A/N Okay, so here's Chapter Two of my fanfiction. Since I'm replaying B & W 2 right now I'll probably be writing these chapters as I complete Lands as well as from memory from earlier play-throughs. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this next chapter! I also apologise for the long wait for this fic too; my fault for updating when I had nealy non-existent internet access.

Key

Bold Text: Thoughts and mental communication

Italics: Dreams/Memories

Bold and Italics: Overly Dramatic Emphasis

Chapter Two

The Fall of Athera and the Rise of a God

I was flying as fast as I could across the sparkling sapphire blue ocean, my course unerringly set towards the source of the Pure Prayer in the last of the great Greek cities. Athera the Jewel of Eden.

Even though my Consciences were a part of my soul, they seemed to have instinctive knowledge of the world that I, having slept over the ages, did not possess. As fast as possible Sage was trying to fill me in on the basics of Eden's history since the end of the War of the Gods and the beginning of my long Sleep.

"It was shortly after the end of the Fourth War of Kings that King Saristes the Magnificent of Athera managed to bring together all of the various Kings and Princes of the other Greek city-states in the Third Conclave that the Greek Cities finally managed to unify under one rule. Through a mixture of raw military power, economic dominance and masterful diplomacy Saristes convinced, or forced, the other rulers to name him King of All Greeks. He formed the Royal Conclave as an advisory body formed of the rulers of the various Greek cities and-"

"Who cares?" Sin interrupted rudely, "So some King beat other Kings and became a bigger King, what's that got to do with us?"

"Well the God of the Greeks should know-" Sage began before again being interrupted.

"He's a God! He doesn't need to know all this! If someone brings up the fact that he doesn't know about some old dead guy then he can just smite them!" Sin said, a vicious grin on his face, "In fact maybe he can smite whoever's in charge now! Make it clear that he's the Boss now!"

I allowed their incessant chatter to wash over me, unheeded. It was therapeutic in a way. Bringing back amusing memories of my bickering advisors during my glory days… Sage interrupted my pleasant reverie, "Leader? Hello? Leader? We're coming up to the Greek Capital Island. Athera is just over this next ri- oh my" His amazed intake of breath caused me to pay more attention. The sight that greeted me caused me to stop in midair to stare at the awesome sight.

I was hovering over a ridge that ran near the coast, before me was spread a vast city filled with buildings of marble, wood and gold, countless mortals walked though the city streets all dressed in robes o tunics in a variety of vibrant hues. I saw columns, fountains, markets, homes, palaces and temples. Further on I saw a long, tall wall marking the verge of this section of the city, but I noticed that the city continued on another peninsular towards the west. I, a God who had traversed the Universe and seen all the wonders within it, was awestruck by the vastness of this settlement and the clear evidence of a sophisticated culture and ample wealth. Suddenly I felt the pull of the Pure Prayer again, far stronger this time. I pulled my gaze from the magnificent city and turned it to a temple, far larger than all the others, which stood near the centre of the city on a large hill. Near it was a very grand structure, which I assumed to be either the Royal Palace or the Halls of the Conclave. Possibly both. I allowed the prayer to pull me towards the temple.

I noted the large dome, the graceful columns, the vines and plants growing upon some of the walls and beautiful statues that flanked the sides of the wide steps, there were some in the exact centre of the steps splitting it into two separate stairways. The statues were made of various materials; bronze, gold, marble, some held bowls from which poured forth water. As I entered the temple I noticed that the main chamber was made of marble with veins of gold and gems running through the stone. At the centre there was an altar, also made of the spectacular gem-veined marble. A shaft of light from the oculus at the summit of the dome fell upon the altar bathing it in a golden glow causing the veins to shine in bright hues of a thousand colours, refracting the light across the temple walls where friezes and masterful paintings depicted mythological scenes. Some I recognised, such as my battles with Nemesis and Lethys or the Death of Khazar, but others I did not. Idly I wondered if they were stories added to my religion by the ages or some kind of prophecy. Behind the altar was a colossal statue of a Wolf Creature, holding a bowl in each paw, in one there was a fountain of water and in the other a flame leaped and danced.

