Prince Charming Diaries vol. 3 DOTP, Part 6

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Diary of a Thundering Prince

Delphi the Oracle

Part 6

Sproutling, 30, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

I have been back on land for a few days now. I feel bitter and betrayed. My only companion is Chiron. Surprisingly, he turned out to be a wonderful companion. He told me the names of the stars and about the history of Sea World, especially the Star People. Unlike most of my acquaintances, he told me the answers to questions.

“How many children does Cronus have?” I asked.

“Eleven, not counting his stepdaughter.” Chrion replied, “Poseidon is the fourth. He is really a very nice boy and eager to learn.” I eyed him.

“He looks nothing like the Star Heir.” I said remembering the procession.

“Hades is another word for plain old grouch.” Chrion said sullenly, “He is changing quickly. If the fates are not turned he will become thrice as evil as his father ever was.” I sighed.

We wandered aimlessly away from the shore. The attack on his fleet seemed to have cooled Cronus' enthusiasm for destroying the world. This was a relief to me, since I still had no desire to drown like a rat. I remembered the children, who were under my care for awhile and wondered if I could get my old job back. But I doubted it. They had been hidden deep in the caverns of the Titans. I was no longer welcomed in the mountains or the sea. What was I supposed to do?

“Have you ever tried talking to the Oracle?” Chrion asked. I turned and stared at him. But his face was perfectly serious.

“She answers in riddles and gets me in more trouble.” I said bitterly. 

“I think not.” the centaur said, “I heard she was fond of you.” I snorted.

“I highly doubt that.” I said. Chrion shrugged. I poked at our fire in silence. Then I looked back at the massive creature. He was watching me.

“You wish to wield a blade?” he asked. 

“Can you read minds?” I asked.

“No, but the Delphi suggested I teach you.” was the smug response. I groaned. The Oracle was back to torment my life again. I sighed.

“Yes please.” I said.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Low Water, 2, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

Now that it is the time of Low Water, there is very small chance of floods, and even less chance of dangerous ones. The air is muggy and hot and the sun beats down mercilessly. Delphi and Chrion have been my only two companions for some time now. Well, to be more accurate, they are more like teachers. My knowledge of existence and war has increased greatly. My knife is no longer useless, but I would like a sword. I mentioned this to Chrion and he said he would get a sword for me as soon as I was ready. But that was barely two days ago. 

“It is time.” he said simply. I wondered if either was a quick learner, or so bad that he was eager to stop teaching me. Either way our lessons ended and we left the caves.

We had not gone far, when Delphi dropped to a crouch, and faded from sight. I glanced at Chrion. He ran one finger threw his dreadlocks.

“She does that quite often.” he said. So Chrion could see Delphi too. 

“So what is happening?” I asked carefully.

“You are about to be ambushed.” Delphi spoke out of the air.

“Excellent!” Chrion said and drew his massive sword. I drew my knife more reluctantly. I was not ready for battle at all.

Suddenly, two boys leaped out of the bushes and pinned me down. I was taken completely by surprise. I had not been expecting children. To my dismay I recognized, Hades, the Star Heir. The other boy was much younger. About twelve, I think.

“Good Monsters Below!” I yelled, then rolled wildly. “Do not let your enemies pin you easily. Make things hard.” Chrion had said. I thrashed, and cut the younger boy with my knife. To my surprise, he let go of me and started screaming, blubbering and throwing a tantrum. Hades removed his knife from my throat and threw it at the little boy.

“Oh for crying out loud, not again!” he yelled, “He barely touched you!” I sat up and stared.

“Ares, if you do not stop that unholy noise I shall turn you over my knee, and so help me, I shall spank you right on your other end!” Chrion roared. Ares only screamed louder. The Centaur reached down and grasped the small boy by the hair. Immediately, the screams stopped. 

“I am dying, you great clumsy donkey!” the child moaned, as he dangled by his hair, his feet a full two feet from the ground. He crossed his arms and scowled.

“Well shut up about it, you are disturbing me.” Chrion roared. Ares' lip trembled, but he shut his mouth. The Centaur then proceeded to drop him.

“Chrion, we rescued you.” Hades said coolly. He jabbed his jeweled sword at me. I whacked it aside with my knife and leaped to my feet, my eyes darting from one boy to the other. Ares was one of Poseidon's not so nice brothers.

“Rescued me from what?” the Centaur asked.

“Him.” Ares whined as he wiped his runny nose and pointed a dirty finger at me. I snorted.

“You thought I was holding Chrion prisoner?” I laughed. The idea was quite ridiculous. 

“You are capable you know.” the Centaur snapped. I rolled my eyes.

“So did we save you?” Ares asked.

“Did you side with the rebels?” Hades snarled, “You know this dangerous man has his posters all over the Star City. Kill on sight.”

“Zeus, just so happens to be a Star Lord.” Chrion said loftily, “He nearly turned me into a pile of ashes. Only your father has the authority to condemn him.”

“Him, a Star Lord?” Hades looked aghast. 

“I turn you into a pile of ashes?” I gasped, also aghast. 

“Now boys lets play nice.” Chrion said, “No more poking each other with weapons or I will have to confiscate them.” Hades and Ares clutched their swords and backed away from the Centaur. Who smiled rather like a shark.

“You can have my knife.” I said, “It is rather useless against swords anyway.”

“If that is what you think, we shall have a little match.” Chrion said icily, “You against the Hades and Ares.”

“What?” I yelled.

“Figure out a way to defeat them or else.” the Centaur ran one finger along his throat. I gulped. This was not turning out so well.

“If we win, you return Poseidon to us.” Hades said coolly, “If we lose, you kill us quickly.”

“Impossible.” I said, “Poseidon is not my prisoner.”

“But you will still return him to us.” Hades said. I groaned.

“You are in a predicament, young Zeus.” Chron said cheerfully, “Better not let them win.”

The Centaur was right, I could not let them win. I would rather die then go to Nereus and tell him that he had to let his hostage go because I lost a duel. If I lost I could always kill myself. I shuddered.

“Three, two, one, go!” Chrion shouted.

“Wait, what?” I cried. The two brothers leaped at me. I rolled out of the way, just in time.

“Are you fast?” Hades snarled.

“Let me spit him, let me do it!” Ares screamed. He pushed his older brother aside and leaped at me. I did a jumping kick and sent him flying backwards. So the brothers would as soon fight each other as me. I could use that in my favor.

“Leave my brother alone you coward!” Hades shouted and rushed at me, his blade spinning in a deadly fan. I dived under, and crashed into his legs. We both went down and dropped our weapons. As we grappled each other, Hades shouted for Ares to stab me. The younger ran around us wailing and screaming.

“How?” he whined.

“Just stab, idiot!” Hades cried through gritted teeth. So he did. Suddenly the death grip was released on me and the Star Heir fell back gasping. Ares' sword had gone through his ribs and pinned him to the ground. I leaped off of him and with one swipe sent the younger boy flat on his back.

“You killed Hades!” Ares screamed, “You killed Hades!”

“Technically that was you.” I pointed out.

“Shut up and let me die in peace.” Hades grimaced.

Chrion seized the sword and yanked it out of Hades. The Star Heir let out one agonized cry and was silent.

“He will live.” the Centaur said, “Good work, Zeus.”

“You are supposed to be on my side, Chrion.” Hades whispered through gritted teeth.

“Zeus, now is the time for you to learn first aide.” the Centaur said with a nasty grin, “Bring me my saddlebag.” 

“Do not let him touch me!” Hades whimpered. I could hardly blame him. I would have said the same thing if our roles had been reversed. 

Once I had patched both of brothers up, with Chrion's directions, they took off. They seemed very bitter about the whole thing.

“Are you just going to let them walk away?” I asked in shock.

“Of course.” said Chrion, “They are my students too. I only fight when I have too. I am a teacher and healer, not a warrior.” I looked at him with one eyebrow raised. He looked like a warrior to me.

“Well that went well.” Delphi said as she became visible again. 

“Yes no thanks to either of you.” I muttered crossly.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Low Water, 3, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

We are back in the City. Thunderer City. I dread running into Hercules or anyone else who might recognize me. But at the same time I hoped to see someone I knew. Poor Metis, whatever happened to her? I should not have abandoned her. But she could hardly live on land and she had been banished from the Sea. Perhaps she had found a stream to stay in.

“Where are we going?” I asked, as I glanced around. Everyone was staring at us. I supposed we looked silly. A centaur, and old lady in rags, and a boy in a sea tunic. Chrion shook his head.

“Not us, you.” he said.

“Huh?” I gaped as I turned to face him.

“We have taught you as much as we could in limited time.” Delphi whispered, “If we stay with you, you will rely on us. If you are going to lead the rebels you are going to do it on your own with no fetters.” 

“Wait, what?” I cried. Were they really going to abandon me? What was I supposed to do? I was only a child.

“Farewell Zeus.” Delphi said and vanished.

“Come back!” I yelled. Then Chrion turned and galloped away, “Cowards!” I wanted to throw a tantrum like Ares, but I did not dare. Instead I looked around. Everyone was staring at me. I sighed. Then the attack began.

