by Lucky Charms

Disclaimers: See Part 1.

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

Copyright © 2004 by Lucky Charms. All Rights Reserved.

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"So this is it." Minerva says softly to Catt as they watch the sun rise over the horizon. "Can’t say I’m happy that you’re here to witness it." She chuckles as Catt playfully hits her on the shoulder. "Then again, I’m happy that, if we do die, I’ll have you there beside me."

"Were you always this fatalistic with the others?" Catt asks as she rests her head on Minerva’s shoulder.

"Nah, I saved it for you." Minerva chuckles.

The two watch the rising sun in silence for a moment. "Are you afraid?" Catt asks.

"Honestly?" Catt nods. "I’m terrified." Minerva responds softly.

"Luckily, I just hired someone to help around the place before I got kidnapped." Crys says as she watches Blaize build a fire. "Her name is Jen. She always wears this badge that says "Vegemite Kid" or something like that."

Blaize grins. "As long as you trust her, I’m fine with it."

"I trust her." Crys says softly. "So what’s going to happen now? You don’t honestly think you can keep me away from all this, do you?"

Blaize chuckles. "I know better than to do that. I did it once, I won’t do it again." Her good humor fades away. "Though I don’t want anything to happen to you."

"Gods forbid Blaize." Crys says. "Beside, if I have you by my side, nothing can harm me."

"Hey Stewie, have you seen my pots anywhere?" Ms. T asks. "I could’ve swore I left them in my pack. Mind if I check yours?"

"Uh, they’re not in there." Stewie says hastily. "But I’ll check for you anyway."

"I think it’s great that Minerva and Blaize have been reunited with their loved ones." Ms. T says wistfully. "Almost brings a tear to your eye."

Stewie grins as she bends down by her packs. I’ll hold these puppies as long as I can. She says to herself as she looks into her bags and sees Ms. T’s pot hiding within them. There ain’t no way in hells I’ll be going through that again. Maybe I can get someone else to cook for us.

"Oh there they are!" Ms. T cries out over Stewie’s shoulder. "I thought they weren’t in there."

Stewie blanches and slumps her shoulders in defeat. "So did I." She lies. Why must I be tormented so?

Ms. T happily bends over and collects her pots from Stewie’s bags and walks over to the fire they made. "So what do you think is waiting for us in the capitol?"

"Something I’m not looking forward to." Stewie says as she sits across from Ms. T as she brings out various vegetables and meat. "Where do you get that stuff anyway? We haven’t stopped in town ever since we came to Skylark. Even then, I didn’t see you buy anything."

"Oh, I just find these." She shows Stewie the vegetables. "And the meat, well, I don’t know where this came from. Must’ve had it in my bags since we left the castle or something."

That was weeks ago! Stewie cries out in her mind. "So, uh, are you making enough for everybody?" If I’m going down, I’m taking everybody with me!

"You know, I never thought of that!" Ms. T says happily. "Sounds like a great idea."

"Eh heh heh." Stewie chuckles. "Excellent."

"Oh, stop that." Ms. T blushes. "My food isn’t that good."

"You sure were something back there." Beth says as she and Rie walk along the ruined Forgotten City. "Too bad I couldn’t fight with you."

Rie squeezes Beth’s hand. "I don’t want you to fight anymore Beth. I thought I told you that a while ago."

"Well, I don’t like seeing you out there alone." Beth replies.

"I wasn’t alone. I had my friends with me."

"You know what I mean." Beth says. "It tears me apart seeing you out there getting hurt while I’m standing around doing nothing but praying you’ll be alright. Do you know how much I dread the day when you might not come back from the fight?"

Rie stops Beth and clasps both her petite, soft hands. "That’ll never happen." Rie says seriously. "I’ll never let that happen to you. I love you too much to die on you."

"I should hope not that you’ll die on me!" Beth exclaims. "Imagine the embarrassment of people finding a dead woman on top of me! The nerve of you Rie Falcon." She scoffs.

Rie laughs heartily. "Leave it to my Lady Beth to joke around at a time like this." She kisses Beth’s soft supple lips.

"So," Colleen begins. "We’re almost there."

Syl nods and gazes blankly into her tea. "Yes."

Patty looks up. "I can’t say I’m excited to be returning home."

"Who is?" Sandra says. "I, for one, am not looking forward to it."

"I don’t think anyone is." Colleen states as she sits next to Colleen. "One would think, seeing as I’m a knight, I would be looking forward to this whole heartily. When, in fact, I’m actually dreading it. I don’t want any more bloodshed."

Syl takes a small sip off her tea. "It is indeed, a sad day."

"Are you warm enough?" Fran asks Lisa as she prepares to hand her friend another blanket.

Lisa smiles. "I’m fine Fran, thank you though."

Fran nods and pokes the fire. "Who would’ve thought? Us, fighting against the Empress." She snorts.

"I sure wouldn’t have thought." Lisa comments. "Among other things."

"Yes, I don’t think I could thank him enough, for what he did. He saved our souls, and brought you back." Fran thinks back to the day when that strange cat appeared before her.

"What do you want?" Fran snaps.

"Is this a way to greet someone who wants to help?" The strange talking cat says, looking the very picture of offended.

"How can anyone help?" Fran mutters, gazing down at the peaceful face of her dead friend. "I’m all alone now."

The cat shakes his head. "You’re only alone if you want to be. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about."

"Go away," Fran cries. "If you’re here to give me words of wisdom I don’t need it! Leave me." She turns and storms off.

"I can help you." The cat calls, and Fran stops in her tracks. "I can bring back what has been taken from you."

"If this is some joke cat, I warn you..."

"I promise you." The cat replies calmly. "I can make right what was wrong."

Fran turns and faces the cat. "Who are you?" She says in almost a whisper.

"Someone who sees the good still inside you." The cat says warmly.

Fran steps forward to the cat. "What do I need to do?"

"Just lay her down on the grass here. I’ll take care of everything."

"And what do you want in return?" Fran asks.

