Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Also, as many of you realize I made Apollon "Apollo". When I first wrote this out I had a hard time calling Apollo "Apollon" so I just gave him the anglicized name. I don't have that problem now, but I just never changed it and I don't want to confuse people even more.

Prose 7:

Apollo summoned Pegasus to take him and Yui to where the Aztec gods were confined. They flew to the southwest area of the garden—an area neither one of them recalled ever going to, searching for a forest or jungle that Dionysus described.

Below, they spotted a patch of lush green jungle, seemingly isolated from the rest of the landscape.

"That must be it," Apollo replied, pulling on Pegasus' mane. Pegasus dipped down, flying straight towards the ground. Yui's stomach lurched into her throat as she flew straight down, luckily Pegasus pulled up and eased into a clearing in the jungle.

Apollo helped her off the flying stead and worked their way through the thick leafy foliage and trees. There was green everywhere, littered with exotic plants and twisting trees taller than what she had ever seen. A chorus of calls from colorful birds and insects rang in her ears.

In some respects, Yui was wary. With this thick and heavy jungle with no uncertain amount of wild animals running around somewhere, she probably would never see a pouncing lion or boar go after her.

"Do you know where we are going?" she asked.

Apollo shrugged, "Not really. But I believe in my instincts."

Some instinct. Trudging through the jungle was tiresome and tedious and Yui did her best not to think them lost or worried if they could make it back. She didn't whine or anything, but she was beginning to regret taking this trip.

Eventually though, the thick jungle began to thin a bit, making walking easier and Apollo could've sworn the bare area they were walking on was a path. Wait…it was a path. The moist soil gave way to a pathway to small square stones that clearly led somewhere.

"Hey Fairy!" Apollo pointed to the stones, "we must be close."

Yui let out a sigh of relief. Yet she stopped short, watching as the jungle gave way to a magnificent sight. There, in the middle of a sunlit clearing was a large pyramid like structure, with beautifully carved steps and carvings etched on the sides.

"Whoa…" Apollo gasped, shielding his eyes from the blazing sun gaining a better view. If the Aztecs lived like this…

A figure descended the steps to meet them, looking rather perturbed that there were intruders. As he stopped in front of them Yui took a few steps back. Although the darkly tan skinned man was only a few inches taller than Yui, for what he lacked in height he made up for with pure, thick, meaty, solid muscle. He seemed to be made up of nothing but muscle so big that the white school uniform barely fit his frame. His pitch black hair was cut in a crew cut. His jaw and chin was ridiculously square. His nose was flat and broad, a red spike limiter run through the septum between the nostrils. Black and yellow stripes were painted across his nose, under his eyes, from ear to ear.

Yui was reminded how she felt when she gazed upon Cernunnos. This…god wasn't like the other student gods who seemed more human. No. He was incredibly and beautifully exotic, foreign, and his presence intimidated her.

Yui didn't realize that she was gawking, her mouth open as she stared at the Aztec god. It didn't seem to go unnoticed by the god, his cat-like golden eyes narrowed on her.

"What's with this intrusion Apollo Agana Balea?" his voice was deep and scratchy, his thick dark brows lowering over his keen eyes.

"Hey, Cat-Cat!" Apollo's nickname seemed to cause some distaste in the other god, as his broad nose wrinkled and his thick arms crossed over his even thicker chest. It was a miracle his uniform didn't rip apart at the motion.

"Tezcatlipoca," the god corrected in distaste.

Yui could understand the need for a nickname. The sound of that name alone proved painful for her to work around. "Cat-Cat" however seemed to diminish his godliness by a great deal. Apollo didn't seem at all phased by the negativity Tezcatlipoca exuded. Instead he brightly asked, "Is Quetz-Quetz around?"

Tezcatlipoca nodded, "He is but he is resting. What is your business?"

"Oh…I just need him to sign something."

"What is it?" Tezcatlipoca's rather rigid composure dropped as he seemed curious.

"Oh just giving permission to have a Christmas festival. Or rather a Winter Solstice festival with a Christmas undertone."

