Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ A God's Tear ❯ Enemy of the Gods ( Chapter 1 )

The Elysian Gardens

 

***

 

His sword knocked out of his hands, the warrior was at the mercy of his adversary. Falling to one knee, he signaled his surrender. “You emerge victorious once again,” said the armored combatant as he bowed his head. “I suppose I have a lot to learn.”

 

His opponent spared no reply, only lowering his weapons down to his waist and looking over to his left across the grass green field as a figure approached them. “Lady Siren,” he called out, “have you come for training as well?”

 

Lady Siren laughed snobbishly and folded her arms below her breasts. “Surely you jest, Lord Eden? A sorceress is no match for a God, much less you.”

 

The taller and older God dressed in light armor named Eden took a glimpse behind him at the large, white cathedral behind them. “I am merely the guardian of the king and queen of Gods. We are.”

 

Siren snorted, but smiled. Eden spoke the truth, at least. All three of them served under the King and Queen since the beginning of time, it seemed. Eden, the God of Humanity, had been the first while Vesuvius was the second. Siren herself was the third. She and Vesuvius became demigods not too long ago after the King acknowledged their accomplishments and abilities in their previous life in the lower realms where the mortals lived. He placed them under Eden's command, but Eden saw them more of equals than subordinates, even though there was a difference in hierarchy. Gods oversaw Demigods.

 

Siren glanced at Vesuvius who was still kneeling before Eden. “On your feet. It's over.”

 

Vesuvius' crimson eyes focused on the beautiful sorceress, his face void of any emotion. As always, he remained silent in her presence, which struck both Eden and Siren as odd.

 

Siren flicked a strand of her waist-long black hair and shook her head. It was no use. “Very well,” she concluded with a sigh. “I care not anyway.”

 

Vesuvius stood up and went deeper into the Elysium Castle's garden to grab his sword. Eden watched him for a moment before turning back to Siren. “So, Lady Siren, what is your reason for coming here if not for training?”

 

“The king requires your presence,” she told him.

 

Eden scratched his black chainmail. “Is that so? Then I must go to him.” Eden turned on his heel, sheathing his two weapons—Adam and Eve—inside the cases strapped across his back before strolling through the garden to the courtyard where the rear castle gates were. Siren followed closely while Vesuvius managed to catch up with them. “So what does the king require of me? Do you know, Lady Siren?”

 

Siren shrugged. “I have no idea, though the king has been troubled as of late.”

 

“So you have noticed it as well?”

 

“But of course. Nothing escapes these black eyes of mine. Perhaps he is uneasy about the crowning of Queen Carmena in Avalon Kingdom?”

 

“Why would he be? Avalon is a peaceful kingdom. They are no threat to us.”

 

“Perhaps not the kingdom, but the race that rules the empire itself.”

 

Eden grunted at her icy words. It was true that the king was indeed on edge over the two neighboring countries, but was he really prejudice over the races overseeing the government? Eden didn't want to believe so. No, of course not. They must have done something to raise suspicions. That had to be it. What else could it be?

 

“I suppose there is no use in pondering pointlessly over it,” Eden concluded, chortling over his many opinions of the situation. “We will find out when we arrive.”

 

***

 

Elysium Castle

 

***

 

“That will be all, Hermes. Make sure he gets that letter.”

 

“Yes, my king.”

 

The king of Elysium nodded and waved the God off. “Good fortune to you, my loyal messenger.”

 

“Rely on me, O' Great King!” he exclaimed with a wink and grin. Straightening his winged cap, he grabbed his staff and headed to the large door to the throne room as it opened. He stopped at the presence of Eden and company and greeted them with a large smile, as always. “Good noon to you, Lord Eden!”

 

Eden bowed slightly. “Lord Hermes…”

 

Hermes laughed before daring a look Siren's way. She could resist smiling whenever Hermes was looking her way. It was his personality, perhaps, that gave her such a good feeling. “Lady Siren, you look ravishing as always.”

 

Unfortunately, her satin black dress was too tight for her to curtsy the god, but a smile would suffice for Hermes. “As do you.”

 

Finally, he turned to Vesuvius. “Come, come, Vesuvius! Shed a smile! Let the light inside you shine, my friend. Today is a wonderful day!”

 

Vesuvius crossed his arms and sighed. “Your optimism is terrifying, Lord Hermes.”

