Kratos and Polykratos

" You know, Pelops, I have been thinking " said Polykratos, as he sat by the foot of the statue of Artemis within the Temple of Artemis.

Pelops Kyôn Khryseos, who looks like a Pshdar dog, rested by Polykratos' feet.

" What would it be like to live among the stars? " said Polykratos, as he beheld the glittering sea.

" In fairness. I suppose that we do live among the stars… but, what would it be like to be a star? To be among the infinite and eternal "

" Even stars die, " said Mars Pyroeis.

" Teacher! " exclaimed Polykratos.

The boy ran into Mars' embrace.

" You said that you would not be long "

" I am sorry, " said Mars with a smile, as he patted both his boys.

" Did you wait long? " said Mars, as the three of them were walking away from the temple.

" No. And besides. The stars kept me occupied "

The two of them now looked upwards.

" They sure are glowing today " said Mars with a smile.

" Yeah, " said Polykratos with child-like-awe.

Pelops now started to growl.

Mars and Polykratos both looked on, as something colossal slithered through the stars.

Mars sighed.

" The Dragon Constellation... " said Polykratos.

" Draco has been causing some trouble "

" You are hunting him down, right? "

" That I am… not so easy when your prey lives among the stars " said Mars with a smile.

" But teacher! If anyone could do it, it is you! "

" Thank you, my boy "

Draco could no longer be seen within the night sky.

" We should head home. I doubt that there would be any trouble tonight "

Polykratos, Pelops, and Mars, all now arrived atop Mount Olympus.

Polykratos, reluctantly, was sent off to bed. While Mars went to speak with his father.

" My son, " said Jupiter Dolichenus.

" Father "

" What news do you bring? "

" It is not only Draco. But the other constellations are also attacking "

" Even Orion? "

" No. Orion is on our side "

" That is good to hear "

The wind now blew past the two of them.

Jupiter sighed.

" A storm is coming… and it is not of my making "

" I will take care of it, father, " said Mars, resolute.

Jupiter giggled heartly.

" I know, my son, I know " said Jupiter with a smile, as he placed a hand on Mars' shoulder.

Things were quiet for a moment. Jupiter then said:

" How is Polykratos' training coming along? "

" He is a fast learner. Soon, I won't have anything to teach him "

Jupiter smiled. He then noticed the stars glow in a strange way.

" They are coming "

Pelops woke Polykratos up by licking him.

" Down boy, down boy! "

After Polykratos managed to get Pelops off himself, he said:

" Well… I certainly don't need a bath… "

Pelops licked him again.

" Where are we off to, teacher? "

" There have been sightings of a constellation " said Mars, as they were walking towards a town.

" Which one? "

" That is what we are going to find out, " said Mars with a smile.

" Hmm "

Polykratos now noticed something strange.

Pelops noticed his master walk off.

Polykratos walked past some bushes. He then noticed someone laying on their stomach.

" Excuse me " said Polykratos with kindness; " do you need- "

Polykratos stopped short, as he noticed that the body was missing its upper half.

The poor boy felt sick to his stomach.

Mars placed a hand on Polykratos' shoulder.

" Come " said Mars.

Polykratos got back on his feet.

" Malaka… " said Mars.

Pelops noticed the disheartened look on his master's face.

" Was that the first time you saw a corpse? "

Polykratos nodded.

" It won't be the last time, " said Mars, as someone screamed.

Mars ran to the rescue, but Polykratos hesitated.

Pelops stood by his master's side.

" Stop shaking… " said Polykratos, as his knees were clapping.

He then felt a hand on his shoulder.

He looked up, to see the warm face of Mars.

" It is alright " said Mars with a kind smile; " I am here. Let us do this together "

Polykratos could feel a strange and warm energy fill his heart. He nodded with a smile.

People were panicking, as Lynx - the constellation, was running amok. Killing anyone in its sight.

A woman fell to her knees. Lynx jumped in for the kill, but that was when Mars spartan kicked Lynx, sending the constellation flying.

" Get to safety " said Polykratos, as he helped the woman to her feet.

Lynx growled at Mars.

" Pspsps " said Mars with a grin, as he drew forth his weapon.

Lynx roared, as it then charged straight at Mars.

Mars and Lynx wrestled for a bit, till Lynx was able to pin Mars to the ground.

Mars had his weapon between Lynx's fangs, as a means of keeping the constellation from biting him.

