.

It was worse when he was alone though. Even with all the pain, he still had his duties to his son. He provided every need that Bliss needed but not any emotional ones, not since Strife left. He would see to it that his cherub offspring would be asleep before he would allow the despair and sorrow take him over. He would never notice that the heartache would affect his son as well. Knowing that he couldn't live like this forever and burden Bliss, he sent him to live with his mother and stepfather, Hephaestus.

At night, Bliss would now have two figures to watch in his mirror before he goes to bed. One brooding in his empty temple and one who was teaching other people's children. At least one is happy, he thinks to himself, wishing that he could be with his other father.

* *

Bellona spent the next few days in the company of Julianus, often marveling at the resourceful and inquisitive nature of His personality. She noticed quickly that the locals often came to him for advice on how to get about certain tasks. She also noticed that most of the improvements to the town were either his idea or was somehow connected to him. Strange to think that a man who only had 5 years of memory.

Routine was simple enough for the young man that she followed. School in the morning to teach the village's children, most of the afternoon with the townsfolk to help out, and in the evening, under a multitude of lamps, he would read scrolls that he got from the library of Octavia's cousin or from the people as payment for his service. Despite her early misgivings of the situation, Bellona found that this young man was genuinely altruistic.

They were sitting in one of the outside tables of the taverns when they heard the frantic pleas of a woman. Both of them turned to see a large, burly brute dragging his wife by the hair. He looked like some mean drunk who was dismissed from Caesar's army because of his battered old armor and the amphora of wine in his other hand. The woman was black and blue from all the bruises on her face; her tears falling rapidly as her husband tightly held her brown locks.

"You bitch!" said the drunken ex-soldier. "I will teach you a lesson for giving birth to a girl! You should have given me a son!"

Fury gradually rose inside Bellona. She was so much distracted by her anger that she didn't notice the friendly Julianus stand and touch her shoulder.

His voice snapped her out of her ire and she noticed how cold it was. "Stay here. I'm going to teach this idiot a lesson in respecting your spouse." Without warning, he grabbed the walking staff (disguised spear) that Bellona was holding, but she didn't quite get it back as Julianus strode off to the abusive drunk.

Seeing that the drunk and his wife stopped in front of Juno's temple, Julianus hurried his steps into a run, foreseeing that this was going to end up very ugly. He managed to get in front of the couple as the abuser started to drag his wife up the steps.

"Get out of my way!" shouted the man with a slur. A crowd started to gather, wanting to see what's going on. Bellona edged closer to the three people in focus, mostly to make sure that the mortal that she was looking over remained safe and that her spear would not disappear on her.

"Not a chance. Not until you let go of your wife, Stenius, and go to the river to sober up. You know that she should be resting now. She did give birth to your child, remember?"

"That is not my child! It's a girl! Girls have no purpose on this earth. They're useless!" the man ranted. "I'm going to put this wench in her place, then I'm going to divorce her; make an example of her that women should always obey they're husbands." The man gripped his fist tighter, causing the woman to shriek in pain. Bellona readied her fireball when she notice that Julianus didn't need her help. He striked the drunk's hand, making him let go of his captive. With two quick strikes to the body, the rough bastard was down for the count. However, a few of his friends witnessed the whole episode and took up to teach Julianus a lesson.

"13 to 1. I like these odds," Julianus thought to himself with a half- crazed smile. Suddenly, a blinding flash happened and the staff turned into a spear. Using the flash as a distraction, he attacked swiftly on the still dazed thugs. Half of them were properly taken cared of before the other half came to their senses and lashed out at the lone fighter. "One hit on the side of the head, then a sweep, upper slice, and finishing it off with a konk on the head." After the last move, he noticed that what he was carrying was not a staff but a bloody spear. Fear commanded his senses, as he looked at the damage that he done. Most of the fallen thugs had near fatal wounds because of some of the hits that he made with the spearhead. Instinct told him to run away, but something froze him to the spot.

"Stand and be counted, Julianus of Proserpine," said an amplified voice from the crowd. Everyone turned to the stranger and saw that he started to float above them. Another flash of red and Bellona took her true image. The spear that he was holding suddenly flew out of his hand and came back to the Goddess' possession. She waved it and all the hooligans vanished, leaving only the varlet that started this whole fiasco. His wife was now in supplication in front of the War Goddess. Everyone except Julianus knelt down in respect; he was still frozen on the spot by Bellona's will.

"People of Proserpine. I, Bellona, Goddess of War, came here to witness the sudden, unexpected progress of this village. I saw that the source of all this is this young man, Julianus, adopted son of Antenor and Octavia. For a week, I've watched and saw that all these happenings are good for yourselves and for the Gods. Because of your hospitality and attitude towards your fellow man, this town will have the blessings of the Gods and will be under my protection." The crowd murmured in excitement. "Furthermore, I have just witnessed this, "she looks at the unconscious drunk with contempt, "useless piece of shit willfully disrespected not only his wife, but your benefactor in public."

"Add to that he almost tried to desecrate my temple," said Juno as she materialized with a show of bright gold. "His marriage is annulled. Punish this fool quickly, Bellona. May he never make another woman suffer with his stupidity."

A really feral smile came upon The War Goddess' face. "As you wish, my queen." She approached the man on the ground and kicked him in the balls with the force of a dozen Cretan white bulls. The man swore in pain as he woke up. He saw the Goddess before him and immediately sobered up. "Stenius, for crimes witnessed by the people and of myself, you are punished with the task of building the boundary wall of Proserpine by yourself without any assistance. Day and night you shall work, rarely stopping to eat and sleep. You shall do nothing but work on that wall until its completion. Should you ask for help, stop to rest for too long, and approach your ex-wife, you shall be subjected to the physically pain that you've caused her. If you still live by the time that you finish the wall, then you shall live the rest of your days as a woman's fool. Any task that a woman asks, you are compelled to do such." With that last pronouncement, most of the men shuddered with unconscious sympathy. "Thus is the word of Bellona, Goddess of War."

With another wave of her spear, the castigated man was sent to the town's boundary to immediately start on the wall. Her gaze then focus on Julianus, still frozen, and hovered closer to the frightened amnesiac. A small smile filled her regal features as she touched his cheek with her hand. Then, with a burst of red, they both vanished into thin air.

Juno, who witnessed the more subtle exchange between her stepdaughter and the mortal, merely shook her head slightly and held the crowd's attention. "Venus is going to have a field day when she finds out about this," she thought as she proclaimed the latest decree of the Gods.



Chapter 3:

"So you mean to tell me that your Dad fought with Mars?"
asked Bliss who was lying beside his best friend. Both of them were
taking a break from their studies in the Academy to fish in a nearby
stream full of trout.

"Yeah, it's true. Mom showed me mirror visuals of the fight.
It was funny too. Dad was naked except for the blanket that was
covering him up and the sword that he got off the wall. My War God
Step-dad was so drunk that all of his moves were sloppy. Lucky for me
that Mars was drunk, otherwise I wouldn't have known my Dad and I
wouldn't be here. Though I got to admit that was one hell of a first
impression," said Bliss' best friend.

The best friend in question was Prospero, son of Bellona,
Goddess of War, and Julianus of the town of Proserpine. Born out of
one night of passion, he was a demigod with incredible skill and
agility that could rival the world's greatest swordsmen and fighters.
From his mother, he got the blond, unruly locks that corkscrew to his
shoulders and the fighting grace. His father gave him his tall
stature and his wild, mischievous blue eyes.

As history of his family would go, Julianus gained favor with
the Roman Gods, in their amusement, after defeating Mars in combat,
even if he won by pure sheer luck. For the sake of the unborn child
in Bellona's womb, Mars and Julianus set aside their grievances and
supported the War Goddess through her pregnancy. After nine months of
pain and annoyances, Prospero was born, named after the town which
was blessed by Julianus' arrival and the Gods' protection. For many
years, the small and unlikely family lived happily with Antenor and
Octavia, the grandparents in Proserpine & Jupiter and Juno in the
heavens. That was until Julianus' wanderlust settled in his soul.

For 18 years, Julianus stayed in the village which gradually
became a small city in the years he was there. Then one day, he
decided to leave and travel the world to find himself. The people of
Proserpine wept at his departure, but not before doing a last
decision for his son.

* *

(Flashback: One Year Ago)

"Son, how do you feel about going away from here to study?"
asked Julianus to his 15 year old son.

Prospero looked up from the scroll that he was reading and
frowned at the thought. As much as he loved the life he was living in
Proserpine with his family, he always thought that he would forever
be stuck there. "Why do you ask, Dad?"

Julianus beckoned his son over and told him to sit down
beside him. "I'm leaving Proserpine soon, son." The teen tensed
suddenly, as if a fear rode on in his soul. "Not permanently, of
course. Just enough long enough to travel around and learn a few
things in different places. I don't want to leave, though, without
giving you the same opportunity." The eyes of his son questioned, and
the father smiled. "I'll be traveling north to the lands where the
people worshiped the Asgaard Gods. Before going there, I want to take
you to Greece."

"Greece? What's in Greece, Dad?" Prospero questioned.

"There's an Academy there that is head mastered by Jason of
Corinth." The young demigod's eyes went wide at the recognition of
the name. Julianus smiled. "The Academy is a school for young people
like yourself. They have all sorts of learning there for you, if
that's what you want."

"What sort of things?" Despite what most people think of the
boy, he still was a little naïve about the world in general.

