Story: The Trouble with Gods

Author: Flashes09 (me)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

A/N: If you don't know anything about the Greek Gods, I'll try and explain but you might want to read up about them. If you type Greek gods into Google something will come up.

Chapter 3

Achilles wasn't surprised. He had expected challenges of some sort.

"What happens if I lose?" He asked, speaking to the gods for the first time. Before Zeus could answer, Hera started to speak

"How strange, when most people attempt to address the gods, their heart is racing, and the mumble and stutter. But you, Achilles, your heart is calm, your voice loud and steady. That is not something many can boast about. But to answer your question, you will be sent down to the underworld to await judgment from Hades."

"Okay, then. Let's get started." Achilles answered. While most would want to put it off to avoid going to the Underworld, Achilles saw this as an opportunity. He had a chance to be back on the Earth.

Athena smiled and snapped her fingers. She and Achilles were suddenly in a smaller room, with a board full of red and blue soldiers, chariots, and archers.

"Have a seat," Athena said as she herself took one. "I do hope you like my room. But shall we get started?" Achilles nodded as he studied the board. "Alright then. This is a game of strategy. You move your pieces," She pointed to the red ones, "Around the board., as do I. To win, you must surround my city." She pointed to a small castle. "Any questions?" Achilles shook his head. "No, well, your move. The game has begun."

Athena and Achilles played for hours. Both took, not only tactical moves, but also some risky ones. Achilles' almost always seemed to workout, while Athena's did not go so well. In a bold move, Achilles took out three of her soldiers and two archers and had her city surrounded. Athena tipped the castle over, and proclaimed Achilles the winner. But something was wrong.

"You rigged it didn't you?" Seeing Athena's feigned surprised face, he added, "You made it so I would win. Why?"

"Achilles, I was for the Greeks, as you know. I could have made your name last forever. But I knew something would happen. That you would fall in love. And to be loved is a far greater thing than to be remembered." Her gray eyes shone. As she raised her hand to snap her fingers, she spoke again. "Let me give you some advice. Ares is a good warrior when he focuses. But when he is mad, he tends to make mistakes." She added with a smile, "He gets mad easy." She snapped her fingers and they were back in the hall.

"So," Zeus boomed, "You have won. Let us see how you do, in the second challenge. What do you require to fight Ares? "

"My armor, shield, and sword." Achilles blinked and in front of him lay his armor. He checked it and pulled it on. He then proceeded to stretch. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ares getting ready. Achilles stood up and started to look over his shield. "Beating Ares should be easy. I mean Athena beat him twice." He acted as though talking to himself, but said it loud enough for Ares to hear. And Ares became mad. "Perfect" Achilles said under his breath. He drew his sword, moved into the ring, and waited for Ares.

Athena's plan worked, Ares was angry and made enough careless mistakes that Achilles got the upper hand. He managed to get Ares spear away from him and he held his blade at Ares throat. Zeus interrupted.

"That is enough, you win the second round. But now you must face me. Choose your lightning bolt." Achilles walked over to an attendant and took a lightning bolt that was roughly the size, shape, and weight of his spear. Zeus was standing nearby and Achilles walked up to him.

"See that column. That is your target." Achilles nodded. He eyed the column. He could make it, maybe. Zeus threw his lightning bolt. It struck dead center. Zeus smirked. There was no way this mortal could beat that. Achilles threw his bolt. Zeus felt his jaw drop. The column shattered. Walking and clearing the dust. Achillesbolt had split Zeus' down the middle and stuck in a piece of the column. "You win. You get one wish."

Achilles opened his mouth, then closed it again.

"I wish that the prince Hector could go back to his family."

A/N: Cliffhanger! Please review!