by Lucky Charms

Disclaimers: This is a story based upon the wonderful people of the Yahoo group, the Mindom. Of course, the names I use here are the real people (with the obvious exceptions) and anything I say or do with them is all in fun. I have no intention to hurt people’s feelings. The Gods and Goddesses are all the rightful property of the Ancient Greeks, and are subject to their copyrights, yaddah yaddah yaddah.

There will be violence and the use of foul, adult language, but tastefully done *winks* Also, there IS homosexuality within this story. Mostly female-to-female relations, but what the hell? So if you are offended by the sweet, tenderness of lesbian love, bugger off! Of course, I do not intend to infract upon any copyrights, etc. If I do, it’s a complete accident. And parents, please keep your children away from this heinous smut, it’s not good for their mental health. You never know, they might find that homosexuality is the thing for them! OH DEAR GOD, NO! Oh look, I get another toaster!

Feedback is always welcome: luckycharms@e-scribblers.com.

Copyright © 2004 by Lucky Charms. All Rights Reserved.

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All is quiet within the forest surrounding the Mindom. Few birds dare to sing their song and a few deer tentatively peer their heads out of the bush in search of food or water.

The rays of the sun barely push through the thick clouds and onto the forest floor. Several small bodies lay about the small clearing, spears and arrows still lodged in their small hearts.

A beautiful woman with long flowing brown hair and soft tan skin emerges from the mists and gazes at the bodies with mournful emerald green eyes. Her silken green dress flutters softly in the breeze.

"My poor children." The woman's voice is strong, but hinted with sorrow. "What have I allowed to befall upon you?"

The woman knees beside the fallen body of a Lurker and gently brushes her hand across the pain-contorted face. In a twinkle of light, the stains of blood and pain vanish from the small body. "Go now, to peace." The Lurker's body fades away into nothingness. "All my fallen children go now."

With a graceful motion of her hand all the fallen Lurkers fade away into nothingness. The woman watches as the last of the Lurkers fade away and she heaves out a pained sigh. She falls gently onto a log and gazes around the forest.

"Always the soft one, dear sister." A tall, muscular man with jet-black hair and dark black eyes says emerging from the mists. "Honestly Gaia, what did you think would happen?"

Gaia gazes up at her brother and frowns slightly with irritation. "Ares, if you came here to bother me, I suggest you leave. I am not in the mood for you right now."

Ares smiles cockily and flicks his earring with his finger. "You know I didn't have anything to do with this."

"But that woman is your follower!" Gaia cries. "Tell her to stop this. It isn't right."

"You know we're not to involve ourselves in the lives of humans." Ares coos.

"Tell her to stop!"

Ares frowns slightly and kneels on his haunches before Gaia. "Sister, it's not in my nature to stop a war. I am the God of War, you know." He rises to his feet again and looks down at Gaia. "If you want this war stopped, do it yourself." He walks off into the mist again.

Gaia remains in silence for a moment. "He's right, I must handle this on my own. I must find my own champion."

A young woman with well-kept brown hair and strong blue eyes slowly opens the door of her small house and inhales the morning air. She gazes out onto her small farmland and smiles as a small group of chicks scramble about their mother, chirping madly for food.

She steps out of the house, picks up a large metal bucket and walks toward the barn. She hums a light tune as she opens the double doors to allow the sunlight inside the barn.

A cow calls out her welcome as the young woman enters the barn. "Good morning Bessie." She says cheerfully. "Got any milk for us today?"

Bessie moo's loudly and the woman laughs. "I should hope so." The young woman pulls up a small stool and places the bucket under Bessie's udder. "My, a full load today I see."

Just as the young woman begins milking Bessie, another woman walks up. Her short blonde hair glimmers in the morning sun, creating a slight halo. She smiles down at the other woman, her green eyes gleaming. "Good morning Minerva. Good to see Bessie's making milk again."

Minerva turns her head and smiles up. "Morning Catt. Is that the new dress you made?"

Catt twirls around in her heavy brown linen dress and showcases the white apron. "Yup, thought I should try it out today. What do you think?"

"You look great in it!"

"Thanks." Catt smiles widely. "Anyway, I'm starting breakfast now. See you in a bit?"

"Make some extra bacon, please. I'm exceptionally hungry today." Minerva winks at Catt.

Catt giggles knowingly. "Okay, see you later." She runs off.

Minerva smiles faintly as she returns to her duty. "She's something else, huh Bessie?"

Bessie moos loudly. "I agree. There's just something about her. Despite all the talk about the war, she's always managed to remain cheerful." She frowns slightly at the thought of Jane the Bipolar and the slaughter she brings upon the helpless Lurkers. "Damn her, it's just not right."