"Well, not that you be needing it much, but you'll be
learning stuff like history, art, fighting, wrestling, poetry, et al.
So much more than what any tutor that I can provide you with, and I
want you to be exposed to other boys your age. You can only learn so
much here at home. Rome is no different since what they are teaching
the boys there are the things you've learnt when you turned 11 years
old. I want you to expand your horizons and go far. So, what do you
think about going to Greece?"

With excitement in his veins, the boy turned to his father
and said, "Can I think about it first?"

"Take all the time you need, but not too long. I'm going to
settle some of the town's affairs first before leaving. You know
where to find me when you've decided." With a slap on his son's back,
Julianus left and tended to lunch. Prospero didn't think twice before
running after his father and yelling `Yes!!' And so, after about two
weeks of travel and preparation, Prospero left for his new life at
the Academy.

About the same time that Prospero was left in the care of
Jason, The Goddess of Love surprised the seasoned warrior king in his
study. As he was looking over the scrolls that rated the performances
of all his students, she flashed in with a show of pink hearts and
gold sparks, surprising the headmaster and letting him fall off his
precocious position of tilting his chair to the ground.

"Hiya Stud!" greeted Aphrodite as she helped him off the
floor.

Jason gave her an embarrassed smile. She gave a sympathetic
one in returned. A survey of the room made her change her expression
to one of an indignant mother who saw her son's unkempt room. With a
wave of her hand, the room instantly was clean; windows were opened
to let the sun in, and a few minor touches here and there. The table
before them was now filled with heart-shaped cookies and refreshments
that the Love Goddess vaguely called `Strawberry Kiwi Snapple'. Jason
gave his hearty approval of the fruity drink before giving in to the
questions in his head.

"Not that I don't like you visiting me, Aphrodite, but what's
the occasion?"

She smiled sweetly, but then grew serious. "I need a favor,
Jason." The former king of Corinth straightened up. "There is
something happening in Olympus. Most mortals don't know anything
about it and all of the Gods are at an upheaval. There is a threat at
the borders of the Greek realm that is occupying a lot of our
attention. As a precaution, Zeus has decreed that all of the Godly
children will be placed here on earth until the crisis has been
averted."

Jason knew there was a catch. There always was one from his
experience of traveling with Hercules. "Okay, just how many Godly
children are we talking about?"

"Oh no, only one for you to look over, sweetie. The rest have
been scattered all over Greece. Don't take this the wrong way but
since Herc is off to Eire with Iolaus, and Xena and Gabrielle are in
Chin, you are my only choice, but I think you're the safest one to
leave my Grandson with." For a moment, Aphrodite's eyes unfocused and
then went back to their usual blue radiance. A flash of gold and
white blinded Jason for a second, before he saw a young man whose
beauty could rival that of Apollo, and then he noticed the white
wings on his back. The Love Goddess stood, twittered a bit, and
placed her hands on the shy Godling's shoulders. "Jason, this is my
Grandson Bliss. Bliss, this will be your teacher Jason." With a shy
nod, Bliss acknowledged the headmaster.

"I'm assuming that you want me to train him." A thought
suddenly came to his mind. "I'm curious though. How old are you,
Bliss?"

"Thirty-one," was the shy reply of the Godling. Jason was in
shock. Aphrodite decided to let him down easy.

"Sweetie, Gods age differently than humans. In fact, it's so
weird that the grow rate really depends on how much power the God
has. For example, Athena was born full grown while Apollo took three
days to mature as an adult. Wait, scratch that. To a hormonal
teenager with a libido the size of the ocean. Ares grew as fast as a
normal human child while Hermes, though he is hundreds of years old,
looks like he's eighteen. Bliss may be over thirty years of age, but
his growth is only half of that on Olympus. Here on earth, however,
he would be growing at the normal rate that human children do. Right
now, in fact, he's more like an awkward fifteen year old." She
pinched Bliss' cheek.

"Grandma Dite!" he whined petulantly.

Jason shook his head at the pair. "Well, since your
Grandmother explained to me your `age', I think you will be starting
off as a freshman. You're a little late but I think you can catch.
Listen, why don't you go out and explore the grounds while I have an
interview with Aphrodite. I need to know a few things," he screwed
his face at her direction. She just whistled nonchalantly while
examining a portion of her lacey skirt. "before we settle you in."

Bliss took that as a sign of escape. Aphrodite produced a
cloak for Bliss to hide his wings and sent him off to wander off.
With that, Jason took out a scroll and started asking Aphrodite all
the usual questions involving enrollment.

As Bliss toured the Academy, he felt the eyes of all the
students as they all gossiped about him. The girls giggled with glee,
most of them finding Bliss very handsome. The guys on the other hand
whispered either in curiosity or contempt. As he exited the main
hall, he heard angry voices and decided to follow them to the source.
A fight was about to take place between a lanky boy with curly hair
and a large brute who looked like he could plow an entire field
without the animals.

"Now you've done it, Stick! When I'm through with you, you'll
wish that you never left Italia," the brute threatened. In one of his
hands, he was brandishing a practice sword which the lanky blond was
avoiding. One of the brute's friends suddenly grabbed the blond by
the arms and held him for the brute to strike. Not wanting for the
blond to get hurt because he somehow looked so familiar, Bliss
intervened by beating the crap out of the two idiots. It's amazing
what Godly strength can do sometimes.

"Thanks," said the lanky blond gratefully. "I'm Prospero."

"You're welcome," returned the curly one. "Bliss." They shook
hands, and as they say in a lot of scrolls, the rest is history.

(Present day, up in the Norselands)

The days have been good, despite being caught in a Viking
raid a year ago and brought into slavery as a teacher for the
children. Sure, the weather has been wet and unbearably dreary during
the cold months but at least the ale is warm and the food good. For a
life of captivity, Johan, formerly Julianus since his master had a
hard time saying his name, had it good compare to the rest of the
ship he was with. Most of them either sank with the ship or were sold
off to other villages a long time ago.

But today wasn't a good day, not exactly. A couple of the
Asgardians flashed to the middle of the village and started a battle
which destroyed half of the houses. Good thing he brought all of the
village's children well away from the fighting. Most of the Vikings,
however, stayed in the fringes of the duel and cheered on the two
fighting Gods. After making sure the children were well cared for by
the women who joined them, he went back to witness the rest of the
fight.

None of the Vikings gave any problem to Johan when he joined
them to watch. Over the year, he grew to gain the respect of the
village by educating the children in many things, war and reading
among them. The mothers loved him for he was courteous and a big help
to their households. The Men treated him as an equal, despite his
lanky stature, because he could fight with the best of them and not
tire. His loyalty made his master proud. Now, in this circle of
Berserkers witnessing their Gods in battle, he wasn't a slave but a
man among others.

Johan saw the two Gods once he gotten a clear view. One was a
large man with a long mane of brown hair and dark eyes. He looked
much like any Norse warrior that Johan had ever set his eyes upon
since his captivity a year earlier, but one thing distinguished him.
It was his silver hand. Johan's eyes gleamed with curiosity at the
facsimile limb that animated itself like a real hand. The hand in
question held the giant broad sword like it was a mere trifle. The
rival was another stereotypical Norseman. He had long blonde hair and
a beard. He seemed gigantic, like the one with the silver limb, and
he held in his possession a hammer that crackled with energy. Every
time their weapons would strike each other, lightning and thunder
would crash in the air, causing the roofs of some houses to burn.

It was an amazing mêlée, with the hammer and the sword
meeting each blow. The God with the silver hand, named Tyr as what
the crowd of Vikings were chanting, would arc down his sword with
such power and strength that each hit would probably kill half a
dozen men easily. Thor, the blonde God of thunder, matched his
challenger with equal ability, as when it would hit the ground an
earthquake shook the earth. Neither backed off, nor did they tire.
Perhaps an hour already passed before Johan started to feel bored
from watching the two obviously matched Gods fight.

After another hour, both warriors still haven't lost the will
to fight. By now, Johan's patience had worn off and was seriously
considering getting in there and bashing both their heads in. He did
it to Mars; maybe he could do it to these dunderheads. He looked left
and right to see if anyone was taking notice of him. No one was
paying attention to anything except the brawl. Smiling when both Gods
came close enough to Johan's side of the crowd that he could just put
his foot forward and no one would suspect a thing, he did just that.
Tyr came in contact with the said foot and tripped. He lunged ahead
and his sword struck Thor on the head, passing him out. The crowd
cheered when Tyr, the Norse God of War and Justice, rose with a
confused look on his face and then smiled at them. Johan just
nonchalantly walked away, whistling.

* * *

Wearily, Johan placed the last of the roofing material on the
house and just laid back to watch what was left of the day. He didn't
even bother to look when Tyr and Loki, the God of Mischief, appeared
on either of his side, kneeling down with their knees up.

"Thanks Loki." Tyr tossed a pouch to the God of Mischief.
Loki caught it with ease and flashed out, leaving a slightly sleepy
Johan alone with a War God. "Now, you got me curious, mortal. Why
would one who is Greek by blood and has the protection of the Roman
Pantheon be doing here in the middle of the sovereignty of the Norse
Gods? And don't bother denying it because I can sense it in your
aura, Julianus."

Johan sighed and sat up. He knew he wouldn't be left alone
until he answered some questions. "Please, call me Johan for now. As
for why I'm here, well, I'm a slave for the family who owns this
house."

Tyr scrutinized the young man before him. He could sense the
partial truth in his words, so he prodded some more. "I can feel that
there is more to this than mere captivity. Now, don't lie to me and
answer my question, otherwise I will tell Thor that he lost the fight
because of you. He isn't as forgiving as I am."

