I finally got around with the part one on origins chapter of our fire cracker, Flicker. Keep in mind that the timeline is a bit vague and a bit confusing. I have a theory that the book that North found is based on observations on fire demons like Flicker but there may or may not be truth to the information. I just hope that I give Flicker's origins the justice it deserves.

Anyway, for review reply to Guest Sun's Eye: Probably, almost. And also, Pandora is not a goddess, she's human.

With that said, please enjoy Flicker's origins story!

Chapter 16: Shedding the Light - part 1

The one of the earliest memories that he had dates back before the Belief in Christ comes along. It was during that one night in the Grecian territory. As far as he could remember since the day he was "born", he noticed that no one…well, noticed him. And by no one, he specifically meant the beings known as humans. Don't get him wrong, he had come across other beings that were like him in some ways as he traveled across the world, learning new things about his surroundings. While it was disturbing having someone literally walk through you, Flicker had grown used to it as he simply strolled along. Occasionally he would mingle in towns to people watch, seeing how they interact with each other and whatnot. Making up stories on how their lives were like was fun, one time he made up a story about a guardsman wishing he could have taken a job as a baker and currently having a rough patch with his girlfriend. At least he could take some fashion tips from the local that he come across, like his own take of this clothing called chiton.

He met some interesting characters along the way, such as a certain group that call themselves "gods". (Some of them prefer the term, "anthromorphic personification"). Each one is responsible for a certain aspect of the world and humanity in general. Thinks like various forms of art, craftsmanship, the elements of nature itself, just about anything that is under the sun.

And speaking of which, there are those who call themselves "sun gods".

He didn't know why, but Flicker found that hilarious. Despite what they think, they would never govern his Lord. If anything, they were just given a smidge of his power and use it in their own faction of the world. Him on the other hand, he was given a bit more.

Only problem is that he didn't know what to do or know what to do with it. Hell, he was currently going wherever the wind takes him. At least he was never alone, during daylight hours at least.

The night hours are a different story.

Flicker still retained his powers, he was glad they never waned like he thought on the first night. But it was rather odd not feeling the warm rays from his Lord. He had to admit, the cool air was a lot to get used to, especially when the frost rolls in. But it somehow grew on him as the years pass. He liked the contrast of the coolness against his warm skin as he strolled about in the woods.

He had come to this place a few times, even come across some rather interesting locals of Greece. There are some minor gods that don't require much of worshiping (groveling in his opinion) by the humans. The nymphs are rather lovely, but they didn't catch his fancy, even when they try to flirt with him. The centaurs are rather a rough and rowdy bunch, which is a polite way to describe them. Although he did hear something about a certain member of their species is actually civil compared to them, grew up to become a tutor of some sorts to humans.

Flicker hadn't run into the major gods that lounge around Olympus but he had heard the rumors.

Rather unsavory reasons, mostly because of their rather shallow and petty behavior towards each other and tendency to bring humans into the middle of the fire fight. Though he did hear about the decent ones amongst them…and one of them is running this faction's Underworld. The said Underworld Ruler was a dour fellow from what he heard but he was rather relaxed and polite.

Nevertheless, let them have their petty squabbles among themselves. He had better things to worry about. As he walked through the woods, Flicker noticed that his flames on his person were fluxing a bit. He raised his hand up, examining the small flames dance a bit from his fingers to his palm.

"Huh, this is new…" He commented, watching the flames dance around a bit.

That never happened before.

It was rare that he used his flames, though they are useful for keeping him warm during the winter seasons. But seeing how they act tonight really got him curious, especially when they seemed to be acting as his compass, pointing to a certain direction in the woods. Having nothing better else to do, Flicker decided to follow the flames' intuition. He had no idea how long he was walking, just simply following wherever the flames upon his hand would take him. Almost like a makeshift compass, a rather useful invention that was developed during his travels in the land of the Orient.