Tezcatlipoca's brow furrowed. Apollo seemed to turn up his insistency, "Come on, Cat-Cat. Let us see him. Can we? Can we? Hunh? Hunh?"

Apollo was being way too familiar and it was a tactic that seemed to work. The "hackles" on Tezcatlipoca were raised in discomfort. Apollo even went so far as to give the other god an enthusiastic punch in the shoulder. It was supposed to be playful and light but even the relaxed gesture left no dent in Tezcatlipoca but it very well crumbled Apollo's knuckles, who bit his lip in pain.

"You don't know when to give up," Tezcatlipoca snarled, baring his strong white teeth that looked like they could crack a skull.

"The faster we get through this the faster I leave," Apollo said, hoping that would at least convince him. And convince him it did. It seemed to Tezcatlipoca getting rid of Apollo was more important than his fellow god's rest. Yui had to hand it to her friend. Perhaps he was smarter than he seemed.

"Very well," the bristled god said, clearing this throat. "Follow me."

Yui and Apollo followed Tezcatlipoca up the large stone steps, to the covered pavilion of the pyramid. The stone structure was cool under the shade, escaping the heat of the sun and the humidity of the jungle. There were very few furnishings, but the stone bricks, Yui realized, were inlaid with gold, making the stone surface shimmer like golden water. Tezcatlipoca led them to a large stone basin set in the ground like a tub, containing dark glittering water.

Yui stuck by Apollo as they waited. Texcatlipoca approached the basin, saying casually, "Quetzalcoatl, Zeus' son and a human girl are here to see you."

The water of basin bubbled violently as if it were being disturbed. Inch by inch, a gigantic long creature, a dragon or a serpent, with colorful scales and feathers, slinked out, water dripping from its beautiful plumes as it rose higher and higher, body seemingly endless. It's snakelike head dipped down arching it's long body to be eye-level with Apollo, Tezcatlipoca, and Yui.

Yui stepped back, never seeing anything this large before and looking right at them. She was a little frightened, but both Apollo and Tezcatlipoca seemed largely unfazed by this creature.

Apollo even laughed, "Quetz-Quetz, you know that's not allowed."

The serpent's mouth split in a very toothy smile. Not exactly a comforting image for a human. The plumes on the creature furled up and out before molting and melting away into a big feathered mass. A burst of wind blew the feathers away, and where the giant monstrosity used to be, stood a tall young man.

He was as tall as Apollo, and equally brilliant. Despite being rather fearsome earlier, he portrayed a sense of calm in his bright smile. His eyes were titanium silver, but glowed like the sun. His rainbow-colored hair was short and feathered. On his left ear was an earring limiter with a parrot feather at the end of it. Thin red stripes ran from the corners of his mouth up to the ears. His skin was lighter than Tezcatlicpoca's and overall his appearance seemed more human and definitely more approachable.

"Allowed or not," the god said with a charming smile, "I like the opportunity to stretch every once in a while." The colorful god's eyes drifted to Yui and he stretched out his hand, "I'm sorry to have frightened you. I am Quetzalcoatl."

Yui smiled back at Quetzalcoatl, and took his proffered hand, "Yui Kusanagi. It's a pleasure to meet you." She stopped herself short from saying his name. There was no way she could word either Aztec god name accurately.

"The pleasure is mine, señorita," he replied with a comforting smile. "So what is your business here?"

"A sign up sheet," Apollo said pulling the crumpled and stained sign up sheet out of his pocket. "We are holding a Winter Solstice festival with a sort of Christmas theme."

Quetzalcoatl laughed at the notion of "winter". "Hah, sounds rather dreary don't you think, Tezcatlipoca?" He turned to his fellow god who turned his back to them, blocking himself from conversation.

"If I can come by and color it up, I see no problem in participating. Unless Zeus would rather keep us from the joy of festivals." Quetzalcoatl's self confidence was palpable, exceeding even Balder's on a good day. But, like Balder, rather than seeming self-absorbed, Quetzalcoatl's self-confidence translated to others. Yui could practically see any hesitation and uncertainty in Apollo suddenly drift away.