Prostrated before the altar was a beautiful young woman clad in a flowing white gown with gold trim around the hem, the waist and the sleeves. It was from her that the Pure Payer had come. I could feel it in my essence. I could hear her prayers; they rang like bells, pure, clear notes that resonated with my entire being. It was then that I decided to reveal my presence. I concentrated hard, building up an image in my mind; a tall man of about seven feet in height, with medium length brown hair and piercing grey eyes and clad in a simple white tunic with gold trim similar to her's. I poured my essence into the image and felt the body form around me. I made a few minor adjustments and adopted a kind, friendly expression, allowing my slightly tanned skin to emanate a soft, subtle glow. Happy with my appearance I gently touched the woman's shoulder, "You have called and I have answered. Rise my loyal servant and look upon thy God." I was very pleased with the voice. It was soft, gentle and yet it held a tone of power; a voice of command. I thought it would be a nice touch.

The woman gasped and turned around, her glittering blue eyes met mine, I watched them widen in shock and surprise. She stayed prostrate and lowered her face, not daring to look upon me, "O my God! I am Danae, Priestess of Your great temple. I ask that You are merciful unto Your faithful followers and that You grant us Your Divine Power and aid us to defeat the vile and brutal Aztecs."

I touched her chin and raised her face so that she would look at me, "Rise Danae" I said to her gently, "Your prayer has awoken me from my Sleep. I shall grant my people my aid. I shall chastise the Aztecs for their arrogance and their cruelty. My people shall suffer no longer. You shall attend me as I meet with your King so that I may learn how I might best aid in the defence of this great city."

She rose to her feet and nodded, "As you wish Mighty One. I shall take you to King Lycomedes. But I beg you to act swiftly for the Aztecs are even now marching upon this city and we have but few warriors left to defend ourselves with. All others have perished before the Aztec horde."

I frowned slightly. I did not know that the situation was this bad. "How many Aztecs have come against us?"

She shook her head, "We know not, Lord, our scouts say that their fleet darkens the ocean for as far as the eye can see and that their soldiers come against us in numbers beyond counting. Certainly there are many thousands of them." A look of fear flashed across her face, "They say the Aztec Creature, an Ape gifted with unholy magics, travels with them also."

"How many soldiers defend this city?" I asked, dread suddenly constricting my chest.

"No more than seven hundred Lord. Far too few to defend this city without the aid of a God!" She answered, looking at me hopefully.

In my state, still without my full power and with the memory of only a few miracles, I doubted I would be able to defend the city with so few and against so many.

"This news troubles me greatly. I fear that even I will not be able to save Athera from its fate. I shall do what I can but the citizenry must evacuate!" I said sadly.

Danae stared at me in horror, "But there are many thousands of us in this city! There is no time! Many will die!"

"I will buy you as much time as possible and provide a means of escape. Go now! Tell whomever you meet to flee into the white lights that will appear around this city. They are portals that will take them to safety."

"But Lord-" She began, but I cut her off.

"I am sorry Danae, but I am newly awakened and I am still weakened by my Sleep. At my full power I would have swept aside these Aztecs with ease, but not now. In time, with the faith of my people, I shall grow strong again. For now you must flee this place, one day we shall return and drive the Aztecs from this city and destroy them. This is my promise to all those faithful to me. Vengeance will be ours." I allowed sorrow to leak into my voice. It saddened me to know that I would not be able to save this magnificent city and to know that so many of my people were destined to die. That I would once again fail to save all those who relied upon me for protection. I had long ago lost count of the hundreds of thousands of mortals that had perished in agony during the War of the Gods. My followers, other innocents who had no god, and worshippers of Nemesis, Lethys and Khazar, no matter their allegiance they always died.

Danae lowered her eyes ad bowed her head, "As you command my Lord"

As she left I allowed my human body to fade, to anyone watching it would have seemed as if light had burst from my skin, the male form blurring into nothingness until I was again in my symbol-form, invisible to mortal view.

I floated upwards through the oculus at the summit of my temple and surveyed the city; in the distance beyond the walls I could faintly see a winding snake of flickering lights. The Aztecs were approaching. I concentrated hard and stretched forth my will; my spirit flew in all directions across Eden until I found a refuge for my people. A small island west of the Norse Homelands inhabited by only a few small villages with very few warriors. It would do. I recalled myself to Athera and, without slowing to rest myself, I began systematically punching holes in reality, tunnels through the Ether beyond the Universe allowing near-instantaneous travel to the land I had chosen as our destination.

