Chapter 2: Visiting Pandora

Soon, they landed in Greece and transformed back into themselves, staring at the temple. Articulos turned into his human form and drew his sword. The Avatar of Mars led them through the temple cautiously, using its powers to detect the traps.

"So, when we find the box, do we just leave it if Mars is still there, or take it with us?" Caudus asked, looking around.

"Nesico (I don't know)," the avatar said as it looked around. "Let's talk to Pandora first."

Caudus nodded as they arrived at the center. The box lay where it was left ten years ago by Articulos, silent as ever. It glowed brightly and they heard Pandora's voice. Welcome, she said. It is nice to see you again. Tell me, why have you come?

"Well first of all, nice to see you too," Argentum said. "Second of all, we were a little concerned about Mars."

He is doing fine, and I am keeping a hold on him. I have placed a sacred magical barrier around this temple. As long as the box stays here and does not leave, Mars cannot be freed.

Caudus looked at the avatar. "Guess that decides that. The box stays here if it keeps Mars in place."

The avatar nodded and bowed to the spirit as she came out f the box in spirit form. "Thank you," it said. "Tell us, Umbra...or Pandora...how do you like being the guardian?"

Pandora smiled. "It has been very lonely these past 10 years, but also very interesting. It is also very amusing to hear Mars yell and try to break free when there is no hope for him."

Caudus nodded. "What should we call you now? Umbra or Pandora?"

"I prefer Pandora, but call me Umbra when this happens." she said, then there was a bright flash of light, and she stood before them.

"Very well, Pandora," Argentum said.

She smiled, and went back to her spirit form in the box. Is that all you came to do? You wanted to check on Mars? Cause if so, I can assure you he won't get out, she said.

"Yeah. That's why we came."

"Alright. It was nice to see you again. Just remember; don't let this box leave the temple, or Mars could escape."

"What will happen if it does?"

Pandora sighed. "I put a safeguard on the box. If anyone attempts to remove the box from the temple they will be sucked into it. Only I can remove it."

"Interesting. So Mars is trapped for good. You thought of everything." Flamma said, making Pandora smile.

"Thanks. It was nice to see you again."

They nodded and left the temple as Pandora went back into the box. Caudus looked around and saw the Temple of Ares. He smiled and ran inside as the others followed them. They saw the statue of Ares, which was of his hedgehog form.

"Why did you make it like this again? His true form was a wolf," Articulos asked Caudus, staring at him.

"I didn't make this," Caudus told the Avatar. "It's always been like that. Ares has many forms."

Articulos looked confused. "I thought you told us you were gonna come here to make a tribute to Ares because his old one was destroyed."

The priest shook his head. "I was going to but his temple somehow was rebuilt. This is it."

"Okay. So, uh, why are we here?" Argentum asked, staring at the statue.

"I...just thought we'd pray to him."

The other Romans looked at each other and nodded. They got down on their knees and prayed to their old friend. As they did, Caudus couldn't help but wonder what Ares was doing right now...


On Mount Olympus, the God of War, Ares, had been summoned by Zeus. The wolf had turned into his human form and bowed before the God King.

"What is it you want, Zeus?" He asked.

"In these ten years, you have done so much for Earth, the humans and the gods, it has made up for all your mistakes in the past. So I have a proposition for you," Zeus said, who was sitting on his throne.

"Of course. What is it?"

"I have been watching over this Earth for a very long time. I watched you throughout time, meeting the others, and then Mars coming out and changing the course of time. You changed so much and learned what it truly means to be a god. Now I feel like I need to step down. What I'm asking is...is for you to be the new king of the Greek Gods."

At his words, Ares' jaw dropped. "What you ask is a great honor. I shall gladly accept the position."

Zeus smiled broadly. "Excellent. It will be announced to the rest tomorrow, so be prepared."

Ares smiled and bowed, then walked away. He couldn't believe what Zeus had told him; it was amazing! Suddenly, he heard the prayers of his friends and smiled, then vanished as his soul was sent into his statue in his temple.