Johan shrugged as he watched the sky fill up with the
northern lights. This was one reason why he didn't feel the need to
move on yet. He knew he would miss this when he gets back to
Greece. "While my son is in Greece studying, I'm supposed to be
traveling the world. I read about your followers and about the
berserker rage that they get when they are sorely outnumbered or
outclassed. It's supposed to make the person unbeatable or something.
I wanted to see it for myself. So far, all I've seen is village life
here in the north and how to be captured while sailing towards here.
I never knew how disgusting herring can be," commented Johan, while
Tyr laughed.

"You may get your wish, young man." Tyr opened up his silver
palm in front of Johan and a rune appeared. "This is a rune that is
given to certain followers of mine by my priests. They are personally
blessed by me, and are not given lightly to anyone." Johan gave him a
peering look. "If you say a prayer to me anytime, anywhere, with this
in your hands, I can grant you the Berserker's Rage if I feel like
the situation warrants it. I can only grant it once, so be careful as
to when you use it."

"Why are you doing this for me?"

It was Tyr's turn to shrug. "Consider this my way of thanking
you for helping me win the fight. Oh, and you are now released from
your bounds to this family. I will inform the family myself, and then
I will bring you to the south, after I get you to the south myself."
Tyr lowered his voice in such a manner that shivers went down Johan's
spine.

"Just out of curiosity, what were you two fighting about
anyway?"

Tyr smiled. "We were fighting about who is going to sleep
with Lady Sif for the night. It's starting to look like I will have
to give Thor what he wants. I'm well inspired to speak with my
current preoccupation and be him." Johan blushed, then fell through
the roof with Tyr. Both of them landed on in the kitchen and Tyr let
out a yell when he heard a distant fit of laughter. "LOKI!!!"

Johan just laughed and kissed Tyr in the cheek.

* * *

(In Olympus)

Asclepius entered the waiting hall of his temple and came
face to face with Ares and Aphrodite.

"How is he, Ace?" asked a worried Goddess of Love, who was
clutching her dress with both her hands. Ares stood beside her, stoic
and grim.

Ace smiled ruefully. "He's in a self-imposed stupor. His mind
couldn't accept the events that have happened, so it shut down to
cope. Bliss is the one that kept him going. To see him and Strife go,
well, he isolate himself to the point where his mind retreated. Cupid
has always been one the most sensitive among the Pantheon, so I'm not
really surprised that this has happened."

"Is there anything that we can do?" asked Ares in a low tone.

Ace shook his head. "Unless you can ask Grandpa Zeus to lift
the edict or find Strife, then I honestly don't know what to do. For
now, I think its best we just tend to his needs and hope that he
wakes up soon. We may need him for the upcoming war."

The War God just nodded curtly. He would need the support of
his son if he were to survive.

(Elsewhere)

The child allotted the bundle before her and began the
process. A middleaged woman then loomed the thread into a pattern
that is overseen by Moira herself. And finally, the crone would lift
her shears and cut the thread, ending the life of someone.

While they did their duty, all of them would unconsciously
look towards on one special silver thread that ran all over the
tapestry. Two threads intertwine with it, one golden as is the color
of the Gods and one that is bronze for the demigods. Another thread
that is supposed to be beside the silver one is beside it but
tarnished and dull. Moira, Goddess of Destiny and Mother of the Fates
watched all four and smiled wryly.

"He has received one of the boons already," said Clotho the
child.

"And his children are together," said Lachesis the woman.

"All he needs is to find the weapon," said Antropos the crone.

Moira turned away from the tapestry and her daughters to look
at a small mirror that she managed to convince Bliss to give her when
he was younger. The young man in the image is currently in the land
of Gaul where the Gods of Britannia and Eire reign. She knew that
Strife was well ahead of time, but she didn't want to see him take
chances, even if he doesn't know what he is doing. The Fate of
Olympus on rest in the hands of a human demigod who doesn't know
about his past. Few knew the secret of why this had to happen. Aside
from herself and her daughters, Hades, Persephone, and Mnemosyne knew
the risk of this knowledge.

"Strife is doing well, but there is still two years before
the Twilight. Without Strife, Ares would never win the confrontation.
Strife needs to gain these gifts on his own if we are to survive,"
said Moira in her gloom.

"But what makes Strife so special?" asked Clotho, who never
really had the gift of foresight.

"At the level danger we are facing, the House of Aggression
is our only line of defense against the dangers ahead. They already
have destroyed the Babylonian Pantheon and we're next in line. 100%
must be given," said Lachesis, with a slight admonishing face to her
younger sister.

Antropos scoffed. "If that bitch Callisto hadn't murdered
Strife in the first place, we wouldn't be in this mess. Even if we
did resurrect Strife, he wouldn't have enough power to help in the
battle. It will be he who will tip the scale. This is the only way
for him to gain power that he will need. It will take centuries for
him to gain back his powers and centuries we haven't got," she said
acidly.

Moira continued to look at the young man before her and
prayed silently that he will succeed in fulfilling the prophecy.

(Somewhere in Gaul)

"Okay, now I'm really lost," said Joxer the Mighty as he
bumbled his way out of the forest and found a field full of Fleur-de-
Lis. He sees a young man in heavy fur talking to a gigantic guy with
a silver hand. They embraced and kissed tenderly before the big man
disappeared in a flash of red and white.

Joxer ran as fast as he could towards the man, who spotted
him because of the approaching sound of his clanking armor. When he
reached the heavily coated man, he started to talk in badly-spoken
Gaul. The young man just smiled in amusement before Joxer swore
something in Greek.

The man laughed and said, "Finally, something I understand
from you."

Joxer just gaped like a fish.



Part 4:

"So, who was that guy you were kissing?" asked Joxer as he
and his new friend went down the road to the nearest town that was
hopefully occupied by the Romans. Both of them have been traveling
for the better part of three days, slowly getting their way to the
nearest port so they could get back to Greece.

"That was Tyr. He's the God of War up in the Norselands,"
said Johan while chomping on an apple that he bought from the last
town they passed. "I helped him out in this one fight so he rewarded
me and gave me some money for my journey back to Greece."

"Wait a minute. You're Roman, right? So, why are you headed
there?"

"My son is studying at the Academy there. I'm going to visit
him before going back home to Proserpine. After that, maybe I'll
travel some more. Who knows?"

After that, both fell into a companionable silence that went
on until around midday. If you were to see these quiet figures on the
road, then you wouldn't ever see an odder pair. Johan, tall and
lanky, walks with a swagger that emanates purpose and alertness.
Joxer, on the other hand, was clumsy and awkward, like his feet
belonged to another person. They looked normal but people that pass
still eyed them with fascination and wariness.

Since the weather in Gaul is different from that of Greece,
Johan managed to trade off his pelt coats and convinced Joxer to get
rid of his absurd armor for some more sensible clothes. (That took a
tremendous amount of begging, whining, and threats of forced removal)
Now, both wore light linen shirts with a heavy vest to protect
themselves from the elements. With some of the gold that Johan gotten
from Tyr, he bought for themselves some weapons, but it took a while
to get Joxer to get rid of his ill-balanced sword. (Johan had to
steal it first to replace it) Now, their appearance was no different
from the natives.

As their travels continued, the weather changed from the
bright, fair skies to stormy clouds. Before the rain could drench
them to the bone, they found shelter in a cave that was decorated
with symbols and banners. Deeper in the cave, there were druids
chanting their prayers in the Gaul language. The rains soon became
torrential and forced the pair to stay near the entrance, not wanting
to interrupt the ceremony being performed. Gradually, the druids
stopped their chanting and woke up from their trance. They noticed
the pair and felt their anger rise at their presence. From their
tunics, each of them drew a dagger and stalked towards the pair.

"Oh shit!" said Johan before defending himself from the
onslaught. Despite their best efforts not to get captured, they were
quickly subdued and dragged to the altar. The Head Priest ordered the
initiates to strip them down and prepare them for the sacrifice to
the goddess. Johan blamed Joxer for tripping him while he fought with
them.

* * *

Back in the academy

"That's it, Bliss! Keep your balance steady and let your
instincts flow," commanded Jason as he watched two of his students
fight on top of eight-foot poles, blindfolded. Bliss' opponent
gripped the quarterstaff and swung overhead, hoping to bash him on
the head. The stick failed to hit as Bliss blocked it effectively and
swiftly vanquished his rival with a sudden swipe at his legs, making
lose his balance and plunging him to the floor. Jason clapped
approvingly. Bliss smiled and removed the blindfold from his eyes. He
jumped to the ground and accepted the hand of his fallen classmate.

"Nice one, Bliss. I'll just have to do better the next time,"
said Themius, who grasped tightly the handshake and then went to the
group of spectators in the sidelines. Bliss to the other side of the
group and sat beside Prospero who grinned at his best friend's win.

"All right everyone! Its lunchtime and I plan to be generous
today. So, I'm sending you guys off early for the weekend." At this,
every student of the Academy cheered. "Just be responsible with your
time and be here for first lessons on Monday." Taking that as a
dismissal, most of the students headed of the school's doors and left
for the nearby tavern to enjoy their freedom. Prospero and Bliss
lingered on the grounds and fished on the riverbanks.

"What's up, Prospero?" asked Bliss, sensing the worry off his
friend.

Shrugging his shoulders, Prospero answered, "I don't know
really. It's just I'm worried about my Dad. I know I shouldn't worry
and all, but I just get this feeling that he's in trouble or
something." He frowned as the waters bubbled by with trout.

