"There comes Hans the Hermaphrodite," said a merman, Nathan, glancing at the trio walking down the shore.

Sera splashed the water with her legs glancing at them. She narrowed her eyes at a servant girl among them.

Nathan saw it first. The long red speared mane flowing. Amoris. Her violet eyes glanced around, caught Hans.

"Good Zeus!" hurried Nathan. "She's preying!" He jumped in the waters, Sera dashing off.

A witch stood unsurely by the side, picking up some green moss after looking into a manual. Amoris' hair shriveled to her waist, turned blonde and her features changed to resemble the witch.

She zoomed past and just as the witch turned, she made a giant leap and jumped into the witch's soul. The witch stopped dead, and then scanned the surroundings.

Her eyes and Hans' eyes connected. Something passed between them and well, the rest is predictable.

**********

Nyx and Amoris walked side by side, the latter recollecting her past match.

"That's weird, you know. I mean, a unicorn and a witch?" said Nyx, in wonder.

"True. But, it's all worth it," shrugged Amoris. She suddenly drew in a deep breath. "Hades."

Nyx frowned. "I'll be off, unless...?"

Amoris shook her head. Nyx left and then, she saw her father, strolling along. Plants withered, the city sunk in gloom.

"What must I do to stop you from wreaking this havoc?" he asked. He was dressed in casuals, his hair grey.

"Destroy the Crown," she said soon enough. "Dad, this tradition of the factions fighting...what use is it? For what?"

"Well, someone has to govern," he replied exasperated.

She snorted. "As if. You don't even allow them to choose their partners. Some kind of weird laws about..."

"Enough, Amoris," he put up his hand. "No one insults the tradition of the Crown. Athena said you were reckless."

"I am," she said proudly. "And I am going to change the tradition."

"By next blue moon, you will be gone," Hades said proudly.

Amoris bent her head low and walked away.

*********

"Get here, boy," said Eric's father, Mr. Winchester. The Winchester werewolves ruled for a long time. Except for one thing. Eric hadn't found a mate.

"Father, I don't want...anyone right now," he said meekly.

"You are a young man. The waters showed that your mate is somewhere near here."

Eric dragged in a breath. The last time he'd been here was the first time he'd met Veronica.

He was trying to find food for the night when he saw the other powerful tribe in the werewolf faction. The Walkers weren't someone you'd manage to get away with.

"That rabbit," said the leader. "Perfecto."

"Innocent, nice, supple," said another one, holding a rabbit by its tail.

By its glow, Eric knew that it was a nymph.

"Put her down!" shouted Eric. "Find someone else."

"Young Winchester," one of them snickered. "So young and yet you command respect from the Walkers?"

Eric didn't respond, glancing at the rabbit. He leaped right through the air. He thought he could take care of the werewolf; after all he seemed to be tiny. And he was getting smaller.

The rabbit's eyes widened. Not many nymphs could turn to animal spirits unless chosen by the Blue Moon. It struggled in its captor's grasp, writhing.

The Blue Moon came out and it shone on Eric. Eric became strong for the moon's powers were limitless. He didn't know how he did it, but he did and his father was very proud.

The rabbit changed into a woman, Veronica, and she pledged to be loyal to the werewolves. Then, the Nymph faction banished her for they considered the werewolves to be hardly graceful and elegant. Every ritual of the werewolves disgusted them.

"My boy, mates are needed to strengthen you," said his father.

"I really am not ready, father."

The werewolves and the nymphs were the only ones who kept following the tradition of nature choosing their other halves.

"You'll be fine, boy. I met your mother in the other lands..."

Eric zoned out.

********

"I propose the Nutmeg of Sanity," said Athena. "Although we'd need a trap."

"You know, she doesn't eat stuff like that. Although, it is worth a shot," offered Zeus.

"Okay, Hades, what's her favourite food?" questioned Athena.

"Ambrosia, no doubt. With a bit of cloud. Pure white only."

Athena jotted it down. "And whom does she trust the most?"

"Nyx. From what it looks like, they mostly share their troubles," said Poseidon. "Nyx is crazy."

Zeus shivered. "Please let's just...not use her name, okay?"

"Nyx. Nyx is too powerful. Who's the next person?" asked Athena.

"Her grandchildren? I mean, the guy with the rainbow hair. Phantasos?" said Apollo. "Just get this straight, Athena. All the crazy gods? She's friends with them."

Athena nodded thoughtfully. "The Nutmeg of Sanity. We need to go to the Nymph's garden."

"I am on it!" perked Apollo. "Anything to see them."

"Apollo, you are not, I repeat, not going to flirt with them," said Poseidon sternly. "Please. We have important business."

"But, Daphne and the other nymphs are there!" he said excitedly.

"Come on," she said beckoning all of them.

They went into the Nymphs' Garden. The Nymphs guarded it very carefully. Sera was one of the guardians too.

"Let us in? We need the Nutmeg of Sanity," said Athena.

"Pardon us, we don't allow strangers," said Sera.

Athena changed into her true form, a goddess with blocks making up her body.

The nymphs gasped. "Athena," they bowed. "All praise to you."

Athena smiled as she was let in and then changed back into a normal woman. Many trees grew, some of which had odd colours.

In the corner, a withered tree stood. One of the nymphs held an axe, aiming at the trunk of the tree.

"Wait!" cried Hades.

She stopped with a raised eyebrow.

"This is the Nutmeg of Sanity, yes?" asked Apollo.

She nodded maniacally. "We are going to cut it down. Not many people use it."

"I would like one," said Athena.

"The effects are reduced due to less water."

Poseidon waved his hand and the water fell from it. The orange tree strengthened, standing upright. The nymph was astounded and Apollo looked jealous.

"Poseidon?"

"I suppose you know Amoris? We're trying to save a big situation."

She nodded and plucked a nutmeg and handed it to him.

Apollo wouldn't give up that easily. "Now, lady, what other fruits grow amongst your lush gardens."

"See for yourself," she gestured, hugging the tree. "I am glad you are back."

Apollo smiled, thinking it was meant for him. "Why, thank you..."

"I didn't know you were that daft," she peered at him.

Apollo looked angry. "Do you know..."

The tree slapped him and he scurried away.

"Nymphs are weird..." he muttered.

*****

Another chapter, people! Tell me what you think! The Nutmeg of Sanity doesn't exist in the original Greek myth. I just made it up...so the original greek myth will be combined with my creations but i'll let you know...

Have a great day! How are the Christmas preparations? Keep writing letters to Santa!

Yours,

Rose