The cat shakes his head. "I want nothing from you in return. Just join with Minerva and help her."

"Anything," She looks down at Lisa’s face. "To get my friend back."

In a flash of light, two small glowing orbs appear before Fran. "Are these...?" One of the orbs finds it’s place in Fran’s body and a warm sensation fills her body, the other orb falls into Lisa’s body and a breath escapes her lips.

Fran nearly faints in delight and cries out as Lisa opens her eyes. "Thank the Gods!" She looks up to thank the mystery cat profusely, but finds him gone.

"I wonder if we’ll ever see him again." Fran mutters.

"I think this is great work Alice." Sarah says as she hands back the bard’s notes to her. "I’m amazed you’ve been able to find time to write all this down."

Alice blushes. "Well, I try my best."

Mary Ann rolls her eyes. "Please don’t inflate her ego too much. I’m the one who has to bring her back to earth, remember?"

Sarah laughs. "Okay, no more compliments."

"Do you think people would read this someday, in the future?" Alice asks.

"I’m sure many people will tell this story generations to come." Sarah replies. "Oh, and try to make me a bit more heroic, will yah?" She winks.

Alice laughs. "I’ll see what I can do."

Mary Ann scoffs. "Listen to you two conspirators."

"Is there anything wrong with a small bit of glorification?" Alice asks.

"Not at all, if I’m allowed to join in." Mary Ann smirks.

The three laugh a moment before sobering up. "So, we head out later today, huh?" Sarah asks.

Alice and Mary Ann’s smiles fade. "Yeah, I guess so." Alice replies.

"I wonder what’s in store for us once we reach the castle." Mary Ann says. "If Jane’s army has already killed all the Lurkers, that’ll mean Chaos will be reborn."

Sarah nods. "If that’s the case, he might already be waiting there for us. We’re the only ones who can stop him."

"Do you think we’ll win?" Alice asks innocently.

Sarah and Mary Ann exchange glances. "I don’t know." Mary Ann replies darkly. "It’s the Fate’s decision."

"We only joined them just before we came here." Rom says. "Thanks." She says to Kim as she hands her a drink.

"So that Aeryk character told you about this?" Laurie asks. "He’s very strange."

Debi smiles. "Try talking to a cat." She says smiling. "Kim and I nearly left our skin in shock when he appeared out of nowhere."

"Care for a tart?" Myrtle asks the group, showing them a small platter of treats. "I don’t know about you three, but I’m terrified to return to the castle."

Laurie happily takes a good amount of the tarts and places them in her lap. "Ah, don’t be! We have Minerva and everyone else fighting with us. The army’s gone and so is Jane, what could possibly stop us?"

Rom shakes her head. "Always the optimist." She turns to Myrtle. "I wouldn’t worry so much about it Myrtle. Leave the fighting to the professionals. You keep on making these great tarts." She winks.

"So, do you think they’re ready?" Ares asks, looking over to the younger God next to him.

"I hope they are." Aeryk replies softly, gazing at the sun rising over the horizon. "They mean so much to me, as friends, Ares. I’d hate to see anything happen to them."

Ares nods in understanding and turns his attention back to the sun. "It’s funny, how things work you know? Every morning, Helios drives his chariot across the sky, bringing light and life to the world. Then Selene takes her ride to bring the night and rest. Everyday, for ever and ever." He trails off.

Aeryk nods. "We all have our jobs to do, and think nothing of them."

"Do you think it’s possible for Gods to love one another, truly?" Ares asks suddenly.

"Huh?" Aeryk asks, shocked by the question he would never suspect Ares to ask. "Why do you ask?"

"I don’t know." Ares replies. "I mean, you’ve loved me once, right? Or at least said you did." He shrugs. "I’d ask Aphrodite, but she’s a bit biased. Well, what do you think?"

Aeryk ponders the question for a moment. "I think love knows no bounds. Aphrodite may be the Goddess of love and beauty, but I don’t think even she knows the extent of her power." He looks up at Ares with a faint smile. "And yes, I did love you once." He turns away suddenly. "Though how anyone could ever love such a pompous, idiotic, overly hormonal man like you is beyond me."

Ares chuckles. "I know you don’t mean that."

Aeryk scowls. "What ever."

Ares laughs. "I thought so." He casually places an arm around Aeryk’s shoulders and pulls him a little closer. "We can still be friend’s right?"

Afraid, and yet oddly comforted by the feel of Ares’ arms around him, Aeryk nods. "Sure."

"Great, how about we get those mortals up and going? I’ve been itching for a good battle." He winks.

A beautiful man with peculiar light blue hair and icy blue eyes literally flies up to another, more stately man with long brown hair and emerald green eyes. "My lord, I bring news." He says, breathing heavily.

"Yes, Hermes, what is it?"

"Lord Zeus, Enochlisi, Ares, and the mortals are on their way to the capitol city of the Mindom."

"And this is bad news?" Zeus asks. "Tell me the real reason behind your worries Hermes."

Hermes bows. "It’s about the Lurkers."

Gaia lurches from her place near the two and rushes over. "What about them?" She asks, panicked.

Zeus casts Gaia a dark look before turning back to Hermes. "What’s their status?"

"There are only ten more left my lord. And Jane’s army is rapidly gaining on them. We don’t have much time."

Zeus grimaces. "I see. Then we must prepare ourselves. Find all the Gods and Goddesses and bring them here."

Hermes bows again. "What about Enochlisi and Ares?"

Zeus looks up as Artemis and Dionysus look toward him. "Bring them here."

Artemis lets out a fearful sigh and falls against Dionysus. "My lord..." Dionysus begins.

Zeus shakes his head. "We need all the help we can get."

Hermes gives Artemis a sympathetic look before flying off to perform his task. "Surely, there must be another way!" Artemis pleads, rushing to Zeus. "He’s too young to fight."

Dionysus pulls the frantic Artemis away. "Forgive her lord, I will speak with her."

