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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"A God?" Mary Ann gasps. "Why would a God waste his time to help us out?"

"Maybe he’s sympathetic to our cause." Blaize says thoughtfully. "But what bothers me is that he saved Minerva."

"Hey, what’s wrong with that?" Minerva cries.

"Nothing!" Blaize says defensively. "Gods aren’t supposed to interfere with the lives of humans. Everybody knows that."

"We should be thankful that he did." Stewie says. "Lets just leave it at that. I’d hate to get a God mad at me for questioning his motives."

Blaize shrugs it off. "Anyway, what are we going to do now?" She looks at Colleen.

Colleen pales slightly under Blaize’s cold stare. "What do you mean?"

Minerva steps up. "What she means is, we are on a quest given to us by the Goddess Gaia to save this world from destruction by Chaos."

Colleen gasps. "The Lost God?"

Minerva nods. "She has sent me out in search of a group of people who will work with me as Knights. I think I speak for everyone here when I say, you have proven yourself to be a great fighter." Minerva holds out her hand. "Will you join us in this quest Little Knight Colleen?"

Colleen thinks for a fraction of a second and juts her small hand into Minerva’s. "Of course I will."

Jocelyn walks back just as Minerva and Colleen were shaking hands. "Got a new Knight huh? That’s great!"

Syl smiles at Colleen. "You’ll do great, I’m sure."

Colleen turns to Syl. "You are not joining us?"

Syl looks at Minerva. "It’s all up to her."

Minerva smiles. "The more the merrier!" She announces happily.

Stewie lets out a whoop and blasts her Panty Cannon into the sky. "Hades yeah! We’ve found another Knight of the Big Round Bed!" She wraps her arms around Blaize and Minerva. "Come on ladies, can’t stop now! Onward to Armoria!"

Jane roars in outrage. "Why am I cursed with such incompetence?"

Silence yourself Jane. Chaos snaps. They had higher help in this case.

"Who was that man? Where did he come from?" Jane demands.

I do not know. I have never seen him before. However there is no doubt he is a God.

"A God? But I have never seen one like him before."

We will worry about that later. If I know Zeus well enough, he punished that God for interfering with human affairs, and has been stripped of his powers.

"Can that be done?" Jane asks.

Yes, but only by Zeus himself. He will place an item around the Gods neck, shutting off the flow of his powers through his or her body, but his or her immortality remains. If I were free, however, I would be able to kill this God.

Jane’s eyes light up with sudden interest. "You can kill Gods?"

Do you not heed the writings of the Gods? Chaos snaps. Only a God may kill another God.

Jane frowns. "So we are helpless against this man one way or another. But if he cannot use his Godly powers we are not at a complete loss. We can deal with him once you are free." She pauses a moment. "Do you have another demon available?"

Chaos chuckles briefly. Yes, and the perfect one for just such an occasion.

"What do you mean?"

Minerva and her Knights are heading to Amoria, the city of love. My servant Dipuc will work out perfectly. Chaos chuckles again as the picture of a demon with horribly distorted wings, a mess of stringy blonde hair, dark gray eyes, and a single sash over his groin appears before Jane.

"This is perfect. Our own demon of despair to greet our enemies in the city of love." She laughs. "Go now Dipuc! Kill Minerva and her Knights of the Big Round Bed!" Jane’s cackle, accompanied by Chaos’, rings throughout the room.

Minerva heaves out a long sigh and gazes into the bright blue sky above her.

"What’s up?" Blaize asks.

"Nothing." Minerva smiles faintly at her friend. "Just dreading going to Amoria, that’s all."

"Ah, the city of love." Blaize nods. "I know what you mean. I miss Crys as much as you miss Catt, I’m sure."

"Already reading my mind." Minerva chuckles. "A sign of a good friend."

"Nah, it’s written clear on your face." Blaize smirks. "But don’t think about it too much, we’re already half way to the capitol. Before you know it, you’ll be back home with Catt."

"Thanks Blaize." Minerva says gratefully. "How can you be so happy without Crys?"

"Who said I was happy? I’m just good at hiding my emotions, I guess. To be honest I’m miserable without her." She snorts self derisively. "From the moment I first met her, we’ve never been apart more than a day." She barks a laugh. "How pathetic am I? Some big, strong knight huh?"

Minerva grins. "I know what you mean. I feel the same about Catt."

"Where did you two meet?" Blaize asks.

"We met while I was traveling through the Amazon territories."

Blaize arches a brown. "An Amazon is she? Well my..."

Minerva laughs. "Before you ask, yes, the rumors are true."

"What rumors?" Stewie asks, holding her horse back until Blaize and Minerva meet up with her.

