Chapter 59: Hyppocrite

Mars or Minerva

Beginning of the Year 1020, Metropol of Valorys, port city of Bristal. Alfar Zell Cailum was on a special trip and with him his personal guard composed of the elite of the CSS. Indeed Zell is in reality the pupil of the god of war as such he sometimes makes annual reports. But for this year in particular Ares has to be there in person. At least thanks to an Avatar. So they found themselves on a terrace enjoying the local coffee.

-The coffee here is still as famous even 50 years later. Said Mars.

-50 years ago this area belonged to Inglesia. Zell said.

-Sure. But not the coffee. He said ironically.

Zell looked at him morosely. The God of War was dressed in a beige 3-piece suit with stripes. His hair and eyes were a deep brown. Zell had a similar outfit in cobalt blue but with a purple scarf around his neck.

-Come on kid, laugh. You're doing a great job, you know. I should give you a medal.

-If you say so.

-You still mad at me for your fiancée? I can put in a word with Persephone so she can take care of her soul.

-Arianne isn't dead. He growled as subtly as possible.

-And I am a pacifist.

-And why Persephone? Why not Hades?

-Uncle Hades is unfortunately no longer the ruler of the underworld. Besides, in the state he is in, he can no longer rule anything at all.

Zell looked at him even more suspiciously.

-Anyway enough of banality. Explain to me your choice. Why did you become a diplomat? I thought you loved the army.

-Ha... But I love the army. That's why I spent my entire life molding it into the type of army I find ideal.

-You created Beowulf.

-Exactly, but not only that. My goal was to go further than this simple Batalion. Alas, things do not always go as planned. Maybe because you did not tell me that a mad, furious goddess was also trying to get my skin.

He raised his voice slightly on this last sentence but Ares said nothing and just crossed his fingers.

-I accept your anger, kid, it's legitimate.

-Elysion is not ready to go to war. We still haven't reached the necessary technological level.

-Maybe it's because you try to control everything that things go wrong, don't you think? Hence your current profession as a diplomat.

-"War is a failure of diplomacy." So understanding diplomacy is as important as understanding war itself. Therefore whoever controls diplomacy....

-Can make sure to know where and when a war will break out. Haha I knew I didn't choose you for nothing.

-Cesar had understood the concept well, said Zell. He knew how to maneuver between the two, that's why he was a great man.

-Ah.... Gaius Cesar de Julie. I liked that one. He had understood everything. I granted him quite a few blessings and I often got him out of trouble, like that time in Egypt where he was stuck for a year. Deimos adored him too.

-Deimos? Your...

-But unfortunately for him he misunderstood the signs. In your opinion young man why did Cesar die? He asked while adding sugar to his coffee.

-Because he failed to distinguish his true friends from his enemies? Because he kept his enemies too close to him?

-Ah yes. No, I'm not talking about that. The madman was planning to build a temple to the glory of Minerva to thank her for a few meager harvests.

The God of War smiled and stared at Zell with an amused look as time around them slowed down.

-I don't say an altar, but a temple? Oh no, never.

-And where is the harm?

-I BUILD ROME.

he shouted as his eyes lit up under his glasses and his aura engulf the place.

-Where do you think Romulus and Remus got their strength from? From a common wolf? No, it was Leto I sent to take care of them. They were supposed to become as strong as Apollo and as brilliant as Athena but that moron Romulus was definitely lacking in a basic human quality. Fucking moron.

-Ok.... I didn't mean to offend you.

Time returned to normal and Ares became normal again by pushing his glasses.

-In short, Athena had Caesar killed so she could advance Octavius. A reckless move because he was not yet a match for Antoine at the time. At least not in terms of pure war.

-But he had mastered politics.

-Exactly. That little bastard knew how to surround himself with the right people and before I knew it Antoine had been defeated in Actium. Ha sometimes I miss Uncle Poseidon, trust me.

-He also ended up like Hades?

-It doesn't matter. What matters is the lesson that must be learned from this story.

-You have to know how to master both war and politics? Zell said, trying to remain calm.

-And that is exactly why I congratulate your approach, my boy. That said, it is time for you to return to action. I gain even more power when you are personally involve in the conflict

-That suits you fine. But I consider that it is not yet time to...

-You would be wrong to underestimate WAR, kid. Said the God with a deep voice. It is not something you can control.

Zell saw the aura of the God of War ignite and spread around them, but he seemed to be the only one who could see this prodigy.

-I never had that pretension. He replied.