He could feel the soft tickling sensation grass beneath his bare feet and calves, and the occasional roughness of the dirt. The only sound in the air was the soft breeze and he could be hearing crickets in the distance. Flicker noticed that he was venturing further into the woods that was getting thicker and almost blocking out the light of the moon. But he knew that he was getting nearer to his destination by how the flames were growing bigger and bigger.

"It seems like I'm getting close now." He said to himself.

As soon as he said that, he felt something warm growing inside. It was a strange sensation but it wasn't painful or unpleasant. He wasn't able to describe it, but whatever it was, it felt strangely nice. Flicker figured that he would find out what that was until he reached to his destination. And speaking of which, it would have seemed that his said destination is beyond the thicket and he could see what seemed like faint glow lighting in the darkness. Flicker strained his ears, picking up what sounded like panpipes and lyres, and…was that laughter?

"…Seriously? I've been lead to a party?"

This is probably one of the biggest let downs that he had ever seen. The only thing that he learned before was focusing the flames to his feet to help him fly. And all he could say to that was amazing. Not to mention very useful for long distance travels, though finding a flying buddy tends to be hard. Those harpies aren't really big on visitors or other beings in general…though he liked the way their feathers singed from heat. Seeing that he had come all this way, it wouldn't hurt to see what his flames brought him to.

"Might as well, check it out, I guess." He muttered to himself, shrugging.

Flicker head closer to the source, hearing the music and laughter growing louder. He could even smell something vaguely sweet in the air, like honeyed grapes. When he finally got close enough, he was unprepared on what he was about to see. The first thing that he noticed that not only that there is a good number of humans…without any source of clothing, laughing as they grind and writhe against each other in a rather drunken frenzy. In fact, there were goblets and jugs filled with red liquid sloshing around, which would explain the smell.

But it wasn't just the humans that he saw.

He could also see satyrs and wild-looking nymphs amongst them, not caring that they're among humans. They're in the same frenzy as they were, even participating in the chaotic intoxicated activity. All the while there are some participants that stayed on the sidelines as they play the panpipes and lyre or serve the wine or snacks which consist of stuffed grape leaves or the fresh fruit, rather clumsily by the drinkers due to multitasking.

There is only one god that he knew was associated with grapes and wine in general.

"Dionysus…" he whispered to himself.

He had heard of these secret cults dedicated to the god of wine himself, but he never dreamed that he would be lead to here. He was unable to look away, all the while feeling the heat building up inside of him. It was growing hotter and hotter, making him breathe rather heavily despite the fact that he wore light clothing. His heart was racing and there was something burning deep inside his core. Completely to the point where something sparked inside of Flicker, and then made him ignite.

Almost burning his surroundings in the process...

Flicker looked around awkwardly before turning to the orgy group, noticing that only the satyrs and nymphs were the only ones staring at him owlishly while the humans scatter about in fear, almost disregarding their clothing in the process as they fled. The flame spirit stared back at the remaining party members, before smiled awkwardly.

"Oops."

That was the moment he discovered his new ability.

Ever since that day, he had been testing it out constantly wherever he went.

And at each test, Flicker learned a thing or two about his newfound ability. For starters, it wasn't just coming across a rather compromising situation- be it spirits or humans- that made his flames stronger. It wasn't just humans that he can sense desires from. He can also sense desires from otherworldly beings such as himself. That time with the satyrs and nymphs from that day are the prime example. Even the gods themselves aren't able to keep their libido down, although some chose to remain celibate. Most of the time they wouldn't care if about how many hearts they might have broken or how many bastards they produced, all it matters is who beds the most. May it be human, or not. Gender doesn't really have a distinction. Nor what species…though he did hear how nasty this Hera chick can get when it comes with Zeus.

More fun as it sounds to stalk them…he preferred to keep his skin than to face the Olympian queen. Besides, the humans are way more fun.