A short while later Minerva walks into her house and sees Catt busy placing plates of food on the table. She smiles as she notices a large pile of bacon on the table as well.

Catt smiles as Minerva enters the kitchen with the bucket of milk. "Great, I'll take care of that later." She says taking the bucket from Minerva. "Let's eat."

The two sit down to a large meal and begin chatting about the upcoming morning of work.

"I think the tub is starting to leak, so I'm going to have to go into town and find a way to fix it up." Minerva says as she takes a bite of scrambled eggs.

"Okay, I'll check on the garden while you're gone." Catt says taking a small drink of the milk. "Could you also pick up some thread? I'm running a little low."

Minerva, being the stronger of the two, is usually the one who handles the hard labor around the farm while Catt takes care of the housework and the meals.

"Sounds good." Minerva says, taking another piece of bacon.

"Oh, and we need some meat too."

Minerva's smirks. "Should I write out a list?"

Catt frowns, though her eyes glimmer with amusement. "Your sarcasm is coming out a little early today."

Minerva laughs heartily, and then stops when there's a light knocking on the door. "I wonder who that could be." She says rising to her feet and walking toward the door. Catt follows close behind.

Minerva opens the door slowly and sees a beautiful woman with long brown hair, smiling faintly. "Good morning, you must be Minerva." She states.

Minerva's eyes widen in shock. "Yes, uh, who are you?"

"I am Gaia, the Goddess of the Earth."

Catt and Minerva stare at Gaia in total shock. "Dear Goddess, please come in!" Catt stammers as she forces Minerva out of the way. "Can I get you anything, tea?"

Gaia smiles warmly. "No, thank you. I do wish to speak to Minerva in private, though."

Catt glances as Minerva, worried. "Of course, excuse me." She bows out and leaves the house through the back door.

Gaia finds a small chair and sits herself gracefully. "Please sit down."

Minerva slowly sits in a chair across from Gaia and gawks at the beautiful Goddess in sheer awe. "What, uh, can I do for you?"

Gaia smiles warmly. "Don't worry, I'm not here to bring bad news. I need you to do something for me."

"Of course." Minerva says, surprised by the bravery in her voice.

"You undoubtedly know about the war Jane the Bipolar has waged against the Lurkers."

Minerva's face darkens. "Yes, I do."

"What many people do not now, is that the Lurkers are my children. They are my watchers of the Earth, and I love them dearly." Minerva nods in understanding. "More so, if Jane continues to slaughter the Lurkers, Chaos will gain a horrible grip upon the world."

"And if that happens?"

Gaia shakes her head sadly. "All will be lost."

Minerva lets out a low whistle. "Why can't you just stop the war yourself?"

"We are not allowed to interfere with mortal's lives directly. We can only guide you." She grimaces. "My brother Ares refuses to acknowledge the danger that woman is placing us all in. That is why I have come to you, Minerva. I need you to stop this war."

Minerva's heart stops for a moment. "You, what?"

"I know it sounds difficult, but I believe you can do it."

"Why me?" Minerva gasps. "I'm just a simple farmer!"

"I've looked into your soul, you are a good person. And only a good person, pure in heart and soul can undertake this task."

Minerva rises to her feet and slowly walks over to the window and watches Catt feed the chickens for a moment. "How long do I have to consider it?"

"I can only afford to give you one day." Gaia says. "No more, I'm afraid."

Minerva lowers her head and nods in understanding. "Okay, I'll have your answer then." She says, not looking at Gaia.

Gaia rises to her feet and places a gentle hand on Minerva. "I am sorry to place such a burden on you Minerva." She removes her hand and takes a few steps back. "I'll see you tomorrow morning."

"Gaia, I," She turns and sees that Gaia has vanished. "Crap."

Catt walks into the house and looks at Minerva, worried. "Everything alright?"

Minerva turns to Catt. "Actually, we need to talk about something."

The next morning Minerva and Catt woke and greeted each other with sad eyes. "Are you sure you can do this?" Catt asks as the two sit down to their breakfast.

Minerva nods. "I'm sorry to do this to you, Catt. But you know how I feel about this war. I finally feel this is my chance to make a difference!"

Catt nods slowly. "I only wish I could go with you. It's not going to be the same without you here."

"I know, and I really am sorry. If you need any help around here…"

Catt raises her hand, silencing Minerva. "I can handle it. Beside, if I get lonely, I'll have my sister visit me or something."

Minerva nods and tries to smile. "Okay."

