Pantheon War's

[GuardianAngel1911-Admin]

Thought I'd go ahead and put my novel work up so far, this one at least. I'll start with a chapter a week then just whenever I get them done. Basic idea of this novel is the Greek Pantheon of gods and the Norse Pantheon clash, some gods get pissed the hell off and it goes downhill from there.

To start: The Prologue

Prologue
As I march to the palace atop Olympus I can’t help but wonder if finally after my labors my sin will be forgiven. Father Zeus has been very kind helpful and supportive despite Hera’s scornful and spiteful treatment of me. I reach the palace and later the palace and enter the room with the thrones of the gods. I kneel down waiting to be acknowledged.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my favorite bastard stepson Hercules returned from his last labor.” Hera says spitefully and sarcastically.
“Yes I have finished my twelve labors and would hope that you will be so kind as to forgive me of my dark deeds.” I say looking up and looking her in the eyes.
“Hmmm…..” she puts her hand on her chin mulling it over. “…..No……I still don’t think you’ve learned your lesson…I require you do one final task. A thirteenth labor if you will.” As she says it father glares at her and I know he thinks that now she’s just torturing me.
“And….if I do this last labor…..you will let my dark deeds be forgiven?” I ask unable to keep the hopeful tone from my voice. As she starts to speak I see her glance at father who says something with his eyes.
“Yes….you will finally, once and for all be forgiven of the murder of your family…….if you succeed.” She sighs exasperated.
“Thank you I will start as soon as I leave. So what is this new task….this new labor?” I ask knowing I can accomplish it with little difficulty.
“You are to go to the northern lands beyond the borders of Greece and bring the glory of Olympus to the peoples there, or if they will not accept our faith…..you may kill them.” She waves her hand at the last part and I can tell she’s bored with this.
“Yes lady Hera I will gather an army at once to accomplish this task.” I say standing up and leaving the throne room.
Once I have exited the palace and left Olympus I set about gathering an army so that I may complete the mission ahead of me. It won’t be easy so I’ll need the toughest soldiers around, but trustworthy too. With Hera involved I can’t afford to side with the wrong people or bring a backstabber along. There’s a few Spartans that owe me favors and more than a few Trojans do as well. I’m sure I can get the Athenian army in its entirety to help. Other than that I don’t think there’s anyone else. So it should still be fairly simple, go north and conquer the people there and convince them to worship Olympus. All in all not an overly difficult task when first viewed but knowing Hera there’s going to be trouble. There’s always a catch with these labors, always something that just happens to get left out and is a detail that nearly kills me. Like the Hydra’s immortal head, or the Nemean Lions impervious hide. Oh and there’s always the fact that she throws her own little kinks into things or has a puppet of hers running things.
But I guess I shouldn’t complain, if this works out I might get lucky and she’ll actually keep her word this time. Yeah right and Hades will take control of Olympus. Whatever the case I need to just stop complaining and gather the forces I’ll need to take care of these barbarians to the north.
* * *
Once I’ve gathered all the willing men and boys I can we begin the long march north. With a force of about fifty thousand not including chariots and cavalry, it takes about a month to reach the first barbarian settlement.
It doesn’t look like much just wooden buildings some larger than others and a few stone buildings specifically a large building that looks to be a temple to some foreign god. The fools, don’t they know it’s the Olympians and not these false gods of theirs that should be worshiped. Well I’m betting that more than likely they won’t just accept our true gods without a fight.
“Okay men…today we make our first strike against these barbarians. We must destroy the temple of their false god and kill all who will not accept the glory of Olympus. Now……Attack!” I shout and the men go into a frenzy attacking the barbarians.
I lead the charge and the first barbarian warriors attack. They are not what I expected and their armor, swords, shields and axes are very formidable but still they don’t have our tactics or my raw strength and power. I do have to admire their ferocity and bravery. Some don’t even wear armor and yet still manage to kill ten twenty, some even thirty of my men. Several times it actually takes me to take them down before they do too much damage. Their raw muscle even in their weakest of soldiers is another thing that has surprised me. None of their soldier’s arms are thinner than the mightiest of Spartans. If I could not so easily beat them I would think they were a nation of demigods.
At one point an especially large barbarian steps forward. His sword is slung over his shoulder and is as long as Poseidon’s Trident. Of the barbarians I’ve seen he has a certain ferocity beyond his warriors attitude. He has arms like the trunks of tree’s and legs and body to match them. He carries no shield and his eyes are like a wolfs.
I actually crack a smile as he locks eyes with me. This one might actually prove to be a challenge. That sword at least will keep me several feet away from him, The Nemean Lions hide is going to be put to good use for once, and it might be a blessing I didn’t bring the arrows dipped in Hydra Venom since that chainlike armor these people wear has proven fairly resilient to arrows. That and I really want an excuse to use my hands in an actual fight. He roars and charges me swiftly preparing a strike with his sword. I dodge left at the last moment. As I turn I quickly to lean back to avoid his turn strike.
Again I can’t help but smile, I haven’t come that close to being decapitated in years, and that was by an army of Amazons chasing me. When I come up I swing at his face with my fist and hit hard against his helmet knocking him down. He gets up shaking off the blow wiping the blood dripping down his face away. Then he surprises me with his next action. He laughs a big booming baritone laugh. His blue eyes gleam with lust for battle and I am nearly forced to blink, though I would have to be crazy to risk that. Even against someone so obviously stronger than him as me he just laughs off the blow and gets ready to fight again with a lust for battle, just pure want for a fight, even a willingness and embrace of death, its madness of the highest order.
The barbarian again raises his sword in both hands and charges. This time I side step and grab him, slam him on the ground and crush his skull. Then I move towards the temple. As I do I actually get a sense of foreboding. Why, what in this building could make me want to avoid it? I shake off the feeling and step up to the doors of the temple and open them. It doesn’t look like much, nowhere near the scale of the temples of the Olympians, not that false gods would have the same tastes as real gods but still.
The priests start backing away and rightfully so as their end has come. I grab the first one and throw him into the wall his skull cracking on impact. I kill two more and grab a fourths neck ready to snap it like a twig.
“Oh great and powerful Thor, please protect us oh mighty god of thunder…..” He screams. I snap his neck quickly before he can make any more blasphemous comments. To think they would call any but Zeus the god of thunder, I have half a mind to have father call down lightning to destroy this place.
Just then a figure steps into the doorway. An extremely armored brute wielding a short handled hammer that while fierce doesn’t even extend his range really. He stands about six feet and has a red beard covering a good deal of his face. His eyes are a fierce emerald color and his glare hits me almost like a hammer when our eyes meet. I try to avoid too much direct eye contact. His arms are as thick as tree trunks like that one brute and the rest of him makes his arms look like they’re part of just a normally proportioned body. He wears iron gauntlets on his hands, the one holding the hammer has the faint glow of heat as if the hammer were fresh from the forge.
“Why have you desecrated a temple built in my honor?” The man says in a deep booming voice that shakes the room. No, the battle outside shakes the building.
“This temple is an affront to the gods of Olympus. I destroy this temple of a false god in their honor.” I shout at him to match his booming voice as best I can. His glare grows colder.
“How dare you call me a false god mortal? I am Thor god of thunder and you will give me respect!” He thunders, and I take a step back a little shocked at the power and authority in his voice. I shake it off reminding myself he is not a god, just a man that has fooled these barbarians.
“I am Hercules son of Zeus, the one true god of thunder and king of all Olympus, and you will die.” I roar charging him swinging full force at his face.
He catches my fist with his left hand and doesn’t even flinch. My eyes widen in shock, how is this possible no man has ever caught a blow from me and still had his arm attached. I look him in the eyes trying to pull away when his hammer slams into my face launching me back into the wall.
I feel the stones crack as I slam into it. I look up and he throws his hammer at me. I swing the Nemean Lions hide in front of me just before it hits me. I groan as it hits me and feel the blow despite the cloak. My ribs crack from the force of the blow and my pulse quickens. Only the enchanted weapon of a god can overcome the Nemean lions hide. I look at the hammer and grab the handle lifting as I stand up trying to ignore the pain of the fiery hot handle burning my flesh. I feel resistance once my arm is fully extended and look to see the hammer is still on the ground not even budging as I pull on it. I grab the handle with both hands pulling with all my might and still it refuses to move, my hand burns intensely, the pain slowly starting to remove any other sense of feeling from my hand a small amount of blood starting to trickle from the palm as I pull with all my might.
How is this possible how can I, the mighty Hercules, be unable to lift a mere hammer. Feeling desperate I grab the head of the hammer reaching under it as much as I can. Even with the better hold on it the hammer remains stationary. Blood, my blood, smears on part of the head from my burned hand. I look at the barbarian unable to hide the fear in my eyes. He smiles at me and laughs.
“You aren’t worthy to wield Mjollner.” He laughs again lifting his hand and motioning his fingers as if to say come here.
Suddenly out of nowhere the hammer rises up and flies towards him dragging me behind it. He catches the handle in his right hand and punches me hard with his left. This time when I hit the wall I go through it smashing a cart when I land on it. I look around as some of the Greeks fighting look at me, sheer terror on their faces as they go back to fighting unable to pay much attention to me.
I get up shaking off the feelings of humiliation I feel. I look at myself and see blood and bruises all over me. Small chunks of the wall are embeded in my arms and more than likely my back as well. I reach for my club hooked to my belt and wince with pain unable to reach across my body with my stronger arm. I take it with my left hand and toss it into my right hand but I drop it when the rough wood touches the burned bloody skin. There is no way to hold such a weapon while my hand is in such a state not without risking more harm and the posibility of slivers of the wood becoming imbeded in my skin. Then I look back at the temple and see this man putting on a belt with glowing symbols. No, I realize now, he isn’t a man, he is a god and I’ve brought his wrath and his pantheons wrath down on all of Greece. As this thought dawns on me I see the sky fill with storm clouds and realize that I might be about to be saved by father. Then I see this other god, Thor, raise his hammer and swing it down in the air. Lightning blasts me and throws me back burning my torso.
I gasp for air as the lightning again hits me. My vision blurs and starts getting darker and I feel my life fading from my body slowly. Now I can’t hear anything either despite knowing a battle rages around me that I should hear. I look around a little but can’t make out any faces. Just blurred masses moving around and changing, I can tell though that none of my army is seeing what is happening to me. I look towards the temple and see a blur moving towards me that must be Thor.
I try to stand up but my legs give out. Blood runs down my face from my nose and out my ears. I reach for my club pulling myself towards it and grasping it with my hand. I fight through the pain using it to pull myself up to my knees I lift the weapon prepared to strike at the blur of color moving towards me but suddenly a bolt of lightning strikes the club coming from Thor’s hand. Splinters of wood imbed themselves in my flesh, yet, I feel none hit my arms even though the club was in my hand. Then I realize, I can’t feel my arms at all I begin to hear my heart beat, erratic, panicky like a scared child. I can barely breathe. I look up at Thor again and see what appears to be him raising his hammer. I again try to move but I can’t at all. My body falls backwards into the dirt but I feel nothing but the pain of my head impacting the hard ground I can feel nothing below my neck I cannot move my body in the slightest. I realize that now I have met my end. This, god, is going to kill me. I feel myself fading slowly. My mind is getting cloudy. I can’t even make out shapes now and everything is blurred together and just a mass of colors. I look where I believe Thor is standing and close my eyes knowing my end is here. The last thing I feel is that hammer crushing my skull.

[MugiwaraBlair]

Ooh he messed with the wrong mofo...there's always a bigger fish as they say.

[GuardianAngel1911-Admin]

lol pretty much, I needed a way to spark the war though....and well what better way to piss off a king of Olympus then killing his son while calling yourself the god of Thunder lol. Hercules in the myths had a 13th labor (well mainly because he only got 29 out of 30 women pregnant in one night in the myths and one of the later ones was it) but I decided to go this route so I could put an interesting duel at the start of the book and show what the gods can be capable of.

[MugiwaraBlair]

Definitely sounds like it will be badass ^^

[GuardianAngel1911-Admin]

I'm hoping it is, I've gotten quite a ways into it, and while I've tried to stick as close to the myths as possible some liberties have been taken for story purposes, like having lined up opponents for all the main gods, and other details about specific gods. Honestly I think trying to stay faithful and let the story flow on it's own at the same time have been the trickiest issues I've had.

[GuardianAngel1911-Admin]

know what, screw it I'm going to go ahead and post all of what I have so far, why not. I already have it up on the Topia. So here goes. Starting with
Pantheon Wars..


..Chapter 1
As we look down on the battle I can’t help laughing at the pathetic spectacle below. These Greeks picked the wrong temple to sack, and that Hercules, good lord I’ve seen rocks with quicker comprehension skills. Thor isn’t a wise man, but he has managed to stop and think once in a while. This guy though, just a brash fool that didn’t even consider that there might be other gods, other pantheons beyond the Olympians. Alas, he will bug us nevermore, for Thor has crushed his foolish skull into a dust that none can find.
“Hey Muninn, you know that nevermore line will not be coined by ravens for centuries right, I mean you know that Odin doesn’t like us talking too futuristically.” My brother Huginn says.
“Be that as it may it seemed appropriate and if you think about it I didn’t say it only thought it. I also didn’t say you could look at my thoughts.” I say giving him a, get out of my head look.
“Uhm….it’s our job to know the thoughts of everyone or thing that think. We are Odin’s ears and eyes…..err….eye…whichever…..on this blue marble of a planet.”
“Oh now who’s talking future Huginn, you can be such a hypocrite.”
“Hello pot, why yes I the kettle am black just like you.”
“Look I think one of us should tell Odin about this, it is kind of important and all”
“Fine keep an eye on that Greek army, I’ll let Odin in on the situation even though…..”
“He probably knew a year ago, I know……still it feels like we should let him know we know even if we know he knows we know and know he knew we would know he knows we know he knows we know he knows and know he knew this would happen and knew we would talk about how we know he knows we know…….”
“Gaaaaaaaahhhhhh……okay okay okay……your voice is getting on my nerves just stop with the know loop before I peck your tongue out.” He says flying towards Asgard at the speed of thought.
Sheesh talk about fighting like siblings, still he is my brother and I’d kill anyone that messes with him. I look back down at the battlefield and the fleeing Greeks. At least they’ll be easy to follow since they are mostly on foot, and can’t move that fast. Of course they have horsemen a little in front of the main army.
Speaking of which one of them is rushing way ahead of the other soldiers and horsemen to deliver the message of the death of Hercules to Zeus. Oh this is something I can’t pass up, a chance to listen to a conversation that might change the world. As I follow this messenger Huginn catches up to me. He nearly just appears next to me he is flying so fast. I quickly explain to him why I’m following this guy.
“Well I don’t blame you for choosing to follow him personally I can’t wait to see how ticked off these Olympians get when they hear about this.”
“Oh big time especially Zeus. Oh and get this….I read the thoughts of the soldiers from Greece and they didn’t even take the time or attention to notice Thor was a god…..just that Hercules was dead. They saw the lightning but not who it hit, they assumed it was a sign of Zeus’s wrath at Hercules defeat.”
“My gods……are you serious……talk about slow on the draw, I can’t believe that..I….I just can’t believe that.”
“Believe it…..it’s ridiculous isn’t it.”
“Absolute insanity, well then again….there are reasons they lost the battle.”
“Yes there are……..yes there are.” I say watching the messenger ride towards his homeland.
* * *
The messenger reaches the path leading to the top of Olympus, after about two weeks of all but nonstop riding. Huginn and I fly up to the top of the mountain and scope things out. The mountain itself is enormous but it still doesn’t take long to reach the top. What we see is a pleasant surprise.
The palace is enormous seeming to stretch for miles. Twelve distinct and very different temples are connected in a semicircle around the palace, each one fitting the personality of the god who lives there. Of these temples three stand out from the rest. One of those three is a blue, green and aquamarine colored building with an obvious oceanic and seafaring theme. Another is black and red, and has a moat of what looks like blood around it. The final and largest not just of those three but of all twelve is enormous and towering on the edge of the mountaintop. It is gold, white, and silver. A tower rises up and looks out over all of the Greek lands. The main palace is in the center area with gold and jewel inlays and outlines. It’s got three visible levels and at least one within the mountain, maybe more.
We fly around the palace until we find a window into the throne rooms. We fly in unseen and go up into the rafters to watch the spectacle. As we wait for the messenger I decide to observe and take in these gods. There are thirteen thrones in a horseshoe shape however the throne on the right end is obviously meant to be one of respect only seeing as it is not as permanently placed.
On the left end seat of the horseshoe of thrones sits a disfigured looking being with a lazy eye wandering around his socket seriously messed up teeth and singed scraggly hair and beard. He has blacksmiths tools so he must be their smith god….Hephaestus….I think is his name.
Directly across from the crippled smith is a beautiful goddess wearing very earthy colors and a fairly modest, by Greek standards, dress. I’m betting she’s Demeter the earth and fertility goddess. Her throne is there as a sign of respect for the roll she plays in affairs but she is not part of the twelve anymore I manage to garner from her mind.
Next to her is a dark haired fairly handsome god with glowing yellow eyes. He wears a golden armor that while stylish would be poor for anything but fighting from a chariot. Must be Helios god of the sun.
Across from sun eyes is an absolutely gorgeous goddess whose clothes while covering leave little to the imagination. Heck I’m a raven and I wouldn’t mind getting with her. Aphrodite, a walking talking aphrodisiac, personally I think Frigg and especially Freya, our goddess of lust and love on top of battle and being the leader of the Valkyries, are more attractive.
Next to her is what could only be called a brute, a large heavily muscled man with blood red eyes and armor covering every critical area, though considering the leather skirt, between his legs is none too armored. This beast of a god could only be Ares, the god of war, and he looks very, very angry.
Across from commander angry skirt is the clever and strategic while still looking good, Greek goddess of wisdom and war, Athena. She has both robes and armor on and dual Xiphos swords visible on her sides. Her hair is a mild shade of brown and shorter than most women let their hair stay, styled into style that will one day be labeled a bob.
Next to ms. Wisdom is a beautiful young woman wearing traditional hunting clothes with a bow and arrows visible and a hunting knife on her belt. She must be Artemis the blonde haired blue eyed goddess of nature, the hunt, archery and the moon.
Which means the armorless top garment lacking Helios wannabe with blonde hair and gold eyes across from her must be Apollo. The Greek god of poetry, music, light, archery, and sometimes the sun when Helios needs a break.
Beside the multitasker is a guy wearing white robes and a winged helmet and winged sandals. That must be Hermes the messenger of the gods of Olympus, god of medicine, thieves, and travelers. He has a weasely how can I scam someone face and reddish brown hair, and brown eyes with mischief in them.
Across from him is a man with a graying beard and hair and dark brown nearly black eyes with a cold gaze that gives me the creeps. That pale skin of his just adds to that creepiness factor. He is wearing pretty much all black clothes with some crimson patterning and a black breastplate with a matching pattern and a noticeable and elegant black cape with red lining on the inside, which makes his outfit stand out more. The clasp holding the cape around his neck is skull shaped and has black gems where the sockets would be. He has a noble air about him. He must be Hades, the Greek god of the Underworld, and guy with the worst reputation in the universe. Everyone assumes he’s trying to dethrone Zeus, from what I can gather of his thoughts though while he does feel cheated from a birthright he will defend his family when push comes to shove, though an opportunity to puncture Zeus ego is something he’d jump at the chance for.
Next to him is a very tan man with the salt ridden beard of a sailor he wears very nice sea green robes. His eyes are blue green and his hair and beard are not quite gray but still somewhat in transition from a brownish color to grey. He has a Trident about the length of a great sword and has a very, very calm demeanor to go with his noble air. He looks like he has been out at sea for a very long time. He must be Poseidon the Greek god of the Oceans.
Across, or skipping the guy next to him anyway, from Poseidon is a younger woman with long black hair with a slender tiara on her head with emeralds embedded in it. She also has an emerald necklace. Her dress is the colors of peacock feathers. She has one of those I really don’t want to be here looks on her face. She must be Hera, queen of Olympus and goddess of marriage and motherhood.
The final god sits between Hera and Poseidon. He has a gold toga type outfit on. He is muscled but not to an overboard like Ares. He wears a gold diamond encrusted gauntlet that comes up to his elbow on his right arm and hand. His eyes are a fierce electric blue contrasted by his black storm cloud like hair and beard. He has a few light streaks of grey adding to the storm cloud effect. He looks like a king in his prime, a warrior without superior in his realm. I notice lightning within the diamonds of his gauntlet and the clasp of his toga is lightning, literal lightning woven into the fabric. He can only be Zeus the King of Olympus and god of the skies and thunder. He cuts an imposing figure and I almost feel sorry for the poor sap having to deliver the bad news to Zeus, almost.
As I think it the messenger walks in and practically collapses into kneeling. He just stays motionless waiting to be addressed, or almost motionless since he’s shaking like a leaf. Can’t say I blame him as Zeus rises stepping forward by one of the columns near the messenger.
“Why does a mere mortal messenger step forward instead of my son” Zeus says. His voice sounds naturally angry and is crackling with lightning. I think the messenger actually shrinks at the sound of Zeus’s voice.
“b……..bec……because……….Hercules……………is………n…..no more…………….Lord Zeus…….” The man manages to stutter out.
“What do you mean….speak clearly when addressing your master mortal, do not try my patience or I will smite you.” Zeus clenches his right hand a little and lightning starts forming in the palm of the partially closed hand. The messenger practically freezes in place.
“He……he was killed……in battle….against…….a man…….w…who claimed…..to…to be the god of thunder…….and wielded a sh….short handled hammer.” The messenger chokes out looking at the ground. I notice a smile flash across Hera’s face and Hades contemplates how he can use this to his advantage. The rest of the gods start talking about this amongst themselves.
Zeus glares at the messenger a small ball of lightning in his right hand now. His eyes glow with raw power. A slight breeze comes through the throne room.
“Very well mortal you have earned your rest for your efforts and for bringing this message to me…” Zeus raises his now closed right hand up and out towards the messenger. “YOUR ETERNAL REST!” he thunders opening his hand toward the messenger and a huge wave of lightning hits the messenger and he is blasted apart as a roar of thunder explodes throughout the hall.
Pieces of charred flesh and bone fly throughout the throne room. Some blood splatters in a pattern back towards the door. Only a small circle scorch mark shows where the messenger was. I just stare almost mortified to the point of falling off my perch at this, hasn’t he ever heard the saying don’t shoot the messenger, I mean that’s just cold. Zeus turns back to the other Olympians his gauntlet still smoking.
“So these barbarians claiming to be gods have killed my son and claimed to hold my power.” Zeus says sort of mulling the idea over.
“Just leave them be, if these false gods become a threat we’ll slaughter them Zeus darling. Let us worry about matters closer to home.” Hera says rolling her eyes as if she expects Zeus to take action but doesn’t want him to. Honestly if it comes to the war Odin once said might come, the Olympians will most likely lose, whether or not they take any of us with them is debatable.
“No….” the word rolls out of his mouth. “These false gods have no right to be worshiped… Zeus thunders his voice crackling with lightning. “We must strike them down now….” He slams his fist into the column and there’s a roar of thunder across the land. “….before they bring all Olympus crumbling down.” He says the last part very coldly.
“I’m guessing you mean a war with them Lord Zeus.” Athena says.
“Yes Athena I’m afraid so.” The last part of his comment is almost said sarcastically.
“Well this aught to be good bloody carnage then. If these fools took down that oaf Hercules should be good fighting, really, really good fighting.” Ares chuckles cracking his knuckles excitedly in anticipation. Athena just rolls her eyes at him.
“I’m sorry brother but this seems a matter for the demigods and not us.” Poseidon says standing up. “I understand you are upset but you must understand that a war with mortals is just foolish. Our time is better spent on more godly matters.”
“We cannot let this act against us go unpunished. These mortals believe they can claim to be gods, kill my son, and go on in their blasphemy, and you would let them do it.” Zeus glares at Poseidon. However, Poseidon maintains his composure looking Zeus right in the eyes.
“No brother, I just feel that letting demigods take care of it is the wiser option.” Poseidon states as he continues looking dead into Zeus’s eyes.
“He is right strategically it is senseless for us to become involved anymore than we already were.” Athena adds.
“Very well….” Zeus stops and looks at each of the gods. “My fellow gods gather the mightiest of your half god children. These mortals want a war…..then we will give them just that!”
Huginn and I trade a look. We knew it was a possibility, we knew that more likely than not there would be a war. The thing we did not expect was for more of their children to be thrown into this mess too. Odin won’t hesitate to throw the elves and dwarves against them, and they can only die if it’s an instantaneous death thing, decapitation or something.
We fly out of the palace quickly and unseen and then turn back towards Asgard. They need to be warned. Just before we go full speed towards Asgard I glance back and see that even this quickly hundreds of demigods have started marching up the path to Olympus answering the call of their god parents. Then we fly off at the speed of thought knowing that in the day that we will take to get back the majority of their army will be getting ready to march towards Asgard and from the speed they seemed to be moving and capable of they will be able to reach us much much faster than the other army did.
* * *
We make it back to the Norse lands with seconds to spare before sunrise and start flying up and across the rainbow bridge known as Bifrost, which connects Midgard to Asgard. We see Heimdall standing watch on the Asgardian side and I fly over to him. He’s a tall god fairly muscled with rough brown hair and eyes. His pupils are constantly changing size as he zooms his sight to different areas for a thousand miles in any direction he looks, he glances towards me the second I turn towards him to fly to him because of how strong his hearing is. I figure I should let him know to be on high alert.
“Heimdall…..Heimdall I know you can hear me so don’t ignore me” I say when I land beside him.
“Okay Muninn what’s got your feathers ruffled?” Heimdall says in his deep somewhat booming voice. As he turns his gaze upon me. Man he always freaks me out with his telescopic gaze. It’s like he’s looking inside me.
“The Olympians are pissed…….they have declared war on Asgard……they think you guys are just………false gods…….mortals…that need to be killed……they are gathering all their half god children……..to attack Asgard……we need to rally our forces…..Huginn and I are going to tell Odin but I thought….even though if it will be a few days before we have to watch out for any advance scouts…..that you should be on…..even more high alert than usual.” I ramble off quickly.
“Oh…..well then that’s an interesting turn of events isn’t it.” He says as if he wants to be in an inter pantheon war. Course the Aesir do like a good war and the Vanir aren’t cowards just not quite as warlike. It’s a wonder they didn’t wipe each other out in the war between them. Now that was a bloody mess. This is different though, this is two distant and very different pantheons that have gods of the same things going head to head. Or well it will anyway.
“Yeah whatever you say big guy. Look like I said just keep extra special high alert status going until we know what we’re going to do about this.”
“Don’t worry your little head about this, I would never abandon my watch in a time of crisis.” He laughs going to his watch.
I shake my head and fly to catch up to Hugin. We are halfway to Odin’s hall by the time I catch up to him. As we soar towards Odin I can’t help but figure he already knows the course of action he’s going to have our forces follow for this war. Being an all seeing and for the most part all knowing god there is not much we can do to help besides relay small details he might miss or help him remember minor details. Well that and we let him know what the people creatures and other races are thinking.
After a few seconds we can see Odin’s hall, we fly in through the special window that is there for us and enter his study. As always the sheer volume of books, scrolls, seer tools and magical instruments, beakers and bottles of potions, magical instruments, and maps just shelved and laying scattered on tables in here is astounding. Odin has, in all honesty taken the saying, knowledge is power, to a whole new level. Of course there are a few weapons here and there but Odin usually relies on Gungnir, the spear that never misses its mark, no matter what the circumstances. I don’t blame him though that spear has gotten him out of plenty of tight spots.
We exit the study and head for Odin’s throne, which allows him to see all of the world and look closely on any specific events that seem interesting or important. The long winding path leads to a large open room with a large silver throne in the center on the throne sits Odin, an old white bearded man. His eye is a blue green color and the socket of the other is covered by a black sash. He wears a wide brimmed hat and white and light grey clothes. He also has a cloak that is light grey with a white lining. He is a fairly tall man when standing average build not any really major muscling like Thor has and is lean bodied in all honesty. He smiles when he see’s us.
“Ah my faithful assistants, welcome back to Asgard. You must be tired from your journey, please take a perch.” He says in calm cool kind voice belying his warrior abilities. He motions to the perches next to the throne and Huginn and I take our spots on either sides of him. His wolves Geri and Freki lay on the floor in front of the throne but close to it and him. Geri is white with blue eyes and Freki is grey with green eyes. “So my friends I am sure your journey was good as you survived it, so I won’t ask that. Instead I will ask how you both are today, as individuals.” He says smiling smoothing out our neck feathers.
“Uh….well I’m okay…..but that’s not what we need to….” Huginn starts to say.
“Ah…..wait, wait…….we can worry about that stuff later on. Now Muninn you have yet to answer me so go ahead.” He smiles as he says it.
“Uh I’m okay too but…” I start to tell him about the developments with Olympus but he raises a finger to stop me.
“I know that there is going to be a war with Olympus and the gods residing there. I also know that their god of the Underworld Hades is currently choosing to let the rest of his pantheon fend for themselves while he plots out how he could use this to discredit Zeus as too young and brash.” He says this all with a tone of voice that sounds like indifference. “I have taken the liberty of talking to the dwarves and elves and they have placed armies to stop the advance of the demigods. Hermod is telling Heimdall that he has little to worry about. Now unless there is a detail I missed you can relax and enjoy being back in Asgard.” He again smiles and I look at him shocked. He is not worried at all about this. He’s calm as can be in the face of massive dangers.
“But…Odin…if you were watching…then you saw them they won’t be pushovers…and some of them are controlling the same forces as some of the Aesir and Vanir. Thunder, War, Wind, Sea. The world is going to be ripped apart during this war. We need to be prepared for this….it won’t be like the Aesir Vanir war….” Huginn starts again.
“Huginn, my friend, calm yourself. There were pantheon wars such as this long go between the primordial’s that formed the forces of this world. In fact in a pantheon war the main goal of one side or the other is to gain control of the powers and territory of the other side.”
“Wait…so if you….we win the war you and the others will have taken the powers and territories of the Olympian gods?” I ask as I try and wrap my head around this idea.
“That is correct, but of course first we must try to avoid a true war after this coming battle. And I say after the battle we will try and end this conflict entirely because hopefully the Olympians will no longer have a bloodlust and vengeance flowing through them.” Odin says. “Now the Greeks will be here in oh…I’d say three days give or take an hour depending how strong the travel spell I saw them put on the army is…..and that was shortly after you reached the Bifrost Bridge….so three maybe two days before they get here. So do you want to wait to watch the battle first hand or would you like to stay here and view it with me here” He grins and Huginn and I just look at each other.
“I know it’s an honor for you to have offered Odin but it is…” I start to comment.
“Your job, I know Muninn. I gave you the task. I offered it just as a common courtesy, and because it seemed the right thing to do.” Odin smiles again. “Until then though, as I said relax, eat, drink, and be merry. There will be enough time for feeling tragic in later times, and in sooner times, though I will try for peace….we have a war coming that might be inevitable….but then again…destiny is a fickle mistress.” Huginn and I nod at him. I honestly feel reassured by his cool confident unworried demeanor.
“Good lord I’ll never get used to you already knowing what will most likely happen will I.” I ask laughing a bit. Huginn cracks a raven smile.
“Maybe, maybe not. You’d have to ask Frigg….but of course…” Odin starts.
“She won’t tell anyone about their future.” Huginn and I say in unison. Odin chuckles again.
“Go on you two…you’ve earned the right to take a respite, so just enjoy yourselves.” We nod at him and fly off to go enjoy the time till the battle.