And all of the lewd and depraved secrets that he had come across, and it was all just by walking amongst them. All the while using the fact of him being unseen by them to his advantage. The darker the desire, the hotter the flames…

Whatever is the object of their desire, all the things such as gender, species, age, marital status, race, even whether it was alive or dead. They are just as depraved as the gods that they have worshipped and sung their stories. Only difference is that they try to bring in their logic and reason on why they held desire. It was so pathetic that he finds it hilarious. Perhaps he should suggest it to that Hilaria guy that he had been coming across for a while…couldn't remember his face, but he knows a lot of good jokes.

However, there was one thing that he learned that only those who are aged from teenagers to adult he could feel their desires radiating like then his Lord's rays. He couldn't sense anything from the children that literally walked through him. The only thing that Flicker could describe the sensation that he got from the children was that it was a numbing sense of void. Might not make sense but that was the closest thing to a description.

It was probably that theory that children were uncorrupted by the "world's evils" thing.

But give them time and they would learn…

That is what they all do.

One way or the other, they would learn.

And it was proven during his travels, the best example that he could come up with is during the ruling of some guy named after a boot in Rome.

Emperor Boot he calls him.

Oh, Emperor Boot.

And he thought his uncle was bad, and he is one of the types who prefers…younger bedmates. While Rome celebrates the death of their old emperor-not even caring what really happened- they thought Emperor Boot would be better.

Oh, how wrong they were.

Honestly, they never actually thought of the possibility of nurture vs. nature tact. But that was humanity for you. Sometimes even madness can nurture as well as a mother, human or otherwise. Though he had to admit, appointing his favorite horse as the senator is kind of funny in a way.

Then there was another ability that he discovered.

Flicker can influence their desires.

Well, not the same way as the gods who are involved with desire – though he does admire Kamadeva's works- Flicker can only make some suggestions as he whispered into their ears. It doesn't really work but the effects of his influence are still there. While they don't actually act on what he suggested outright, he liked how desperately they tried to maintain their composure while being all hot and bothered. As soon as they head to someplace discreet, like an alleyway or the confines of their own home, they find ways to relieve themselves.

Of course, he would be there, snickering at their failed attempts to hide their moans as they play themselves.

Again, point goes to being unseen.

However, he learned the one thing that he had never expected.

It was the most foreign concept that he had ever come across. And he had come across gods who are involved in that department. It was during the time when the worship of Christ was becoming the norm as pagan worship was slowly abolished. (Of course, regardless who worships who, there would always be blood on which religion is better). That was when someone came up this stupid theory that marriage would make their soldiers weak or something like that.

Going as far as denying any chance of marriage of those who were of age…

As interesting as humans go, Flicker would never understand their way of thinking.

He remembered coming across this one kid- a youth of 15 or 16 years of age- always staring at a girl who lived across from him. Naturally, Flicker just waltz up to him, fully intended on whispering suggestions into his ear when he felt something different by the way his flames react to the kid.

There was desire, don't get him wrong, but something else. It was warm…and soothing.

And he could almost taste the sweetness upon his tongue. Like honeyed milk served before bed.

Flicker blinked in confusion as he drew closer. When he did, the fire spirit noticed the way that the boy was staring at the girl as she sets up shop, probably some flowers or baked goods. It was different from the way that he had seen in the past years. The way he looked at her was the same way as the people stared at the statues of their patron gods, the goddesses to be exact.

It was a look of worship…devotion…

The willingness to do just about anything for her, even making sacrifices for her…

The absolute need to be with her forever…

But he can't.

And it was all because of that stupid law by the church.

The only reaction that Flicker made was to roll his eyes at this. Honestly, this is one of the reasons why most civilizations fall as soon as they rise. Aside from puppet rulers and temple priests, the masses are like sheep. Unable to govern their own thoughts and more than willingly to accept someone else's words; they even turn on those who try to think outside of the box. It was either public humiliation or outright execution.

No matter how many centuries have passed, they still remain foolish as ever.

"If you love this girl so much, why don't you marry her in secret?" he sarcastically suggested.

