Aurora Eos Rose auroraeosrose@heavensdawn.org http://heavensdawn.org Alternate Universe- Fantasy World R <> indicates thought AN: Sorry, I totally rewrote this because I decided that doing this later in flashbacks would confuse you all and drive you nuts, so this is the new version. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Prologue: The Gods and a Curse. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The goddess had always been, always existed. She was without physical form, made of energy and spirit. She was not alone in the great void. She felt the others nearby. Dozens of gods and goddess were present, their auras glittering with power. Friendships had formed here in the void. There were bonds of kinship and those of like- minded individuals. Yet the void was still empty, nothing was here but power and imagination. Eternity was not unpleasant, but very boring. There was something missing in this kind of existence. The goddess reached within herself for answers. Then she felt an idea growing inside her soul. She stretched out her consciousness to those around her. She felt a flash of lightning, a burst of fire, a stream of water, and a glimmer of love. More powers flowed over and into her, the gods joining her consciousness, eager for something more than simply existing. The idea was passed from being to being. Each god added enthusiasm and ideas. Creation. A new existence, as mortals, in a world filled with life and magic. The gods came together, joining mind and spirit to reach their new goal. Power and imagination met, energy solidified, and a new world was born. First time and space were created. This space was not a ball, but rather a great flat sheet. The edges simply stopped at nothingness. Fate stepped into its role, measuring out lives and paths. Sky and Sea appeared, and the elements. Then land was formed. Broad plains and sandy deserts, swamps with daily rain. Large pieces of the land separated, floating into the air to hover high over empty sea areas. The underworld formed. The gods poured their powers into the new world, giving life. Plants and creatures began to grow upon the new land. The spirits of love, law and wisdom were poured out upon the new creatures, formed with a free will to choose their path. Destruction and rebirth formed a cycle of life and death. The last powers to be given were hope and dreams. The land hummed with new life. The gods descended to a great mountain, one that reached from the underworld to the floating continents, connecting the entire world. The god's powers were now a part of the world, imbued in everything. Bodies separated, the immortal portion ascended into the heavens as reservoirs of power leaving strong but mortal shells. The goddess christened the great mountain Olympus, and a great palace was formed. The group joined hands atop the mountain, marveling at their new creation. The rule of the gods had begun. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Selene opened her arms wide to welcome her friend. Centuries ago the gods had taken names and divided the land into four provinces. The act had meant many years of peace and prosperity for the gods who ruled and the mortals who served them. Selene was always overjoyed when the gods returned to the crystal palace. Eos rushed forward, her golden hair rippling behind her, and embraced Selene. The two clung to each other, feeling the joy of being together after such a long separation. Eos drew Selene towards a more secluded spot. "You are well my sister?" Eos' blue eyes were bright with joy. Selene suppressed a giggle. "I'm very well. I presume you've heard of my courtship." Selene glanced up at Eos. "He will be arriving tomorrow. I'm so glad you could come to see us wed." Eos' brow furrowed. "Are you sure this is a sound idea sister? Were the gods meant to join like mortals?" Eos glanced toward the servants scurrying about the hall. "We are so much more then they Selene. Is it necessary to mimic everything they do." Selene sighed and shook her silver mane. "Eos, we are like mortals now. A sword can end our lives just as it can a servants." Eos sighed loudly. "I cannot say that I understand, sister, but if he makes you happy…" The two goddesses moved towards the group gossiping in the center of the room. Selene glanced at the four goddesses who had named themselves as her protectors so long ago. They had always been her dearest friends. Selene held out a hand to the one nearest. "My friend, Princess Aphrodite." Aphrodite stepped forward; her lemon blonde hair loose to her waist, and curtsied before Selene and Eos. "So wonderful to see you again Queen Eos. I'm glad you could attend this joyous event." Aphrodite rose gracefully and swept a hand towards the three standing behind her. "Princesses Hermes, Zeus, Ares and I will be at your disposal should you require anything during your stay." The three stepped forward and curtsied gracefully. Eos inclined her head and beckoned her entourage forward. "Princesses Coelus, Poseidon, Chronos and Kronus will be happy to assist you in any preparations for the event." The four stepped forward and curtsied when named by Eos. Aphrodite motioned with a hand. "If the four of you would come with me, we can begin final preparations." The eight goddesses left. Selene sighed. "All this formality can be so tiring." Eos grinned and pulled Selene towards a hallway. "Come, you must tell me all about this man of yours." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ King Endymion bowed low before the golden haired goddess who had come to meet him at the gates. Endymion rose and waited for the goddess to speak. Eos inclined her head slightly, an insult to Endymion's position. Prince Notus stepped from the group behind Endymion towards the goddess, intending to correct the insult violently if need be. Endymion placed a hand on Notus' shoulder and he stepped back. "I am happy to welcome you, King Endymion. May you and Selene have many happy years." Eos turned quickly and walked into the palace. A servant motioned for the five gods to follow. Endymion motioned to Notus. "Keep an eye on that one." The King whispered in his guard's ear. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Nemesis sat upon his throne. Long ago he had come to this part of the world to tame the wildness. Nemesis closed his eyes and felt the anger ripple through him. Once again the goddess had forgotten of his existence. Sent to the edge of the world, abandoned and forgotten, not even given an invitation the goddess's wedding. Nemesis stood, the injustice forced upon him strengthening his powers. He opened his eyes. They glowed like diamonds. "It is time. Tyche, gather Aslepius, Hades, and Hephaestus. The time for being ignored is over." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Eos glared daggers into Endymion's back. He stood hand in hand with Selene before the twin thrones created centuries ago. Chronos crowned the two and they sat. Eos fought back fury. Eos slipped out a side door. The celebration had rubbed her nerves raw. She knew Selene suspected something, but was too wrapped up in her marriage to pay close attention. Eos entered the teleportation chamber, not used for centuries. She would find an ally. Long ago powerful gods had journeyed to the wild lands for adventure. Eos would find them. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ "My queen, this plan of yours is foolishness." Coelus towered above Eos, glaring down at her monarch and friend. "How many would you sacrifice for this foolish game? I will have no part of it. Send those boys you recruited." Eos raised furious eyes to her protector. "Is this the loyalty you swore to me when this kingdom was formed? Is this how you fulfill your vows?" Coelus narrowed her eyes. "My vow was to protect you with my life, but my first vow was to Selene at the time of creation. My loyalty remains. Chronos has returned to her tower, and Kronus will stay here at the palace. Poseidon and I shall journey with you as bodyguards. But I will not take sides in this war you've begun." Coelus ended on a shout, then turned and stormed from the room. "Such insubordination among my men would mean death. Perhaps you are not strong enough to rule." The mocking voice echoed from the shadows behind the throne. Eos rose and turned towards the sound. "True loyalty cannot be won by fear. Fear brings only obedience." Eos walked toward the tall, platinum figure. "They will die at their own hand rather than see me injured. Can you say the same for your men?" The man scowled. "Sharp tongue as always. We don't need those foolish girls. My men will take care of the threat. We are winning the war." Eos smiled. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Aphrodite hacked off another head. She took advantage of the break in the guards to wipe the gore from her sword. Beside her stood Zeus, her sword dripping as well. Zeus leaned heavily on her sword, breathing hard. A lucky arrow in her sword arm earlier made every swing torture. Aphrodite reached for another bandage and tied it tightly around the soaked ones already covering the wound. "Do you think they made it through yet?" Ares asked. She was behind the two with swords. She raised her bow and fired another shot while waiting for a response. Aphrodite closed her eyes for a brief moment, praying for Hermes to return. A voice screamed from the corridor behind them. The three glanced at each other quickly. That voice was Hermes, and she had yelled their names. They raced toward the sound and full speed, ignoring the guards approaching from behind them. Aphrodite stopped at the door. The throne room was a bloodbath. Hermes cradled the head of Boreas on her lap, tears spilling down her cheeks. Aphrodite walked forward in a daze. There were nine bodies on the floor. Ares dropped her bow and flung herself over her lover with a sob. Zeus stared at the remains of Zephyrus and began to bristle with electricity, her anger drawing energy. Aphrodite moved towards the two on the dais, swords through each other's hearts. She closed her eyes, blocking the tears that threatened to flow. The four had finished their job. Now it was time for her to fulfill her own duties. Aphrodite headed towards the woman still seated on the throne. "Surrender Eos, this is the end." Aphrodite advanced towards the unprotected woman. Two figures stepped in front of her. "We cannot allow you to kill her Aphrodite." Poseidon's voice was calm and smooth. Coelus raised a sword to block the path. Aphrodite glared at the two. "Have you forsaken Selene for her?" Aphrodite gestured towards the gloating Eos. Coelus lowered her sword. "I cannot allow you to kill her, but I will not raise up against Selene either." Eos rose off the throne in a fury. Poseidon spun and smacked Eos on the back of the head with her trident. Eos crumpled to the ground unconscious. Coelus sheathed her sword and picked up Eos. "We will let Selene decide what to do with her, but the war must end." Aphrodite stepped back from the two, frustration in her eyes. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Selene bowed her head in sorrow. Hundreds of thousands of years she had ruled this kingdom. Time had not changed her, but it seemed those around her had become strangers. Immortality had given this world stable leadership, but time was slowly erasing memories. Living forever was more curse than blessing. Selene looked at the human page standing beside the dais. The boy was so young. Selene couldn't even remember his name. Selene glanced at Aphrodite, standing ramrod straight beside the twin thrones, her sword worn at all occasions now. Beside Aphrodite, Hermes sat at a low table going over maps and battle strategies with Mars. The two spoke in low whispers. Zeus stood at the entrance to the great hall, examining every servant and lord who entered. Selene closed her eyes, wishing for the bloodshed to end. Petty arguments had turned to wars and assassination attempts. The gods may have been something more than mortal, but even they could not dodge a blade, or keep the darkness from tipping the balance in their souls. Now Selene had to punish those who had attempted to change the nature of the world. A group stood before her. They were once friends, fellow gods and companions. Their leader was more. She was sister, two of one soul. Selene rose to her feet and lifted her head, her eyes filling with tears. Eos stood in chains, her hair matted and blood upon her face. Her followers continued the war even without Eos to lead them. But Selene could not kill the goddess. There was too much between them. Selene's protectors moved to either side of the throne, their eyes empty of all but hatred for the woman who had stolen the only thing of value in their lives. Their lovers had sacrificed themselves to capture this woman and defeat her allies. Selene knew they would never forgive her for what she was about to do. She took a deep breath, willing herself to complete the words. "Thou art banished, forever to walk upon the ground, until your heart finds the balance it once knew. All ways to the floating continents and Olympus will forever be closed to you. Your powers are stripped from you." Then Eos narrowed her eyes and clenched her fists. Selene raised her scepter and Eos was engulfed in a white light. Then she slumped to the ground. Four figures stepped forward and raised the goddess to her feet. They carried Eos from the room, anger and sadness filling their eyes. Selene watched them go with mixed feelings. She felt the group transport to the surface world. With an aching heart Selene severed the connections between the worlds. She felt the separation rip through the air. The time of imbalance had come to pass. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Selene wandered through the corridors of the crystal palace, admiring the artwork on the walls. Selene rested her head against the wall, exhaustion and worry making her weak. She waited for a moment and then moved back towards the great hall. Ares and Hermes went over the death toll once more. They stood by a table in a room behind the great hall, faces white from exhaustion and fear. The human armies were winning the war. Aphrodite and Zeus were in the courtyard, drilling more troops dragged from the schoolroom. Selene watched the two strategists plot ways to keep the human army from reaching the palace. They had held the troops off for far longer than should have been possible, with poorly trained and equipped troops. Selene shook her head at the two and left the strategy room, unable to bear the blank look in Hermes eyes or the burning fire in Ares. Aphrodite and Zeus were training the minor gods with Endymion. Selene watched the swordplay, lamenting the fact that she had never learned to use a sword. Zeus dropped to the ground, complaining about the lack of trained mages in the army. Aphrodite kept drilling the recruits, her eyes hard and cold. She looked up towards the wall where Selene stood. Then Aphrodite called to Endymion and spoke to him. Selene sighed. Selene sighed and walked back inside. She felt Endymion walk behind her. Selene turned and threw herself into his arms. Endymion held her close. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Selene sat quietly upon her golden throne. Her head was bent forward; the silvery strands of her hair brushed the marble floor. She wiped perspiration from her brow. The air was heavy with moisture, and the summer heat was stifling. No light entered the hall where Selene was seated. Thick clouds had blocked the sun since the humans gained the mountain a week ago. Selene looked around the hall with concern. Gods and goddesses stood in clusters around the hall whispering quietly. The powers that had helped create this realm were now helpless to stop the thrust of fate. This palace had stood peacefully upon the top of Mount Olympus since the beginning of time, the one place where no war had touched. Now it shook from magic assaults. Selene knew these attacks were being thrown from the army of humans swarming like ants upon the mountain face. Hairline cracks were beginning in the crystal walls. The shield covering the palace pulsed like a living thing, growing weaker with each blast. Selene looked at Endymion sitting beside her with tears in her eyes. He reached out a hand, squeezing her clenched fists. The simple gesture flooded her mind with reassurance. Selene turned her attention back to the gods. She noticed Hermes whispering frantically to Mars. Hermes broke from the whispered conference to approach the twin thrones. She bowed low and spoke. "The humans have much power, Selene. They will break through the shield in moments." Selene stood, her silvery hair flowing behind her. She had known this day would arrive since the gods had split. She had felt the rift formed in the world. She mourned for the destruction to come. Her husband, sensing her thoughts, stood and moved to her side. He wrapped his arms around her waist. They were a silent strength and comfort. Selene took a deep breath, forcing the words from her mouth. "We must prepare for battle. To arms, my friends." The group readied their weapons and made two concentric circles around the twin thrones. Their faces were grim. They knew this would be the final battle. Selene held her husband's hand tightly in her own. < Now my friends shall suffer for my mistakes. > The palace shuddered and a noise like a thousand trumpets erupted as the shield collapsed. The sounds of battle grew louder and closer; explosions from magic attacks punctuated screams and weapons clashing. The human army swept through the palace, killing all in their path. Selene felt the deaths of the mortals that served her like sword thrusts. Selene looked sadly upon the crystal doors at the entrance to the hall. They burst open, letting a flood of humanity inside. Battle cries echoed. "Death to the gods." The shout was repeated over and over by the advancing mortals. The battle commenced, and the alabaster floor was quickly stained crimson and gold. The gods fought valiantly, but were overcome by sheer numbers. The outer ring of gods buckled beneath the onslaught. They were minor gods, not trained in combat, but willing to die for their goddess. Selene felt them fall one by one. The ring broke as the humans quickly surrounded and cut down those still standing. Screams and the sound of swords clashing echoed in the hall. Selene closed her eyes, unable to watch the slaughter of those so close to her. She felt their deaths rip through her soul. Selene's four guards stood at the front of the dais, weapons flashing. King Endymion cut down any who reached the dais itself. Zeus was the first to fall, stabbed in the back by a thrown dagger. Hermes tried to close the gap, but the space was too large and a spear took her in the side. Ares was a whirlwind of color, but a burst of magic from a mage in the back of the room cut her down. A sword in the heart finished her off. Aphrodite stood alone, battling the head general. The general was an excellent swordswoman, and she was fresh, unlike Aphrodite who had been fighting for hours. Aphrodite fell at the foot of the dais, begging Selene for forgiveness. Suddenly a second group appeared in the hall in a flash of light. Selene turned and looked at the four gods who had left with Eos so many years ago. Their eyes pleaded for forgiveness. Coelus surged forward, sword in hand, and a war cry on her lips. The other three followed, cutting a swath of humans in their push to reach Selene. The humans surged upon the new threat. Selene turned her head, unable to watch. Coelus and Poseidon, unable to move any farther, stood back to back, hacking at bodies mechanically. Kronus swung her glaive, destroying circular patterns, but the humans simply kept being replaced. The floor became slick with blood. Chronos held her staff upright, ready to sacrifice her life for more time, but an arrow to the back had her slumped forward dead. The other three felt the loss rip through them. Kronus fell immediately afterward, distracted from the loss of Chronos. Coelus and Poseidon looked at Selene, willing her to understand. Then they joined hands and erupted in a blast of wind and water. The air vibrated with screams that echoed off the crystal walls. The echoes ceased, and the victorious army grew silent. Out of the gods who began the battle, only Selene and Endymion stood. The army parted and Eos stepped forward with a sword in her hand, dripping gold with the blood of Aphrodite. She pointed the weapon at Selene. "Your protectors and friends are dead, Selene. Not even my traitorous