Low Water, 10, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

The Star Warriors transported into the city and cut down all those in their paths. People fled screaming. I fought back, but they were hardened by years and years of practice. In the end about twenty people, myself included took refuge in the Star Temple. All temples were havens to those being hunted. No one could be forcefully dragged out. The only light came from the glowing sword. The Temple Maidens had vanished and there was no one to light the lamps. The only sound made by my companions was a complaint about the Thunderer. A perfectly good sword going to waste because no one dared touch it.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Low Water, 11, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

Cronus has arrived in the city. It has fallen. The rebels have surrendered. Except those trapped in the temple. Once we eat the rest of the reserves for the keepers will will starve unless we also surrender. This is the end.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Low Water, 12, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

The city is now in the possession of the Star People. There banners fly from all the pinnacles, including this temple. The Titans have surrendered too. They were caught in a trap and massacred. Apparently the Amazon Warriors formed an Alliance with the Star People. Somewhere in this city my old friends are prisoners. The Titans were let off easy after swearing solemn oaths not to take up arms against the Star People ever again. But their leaders have been taken for execution. That means Hera will die. Poor sharp-tongued Hera. She was meant to be free and wild. I would gladly listen to her insults again if it meant that she was going to be free and alive. I spent all day thinking about her. If only I could save her. But I am trapped like her. I hope Metis is alive.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Low Water, 20, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

The reserves are officially empty except for the well and last pot of pickled herring. But that is not what I wish to discuss. By watching from the library at the summit of the temple, I could see the city. The square where a platform had been built. The public executions start today. The first prisoner was none other then Argus. He was chained with red hot iron chains that dragged him down. He could barely move. My companions crowded around and we watched.

There is a truly terrible thing about torture. Cronus himself took a wooden stake, sharpened to a deadly point, and ran it through the hidden cyclops eye. The stake burst into flames and Cronus let go. Then he laughed cruelly, while the chained Argus rolled and writhed on the ground, the stake protruding from his forehead. 

“Put him in the labyrinth.” the Star Father ordered, “He will feed the beast for many days.”

“There is a beast that feasts on living flesh below these streets.” one of my companions whispered. I hung my head. I could not save any of my friends. 

Then Jupiter was put on the platform. He had saved my life more then once and now I could not return the favor. Cronus ordered the horns to be sawed  off the minotaur. I wanted to cry as the evil minotaurs of Cronus carried out this despicable deed with mockery. I could watch no more. My stomach churned. I was sick in a corner and refused my half of herring. But a part of me wanted to know which other ones of my friends had been captured and what they did to Hera. But I was to cowardly to look.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Low Water, 21, year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

I went to the door. Twelve rows of Star Guards were blocking the entrance. The platform had been moved so it was right in front of the porch of the temple. I found myself face to face with Cronus. He smiled.

“Zeus.” he cried, his lips curling in a sneer, “I would not want you to miss this moment for anything. Please watch.” I stared back. The other prisoners gathered behind me silently and watched. Hera was placed on the platform. I gasped. Cronus smiled.

Hera turned and looked at me. I looked back. Her mouth dropped open. She obviously had not known that I was in the temple.

“Zeus, you are live?” she gasped.

“Not for much longer.” Cronus laughed, “After you are publicly executed, Zeus will follow. I have had enough of meddling rebels.” He drew his sword. It was somewhat similar to the Thunderer, except smaller. Fire licked along the edge of the blade. Hera gritted her teeth as Cronus swung the blade at her neck. But instead of hacking her head off, he stopped and simply touched the edge of the blade to her throat. Then the princess screamed. Tongues of fire burnt her flesh. I saw red. It is one thing to execute your enemy by beheading them, but it is another thing entirely to torture them by burning them little by little, until the flesh was melted off the bone, leaving one in agony to die a slow torturous death.

I turned and crashed through my companions. I needed a weapon and there was only in the temple. My fingers curled around the hilt of the Thunderer. Searing pain wrenched at my hand. But I would leave a mark before I turned to dust. I exploded out of the temple, knocking guards in every direction. Hera screamed and Cronus whirled. He barely had time to raise his sword before I was on top of him. He was flung over backwards with the power of my blow. There was a flash of lightening then a crash of thunder. The ground trembled.

“Oh Stars almighty!” Cronus screamed as he flipped away from me, “Rhea, I will kill you!” I frowned, wondering if he meant the Nyad or another Rhea. Then I remembered Metis saying my mother, was called Rhea too, and she had given me away. So my mother was known to Cronus. It was an ugly thought. My anger seemed to give me more strength, I leaped at Cronus again. I jumped into the air, kicked me in the face and landed lightly. I shot backwards and fell of the platform. 

Cronus leaped down on top of me, ready to pin me to the cobbled streets. I rolled aside, and his blade struck empty road. But the force of the blow caused the ground beneath me to tremble. Buildings swayed and bricks hurtled downwards. The crowd screamed and stampeded to escape. A pile of bricks crushed the Star Father. I scrambled to my feet and leaped on top him, kicking his sword away as I did. At last this would all end.

“So you are exactly like me, son.” Cronus sneered, as he wiped blood from his face, “You are a killer like me.” I recoiled in horror. What had he called me?

“Kill him!” Hera screamed as she struggled against her chains, “Kill him, Zeus!” I took a step backwards. This could not be true. But it was. I was a Star Lord, I had touched the Thunderer without being fried. My hands were in flames but I hardly felt it. Then I lifted the Thunderer and thrust it downwards. Cronus howled in pain as the flaming sword sliced through his ribs and bit into the stones below. He was firmly pinned under my sword and bricks. Then I turned and leaped onto the platform to rescue Hera.

“Are you insane?” she screamed, “Why didn't you plunge the sword into his heart or perhaps his head? Do you have any idea what he has done to our friends? Your friends!” I took a hold of her chains and squeezed. They melted in my hands. She shut her mouth. Then I turned and leaped off the platform, stopping only to snatch up a sword. 

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Low Water, 22, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

All day yesterday and today the battle raged in the city. No one dared to approach the wretched Cronus. We were pretty evenly matched. The rebels and Titans could move over and through buildings with ease and comfort and lose their enemies in the maze like streets. But the Star People had crushing numbers and greater weapons. If only the Sea People would come to our assistance we would be safe. I fought back to back with Titans and rebels I recognized but none of us spoke to each other. Not because we were hard pressed, but because they had seen me with the sword. They knew who I was. Now everyone knew why Metis had kept her mouth shut. She had already made a move for Cronus' defeat long before I thought up a way to do it. I was a fool.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Low Water, 23, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

It happened. Half the city was in the Star hands and the other half was in Rebel hands. Cronus was dead center. He was still writhing in agony or rage. There was only one thing that could make this battle end without the help of the Sea People. I made the first move. I stepped forward. Dozens of bows were pointed in my face. I wrenched the sword of of Cronus. Immediately there was a crack of thunder. At least I knew how I had defeated Chrion at sea. I had probably zapped him with thunder and lightening.

Cronus exploded into the air and hovered there. I waited. I heard startled gasps from both sides. I continued to wait patiently. 

“Do you think you can defeat me foolish boy?” Cronus snarled, “You are weak and cowardly like your mother! Like Poseidon and Hephaestus!”

“Sparing the life of another is not weak or cowardly.” I said grimly, then I raised the Thunderer high and struck the ground. The streets split and the world trembled. Allies and enemies alike were flung on their faces. Only Cronus and I remained upright facing each other. Then suddenly Delphi was between us. Her hood was lose and her white hair was flying free. Judging by the startled cries around us, I assumed everyone could see her at last.

“Chose your next move careful children of the Stars.” she cried, “I Delphi have spoken! One wrong move and the world is overturned in fire and water.” I sincerely hoped the right move was not me plunging the Thunderer into Cronus' heart. He may have been hateful but he was still my father no matter how much he had betrayed me. I would have given anything to have a home with a loving father and mother. My desire was so strong I doubt I could have defeated Cronus.

“My next move has been chosen!” Cronus growled. He held out his hand. There was a flash and his sword appeared in his hands. Then he leaped at me. I hurled myself out of the way and fell sprawling. The place I had been standing only a second before burst into flames. I rolled over. The Star Father was striding towards me, smiling. As he passed Delphi, he gave her a shove. She vanished. I reached for the Thunderer, but it was out of my reach. I froze. Cronus laughed grimly. I was going to die. I had failed after all.

“One word from you, Zeus, and I plug him full of holes!” I familiar voice shouted from above. Then Hercules leaped off the temple roof. He was holding a massive crossbow, which was already pulled back. Cronus blanched.

“How did you get-” he stopped.

“Actually, whether or not the boy likes it, I will kill you!” Hercules said grimly. I stood up and snatched up the Thunderer. Cronus whirled and froze. He was trapped.

“Now the tables have turned.” I said softly.

“You cannot defeat me alone!” the Star Father snarled, “I am stronger then you ever will be!”

“But I have friends who will watch my back.” I pointed out quietly, “Do you?”

“I am strong enough to watch my own back!” Cronus screamed, “But I do not need to! Watch your own back boy, I will get you in the dark when you are alone! Then you will pay for what you have done!” He made a hand motion and the air split down the middle with a flash.

The crowd screamed as the air continued to split reveling the interior of an unfamiliar temple. A woman with long flowing dark curly hair was staring straight at me. In one hand she held a sword. Two boys were peaking out from behind her. One was about eight and the other ten.

“Mama, what is happening?” the older boy asked, “Are we going to die? Our insides split open like crab cakes?”

“I do not want to die!” the younger boy wailed, “I was just starting to be me!”

“Hermes! Dionysus!” the woman cried, “Hush!”

“Deal with that!” Cronus snarled, and leaped up onto a rooftop and vanished. I whirled, and was about to jump after him, but Hercules caught hold of me.

“Let him go!” he cried, “Shut that hole or all the Star People will crush Sea World!” I turned again. The older boy had come out from behind his mother and was poking his hands out of the hole. 

“Can we climb through?” he asked.

“Hermes!” the woman cried, “Get back here!” But it was to late. Hermes somersaulted through the tare and crashed into me. I moved the Thunderer out of the way so he would not get hurt.

“Mama, come quick!” Hermes yelled, “He has got to be Hestia's brother.” Then the woman came through with lightening speed. I backed away, but she kept coming.

“Zeus?” the woman said and touched my face. Why did everyone know my name? “Is it really you? Are you still alive?” Obviously, I was.

“Your majesty.” Hercules said and bowed. The crowd stirred uneasily. I felt like I was the only one completely clueless. The woman turned towards the rebel.

“Where is Poseidon?” she demanded, “What have you done with him?”

