As always, enjoy

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Chapter Nineteen

Opening the Forbidden Gate

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*~ Fated to be ours ~*

Ci credi nel destino

The sun shined down upon him, even though the enclosure of the canopy of his hiding spot was compromised. With a disgruntled sigh, Eros threw caution to the wind, stumbled out from behind the tapestry, and staggered over to the open arena of the room. There, he heard the showering announcement, indicating Zeus and Hera's arrival. He watched, figuring that it could not hurt his untarnished attendance. Seconds passed, and in a heavy dose of golden rain, they appeared. It was like an impressive gate had been opened; their presence captured him like none other. Eros lingered until they were just out of sight and wasted no time to escape as far as he could from the main hall. He took considerable note of the unintelligent murmurs escaping the mouths of the guests. Only one thought to dominant his mind.

Eros was very well connected to the God of Death. He knew the very reason for his swift disappearance just minutes after his victory, and in the serenity of his unspoken words, he knew that he could not face the music of Orpheus' lyre. Granted, Thanatos was a valuable component, but sometimes his overbearing ego got the best of him, even with the hands of Fate were not turned in his favor. His brusque departure did not go unnoticed; Eroz was determined to find the God before the night ended.

"I taught him everything he knows," boasted the Sun God, already on his third chalice of wine. Eros did not pay the God much attention as he was welcomed by the host of Olympus and patted on the back. Plastering a pleasant smile on his face, he greeted the guests, despite the pain that he felt from within, knowing that Thanatos was having a hard time with the development.

"Not a chance in all of Olympus," came the boisterous reply of their host. "Eros has come a long way since his last spar with the God of Death, and I doubt that you are the cause of his impressive victory."

Apollo scoffed, downed the rest of his drink, and said," Of course, you would not acknowledge my superior powers!" He turned swiftly to badger another group of Gods, to whom welcomed the drunk one with open arms.

Eros listened halfheartedly to the compliments paid to his performance. If Gods ever seen him truly honored, nothing could have prepared them for what they saw. He resembled a blazing bonfire in the middle of nowhere. Cracking and hissing, his skin came to life at their light teasing; Eros silently thanked the Gods for the terribly lighting in the grand hall, otherwise they surely would not have missed the faintly colored tint of embarrassment gracing his cheeks.

"I believe that is enough," fiery-haired Goddess huffed, attempting to assuage their voracious laughter. A daring God came and boldly wrapped his arms around her slim waist, tucking her securely to his side.

"Fear not, beautiful. We are only teasing."

Of course, this did not settle well with her. She clearly hated to be teased. Even Eros knew when it was safe to throw in the towel.

"Where is your opponent?" one of the Gods asked bravely. "He is not paying homage to the night, is he? Sulking under the stars is quite the invigorating activity, is it not?"

"Be silent," the Goddess hissed.

The Gods were immediately thrown into another fit of laughter. "Oh, my apologies, Persephone. I did not mean for you to take offense, seeing that you are bonded with the most notorious Gods of the Underworld. Your association with him would warrant such fierce feelings toward Death."

"That is not why I am calling for you to cease your words, Ares."

The God of War smirked.

"Well, then. Why are you?"

"I fear that he may be listening," she murmured, looking around. The gem took it upon herself to ensure the safety of their group before darting her eyes back at the God joining her this evening.

Ares barked. "Nonsense! Thanatos is less likely to accept the offerings of a party, much less grace us with his presence than Apollo is to stop drinking!"

"Persephone," a lovely voice rung out, pulling her from her thoughts. The Goddess looked up, and they find themselves being basked in the perpetual shroud of natural beauty of Hestia

"Yes?" she sung back, happily. It truly did feel that the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders. She was now free to do whatever she pleased, and without having to worry about something coming to harm her. "Has anyone ever told you-"

"-that I have a lovely singing voice?" she mused, another laugh erupting from her. "Yes, I have been told that my voice resembles that of the muses."