Mars struggled to get Lynx off. That was until Polykratos slammed his weapon onto Lynx's head.

" Leave him alone! "

Lynx had now set his sights on Polykratos.

" Oh no… "

Lynx leaped towards the boy, but that was when Pelops charged into Lynx's side.

" Good boy! "

Lynx howled, as Pelops barked.

The constellation was about to attack the good boy, but that was when Mars brought down his axe. Decapitating Lynx on the spot.

The constellation vanished in the wind.

Unfortunately, there is no rest for the wicked.

Aries, a humanoid colossus, was reeking havoc on a port city.

Mars sighed.

" Polykratos… "

" I can do this "

Mars looked, and saw the fire within the boy's eyes.

" Let's go "

Pelops barked in joy.

All three were now flying towards the trouble on Mars' chariot.

They all saw him.

" He is colossal… " said Polykratos.

The people were running for their lives.

Mars jumped from the chariot. He then ran his sword into Aries' eye.

Aries grabbed hold of Mars. He then threw Mars into several buildings.

" Teacher… "

The dust settled. And there stood Mars with a grin on his face.

" Let us do this, bitch-boy "

Mars now transformed into a dragon.

Remember the Pyroeis bit of Mars' name. Well… Pyroeis is actually the name of Mars' Dragon. And in this story: the two of them have become one.

It was now an all-out brawl - between the constellation colossus and dragon Mars.

It was at this moment that Polykratos drove the chariot into Aries' remaining eye.

Polykratos held onto Pelops, as the two of them were falling toward the ground.

" You two… " said Mars with a smile, as he caught his two boys.

Mars burned Aries' head off. And the constellation now vanished in the wind.

Polykratos was resting up against Pelops. He was admiring the night sky, while the dog slept peacefully.

" Can't sleep? " said Jupiter.

" Why should I? "

" Why? "

" Look at it "

Jupiter looked up.

" Yeah… who could sleep when the stars are out "

The two of them sat together.

" I have to leave soon… "

" Don't say it like it is a bad thing "

" I think it's sad… "

" I think it's exciting "

Jupiter now put his arm around the child.

" Look, " said Jupiter.

Polykratos looked up.

" Wherever, whenever you feel alone. Simply look up at the stars, and know that we are looking up at the same sky as you. You won't be alone. Ever "

Polykratos fell asleep in Jupiter's embrace.

It was now time. As Jupiter, Mars, and Polykratos stood ready atop Mount Olympus. Something strange happened. The stars appeared, while the sun was still shining.

" He is coming "

As Mars had said that. A humongous figure swam within the sea of glitter.

" Draco "

The Dragon Constellation could now be seen.

Draco let out a bellowing roar.

" His roar is shaking the stars! " exclaimed Polykratos, as he was covering his ears.

Jupiter prepared his lightning bolt. Mars readied his weapons. And Pelops now started to bark at Draco.

Jupiter flew into battle, while Mars rode into battle in his chariot.

Polykratos admired the clash of titans.

" I haven't had a battle like this since Typhon, " said Jupiter with a smile.

Mars now transformed into a dragon. And Jupiter could be seen riding Dragon Mars into battle.

" Awesome " said Polykratos in awe.

No matter how many lightning bolts Jupiter threw. No matter how many times Mars breathed fire.

Draco showed no sign of slowing down.

" Oh no… " said Polykratos, as Draco was heading towards the mountain.

Mars slammed into Draco. Saving the mountain.

" It is time, " said Jupiter.

Mars roared at the sky.

Orion stepped out from his constellation.

He transformed his hounds into two arrows.

" Hunt him down - my hounds! "

Orion now shot Canis, minor and major, at Draco. And it was a direct hit.

Jupiter now poured a sea of lightning into the wound which Orion had made.

The scenery was a mix of stars and electricity. It was both beautiful and terrifying.

The Dragon Constellation disappeared, and the battle was won.

" Do I have to go? " said Polykratos.

" All young Spartans must make their own way in the world "

" But I'm Assyrian "

" Same thing. And besides. You won't be alone. Pelops is going with you "

Pelops barked in joy.

Polykratos still looked sad.

Mars knelt down. He gave Polykratos a hug. He then said:

" I am proud of you "

Polykratos could no longer hold his tears back.

Polykratos and Pelops both waved farewell to Mars, as they now left the Greek world.