“Well, actually Nereus has him at the bottom of the sea.” Hercules said with a shrug, “Unfortunately, all of the Sea People are mad at us so you won't be seeing him any time soon.” The woman clenched her fists.

“Hades and Ares?” she said grimly.

“Now them, I have not seen.” Hercules said with a shrug, “I assumed they were with you.” I caught my breath. I knew who she was. The woman was the Star Mother. Rhea. My mother. The woman who was going to let Cronus murder me. I shuddered.

“So did someone defeat Cronus?” one of the Star Soldiers asked, “Are we supposed to bow down to someone?” There was a loud murmuring from his companions. Well, they were not bowing down to me. I was going to get out of there. I tried to make a jump. Hermes stuck out his foot and tripped me. I would have gone sprawling again if I had not done a somersault. The Thunderer slammed into the ground. There was a rumble and the roads cracked. Thunder and light flashed. Everyone screamed and dropped to their knees. I glared at Hermes, the only person not kneeling.

“So you are the new Star Father.” he smirked. I cursed him.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Low Water, 25, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

Now that my fate was inevitable I had to do what was best for Sea World. I stripped the Star People. I think this surprised everyone. If I did not have a powerful army, how would I hold a throne. With one cut of the Thunderer, the Star City crashed and exploded. There must have been thousands of people left homeless in one blow.

“You have three fates.” I said grimly, “Go to the Free People, Titans or build your own city. But the Star City is gone. From hence on you will be like other people.”

“The Free People and Titans will kill us.” was the common protest. This led to making new laws on murder. Each city would have an overlord or mayor. In turn he would answer to the King or Queen. There would be one for Mythicals, Free People, Titans and Sea People. In turn the Kings would answer to one of the Lords of Olympus. This led to much discussion. What were the Lords of Olympus. 

Olympus was the tallest mountain on Sea World and the only mountain not connected to a range. Once upon a time it had been the tombs of the Star People. But long since it had been abandoned and the mountain pronounced unlivable. On this mountain I would build my palace. The Palace of Olympus. I would be the one everyone would answer too. Then my brothers would be my under lords between me and the people. Hades would look after the Underworld. Poseidon would have the lordship of the Sea Kingdom. Hephaestus would care for the Free People. Apollo would have the sky. Ares the army. Hermes the Mythicals. And Dionysus the Titans. Hera would be regent until he was a few years older. Now I just needed to get my brothers to agree.

I had a lot of reasons for choosing my brothers for this part. In spite of the opinion that I was trying to buy them off and that they were only children, I had real reason. Hades was just the type of person you would expect to live in the Underworld. Secretly, I wished he would let me be friends with him, but since he would not, I was not eager to keep him in the same house as me. He was fifteen, but already acted much older then me. Poseidon had obviously inherited mother's streak of sea blood. He could breathe underwater as well as any of the Sea People, but not being of their kind, he was ideal for the job, even if he was only fourteen. Nereus could be his mentor until he was capable on his own. Hephaestus, who was Poseidon's twin, looked nothing like him. He was rather quiet. His left leg was twisted giving him a pronounced limp. But he had an interest in common work, such as shoe making, smithing, fishing and other such every day tasks. He could talk easily about these subjects and would be the best choice to go among the Free People. Apollo was only thirteen, but he was the only non sky person I knew, to have a flying horse, so he would have to learn to be an ambassador at thirteen. Hermes never stopped talking, I figured he would make a good diplomat, even if he was only ten. At least the Mythicals would give him something to goggle over. I chose eight year old Dionysus for the Titans because this would mean Hera and I would have to keep an eye on him. Besides I did not want him to be the only brother no chosen for a duty.

That left my three sisters. Hestia, my twin sister, was so sweet and gentle, she could not bare any kind of sufferings. She cried when we were introduced. Then she cried when Hades was rude to me. I would have to keep a careful eye on her or some nasty person would guilt her into marring him. To my surprise Hera unbearably nice to Hestia. But I was pleased about this. I am not sure why I wanted them to be friends with each other, but I did.

Amertis was Apollo's twin sister. As soon as mother had introduced us, she informed me that she had vowed never to get married. She said she would remain a huntress all the days of her life. 

“If you try to marry me off for the good of the world I shall run away and join the Amazon Warriors in the Jungles and fight you!” she said scornfully. I decided that like Hades and Ares, she did not like me.

Athena was the youngest girl. She was a year older then Hermes. Like Hephaestus she was quiet and thoughtful, preferring to speak slowly, well thought out sentences. But like Amertis she could be wild. No one else could match her in spear throwing accuracy. I was certain that she would be deadly by the time she was grownup.

So now I have introduced my family, and all I have to do is make them like me. That is going to be the most difficult thing I ever undertaken yet.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Low Water, 30, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

The days have been chaotic with building of the Palace and the assigning everyone their new duties and sending the Star People to different regions. There was grumbling, but only two or three assassination attempts. On the last one I lost my temper and pinned the assassin to the ceiling of the Titan's council chamber by a lightening bolt. Since then everyone has been treading carefully around me. I really do not want to be a tyrant, but I just may turn into one yet.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Drought, 10, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

The Palace on Mount Olympus is coming along quite fine. It will connect with the old tombs in the mountain making a virtual city. Already many Star People, Mythicals, Titans, Sea People and Free People were going to move in. Not to mention my family and the five children I had cared for. I decided to place them in the care of Chrion until I could find families for them. There real families were either lost in the floods or simply gone. But perhaps I still could find them. I am afraid watching over for Sea World is going to be an even bigger job then I anticipated, even with the help of my brothers and the under Kings and Queens. 

Farewell for now,

Zeus

To Be Continued

Prince Charming Diaries vol. 3 DOTP, Part 5

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+JMJ+

Diary of a Thundering Prince

Part 5

Sproutling, 20, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

Considering how many messages had to be sent and how many people had to be convinced, I think things went quickly. The council of the free people of Sea World began today. Nereus cast a globe of water over the shores Deadman's Beach. The Sea People stood in the water and the land people stood on the shore. The water globe stopped any unpleasantness that Cronus might throw at us. He sent a flood which washed over the globe but did not hurt us. I had no doubt that either Cronus or Nereus would die in the end. Sea World was gradually becoming to small for both of them.

The Titans wanted to seize control over all of Sea World. They thought it was time to place the rule of the Sea World in someone elses hands. Everyone agreed with them except the Sea People thought they should rule and the Land People thought that everyone should rule themselves. The Mythicals thought they the humans should be left on their own. Generally the only thing that was accomplished was now everyone wanted to kill everyone else. I still did not know where Metis was and everyone seemed to think I was responsible for the damage, even the children in my care. It was very disheartening. Maybe the council was a bad idea.

“Well, I think it is settled then.” Hera said as the sun started to go down, “The Titans will control the world. The Star People will fall.”

“No and yes!” Nereus shouted, “The Star People will fall, but the Sea People will control the world!”

“Meaning you!” Hera spat.

“Speaking for the Mythicals,” Jupiter rumbled, “I claim the right to be free from any ruler!”

“The free people will be free or we will rise up against you, Cronus or any other rat who dares tempt our freedom!” Hercules shouted.

“You threaten our princess!” Argus roared and leaped at Hercules. 

“Stop!” I cried and tried to pry them apart. But they were locked tighter then an oyster shell, “Jupiter I need your help!” I shouted. Grumbling the Minotaur approached me. Together we managed to pull the combatants apart. 

“We will have neither Titans, free people or Mythicals ruling us!” the Sea People cried, and sent tidal waves washing over the rest of us. I was tossed about in the swirling waters, then dragged under the cold surface. My nose and mouth filled with water and I was unable to breathe. Cursing wildly, I thrashed and flailed uselessly. The cursing made things worse. Then Nereus pulled me out of the water and slammed me hard on a rock. The waves receded, reveling the rest of the land people flattened on the sand. None of them looked very happy.

“Zeus, civil war will rip Sea World apart.” Nereus said, “You as a landsman will have decide where your loyalties lie. Tomorrow we finish the council!” the Sea People retreated down under the water, leaving the land people trapped in the globe. We were truly at the mercy of any of the Sea People who wished to drown us. I tried to make the others understand but they were to angry and humiliated to listen to me. Hera was especially angry. Where do my loyalties lie?

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Sproutling, 21, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

I spent all night awake, trying to come up with a simple way to speak to the bickering powers. I finally came up with a sorry little speech. As soon as the Sea People rose out of the water, the Titans started yelling and shouting at them. But I leaped between them and yelled at them all to be silent. Suddenly there was silence. Everyone was staring at me.

“People of Sea World!” I yelled, “Listen to me before you start killing each other!” Perhaps not the best of opening lines, but I was in a hurry.

“Well, go on.” Nereus said, “What have you to say?”

“Are you all completely selfish and greedy?” I cried, “Before we can discuss a new ruler, we need to take down the enemy. The common enemy. You are all of this world. You are- are-”

“Brothers.” Delphi whispered in my ear.

“Brothers!” I yelled, “The Titans can take the mountains. You have been born and raised inside those rocky slopes. Cronus cannot flood everything. Nereus controls the waters more then him! Nereus, for pity sakes, why would you fight your potential allies? This is what Cronus wants! Now take the waters and fight back. Hold back the floods with your water! You can do this! Mythicals, you can fly, tunnel and have many other powers. Use them! Free people, band together. Chose a leader from among your own kind. Do not fight each other, just the Star People. Divided we fall, together we conquer! We do not fight for ourselves, we fight for our children, for our futures, for our world!” I took a deep breath, “Who is with me?”

There was a dead silence. My heart sank to my feet. I crossed my arms and scowled. Somewhere outside the globe there was a crash of thunder.

“Well, if you want to fight each other, be my guest, I will die trying to save the World!” I turned my back on them.

“Well spoken, Zeus.” Delphi said.

“A lot of help you were.” I muttered. Then someone punched me in the back. I yelled and whirled. It was Jupiter.