"Well, I think we are in the same boat," said Bliss, shifting
his rod to the ground and stuck it between two rocks so it wouldn't
get away. "Grandma Dite visited last night. Zeus ordered a lockdown
of Olympus. The rest of my family have told their temples to expect a
long haul of unanswered prayers and missed audiences. When the worst
happens, I may head back to Olympus and fight for my family."

"Is that why you are here?"

"Pretty much yes. Nobody in the house of War has the time to
train me and my Dad is still in a stupor so I'm on my own most of the
time. Olympus is on full alert since the enemy has already destroyed
two pantheons in the east. The Greek Gods aren't the only ones on
their guard. The Romans have aligned with us so we can hope to
overpower the menace. The Celtic and Norse Gods have isolated
themselves, so we have no more allies. The Egyptians are at a stand
still with the enemy. Should they fail, we are next in the list."

Something nagged at Prospero's brain so he turned to his
friend with concern and uneasiness. Without a breath of question, he
clutched at the pendant around his neck and prayed for his mother to
come. With a flash of red, Bellona appeared before the two youths.

"What's wrong, my son?" asked the War Goddess as she embraced
Prospero.

Releasing himself from the embrace, Prospero made the
introduction of his mother to his best friend. "Mom, this is Bliss,
the son of Cupid, Greek God of Love, and my best friend. Bliss, this
is my mother Bellona, Roman Goddess of War."

"It's nice to meet your acquaintance, ma'am." Bliss bowed in
respect.

Bellona beamed. "Well, as much it is a pleasure to finally
meet you Bliss, but I seriously doubt my son summoned me to do
introductions." With a flick of her power, a few chairs and a table
full of food appeared before them. After sitting themselves down,
Bellona asked, "Funny, I've always pictured you with wings as what my
son says in his scrolls." Bliss replied that he his them under a
glamour. "Well, that's of no dire matter. Now, what's on your mind
Prospero?"

"Mom, are we going to war?" asked Prospero, clearly worried
of the state of affairs of his family.

"How did you find that out?" queried the War Goddess. "We
only agreed on it two nights ago."

"That would be my fault, ma'am," said Bliss. "My Grandmother
came and visited me last night so I'm pretty much up to date with
what's going on in Mt. Olympus."

Bellona sighed heavily. "I honestly don't want to go to war
but your grandparents see no reason to be the next victim. I agree on
that on principle so that is why we are allying ourselves to your
family, Bliss. We are a fairly new Pantheon and we will do what's
necessary to survive. The enemy made it clear to all that he will go
after us after he is through with Greece and Egypt. Egypt is holding
mostly because they are the oldest among us pantheonic gods. Already,
intelligence reports are saying that the enemy is slowly withdrawing
his forces and is planning a full on attack on Greece. We have reason
to believe that the enemy will do a strategic withdrawal so he could
attack later on with more power on his side."

Both Bliss and Prospero grimaced. Everyone they cared about
is in jeopardy and all they can do is stay where they were and wait.
They knew it without asking so they didn't bother with that. The
visit continued as they ate the pastries and talked more about each
other's family.

* * *

Morrigan was sleeping soundly on her comfortable feather bed
when she felt the sacrifice ceremony being performed by some of her
followers. As such, she didn't always pay attention to any of the
rituals that she sanctioned a long time for she rarely had anytime to
witness any of them. This was one of those precious few moments that
she afforded herself when her job didn't weigh her down. She would
have happily ignored their prayers as she does half the time but
sacrifice her priest was offering intrigued her.

Extending her power a little bit, she produced a mirror out
of thin air and peered into the images of her followers supplicating
themselves facing the altar with two semi-naked pale live bodies on
it. Seeing that this was worthy of her attention, she flashed herself
to the cave and watched the proceedings. It was always entertaining
to watch someone being mutilated for her favor. She always did like
pale skin.

Normally, her patience would be infinite but for some reason
it was rather short today. She thought that it was because she lacked
some sleep or something. Tired of fidgeting invisibly on the side of
the dais, she approached the two sacrifices and examined them. Both
were well muscled and lanky. While one had soulful brown eyes, the
other one had blue eyes that seemed to reflect the sky. Further
scrutiny showed that neither one had a blemish on them. As she
touched one of them, she felt the power signature of not one God, but
two. The same was felt on the other one.

Morrigan didn't like this. The one with brown eyes was a
follower of Ares and a favored mortal of Aphrodite. The blue-eyed one
was a lover of Bellona, and recently, Tyr Silverhand of the North.

Not wanting to cause a ruckus over these two, she appeared to
her followers and surprised them all. The goddess' had shoulder
length hair of black and red, which also appears to be flowing like
the flight of a murder of crows. Her tall stature gave her presence
and demanded respect or fear. The immediate reaction was that
everyone bowed, except the two who were proned on the stone slab.
Before them was their Goddess of War, Fire, and Death.

"Release these two at once," she ordered. Seeing that no one
has moved to do what he wanted she repeated herself, only
forcefully. "Release these two, NOW!" The initiates did as they were
told and cut off the bonds of the prisoners. Despite Bellona's lunar
nature, it wasn't a good idea to offend her even if it was new moon
in the heavens.

"Thank you, my lady," said Joxer as he dropped to his knees.
Johan did the same and looked to the floor.

"Rise," the blood-tressed Goddess ordered. "Now tell me why
is a follower of Ares and a lover of Bellona and Tyr here in the
domain of the Celtic Gods. Before you tell me, we are going to find
some food to eat." She turned to her head priest who groveled near
her feet. "I'll deal with the lot of your later." With that, all
three of them disappeared with a burst of red and a mournful call of
a crow.

* * *

In the cave of the Fates

"You summoned me, Aunt Moira?" asked Persephone who appeared
before the Fates and their mother.

"Yes child," she replied. She led her to a nearby alcove for
them to talk while her daughters continued with their important task.
Moira poured them some tea and went to the point to this clandestine
meeting. "As you know, Persephone, I am the Goddess of Destiny and it
is my occupation to watch over the destinies of Gods and mortals
alike." The Spring Goddess nodded. "Well, I am going to bend some
rules and help out. The adversary to our pantheon has accelerated his
plans so we may be left ill-prepared when he attacks."

Lines of anxiety spread across Persephone's youthful
face. "Is the situation that bad already?"

Moira nodded gravely. "It is. The Loom of Destiny decreed
that it would take twenty years for the right amount of power needed
to fight but it seems our unseen foe has foresight and moved up his
tactics. Strife is unconsciously doing his part of the plan by
getting the rune from Tyr and fathering another untapped war god for
the House of Aggression. Until the right time, the child won't know
that he is a God. All he needs to do now is to find the weapon."

Setting her cup down, Persephone looked to the green eyes of
Moira. "If things are moving as they should, what do you need me for
since I'm banned by your proclamation to even talk about this whole
thing?"

"We need you to train Bliss. I will tell Aphrodite of the
change in plans because as of the moment, Bliss is the only one in
the House of Aggression who doesn't know how to use his godhood. At
least under your care, you can teach him how to use his powers to the
fullest. I also want you to visit Bellona, the mother of Strife's
child and tell her of what we know and ask if you can keep Prospero
with you. Tell her to keep it to herself and if she has any questions
then she can approach me."

The Queen of the Underworld acquiesced to her part, eager to
do something. "Will there be anything else you need done, Moira?"

Moira shook her head. "No, Mnemosyne is doing her part by
gathering all of the strongest mortal children that the members of
the House of Aggression have ever brought into being. The great
heroes Hercules, Xena, and Iolaus are now in Corinth with Iphicles
waiting to be called. They are aware of the impending war. Your aunt
is currently in search of the son of Hermes and the grandchildren of
Anteros."

"The grandchildren of Anteros? I didn't know he had any child,
let alone children," said Persephone in surprise.

"After Cupid, Anteros is the strongest of the brood of Ares.
About thirty years ago, he bedded a young woman who was dedicated to
his mother at the time. A week later, the girl married herself to a
warlord's family. A few days after the wedding, she found herself
pregnant with the warlord Jonas. As you know, Jonas is the father of
Jett the Assassin. Jett has two twin brothers."

"So the God of Passion has grandchildren," thought the Spring
Goddess ruefully aloud. "And I'm willing to bet he doesn't even know
about them."

"Correct." Moira sighed and finished her tea. "Now, be off
with you, my grandniece. The quicker we do this the better for all of
us."

Persephone nodded and disappeared to visit Bellona.

Moira sighed again and vanished all the things used to
entertain her departed guest. She went back to the company of her
daughters, hoping the things she planned will ensure their future.
Her eyes suddenly made contact on the sight of her eldest, Antropos,
snipping on one thread and from out in the oblivion a deathly scream
of a life that just ended rang out.

* * *

While Moira talked over the change in plans with Persephone,
the Fates themselves were deep in discussion about the turn of event.

"Won't Bliss be better off not participating in the upcoming
war?" asked the middle sister Lachesis. Her delicate hands wove the
threads in their intricate patterns of design. "Since he is the
youngest and all."

"No," replied the youngest, Clotho, who measured her
bundle. "We need every member of the House of Aggression in this
battle. This means all the Gods and Demigods of War, Love,
Debauchery, and Retribution."

"All of those!" exclaimed Lachesis. "But that would mean most
of the inner council and more than half of the Pantheon."