"I was not going to say that," Persephone laughed as her consort wrapped an arm around her waist. "My apologies, Eros. I must take my leave! Again, I congratulate you on your victory."

Ares frowned as the lovely beauty pulled away from him, kissed Eros on the cheek, and was swept away by the mystical allure of light.

"Was I not that entertaining for her?"

"Fear not, Ares," Eros snickered playfully. "I am sure there is a Goddess somewhere that would be more than willing to fall for your charms."

"Until then, I always say practice makes perfect," another countered with a laugh.

Eros allowed the lull of the party fade away into the background of his thoughts, taking permanent residence there. He excused himself politely from the group, bidding them farewell before finding a spot to which he could relax in peace. He declined every offer asked of him preferring solitude. As he sat, he watched half-aware of the scene as it unfolded: Naked bodies danced invitingly around him, circling the large space of Zeus' grand throne room. The soothing sound of the harp eased his conscious, something that the wine that he partook in was doing a horrible job of eliciting. Though the cushions were soft against his naked torso, as was the body that pressed into his side with such obvious urgency that he had to bite his lip from groaning, he could not help feeling suffocated by such closeness. Solitude was the truest gift; he only wished that his counterpart was having a better time than he was.

"Simply divine, Eros," another Goddess came to congratulate him as he idly swirled his drink. The God of Love was sitting in a small area, thinking to himself when a group of envious watchers came to greet him. Zeus' temple was alive with the sound of harps, the soft murmurs of flutes and conversation. Eros had come to the little corner for solitude, something that he knew that his counterpart had done so on the balcony. Alas, he was found. "It is nothing less than that I would have expected of you."

Eros tossed back the remainder of his drink and gaze the Goddess a dazzling smile. The Goddess to his side wrapped an arm around his torso, her breasts pushing up against his chest. He did not acknowledge her in the slightest, having found a better muse than anything that she could provide. "Your statement is bold. How generous of you. Thank you."

The Goddess was not the only one to swing by to congratulate him; Hera herself could not refrain from celebrating his victory, replaying it in her consort's Golden Pensieve for all to watch. A roar of awe spread through the large entertainment room, filling the surrounding forest and courtyard with the splendor of delight and acclamation that the mortals stopped their own activities, and wondered of the Gods on Olympus. Eros quickly grew bored, finding solitude from the moment he stepped foot in Zeus' temple in the corner of the room, drinking until his senses became numb. The hours dragged by slowly, until he found he no longer wanted to be a part of such mockery. Eventually, when it all became too much, he moved and settled himself in another corner, perceptually far from the partyers as possible. That is, until a watchful Goddess found him at last. Since then, she has refused to leave.

Eros' heart hammered loudly behind his ribs. Looking up, he was met with the prolific view of the good Samaritan that saved him. She was an older Goddess with golden hair. Her skin was pale even in the light of the late afternoon. Wearing a dark dress, a golden necklace and headdress, she presented herself with full confidence. In fact, there was not an inkling of disagreement, only amusement. Eros wanted to thank her but thought better of it. Even the urge to say something was vanquished when he had gotten a clear visual of her haunting eyes; he always thought cerulean eyes were beautiful until now.

Hera smiled fondly at him as she settled into the cushions on the other side of him. A beautiful woman danced in front of them, her eyes lingering a bit too long on some choice places. Eros did not bother to give the girl much attention. "I am simply expressing my appreciation. You have come a long way since I have last seen you."

"Again, you are too kind, but I am sure the others have enjoyed our spar, as well. Have you congratulated Thanatos? I am certain he would love it if you graced him with your presence, Hera."

The Goddess gave him a skeptical look. She bit her lip and looked all around them. "I have not seen him…"

"Try the balcony." He suggested, watching as his chalice refilled itself. It was this kind of magick that frightened him the most. Eros looked up toward the crowd, his eyes scanning the provincial area. He knew that Thanatos was hiding, and it was only a matter of time before he sought out his company. "You know he does not like crowds."