“Pretty good for a common boy.” he laughed, “You caught yourself a footsoldier, although I think I still have to watch your back anyway.” 

“The Nyads will follow you to the fire!” Rhea cried as she burst from the group of Nyads and flung her arms around me. I wanted to cry.

“Thank you Rhea.” I whispered.

“The Titans will follow you, provided you turn out to be a good leader.” Hera said coldly, but she was glowering at Rhea. I smirked at her.

“The free people are yours to command, my liege!” Hercules rumbled with a sour look at Argus. The rest of the Mythicals nodded. I could not believe my eyes. They had all agreed upon a leader, me? This was embarrassing. How was I supposed to tell them that I was nothing but an untrained sheltered pet of a half Nyad? Why I could not even swing a sword.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Sproutling, 25, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

Yesterday, I divided the captains of each group and sent them off to relay orders to their new squads. The Sea People swam them under the water and brought them up in a sheltered cove. The Star People had surrounded the globe and once it came down we would all be killed. At first Hera was furious that I sent one of her men off with the Titans and kept both her and Argus. But then she found out that I wanted her for a special mission.

Nereus personally gave me five fish mail cloaks. The Star Fleet was our target. Hera, Argus, Jupiter, Hercules and myself were going to take the flagship while the Mermen and Seamen destroyed the rest of the fleet. This would be a mare distraction. The Star People were to powerful, but the Sea People could still do a lot of damage. The main point of the plan was for me to get something valuable from the flagship. Something that Cronus would parley for. We had to get him to talk to us. As it was he would keep pounding us without ever parleying. I would have gone on by myself, but the flagship was sure to have lots of big, mean, powerful guards. So I chose the four best warriors I knew to keep me alive. Maybe it was a little selfish of me.

“Do you think Nereus would sell these cloaks to me?” Hera demanded as we walked along the sandy floor of the sea. I looked at her sideways.

“What do you want it for?” I asked, “You only have itty bitty streams up in the mountains.”

“A lot you know about it, Goldilocks!” Hera snarled.

“I really do not like the Titan.” Hercules muttered. He cocked his fists, “One word from you Goldie, and she is mashed Titan.”

“Lay one finger on my mistress and I will fry your alive!” Argus snarled.

“Now hold on a minute-” I began.

“Shall I bash all of them, Zeus?” Jupiter asked. I sighed.

“Hera, Nereus will not sell his cloaks, he loans them to friends.” I said, “Hercules, you were insulting me too, so turn yourself into mashed- mashed- whatever- freeman. Argus, you are in the water for Whale sakes, you cannot fry anyone underwater. Jupiter, please try not to kill them, I need them alive.”

Everyone stared at me. I wanted to clutch my aching head and scream. But I figured that it would only make me look like a fool again. Argus tapped me on the shoulder, then he pointed to a shark swimming in our direction. He put one hand on my knife. Finally a battle I could fight. Argus closed his eyes. I let out a yell. A third eye had just opened up in the center of the Titan's forehead. A searing red light shot through the water and lit the shark on fire. The Shark swam away while fire soon went out.

“Lets not anger the Titan boy.” Jupiter whispered, “He has the Cyclops Eye.” 

About this time, I tripped over the anchor of a ship. We had had reached the Star Fleet. I waved my hands wildly at the following Sea People and pointed upwards. The Mer and Seamen swam upwards in shoals. I nodded at my four companions and kicked my feet upwards. They followed more slowly. We burst out of the water to find ourselves surrounded by ships. But which one was the flagship?

“Well, where is the flagship, Goldie?” Hera sneered. The waters began to froth as the Sea People waited for the command to attack. I hesitated and glanced around. Suddenly, a face appeared at the rail of the nearest ship. He was perhaps a few years younger then me. Hardly more then a child. But his bronzed skin had a faint greenish glow, and his long hair was poison green.

For one terrible second the boy and I stared at each. Then Jupiter ejected out of the water and leaped up the side of the ship. The boy recoiled.

“Chiron!” he shouted, “Come quick, the Sea People are attacking!” Jupiter caught the boy by the throat and hurled him far over the ships and into the water. I grimaced. But suddenly Jupiter was flung back into the water. He came up puffing and choking.

“They have an armored intelligent centaur.” he wheezed. 

“Is there really such a thing?” Hera cried, “You must be mistaken.” Suddenly the rail of the ship was lined with centaurs. Each had a mighty iron bow.

“Dive!” I yelled and plunged under the water. We had to go deep to escape from the mighty arrows that perused us. But even so the skin was scraped off my shoulders where the arrows had whizzed past.

Once the arrows had passed, I turned and kicked my heels upwards. The others shouted at me to come back, but I was angry. I came up on the other side of the Centaurs' ship and climbed aboard. The massive creatures were nearly eight feet tall. Most of their horse bodies were pale brown, but some were black, and others were white. Very few of them were multi-colored. There leader was obviously the armored intelligent centaur that Jupiter had mentioned. He was even taller then the others. His horse body was black, and his man body was nearly as dark. He wore an iron breastplate and a pointed iron helmet. Red tattoos ran down the bulging arm muscles and disappeared under his iron arm guards. His thick black dreadlocks bristled out from under his helmet. He carried a massive scythe in one hand. A five foot sword was strapped to his flanks. 

“That thing kicked me off the ship.” Jupiter whispered as he leaped to my side. I gulped. The creature was terrifying. Then the Centaur turned and glared at us. 

“By Lapith and the great Ixion!” the creature bellowed, “What have you done with the prince?” he leaped at us.

“Oh great flaming bulls!” Jupiter howled and plunged back into the water. I leaped aboard and rolled aside, narrowly missing the storming hooves. 

“Zeus!” I heard Hera screaming from the water, “Get out of there!” I came up standing. The Centaur reared up on his hind legs. I took a step backwards and was seized by the other centaurs. I screamed. The flashing hooves were as big as my head. One tap and my brains would splatter. So much for my carefully thought out plans. 

Suddenly the ship rattled, and plunged upwards, then downwards. The centaurs were scattered and flung about. I rolled among the kicking heels and writhing bodies. I saw stars as something hard made contact with my head. I rubbed face to clear the swirling blackness and my hand came away bloody.

“Zeus, get off the ship!” several voices yelled as the ship split down the middle. The Sea People were ripping it in half. I could see clear down to the water. The centaurs were sliding down into the crack as the two sides were pushed up. I was going with them. 

Suddenly, a strong hand grabbed me. It was Chiron. His massive hooves were embedded deep into the deck, to stop himself from plunging after his companions. For one terrible second, I swung in empty space, then Chiron leaped into the water. We plunged under the swirling waves. In a panic, I realized my cloak was gone. With nothing to do, I clung to the Centaur. His powerful legs kicked wildly. We came up outside the ring of exploding ships, which now looked like kindling. Screaming and writhing bodies were everywhere. I felt sick. The Centaur seized me by the neck and raised me out of the water. I choked and beat feebly against his arms, but in vain.

“Where is Poseidon?” Chiron rumbled, “Where is my prince?”

“I- I do not know.” I croaked.

“You better know quick, or I will snap your neck like a twig!” he snarled.

“Jupiter threw him over that way.” I gasped weekly, then everything went black. But not before I heard an explosion of thunder.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Sproutling, 26, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

I awoke to find myself lying in the middle of a burnt ring on a piece of deck, a sort of makeshift raft. The green haired boy was sitting cross-legged beside me. Nereus, was in the water, leaning against the raft. Chiron, without any armor, was spread out across most of the raft. He looked fried. His dreadlocks were all but standing up on end. His face was even more blacker, with soot. He was glowering at me. Metis and Hera were seated on the other side of me. Argus, Hercules, and Jupiter were leaning against the raft like Nereus. I smiled weakly and sat up.

“Ah, awake at last.” Nereus said, “You brought us two valuable hostages. Chrion, the legendary sword master, and Poseidon, son of Cronus.” I sat up quickly. I felt completely fine, but I was on the same raft as a son of Cronus. That was not fine. The green haired boy grinned.

“I told father that the Sea People would destroy the fleet if it was left in your territory.” he said. I frowned. He should not have been pleased about his father's defeat.

“Careful.” Metis said gently, “You nearly drowned.”

“He will be alright.” Jupiter growled, “Stop being a mother bird. The boy will be perfectly fine after his major headache goes away.”

“I do not have a headache.” I said as I got to my feet.

“Sure you do.” Jupiter said cheerfully, “Stop trying to relieve your mother's sufferings.”

“I am serious!” I snapped, “I feel perfectly fine.” I glanced at Chiron. What had happened? I met my gaze evenly, but said nothing.

Suddenly, I noticed the others were gaping at me. I glanced around uncomfortably. What had I done now?

“How do you mean you are perfectly fine?” Hera said at last, “When you and the Centaur crashed into the water, you were under for at least fifteen minutes, without your cloak.”

“Humans can maybe last five minutes at tops.” Nereus said. Slowly, everyone turned and stared at Metis. She shivered and looked at the sky.

“So what the heck is he?” Hera cried.

“Not a Titan!” Argus rumbled.

“Not a human!” Hercules said.

“Not a Sea Man!” Nereus added.

“Certainly not a centaur!” Chiron said sourly.

“Is he a Mythical?” Hera asked with a frown.

“Certainly not!” Jupiter said in offended voice.

“What about a halfling?” Nereus suggested, “Metis any idea? Is he a cross between two species?” the Nyad did not reply. Obviously she knew and chose to be silent. I felt a panic rush through me. What was I? I felt like a monster.

“I will tell you.” Poseidon said cheerfully, “He is one of the Star People.” Metis groaned, everyone else dropped their jaws, including myself.

“I could have told you when he blasted both of us clean out of the water.” Chiron snarled. 

“A Star Lord judging by his power.” Poseidon continued.

“I am not!” I shouted.

“Metis?” Nereus growled ignoring me, “You knew? Where in the great glorious sea did you get a Star Lord from?”