"Oh, we’re just talking about Catt." Blaize says. "She’s an Amazon."

Stewie’s eyes widen. "Really? Hot damn!"

"Now don’t get any ideas in your head, Stewie." Minerva playfully scorns. "I was very lucky with Catt."

"So what’s she like?" Stewie asks. "You don’t talk about her much."

"Well, what can I say besides she’s the best thing that has happened to me in a very long time. She’s smart, funny, you know all the cliché things that make people fall head over heels over someone." Minerva grins. "She’s also a fabulous cook. She can make the best bacon this side of Olympus."

Stewie snickers. "Bacon..."

"What about you Stewie?" Blaize asks. "Anyone special in your life?"

"Me? Never!" Stewie bellows. "I’m a loner, too tough a woman for that kind of mushy stuff." Aeryk Jr. mews in her lap and Stewie instantly gets all soft and makes goo-goo eyes at the small kitten.

Mary Ann laughs. "You big softy."

Aeryk pokes his head out of his saddle bag when he hears Jocelyn let out a sigh. "What’s the matter?"

"Oh, nothing." Jocelyn says. "Just hearing the girls talk about love makes me kind of depressed, yah know?"

"I know what you mean." Aeryk replies. "It’s hard sometimes, but you got to keep your chin up sometimes."

Jocelyn nods. "I know, but it still hurts sometimes, not having someone to love."

"You’ve got me!" Aeryk states, cheerfully.

Jocelyn giggles. "I know. Even though you’re still an enigma to me."

"But I thought you liked the short, furry, and mysterious type." Aeryk jokes.

Jocelyn dry heaves. "No thank you. I am a friend of the razor."

"Yeah, well, keep your razors to yourself." Aeryk playfully warns. "I’ve had enough moments with people trying to shave my fur off."

"They are a strange bunch, aren’t they Colleen?" Syl mutters, casting a quick glance to the group behind them.

"Yeah," Colleen agrees. "But you can tell they are good friends."

"And that cat," Syl continues. "I wonder what his story is."

Colleen nods. "He is definitely the strangest one. He seems to know more than he’s letting on though."

"What makes you say that?" Syl inquires.

"Have you ever noticed the look in his eyes? Far to intelligent for a cat."

Syl shrugs. "I wouldn’t worry about him too much. He’s too strange to be evil or anything."

A lone black wolf gazes at the group as they pass him by. A deep and menacing growl rumbles deep in his chest as he catches view of a black cat chatting happily while inside a saddle bag.

I’ve found you. The wolf says.

A woman with shoulder length black hair and piercing black eyes pauses a moment as a large shadow whizzes by above her.

"What’s the matter Rie?" Another woman with short blonde hair and shining blue eyes asks.

"Did you just see something fly by?" Rie asks the smaller woman. "I could’ve sworn I saw a nymph."

"A nymph?" The woman chuckles. "Maybe this city is starting to get to you love."

Rie smirks. "I’ve lived here most of my life, Beth, and that’s the first time I’ve seen something like that."

"Maybe it was just a large bird or something." Beth replies, squeezing Rie’s hand. "Lets go I don’t want to miss the unveiling."

Rie groans as she allows Beth to drag her into the mass of people walking toward a large curtain placed in the center of the city. "Must we do this?" She complains. "If you seen one, you’ve seen them all."

"But this is supposed to be the grandest of them all Rie." Beth replies. "Come on, for me?" She pouts her lips.

Rie fails to hide her grin. "Alright, but you owe me."

Beth winks. "Of course."

"Oh look, I see Rae." Rie points to a young looking woman with long red hair kept in a nice tail. "Hey Rae!" She calls.

Rae turns and casts her seemingly endless black eyes on Rie and smiles. "Hey Rie, never thought I’d catch you at an event like this."

Rie and Beth walk up to their friend. "You wouldn’t, it’s all her fault." Rie motions to Beth.

Beth playfully shoves Rie aside and smiles sweetly at Rae. "Have we missed anything yet?"

"No, the mayor is just making his usual boring speech to the city. How many of these things does he plan on building?" Rae asks.

"Lets just hope this is the last one." Rie grumbles.

"Listen, he’s about to unveil it!" Beth says excitedly.

"...And so it is without further ado, that I unveil to you this lands grandest statue to our fair Goddess Aphrodite." The mayor, a short chubby man, snaps his fingers and a small group of men tug on a long rope and bring down a curtain revealing a grand fountain with the likeness of the Goddess Aphrodite.

The onlookers let out their praise of the fountain for a brief moment before returning to their normal lives.