Hera stiffened. "You dare ask me to find the God of Death unaccompanied?"

"He is nothing to be afraid of."

"Says you," she scoffed, bringing her hand to her face. She played with a strand of her hair. "I wanted to speak to him earlier to tell him how inspired I was by his performance. You two always have riveting battles, but he was not in the mood for conversation. I believe he is quite bitter. I must ask what you did to him."

"I did not do anything," Eros lied.

The Goddess giggled. "Alright then." She leaned back against her cushions and relaxed. "I am pleased," Hera stated smoothly.

Eros quirked an eyebrow, questioningly.

"I thought you were never going to show up," the Goddess elaborated. "As a formality, I would like to commend you on your victory. I do not remember seeing such an invigorating spar. Well, not since your last tournament with Thanatos. One would think not having as many victories would eradicate the need to train, but you have proven me, as well as many others, wrong."

The God of Love frowned. "Training?" he asked, warily. "You have doubted my abilities?"

She shook her head. "Not doubted." Hera told him with fondness. "I was simply looking out for you. Come, I wish to speak to you alone."

Eros scanned the vicinity, wondering why the Goddess wished to humor him with his presence. Not one to decline an offer to bask in his light, he readily agreed, and the two soon found themselves alone, and on the outskirts of the fabulous party. Just as the two grew comfortable, a swarm of doves came swooping into the Great Hall. The beat of their combined wings galloped across the vastness as the audience went quiet and watched the travelers swoop in, delivering their alluring song. To both their surprise, a group of divine women came prancing in, their skins scripted dark indigo.

"Ah, are they not simply captivating?" Hera laughed, delightedly. "Granted, I do not think I have ever seen such an alluring sight. What say you, Eros?"

He turned, watching as the women danced, coming to a sharp end before their transformation back into their mother forms took hold. The doves quickly soared into the air, formed a circle, and dived back into the unknown from whence they came.

"It must be a gift from my dear husband," she said happily. "Has he spoken to you yet?"

Eros nodded," But, only briefly. I do not think he was much for conversation tonight.

Hera's eyebrows furrowed worryingly. "That is rather unlike him…. True to his caring nature, I suspect he will be around to at least greet you properly before the night ends."

"Hopefully, it is before Apollo finds drunken entertainment in your hallowed halls."

Hera choked back a laugh. "By the Gods! Apollo is rather enthusiastic, but I did not think he would sink so low!"

"There are things that escape even your notice, Hera."

"I see." The Goddess said, pausing for a moment. She frowned as Eros quietly watched the last of the doves fly out of view. While she seemed to be oblivious to the obvious tension, Eros was not.

The air between them suddenly turned dark.

"The reason I have asked you to accompany me is because I have my suspicions that Thanatos might be tapping into Dark Magick."

"I know Thanatos," he told her calmly. There was sort of a deep-seated respect for the God coming forth from his words. Eros had to be careful not to tell Hera something that he knew she would not keep private. "He is not the monster you all think him to be."

"He is the God of Death, Eros," Hera whispered, looking toward the balcony that they both knew he resided. "People have been talking about you two. Curious, really."

"What have they been curious about?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Why did you throw the tournament?" Hera asked, inquiring about the spar from earlier.

Eros remained quiet, not knowing how to answer her derogatory question.

How dare she even suggest that he threw the tournament? He could still feel the powerful allure of the magick. As he sat, intoxication slowly creeping over him in a malevolent serenade, his fingers tingled with the incredible source to which he yet to understand. His thoughts travelled back to his opponent, and the obvious use of Dark Magick. He knew that Thanatos had enlisted the help of someone, though, he did not imagine that his trials would bring him to the one individual whose suited profession would allot him the pleasure of tapping into the unknown. Dark Magick, even in these times, was forbidden; Thanatos, of all people, should understand the consequences of using it. If anything, he should be skeptical of the Moirai, practically daughters of Death themselves.

He knew he had sensed something considerable different about the God of Death during their battle, but never in his wildest dreams did he think that his suspicions would be proven right, especially by Hera, no less.