"Hah!" Apollo joined in on the jovial banter, "You are more than welcome, by my invitation. Thoth made it clear that you are to participate. And I will also need Cat-Cat's signature."

Quetzalcoatl again looked to his fellow god, "What do you say my jaguar companion? I should hate to disappoint these gods because of your stubbornness."

Tezcatlipoca snarled back, "Is that supposed to convince me?"

"Ah, but you see, I doubt Apollo will leave until he has those signatures," Quetzalcoatl gently took the pen from Apollo's inner pocket and signed his own name. "And I sure would like to hear of the endless tales Yui Kusanagi has to say of her exploits."

Tezcatlipoca turned his head, yellow eyes resting directly on Yui, before shifting to Quetzalcoatl. He unfolded his large arms, muttering epithets to himself as he stomped over, hastily scribbling his name and taking a few steps back.

"I really appreciate all this," Yui said to both gods. Tezcatlipoca stuttered in his step for a moment but tried to remove himself away from the group as much as possible. It was apparent Quetzalcoatl was exasperated as he just shook his head before motioning towards the entrance of his stone abode, "Let us take this conversation elsewhere."

Apollo and Yui followed Quetzalcoatl out into the sunny jungle.

"I hope this doesn't sound rude," Apollo asked, "But what are you two in here for? You don't seem like a bad person."

Quetzalcoatl smirked, glancing at the entrance they came out of. "We're in here for fighting," he answered.

"Fighting?" Yui asked.

Quetzalcoatl's blistering titanium eyes fell upon Yui, "Yes. Tezcatlipoca and I have had many squabbles that it wore at the other gods' nerves. What can I say? My comrade tends to find me very antagonizing, and there are days he brings out the worst in me."

The rainbow haired god tugged at his feathered earring, "We can walk the grounds freely, however, as part of our punishment we cannot move more than a certain distance away from each other."

"What will happen if you do?" Apollo asked, his voice low wondering what torture his father had subjected this charming Aztec god to.

"Our shackles pull us back towards each other. Like a rubber band."

Yui bit her lip to keep from bursting out laughing. She covered her mouth and realized her face had gone red. To her embarrassment Quetzalcoatl was looking right at her. She apologized, "I'm sorry, it's just the mental image in my head was…"

"It is as hilarious as it sounds," Quetzalcoatl responded, not at all insulted. "Zeus can be quite creative. He thinks that making us tied to each other would help us gain a better understanding of each other."

Yui got the impression that tactic wasn't working. Or at least not to Quetzalcoatl.

"We don't fight, but the atmosphere is rather…tense on most days," he explained but still smiled.

"Yes, but you can't escape on tough days," Apollo said, feeling for the Aztec god. Quetzalcoatl laughed placing his hands on his hips, "Quetzalcoatl doesn't have tough days, Apollo."

"Good, good! I guess I'll be going though, Quetz-Quetz. If you're ever on the grounds…"

"Yes," Quetzalcoatl nodded, "If you don't mind Tezcatlipoca being dragged behind me kicking and screaming, I will see you again. I don't wish to be cooped up in this jungle forever."

Apollo shook the god's hand, "See you later Quetz-Quetz."

Before Yui said her goodbyes, Quetzalcoatl gently grabbed her hand, "If you don't mind, señorita, I should like a chance to have lunch with you sometime. I'd like to know a little more about you outside of official Student Council business."

Yui was slightly taken aback, but not perturbed, "I don't see why not. Sure, I'm usually free on most lunches."

Quetzalcoatl bowed his head slightly. "I shall look forward to it then."

Before classes started the next day, at the Norse dorm, Loki bounded down the steps running right for the lovely, flakey, Swedish pancakes Thor made that morning. He drowned them in syrup and shoveled them into his mouth.

"Perhaps you shouldn't sleep late. You'll have more time to eat," Thor advised.

"Shut up Thor," Loki said, bits of pancake spitting out of his mouth. Loki glanced back at his other friend who was sitting on the couch, reading a green bound book.