As the swirling portals of light appeared across Athera I could feel the shock, fear, surprise and wonder of its inhabitants. I felt their faith in me increase as they realised that only a God could create such portals, I wasted no time and allowed my voice to penetrate into the mortal world, my words ringing from all around whilst they also penetrated the minds of the terrified citizens.

"I am Kyrel, thy Lord and God. I have awakened to answer the plight of My People in their darkest hour. I have opened portals to a new Land within the city, a place free of Aztecs, a place of safety and sanctuary. Go into the portals and be safe. I shall hold the Aztecs at bay for as long as I can."

I could feel the awe and fear of my people as one by one their tiny fragile minds, burning with hopes and fears vanished as they stepped into the lights. I turned my gaze in the direction of the Aztec army; I could feel their hatred for my people, their lust for fire and blood. They were mere minutes away from the outer walls of Athera where the last of the Greek archers were stationed along with ballistae and catapults. I could feel the fear of my soldiers, but also their iron determination. They knew they would die but they were determined to die well. For every brother that died, for every inch of ground lost, they would incur grievous losses upon the Aztecs.

I brushed the minds of my soldiers and let them feel my pride, letting them know that their sacrifice would not be in vain. I felt them take heart in my presence. I knew that now they would fight with renewed vigour and that they would sell their lives dearly.

Sage and Sin appeared before me, both of them looking slightly intimidated by the sight of the Aztec Amy; their warriors had stopped just out of bow range from the city walls. They were dressed in toughened cotton armour and carried sword-clubs with large chunks of obsidian and stone sticking out of the heads. Each of them was decked out in savage finery; the pelts of jaguars, the feathers of eagles. These were the elite troops of the Aztec Empire. I tried to count their numbers but I soon realised that even I would be unable to count them. I could feel their minds, blazing with hatred and the lust for war, slaves and Greek wealth.

From amongst the massed ranks of the Aztecs a large man, wearing magnificent jewellery made of gold and silver and many feathers that were as vibrant as jewels, approached the walls of Athera. An envoy come to accept our surrender I noted to no one in particular.

Despite the distance I could clearly see the arrogant sneer on the Aztec's face as he began his speech, "I am Tlazopilli, a messenger of the Divine Emperor Achcauhtl. My noble and merciful lord has commanded that I give the Greeks of Athera a last chance at survival. Throw open your gates and the lives of your women and children shall be spared. I warn you however, if you refuse this most generous offer then my emperor has commanded that all Greeks shall be put to the sword, your city shall be cast down and burned until there is not a stone still standing. Your treasures shall be taken and your women defiled, your children sacrificed to the glory of the Emperor and your men burned alive!"

Both Sage and Sin began shouting in rage and horror, mirroring my own emotions. I could feel the anger of the few soldiers on the walls radiating from them in waves. I was certain that even the pompous Tlazopilli would feel the sheer malevolence radiating from the top of the walls. "That monster! We must try our best to stop him and his Aztecs from entering Athera!" Sage cried out.

"Boss, you still remember how to cast fire and lightning? I saw we burn that Aztec scumbag alive and roast his army to cinders!" Sin snarled angrily.

"For once I agree with him, Leader, show these Aztecs who the God is around here! Divine Emperor indeed!" Sage said, glaring at the Aztecs.

I agreed wholeheartedly and let my voice roll down upon the Aztecs like thunder, the very ground reverberating with anger, "I am Kyrel, God of All Greeks. Destroyer of Nemesis, Slayer of Lethys, It was I who forged anew the Creed and used its power to end the War of the Gods. I am the Last God of Eden. I have slain beings far mightier than your Emperor, I have torn down mountains and boiled seas. I have scorched entire cities from the earth with fire and shattered the very essence of Gods with lightning. I fear no one and I bow before no one. The Greeks are My Beloved People and it shall be the Aztecs who are slain and it shall be your Emperor who bows before me begging for my mercy! Leave Athera in peace and never return lest you summon my wrath upon yourselves!"

With vicious pleasure I noted that Tlazopilli's face had gone pale and many of the Aztec soldiers were moaning in terror. However, just as it seemed that my threat would work and they would flee Athera, a terrible roar sprang up from the rear of the Aztec army. The ground shook and I could hear the loud thumps of a massive Creature. Suddenly the Aztecs drew renewed courage and began jeering towards the walls. Even Tlazopilli seemed to regain his haughty demeanour, "God or no God, the Aztecs care little for the petty tricks of the Greeks. We hear only an illusion; a lie conjured by cowards too afraid to fight. Behold! Tlanextli the Creature of the Aztecs, the mightiest of all the beasts in the world! He shall tear down your walls and feast upon your flesh!"

