CHAPTER ONE : new beginnings
A week was about to pass right just after Ares' death . Cleopatra still hadn't mummified her partners body , denial didn't allow her to .
She would wait for him to wake up one day and as she is enjoying the view of the front yard from her window he would wrap his hands around her leaving a gentle kiss on her shoulder .
She was waiting for something she knew
was not possible .
She wouldn't allow anyone see his corpse , not even herself . His body was slowly rotting in his chamber , or at least that's what she thought .
Ares' corpse had been taken away , by the second day after his passing . Sekhmet , The Godess of Chaos had decided to give Ares the chance of immortality , the chance of living with or rather for the gods of Egypt .
"would you look at that?
she spoke as she laid eyes on the warrior's
corpse .
"what a loss to humanity."
she added
His body she grabbed and she took with
her to the other mighty Gods.
And that is where everything began
Or rather , continued .
CHAPTER TWO : Deal and bargain
"What is that." Ra , the godess of the sun spoke , almost in a disgusted and confused tone as she pointed to the warrior's corpse lying next to the godess of Chaos .
Sekhmet was standing in the center of a circle , at the judgment place the God's owned .
Ma'at , the godess of truth and justice raised her hand as a gesture for Ra to wait , to be patient "First things first" Ma'at spoke "why did you wish for this meeting" she continued as her hand she put down and Ra raised her left eyebrow , slighty smirking with amusement . "What is it that you wish to judge , Sekhmet?" Ma'at continued .
Sekhmet stood in front of the corpse , she smirked and looked around glancing around , looking at all the Gods . They all stood senseless , as if they didn't care but Sekhmet could smell the worry filling their godly lungs .
"Look at what humanity has lost"
Sekhmet started to talk , as if she was doing a presentation , as if she was putting on a great show . Her hands moving around as she also did , a smirk , a cunning smirk never leaving her lips .
"A Great Great Warrior" she said
"The kind to slaughter hundreds only having himself " she kept going as passion was now visible in the way she talked . " a weapon , a miraculous machine , a horrifying soldier . " she stopped and stood looking down at the lifeless body , her smirk growing "wouldn't it be a shame to let this one" she leaned down on her knees , her nail caressing his cheek "go to waste?" her voice tone grew more cunning .
"I like where this is going"
Ra sat back and enjoyed the event .
"What are you suggesting" Isis ,
the godess of magic , spoke.
"It's simple . Why don't we use him , his talent , to our advantage . Use him as our guardian , a messenger , guardian of the temples when they need the help , our soldier when we need him , a boy , a man of chores ." The godess of Chaos stood up.
"Are you suggesting we use him as our slave ." Nepthys , the godess of Harmony and peace , was now heard in the room .
The gods turned to look at her and then look back at Sekhmet , waiting for more answers .
Sekhmet stood silent.
"Are you? Suggesting that ?" Ma'at asked
"No . Of course not" Sekhmet spoke
"Working for us is an honor , not slavery."
"Still we can't trust our work to a human"
Seth , the God of War spoke ."He won't be a human if we bring him back." Isis said. "My point is not what he will be but what he once was" Seth snapped "do you think this weakling will deal with the cruel errands we will put him through gladly ?" he stopped . The Gods all mumbled , he is right , he is not wrong , he was a human.
"Enough" all heads turned to look at Ra
"We all have been really busy ever since Osiris became king of Hell , that is understandable since we need to adjust to the new circumstances and all the new information , thus , Sekhmet's idea is a great idea for us to help the greater evil become lesser ." Ra implied .
Ma'at glanced around the room "Any objections?" she Raised the gavel . "No? Then we shall move forward." Ma'at striked the desk with the gavel . "Sekhmet , godess of chaos , your suggestion has been accepted. Ares of Calix and Morana , the dark knight of the Mediterranean and terror of Romans , is now devoted to exist as an immortal , guardian of humans , protector of the weak , tool of justice , messenger to the gods of the ennead ." Ma'at spoke as she wrote everything down on her papyrus , sealing the deal.
Ares' body floated in the air , raised as he was resurrected by the power of Osiris . Gold bright colors surrounded his naked corpse , and a light tracing over his body as his bruises disappeared and his body healed . On his back there grew wings , big white feathery wings , his body now surrounded by clothes . The Gods were not impressed , they were Gods after all , what is there to be impressed about .
Sekhmet's smirk slowly began to fade as she walked out of the room "oh the Chaos I'm about to witness" Sekhmet mumbled to herself with amusement .
CHAPTER THREE : ummmm
The days were passing , Ares did his duty , he wasn't a slave , he wouldn't accept to be treated as one .
Ares wasn't happy , nothing could ever let him be happy , except , Cleopatra .
He found himself wishing she'd find a lover and that he himself wasn't her true love as the poets often said . He wanted her to be happy , forget every single detail about him , every single moment . He'd wish she would find him in someone new .
Cleopatra wasn't happy , for months she avoided public places as much as she could , it was hard , considering she was a queen and she had to put her people above everything . She began to play with Mark , hopefully , she thought , this way she would forget . It all started with Mark as an advantage to her kingdom , but Gods know what kind of magic Antony had in his hands , that he made Cleopatra eventually fall for him .