servants could save you. Now it is time for you to be destroyed." Eos stepped forward, preparing to run Selene through. Endymion blocked the blow with his sword. The two were quickly engaged in a duel. The army cheered for their leader, chanting Eos name. Selene held her breath. Eos broke away and moved towards Selene. Endymion raced after her, anger and fear making him drop his guard. Eos turned and swiftly dropped to one knee, her sword ready. Endymion's eyes grew wide with shock. The sword plunged into his chest. Eos rose to meet his eyes. "I could never have killed her." Eos stepped around Endymion; he fell forward, driving the weapon in deeper as the hilt struck the floor. Selene's blue eyes filled with tears as her love lay dead at her feet. One of the tears dropped upon her cheek and began to glow. The light grew, surrounding the goddess and illuminating the room. Eos took several steps back. The mortals were blinded for a moment. Selene rose into the air, appearing in her true form. Majestic wings spread from her naked body. She glowed with a silvery light. Eos backed away, awe and fear warring in her eyes. She had always known Selene harbored great power. Now Selene held the powers of all the deceased gods, plus the power taken from Eos at the time of banishment. Selene looked upon the traitor before her. She spoke quietly, the beauty of her voice filling the silence. "Foolish sister. You have sought power that you cannot control. You cause my children to quarrel among themselves and shed even the blood of children. This world is no longer a place for the gods." She stretched out her hand and the bodies of the minor gods disappeared. The humans present gasped. The golden blood vanished from their swords, clothing and the floor. It was as if the gods had never been. Eos stepped farther onto the dais and faced Selene again. Eos felt the cold stare from Selene, and knew that the bond between them was broken. Her blue eyes shrunk to slits, and Eos rushed forward with a dagger in hand. Aphrodite rose from the stairs and threw her sword into Eos back. Then Aphrodite sank to the ground. "I am now avenged, I can join my love." Selene watched the hate flow from Aphrodite's body. Her blue eyes closed and a ragged breath seeped from her lips. Then Aphrodite fell over dead. Eos fell to her knees, struggling for breath. Selene stepped forward, taking the dying woman into her arms. "I don't understand sister. Why?" "We are gods sister, we are more than they are. And it was my place to be at your side." Eos spoke with her final breath. Selene wept as Eos blood poured onto the ground. A last spurt of blood erupted from the wound and Eos heart ceased. "They are a part of us sister. They are we. Why couldn't you understand? I loved you as my sister. I loved him as a part of my soul." Selene closed Eos' eyes, tears mingling with the golden blood covering the floor. Selene stretched a hand out and the bodies of the major gods and they formed into brilliant crystals. "I'll give you another chance, sister. You must learn to be what you despised." Selene stood and faced the hall again. Her eyes narrowed and grew cold. "Now it is time for my children to be punished." Her blue eyes swept over the human army now cowering before her. "I shall give you one thousand years of isolation and hardship. Magic will drain from the land and the gods will withdraw their powers." Selene raised her hand and a scepter appeared. She closed her eyes. Streams of magic were drawn like threads into the scepter's end. Selene began to glow from the collecting power. The humans collapsed upon the floor, their powers drained. The draw from the scepter intensified, the magic from the entire world collecting at the goddess's command. Selene opened her eyes. They were now white, dazzling to look upon. She glanced at the humans collapsed before her. Her eyes softened, the brilliance dimming. Silent tears began to stream down her cheeks. A crystal formed at the end of her scepter, breaking into small, colored fragments of pure stored magic. "You were my sister, my friend. And these mortals, they are still my children, my creation, and I will not abandon you to evil and hardship." Selene lowered herself letting the scepter rest upon the floor. "I give you a prophecy of redemption or annihilation. Your souls shall decide the balance. The gods and mortals must join into one. No longer can we hold ourselves above those we created. The gods shall search for pure hearted mortals to bond with, to become one in body and soul. A Golden Generation. They shall be avatars of the gods, mortal vessels for gods' powers, yet they shall be more than mortal. They shall be god and man, a living example of life in balance. The gods must learn to live as mortals. They must find redemption before the age of twenty, or the destroyer will appear, and our creation will cease to exist." Selene let the scepter fall to the floor. "Now I will seal away the hate here today. One thousand years for the land to heal, one thousand years of peace for mortals, one thousand years of sealed magic." The room erupted in a vortex of light and sound, and then there was silence.