Some days went by. And Jupiter was hearing strange rumors about some killer.

Jupiter had summoned Mars to discuss the problem. But… Mars never showed up. Someone else did.

" Who are you? " said Jupiter, as the stranger was walking towards his throne.

The stranger was dragging two chain balls, the chains attached to each of his arms, behind himself.

" Kratos " said Jupiter with a smile; " My son- "

" I am not your son "

Jupiter looked confused.

Kratos now pulled up his armor and shirt; revealing a blue tattoo on the right side of his upper body.

Jupiter noticed Kratos' weapon. Which looked eerily similar to Mars' weapon.

" Where did you get those? "

" I found them "

Jupiter narrowed his eyes.

" Would you like to know what I call them? "

" What? "

" The Eyes of Mars "

Jupiter did his best to keep his composure.

" Tell me " said Jupiter; " how did your weapons come by that name? "

Kratos was quiet.

" I don't know why. But I feel like you're smiling from under that mask of yours "

Kratos giggled.

Lightning crackled within Jupiter's eyes.

" Where is my son? "

" Dead "

Several lightning strikes struck Mount Olympus, but Kratos was unaffected.

A brawl now broke out between the two titans, which shook the mountain to its core.

The floor was bloody. Both fighters were bleeding and grinning.

Kratos was able to get the chains of his weapon around Jupiter's neck. Using Ashur's Fury, Kratos beheaded the once King of Olympus.

Afterwards.

Kratos followed the footprints of Polykratos.

Polykratos was running like hell, for Taurus was right behind him.

Polykratos looked back, and there was Taurus, slamming down everything in its path.

" Oh hell... " said Polykratos, as his brow was covered in sweat.

The boy fell. Polykratos covered his head, as Taurus charged. Zababa charged into Taurus. He then grabbed the constellation by the horns, and slammed Taurus to the ground.

Pelops helped his master to his feet.

" Go! " said herculean Zababa; " get to safety! "

The boy and the dog ran, as Zababa grinned with excitement, as Taurus was getting ready to charge.

The bull charged, but Zababa stood his ground.

Zababa grabbed Taurus by the horns. And this time, as Zababa slammed Taurus to the ground. He then snapped the bull's neck.

Polykratos, hiding behind some bushes, saw Taurus vanish into the wind.

" You did it! " exclaimed Polykratos, joyfully.

Zababa laughed heartily.

" I could not have done it without you "

" I did not do much… " said Polykratos, shyly.

Zababa knelt. He then placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.

" You did well. I am proud of you "

Polykratos blushed, as Pelops wagged his tail.

The two(three) of them all traveled back to the top of E-Kur, where the twin-goddess were waiting for them.

" Welcome back, " said Shuqamuna.

" We were getting worried, " said Shumaliya.

Zababa scuffed.

" A mere bull is no match for a Mesopotamian god " said the proud war god.

Shuqamuna noticed the bruise on Polykratos' knee.

Shuqamuna motioned for Polykratos to come closer.

The boy now stood before the goddess.

Shuqamuna placed her hand on the wound. A light appeared, and the wound was now gone.

" There. Better now? "

" Better " said Polykratos with a grateful smile.

The rest of the day went by with Zababa training Polykratos.

Polykratos charged at Zababa.

Zababa easily moved behind the boy. He then kicked Polykratos behind the knee, which forced the boy to his knees. Zababa then held Polykratos' neck under his arm.

" You charged without a plan " said Zababa, gently.

Polykratos coughed, as Zababa had now released him.

" You don't need a plan in a battle "

" Oh? " said Zababa, surprised and amused; " and why not? "

" All you need is - Polykratos got up on his feet - is strength! "

Zababa easily stepped to the side. He then made Polykratos trip.

" And speed, and a plan " said Zababa with a smile.

Polykratos groaned.

Zababa, Shuqamuna, and Shumaliya, all awoke from their sleep. All of E-Kur was filled with a sweet aroma. All three gods walked towards the smell, and that was when they saw Polykratos trying to make pancakes in the kitchen.

The kitchen was a mess. Pelops was licking some pancake mix off the floor, while Polykratos struggled to make a single pancake.

Polykratos, his face covered in pancake mix, turned around, and said with a smile, while holding up a plate with a ruined pancake on it:

" Pancake, anyone? "

The three gods all let out a sighing smile. They then helped with the clean up and breakfast.