Ares watched , he always watched when she was alone . He watched her when she would smile while looking at the wall , when she had her papers spread on her desk , all the papyrus she had to read . He watched her when she sat at her window and gazed around admiring Egypt . He watched as she still sat at her window and tears began to drop , he would send her one of his feathers as she cried , trying to let her know she wasn't alone , she would catch the feathers and each time she would think she was insane for thinking those mean something .
Ares was happy , knowing she found love again , his wish had been granted , she had found happiness in another .
During the times he spent with the gods , the one that he bonded with the most was Nepthys , she was like an opposite of his , she would keep him sane and calm . For Ares had one weakness , Isis . Ever since he saw her he was never able to get Cleopatra's image out of his shattered mind . Cleopatra looked incredibly much like her , their characters were also similar . Ares knew how much Cleopatra admired Isis , and that fact did help in forming his weakness . He could never say no to her , no matter the danger , if he betrayed her it would feel as though he had betrayed Cleopatra .
Osiris observed from the underworld and he did not fancy looking at the young Warrior looking at his previous partner like that . Simply Osiris loathed Ares .
The days were passing and everything
passed along with them .
One cold Night Ares found himself in the drinking room . He emptied every bottle that stinked of alcohol , until he himself smelled like a full one . Time wasn't moving , but nothing bad was happening either . Ares felt alone , he was alone .
He was on the floor , he sat back , his wings disappearing as his back touched the wall , his head doing the same . He closed his eyes embracing the odd kind of warmth that the walls held .
Memories , so many memories flashing through his mind, one by one , seconds , few seconds of each capture of Cleopatra's smile , her hands tracing on his body, caressing his scars , caressing his lips , kissing his lips , her hand holding his , her lips , her lips on his forehead , her lips on his cheek , her body laying asleep next to his , embraced by his . All of which made Ares , unable to control that ridiculous urge to softly grinn .
"What could you be thinking about now" Ares found Isis' figure as he turned around .
She approached him slowly , sitting right next to him .
Ares didn't speak , he barely even looked at her as soon as he realized who she was . He couldn't bare to do so , he would crack .
"Rough day?" Isis said , noticing how he completely , entirely , avoided any kind of contact with her . Her eyebrows narrowed as the look of pure sympathy she hosted in her eyes . With her hand she reached for his shoulder affectionately stroking him . He closed his eyes , clenching his jaw as he shook his head slightly , worry and confusion took over Isis , she tilted her head to the side . "Leave me" he spoke lowly , not opening his eyes , not giving rest to his clenching jaw "Are you not okay?" she gently said.
"Please Leave"
he quickly responded .
"What is it dear?" Isis spoke with a tone so soft . "Talk to me" she dragged her hand away giving him a proper amount of space . Ares stood up slowly , making movements that made the fact he was drunk perfectly clear . He softened his grip on the bottle and let it hit the ground , the sound of breaking glass echoed in the room . Ares took a slight deeper breath as he began to walk away , Isis stood up following his lead , keeping her distance , only behind him , making sure he doesn't end up on the floor . Ares' steps got faster as soon as he found himself in the long corridor , Isis always on his back , rather quite a few steps behind .
"Ares" Isis tried keeping her steps slow and smooth "Ares slow down." she demanded . "You're gonna get yourself hurt" she continued "Ares I'm not asking . I'm demanding." she implied .
Ares' steps had now stopped , he stood there for several seconds before he turned around walking towards Isis' way . Looking down , not allowing his sight to meet the view of the goddess standing right in front of him . She tilted her head in confusion "you really obeyed?" she asked , before she could take another breath , Ares wrapped his hands around her waist , pulling her into an act of embrace . Isis froze before the decision to hold him back was made .
From the depths of his heart , from the depth of hevean and hell , Ares craved for this , he wanted this , he needed this . Ares had missed this .
He had missed Cleopatra .
Isis knew . She knew everything , she just wanted him to share his pain , make him feel better .
Osiris didn't like that , he didn't like anything about Ares , from the very first moment , he had started to loath him and now he wanted him gone .
CHAPTER FOUR : rise of the fall
Days and Days passed , Ares was looking over Cleopatra , he would wish for her success , though she didn't really need it , she was a genius and she sure was strong enough to achieve anything she wanted to .
Cleopatra would get annoyed at Mark quite easily from time to time . She would feel anger more often , not because Antony was bringing her anger , but because she felt melancholic . Mark managed to help her with that just by being there , offering her a shoulder to cry on , Ares was glad , Ares was happy , Ares was gracious , thankful for Cleopatra's stable mental health .
One hot evening Cleopatra sat under the stary sky , gazing up at them . Her hands touched the ground , she felt the warmth radiating from it , an oddly relaxing shiver travelled across her skin as soon as she made contact with a cold stone, reminding her of the way her past lover's hands felt.
Ares watched in mere confusion as Cleopatra smiled with her eyes shut . "does he make her that happy?" he thought to himself and he smiled , he softly smiled .
Little did he know .