"Of course, I had my suspicion." Hera continued to divulge. "I am sure you did, as well."

Eros sighed, defeated. "I did not wish to believe such terrible feelings."

"I do not blame you, Eros." The God said softly. "I fear it might have been another's doing. Has Thanatos spoken to you at all? Has he been troubled by anything, secretive in any way?"

"Nothing of the sort has transpired between the two of us." Thanatos frightened him. Even more so than he normally did. What made matters worse was that he allowed him to touch her, to defile her with the uncanny spiritual essence of the damned. Whatever had happened to the Slytherin Prince had come to at a cost, possibly his own sanity and life. Somewhere deep down, she felt for him. The cruelty of the matter, the perpetual fondness residing within the corrupt stiches of his skin- was the outcome even worth it?

Hera' eyes flickered over to him for a moment as they watched the banter between the throngs of cheerful dancers. The higher Goddess waved her hand before her, and they were cloaked in a secret veil of silence.

She shook his head. "I do not wish to believe that Hephaestus was the reason behind the unrelenting power I felt, though I am sure he would never admit that to me." Hera narrowed her eyes, something she always done when she was not completely truthful or amiable with her musings. "However, I cannot dismiss what I felt. I am sure that you found how… devouring Dark Magick can be?"

Eros could not lie. "The sample I was given was quite addicting." Then, he paused. "Do you truly believe that he was tampering with it? Perhaps he out a source of help?"

Hera nodded her head. "Yes, well, that is where my concern begins. Thanatos is a powerful deity, Eros. Just as you are, he is still relatively young, and does not know where his place is within our intricate system. Mortals fear and cherish him; he dwells in the dank Underworld, and he has never been able to hold true to anything other than what he believes is the proper way of life. What I am trying to divulge to you is that I believe someone is trying to dissuade him by luring him with promises of power and riches." Hera concluded her mortifying speech, shaking her head. Eros watched eagerly as she grazed her fingertips over the ring on her finger. Just as he did, he whispered something meant for her ears only, and the ring vanished.

He knew Hera was right, but he could not keep himself from wanting to know every little thing that Thanatos could possibly know about the powers of Dark Magick aside from his own. He was known to keep a tight inventory and wealth of knowledge on both Mortal and Immortal scriptures. Anything they needed, they could count on her to provide, by why did he feel as if she had no idea that these tragedies were occurring? For some reason, their interception had been tampered with from the moment Dumbledore left with Tonks, giving them no inclination as to what happened after their departure. What could they have possibly wanted to keep under wraps until such a time would become appropriate?

The God of Love thought for a moment. Was there someone trying to control the God? A strange since of foreboding swept over him, but this time he did not brush it off as he has always done. Eros shook his head; it was clear that the subject of Dark Magick had reached a staggering level of agitation with him. He had to speak to him. Trying to get Thanatos to not do something had been destined to fail from the very beginning. As he settled with the elusive idea of persuading the God to divulge the rights of his mind, Hera gathered before him, demanding his attention.

"Tell me about the Moirai, Hera." Eros lifted his chalice and took a nice, long pull of the warm liquid. No amount of it could provide him with the courage he needed, yet, he decided right then and there that it could not harm him. "I know you are knowledgeable, my dear."

More often than not, flattery was an ability that prove to elude him at every turn. Hera was just as gullible as any other Goddess, however. Throwing her hair over her shoulder and eyeing the girl clinging to his body, she spoke of the deities that long since proven to be a difficult subject for Eros.

"What of the Moirai, Eros?" she asked, giggling. "They are an… interesting subject."

"Enlighten me, Goddess." He asked of her. "Now that we are on forbidden subjects, it would only be right of you to answer my question."

Hera smirked, took a pull of her wine, before inclining her head ever so slightly. "What would you give me in return?" Her eyes travelled the taut valley of his torso, before landing not so subtly below the belt of his chiton, while running her tongue over her bottom lip. "I assure you that my insight does not come without a price."