Word then came about another constellation.

Zababa and Polykratos were on their way towards the scene. And what a bloodbath…

Pabilsaĝ was killing people by the thousands with his bow and arrows. He occasionally switched things up by using his scorpion tail.

Before Polykratos or Zababa could do anything. Pelops charged in, and bit into Pabilsaĝ's neck.

" Good boy! "

Pabilsaĝ threw Pelops aside. That was when Zababa went in. Pabilsaĝ quickly dodged the attack.

Pabilsaĝ now cried out in pain, as Polykratos had shot an arrow into his back.

Pabilsaĝ glared at the boy. He then aimed an arrow straight at Polykratos. There was no cover, and Pabilsaĝ was ready to fire. And that was when Pabilsaĝ fired the arrow at Zababa.

" No! '' exclaimed Polykratos, as the arrow had hit Zababa's shoulder.

Pabilsaĝ ran towards Zababa, fully intending to use his scorpion tail.

Polykratos fired, but that was when Pabilsaĝ dodged the shot, for it would only work once.

Polykratos looked on in horror, as Pabilsaĝ grinned back at him.

Zababa saw his opening, as he yanked the arrow out from Pabilsaĝ's back.

The constellation cried out in pain, but Zababa was too slow, as Pabilsaĝ held him by the throat.

That was when Pabilsaĝ noticed something strange. The arrow in Zababa's shoulder was missing.

Pabilsaĝ quickly turned around, and caught the arrow which Polykratos had fired.

Zababa had pulled out the arrow, and then given it to Pelops, who in turn gave it to Polykratos.

Pabilsaĝ grinned once more. But his grin quickly turned to a look of horror, as Zababa jammed the arrow into his throat.

Pabilsaĝ jerked back in pain. A boom could be heard, as the constellation fell to the ground. Pabilsaĝ now vanished in the wind.

" You're hurt… " said Polykratos, as he ran to Zababa.

" Ah " said Zababa with a brave smile; " nothing the two queens can't fix "

Polykratos looked a bit sad.

" Chin up " said Zababa; " we won "

" But… so many died… "

" And more could have died, if we had not stepped in "

Polykratos still looked disheartened.

" There is nothing more we can do " said Zababa, as he stood up; " other than help bury the dead with honors "

Which is what they did.

Afterwards.

Shumaliya healed Zababa's wound. They then asked Ereshkigal to welcome the dead with open arms. And the Queen of the Great Below would ensure that each soul would find peace.

It was also Ereshkigal who told them all: that Lugal-irra and Meslamta-ea had both gone rogue.

" Can you defeat the twins? " asked Shuqamuna.

" Of course " answered Zababa, confidently.

Shumaliya and Shuqamuna both looked worried.

" Don't worry " said Polykratos, cheerfully; " we got this "

The two queens could feel the cheerfulness oozing from the boy.

Zababa smiled, as Pelops barked joyfully.

" Are you ready? " said Zababa.

Polykratos breathed in. He then said, as he breathed out:

" I am "

Zababa just looked at the brave boy.

" Alright then " said Zababa, as he picked up his weapon; " let us go "

Zababa and Polykratos both headed out, while Pelops was given a very important mission by the two goddesses.

Polykratos could feel the ground shake.

" They are near " said Zababa, as beyond the horizon; could the two twins be seen.

" They are huge… " uttered Polykratos in awe and fear.

Lugal-irra and Meslamta-ea, the guardians, the giants, both made their way towards Zababa and Polykratos.

" Well " said Zababa, a bit overwhelmed; " don't say that I don't spoil you "

Polykratos giggled.

The two of them prepared for battle, as the twins were close.

Lugal-irra and Meslamta-ea were both one step away from Zababa and Polykratos.

The brave boy, and the mighty war god, both prepared for one epic battle.

The distance was cleared, and that was when all four heard:

" Leeroy Jenkins!

From out the clouds, came flying down, the goddess Nanaya.

" Who is that? " said Polykratos.

" Nanaya business, " said Zababa with a smile.

The two of them looked on, as Nanaya landed on Lugal-irra's face. Nanaya punched down on Lugal-irra's forehead. She then flew straight towards Meslamta-ea. And that was when Nanaya punched Meslamta-ea square in the face.

Both twins fell to the earth. Both twins then vanished.

" Zababa " said the embodiment of beauty, which was Nanaya.

Zababa bowed.