[GuardianAngel1911-Admin]

Chapter 2
I watch Huginn and Muninn fly off then using the runes activate my sight. A large magically projected model of the world appears. The sphere rotates slowly showing even the lands yet to be discovered by mortals besides those living there. As our lands come back around I move it closer in until the map becomes of us, Greece, and the lands of the Romans. I then have it move in until it shows Olympus. I have the map orient to show an angled side view giving me full sight of the mountain, the buildings on it, and the underworld below stretching out for miles.
I need to find out more about Zeus and Hades. From my first impressions of Zeus he seemed brash and arrogant. He also seemed to care little about his mortal subjects though it could have been that he was upset over his son’s death. Even if that is the case though it shows his emotions are unstable as the powers he wields. I have the image go into the main Olympian palace and find Zeus. He Athena and Ares are in a war council room of sorts arguing. I cast a rune to let me hear the conversation.
“….I don’t care what you say Athena I say my kids should go in first to slaughter whatever forces are in the way and then take down these false gods. The other demigods can take care of mopping up whatever’s left” Ares says his eyes flashing an even brighter red.
“I’m sorry brother but you aren’t thinking clearly, as usual.” Athena scoffs. “I’ll admit your brutish children will be good for breaking the initial defenses. But they don’t know how to strategize if these false gods have any sense of strategy they will slaughter your demigod children easily. We need to use our advantages, keep them guessing by having alternating waves of Apollo and Artemis’s kids firing arrows and full on assault with our soldiers. I’ve talked to the mortal soldiers after the remaining ones made it back and these barbarians are good at breaking shield walls like our armies utilize. Even the Spartans Phalanx could not hold up to some of their charges. The smartest thing to do is to have our army use different strategies, mix things up, don’t be predictable.” Athena finishes her outlined and well thought out strategy on a brilliant point. It’s not wise to have a predictable war with an unpredictable enemy.
“You’re a blasted fool sis, our strategies can’t be beaten. If we change up our strategies we won’t kill any of them. There won’t be a massacre, not even a slaughter.” Ares bellows.
“For us or them. Brother this is a war and we lost one battle with them already. If we don’t adapt to face our enemy we will fall, gods or not we have vulnerabilities, even Lord Zeus has a single weakness….brother, for once keep your boars brain out of strategy and leave it to one who is capable of leading us to victory” She looks him dead in his fiery eyes not even flinching at his gaze. It is obvious that there is much strife in the Olympians family.
Well that will be an easily exploited trait in this war, if it goes through anyway. Nothing can end a war quicker than an army tearing itself apart. The same goes for a Pantheon, or an empire. I look back at the image and can tell Ares is angered, at least more than normal anyway.
“Listen Athena you think too much that’s why your precious Athens isn’t known for war. Whereas my mighty Sparta is. You think everything needs to be planned out.” He looks at Zeus. “Use my strategy Lord Zeus and victory is assured…..”
“Assured for the enemy. Fa…..Lord Zeus….I beseech you do not listen to Ares…you know that I am the greatest strategist in all of Olympus, brute force can’t win this war….but if we are wise Olympus will prevail.” Athena’s eyes meet Zeus’s cold gaze. I look closely at him trying to read him and see what he is thinking, to little avail.
“You both make good points……but I want you both to go with the armies you don’t have to do anything but watch unless some of these false gods get involved.” Zeus says with a definitive tone.
“I will not joint lead an army with her, she’ll keep us so busy doing menial tasks that it will keep us from causing any carnage against these barbarians.” Ares shouts looking at Zeus with pure rage.
“You’re just worried I’ll show you up on the battlefield.” Athena laughs.
"Oh….well if you're so sure of that why don't you and I have a little sparring match right now….we'll go down to the arena right now and settle this." Ares challenges her, his hands reaching for his great battle axe and sword.
"Oh I think that might not be a bad idea…..in fact I was planning on testing my re-sharpened swords on a practice dummy anyway." Athena snaps.
"That’s enough from both of you…..I told you both to go together and you will obey your KING! Now stop squabbling and join the armies at once!" Zeus thunders shaking the room they are in.
"Yes my lord…." Athena says bowing and stepping out of the room.
"Of course Lord Zeus….." Ares says leaving right behind Athena. Zeus glares after them for a moment. He has obvious issues within his pantheon that weakens them as a whole and means that they won't be able to trust each other in the war.
I can tell that he is fool hardy and overconfident which is why I'm going to be able to defeat him once I discover what his substance that can kill him is. It's strange but I can't help but think of Baldur and how only mistletoe could harm or kill him. It’s a shame really that he died, now more than ever, he could have helped when it came time to try and avoid the war. At least he would have been a great help for this for this particular war. He would not because he enjoyed killing but he loved the thrill of the battle.
For now though I need to finish what I started and spy on Hades the Greek god of the underworld. I again activate the runes and the image moves down through the mountain into their underworld. It's kind of like Hel, real dank and cavernous. Though a few places look fairly cheerful. I see a monstrous three headed hound a large black furred behemoth with sharp fangs and claws and a barbed tail and bright red eyes standing at the entrance to Hades. Interesting choice, course if two heads are better than one, logic says three would be too. Still that just means more places to attack him.
The image moves through the realm of Hades, which seems to be the house all for all dead Greeks containing valiant and un-valiant souls alongside each other. Some of the evil souls are chained and tied up in horrifying torture devices of every variety. The next thing I see is the palace of Hades. It's an enormous palace with towers rising up to view all of the dismal land. There is an enormous statue of Hades visible rising up in the center of the palace. The palace is black and has red outlines and trim. Skulls and other bones are littered outside of it and some set into the structure. There are screams coming from the building and I suspect there are some especially unlucky souls in there.
I also notice the palace is in the center of a fairly large lake of blood with an ominous bridge leading to it. Skeletal soldiers stand guard around the building with several outside the door. They wear black and red armor like that worn by Hades and have wicked black bladed short swords and shields. They have a mass of evil energy glowing in their chests and another shining out of their eyes that is in their skulls.
The doors are giant and have a carving of Hades rising up over legions of souls on them. The image then goes into the palace and what I see is almost demented. Animal pelts and mounts are spread throughout though some are actually human skins and bodies that are mounted in the halls and alcoves. One entire room has nothing but pikes with heads on them.
Eventually the image stops and shows Hades talking with a woman in an elegant green dress that is fairly revealing and has no cloth covering her arms just straps. She must be his wife Persephone, she's very pretty and extremely young about in her twentieth year by appearance, black hair and green eyes. Hades appears to be discussing what his plan to use the events of the last month to his advantage will be.
"My dear Persephone I think that I have a plan that could get the both of us out of this dismal pit." Hades says his voice cold and calculating.
"Hades dear….I'm sorry but why even bother doing it now. I say let our forces and powers grow through all the deaths this war causes and be on Zeus's throne when he comes back drained from the battle. You and I know they are gods that we are going to war with…after we tortured it out of Hercules….so when and if the Olympians manage to return alive from the coming war with them they will be weak and….." She plucks a pomegranate from a small tree. "……..we can crush them." She squeezes the pomegranate until the juices and pieces of it run between her fingers and she cocks her head in a slightly demented manner.
"True….but if I manage to take control of the powers of their underworld god or goddess then I won't even have to wait for Zeus to be weakened. He has taken my birthright by being the king of Olympus and I will not pass up the perfect chance to take my place as the rightful king of all Olympus!" he roars. She smiles and stands up putting her hands on his shoulders. She softly nuzzles her head against his neck.
"Hades pleeeeaaasse, lets at least see how this plays out…..just a little…..let the Olympians get weakened and us stronger….and in the meantime…" she grins seductively "….we can do other things." She practically whispers in his ears.
At this, I have the image move back to outside of Hades and look at Olympus again. I see Zeus moving towards what I assume to be Hephaestus's temple. Interesting what could he going there for. Well besides to commission something for forging, but what could he want forged. In all honesty he doesn't need a weapon so what could he possibly want forged. Or is he having something entirely different forged.
I have the image follow him in and look at the temple. Inside it looks more like a forge than a temple. Zeus walks over to a platform and pulls on a lever which causes the platform to start lowering. The image follows him and I take the chance to look him over again.
He definitely is an imposing figure though he has an air of arrogance about him that will probably be the cause of his downfall. I have to say that gauntlet of his is an impressive looking weapon though even if he wields the power of lightning it gives him little range in close combat, only what his arm reaches too. Still to underestimate him would be a fools mistake, I have to be certain of his weakness’s and discover what the one flaw in his immortality is. That way when the time comes I can strike him down once and for all.
The lift platform stops and Zeus exits out into a large forge that is in, and some suspended over, the center of a fiery volcanic chamber. Good lord the smith god is as insane as the dwarves in choice of forge. There are weapons and enormous human like figures, made of metal but still capable of moving somewhat, that are moving large chains and other objects around. Smaller but similar things are moving around and putting objects in canisters into or out of channels of lava leading to other parts of the enormous magma chamber and Olympus itself. There are also Cyclops, large humanlike beings about ten feet tall with a single eye, that are doing similar jobs and working on metalwork’s.
At the center of all this is Hephaestus himself. He is seated on a carriage like chair that he controls with different levers and switches. He turns, pivots and rolls around in a small forge area heating and working on swords, spears, shields and other weapons and armor.
"Hephaestus cease whatever nonsense you are working on! Your lord and master has a request of items for you to make!" Zeus thunders over the noise of the forges. Hephaestus turns around, a scowl on his disfigured face.
"Lord Zeus…..of course……I'll just stop making weapons and armor for your war…..weapons commissioned by you I might add." Hephaestus snarls obvious spite and anger in his voice.
"You need not patronize me smith god! I know very well that I ordered them, but now I command you to create armor for me to wear in combat! Also, I wish for you to create a second Gauntlet of Thunder to match and equal the original!" Zeus clenches his right hand lightning forming in the fist.
"Your lightning doesn’t scare me Lord Zeus. I have nothing left to lose if you've forgotten, and your lightning can't make me any uglier. So do what you will to me." Hephaestus looks at Zeus defiantly.
"I can promise you I can find something to take from you. To hurt you! Now begin your work at once! I expect the items to be completed before Ares and Athena have returned!" Zeus thunders again. Hephaestus glares again and just looks at Zeus.
"Of course Lord Zeus. They will be done by midday tomorrow. You can collect them at that time."
"I would prefer it today Hephaestus!"
"Would you also prefer brittle easily shattered armor. I'm the expert smith here so just trust me. You will get what you want by midday maybe later depending on how hard it is to get the gauntlet fully powered."
"Very well Hephaestus but know this. If you trifle with me I will give you pain for a thousand lifetimes……if I'm feeling merciful." Zeus begins to exit the forge as he finishes the comment. Hephaestus goes back to work forging the weapons and armor Zeus commissioned. As I watch I start contemplating what Zeus said. It would seem that not only will he not just let this war go, he suspects he may need to actually fight someone on his level. I can’t just let this war happen though I have to try to create peace between us. The chaos this war will bring will be immeasurable.
The image again follows Zeus up and out of the forges. He walks across to yet another part of the palace where Hermes is lounging on a bed eating grapes. He definitely has a very weasely face. He grins mischievously when he see’s Zeus.
“Oh Lord Zeus…..to what do I owe the pleasure of your company.” Hermes says his voice very weasely as well.
“I want you to take messages to the Cyclops’s in the sea of monsters and to anyone in the Sea of Monsters and to anyone else you see fit that can potentially help us. And I want you to go to Artemis and make sure the Golden Hinds that remain alive are in a highly hidden and heavily guarded place. Once you’ve accomplished that too I want you to report back to me with the answers and to report on the Hinds.” Zeus forcefully rumbles, though I notice that when he speaks of these Golden Hinds, whatever they may be, there is a small nearly imperceptible tremor of fear. I will have to do some research.
“As dangerous as they are if they were to fall into the wrong hands why let any survive. A mischievous thief could be powerful selling them to someone who wanted to destroy a god or two. They would be useful if another god wanted to be rid of you and take control of Olympus as well.” His eyes flash towards the tunnel leading towards Hades temple.
“Because I threaten to use the Hinds against those very beings! Now do as I have commanded messenger!” Zeus bellows his voice crackling violently with lightning.
“Right away sir.” Hermes says chuckling and smiling. He then runs then leaps out a window and flies off. Zeus is now starting to look pretty annoyed.
Hermes sarcastic comments got to him I guess, that’s not good at all. If he gets angered easily by sarcasm and comments like those Hephaestus made then it would be easy to get him to slip up on the battlefield. And with the knowledge that he can be destroyed and that he fears the Golden Hinds in hand I can plot my strategy. I quickly deactivate the runes and step off the throne. I head first to my library so I can find the books and scrolls that are most likely to yield information on these creatures. I know I have heard of them before so there must be some tiny scrap of information on them. I motion for Geri and Freki to follow me which they do immediately.
I reach the library and despite reading and going in it all the time, I am very surprised by the sheer amount of literature in my collection. I walk down the aisles until I find a set of particularly ancient scrolls, the Tome of Creatures. Each scroll has information on a variety of animals of different lands and are conveniently alphabetically listed.
I grab the scroll that is most likely to have the information I need and go over to a table. I sit down and open the scroll and start skimming over the paper. Whatever these creatures are there must be something about them. After a while I see two short sentences buried in the middle of the papers. ‘The Golden Hinds are large does with gold antlers and bronze hooves, their blood can kill a god. All but five were slaughtered by Zeus, the five remaining are under the watchful eye of Artemis’.
As I read it I can’t help but grin. These creatures are the key to victory, and Zeus has them all wrapped up in a nice little bundle at least they might prove tricky to catch if they are guarded. Should be some fun this time, nothing like a good pre battle hunt. Well I’ll have Thor and Sif play with Ares and Athena during the battle and in the meantime I’ll pay Hermes and Artemis a visit, and have that messenger give Zeus a little message of my own.
I roll the scroll back up and put it up. Then I exit my hall with Geri and Freki at my heels and head for Valhalla, since if I know Thor and Sif, they and Freya are giving the usual welcome to Valhalla speech to the honored fallen warriors that died the other day fighting Hercules and his hoard of soldiers. The men fought valiantly against those odds and have earned their place here. After a few minutes I see Valhalla in the distance.
It’s an enormous almost palace sized building. The outside is just basic stones with part of the structure carved out of the solid rock of a mountain. The interior is a gigantic stone structure with tables and chairs in ridiculous numbers and size, with food and drink galore, and of course rooms for those honored fallen warriors that reside within.
I don’t get ten feet away when Thor, his wife Sif, and Freya exit the hall. Boisterous laughter and merriment from drinking and swapping war stories can be heard until the doors close. They bow respectfully when they see me and I return the gesture.
“Father Odin it is a joy to see you again.” Thor happily comments stepping forward and embracing me.
“And you my son, though I wish it were in a fairer climate than this god war soon to start.” I say as I release him.
“Yes, these are dread times we are in but we will prevail father, I can feel it.” Thor says with a confident grin on his face.
“Yes lord Odin, my husband is right Asgard will prevail, the Aesir and Vanir know well the ways of battle.” Sif smiles stepping forward and placing a kiss on my cheek. I smile at her.
“Yes fair Sif, you are right but this will not be an easy war.” I run my hand through her golden hair made by the magic of the dwarves to replace the golden locks cut off by Loki. Her blue green eyes shine with a confidence and inner strength that could earn her a place with the Valkyries should she choose to do so. I know Freya would welcome her as a sister should she choose to become one. She has a slender but strong body and wears leathers under her armor for protection since leather clothing is thicker than cloth.
“If it were going to be easy we wouldn’t actually mobilize our forces so quickly now would we.” Freya, one of the top Vanir goddesses and the goddess of love, lust, and battle, grins at me. Her hair is a brilliant red and her eyes are brown she wears full armor that is very form fitting on her already very shown off just at a glance body. “Personally I think that this war will end in our favor the only thing we don’t for sure know is whether or not any of us will die”
“True enough….Thor, Sif I want you to be a welcoming committee for the Olympians that will be here with the Greek forces. It will be Ares, their war god, and Athena, their wisdom and war goddess. If I understood correctly then they will be here in three maybe two days so it should be enough time to get ready for the fight. Try not to hurt them too badly if you can avoid it. Just make sure they leave licking their wounds. I’d rather not give them too much more reason to start this war but I don’t know if it’s avoidable anymore.” I say and I see a fire light in their eyes.
“Ah, well father I think we can ensure they will go back to Olympus to get their wounds closed. They’ll be questioning the choice of having a war with us when we’re through with them.” Thor grabs Mjollner grinning.
“Yes they will. I’ve wanted to show them what we’re made of ever since they sacked Thor’s temple. They drew first blood so I’m going to really have fun keeping them off their game.” Sif says smiling putting her hand on her sword.
“Just be cautious you two. We don’t know just how powerful they really are.” I tell them and they both nod.
“We will father. Come Sif dear, we shall prepare for the coming battle.” Thor says as they walk off hand in hand.
“So Lord Odin….what is there that you need from me if anything?” Freya asks looking at me curiously.
“First, I want you to have Hermod to tell Heimdall to go back on full alert. Second in the next few days and maybe longer, I will be traveling on a very important and secret mission that could change the course of this war if it works I want you to let Frigg know. Third, have the Valkyries ready to fight when the time comes. Just be wary though we don’t really know what to expect from them. If they send some other kind of attack then Asgard must be prepared.” I tell her.
“I will set about it at once my lord.” She bows her head in respect and goes to set about her task.
I watch her leave and then head for the stables, Geri and Freki still at my heels. I need to leave at once so I summon Gungnir to my hand. The weight of the perfectly balanced spear feels familiar and comfortable in my hand. Inside the stable I go to the stall of my horse Sleipnier. He is no ordinary horse seeing as he not only has eight legs but has Loki for a mother, now that’s a story that makes you question what is going on in Loki’s head.
I pet Sleipnier as I enter the stall and then set about hooking him in the chariot harness and putting the reins and bit on him. Of course the harness isn’t your average harness all things considered and therefore it takes longer to put it on. As soon as everything I need to put is on him I lead him out of the stables and climb in the chariot Geri and Freki hopping up to join me.
I snap the reins and Sleipnier starts galloping at high speeds away from Asgard in the direction that I saw Hermes flying but in a diagonal intercept path that might lead to the sea that the that the Island of Artemis is in.
This journey won’t be easy I’m sure but I must undertake it if we are to be able to win this potential war. The Olympians are to dangerously mad with power to take chances against. If this journey will give me the power to ensure we have a fighting chance then I have little choice but to try. I just hope that Thor and Sif are able to push back the Greek gods that are coming and has them realize that we don’t need to have this war and in all honesty shouldn’t. Though I fear that they will not be easily swayed to not have this war.
My mind then turns to the actual journey I am undertaking. From what little I know of Artemis she should be fairly interesting to fight. If nothing else she is a skilled hunter and could prove to be an entertaining opponent, her archery and knife skills will be put to the test when the time comes to face her. If Hermes is there when I reach the destination then it will be a slightly more dangerous proposition to capture the Hinds. I really don’t know what he’s capable of as far as combat ability so he may or may not be a threat to me during the fight.
In the end though getting the Hinds themselves will prove the most difficult. I doubt that I can just tie a rope to them and bring them along. That’s why I am bringing Geri and Freki, not just to back me up in the worst case scenario but because I know they can kill the Hinds without shedding any blood. Then again I could be overestimating the difficulty of this whole journey. It may in fact be very easy. Either way though I should stay on my guard, I don’t need to be forcing myself to use Idun’s Golden Apples of immortality to heal a wound that would normally incapacitate a god for several days or even longer. They would know something was not right and discover the secret to our immortality and try to destroy the apples which might eventually lead to our defeat if we could not heal ourselves.
No matter what happens though I must ensure the survival of Asgard. The survival of our culture, the survival of future generations of people who believe in us. They will be just as affected by this as we will be. If we can’t win though, then we will have more to worry about than anyone realizes. Once I think that, I decide to make one quick stop before undertaking my full journey
* * *

[GuardianAngel1911-Admin]