"I thought it was agreed upon that he was to remain with the mortals!" She hisses.

Dionysus sighs. "I know Artemis, but we cannot go against Zeus’ will."

"Ah, to hells with Zeus’ will Dionysus!" She snaps. "He’s my son and I don’t want him hurt, or worse. He’s too important!"

"I’m sure Zeus has taken that into account Artemis." Dionysus says calmly. "Let us prepare ourselves. We have much to do."

Artemis nods meekly and allows herself to be taken away by Dionysus to prepare for war.

"You sure are in a good mood." Aeryk says, giving Jocelyn a funny look. "What’s with you?"

"Oh, nothing." She says cheerfully. "Isn’t it a wonderful day?"

Aeryk arches a brow. "Yeah, okay." He catches a quick glance from Kim and a devilish grin forms on his face. "Oh I get it."

Jocelyn’s good mood instantly vanishes. "What are you talking about?"

"Nothing." Aeryk says innocently. "Nothing at all." He then spies a peculiar red mark on her neck. "Bite yourself shaving this morning too?"

Jocelyn lets out an indecent ‘eep’. "I haven’t the foggiest what you’re talking about!" She blushes placing her hand over her neck.

Aeryk laughs. "Jocelyn has a grrlfriend, Jocelyn has a grrlfriend!"

Jocelyn produces a huge hammer out of nowhere and takes a swing at Aeryk’s head. "You shut up!"

"Hey, watch with the violence!" Aeryk gasps, holding his hands out to protect himself. "Where’d you get that thing any...?" Aeryk falls silent as a sudden chill runs down his spine. He looks forward and sees Hermes floating in the air before them. "Hermes." He whispers.

"Greetings." Hermes says cheerfully. "I come bearing news."

"That’s a shocker." Stewie says sarcastically.

Hermes ignores Stewie’s comment. "For you mortals, I tell you this. There are now only ten Lurkers left in this world." The group lets out a gasp. "So I suggest you hurry."

"He’s right!" Blaize calls out. "Let’s go!"

"Not so fast." Hermes puts up a warding hand. "I have something else to say." He pauses as the group quiets down. "Ares, Enochlisi, you are needed back at Olympus."

"What?" Aeryk cries. "What for?"

"Does it look like I know?" Hermes snaps. "I’ve got work to do, so don’t make me wait."

Aeryk’s eyes flash menacingly. "Let’s go Enochlisi." Ares says seriously.

"But I have to..."

"Worry about it later." Ares interrupts. "I’m sure they understand."

Aeryk gives Hermes a dark look before nodding. "Alright." He then turns his attention to Minerva. "I’ll be back as soon as I can, okay?"

"Don’t worry about us Aeryk." Minerva says. "We’ll be fine." In a flash of light Aeryk, Ares, and Hermes vanish. "Alright ladies, lets go!"

The large group of warriors and friends begins to thunder off toward the capitol. "So what do you think is the matter?" Blaize calls to Minerva over the noise.

"Haven’t a clue." Minerva responds. "We only have a few more hours left until we reach the capitol. We better prepare ourselves for anything."

A dark and sinister laugh rings through the Reception Hall. "The fools!" Jane says as she watches the image of the riding knights fade away. "They honestly believe I’ve died."

You sure are confident in yourself Jane. The doppelganger did loose to them, remember?

"Never send a doppelganger to do a woman’s job." Jane says pompously. "How are we doing with the Lurkers?"

Your army has managed to strike down all but ten.Chaos replies. I suggest you ready yourself Jane. They will be here soon.

Jane nods and leaves the Reception Hall bellowing for the Captain of the Guard. "At my command I want all of the castle guards to assemble in the courtyard. Don’t ask any questions, I just want you there!" The Guard bows his head and rushes off, calling for his charges. Turn my sister on me will you? Jane curses Minerva. "I’ll have my revenge on you."

Jane turns and enters her chambers and walks out to her terrace overlooking the vast countryside. "You’ve managed to succeed so far Minerva. But you’re on my turf now." She grins tightly. "This land it my land, and only my land. From the California..."

A guard bursts into the room. "Excuse me Empress, but I’ve been informed that you are illegally singing that song. You must have permission by the..."

"Shut up!" Jane snaps and the guard bows out, fearful for his life. "Stupid copyrights."

"Ow! There’s a pussy cat nibbling on my boot." Stewie looks down and sees Aeryk Jr. looking up at her innocently and gives her a piteous mew. "Aw, how can I stay mad at such a cute little kitty?"

Mary Ann giggles. "You big softy."

Before Stewie can respond to Mary Ann’s comment, Laurie bursts out from the bushes devoid of any pants. "Oh you naughty nurse you!" She giggles as Debi emerges from the bushes with a large spatula in her hand.

Stewie and Mary Ann marvel at the redness of Laurie’s rear. "Wow, and I thought she was going in for a check up." Stewie mutters.

"Hey, I want a check up too!" Jocelyn cries out, rising from her seat next to Kim.

"I’ll give you a check up." Kim says mischievously pulling Jocelyn into the bushes.

"Well my..." Jocelyn cries as Kim pulls her in. "Oh hey Beth, Rie!" Jocelyn’s voice is heard from behind the bushes. "What are you two doing... oh!"

Kim is heard letting out a gasp. "We’ve never done that before!

A few mumbles from Beth and a most indecent moan comes from the bushes. "Beth! You beast!" Jocelyn cries out. "I’m sure Rie won’t..." She lets out a gasp. "Rie? You too? I’m delightfully shocked."

"Must be the weather." Stewie mutters as she and Mary Ann walk off. "So where’s your little ‘friend’?" She taunts.

"She’s off following Minerva around like a shadow." Mary Ann says with a sigh. "Hopefully this will all end soon so we can have quality time together."

Stewie places her hand on Mary Ann’s shoulder. "Love is but another lesson we knights must battle constantly, my young squire. Fear not though, you shall succeed!"

Mary Ann grins. "I hope so. She’s a wily one."