"Isn’t it beautiful?" Beth gapes as she approaches the fountain. "Look, the bottom of the fountain is made out of some red stone, making the water turn into a rose color!"

"I must admit I am impressed." Rie gazes at the statue. "It makes you wonder how they know what the Goddess actually looks like."

"Pure speculation I assure you." A highly obnoxious voice calls from behind the women. "But I’m sure our gentle Goddess if far more beautiful than our human minds can comprehend."

Rie and the others slowly turn and see a tall gangly man with stringy blonde hair and misty gray eyes grinning from ear to ear at them. "Who are you?"

"My name is Dipuc my lady." The man bows grandly. "Newly hired travel guide to our fair city."

"Up-chuck?" Beth gasps. "How horrible! Were you a mistake?"

Dipuc’s smile fades ever so slightly. "No, my name is Dipuc."

Beth lets out a sigh of relief. "Oh thank Gods." She exclaims. "For a minute there I was about to have a little talk with your parents."

"Never mind that, honest mistake." Dipuc replies. "And may I ask your names?"

"My name is Rie Falcon, and this is my squire Rae, and this is my love Beth."

"Dost mine ears deceive me? Are you not the famed Knight Lady Falcon?" Dipuc clasps his long hands together. "I cannot believe my good luck this day! Might be tempt you into a free tour of this fair city?"

"No, thank you Dill-weed..." Rie begins.

"Dipuc."

"Sorry, but we actually live in the city. We know everything about it."

Dipuc’s toothy grin widens and his gray eyes darken slightly. "Oh I’m sure there are a few things you have yet to discover."

Beth chuckles nervously. "Well, we’re actually a little busy today. Maybe another time?"

Dipuc turns his odd gaze onto Beth. "Of course. You know where to look for me." With that, he turns on his heels and saunters off.

"Well that was weird." Rie states, staring after Dipuc.

"Oh, I hear they’re having a small festival in honor of the new statue tomorrow." Rae says. "Want to check it out?"

"Is it formal?" Rie asks, dreading the response.

"Yeah." Rae giggles as she sees Rie’s look of despair.

Beth’s eyes light up. "Great! We have to go then. There’s this dress I found in a shop next to the Ye Old Leather Shoppe on my trip to the capitol. I’ve been dying to wear it." She happily skips off toward her home.

"You just had to mention it, didn’t you?" Rie glowers at Rae.

"Ah, she would’ve found out sooner or later." Rae smiles up at Rie innocently.

"You hate me don’t you?"

"No, I just like to find ways of tormenting you." Rae grins. "You make it so easy too."

"Well, it looks like I need to find something to wear tomorrow." Rie places a firm hand on Rae’s shoulder. "Come squire. We have work to do."

"Oh yeah, right there." Aeryk moans in pleasure. "Just a little to the left if you would... that’s the stuff."

Jocelyn giggles at Aeryk as she scratches behind his ears. "You’re so odd."

"Silence, and keep working." His eyes roll into his head. "You sure know how to stroke a pussy cat."

"So how much further until we reach Amoria?" Mary Ann asks, taking her seat next to the fire.

"We should be there early tomorrow morning." Blaize replies. "I still say we should’ve ridden longer."

Minerva grins. "Sorry, but I couldn’t take any more of Aeryk’s complaining."

Blaize shoots Aeryk a nasty look. "Why can’t you just take it like a man?"

"You try bouncing around in a cramped saddle-bag for the entire day!" Aeryk retorts. "And beside, I’m a cat."

Blaize begins to grumble and mutter something about skinning a cat when Stewie’s stomach makes an obscene noise.

"Uh-oh." Stewie blushes. "I think it’s time for dinner."

Colleen chuckles slightly and watches Syl as she rises to her feet. "What’s up?"

"I thought I could help Mary Ann with the dinner tonight. I know this area pretty good and I know of some choice places where we can find some rabbits."

Colleen rises to her feet. "I’ll help."

Stewie and Blaize rise to their feet as well. "Count me in." Stewie says cheerfully.

Blaize reaches into her bag and pulls out a lantern. "This might help us see better when it gets completely dark." She nods to Minerva and walks off with the small hunting party.

Aeryk jumps off of Jocelyn’s lap and motions to Aeryk Jr. "Time for me to teach you the art of night vision."

"Alright, be careful you two. There are a lot of wild animals out there who would love a piece of you." Minerva winks.

"We will." Aeryk says happily. "Onward young pupil!"

"So Jocelyn," Minerva begins as Aeryk and Aeryk Jr. walk off. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

Jocelyn grins. "Beside the brush with danger, of course. I’ve never been this far from Ashmire before."