The two finish their breakfast in silence, both wishing for the inevitable moment when Gaia returns, not to come.

Just as Minerva finished the last vestiges of her meal, Gaia appears from around the corner. "Have you made you decision?"

Minerva turns and rises to face Gaia. "Yes, I will undertake your quest."

Catt chokes back a sob of despair and her heart breaks as Gaia nods her head.

"You will need the proper armor." With a casual wave of her hand, Minerva's simple dress is replaced by a new leather armor. The tunic opens just above Minerva's ample breasts and is held up by thick strands of leather over her shoulders. Thick wires of silver form an intricate pattern over Minerva's chest and join in a v-shape at her stomach and form a circle around her slim waist. Her skirt is simple leather with silver beads embedded at the tip of each strand.

Her boots run up just below her knees, and more thick wires of silver form a circle around the rim and ankles, and are joined by a single strange along the front of her leg.

A shining, polished silver sword hands within a jewel-studded scabbard hangs on her hips, along with another strange looking weapon.

"What is this?" Minerva asks, holding the strange weapon in her hands.

"It's called a chakram." Gaia responds. "Only those chosen by the Gods can yield such a weapon. It can cut into anything. All you need to do, is throw it."

The chakram, like most everything else on Minerva, is made of pure silver. It is made in a circular form with a curved handle in the center.

"But won't it cut my hands if I catch it wrong?"

Gaia smiles. "No, you will be just fine. Anyone else who tries, though, will loose an appendage or two." She pauses a moment as Minerva gazes at her new armor. "You must be going soon."

Minerva looks up at Gaia, then back at Catt. "I better get going." She smiles faintly.

Catt rises to her feet and wraps her petite arms around Minerva. "Come back to me, okay?"

Minerva smiles and rests her head on Catt's. "Of course, I'll be back in no time." She kisses Catt's forehead gently and makes her way out of the house.

Catt races to the window in time to see Gaia and Minerva fade away in the morning mists. Tears of fear for her loved one, falls unashamedly down her face.

"So what am I supposed to do?" Minerva asks as the two enter the forest.

"You must stop Jane the Bipolar from killing the Lurkers. If she succeeds, Chaos will be freed."

"So the Lurkers hold back Chaos?"

"The Lurkers are Chaos." Gaia says. "They all are a small part of the whole that is Chaos. Each one that dies will join with the other parts of Chaos. When the last one dies…"

"Chaos will be whole." Minerva says lowly. "But what would Jane have to gain if Chaos rules again?"

"That, I'm not sure of." Gaia stops as they reach a fork in the path. "Down that path is the way toward the capitol. There you will find Jane within her castle."

"So I'm to do this alone?"

Gaia shakes her head. "You will find help along the way. But you must keep a wary eye out. Jane has spies everywhere, and if she finds out what you are to do, she will do whatever she can to stop you." She begins to fade out. "May the Fates favor you."

"Wait a second, does this armor protect me from harm?"

"Of course not! Don't be silly." Gaia laughs as she fades away completely.

Minerva sighs and looks down the left path. "Alright, let's get going."

A woman with short cut fiery red hair and blazing black eyes swings a murderous punch within her foe's stomach. The young man, collapses to his knees clutching his stomach.

"That's the last time you try and steal something from us!" She roars, picking up a thick broom. "Now get out of here, and take your scummy friends with you!"

The young man coughs and moans for he and his two other friends to back off. "No one does that to me." The young man snarls.

"It looks like I just did." She swings the broom widely at the young man and chases him off. "And don't come back!"

Another woman walks out of a small shop, shaking her head. "This is the third time this week they've come in and try to steal something."

The woman with red hair turns up and smiles faintly at the blonde haired woman. "Did they ruin anything?"

The blonde haired woman's enchanting blue eyes darken. "Well, they did knock over a few pedestals, but nothing broke." She bows her head. "I'm sorry Blaize, I wish I could've helped more."

Blaize smiles warmly. "Don't worry about it Crys." She says walking up the steps and taking a quick look inside their shop. "At least they didn't get into the back room."

Blaize and her love, Crys, have taken over Blaize's father's shop when he and her brother left to join the war against the Lurkers.

Ever since Blaize's father left, she has had to deal with an influx of would be thieves.

The more prosperous shop in town, Blaize's contains a wide variety of silks, jewelry, and other fine items. Fine pickings for anyone with sticky hands.

Blaize slowly opens the door leading into the back room and sighs as she sees her precious burden, a long freshly polished rosewood box.

"What's in that box, anyway?" Crys asks. "You've never opened it up before."