What he didn't expect was the kid actually walking over to the girl, posture straightened with determination as he made confident strides over to her. Far as Flicker knew that there is at least small chance that any human can actually doing what he suggested was next to null. Besides, that wasn't intentional this time!

"Wait, no! I didn't mean that!" he exclaimed, actually going as far as trying to grab the kid's shoulder but momentarily forgotten that he is intangible to humans. Flicker let out a frustrated groan when his hand literally phased through the human's shoulder.

The only ONE time that he needed someone to listen to him…

ONE. TIME.

"That wasn't what I had in mind…" he grumbled.

"Maybe not, but that's what I had in mind."

Flicker blinked in surprise before narrowing his eyes in recognition. He knew that annoyingly mellow-sounding voice anywhere…

He turned around, seeing a young man leaning against the clay wall in a relaxed manner. His golden hair hung loose around his shoulders and dressed a rather shabby manner by how ragged his clothing looked. And with the sole red fabric wrapped around his eyes- along with a stick in his hands and a ripped up burlap sack as a makeshift shawl- he would have passed off as a blind beggar. However Flicker knew better.

It had been years…centuries even.

But he knew that aura sensation from anywhere.

"Well, well…if it isn't Eros." He spoke with sarcasm. "I'm surprised that you're still kicking since this whole Christ shtick rolled in."

Eros simply shrugged as he pushed himself off of the wall. "Well, as long as there is love in the air," he waved a hand in a rather dramatic fashion. "I'm still here."

Flicker let out an obnoxious scoff. "Yeah, but they don't see you."

"Unless I chose to let them," the latter corrected him. "I am not only born from Love and War, Flicker. I am also born from Chaos itself. I am both a god and yet I am not. I-"

"Yeah, yeah, an abstract concept whose form was unable to be processed to the human mind-comprehenshin…thing, whatever!"

There is a reason why that he prefer to be alone. Sure, there are some decent folk once in a while that he would hang out from time to time- like this Samhain fellow that he had come across back in the Gael lands. Others he most likely avoid for very good reasons. But gods like Eros…dear Sunny in heaven! Ever since he mated with the human named…Psycho? Psy…duck? Whatever, he's been all otherworldly wise and whatnot. Said something about "gaining enlightenment"…

And he used to be so much fun too…

Eros let out a soft hum as he cocked his head to the side, he maybe blindfolded but Flicker was sure that he was staring right at him.

It was another thing that he doesn't like about Eros, he doesn't know how but it somehow unsettles him. Eros taken up the blindfold thing as a stupid fashion sense, but he vaguely remembered one time that the love god told him a reason. He quickly had forgotten about it throughout the years. At first Flicker thought it would be a hindrance, but he was soon proven wrong on how well adapted Eros became at being blindfolded, whether it was merely interacting with others or doing his job, making people fall in love.

He still couldn't get over on how Eros managed to make a shot without his eyes.

Speaking of which…

"What brought you here to this neighborhood?" Flicker finally spoke up. "From what I remember you only use your arrows for show. You don't need them to make humans bang each other."

By the way the blond eyebrows were knitted upon the latter's brow, Flicker knew that he was glaring at him as he raised up one finger.

"Alright two things…First and foremost, my archery set are of sentimental value,"

Then the second finger was risen up.

"Second, I prefer the term, copulate."

Then Eros held up the third finger. "Third, is this the first time that you experienced it?"

Flicker gave him a smug smirk, knowing full well that the former god (he was assuming) would most likely hear it in his voice. "You said TWO things."

"Just answer the question, Hotshot."

Even though he used the affectionate nickname for him, Flicker could hear that he was serious. He let out a sigh as he allowed his shoulders to go lax as he hooked his thumbs to the strip of leather that served as his belt for his trousers.

"Yeah, you can say that…" he admitted, trying to sound nonchalant. "But what's the big deal? It's not like it's gonna last. They'll end up betraying each other when it comes to the matters of the bed."