“I stole him!” Metis shouted, “Right out of his cradle. And why not, it is not like the Star People cared. They murder their own kind. Have you not heard about the chains of Prometheus, or the slaughter of the First Born. They are inhuman!”

“You do realize you people are greatly mistaken in the Star People.” Poseidon said, “Now my mother has sea blood in her veins, but I am the only one who inherited it. With the exceptions of Hades, Ares, and maybe Amertis most of the Star Father's children are really nice. Myself included.” Nereus turned to him, his eyes flashing.

“You will remain a prisoner in my palace. A prisoner without rights until you can be ransomed. I will not kill Zeus because for Metis, although neither of them will be welcome back in the Sea. Once ashore, stay ashore. The Sea People withdraw from the alliance!” He took hold of Poseidon and dived into the debts. Chiron cursed wildly, Metis burst into tears and I sat down helplessly.

“Well this is a pretty kettle of fish.” Jupiter muttered, “At least he let us keep our cloaks so we won't drown when the rest of the world is flooded.”

“Well, the Titans do not need the Sea People to survive!” Hera snapped as she stood up, “I claim Chiron for my prisoner. We shall return to the mountains and fight our own way.”

“I am the captive of Zeus, not of the Titan.” Chiron snarled, “I answer only to him.” 

“Get me ashore!” I said briefly.

“Zeus no!” Metis cried, “It was wrong of me to deceive everyone, but I needed you alive, they would have killed you otherwise. Your mother helped me steal you!” I froze, then whirled.

“My mother?” I gaped.

“She is called Rhea.” Metis said miserably, “She has Nyad blood in her. I hoped you would inherit some of the Sea but you were all Star. Well, you were little it was easy to pass you for a human-” I stopped listening and plunged into the water. Chrion leaped in after me. I scrambled onto his back.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

To Be Continued

Prince Charming Diaries vol 3 DOTP, Part 4

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+JMJ+

Diary of a Thundering Prince

Part 4

Hatchling, 5, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

When you are being hunted by the most powerful forces on Sea World you spend most of your time crawling in and out of holes. Metis, Jupiter and I started for the Titan Fortress five days ago, then spent most of our time hiding. The star people were pursing us before we had gone half a mile. Metis is very unhappy because it would have been so much simpler to travel underwater. But I had no fish cloak and water is deadly to Minotaurs. The poor Nyad was very frustrated with us. Well, with me anyway. Jupiter could defeat anything in his path, except maybe another minotaur. Luckily none of those were pursuing us. But he could hardly defend Metis and me as well as himself.

One morning I woke up and stared about me in amazement. I had never been in a place where I could not see water. Even in the city there was stone troughs made so the water could run through it. But now I was surrounded by grass and trees. There was not any water.

“Oh the price I must pay for the future of my world.” Metis sobbed. Her skin was drying up and cracking. I hastily dumped my water skin on her head.

“We have to get you to the water.” I shouted.

“More.” she sighed. I snatched up her water skin, but it was already empty. I reached for the third one.

“Touch it and I will bite your head off!” Jupiter growled.

“But if she does not get wet, she will die.” I protested angrily. 

“So a few hours in the sun will not do any permanent damage.” Jupiter said unfeelingly.

“I thought you owed her a favor?” I yelled. 

“Not any more.” Jupiter rumbled, looking smug, “I have paid that debt by keeping you alive.”

“Give her the water!” I shouted, and grasped at the strap. The minotaur grasped the other end of the skin and we both pulled.

“Let go you oversized baby!” Jupiter snarled.

“Let go you bully!” I retorted. I expected him to yank it out of my hand with one tug. To my surprise when I gave it a yank I nearly pulled him over. He had to use both paws to gain back the ground I had gained. We were pretty evenly matched for strength. I am not sure who was more surprised, him or me.

How long this little tug-a-war would have gone on, I do not know, but suddenly a silver arrow hit the skin dead center. I gasped as the water leaked away. Then we both turned. Yellow armored people were rising out of the tall grass and creeping out of the trees. Over their armor they were wearing animal skins. Each warrior had a three foot long curved blade attached to their side and a massive bow in their hands. Quivers full of little iron arrows were strapped to their left legs.

“Rrrarg!” Jupiter bellowed and crouched. The fur on his arms and neck were bristling. 

“What he said. Raw.” I said lamely, and drew my short knife.

“Drop your weapons before I plug you full of darts!” a feminine voice shrilled, I dropped my knife, “Very good, now put your hands above your head!” Snarling, Jupiter put his paws over his head too.

“Once I work off my debt, human rat, I will turn you into crushed chalk cakes!” he roared. I grimaced. It was rather disconcerting to know that the Star Father and the Minotaur wanted my blood, not to mention everyone else was mad at me.

“So how dare you enter my domain!” the female warrior snapped as she approached us, followed by three other warriors. Two of them towered above her, the third was slightly smaller. All of them had their faces covered.

“If you want to kill me, get in line!” I said. The warriors stopped.

“Argus, did you hear that?” the female laughed.

“Yes, my princess.” the tallest warrior said. The warrior princess whipped an arrow out of her quiver, set it to her string and poked it in my face in the blink of an eye. I gulped.

“Tell your lady friend to get up real slowly.” the princess hissed.

“She-”

“Do as you are told pansy boy!” 

“But-”

“Shut up!” 

“Get that arrow out of his face, Titan!” Jupiter snarled, “If you would listen to him, you would find out that the lady is ill!” Apparently, he was the only one allowed to threaten me.

“I doubt it.” the princess said, she jerked her head at Metis, “Argus take a look at her.” the huge Titan lumbered over to my foster mother. I stiffened. If he touched her, I would jump on him and be so plugged full of arrows I would be dead before I even felt the contact.

“And what is a Nyad doing in the hill country?” Argus rumbled. The princess lowered her bow.

“A Nyad, up here?” she gasped, “What is this suicide?” she raised her bow again and pointed it at me, she was so close that the tip brushed against my forehead, “Or is it murder?” I leaned backwards. The princess leaned closer. I toppled over backwards and hit the ground.

“Princess Hera.” Metis gasped weekly, as Argus helped her stand up, the princess turned away from me, I sat up cautiously.

“Metis, the halfling?” she cried, “What brings you here?”

“We came to find your father.” my foster mother whispered. Hera stiffened.

“He is dead!” she said coldly, “He was murdered two nights ago.”

“I knew it!” Jupiter rumbled, he started to lower his paws then glared at the princess, “Can I put my arms down?”

“What do you mean, you knew it?” Hera demanded, ignoring the question.

“Cronus, curse him, must have a spy in the rebel vaults.” Jupiter growled, as he lowered his arms, “I would suspect Blondie here,” he glared at me, “Except he grew up under a rock and is nothing more or less then a-” I got to my feet, my face as red as fire, I cocked my fists and started after the Minotaur. Metis broke away from Argus and flung herself on me.

“Not, Zeus, stop!” she cried.

“Zeus?” Hera gasped, “Kill him!” I gaped, then the Titans surrounded. I found myself staring at a wall of arrows. 

“Why?” Metis screamed as she tried to rush at Hera, but she was to weak, so I had to hold her up.

“The Oracle told me yesterday that my father died because of Zeus.” Hera screamed, “I do not know who you are or why you are in the company of a Nyad and Minotaur, all I know is in some way you instigated the death of my King, for that you die!” She drew the arrow back on her bow.

“Stop!” Metis screamed, “If you kill Zeus it is what the murderer would want. The Oracle told you the truth. Cronus must have discovered where we were going and sent someone to murder your father.” Hera lowered her bow. She glared at me. I did not move.

“You have Titan blood in your veins, Metis.” she said coldly, but her eyes were on me, “You would not lie. The boy will live for now, but that does not mean that his life is safe. He owes me a great debt, I expect it to be repaid. But one misconduct and-” she pinched her lips together and ran one finger along her neck. I forced myself not to shiver.

Hera turned towards the other Titans and signaled them to lower their weapons. I thought they did so with great reluctance. I would have to take great care. These people seemed to want to spill all of my blood. I shuddered.

“We move North.” Hera screamed, “Make for the Fortress.” Suddenly we were being shoved off the road and into the thickest part of the trees.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Hatchling, 6, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

I awoke to find Jupiter and Metis bending over me with torches. I was in some kind of stone vault. The bed I was lying on was also made of stone. The only thing between me and rock was a thin blanket. It was painful. I sat up.

“Where are we?” I asked.

“In the Titan's fortress.” Metis said, “You fell asleep two hours before we arrived. Jupiter carried you.” I blushed wretchedly. I truly was every inch the baby the minotaur had accused me being. Well, at least I did not have to face Hera again.

“Get up and wash your face, Zeus.” Metis said after a pause, “Princess Hera has called us to council.” Well so much for my hopes. I got up rather bitterly. The only positive thing I saw was that my foster mother was no longer dehydrated. I sighed then yelped as Jupiter dumped a bucket of ice cold water on me. I looked at him reproachfully as Metis handed me a rough towel.

A few minutes later, in a dry animal skin tunic, I found myself in the council chamber. It was a rough stone cavern with a silver sparkling stone in the center. On the stone was a carved wooden chair. A young woman was seated on it, wearing an iron breastplate and a short yellow tunic. Her long dark hair was spilling about her shoulders. She wore no jewelry, but a naked sword rested on her crossed knees. Around the foot of the stone was a ring of stools. Men in yellow leather kilts, shoulder pads and crossed straps were seated on the stoles. There were a few women too, they were dressed like the woman on the high throne.

“So,” the woman on the throne said, “You found the lazy one.” I recognized her voice, it was Hera. I swore under my breath. Why did I ever leave the island. I used to be happy. But since I had left, I had done nothing but embarrass myself. I slouched. Stools were provided for us. I sat down somewhat sulkily.

“Metis has shared an interesting tale with us.” one of the men said, I recognized his voice as belonging to the Titan called Argus. 