Ares had to leave , his duty , was now calling for him , the blood of the innocent had been shedd once again and Ares had to take care of that .
Every single day that passed made Ares lose a little bit more of contact with his Queen , he would be away for longer , he got busier and all that made sense since there was another civil war between the Romans . Antony and Octavian , had officially started a war over the full leadership of Rome .
A few days , a few deaths and Ares could see how hard it was getting for Antony to win this war " strongest man in the world . That's what you called yourself Mark." he mumbled under his breath as he observed Mark and his desperation taking over him .
But that is war . War is cruel , unfair ,
ruthless . War is despair .
Cleopatra and Antony did work alongside each other , it was certain that Cleopatra wanted her lover to win this war , not only for her sake but also for his own .
Everything was going fine , that's what Mark thought , for Octavian had plans Mark couldn't even see coming in his nightmares .
Maybe Antony was being all cocky . Or maybe , he was trying to keep his army calm and safe , away from those foolish negative thoughts .
Unfortunately , the rise of the Golden Roman era , was soon gonna be over for Mark , but not for Rome . But let's not rush things , yet .
Things were clearly getting worse , but then they got better , hope for Mark , there was so much potential at that point until there wasn't.
Ares watched , he disobeyed
and he watched .
Cleopatra was getting worse and worse , she would distance herself from the gatherings , or rather , she'd be a lot more quiet . Ares noticed as he always did , she was sad , she was tired , she looked like a flower in great need of the sun , not on the outside but on the inside , he could see the exhaust in her eyes , she was sick of war , she lived her whole life fighting and now she saw everything going downhill .
Her condition , was getting worse .
Ares didn't hesitate as he soon called for a meeting at the court of the ennead . He had a suggestion that he needed the Gods to hear , no matter how foolish it might have seemed as a suggestion he didn't care , he wanted to be heard .
"What did you call us for angel?" Ra asked
Ares smirked as he glanced around the room , filled with the mighty Gods of Egypt .
"Surprised that Gods heard my calling" Ares raised an eyebrow "and they actually showed up too " he continued .
" Your point?" Ma'at asked.
"Oh I've just missed this image" Ares smiled sarcastically "reminds me of our first meeting" he looked over at Sekhmet "I do remember even though I was dead half of the time" he finished .
"You Mad? honey?" Sekhmet said
"No" he shook his head "thanks to you I've got wings" .
Ma'at coughed ironically "may we know why we're here Ares?" . " I have a suggestion , an offer , a deal , for you mighty ones" he said . "We're all ears" Ma'at implied .
"I ask , for something simple yet , something, that cannot just be given away , but you are Gods , for you it is as simple as a snap of your fingers . I ask for nothing else but happiness . " Ares stood there with his face expressionless . Everyone started looking around at each other , with confusion , lots of confusion.
"I am asking you , mighty ones , to allow the Queen of Egypt to live a long , happy life ."
"I like where this is going" Ra mumbled .
Ma'at approached Ares "what is it that you're trying to say Ares?" , "I want you , to let happiness stay in Cleopatra's life" He didn't move an inch , always stood , his head high , his stance proud , his face serious .
"You know very well her happiness is not
up to us" Seth implied .
"We both know that's a lie" Ares snapped.
"Sure , you can't just bring happiness"
he paused
"but you sure can prevent misfortune. "
he stated
"can't you ? Mighty ones ?"
A moment of complete silence followed
"You expect us to give her good fortune , just because you ask us to?" Ma'at asked .
Isis looked at the way Ares' expression changed slightly , his eyes filled with cunning thoughts , a sort of satisfied look .
"Of course not" Ares spoke as he turned serious . "No" Isis mumbled under her breath . "I will give you something in return" Ares added . Ra smirked with satisfaction .
"And what are you offering Warrior?" Ma'at asked calm as always . "I offer my services , for eternity , to any of you , for any errand , anything , everything . " and as these words left Ares' mouth Isis kept mumbling , more now "No no no" . "Are you saying you're selling your soul to one of us?" Ma'at asked , checking Ares' statements "yes." Ares was quick to reply .
Nepthys shook her head as she looked at him . "Now" Ares sarcastically spoke " who will buy ?" He raised his hands presenting himself .
Isis was about to raise her hand , claim Ares . After all , Ares would only be safe as her own slave or Nepthy's , but Isis knew well her sister would never enslave anyone , she was the godess of peace after all . Isis raised her hand before Ra's could drag it down . Isis turned looking at her way , Ra was smirking but she wasn't raising her hand , she just wanted to stop Isis from doing so .
"It's Sealed then?" Ma'at said looking at Ares waiting for him to agree .
Isis turned around quickly , trying to see who was the one that claimed Ares . Her eyes falling upon her Husband Osiris , his eyes mischievously glowing . Isis' heart leapt and that was noticeable by the look on her face , the pain in her eyes , her eyebrows narrowed , she turned around looking at Ra with anger and question . Ra was smiling . "What is it dear?" Ra ironically said "it wouldn't be fun if I allowed you to do it would it?" Ra continued "and I like fun" she put a dot , looking back at the center of the room where Ares was .
