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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Aeryk bows his head. "It shouldn’t have happened this way." He mutters.

Ares places a hand on Aeryk’s slumped shoulder. "What could you have done? Beside, she was your friends’ enemy, it’s better this way."

"She sacrificed herself for her friend," Aeryk says turning a sharp gaze up at Ares. "That says something."

Down at the street level the tattered knights regroup. "Everybody okay?" Minerva asks.

"I’m okay," Blaize grimaces. "I think the bleeding has stopped."

Mary Ann walks up. "Let me look at it, I know how to take care of wounds pretty good."

Leather Mistress walks up to the group. "I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner Minerva." She says gruffly.

Minerva turns to the stranger knight. "Who are you?"

Leather Mistress smiles, clasps her hands over her heart, and in a flash of light her black leather armor vanishes and Jocelyn is seen in her normal attire. "It’s me." She says.

Aeryk nearly falls off the roof in shock. "So that’s what was going on with her." He laughs. "Come on, let’s get down there and help them out."

"Jocelyn?" Syl rushes out. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I’m fine." Jocelyn says happily. "Just helping the girls out."

"But how did you...?" Minerva stammers.

"I guess it had something to do with the antidote Aeryk gave me. It must’ve had some strange effect on me, and guess what happened?"

Stewie snorts. "Great, now we have a psycho leather wearing beast of a knight as a friend."

Jocelyn beams. "I got a little carried away, so sue me!"

The forgotten Fran makes her presence known by clearing her throat loudly. "You’ve forgot about me."

"That’s right," Colleen says. "What do we do about her?"

Fran gently places Lisa’s body on the ground before rising to her feet. "I don’t care what you do with me. Kill me for all I care, just make it quick. I don’t think I could bare the pain Lisa went through for me."

Honestly moved by Fran’s words, Minerva steps forward. "But didn’t Lisa ask you to move on for her? Granted, we have been enemies in the past Fran, but I think we can move past that if we’re willing to work together."

Fran shakes her head. "I can’t do that Minerva. I am Chaos’ slave now. He has my soul. I’m sure he’ll do nothing less than kill me if I betrayed him now."

Minerva bows her head. "I’m sorry that you lost your friend Fran. If there’s anything we can do for you..."

"Just," Fran interrupts. "Let me bury my friend in peace. I’ll disappear from your lives forever now. You have nothing to worry about anymore."

Minerva pauses a moment, turns to her friends who nod in support. "Fran, I..."

"Go now Minerva, you’re almost done, don’t you see?" Fran cries. "You’re so close to the one thing you’ve worked so hard for. There’s nothing in your way, go now." She says softly, leaning down to pick up Lisa’s body. "Go now." Fran turns on her heel and carries Lisa’s body into the forest, not one soul noticing a black cat dashing after her.

Ares walks up to the group, his face dark and grim. "You all did very well." He says uncertainly. "I’m sorry this happened to you."

Minerva is certain to hear some smart-aleck remark come from Blaize’s mouth, but is pleasantly doomed to failure. "Thanks Ares," Blaize says warmly. "I mean that."

"Where’s Aeryk, I mean, Enochlisi?" Rae asks.

"He ran off somewhere." Ares replies. "The boy can be so difficult at times." The comment earns knowing laughs.

Minerva pulls Ares aside. "Ares, I don’t know how to say this to you but," She pauses a moment to make sure she and Ares are out of earshot. "I know what happened between you and Aeryk." Ares sucks in a breath about to say something, but Minerva cuts him off. "It’s not my place to intrude on other peoples lives, but Aeryk is a good friend of mine and I don’t want to see him hurt again. He still has feelings for you Ares and I don’t think you’re the type to talk about these sort of things, but you’ve got to. It’s hurting him deep down."

Ares sighs and crosses his arms. "Minerva, what else can I do? He knows how I feel about this and..."

"He needs you Ares, more than you know." Minerva interrupts. "And you need him."

Ares puffs up in outrage. "Excuse me? Why would I ever need a twit like him? He’s whiney, conniving, idiotic, completely childish and..." He stops suddenly.

"And what?" Minerva encourages.

"That’s it." Ares says stubbornly. "The only reason I’m here is to make sure he doesn’t try anything stupid again, Zeus’ orders."

Minerva shakes her head sadly. "Alright, if that’s how it is, so be it. Just don’t hurt him again okay? God or no, I will find a way to hurt you." She says darkly before turning on her heel and racing to rejoin with her friends.

"I still don’t get it." Mary Ann says, a blank expression on her face.

"Okay, one more time." Aeryk says. "A rabbi, a priest, and a..." A loud boom interrupts Aeryk. "Stewie! I asked you not to play with the panty pistol! It’s still a little too powerful."

Stewie turns her ash blackened grin up to Aeryk. "But it’s so cool! When are you going to be finished with it?"