"Yes!" said Antropos while cutting the thread of a person's
life. "As mother predicts, the forthcoming battle will be vicious.
Bliss' training will not be enough for this. It goes directly against
his godhood, but he still needs the power that goes with it to fight.
Let us just hope that Strife succeeds."

None was said any further about the matter and the dire
sisters continued with their manipulations and occupations.

* * *

Back in Gaul

"Oh for God sake," exclaimed Johan to Joxer. "If you value
your life then run like Cerberus is on your tail!" Both of them were
spending a few days in the forest grove sacred to Morrigan. The
grove, concealed by the thick foliage of pine and birch and encircled
by a ring of stone monoliths, was a sanctuary of the War Goddess. One
stipulation that Morrigan made the two travelers promise for her
hospitality was that they were not to kill any of the animals in the
surrounding area for they are sacred to Cernounos, the Celtic God of
the Hunt. Just as Fate would have it though, the first thing they did
while have a walk beyond the grove was accidentally killing a rabbit
by stumbling over it. Then suddenly, a large looming figure with the
antlers of a deer on his head appeared before them with an armed bow
pointing between their eyes.

"Oh shit!" shouted Joxer and narrowly missed the arrow that
shot through the air. Without a second thought, Joxer and Johan ran
as if their lives depended on it.

"I guess," huffed Johan as he ran, "that guy was Cernounos."

"I think you're correct," Joxer answered back. He jumped up
to avoid another volley of arrows. "Let's get back to the grove.
Hopefully, he won't be able to get us there."

They quickly managed to get to the grove, or at least Johan
would have gotten there if it weren't for the Hunter God
materializing right in front of him and grabbing him by the throat.
For the first time in a long while, Johan felt fear.

In Cernounos, on the other hand, he was trying to read the
intentions of this transgressor. At first, he felt the swallow
thoughts and emotions. Then he went deeper into the youth's psyche
and found something familiar. His whole demeanor changed the moment
he recognized the signature of the person before him. It was a long
forgotten, but intimate feeling that he had not felt in centuries. He
let go of his hold and promptly embraced the scholarly traveler.

"Erin, you've come home," Cernounos said while fighting back
the tears that threatened to fall. Over the Hunter God's shoulder,
Johan looked back at Joxer with a perplexed expression. "Welcome
back, my son."

Two words came to mind in both Johan and Joxer. "Oh Shit!"

* * *

A tall, willowy woman with infinitely purple eyes appeared
before a holding cell somewhere in a prison on the Isle of Lemnos.
Her nose crinkled with the foul smell of the dirty surroundings, so
she used a bit of her power and sterilized everything. Her mission
was sleeping soundly on a low cot inside the cell. With another burst
of her energy, the figure stirred and sat up to face the Goddess of
Memory.

"Rise, Jett of Corinth! Your services will be required as so
dictate the will of the Gods of Olympus!" she said with all the
authority she could muster. Jett, knowing that something serious was
about to happen, merely bowed his head and submitted himself to the
Goddess. Thinking this was going better than she expected, Mnemosyne
freed the assassin and teleported the both of them to the court of
King Iphicles.



Part 5:

Somewhere near the Nile River

A Dark Being cackled maniacally as his unholy army fought
head to head with the powerful forces of the Egyptian Pantheon. He
didn't care that neither side was winning nor was he concerned about
winning this clash. The sole purpose of this battle was to weaken the
power flows of Egypt enough so if he were to fight with they after
defeating the Pantheons of Rome and Greece. The resulting defeat
would generate great amounts of power for him to use against the
Egyptians.

Defeating the Roman Gods was of no difficulty since they are
the newest of the pantheonic gods, and the Greeks are still trying to
fix all of the power imbalances that were made in recent years. He
should probably reward Zeus' idiotic son Hercules for unwittingly set
in motion the fall of Greece. It was because of him that the House of
Aggression was missing some of their key figures like Bacchus,
Nemesis (former heads of the Courts of Debauchery and Retribution
respectively), and Ares' son, Evander. Now, with the rumors of
Strife's disappearance from Olympus, the time to attack would draw
near. There were just a few things he needed to ensure before his
campaign against Greece.

Towards the vast desert full of death and destruction, he
used some of his power and retrieved three of his best assassins from
the melee. Dressed in black and all carrying the daggers with their
master's seal, the three knelt before the Dark Being. Mentally, he
gave them their orders on whom to kill and to make sure that they
moved in the dark. They all nodded their understanding, and were
immediately transported to various parts of the Greek sphere of
influence.

Amid the ruin, the Dark Being smiled, knowing that it was
just a matter of time. He then faced his general behind him and
ordered everyone to stand down and gather. Above him, a pair of
falcons witnessed what just transgressed and flew back to their
owners.

* * *

In Amenti, home of the Egyptian Pantheon

Four figures in regal Egyptian attire stood side by side facing
a large mirror that showed the Dark Being laughing like the
megalomaniac that he is. Ostrich-plumed Maat, Goddess of Justice and
Truth gazed on expressionless while she combined her own abilities
with that of the blonde-haired Horus, the Falcon God, whose dual
colored eyes flickered with raging emotion. Apedemak, the lion-headed
God of Soldiers and Weapons, growled at the image of the enemy.
Methu, with his crown plumed high in falcon feathers, looked grim as
he assessed the situation. As the primal God of War in Egypt, what
the last saw changed everything.

"I honestly don't know which infuriates me more," said Maat as
she disengaged her viewing of the mirror so she could seat herself on
an ornate chair, "either that the braggart laughed at all of the
casualties or that he chose to recall his army after causing so much
damage." The rest followed suit and sat down; Methu sat on his
decorated throne. As they did this, the two falcons that spied over
the carnage arrived and landed on perches beside their respective
owners.

Methu smiled. "It was fortunate that our birds were flying over
the battlefield when they caught that meeting of our enemy with his
assassins, Horus. He knows we are at a stalemate here to our home
court, so his strategic withdrawal is a sound idea. Why in the world
would he send his agents to Greece is beyond my comprehension,
though?"

"I know why," replied the Sky God, realizing some unseen
truth. "He deliberately fought with us to just weaken our power base.
The Olympians are currently having a problem balancing their influx
of power since many events in recent years have reduced their
control. Even with the diminished forces, our enemy can conquer them
if he really wanted too. The Greeks have petitioned the other
Pantheons to help but only the Romans have given their support. The
only reason why they haven't asked us is that we were at war. By
winning over them, He will have the power to destroy us."

"I sometimes forget that you're a God of Truth like me, not to
mention of Prophecy and of the Sky," sighed Maat as she fingered
through her black tresses.

Horus smiled. "Don't forget my healing gig also."

The War God on his throne chuckled slightly, which brought the
attention of his company. "I have a plan."

"Then do share, Methu. I want this bastard to suffer for
killing some of my most faithful followers. I'm sure all of you have
a grudge as well," said Maat.

With a wave of his hand, he transported all of them to the
throne room of Osiris and Isis.

"What's this about a plan, Methu?" asked the Lord of Amenti
from his throne of white and black marble, symbolizing life and death.

Methu explained his plan of sending Horus, Maat, and himself to
help against the forthcoming invasion of Greece. The rest were
surprised at this course of action but didn't question its merit. The
War God planned to offer their support to defeat the Dark Being. A
silent conference between the King and Queen of Amenti gave time for
Horus and Maat to trade their thoughts. Apedemak just stood apart,
quiet and ready.

"Methu," said Isis, with the great seat on her head, "you do
realize that if you fail, we are the next in line if he defeats
Greece and Rome." The War God nodded. "Then go with our blessing and
make sure that you succeed. The war has cost us dearly."

Osiris then materialized a long dagger. "With this weapon, use
it against our adversary and kill him. I have specifically made this
dagger to send whoever is killed by this blade to die and immediately
fall into the void without trial and judgment. I'm sure Maat doesn't
object to that." She did not. "Now, off with the three of you.
Apedemak, you have control over our forces until Methu and the rest
get back from their mission." With that said, all four disappeared to
do their duty.

* * *

Morrigan's Grove in Gaul

"What do you remember about my mother, father?" asked Johan,
now know as Erin because that was the name given to him at birth.

He and Joxer had spent a good six months with Cernounos and
Morrigan, learning about new knowledge. For Erin, he learnt a bit of
his heritage, about his hidden divinity, and new lows in how to pull
pranks on unsuspecting fools. Who knew that a little tar and feathers
would do wonders for a raider's appearance. Joxer learnt that the
reason for his clumsiness was an inner ear defect that Erin
discovered when he saw some blood drip from his ears and asked
Morrigan to fix it during her Maiden aspect of the month. After
fixing the problem, they all ascertained that he was a capable
warrior once his balance was found. This greatly intrigued Morrigan
and trained him most of the six months with various disciplines of
fighting. Erin became greatly impressed when Joxer defeated him in
armed combat, despite his secret training with Roman gladiators and
Viking raiders. Their stay in the grove proved to be an enriching
experience for the both of them.

At this time, father and son were spending the evening bonding,
finally broaching the subject of Erin's mother.

Cernounos mused quietly for a minute before speaking. "I knew
little of your mother. She was a wandering soul who stayed in my
company for a few scant days before moving on to her next
destination. She had your pale skin and vivacious nature. She could
be cruel at times, but that just added to her charm."

"First time I saw her, she was roaming the moor plains of
Britannia and fighting with many of the tribes that happen to cross
her path and piss her off. Funny really, her fighting skills are as
good as Morrigan's, or even better. Seeing her kick that one
warrior's nuts during that ambush when I first saw her was a turn-on."