Chapter 3
Only two days after father Odin leaves, the demigod army reaches the wall of logs Sif, the elves, the dwarves, and I set up to slow them down. The army stops a little startled by a defensive line a good distance from where the last army reached. The soldiers stop and look to see if going around it will be worth it.
Of course we ensured that it wouldn’t be worth it and in fact it might cause them to have to add at least another day to reach where they had hoped to. So when they climb over or figure out a way through it then a battalion of Dwarves and a volley of armor piercing arrows will come at them. I highly doubt they will be prepared for either and will only be able to completely stop one or the other.
Finally after a few minutes of talking they place small bags by the logs and spark them before they move back some. A few seconds later there’s a small blast that destroys some of the logs. Smoke billows out towards the Greeks and the first battalion of Dwarves charges out of it as a volley of uncountable numbers of arrows moves at the Greeks slightly ahead of the dwarves and with precise aim. The arrows hit first and many of the demigods are killed or wounded but most are able to get their shields up. By then though the dwarves hit the first line and they barrel past slaughtering the first line before the other lines manage to start fighting back.
After a few minutes of fighting the next step of our plan is enacted. The dwarves fall back through the gap and the shaken Greeks compose themselves and start through the gap. As soon as they do they are met by a smokescreen on either side. They cautiously move in and as the last soldier of the first two battalions steps in a large rock wall erupts from the ground behind them blocking the cavalry and vast majority of the demigod army as well as blocking off the escape route. The smokescreens vanish and the startled demigods find an army in front of them and on either side of them.
In front of them is the Dwarf army to the left the Dark Elves and to the right the Light elves. The thousands of demigods quickly take their positions and prepare to hold back the armies that surround them. I must admit, the fact that they are willing to just sit there and face potential death is admirable.
I turn and nod to Sif and she raises her gleaming blade above her at our position in a makeshift tower. The armies attack but that isn’t the main reason for her gesture. She did it as part of her strategy to lure out the Greek gods. Once she sheathes her blade we climb down and await the god and goddess of war.
We don’t have to wait long before they appear before us, in a chariot pulled by two winged horses lands before us. I immediately look them both over. Ares looks like a formidable adversary. I can see rage and power charging through his veins though I can’t tell if he is angry or if his face has its normal look. Athena is the exact opposite of Ares and I can tell she is sizing me and Sif up like we are sizing them up.
“So….you are the mortal that bested Hercules.” Athena states in order to break the silence. “I must admit you are much more impressive than I imagined.”
“Yeah, yeah look why don’t we just get this fight over with.” Ares barks his hands on his weapons.
“It would be my pleasure to teach you the meaning of being a true warrior you foul brute. However I feel that the maiden at your side would rather speak.” I say one hand on Mjollner the other ready to cast a rune.
“ I agree with my husband. Allow the goddess Athena to speak Ares.” Sif says despite already being in a dueling stance with her hand on her sword.
“What……..no……..no talking we are going to end this right now.” Ares bellows. Athena raises a hand to him.
“No Ares…..these two are obviously willing to listen to reason, something Hercules no doubt failed to try. I can see that you two know our names….and who we are period….so why don’t you introduce yourselves.” Athena says keeping her other hand tentatively near the handle of one of her swords. Sif nods for me to go second in case the brutish Ares tries anything.
“I am the Lady Sif, the goddess of the harvest and combat.” Sif says. She waits a moment then gives me the go ahead.
“And I am Thor son of Odin and the god of Thunder.” I lock eyes with Ares as he draws his sword and great ax. I also see that the ax has a chain with a spiked ball hanging from a chain at the bottom of the handle.
“Enough blasphemy from these mortal fools. WE FIGHT!” Ares roars. The second he moves forward I cast the rune of might and the rune of force and he is shoved back a few feet as if he had been slammed by a fist. He recovers and charges me swinging the spiked ball at me. I knock it away with my drawing of Mjollner and then empower my next strike with lightning. The blow lands square on his chest throwing him onto the ground.
“What in the name of Olympus……you can’t do that……only Lord Zeus can…….what’s going on here….” Ares snarls getting up glancing at Sif and Athena who are locked in a beautiful and deadly duel.
“There’s only one……painfully obvious answer…….you oaf………they are gods……” Athena manages to say between sword clashes.
“I refuse to accept that. There is now way they could be gods……no way………..” He says as he gets back on his feet.
“Foolish brute your anger and arrogance shall be your downfall.” I say and I fly at him and punch him right in the face knocking him back several feet. He staggers a bit falling back even more before catching himself. He glares at me his eyes glowing a bright fiery blood red.
“YOU…..WANT ANGER…..I’LL SHOW YOU ANGER! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” He roars charging at me swinging his ax at me. I block it and slam Mjollner into the side of his head. He shakes it off and swings his enormous sword at me I catch the blade in my special Dwarfmetal gloves that can’t be cut and swing Mjollner up and slam it into his jaw. His head snaps backwards and I keep my momentum up and slam my elbow into his neck.
He flies back and lands on the ground dropping his weapons from the impact. I hazard a glance and see Athena still holding Sif’s deadlier blows off. Then I glance at the battle raging to the side and see that the demigods are crammed into a small circle and are just trying to survive at this point. I look back at Ares and see him getting up his neck still bent backwards snapped out of place. He grabs his head with both hands and snaps his neck back into place. He picks up his sword and puts it back on his back. Then he picks up his ax in both hands and charges at me swinging it in all directions.
I take a few hits but my armor manages to make them all glancing blows. One of his strikes scratches at my neck and that’s when I decide enough’s enough. I put Mjollner back on my belt and grab just above and below his hands on the ax. Then I spin the ax and the chain wraps around his neck. He reaches to grab it releasing the ax handle and I spin behind him and knock him to his knees on the ground. I start pulling hard on the chain chocking him.
He continues to struggle against the chain as the roar of the battle continues blade clashing against blade and shields against shields. Eventually, he grabs the chain and manages to pull loose from it. He gets up and when he turns to face me I slam the edge of the blade into his shoulder. It doesn’t go too deep because of the armor but it’s enough to stop him somewhat. He roars in pain as he tries to force the blade out of his shoulder with both of his hands. I shoot a glance at Sif and Athena and see Sif slam the flat part of her blade into one of Athena’s arms and hear the tell tale crack of breaking bone. Athena staggers back and then staggers towards Ares and grabs him dragging him to their chariot and climbing into it.
As they rise and fly off Athena signals the demigod army to retreat and then soars quickly out of sight heading back to Olympus. However the demigod retreat is much less fortunate, of the several thousand that are still alive that were caught in the trap only a few hundred manage to get back over the wall alive to flee with the army, horsemen, charioteers. Even then, several of them are taken down by arrows before they catch up to them.
Once they get past the point they can be seen the Elves and Dwarves all start shouting in victory and the leaders start planning a victory feast. I smile and so does Sif, this was a well fought and won victory. Although it will not be the final battle we have proven to them that this war will not be something they could easily win.
Also I know that when father Odin returns from his secret mission he will most likely have found some sort of secret or a weapon that will give us an edge against the Olympians, not that we necessarily need one. Still I would suspect that today we caught them off guard. They were expecting weak mortals that wouldn’t be able to hold a candle to their army, or them. Of course they now know the truth of their situation. Either way, we have an important victory, we struck a blow to them and they will not soon forget it.
“We’ve won the day my dear Sif today is an important day, and will hopefully set the pace of the entire war.” I say putting my arm around her.
“Yes my love….though I fear what will happen as a result of them realizing we are gods.” She says a small glimmer of worry in her eyes.
“Whatever happens we will face it head on, without fear, and together.” I comfortingly kiss her cheek and she smiles. After a moment we join the armies in celebration.
* * *

In my journey it takes me a week to pick up Hermes’s trail. Geri and Freki manage to keep his scent even though he is flying and we have to move across a sea in order to continue. After another two weeks I discover the Island of Artemis. It’s a very large island with coves, dense forests, open clearings, a small desert in one patch, and a mountain. I have to say this is the ultimate hunting grounds and I must say that I have to admire Artemis for this choice in home. The varying landscape offers endless hunting opportunities and defenses.
After a few days of searching I find the palace of Artemis it is not what one would expect because it is completely open and has a large pool in it and a small fountain. Hermes and Artemis are at the fountain, I can tell they are talking. I move to a better vantage point and see an image of Zeus, Ares, and Athena is what they are talking to or well who they are talking to. The two war gods are bandaged up and have various cuts and bruises. I smile knowing that Thor and Sif are the cause of their injuries. I cast the rune of heightened senses in order to listen in.
"Ares, Athena…..did you two kids finally duke it out and get yourselves hurt." Hermes chuckles the statement.
"Hush Hermes…..but….yes my siblings what is the source of these injuries?" Artemis asks her voice the gentlest of the Olympians I've heard, very calm and just light period.
"I don't know how we got the blasted injuries okay….." Ares grumbles.
"Get over yourself brother……we…….attacked the enemy and discovered that……they are indeed gods of another pantheon…..this will be a war greater than the Titan conflict." Athena says solemnly.
"Well I'll be a monkeys uncle…..other gods………hmm……ooh selling the Hinds is suddenly such a viable option." Hermes contemplates aloud.
"You would never do that and live messenger! This is the second….be sure I do not have to say it a third time!" Zeus snarls.
Yes sir." Hermes giggles out.
"Now dear nephew….." A second image with both Hades and Persephone appears. "….you can do the sale. Just be sure to invite uncle Hades so he and Aunt Persephone get a chance to buy the Hinds back for our sweet niece Artemis." Hades says, a slight grin on his otherwise insanely serious face.
"Would you insolent fools focus on important things such as the fact that we are at war with beings that shouldn't even exist." Zeus thunders.
"Of course we can my dear brother. Though the way I see it…..you need me now…..you need my army……my power. Without it….you have little hope of victory against them." Hades states in a calm matter of fact fashion.
"I do not need your help or your power Hades I am your king…..I am the most powerful of us all." Zeus roars causing thunder to roar even in the skies above the island.
"Lord Zeus…..I fear we may not have a choice in the matter…" Athena comments a bit timidly. Zeus just glares at her with pure loathing.
"Very well……Hades by my command you and your armies will join our forces for this war." Zeus rumbles.
"If it makes you feel better to say it like that. I would happily have my forces join yours." Hades says then his image vanishes.
"Hermes I want you to return as soon as you are done checking on the security around the Hinds." Zeus barks before his image dissolves back into the fountain as well.
"Well let’s see the deer Artemis." Hermes yawns with a bored tone to his voice.
"Of course…..because the sooner you see them the sooner I'm rid of you." Artemis snaps leading him out of the palace and into a small clearing with a tall wooden fence around it. Geri and Freki move silently alongside me following the two Olympians at a safe distance. I keep Gungnir ready in my hands so that I can strike the moment I know that all the Hinds are in there. Artemis whistles and that's when the five deer step out into clear. It's also at this point that I make my move signaling Geri and Freki to remain hidden until I signal them, then I step out into the clearing. Artemis and Hermes both turn around and look at me.
"Who are you who enters this sacred place!" Artemis snaps, I smile a bit at the question.
"I have been called by many names, The Wanderer, Graybeard, Staffbearer, Hooded one, Spear Thruster, Wise One, Long Beard, Yule Father, One Eye, and All Father. However you may call me Odin King of the Aesir gods and Vanir gods of Asgard. I have come here to take the Golden Hinds for I know their blood can kill you and I plan on using it in order to force you to think about whether or not you and your arrogant king really want this war." I say striking Gungnir's blunt end on the ground shaking the island. "I would suggest you just give me the beasts and let me be on my way, but I have a feeling you'll want to stop me."
"You've got that right pal I think you’re better off leaving while you still can." Artemis says drawing her long bladed hunting knife from its sheath while Hermes pulls out a dagger.
"I have no intention of leaving without the Hinds Artemis, and Hermes when I leave with them tell your master Zeus that he has bitten off more than he can chew, that even with Hades help he is doomed." As I say it they seem truly mortified by how much I know.
"That’s it you old creep, why don't I show you the way out." Hermes snarls vanishing into a blur running in a large circle around me. Artemis comes at me and slices at my gut but at the last moment, I leap over her sweeping her legs out from under her when I land. When she hits the ground, Hermes makes his move. I catch him in the corner of my eyes by following his aura with my sight and throw Gungnir.
"Gaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh……." He screams in pain hitting the ground, my spear having gone through his thigh with half of it on either side. I quickly summon the spear back and it slices with a cut that runs different from the first.
When Gungnir enters my hand I turn back at Artemis who looks at Hermes a bit startled that I hit him as she stands reorienting herself. She locks eyes with my single eye as I realize that she is disorienting herself by trying to do it. She runs at me but attacks the air in front of me. I grin and slam the base of the shaft of Gungnir into her jaw. Her eyes glaze over and she falls over completely unconscious. I signal Geri and Freki and they come out and find spaces to get into the paddock then they start attacking the Hinds. Although the Hinds move with incredible speed they start falling one by one with my wolves being careful not to draw too much blood if any focusing on snapping necks. Once the last Hind falls I open the paddock gate and start to enter. Then I hear footsteps behind me.

[GuardianAngel1911-Admin]

Chapter 4
"I want to know who you are and why you are here now mortal!" someone shouts. I turn and see it is Apollo standing with two knives out, standing ready to attack.
"Your fellow Olympians here can tell you my name after they wake up. As for why I'm here, I'm taking the Hinds for their blood and you will not stop me from taking them." I say, not feeling like putting up with anything he might have to say to me.
"You insolent slime! You dare to speak as such to a god of Olympus! Are you asking to be destroyed mortal, because I will gladly oblige you if it is death you seek." He snarls with the same arrogance in his voice as Zeus but without the crackle of lightning.
"You are as big a fool as your father aren't you. I am no mortal and if you attack me you will regret it." I say watching him closely.
"Insolent worm, you won't live to see tomorrow!" He charges at me shouting.
He starts swinging his knives at me and I block them and lure him into the paddock. When Geri see's him he doesn't hesitate to tackle Apollo knocking the knives from his hands. Apollo struggles as Geri bites and claws at him. I see a small amount of Hind blood got onto one of his fangs. I look to see that no other blood was spilt and smile seeing that it wasn't. I look back to see Apollo break away, his right arm badly cut and torn deeply. His right hand is limply hanging not even trembling but shakes a bit when he moves. I motion for Geri to cease his attack and await further command. I then throw Gungnir at Apollo and it impales him through the abdomen not even grazing any bones or organs. He falls to the ground as I step over to him grabbing Gungnir. I pull the spear out of him slowly.
"You……..missed…….mortal…" He gasps through the pain.
"I wasn't aiming at your organs." I say summoning Sleipnier and the chariot. I then take the corpse of each Hind and lay it in the chariot. They are very light for their size. I then motion for Geri and Freki to get in then I snap the reins and start on the journey home. I also use the runes to summon Huginn and Muninn to watch the island.
* * *
We find the Island of Artemis an hour after we receive Odin’s signal. Luckily we were on our way back from our annual global trip so we weren’t more than a hundred miles away. We look down only to see the Olympians stumbling and limping towards a very open palace type structure. It would appear that Odin really tore into them. Huginn and I perch in a nearby tree to watch them.
Artemis goes over to a fountain and tosses a gold coin into it. As she does that Hermes starts trying to fix up the wounds that Apollo had sustained in the fight with Odin. At that point an image rises up from the fountain. In it the other Olympians can be seen on their thrones. Zeus rises looking a bit angry, or angrier I can’t really tell.
“What is the meaning of this! What happened to you fools! How is it you were injured!” He roars causing a roar of thunder and a flash of lightning over the island when he says it.
“We……aah……..we were attacked……by…..by one of the enemy gods……aaaaahhh……” she is in obvious pain grabbing her jaw then falling to the ground. I look a little closer and see that most of her jaw area is red and swollen. That she managed to say what she could is surprising. Zeus looks like he’ll explode at this point.
“Oh it doesn’t stop….there father…..if…..you’re wondering…….it was….the king……..of the…..two…joint pantheons…..we are fighting….apparently…….his name is Odin…..he looked…..like an old man. He…….took…me...angaahh……..Artemis down…….Apollo….came to try….and help us out……but….Odin…had a wolf…attack him….then…..he….took the Hinds…..all five of them……” Hermes explains raspy voiced as he finishes sewing up Apollo’s abdomen. Zeus glares with so much intensity that you can see the water supporting the image start to boil with even more lightning flashing in the sky.
“You mean to tell me that three Olympians in the prime of youth were conquered by one old god and a wolf! And that now the key to our destruction is in the hands of our enemy! Incompetent fools do you know what you have done! I would strike you down where you stand if we didn’t need you in this war. I swear by my throne if you survive the coming battle I will find an untold agonizing punishment for each of you.” Zeus bellows and several bolts of lightning strike the ground nearby them, which is still a bit too close to me for comfort.
“To be fair……….he had two wolves……..” Hermes says trying to chuckle but just coughs up some blood.
“Lord……..lord Zeus…..please…..let me…..go after the Hinds……if I hurry I can…….I can catch this god……..and bring the bodies back here……” Apollo rasps.
“The three of you have caused enough damage for now….” Zeus rumbles. Then he turns to Hades. “Hades…..I command you to send thirty of your undead warriors to destroy this god and bring the Hinds bodies back to Olympus.
“Of course brother, I will do so immediately they will intercept and capture the Hinds though they may not be able to destroy this other god….but they can try and capture him.” Hades states. Huginn and I glance at each other.
“Just see that the Hinds are on Olympus and under my protection. And you will answer my orders correctly. I am your master and in this crisis you will address me as such! I am your King I am the one who led us to victory against the Titans not you!” Zeus roars.
“I know brother I live with that fact each day.” Hades says coldly. “My men are hidden at the mainland to intercept and capture.”
“Good…” He turns back to Hermes Apollo and Artemis. “You three return to Olympus immediately, and pray your bungling can be undone.” Zeus grumbles.
We barely catch it though because we are soaring away in the direction Odin would be heading. We have to try and warn him so that he won’t be too caught off guard.
This is a seriously escalating conflict. Good lord they are not playing around now, and if these undead warriors actually manage to catch him, Odin will stop playing nice with the Olympians. And when Odin stops playing nice, things go downhill for chances of mercy and other things. I know Odin is not a god to take a personal attack on his life lightly, even if it’s not exactly something that truly threatens him, and I hazard to guess just what Odin is willing to do in retaliation to this.
* * *
We find Odin just as he reaches the shoreline and quickly land on his shoulders. The sun is in its highest point in the sky now. He turns to look at us one at a time.
“Well this is a pleasant surprise. I thought you would watch the Olympians a bit more.” He says smiling at us.
“We would have…but Hades….is…..sending his soldiers after you…to try and……get the Hinds.” Huginn rattles off as rapidly as he can through his panting and still be understood. We start to enter an open plains area with somewhat tall grass.
“Well I’m not surprised, but I am a bit surprised that they are sending Hades undead warriors…” As he says it thirty armed skeletal warriors rise and leap out of the ground. Odin quickly pulls on Sleipniers reins stopping the chariot as well.
There is probably two hundred feet between us and the skeletal warriors. The set themselves up in a row and start marching towards us. Odin gets a serious look on his face as he steps out of the chariot unarmed. Huginn and I move and sit on the edge of the chariot. Odin stands facing the skeletal warriors. There is a small breeze suddenly as Odin raises his hands. I realize he’s using Runic Magic.
Odin moves his left hand and fingers and fire erupts forth towards the skeletons. He moves his right hand differently and swirling winds start fueling the flames to a ridiculous heat. Then Odin moves his hands into different runes and the wind and fire are replaced by an icy wind and ice cold rain. As it hits the skeletons you can see their weapons shields and armor become very brittle and crack in a few places.
After that Odin calls off the wind and rain and casts runes that cause the very ground itself to erupt forth and slam into the metal shattering it and leaving the skeletons as just them. Several of the skeletons skulls are busted open though. Those skeletons just collapse on the ground the energy cores of their skulls dispersed.
The remaining skeletons lurch forward towards Odin. He watches them closely prepared to cast another rune. As I watch, I can feel the immense amounts of Runic Magic surging through and towards Odin. Then he casts the rune and an enormous wall of blue Rune Magic surges forward plowing through the remaining skeletons obliterating all but one. There is just a fine mist of dust left from the others. The one remaining is barely animated, the energy cores all but gone. Odin walks over and pulls the skeleton up by the eye sockets.
“Hear me well spirit of the netherworld of Olympus’s darkest corner…” Odin speaks his voice very cold and terrifying compared to the warm voice he was just speaking to us with. “…return to your masters and give them this warning that they would do well to heed. I Odin Borson, the Allfather of Asgard and king of the Aesir deities and Vanir deities have the Golden Hinds and the knowledge of how to use them. Nothing escapes my attention, no action or statement. You have brought my wrath down upon you with this attack on me. Mercy has left me. I will gather all the forces of the nine realms and beyond. The Frost Giants of Nifleheim, the Fire Giants of Muspell, the Rock Giants of Jotunheim, the Dwarves of Nidavellir, the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim, the Light Elves of Alfheim, the mortals of Midgard, the Honored Fallen of Valhalla, The Vanir of Vanaheim and the Aesir of Asgard. I will summon our goddess of death Hel of Helheim to massacre your worshipers. I will release Loki god of mischief and trickery from his torment to wreak fiery havoc upon you. I will bring forth Jormungandr the World Serpent to devastate your lands, and I shall unleash the destructive wolf Fenrir on you. Know this Zeus of Olympus, you have brought the permanent setting of your sun. Think wisely about whether or not you should choose to have this war. For, should it go through I will personally ensure that each Olympian takes breath no more.” Odin says the very earth shaking with his words. Huginn and I nearly drop dead, were we not immortal we would have. Zeus cried havoc, but Odin is unleashing the gods of war. I mean Loki, Loki betrayed Odin in the worst of ways, and Odin is willing to bring him into the fray. Good lord he is angered beyond belief, yet so level headed, in appearance at least. Then Odin throws the skeleton to the ground and it crawls into the ground to go back to its masters. Odin then walks back over to the chariot and looks at us again.
“Is something wrong my friends?” He asks almost as if nothing happened.
“Odin……….are you serious about getting all those beings together, or were you bluffing………because if you are serious then……good lord….I mean….that’s…..an impossible feat honestly….” Huginn blurs out. I just nod watching Odin.
“I am very serious my friends. The Olympians have proven incapable of listening to reason, so I will have to make them listen to force.” Odin snaps the reins and Sleipnier charges forward at incredible speed. “I will gather a force to eclipse Olympus. Zeus chose to make me his enemy, so I will be just that. I will give them only one chance to surrender and when they refuse we will crush them.”
“But don’t they have giants of their own?” I ask, genuinely confused.
“Yes but none are on the same scale as the Rock Giants, Frost Giants, and Fire Giants. Only the Titans, whom the Olympians banished to the deepest part of their underworld, are on the same scale. Even though I doubt it, Zeus may decide to release the Titans from their prison to fight us.”
“But how will you manage to get the races to work together?” Huginn asks.
“Easy…..they all want to continue their existence....the Olympians threaten their existence….even Loki will pick helping us over working with them. He is smart enough to know they will betray him the first chance they get.” Odin says.
“Wait….why do you talk as if Loki knows what’s going on?” I ask even more confused now.
“I’ll answer your question with one of my own. Why do you think I had my hall sealed up so tightly?” He casts a rune that causes us to race forward at high speeds.
“So wait…….you…..you already released Loki……..and he’s in your hall………….and not guarded……….why would you………..what are you………..why would…..” Huginn jabbers out.
“You forget he was not imprisoned for distrust, he was imprisoned for causing Baldur’s death, and to try and hold off Ragnarok. Also he is like a brother to me, he was my brother in arms…….and I would like to think he still can be.” Odin smiles as he says it. You can tell he is remembering the days when Loki was his closest friend.
“Still I can’t believe you would risk it….” Huginn says. I just stare blankly ahead as we enter the Norse lands, just trying to figure out if I’m in some kind of twisted dream.
“It may be hard to believe but in this war we are in Loki is a most useful ally. His abilities make him one of the best infiltrators we have, he could also cause some major disruptions to their plans since I’m going to let him go wild and do what he wants to them.” We reach the Bifrost bridge as Odin is saying this.
“So your just…….you’re just going to let him loose to tear into them…….good lord…I just…..I mean this is Loki we’re talking about.” Huginn rambles.
“Yes and I believe that he is trustworthy.” Odin says as we come to a stop in front of his hall.
“Huginn…..maybe we should just trust Odin’s judgment.” I say a bit flatly just completely unable to believe what Odin is going to unleash on the Olympians.
All of us get off and get off the Chariot and Huginn and I get on Odin’s shoulders with Geri and Freki beside him as Odin starts to open the door I tense up. On the other side is one of the most twisted minds ever. A being who is as insane as he is brilliant. Loki, the god who is supposed to one day lead the armies of Ragnarok against us.
Odin pushes the door open and inside we hear footsteps coming from Odin’s throne room. Odin steps in closing the door before heading to the throne room. We pass a window and I see that the sun is rising meaning that at least a day past us without notice. As we enter the throne room we see Loki standing looking at an image of the Olympians.
He has long dark hair that is just shy of shoulder length. He is wearing a long sleeved green tunic, brown pants and a brown leather vest with pauldron like shoulder padding that goes out from him. As he turns to look at us we can see his violet eyes with a blue tint. When his face is completely towards us we see his most disturbing feature, his mouth twisted into a permanent smile from the days when he said the wrong things to the wrong Dwarves and had it sewn up like that. Of course he eventually got rid of the thread but his face was twisted that way with no way to be undone.
"Ah Odin my old chum welcome home. Huginn, Muninn it is so nice to see you again I can't believe how well you look, I could just cook you up in a nice raven stew and let you roast in the seasoning for a good half a day at most, let the meat get nice juicy and tender and eat you all up." He says all of this with a very serious and cool voice.
Huginn nearly falls off Odin's shoulder while my eyes widen with fear and pure terror. Then I notice a very off glint in his eyes and his twisted smile gets twisted into an even further smile. He looks dead on at me licking his lips. Suddenly he just bursts out into a psychotic laugh.
"You…….you bought it……..the look…….the look on your faces………..you actually bought it….." He laughs so hard he barely gets the words out.
In all honesty, I don't know what to feel, I should feel relieved on one hand since I don't actually have to fear getting stewed on the other hand I should be in a fiery rage because he pulled this on me. I really don't think I'll be happy to have Loki back at this point, I just don't think I could take this for very long. Huginn looks ready to lay into Loki verbally.
"Loki it's good to see that you are in good spirits despite being stuck in here for so long." Odin says, a calm smile on his face.
"Oh right because it was so horrible compared to being stretched out tied on a boulder with ropes made from one of my sons entrails while I have snake venom constantly dripping on my face. That was just sooo much fun." Loki's words are drowned in a mix of sarcasm and insanity.
"Well…." Huginn starts. "….maybe if you wouldn't have…."
"Oh no, no, no birdie you don't need to preach to me about all that I did before my imprisonment. I know I made mistakes, I know most of you all hate my guts. Hel I figured there was an execution planned for me and that Odin was bringing me here for that. Imagine my surprise at all of this, I don't plan on screwing up my second chance at living out here, at least not anytime soon if I do at all. Then again a nice raven on a spit doesn’t sound too bad right now. Never mind that though. Speaking of which how are you doing Odin my old friend how was your journey?" Loki says all of this shifting from sounding sane to completely insane to just, normal.
"It was well my friend and was a great success. I must say though the Olympians were easily caught off guard. What has been happening on Olympus since my attack on their warriors?" Odin motions toward the image, which shows the Olympians throne room.
"Oh….well Artemis, Hermes, and Apollo are back on the mountain while most of them were talking Ares and Aphrodite snuck off for a little alone time. He thinks she loves him but she doesn't she's just using him. Oh….Zeus is totally enraged by your little warning. That was very, very clever on your part. A very nice dramatic speech. Oh, Hephaestus is apparently working on some secret project, don't really know what it is. Let's see…oh right Zeus debuted his new armor and gauntlet. It was very nice but I noticed a fatal flaw in the armor, well aside from his helmet greatly diminishing his field of vision. The fatal flaw is this slight, almost seam like area where the eagle design is melded onto the main body of the breastplate. It is just in the right position to hit with a well placed blade." Loki chuckles as he finishes his ramble.
"Hmmm…interesting……Loki, after the meeting of the gods of Asgard where we will be sending delegates to the other races to extend a hand of peace to bring them together and help us win this war. I want you to infiltrate Olympus and figure out what Zeus has Hephaestus working on now."
"Got it. Go, infiltrate, find out, come back….might I cause a bit of mayhem amongst them?" Loki almost begs.
"Go wild on them, make them regret this war. If you can get any other information on them in the process feel free. Just be sure to discover exactly what Hephaestus is working on. I will expect a full report on your findings upon your return." Odin says only a little stern.
"Of course my old friend. I would do anything to be of help. I can assure you that I will destroy the sanity of the Olympians or at least their trust in each other." Loki's eyes shine with ideas of what he is thinking, all the different plans forming.
"I doubt they need any help with those last parts, but as I said do whatever you feel is necessary. For now we shall meet the other gods in the council chamber." Odin is smiling as he says it.
"Yes lets go….I can't wait to see every ones faces when they see me." Loki almost cackles as we head to the council chamber.
* * *
"What in the name of Asgard is that fiend doing free of his torment." Thor roars pointing Mjollner at me as he stands.
"Easy my boy. Loki is here as a friend and ally in this war." Odin says in his usual calm tone. That’s the big thing about Odin, he's like two different people depending on what he's caught up in. One minute he is the calm, gentle, kind, caring father like figure, the next he is a cold, violent powerful, bloodthirsty, all but berserk warrior who's full strength has yet to be seen by any known living being. True Thor is physically the mightiest of all gods in Asgard, but it is Odin who is truly more powerful. Not only is he a master of all forms of magic, or all the ones I know exist, but he can take a lot of punishment and keep going. One time he hung himself on a tree by ramming his own spear through his body and stayed there nine straight days with no help. He knows things that even some of the eldest gods did or do not know.
"Father he cannot be trusted he is a vile being that has no regard for the fate of anyone but himself. He should still be trapped in his torment." Thor roars in fury, though I note he does return Mjonir to its place on his belt.
“Now now, Thor my old friend, its true I have wronged all of you, and I only wish to make this right, do not forget, the fall of Asgard will cause my death as much as yours. It wouldn’t be smart to try and help those blowhard Olympians destroy all of you, or productive. So please give me a chance, if you want the full might of Asgard to go against Olympus, you’ll need me. Especially if you’re wanting my kids to assist in this little escapade of yours. Fenrir isn’t exactly on friendly terms with all of you. Jormungandr could care less about Thor, and let us not forget that you put Hel in charge of Helheim, the realm of the dead souls that were either without honor or just didn’t do anything to catch your attention. Without my help you wouldn’t be able to get them on your side.” I lock eyes with Thor, he isn’t the most cunning of foes but what he lacks in cunning he makes up for with natural warriors instincts in combat and a genius for tactics and combat. The list of people capable of beating him in a straight on duel is shorter than the shortest dwarf. To underestimate him is the biggest mistake that can be made, but that’s not to say he is unstoppable. I have given him plenty of hard times in the past. I even got him dressed up as a bride one time in order to pull off a little trick of ours. He probably is still sore about that.
“What do you mean we don’t have any plans to unleash your vile spawn upon those fools or Midgard ever again.” Thor looks like he is going to erupt in a furious blast of lightning.
“But I do son, I am the one who has done combat with three of these beings and I have faced some of Hades skeletal warriors. I know exactly what they are capable of so I would not put the need to use Fenrir, Jormungandr, and Hel at the bottom of any lists. Do not get overconfident my son or you will be too much of a liability to our cause. I know none of us have reason to trust Loki, but as only I can truly know what the actions I am taking will lead to you will have to trust me.” Odin looks at Thor with a calm cool gaze no sense of anger or anything in his voice. Suddenly I feel a little uncomfortable, if these two decided to fight over this it would probably take most of us with it.
“Look I’m here to help if it helps you can think of me as a prisoner, but Sif better not try anything if ya’ll chain me up while I’m here” I say unable to resist messing with them. Thor starts to reach for Mjollner then stops again but still gives me a glare of untempered hate.
“Very well, you may join us in this battle but be warned that if I get any sense that you will betray us I will strike you where you stand.” Thor says sitting down still giving me little room for being trusted.
“Thank you son, now my fellow Asgardians we are in the cusps of war with another pantheon of gods equal in strength to our own pantheon. Because of this we must be on full alert, already they gather the forces of their realm against us for battle and Hephaestus their smith god is currently creating something secret that we have no information on. Because of this I have decided that Loki should go into the very heart of Olympus and disguise himself in order to slip past any defenses they may have and discover just what Hephaestus is forging. In the meantime we will be sending emissaries to all the Nine Worlds in order to summon forth all forces of our realm for the battle that will soon be coming. Be sure that those of you sent on these missions inform them that we are facing the destruction of the Nine Worlds if they do not assist us. I have written your assignments on parchments and will pass them out momentarily. If you are not one of the ones going out as an emissary it’s because I have a special task for you to accomplish, one that may be more dangerous by far than anything you have ever faced before. Good luck to all of you. Now go forth in the name of Asgard!” he shouts raising Gungnir into the air. The other gods and goddesses raise their weapons into the air and shout for Asgard and even I raise one of my knives and shout with them the feeling of belonging very refreshing after so long away from my home.
Odin hands two scrolls to every Asgardian except Thor. He smiles and puts his hand on Thor’s shoulder whispering something in his ear. Thor nods but doesn’t look too happy and just gives me the death gaze again. I suddenly realize what Odin must have in mind for his special assignment and realize that the journey to Olympus is suddenly going to feel a lot longer.