"I haven't told you?" Blaize asks. "It's my family heirloom. It's called Artemis's Blade."

Blaize walks over to the box and opens it, revealing a stunning sword made with shimmering silver and an intricately designed hilt with a likeness of the Moon Goddess, Artemis.

"The blade was made long before my Grandfather's time. It is said that Artemis herself has blessed this blade."

Crys gazes as the brilliantly shinning sword. "It's beautiful."

"I'm sure anyone with an eye would die to have this blade." Blaize takes the sword out and hands it to Crys.

"It's very light." Crys says testing the sword. "But it looks so heavy."

A pair of eyes peeps through the window of the back room. "Well, would you look at that?"

Another pair of eyes appears. "What? What is it?"

"The sword you idiot. Look at that thing! I bet it'll bring in a pretty penny."

"But Michael, wouldn't that woman kill us if we tried to go back there?"

Michael turns his dirty face toward his companion. "Listen Gabby, we've been doing this whole thieving thing the wrong way. We'll steal it tonight." He dashes off.

"Right, tonight." Gabby nods his head. When sudden realization sets in, his eyes bug out. "Wait a second!" Gabby tears off after Michael. "What do you mean, we'll steal it tonight? It'll be dark then, and I'm scared of the dark."

Michael turns and grabs Gabby by his shirt. "Now listen to me, we're thieves right?" Gabby nods, terrified. "And we're not afraid of anything, right?" Gabby nods again. "Good, now lets go find Ork and tell him about our plan."

Gabby rubs a sore spot on his chest where Michael grabbed him. "You don't have to be so rough about it." He mutters as the two walk off.

Minerva stops a moment alongside a small creek and rests upon a smooth rock. It turned out to be a warm late summers day, and all the life around Minerva was busy preparing for the coming autumn.

A small bird lands on a log just before Minerva and it looks at her curiously before it starts singing it's light happy tune.

Minerva smiles. "Thanks, I needed that." Though only away from Catt for a matter of hours, Minerva misses her immensely. "I wonder what she's doing right now?" She smirks. "Probably battling with those damn sheep."

The three sheep they keep are an extremely stubborn bunch, and rarely allow Minerva to remove them from the safety of their pen to go feed in the fields.

The bird flutters off suddenly when there is the sound of a rustling bush from behind Minerva.

Minerva whirls around and sees a miniature human burst out from the bushes, yelling in fear.

"What's going on?" Minerva mutters. Just before the little human pasts Minerva, she grabs it and pulls him close to her. "Hey, what's going on?"

The little human fights feebly against Minerva's strong grip. "Let go of me, killer!"

"Killer?" Minerva gasps. "You're a Lurker, aren't you?"

The Lurker gazes at Minerva with terror filled eyes and nods. "Please don't kill me." He pleads.

"No, of course I won't kill you." Minerva says soothingly. "Now what's the matter?"

"Jane the Bipolar's men are after me." The Lurker cries just as the ominous sound of hooves thunders closer. "Gods! They're going to kill me."

"Don't worry little guy, how many of them are there?"

"Three." The Lurker says.

Minerva nods. "Okay, just stay close to this boulder and they won't see you." The Lurker nods and cowers close to the boulder.

Minerva skillfully climbs onto the boulder and patiently waits for the first soldier to pass her.

As the first soldier is within range, Minerva lets out a mighty battle cry and dives onto the passing soldier, knocking him off the horse.

As Minerva and the soldier fall onto the ground heavily, Minerva sends a quick punch on the man's face.

"Stop right there!" The other two soldiers halt their horses. "Who are you?"

Minerva slowly rises to her feet and smirks. "My name's Minerva."

"Do you know it's a crime to assault a soldier of the Empress's army?"

"Do you think I care?" Wait a second, when did I become so cocky?

"You're preventing us from carrying out our duty, woman. Step aside and we'll let this pass for now."

"I don't think I can let you do that. What you're doing in wrong, and I'm going to stop you."

The soldiers chuckle. "If this is how you want it, fine."

The two soldiers dismount and unsheathe their swords. "Can't say we didn't warn you lady."

Minerva quickly unsheathes her sword and bellows as she deflects an attack from one of the soldiers, while sending a harsh kick into the other's stomach.

As Minerva continues to fight with the soldiers, the Lurker pokes his head out from behind the boulder. "What's going on?"

The soldier fighting Minerva spies the Lurker out of the corner of his eyes and calls out to his fallen comrades. "There he is, behind the boulder!" He cries as he grapples with Minerva. "Get him!"