Isis knew Osiris would use this for his benefit , he would make his life a deadly hell .
"Your vows. Boy." Osiris demanded.
Ares opened his mouth ready to speak .
"This is only gonna work if you kneel
darling ." Osiris spoke
"Kneel." he demanded once again .
Ares kneeled as his jaw clenched " I Ares , first of my name , son of Morana , Warrior of the desert , commander of the Egyptian coast guard and first Regiment , Heir to the throne of Sparta " Osiris interrupted him "and it's King's bastard." Ares' jaw clenched more "bastard of the king and the Dark Knight of the Mediterranean , offer my life , my soul and heart , my will and doing to Osiris , God of Life and king of the underworld , to serve him through my whole lifetime , life or death , through eternity , to do his errands , follow his orders , work for him . Until he no longer needs me , until he is satisfied by my services . Until he wishes to . In exchange I ask for good fortune and a long lasting life for the current queen of Egypt , Cleopatra daughter of Ptolemy . " Ares bowed his head , Ma'at raised the gavel waiting for Osiris' words "I accept your terms." he said and Ma'at sealed the deal .
Isis sat back rubbing her forehead .
Ra sat back amused .
"Oh angel you have no idea what you've gotten yourself into" she spoke clearly and loudly , still no one heard her .
"Though" Osiris interrupted the weird atmosphere in the air . "You forgot one tiny detail about your terms my little angel" he paused "you didn't mention where you will be living as long as you're serving me" he stood up walking down the stairs , his steps slow , making his way towards Ares. He stood next to him and grabbed his wing "no more gazing at her beauty as she stands at her window , no more sending her feathers to see her lips grow into a smile" he put pressure on Ares' wing causing him to groan in pain as his other hand wrapped around his neck , putting him down . "No more visiting your queen , I am your king now." His voice full of spite , his aggressive whispers cracking Ares' heart of stone slowly as he kept groaning trying to set himself free . Ares' wing bone cracked , he groaned loudly and whimpers of pain left his mouth , all the Gods stood , Isis trying to get to them , her son keeping her away and safe "and you'll be only seeing her , from afar , really really far." Osiris smirked as he sent Ares straight to hell , really really far .
Ma'at sat back , a look of disappointment in her eyes . "My angel." Sekhmet thought as she angrily looked towards Osiris .
CHAPTER FIVE : down down and below down
The Knight was now doomed for eternity , to serve the dark in the shadows , spread the shadow further , collect it too .
Ares had been urged to gather the souls of the dead that didn't want to find their way to hell , ghosts as everyone fancies to call them . He had orders to bring them to the depths of hell , by fighting with them or not .
It all adjusted perfectly to his character , a Warrior and a punisher , doing the exact same thing even in his death .
Meanwhile the War between Antony and Octavian seemed to be going perfectly well from Antony's side , which made Ares feel relief considering Osiris was not breaking his promise .
Mark sat down at the head seat of the Knight's table as he raised his hand holding a glass full of wine "to victory my brothers!" Mark raised his voice , full of confidence .
Cleopatra smiled .
They soon returned to their palace in Alexandria , celebrating their recent wins.
Everything was going well , everything was flowing as well as the river Nile at its finest.
One long night , the winged-man visited the Queen's dreams once again , his figure in front of a darker background this time though the atmosphere and aura was as warm as it used to be before .
The shadow seemed as though it was looking at her , its eyes glowing red and golden .
Cleopatra jumped awake , her breath heavy and her face sweaty , she tossed the blankets covering her away towards Antony's side . She slowly stood up throwing her night cloak on herself . She eventually made her way towards her bath , preparing herself for one moment of relaxation . Allowing herself to sink in the warm well smelling water , she closed her eyes .
With her hand she traced her finger across her arm , now caressing her shoulder , moments later her head leaned towards her shoulder as she gently stroked her arms , her eyes still closed .
She was thinking about Ares
His cold silver ring making her shiver , his
hands making her quiver
His touch making her melt
despite the cold
She opened her eyes blank staring into nothing . She grabbed her towel getting out of the bath , dried herself and headed to her bed , though she would not sleep thinking kept her awake the whole night .
How was it , she thought , everytime something was going good in her life she dreamed of him , she sighed , "is it you,Ares?" she whispered .
Ares was collecting lost souls at the time , a group of dead soldiers , he felt a long lasting shiver as he heard someone whisper his name , a whisper that seemed like it was breathed right next to his ear .
�� A whisper so familiar .
He came to his senses , his thoughts interrupted by the pained screams of the dead , dragging him right back at doing his job .
Ares was like Thanatos , like Anubis , but he was sent to deliver the ones in denial , the unwanted ones .
His aura was so strong and disturbing , sometimes the mortals swore they saw his tall dark winged figure dragging evil souls to hell .
"The dead walk among us" old men spoke spooking the others at the tavern and all taverns "they walk towards hell" they continued . "I heard his horse" some mumbled as if afraid to be heard . "I heard his steps" some others said "I saw him" their eyes wide . "the dark knight" a mature looking woman raised her hand , her voice shaking as much as her raised pointing finger "is punishing them" she pointed outside .