"Uh, Dad!" interrupted Erin. "Ewww!"

Cernounos just laughed, shaking his antlers. "When we talked
about our interests, we had little in common. She likes apples and
wine and I'm partial to wild berries and mead. She loves her whips
and chains, while I hunt with my bow and arrows. She's volatile and
I'm calm and collected. In the end, we were too different for each
other. Too bad she didn't bother with telling me her name. She did
send me a note saying you were born about a thousand years ago." And
on did Cernounos went with his memories.

Not far from where they were, Morrigan, in her crone aspect,
smiled bitterly. She knew the love of a child once and it caused her
dearly for being so full of pride. She missed her son and nothing can
get him back. Sighing, the War Goddess turned away from the scene of
father and son talking about woman who gave each one of them a
purpose for living.

* * *

In Epidaros, Greece

Mnemosyne flashed on the fringes of an audience in one of the
amphitheaters. It took her a long time to search for the rest of
Anteros' grandchildren. She left Jett in the company of Hermes' son
Autolycus as so he would not cause any trouble with Hercules or Xena
in Corinth. She sighed wearily because Joxer managed to misplace
himself outside of Greece's sphere of Godly influence so she could
not track him down. Jayce was another matter all together. Since he
was the most nomadic and private of the triplets, he hid himself a
lot with disguises and concealment techniques which made him virtual
impossible to find if he didn't want to be found. He could possibly
be the best spy in Greece. Patiently, the Memory Goddess waited until
Jayce finished his performance and all of the watchers left for home.

Once the actor fled the clutches of the rest of his troupe,
Jayce settled in his dressing room and systematically removed the
make-up and costume that designated him as the tragic Laurel that the
God Apollo chased through the woods. A weary groan from his mouth
reverberated just how tired he was pretending to have to dress like a
woman and speak with a phony accent, if only just to irritate people
in leaving him alone. It was hard being the greatest actor that
Greece ever known. At that moment, he would gladly have a break from
all this and meet up with his brothers, wherever they were.

The Goddess made her presence known by appearing in a flash
of violet and white. In surprise, Jayce drew out a few throwing
knives from his dressing table and threw them at the Goddess. She
didn't even blink when the knives fell short by a few inches from her
face.

"Jayce of Corinth, you are commissioned by the Gods to come
with me."

By this time, the actor realized just who appeared before him
by appraising her attire, mostly from the cameo of a pitcher pouring
water, that this was the Goddess of Memory. He bowed in respect and
asked to be forgiven for his rash actions. She just smiled and
transported the both of them to his brother Jett.

* * *

In the family homestead of Psyche

Psyche just finished her chores for the day and felt content
in knowing that she did a full day's work. Ever since her ex-husband
Cupid admitted that he cared for her but didn't love her anymore
after the effects of the love arrow dissipated, she's been living her
days back in her family's farm. The divorce came soon after she
relinquished her title as Goddess of the Mind, and she gave full
custody of Bliss to Cupid since she wasn't really ready to be a
mother, though she did love her son dearly.

She was alone for the night because the family went to the
oracle in Delphi, leaving her to tend to the farm. The former Goddess
cherished these moments when no one was around. It presented her with
an opportunity to use the bath and luxuriate with all of the
essential potions that her former mother-in-law gave as a parting
gift. It was the least the Love Goddess could give to Psyche as a
consolation.

Stripping her garments and testing the warm water, she slowly
slid her body down and immersed herself. The water was mixed with
rose petals, lavender, and something that Aphrodite called `my little
recipe for giving my skin that health glow'. Before bathing, Psyche
lit a few candles, which she managed Hestia to give to her before
leaving Olympus. The soft light of the flames illuminated the dark
room and nothing else penetrated the peace of the moment.

Unbeknownst to her, Psyche didn't notice a man with a dagger
in his hand come into the ablution chamber. No one heard her scream
when the blade struck pierced her heart. Her last thoughts before
dying were prayers to Hera and Aphrodite, one to protect her family
and one to protect her son and ex-husband.

When Aphrodite flashed into the chamber from the Court of
Love, the killer was long gone and the water now had Psyche's blood
mixed with it. Psyche's face just floated above the water with a
glassy, pale expression.

Her eyes went grave, then she brought herself to Ares' home
temple.

"Ares! I need to talk to you," started Aphrodite but stopped
short of getting any closer to her brother's throne. In front of the
black monstrosity fitted with the symbol of War, Ares stood arm to
arm to a weeping Evander, his son with Nemesis. It took a while for
the God to take notice of his sister and signaled for her to wait. He
casted a sleeping spell over his son and sent him to one of the many
rooms in the Court of War to rest.

The War God wearily sat back down on his throne and slumped
into its space. He suddenly felt like a huge part of his energy has
been sapped from his body. The last time this happened was when
Hercules killed Bacchus. This time it is worse like he was struck
twice over with that sensation. However, he did not feel the need to
tell anyone what happened to him. No point in showing to the world
that their War God is getting weak.

"Arry! You look terrible," commented Aphrodite as she sat
down beside him on the throne's arm. "What happened? And why is
Evander here? Didn't Nemesis ban you from ever seeing him again?"

Ares looked up with tired, hooded eyes. "Nemesis is dead," he
said flatly. The Love Goddess was shocked. "An assassin surprised her
while she was about to make dinner. She saw Evander coming from a
window and foiled the assassin's ambush by shouting to him to get
himself to the nearest Olympic temple. He would have been dead now if
he had not gotten to Hestia's temple in time. She blasted him just as
he was about to plunge a knife into my son. Now, with Nemesis dead,
Evander gets to live with me. I got what I wanted, but I never wanted
it at this price."

Aphrodite rubbed the tense shoulders of her brother. "Oh
Arry! Poor you, things will get better, I promise." Ares gave her a
somnolent face. "But anyway, I'm here for a reason. After what you
just told me, bro, I'm sure that this isn't a coincidence. Psyche's
dead also." Now, it was his turn to be shocked.

Before anything else could be said between the two Gods, a
falcon flew in and landed on the other arm of Ares' throne. Tied on
one of its leg was a message, which Ares removed and read. The
messenger bird then took off.

"Hmmm! Come Dite! We have visitors come."

With that, Ares transported them to the Royal Hall where Zeus
and Hera were already waiting. With them, Bellona and Mars stood on
one side. Ares and Aphrodite looked at each other and then stood
opposite where the Roman Gods stood.

From the high windows, a bright beam of sunlight came in and
illuminated the hall. On the spot where beam fell, three figures
materialized. Methu took the lead and bowed respectfully to the host
of Gods, he was flanked by Horus and Maat on either side.

"Welcome to Olympus, my friends," greeted Zeus as he received
them.

* * *

At the Academy

"Are you sure that your mom said you can stay with me in
Uncle Hades' realm," asked Bliss to his best friend. Both of them
were packing for their summer vacation in Asphodel.

Earlier in the week, Bellona and Aphrodite came to the school
and told Jason that Prospero and Bliss were to leave for an
indefinite period of time, unbeknownst to the best friends. They told
him that Persephone would come and get them at the end of the week
when classes have ended for the summer. By now, most of the students
have left and gone back to their families. Because of Bellona's role
in the upcoming conflict, she deemed it prudent that Prospero would
be safe in Hades' realm because of the difficulty getting there and
so she could visit him as often as possible with everything going on.

"Yeah, I'm sure!" exclaimed Prospero as he packed the last of
his belongings into his traveling bag. He then helped Bliss in
packing his stuff since he has more things because of his
grandmother's doting. With his help, the task was finished quickly
and they all brought there bags outside where they planned on meeting
with Bliss' Aunt Persephone. Around the corner of the building, a
black-cloaked man skulked, waiting for this moment when he could
complete the task assigned to him. When the two youths came to his
view, he pulled out his dagger and ran to towards them. Just as the
sharp tip was about to stab Bliss in the bad, the killer's hand was
banged hard by a quarterstaff. Both of the teens looked around and
saw Jason with his staff and a masked man holding his hand in pain.
On the ground was a very deadly looking dagger.

"Who are you and why are you trying to kill my students?"
demanded Jason, pointing the staff at the mysterious stranger.

He did not get an answer for the killer drew out his jagged
scimitar and lunged at the headmaster, who narrowly avoided the
curved sword. They fought to a stand still, until the wood of the
staff broke in half, giving the assassin an opening. However, he fell
to the ground instead of landing the killing blow to Jason. The
former king saw that the killer's dagger was imbedded in his back. He
looked towards his students and saw the stance of Prospero for he was
the one who threw the dagger.

Persephone flashed in with a shower of gold and black and
cursed under her breathe when she saw the scene before her.

"Jason," said the Queen of the Underworld. "What had just
happened?" The headmaster quickly told his story and the Spring
Goddess nodded. "Listen, I will take the boys home with me and you
make sure that nothing happens to the body. Bring it to the temple of
Ares or of Aphrodite and tell them what had transpired."

He nodded and then looked at the boys. Bliss was carefully
hugging Prospero for the latter went into shock when he realized what
he just did. "My lady, please take care of Prospero. He just taken
his first life and he isn't responding to the experience that well.
Right now, he needs all the assurance in the world to move on."

"I'll do what I can. Do please keep your eyes open. We may
need you soon for the Gods are going to war. Olympus needs all the
help it could get." She gathered up her nephew and his prone friend
and their possessions. "Goodbye Jason! May we meet again in better
circumstances."