"As soon as you stop messing with it." Aeryk snaps. "Just put it back in my pack and go play with your cannon."

"I can’t, Aeryk Jr. won’t leave it alone. He’s sleeping in it now." Stewie says sullenly. "I’ve got to have my panty fix!"

Mary Ann heaves out a sigh and reaches into her pack and rummages through it to find a pair of panties for Stewie to play with. "Here you go Stewie, they’re your favorite bunny ones."

Stewie lets out a squeal of delight before snatching the panties out of Mary Ann’s hand and dashing off into the forest. "Is she always like this?" Ms. T asks, perplexed.

"She gets worse, believe me." Mary Ann replies. "Things are getting pretty exciting huh? Are you nervous?"

Ms. T shrugs. "I guess so. I’ve never been involved with a war before, let alone fighting to stop my own Empress. But I guess it goes with the territory. I’ve noticed you consoling Alice more times than not." She winks.

Mary Ann blushes a deep red. "Yeah, well. She’s not built for this kind of stuff." The two pause their conversation when the hear an insane cackle ring through the afternoon sky. Mary Ann smiles and shakes her head. "Good luck to you." She winks.

Beth lets out a contented sigh as she rests her head against Rie’s chest. "It sure is nice out today, huh? And to think it’s almost autumn."

"Yeah, it sure is." Rie says, gazing into the blue sky.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Just everything that’s been going on up until now. Where we’re going, what’ll happen when we get there."

"I don’t think you should be worrying about that so much." Beth says softly. "Minerva has everything under control."

"You think so?"

Beth chuckles. "She may seem like the kind of person who just sits back and lets things happen, but I can tell she’s a natural born leader and knows where she’s going. She was ready to die for us you know that? I think she had faith that we would move on if she were to..."

"Lets not talk about that." Rie says suddenly.

Beth raises her head and faces Rie, surprised. "You’re worried about her, aren’t you?"

"What?" Rie cries. "Of course not, she’s a big girl and can handle herself! I’m outraged at such a notion."

Beth smiles devilishly. "You are so! Oh, Rie is actually caring about someone other than herself! I don’t know whether to be ecstatic or jealous."

Rie grabs Beth’s head and forces her into a deep, passionate kiss. "That’ll teach you to be jealous."

"Well my," Beth grins. "I think I may have learned my lesson here. But I could use a little refresher coarse if you’re up to it." She winks.

"So will you be able to fix it?" Blaize asks.

"I think so," Rom says, looking at the many pieces of Blaize’s broken sword before her on a piece of leather. "I’m surprised it broke so easily. This looks like it was a very strong sword."

"It was," Blaize says sullenly. "It’s a family heirloom and very valuable to me."

Rom smiles. "I understand. Lucky that I managed to get my Fae Hammer before we left. Now if I could just get Enochlisi to help me out a little, I can fix up your sword good as new." Blaize chuckles faintly. "What’s so funny?"

"Nothing," Blaize says. "It’s just that I’m not used to hearing him being called that. He’s always been Aeryk to me."

Rom nods. "So what are we going to do next?"

"I think we’re just going to head right for the castle now." Blaize replies. "Minerva seems to be confident enough for us to take on Jane now."

"Shouldn’t we be worrying about her army?"

"Nah, Jane’s confident enough in herself that she has kept her entire army out in the field searching for Lurkers to kill. All we’ll have to contend with is the castle guard, which shouldn’t be too difficult, and Jane herself."

"Wow," Rom exclaims. "I can’t believe we’re actually doing this. You have to be nervous."

"I am," Blaize admits. "But I’ve got my friends here beside me, so I think I’ll be alright."

"Do you have anyone back home waiting for you?"

Blaize grimaces. "Yeah, her name’s Crys. She’s the love of my life."

Rom smiles. "From the sound of your voice, one could only hope to understand how much you love her."

Blaize blushes. "Well, she’s done a lot for me."

"Aren’t you worried about her?"

"Yeah, I am." Blaize admits. "But I’ve got to be able to move on. If not for Minerva, than for her."

Rom nods in understanding. "Well, I guess I’ll have to hunt down Enochlisi, or whatever his name is to you guys, and see if he can help me out." She rises to her feet and smiles down at Blaize. "I may not know you very well, or this whole mission you guys have, but I’m confident that things will work out for you and Crys."

Blaize smiles faintly up at Rom. "Thank you. I hope you’re right."

Ares falls heavily onto a large boulder and stretches out his long legs. "Ah, much better." He rubs his stiff leg muscles and grunts when he reaches a sore spot. "What did Minerva mean by that anyway?" He asks aloud. "God or no, I will find a way to hurt you." He snorts. "And I thought I was cocky."

Rae walks up to the clearing just before the boulder Ares is sitting on, and stops dead in her tracks. "Uh-oh, better turn back." She mutters to the little black kitten in her arms. Aeryk Jr. has other ideas and leaps happily out of Rae’s arms and makes his way toward Ares. "Aeryk Jr. stop!" She hisses.