"For even in death you shall
fear the Dark Knight."
People locked their doors , shut their windows well at nights , didn't leave any candle lights on . Thinking he was choosing who to take , thinking they could be next . But who can blame them , they thought he was there to haunt them .
days and days passed and since the war was going well for them , people had relaxed and had started to feel calmer and safer . Mark was leading them to victory .
"my love" Antony said while approaching Cleopatra . Cleopatra sighed and walked away pretending not to have heard him, her dreams made her feel weird around him . He reached for her hand and stood with her , she stopped walking and turned towards his way , facing him "oh hello darling" she said and he smiled putting his hands on her face , caressing her cheeks "you seem busy want me to leave you alone?" he asked , she shook her head "no no I was just heading towards the dining room" she implied . "I almost got the idea you were avoiding me " he ironically said and she chuckled before he kissed her lips .
Ares watched from the underworld , he sat back on his throne next to Anubis' one , his hand on the hand of it and his forehead rested on his pointing finger , he was confused "why are you acting weird Cleopatra" he thought to himself .
"So how many children do they have? One ? Two" Osiris said interrupting Ares' thoughts "three." Ares said quick hoping to shut him up . "Three?" Osiris asked in a fake offended tone "when did they have the third?" the fake act continued "after your death?" he frowned mocking Ares "right after you died?" he placed his hand on his chest "I cannot believe my ears" he kept going "you were the only one talking" Ares snapped calmly "you cannot believe your own words?" he finished . Osiris' look turned into an annoyed one .
Anubis chuckled as he threw himself back at his own throne .
Osiris threw another annoyed glance towards Anubis .
"You can't say we are not having fun in here" Osiris stated . "Yeah hearing desperate and painful screams all day is very pleasing to a sadist like me" Ares said with an unbelievably sarcastic tone but a face so serious . Osiris started laughing as he hit Ares' shoulder repeatedl "oh stop it you funny man!" Ares' expression the same , only now more annoyed . "Oh Gods" Anubis rubbed his forehead "I hate you" Ares calmly said to Osiris , Osiris stopped laughing and he smiled "tch tch tch" he moved his finger right and left "my boy what way to talk to your king is that" he raised his eyebrows "shut up" , Anubis chuckled once again "Ares! Show me respect , please for heaven's sake" Osiris turned around looking in front of him .
And like that the days kept passing , chaos mostly filled the atmosphere , Sekhmet would love it here .
Meanwhile things for Mark weren't going that well , but Ares thought that one defeat was not something that bad as long as Mark was alive , pleasing Cleopatra.
CHAPTER SIX : the fall
Ares was preparing for his patrol , putting on his long black cloak his black gloves , his shiny silver ring , his long black boots , picking his spear up .
"All that for the dead to see you?" Osiris stood behind him "it makes me feel comfortable" Ares replied . "I didn't know you could feel that sort of feeling " Osiris paused" or any kind of feeling besides rage" he took a breath "then I'm sorry for this my darling angel"
Osiris grabbed Ares' hands and chained them , dragging him behind him , Ares froze , his eyes wide . "You see angel , Mark's loss the other day" he kept dragging him more aggressively "wasn't as unimportant as you thought" Osiris entered an empty cell throwing Ares in , hitting his face so that he faints .
Ares woke up chained up , his wings cut off , Ares tried breaking the chains with raw strength "pointless" Osiris stated "you can't break those" he added .
He stepped towards Ares caressing his face with his nails "you see , boy. I have other plans for you , turns out using you as my personal slave isn't enough for my satisfaction" he paused as he tightened the chains "first you make my wife forget about me while she watched your mortal self be all perfect and admired you , then you die and come live with us , you befriend her , she completely forgets about me , you disrespect me with your jokes , your attitude " he tightened the chains even more , Ares held a groan back "sorry about the wings , had to make sure you wouldn't use them to escape" Osiris said calmly as he stood right before Ares
"As we talk , right now , Antony is about to have his worst of luck" Osiris smiled "aw look at your face , and that non stopping jaw clench of yours. Maybe I Should set you free of those chains already" he teasingly touched the chains "nah" he put his face in front of Ares' "I want to see you suffer" he grabbed Ares' face , Ares spat right at him . Osiris threw Ares' face out of his grip as he chuckled wiping the saliva off his face . "That's okay , you'll pay for that soon"
Ares watched as Osiris walked outside of the cell , closing the door behind him . A big shiny ball of glass floated in front of Ares , showing him everything that was happening in Alexandria right now .
Antony had thought Cleopatra has taken her own life , so with a knife he striked his own body , to be united with Cleopatra . He raised his hand and quickly his stomach was hit by the blade . "No" Ares breathed out "No , no , no" Ares began to freak out "Mark you fool!" Ares' scream echoed in the empty room , as the maids were dragging Antony's dying body towards Cleopatra's chamber . Ares screamed , tried to break free , his screaming so loud , his tone so painful , despair was noticeable .