After they left, Jason bundled up the body and brought it to
the nearby temple of Ares. On his trip going there, a bitter wind
suddenly blew. Jason thought if this is not a bad omen then I do not
know what is.



Part 6:

The Royal Hall of the House of Divinity on Mt. Olympus

"So, you think that all these murders and attempts are all
planned by our common enemy?" asked Zeus from the head of the long
table. Hera, regal and plumed with peacock feathers sat to his right,
and Ares sat on his left. Next to the Queen of the Gods, the
contingency from Egypt sat and opposite them were Mars and Bellona
from Rome. Occupying the last seats of the table were Athena and
Aphrodite.

"Yes," replied Horus. The King of The Greek Gods looked
towards Athena and she nodded, agreeing with the Falcon God's
extrapolation.

"We wouldn't be here now if we didn't witness him talking to
his agents and sending them here," said Methu from his chair. "Our
falcons were flying overhead unseen and they overheard the orders
given to them. After that, our foe started to withdraw his forces. It
seems to be a little suspicious, don't you think?"

"He's right, Father," said Ares. "He ordered them to kill
Psyche and Nemesis and they almost succeeded with my son. Remember
you said that if anyone of them choose to return to Olympus, then all
they had to do is ask you or Hera personally." By now, his words were
getting more tiring. Aphrodite and Hera looked at him with plain
worry. "With that option open, you just bounded up their godhoods and
made them demigods. Since they are dead, their godhoods are now just
hindering the flow of power among us. If they were alive, then it
would be okay because they act like a valve that slow down any
surges." With his last word, Ares fainted.

"ASCLEPIUS!" shouted Hera, while Zeus yelled, "APOLLO!"

The father and son appeared and went to work. They laid out Ares on a
bed, which Hera summoned up. The War God's skin was pale and clammy.
Sweat riddled his face and his breathing swallow. After much effort
on both parts, Apollo and Asclepius rose from their patient and faced
their family and guest.

"Ares is suffering from the effects of power imbalance. We managed to
alleviate some stress by tapering off some excess energy from his
system. This is only temporary though," said Apollo, scrubbing his
hands and talking at the same time. "The last time this happened to
him was when Bacchus was killed twenty years ago."

"Hmmm," said Aphrodite, musing and frowning at the same time. "Is it
because of the death of Nemesis and Psyche that's doing this to
Arry?" she asked.

"Yes," said Ace. He summoned up a couple of chairs for himself and
his dad. All those present sat. "More of Nemesis than Psyche
actually, because Psyche's godhood was made for her and she barely
has any foothold in the flow of power here. Nemesis' position in the
House of Aggression made her a major receptor of energy. The only
solution to Ares' problem is to find someone to take up the slack and
take up Nemesis and Bacchus' godhoods. Ares managed to compensate for
the surge and took in all of the consequences that Bacchus' death
caused. The result made him weaker since all he could do was process
the energy before it went to the rest of the Pantheon."

Hera felt angry. Everyone knew that Bacchus' death was because of
Zeus' favorite son Hercules, and now Ares, her favorite son, was hurt
because of him. The Sky father sighed guiltily and turned to his
children.

"I'm looking for suggestions," he said clearly. "By right of heir,
Evander should take up Nemesis' godhood but he does not have the
experience, nor the control. And as far as I know, no one human is
capable of taking up Bacchus' title; otherwise they would go mad with
insanity. Offering ambrosia to a mortal is simply is out of the
question."

"Not unless that man has godly blood in him," said a voice that made
all those in the hall turn to the entranceway. Most of the gods
recognized Moira but only Aphrodite knew of the pair flanking her.
Despite their twin appearances, there was a distinct difference of
personality just by looking at them. The one on the left wore all
black and carried at least ten daggers within his reach. The one on
the right wore a white bellowing shirt and an ornate stiletto in his
belt.

The Goddess of Destiny stepped forward with her companions. "I'm sure
Aphrodite recognizes these two. As for the rest of you, these are
Jayce and Jett of Corinth. They will be the one's to take up the
vacant godhoods."

"And what makes them so qualified to take up the responsibility?"
asked Athena, having not spoken until this moment. That was the
question in the minds of all in the room.

"Scan them and you will see," she replied.

Athena raised an eyebrow and examined the twins. Her findings
surprised her and told her father to do a thorough inspection, as
well. Zeus did as he was asked and spent the next few minutes
assessing the duo. He shared his thought with Hera and both
determined their next course of action.

"Apollo," Zeus called. "I want you to take Jett and show him the
ropes of Nemesis' job. He is certainly qualified for the job.
Aphrodite, bring Jayce with you and show him Bacchus' regime. Do this
later after they have settled in." The King of the gods then faced
his guests. "My friends, you are invited to witness the birth of two
new gods. Moira has given us a partial solution to our problem, so
will all of you be able to attend the ceremony later in the month?"

Methu grinned and confirmed the reactions of his colleagues. "We are
delighted at the invitation, Zeus. We will be there. I doubt the Dark
One will do any major tactics until afterwards. That will give us
time for Ares to recover and for us to gather our advantages."

"As do us Roman Gods," said Mars, draped with robes of red and
gold. "Bellona and I shall give notice and work together with all of
you. As much as possible, we want to prevent this unknown enemy from
stepping on Roman soil."

"Perfect!" resounded Hera. "We will continue this later when all of
us have recovered from this bit of dramatic turn of events. I will
show you to your rooms." Hera took Methu by the crook of his arm and
led him and his company to the guest rooms. Maat's eyes strayed to
look at Athena one last time, while Horus lingered his gaze on the
young Healing God attending to Ares' care.

The Love Goddess grinned when she saw those two little actions. She
then shifted her attention to Zeus thanking Moira, and then to the
two brothers of one of her favorite mortals. Both were evaluating
their situation and were projecting thoughts of worry over Joxer.
Leaving their minds for more important business, she went over to her
half-sister and spoke in a soft whisper. "Athena, a word please." The
Goddess of Wisdom eyebrow spoke volumes since both sisters barely
talked to each other at all. "With Ares down for the count for the
next few days and as Ares' second-in-command, I'm initiating his back-
up plans." Athena was shocked but she did not show it. "Please meet
me tonight at my temple and we shall discuss contingencies. I am
summoning up Apollo, Artemis, Eris, and Hermes to our meeting. We
need to have a council of war.

The Wisdom Goddess nodded and faced Apollo, who stood beside the bed.
The God of Light nodded back in their direction. After that
acknowledgement, Athena disappeared and started drawing up plans for
the defense of Olympus. On her way back to her temple, she realized
that Aphrodite wasn't her usual flighty self.

* * *

In Asphodel's Royal Hall

Persephone was on her throne reading one of the scrolls that
Moira had given her so she could start with the training of Bliss and
teach Prospero to harness his divine gifts that came with being the
son of Bellona. She had her apprehensions when she was tasked with
this assignment but desperate time call on desperate measure. With
the entire House of Aggression working overtime now with Cupid and
Ares incapacitated, and with three of there number dead, it would
best for her to do her part anyway she can.

Just as she was about to read another scroll, Moira appeared
with a redheaded boy around the age of Bliss and Prospero. He looked
around the austere throne room with open awe.

"Persephone, do you have room for one more charge?" the
Goddess of Destiny asked.

"Sure, I do," she answered, clearly not sure just who this
boy is.

With a smile, Moira placed her hands on the boy's shoulders
and presented him to the Spring Goddess. "Persephone, this is
Evander."

The younger Goddess recognized the name and examined the
young boy. The last she heard of this boy's name was the time when
Zeus tried to bond with him and the boy almost gotten killed because
of it. Memorizing each of his features, Persephone sighed. Evander
had his mother's fair skin and bright eyes. He also had Hera's red
hair and Zeus' presence. The only thing that he inherited from Ares
was his resemblance and built. All at once did she realize that this
boy will have a part in future events.

"Welcome Evander to my home," she said to the quiet boy of
sixteen. "I am Persephone, Queen of this realm and I shall be your
teacher as well." As she was saying this, Moira filled in on all of
the crucial happenings in the past 12 hours. When she heard that
Evander's mother had died, she stayed her grief and led the boy to
his guest room. She returned to the throne and found that her Great
Aunt was still there waiting for her.

"How bad is it the situation?" she asked Moira as she settled
back on her throne. She summoned up a chair for her guest and Moira
sat gracefully.

"Terrible. Our enemy decided to take some initiative and kill
off some of our former gods. Luckily, Jason intervened and saved us
from giving Ares more grief. Speaking of which, how are the boys?"

Persephone sighed. "Prospero is still in denial. Bliss is
trying to comfort him but nothing seems to put him out of his fugue.
I think Evander will help in getting Prospero out of it. It will help
since his godhood is that of Mercy and Reparation, if I remembered
what Zeus dedicated during his debut to the Pantheon."

"Yes, he will be more than that though," said Moira
mysteriously.

"And what about Nemesis?"

"Her body and that of Psyche were taken to Asclepius' temple
and are being held until further notice. Because of their deaths,
Ares is sick and is being treated accordingly. Aphrodite is
temporarily in charge of the House of Aggression until he gets
better. As what my daughters are spinning into the loom, she and a
few of her half-siblings are doing a counsel of war at the moment."
The older Goddess paused a bit. "We must tread carefully and make
sure those three are safe. Strife will be making full circle soon and
he will be receiving his third boon as well as more allies.

"Allies?" she had to ask.