"Aiyee!" Laurie dashes by again, her rear an even shinier red.

"I’m not finished with you yet!" Debi howls as she tears past Stewie and Mary Ann.

"There are plenty of secret passages around the castle." Fran says to Minerva pointing to various sections on a map of the castle. "All leading to the Reception Hall, which is where the mirror is."

"What about the guards?" Blaize asks.

"Don’t worry about them." Lisa says. "They’re a bunch of bungling idiots. I’m surprised Jane kept them around."

"Best thing I can say," Fran says, noticing Blaize and Minerva’s look of concern. "If we do happen to run into any guards, take care of them."

"I don’t want any unnecessary deaths." Minerva says softly.

Fran nods in understanding. "I know that this may be difficult for you Minerva, but certain things have to be done in times like this."

Minerva opens her mouth to protest. "What Fran is trying to say is," Lisa interrupts. "We know it’s difficult for anyone to kill in battle. It wasn’t easy for us when we first started." Fran smirks. "Well, maybe. We’re not asking you to kill left and right. But for the sake of others, you have to when the time comes."

Minerva lowers her head. "I know." She says softly.

Alice scribbles down her notes furiously. The mighty warrior Minerva, being faced with the difficult decision of either ordering mass deaths to all, or be merciful to the scum that slimes across the earth, lowers her head in thought. What shall our heroine do? Ah, the torment of making such a horrible decision. Life or death, what shall be the call?

"It’s been a long time!" Aeryk says leaning against the balcony made of pure white marble.

Ares grins. "For you maybe." He leans back into the soft chair and stretches out his legs. "This is what life’s all about."

"I wonder what Zeus wanted us here for." Aeryk says walking back into the lushly decorated room and sits across from Ares, wary enough to keep his space from the odd acting man. "Wine?" He offers as he pours himself a glass.

"Sure." Ares says and watches as Aeryk pours him another glass and hands it to him. "Ah, four thirty-six B.C. good year."

Aeryk rolls his eyes. "Like you care about the year."

Artemis and Dionysus walk into the room. "Enochlisi!" Artemis calls out as her son rises to greet her. "I’m so happy you’re safe." She collects him into her arms.

"Give the boy some air Artemis." Dionysus jokes as he pries her away from their son. "Good to see you again." He smiles warmly at Aeryk, then turns to Ares and his smile fades slightly. "Ares."

"Dionysus." Ares replies not bothering to rise from his seat.

Artemis senses the growing tension in the room. "How about the three of us take a walk?" She says pulling Aeryk and Dionysus out of the room. "Give us time to catch up."

"I’ll, uh, talk to you later Ares." Aeryk says before he leaves the room with his parents. The three walk out of the room and enter the vast circular room with an open roof, allowing the warm rays of the run to fall in. "I’ve almost forgotten how beautiful this place is." Aeryk mutters.

"It definitely has been quiet without you around." Dionysus jokes.

The three chatter about the life Aeryk has had the past years as him guised as a cat. He walks past a pair of Gods, one with long gray hair and eyes Cronos, the other with short blonde hair and completely white eyes Uranus, whom are having a heated conversation and smiles faintly when they turn to him and wave.

"Enochlisi!" Aphrodite calls out as she dashes up to him, her supple breasts bouncing around uncontrollably. "How have you been? It’s been much to long." She grins toothily as she smothers him with a hug.

"Hi Aphrodite." Aeryk replies blandly. "I love your, uh, dress."

"Why thank you!" She displays extremely short dress, which is barely able to stuff her cleavage inside and hide her legs decently. "I was thinking about taking a little off the top, what do you think?"

Why even bother wearing clothes? "Um, sure?" Aeryk says before his parents drag him off again.

The trio walk past Hades and another God with deep blue hair and sea green eyes, Poseidon, and pause a moment to speak the normal mindless niceties.

"Everyone seems to enjoy the fact that I’m back." Aeryk says as he walks off with his parents again. "Why is that?"

"We’re just worried about what’s happening down there." Artemis says bluntly. "Though few care to admit it." She eyes Zeus as they walk by.

"Stop it Artemis." Dionysus warns. "Everything will be okay."

"So is that why Ares and I were called back?" Aeryk asks. "To defend Olympus in case Minerva and the others fail?"

"There are only a small few left." Gaia says materializing before him. "Three to be exact." Her voice cold and hopeless.

Aeryk grimaces. "Minerva and her friends will succeed Gaia." He places a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I promise."

The sky begins to darken rapidly over the castle and Jane looks up from her preparations with a faint grin on her face. "We must be getting closer." She rises from her desk and races to the Reception Hall.

"Empress, the guards have assembled at your command." The Captain says. "However, the sudden dark clouds are unnerving them and..."

"Tell them to stay right where I ordered them." Jane snaps. "I will not tolerate children in my guard." The Captain pales considerably before taking his leave and Jane makes her way into the Reception Hall. "Chaos, what’s going on?" She asks rushing up to the mirror.

My power is growing. The time is near. His voice rings through the air. Are they ready?

"Yes," Jane responds excitedly. "I have them in the courtyard as you asked."

Then, let it begin. Chaos chortles as the skies are filled with dark storm clouds and a great wind blows violently, tossing anything it can across the streets and sky.

Jane races for the window just in time to see a woman, still peddling on her bicycle as if nothing’s happening, fly by as a strange song begins to play. "What in the...?" Jane gasps as the woman suddenly turns into a green-faced witch atop a broom. The woman cackles insanely and flies off screaming, "I’ll get you my pretty, and you’re little dog too!"

Jane snaps out of her shock as all hells break loose down below. Bolts of lightning dance across the sky and land just inches away from the terrified guards below. "Chaos? What’s going on?" The dark God fails to answer and Jane turns her attention back to the ground below.

Suddenly, Chaos’ voice rings through the darkened sky. Paidia ek athro skotadi Chaos prostagi se anestin!

The ground below the guards begins to lurch violently and a deep thunder rumbles across the heavens. Without warning, ghostly figures emerge from the ground and hover above the startled and fearful guards.