[GuardianAngel1911-Admin]

Chapter 5
I lean against the side of Thor’s chariot watching the storm cloud cover under us go by as we soar on his, of all things, goat drawn chariot. I swear I will never understand his taste in chariot drawing animals. Then again I’ll never understand his taste in wedding dresses either. I manage to not laugh out loud at that idea and just laugh wildly on the inside. After a few minutes of unbearable silence I finally decide to just break it with a quick question.
“So what exactly did your daddy dearest ask you to do?” I look at him curiously trying to make my eyes look pleading and not bored out of my wits, more than usual anyway.
“I am to create a distraction that will allow you to slip in totally unnoticed. And if you get captured I am to go in and break you out before they can torture you into giving them any of our information such as the source of our longevity. As long as you just keep quiet and don’t do anything foolish that shouldn’t become a factor though.” He says keeping his face turned away from me just looking straight ahead. I go back to watching the storm we are moving over go by before a thought enters my head.
“Uhm…..if this Zeus guy has the same abilities as you won’t he notice that a random storm that he had nothing to do with suddenly flew up to the mountain?” I ask finding myself looking in every direction for any kind of attack that might be coming.
“Actually that’s part of my plan. Hopefully I will be able to draw Zeus himself out and if not then I’ll have to try a slightly more direct approach.” Thor touches Mjollner when he says that and suddenly I get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. Though it could be the lamb I ate earlier it looked a bit green but I had dropped it in grass so who knows.
After about another hour of watching a storm cloud under us I can see Olympus towering up above the clouds in front of us with a cove of the sea at its back probably for Poseidon. Considering how close we are to the place now I get the feeling Zeus really isn’t paying us any mind. Goody that means I get to find out what Thor’s direct approach is. As we get close enough to make out the temples and palace I’m a bit disturbed by the fact that we have not attracted any attention by flying a goat drawn chariot this close to their fortress with a storm cloud accompanying it. They must not be paying much mind to the world outside of their palace right now. So much the better for Thor and I though I guess.
Thor lands right in the middle of everything with clear view from anyone wanting to look around. All it would take is for one being to look outside of their room and they’d see us standing here like we are supposed to be here. Thor looks at me and nods for me to go ahead and shape shift so I can sneak into Hephaestus’s temple and make my way to his forge. I shift into a small mouse and hop off of the chariot and scurry over to the doors of the temple. I look back to see Thor raising his hammer up and crashing it into the ground of the temple splitting most of the tiles and plaster with huge cracks. Just when I thought he wasn’t going to surprise me, so he finally accepted that the elder goddess of the earth is his mother and is using that to his advantage. He could have crushed this mountain if he wanted to possibly. I watch for a few seconds more as all the Olympians but Hephaestus run from the palace to find this warrior in the middle of their inner sanctum. I really would like to be a fly on the wall during this fight but sadly I have my mission. I scurry into the temple and find the place I need to get. The platform isn’t up right now so I’ll have to do this the old fashioned way. I shift again this time to a moth and fly down to the forge planning on discovering what I need to.
* * *
I watch as the Olympians come out after my summons to them by shaking their home. The Olympians look at me startled by my appearance and Athena and Ares look at me with the hatred only someone I have fought and beaten can have. Zeus glares at me and the storm over us that he didn’t create and I can see the godly blood boiling in his veins.
“Who are you who dares to attack Olympus like a fool while I am here mortal!” Zues thunders at me the ground shaking and a roar of thunder blasting through the air. Interesting, so he really does share the same abilites as myself. Well if I can get him to fight this will be very fun. I raise Mjollner and point it right at him.
“I am Thor Odinson, Lord of Storms and a master of combat. Both your sons have faced defeat at my hands and one is dead by my hand. I give you a chance now to end this battle and not risk your destruction at the hands of me and my bretheren. If you chose to ignore this you may not get another. Chose wisely Zeus of Olympus your power will not save you if my father decides to destroy you himself, if he does nothing will help you.” I shout back at him even more thunder roaring when I do as well as lightning flashing in the sky and the mountain shaking.
“You dare come into my kingdom, declare that you defeated my offspring, declare that it was you who killed my son, and have the audacity to give a show of a power that is rightfully mine! If you have any sense of self preservation in your mind you will leave this place now before you are struck down where you stand! NOW LEAVE MY KINGDOM AND NEVER RETURN IF YOU WISH TO SEE THE SUN RISE AGAIN TOMMORROW!” Zeus roars with lightning flashing and thunder roaring. I smile when I see this. So I managed to hit a nerve with my comments. I should be able to easily trick him into fighting me and get Loki more than enough time to figure out what Hephaestus is doing.
“I will not leave until I decide for myself to leave. If you want me to leave before that moment then you will have to make me.” I grin wondering exactly what my defiant comment will garner me in the way of his soon to come attack.
“ARROGANT MORTAL! YOU THINK YOU CAN ENTER MY KINGDOM AND SPEAK TO ME AS IF YOU WERE EQUAL TO ME! I AM ZEUS KING OF THE GODS AND MASTER OF OLYMPUS AND NO BEING WHO SPEAKS TO ME THAT WAY WILL LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER DAY!” He throws his hand forward sending out a wave of lightning straight for me.
I raise Mjollner and knock the lightning away at the last second. The Olympians other than Zeus step back a bit startled by the deflection of Zeus’s lightning, Hades looks between Zeus and me as if calculating exactly what he might be able to gain from this. Ares stares startled probably unable to believe that someone can match his father’s power. Athena is looking at me taking in the details now trying to see some weakness some chink in my armor so to speak. Well she’s not going to have the chance to tell him any.
“Very cute Zeus, is that the best you’ve got. I was throwing lightning of that strength around when I first started being the god of storms. Surely you can muster something more on the level of a being that has been around as long as you have.” I comment in an attempt to bait him into a foolhardy move. “If you can’t handle this, maybe one of your little friends will be willing to clash with me.”
“YOU DARE TO MOCK ME FOOL. THAT’S THE FINAL MISTAKE YOU WILL EVER MAKE. HADES, TAKE CARE OF THIS INSECT AND GET HIM OUT OF MY SIGHT!” He roars, thunder shaking the mountain. There is a fury in his eyes that lets me know that there is little to no way for him to actually manage to win against even the weakest of Asgardians with such little control over his temper.
“I will if you think it necessary for me to brother but I think you would be better suited to this task. Perhaps if it were an underworld god like myself, but he is of your element and has already proven to be able to brush off your weakest attack perhaps if you were to try a different tactic you would have greater success in defeating this fool. Plus I would hardly wish to risk taking this victory away from you. You can use this as a chance to show Ares how a real warrior takes down an enemy god. And it can’t hurt to test the abilities of your new armor and gauntlet either.” Hades states obviously hoping to see what will happen when Zeus and I clash.
“DO NOT TELL ME WHAT DOES AND DOES NOT NEED TO BE DONE! THESE FOOLS NEED TO BE PUT IN THEIR PLACE AND I WILL NOT WASTE MY ENERGY ON ONE OF THEM! NOW DO AS YOUR MASTER COMMANDS AND DESTROY HIM!” Zeus roars angrily his voice crackling with lightning. Hades shakes his head a bit before speaking.
“Very well Zeus I will do it. I still feel that it would be best for you to face him though. Now Thor Odinson prepare to face the god of the underworld and meet your fate at my hand.” He says coldly drawing his sword from its black sheath. The blade is long and is curved in an almost wave pattern going back and forth up the blade to the point. The blades body is black as his soul and the blades edge is blood red. I look at the blade the black spherical pommel glinting a bit and the cross guard curving up to points and grin. He has an interesting taste in weapons and I’m sure there’s more to it than the eye can see.
“You’ll find that unlike Ares I won’t be baited into any kind of trap, I know how to control my rage and when to release it. So any mind games you’re planning can be forgotten at this point.” I say tightening my grip on Mjollner ready to block any attacks he has planned.
“I wouldn’t claim such things before you have even gotten close to actually facing me.” He states and leaps at me swinging the blade at me. I block the blade with Mjollner and can feel the blades darkness tugging at my life-force in an attempt to pull it out of me. I move my fingers casting the rune of might and easily launch him back then swing Mjollner building the energy before blasting him with a large bolt of lightning right in the chest. He blocks the brunt of the attack for the most part with his blade but still gets hit by the blast as it explodes towards him.
He looks at me with cold hate in his eyes and roars at me pure soulless black fire exploding from his mouth towards me. I quickly cast another rune and the flames hit a wall of golden runic energy but the shield is still shattered by the force of the fire. He stands there taking in deep breaths as he prepares for another attack and I take the chance to charge him and infusing my hammer strike with lightning as I grab it with both hands slam it into his chest. There is a roar of thunder that shakes the mountain and Hades is thrown back slamming into a column of the palace. He gets up and glares at me the cold hatred in his eyes turning them even darker and more soulless looking. I get ready for whatever his next attack will be as I wonder how Loki is doing with his part of this mission.

* * *
The mountain shakes again as, after having shifted to a mouse again, I scurry across the walkways of the forge. I don’t know what Thor is doing up there but it is not exactly making navigating the paths over the endless magma flows any easier. Add in the fact that I’ve nearly been crushed by several metal men and it’s almost just not worth it. I decide to change things up and transform into a Cyclops. After a few minutes of adjusting to a single eyeball I start walking around again and spot a large group of Cyclopes surrounding a large behemoth creature about the height of an elephant but with two visible arms and dark brown skin with a pattern almost like tiles with the wrinkles more what would be considered the space between them. It turns towards my direction roaring and I see large teeth in its mouth under its single eye. Hello, a second breed of Cyclops that’s interesting if I do say so myself. Hephaestus is rolling around under around it stabbing it with a small poker that shocks it as he appears to be trying to take the measurements of it.
“Make a harness and armor set for a Primal Cyclops so he can ride it on it into combat he says. Baah if he thinks that this beast will be tamed enough for that task he is more arrogant than I thought especially since I always place a secret flaw in my creations in case they ever fall into the wrong hands and need to be taken down.” Hephaestus yells as he again zaps the beast. Secret flaw in all his creations huh, well that’s nifty to know about.
After a few more minutes he has two of the larger metal men grab the chains of the Primal Cyclops as he called it and hold it in place as he goes over to his forge letting the Cyclops get back to work. I walk after him slowly watching him as he starts working with the ore for the armor of the beast. Ah this brings back memories of the time I messed with the forging of Mjollner and caused the handle to be too short. Now let’s see what can I do to sabotage his work. I can always cause the metal to be over heated for too long which would mean it would be too hard and not as maneuverable or not heated for long enough so it isn’t as strong as it could be. I could also add a little extra like a spell that would mean that while the armor is on its wearer it will make him get exhausted twice as fast. Actually that sounds good cause the armor to be much heavier so that the beast has to work harder to actually utilize it, where no matter how much stronger the beast gets it will never be strong enough to easily move. Yes that’s perfect but first I need a distraction so I can do this.
I shift back to my normal form and look around the room for the best thing to cause a distraction. I decide that the best thing is to just cause some chaos. I cast my specialty rune and some bolts of fire break some of the chains supporting the walkways causing a whole rack of swords and armor to fall into the magma. Several of the Cyclops fall into the magma and start howling in pain. While Hephaestus goes over to see what’s going on I go down and cast a few runes to curse the metal of the armor. The molten metal bubbles and steams loudly for a moment and I can’t help but laugh a bit maniacally at the success of my mission. Unfortunately my victory laugh causes my victory to be short lived as I hear Hephaestus shout something about find the intruder.
I look around and even up and notice plenty of stalactites hanging down. I get ready to launch a ball of fire when something shakes the mountain and I see the rocks start cracking. Okay well, time to go before I get crushed. I shift to a sparrow and bolt straight for the entrance of the cave. Arrows and spears start flying my direction and I can hear Hephaestus shouting orders. Well looks like he’s going to be a bit busy for a while. I fly straight up the shaft I came down and then bolt out of the temple as a mouse shifting back to normal and look out at the clash of black fire and lightning roaring across the courtyard of Olympus. I see that Thor and Hades power clashing is causing a storm of epic destructive size. I grin and look back at Hephaestus temple and cast my rune again, a ball of flame flies into the temple shooting flaming ropes with blazing spikes on the end into the walls and support beams and then pull the temple in on itself collapsing it into a pile of rubble trapping Hephaestus in his forge. That should keep these chumps busy

* * *
I see that Loki has exited and destroyed the temple as I clash with Hades the mountain shaking under me as I knock away blasts of black fire. I summon up stronger winds and more rain and lightning as he bolts around trying to use the smoke from the fire to stay hidden till his time to strike but to no avail. I throw Mjollner in the direction I see him heading and knock him out of the smoke cover as it makes the return trip towards me and returns to me. He looks up his eyes blacker than the deepest pits of Helheim. His skin has gotten paler as he imbues himself with more of his power. He charges me and swings his sword for my neck black flames snaking up the blade as he moves. I block it with Mjollner lightning surging around the head of the hammer and when they clash I can feel an immense force of darkness pulling at me. I move back as the energies of the two weapons explode between us. At this point I decide that it’s time to leave but not without a clear message. I look at Hades and as some of the smoke and steam clears glance at Ares.
“Let me show you what a war god that knows how to use his anger is able to do.” I see Loki get a bit nervous as he gets in the chariot and watches. He knows exactly what I mean to do, that I am going to unleash my berserker rage on Hades.
I close my eyes and look deep inside myself finding the reservoir of pure anger deep in the recesses of my power. The pure energy of it surges up out of me and my eyes snap open glowing with lightning as Mjollner starts surging with lightning. A small amount of my berserker rage, just enough for me to level a small mountain and not notice I did so surges through my veins.
Hades looks at me startled and Ares and the other Olympians aside from Zeus stagger back from the shockwave of my sudden power surge pulses around me. I can hear Loki laugh just before the anger consumes my senses and focuses them all on the battle. I charge forward and swing Mjollner at Hades covering the distance in a matter of seconds even though it should have been a bit longer. I slam him in the jaw with Mjollner launching him straight in the air a good ways. Then I whirl Mjollner for a moment and then I launch it straight up towards Hades. The hammer hits right in his breast plate and there is an explosion of lightning that shakes the mountain. Then other than Zeus the remaining Olympians steady themselves to regain their composure as Hades and chunks of his armor hit the ground. I clear my mind of the anger and go to my chariot as ten of the other Olympians rush to Hades to aid him. Zeus gives me a glare of pure anger and hatred and I just smile.
“Know this Zeus, that was but a fraction of the power I can summon forth. My Father has tenfold that kind of power that I have seen him use, none have lived that witnessed him use beyond that. Should you truly chose to wage this war then you will face power that forged landscapes and crushed beings that tower over most mountains and could scale this one as easily as your foes the Titans once did. And know this as well those towering beings are going to join us in this conflict and will march on your palace and crush your armies. Keep these words in mind Zeus, your kingdom will come to an end in flame and ice and storm should you continue with this path. I give you this offer of peace and it will be one of the final if not the final offers of peace you shall receive. Think wisely king of Olympus.” I shout at him as my chariot moves down the courtyard of Olympus. Loki laughs and decides to add to this.
“That’s right Zeus you need to consider your priorities. Family or your arrogance, it’s your choice.” He howls with laughter as he says it. There’s a sudden bolt of lightning straight from Olympus towards us. I smash it with Mjollner and launch it straight back to Zeus where it came from before we get out of his range.
When we start crossing Bifrost we are met by a sight to end all sights. Thousands of beings of all shapes and sizes, hordes of beings that would normally be attacking each other, moving across the bridge of light towards Asgard. The army Odin wished to amass is growing by the moment.
The first group I notice for sure are the Frost Giants, towering beings with a chilling aura leaving a light trail of frost behind them. The smallest of these beings towers above the largest of hills capable of lifting a normal tree with ease. Their skin is an icy blue and their eyes white on fields of blue as opposed to the normal eye coloring of most beings. Their armor is carved from the glaciers of Nifleheim, the ice of that land is stronger than mortal steel and unmeltable but by the flames of the Fire Giants of Muspell. Their frigid barren icy home is a landscape of glaciers snow and chasms of ice that are seemingly bottomless. They carry glacial blades and axes of the same ice as their armor and can manipulate ice and snow. Their skills can make them truly formidable foes at times.
Behind them is the army of the Rock Giants, beings the same height as the Frost Giants but a far different breed. Their skin is a dark brown color and their eyes almost bend into their faces. They are much more physically powerful. They live in the rocky landscape of Jotunheim, a landscape of enormous mountains and rock spires. Canyons crisscross the landscape like rivers and the few lakes lay stagnant in the middle of nowhere for the most part. They carry clubs and other similar weapons and are not very intelligent. They have limited stone manipulating abilities.
The next group is the fearsome Fire Giants of Muspell. Towering beings with flame across their bodies in almost tattoo like patterns. Their fire red skin all but blends with their crimson armor. Large horns rise from their foreheads and are sharpened to fine points curving back. They carry blades made of a metal found in the ground of their fiery volcanic no man’s land of a home. Their swords sharpened to the finest of edges. They also wield the power of flames and can manipulate fire and magma. Of the three races of giants they are perhaps the most dangerous and unpredictable.
At the front of the procession is the three leaders of the giants. Ymir king of the Frost Giants is a giant amongst giants, towering above the rest of his race his spiked mace of glacial ice perhaps one of the oldest weapons in existence. He has a beard of frostlike ice crystals and sharpened teeth. His armor gleams with the suns light and the fire of the near demonic presence beside him
Surt king of the Fire Giants and ruler of Muspell also towers over others of his race he carries a large broadsword of crimson with a sharpened ruby pommel his armor, has large rubies in it and his horns are almost goatlike. He has flames roaring across his body with an immense heat. Of the beings of the Nine Worlds there are few dare to even think of confronting him. His eyes are pure flame red and flash like the flames crisscrossing his flesh.
On the other side of Ymir is Utgarda, king of the Rock Giants of Jotuheim while still towering above his race he is not near the height of Ymir and Surt. Unlike his kin he is of a leaner build and his eyes are of a dark cleverness holding back waves of deception. Like Loki, he is fond of trickery enjoying creating illusions to trick his foes and mess with their minds. He carries a short sword, by Giant standards of course, with small diamonds, again by his scale, in the cross guard.
Behind them follow the remaining races of the nine world’s hordes of elves dwarves and more marching in blocked armies a safe distance behind the elder races. Armor gleams in the light as they march for Asgard. Normally in this situation there would be battle and death and warriors would be slaughtered but for the first time in a long time this is not a war they are coming for but a unified effort to destroy a common foe.
I look at the far end of this massive movement and see two of Loki’s Helish brood. Fenrir the Wolf, the largest of all his breed, stomps across Bifrost. He rises above all but the tallest of the giants and can stand face to face with Ymir. His black and steel grey fur is shiny and his brown red, nearly blood red, colored eyes are larger than most men. The steely black claws on his paws can eviscerate mountains and the fangs I know are hidden in that enormous jowl are the size of tall towers. The beast’s muscles ripple under the fur with each monstrous step.
Down on the bridge by Fenrir’s towering paw is a lone figure of a seemingly beautiful woman in white linen. However, that is only the right half of her body. The left side of her body is blackened dead flesh and filthy linen from the grave. Half-dead Hel, daughter of Loki and goddess of the dank realm Helheim due to, complications, she was born only half alive. The other half is totally dead and rotting but never totally.
I look around but see no sign of Jormungandr the World Serpent and last of the foul brood. Though he perhaps is already waiting for everyone seeing as his body wraps across all the world’s oceans. Of all of Loki’s brood that snake is the most dangerous it is large enough that if he had half a mind too he could squeeze the world and crush it. His fangs hold the deadliest of venoms which has proven deadly to any that have felt it on their flesh or in their veins. His dark scales allow him to easily hide within the waves biding his time to attack whoever he wants.
“I can’t believe he is actually going through with this, oh and uh….can you avoid Utgarda as far as I know he’s still angry with us. So just uhm…avoid him, please.” Loki says watching the Rock Giant a little nervously. I nod a bit in agreement since the last time we encountered him he threatened our deaths for invading his lands, course that was only for going back to them but still.
I snap the reins and head for the large common area carved out for just such occasions as these. The area is almost unused seeing as nothing like this has happened since the end of the great Aesir Vanir war. There are seats carved out for giants and all other races each getting its own area of the auditorium like structure to avoid arguments. As we draw close I see that many of the gods already occupy their seats on the stage and the Honored Fallen are waiting in their seats for the meeting to start.