His eyes darkened slightly at the provocative tone in which her voice took. Hera, like so many, would do anything in exchange for what the other wanted.

Sex included.

Even the heart was not a sacred item anymore.

Reading the atmosphere, Hera frowned and said," You are no fun, God," before sighing and throwing her head back against the plush pillows. "Very well, I shall tell you. Perhaps, one day, you will fall for my trickery. Until that day comes… I shall live with that hope and my dreams!"

Completely disregarding the Goddess' outburst, Eros prepared himself for the tale she was about to share.

"The Moirai are the three Goddesses of Fate, little God." she began. "And, are the personification of the inescapable destiny of man. They assigned every person their fate, or share in the great scheme of life. Together, they represent the past, present, and future, and are three forces not to be reckoned with. With every birth, they are seen spinning, measuring, and cutting the thread of life. One may speculate that they are beyond the creation of such darkness that resides in your little friend."

"That does not quall any inquiries I have with them, Hera."

"What do you wish to know, Eros?" the Goddess smirked.

Eros stiffened, a rare sense of shock befalling him.

He paused his search, turning to look at Hera's miserable face. Of course, he was thinking about his friend. Not that he would admit just how distressed he was about the tournament.

"How can you be so certain," he asked instead.

"Eros," the Goddess began, her voice thick with seriousness," there is nothing in this world that I cannot speak so highly of, and not have it warrant an ounce of my concern. I fear a disproportion of powers ending our world. We have all felt it, God."

"So, it has begun, Eros stated with an uncertainty that Hera knew he has never expressed. "The Prophecy is coming true? Has Zeus sent word out?"

"My husband is under the impression that nothing of the sort is going on. His Pensieve has not forewarned him about anything, but I suspect that Hades is behind the strangeness corrupting the world."

"What strangeness?"

"Floods, famines, war- the Gods cannot continue to lend a hand to the Mortals if it continues. There is something that Hades did not have last time, and he will trample everyone who stand in his way to get it."

"I-," he began, his sadness catching in his throat. After all this time, he still worried over his dear friend, fearing the absolute worst every time he was able to look into the Pensieve of the world. He was sure she had been scared when she read the articles. Who wouldn't be? Eros certainly would if the maniac who attacked her was targeting black-haired males who wore glasses, that is.

They were both worried. Thanatos may not be the type to express his feelings or convey them in an understandable way, but Eros knew that he was scared, that he was terrified and anxious about the approaching day. It would be a lie to say that they were not the least bit concerned about how he would react to waking up to unfamiliar surroundings. No matter how many times he visited, stayed for celebrations, suddenly waking up somewhere one was not expecting would stress even the most centered of men. Knowing Thanatos as well as he did, Eros knew that she would no doubt act horrendously negative to waking up to an otherwise welcoming and secured environment.

Eros exhaled a breath he was unaware he had been holding. His thoughts drove him to the brink of madness because he did not wish to believe the mounting evidence presented to him. There had to be a mistake; Thanatos was not trying to abuse the natural order of the universe by using Dark Magick.

"I just still cannot believe it." he confessed to Hera. "I do not know what I am seeking." His face was a ghastly shade of white. Eros opened his mouth as if to talk, but he quickly closed his mouth when the words did not form or come forth in the correct way that he wanted. A bright light illuminated the small, comfortable room. Blotches of red impaired Eros's vision, momentarily blinding him in a stream of marron and orange.

Hera turned, explaining," Sometimes, you do not know what you are missing."

Eros nodded. "Of course." He turned to face her. "Do you really believe that Thanatos has marked a path for darkness?"

The Goddess considered him for a moment, before exhaling sharply and looking away. "It may seem so."

"How can you be certain?"

"You have been looking in the wrong place, Eros." Hera said softly. "I will speak to Hephaestus about the matter. As for you, I would keep a careful eye on Thanatos."

"What can I do to ensure that he does not do anything rash?"