The Lurker looks around in terror and attempts to get away on his stubby legs. The soldier Minerva knocked off the horse, grabs for the Lurker and easily takes him off the ground.

"What have we got here, eh?" He laughs at the struggling Lurker. "Can't have you running around now, can we?" He pulls out a dagger with his free hand.

"No!" Minerva cries. "You don't know what you're doing."

The soldier ignores Minerva and plunges the dagger into the Lurker. The Lurker makes a sickening gargling sound and falls to the ground in a bloody heap as the soldier carelessly lets him go.

Minerva lets out a bellow of rage and she viciously sends her sword through the first soldiers stomach and quickly turns on the other two.

As the last soldier falls, Minerva quickly rushes to the Lurkers side. She turns the Lurker on his back and sees that he's breathing shallowly.

"Don't worry, I'll find some help for you." Minerva says panicked.

The Lurker smiles faintly up at Minerva. "Thank you, merciful Minerva. But I can't last much longer."

"No, don't say that. I'll call for Gaia, she'll help."

"She cannot help him now." A deep and bone chilling voice calls from beside Minerva.

Minerva turns her gaze and sees a tall, skeletal man with sickly gray skin, sunken gray eyes, and a bald head, wearing a thick black, hooded robe. Despite his sickly appearance, the man smiles down at Minerva with perfect white teeth.

"Hades?" Minerva gasps.

"You've heard of me?" He chuckles. "Don't mind me, I've just come for the soldiers." He walks slowly over to one of the fallen soldiers and kneels beside him. "So young, and so full of life." He mutters. "Pity."

Minerva watches as Hades plunges his hand into the chest of the soldier, resulting in a nauseating sound. After a few moments, Hades pulls out a strange orb of light.

"What is that?" Minerva asks awe inspired.

"Just a soul, nothing big." Hades says nonchalantly as he makes quick work of the other two. "Well, my work here is done."

"What about the Lurker?" Minerva asks, turning to the dying Lurker.

"He has no soul. Didn't my sister tell you that?"

Minerva nods. "I remember. He's a part of Chaos." She mutters lowly.

The Lurker looks up at Minerva and attempts to smile. "It's okay, you'll stop Jane and all will be well again." He coughs. "You're our last hope, Minerva. Please, don't let her bring Chaos into the world."

With a final shudder, the Lurker lets out a long sigh and dies. Minerva bows her head and slowly rises to her feet.

"Such drama, worthy of a Muse." Another, deep male voice says with an edge of sarcasm. Minerva turns around and sees a tall muscular man with black hair and eyes. "You're first battle Minerva, and you did so well too." He claps mockingly. "Gaia would be proud."

"Who are you?" Minerva asks.

"Ares, the war God." He bows grandly. "I was watching your little display. You are quite the fighter Minerva."

Minerva, not at all willing to sit around and be taunted by a God, makes her way toward the path and her next destination.

Ares arches a brow as she brushes by him. "Spirited, I like that." He chuckles.

Hades walks up to his brother. "Forget about her, she's not the one you're looking for."

Ares turns to Hades. "And what would you know about that?"

Hades grins. "I'm a God too, remember?"

"And one who takes too much interest in my personal affairs." Ares frowns. "Anyway, I'm not interested in her, my dear brother. I'm more interested in who she meets."

Hades arches a brow. "Oh really? And what is it that you know that I don't?"

"Keep your thoughts on the dead, Hades." Ares warns. Hades smirks and vanishes. Ares then looks down the path after Minerva and grins. "Perhaps I should take after Zeus's teachings."

With a thought, Ares instantly changes his form into that of a large black wolf. He then dashes off into the thick forest, and follows Minerva from the shadows.

Jane lets out a mighty yawn as she slumps further into her throne. She has been listening to various lords and ladies from all over the land complain about the amount of destruction her army has caused to their lands for hours.

"Yes my Lady Luscious Lips," Jane begins irritably. "I've heard countless complaints from other lords and ladies, and I fail to see what is so special about yours? I'll have a little talk with the General as soon as he returns from battle. You are excused." She waves off the Lady Luscious Lips.

The woman curtsies with a strained smile on her face and turns to take her leave.

"Sister, you really must find a different way of handling whatever it is you're doing." A woman with soft brown hair and emerald green eyes says, leaning next to Jane.

Jane looks up at her sister with her cold hazel eyes and tosses her braided brown hair across her shoulder. "I'll do what I damn well please, Patty. No one ever asked you for your opinion." She snaps.

Patty grimaces and lets out a soft sigh. "As you wish sister, I'll be off now." She collects her gown and leaves the Reception Chamber.