 

Hermes only laughed. He never took offense to Vesuvius' comments, even though Vesuvius was serious. Hermes' sanguinity did make him wonder at times.

 

“Where are you headed to?” inquired Eden.

 

“To Prometheus Kingdom. I am to deliver a letter to their king.”

 

“Ah, yes. King Garuda.”

 

Hermes nodded, removing his helmet for a moment to straighten his black hair. He kept its length at the top of his shoulders all the time, unlike Eden who kept his blonde hair waist-length.

 

“Hermes!” shouted the king. “Make haste to Prometheus, boy! Let those winged sandals of yours grant you speed.”

 

Hermes immediately donned his headdress again as he hurried out of the throne room. The king's command was strong indeed. Eden walked down the red carpet towards the stairs leading to the white marble thrones of the king and queen of Elysium Kingdom and stopped, kneeling as did his entourage. “King Zeus and Queen Hera. I have come just as you have commanded.”

 

Dressed in his large white toga as was his wife, Zeus stroked his long, white beard as his blue eyes focused on his most trusted warrior, “Eden. It is rare that I call you during these times.”

 

“Whether during times of peace or war, I am at your beck and call, King Zeus,” Eden reminded him, his head bowed still.

 

“Yes, I know. However, I've felt uneasy as of late.”

 

The god of humanity lifted his head to gaze at the large ruler. He was at least eight feet high, two feet taller than Queen Hera. “Oh?”

 

“Yes. The three Moirae have foreseen disturbing events. Though it is unknown whether or not they threaten the kingdom.”

 

“Disturbing events, you say?”

 

“What events do they speak of?” Siren added in, raising her head with Vesuvius.

 

Zeus swallowed a small lump in his throat. Queen Hera sensed his tension. He gripped the arms of his chair, lowering his head as he recalled the Moiraes' predictions. “They spoke of a struggle.”

 

“A struggle?” Eden echoed.

 

“Yes, a struggle between a force of light and darkness.”

 

Eden grunted. That message…it didn't actually sound… “My king, the struggle between light and darkness occurs in the lower realms all the time. It's to keep the universal balance in check, remember?”

 

“Of course I do, Eden!” Zeus snapped.

 

Eden cringed and bowed his head with Siren and Vesuvius. “I apologize for my disrespect.”

 

“Zeus…,” Hera spoke, her voice able to sooth her husband somewhat.

 

Zeus shook his head as he drew a sigh. “No. Forgive me, Eden. It is this prophecy that worries me ever so.”

 

Eden's head rose yet again, raising an eyebrow once he saw the wrinkles of worry on his ruler's forehead. “Something tells me this is no ordinary battle. What are these two forces that collide?”

 

Zeus' grip around the edge of his chair's arm tightened. If he grasped it any tighter, the marble would have cracked. He clenched his teeth. “Two birds: One white, one black. The black bird conquers the white bird and shrouds his surroundings in pitch-black darkness. The light fades away, never to be seen again.”

 

Eden grunted as he digested the heaviness of the prophecy. Alas, it was a lot to swallow. “I see.”

 

“That could mean only one thing…”

 

“Do you believe your brother, Hades, is the one they speak of? Shall the two of you engage in a war?”

 

It was one of possibilities Zeus thought of once he heard of the forecast, however, “They say the darkness is far greater than that of Hades. Though my older brother may be involved in this, it is a bird that resembles the darkness!”

 

Hera's eyes widened as she turned to her spouse, gasping. “You aren't suggesting that…?”

 

“That's right, Hera!” Zeus confirmed with a slamming of his fist. “The phoenixes plan to shroud the higher realms in complete darkness!”

 

Shock almost overwhelmed Eden, Siren, and Vesuvius as they looked up at Zeus. “That's preposterous!” Siren yelled. “The phoenixes are a kind and gentle race! They wouldn't dare!”

 

“That's what they want you to believe, Siren! They are deceivers! They claim to be gods when they are nothing more than lesser demons!”

 

“Is that what you sent Lord Hermes for? To accuse them when we have no evidence of them plotting such crimes?”

 

Zeus snorted at Siren's insolence. “If I had, it was my decision and not yours, Siren! I have simply asked whether or not they hold any quarrels against us.”