“So if Delphi warned Cronus against Zeus that should make him our ally, right?” Hera cried, “But Delphi also warned me.”

“And why would I be a threat to anyone?” I asked angrily, “I never hurt anyone in my life.”

“Did you see the way those spears turned away, when they struck you?” Jupiter boomed, “And remember only you could see Delphi, nobody else has ever been able to see her.”

“Yes, but Hera saw her.” I pointed out.

“That is Princess Hera to you!” the girl snapped as she glared down at me, “And I never saw her, she spoke from nothing and introduced herself. That how Oracles usually work, idiot!”

“Anyway, Delphi wants me dead.” I muttered, deciding to change the subject. The Titans stared at me. Hera frowned.

“Why do you say that?” she asked, “How could you accuse her of such a thing?”

“I can prove two instances for certain and I am suspicious of a third.” I said sullenly.

“Tell us.” Metis said grimly.

“First she allowed me to see her and jump in front of spears.” I said, “Secondly, she told Hera that I was responsible for her father's death. I am willing to bet she also told Cronus I was going to see the Titan King, so the Star People assassinated him to stop me from speaking to him.”

“This is all ridiculous!” Hera cried, “You are merely an idiot that got caught in the pathway of the great Oracle.” I did not reply, but I was not convinced. I was still pretty sure that Delphi wanted my blood. Hera rolled my eyes. I flushed. I felt like a silly little boy caught stealling cakes. The princess turned her contemptuous eyes away from me.

“Not to change the subject,” Argus rumbled, “But are we not hear to discuss the sword known as the Thunderer?” I looked at him quickly. 

“So take the blamed sword and use it!” Jupiter snarled, “I have been counciling the rebels the same advice for centuries.” My jaw dropped. I had not realized my companion was so old.

“What, pansy boy?” Hera cried mockingly, “It is common knowledge that Minotaurs live for at least three centuries.” I shut my mouth and stared at the floor again. Was the princess delibertly trying to make me seem like a fool? Oh if only the floor would open up and swollow me.

“Jupiter!” Metis snapped, “You know that the Thunderer turns all those foolish enough to touch it into dust!”

“I know, but one day it will not!” the Minotaur growled. 

“Meantime you kill off your entire army.” Hera said, “By the time someone fails to turn to dust, we will be to weak to get the hero and sword close enough to the cursed Cronus.” I looked up.

“So why not wait?” I asked. Hera glared at me, I refused to meet her gaze.

“Wait for what?” one of the Titans muttered, “Until the Star People have taken and enslaved all of our women and children?”

“Until the Star Fathers have destroyed and sucked out world dry?” someone else asked.

“Hush up little boy and let the grownups deal with the situation.” Hera said mockingly. I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth. So I would keep my ideas to myself.

Metis stood up and started pacing back and forth. I dropped my gaze to my hands which were neatly folded on my lap. Suddenly Metis laid one hand on my shoulder.

“Wait for what?” she asked.

“Seriously, Metis?” Hera screeched, “You do not plan on asking his lousy advice? He should hardly be in one of our councils!” I stood up and bowed angrily.

“Well, if that is what you think, I shall be off.” I retorted. Metis shoved me down again.

“Answer my question.” she snapped, “You are talking to me, not Hera.” I heard the princess give an outraged unladylike snort.

“So the prophecy states only the First Born can weild the Thunderer, well, so we wait twenty years for one to come along.” I said grimly, “But not in idleness. Can't we weaken the Star People in other ways. Surely they are dependent on the Sea World for some of their needs. Can we not stop the taxsharers, the food wagons, the prison collectors? In twenty years they may be much weaker then they were today.”

“Good boy.” Metis cried, she shot Hera a smug look, “If Zeus is so dumb and you are so clever, why did you not come up with that little plan?” she jeered. I felt even worse. Now I was just a toy for the verbal sparring match of the two women.

“If the Sea People will watch the Waters, the Titans will watch the mountains.” Hera said coldly, “And both of us will watch the Land.” Loud cheers broke out among the Titans. I wondered how a common foe could be so dislikeable that known enemies would unite to get rid of him.

“And I personally shall watch Hades.” Metis said smugly, “I will know when he sires a child.”

“Speaking if clever people, why did you not think of that little plan years ago?” Hera snarled.

“Maybe I did!” Metis snapped. I stood up and walked out of the council chamber, ignoring the outraged yells of the insulted Titans.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Hatchling, 7, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

I was awakened out of sound sleep by Jupiter dragging me out of my stone bed. I let out a yell, which echoed strangely. 

“Shush idiot!” the Minotaur growled and waved a torch in my face. I shut up. “But this one!” Jupiter flung some itchy and heavy in my face. It was a dark blue woolen robe with a hood. As I pulled it over my shift, I wondered what was going on. I became aware of a strange tremor in the debts of world.

“What is going on?” I whispered.

“Cronus has attacked the mountain.” Jupiter muttered. My eyes bulged. Had I heard right?

The minotaur grasped my arm and dragged me into the corridor. It was deserted. Everything was strangely silent, except for the faintest echoes of a rythmac booming deep below my feet. Jupiter set off in a trot, his iron boots sound terribly loud on the stone floors. I had to run to keep up with him. We went through many twisting passages until we reached a ladder. My companion climbed up and pushed a trapdoor open. I followed more reluctantly. I was becoming suspicious. How had Cronus attacked the mountain? Where was everyone else? Jupiter disappeared through the hole. I scrambled after him. I found myself in the open air. It was still dark out and a million stars were twinkling overhead.  Suddenly there was a flash and a seering star shaped light appeared out of no where and struck the mountain. The ground trembled. I nearly toppled over. 

“There is a traitor amongst the cursed Titans!” Jupiter snarled softly, “There was no reason for Cronus to attack the Star People unless he knew our plans from yesterday.”

“Delphi probably told him.” I sighed.

“Watch your speech pansy boy!” Jupiter hissed, “The Oracles do not take sides. Nor do they betray people.” I smiled evenly, completely unconvinced. Instead, I got to my feet and leaped down the mountainside, caught a branch, of a tree going below and swung into the branches. Then I leaned far out over the rolling slope. It was growing brighter on the Southern end of the island. Suddenly, Jupiter yanked me off the branch. Not a minute to soon, the tree burst into flames.

In our efforts to get out of the way, we misstepped and tumbled down the slope. I went head over heals and rolled over rocks and through brambles. The robe could not cusion the pain much, but it would have been worse if I had only been wearing a tunic. I scraped my face on a rock as I slid ungracefully past. I tasted both blood and dirt. Every effort to halt my terrible decent only pulled more of the mountain down with me. Star Explosives struck the ground about me, showering me with burning sparks. My robe would certianly have gone up in flames if I had not been rolling to fast to keep the sparks from burning.

Suddenly I dropped off into nothing. With a yell I hurtled through empty space, until a struck heathery grass, and all the wind was knocked out of my body. I lay perfectly still trying to force myself to breathe. But it hurt so bad. Then something heavy crashed down only inches from where I lay. Then I heard Jupiter cursing.

“Are we alive?” I squeaked, as everything went black, and I knew no more.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Sproutling, 9, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

First I lost you, then I was sick, then you were returned a mess, but finally a month later, I am able to continue my narrative. The Sea World has been flooded. Now the Humans and Titans are at war with the Sea People. Some Minnow Farmers found me in Blood Valley and took me away to their village. Jupiter hates humans and hid. He has been watching from the forest. When the ground open and gushed out the floods and skies released oceans of water, I went with the farmers into the mountains. Not having the customary greenish tint of the Sea People, the farmers think me simply another human. They will not kill me yet. But if they knew the truth I would be dead in an hour.

The mountains were full of refugees. When the floods are low, the wretched people forage for food, but with no warning at all, the waters will rise and the people must flee or be drowned. Nereus and the Sea People have been blamed. The people are calling on Cronus to save them from Nereus. Sacrifices have been offered and Nyad was spitted over a fire. I thought I was going to be ill. If only I could find Metis. I fear she may have been spitted by another colony of refugees.

I do not stay with the farmers because I owe them my life, but because there is nowhere to go. So I must stay and do my share. My job is to help with the children. Mostly we keep them on the mountaintops, but sometimes the waters will pour down in floods and wash them away. So many children were already lost. I have to be ready at a moments notice to wisk five small children to another safer pinnicale. I was not alone though. A woman called Deianira was my companion. She was probably some five years older then me, but shorter by nearly a foot. Her skin was much darker then mine, and her hair was black. She wore a woolen veil over her head at all times.

The youngest child in our care was hardly more then two or three years of age. His name was Paris and he was everyone's favorite. Deianira was always holding him and cuddling him. According to her, Paris had the most adorable chubby cheeks, the most divine curls, and the sweetest smile. Not to mention his large brown eyes could melt the hardest of hearts. I think she was wrong. It did not melt Odysseus's heart. But more on that later.

Menelaus was about six years of age. He was the second youngest. He had a mischevious streak in him. He liked to make both Deianira and myself panic. He would vanish for the longest time, until we were both sure he had drowned. By the time we finally gave up the search and returned to our camp, he was snickering and waiting for us. He adored little Paris, who was the only person he would not play tricks on. He liked to brag about what he was going to do in the future. He wanted to be a king. He said he would make Paris is prince and Deianira his princess.

Achilles was about ten. He was tall and slender with long silky blond hair. He carried two knives everywhere and could whip them out of his belt while doing a sumersault. I personally thought he would be able to protect the others far better then I could. It was embarrassing, but the child was certianly raised on weapons and fighting skills, while I never even held a sword. When it came to fighting I would be even more useless then Paris. Achilles was the only member of the group not to like Paris.

“A boy with hair like that is destined for a rather crushing end.” he would say loftilly when asked why he pushed the smaller boy.

“And why would you say that?” Deianira asked gently. 