Minerva nods. "Uh, forgive me for saying this, but you seemed a little down about something earlier. May I ask what it was about?"

"What? Oh, that." Jocelyn pokes the fire with her stick for a moment. "I’ve heard a lot about Amoria and how that it’s the city for lovers. I’ve always avoided going there when my friends would want to travel because I’m the only one without someone to call my own." She shrugs. "I guess I was a little jealous hearing you and Blaize talk about your loved ones."

Minerva grimaces. "I know how you feel, I was there myself once, until I met Catt that is. So how long has it been since you’ve been with somebody?"

"About two or so years I think, I’ve lost track since my last mistake." Jocelyn replies. "Eros has been very mean to me lately."

"I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better about it, Jocelyn, without sounding too cliché."

Jocelyn grins. "Love is cliché if you ask me."

Minerva chuckles. "True enough."

"Say, I brought some wine from my tavern." Jocelyn rummages through her bag. "Since the girls are gone maybe you and I can get better acquainted?"

Blaize moves the lantern about in search of their prey. "Gods, I don’t see anything."

"What about over that ridge?" Syl points to a large mound of rocks in the distance.

"Might as well, we’ve been searching everywhere else for the past eternity" Stewie grumbles.

"So how long have you been a knight, Colleen?" Mary Ann asks as they begin their climb of the rocks.

"A few years now, I was under the tutelage of Syl’s late uncle, Notso Luscious Lips."

Syl grins. "You should have seen the look on his face when he found out that his latest squire would be a woman. He was always the chauvinist."

"And was your title and shield a joke?" Mary Ann asks.

"Absolutely." Colleen replies. "Thoough Notso was a great teacher, he did have a mean sense of humor."

"Have you ever thought of changing it?" Syl asks.

"Nah, what’s the point? Beside, it does fit me after all." The group laughs. "Look, we’re almost there."

The group pauses a moment to catch their breath and gaze below them in a small encircled area of shrubs and rocks.

"See anything?" Blaize asks.

The moonlight breaks through the clouds above and shines upon a solitary white rabbit in the area below.

"Looks like we’ve found our rabbit." Stewie says.

"Wow, look at the size of that thing. That would definitely work for the stew tonight." Mary Ann gapes.

"You got the sack Colleen?" Syl asks.

"Right here and ready to go." Colleen replies. "You two ready?" She asks Blaize and Stewie.

"Let’s do it." Stewie says lowly and they slowly descend the rocks toward the small circle below.

The group cautiously walks toward the rabbit and begin to make a small circle around it.

"Colleen," Blaize whispers. "You’re the shortest, you try to catch the rabbit."

The Little Knight pauses a moment to figure the logic in Blaize’s statement, then shrugs. "Okay."

The poor defenseless rabbit hops around and finds a tasty looking bush to nibble on and the group of merciless killers hide behind large boulders and gaze at their prey.

Colleen slowly steps out from behind her boulder and creeps up behind the rabbit, posed to pounce.

The rabbit hops around and faces Colleen and gazes at her with big black eyes. Without warning the rabbit lets out a horrific growl and bears gnashing teeth.

The rabbit then leaps in the air and attacks Colleen, who lets out a wail of terror. "Oh dear Gods it got me!" She begins to wrestle with the rabbit.

Syl calls out to Colleen and races to her friend’s side, while the other Knights bolt out to help their fallen colleague.

"Wait a second," Mary Ann grabs Stewie’s arm. "Do you feel that?"

The ground below the women’s feet begins to shake violently and suddenly a massive horde of white rabbits erupts from a small hole near them and the Knights let out a scream of horror.

"They’re in my hair!" Syl screams, her arms flailing in the air as a pair of rabbits ruthlessly attacks her hair. "They’re in my hair!"

Mary Ann tears by being chased by several demon-bunnies calling for her mother.

"Take this you fluffy spawn of evil!" Stewie blasts her Panty Cannon, but amidst the cloud of panties a solitary rabbit leaps through and lands on Stewie. "Oh dear GODS!"

Blaize tears off a rabbit that has attached itself to her shoulder. "Little bunny Foo Foo hopping," She drop kicks the rabbit and picks up a thick branch. "Through the forest. Scooping up the field mice," She grabs the rabbit off of Colleen and tosses it into the air and prepares to strike it. "And bopping them on their head." She smashes the rabbit with the branch and cackles insanely as the rabbit flies through the air and land with a muffled thud.

Aeryk and his young friend look up as they hear a strange thud in the distance. "Huh, wonder what that was."

Aeryk Jr. mews slightly and the two continue on their trek. "Okay, the most important thing to think about during a nightly raid is focusing on your target. Believe it or not, there is often a lot going on in the forest at night and you could get easily distracted, got it?"

