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Greek Gods

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Zeus - King of the Greek gods

Hera - Queen of the Greek gods, sister and wife of Zeus

Hades - god of the underworld, brother of Zeus

Poseidon - god of the sea, brother of Zeus

Demeter - goddess of harvest and fertility of the earth, sister of Zeus

Hestia - the virgin goddess, ordering of domesticity, the family, the home, and the state. sister of Zeus.

Aphrodite - Daughter of Zeus and Dione, Goddess of love, beauty and sexuality

Artemis - Daughter of Zeus and Leto, goddess of the hunt, the moon, and chastity

Athena - Daughter of Zeus and Metis, goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill.

Ares - Son of Zeus and Hera, god of war

Apollo - Son of Zeus and Leto - god of the sun and light, music and poetry, healing and plagues, prophecy and knowledge, order and beauty, archery and agriculture.

Dionysus - Son of Zeus and Semele - God of the vine, grape-harvest, wine-making, wine, fertility, ritual madness, religious ecstasy, theatre

Hephaetus - Son of Zeus and Hera - god of fire, metalworking, stone masonry, forges and the art of sculpture.

Hermes - Son of Zeus and Maia - Messenger of the gods, god of trade, thieves, travelers, sports, athletes, border crossings, guide to the Underworld

Eris - Daughter of Zeus and Hera, sister of Ares - minor goddess of discord and strife

Deimos - son of Ares, twin of Phobos - god of dread

Phobos - son of Ares, twin of Deimos - god of fear

Dolos - Personification of trickery, cunning deception, craftiness, treachery and guile

Apate - Counterpart of Dolos, goddess of fraud and deception.

Enyo - Daughter of Zeus and Hera, goddess of war and destruction, another sister of Ares

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Ephus - the godling man with an unsual power.

Dr. Quinn Markov - human wife of Ephus

Aniketos - Human who is the Caspian god killer

Amaunet - sister of Aniketos, the Eternal Nile Serpent

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Egyptian Goddesses and wives to Ephus

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Bast - Goddess of cats, protection, joy, dance, music, family, and love

Sekhmet- Goddess of fire, war, and dance

Hathor - Goddess of the sky, dance, love, beauty, joy, motherhood, foreign lands, mining, music and fertility.

Serket - Goddess of scorpions, medicine, magic, and healing venomous stings and bites

Maat - Goddess of Truth and Justice

Tefnut - Goddess of Rain, Air, Moisture, Weather, Dew, Fertility, and Water

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Brothers of Bast and Sekhmet

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Thoth - God of knowledge

Sobek - God of the Nile, the Army, military, fertility and of crocodiles

Anhur - God of war and the sky bearer - Full brother of Bast and Sekhmet

Horus - Ancient God of the sky and kingship

Min - God of fertility

Khonshu - God of the Moon

Apophis - God of Chaos and darkness

Shu - God of the wind and air

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Ephus and Ares immediately broke apart after the initial strike. Ephus nodded, he had felt the added strength in Ares's strike.

"So, you think to overpower me with strength hmm?" Ares spit out, "you are about to find that nothing you can do will surpass my superior skill!"

"Skill? As I said before I have seen insects with more skill than your paltry ones. Though your insane bragging is good for a few laughs. Ephus said.

"How dare you belittle the greatest war god in history." Ares growled out.

This comment of course had Ephus laughing harder. "Greatest? You really are a dunce of war. I can only imagine that, you have no honor what so ever. Unlike a true war god, I suspect that you only like sneak attacks, stabbing people in the back, truly you are nothing but a common thug."

"Common!? I will gut you, cutting you into more pieces than can ever be counted!" Ares screamed as he started a renewed set of attacks.

Laughing Ephus replied, "oh really? From what I have seen so far, I'd say your chances of that are slim to non-existent."

They had been at it for an hour, when Epus nodded as he felt Zeus, plus all his brothers and sisters appear. They were a predetermined distance apart, around almost three sides. A moment later he felt Aphrodite and her sisters appear beside them also a certain distance apart.

Well, Ephus thought most of it is there, then nodded when Apate and her brother appeared filling in the rest of the holes. He then nodded his head almost all the holes, then smiled when he felt Eris slide into the last spot.

Finally, Ephus thought, one way or another it ended today, though he was hoping for the best outcome.