“Because my father always told me, that curls were for weaklings and girls.” Achilles sniffed. I wanted to laugh, but I did not. He could be right. My hair would curl when the air turned humid. Was I a weakling?

Persephone, was a few years older then Achilles. She had thick red curls and always had a smile on her face. Everyone loved her. She was always dancing. If the land was covered with water, she would dance in the water. I guessed she had Nymph blood in her, but kept my thoughts to myself. I did not want anyone knowing that I had connections to the non-humans. At least not yet. Persephone had a voice like music and she was the only one who could sing away the fears of the other children. All of the boys worshiped her.

Last of all came Odysseus. He was about Persephone's age, but seemed older. He had dark curly hair. He would run his fingers through every morning to hide the curls, but they always came back. But he was no weakling. He was braver then the others. When the robbers tried to attack us, he was the first to leap in defence of the others. He would be a fine warrior if he survived the floodings. But he had sworn upon his honor to destroy Nereus and save the world. How could I tell the over enthusiastic boy that the Sea King was the only father-figure in my life. Odysseus would probably kill me too.

Farewel for now,

Zeus

Sproutling, 15, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

I was brutely awakened when Menelaus leaped onto my stomach. I sat up with a loud gasp. I glared at the small boy.

“Zeus, wake up.” he cried, “Come see. Do you think we are under attack?” I pushed him off me and stood up, but he clung to my arm and tugged at my sleeve, “Can I fight?” he pleeded. I looked around and saw the others standing on the peek. I ran to join them. Deianira was holding Paris. Persephone was clinging to her, no longer dancing. Odysseus was armed with a stout stick. Menelaus was looking at me.

I looked about to see what they were staring at. Then my heart sank. It was the Titans. In their yellow armor, riding giraffes, they were pouring out of the mountains.

“What are they?” Odysseus demanded, “And what have they done to their horses?” I glanced at him sideways. He obviously had Titan blood in his veins. 

“Those are beasts of the other world.” Menelaus gasped, “I have seen mythcal beasts with my own eyes.”

“Those are giraffes.” I snorted, “Nothing mythical about them.”

“And how would a poor minnow farmer know that?” Deianira asked quietly. I did not reply. As far as all the other refugees knew, I was one of the farmers that rescued me.

Suddenly, the bushes exploded and Jupiter burst into the open. Persephone and Paris screamed. Achilles drew his knives and dropped to a crouch. Menelaus froze.

“Back, back!” Odysseus yelled and strode forward waving his stick threatingly. I grabbed him by the collor and yanked him backwards.

“What are you doing, here?” I demanded.

“Wait, you know this creature?” Deianira demanded.

“The Titans have gathered together for revenge.” Jupiter rumbled, “If the two powers of the world are at each other's throats, there will be no one to stop the full scale destruction by the Star Scum.” I grasped at my hair.

“What do I do?” I moaned. Of course the answer was simple. I would have to warn the Sea People. They had my loyalty, not the Titans. I shuddered, imaging doing battle with Hera. She would reduce me to a completely wretched state. She could defeat me with a flick of her fingers.

“If you want my opinion,” Delphi sniffed as she steppped out of thin air, “Follow your heart, but use your head. Unfortunately, I am of the opinion that you have no head.” I glared at her.

“Would you stop ruining my life?” I yelled.

“I ruined your life?” Jupiter gasped, looking offended, “That is harsh! I thought I saved your life.”

“What no!” I cried, “Her!” I gestured helplessly at Delphi. But I was already fairly certain that no one could see her. They probably could not hear her either.

“There is no one there.” Jupiter said slowly.

“Alright children.” Deianira said coolly, “Start backing away.” I groaned. Now they thought I was mad. Well, I was mad, but not in that way.

“To late!” Odysseus said proudly, “All we can do is sell our lives!” I whirled. The Titans had cut us off from behind. More were riding up in front of us. We were cought in the center. I glared at Delphi.

“Any helpful hints now?” I demanded.

“Kill them all!” Jupiter said.

“Killing is what will be your downfall.” the Oracle said and vanished. So much for her help. 

The ground rumbled under the hooves of the giraffes as they leaped up the mountainside. The younger children gathered closer to Deianira. I moved in front of them.

“Jupiter, watch their backs!” I barked.

“Excuse me?” the minotaur snarled, “I am supposed to be watching your back.”

“Well, now you are watching their backs!” I retorted.

“Do you have any idea what the wrath of the Titans is like?” he snapped, “They might spare the peasants if they grovel, but they will kill us. They know you at least belong to the sea-”

“Shut up!” I screamed. But it was to late. 

“The what?” Odysseus yelled, “You are a seaman? You traitor!” he leaped at me. A barely had time to fling myself out of the way before he hurtled past. Jupiter lunged forward and caught him, just in time. He would have slid right under the hooves of the Giraffes. I sat up bitterly, now we were caught in the circle of Titans. I cursed wildly. I was such a failure. If only I had never left the Sea.

The leader of the Titans leaped off his stead and took off his mask. I grimaced. It was Argus. I got to my feet slowly and advoided looking at any of my companions.

“Shall I bite his head off, Zeus?” Jupiter asked grimly. I was tempted to say yes.

“So Zeus, we found you at last.” Argus grunted, “You led us on a merry dance.” I raised one eyebrow.

“Did you plan on me dying in the mountain?” I asked, “How did you know I escaped?”

“Well Delphi-”

“Yes, yes, the Oracle told you!” I growled, “She was here a second ago.”

“Was not!” Achilles protested in a whisper. Argus glared at the little boy.

“You annoying little twerp!” he snarled, “Would you like me to ring your neck?”

“It won't work, I am invulnerable.” the boy said with a smug look. I turned and gaped at him.

“Do you know what invulnerable means?” Odysseus asked, “Because I highly doubt it.”

“No, my mother dipped me into some river and she said it made me invulnerable and I would never die!” Achilles responded. 

“By the great horn.” Argus said, “Now that there is a child worth keeping.” So lucky Achilles would be spared. But what about the others.

“You know,” a voice whispered in my ear, I sighed and turned to face Delphi, “If you kill Paris now, war will be everted in the future.”

“You want me to kill a baby?” I yelled. Once more everyone was staring at me. I groaned. I really hated the Oracle.

“Don't touch him!” Deianira cried as she clung to Paris, “Stay away from us!”

“Actually if you kill them all a lot of trouble will be stopped.” Delphi insisted. 

“Do you think we will actually survive this moment?” I snapped, “Except maybe Achilles.”

“Achilles will die by the hand of one the people in this very group.” Delphi prophecied, “Your brother will marry Persephone and her mother will punish the world, unless she dies now.”

“I do not have a brother.” I protested weakly, “Please go away, you are making me into an idiot!”

“Oh great Oracle.” a familiar female voice cried, I groaned, and turned to face Hera. She was climbing off her Giraffe. There was no answer from Delphi. 

“Well, answer the princess.” I said sullenly.

“Fool!” Hera sneered, “You cannot command the Oracle, she will either speak or not speak.” I glowered.

“Speak Titan.” Delphi said. Deianira and the children screamed, as the voice spoke. Well they could obviously hear her now.

“Advise us on the fate of Zeus.” Hera said coolly, “I demand his blood. But will except your advice.” Judging by the Oracle's advice in the past, she probably would happily commend my death.

“Beware the fate of the Sea World.” Delphi hissed, “Beware the future of your people. The Star People will fall and the palace will shatter. The Lords of Olympus will rise in battle. When a mother brings home her child. The sword of thunder will return to battle. Dust will scatter. Take the boy's life or seel your own fate princess.”

“Is my fate in danger?” Hera demanded.

“If Zeus dies so do you.” Delphi whispered, “But not the death of mortality, but the death of your heart, and you will become a treacherous tyrant like Cronus.” the Oracle vanished.

“Am I not already a tyrant and a beast?” Hera screamed.

“Better not kill Zeus then.” Jupiter rumbled, “You would become a rival of Cronus and the world would suffer.”

“Arg!” Hera screamed and hurled her bow down the mountainside.

“Titans,” I said coutiously, I still found it hard to believe that the Oracle had saved my life. Hera turned and glared at me, “Princess,” I continued nervously, “Cronus wants the Sea People and the Titans locked together in mortal combat. The best way to start his downfall is to band together. Let us call a truce and hold a parely.” 

“Not until Nereus calls back the floods!” Hera said sullenly.

“Nereus never sent the floods!” I shouted, “I have known him my whole life, “He hates sufferings and would never delibertly cause the sufferings of another.” I hesitated, then added, “But if someone told him about the floods he could call them back. Although I am not sure if he is actually more powerful then Cronus, when it comes to water.”

“So take us to your precious king.” Hera spat.

“I am supposed to be protecting them.” I said with a helpless gesture at the children. Hera turned towards the other Titans.

“Grab the human brats. To see Nereus we need Goldielocks. Unfortunately he will not leave without the brats.” she shouted.

“We do not need your protection, traitor!” Deianira snapped at me. I sighed. What a mess I had made of everything.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

To Be Continued

Prince Charming Diaries vol. 3 DOTP, Part 3

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+JMJ+

Diary of a Thundering Prince

Part 3

Floodway, 31, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

The Star Procession was a thing not to be missed no matter what side you were on in politics. There were elephants, camels, seals, walruses, wallabies, seacorns, unicorns, centaurs, fauns, sayters, and many more fabulous creatures. Not to mention glitter and star gold on the clothes. But I allowed the two Nyads to drag me into the city, not for the view, but in the hopes of seeing the Oracle book again. Descriptions of glimmer and glamor did not appeal to me much.

I saw Hercules leaning against a pillar on the porch of the Star Temple. Two guards were trying to get him to leave. But he simply ignored them. One jabbed at him with a spear. He immediately snapped the spear in half with one hand. I gaped. Then a high pitched screech resounded through the air. I stood on my tiptoes to get a better view. I was already taller then most of the people around me. But even I could only see so much.