"Watch him." The Goddess proposed with a tilt of her head. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and looked around.

"I wish for you to watch him." Hera finally told him. "Watch him, and ensure that he does not do anything foolish, especially something that he would undoubtedly regret. The gift of Love was rightfully given to you, and I know that you were blessed and only given this life to bestow that special affection on another to redeem them."

In that instant, Eros knew that Hera was gifting him with a valuable task.

Truly honored, he accepted and drew into the lonely arms of night.

Thanatos stared out at the horizon, and for an inexplicable moment he was one with the stars. Twilight had finally arrived, sending the lights to scatter and the adjoining Gods and Goddesses to celebrate the end of the Games. Everything was so different on the surface world; there were no lost souls trying to grab hold of his cloak, no disembodied voices or irked silence only punctured by the terrified howl of the trapped souls. He looked out, transfixed as he recounted the game. Although it had been a very exciting example of their power, Thanatos could not help feeling cheated. He had poured his entire being into winning, but it had been Eros who came out as the victor. Upon reflection, he let out a growl, downed the rest of his wine, and banished the damnable glass. Nights like these reminded him why he was alive, but he could not help feeling dead to the world. As long as there was hope, he would live forevermore.

The night air was heavenly on his sweaty skin. As the breeze rocked against him, Eros's mind brought him to the moments leading up to his awakening. He had been dreaming about something. The room was dark, cold, and airy. Iron bars held him captive, and even know he could just make out the faint blur of the moon behind the thick clouds.

He shivered as he remembered the strange scenery. How could something so unfamiliar seem so surreal? Had he really been there at the scene of the crime, or was it a figment of his overactive imagination?

The scene before him dissolved as easily as it had formed. As he stared into the void of early morning, he could still feel the torment that had been inflicted upon him for his indiscretion and failure. Hearing the screams that escaped and pushed against the closing walls of the cell and image had placed a burden and fear unbeknownst to him until then. Struggling to bite back another wave of pain that scorched his blistering skin, Eros pressed the overwhelming emotion of anger and detest long enough to calm down and take a deep breath. Relaxation swept over him, dousing the pain in his forehead. It was a relief he was truly content of finding.

He had gotten out completely unscathed, but not without warranting the watchful eye of something that he could not see and would most definitely follow him to even the most desolate of places. Whoever this strange deity was, he was no stranger to the richer and finer things a truly wasteful life could bring. Whatever his reason was for appearing to him in his dream, Eros was determined to figure it out because it had not been the first time he witnessed such cruelty. It would not be the last, either. However, whoever they were, Eros knew he would be careful with his journeys from now on. That was a given, especially after how angry he had become after discovering that Eros had been there the entire time, or most of it. Despite the occurrences, he could not remember ever detail no matter how much he willed his mind to gather those missing pieces. The only thing he had to act on was the small, insignificant pieces he managed to procure and safeguard. If that was to evade him, he did not know what he would do.

Eros opened his eyes, having only realized that he had extinguished the sense of sight as to allow him to deal with the pain and scene that he just witnessed. Flashes of the nightmare appeared like a dreamy interlude, one that would surely haunt him even in the coming days and morning. He did not want to go back to sleep, having found it hard to do so knowing what awaited him once he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Instead, he allowed himself to ponder.

His master was not pleased, but his leniency for disrupting his plans had not been taken lightly and without heart. Whoever they were, they had made the man's instructions absolutely clear. It was still a huge mystery as to what the unseen deity had asked of him. Eros had the strangest feeling that there was more than met the eye and that he was more involved than he could possibly know or understand.

During his other nightmares, he had been unable to gather the faintest of clue as to whom, or what they were planning. Hopefully, once enough time has passed, he'll be able to have his most desired questions answered. He just prayed his one source of ultimate knowledge was not too damaged and scared to face anything as frightening and horrific as thing she faced.