[GuardianAngel1911-Admin]

Chapter 6
I watch as Thor lands his chariot and he and Loki come and take their seats. Thor at my right hand and Loki on Frigg’s left. Sif greets her husband with open arms and Loki just waves nervously at everyone. The Honored Fallen look at Loki startled and start talking amongst themselves wondering if Ragnarok is going to start. They become even more nervous as the Rock Giants, Frost Giants, Fire Giants, Night Elves, Light Elves, Dwarves and others file into the area and take their seats. The leaders of the races are seated closest to the stage so that they may voice the concerns of their people. Only the Honored Fallen have no seat to be filled in such a way. Fenrir and Hel then enter, Fenrir sitting of to the side of the other races and closer to the stage as if to balance things out. He watches me with cold eyes full of hate for having been imprisoned though he seems to be more willing to remain calm for the being released, and I can tell he is curious about what is happening. Hel sits on the far end of the table a little away from the rest of us.
“So Odin, why is it you wish for us to join you in this war. Do you not think you are capable of vanquishing your foes.” Surt Roars from his seat laughing a bit. His voice is powerful and commanding with a raw energy flowing through it.
“Yes I too am curious as to why, the mighty Asgardians feel the need to include us in this conflict.” Utgarda says. He has a softer voice, regal and kingly but not with the pure power of Surt’s.
“Isn’t it obvious you two, these beings that they are warring with are a threat not just to them but to all the Nine Worlds. Utgarda does not surprise me being unknowing of this, but Surt as an eternal being from the start of the worlds I am surprised at your ignorance of things going on beyond your realm. Already the signs are becoming obvious that this war is beyond any one races power to fight. The earth shakes with chaotic energy and the air holds and carries pained screams of horror of the sights of brutality of it. The two different mortal worlds are at war already and the landscape is starting to show signs of the damage caused. If we are to endure we must put aside our differences and work together to destroy this, Olympus as they call it.” Ymir roars over both of them his voice is like Surt’s but it carries raw energy on a different chord from Surt’s. He glares at the two beings with furious disgust.
“Do not be so brash Ymir. I know that this war is beyond any one race, I just like hearing it from the mouths of the Asgardians. Though I cannot speak for Utgarda. I too have noticed the signs. Flames burn the landscape not as natural rare occurrences but of the hate of war. The earth is being scared by pure devastation and hatred. The core of the realms is being torn by the clashing between the forces of Asgard and Olympus.” Surt roars back.
“THAT IS ENOUGH FROM BOTH OF YOU.” I say my voice echoing with power across the auditorium as I slam Gungnir on the ground shaking the structure. “It is true that we need help but do not mistake it for a sign of weakness. For those of you who do not understand, as Ymir and Surt have pointed out the world is being torn asunder by the forces of this war. Should we lose it, we will all feel the consequences of defeat whether we are involved or not. I know that most of us are mortal enemies destined to destroy each other. But for the first time in our history we face a threat too great to be ignored. So I ask you all, who will stand beside us in the coming battles. Who will risk their very existence to defend the Nine Worlds from total destruction.”
The beings start talking amongst their own races debating it as they try and decide whether or not to join in this war. I realize that Jormungandr has slithered his head into the auditorium resting it by the Honored Fallen. They start a bit and start wishing their swords were handy. He raises his head and roars to get every ones attention before speaking.
“I choosssssse to join the Asssssgardianssss in thisssss conflict” He hisses in his dark secretive voice that is still loud enough to chill many beings to the bone. I watch him closely surprised by his choice and even showing himself at this moment. “I have sssseen many creaturesssss of the Olympianssss moving through the ssssseassss they all head for Olympussss I will aid in cleansssing my hunting ground of their sssslavesss.”
“If Jormungandr is going to then I too will join him. He is my brood mate and as such I will aid him. These Olympians are a threat to our world and as such I will not stand for it.” Fenrir snarls. The other races that have yet to decide watch as this occurs and Ymir rises to his feet to his feet and raises his weapon in the air.
“The Frost Giants will aid you in this war Allfather our might is at your command.” He roars loudly and the Frost Giants roar in approval. Surt not to be outdone stands and raises his blade to the sky and the blade ignites in flame.
“Let it be known by all the Worlds Surt and the Fire Giants give the Asgardians our support. The blazing force of Muspell is at your command King of Asgard.” Surt Roars the Fire Giants cheering loudly and clashing their swords against their armor. Utgarda also raises his sword though less dramatically.
“And let the Olympians know that the Rock Giants will lend their strength to the cause of Asgard.” He shouts and the Rock Giants roar excitedly. The other races shout loudly as well as each one agrees to join our side in this conflict.
I stand and look out over the now unified army of Asgard and smile proudly. In the history of the Nine Worlds there is not one example of the races coming together for a common goal. The other gods and I join the shout and when the shouting dies down I again begin addressing this large gathering.
“Very well, now it’s time to show you what information we have gathered on the enemy thus far.” I toss a glowing crystal rune stone with the rune of observation carved in it on the table and images made of runic energy appear grandly filling the area in view with an image of the layout of Olympus’s domain and the twelve main gods plus Demeter Persephone and a few others as well as example of the many demigod soldiers they have and the skeletal warriors of Hades. There are also images of the various creatures that they are amassing in their army. I can tell the leaders of the armies and the soldiers themselves are watching with immense curiosity. Examining the details of each image listed in runic writing beneath it.
“Thor, Loki would you please add the two stones you took on your mission. I believe it would be very useful for making sure we have everything we can get about the Olympians.” Thor and Loki both stand and toss similar crystal stones to the center of the table. Loki’s adds to the information and images already there for the most part and I notice a detail about Hephaestus putting flaws in all of his creations and notice the new Primal Cyclops image, as well as details on how Loki sabotaged the project. Thor’s shows something far different showing his confrontation of Zeus and his short fight with Hades. It only adds to my negative opinion of Zeus, his arrogance and overconfidence will lead to his downfall.
“These, pathetic beings are almost laughable. From the shows of power you have seen they act like godlings not knowing how to truly utilize their power. I will enjoy feasting on their flesh.” Fenrir snarls as he reviews the information. He licks his lips hungrily as he eyes some of the various creatures shown.
“Though I am inclined to agree I am sure they are more powerful than they probably appear. Plus if they bring still more help we will be faced with dangerous foes. Especially if they summon their banished elder gods the Titans, in that event then we Giants will truly be needed to ensure victory. The fact of the matter is this is not just some simple war amongst ourselves we face a foe never seen before in the Nine Worlds. We stand united now against these beings age old enemies joined under the world tree to combat them. Though I hate the idea of battling alongside many of you it is a necessity to ensure the survival of my race. Rest assured that I doubt this will bring a change in my feelings for you though Odin. And you Surt, I have not forgotten our blood feud for this.” Ymir rumbles at Surt and I.
“The feeling is mutual Ymir. Your kind are not friends, we are brought together by this event and no reason beyond that.” Surt roars back.
“Both of you should hold your tongues this war is not a game. We have to stand totally united or not at all!” I shout towards both of them. “This petty fighting will be the end of us if we let it affect our strategy. This is not the time for a war between the races. This is the time for all the races of the Nine Worlds to stand united against a common foe. Now would you fools stop your war and focus on the task at hand.” They look at me startled and taken aback by my forwardness and the anger in my voice reverberating through Asgard.
“Very well Allfather….as….you command of us….for now.” Surt and Ymir snarl in unison.
At this point Huginn and Muninn suddenly fly into the area and land on the area with the rune stones. They look like they flew full speed nonstop, their feathers are ruffled and disheveled. Huginn drops one of the rune stones I gave them on the pile of others and a new image similar to the one I see from my throne. It shows Zeus tower over Olympus looking out over a massive army of beings. Very few of them even come close to being the size of Ymir and Surt but they are only a few of the fowl beasts of their lands and not any of the bulk of the forces are as enormous as the giants. Between those that are though they seem to be fairly formidable beasts. While Cerberus and some of the monsters will be more than a match for our warriors I notice a large cage moving towards the back of the horde.
As I watch I look at the other gods and goddesses watching with me they look at the army then look back to the beings they will most likely face during the battle. Aegir the god of the ocean sits there wearing his armor of virtually indestructible coral and shell like material. His long red beard has a look and smell of someone who lives under the ocean. His weapon of choice is a long barbed fishing spear capable of moving water and creating tidal waves. His green eyes look at Poseidon with a fierce dislike. Freya watches Aphrodite and shakes her head disapprovingly. I’m not surprised Aphrodite isn’t a real warrior and is all but the exact opposite of Freya.
Hermod, our messenger watches Hermes with curiosity. He wears his usual light armor and leathers and tosses one of his throwing knives up and catches it repeating the process over and over occasionally shaking his blonde hair out of his eyes when it gets too low. I can tell that he considers Hermes to be an immature child. Thor watches Ares with a glint in his eyes that lets me know he is lusting for battle.
Frigg, my beautiful wife looks at Hera with a disapproving gaze. Her raven hair blows gently with a breeze. Her dress is lose fitting with chainmail under it, she picks up her staff and twirls it a bit in her hand as she watches. I know the gaze in her eyes as she reads the known information about Hera and the treatment of her and Zeus’s children. She has, since hearing of this war taking a great dislike to the Greek motherhood goddess. Frigg did everything in her power to save Balder from a terrible fate, whereas Hera threw Hephaestus off of Olympus because his legs were lame. As a mother Frigg just can’t stand that Hera holds the same domain as her.
Heimdall watches Helios with curiosity. While Heimdall is not a sun god he does show interest in Helios since Helios watches over the lands of the Olympians. He holds his gold colored sword and turns the blade his hand on the ebony hilt of the sword. The pommel is a pointed diamond that is extremely sharp, like the blade itself. He is wearing gold and black armor and has an intricate design of black.
Mani and Sol the twin brother and sister respectively that represent our moon and sun watch Artemis and Apollo. They both wield twin blades Mani with his silver blades and Sol with her golden ones. I can tell they are curious about Artemis and Apollo as they are younger than their Greek counterparts looking to be in the eighteenth year of mortal life. Sol has long golden blonde hair similar to what Sif had but curly and gold eyes. Mani also has curly hair but his is short and a light silvery white color and silver eyes.
Hel watches Hades just a bit curiously watching him trying to figure out what she can from body language. She flexes the claws on her left hand fingers and the metal artificial ones on her right hand. She’s an odd one for sure being different from her father in many ways. It’s a bit hard to fault her for her dislike of the rest of the Aesir and Vanir. She was pretty well cast out of Asgard. The fact that she is willing to help us is pretty good. She watches Hades like a hawk trying to pick out a weakness.
Tyr watches Hephaestus closely. Though not a smith in any way he chose to fight the smithy. They are somewhat even when you look at them considering his magically made metal right hand and the fact that Hephaestus too is crippled in a way. He holds a great sword of immense size even by the normal standards of great swords. The blade is wide as two hand and a half sword blades and handle and all it is as long as a spear. Sif watches Athena as she doles out the strategy to the army.
From what I can read from Athena’s lips they are planning a mass assault and invasion combination. I can’t make out exact details but they plan on moving out soon. She seems nervous though. Mainly about their secret weapon that was in that cage way back there amongst the armies. Several of the minor gods and goddesses are our mixed into the legions of soldiers except Hecate who is at the front of the army. She is moving her hand in some odd pattern planning on casting a spell of some sort probably similar to what she cast on the demigods to let them move faster. It’s a shame I didn’t think to add a rune to allow listening to this. I might be able to catch what she’s planning. It’s no matter though whatever they plan on doing is not going to change the outcome of the battle. As she ends her hand movements and does the final motion there is a bright flash and the army is gone with only Zeus remaining on the tower gazing in the direction of our lands. What on Midgard is this trick that they are up to. I look at the other gods who all stare confused as well. Heimdall stands suddenly gazing towards Bifrost.
“Allfather the Olympian forces have arrived they attempt to cross Bifrost as we speak.” He says raising his sword for battle. Thor and the other gods stand quickly weapons ready. The armies also start to stand. I raise Gungnir into the air.
“ARMIES OF ASGARD! TO BATTLE!” I roar and the forces storm out of the auditorium and head for the bridge. I run and make it to the front with the other Asgardians and watch as the Honored Fallen go to grab their weapons and charge the bridge. I reach it a little after they do and see them clashing with the initial charge of demigods. Though the demigods are stronger the Honored Fallen cannot be permanently killed and stand back up after suffering any injuries. The three armies of giants leap off of the edge and crash down in the midst of the armies. The Greek forces are startled and move back some before trying to attack the giants. Spears and arrows fly at the giants with little to no affect. Some of the Honored Fallen leap from the bridge into the waiting swarms of soldiers and start fighting. Thor leaps forward and strikes one of the Cyclopes that was behind the demigods and starts smashing them quickly routing the forces that had made it onto the bridge already. He easily breaks through the wall of warriors and monsters and makes it to the bottom of the bridge with the other gods attacking the invading forces. I charge into a crowd of the demigods and Cyclopes and join the fray. Blades, spears, arrows, fists and claws are swarming around me. Blood, screams, shouts, and roars fill the air as our armies clash with the forces of Olympus.
I block a sword coming towards me and slash through the warrior’s throat with Gungnir. Then I spin and strike another across the face with the end of my weapon then spin it which allows me to block an incoming club from a Cyclops and then leap over him spin and stab him at the base of the skull. There’s a lightning strike into hundreds of demigods and skeletal warriors and I see Thor in the midst of it smashing them and throwing them, and even taking some of their own weapons to kill them with. I land and sweep the feet out from under a nearby demigod before using a rune to cause him to burst into flames. Then I sweep the legs out from under a Satyr that is attacking with a staff with blades on both ends. I then use runes to cause him to be impaled on sharp stones that shoot out from the ground. I stand and sweep Gungnir in a circle slicing through several demigod throats and spines.
Then while there is a short lull in my part of the battlefield I see Sif easily cutting a swath through the initial charge of the army of Olympus to push it back. I watch for a moment then I hear a Cyclops behind me, I turn and see it swinging a large ax at me but before the blow lands a small jet of flame smashes into its face right in the eye. The beast howls in pain grabbing at its eye as Loki jumps from nowhere and rams one of his knives into its chest toppling the beast. Loki and I look at each other and just nod as he goes back into the fray causing mostly chaos by creating blasts of fire and getting the Olympian soldiers to attack each other with illusions of him as one or another. I look across the battlefield quickly and notice a particularly unusual skeletal warrior heading for Thor. The black lion skin over its shoulder causes me to realize that Hades is even using resurrected forms of fallen soldiers of their side. Clever strategy on his part to be sure, but ineffective considering what it most likely takes for him to actually create the warriors. I start to move for the warrior before it can attack Thor from behind but Loki again pulls a trick on the foes by shape shifting into his true form in front of the warrior from having been disguised a rock and blasting its skull of with a jet of flames. The bones collapse to the ground and Loki again vanishes into the fray.
I contemplate his dedication to helping us for a moment before I get back into this fray myself. About twenty Cyclops charge me head on with axes and clubs. I slam Gungnir on the ground and towards them and the ground under them opens up in huge cracks that then close up on them slamming together enough to throw off the balance of nearby warriors. I charge into the crowd and continue slaughtering the Olympian forces.
Hour after hour of combat passes and as the sun starts to set we begin to push back the forces of the Olympians. The Giants surge forward and force the generals of the army to cry out for assistance. A strange window like area appears behind the Olympians and I can see the huge cage I saw earlier move through it and I also see Hecate is the one allowing it to stay open. As the cage passes through I take out a small elk skin pouch I brought and use it to pour two drops of Golden Hind blood onto the tip of Gungnir. With that done I throw Gungnir and it flies straight and true over the battlefield and soars through the portal. The Olympians on the far part of the battlefield watching the battle now watch in horror as the spear strikes Hecate directly in the heart. She stares blankly forward as her eyes just close and she falls to the ground and then explodes in a fiery blast of god energy. The portal starts to close and I summon Gungnir back to my hand. The Olympians have little time to react as their immediate escape route home vanishes from view. The army and Olympians all turn towards us realizing that they will have to totally retreat from here all the way back to their own lands if they ever wish to see their temples and palaces again.
I see Athena shout at the soldiers in the Olympian army but can’t really make out what she’s saying. Ares is furious and bellows orders as well then throws his ax at the large cage which up until now the contents of which were obscure though I could tell it is large enough to hold Surt or Ymir. The cage shatters and the creature that moves out is the stuff of mortal nightmares.
From the waist of the beast down thousands upon thousands of enormous slithering serpent tails, from the waist up what looks like a muscular mans torso. The arms of the creature are hidden or nonexistent consisting of a hundred dragon like snake heads on each side. The face of the creature can only vaguely be called human. The eyes serpentine with black slit pupils that stand out against the blood red back, the nose draconic in nature, the skin scaly with dragon like horns rising from the top of the monsters head. A swirling cloud of pure darkness and evil moves around coiling in a pattern around its body. I have read only vague stories of this beasts exploits but its name stood out from the other creatures of their realm. The only beast it could possibly be is Typhon the father of all monsters of the Olympians realm. The only beast known in their history since the fall of the Titans to ever cause the Olympians to flee and perhaps the only being to ever defeat Zeus in a fair fight.
The Olympian forces all rush to get behind this beast as it crawls towards us. I watch with curiosity to see how the Giants react to the beast’s presence. Surt and Ymir look at each other and step forward together to face this new beast. I stare a bit surprised but realize they won’t be able to destroy the beast alone. Until I see an opening though I will have to be content to watch and wait.
Typhon’s serpent arms lash out at the giants but get blocked by walls of ice and flames. Surt swings his sword and slashes through the serpents but they grow back as they were beforehand. Ymir chills them to their cores but they eventually break free. The battle continues in the fading light flame, ice and venom and fangs clashing with each other as former enemies unite to bring down a powerful foe. Eventually I decide that they’ll need assistance to really defeat the beast and I cast a rune of communication so that I can speak with Surt and Ymir.
“Surt, Ymir, listen you need to restrain him long enough for me to strike his heart with Gungnir. From what I can tell it will take an extremely focused attack and weapons on his scale cannot deliver such a blow. I cannot do this easily unless you manage to hold him long enough for me to get to the top of Bifrost and leap across the gap using runes to increase the power of the attack so that he will be unable to resist the blow.” I say into the small runic symbol appearing in front of me to allow this communication.
“Your words are, regrettably true Allfather you have your time but be sure that you strike this abominations heart or we will all suffer massive losses to its attacks.” Ymir rumbles.
“You are right we have to kill this creature, whether we survive the attempt or not.” Surt growls.
“Good, as I said hold it as long as it takes.” I shout before running back to the bridge and reaching the top. I look out over the now scarred, burned, and shattered landscape of the battlefield. It will take many years before the earth recovers from this war, but if we win it will be worth it to rid the world of these arrogant godlings without the sense to see reason.
I look at Typhon using my sight and find the location of the creatures heart. Unlike the Olympians the beast appears to not have the same total protection, being vulnerable to any attacks that manage to pierce its hide. I take a deep breath and leap straight towards him casting the runes of speed and wind so that I soar at high speeds toward the creature. Then I cast, for the thousandth time in battle, the rune of sharpness on Gungnirs blade and then the rune of might to ensure I have the strength to pierce the skin of this demon. The final rune I cast is the rune similar to the wall of energy I use to shield myself but instead of a shield it creates alternating currents of energy along the blade edge of Gungnir further increasing the sharpness and the piercing ability of the blade. Suddenly lightning strikes and adds to the power I am putting in the blade. I look to see Thor raising his hammer to do just this and smile. Ymir freezes the slithering lower half of the creature and grabs one set of arms as his Frost Giants keep the tendrils frozen and then Surt grabs the other set of arms. The beast roars furiously and pushes out its chest in the action.
Gungnir hits the beast hide and there is a roar of explosive energy for a moment as I blast straight through the beast’s torso destroying its heart once and for all. I land clear of the corpse as it crashes to the ground shaking the earth for miles around. I stand and look straight at the Olympians that came to oversee the battle. The Olympian warriors stare with pure terror on their faces at the fallen beast as it dissolves into pure darkness till nothing is left. I can tell that they never anticipated this turn of events. The fall of one of their mightiest beings in one powerful and fatal strike.
Athena starts to call for a retreat but Ares in his fury bellows for the forces to charge forward and they do just that. I shake my head, the moral of their troops must be shaken beyond all belief, to make a fool move like declaring a charge when the tide of war is truly not in your favor and the obvious best move is a tactical retreat is as foolish as a leader can be. I raise Gungnir again and Heimdall sounds his horn of battle causing our forces to regroup for the counter attack. The infantry and monster forces clash once again and the children of Ares try to batter their way through the forces only to be swarmed and overwhelmed by the Light and Dark Elves. The rest of the Greek forces clash with the Honored Fallen and Dwarves and Giants.
Despite being overwhelmed Ares continues to refuse to allow the retreat of the Greek forces. I block attack after attack making my way towards the Olympians preparing to give them a chance to call an end to the battle for the time being and time to clear their dead from the battlefield. My fellow Asgardians continue to decimate the forces waging the battle against them. I reach the open area that the Olympians are standing in and slam Gungnir against the ground.
“Olympians, I am Odin Allfather of Asgard, your dead cover the battlefield and your forces are ragged, I offer you a chance to end the fighting for this day and tend to your wounded, know that this is not an offer made lightly. If you choose to accept it I would also wish to speak with those of you willing to speak of a peace between our realms.” I shout over the battle raging around me. I look around watching as some of the Greek Forces move in around me.
“Forces of Olympus, fallback and cease fighting, do not attack anymore.” Athena shouts raising her blade over the battlefield. The Greek forces stop attacking the forces of Asgard and fall back behind the Olympians. My fellow Asgardians come and stand beside me. Athena, Poseidon, Hades and Hera step forward to meet with me their counterparts in my Pantheon stepping forward with me to meet them we stop in the middle between our forces.
“Hello Odin of Asgard, I am Athena of Olympus, and my compatriots here are….” She gestures to her allies and I decide to give them reason to pause.
“Poseidon, god of the seas, Hades god of the underworld, and Hera Queen of Olympus, yes we have learned much of you in preparation for the seemingly inevitable conflict. I had hoped that by capturing the Hinds your king would see reason where before there was but madness. I now know it was folly to assume that he would. I give you a choice though, speak to your king, tell him that we are willing to allow Olympus to continue its existence if, and only if Zeus ends this foolish war. I do not make offers of peace very often, should Zeus fail to accept this offer and instead choose to continue with this war I will have no choice but to destroy him and all of Olympus with him.” I state firmly and stare Athena dead in the eye. I see some amount of hesitation in her before she speaks her next words. I also see the startled looks on the faces of the other Olympians.
“Uhm…yes…well you seem to have a great deal of knowledge in tactics and in how to parlay on top of your apparently extensive knowledge of us. How long are you willing to wait for us to discuss the potential treaty between our peoples?” I can hear a hint of nervousness in her voice as she speaks.
“I give you seven days to discuss this with your king Zeus. However, there is a price to this kindness, in order to ensure there is no treachery amongst our peoples I would like you to hand one of your number, one of your Twelve Olympians, over to us. We will ensure they are treated fairly, it is only a matter of making sure you don’t decide to betray us. I’m sure a fellow deity of wisdom and war such as yourself can understand am I correct Athena.” I say very calmly. She glances at her fellow Olympians for a moment contemplating it.
“Very well…..our goddess Aphrodite will remain in your care until then. I’m sure she won’t cause any trouble.” Athena grins as she says it thinking she has pulled a clever move placing a goddess capable of seducing others in our camp. Of course Freya will be able to cancel out Aphrodite if she tries anything. And this gives me an easy way to get an infiltrator into the Olympians forces.
“Very well, we’ll make sure she is well looked after. She will receive the best of care I assure you" I smile and shake Athena's hand as Aphrodite walks over and Thor Freya and Sif surround her.
"You had better or Zeus Wrath will be far worse than you can imagine" Athena says before she takes a small golden orb and smashes it on the ground. In an instant the Olympian Forces are gone in a flash of light. So, Hecate had set up an emergency failsafe in case she fell. Interesting, I will have to remember to study up on the spell she used for both the gate and the orb.