The army parted and I could see a titanic Ape Creature, it pounded its chest which was covered in coarse orange hair, it snarled and I noted glittering yellow fangs and a burning hatred within its black eyes. This monster hated all things living and revelled in battle and blood. The massive beast lumbered towards the great gates of Athera, which, despite dwarfing any other set of gates I had ever seen, seemed to be a poor barrier against the brute strength of Tlanextli.

I looked down and saw the fear in the eyes of my archers. I didn't blame them. I was terrified as well. Sin stared in a mixture of terror and envy at the Creature, "Now THAT's an Evil Creature!" He exclaimed, "Boss, I think maybe it's time for a little divine intervention, know what I'm saying?"

I couldn't agree more, Sin. I replied to my Evil side, and then I projected my thoughts to the archers, Open fire on that Creature! Fill it with arrows, but stay away from the gates! Then I began issuing orders to the crews of the catapults and ballistae, Fire upon the Creature! Do not let it breach the walls! Almost instantly a hundred arrows left the bows of my archers with a resounding twang and buried themselves in the thick hide of the Ape. It grunted but the arrows didn't seem to bother it much. Several seconds later louder twangs could be heard as massive bolts of wood and metal slammed into the creature, the ballistae vibrating from the power of their shots, creaking and a loud thump heralded the firing of the catapults as large stones smashed into the Ape. It roared in agony, pulling the javelins from its hide and tossing them back at the ballistae. I heard men scream and wood shatter as the bolts hit home, smashing the siege engines. It grunted in satisfaction and turned back to the walls where my archers were preparing a second volley. As it swung at the wall, smashing the wall top and sending several archers screaming into space, the Aztecs let out a roar and their archers loosed a storm of arrows at my archers. Before the arrows got halfway to the wall I flexed my will and a wall of fire materialised before the arrows, incinerating them. The Creature stared at the flames and howled in rage and began pounding on the gates.

I noticed that the gates were beginning to buckle so I started hurling lighting at the behemoth but, whilst the searing electricity certainly slowed it down, it seemed to battle through the agony and soon the gates were smashed from their hinges. I sent a quick mental command to the archers, Retreat! Abandon the walls! Retreat to the Great Temple! I watched my archers running down the stairs and through the streets of Athera as I watched the Ape lumber through the breach in the wall, Aztec soldiers streaming between its legs. The Aztecs had entered Athera and I could see them hunting down my soldiers and slaughtering indiscriminately amongst the unarmed civilians.

I sent a mental signal to the swordsmen platoons spaced around the city, The outer walls have been breached! Protect the civilians retreating into the portals! Hold them off as long as you can! I felt the soldiers scramble to their defensive positions, but I soon realised that the Aztecs were overwhelming the blockades so I switched to a new plan, Retreat to the Great Temple with the archers, gather as many civilians there as you can!

As the Aztecs overwhelmed more and more sections of the city I was forced to close more and more of the portals I had placed throughout the city. I felt the hopeless terror of countless thousands as they watched the portals vanish before them, shortly before howling Aztec warriors butchered them. As I raced towards the Temple I noticed a group of Aztec archers that had ascended the outer wall and were shooting down into a milling crowd of civilians attempting to reach a portal. I summoned my will and smashed several houses, clearing a larger path, before hurling the debris at the archers on the walls. I savoured the look of utter surprise on their faces before wood and stone crushed them. It wasn't long before the rest of the Aztec army arrived and I was forced to close this portal too, I had to force myself to look away from the carnage, but I could still hear the anguished cries of the helpless Greeks as the Aztecs fell upon them.

Further into the city I noticed that the Aztecs were standing by a pile of barrels that they had pushed on their sides at the top of the hill just behind a portal. The civilians couldn't see them because of the portal's glow and before I could warn them the Aztecs pushed the barrels. I watched helplessly as the barrels crushed scores of Greeks. Sadly I closed the portal before the Aztecs could enter it, trying to ignore the pitiful whimpers of the injured and dying.