He dissipated his aura and gave Zell's cheek a few slaps for fun.

-That's good. Well that's not all. He said, looking at his pocket watch. I have a civil war to go and Arbitrate. Ascheritz is not going to divide itself. You make sure Inglesia doesn't get involved. Oh and make sure Tarkovia doesn't reunite. I love it when that part of the world gets on each other's nerves, it reminds me of the good old smell of the Balkans.

-You are the master. He said calmly. May I ask a question?

-All credit to you, kid.

-Why me? Why not a general? Or an admiral? Or anyone else why me in particular?

Ares stared at him in surprise, then gave a mean smile.

-Well.....

Indeed ARES was the master, despite the great freedom he had given Zell, he had no choice but to execute when needed. But if Mars was his master, that did not prevent the fact that Zell also frequented his worst enemy, the goddess Athena. Just a few days after his meeting with the god of war, Zell found himself in the city of Gloucester in Metropolitan Inglesia . He walked the streets with a woman on his arm, the goddess of wisdom.

-You look tired, young man.

-The work of a diplomat is not easy.

-Indeed, shaping the world according to the ideal of the gods requires a lot of means.

The goddess in the guise of an adult woman, wore a long white dress and had equipped herself with a small umbrella, and a pair of lace gloves. Her magnificent hair had taken on a silvery coloring that she tied in several braids.

-What's wrong? She asked. If you don't smile while being on the arm of such a beautiful woman, people will think I'm of bad company.

-Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. He said with a slight smile. But you probably know the reason for my mood.

-Indeed. But I forbid you to show yourself in this light in my presence.

Zell tried to smile as best he could but it was very difficult for him who seemed to have lost the will to live.

-By the way, who is this young lady? I thought you couldn't incarnate in this world yet.

-Indeed, but for you, sweetheart, I am ready to brave the impossible. It serves as my temporary vehicle, it is the best I could find.

-And what happens to the person inside?

-Does this have any kind of importance? Tell me more about your meeting with Ares.

Zell stared into her eyes as she seemed quite smiley in his company, he clenched his fist in spite of himself and finally said:

-Her condition is not improving. Zell said. She has been fighting in this hospital bed for 2 years and despite my efforts to accelerate the development of medical science with the knowledge from the great library of Alexandria, despite the fact that I do everything to save her....

He clenched his fist in anger before showing a sad expression.

-You promised she'd be okay. You promised to help me if I left the army you promised she'd recover and get better. So why, why is she... Why is she still like this?

Athena, who had her cheerful expression until then, now looked at him with a serious look. The goddess slapped him so hard that the members of her guards who were nearby wondered if they should intervene. That said, Zell himself stared at Athena with a shocked look.

-Stop being so pathetic, it's disgusting.

-Pa... Thetic? Me.

-You think the world will stop revolving around you because you're suffering? What a pathetic display of ego.

-But you have....

-LISTEN TO ME MORTAL she screamed making the ground tremble. The gods are not at your disposal to carry out your every whim. I don't have to justify myself to you or anyone. Your little fiancée isn't waking up? But what do I care?

-You dirty bitch...

He tried to grab him by the neck but instead she lifted him up with one hand which put his guards on alert but his aura was so intimidating and they couldn't even draw their guns.

-Be careful human, I am stronger than the god you worship. She announced in a cold tone.

Then she released him, dispelling her aura. Zell caught his breath and stared at the goddess who looked at him with contempt.

-Another human who misunderstood the terms of the agreements he makes. You humans only hear what suits you and you hope that we will comply with your narrow vision of the world. Instead of blaming others for your mistakes, ask yourself what you did to make her better.

-I improved medicine so that...

-To hell with human medicine. She shouted at him. This world is full of artifacts and precious objects with powers you don't even dream exist.

Strangely enough, Zell stared at her with an increasingly curious gaze. As if he had just heard magic words that he had been waiting for ages.

-Magic. The magic of the gods.

Zell laughed for the first time in a long time, his security detail no longer knowing what turn this increasingly strange discussion had taken.

-Indeed. Our agreement was not that you would heal her. But that you would save her from death. He said smiling. Ha, I should have learned to read between the lines of contracts in my old life.

-Finally he uses a little common sense. You see that....

-But even that you can't do. He yelled.

Zell took three steps back and drew a single-shot anti-elephant pistol. The members of his guard without thinking automatically aimed their weapons at the goddess.

-Ha.... Haha.... Pointing your weapon at the goddess of war herself? At one time I would have chastised you greatly for that. But think, if you kill me Arianne will die too.