[GuardianAngel1911-Admin]

Chapter 7
I watch as Thor, Sif, and Freya escort the Greek goddess that Odin has taken hostage to ensure no treachery from the Olympians. Aphrodite, can't say I get her choice of battle clothing, a close to her body dress and some leather shoulder and torso armor, or chest armor anyway since it doesn't go down her whole upper body. I get the probably correct suspicion that I'm going to be wearing that dress in seven days. Knowing Odin, he'll want me to infiltrate and cause the havoc I promised. Which means I get to get to know this goddess, and from what I read up on while we were discussing the battle plans earlier I'm going to have my work cut out for me when it comes to not getting sick to my stomach between Ares and Hephaestus. Once they are out of earshot and Odin is walking back across the bridge I run up beside him.
"So I'm betting I'm going to have to fit into that dress aren't I my old friend." I ask looking at Odin once I'm beside him.
"If you want to, of course I won't tell you what to do when you aren't helping the cause but I do think you're being a female is becoming a habit." I see a smile form on Odin's bearded face. He's never let me live down ending up a pregnant mare.
"You know what I mean Odin, you want me to infiltrate Olympus disguised as the Olympian tramp. You realize the no harm can befall her while she's under your protection, and I'd have to do some harming to get all the knowledge I'd need like her effectively. It's no simple task to infiltrate a stronghold let alone effectively act as a member of their royal court." I say, and while it is true, we already know a lot about the Olympians it's not the same as knowing the full behavior of a particular individual, a person's nuances, attitude, body language, and more can change from moment to moment depending on the situation. It takes more than just the observation I have to get into her head, figure out how she thinks how she feels, every tiny detail that would be insignificant in any other instance would be enough for me to blow the whole infiltration. My preferred way to do this is to have a little fun with their head and screw with them until I learn what I need to know.
"I know, that’s why I only promised she would receive the best of care, I never promised her psyche or physical being to be intact. Besides, as will one day be a common saying, all is fair in love and in war. If it comes down to it Huginn and Muninn can help you with the information gathering they are as adept as you at entering the minds of others if not even more adept than you.” Odin smiles as he walks twirling Gungnir a bit.
“And if I am discovered while in Olympus what am I to do? I’m talented with runes but even I can’t overpower the entirety of Olympus.” I say, not that I expect to be found out but I like to have a contingency plan or two, preferably in the form of a hammer wielding lightning slinging god if I can manage it.
“I’ll prepare a little surprise should you require it. Besides, you’ll have to sneak out eventually to update me, that’s when I expect you to start wrecking the joint. I want Olympus to burn for this assault on our home. Find out their next move, light the place on fire and leave them to deal with it. Aphrodite is of minimal concern as long as she’s in our custody.” Odin says coldly. I get a bad feeling because of this, Odin is a great leader but sometimes he can be too sure of what future we’re heading towards.
“Okay Odin, send Huginn and Muninn to meet me in Aphrodite’s quarters then. I’ll get what I need out of her.” I say before walking towards her quarters, as I do I can’t help but grin. I haven’t gotten to pry into someones mind in a long, long time.

* * *
I walk towards the building Aphrodite is being kept in and can’t help looking at the many factions of the Asgardian armies that are tending their fallen. The Dwarven armies stand around bonfires singing songs of the deeds of their fallen comrades. The stocky bearded warriors all stand around five to five and a half feet tall not as short as some humans would believe though next to the nearly seven foot tall light or dark elves I can see how the illusion would be created. All of the Dwarves are stocky muscular little bastards though and they know how to fight, as well as get payback. I’ll never forget what happened when last I crossed a Dwarf.
My hand subconsciously touches the scars on my face as I pass the dwarf encampment and start passing the Dark Elf encampment. The tall slender pale skinned warriors stand around their fallen comrades chanting in their ancient language. I try not to stare too long as whatever ceremony they are performing is not meant to be watched by outsiders. Their culture is one of mystery and secrecy and they prefer not to let their customs be witnessed when avoidable. I look across the land to the encampment of their opposites, the Light Elves, or just Elves in some circles. Aside from lighter colored armors and light as opposed to dark hair and skin that doesn’t look like it’s never seen the sun the differences are minimal as far as actual appearance. Both groups are beautiful beyond anything in the mortal realm though in their own ways. The Light Elves bury their dead in a far more traditional manor however they also chant spells of protection over the graves.
After I get past those encampments I see the Giant encampments, in each encampment a portal is open to the homeland of the particular group of Giants. The Fire Giants chant ancient war songs as they send their fallen back into the eternal flames of Muspell. I smile seeing the flames, my element, my aspect. However I don’t have time to stare at fire, I have a mission to take care of. I take note of the Rock Giants burying their dead in their ancient burial mounds on the other side of their portal and the Frost Giants encasing their fallen in their monolithic glacial mausoleum as I finally get past the encampments. As I approach the small building Aphrodite is being kept in, Huginn and Muninn land on my shoulders.
“So, oh master of chaos and manipulation, why do you need our help exactly?” Huginn asks giving me a condescending look, or as much of one as a raven is capable of.
“You’re the representations of Thought and Memory and you’re just as good at getting into people’s heads as I am. I don’t know what to expect and if I can minimize the damage I do to her so much the better. I know what you two are capable of so I figured it would be for the best if you come in with me.” I say as I open the door to the structure and step in letting it close behind me. The moment I open the door I touch her mind with mine to see what thoughts are running through her head.
She’s scared, nervous, worried about what might happen. When she sees Huginn Muninn and I she becomes confused, wondering what we’re doing there wondering if we may be meant to interrogate her about the plans of the Olympians. She hasn’t the slightest inkling of what my true intentions are. So much the better though. The less chance she has to prepare her mental defenses the better. I walk up to the bed where she’s sitting and wave my hand pulling a chair towards me which I sit in almost as soon as it stops leaning against the back of the chair my arm resting on it.
“So, Aphrodite, goddess of love, and might I say that you are indeed quite the delicate flower…” I say running a finger along her jawline. She smacks my hand away violently. I notice she keeps her eyes away from mine, we’ll have to fix that if I’m going to pull this off.
“Do not put your hands on me wretch, you have no right. Only those whom I declare worthy may touch my radiance.” She snaps at me her voice has a deep power behind it, not the kind of power you expect from a younger god…more like that of an elder god. Damn should have paid a bit more attention to her information. Oh well I’ll find out all I need to know soon enough. I poke around in her memories a bit gently so she won’t notice and find something that will hit a huge nerve.
“Oh, that’s rich. The infamous whore of Olympus calling me a wretch. Sister I may be a lot of things, and I mean a lot, I’m a liar, a deceiver, a complete and utter lunatic who can become terrifyingly sane when he really wants to and the guy destined to bring about the end of our Nine Realms, but I never slept around with any of my wives…while I was with them. Unlike you little miss sleep around. Gotta give it to Hephaestus though, catching you two in the act and showing your little escapade to everyone in Olympus. Damn that…that right there is just classic. And that’s just so great of him to not act like an asshole about you cheating. He’s way too good for you honestly.” I grin as I see anger flash across her flawless face.
“How dare you presume to preach to me fool! You are beneath me in all ways I need not take this from one such as you…” Before she can finish that sentence her eyes lock with mine and I make my move. Forcing my way into her mind in that instant causing her to spasm and fall back onto the bed in pain, of course that’s the last thing I see before my view changes to the interior of her mind.
I find myself in what looks like a temple to passion and lust, a mental representation of Aphrodite’s temple no doubt. Elegant engravings and furnishings fill the space and the scent of many perfumes fills the air. I grin, and while I must admit the lavish temple is nice it’s not why I’m here, I’m here to get the information I need to impersonate her, likely she’s hiding somewhere though so I need to draw her out. I fling out my hands and ten lances of fire fly forth blasting holes in the floor and walls. Instead of blasts of debris and dust the areas struck vanish into a void of darkness.
“Oh little goddess come out come out wherever you are…Loki just wants to talk to you, get to know you a little better. I want every little detail of your life is all.” I slash my hand in a cutting motion towards a large bed with many curtains hanging around it and a blade of fire slices through it causing it to fall.
“I don’t think so treacherous swine, Olympus will not stand for this betrayal of trust. You shouldn’t have entered my mind alone it was a foolish mistake on your part to think you could take on an elder goddess, neigh a Titan, on your own.” She says her voice echoing from the deepest shadows. So I was right about her being more than a mere goddess, mental note bother to do some homework before attempted mind rape of beings from other pantheons. As I think this two guards in Greek hoplite armor charge forward from nowhere but stop two brilliant black and silver swords suddenly running through both their chests.
“Who said I was alone Aphrodite….” The corpses of the guards fall down revealing two pale skinned warriors in black and silver raven themed armor that could pass as twin sons of Odin. “…..Aphrodite let me reintroduce Huginn and Muninn, the Raven’s of my dear friend Odin and the representations of thought and memory. While in reality they are Ravens in this particular realm, the realm of the mind they can take on the appearance of their choice. Which in this case are these strapping young warriors that look like Odin’s sons.” I honestly crack a smile seeing that their forms are what they are. I’ve always known they looked up to Odin, everyone in the Pantheon does. I envy them, not knowing the feelings of his disappointed gaze upon them. They don’t know what it’s like to know you’ve betrayed him. What it’s like to betray your brother, I shake my head a bit and stop thinking those thoughts. “They’re here to help me with this little…operation to get into your head I hope you won’t mind their presence here. It’s not that I don’t want to be alone with you…so much as you don’t really want to be alone with me. But you’ll discover that fact soon enough…soon enough. Now stop with the shy gal game, we all know that’s not you Aphrodite. We all know you’re the kind who lets it all hang out in the open, so we can do this one of two ways. You let me have all the information I need voluntarily, and your mind doesn’t have to get holes punched in it. Or we do this the fun way and I can’t guarantee you’ll even have a mind when I’m done. It’s your choice deary. I hope you make the smart choice.” I grin looking around waiting for her to make her move. Huginn and Muninn watch nervously wondering what will happen. Wondering what she’ll do.
I almost don’t have to pay attention to the attack to see it coming. The dagger flies towards my head crossing the twenty feet from her hiding spot to my temple in not even half a second. If not for my reflexes it wouldn’t matter that I expected it as I catch it between my fingers. My head snaps towards where the knife came from as I smirk.
“Gottcha fun way it is.” I sling the knife back towards her sending tendrils of fire behind it, the blast through series of curtains and rip her forward as they vanish into flames. I grab her head when she gets to me and start ripping the entirety of her knowledge from her head. “You should have done it the easy way Olympian. Your mind wouldn’t have to be destroyed. I have to say though, I enjoy this way much, much more…” I start laughing a bit unable to control myself fire burning her flesh burning deeper into her mind ripping the knowledge from her.
“Stop this…you…you monster. Get out…of my head!” She screams ripping her arm free and swinging her fist at me launching me into a pillar which is pulverized into dust before becoming nothing. One thing about the mental plane just because it’s mental doesn’t mean it’s not reality. Laws of the universe are laws of the universe. And they hurt. I stand up and see the ground cracked under her for twenty feet around where she braced herself for that swing.
“Nice right hook, but your dancing with a guy who’s been smacked around by Thor. Your small fish to him sister. But you wanna dance Aphrodite, we’ll dance.” Huginn and Muninn get on either side of her and hold up their swords. I dash to the side flinging fire at her and she leaps backwards dodging between Huginn and Muninn’s blurring blades. As she twirls in and out of their blows dodging gracefully she draws a dagger and a whip from her dress blocking Huginn’s blade with the dagger as she dodges Muninn and wraps the whip around his neck with a fluid motion.
When Huginn sees that pure rage enters his eyes and he slams his elbow into her eye causing her to loosen her grip on Muninn giving him a chance to sweep her legs. As she falls I make my move and tackle her to the floor and start stealing her memories and mind again Huginn and Muninn take a hold of her arms and legs to hold her down. She struggles against them and does what she can to not let me rip her memories from her mind. I can feel her drawing on more of her power as we fight to hold her. I know what she might do if we keep this up, her best bet will be her aspect the full power of a god unleashed when a god is at their absolute strongest and their most vulnerable.
No sooner do I think it then her form starts to change, the skin of the humanoid form gods take flakes away revealing a vibrant violet light. A smell starts permeating the air, and aphrodisiac, pheromones. Apt for the goddess of love I suppose but it’s not good for us. Especially not right now, not in a war. I might be able to resist her, but Huginn and Muninn, they aren’t like me and besides that their more valuable. Huginn and Muninn are important, and if nothing else they can warn Odin about this if I am brainwashed. I need to get them out of here.
“Huginn Muninn, she’s going into her aspect. You two need to get out of here, I’ll do what I can but if she only gets one of us the others can warn Odin. Besides, you two are important, you’re Odin’s eyes and ears. I’m someone Asgard can exist without.” I shout at them as a powerful swirling wind starts to roar through this chamber.
“Loki what are you talking about? We can help you, the three of us combined…” Muninn starts to say.
“Dammit you stupid bird this is not up for discussion. As the blood brother of Odin Borson, the Lord and King of Asgard I Loki order you to evacuate and prepare to warn your king of the worst.” I shout angrily, but it’s not completely anger, its fear. Fear that I have arrogantly led myself into the hands of doom by underestimating this Olympians abilities. Fear that I may in fact lead the end of Asgard, by being the first of many to underestimate them. But may the Norns themselves be damned if I’ll sooner die before leading the Olympian forces against my friends and family, and I’ll take this bitch with me when I go, one way or another.
“Loki you can’t do tha…” Huginn starts to say, Aphrodite’s humanoid shell ripping to shreds.
“Both of you get out of here and do your sworn duty to inform Odin of any events or so help me I will roast you both to cinders on purpose. Now go, you do your duty, and I’ll do mine. I know what I’m doing now don’t make me order you again.” I shout summoning my power, my fire, my own aspect my skin shattering as fire erupts from it. They nod at me looking each other in the eyes before vanishing from her mind. As my flesh burns away replaced by fire I’m blasted back by a pulse of power and she stands up a glowing violet humanoid giving off intense waves of burning passion and attractiveness that’s nigh unto a blackhole.
“Foolish Asgardian, did you truly think you would be able to defeat me, Aphrodite the goddess of love, Titan daughter of Uranus. My power is beyond that of a mere godling.” She shouts her voice echoing with a legion of identical voices. She swings her whip and it strikes me in the side as I dodge and launches me back as an ear shattering bang erupts around the entire whip. I wince a bit but just stand up laughing my voice taking on a similar legion of Loki’s echo as I laugh.
“You’re underestimating me now Dite, you’re not the only god with an aspect, and blaze of fire trumps blaze of passion. So if we’re cutting loose I might as well burn the palace to the ground.” My form erupts into pure flame as I become a being of pure fire. “Now bring it on Aphrodite, let’s see what you got.” I surge forward and strike at her with thousands of fiery spears formed from where my arm was moments ago. She dodges but gets clipped in the arm by some of the flames small amounts of glowing violet blood flying from her arm as thin needlepoint cuts appear and cauterize on her aspect forms arm. She swings her whip at me and I catch it by creating a fiery whip with my other arm. She pulls me towards her and slams her fist into where my torso was my fiery whip releases her but she winces and pulls back her slowly healing hand coated in burning orange blood from striking into my body. I stagger back as my wound patches itself up slowly while I call upon more fire and we start circling each other slowly the ground shattering under our footsteps.
I watch her motions waiting for the slightest sign of a possible attack. I notice her right arm tense a bit and dodge just in time as daggers formed of a bright violet energy fly toward me cast by her hand as she thrusts it out towards me and then spins towards me her whip coated in swirling violent violet energy I dodge between the blows becoming more and more the chaotic fires as I separate and reform my being between the blurring whip. The world seems to slow down as I move faster and faster wincing as the energy occasionally hits me and feels like it strips some of my being and free will away from me. Then I reach where she is mostly unharmed and I take advantage of her shock and ram a fiery lance through her abdomen followed by a fiery fist slamming into her fist launching her back off the lance obliterating the wall thirty feet behind her. She quickly gets up the wounds knitting back together slowly as she vanishes running with incredible speed. Suddenly I feel a knife in the area of my abdomen where my ribs would be outside of my aspect form. I wince feeling the burning orange energy seep from me. I quickly decide to take advantage of my abilities and reform myself into a standing twelve foot tall bear facing her and roar at her sending out a blast of white flames at her as I do. She dodges around behind me and strikes my back with the whip. I spin and strike her with blazing claws ripping open her abdomen. She staggers backwards then slams her hand through my jaw up the top of my head. I
I roar in pain and change my form to an enormous blazing snake of bright blue fire and wrap around her constricting her. I start drawing the remaining info from her as I hold her giving into the chaos of the flames as I do until the entire space we are in becomes blue flames hotter than anything the mortal earth has ever witnessed trapping her in a sphere of blue flame as I get what I need. She struggles striking at the flames where she can but she can’t destroy what is all around her. Pure power of wild uncontrollable chaotic flames, the fires of chaos itself. She starts drawing more of her power into herself becoming a shining beacon in the flames and striking destroying huge swaths of them as she becomes the violet energy of passion as much as I am the fires of chaos.
I struggle against her focusing on getting the information I need without becoming consumed by her aspect and without consuming her into mine. The last thing I need is to be Loki god of mischief and love. I just need a few seconds more. I need to get the last few details of what happened just after the Titanomachy, their war with the Titans, there are a couple of deeply guarded details. That’s all I need, just that last set of details. I feel the waves of the love and passion aspect that is Aphrodite trying to overpower me and the fires of chaos. I unleash more power as the two forces collide like mountains colliding. If I can just hold out a little longer this will be worthwhile, I can’t beat her in a full blown confrontation like this, I realize that now. But I can stall her and then escape if I hold out a few moments longer.
To one outside all they would see is a swirling ball of chaotic blue fire and violet light, though a mortal may not even see that. In actuality it is me and Aphrodite grappling at a level of speed and power no mortal could view let alone comprehend. Me the embodiment of fire, mischief chaos a figure of blazing blue fire and her the embodiment of love passion and lust a figure of brilliant violet light. Two forces so vast that a world is but a speck against them and yet we two gods embody them as we fight inside Aphrodite’s mind, as we claw for survival, dominance and power, though I don’t need to win, I just need to be sure I don’t lose.
In the last microseconds of the fight I do it I unlock the memory and copy it into my own mind. I try to pull out of her mind but by this time her aspect has latched onto mine trying to force my submission to her. I fight back and try to pull away. Then I decide a different approach. My aspect slams into her elbowing her in the gut so to speak as the pure fire of chaos focuses itself on one point of the mammoth power of an elder goddess, I may not be able to throw around more power, but I can push her off balance and get away, though it will likely be a bit of a rough exit. I feel the aspect of Aphrodite loose it’s chokehold on me and then there’s a blinding flash like an explosion. My body is thrown back outside of the small hut as I snap back from the battle in her mind and land on my back outside. I see the night sky above me stars spinning as I struggle to regain my sense.
I pull myself up and see Aphrodite knocked out inside the hut, her body showing the struggles of our conflict. I look down at my clenched left hand and open it holding a small sphere of dim violet energy. A small shard of Aphrodite’s aspect, something I may need to prove who I am to the Olympians, assuming I can actually pull this off. My body feels as if Surt has bodyslammed me my sides burning with the wounds of the battle with Aphrodite, though I was able to heal them the injuries cut deep. I feel the lashes of the whip, the bruises from her fists, the deep wounds inflicted by the dagger. I rub my jaw wincing, feeling the blow through my skull and trying not to think about what would have happened if I had been in a form other than my aspect.
“I see you managed to survive your confrontation with Aphrodite then Loki?” I hear a stern Odin say behind me. His voice is a bit cold, I wonder if he’s going to listen when I tell him what I found.
“Yes, we seem to have underestimated the powers of the Olympians. I’m afraid that we may need to rethink our strategies if we wish to win the final confrontation.” I say trying to ignore my body screaming to take a nap before it falls apart.
“Loki we’ll discuss the need if there is one when you get back, now go, infiltrate Olympus. Tell them I decided to release you in a gesture of good faith, and take this.” He hands me a small blue sphere smaller than an eyeball with runes engraved on it. “Also be sure to take that small gold sphere around Aphrodite’s neck, it’s not a necklace pendant.”
“Right I know it’s a smaller version of the thing Athena broke I know all that but Odin, my friend, you must listen to me. The Olympians hold far more power than we have yet seen and we need to plan. This shouldn’t wait.” I almost beg him at this point. He hasn’t seen what I’ve seen. He’s been too busy plotting to destroy the Olympians through many manipulative moves, he’s caught up in the plotting. It’s a mistake he’s made before, but it’s one that can’t be made now.
“Loki, I know you have seen inside the mind of an Olympian, that you fought with her aspect. But we cannot put off the steps of our plan. You must infiltrate Olympus, discover their next move, for I know Zeus won’t surrender, rather out of arrogance or pride he will never allow a threat to his power exist. Find their next move, and come back as soon as you can. If anything should go wrong, break that stone I gave you. Have faith my friend. You are more than capable of this task. Now go, complete your task and we will begin planning our next move. I won’t hear another word against this so go my friend, and may the Norns favor you on your journey.” He says clapping my shoulder a bit before walking back towards his hall.
I let out an exasperated sigh and change my form to that of Aphrodite’s my clothes becoming identical to hers. I walk into the hut and take the necklace from around her neck and put it on. I turn to the mirror on the wall and see the goddess Aphrodite looking back at me. It’s eerie though, seeing my eyes in her head. Or is it more that it’s eerie seeing her with my eyes. Either way I quickly remember that I have to modify my eyes to become hers. I blink a few times and check to make sure there are no traces of me left in any detail of her form, or my form I should think.
I do a quick twirl watching myself in the mirror then turn and leave the hut. I walk out to an area where no one will see me just to be safe and to be sure no one thinks Aphrodite escaped. Then I take the sphere out of its setting in the necklace and hold it in my hand. I think for a second and remember how to use it. Unlike the large one Hecate made this one where you speak your destination then break it in your hand. Simple enough instructions I suppose. I close my hand around the sphere.
“Take me to Olympus.” I say crushing the sphere in my hand. I feel a rush of energy and see a golden tunnel rush past me as the spell does its work. I close my eyes and do my best not to get disoriented. Then I feel myself stop and open my eyes, to see Zeus four feet in front of me looking me dead in the eyes.