 

Siren returned the snort with one of her own. `I don't believe that one bit. If I know you, old man, you've put your own foot in your mouth!'

 

She hoped not. Who knew what the phoenixes were capable of when provoked?

 

***

 

Prometheus Kingdom: Prometheus Castle

 

***

 

Taking one last sip of his afternoon tea, Garuda placed his cup back on its saucer for his servant to take. “Refreshing,” he said with a wide grin. “Tea always relaxes me on days such as this.”

 

“Is there a need to be stressed, love?” asked his wife as she finished her tea as well. “We face no conflicts.”

 

“I know, my dear, Nephthys. But still, the life of a king isn't all that it's cracked up to be!”

 

“Neither is a queen's,” she added with a terse giggle.

 

Garuda laughed heartily, “Yes, that's right, my dear. By the way, have you heard? The Zelandra Era in Avalon has ended.”

 

Nephthys gave him a small nod. “Yes. Your niece, Carmena Aura is going to be queen of Avalon, correct?”

 

“That is correct.” The ten-foot bird sighed contently and relaxed a bit more. “We phoenixes have come a long way. I remember the good ol' days when we were striving to even become noticed by the gods, and now we rule two of the three higher realms. Hard work and determination, my dear. They are key to getting what you want in life.”

 

Nephthys chuckled once again, “That's how I snagged you. Right, love?”

 

Garuda grinned at his dark, yet lovely wife. How he loved her. “That's right.”

 

A rarity was Nephthys, but then again, so was Garuda. Known to many as the legendary `Father of Phoenixes', King Garuda the First was influential indeed. A strong advocate of peace, Garuda rarely needed to use force. He instead allowed his words to win his battles. Still, that didn't mean he wasn't powerful in the art of combat. The gods did fear him for a reason, of course. Though his height was intimidating, his docile disposition reflected on the outside too.

 

Nephthys, on the other hand, was a different story. Though surely not as towering as her husband, she garnered respect for many different reasons—reasons not even Garuda himself knew of.

 

Still, her smile was enough to make Garuda forget his slight suspicions from time to time.

 

“I have returned from Valhalla, King Garuda!” declared the young female phoenix as she entered the throne room, escorted by two armored phoenix guards. She carried with her a staff, a pet wolf pup trotting by her side, and a confident smile. Her wings folded inside her blue cloak, the phoenix kneeled before her king and queen, her eyes lit with glee. “And I have passed! Am I indeed worthy enough to join the Phoenix Guard?”

 

Nephthys stared at Garuda as he studied the young girl. Garuda smiled. “Hopefully you haven't caused Brynhildr too much trouble, Silvia,” he joked. “I'd rather not listen to her complaining.”

 

“I hear your words well, King Garuda, if you haven't noticed.”

 

Garuda laughed as the armor-clad battle-maiden, Brynhildr, made her entrance. She was curt, as usual. “Ah, yes. Of course, Victory-Bringer.”

 

Brynhildr brushed her long, blue twisted ponytail behind her and flashed a smirk Garuda's way. “Now then. Shall we get started?”

 

***

 

Elysium Castle: Throne Room

 

***

 

“Very well.” Eden nodded and rose to his feet. “You wish for us to visit King Garuda?”

 

“That is correct,” Zeus answered. “I want you to see for yourself the evil intentions they possess.”

 

Eden made a face. He highly doubted the phoenixes—especially King Garuda of Prometheus—would possess a malcontent aura. He would be able to sense it upon meeting him. He and Siren had this exclusive ability, which may have been the purpose of Zeus giving them the task. Regardless, he bowed. “I will do my best, my king.”

 

Zeus gave them a nod and waved them off. “Very well. Good fortune to you, my loyal guardians!”

 

Eden turned on his heel and made his way out of the throne room with Siren and Vesuvius. Something told him King Zeus' accusations were going to cost him. What was the question buzzing around his head, though.

 

`This will be our second meeting, will it not, King Garuda?'

 

Twice in a lifetime…

 

***

 

Chapter End

 

`Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.'

 

***

 

A/N: Just a little note on the use of gods and goddesses used in the story. Please note that they will not be fully accurate to their respective mythological tales. They are made to fit in this story and hopefully I don't screw it up too much. Starting next chapter, at the end of each chapter, I will post information about the god or goddess and their true background. Random trivia, you could call it I guess. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoy writing it.