Aeryk Jr. mews and Aeryk nods. "You also need to worry about things that might try to make a meal out of you. But we’ll worry about that lesson some other time. Now pay attention..." He pauses a moment when he realizes that Aeryk Jr. is nowhere to be seen. "Aeryk Jr.?"

A large black wolf chuckles slightly and looks down at the small kitten beside him. Now be a good kitten and run back to your human friends.

Aeryk Jr. mews, worried. I won’t hurt him, much. Go now. Ares watches Aeryk Jr. reluctantly rush off toward Minerva for a moment before turning his attention back at Aeryk.

Ares changes back to his human form and silently makes his way toward Aeryk.

"Aeryk Jr.?" Aeryk calls out. "Now where did he get to? It’s dangerous out here and," He pauses a moment. "Did you ever get the feeling that you were being watched?"

Aeryk turns his head and sees Ares looming above him and he lets out a squeal of horror and he dashes off.

With a thought, Ares creates a ring of fire around Aeryk effectively stopping him in his tracks.

"Come on Ares! You know I was only kidding with you, right?" Aeryk whimpers.

Ares douses the fire and grabs Aeryk by the scruff of his neck. "You cost me the trophy." He glowers.

"Seriously Ares, the woman needed a little face lift. Not to mention a lift on a couple other things, hey!" Aeryk protests as Ares begins to shake him violently.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t get rid of you for good?" Ares demands.

"Because you love me?" Aeryk asks hopefully before Ares begins to shake him again. "Okay, I’m only joking with you."

Ares lets out a sigh and places Aeryk on the ground. "Turn back to your normal self, I can’t stand talking to a cat."

Aeryk sighs and turns back to his normal self. "This better?"

"Enochlisi," Ares begins testily. "You nearly got your Godhood stripped because of that little fiasco the other day."

"I hate it when you call me that name." Aeryk shrugs. "I couldn’t let her die, Ares. She’s too important."

"Regardless," Ares continues snaps. "She’s a mortal, and you’re a God. You can’t interfere directly with their lives."

"Then what’s the point of being a God?" Aeryk retorts. "Here we are all lazing about up in Olympus when there are those who need our help."

"We give them food, water, and at times our protection."

"Through another mortal’s means." Aeryk sighs.

"At any rate, you can’t use your powers any more to help out the mortals." Ares says. "Zeus sent me to watch over you."

Aeryk arches a brow. "He did, did he?"

"Yes, to make sure you don’t screw up like last time."

Aeryk scowls. "I’m not a little boy Ares, I can handle myself."

The sky above them begins to rumble with thunder, announcing Zeus’ displeasure in Aeryk’s attitude.

"Alright, fine." Aeryk grumbles. "But don’t call me by my real name or tell them that I’m a God. They don’t know and I don’t want them to."

Ares shrugs and smirks cockily. "Whatever you say, Enochlisi."

Aeryk gives Ares a dark look. "I mean it Ares."

The two Gods walk back toward camp. "So what made you want to live among mortals?" Ares asks.

"I didn’t have a choice, seeing as who I am and all." Aeryk replies curtly.

"Oh come off it Enochlisi," Ares rolls his eyes. "I don’t think anyone cares that much."

"I care." Aeryk snaps. "I’m not like you other Gods, and I know it. I came to live with the mortals so I could find some sort of sanctuary from who I am." He casts Ares a quick glance. "And seeing you only makes things worse."

Ares stops Aeryk by placing a strong hand on the smaller man’s shoulder. "Hey, I didn’t mean for that to happen okay?"

"Well it did, and look what happened." Aeryk mutters. "We’re almost at camp. I better change back. Are you keeping your normal appearance?" Ares nods. "Fine, just remember to call me Aeryk when they’re around."

"What has gotten into Aeryk?" Stewie asks Jocelyn.

Jocelyn shrugs. "I don’t know, but why is Ares with us?"

"Aeryk would know, but he’s not talking about it." Stewie mutters. "It’s strange. First that one mystery God, and now Ares. It almost makes you feel special." She giggles.

Jocelyn grins. "I don’t know. The God of war hanging out with a talking cat and a small group or mortals? Something’s up."

"Hey look!" Mary Ann calls. "It’s Amoria!"

The group halts their horses and gaze at the city at the bottom of the hill.

"Wow, have you seen anything like it?" Colleen gawks.

Ares snorts. "Eh, I’ve seen better."

Blaize casts Ares a nasty glance and turns to Minerva. "I don’t like him."

Minerva grins. "I don’t think anyone does, most of all Aeryk. Did you see the looks he gave Ares last night?"