A second bugle sounded. This time it was low pitched. Then an explosion of golden sprinkles rained down on us. The crowd oohed and awed. I did not. I had seen finer things under the ocean then a shower of sparkles. The ground began to vibrate. Drums and flutes blared. Then men in chain mail, peacock cloaks, feathered bonnets, riding unicorns swept into sight. They were carrying huge standards with golden stars on a black silk background.

I could not help staring at such splendor. Gold shell chariots pulled by walruses swept into sight. The tall men and women, who stood upright in the shells were dressed in gold mail. An elephant trimmed with flashing stars and gold tassels lumbered after the walruses. On it's enormous back was a house of gold, ivory and silver. Seated inside the little tower was a scowling boy about my age. But whereas I was golden haired, blue eyed and fair faced, this boy had straight iron black hair, pale face, and flashing black eyes. His eyebrows were drawn together together in a scowl. As he past, the civilians flung themselves face down on the street. A pompous white haired man in a red toga was marching before the elephant.

“All kneel before the Star Heir!” he was shouting. A little belatedly I dropped to my knees. The boy was scowling at me. He looked far from friendly. I decided that he would make a tyrannical Star Father when his turn came. I shuddered.

Once the elephant had passed, about forty to fifty foot soldiers marched by. They carried star banners, spears and raised swords. There pointed helmets flashed in the sunlight. I shivered. I had little doubt that they would be only to happy to turn on the civilians and slice them to pieces. Then came two buglers on horseback, in flowing cloaks. They were followed by the standard bearer. He rode a massive black winged horse and carried the twenty foot pole, from which flowed the coat-of-arms of the Star Father. I strained to see better. Everyone else was bumping and shoving too. But whereas I wanted a better look at the tyrant, everyone else was trying to backup. So with very little trouble, I found myself in the front line with the perfect view.

About thirty dancing Nymphs, Nyads and Dryads fluttered past. Each had a solid gold band about her neck. These were slave dancers. I felt an angry shiver run through me. These poor creatures were meant to be free and dance unhindered in the waters, forests and plains. The dancers were followed sayters and fauns playing twisted pipes. Then came two eight foot tall minotaur guards with scimitars. Their ivory horns were polished and sharpened to razor sharpness. Their fangs were painted red, giving them an evil appearance. They were iron breastplates, a kilt of leather thongs and belts of bird skulls. Behind them came five cream colored centaurs with golden hair. They each carried a spear. Then came a man in a long red trailing robe. He carried a flashing red staff in his left hand. On his head was a pointed feathered hat.

“On your knees before his Starful Majesty!” the man shouted. Once more everyone dropped to their knees. I winced as the stones bit into my knees.

A chariot of blazing rubies floated past, pulled by a two headed unicorn. In the back was the tallest man I had ever seen. Over seven feet tall. On his bald head rest a complicated wire twist of rubies. His clothes were flashing with red ruby stars. In fact he was so covered, that the only part of him not flashing was his face. It was twisted in a sneer. He looked evil. I shuddered.

Suddenly, an old woman wrapped in a brown cloak and leaning on a crooked staff limped between the crier and the ruby chariot. The guards following the chariot raised their spears.

“Star Father.” the woman cried, “Your doom is sealed, lest you change your-”

“Kill her!” the Star Father boomed, “Show the scum how our person deals with treacherous mongrels like her!” The old lady trembled. The crowd shuddered. Would no one one help the wretched creature?

Call me a fool, if you will. What I did was not bravery but completely stupid. I leaped to my feet and hurled myself between that miserable woman and the spears. Most of them flew harmlessly by, but some struck. Drawing blood where they scraped the flesh. But none of the wounds were fatal. Although being the first time to have lost blood by the hand of man, it was an agony. 

“Ouch!” I gasped. Then everyone was staring at me. I held my ground.

“What is this?” the Star Father growled, but even he looked shocked.

“Cronus!” the woman cried, “Take notice of the boy, Zeus will be the scourge of your people until the First Born takes up the Thunderer, I Delphi have spoken.”

“Kill them both!” Cronus screamed.

“Sir, she is old. Can you not understand a-”

“Silence!” Cronus interrupted. I clapped my mouth shut. Then the guards closed in on us. I cocked my fists, and put myself between them and Delphi.

Suddenly, there was a flash and the skies opened. Rain came down in torrents, although the sky was perfectly clear and the sun was shining. The crowd panicked. 

“The Sea People!” they screamed, “The Sea People have come to slay us!” Delphi grasped at my wrist. I turned and looked at her in surprise.

“Zeus,” she cried in a thundering voice, “Time has not come! But perhaps it is to late now! Cronus has seen you! Go to the Titans!” she turned and vanished. I gaped. 

Suddenly Metis leaped over the heads of the astonished crowd and landed lightly beside me. Her face was blazing.

“Zeus!” she yelled, “Did I not tell you to stay out of trouble, now everything is going to flood!” Two guards grasped me by the shoulders. Metis did a spinning jump and leaped into the air kicking both of them at once. I gaped. She grasped my arm and hauled me off into the crowd, the soldiers only a split second behind. So much for the Star Procession. I suppose I messed up the assassination attempt.

Farewell for now,

Zeus

Hatchling, 1, Year of the Blue Moon

Greetings Book,

I am an idiot. Actually, I wish I had not said that. Everyone has been calling me that since yesterday. I am still wet and miserable. I have had nothing to eat either, I was starving. Metis brought me into the sewers of the city. Hercules and Rhea were there, not to mention many more people of all race and species. All of them were mad at me. I had to sleep wet without a blanket on the stone floor. It was very wretched.

“Metis, I told you we should have left him with Nereus.” Rhea cried for the hundredth time. I sighed. 

“Well, I still fail to see what a knucklehead like him could do for the cause.” Hercules grumbled. There was a murmur of agreement. Metis said nothing, but simply stared off into space. I hung my head in embarrassment. Should I have let them kill the old woman?

Suddenly, Rhea came and knelt by my side. I was still to embarrassed to meet her gaze, so I stared at the floor miserably. 

“Zeus?” Rhea asked gently, as she pushed my still wet hair out of my face, “What were you doing?” I looked up at her in surprise.

“Stopping murder.” I said. I heard Metis give a sharp intake of breath. No one else made a sound. I suddenly realized that my hair was dry. Of course, Rhea had been keeping me wet on purpose as a punishment. I felt rather annoyed.

“Stopping a murder?” Rhea protested, “Please do not tell me that you were stopping our well thought out assassination attempt. Because if that is so I will kill you myself.” I had forgotten about their stupid plot. Cronus deserved to die. 

“No, the old woman.” I muttered, “She stepped right in front of his chariot. Didn't you see her?” I was suddenly aware that everyone was staring at me as if I had just sprouted wings.

“Someone stepped in front of the ruby chariot?” Hercules said at last, “Not likely.”

“She was old, wearing a brown cloak and had a staff.” I cried angrily, “Are you saying I am lying?”

“What we saw was Cronus start yelling then you jumped in front of him and nearly got spitted on spears.” Rhea said with a frown, “There was no old lady.”

“There was!” I snapped my temper rising, “She knew my name.”

“Nonsense.” Metis cried as she turned around, “No one in this city knows who you are.” I thought she looked suddenly frightened. 

“Mother Metis,” I said grimly, “That old lady told Cronus that I would be the scourge of his people until the First Born took up the Thunderer. Then she said her names was Delphi.” Suddenly I noticed everyone was staring at me open mouthed.

“You have seen Delphi?” someone whispered. I looked around. There seemed to be awe on everyone's face except Metis. She looked unhappy.

“Who is Delphi?” I asked at last.

“The Oracle.” Hercules said as he strode to my side, “Remember the book you released her from. But while some people can claim to have heard her, no one has ever seen her.”

“But she was standing right in front of Cronus, how could you not see her?” I asked at last.

“Delphi has never shown herself to anyone that we know of since before the Star People came into power.” Rhea whispered.

Metis began to pace in circles, muttering to herself and clenching her fists. She looked very upset. I was seized with the wild desire to apologize for my foolishness. To anyone watching I suppose I looked like an insane lunatic. My friends probably thought I had gone stark raving mad. I bowed my head.

“I was hoping he would not notice you!” Metis burst out, “But after you and Delphi so generously forced you upon his notice, Cronus is going to stop at nothing until you are dead!” I winced. It was one thing listening to rebel talk about a tyrant, it was quite another thing to be the rabbit hunted by same said tyrant. I sighed.

“My lady!” a voice boomed, I glanced up to see a minotaur lumbering through the rebels towards Metis, “I owe you a favor, permit me to be the clod's guardian until I am no longer needed.” 

“Until I am dead.” I muttered under my breath. The Minotaur was the biggest one I had ever seen. He was dressed in a white tunic, with a huge iron belt around his thick waist, iron shoulder plates, breastplates, and rib plates. His iron boots came up to his knees. On his head was two wing horns sharpened to deadly points, also armored closer to the skull. An iron horned skull cap rested between the horns and came down to his nose. He had a pointed dark brown beard but fangs.

“Jupiter.” Metis cried and put her small hands in his big paws, “Your debt is not large enough to cover such a thing.” I rolled my eyes. Apparently my life was not important. 

“No, even if I succeed in keeping the boy alive, my debt will hardly be repaid.” Jupiter rumbled. 

“I thank thee.” Metis said, “If anyone can save Zeus it will be you.” I sighed. Apparently I was to be saddled with a gigantic armored nanny.

Suddenly I realized that Jupiter was looking at me. I stood up hesitantly. Jupiter let out a long suffering sigh and looked back at Metis.

“Can it do anything useful?” he boomed. I heard Hercules snickering. I glowered at the floor.

“You know what, I am not sure.” Metis said. I glared at her. Traitor. “But if Delphi claims he will be a scourge to the Star People he must be useful. I am taking him to the Titans.” I shuddered. 

Farewell for now,

Zeus

To Be Continued