Mark was now dying in Cleopatra's arms , she broke down , screaming over his dying body . Ares groaned "Osiris!" he screamed on top of his lungs as he began to cry along with his screams "you made a promise!" Ares' veins could pop at the moment , his whole body could break from the despair his screams were leaving behind . He kept screaming and crying as the ball of glass has disappeared .
After a long time of desperate screams and pointless efforts to break free , Ares allowed his body to just hang there , to be kept up by those chains . 'I'll kill you" He began to breath , hardly breath "Im going to kill you."
Ares laid there , bloody and alone , unable to do anything , for now .
Osiris sat on his throne , enjoying every single moment of Ares' pain , his voice , his movements , his eyes . "I am" he paused "satisfied." Anubis turned to look at him "this wasn't right father" he spoke "shush now Anubis , he is a sinner , who got immortality , he deserved it" "he got eternal punishment , this one was unnecessary" Anubis interrupted and Osiris turned towards his way "I didn't see you do anything about it son." He stated making Anubis go quiet .
CHAPTER SEVEN : awake
A couple or triple of days had passed and Ares was still locked in his cell . Not having heard a single word from the world outside , neither Gods nor mortals .
"Cleopatra must be in Octavians arms right now" he thought and everytime he had that thought he felt defeated . The prophecies were true , Cleopatra would find her end in the 31 BC .
Ares thought he could prevent it though it seemed like not even Gods can prevent the power of fate .
Meanwhile ,
"Still not a word from him?" Isis asked Horus , "No mother , Osiris won't tell us where he is" Horus replied . "We must ask for Anubis' help then" Isis implied "we might be visiting the underworld . " she added.
"Oh please I killed the boy" Osiris said "Isis I finished him , Ares is dead" he continued "so you will find him in the underworld , as his dead self." Isis looked at Osiris "Im no talking to you. You're a disgrace for us Gods." she stated . "I am your husband" Osiris said "No , you're a liar" Isis snapped. "tell Anubis to bring me the boy." she ordered Horus . 'Yes mother."
Anubis found Ares in the very same cell his father had placed him , he leaned towards his way and carried his weak body with him , back to the other Gods .
Let's not rush things over though , before all this happened , after Mark's death as Osiris sat on his throne enjoying the suffering he had brought , a light so bright shined and Osiris found himself in the center of the circle , of the judgment place the God's owned . Confusion surrounded him .
He couldn't help himself but ask "fellow Gods why am I here?" Silence followed before Ma'at approached him .
"Osiris , God of Life and king of the underworld" she stood "you have disobeyed the terms of your deal with Ares , angel of Nut , thus you are now in trial for a hundred years of imprisonment ." she paused "As a God , your word should be kept . You're at wrong , as you are putting dirt in the names of the Gods of the ennead . "
Osiris was found guilty , getting himself imprisoned for a lifetime , one hundred years . Though he would not tell anyone where he kept the boy he had betrayed.
Back to now ,
Anubis had brought the warrior's unconscious body to Isis' chamber . He gently threw him on the floor as Isis watched , she thanked him and demanded him to leave .
Isis turned towards Nepthy's way "you know what to do now , I'll tell you when he is awake" she said and then Nepthys left the room .
Ares wasn't late to wake up , Isis' magic surely helped in that part . His vision was blurry , moving slow , until he got used to it , he woke up with his head resting on Isis' thighs . She smiled , looking into his tired , red eyes . She helped him stand up slowly but he ended up falling on his knees . Isis approached him , lending him some support , he very carefully and gently pushed her hand away . She gave him sometime as she also observed all the bruises Osiris had given him , not only he had crashed him emotionally but also physically .
She noticed his broken , blood stained wings , his black eye and bloody nose and she knew there was more to see under his clothes .
"Are you" she approached him "in need of any help?" She slowly threw her hand towards his way , to help him get up . He took her hand and stood up slowly , she led him to her bed , letting him sit there alone as she kept her distance .
However Ares sat down at the floor , far from the clean bed . Isis raised her eyebrows "you missed the bed" she said . "I cannot sit there" Ares said . "Yes you can" she paused "I want you to do so Ares" , he shook his head "I'm okay here , I already feel comfortable" he stated .
Isis scanned the warrior's body once again "what did he do to you?" she asked "nothing , it is not important , it doesn't matter" he replied "it surely does" she quickly responded "he can't harm you now , you can talk" she added , he shook his head "he didn't harm me" he looked at her "I do not care what happens to me" he turned his sight away from her.
Ares smiled , a smile of realization. He thought to himself , Osiris was just like he had imagined his father would be cruel, deceiving.
Before Isis could speak another word her door burst open "Ares" a familiar tone striked his ears making his eyes go wide and his face to freeze in shock , goosebumps tracing through his whole body.
"Cleopatra?"
Ares stood up and as soon as he did Cleopatra had thrown herself on him , her hands wrapped around his nape , his own now without hesitation wrapped around her waist .
Isis turned towards Nepthy's way , "I couldn't make her wait" said Nepthys .
Cleopatra distanced herself just a few inches , taking a careful glance at the warrior's body , she landed her sight on Isis , questioning how did the man end up so bruised . Isis shook her head and with her hands she made a gesture making it clear she didn't know what had happened.
