Welcome to the Party Chapter 20

Welcome to the Party
Chapter 20

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 you can overpower me with strength?" Ares said, "You are about to find that nothing you can do will surpass my superior skill!"

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

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

This comment, of course, had Ephus laughing harder. "Greatest? You are a dunce of war. I can only imagine that you have no honor whatsoever. 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 Ephus 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.

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

Finally, Ephus thought it would end 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 long before I end you, then this uprising to my power!"

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

This time, Ares was laughing. "Mother goddesses perpetrate that myth 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. They learned it from the Titans and were happy to share it with me. Much like BOTH of your sisters were."

This last sentence made Ares's face go 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 want nothing to do with you. If you remember correctly, Enyo doesn't take betrayal seriously. Eris, she was a slave so long she wasn't loyal, just an enslaved person."

When Ephus made these points, Ares's eyes were as big as saucers.

"She 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's 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. "Ah! Well, allow me to explain. It means this is between us, no one in or out."

Ares's face smirked. "As I said, that is nothing but a tale mothers tell to frighten children. It does not exist; you would think of something more original."

Ephus stopped looking at Ares and swept his hand toward all the gods and goddesses. "You'll have to learn the hard way, as always. I was told you were stubborn, and I knew you were a dunce, though this? This seems to be pure stupidity. You can feel their power, yet you still refuse to see. Be my guest."

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

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 each time he was flung back to the ground. Finally, Ares looked up at Ephus, who was 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. Ephus thought, I finally have him to the point 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 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 grasped Ephus's hand in a friendly shake.

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

Brother and sister bowed again as they nodded. Both disappeared and then the battle started again.

An hour later, Ares was shocked that Ephus matched him blow for blow. Ephus made his first apparent mistake, drawing gasps behind them. Ephus nodded. He knew that all his Egyptian wives were hers, too.

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

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

Ares smiled. The godling had made the most beginner-type mistake. A wide smile broke out as he understood his sword was already drawing life from Ephus.

They fought for a few more moments, and Ares found an opening. Striking a death blow, Ares could swear that Ephus vanished just as the sword went home, passing through Ephus's chest.

When Ephus vanished, there were more than a few screams. This overshadowed 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 smarter than the Titans, though; he, too, lost much when he defeated them. You all may release; it is done." Each nodded as they stepped back, breaking the circle of contact.

Ares felt 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; you seem to glorify yourself. 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 said, " You should have learned more about the weapon you wielded. You won because of ME! To do that, I took almost all my power to achieve this. Don't worry; you might have enough power to return in a few thousand years."

"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 his words to his sister. "You have emerged victorious; you are the greatest? To quote a human saying?? No one gives a shit! Goodbye," Aniketos said as he and his sister waved a hand over Ares, who screamed as he vanished.

They 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 of Ephus's wives. "This was Ephus's 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 our power to keep 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's wives and the four Greek goddesses were wailing out in deep despair.

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

Ephus was floating in what seemed to be a white void. He sighed and was glad he'd set up all he had. He would miss his wives and children, but at least they were safe now.

So, a voice invaded his thoughts. Do you think that this utterly selfless sacrifice would go by without repercussions? Do you know if there is 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. It is said a second voice.

Yes, he has a point; he does indeed. It is said a third voice.

Slightly confused, Ephus was wondering who these voices were.

Ah! Sorry, young godling, I am Cronus. It is 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 who are you?"

My, my, they forget so soon. We, young godlings, are the Titans. We were three of those who punished Aniketos and Amaunet. In all this time, we never thought that anyone would risk death to help them. We had forgotten that humankind was like this. We were, 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 unlike any other you have seen. Now quiet! Scolded Cronus.

Yes Cronus. She whispered a chided Iapetus.

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

It's pretty simple, young godling: we want what anyone wants: to be free. Cronus replied.

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

Ah! I see, you 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 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 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; they weren't making any moves yet. Good, Ephus thought as he felt his power 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 too hampered to leave here; if you came and repowered us, we would be most grateful. Cronus said

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

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

It is a type of transfer point. You are not spirit energy, nor are you physical. Though we have gained a lot from what we have gained back, we still need to catch up. 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 he had to rethink how he would do this. Besides, he was having trouble hiding just how high his power 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 were relaxing now. "I just hope that you're gaining this power, but it doesn't mean you'll be able to influence my world now," Ephus said.

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

No! You take Iapetus with you, free others! Ephus heard Iapetus say, then felt the Titan lunge at him. You cannot 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, so he'd built up his power as high as he had. However, he was a little worried.

It had been a week; Thoth suffered because he couldn't tell a soul. No, he'd promised Ephus with his solemn word, something he could never break. His sisters and the Greek goddesses were suffering 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. After all, the godling was still alive. No power, however great, kept the goddesses alive; Ephus's bonds 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, they were coming in hard, whatever or whomever it was! 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. We only need to slow it to half what is moving now."

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

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

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, but that had to be the reason.

Thoth fingered the amulet secured around his neck. He hoped that Ephus's plan worked. There was much more at stake than this world and Ephus's life.