Giving that enigmatic smile that she was known for among the
family, Moira just shrugged and disappeared. The frustration that
Persephone was feeling came out with a loud "Agggh!"

* * *

The Temple of Asclepius in the House of Intellect

"What have you found out, Ace?" asked Apollo. The father and
son were both standing over the body of the assassin that tried to
kill Bliss earlier in the week. After a thorough examination and
various consultations with Hades, Phonos, and Hecate that proved to
be quite educational, Ace summoned up a list of findings for his
father to read while he gave out each of the points he found on the
body.

"Physically, the man died because of the stab wound that
Bellona's son inflicted on him, but there seems to be more to it than
that. The dagger not only pierced the heart of the assassin but also
his amulet. Hades and Hecate both confirmed that the amulet contained
the man's essence. If that didn't happen, the man would have simply
gotten up and continued with his attempt."

Apollo fingered the bronze trinket that sat squarely where
the man's heart should be and frowned. "So what you are telling me is
that this man was somewhat immortal until his charm was destroyed."

"Yes," replied Ace and he continued with his methodical
autopsy. "Phonos said that the speed of the dagger's entry was enough
to break the casing, thus destroying the amulet. He also said that
the dagger was made from special metal that could harm a god, and if
he were weak enough, kill him."

This bit of news shocked Apollo. He realized that by making
Nemesis and Psyche mortal demigods stripped of their godhood, it
sealed their fate. Someone was definitely planning to make sure that
Olympus does not stand a chance in an open war. With Ares and Cupid
indisposed, the House of Aggression is in chaos. He knows that
Aphrodite is putting into motion the back-up plans of Ares just for
occasions like this, and he knows that he is to meet with her and the
rest of his siblings in a council of war in secret. The Fates and
Moira intervening made his heart light knowing that they are doing
something to prevent even bigger disasters, but his prophetic
foresight didn't let on the future so he was also wary with
suspicion. Finding out that the enemy has the means to injure a God
didn't bode well at all.

"What else have you discovered, my son?" the God of Light
asked.

"This is what scares me though. Hades saw that the man's soul
was in the amulet so the man was basically a shell of a being with
his freedom dangling right in front of him. The Dark Being created
the perfect soldier. Emotionless, unhesitating, resistant to pain,
and expendable if and when the time comes."

Apollo hmpped. "If Ares were here now, he would commend the
enemy for being so damn efficient."

After a few more bits of minor evidence was reviewed, Apollo
sealed up the room with the body in it so no one would enter and
steal it. He told Ace to get a few things ready and be prepared for a
long stay at the Court of War so he could watch over Ares and Cupid.
Leaving his son to his devices, Apollo gathered his tools and flashed
himself to the council of war.

* * *

In Sidhe, the home of the Celtic Pantheon

Morrigan steadily grew worried as news of an incurable plague
started to spread from the east, originating from Egypt. What made it
odd was that it infected strong and gifted individuals, and left out
the ones with no particularly significant traits or attributes. The
Healing Gods managed to contain most of the outbreak to the southern
portion of the Sphere of Influence of the Celtic Pantheon, but there
still have been reports of sudden epidemics in various places. She
could almost swear that the sickness was sentient.

Right now, she was being summoned by Toutates, High Father of
the Celtic Gods and Ruler of Sidhe. News of the plague troubled him
considerably since his worshippers are known to be a sturdy race that
fought off maladies easily.

"Sire," Morrigan said as she bowed in respect to the Toutates
who sat on his throne made of the strongest oak and brightest gold.

"Morrigan," he acknowledged the Goddess before him in her
mother aspect. "It seems that the recent war in Egypt is starting to
affect us as well. Our sources have weeded out the origins of this
plague. The Dark One is doing some advance tactics to weaken us."

The War Goddess grimaced. "Just as I suspected. We should not
have quickly dismissed the request for help from the Greeks. It seems
to me that their fight will be ours soon enough. Whoever this entity
is, he is causing so much damage in such a short period of time. What
is your will, High Father?"

"I want you to lead an embassy to Greece and offer our
support. Sources are saying that the Roman and Egyptian Pantheons
have already sent their Ambassadors there. I have already remitted a
scroll to Zeus and he has accepted. Choose your party well. You will
leave on first light from Tier Na Oge."

She bowed as Toutates dismissed her, but before she could
leave the massive hall,
Sucellus, God of Fertility and Providence, floating a foot off the
ground and carrying his hammer and cauldron, came in, all glassy-eyed
and ghostly. The moment he entered the royal hall, Morrigan suddenly
fell into a trance and lifted off the floor. The Celtic High Father
gaped as both hovered and spoke in one ominous voice.

A great power will come and aspire to destroy
His reach is black and its touch is evil
His way is to weaken, to cripple, to plot, to toy
An ally to none and an enemy to all

Many will gather and form armies against him
But only One will hold the secrets
From the One, three boons will be used to win
And a weapon unknown but kept

One gift is living and among the loyal and brave
The second is hidden in stone
The third is made from the wood of the elves
All given with love and soul

The One will wake Love from his painful sleep
And he will heal War
Two unions will be theirs to hold and keep
And their House will score

Unity is the call to all who heed and warrant it
For they will gather in the middle
Against the Dark Being they will battle and wit
Then the savior's secrets will tell

From this, an ageless myth will be made clear
And the Dark Being will be revealed
Destiny will be death and the cause of his fear
Only this for his Fate is sealed

Once the last word came out of their mouths, the glassiness
of their eyes left and they fell to the ground unconscious. A moment
later, while trying to rouse them, a wave of panic came from all over
Sidhe as the ones among them with prophetic gifts spoke and fell as
one.

* * *

The panic didn't just happen in the lofty homes of the Celtic
Gods as it occurred all over the known world. In Delphi, the oracle
spoke clearly the words in her trance, as well as all of the
initiates dedicated to Apollo. In the secret council of war, Apollo,
Artemis, and Hermes stopped all arguments by voicing the portentous
prophecy to the rest. In Asgard, the dreaded Norns appeared before
Odin and Freya, and most of the Aesir during a feast. In the Roman
Pantheon, Nortia and Providentia disrupted their daily audience with
this sudden vision. And in the master bedroom of the Hall of Healing,
Asclepius was seized in shock as Horus rose above the bed.

The Dark One, using some of his spies, became enraged at this
turn of events. He knew that his sister was behind all this. After
all, she could touch all the souls of those will the abilities to see
the future as well as destiny. Out of all of his enemies, she is the
only one that matters because she knows him inside and out. It was to
his good fortune that their younger sibling, The Balance, chose to
stay out of all this, playing the part of a spectator.

In his black heart, he seethed and plotted for he doesn't
intend for his sister, the Bright One, to win.

* * *

In Tier Na Oge, the farthest point in the Sphere of Influence of the
Celtic Gods

Dawn came and Morrigan oversaw all of the preparations made
for their swift journey from the floating city of Tier Na Oge to the
peninsula of Greece. Her companions on this journey were Cernounos,
upon her appeal, Joxer, for his knowledge of his homeland, and Erin,
who needed to get to Greece anyway. The crew of her ship was of
thirty elves, all keen-eyed and light-footed. Together, all of them
would bravely take the four-day travel for the Celts have no means to
go such a distance. Hopefully, with the help of their party, the
enemy would be vanquished before any more problems could emerge.

She shifted her sight from the loading of the ship to Erin,
who was taking more lessons under Cernounos and his elves. He was
carefully aiming his shaft at the single piece of hair tied on the
tree about a mile away. Under the instructions of the Hunter God, he
found his target twice. The War Goddess smiled at the speed in which
the young demigod as learned all of his father's craft as well as
others. If she did not know better, he was a better healer than some
of the Gods in Sidhe who are dedicated to healing.

Joxer, on the other hand, was practicing a few `katas' on the
deck of the ship with a pair of bright baldric swords. Under her
supervision, he gained more than just grace and skills of a warrior.
He earned a confidence that he never had when he still had his ear
imbalance. In the end, he will finally achieve his greatest dream: to
prove himself to his chosen God Ares. Morrigan smirked. She knew Ares
didn't stand a chance the moment Joxer proved his prowess in the
field, and if his fate were that serendipitous, in the bed as he
showed her on the passed Beltane.

With an authoritative call, she ordered everyone to the ship
so they could cast off. The anchors were hauled in and the sails
unfurled to the wind, and then they were off. From the crow's nest,
you could see the floating city, with it's turrets of crystal and
walls of polished stone, disappear into the mist as the ship sped
three times faster than any normal ship.

Erin was leaning out on the side of the ship when the War
Goddess approached him. "Are you ready to see your son?" she asked.

He smiled. "Very much. I would like Dad to meet him. And
since we are all heading to Greece, maybe I'll be able to see my Mom."

Morrigan mused. "I think we will discover more than that, my
friend. I sense that you will play a bigger part before all this is
over." She then noticed that he was carefully holding the leaves of
some plants. Her eyes narrowed considerably. "What are you doing with
a bunch of Imp's Feathers?"

Erin grinned. "Oh nothing! Just that I happened to find some
on the way here and accidentally dropped some on the bed of the elf
who insulted my aim."

"You do realize that the elf will start developing an itchy
rash that wouldn't go away for a week if he doesn't douse himself
with saltwater as soon as possible."

Just that moment, an elf full of red markings on his skin ran
up beside them and jumped overboard. The laughter from the rest of
the crew proved that Erin's mischief was successful. The ship had to
turn around for the jumper. The Demigod and Goddess laughed until
their sides couldn't take it anymore.

tbc

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