Cleopatra's hands softly placed on Ares' cheek , Ares still in denial , he thought he had been dreaming once again , the pain he felt on his tired body though assured him this was no dream .
Isis quietly dragged Nepthys outside of the room , leaving Ares and Cleopatra alone in her chamber along with a prepared bath to clean his wounds and mind .
The past lovers stood there embracing one another for quite some time.
"Cleopatra?" Ares asked
"Hm?"
"You being here, does that mean you're dead?" he slowly drifted away,his hands holding her shoulders
she smiled "No Ares, I am not dead" she stated.
his eyes hosting confusion yet he looked grateful she wasn't dead
"Isis and I made a deal" she added
"Gods , what is it with Gods always making deals" Ares mumbled confused and Cleopatra chuckled "she said she would explain it to both of us later" she paused "after I am done treating those wounds" she scanned him as her hand traced down from his shoulder now holding his hand slightly , dragging him closer to the bath .
Ares was confused,entirely,completely confused . Why was she here, he was happy,glad, delighted to see her but one thing didn't add up quite right to him. Why was she here? Why was she not with Mark if she could see someone dead? Why was she touching him like Mark never even existed to her ?
Her hand holding his made him melt,though he couldn't hold himself back from asking.
"Why are you here?" he very gently dragged his hand away "Why are you not with Mark?"
"Mark?"
"Yes Mark. Tall Handsome Brunette Roman boy." he stepped towards her "you are here with me,hugging me, holding my hand"
"what's this about."
"Cleopatra you have a child with him" he paused "you mean to tell me you never loved him?"
"I did" she said "I did love Mark" she added "I loved him a lot"
Ares looked away as she looked at him "you should have been with him right now, your happy ever after" he said
"there is no happy ever after there for me Ares , there is no happy ever after there" she placed her hand on his chest with caution
he looked at her his face full off pain, he thought she was happy with Mark , he thought his prayers were working, he thought she had found her peace, yet he was wrong.
"If you don't want me here then that's another thing" she said pulling her hand afar from his chest "I can leave"
"No,stay"
she looked into his eyes , already looking at hers.
he stood silent
"Ares I'm not someone who your prayers will save , you may be half of what a God is but you can't just give happiness away"
"How did you-" she interrupted him "Isis told me everything" their eye contact never breaking "all about you ever since you" she paused "left"
Ares looked defeated , last thing he wanted was for her to know.
He looked away in embarrassment, the atmosphere became less red, more calming, though a few seconds of total silence passed.
She put her hand on the lace holding his cloak together "May I?" she said asking for permission to remove it and his other pieces of clothing . He nodded and she slowly,carefully undressed him. None of them spoke a word.
Every item of cloth she removed made Ares burn from the inside , trying to keep himself still, not allowing the pain to be released.
Cleopatra grabbed a cloth and dipped it into the warm water, with it she caressed the few scars on his chest and stomach , the dark purple bruises Osiris made sure would appear daily. She traced her hand across his collarbone
he watched mesmerized by her concentration, her gentle brush against his skin, her eyes moving quickly making sure her movements weren't incorrect, her lips parting from the focus she gave away , her breaths deep but slow , he noticed every detail.
Her hand made the way towards the deep blade cuts he had received, some older some more recent, making her think what the lord of the underworld had been doing to him all this time.
He watched her expression change,her eyes shutting slighty as she felt pain for him. He looked away not wanting to see her hurt face.
"Can you sit down for me?" She asked softly , he looked at her as he nodded with a little delay. She sat down behind him, now putting her focus on his back.
She slightly gasped at the view. His wings broken, their white color stained with dark red blood. Around the place his wings grew there lied black bruises as if someone had tried to rip them off. Slowly her hand with the wet cloth made contact with his less critical bruises, treating and cleaning them, taking her time with it.
Ares closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of her skin slipping away from the cloth from time to time. He smiled as he began to dream.
He dreamt of his mother, treating the wounds on his scratched knees telling him he shall be more careful, telling him to stop exploring and find himself some friends. She thought of her and her reaction when she found him with a broken nose because he had fallen from a tree , landing on his face .
Cleopatra watched his face,his little smile, enjoying the rare view on his lips.
"Ares" she whispered "Get in the water, let's get you washed up" she continued
Ares sinked into the water taking a deep breath. She leaned down near the bath , waiting for him to get done, she turned her head the other way.
Eventually Ares got out of the water , Cleopatra knew what his movements where thanks to the sounds his wet body was making, he reached out for a towel , making himself dry and wrapping around his more personal area. Cleopatra still hadn't turned around to look at him, she awaited until she was sure he was covered.
A long lasting amount of silence made her worry that he had left or lost his consciousness , she turned around quickly finding him trying to bandage himself.
"Ares." She stood up "You can't do this alone , let me help you" he turned to look look her as she walked towards his way . "Allow me" she said as she reached for the bandage he was holding , he did allow her .
She bandaged all of his wounds capable of being bandaged. He remained calm, patient, still .
"Are you feeling alright?" She stood in front of him looking into his eyes "did I tie anything to tightly?" , he shook his head and she smiled slightly .