As Patty turns down the hall she hears a woman arguing with a guard. "No I will not do miming for the Empress! That's my friend's job!"

Patty smirks. More entertainers for my moody sister. She chuckles to herself.

Jane waits for her sister to leave the Chamber, then orders everyone out. "I wish to be alone now." She says. "No one is to bother me, and lock the doors!"

As soon as the last servant is out, Jane quickly shuts all the thick velvet curtains surrounding the room.

Jane, then, lights a single candle and rushes over to a large mirror hanging just behind her throne.

Jane places the candle below the mirror and bows her head. "My master Chaos, I wish to bring you a report."

Ah, Jane. A gravely and haunting voice calls from the mirror. What is it you wish to report? I feel my power growing steadily. I am pleased.

Jane smiles. "I am glad to hear that my master. I wish to tell you that we are rapidly approaching our goal. All the Lurkers from the east, south, and west have been decimated. All that remains now is the northern Lurkers."

I see. Then it is only a matter of time before I strike my revenge upon the Gods who have imprisoned me.

Jane bites her lip for a moment. "My lord, you still will hold your end of the bargain?"

A sudden and biting chill surrounds Jane and she cries out in horror and pain. You will not question me further mortal! Remember I hold your life in my hands. Without me, you are fodder for Hades!

The chill quickly fades away and Jane falls to her knees. "Yes my lord, forgive me."

Jane senses Chaos's presence vanish and she heaves out a pained sigh. She takes the candle and walks over to the first curtain and opens it slightly.

The bright sun assaults her eyes and she turns away. For a moment, Jane feels remorse for her actions toward the Lurkers, but the feeling quickly dissipates.

She moodily closes the curtain again and walks over to an empty table and sets the candle down. Jane falls heavily into a chair and stretches out her long legs.

"Ever since that day, my life has been a living torment." Jane thinks back several years ago during a chance encounter with a mob of bandits.

Her guards made quick work of the bandits, but they two fell to an ambush of arrows from the treetops. Jane valiantly fought off the remaining bandits, but the wound from an arrow proved fatal.

"I should've died then." She mutters. "I even saw Hades do his grisly work upon my men and the bandits, but I was spared. I soon felt an ugly, cold, dark presence about me. The world around me went dark, but I knew I wasn't alone."

Jane remembers feeling, but not seeing, Chaos around her. He proposed an terrible bargain in which he would spare her life, along with unopposed rule over the Mindom, in return for the destruction of the Lurkers. Greedy for power and desperate for her life, Jane agreed, not caring about the consequences to the world around her.

"Since then I've been the head of a massive slaughter against a people I know little about." She continues to talk to herself. "I don't care. As soon as Chaos has what he wants, I'll be free of this forever."

Blaize and Crys walk happily down the lantern lit streets of Muulyn, holding each other close against the sudden chill.

"Autumn is close." Blaize says, smiling at Crys. "Which means long nights at home." Her smile widens.

Crys smirks. "I wouldn't have it any other way." She coos. "Dinner was nice, wasn't it?"

Blaize nods in agreement. "Except that beer wasn't worth the bog it came from. Remind me to take us to Ashmire one of these days. I heard the tavern there has great drinks, and a cute owner." She winks.

"You are an insufferable flirt." Crys chuckles. "I better keep an eye on you."

Blaize grins widely. "The only person I have my eye on is you." She gently kisses Crys.

The two walk silently down the street, hearing the occasional burst of laughter from a drunkard, or the chatter of sweet nothings of couples.

Blaize manages to run into another passerby, as she was watching Crys rather than the road ahead. "Oh, I'm sorry!" She cries.

The person she ran into, a woman with long brown hair and deep blue eyes, smiles. "No, it's my fault."

Blaize looks the woman over. "That's an interesting piece of armor you got there. Are you part of the army?"

The woman shakes her head. "No, I'm actually against it."

Blaize smiles widely. "Glad to hear it! I feel the same way too. Where are you headed?"

"I'm just passing through actually."

"There's an inn just down the way if you feel like you need to rest." Crys says.

"Thanks, I'll check into it." She waves as she walks off down the street.

Minerva slowly stops in her tracks as she gets a funny feeling about the woman with red hair she just met. Hm, I wonder if…

Blaize and Crys reach their shop, and their home one floor above. "Home sweet home, eh?" Blaize says.

Crys spies a broken window and lets out a soft cry. "Someone broke in!" She points to the broken window.

Blaize feels the heat of anger swelling inside her and she bursts into the shop. "Anybody here?" She demands.