"Chaos! What is the meaning of this?" Jane demands.

Again, her demands are ignored and Jane turns down to watch the spectacle below her. The ghosts begin to writhe and cry out as they loom before the guards and reach out for the warm lively bodies.

Impossible, he couldn’t...! Jane cries to herself as she watches the ghosts suddenly lunge themselves at her guards. "No!"

The guards, now possessed by ghosts, begin to cry out in tremendous pain and fall to their knees, reaching out for the Empress above. "Pl-please help us!" A guard calls but his pleas are cut short as his body goes into horrible convulsions.

A horrible tearing sound is heard as the guards’ bodies are literally torn apart as the beings inside them take over. A sickly green ooze pours out of any available hole in the guards’ bodies. Large reptilian wings jut out from their bodies and what’s left of their skin becomes shimmering scales. Their cries of pain slowly transform into roars of anger. Jane’s guards have become demons.

"What have you done to them?" Jane demands as she storms over to the mirror.

They are none of your concern now Jane. Chaos says darkly.

"That’s not what we planned!" She roars. "Change them back." She hisses.

Oh? And what do you plan on doing if I don’t?Jane picks up a nearby candlestick and prepares to smash the mirror when a tremendous force sends her colliding with the throne behind her. Chaos chuckles. I thought so. Now be a good minion and prepare yourself for the arrival of our guests. They approach the city gates.

"So, uh, when did this happen?" Rom asks looking around as the city before them suddenly erupts with screams of terror.

"Charming." Kim says sarcastically.

"It wasn’t like this when I left." Myrtle says utterly despaired.

"Something must be wrong." Stewie says.

"It must be Chaos." Rae says. "What else could it be?"

"Does this mean that all the Lurkers are dead?" Rie asks.

"I pray that it isn’t." Beth replies.

"My butt hurts." Laurie complains just before Debi sneaks in another smack. "Hey!"

"Sorry, hand slipped." Debi grins.

"Stop it you two." Fran scolds. "We have to focus."

"There is definite dark magic at work here." Lisa mutters.

"So this is what you left home for?" Catt teases. "Can’t say I’m not surprised."

Minerva frowns slightly. "I don’t like this at all. I wish Aeryk was here to tell us what’s going on."

"Bah, we don’t need him." Blaize says encouragingly. "We’re big girls. We can handle ourselves."

Crys grins. "I see someone’s ready for a fight."

"Where did I put that thing?" Jocelyn mutters as she fumbles through her bags. "Oh, did I miss something?"

"I do hope I brought enough food." Ms. T says. "It looks like we have a long day ahead of us."

"I think I should go back, I think I forgot something back at the Forgotten City." Sandra says as she turns to sneak away.

Patty grabs the jester. "Hold it right there missy. We’ve got work to do."

"Would someone get this cat off my boots!" Colleen cries as Aeryk Jr. begins to nibble on her boots.

"I can’t believe I’m here to kill a own cousin." Sarah says shaking her head then shrugs. "Oh well."

Alice grins. "This is some great stuff! I’ll be famous for sure!"

"Just be sure to take a few years off of me, and I’ll support you as much as you need me." Syl grins slyly.

Alice smiles widely as she pulls out some paper and her pen. "And the illustrious beauty that is Syl, far too wise in her magnificent youth..."

Minerva laughs. "Hey, no bribing the bard." She leans over and whispers to Alice. "Do the same for me will yah?"

"The world is crying out." Gaia mutters. "Something is wrong down there, terribly wrong."

Zeus grimaces and turns to Hermes. "Assemble the Gods at once. It is time we put an end to this once and for all."

Aeryk steps forward. "How much time do we have left?"

"Not much." Gaia replies. "A few hours, maybe."

Aeryk turns on his heels and races for the gates to Olympus. "Enochlisi!" Artemis calls out. "Where are you going?"

"I have to do something other than sit around here and do nothing." He stops just before he reaches the threshold and turns to face the other Gods. "Forgive me Zeus, but I have to do this. I have to be down there with my friends and protect them in anyway I can. May I have your blessing?"

You’ve grown so much Enochlisi. Zeus says to himself. You really care about them don’t you? A faint smile crosses his face. "Go to them Enochlisi. They need you more then we do."

Ares steps forward. "Then let me go with him as well." He turns a cocky grin to Enochlisi. "Who knows what sort of trouble he’ll get himself in if I’m not around to save his butt?"

Zeus nods in agreement and watches as Ares and Aeryk race off together toward the earth below. "You know, I wonder about those two." He pauses a moment. "Do you think...?" He looks over at Aphrodite and receives a skeptical glance. "No, I suppose not." He chuckles.

"Gods, I’ve never seen anything like this before in my life!" Catt mutters as the group slowly enters the city with weapons ready. "Look at the sky!"

The sky above the capitol is now a maelstrom of colors, lightning, and thunder. A great gale howls through the street and lashes at the faces of the knights and their friends.

"Do you think Chaos knows we’re here?" Stewie asks.

"Gee, let me think on that." Blaize responds sarcastically. "Do you think we should split up?"

Minerva shakes her head. "No, it’s best we stick together. I’ve got a really bad feeling about this."

"You always have bad feelings." Rie taunts. "When are you gonna start feeling good about something?"

"As soon as I’m back home and find out this has all be a dream!" Minerva responds. "Come on, we don’t have much time left."

The group presses on through the city that was once filled with people going about their daily business, but now is void of any life beside the knights walking cautiously through.

Suddenly a demon crashes through a nearby window and races toward the startled knights. "Watch it!" Minerva calls out as she pulls off her chakram and hurls it straight at the demon who is run through and vanishes in a puff of smoke.

"Nice work Minerva." Jocelyn gasps. "Looks like we better keep our eyes and ears out."

Minerva smiles at Jocelyn and stops the group. "Guess the element of surprise it out of the question."