"Oh thank god, you got rid of that beard, Balder," Loki joked. "I was two steps to sneaking into your room at night and shaving it off myself."

Loki picked up the plate and strode towards the couch, still eating off his plate, "What'cha reading?"

"A novel Yui recommended to me. It takes a lot to make it through, but I'm finding things that I didn't notice before."

Loki made the mistake of feigning interest, "Yeah?"

"Yes," Balder said, his voice rising in excitement. "There's this spirit here. You see he's happy and jovial, but he has this scabbard, but no blade."

"Sounds foolish."

"No, you see he says that it means peace on earth and goodwill towards mankind. If a human can write such a righteous character, perhaps humankind is not lost without us."

Loki's jaw ground, his own encounters with humans weighing on his mind, but Balder's face was soft, almost relieved. He was so desperate to find the good in the human race, despite his sanctuary being destroyed by Christian humans so long ago.

So so long ago.

Perhaps it was time to get over past wounds. If a simple novel written by a human could perhaps change Balder's mind about humans, maybe there was something to this world of man worth saving.

Loki scoffed to himself, causing a concerned glance from his blond friend.

Fat chance.

Loki reached over and patted the back of his friend's head, "You keep telling yourself that Balder."

Balder closed his book and turned his body towards Loki saying quite abruptly, "What if we invite the other gods for Yule?"

Loki's head jerked back, his face scrunching in a mixture of surprise and distaste, "Why?"

"I was talking to Yui and she's genuinely interested in Yule. Or at least from our perspective."

Yui, Yui, Yui. Odin's ravens Balder, do you only listen to Yui? Loki pouted. He looked forward to spending a little small celebration that was just him and his friends during Yule. Having the loud and obnoxious Greeks, and heavens forbid the stick-up-the-ass Japanese was not how Loki envisioned celebrating the end of the year.

"The Solstice Festival is a few days before the day Yui calls 'Christmas' so I don't see why we can't have others over when the New Moon arrives."

Thor seemed to at least accept the idea, "It is a shame we don't have any farm animals to offer for Yule."

"But apparently no shortage of alcohol, right Thor?" Loki said pointedly, knowing that Thor had a hidden ale stash somewhere. Loki was reminded of the seasonal celebrations of home and sighed, "I will miss going to Freyr's winter feast. He always left me candy, while you and your father battled over the Yule Boar."

"Yule's always better with more people, Loki."

Loki scratched his chin, "I just hope it snows then. Can't have Yule without snow...or a Yule log."

He lightly punched Balder in the chest, "Alright, but its your job to bring in the Yule log this year."

Balder nodded, happy, "Of course, Loki. I think I know the right tree."

Balder was on the edge of his seat as if he were ready to charge out the front door, half-dressed, with an axe in hand ready to brave to cold to find that beautiful Yule log and haul it back himself.

"Well don't go get it now, dammit Balder one thing at a time."

Loki was convinced that if he didn't put a leash on his friend now, he'd come home to find a large evergreen stuffed in their dorm and who knows what else. Perhaps everything already set on fire. An overly excited Balder could do incredible and ridiculous things sometimes when he got ahead of himself.

As children, when Odin allowed Balder, Thor, and Loki to go with Tyr to find a great evergreen to use for the center hearth during solstice, little Balder was so excited with his little hatchet that he ran off into the woods. Concerned, Loki and the others went off to find him. But Balder found them.

Dragging three giant evergreens behind him all tied by a string clutched in his tiny hand.

Tyr was close to tears in laughter and astonishment. When he relayed the story to Odin the entire hall was filled with his loud barking laughter at the mental image of his tiny little boy accomplishing such a Herculean task. And one thing was for certain...all the halls in Asgard did not go without firewood for several years.

So, yes, Loki was no stranger to the concept that Balder, even happy and excited could be a great handful.

A/N: I've been getting some surprising reviews. I've been getting compliments that this story is somewhat realistic. I do not disagree, and I'm flattered people like that aspect of it, but I'm curious as to what that means, seeing as this story has a bunch of gods in one place at one time.