In the back room, there is the sound of somebody scrambling, and Blaize races for the door. "Who's there?" She cries.

There's the sound of another window breaking and Blaize opens the door in time to see three shadows run away from her shop. "Crap, they've got the sword!" She cries.

"I'll see where they're heading!" Crys calls as she bolts out of the shop.

Blaize tears through the shop and up to her living area. "Damn it, where did I put it?" She snarls tossing around clothing in search of her sword.

She sighs in relief as she finds her sword placed neatly beside her desk, grabs it, and races outside again.

"They're heading toward the grotto!" Crys calls.

Blaize buckles her sword to her belt. "Right, head back home and wait for me."

Crys nods. "Be careful." She blows a kiss after Blaize as she dives into the thick bushes.

Michael lets out a bark of laughter. "See? That wasn't so hard."

Ork snorts. "We should've done this long ago."

Gabby looks around the moonlit grotto with utter fear. "Can we just head back now? I'm sure she doesn't know we're here." He jumps as he hears an owl hoot. "What was that?"

"It was just an owl!" Ork snaps. "Honestly Michael, must we keep him around?"

"It won't matter after we sell this baby." Michael says longingly.

Blaize appears from the bushes. "Hand it over." She says lowly.

Ork tears out his sword. "Well, lookie what we got here." He sneers.

Gabby fumbles for his sword with his shaking hands. "Just, stay back!" He stammers.

"I want my sword." Blaize says.

Michael smirks. "Gabby, take care of her." Gabby stares at Michael. "What are you waiting for? I said, take care of her!"

Gabby gulps and lets out a pitiful battle cry and charges at Blaize.

Blaize nearly erupts with laughter as she easily disarms Gabby and lands a nice kick to his face, rendering him unconscious. "Honestly, that's almost insulting."

Ork howls and charges at Blaize. "You'll pay for that!"

Blaize begins to fight desperately with Ork. Geez, this guy is good.

The distant clashing of metal attracts Minerva toward the grotto. "Might as well see what's going on." She sighs as she stealthily enters the bush.

A dark wolf emerges from the shadow and watches Minerva. Mm, interesting. The wolf thinks to itself. I may find what I'm looking for. The wolf hears another person approach and he melds back within the shadow.

Minerva stops and watches Blaize battle with a large oaf of a man. It's that lady from before, what's she doing here? She turns her attention to the other man, who's holding a gorgeous sword. I doubt he's the owner of that sword. I better see if I can help her out.

Minerva steps out of the bushes. "Stop right there!"

Michael looks at Minerva, shocked. "Who the hell are you?"

"Doesn't matter." She turns her head toward Ork and she grabs her chakram. Please let this work. With careful aim, Minerva hurls the chakram toward Ork's sword and successfully slices off the blade. The chakram ricochets off a nearby tree and returns to Minerva's awaiting hands.

Ork drops the remnants of his sword in shock and raises his hands in the air, shaking. "I was only kidding!"

Michael snarls at Ork and takes the Artemis's Blade out of its sheath, the silver glowing brightly in the moonlight. "Make a fool of us will you?" He charges at Minerva.

Blaize calls out a warning and Minerva blindly hurls the chakram at Michael, who dives out of the way. "Ha, you missed." He chuckles boldly as he aims the blade at Minerva's neck. "Any last requests?"

Minerva sees the silver of the chakram ping around the forest and slice through a thick branch just above Michael.

Minerva smirks. "Just a chance to wish you goodnight."

Michael gives her a funny look, and then looks above him as he hears the snapping of the branch. "Oh, shi…!" The thick branch collides with his head and he falls to the ground, unconscious.

Minerva smirks cockily as the chakram returns to her. "Hm, came in handy after all." She replaces the chakram to her belt and picks up the Artemis's Blade. "I think this belongs to you?" She says handing Blaize the sword.

Blaize thanks Minerva profusely. "Thanks for helping me out. You're the woman I ran into earlier, right?"

Minerva nods. "Name's Minerva." She holds out her hand.

"Blaize." She says giving Minerva a firm handshake. "That's a pretty handy weapon you've got there." She winks as she walks over to collect the scabbard.

Ork, unseen by Minerva and Blaize manages to sneak over to Gabby and collect his sword.

Suddenly, Minerva finds a blade held dangerously close to her neck. "Alright Blaize, hand over the sword, or your friend her gets it."

Crys looks down at Ork and knocks her arrow. Not if I have anything to say about it. With expert aim, Crys releases the arrow right into Ork's back.

Minerva shivers as the blade falls to the ground in front of her, and feels Ork's body collapse to the ground. "What the?" She gasps.