Thoth could finally feel the object starting to slow, though it wasn't as long. At least now, it wouldn’t crush half the planet.

Ephus had been removing pieces of Iapetus the whole time he'd been coming back. He hadn't paid that much attention, as the closer to Earth he got, the faster he got. He'd just entered the atmosphere when he felt a power try to slow him.

That's weird, Ephus thought. It felt the most like Thoth, though it was fragile to him. He thought he flung the last piece away back the way he'd come when he felt what felt like Zeus, then Ra.

At that time, he realized he was moving far faster than he thought was safe. Shit, he thought if I hit the earth this hard, I might vaporize half the damn planet.

Ephus was about to try to slow himself down when he swore. He suddenly felt Zeus and Ra as well. What the hell?! They had never cooperated before, so why the hell would they now?

Almost too late, Ephus reached out to the earth, pushing against it; this would be close. Damn, I think it is going to hurt a bit too! Ephus thought as he hit the ground hard, drilling downward a few miles.

All the Egyptian gods and goddesses were close to Ephus, and all the Greek gods and goddesses appeared beside the hole. They all reached into the hole, trying to see who or what it was.

They all looked at each other when they could feel nothing! They could all feel something rising out of the hole a few moments later. All there powered up as high as possible, though a few tried to push even further.

Ephus managed to gather enough power to start rising out of the hole. Shit, he thought, that was the most taxing on him than anything he'd ever... what the hell? That was a hell of a lot of power! Crap, he thought as he tried to raise his power more. Had the Titans escaped after all? It felt like there were more than a few fully powered gods; there were goddesses, too!

All around the hole felt whatever was down there power up more, damn they all thought, can all of us take it?

It took him a few minutes to escape the hole. Looking at the group around him, he saw all of them relax when they saw him. Okay, that's good, he thought. He felt it was good as he relaxed his power and shook his head. Who in the hell were they all?

He landed none too gently; they all started toward him when he held up his hand. "It is obvious that you all know me, perhaps even my greatest friends. I am sure you are overjoyed to see me, but I don't seem to recall any of you," Ephus said. Then his knees buckled, his eyes rolled back in his head, and he fell face-first to the ground.

Several days later, Ephus's eyes popped open. Confused, he looked around, wondering where he was. Nearby, seven children were playing on the floor, well near the floor.

One young boy was nearly in tears as he tried to reach out to the others. The others laughed at the one little boy until the older-looking girl appeared and landed beside him, pulling him in for a hug. The little boy sobbed on her shoulder while the little girl stared daggers at the others.

Ephus stared hard at the little girl, feeling something almost break in his mind.

"It's alright, Ephus. I won't let them do this anymore," she growled at the others.

The others continued to laugh until they all suddenly fell to the floor, looking astonished. The little girl was smiling and staring at Ephus on his bed. Ephus smiled back, swearing he knew her and the rest of the children.

"H... Hy na?" Ephus said hesitantly.

The little girl's smile grew as she started yelling, "Aunt Serket!"

Almost immediately, a pale, young-looking female appeared with what appeared to be a scorpion on her head and a was-scepter in one hand. She gasped as her mouth opened, though nothing came out. She then moved to Ephus and started to examine him.

Within moments, the room was packed as more than ten goddesses and more than ten gods appeared. They were all a mix of Greek and Egyptian.

They all waited patiently while Serket examined Ephus with a grave face. Finally finished with her physical exam, she extended her hands to Ephus. She held still for more than ten minutes, then slowly looked at Ephus.

"Do you recognize anyone in this room besides Hyna?" Serket asked.

Ephus turned to look at everything. One female caught his attention. She wore a cat mask and held a sistrum in one hand. "You," Ephus pointed to her. You're Bast, my... wife? One of many I seem to recall."

All in the room nodded as they all came forth to thank him. Huh? Ok, he thought.

Ephu's memory had returned three weeks later, and he'd advised Zeus of what had happened. When he mentioned the Titans, Zeus nodded, slightly angered, and then he and his brothers and sisters disappeared for a while.

At that time, three Greek goddesses had also become Ephus's wives. Well, he thought, at least now we have peace.

Thanks to Serket, Ephus had made a full recovery. Finally, he thought, a chance to rest, which he'd been at the whole time. He was starting his fourth week when he felt a titanic disturbance a few miles away.

Ephus reaching out could only shake his head; ah fuck! Again? Sighing, Ephus parted the clouds as he felt another body fall through a rift. Shaking his head, he thought of the body appearing before him.

Almost Immediately, a tall, long, blonde-haired woman appeared before him. Her clothes were nearly rags, seemingly to have been virtually buffeted from her body.

Her eyes were huge as she stared at Ephus; bending on her knee, she said, "Anata, Anata refused tasuketekudasai!" You, you are Ephus. Please help! Ephus was about to ask her who she was when she promptly passed out.

Shit, Ephus thought once more, not again. "BAST!"

I hope you all enjoyed this. as I did writing it