Blaize chuckles. "He’s ballsy for a cat, I’ll give him that."

Aeryk pops his head out of Ares’ saddlebag. "Are we there yet?" He asks.

"Just down this hill and we’re there." Minerva announces. "Lets go!"

Ares holds his horse back and allows the rest of the group to move ahead of him. "I don’t think your friends like me too much."

"What do you expect? All last night you’ve acted high and mighty with them."

"Well I am." Ares says, looking back at his feline companion.

Aeryk shakes his head. "You can’t act like that when you’re around them, Ares. They’re the ones in charge of our fate you know. If Chaos were to be set free..."

"I know Enochlisi." Ares groans.

"Then cut the attitude, okay?"

Ares smirks. "You sure have gotten a lot cockier since I’ve seen you last." And with that Ares gallops off to join the rest of the group in Amoria.

"Hello ladies!" A gangly man with blonde hair and gray eyes bellows from behind a bullhorn. "I’ve had my protein today. Have you?"

Minerva and her friends stare at Dipuc in shock. "Uh, okay?" Minerva stammers.

"And who might you be my lady?" Dipuc asks, his shrill voice causing all around him to grind their teeth in frustration.

"My name is, uh, Minerva and these are my friends."

Dipuc’s eyes gleam with malice for a moment, then return to their original dopey glaze. "Well that’s just fabulous. Tell me Minerva, would you and your friends like join the city in a celebration honoring our fair Goddess Aphrodite?"

"Party?" Stewie lurches forward, grabs Dupic by his scrawny neck, and shakes him. "Did I just hear someone talk about a party?"

Dipuc manages to remove Stewie’s grip and step away from the crazed woman. "Yes, there is a celebration planned to commence this evening. You have such great timing. I’m sure the festivities will be a memory to cherish."

The look of malice returns to Dipuc’s eyes and he leans in closer to Minerva. "Can I tempt you for a tour of the city?"

Minerva pales slightly. What’s the matter with this guy? "I, uh..." She stammers.

A pair of hands grab Dipuc’s scrawny shoulders and toss him aside. "Sorry about him girls," A woman with short black hair, and equally black eyes begins. "I saw you enter the city and I knew Woodchuck here..."

"That’s Dipuc!"

"Sorry." The woman apologizes. "I knew he smelt fresh meat, so I came to save you from him." She leans into the group and whispers. "He’s the local tour guide, and a bit eccentric. I’ve heard a lot of complaints of headaches after his tours." She chuckles. "One would wonder why."

The group laughs at Dipuc’s expense and watch as he walks off. Mary Ann notices him cast a dirty look in their direction and mumble something incoherently.

"Hi, my name’s Rie Falcon." Rie sticks her hand out for Minerva. "I’m just a local around here."

Minerva shakes Rie’s hand. "Name’s Minerva, and these are my friends." She quickly introduces the group.

Rie’s eyes widen slightly when she notices Ares ride up with a black cat in his saddlebag. "What’s he doing here?"

"Couldn’t tell you." Minerva admits. "So what’s this festival all about?"

Rie grimaces. "It’s in honor of this stupid new statue our mayor bought. It’s the big one over there." She points to the large elaborate fountain. "Its tonight if you all plan on staying. How long do you plan on staying?"

"Only for the day." Blaize says. "We’re looking for someone."

"Oh?" Rie says. "Who?"

"We’re looking for a knight, though we don’t know his or her name." Minerva says.

"Or what he or she looks like for that matter." Blaize adds.

Minerva gives Rie the gist of their quest and Rie listens with intense interest. "Gee, guess you all have a lot of work on your hands."

Stewie nods. "Are their any knights around the area?"

"Well, there’s me and my squire Rae." Rie replies.

Mary Ann almost falls over in shock. "You are the famous Knight Lady Falcon!" She cries. "Oh, please tell me you’ll join us! You have no idea how great it would be if you helped us out!"

Rie chuckles nervously. "Well, it’s a nice thought Mary Ann, but I’m afraid my life is here."

Mary Ann’s bright face dim with disappointment. "Oh, it’s okay."

Another woman appears and wraps her arms around Rie’s waist. "Hey hun, who are they?" She asks.

The group’s eyes instantly illuminate with understanding. "Oh!" Stewie says. "I gotcha."

Rie introduces Beth to the group. "They’re traveling toward the capitol to stop Jane the Bipolar from killing off all the Lurkers."

Beth smiles faintly. "That’s nice."

Blaize pulls Minerva aside. "You think we should just head out now? Rie’s the only knight in the city like she said. It’ll be a waste of time for us to search around for another one."