"We better hurry to the castle." Lisa says. "Things don’t seem to be getting any better."

"I can see them." Jane mutters. "I want that Minerva for myself."

Chaos chuckles. The dramatic ending, for the beginning of a new era.

"Dramatics nothing," Jane says. "I want her head." Jane storms out of the Reception Hall, glowering at the demons hovering outside. "I want every one of you in the courtyard, now! Kill anyone you wish, but I want Minerva for my own!"

The demons grin widely and make their way out of the castle and into the courtyard.

"I’ve waited for this moment for a long time." Jane mutters as she looks out a window and into the dark chaotic capitol city. "The time when I will be finally free of this curse. I will not let her beat me."

"Here we are." Fran mutters as they stop in front of the large iron gates to the castle. "There is evil here."

"Yeah, and it’s name is Jane the Bipolar." Jocelyn grumbles.

The gates slowly open themselves to the warriors. "Looks like we’ve been expected." Blaize nervously.

"Can’t turn back now." Crys says.

"Let’s get it on!" Jocelyn says as she suddenly transforms into Leather Mistress

Stewie jumps back. "Dear Gods womyn!"

Leather Mistress’s overly tight leather bodice squeaks as she stretches out her legs and arms. "I’m ready." She grins as she pulls out her chain link whip.

A faint grin appears on Stewie’s lips but vanishes as Ms. T properly slaps her behind her head. "Stop grinning."

Minerva and her friends prepare themselves for battle then enter the immense courtyard. "It’s quiet."

"Almost too quiet." Colleen replies. "I don’t like this."

Suddenly a small army of demons erupts from the earth, or jump out from their hiding places behind bushes and tall shrubs.

"Syl, take the Princess and the others to someplace safe!" Minerva orders.

Lady Luscious Lips nods and collects Patty and the other non-warriors. "Good luck Minerva." The small band race for the gates just as it shuts loudly before them. "Trapped!"

A demon walks up to the helpless women with drool cascading out of its mouth and chuckles menacingly.

Before the demon can do anything, an insane laugh is heard in the sky above as an odd pink cloud descends from the heavens with Aeryk and a terrified Ares roaring toward the ground below. "Fear not fair maidens of the Mindom! I shall save thee!" Aeryk announces as he summons a large ball of fire and sends it hurling at the demon below.

As the demon bursts into flame, Aeryk slowly lands his cloud with a pompous grin on his face. "See? I told yah." He winks.

Ares falls off the cloud and clutches his stomach like he’s about to loose his lunch. "Enochlisi, don’t ever fly like that again." He grumbles.

Aeryk takes in a deep breath and lets it out in a sigh. "Nothing like smoldering demons in the morning." He notices Ares take out his sword and dash off into the fray with a feral grin on his face and sighs. "Oh well."

"Aeryk, we need to get out of here." Sandra says. "But the gate’s locked!"

"Oh?" Aeryk says, his eyes wide in wonder. "Well I can fix that." He grins as a little spark appears on his fingers. "This will be the only time you see me doing ‘manual labor." He snickers as he waves his finger around and a pair of hefty looking golems appears. "Would you both please take care of that gate for my friends here?"

The golems nod and thunder over to the gate and tear it off the hinges. Aeryk bows gracefully. "An exit, my ladies. The golems will protect you from any harm, okay?" Patty and the others smile and dash off with the golems close behind.

Minerva lets out a grunt as she slashes through a demon and wipes her brow as it vanishes in a puff of smoke. "I don’t get paid enough for this."

Catt grins. "Who said anything about money?" She smashes a demons head, pulls out a dagger and stabs it in the heart.

"Watch it!" Aeryk calls out as summons another fireball and incinerates a demon sneaking up behind Minerva. "See, I got your back." He winks as he dashes after Ares.

Jane leans over the window and watches the battle below and frowns. "You’re army is loosing Chaos."

I don’t care about them, Jane. I’m buying us time! There are only two left now.

Jane’s heart begins to beat furiously with anticipation and finds Minerva amongst the fray below. "I want her here."

Chaos chuckles faintly. As you wish.

Down below, Minerva and the others continue to fight bravely against the small army of demons. "We better hurry!" Minerva says as she meets up with Blaize. "There isn’t much time."

"I know!" Blaize snaps as she runs another demon through. "But these things just won’t stop coming!"

A sudden explosion blasts through the air and several demons collapse before the two with lacy undergarments upon their scorched bodies. "Whey-hey!" Stewie cries as she prances up to Blaize and Minerva. "How’s it hanging ladies?"

The two other warriors exchange glances and grin at Stewie. "We need to get into the castle as soon as possible and..." Minerva stops when she hears Catt call out for help. "Catt!"

The blonde gazes about fearfully as she begins to hover into the air. "Minerva!" She cries just before she vanishes.

Rie and the rest walk up, panting for breath. "Took care of the last one." She says. "Where’s Catt?"

"She’s been taken captive, no doubt." Minerva says darkly.

"Chaos?" Leather Mistress asks.

"Then we’ve got to get her!" Colleen says rushing up. "Who knows what he’s going to do to her?"

"We don’t have much time left." Aeryk says. "There is only one left."

"Then let us go." Minerva says, leading the group toward the castle. Please be all right Catt. The group walks up the vast stairway toward the castle and the doors swing open for them. "Hm, looks like we’ve been expected."

As Minerva enters the castle, she hears a series of startled gasps and she turns to see that everyone has disappeared. "Guys...?"

A chilling laughter tears her attention back into the castle, and she races into the foyer. "It must be Chaos. He knows we’re here." Minerva mutters. She gazes about the castle as it slowly begins to transform into something like that out of a nightmare.

Statues of beautiful women slowly become haggard looking devils. The stairways begin to twist around and lead to nowhere. Large, dark holes appear in the floors and horrible screams of pain cry out from below while jets of flame erupt at random intervals.