[GuardianAngel1911-Admin]

Chapter 8
“Aphrodite, why have you returned to Olympus? Have these….gods of Asgard gone back on their word?” Zeus asks looking at me, his voice sounds different though. Not the angry smite you in an instant voice I’ve heard him use in the past, but the tempered level headed voice of a brilliant leader, the voice of a king.
“No Lord Zeus, quite the contrary in fact, the Asgardians chose to let me leave in a gesture of good faith. They were quite kind towards me however their king decided he should help your decision by releasing me.” I say in Aphrodite’s voice. Without turning my head I glance at the other Olympians and notice two absent from the gathering, Poseidon and Athena. Their absence gives me a feeling of foreboding, and that their answer may have already been sent. I also realize that without Athena here I may not be able to easily draw out talk of strategy, still I have to keep faith. I can get one of the others alone, maybe loosen their lips with some wine or mead, get them talking to me. Ares is probably the best bet for that, course I dread to think what else I may have to do in order to get him talking.
“So sweetheart, back in Olympus, good maybe we can spend some time together tonight after all” Ares says almost as if he read my mind when I thought about dreading what I’d have to do for him, guy wastes no time I guess. Course he does treat Aphrodite like his favorite plaything. Least I can draw on her knowledge to know how she’d respond in this situation.
“Ares, I was held prisoner by another pantheon, well kept or not I am far from in the mood for fooling around between that and the war. And as one of the heads of our army you should be keeping your eyes on the battle and not my chest.” I snap at him in Aphrodite’s voice. He recoils a bit from my quick response and turns his attention back on Zeus and Hades who are discussing something under their breaths. I watch their lips and gather that they are talking about some kind of council of the three kings to discuss opening a gate of some kind. I note a specific location being said, a Mount Othrys. I do a quick search through Aphrodite’s memories and find the one that has Mount Othrys mentioned.
I do what I can to not let fear crawl over my face as I remember what Mount Othrys is. The home of the Titans, the elder gods of the Greek lands, and their base of operations during the Titanomachy. A mountain larger than Olympus itself, at the top of it is their Citadel and within the mountains core is held a gateway. This gate leads to the part of Tartarus where the Titans aside from Atlas are imprisoned with Atlas being chained atop the citadel as a reminder of what happens when you invade the palace of Olympus. The gate to Tartarus can only be opened by five gods, Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, Helios, and Aphrodite, looks like I’ll need that piece of her aspect after all. The only reason Zeus would be talking about Mount Othrys though is if he was planning to release the Titans though. Damn it all to Hel why couldn’t Odin give me a way to communicate with him in case I needed to warn him before the seven days are up? Not that I need a full seven days anymore but it would be nice to send word to him that it’s about to get ugly. As I contemplate this development Zeus stands again clearing his throat to get everyone’s attention.
“My fellow Olympians, I have discussed it with my brother Hades, we will convene the Council of Three Kings when Poseidon returns in order to discuss the possible need to….release the Titans and their forces.” When he says it there’s a tremor of fear through the other eight Olympians and I allow myself to tremble in fear at the idea of those monsters being released. I see the memories of the war, the bloodshed, the destruction, the sheer horror of the Titanomachy. I snap myself out of it before I get lost in memories not my own and go back to focusing on the conversation.
“Are you sure about this Lord Zeus, releasing the Titans may seal our doom instead of saving us from destruction. They aren’t exactly on good terms with us.” Artemis says, her voice which from what I gather would normally be full of confidence is shaken.
“Artemis is right Lord Zeus the Titans are too dangerous, they cannot be allowed to wreak havoc across the land and we have no guarantee that they won’t join our enemies just so they can have their revenge upon us.” I say out of genuine worry, not because I believe they would join us but because I fear they may be inclined, like the various races of the Nine Realms, to join the Olympians in order to survive.
“Your fears are well noted Artemis, Aphrodite, but this is no longer a war we can win on our own.” Zeus says looking at each of us. “On this day we stand on the doorstep of destruction because of my own arrogance, I thought I was unstoppable, that I knew better than those around me. The recent battle struck that pride and reminded me that I was not always the most powerful of the gods, nor will I always be the most powerful. I freed many of you that are my siblings and more from the belly of my father, Cronus, King of the Titans. You stood beside me as we decided to go to war against them and trap them in Tartarus so that they could no longer plague us. You stood beside me as the armies of Olympus and Othrys clashed on the field of combat and forged Greece into the realm it is today. I ask you again brothers and sisters, and I ask you my children, and my elders, stand beside me in this war. If we should have to release the Titans then stand by me in this decision, stand alongside me as we fight this new war. Do not fight for me, do not fight because I command you to, fight for your home. Fight for OLYMPUS!” Zeus raises his hand in the air forming a bolt of lightning in it as the others shout Olympus with him. I shout it as well to keep up appearances.
“Now….in honor of Aphrodite returning to us safely, and in our hopeful victory against our foes…we shall have a banquet. It shall be prepared in an hour, until then rest, we may need to go into battle against our foes at any moment.” Zeus says motioning that we may leave the chamber.
The other Olympians rise and start walking off to their own temples, I weigh my options of who might be the best to pump for information, and despite my reservations of what may occur I decide to go with Ares. I quickly rise and go down the hallway I saw him go down, though not in any particular rush, all that would do is raise suspicion of the others should they see me. Especially since I feel eyes on the back of my neck, I glance behind me very cautiously and casually, but see no one. Putting my fears aside for the time being, I continue walking until I see Ares walking into a side room. Wishing I could take a swig of mead to steel my nerves, or that I could allow my sanity to fade away, so that consequences and fear could no longer plague me. But I can’t do that, not even for an instant, I have to keep myself grounded in order and sanity so I can keep up the charade no matter how great the fear of the Titans or my foreboding about what it will take to make Ares talk, or if the feeling of being watched means anything whatsoever. I take a deep breath and step into the room.
“Oh, Ares darling, I was wondering if you could inform me of what has taken place in my..absence..” I stop speaking not seeing him in the immediate room. As I scan the room I realize it’s not just any random room in the Palace but Ares quarters. Trying to keep my disgust at the idea of being alone in here with Ares in my stomach with my lunch I scan the small room full of weapons, metal furnishings, and one single door. I start to turn to see if he’s in one of the corners to the sides when his arm wraps around me from behind pulling me uncomfortably tightly to his breastplate.
“Well well, I suppose you couldn’t keep your hands off after all.” Ares says, with a tone in his voice that makes me regret setting foot in here. I struggle to push his arm away some as I ready a response based on similar situations Aphrodite has found herself in.
“You overgrown oaf is there wool in your ears? I told you I wanted to know if you could tell me what strategies and other things have been discussed while I was in the custody of our enemies.” I say finally pushing his arm away enough to slip out of his grip only for him to grab my wrists in one hand. Damn is he really this strong? I’m actually using my abilities to draw on Aphrodite’s strength and still I’m struggling against one of his freaking arms.
“Oh come now Dite, we both know you aren’t really interested in the strategies, why don’t we just skip the build up here and go straight to the climax.” Ares says in that tone again and I remember he and Aphrodite have played this little game before, and not always Aphrodite’s idea or more than her just giving into her aspect. I also decide that I will never give Freya a hard time, or make snide remarks about her position as the goddess of love ever again, assuming I make it out of this alive.
“Ares I told you earlier I’m not in the mood for this nor am I playing this game with you again, now please get this through your thick boarheaded skull and let go of my wrists, you’re hurting me.” I say trying not to panic trying to figure out a way out of this, but there isn’t one without blowing my cover. My heartbeat increases, I feel sweat running down my cheek, my pupils dilating in fear. He’s not going to listen to me, I have three options, try to fight without my Asgardian powers using only Aphrodite’s strength and lose, play along and hope I can fool him, or blow my cover and hope I can escape.
“Oh, Aphrodite, we both know this game’s your favorite….” Ares starts to continue but a shadow appears in the doorway.
“Dear nephew, I believe you are overstepping your boundaries, Aphrodite is clearly traumatized by her ordeal and not in the mood for your usual antics. While Poseidon and Zeus may condone forcing themselves on a woman, should you not release my aunt in the next five seconds I will sever all five appendages protruding from your body.” I hear the cold calculating voice of Hades and do everything I can not to cry out in joy that he showed up. I thank the Norns that the only decent one of the three kings of Olympus walked by. I also realize he must have been the one following me.
“All five..what do you….” Ares takes a moment realizing what Hades meant and quickly releases me and backs away. I look at my slightly bruised wrists making a mental note to pay the bastard back in full the first chance, I get then I rush over to Hades side standing slightly behind him noticing his sword is actually out.
“Thank you Hades…truly you are a gentleman….I hope you take this lesson to heart Ares. Also, remember, paybacks a bitch.” I add the last part without thinking but neither Ares nor Hades seem to notice it.
“Not a problem my dear aunt, now, unless you have more to discuss with Ares I will happily discuss the recent developments with you until time for the banquet to start.” Ares says keeping his sword pointed at Ares. I ponder his offer for a moment but due to the risk of trying to deal with Ares potentially breaking my cover I don’t ponder long.
“It would be an honor my Lord Hades.” I say putting a slight smile on my, Aphrodite’s face and burying the memories of what just transpired down below the memories of snake acid dripping on my face. Trying to put this incident behind me would normally take time, but sadly I don’t have time anymore. Still I find my hands shaking even thinking of the memories.
“Please my dear Aunt Aphrodite, you need not call me Lord Hades, we are equals as far as I am concerned.” He sheathes his sword as he says it and turns away from Ares and motioning down the hallway. “Let us away now.” I nod and start walking with him quickly moving right beside me.
“Do forgive Ares, you know how he gets in wartime, his lusts blur together like the vision of one who has partaken of too much wine.” Hades says in the same tone, is this his normal tone then, if so then he truly is a very collected individual.
“I will…do my best to….I..haven’t gotten much sleep since before the battle….so much loss so much pain….so much….” I start shaking memories of terror and horror flooding my mind a torrent that I struggle to keep under control.
“Fear….yes it’s not uncommon for one so unaccustomed to the battlefield as yourself to feel the feelings you are currently suffering through. Sometimes it’s so deep even their souls are tainted by it, I’ve seen many a warrior in Hades scream randomly while memories of a battle flooded their minds. It’s why many are not put into my army of undead, they are to chaotic, too likely to snap in the middle of battle and fall apart.” As he says it I manage to pull myself together and stop the tremors spreading through my body. That explains it then, Aphrodite is suffering this, and I’m suffering it by proxy through her memories.
“Fear….that’s one way to put it Hades….there is definitely a fear of death in my heart now…..you saw the way Hecate died…..even the gods don’t live forever….” I start to lose sight of if it’s me or Aphrodite talking now, I do fear death, I have for a long time. I didn’t want to die in that hole in the ground strapped to a boulder by my son Narvi’s entrails. Alone in the dark, the only thing that kept me from acknowledging that fear was when my wife, Sigyn, came and stayed by my side. She couldn’t free me without repercussions from Odin and I don’t blame her for not when it’s my own fault, the fact she stayed with me after our son Vali was turned into a wolf, bloodlusted into killing his brother and left to die as a mindless beast speaks volumes. Now once again I’m alone with death hanging over me, and she is further away than ever.
“You seem troubled my dear aunt, more troubled than any goddess of love and lust deserves to be. I suggest that you skip the wine and just go rest once you are done eating. I doubt you’re in any state to take part in a loud celebration.” Hades says, a hint of compassion entering his otherwise unchanging tone.
“Thank you Hades….I will take your advice under consideration….you are right there is much on my mind now….that’s for later though, so, what has been discussed while I was gone?” I say forcing my mind clear of distracting thoughts.
“There was much discussed on why the battle failed…many of our fellows were shocked by the fall of Typhon, but I convinced them to not worry about it, after all, I am the shepherd to all souls. Even those of creatures such as Typhon.” Hades says a slight smirk crossing his face, the same kind of smirk I get when I’ve thought up a truly devious scheme. I never thought that I would feel so much dread at the sight of that smirk.
“You mean…..you have added Typhon to your army of the undead?” I try to sound more curious than scared out of my sanity and insanity both at the same time.
“You are correct, why let such a valuable resource remain in the grave. In fact, he is more powerful in death than he ever was in life.” Hades says laughing in a slightly dark manner.
“More powerful…..I find it hard to believe the monster that defeated Zeus in a fair fight could get more powerful my dear nephew.” I manage to sound impressed, even though every fiber of my being is trying to scream in absolute horror. It took four of the most powerful beings in the Nine Realms working in tandem to put Typhon down. And now he is an undead monstrosity more powerful than before, my bodies tremors return at the mere thought of such horror.
“Yes, it is hard to believe, I must say I was less than humble on the inside when I saw how impressed Zeus was with the development. Hecate.....sadly could not be returned to us, her essence and soul were destroyed utterly by the Hind Blood. That is one loss we will not be able to recover from. It will take her children twice as long to pull off even the simplest of her enchantments, let alone how long they will need to do the complicated enchantments to give our troops swift movement to battle, or open portals across the distance. It is truly a logistical dilemma, Athena said she would put her full efforts into making a solution to this when she returns. Hopefully she can work out a solution.” Hades says going back to his completely composed tone.
“Agreed, let us hope…something can be done about this issue…” I say my mind getting lost wondering how I might be able to take advantage of the logistics problem while I’m here, so I’ll tuck that fact away for later tonight.
“Aphrodite, is something wrong?” Hades say, I realize I hesitated while I was speaking due to my mind contemplating how to use that information.
“Oh, sorry, I was….just thinking about….your sword.” I say the first semi plausible thing I can think of. “I just….well for some reason I started trying to remember how you got it and….I couldn’t seem to remember.” Which isn’t a lie, I can’t find any memories involving Hade’s sword.
“Ah, well I wouldn’t expect you to remember, you hadn’t yet come to Olympus yet when I was crowned king of the underworld. The blade was a gift from Thanatos, an unsurprising gift from the one who brings death to all in Greece. The blade can sever the soul of the one I strike should I choose to do so, allowing me to end a duel in a single blow if I so wish.” He says as we take a turn into a large room, I suddenly pay attention to the room while contemplating if he let Thor win or not and realize we’ve arrived in a banquet hall, with the other Olympians, other minor Greek gods, and various heroes and servants seated for the feast.
“Very interesting…I had no idea you and Thanatos were so friendly at one point….” I say honestly again, considering there are no memories of any of the Olympians and Thanatos being friends. In fact, Aphrodite has never even paid attention to Thanatos’s appearance, I can’t put a face or even a body to the deity to save my life. I decide to just ask Hades about Thanatos presence once I’m seated. “And I notice Thanatos is not here either.”
“No….and I’m not friendly with Thanatos, no Olympian has ever gotten close to death, probably because Thanatos is like death cold…..empty….harsh. We fear Thanatos as much as the mortals….” Hades says sitting beside me.
I start to ponder this when suddenly an icy wind blows through the hall. Zeus looks at two large doors on the opposite end from where Hades and I came in, two massive intricately carved doors stand at the end. My body shakes as my long blonde hair is blown by the breeze several golden strands dividing my view of the door. I brush them away annoyed and rub my arms, the chill going to the marrow of my bones. My fear, the fear of dying rises in my throat and I feel like turning and running. My mind telling me that if I run fast enough death cannot catch me, it’s a lie I know but it’s the most convincing lie I’ve ever heard.
The doors shake and there’s a loud knocking, three knocks in rapid succession repeating three times. As the third knock of the third set ends the massive doors swing open as if Thor and Ymir were bursting in. A lone figure stands in the door, a figure in dark armor and hood, wielding a massive axe, with the reverse side being a scythe that sends a tremor of fear through my heart. My heart races and I fight the urge to scream until my voice and heart stop. My mind goes into shutdown with a single all encompassing thought filling me like the icy waters of Nifleheim. Death stands before me.

[GuardianAngel1911-Admin]

Chapter 9
Fear keeping me frozen in my seat I manage to glance and looks of fear on the faces of other Olympians that cannot be that much different from my own face. The armored figure of death steps forward slowly into the room. I catch a glimpse under the hood, an armored mask carved into a demonic face covers the face of whomever is under it. I try to compose myself as the being sweeps its free hand in front of it causing the doors to slam shut with enough force to shake the room.
“Olympians……” A cold voice tainted by magic changed and altered to be unrecognizable as anything god or mortal or monster speaks from under the hood. “I, Thanatos, have decided to join you here. I have not yet decided if I shall join in your petty squabble with foreign gods, but I felt my presence here could be most appropriate. If Zeus manages to prove as ineffective as he has thus far much longer that is.” Thanatos says.
I would laugh at this last part were it not taking all my power to keep myself from screaming in panic. I try to push the fear down to the deepest parts of my soul but I cannot manage. I feel Thanatos’s eyes on me though I cannot see eyes under the hood. I feel as though they are not looking at Aphrodite but at Loki. Is it possible this being can see through my disguise? Could Thanatos be so powerful as to be able to see through my sorcery, if so, perhaps Athena won’t need to come up with a plan to get around the loss of Hecate. Only a powerful magic could alter a voice so, and only powerful magic would allow one to see through my disguise.
“Thanatos…..what an……unexpected surprise…..your presence is of course welcome here. I do hope you would see fit to join us in our conflict but I understand if you…..have reservations about joining us…..please take a seat.” Zeus says a bit of nervousness entering his voice. Norns above what the Helheim does that mean if Zeus is hesitant to speak to this entity. I glance at the other gods again and as I do I have to hide a small scream as a mild cough as I realize the only open seat is on my other side.
Thanatos walks over towards me lowering the hood to reveal long shimmering white hair, hair white as bone. My full view of the hideous mask makes my stomach want to retch. The features shaped in the metal something only one steeped in death could imagine. I notice Thanatos’s head seems smaller without the hood up, or smaller than I initially thought though it could be just a trick of the eyes. I watch as this embodiment of death lays its weapon against the wall then steps over to the table and starts undoing the straps of leather, or I hope its leather, holding on the mask. The three straps one on each side and one the top of the head somewhat hidden by the bone white hair. I watch my body tensing up expecting any number of things, thousands of gruesome imagining’s of just what kind of hideous rotting face is hidden by this mask. As Thanatos takes the mask off I take an instant to blink readying myself for the visage of Death itself. I take a deep breath and then open my eyes.
The face I see is not the face of a monster, not the face of death, not the face of the cold. Thanatos true face is the pure opposite of her dark mask. Her skin is a soft pale white, eyes a vibrant pink, seeming out of place amongst her light skin and bone white hair. She has gentle soft features, and a warm inviting look upon her face. The contrast to what I expected cannot be described. This goddess so feared by the gods of Olympus, is a beautiful being, and yet, even I felt fear at her presence. I realize it’s not Thanatos herself that is feared, but her power, death. Strange to think one who seems so much an embodiment of life would be the master of death. Then again, that voice tainted by darkness, is this perhaps but an illusion to make me not fear her.
“Thanatos, you look well….how are things in the Realm of Death?” I say almost not realizing it.
“Aphrodite? You giving anyone a compliment on how they appear? Truly the Twilight of Olympus must be upon you all if Aphrodite is giving out compliments.” Thanatos says in her true voice, a soft gentle caring voice warm and full of life. So, the mask created an illusion to mask her true voice, much like the magics I use when shape shifted to sound like the one I’m impersonating. It doesn’t change my initial summation of her magical talents, it anything it gives me more reason to fear her ability to see through my disguise.
“Hardly, Aphrodite has just been through a lot, being held hostage by those barbarians, I doubt she’ll keep acting the way she has for long.” Hera says taking a drink from her goblet.
“Hmmmm, perhaps so, I see no enchantments upon her, nor signs that she is anyone but Aphrodite.” Thanatos grins slightly at me and turns her attention to Zeus. Could she really not see through me, perhaps I’ve overestimated her based on a single complex enchantment. “So, Zeus, lost Typhon in the engagement due to your arrogance, lucky your brother Hades can cover that loss isn’t it, without him being able to resurrect Typhon you’d look like a bigger inept oaf than usual.” The tone in her voice is one of unmistakable mockery. I watch Zeus closely as I take a sip of the wine, have to say I prefer mead it’s a stronger drink. Zeus eyes flash with power and I can feel a surge of power in the air, yet he hesitates to speak. This is dinner party is getting interesting, and I’m not even having to lift a finger.
“My judgment was clouded Thanatos, simply put I was a fool. I would prefer it if you did not disrespect me in my own kingdom.” Zeus says, the tone of anger starting to return to his voice. My eyes flash between the two gods, the other Olympians eating but watching as well uncertain of what to do.
“Oh Zeus, you both know respect must be given before it is earned, and over the years you’ve given me less respect than you give the women you rape.” Thanatos says, ripping the leg off the roasted bird in front of her violently, I hear Hera laugh some at that comment. I watch Thanatos as she looks at Zeus, she has a calm serene look on her face as she takes the bite watching Zeus come up with a retort.
“Thanatos if you came here only to insult me I suggest you leave this instant before I turn you into a smoldering crater in the floor, I am not in the mood for…..” There’s a flash of motion beside me as Zeus speaks, I barely register it as Thanatos moving. In less than a quarter of a second she has crossed the twenty feet between herself and Zeus and put a dagger to his throat.
“Hear me Lord Zeus do not presume to command the Master of Death. I let you live as a matter of principle. You have no power over one whose power rivals your own. I will speak however I see fit when I see fit.” Thanatos snarls coldly. My eyes widen in shock, if her power truly rivals that of Zeus it is no wonder the Olympians fear her. Ares rises from his seat drawing his sword but without even turning towards him Thanatos notices. “Don’t even think about it war god, or war will finally end in death.” Thanatos steps away from Zeus and tosses the dagger at Hermes embedding the blade next to his face on the chair. “There’s your dagger back.”
“How did you…..” Hermes pulls the dagger out of the chair glancing at Thanatos and at her seat ten feet away from him in the opposite direction of Zeus and back to Thanatos. I smirk slightly, so this is the speed of one of the most powerful beings on Olympus. Something to note, and be wary of should I need to flee from here. Thanatos just smirks as she returns to her seat the gods she passes on the way flinching as if expecting to be struck down. Upon Thanatos taking her seat Hades stands up raising his goblet and tapping a knife against it.
“Well….if that’s out of the way, I would like to propose a toast, to Aphrodite’s recovery from her ordeal, and to my younger brothers hopeful victory over our enemies in his battle against their sea god.” Hades says raising his goblet. I stand smirking at the fact I won’t have to lie with this.
“To Our Victory.” I shout raising my goblet, the other Olympians rising as well and raising their goblets. I notice Thanatos looking at me and smirking. Something in my mind feels unsettled by the look, as if she knows that I don’t mean the victory of Olympus. But she said she saw nothing out of the ordinary with me. So there’s no way, at least no way that I know of. I watch her just out of the corner of my eye as I take my seat once again.
The feast continues fairly normally, for an Olympian feast I suppose, none of the boisterous song, and bragging of an Asgardian feast, the random fights breaking out between overly drunk gods. Never thought I’d miss it but, truly a feast without the trappings of Asgardian culture truly feels empty. After a few hours of mild chatting Hades and Persephone excuse themselves for the night and leave the banquet hall. I raise an eyebrow slightly at this but am in no position to question the habits of what seems to be the only truly happily married couple I’ve seen so far on Olympus. I find myself lost in thought wondering how the battle between Poseidon’s forces and Aegir’s is going, how Asgard is holding up. If I’ll ever return to the ones I’ve come to call family, ever return to my wife.
“So Aphrodite, held by the enemy only to be released in a gesture of good faith, one that was meaningless due to Poseidon and Athena’s attack. You must have pulled some true trickery to convince them that a hot head like Zeus could be reasoned with.” Thanatos says, pulling me from the ocean of my thoughts. What was that odd emphasis she put on the word trickery, why would she use that word for that matter, perhaps I’m over thinking it. Either way I should keep my guard up.
“I….simply did what any of us would likely do in a similar situation, I did my best to convince the barbarians of our true nature, that we want this war no more than they do. I may have…..used some of my more….unconventional persuasion methods to do so but it was all in the name of returning to where I wished to be, nothing more.” I say trying to remain collected. It’s not easy however, thoughts of what she might mean by her words haunt me at the back of my mind.
“But of course, what other methods than seduction would the goddess of seduction use to convince people, you’re not a master of deception, not a shape shifter, not a creator of chaos, nothing like that. You’re simply Aphrodite, the goddess of love and lust, Ares one and only.” Thanatos says, the words she uses muddle my mind as if she’s toying with me, but I see the trick at the end of her phrase.
“Thanatos….you know Ares is just a fling, one of many, technically I’m Hepheastus’s one and only. Not that I’ve stayed true to that though. What goddess or Titan would stay true to such a wretch though, right my friend.” I throw in a light laugh at the end. She smiles seeming content that I caught her trap and answered correctly.
“Yes, how silly of me, thank you for reminding me Aphrodite, and in such a kind manner too.” Thanatos says. “If you’re done eating I would like to talk to you in private, perhaps in your room?”
“Oh, what would you want to talk to me about Thanatos?” I ask trying not to sound nervous, could she want to confront me about my identity, or is this mere coincidence.
“Oh….just some private matters, things I don’t want anyone overhearing a goddess has her secrets after all.” She grins mischievously and there’s something odd about it, I don’t know what shes thinking, or what she wants but I get the feeling I won’t like it.
“Yes, all gods and goddesses have our secrets…especially Lord Zeus I’m sure.” I say glancing at Zeus who’s talking to one of the serving girls while Hera spitefully watches.
“Oh pleeaase…” Thanatos says standing up, I stand as well looking at her curiously. “You have as much if not more power than him, and as a daughter of Uranus you are more than royalty enough not to have to call his arrogant ass Lord.” Thanatos says glaring at Zeus as she does. Then she walks out of the banquet hall, I follow and start walking beside her stunned at her attitude, so different from the other Olympians I’ve seen and met so far, except Hades but he’s a special case when it comes to how he feels about Zeus I suppose.
“You speak brashly Thanatos….Zeus is far more powerful than I….” I say somewhat nervously, the sad thing, it’s honestly pretty true, I’d die if I tried to fight someone like him or Odin. I’m nothing before their might.
“You’re stronger than you know. I’ve seen you in action before, you just need to learn to come to terms with who you are, what you are. The one who straddles the line between god and gi..Titan, the time will come soon my friend, when you’ll have to finally choose whose side you are truly on and who you wish to stand by. You cannot keep this game up forever, this war will force your hand.” She speaks as we get closer to Aphrodite’s room. Her words pierce my soul, I feel as if they apply to me as much as Aphrodite, and I suppose in a way they do.
“Thank you for the kind words my friend…..and I suppose you’re right….I have to choose the path I want to take one of these days.” I say stepping into the room Thanatos closing the door and locking it behind us. Then I realize I’ve been treating her different from how Aphrodite normally would, or any of the Olympians would, but why. What’s wrong with me if I’m not careful she’ll suspect something and I’ll be up a creek without a paddle.
“Good, he’s not watching us….” Thanatos says. “Now…let’s get to business….” She grabs me and throws me onto Aphrodite’s bed. “Loki, Trickster god of Asgard.”
“Fuck……” I manage to say. Shit, just fucking shit, she knows who I am, but how, why didn’t she say something to Zeus, why did she bring me where no one would hear her. Then she gets on the bed and puts her face close to mine our noses nearly touching.
“Let’s drop the masquerades….I took mine off already….now you take yours off.” She chuckles some after saying so. I change back to my normal form, Aphrodite’s outfit suddenly becoming a bit tight on my body, not that I’m in any position to get my normal attire.
“So….you knew the whole time then? How?” I ask, for some reason even though I should be terrified right now I’m not. There’s no malice coming from her like there was in the banquet hall.
“I’m a death god, when I look at you I don’t see Aphrodite’s death, I see Loki’s.” She says. Great she see’s my death that’s comforting. “Also we’ve been watching the whole thing.”
“Wait what?” I stare at her confused, what does she mean we’ve been watching. Whose we?
“Me and the other death gods from around the world, we’ve got bets on which of the two Pantheons will win, didn’t you wonder why Holler was not at your meeting of gods?” She says looking up at the ceiling.
“I….well….now that….wait you….the Death gods are betting on which Pantheon will win? Wait….why are you getting involved then…” I ask confused my mind racing trying to understand this. The Death gods around the world are betting on this, watching the whole thing like some kind of blood sport, damn so this is what mortals feel like.
“Yep, as for why I’m getting involved, I didn’t bet plus I wanted to throw a monkey wrench into this shit. Shake things up even more than their already getting, basically I was bored as hell not doing anything. Besides I like you, you seem like a cool guy, actually nice to me. All the Olympians have ever done is treat me like anathema, I’m an outsider here. Like you seem to think you are with the Asgardians.”
“Wait your getting involved with this because you’re….bored?” I look at her dumbfounded and even more confused now.
“Yeah, and the whole the Olympians treat me like trash thing…” She twirls her hair some around her finger.
“So…is there anything stopping you from telling the Olympians about my little deception?” I ask looking at her trying to puzzle out her reasoning.
“Oh, nothing’s stopping me. I just wanted to give you a chance to give me a reason not to.” She says looking at me grinning. Blackmail, classy real classy, well might as well see what she’s after.
“So what do you want, gold, power, magic….whatever it is I can get it for you.” I say nervously expecting the worst from her request.
“Oh, nothing so petty Loki my friend, I simply….want….you.” She says sliding a finger along my neck.
“Woah…hold the phone Thanatos….” I say pushing her finger away. “I’m spoken for, I’m not like Zeus, I don’t care if you drag me to him in chains you are not getting….”
“What wife?” She says bluntly looking me dead in the eyes. I get a chill, is she threatening Sigyn? Is she going to do something to my darling wife if I don’t do this?
“What is that supposed to mean Thanatos…Sigyn my wife the woman I married….I swear if you’re threatening her…..” I snarl
“Oh but you misunderstand me. I’m not threatening you….but perhaps….I should just show you myself. Though this will hurt.” She says waving her hand making a shadowy circle appear in the air filling with an image, an image of the battle between the forces of Poseidon and Aegir. I can see Odin there too, as well as Sigyn and my mother, Laufey. They are fighting against the Atlantean hoards alongside the others. But does this mean what I think it does. Is Sigyn going to die?
* * *
I watch the battlefield as our end of the wall gets a break from the Atlantean assault. Poseidon’s initial assault caught Aegir off guard but the battle has quickly turned to a stalemate. The Merpeople on both sides clash violently in the sea, and the warriors who can walk on land clash at the beachhead set up by the Atlantean ground troops. The white sand is stained with the blood of thousands and the sea itself is red for miles.
I look out to the sea where two enormous tidal waves swirl around each other clashing at the crests. Poseidon and Aegir, the gods of the sea, it seems they are more even than anticipated. However even though Poseidon is not focused on the battle, his son Triton and Athena are coordinating the assault. Between them our armies are struggling to avoid losing more ground. I look along the wall, Laufey and Sigyn stand at different points commanding the troops at those points. At the moment it seems Sigyn’s section of the wall is receiving the brunt of the assault, I would go to aid her but at any moment the Atlantean troops could begin assaulting here again. No sooner do I think this then a spear plows through the rampart to my left shattering it. The voice of a young commander roars over the clashing of blades sounding an assault. I ready Gungnir and signal my troops.
“Attack, let no Atlantean breath Asgardian air, slay them to the last man!” I roar. The soldiers ready their blades and as the first ladders hit the ramparts they are already prepared, throwing the ladders they can back. A dozen of the Honored Fallen leap off the wall, a small group of warriors that have formed a brotherhood during the two battles of this war, they’ve proven effective together, bold, reckless but they get the job done in battle.
A ladder hits the rampart in front of me and I step forward and throw Gungnir at the climbing forces. The spear flies true as always and impales five warriors slamming them into the ground. Then I quickly cast the runes of fire and force destroying the ladder, and killing a dozen Atlantean warriors with the fire and another five with the shockwave of force. The Honored Fallen on the Ground push some of the troops back from the ladders and begin to destroy the ladders the troops on the wall don’t. I glance over the rest of my troops the Atlanteans being pushed back, then a two pronged trident flies into one of the warriors to my right and an armored figure, Triton, leaps up onto the wall pulling his weapon from the corpse and turning towards me. He’s a tall warrior, with dark hair like his father likely had in the past, and the same fierce eyes. He bares his teeth, pointed like a sharks, his skin is deeply tanned making the pale white daggers all the more noticeable.
“So….the old man who took down three gods on his own, the so called Lord of Asgard….” He says in a deep strange voice, almost predatory. “….I wonder, what praises will be sung of me were I to end this war, with a single stroke.”
“You’re a bold one aren’t you…..well, if you think you can end this war boy, come and try.” I summon Gungnir back to my hand and motion for him to go ahead and attack me. He charges forth roaring and thrusts his trident towards my neck. I quickly raise Gungnir and block by positioning it between the prongs of his trident, I don’t stop moving though, sidestepping and using our combined momentum to throw him forward onto the floor. I spin my spear in my hand and ready myself before moving forward thrusting the blade straight for his heart. Triton blocks with a shield of water an gets back on his feet slamming his trident on the stone blocks of the wall causing them to crack and the wall to shake. I steady the wall and myself and raise Gungnir in time to sweep away another strike from his weapon.
Our weapons line up and our eyes lock. He grits his teeth, snarling trying to overpower me, we push against each other. Our weapons lock breaks and we step back both spinning our weapons and pivoting to strike again our weapons clash but this time I push forward, forcing the blade straight towards his face. He leans back to dodge the blade and sweeps my leg out from under me. I let my momentum carry me and summersault a few feet away to give me space to turn back to him. As I do he thrusts his trident towards me and a wall of spiked water surges towards me leaving slices in the ramparts as it goes.
An instant before the wall of water hits me I raise my hand parting the wall of water causing it fly out harmlessly to the left and right. Triton looks surprised then throws his trident. The weapon crosses the thirty feet between us in half a second. I turn to the side and catch the weapon as it flies by, spinning with its momentum and launching it back with even more force. He dodges the weapon as it sinks deep into the stone floor. I take advantage and move forward to attack him. He reaches for his trident struggling to pull it from the thick stones, he glances towards me as I get close thrusting Gungnir, he moves to the side but not fast enough, the blade grazing his cheek drawing first blood.
Then suddenly I’m not on the battlefield, but a room, shadows are covering most of it but I can tell its Olympus, I then see Loki standing there no longer disguised as Aphrodite. Then before I can puzzle out what I’m seeing I feel a fist colliding with my face and fall back onto the wall. I shake my head and see Triton diving for me, having taken advantage of my vision to attack me. I roll out of the way rising but he never gets where he was leaping another figure tackles Triton to the floor knocking his trident loose as they hit it. I realize, it’s Sigyn, she must have realized what happened and come to aid me. I take a chance and glance at the wall, our forces are holding, but we need to take care of Triton soon.
“Get away from me woman…” Triton says slamming his elbow into Sigyn’s face throwing her into one of the ramparts. Suddenly arrow flies past me and pierces Tritons shoulder. I look back to see Laufey notching another arrow into her bow.
“Get away from my daughter in law you fish mouthed bastard.” The small giantess says. Unleashing the arrow this one hit’s Triton in the chest going through his left lung. The young ocean god glares at her ripping the arrow from his chest, the wound healing in a matter of seconds, then repeating the process with the arrow in his shoulder.
“Some warrior king….can’t win a fight without help from his lackies.” Triton says glaring at me lifting up his trident again. “Too bad, but you’d never have won if this is the best you can do anyway, I’m just going to end this before you fools suffer more.”
“You shouldn’t leave a goddess with Hinds Blood in a pouch alive you arrogant prick.” Triton and I both look to see Sigyn holding one of the arrows Triton tossed on the ground now with some of the distinct blood of the Golden Hinds on the arrowhead. Everything seems to slow down, Sigyn leaps towards Triton screaming, he thrusts his trident forward. There’s the sound of a body being impaled as the Trident plunges into Sigyn’s stomach, she slides down the Trident, coughing up her own blood. Triton grins, then his look changes as she raises the arrow in her hand over her head. “See you in my step daughter’s home you bastard……” Then she plunges the arrow through his eye and straight into his brain. Both gods die in that instant their bodies falling to the ground.
I see Sigyn’s soul and essence rise from her body ready to go to Vallhalla, then, a blast of ocean blue lightning hits her soul, destroying it. The world seems to stop, I turn my head to see Poseidon angry turning his trident on Laufey and destroying her body and soul in one blow. Aegir tackles him but it’s too late, Loki’s mother and wife destroyed in a single second. Another vision fills my sight, Loki on his knee’s before one of the Olympians. He’s betrayed us, and it’s all my fault, I put them in danger. Now the only people he’s ever loved are dead.