With a look at Ares, Ephus started to smile wider. "What in the hell are you smiling about, I have you on the ropes now. It shouldn't be too long before I end you, then this uprising to my power!"

This of course made Ephus smile even wider, "you really are far more stupid than I thought you were. You are so intent on the battle you haven't even felt the Osiris ring that is around us, though you might call it a death ring."

This time it was Ares that was laughing. "That is a myth perpetrated by mother goddesses to keep their children in line. What little child time they have."

A smirk crossed Ephus's mouth as he shook his head no. "I met someone who knew how to make it. It seems they learned it from the Titans, they were more than happy to share it with me. Much like BOTH of your sisters were."

This last had Ares's face going blood red with anger. "Again, you lie! Neither of my sisters would do anything for you. They are loyal only to me."

"Well," Ephus started as he deflected several strikes from Ares. "They were once, now though? I do believe that they really want nothing to do with you. If you remember right, Enyo doesn't take betrayal very well at all. Eris, she was a slave so long she wasn't really loyal just a slave."

Ares eyes were as big as saucers when Ephus brought out these points.

"She herself gave me the bond that I had on her 'til you interfered and broke them. Not to worry, she will soon be mine again." Ares snidely stated

This time a look of anger dominated Ephus features. "I highly doubt that, as I said we are surrounded by a death ring. You know what that means?" Ares slowly shook his head no. "Ah! Well allow me to explain. It means this is between the two of us, no one in, no one out."

A large smirk appeared on Ares's face. "As I said that is nothing but a tale told by mothers to frighten children. It does not exist; I would think you would think of something more original."

Ephus stopped looking at Ares, sweeping his hand toward all the gods and goddess. "I guess you're just going to have to learn the hard way, as I guess you always do. I was told you were stubborn, I knew you were a dunce, though this? This just seems to be pure stupidity. I know you can feel the power that emanating from all of them yet you still refuse to see. Be my guest."

Ares looked as he was about to attack his anger rising to new heights. "Fine," Ares sneered to Ephus taking off toward Eris. Ephus could only shake his head as he made a chair to sit in.

Still sneering, Ares stopped a few feet before Eris. A swing of the black sword had absolutely no effect at all. Growling, Ares swung the sword directly at Eris. To his utter amazement, the sword stopped well away from Eris as he was flung away.

Ares then went to each god and goddess meeting with the same results.

Ephus could only shake his head after each time was flung back then to the ground. Finally, Ares looked up at Ephus sitting comfortably.

"This is impossible, I know it does not exist! What trickery is this? I have never been defeated in battle; I am not about to start!" Ares shouted as he swung as hard as he could.

Ephus barely deflected not expecting as much power as Ares put into it. Well, Ephus thought, looks like I finally have him to the point that I was trying to get him to.

His reaction to Ares's strike, was met with almost as much strength. Ephus drew back meeting Ares's sword again. That's when the world froze again.

"Hail Ephus," Aniketos said as he bowed to the ground. Amaunet was also bowing. "I am truly sorry that things have to end as they are. We had thought you might have had another idea for the first problem. Alas, as we can see that is not to be. They have all formed the ring exactly as we instructed you. As you said it ends today no matter what."

"It will be quick dear friend, neither will feel a thing when it happens." Amaunet said. "We will be forever thankful to you for what you are about to do." With a few tears Amaunet passionately kissed Ephus, while her brother nodded his assent. Then the brother grasp Ephus hand in a friendly shake.

"I am also sorry that there was no other way to free the two of you. Be well the both of you, wherever you both end up." A sad Ephus said.

Brother and sister both bowed again as they nodded. Both disappeared then the battle was going again.

An hour later Ares was shocked that Ephus was still matching him blow for blow. It was about that time that Ephus made his first apparent mistake, this drawing gasps behind them. Ephus nodded he knew that all his Egyptian wives were her also.

He then noticed that all their brothers were behind them. Good Ephus thought the time is right.

Bleeding from a gash on his arm, Ephus nodded. He could feel the weakening effect of the cut.

Ares was smiling, the godling had made the most beginner type of mistake. A wide smile broke out on his face, as he understood his sword was already drawing life from Ephus.