He had seen infidelity committed among both gods and humans. The only thing that they…copulate (Eros' words, not his), is just to keep the population in check, or else they wouldn't exist.

And without the humans, there can be no worshippers. Besides, he had seen what happened to those who committed infidelity. Mostly to the females and the children, they tend to suffer more than the males.

"I understand that love can be dangerously ugly, but it is also very beautiful as well." Eros spoke up, still keeping the even tone. "I get that love is a double-edged sword, Flicker. The side you described can destroy life. And the side that I represent can equally usher in new life. One can't live without the other. I myself and others before me are fully aware of this and willing to shoulder the burden, no matter what."

Flicker listened, letting out a soft hum before smirking.

"Just like your Mom who is more than willing to lie on her back and spread her legs?"

SCHHWAFF

The sound of the flying arrow whistled past his ear, taking note of the sharp graze upon the pinna as well as the sensation of liquid trickling down. It was only an instant- a blink, to be exact- and already Eros had his bow drawn. With an arrow pointed right at him.

"That was a warning shot." He clarified to Flicker. "The next one will go straight to your head."

Judging how calm the tone in his voice was and how his flames are reacting, it could only mean one thing. Flicker smiled casually as he made a show of holding his hands up in a mock surrender, despite the fact that the latter couldn't see at the moment.

"Ross, Baby, I was just kidding." He reassured him in a playful tone. "No need to get all sensitive about it."

"You of all people should know, Flicker, is that sensitivity is just another word for passion."

"…Point taken."

Sometimes he often forgets who his birth father was, despite being unofficially adopted by the blacksmith god. And even after reaching to some form of enlightenment, Eros is still a force to be reckoned with. He doesn't know how exactly, but once in a while, he felt his flames flux a bit whenever the latter does his thing with his bow and arrows. After a good long moment, Eros finally let out a sigh before lowering his bow and dematerialize the arrow from the string.

"You're lucky that I have more important matters to worry about in this region, and to be frank, I rather not waste arrows on you." he spoke up. Then he moved his head to Flicker's direction, giving him the indication that he was looking at him. "Flicker, I may not have told you this before, but despite your-" Then Eros paused for a moment in order to think of a word to describe Flicker. "…Abrasive personality…I do see you as a friend."

The flame spirit was silent, lowering his hands as he let what the love god have said sink in. He never thought of their relationship that way. Sure they tend to pass each other whenever there was a chance, and most of the time it was just small talk before parting ways. He just assumed that they're just two supernatural beings that somehow knew each other.

But them as friends?

"Well, I'll be seeing you later…" he heard Eros spoke as he gave his bow a small twirl to transform it into the walking cane. "I have a quota to fill up. There's this guy who might need a bit of my help for marrying that couple." Then he smiled at him. "Let's just say it had something to do with your suggestion."

Flicker rolled his eyes as he let out a groan. "Like I said…I didn't MEAN that!" Then he turned to him with a serious look, making sure that his voice also carried that tone as well. "But seriously, man, do you think it was worth it? I mean, judging how tight of an ass these preachers are, that man that you are referring to is bound to die."

That was when Eros gave him a sly smile of his own.

"Let's just say that there are certain reasons that humans are willing to die for." Then he gave him a small salute to Flicker. "Catch ya later, Hotshot."

And within a blink of an eye, Eros was gone. To where, he have no idea. But judging by how many young couples that are desperate to be together, Flicker had a feeling that he would be busy for a while.

That is until he started to feel the sense of emptiness inside.

End of Part 1.

Part two is currently in progress so I might change the updating schedule a bit here. Keep a close eye out for the second part :) Let's just say that he'll be meeting a certain figure who inspire...fear.

I might also want to point out that looking back, I'm not really fair to Aphrodite in my last story. It wasn't her fault that sexuality is a double-edged sword. Plus there is a version where SHE chose Hephaestus by her own free will. So, think of this as a clean slate for me to depict Aphrodite in a positive light!