Minerva nods. "How about we just grab some supplies and head out as soon as everybody is rested up. It’s been a hard ride for all of us."

"Hey!" Jocelyn cries out. "Where did Aeryk and Ares wander off to?"

"Any idea where he could be?" Ares asks.

"No," Aeryk replies. "Which is why we’re coming here."

"The temple?" Ares moans. "Must we talk to her?"

Aeryk returns to his normal form. "She’s the resident Goddess of this city, Ares. She’ll know what’s going on."

The two march up the polished marble steps and enter a vast and beautifully decorated temple with a large stature of the Goddess Aphrodite in the far end.

"Now why aren’t any of my temples decorated like this?" Ares asks.

"What are you complaining about? At least you have temples!" Aeryk snaps.

"Boys, boys," A deep velvety voice rings throughout the temple. "No need to bicker amongst each other."

A gorgeous woman with long legs, ample breasts, milky white skin, long golden blonde hair and enchanting purple eyes appears from behind the statue and saunters up to the men showing off her pearly white teeth.

"Aphrodite," Aeryk begins, taking her hands and kissing them gently. "You look ravishing."

Aphrodite smiles sweetly. "I know." She turns her attention to Ares. "What brings you two here?"

She turns on her bare heels and pads over to a throne made of gold and falls gently into it. She smoothes out her white toga, which barely covers any part of her body.

"We’re looking for a man named, Dipuc." Aeryk says.

"Hockey puck?" Aphrodite asks.

"Dipuc." Aeryk corrects. "There’s something strange about him."

Aphrodite thinks for a moment. "Ah yes, the ugly man with the annoying voice. I’ve seen him here before." She bites her full red lips. "Come to think of it, there is something rather odd about him."

"Any idea where we can find him?" Ares asks.

"None." Aphrodite sates. "He’s never within my sights for very long. There’s some strange force surrounding him that prevents me from tracking him down."

Aeryk sighs. "A demon sent by Chaos."

Aphrodite snorts. "Yes, Gaia believes he’s still around though we’ve killed him long ago."

"Regardless," Aeryk says. "We can’t have a demon floating around like this. He’s a danger to the mortals."

Aphrodite floats off her chair and pads over to Aeryk. "Who cares?" She gazes deeply into Aeryk’s eyes.

"That’s what I keep telling him, but he doesn’t listen." Ares says.

Aphrodite wraps her long arms around Aeryk’s shoulder and guides him away. "Enochlisi, living among humans for as long as you have has deluded your mind. You’re a God, live up to the title. So what if a few measly mortals die? Thousands more will be born in it’s place."

Aeryk groans. "You just don’t get it. We need the mortals as much as they need us!"

"Oh please Enochlisi." Aphrodite snickers. "All those silly mortal notions. We give the mortals what they need most, food, love," She smiles widely. "A little war every so often to fill their bloodlust." She glances at Ares. "And you, hah, what are you the God of Enochlisi?"

Aeryk shrugs off Aphrodite’s arms. "It doesn’t matter. Are you going to help us or not."

"No." Aphrodite says simply.

Aeryk scowls. "Fine, come one Ares." He storms off.

Aphrodite walks up behind Ares. "Moody, isn’t he?"

Ares sighs and shakes his head. "Definitely not like the Enochlisi I knew before."

"What did happen between you two?" Aphrodite asks.

"Nothing." Ares says lowly. "I’ll see you later." He walks off.

"This had better be worth the wait, Aeryk." Blaize frowns at the cat beside her.

"I’m telling you, there’s something strange about Dipuc." Aeryk gazes around the mass of colorful dresses and lights.

"Man, I’ve never seen so many lights." Mary Ann gasps.

Stewie spies a large table filled with all sorts of food and sweets imaginable. "Sweet Gods above." Stewie gawks and Aeryk Jr. mews in her arms. "My thoughts exactly." She carries the kitten over to the table and begins mowing down the food.

"Ah no, don’t feed him that!" Aeryk cries racing off after Stewie.

"Makes you wish you could go out there and dance instead of sitting around watching people, doesn’t it Colleen?" Syl asks.

"Who said anything about having to watch the people?" Colleen grins as she grabs Syl’s arm and drags her off into the mass off people.

"Well, there’s two down." Blaize mutters.

"Ah, come on Blaize. Let’s have some fun." Minerva grabs her friend’s hand and takes her into the dancing circle.

Mary Ann lets out a longing sigh and Ares grins slightly as he sees Aeryk in his human form appear from the shadows, his face dark and solemn.

Mary Ann pays little attention as Ares walks off and jumps slightly as she feels someone tap her on her shoulder. She turns around and sees a cute young woman with sunshine blonde hair and light blue eyes, wearing a neatly kept blue dress.