Aeryk Jr. mews up at the God of war and leaps up beside him. "So, you’re the one Enochlisi has been talking about." He smiles broadly at the kitten. "You do look like a lot of trouble don’t you?" Aeryk Jr. mews. "I see, he has taught you well hasn’t he? I’ll never understand why Enochlisi feels the way he does about you mortals." Aeryk Jr. mews, insulted by Ares’ remark about mortals. "Excuse me, but that’s just how we feel about you." Aeryk Jr. mews. "Obviously Enochlisi feels otherwise, but that just comes from his life among you."

Rae looks around for a good place to hide. This looks like it could be an interesting conversation. Maybe I’ll be able to find out more about him. She quickly finds a thick bush and makes her way into it stealthily.

"Well, I guess Enochlisi isn’t all that bad." Ares admits to the kitten. "But you just keep that between us okay?" He pauses a moment and looks around. Rae gets the sudden impression that she’s be spotted. "Can I tell you something else? And you’ve got to promise me you won’t say anything to Enochlisi or anyone else, okay?" Rae lets out a sigh of relief and strains her ear to hear Ares’ conversation with Aeryk Jr. "I think I’m falling in love with Enochlisi..." Rae lets out a cry of shock and Ares whirls around. "Who’s there?" He demands.

"Oh crap." Rae mutters as she appears out of the bush. "Uh, hi-yah Ares!" She says. "Lovely day isn’t it?"

Ares narrows his eyes. "You heard, didn’t you?" Faster than Rae can respond, she finds Ares right in her face. "You say anything this to anyone and I’ll kill you."

Rae’s eyes widen in fright, and then narrow in outrage. "Don’t talk to me like that." She snaps.

Ares scowls and turns on his heels. "Whatever."

Rae frowns and follows after Ares as he walks away from her, the young kitten in tote. "What are you so afraid of?"

Ares sighs. "What would people think if they saw the God of war loving another man?"

"Oh, and it’s not like it’s being done anyway?" Rae says. "You know how Greeks are Ares."

"You don’t understand." Ares says. "I have certain expectations to live up to."

"And since when have you ever cared what people think?"

"I always care!" Ares retorts, turning on Rae. "Why do you think I’m talking to you now?"

"Okay." Rae says calmly. "Why don’t you tell me why you haven’t spoken to Aeryk about this? I think he should at least know."

Ares shakes his head. "No, I can’t."

"Why?" Rae cries.

"Because I can’t. Listen, I have my reasons and I’m not going to explain them to you."

Rae crosses her arms. "You’re just scared."

"I’m not afraid of anything. I’m just looking out for myself." Ares snaps.

Not at all convinced, Rae says, "Yeah? Then tell him."

"Screw this," Ares snarls. "I’m leaving." He vanishes in a fury of flames.

Aeryk Jr. pads up and mews at Rae. "Hey there, little trouble maker." She says picking up the young kitten. "Some fix huh?" She asks as she begins scratching Aeryk Jr. under his chin. "What are we going to do now?"

The next morning the group sets out for their final destination, the Capitol City. "You sure this pass is safe enough?" Myrtle asks.

"Sure I’m sure." Aeryk says smiling. "Would I intentionally put you guys in harms way?"
"Yes." Jocelyn says with a smile.

Aeryk sticks his tongue out at Jocelyn before continuing. "Anyway, this route would surely cut our traveling in half. I’m as eager as the next person to get this all done with."

"Aren’t you forgetting something?" Ares says darkly.

Aeryk frowns at Ares. "What do you mean?"

"The Forgotten City?" Ares asks sarcastically.

"Oh yeah! I forgot about that, didn’t I? Go figure." Aeryk replies.

"What’s the Forgotten City?" Sandra asks.

"It was the first and only city that Zeus created where Gods and Mortals could live together." Ares says. "It was a good idea at the time, but things changed after a while."

"So what’s the problem then?" Rie asks.

"There isn’t any," Ares responds. "To Gods anyway."

Minerva grimaces. "That’s great. Thanks Aeryk."

"Hey, I forgot about it okay? Beside, the magic surrounding the city should be too weak to be of any threat by now. It’s been eons since anyone has been there." Aeryk says. "So how about we just continue on this path and plot out our next move."

They’re heading toward the Forgotten City. Chaos says.

"The Forgotten City?" Jane asks. "Where is it?"

In the center of the Impassible Mountains.

"You mean Impossible?"

No I mean Impassible, nothing’s Impossible.

Jane looks as if she’s about to argue with Chaos again, but decides to bite her lip. "So what are we going to do now? I can’t make any contact with Fran of Lisa."

That is because Lisa is dead, and Fran has somehow managed to avoid me as well.

Jane falls back in shock. "L-Lisa’s dead? Impossible!"