-You have no power over Arianne. Zell said confidently. Last I heard, it was Hypnos and him alone who kept her alive. You only took advantage of my weakened state.

-And who introduced you to Hypnos, you smart guy?

-Completely negligible point if you ask me. After all I have to visit him at least once a year if I want to prevent him from loosening his hold on her.

-Hm, are you willing to bet your fiancée's life on this?

-I'm willing to bet my entire future on it.

Zell cocked the barrel of his gun and looked at Athena with a smile.

-It is time to honor your promise goddess of wisdom. I know you have great knowledge, so you will tell me what artifact would be able to awaken Arianne in the state she is in.

-Ha you threaten me now it's ridiculous. You have no way to bargain with me I don't fear your weapons.

Zell looked at her as she put on her confident look.

-Indeed you are right.

He lowered his gun which he put away in his coat but instead took out a prototype version of what could be a telephone.

-Indeed I cannot confront you directly, but according to the latest news I am holding your champion's family at my house.

-At your mother's request, although I may have something to do with it.

-I know it was you who spoke to her directly, I'm not stupid.

Zell suddenly stared at her with a deathly gaze, the atmosphere suddenly became oppressive, especially for the guards who accompanied her.

-That said I wonder what will happen when he resurfaces and learns that his father was executed because of you. Or that his mother was raped and then decapitated before being abandoned in a hole. That his little cousin was lynched by an angry mob for a crime he didn't commit. You know what? Shot by mistake by the police, even if that a concept doesn't exist in this world yet. what do you think?

Even Athena couldn't help but shudder as he spouted such horrors. She stared into Zell's eyes, he had removed his glasses and there were only completely black eyeballs surrounded by veins.

-You're bluffing. She said calmly. I know you, you're not capable of such cruelty.

He lookd at her with an almost blank stare and the aura around him grew heavier and heavier.

-I started civil wars in your name just because I thought it would save his life. Goddess Minerva you have no idea how cruel I can be. 

Athena could see it in his eyes, he was serious as hell. Plus she couldn't risk alienating Ares champion, especially not now. The goddess sighed and opened her umbrella.

-The awakening flute. The Lullaby, the original flute. Anyone who hears the sound of this flute experiences a huge boost in vitality. It's the equivalent of 100 restorative sleeps if you know what I mean.

In front of everyone's stunned eyes Zell suddenly dropped his weapon before hugging Athena. He hugged her so tightly that it looked like he was hugging his own sister. Once again his men didn't understand anything.

-Thank you....Thank you for everything.

-What... What's wrong with you?

-Thank you, thank you.

-I, I didn't do that for you.

-I don't care. He said on the verge of tears. You have no idea how lost I felt until 30 seconds ago.

He relaxes and covers his shoulder.

-And you're right. I'm not that cruel. He laughed. So don't let me become one. He said, looking at her seriously.

Zell stepped away from Athena and picked up his weapon.

-You don't want details on its supposed location?

-If you knew where she was exactly you would have told me already. On the other hand it is another type of information that I would need.

The goddess saw his determined look and couldn't help but feel a certain pride.

-It's been a long time... Since Ares had such an interesting foal.

To his question "why me?" Ares replied: I didn't need a general, I didn't need a politician, nor a soldier nor an admiral. I needed a man of ambition. A man whose all-consuming passion leaves only death and chaos in his wake. And you Zell, you fit those criteria perfectly.

End of chapter....

Lunden, capital of the English Empire, inside an antique shop, a golden-haired man was quietly examining an antique with a monocle when a young adult in a three-piece suit entered the room.

-Oh.... It's you. It's strange that it's not the date planned for the annual visit.

-I'm here on a friendly visit. You know I'm crazy about antiques.

-Oh really? Is there something that would make you happy?

-Oh yeah. I'm looking for something a little thin, with tribal markings on it and a skull ornament.

The antique dealer stopped working for a moment without taking his eyes off the object in front of him.

-I don't think I have such an item in stock.

-But yes, but yes. A little flute. What did she say it was called again? Oh yes, the Lullaby

The man turned to the young adult and stared at him a little worriedly.

-Do you always come to visit your friends with 4 swat teams around their house?

-That depends on whether these friends are sincere. He said, drawing his .45 caliber mono-neck and pointing it in her direction. Or just a perfect hypocrite. Right? God of sleep Hypnos. Or rather, God of awakening Hypnos.

To be continued