Breaking away from the haunting images that had taken more of his dream time than he would have liked, he focused all his remaining depleted energy on the morning that had yet to come. A faint, glowing light had emerged from its slumber, bringing new light to a long-awaited day. It was not quite time for the day to begin as there was still darkness surrounding the humble home of the Weasley's. It was very early in the morning. Dawn would soon peak above the horizon and wake earth's residence. As his mind raced like a million stallions racing to the finish line, he hardly noticed a dark figure shifting behind him. He continued to stare out the window for quite some time until the figure behind him found the courage to speak.

"I thought I would find you out here," Eros said, approaching him from afar and bearing him the extension of sportsmanship.

The God of Death did not look at him. Instead, he kept his gaze leveled with the line of the horizon. It was there he found home, and just when he was about to escape to it as he has always done, Eros came up and placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him. This made him angrier.

"Remove your hand, God."

"So, you can just leave without talking to me?" Eros said and shook his head. "I do not think so."

Zeus was the monarch of extravagant celebrations. The whole of the white theater was covered in gold and all of Gaia's flowers. From the floor to the high ceiling, nothing was not made to be of exceptional state. Music rang from all around then; food and wine were served by naked participants, their skin licked and teased with the tongues and lips of the Gods and Goddesses. As the God of Death walked, trying his best to vacant the premises before indulging on the finer things that seduced him, he found instant refuge on the veranda of the God of Gods' palace.

Mount Olympus was an extraordinary sight. Rising high above the mortal realm, their citadel was the epitome of strength and symbolized something that he just could not obtain.

Thanatos looked to the horizon. Apollo's damnable chariot was making way across the sky, swallowing up the sun as Selene spit out her treacherous moon in his wake. The two deities chased one another, and as always, Apollo won the race. He subjected himself to the long expanse that was thought, to which took him on various expeditions before arriving to a startling conclusion that he was too self-absorbed to admit. Eros had fought admirably, and though he won the battle, the God of Love had finally won the war.

"I do hope you are not playing the role of a sour loser," he quipped playfully. He need not turn to know that he was smirking. He could hear it in the words he spoke. "Do not freight, my old friend. A day will come when you can earn your wings and stand among the big boys."

It took every fibre not to turn and swing at the insolent God. Instead of tapping into that unbridled rage, he turned and glared at him.

"Must you taunt me every time you get past me?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Do no play coy! You cheated! You asked the God of Fire to forge a sword powerful enough to defeat me!" Thanatos did not deny the accusation and continued to listen to his heated words. "You tampered with magick."

"So, what if I did?"

"Hera told me of the Moirai," Eros told him gently. "Hephaestus forged the very weapon that I inevitably took down."

"Do you realize how forbidden it is?" Eros said, concerned. "You have brought an imbalance to the world."

"I, alone, did no such thing."

Thanatos stared into oblivion. Having been falsely executed of tampering with the balance of the world, he watched for himself the supposed destruction that his tampering brought. There was none, as he suspected.

A slender figure emerged from the columns of Zeus' temple. She was a small thing, who blended into the opal face of their host's dwelling.

"What is this talk of cheating?" a sultry voice called out. The two Gods turned to find an unwanted guest.

Aphrodite and her temple Goddess, Hero had come out of hiding. The beautiful women strolled over to them, and the Goddess of Love looked down from their high temple and smirked, watchinf as Thanatos stole away into the night.

Author's Note: Goodness, this took longer than expected, and I apologize *bows head*. I recently started a new job (Nail Technician!), and the hours are quite long. This chapter was basically finished, but I couldn't create a good writing schedule that would allow me to get a decent amount of sleep and allow me to finish my other WIP's. I'm currently participating in a House Competition, and if I'm not scrambling to submit all three of my entries, I'm freaking out over something! I'll figure it out, though! Promise! Chapter 20 is half way finished; y'all will see a smoldering interaction between Psyche and Thanatos. We have one more chapter of 'flashbacks', if you will, before things go back to the present time. I think y'all will either hate me for what is going to happen, or love me. Either way, be prepared :)

As always, enjoy

-Carolare Scarletus