See for yourself. Through the mirror, Chaos shows Jane the events of the evening before and her face darkens in rage.

"What can we do now? This woman is becoming stronger with each passing day! Everything I throw at her turns to shit! My army is busy finding the Lurkers and by the time she arrives here..." She trails off. "Tell me Chaos, what must we do now? Our options are limited."

There is one more thing I may be able to do. And I’m sure you will enjoy this as much as I will.

Jane arches a brow. "Chaos, actually showing some sort of emotion. This intrigues me." Two figures of women, one with short blonde hair and shining green eyes and the other with long blonde hair and blue eyes, appear in the mirror before Jane. "I’ve seen these women before," She thinks for a moment then gasps out in surprise. "You don’t mean...?"

The perfect bait, for the perfect trap. Chaos says.

Two cloaked figures stand at the edge of a ruined city and shiver slightly from the chill wind. The taller of the two nods down at her comrade and the two pull away their hoods.

"This is it." The tall one with long black hair and penetrating black eyes comments, gazing at the ruins.

"Will she be here in time?" The shorter one with shoulder length red hair and soft brown eyes asks.

"She has to be. We must prepare for her arrival Debi. I’m afraid she might need your services."

Debi smirks slyly at her friend. "I don’t think she’ll be too appreciative of that, Kim, seeing as I’m a stranger and all."

Kim grins at Debi. "I didn’t mean it like that, you sick woman."

Debi laughs. "I’m not called the Naughty Nurse of the Mindom for nothing! How about we find someplace decent where we can build a fire. It’s starting to snow."

The two pull their hoods over their heads again and trek down the steep hillside down to the ruins below.

"Gods it’s cold." Blaize grumbles as the group reaches the snow level of the mountain pass. "Are you sure this is the quickest route to the Capitol, Aeryk?"

"I’m sure." Aeryk replies with a shiver. "The ruins should just be down this hill. Maybe there we can camp and wait for the snow to stop."

The group nods in agreement and continues down the path towards the ruined Forgotten City. "Say Aeryk, are you sure there isn’t any monsters roaming around the ruins?" Mary Ann asks. "You wouldn’t lie to use would you?"

"Of course there isn’t," Aeryk smiles at the squire. "I hate trolls and goblins as much as you do."

"That’s because you’re a wuss." Ares teases.

Aeryk and Rae dart Ares a nasty look. "Shut up." Aeryk snaps, turning away from Ares.

Rae keeps her dark glare at Ares a moment longer. "Stop it Ares." She hisses.

Ares shoots an even darker look at Rae. "You can’t tell me what to do." He snaps back.

"Just because you’re...!" Rae cries.

"Hey!" Stewie interjects. "No fighting you two, okay? We’re almost at the city."

Ares, Rae, Aeryk, and the others ride in silence and attempt to enjoy the falling snowflakes around them. "I can’t believe it’s snowing already." Syl says to Patty. "And to think, it’s only autumn."

"The Gods have a strange way of blessing us with small pleasures." Patty replies smiling. "The snow helps to keep the world’s troubles silent for a time."

"...Then you should try my latest work-out scroll, ‘Body by J’." Jocelyn says to Sarah. "Best work-out you’ll ever have!"

Sarah smiles at Jocelyn. "I don’t want word to go around but, I’m not too fond of working with clothes on." She blushes.

"Even better!" Jocelyn cries. "My motto is, why carry the weight of the world on your shoulders when all you need to do, is shed!"

Sarah chuckles heartily. "You are definitely made for that sort of business Jocelyn. I’ve only known you but a short time, and I’m already afraid of you."

Jocelyn grins. "Then you should stay away from Aeryk and I." Her grin widens to reveal gleaming white teeth. "Give us a cup of coffee, some good sweets and we’re happy people, ain’t that right Aeryk?" Aeryk answers with a knowing laugh.

Blaize and Minerva exchange amused glances when they hear Aeryk laugh. "At least someone’s enjoying himself." Blaize chuckles.

Minerva nods. "Yes. It’s nice to hear it every once in a while." She goes silent as she turns her gaze to the slowly growing ruins before her. "What do you think awaits us, in the future?"

Blaize shrugs. "I couldn’t tell yah. Good things, I hope." She adds with a faint smile.

"You know, I used to see the strangest visions a while back. But after I met you and everyone else, those visions don’t seem so scary anymore. I feel oddly at peace having you guys around." Minerva says thoughtfully. "Even with Aeryk!"

Blaize laughs. "Yeah, I feel the same way too. I’m not nearly as afraid of the future as I used to be. In fact, I’m looking forward to tomorrow."

"Yes, tomorrow..." Minerva says softly.

"If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my father..." Aeryk begins as he conjures up an elegantly shaped wine flask. "Is how to make good wine." He conjures several wine glasses and hands them to the ladies and Ares.