For a few more moments they fought, then Ares found an opening. Striking a death blow, Ares could swear that Ephus vanished just as the sword went home passing through Ephus chest.

There were more than a few screams when Ephus vanished. This overshadowing Ares sick sadistic laugh as he held the sword high.

Screaming Bast was thrown back as she tried to get to Ares. "I am the victor! The greatest god of war, the greatest swordsman. I cannot be.... what is happening?" Ares said as he suddenly sunk to the ground. A shimmering beside him cleared revealing a rather tall, well-muscled male with dark hair, wearing dark clothes. Ares's hand was around the male's wrist, even as all watched Ares couldn't let go of the male.

Where Ephus had been, a tall, long dark-haired woman of what appeared to be Egyptian lineage was standing. She was dressed in green colored clothing.

"Let go of me, I demand..." Ares was shouting.

"You demand nothing you pathetic weakling god. You know nothing of power, real power. Long before any of you weaklings, the Titans ruled this world. This one," here Aniketos indicated Zeus, "was the only one that was smarter than the Titans though, he too lost much when he defeated them. You all may release, it is done." Each nodded as the took a step back breaking the circle contact.

Ares was feeling so weak, by the realm he felt almost as weak as a pathetic human. "What have you done to me," Ares weakly demanded.

"For a long time, I have watched you. I have seen evil expressed in many ways though, you seem to glorify yourself in it. It was the wish of Ephus that you be banished to a lone world in a lonely, empty dimension." Aniketos said.

"I won; I should gain his power." Ares gasp out.

Aniketos tsked, "you should have learned more about the weapon you wielded. You won because of ME! In order to do that I took almost all your power to acheive this. Don't worry, a few thousand years, you might have enough power to make it back."

"No, it isn't fair!" Ares whined.

"As the god of war, you should be more than familiar with it!" Aniketos said causing Ares to cringe at the words he spoken to his sister. "You have emerged victorious, you are the greatest, though really? To quote a human saying?? No-one really gives a shit! Goodbye," Aniketos said as he and his sister waved a hand over Ares who screamed as he vanished.

They both held up a hand freezing an almost frenzied Bast as she flew at them. "I am sorry Bast, that we had to meet under these circumstances." Here Amaunet addressed all Ephus's wives. "This was Ephus wish we did not ask him to do this. We have languished as the swords for a very long time. We are past ready to die, thanks to Ephus we finally can."

"We used all the power that we had to keep all of you alive as was Ephus's wish. Cherish your sisters, the children he has given all of you." Here Aniketos looked at Aphrodite, Artemis and Athena. Waving his hand Enyo appeared, " I am sorry it took as long as it did," Aniketos waved his hand over Enyo.

Amaunet looked to Serket, "yours will be a special one I can see."

Aniketos turned to his sister, "I can finally feel it, I have waited so long."

"Yes brother, I can feel it also." Amaunet said as she took her brother's hand. "Finally, it is over."

With that both were suddenly dust that was gently blown away.

Suddenly all of Ephus wives and the four Greek goddesses were wailing out in deep despair.

Thoth looked at his brothers wanting to explain though didn't for the first time didn't know how to.

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Ephus was floating in what seemed to be a white void. Releasing a sigh, he was glad he'd set up all that he had. How he was going to miss his wives and children. At least they were safe now.

(So,) A voice invaded his thoughts. (You think that this completely selfless sacrifice would go by with no repercussions? No reward or punishment?)

"Punishment? I am dead, taken from all those that I love and love me. To me not much more soul wrenching pain than that." Ephus said.

(You know he has a point there.) Said a second voice.

(Yes, a point, he does indeed.) Said a third voice.

Slightly confused Ephus was wondering who these voices were.

(Ah! Sorry young godling, I am Cronus.) Said the first voice.

(Atlas here, that was a splendid fight young godling.) Came the second voice.

(Iapetus, yes Iapetus here.) said the third voice.

"So," Ephus started not quite sure where to start. "I don't mean to sound stupid but, uh... who are you?"

(My, my they forget so soon. We young godling, are the Titans. We were three of those that punished Aniketos and Amaunet. In all this time, we never thought that any would risk death to help them. We had forgotten that human kind was like this.) Said Cronus.

(Their betrayal was a sore spot for us for a very long time.) Atlas said.