A door materializes just before Minerva and slowly opens with a loud creak, a gust of cold wind bites at her face and she takes a tentative step back. "Looks like I have to go wherever this leads me." The shrill cry of Catt’s panicked voice calls out to Minerva. "Catt!" She cries just before racing into the doorway.

The warrior soon finds herself in a vast field of snow and ice. The only life, if it could be called that, are several sparse trees overrun with icicles. Heavy gray clouds dominate the skies and no sun or moon can shine through.

A shiver attacks Minerva’s sense and she rubs her arms furiously to keep some amount of warmth in her body. No sense in just hanging around, better start moving.

Somewhere deep within the vast Lurkers’ Forest a small figure, the last of his kind, races through the thick bushes of his homeland in desperate attempt to flee from the massive armored men behind him.

"Where’d it get to?" One of Jane’s soldiers calls to his comrade.

"I think it went that way!" The other responds, pointing with his sword. "We’ll get that little bastard yet."

Something’s following me. Minerva says to herself as the strange burning sensation she normally gets when she’s being watched, plucks at her inner senses.

She pulls out her sword and turns around. "Who’s there?" She demands, calling over the howling wind.

She stands ready for several moments, but nothing appears at her call. She shakes her head. "Probably just being a little to jumpy." Minerva mutters to herself as she sheathes he sword and turns to continue her walk.

Suddenly, a huge beast with pure white fur, yellow gnashing teeth, a single menacing horn on it’s head and one large red eye, leaps out from a mound of snow and lunges for Minerva.

The horrified woman cries out as she, and the monster, plummet to the chill ground below and begin to struggle for dominance. "What in the name of Gods are you?" She grunts as the wrestles with the monster’s surprising strength.

Minerva manages to land a right hook onto the monster’s face, lurch to her feet, and tears out her sword only to see that the monster has vanished again. "Oh no you don’t..." She pants. "I won’t fall for that a second time."

Minerva focuses her senses and faintly hears the crunching of snow just behind her. Just at the right moment, she whirls around and stabs her sword into the snow and grins as it begins to redden with blood.

The monster explodes from the snow, Minerva gasping as she looses gripping on her sword lodged in the monster’s arm, and howls out in pain. It then grabs at the sword, tears it out of its arm, and tosses into the darkness.

"Very good Minerva." The monster suddenly says in an oddly familiar voice.

"Jane?" Minerva gasps.

The hairy form of the monster melts away to reveal Jane the Bipolar holding her wounded arm, a tight grin on her face. Soon, the rest of the world around them fades away to reveal the Reception Hall.

"You thought I died then, didn’t you?" Jane’s grin widens. "I couldn’t die, not without really facing my enemy."

"Where are my friends?" Minerva demands.

"Oh, they’re around." Jane coos. "They’re being treated well, courtesy of our future God."

"Show them to me!"

The Lurker lets out a gasp as he trips over an exposed root and scrambles back to his feet. The sound draws the attention of the soldiers and they call out.

"There he is!"

"Get him!"

The Lurker cries out in panic and forces his little legs to push harder. "Mother Gaia," He calls out. "Where are you?"

"Come now Minerva, is that any way to speak to your Empress?"

"You’re not an Empress." Minerva hisses. "You’re a murder, and a traitor to humanity!"

"Traitor?" Jane gasps melodramatically. "That’s an awful word to use. Come, let me tell you about our future." She motions with her good arm to a long table with several candles shining brightly in candelabras.

Minerva reluctantly follows her and sits, only when Jane has taken her seat. "Where are my friends?"

"In time." Jane says, taking a small drink from the wine before her. "Have you ever wondered why we’re here, Minerva? Have you ever wondered why the Gods constantly make our lives difficult?" She leans onto the table. "Have you ever wondered what our lives would be like with out them?"

Minerva gives Jane a strange look. "What are you talking about?"

"Imagine a world with out any Gods hovering above us, lazing about while we’re down here in poverty." She ignores Minerva’s sarcastic snort. "Imagine a world where we’ll live in riches for all eternity!"

"I’d say you’re nuts, Jane." Minerva replies sharply.

"Chaos can give us that world!" Jane says fervently. "He can give us everything and anything we want. All we have to do is pledge our eternal loyalty to him."

"Hm, sell our souls to a God who tried to destroy the cosmos in the beginning? Or is the same God who despises mortals in all forms and wishes them pain and suffering for all eternity? Or did Chaos have a sudden change of heart?" She gazes directly into Jane’s rapidly reddening face. "I want my friends back Jane." Minerva says in dark tones. "Where are they?"

The flush colors in Jane’s face fade away as a devilish grin forms on her face. "Very well." She leans back into her chair as several full length mirrors appear in the air surrounding them, with her friends pounding frantically behind the glass, their voices failing to reach Minerva’s ears.

Minerva lurches to her feet. "Release them at once!"

"Not until you call off this silly crusade against Fate." Jane replies, grinning smugly.

"Never." Minerva hisses. "I’d rather die than turn my back on my friends."

"Hm." Jane places her glass down on the table and slowly rises to her feet. "Pity you have no vision Minerva."

Suddenly a tremendous energy slams into Minerva and sends her colliding with her chair then onto the floor in an ungraceful heap. "Step down Minerva." Jane calls, slowly walking from behind the table and toward Minerva. "This can be over very quickly."

Minerva struggles to rise to her feet, gasping for breath. "You want a world with nothing but death. I’m fighting for a world with life!"

Jane shakes her head. "Shameful." Again the energy slams into Minerva and she slams heavily onto the large doors to the Hall with a pained sob.

The evil Empress storms over to the barely conscious Minerva and grabs her around the throat and lifts her off the ground with inhuman strength. "Try to take my future away will you? I’ve lived most of my life a slave, and I will not allow you to take away my freedom!"

Minerva feebly struggles against Jane’s tightening grip and despairs as she feels her life slowly seeping away from her. "Yo-you’re mind has been poisoned by Chaos’ false promises Jane."

Kill her Jane! Chaos’ voice suddenly rings through the room. She’s the only one who will stop you from regaining your soul back. I promise you, once she and the final Lurker are gone, you can have your life back the way you’ve always dreamed and more.