[GuardianAngel1911-Admin]

Chapter 10
I fall to my knees on the floor as Thanatos stands over me, the shadowy screen fading from existence. Sigyn and my mother, destroyed in an instant, their souls destroyed as well. I’ll never see Sigyn again, and she’ll never be reunited with Narvi and Vali. My heart feels as if it’s been ripped from my chest, my soul shattered like glass. I clench my fist tightly, Poseidon will pay for this if it’s the last thing I do. The tears begin streaming down my face, the first one hitting the floor just as I make the choice.
“You still won’t blackmail me Thanatos, I don’t care anymore. You want tell Zeus, be my guest. And when you do tell him I will rip Poseidon’s heart out and then topple Olympus like a pillar if it takes my final breath to do it. Fire will rain down on the corpses of everyone you and the other Olympians love and Greece will burn to the ground.” I snarl. “Even you Death will not stop me and not be safe from…..”
“Easy there Loki, I’m not your enemy here. I hate the Olympians as much as you do. I showed that to you for a reason. Odin had a vision of you here out of your disguise, he’ll think you’ve betrayed him.” Thanatos says bluntly. I walk out onto Aphrodite’s balcony my mind slowly clearing, no longer in my panic I remember I magically altered my own clothes and return them to their original state. I look down on the city below Olympus a cloak and hood appearing on me hiding my features.
“What city is that, there at the base of Olympus?” I ask suddenly feeling the urge to cause chaos. I need to let out my anger or I’ll do it to Zeus’s face and try to kill him.
“Olympia….why?” Thanatos asks stepping out beside me looking down at the city. I can tell she probably knows my intent, but I decide to tell her anyway.
“Because I’m going to burn it to the ground.” I say and leap off the balcony shifting to my form as a sparrow and diving down towards the city. I reach the center of one of the main lanes, one of several markets I saw when I was looking. The second I get into the middle of a crowd of people I shift back to my normal form, but instead of the way I normally would I do so in an enormous blast of fire. Fifty mortals around me are vaporized on contact with the sphere of flames and an area for 100 feet around me turned into a crater with a layer of glass in it. I hover over the crater looking at the terrified mortals around the outer crater who are either burned and screaming or staring in horror. I lift both my hands and put them facing either way down the lane.
“Burn mortals.” I say coldly my rage clear as blasts of fire fill the street roaring down it engulfing all it touches. I indulge my chaotic side and begin laughing insanely, embracing my madness. The mortals in front of me watch as the streets erupt in flame and screams of horror and pain fill the air. Good, let them scream, it’s like a symphony on the winds. I then fly forward into the fleeing crowd coating my hands in fiery blades and I just swing for the fences turning every mortal I strike into burning clouds of blood mist hitting them so hard it doesn’t matter that the fire would normally just slice through them. Mortals all around scream as the fires spread across the square they try to flee from me, but no mortal can outrun a god.
I chase the crowds of mortals leisurely, killing them, laughing and turning all the buildings I decide to into burning craters. Then I see a temple near the harbor raised above the city. I leap over to it from my position a hundred feet away, an easy jump, and burst in. I see a statue of Poseidon, priests, priestesses and oracles huddling by it screaming to their god. I laugh, and just keep laughing as I raise my hands fire replacing the pillars.
“Your sea god will not be here anytime soon. Now prepare to die.” I laugh the statement as I snap my fingers and the statue of Poseidon explodes in a massive blast of flames vaporizing the mortals in front of it and taking half the temple with it. I step out to the edge of the destroyed temple the base the half of the temple once stood on gone now I look out over the city smoke rising to the heavens as my fires of chaos spread. A beautiful sight, if I do say so myself. I leap down from the platform, then turn around destroying the foundation under the remaining half causing it to fall into the flames collapsing out into the street blocking the escape of some mortals and killing others.
I step into the street again laughing still. It’s been a long time since I’ve cut loose like this, but now it’s time to get creative. I look down one of the streets and raise my hand causing dozens of giant elephants made of fire to appear upon the street. Then, I snap my fingers, and the enormous fire beasts charge forward destroying and burning all in their path. They should be able to destroy a good half the remaining city before burning out. Now, in case this hasn’t gotten Olympus’s attention, it’s time to go big. I point at the city behind me with a single finger. I see a few mortals stop staring at me as I do, I look one of them in the eyes, the one directly in front of my finger. The fear in his eyes is intoxicating, I savor it for a moment, and then I launch a blast of fire.
The blast hit’s the ground and engulfs a twenty mile area of the city in flame. As the enormous blast cloud clears away with smoke rising to the heavens I see the blast left a twenty mile diameter, three hundred thirty foot deep crater, a new record for me, have to remember to put that in my journal of destruction. I look up at Olympus grinning. There’s no way that they missed that one. One of them at least should be coming soon. I don’t know which but it’ll be one of them. Then I see it, a figure leaping off of Olympus and landing thirty feet in front of me, a towering brute in armor, Ares. I guess my birthday came early this year.
“I don’t know who you are, but you’re going to pay for attacking us here by yourself.” Ares says drawing his massive sword. His eyes are blood red fueled by war and carnage, he’s stronger now that this war is in full swing. Good, I wouldn’t want this to be easy.
“Well I was thinking, I honestly don’t give a fuck, my wife’s dead, it’s my life to give. So I said it’s now or never. And hey, if this war has shown us anything it’s that not even gods live forever. Bit disappointed they sent the brainless muscle to fight me but whatever. Now come on war god, hit me with everything you’ve got I can take it.” I don’t know where this is coming from as I’m saying it, all I know is it’s true. I take a stance, a fairly open one honestly, but I know his type. He’s like Thor but dumber.
“Oh, you want to play little god, well you want to die, then I’ll kindly oblige you.” Ares snarls, then he charges forward. I watch him closely, his movements, the way he holds his body grips his blade, everything I need to know. He crosses the space between us in a second and swings his sword straight for my neck, but I was already ready for him, I could tell where the strike was going to be coming. I slide around to the side and put my hand to the edge of the blade I grin as Ares looks at me looking like he’s frozen in time I’m moving so quickly, then I blast his blade with fire. He goes spinning through the air crashing into one of the few buildings still standing in this area of Olympia. The building falls in on itself after he crashes into it.
As he pulls himself from the rubble I indulge in a little laugh, I’ve always had part of me that didn’t want to hurt Thor, he’s a good guy. Ares on the other hand, he’s an ass, he tried to rape me earlier and he’s technically my enemy right now, so I have nothing telling me not to tear him a new one. I take my stance again, as he steps off the mound of rubble he was buried under glaring at me his eyes glowing even redder. He charges forward again this time his sword coated in a red aura of rage. Interesting, he must be channeling his rage into his blade.
I light fire blades around my hand again and charge forward to meet him he swings at my head and I dive to the ground sliding between his legs and spinning all in the space of a second, sweeping his legs from under him and striking at his neck with my left hand. He manages to move his sword to intercept it and the blazing rage coated sword hits my fire blade covered hand. I wince a bit at the discomfort as I slide back around in front of him and knee him full force in the gut sending him sliding back a few feet. Then I press the attack strike straight for his chest, he dodges me to the left but I slice a deep gouge in the armor, the metal glowing bright red from the heat. I reorient myself and move into a crouching stance narrowly avoiding him sweeping his blade at my neck. As the sword passes by I leap straight into the air a hundred feet and aim myself straight at his face from the angle and dive straight towards him. I hear an explosion of sorts behind me as I move forward pushing myself forward with my magic, then I pivot extending my foot. I feel the heel of my boot collide with the face of the Olympian war god and I use bending of my knee to leap away and blast him head on with my fire. I land on the ground square on my feet grinning. Let’s see what damage I did to him. As the smoke and flames clear around him I see him on one knee hand to the ground his breastplate and arm bands melted off, but thankfully his armor dress thing still intact, then he stands his top layer of skin growing back. Damn these guys have some good regenerative ability.
“Not bad little god….you’re not as weak and pathetic as I assumed…..but now I’m getting angry, you’re going to pay for destroying my armor. You’re blood will suffice as payment though.” Ares snarls his body being surrounded by a tendril of that red rage aura. Well this gets more interesting by the second.
“Please, you were angry to begin with…..now are you going to stare at me or fight me.” I say laughing and cracking my knuckles. Nords above it feels good to be doing this, taking out my aggressions on someone who can take it.
“You asked for it little god…” His voice changes deeper more and more like there are ten or so of him speaking. He charges again leaving small foot sized craters with every step, he’s moving faster now holding his sword to the side with one hand looking at me with his glowing red eyes. I leap over the sword but he spins in mid charge and slams his massive fist into my stomach launching me into a standing pillar which snaps in half when I hit it. Pain shoots through my back and I scream to the heavens in pain. Damn this guy packs a punch, but he doesn’t realize, I’ve had the crap beat out of me by Thor, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in centuries of being his on and off punching bag it’s how to take a beating. I stand again, my hands blazing still. I look at him smiling and laughing.
“You’re right big boy Loki asked for it, and it looks like the god with the oversized muscles can’t deliver…..maybe you’re not as strong as you think muscles.” I say crazed and laughing. I’m in full chaos mode now, giving into my madness, my true power.
“I’ll show you how strong I am!” He bellows and charges forward again, this time I’m ready though he swings his blade and I bend back under it. He swings his fist for my kidney and I slide spinning backwards and back around under his fist and jabbing my blazing blade right hand into his side through his ribs into his stomach, then quickly pull my hand out and slam my left elbow into the still open wound.
He staggers to the side, as the wound heals in a matter of seconds. I just laugh more laughing like I’ve never laughed before as the fires rage around us. He is surrounded by more tendrils of his rage aura now, nearly half his entire body covered now. He leaps into the air and dives at me slamming his fist into the ground where I stood not even half a second before his impact. He looks up to where I leapt as I laugh and swing all the way over myself in mid air and slam my foot into his face as he floats over the crater made by his fist then falls backwards into it. I use the fact I hit him to leap back in the air and dive down on top of him digging my heels into his gut and I start stabbing my hands into his chest repeatedly still laughing all the while my forearms are getting covered in his blood, or what blood doesn’t get evaporated by the flames on my hands. He screams in pain and finally swings his hand launching me out of the crater. I flip in the air still laughing despite the pain and land on all fours looking at the crater as he climbs out of it looking at me with pure hatred. I just laugh my eyes looking dead into the smoldering red eyes of the war god. His chest knitting itself back together as he glares now fully covered in his rage aura.
He runs at me again, his sword dragging the ground digging a trench through the dirt. As he closes the gap he swings up and I flip over it and slash at his back with my left hand the fiery blade slicing sinew and flesh and coming up against his spine before he spins around striking me with his elbow right to my temple. I stagger backwards laughing and in incredible pain just looking at my opponent. I leap forward and spin in mid air launching blasts of fire at him which he dodges only to leap into the air and swing for the fences at me with his sword. I block with my hand again, the blade cutting into flesh a bit this time but not enough to bother me as I push the blade away and kick Ares in the chin flipping backwards as we both land. I rush forward before he can react and slam my elbow into his chest with full force pushing him back then I slice clean through into his stomach, though the wound heals before his guts spill out. He grabs me by my neck and glares at me with pure hate as I continue laughing the fires rising ever higher in the sky around us.
“Damn you, you little freak. Stop laughing at me! I’m trying to kill you and all you do is laugh what you think this is a game!” He bellows at me. I laugh more no idea why but I do.
“Oh? Does the war god not like a good sense of humor? And yeah, this is a game, otherwise surely you’d actually be trying instead of flailing like a spoiled child” I say laughing. I guess I hit a nerve since he proceeds to throw me into the ground. My body bounces in the crater from my impact on the ground and I get up still laughing even though I feel like my spine shattered that time, in fact I’m pretty sure it did.
“You insolent little bastard, I’m tired of hearing your laugh. I’m ending this now!” He roars raising his blade over his head.
“Nope….I’m ending you muscles” I say laughing hysterically as I blast him with the biggest blast of fire I’ve used all night. The fire plows through his upper body vaporizing it causing his sword to fall to the ground. I continue laughing as I climb out of the crater and kick one of his massive legs. “Tell daddy dearest that if he fucks around like you did tonight he’ll regret it, because Loki’s pissed.” I say laughing as I look towards the sky hands outstretched.
Sadly my victory is cut short by the sight of Poseidon’s forces, well the battle ended then did it. The ships dock in the port and soldiers burst forth from the ships as does Poseidon looking around for a target. Damn, much as I want to fight Poseidon and do to him what I did to Ares I can’t fight both of them. I glance to the body of Ares slowly knitting back together, in about five seconds I’m going to have the full wrath of the oceans and war on my ass if I don’t get out of here. I shift into a small mouse that they’ll never see and flee at high speed up to Aphrodite’s room covering the distance from the base of the mountain to the room in the time it takes Ares to recover. Once I’m there I resume my guise as Aphrodite and collapse on the bed panting.
“Hot damn boy…..that was….terrifying….” Thanatos says causing me to bolt upright on the bed having forgotten she was here.
“Shit….what…why are you still here? Shouldn’t you….I don’t know be in your own room or something by now?” I ask glancing out the window at Olympia, or I would be if I could see it through the smoke.
“Well I don’t live on Olympus so..no don’t have a room to have to be in.” Thanatos says shrugging. “Besides you likely need an alibi after that little stunt out there. Not sure but I think it’s better if I cover you just to be safe.” She says sitting on the bed.
“Right…sorry. And I suppose that’s true, though do you really think anyone on Olympus would buy that we just sat here talking? Considering your relationship with the other Olympians including Aphrodite?” I say looking at her and glancing at the door wondering if one of the other Olympians could potentially burst in ready to accuse me.
“Well you’re posing as Aphrodite, and you’re sweating, I could take my armor off…we slide under the blankets……” She states standing up.
“Look….my wife’s body isn’t even buried yet can you turn of the freaking flirting for a few days. I’m not interested…..seriously Thanatos I’m…I’m not in the mood for that.” I say glaring at her. Then I realize that death wants me, which is honestly probably more disturbing than what Ares tried to do earlier.
“Actually I just meant we pretend to have, but clearly a touchy subject, sorry. Easy to forget what the death of loved ones means when you’re the one making said loved ones kick it.” She looks down a bit. “You’ve had people who love you…..ever since I was born I’ve been on my own, even my own mother and my brother want nothing to do with me…..I’m an outcast who’s lived in darkness for as long as I can remember” I look at her this goddess of death and I see my own feelings, I remember that the only reason I didn’t kill myself was I had someone there for me.
“Look….I didn’t mean to snap Thanatos, just not exactly the best day ever here….tell you what we’ll do you’re plan, you even think about grabbing me and I literally kick you out of this bed.” She smiles some as I say the last part and laughs, I smile when she does. I haven’t heard anyone just laugh out of pure joy since before the war started, a long time before the war started.
Thanatos begins removing her armor until only the black leather shirt and leggings she wears under it are left. I suddenly notice for the first time since meeting her that she’s actually a very beautiful goddess. I remind myself that I just lost my wife and turn down the covers on the bed when suddenly I hear rushing footsteps in the hallway. Thanatos and I glance at each other and then the door flies open. Zeus, Hades, Poseidon and Ares stepping through the doorway cold stares on their faces, and suddenly I realize this day got worse.
“Aphrodite, we wish to….uh…Thanatos? Aphrodite? What’s…going on here….?” Zeus looks between us the other three staring dumbfounded at the two of us standing on either side of the bed.
“Oh….Thanatos was wanting to stay on Olympus and I offered her to stay in my room. We were just about to turn in for the night.” I say smiling. “I’m sorry if this is disappointing but it’s not what you may have thought.” I let out a small laugh as does Thanatos.
“Wh…oh, no of course. It’s just with one of those…foreign gods attacking and vanishing we feared that….” Zeus stammers caught off guard, it’s clear it’s not the kind of situation he likes being in.
“Zeus, I’m insulted that you think I could be a mole in hiding. Thanatos and I have been here discussing the events of the war…she….she’s been helping me deal with my problem’s I’ve been having……helping me to start getting through it.” I say smiling again. Ironically it’s true I’ve been working through my issues and she’s been saying things that have helped me.
“Oh, well that’s good Aphrodite, I know how deeply bothered you were. Thanatos, thank you for aiding our dear Aphrodite.” Hades says, though he looks between me and Thanatos curiously.
“Think nothing of it, who better to help a goddess through her fear of death than death herself.” Thanatos says laughing.
“Zeus, Ares, I told you Aphrodite could have nothing to do with the attack. The madman who Ares described vanished into thin air before my eyes, and though I have no friendship with Thanatos we all know death is more honest than anyone.” Poseidon says looking at them ashamedly.
“You’re right brother….I let my fear control me for a moment there. Ares, next time you’re anger makes you think one of our own is a traitor please don’t come bursting into my bedchamber in the middle of the night.” Zeus says glaring at Ares who just looks at us then turns and leaves. Zeus shakes his head and walks away followed by Poseidon and Hades.
“Well that was unusual. Guess there’s no need for the alibi then. Still, thank you for the offer, I did need a place to stay while we’re here.” Thanatos says. “I…thank you for being so nice. It’s nice to have someone not look at me with contempt.”
“I feel the same way, I just hope I can keep up the charade now….” I say looking at the door. I get a feeling of dread, a feeling that I’ll have to fight Zeus, I just hope it’s wrong.