Nanaya winked at Polykratos. The boy blushed shyly, as the goddess flew away.

" Wow… " said Polykratos in awe.

" I know " said Zababa with a smile.

Days of rest went by, and it was now time for Polykratos to move on.

" I wish that I could have done more, " said the boy, not satisfied with his efforts.

Zababa knelt down. He held the boy by the shoulders. He looked directly into Polykratos' eyes, and then said:

" You were amazing "

The two of them hugged. Zababa even gave Pelops a hug, while saying:

" Good boy "

The boy and his dog both left, as a new threat had come to the land between the two rivers.

Zababa stood at the gates to E-Kur, as the stranger approached.

" Name yourself, " said the war god.

" Kratos " answered the war god.

" State your intention "

" Death "

Zababa charged.

Kratos easily moved behind the war god. He then kicked Zababa behind the knee, which forced the god to his knees. Kratos then held Zababa's neck under his arm.

" No… " murmured Zababa in genuine horror and disbelief.

" You charged without a plan " whispered Kratos into Zababa's ear.

A cracking sound echoed, as Kratos snapped Zababa's neck.

Kratos now stood before the two goddesses.

" Ashur's Fury " said Shuqamuna.

" The Specter of Sparta "

" Let us dance " said Kratos, while smiling underneath his mask.

Both goddesses charged.

Kratos kneed Shumaliya in the face. He then grabbed Shuqamuna by the throat, snapping her neck.

" Sister! " cried Shumaliya in anguish, her nose bloody.

Shumaliya raised her sword, as she charged with great fury. That was when Kratos broke her skull with one of his balls.

(P.s. I was referring to his weapon)

Polykratos' body shook all over, as he had entered the wintery lands of the north. And Kratos could be seen following his footprints on the snow.

" You know Pelops… it is times like these that I wish I had fur like yours… " said Polykratos, as he was shaking all over, while being covered in snow.

Polykratos now searched for Pelops with his hand.

" Where are you? "

Polykratos' hand now touched something.

" There you are… wait… something feels off "

Polykratos looked, and that was when he saw Canes Venatici all growling at him.

" Good boys… " said Polykratos, nervously, but the wolves kept on growling.

" Ahhh! " yelled Polykratos, as he was running for his life.

Pelops slammed into the leader of the Canes Venatici.

The dog and the wolf growled at each other. The two other wolves made their way behind Pelops.

" Now " said a voice; " that is just not fair " said Víðarr.

The two wolves turned around, and there stood the mighty god.

Víðarr and Pelops both dealt with the wolves. They then looked around for Polykratos.

" Here… " said the boy, faintly, as he was buried underneath a mountain of snow.

After rescuing Polykratos. The three of them made their way towards The Great Hall. Where they were greeted by Vili and Vé.

" Welcome back! " bellowed Vili like a true viking.

" Come " said Vé; " eat and drink. And then tell us of your adventure "

Food was eaten. Drinks went down. And the stories were told. And it was now time to sleep on the tables. For where else might a viking sleep?

And as Polykratos would say:

" The tables are actually quite comfortable "

(Insert: I see what you did there meme)

" Wake up " said Víðarr, as he was shaking a sleeping Polykratos.

" Hmmm " groaned the boy, as he wanted to sleep in.

Víðarr smiled. He then leaned close to Polykratos' ear, and whispered:

" Do you want to build a snowman? "

Polykratos awoke with an excited look on his face.

Pelops was running around, as Víðarr and Polykratos were both building snowmen.

" What do you think? " said Polykratos, proudly, as he gestured towards his masterpiece.

" Not bad " said Víðarr; " but take a look at mine "

Polykratos turned around, and that was when he got a face full of snow, as Víðarr could now be heard laughing.

" You really should have seen that coming "

Polykratos wiped the snow away. He knelt down. Picked up some snow. Formed a snowball. He aimed. And he then missed.

A strange sound could be heard coming from behind some trees.

" It seems like you did hit something, " said Víðarr, as he noticed Pelops growling.

Víðarr drew forth his weapon.

" Do not leave my side " said the warrior god, seriously.

Polykratos did not move. He could not even feel the stinging pain of the cold.

He then saw it. Ursa Major rising from behind the bushes.

Pelops started barking, as Víðarr prepared for battle. The bear charged, pushing Víðarr to the side.

