Epilogue

Thirty years passed, and Licinus was now an adult Manticore. He was in Ares's temple with his parents, praying.

Ares, it has been thirty years since I have become what I am, and I want to thank you, Licinus prayed. It was hard to get along with others due to this form, but it allowed me to enjoy every part of this land.

Ares' voice was heard in his head. "You are welcome, child."

The Manicore smiled, then looked at his parents, who were outside on each side of the temple. He walked outside and looked at them.

Is something the matter? he asked.

They looked at him.

Our time is almost up, Licinus, Argentum said, his breathing growing weak. We'll be transforming into statues soon.

Licinus' eyes widened. What? But you both look fine! How can it be time already?

Ares told us while you were in the temple.

Licinus' eyes filled with tears. But there's so much more we could have done together! It can't be done just like that!

Flamma walked up to him. I'm sorry, son, she told him.

The Manticore hung his head, then sighed. I just wish it wasn't so soon, the Manticore sobbed.

Argentum and Flamma smiled, then felt themselves growing weak. A few minutes later, their breathing stopped. Licinus looked at them with tears in his eyes, then saw them change. It started at their feet. Their fur and feathers grayed and turned to stone. This effect traveled up their bodies until they were completely turned to stone. People stopped to look at the new griffin and Cerberus statues in wonder, but were more confused about the manticore crying next to them.

Licinus looked at the two new statues that stood on each side of the temple.

I'll miss you, he said, and flew into the sky, heading to Rome.

As he flew, he thought about the future. Mars was gone, but it was possible that another god or powerful being might rise up to fight again one day. He needed to be ready. His parents had been there to help Ares, so Licinus decided to make a promise to himself.

'If ever the time comes where the gods need the help of us mortals again, my family will be there to help,' he thought.

Licinus smiled, knowing that that would be the case. Suddenly, a vision came to him. The manticore saw his family throughout the years, each of them being different mythical creatures or people. Finally, his vision landed on a pair of anthros. One was a white hedgehog and the other was a purple cat. They looked exactly like his parents. The two people shone in a bight light before changing into mythical creatures. A water monster was in front of them, roaring. The vision ended and Licinus smiled.

'Look at that mom and dad, you guys aren't dead after all,' he thought to himself, before flying off into the sunset and beyond.