It was then that I noticed an odd sense of unease settle upon me and I felt an odd tug within my essence. I recognised this as the feeling I once had when another God had performed a miracle… Or their Creature. My metaphorical eyes widened and I cast about to spot the source of the miracle when I noticed an oddly shaped shadow on the face of a large mountain that overlooked this section of Athera. With mounting dread I realised that it was Tlanextli. Before I could figure out what he was doing, and more importantly how to stop him, I felt a massive shudder run through the earth, the ground howled in agony and a massive section of the city was completely destroyed as a mountain rose beneath it. I stared in horror and disbelief. Only a God, and even then only a few of the mightiest of Gods, could have achieved such a miracle!

And then it got worse.

The peak of the mountain exploded into fire and lava, balls of fire fell across the entire peninsular and black smoke and ash poured into the sky. He had summoned a volcano! Despite my shock and horror I was still thinking clearly enough to seal the last of the portals in this part of the city. I could feel my people – both civilian and soldier – perish in droves as the Aztecs slaughtered them or else they were crushed by falling buildings or incinerated by balls of fire and streams of lava. I turned my attention towards the other peninsular where the last of my civilians and soldiers were gathered before the Great Temple.

Once I arrived at the temple I noticed that the last of my soldiers had erected a barricade and were valiantly holding off wave after wave of Aztec troops. The swordsmen slashing and hacking with grim determination despite their exhaustion whilst the archers were emptying the last arrows from their quivers into the ranks of the Aztecs.

I touched the mind of the leader of the defenders, Are the civilians safe? I asked curtly.

His eyes widened and he glanced around, he didn't see me but he knew I was watching and he quickly threw a salute, "Most of them are through. The last group is evacuating now; the King, a few of his advisors and the last of the priests and priestesses of Your Faith, lord"

I filled his mind with a sense of approval, Good work. You have discharged your duty with great skill and honour. Tell your men to retreat into the portal. I shall hold off the Aztecs until you are safely through. I shall have need of men of your calibre in the months to come. On impulse I added, The priestess Danae, the one who summoned me, has she escaped?

The soldier shook his head, "No lord, she refuses to leave until the last of the civilians are through the portal."

I see. Thank you. Order your troops to withdraw and tell Danae that I command her to enter that portal. Athera may have fallen but the Greeks are undefeated!

As the troops abandoned the barricade I turned my attention to the Aztecs. I noticed that just behind the barricade there were bales of hay that they must have been using to slow the Aztec advance. An idea occurred to me. One that summoned Sin to my side. The little demon grinned malevolently, rubbing his clawed hands together in delight, "Boss, that is a brilliant idea! Set fire to those hay bales and send them rolling into the Aztecs!" He chortled, "I can't wait to see their faces!"

It was a simple matter to set the bales alight and send them hurtling through the barricade and down the hill into the Aztecs charging towards my last temple. I felt a wild rush of exhilaration and euphoria as their agonised screams reached my ears. I had not felt such pleasure at the pain and death of others since I had slaughtered the followers of Lethys. These humans would pay dearly for their attacks upon my people. Sin gave me a surprised look and nodded in agreement, "I knew you had it in you Boss!" He said, "Just remember; these guys want to kill your followers and given the chance they'd torture and kill your creature, just like Lethys tortured Isira!"

His comment lit a spark of anger within me. How dare these worthless mortals challenge my power? Kill my people? Burn my city?

Sin grinned cruelly as he felt me begin to shift in alignment, sinking further towards Evil as I began to throw lightning and fire at the shattered remnants of the Aztec platoons.

I was shaken out of my blood-haze by the sudden sensation of a miracle being cast; I looked towards its source and noticed Tlanextli. This time I knew what he was up to, but I also knew I couldn't stop him. As the ground began to scream in renewed agony the mountainous form of a volcano began to grow beneath me, shattering my temple and destroying the Royal Palace. I soon realised that Athera was lost. There was nothing more for me here. The red mists cleared from my mind and I allowed the lightning and fire pouring from the sky to die out. I turned my attention northwards, to the Land where my people had taken refuge. Behind me I could hear the screams of the dying and the triumphant roar of the Aztec Creature.

A/N Blasted Aztecs! Well, at least the Greeks have survived and I'm sure the Aztecs will get their comeuppance, eventually. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'll be updating this ever second Monday, so keep an eye out! I want to thank all of you who put this in you favourites or on story alert; so far the only one of my stories that people have done this for, then again this is only my second one. Also, I hope you enjoy my new chapter in Love and Calamity Topaz Dragon!