Tears of sudden understanding fall from Minerva’s eyes. "So, you sold your soul to him? Why?"

Jane’s gnashes her teeth as she glares at Minerva with dead hazel eyes. "I would’ve died that day. My life and all that I have worked for would’ve been for nothing! He gave all that back to me. How could I leave my sister alone?"

"You’re sister?" Minerva gasps as her body suddenly begins to feel cold and heavy. "You came back for your sister?"

"I love my sister!" Jane snarls. "And you took her away from me. You were the one who poisons minds Minerva! Without you, none of this would’ve happened! So die and let me have my life back!" The Empress suddenly lets out a startled gasp of pain and releases her grasp on Minerva and falls to her knees to see the chakram protruding from her side.

Minerva collapses to the ground, gasping for breath, and turns to Jane. "I’m sorry, but I cannot send my friends into the world you wish to bring life to Jane."

Jane attempts to take the chakram out, but pulls back as her fingers are cut by the razor sharp edge. "How...?"

The glass of the mirrors shatter and Minerva’s friends jump to their safety and rush to her side, Catt smothering her with a fierce embrace.

Patty kneels beside her dying sister and gently brushes aside the hair falling across her face. "Jane..."

"Patty." Jane says softly. "I’m sorry this happened."

Patty shakes her head slowly. "If only you would understand sister."

Jane manages to smile, despite the pain. "I, unfortunately, have always understood. I was afraid of what would happen to me should Chaos fail. And now, that he has..." She coughs briefly. "My time is now over."

Patty bows her head. "Jane, I too am sorry."

"Don’t be you idiot." Jane playfully taunts. "Do me a favor and live strong. Get Minerva for me."

Patty calls to Minerva and she walks over and kneels with them. "Yes Jane?"

"Forgive me Minerva." Jane mutters. "I had no other choice."

"I understand Jane, all is forgiven."

"When I am gone, take your chakram and destroy the mirror. It’s the only way Chaos can return to this world." Jane takes one final look at the warriors around her. "You all were magnificent..." She whispers before closing her eyes slowly and lets out her final breath.

Minerva places a sympathetic hand on Patty’s shoulder. "The Empresses final wish was that you save this world Minerva." Patty says strongly. "Obey her."

The warrior nods in understanding and takes out the chakram from Jane’s side and walks steadily toward Chaos’ Mirror.

"There," Jane’s soldiers chuckle as she pick up the tiny Lurker. "To hells with you." He says before running his sword through the Lurker’s body and dropping in carelessly to the ground.

"Lets get outta here." The other soldier says. "I’ve had enough of this."

Minerva raises her chakram high and smashes it into the mirror. Suddenly cloud of black smoke rises from the cracks briefly, a strange face appearing before Minerva before all is still again.

"Minerva," Catt says cautiously. "Is everything alright?"

I wonder."Yeah, everything’s going to be alright." She casts the mirror one final glance before rejoining her friends.

Syl and the others explode into the Reception Hall. "Did you see? The storm is gone and everything’s back to normal!" Syl cries. "We’ve won!"

The room erupts with joyous laughter and hugs all around, before falling silent again as Patty steps toward Minerva. "I cannot begin to thank you enough for saving us Minerva."

Minerva smiles as she holds Catt close to her. "Being here and with my friends is thanks enough."

Patty nods, returning Minerva’s smile. "There is one thing, however that I would like to give you." She pauses, grasping everyone’s attention. "As reigning Empress of the Mindom I hereby step down and proclaim Minerva as our new ruler, may the Gods bless you always."

The group lets out another cry of joy, but Minerva’s face pales considerably. "Patty, I don’t know if I could..."

Patty shakes her head. "It is your destiny Minerva. I insist you accept and live the life the Fates have given you now."

Minerva looks down at Catt, dumfounded. "But I..."

Catt playfully elbows Minerva. "Is that any way for our Empress to speak?" She laughs.

Stewie whips out her Panty Cannon and blasts it above everyone. "Three cheers for Minerva, our new Warrior Empress!"

Several days have passed and Minerva was crowned as the new Empress of the Mindom, and there was much rejoicing throughout the land.

As her first act as Empress Minerva, along with her friends, have announced the creation of the Knights of the Big Round Bed, who will act as protectors of the land and aid Minerva in her ruling.

Lisa and Fran have stepped down as Minerva’s assassins and have built a home for troubled women and youths. Jocelyn, along with the help of her new love Kim, have moved the location of her Toy Shoppe and is flourishing. Stewie burst with pride as she finally Knighted Mary Ann and presented her with her seat beside her on the Big Round Bed. Blaize and Crys have decided to build their own home just outside the city and lead quiet lives together, though never far when Minerva or any of their friends need them. Colleen and Syl have moved back to their home in Raidon, but keep in close contact with the others on a constant basis. Rie and Beth moved into the castle with the other knights and were pleased to announce their marriage to Minerva one short month after their victory over Chaos. Rae, also Knighted with Mary Ann, has since left the capitol and is on a journey of personal enrichment. Sandra and Ms. T have stayed on as jesters for the court, Sandra still refuses to mime. Debi was appointed as head Nurse of the Mindom, it’s been known that people leave her home with wide grins on their faces. Myrtle and Rom have made a comfortable living in the capitol with Laurie still managing to make a cheerful nuisance of herself. Aeryk Jr. has grown rapidly and has been appointed Head Mouser of the Castle; he has yet to get off his Little Round Bed. Aeryk and Ares have returned to Mount Olympus, though Aeryk has been seen flying around on a pink colored cloud with a large vat of some sticky substance and feathers. Word quickly spread about a mysterious honey and feathering. Alice has finished her tale and named it Minerva: Warrior Empress.

Meanwhile, however, a war is about to be waged upon Mount Olympus and the lands below. A familiar voice chuckles to herself as she scales the mountainside. But that is another story...

The End

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