(You took away our pretty play toys, though we now have you.) Iapetus said.

(Enough Iapetus, this one is not like any other you have seen. Now quiet!) Scolded Cronus.

(Yes Cronus.) Whispered a chided Iapetus.

"I still don't know what you want of me or what I can do for you." Ephus said.

(Why it's quite simple young godling, we want what any want to be free.) Cronus replied.

"Again, I have to say what the hell can I do I am dead, not much I can do for the living immortal or not." Ephus spit.

(Ah! I see, you really don't know do you? You see young godling, you're not dead. No,} Cronus said at the confused look on Ephus's face. ( We swept you away through the power of the brother and sister that we granted them. Though getting you back, well, that will depend on you.)

"So, if I refuse to help free you as you want, you'll what, end me? Like I give a shit either way. You obviously got the wrong man. I know now what you are, what you want and what you'll do if you are free. So here's a phrase I am sure you haven't heard in a long time, FUCK YOU!"

With that Ephus was silent he could still feel the Titans there though, they weren't making any moves yet. Good Ephus thought, as he felt his power start to climb higher faster. So, he thought, I was the one that could leave here good.

(No young godling, not end you, we need you and your unique power to release us. We are far to hampered to leave here, if you came here, repowered us then, we would be most grateful.) Cronus said

Yeah, right Ephus thought, their first act would be to place me there. Good god? Did they think that he was that much of a simpleton? He could still feel his power climbing though, he was afraid that once he started to transfer, they would try to ride along.

"So where are we exactly, I don't really recognize it from all that I can see plus those that were added." Ephus asked.

(You might say it is a type of transfer point, you are not spirit energy nor are you physical. Though we have gained much with what we gained back, we are still far too short. That is where you come in, if you help we can give you anything .} Cronus said.

Damnit Ephus thought, he was almost there but now was having to rethink how he was going to do this. That was the fact besides he was starting to have trouble hiding just how high his power actually was.

"I'll have to think about it, the way my power is right now, it might be a while before I can leave." Ephus lied.

(We have been here a very long time, what's a few more years) Said Cronus.

Good Ephus thought they are relaxing now. "I just hope that your gaining this power doesn't mean you'll be able to influence my world now." Ephus said.

(No, though we can see a lot more than we used to. We... What is happening.) Cronus thoughts yelled as Ephus started to rapidly disappear.

(No! You take Iapetus with you, free others!) Ephus heard Iapetus say then felt the Titan lunge for him. (You can no leave without YOWWWWSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH!!!) Iapetus screamed then let loose.

Ephus smiled he'd thought that one or more of the Titans might have tried something like that. That's why he'd built up his power as high as he had. Though he was a little worried.

It had been a week; Thoth was actually suffering because he couldn't tell a soul. No, he'd promised Ephus with his solemn word, something he could ever break. His sisters and the Greek goddesses were suffering also though, far worse than him. Why did no one see that they were all still alive?

He was sure he'd have felt something by now. Perhaps Ephus was having a far harder time than Thoth thought he might. Afterall the godling was still alive. There was no power however great that keep the goddesses alive, the bonds Ephus had were far too strong to be maintained by mere magic.

Then there was the fact that neither Hades nor Osiris could feel the spirit of Ephus. They both swore that Ephus had been destroyed, though with the evidence staring them in the face they couldn't see. No, they were both ignoring the fact that though they had seen him fade they couldn't see how he could be, was alive.

He scanned the heavens and the realms again Thoth's eyes opened wide, was that him? By the whole realm this power was far greater than anything he'd felt in a long time. Was it Ephus?

By all his knowledge, whatever or whomever it was they were coming in hard! Reaching out Thoth was surprised when he put his full power before it he couldn't slow it much.

Appearing before Zeus and Ra, Thoth directed both of their attention toward the sky. "I am sure that Ephus would not want the planet his human wife and child are on to be destroyed. I believe we only need to slow it to half what it is moving now."

Zeus nodded though Ra was looking at Thoth suspiciously, a moment later both gods extended their arms putting both their power before the fast-approaching object.

It was then noticed that though both were using their full power they both seemed to be struggling.

Thoth shook his head, damn it! Why in the hell had he made that promise to Ephus. Was he that afraid that he might not make it back? Thoth nodded yes that had to be the reason.