Ursa Major was charging straight at Polykratos, but that was when Pelops, the Goodest Boy, bit into Ursa Major's nose.

The bear hollowed in pain.

Polykratos, his knees clapping from genuine fear, as the cold froze his tears, took up his bow, and started to shoot at the Big Bad Bear.

Ursa Major managed to get Pelops off, just as Polykratos ran out of arrows.

The bear was towering over the boy.

Polykratos stood his ground, for fear and cold kept him in place.

The child smiled bravely.

" I am not scared of the Big Bad Bear "

Ursa Major roared at the boy, and Polykratos could now see the sharp fangs.

" I am still not scared… " said the frightened, but brave boy.

The bear was about to attack. The boy closed his eyes. And that was when the god came to the rescue.

" Well done " said Víðarr with a smile, as he was holding back Ursa Major's massive paw; " I will take it from here "

Víðarr kicked the bear back, as Polykratos fell to his knees.

The bear was getting up, but that was when Pelops was ready for round two.

The dog held on tightly to the bear's ear.

The god saw his opening.

As Ursa Major was coming down on Víðarr.

Víðarr managed to run his spear through Ursa Major - using the bear's weight against itself.

The Big Bad Bear vanished, and Polykratos was treated to some hot cocoa, as a means of shaking off the fear.

The Great Hall was filled.

Víðarr slammed his drinking cup on the table, and the sound echoed throughout the hall.

All the einherjar started to hum together, as they were slamming their cups on the table in unison.

" Ymir fell, " they sang; " The world was made in blood. All-Father traveled. Thor thundered. Loki the Teacher "

Polykratos looked on in awe, as the humming and hammering got more intense.

" Fair Freya. Beloved Frigg. Law-bringer Tyr, and Mighty Meili "

Polykratos almost fell from his chair, as all the vikings jumped onto the tables - their feets like drums.

" In battle we fell! - they roared - brothers and sisters in arms! - they cheered - together we stand! - they exclaimed - till the Dawn of Ragnarök - They said, solemnly - and it is at Ragh nar Roog - was said, as everyone sat back down - that Götterdämmerung shall be performed - everyone picked up their drinks - where the Fate of the Gods - Gudernes Skæbne - shall be decided… "

Everything and everyone now died down.

Polykratos noticed the deadly silence. It was too quiet, especially in a hall full of vikings.

Pelops' ears were on alert, as everyone could sense the bloodlust.

" The wolf has arrived, " said Víðarr, excitedly, as he arose.

Something could be heard outside the doors.

Polykratos could hear his own heartbeat. He could then hear everyone reaching for their respective weapons.

The doors were busted open, as Lupus the Wolf charged in.

Polykratos took cover under a table, as the constellation brought about havoc.

Many einherjar were taken down by the ferocious creature.

Víðarr charged at the beast.

He managed to get his foot into the wolf's mouth. But he was not fast enough, as Lupus had him trapped within its jaw.

" Odin's beard... " said Víðarr, as the wolf now took him for a ride.

Polykratos knew that he had to do something.

He saw the nearest drinking horn. He drank what was left; in order to calm his nerves. The boy took out his bow, and readied one arrow.

Polykratos focused on the wolf. His blood then became like ice, as Lupus looked directly at him.

But, worry not, for Pelops the Goodest Boy was on the job.

Pelops attacked the wolf, buying Polykratos the time he needed. The shot was fired, and it was a direct hit.

Víðarr now saw his opening, as the wolf was distracted by the pain.

Víðarr opened Lupus' mouth with his bare hands. He then jammed his foot in the wolf's mouth. He then broke both jaw and neck.

Lupus fell, dead, turning to wind. And Ragnarök was delayed for another day.

" It is time to leave " said Polykratos, as he was standing outside the gates.

" It is, " said Víðarr, sad, but brave.

Polykratos gathered his strength, for he was getting rather used to saying goodbye.

" Thank you for everything, " said the boy, as he held out his hand.

Víðarr took one look at the hand. He then grabbed Polykratos by the arm, as he now gave him a bear hug.

When Polykratos was finally able to breathe again. He and Pelops went on their way.

And the stranger had now arrived at the Great Hall.

Víðarr stood guard, as he was eyeing the stranger.

" I am not one to say no to a fight. But I would at least like to know your name "

When Víðarr stopped talking. He got a face full of snow.

Víðarr wiped away the snow. He then looked at

the stranger in confusion.