Stewie is about to erupt with anticipation. "Ooh, I can’t wait!" She says.

"The flavor with this wine changes to match the drinkers favorite." Aeryk continues, smiling at Stewie as he pours her a healthy drink. "Anything your heart desires, the drink will taste like."

"Kinda like your Luscious Lickables?" Jocelyn asks. "Thanks." She mutters as Aeryk pours her a drink.

"Pretty much." Aeryk replies pouring himself the last drink. "Drink up, there’s plenty more where that came from!"

Blaize sets her drink down long enough to stoke the large fire they created upon their arrival. "Lucky for us we found all this wood." She says.

"Mm, almost makes you forget about life’s problems." Rie says as she takes a drink.

"Ares doesn’t seem too pleased with this." Beth states as she nudges Rie.

"Ah, he always has a stick up his ass." Stewie says with a wave of her hand. "Ignore him." She smiles as Ms. T snuggles up against her.

Rae scowls into her drink at the mention of Ares’ name. "He’s just a jerk, that’s all."

"You sure are a snappy one today." Rie says to her squire. "What’s gotten into you?"

Rae casts a dark look in Ares’ direction, noticing him walking off into the darkening ruins, before returning her attention to Rie. "Nothing. Where’s Aeryk, I wanna ask him something?"

"I think I saw him and Aeryk Jr. walking off with somebody’s boots." Beth says. "I heard them talking about foot-gnawing practice."

"Wait a second, did those boots have a little heart sewn into them?" Stewie asks.

"Yeah, how’d you know?"

"Those are my boots!" Stewie roars before dashing off to find Aeryk.

"Hey wait for me!" Rae calls, running after the murderous Stewie. "Don’t kill him before I get a chance to talk to him!"

"So what do you think of this sketch?" Alice asks handing the picture to Mary Ann. "Doesn’t it depict Minerva wonderfully?"

Mary Ann looks at the picture of Minerva standing proudly on a boulder with her sword aimed at the heavens with magnificent sunbeams shining behind her, doves flying about her as she holds the head of a dead Jane the Bipolar in her hands. "Um, it’s nice. Though a Valkyrie is the first thing that pops in my mind." She snickers.

Alice smiles. "So I was thinking, maybe you can help me out with my story once this adventure is over with. That way we can spend a little more time alone." She grins coyly up at Mary Ann.

Mary Ann grins back. "I don’t think we’ll get any work done if you ask me."

Just around the corner two dark figures appear. "Okay Aeryk Jr. this is your big test. You’ve done well with Stewie’s boot, but now it’s time for the ultimate test." He kneels beside his feline protégé. "If you can succeed in gnawing on Mary Ann or Alice’s toes and manage to avoid death by using your unnatural cuteness on them, you’ve done me proud. Can you do it?" Aeryk Jr. mews purposefully. "Great, now off with you my young pupil!"

Aeryk rubs his hands together in anticipation as Aeryk Jr. pads off to test out his skills in mischief. "That’s right, swerve to the left, then the right." He arches his head a bit to get a better view. "Okay now, lower yourself, just a little lower and..."

"Hey Aeryk." Rae says tapping him on the shoulder.

Aeryk lets out a yelp, which succeeds in blowing Aeryk Jr.’s cover. "Dang it Rae, you scared me."

"Hey there Aeryk Jr." Mary Ann says happily. "What’re you up to?" She looks up as Aeryk and Rae walk around the corner. "Hey, I think our little friend here was up to something."

Aeryk Jr. mews as Aeryk walks over and picks him up. "Yeah, it wasn’t my fault. Rae startled me, but you’ll get your chance later." He smiles at the kitten. "So what did you need?"

Ares suddenly appears, his thick heavy cloak gently fluttering in the wind, behind Aeryk and the others giving Rae a dark look. "Um, nothing. Never mind." She stammers. "I think Stewie is looking for you though, she isn’t too happy with the boot chewing."

Aeryk sigh and shakes his head. "See what I mean Aeryk Jr.? They just don’t appreciate the fact that sacrifices must be made for greatness." Aeryk Jr. mews in response. "Fear not, I’ll just give her the panty pistol to play with and she’ll forget about everything."

Alice shivers. "Man, has it gotten a lot colder around here or is it just me?" She asks hugging herself for extra warmth.

Aeryk shivers as well. "Huh, it is cold isn’t it? And me without a cloak." He adds thoughtfully. "I’ll catch you guys later. Can you watch him for me?"

Rae takes Aeryk Jr. happily. "Sure."

Aeryk turns on his heel and walks toward the area where they stabled their horses. "I hope I brought one."

Suddenly, Aeryk feels a large heavy cloak around his shoulders. "Here, you can have mine. The cold doesn’t bother me." A deep voice says from behind him.

Aeryk looks behind him and sees Ares standing behind him. "Oh, thanks." He mutters looking down at his feet.