Crys smirks and jumps from her hiding spot and lands softly on the ground. "Sorry about that." She says smiling. "I would've done it sooner, but I couldn't get a clear shot from where I was hiding."

Blaize looks at Crys in amazement. "When did you learn to use that?"

"My father taught me long ago." Crys smirks.

Blaize smiles widely. Gods, I love that woman! She struts over to Crys and lands a passionate kiss on her full lips. Minerva clears her throat loudly, interrupting Blaize's moment of hormonal overdrive.

"Sorry." Blaize says meekly. "This is Crys." She introduces them.

Crys nods her head. "Thanks for getting the sword back. It means a lot to Blaize."

Minerva shakes her head. "Don't mention it. Well, I better be off. I've got some important business to take care of."

Blaize calls out. "What kind of business."

Minerva explains her mission, given to her by Gaia, and Blaize and Crys listen to her in awe. "So I'm supposed to stop Jane from killing all the Lurkers before it's too late."

"And all by yourself?" Blaize asks, shocked.

"Well," Minerva begins with a sigh. "She said I'll find help on the way, but nothing more than that. I expect a subtle sign when I find the help."

Blaize and Crys look at each other and nod in mutual understanding. "I'll join you." Blaize says.

Minerva waves her hands in protest. "No, I can't ask that of you. It's too dangerous. Beside, you have a life here." She looks meaningfully at Crys.

"Don't worry about me." Crys says. "Blaize has been trying to find ways to stop Jane from slaughtering the Lurkers. And now knowing how much we need them, it would be wrong of me to stop her."

"And you cannot come with us?" Minerva asks.

Crys shakes her head, her blonde hair gleaming in the moonlight. The memory of Catt's hair, shining like that, brings a painful memory to Minerva, reminding her how much she misses Catt.

"Somebody has to stay back and watch the shop." Crys says. "Blaize is the better fighter anyway." She continues, affectionately squeezing Blaize's hand.

Minerva nods with reluctant agreement. "It's settled then. Welcome aboard Blaize." She holds out her hand again.

Blaize smiles widely and takes Minerva's hand, giving her an even greater handshake. "It'll be a pleasure kicking that war crazed sow's ass."

The three of them join together in a round of laughter as they head back towards Blaize's house, and a good nights sleep.

The black wolf watches Minerva and her new friends with keen black eyes. So the first Knight has been found. The wolf suddenly changes into Ares. "Looks like things will become a little more interesting." He frowns slightly. "Too bad my target wasn't around." He shrugs. "Oh well, there's always tomorrow." I'll find you sooner or later, you sneaky devil.

Minerva gawks as she peers into Blaize and Crys's bedroom. "That is one," She pauses. "Big round bed!"

Blaize laughs. "Well, it kinda has to be." She winks. "It's comfortable, just lay down and you'll see what I mean."

Minerva lounges in the large circular bed and lets out a contented sigh. "My bed at home is nothing like this."

Crys smiles, and her eyes light up with an idea. "Hey, why not call yourselves the Knights of the Big Round Bed?" Minerva and Blaize give Crys a funny look. "What?"

"Are you serious?" Blaize asks.

Crys shrugs. "For some reason, something is compelling me to say yes."

Minerva's eyes bug out. "Dear Gods, me too! Something inside me wants me to say 'Yeah Crys, great idea!'."

Blaize shivers. "It's happening to me too. Must… resist!" She clenches her teeth. Despite her valiant effort to resist the awe inspiring power of the mysterious Writer God, Blaize agrees to the name, as do Minerva and Crys.

Minerva looks around. "Good, then it's settled?" She says cautiously.

Blaize leans in close to Crys. "What was that all about?"

Minerva turns to the other two with glassy eyes. "Let's forget about it and go to bed now." She says with a monotone voice.

"Egad!" Blaize cries. "She's possessed!"

"I am rather sleepy right now and wish to start the day early." Minerva rises to her feet. "Good night you two." She marches out of the room.

Next time on MINERVA: WARRIOR EMPRESS

Having found the first Knight, Minerva and Blaize set out in search of the remaining members. However, Jane the Bipolar learns of Minerva's presence and makes it her priority to stop the would be savior by sending out the first of her demonic creatures, the Horrible Denominator! But wait, despite the horrible fate surely to meet our hero's, amidst a cloud of…panties? Another hero emerges. Who is this feminine garment obsessed hero? Will Minerva and Blaize ever survive the battle with the Horrible Denominator? Find out next in…

Lacey Desires: Knight Protector Stewie Doth Emerge

Continued in Part 2

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