" For last time, " said Kratos, with what sounded like a smile.

Víðarr looked at Kratos in disbelief and horror.

" I see "

The brawl began. And it was now Víðarr who had his jaw and neck broken.

Kratos easily dealt with Vili and Vé.

He then continued with following Polykratos.

In high spirit, Polykratos arrived atop Mount Qaf.

The boy was left speechless, the scenery was that breathtaking.

" Wow… " awed the boy, as he admired the emerald structures and statues.

Pelops was on alert, as Polykratos noticed something red on the green floor.

He followed the red trail with his eyes, and that was when he saw the bodies.

A look of horror and confusion befell the boy.

Malik Gatshan lay on the floor, dead. And on the Emerald Throne lay the body of the Green One, The Jinn Emperor - Shahpal bin Shahrukh.

The boy took a step back, and that was when he bumped into someone.

Polykratos slowly looked up, and that was when he saw them: the glowing Old Green Eyes of Shahpal, which Kratos now possessed.

The boy smiled nervously. Kratos reached for Polykratos.

The boy quickly jumped out of the way. And that was when he noticed something strange.

Pelops would usually bark at enemies. But the Pshdar dog just calmly walked over to Kratos.

Pelops sat down, and now started to wag his tail.

Polykratos looked on in horror and awe, as Kratos started to pet Pelops.

" Who are you…? " uttered the boy.

Kratos looked back at Polykratos. He then slowly took off his mask, and the boy could only utter:

" No… "

Kratos smiled, as Polykratos looked upon an older version of himself.

Pelops wagged his tail excitedly, as Polykratos fell to his knees in disbelief.

The boy was speechless.

" I know, " said Kratos; " how? Well. It wasn't easy… but it was worth it "

Polykratos now saw them: The Eyes of Mars.

" Where did you get those…? " uttered the boy, dreading the answer.

Kratos smiled, as Polykratos noticed other weapons and armor pieces from his dear friends.

" You didn't… "

While smiling, Kratos nodded.

Polykratos went from confused to angry. He drew forth his weapon and charged at Kratos.

The man easily slapped the boy to the side.

Pelops arose.

" Sit " said Kratos, coldly.

Pelops sat, his ears downward.

Kratos now held the boy by his shirt.

" Why…? " uttered the boy.

" Because… they killed my dog "

There was absolute silence, as Polykratos tried to process what was just said.

" Then… Why me? "

" Because… it was my fault " said Kratos, as he threw the boy.

Polykratos still did not understand. But there was no time, as one of Kratos' balls hit the floor.

Polykratos had his back turned, as he pulled out a knife.

Kratos was standing over the boy, ready to finish it.

Pelops charged, and bit into Kratos' neck.

Kratos threw the dog off, and that was when Polykratos ran his knife through his throat.

Kratos just looked upon the brave younger version of himself. He then giggled. Smiled. And then died.

Polykratos was filled with pride. He could not believe it. He looked at Pelops with a smile, but the dog was dead. Polykratos looked back at Kratos. His knife was gone. It was instead resting in Pelops.

Polykratos fell to his knees. He then finally understood - History abhors a paradox.

" I don't want to become a killer... " uttered Polykratos.

" Dread it? Run from it? Destiny arrives all the same, and now it's here. Or should I say: I am. " said Kratos, as the cycle was repeated.

The coin was tossed, as the cycle was repeated over and over.

" If he kills me, then he is free to go on a rampage. But, if I kill him... then I become him. There is only one thing to hope for... that the coin lands on its side. "

The scene was a familiar one.

Kratos had just thrown Polykratos.

Polykratos took out his knife.

Pelops charged, and was now thrown off.

Kratos looked, as the blow was struck.

Polykratos had run the knife through his own throat.

Kratos looked on in horror and confusion. He then quickly caught a falling Polykratos.

Kratos looked on, as the boy was trying to utter:

" The cycle ends here… be better… "

Polykratos' whole body now turned into flames. The white ashes of the fire covered Kratos' whole body. Kratos' skin turned pale white from the ashes of his past. Hence why he is known as: The Specter of Assyria.

(Fun fact: The spartans would refer to Kratos as: the Specter of Sparta, and one of the Spartan mothers would name her son after the Specter.)

Why is this important?

Well. It was at Sparta that our reformed Kratos found an abandoned child. A girl, whom he took in.

The child's name was - Calliope.