Ares turns his head away. "Crazy weather we’re having huh? Must be the magic."

Aeryk looks up into the falling snow. "Yeah, I didn’t think Demeter’s daughter was leaving so soon."

Ares smirks. "I think Persephone left a while ago."

Aeryk frowns. "Oh yeah." Ares laughs. "What’s so funny?"

"You’re so casual about certain things. I just think it’s funny." Ares replies.

Aeryk frowns deeper. "I honestly forgot! You think I was trying to hide it or something?"

Ares laughs. "You get so mad so easily. Why don’t you cool down a bit, okay?" His eyes gleam menacingly as he magically pelts Aeryk with several snowballs.

Aeryk lets out an outraged cry. "You sneaky bastard, that’s my trick!" He bends over and collects what small amount of snow he can and smashes Ares in the face.

"I’m telling you the truth!" Rae cries indignantly. "He’s just using him."

Minerva frowns thoughtfully for a moment before looking up at Blaize. "What do you think?"

Blaize shrugs. "I’m not a God, so I can’t say anything."

Rae lets out an irritated growl. "Come on you guys, what he’s doing to Aeryk isn’t fair!"

Minerva looks down at the young squire. "Sometimes, life isn’t fair."

"But couldn’t you just...?" Rae begins.

"Minerva’s right Rae." Blaize says softly. "There is only so much a friend can do for another friend. Granted that Aeryk may be a pain in the ass, we all can’t help but love the bugger."

Minerva chuckles in agreement. "Aeryk can handle himself. Beside, the shoulder he’s been giving Ares is far colder than the weather now." She grins.

Rae frowns. "I guess so. I just don’t like seeing my friends being hurt."

"But it is the pain that makes us stronger." A deep voice calls from the darkness as two women walk toward Minerva and the others. "Wouldn’t you think?"

Blaize and Minerva pull out their swords. "Who are you, and what do you want?" Blaize demands.

The shorter woman walks forward and smiles sweetly. "There is no need for alarm. My name is Debi, and this is my friend Kim. We’re here to help you."

Minerva and Blaize tentatively put their swords back. "My name is..."

"Minerva." Kim interrupts. "We know who you are. We’ve been waiting here for some time."

"But how did you know we’d be here?" Rae asks.

"A little black cat told us, shockingly enough." Debi says.

Minerva and her friends roll their eyes. "Oh, that makes sense." Minerva says. "Well, any help is good help. You’ll be meeting the rest of the group shortly I think. It’s about time we called it a night."

"I don’t think so." Kim says darkly. "There is something we must tell you," She turns to Blaize. "And you, alone."

After a moments pause, Blaize looks at Rae and motions for her to leave. "Okay, so what it is?"

"There are signs that Jane the Bipolar is nearing the end to her unholy task." Debi says.

"Huh, what do you mean?" Minerva asks. "And how do you know about...?"

"We know many things." Kim says. "Thanks to that black cat."

Blaize scowls. "When I get my hands on him I’ll..."

"May we continue?" Debi asks. "Time is growing short for our people. We all must hasten our journey to the capitol and stop Jane."

"We already know this." Minerva says. "But how will stopping Jane, stop the army she has sent out all over the Mindom? It would take some time for word to get out that she has been defeated."

"If you stop Jane, you stop Chaos from being reborn." Kim says. "Inside the castle, somewhere, there is a mirror that is Chaos’ only link to this world. Destroy that mirror, and Chaos’ hope for returning to this world is destroyed as well."

"Why didn’t he tell us about this?" Blaize asks Minerva.

"Because I didn’t want you in any danger." Aeryk says as he walks up. "I wasn’t expecting you two until later."

"We got a little antsy." Debi admits, smiling at Aeryk. "Forgive us."

Aeryk grins back. "Sorry for deceiving you again guys. But if you knew what you really had to do in the capitol, I was afraid you would skip right to it and place yourselves into danger."

"How difficult can it be?" Blaize asks. "The entire army is gone, there is no one protecting Jane!"

"Chaos is protecting Jane." Aeryk says calmly. "Without the rest of the Knights, all would be lost. You need every single one of them in order for this to succeed."

Minerva looks over at Aeryk. "How much danger are we in now?"

Aeryk grimaces. "Enough."

Rae suddenly tears around the corner, screaming Minerva’s name. "You guys, you better come see this!"

Minerva and the others race after Rae and meet with the rest of the group elsewhere. "What’s going on?" Minerva asks.

"Look." Stewie says.

Minerva and Blaize look up and see, much to their horror, Crys and Catt tied by their wrists on a large thick pole guarded by a malicious looking woman. "Minerva and her Knights of the Big Round Bed." The woman says with an icy voice. "Your time has come."

"Let them go!" Minerva roars, pulling out her sword. "Or by the Gods I’ll see you dead!"

The woman laughs as she steps forward, revealing her face into the light. "Come to me then."