"Thank you" he said as he smiled
his smile making her smile.
CHAPTER EIGHT : uhhhhhhhhhhhhh
The Queen and the Warrior spent their evening talking , Cleopatra talked about her children and how troublesome they could be, Ares talked about stories of himself as a child , this way allowing Cleopatra herself to share too .
They laughed a lot, they shared jokes, mocked each other, exchanged uncountable glances, smiled at one another as the other wasn't looking.
They were sitting next to one another, their backs against the wall , Ares completely ignoring his wings as he couldn't make them disappear unless they healed first.
"About Mark" said Cleopatra
Ares shook his head, gesturing that it wasn't necessary for her to talk about him.
Cleopatra ignored his gesture, "I did love him" she said "love comes in many forms, I don't know which way I loved him but I know that he wasn't you" Ares looked at her "he made me feel excited, like I was in danger, adrenaline from the fear and the unpredictable surprises, though he never made me feel safe, he never made me feel happy, so many other things, but what I found myself realizing too late , the most important thing was that" she paused "he wasn't you."
Ares stood silent , turning his head towards her way, he reached for her hand, his pinky caressing the back of it as his eyes were upon hers , he pressed his forehead against her forehead , his hand on her cheek, oddly warm , making her melt against his hand, he tenderly pulled her face towards his, kissing her lips.
"That seemed like you missed me" she teased him.
"I have" he said
"I wish I'd find you sooner"
"It's not your fault" he shook his head
"I was supposed to be dead"
"Well it's not your fault either, you weren't able do anything in order to find me"
"I tried" he said "every single time I saw you I tried to get to you"
she smiled "the feathers?"
"yes" he smiled back
"I knew they meant something"
he chuckled "I know you knew, I saw your lips forming slight smiles" he teased her and she teasingly punched his arm in return making him groan , she quickly turned his way "oh gods I'm so sorry-" he chuckled as she frowned "idiot." she bit her lip trying not to scold him . "Sorry" he said as he struggled keeping himself from laughing harder. The mere view of his laughing face made Cleopatra melt and she couldn't help the urge to smile.
"Sorry to interrupt" Isis entered the room, both of them mesmerized by her haunting beauty, a godess standing right in front of them, Ares even after all these years still couldn't believe they were real, he couldn't even bring himself to believe all this was happening to him.
"I believe you have some questions?" said Isis as she looked at Ares. Ares nodded, "what is it that you want to start with?" the godess asked, "How can Cleopatra be here if she is not dead?" Isis approached them as Ares slowly stood up "Osiris did not follow the terms of your deal, he broke his promise, for a God to break a promise, wrong a deal, especially since it has been written and sealed on Ma'at's papyrus, is a great disgrace not only to himself but to all us Gods. While you on the other side, always obeyed to him" she paused "I think it is only fair we offer you an opportunity to live" Isis finished. "A life?" Ares asked "I'm Alive?" he continued "like ? A mortal ?", "No not exactly, let me explain a little further. "Cleopatra is to die, though we decided to make a deal with her, she will live, but away from her palace, away from her duty as Queen, this way she keeps her life, wins against fate." Ares looked at Cleopatra, would she choose him over dying as a queen? His heart leapt.
Isis kept going "you are not a mortal though, your deal is a hundred years of life more and if you don't live as much then you will be breaking your own deal meaning not only you'll set Osiris free but you will also die, thus, you will live for the next hundred years as an immortal, your wings will disappear though, but I don't think that matters since you're gonna live through her" she pointed at Cleopatra "whole lifetime."
Ares looked at Cleopatra "do you want this?" he softly said "Yes" her voice full of passion, calm, her vocals sure of her answer.
The past lovers sealed the deal.
Ares and Cleopatra lived a long life away from war, away from the problems that occurred society.
People thought of Cleopatra and her children as dead, considering their disappearance, especially since Octavian did not make it clear that they had gotten away from him, that they had mysteriously and suddenly vanished.
Ares, Cleopatra and their children, as Ares loved them as his own since the start, lived in a forest in Greece, a big empty castle with very few neighbors, empty for hundreds of years now, yet it was in perfect condition as it was the castle in which Ares and his mother used to live in, before her passing. The castle seemed and felt like a comfortable cottage, a huge garden in which they grew herbs and different kind of flowers, the very same Garden they spent most of their mornings finding calm and peace at. A small lake a few yards away completing a magical view.
The kids loved it there, they lived peacefully away from the must to grow up faster. Ares left at evenings, he gathered wood for the fireplace, food too sometimes, other times he made his way to the closest town, buying more supplies by selling herbs. Cleopatra loved association with nature, she loved taking care of the flowers and the herbs they grew, she loved occupying herself watering the plants, decorating the garden, as she grew to love cooking when she cooked, for Ares loved to cook for her.
Eventually the children took their own ways, they left home young, leaving plenty of time and years for the lovers to spend alone. And they didn't waste their time, they enjoyed every moment, every little or long conversation, laying on the couch in front of the fireplace, next to the humongous window, rain drops sliding their way down.
And, they lived.
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