"Hello." Mary Ann says cheerfully. Damn she’s cute.

"Hi, my name’s Alice." She smiles sweetly. Wow, she IS a cutie.

"Mary Ann." She shakes Alice’s hand. "You live around here?"

"No, I’m on my way home to Daakland."

"Really? That’s where we’re heading next."

"Oh, you’re here with friends?" Alice asks.

Mary Ann gives Alice the basic idea of why she’s here and Alice nods in understanding. "Say, uh, would you like to dance?" Mary Ann asks. Please say yes.

"Sure!" Alice responds enthusiastically. Thought you’d never ask.

Several hours pass by and the moon has risen to its peak. Ares and Aeryk sit on a thick branch of a nearby oak tree and continue to watch the party below them.

"You think he’ll ever show up?" Ares asks.

Aeryk shrugs. "I don’t see him anywhere. Damn Aphrodite for not helping us."

Ares grins. "She has always been like that Enochlisi. Why are you so surprised?"

"I guess I’m not. I’m more frustrated than anything." Aeryk admits.

"You know this isn’t like you Enochlisi." Ares says glancing at the younger God next to him. "You used to be so much more happier, and a lot more mischievous. What’s the matter?"

Aeryk arches a brow. "Ares, the God of war, concerned for my feelings?"

Ares rolls his eyes. "Be silent and answer my question."

Aeryk sobers and lowers his head. "You know what’s bothering me Ares."

Ares nods in understanding. "Look, it was a party and Dionysus was a little liberal with his wines that evening. We both weren’t ourselves that night and..."

"I hardly had anything to drink Ares!" Aeryk cries.

"What?" Ares asks.

"I should’ve told you before. I wasn’t as drunk as you thought I was."

"So you’ve..." Ares trails off.

Aeryk nods. "Yes. I’ve been in love with you for as long as I can remember Ares, but you’ve hardly paid any attention to me except when I’m screwing things up for you..."

Aeryk remains in the darkened corner of the grand hall and watches the party around him. His father, Dionysus, has graciously opened his famed wine bottle and is allowing all to sample his latest vintage.

Aeryk, or rather Enochlisi, not at all interested in drinking remains where he’s planted and watches the horde of Gods and Goddesses swarm over to Dionysus.

"Why don’t you have a drink?" Artemis says walking up to her son.

Aeryk shakes his head. "No, thank you."

"You know, this party is in celebration of your ascend to Godhood, Enochlisi." Artemis says warmly. "Why aren’t you happy?"

"Oh, I’m happy mother." Aeryk admits. "I’m very happy that Zeus has accepted me, it’s just..." He trails off.

Artemis places a gentle hand on her son’s shoulder. "I know it’s hard being away from the life you knew for so long my darling. Give it some time, you’ll come around." She smiles and gives her son an affectionate kiss on his forehead and walks off to join to the rest of the group.

Suddenly Aeryk finds a large, well-muscled arm around his shoulder. "Great party huh kid?" Ares grins. "How does it feel to be a God?"

Aeryk grins shyly. "Uh, it’s great."

Ares pulls Aeryk away from the Great Hall and into the darkened corridors. "Yup, there’s nothing greater than being a God."

Being this close to the only God Aeryk has dared fall for makes his heartbeat furiously. The musky scent of the war God and the sound of his deep voice pulls at Aeryk’s mind.

"Here, try some." Ares says handing Aeryk his wine glass. "Your father makes the best wines."

Aeryk takes a tentative sip off the wine, not taking his eyes off of Ares. "It’s good."

Without warning, Ares forces his lips onto Aeryk’s and continues to kiss him passionately for what seems like hours, which were in fact only fleeting moments.

The next thing Aeryk knows, he’s laying on Ares’ bed with the very God he has fallen in love with, on top of him.

The sudden sounds of screams of horror and outrage wrench Aeryk out of his revelry and he turns to see the mass of people scrambling to get away from an unseen danger.

"It’s him!" Aeryk calls and he attempts to rush to the aid of his friends.

Ares grabs Aeryk’s arm. "No, you’re not going to help them."

Next time on MINERVA: WARRIOR EMPRESS

The mystery of Aeryk is finally revealed as our heroines are faced at last by the evil Dipuc. But the man he has fallen in love with thwarts any attempts made by Aeryk, to help his friends. Will the city of love fall, along with our heroines? Will Mary Ann and Alice ever get the chance to explore the love they are just discovering between them? Find out this and more in the next exciting chapter...

Twins of Darkness: A Beacon of Light Within Scarred Hearts

Continued in Part 6

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