The group gasps in shock. "It’s Jane!" Colleen cries. "But how did she get here?"

"Who cares?" Rie snarls. "Let's kill the bitch and get this over with!"

Rie and Stewie charge forward. "No wait!" Kim calls out.

Jane sneers as she pulls out her swords. "Much better." She chuckles. Rie and Stewie begin to spar with the surprisingly skilled Jane, who leads them in a deadly dance of swordplay. "Is this the best you can do?" She taunts as she deflects off Rie’s attack and dodges Stewie’s.

Mary Ann and Rae rush forward to assist their knights. "We’re coming!" Mary Ann calls as she takes aim with her mace and fires it at the exposed Jane.

Jane notices the danger and jumps amazingly high into the air and lands to safety with a huff. "Didn’t your knights ever teach you to play fairly?" She says as her swords begin to hum with energy. "You might recognize these swords."

Stewie takes the opportunity and charges at Jane’s exposed back. "Gotcha!"

Jane whirls around and barely protects herself, and uses her free sword to fire a blast of energy at Stewie. "Nice try." Rie, Beth, and Mary Ann all charge at the evil Empress.

Jane grins and tosses one of her swords toward the assailing knights, who stop to protect themselves but are shocked into a stupor when the sword stops in mid-flight, pointed directly at them. Dark clouds begin to swirl around the night sky and lightning dances around. Jane, then, jumps high into the sky; her remaining sword aimed toward the heavens and a bolt of lightning joins with the shimmering blade. "Dias kosmios!" With a final burst of lightning Jane directs the energy at the floating sword, which directs more energy at the knights who are hurled through the air and rams into a ruined wall.

Jane lands on the ground and grabs her other sword with a cocky grin. "Didn’t know I could do that, didn’t you?"

Aeryk and Ares gasp in shock. "How did she learn that?" Aeryk cries.

"It must’ve been from Chaos." Ares snarls. "This can’t be good."

Colleen, Laurie, and Sarah begin their charge on Jane. "We won’t let you win this time!" Sarah cries as she twirls her battle staff viciously on Jane.

"I got her!" Laurie cries out gleefully as she manages to sneak in a quick slash on Jane’s arm.

Colleen and the others jump back. "Not to tough now, aren’t yah?"

Jane sneers down at the cut. "A mere flesh wound." She snaps as her swords begin to glow again. "Here!" She sends two blasts of energy at Colleen.

"Watch it!" Sarah jumps before the energy and absorbs then into her staff and a blade comprised of light appears on the top of her staff. "I am woman, here me roar!"

Sarah races forward and begins a spectacular display of glimmering strikes and blocks. "Argh, I didn’t know you were this good Sarah." Jane grunts. "Maybe I was wrong in kicking you off the Knighthood."

"You made the mistake in hurting Patty." Sarah slashes her staff toward Jane’s head, but is locked in her swords. "Give it up Jane. You’ll never win." She uses all her strength in bringing the Empress to her knees.

Colleen, Laurie, and the others suck in a breath. "Is she doing it?" Colleen gasps.

Syl, Patty, and the two jesters rush up to aid Rie and the other out of the rubble. "Oh man, this looks bad." Syl says.

"Don’t worry, I’ll help." Debi says calmly. "I’m a nurse."

"I never should have given you that staff." Jane snarls. "I knew it had magic properties, but I could never get it to work. Damn you..."

Sarah grins. "That’s because only those with good hearts may use the power. And it is with this power, that I send you back to the hell you came from!" Sarah’s staff begins to glow brighter and Jane’s swords begin to crack.

Jane looks up in horror. "No, you wouldn’t...!" She cries as her swords shatter.

Sarah raises her staff high into the air for the final blow. She lets out a cry as she swings the light-bladed staff at Jane when she is met with an invisible barrier. A sudden electric force sends Sarah flying back into the awaiting arms of Laurie and Colleen.

"You okay?" Laurie asks. "Man, that was some neat stuff you did!"

Jane rises to her feet; an aura of power glowing around here and another sword appears in her hand. "Sorry to disappoint you Sarah." She chuckles. "But I won’t go down that easily."

Aeryk and Ares rush forward. "She’s being protected by Chaos." Ares says.

"I’m assuming those two bound women are Catt and Crys." Aeryk states. "Now that wasn’t a very nice thing to do Jane."

Minerva pulls out her chakram. "It’s unforgivable!" She roars.

Blaize steps up beside her friend. "You know we’re gonna have to kick her ass."

"Gladly." Minerva says darkly.

Aeryk puts a hand on his friend’s shoulders. "I think Zeus would forgive me for doing this." He places a hand on Minerva’s chakram and Blaize’s Artemis’s Blade and they begin to shimmer brightly. "Just a little help from someone who loves yah." He winks. "Get ‘er."

"This is it Minerva." Blaize says softly as she and Minerva calmly walk toward the awaiting Jane. "This is for our loves now."

"I won’t give up until I see Hades standing above me." Minerva replies. "For Catt."

"For Crys." Blaize bolts out into a run and slashes wildly at Jane. "You’re going to hell in pieces." She snarls.

"Try and make me!" Jane replies as her and Blaize’s sword clash loudly.

Come on Blaize, I just need one open shot and it’s over. Minerva pleads with her mind. "Gods watch over her."

"We are." Aeryk replies softly, smiling reassuringly at Minerva.

A shower of sparks flutter toward the ground as Blaize sends a powerful slash at Jane. "Getting tired woman?" Blaize taunts. "I feel like I can go on forever."

Jane grunts. "Not at all, I’ve only just begun!" She twirls around and begins to spar with Blaize with renewed strength.

Where is her energy coming from? Blaize asks herself and manages to deflect another strike. Damn her! I won’t let her win! Gods help me!

"Do you know what I plan on doing with your lovely Crys when I’m through with you?" Jane slashes at Blaize, and jumps back as Blaize counters. "She’ll make a lovely concubine for some overlord of mine." She laughs as Blaize’s fury shows her in wild and sporadic attacks. "That’s right Blaize, show me how angry you are!"

"Crap, she’s getting careless." Ares mutters. Come on Blaize, you’re the only one I like. Well, that’s not true, but still...

Jane slams her sword into Blaize’s and manages to send the knight off balance. "You’re mine!" She raises her sword to take off Blaize’s neck when a new invisible force freezes her where she stands. "What the...?"

Blaize looks up in fear, and then looks up at Aeryk who shrugs. "Isn’t me." He mouths.

She then looks over and sees Ares who’s grinning at her. Thanks Ares, maybe you’re not such an ass after all. "Minerva!"

Minerva nods and prepares to throw her chakram. Please, don’t let me miss. She lets out a cry as she hurls the chakram at Jane.

Suddenly, the barrier around Jane shatters and she manages to ward off the chakram at the expense of her sword. "Sorry Minerva, not this time." She laughs. Jane’s taunting laughter is cut short when a sword suddenly protrudes from her body. She turns her head and sees Fran glaring at her with hate-filled eyes. "You?"

Fran’s eyes flash as she plunges her sword further into Jane’s body. "For the lives you’ve ruined." She pulls out her sword and allows Jane’s body to fall to the ground; a pool of blood begins to form around it. "Sorry I’m late," Fran says smiling up at the shocked knights. "I was a little busy with something else."

"Minerva," Blaize calls to her friend as she scrambles to her feet. "Come on."

Minerva nods in understanding and she races over to the pole where Catt and Crys are being held and gently lowers them into their arms. "She’s not waking." Minerva says panicked.

"She’s under a sleeping spell." Aeryk says walking up toward Minerva and Blaize. "Only the kiss of their one true love will awaken them." He winks.

Minerva and Blaize roll their eyes, but grin widely at each other before gently kissing their sleeping beauties.

Catt’s eyes flutter open and she turns her round green eyes up at Minerva then smiles faintly. "Hey you."

"Hey yourself." Minerva holds Catt close.

Crys chuckles, as Blaize looks her over. "Really you fool, I’m alright. Wrists a little sore though."

"I’m just so happy you’re alright." Blaize says taking Crys’s hand into her own. "I thought I might’ve lost you."

"Hah, my ghost would’ve haunted you until your final breath." Crys teases.

"Thanks for helping us Fran." Minerva says, finally pulling away from Catt. "How can I ever repay you?"

"No need to, I already have what I want." Fran replies, smiling widely.

Minerva and the others, minus Aeryk, exchange curious glances until Lisa appears from the shadows. "Howdy all!" She calls happily.

"But how did...?" Blaize stops and turns to the smiling Aeryk. "You!"

"Hey, it’s not like I did some heinous act." Aeryk grins at the fuming Blaize. "Oh do stop making that face, your nose is as big as a horses ass."

"When will you stop with the antics?" She demands.

"Mm, never." He replies gleefully.

"At any rate, it’s great to see you Lisa." Minerva says. "I hope we can start again on the right foot this time?"

"I was hoping so." Lisa replies.

Suddenly, a rain of panties descends on the group amidst an insane laughter. "All right! Next stop, the capitol, woo-hoo!" Stewie hollers and they all enjoy a good panty fight before collapsing into their first peaceful sleep in what seems like ages.

Next time on MINERVA: WARRIOR EMPRESS

Our heroes set out at to the capitol city with their minds set on their last target, the Mirror of Chaos. But a new battle awaits our knights as an army of unspeakable horrors meets them at the gates to a new future. Will our heroines manage to destroy the Mirror before Chaos is reborn? Find out this and more in the exciting conclusion...

New Future: The Path to Peace is never an Easy One

Continued in Part 10

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