The banished place of Calliope

"Don't look so sad love, I won't leave you behind." Lord Ares said as Calliope faced him, "I am not really sad my Lord, it's just that this place has been my home for centuries and now I have an opportunity to leave I feel a little remorse for wanting to leave." Lord Ares could relate to that feeling; for he himself had felt that feeling many times before. "Nobody said once you leave you can't return and visit." That made her smile a little, which vanished as soon as Lord Morpheus showed up; even Lord Ares looked a little grim. He narrowed his eyes as he saw that Lord Morpheus was smiling, "Lord Zeus agreed to tell you the name Lord Ares, now please return to Mount Olympus with me." Lord Morpheus held out his hand, making it clear Lord Ares wasn't going alone, tugging lightly on Calliope's hand as he walked forward towards Lord Morpheus, he felt her letting go. Confused he looked back at her "What are you doing my love? Didn't you say you wanted to leave? This is your chance." She shook her dark hair, "No my love, even if I wanted to I could not leave without Lord Zeus' consent." Ares became angry "Then I will get his consent so you can be with the rest of your family." Thrusting his hand into Lord Morpheus' he disappeared from her sight.

 Is this going to be okay?

Another voice asked from the darkness, without turning Calliope knew who it was, "Yes Lady Gaia, this is fine, I was happy just to have him for the time we spend together here."

Well if you are sure

"Yes my Lady I am sure, I would like to ask if it's not too much to release his body from your embrace. The world needs him." She pleaded, "Or at least give them a clue as where to find his body."

We will see

Lifting her hands in silent prayer, she was praying for whoever was looking for Lord Ares' body would find him soon.

Mount Olympus

Everybody was gathered in the throne room once again, for everyone wanted to be there when Lord Ares returned to his rightful throne: at least in spirit, for his body was still lost somewhere. They were glad however that they found his spirit first, for that is the hardest part to find. So when Lord Morpheus finally arrived with Lord Ares they were all a little shocked when they saw a youth version of Lord Ares stand there, they never thought it would be this bad though, because he lost quite an amount of his powers, he body shrank; for it didn't need to be that big any more to handle the power. As customary Lord Ares was glaring at everybody in the room, and was completely taken by surprise when his sister Hebe Goddess of youth rushed at him and hugged him close to her body "Oh dear brother I am so pleased that you are back again." Not knowing how to handle it he settled for awkwardly patting her on her back, for he was very aware of her mate's eyes boring in his back.

Lord Zeus rose and everybody fell silent as Lord Ares spirit carefully made his way over to his throne, standing there before his father he felt like a small child again who was being chased for doing something he wasn't supposed to. He swallowed thickly, for Lord Ares didn't know what to expect next, he was very skittish around his father. Lord Zeus noticed the nearly unnoticeable shifting of Lord Ares as he waited for Lord Zeus to speak.

What nobody expected was for Lord Zeus to step down to Lord Ares' height and actually hug him for a brief period. Still in shock he heard his father mumble a name in his ear, "Landon Miller" before he retreated and sat back on his throne. Hearing those two words Lord Ares' body started to glow and heal from all kinds of wound he got from not knowing the name. Still glowing, he looked at himself in pure joy: he was finally able to fill that dark hole in his heart, making him a little more whole than he was. Grinning like never before he started to glow harder and brighter: most Gods closed their eyes against the bright light. When they opened their eyes again Lord Ares was gone. Before they could react Lord Zeus spoke "Lord Ares soul returned to his body, and will be back soon. The effect was immediate noticeable, warring countries changed tactic: sought other alternatives then fighting each other, people started returning to their previous calm characters. Pleased Lord Hades was about to return and inform the other Pantheons that Lord Ares had returned, "Brother, do take Hercules back with you, he is no longer needed here." The harsh words left Lord Zeus' mouth and Lord Hades knew better than to argue with him on this. Turing to face the youth that Lord Zeus favoured so much, he held out his hand and Hercules was swallowed by a column of black smoke as he was transported back to the fields of Asphodel, without another word Lord Hades disappeared in another column of black smoke.

A cave somewhere in the Mountains of the Southern Plains

Lord Ares body twitched a few times before he could successfully open his eyes, blinking he realised he was surrounding by darkness once again. Unlike the other time he woke up in darkness this one wasn't heavy or crushing, this one was soothing: he could tell he was in a cave, for there was a small stream of air that ruffled his slightly damp hair. Taking a few deep breaths, he scented the early morning mountain air, all kinds of scents entered his nose: damp forest floor, small animals, silt ocean air, all kinds of scents he took for granted before this whole ordeal started. He was still basking in the knowledge that he was back again before the sound of scratching reached his ears, on his guard Marcus rolled on his side, climbed to his feet wobbling a few times to find his balance, and slowly made his way over to the sound, only to find a boulder blocking his way. As he reached out, the whole cave rumbled and the boulder slowly moved out of his way on his own. Leaning heavily on the wall for support Lord Ares took in the sight before him: A red sky from the rising sun, several feet off the ground mountain face, a sea to his right and a grey blur that knocked him back into the cave. Laughing he petted the grey blur that turned out to be his trusty dog Tromos "Hey buddy, how in the world did you find me?" he asked once Tromos was one licking his face in happiness.

The dog just barked at him, and disappeared through the entrance of the cave looking back once, saying follow me. Deciding he had nothing better to do, Marcus slowly followed behind Tromos, he had to get used to be back in his body made of flesh and blood. For the next couple of days Marcus and Tromos explored the island form one side to the other. Marcus was slowly regaining weight he lost when his soul and body were separated, with every weight gain he felt his power return to him and he was able to hear the whispers of his demi-God children once again. He would never tell anyone, but he missed the little whispers. Marcus wasn't sure why but he had the feeling he needed to wait for something or someone here on this island, so he dutifully waited for whatever or whoever was supposed to meet him on this island.

Mortal realm: Checkpoint on the mountain

Finally reaching the checkpoint on the top of the freaking mountain, Landon and several others couldn't be happier. It took them several days longer than they had planned: the information they were told about this mountain and its passes were outdated, for several passes they were told that were the easiest way to the top were either blocked or weren't there at all. So they had to track all around the mountain never knowing what to expect, but thanks to them their higher placed officers had an updated version of the mountain and its passes. As they were debriefed they were told about what had happened in the outside world, and Landon got the news that his father was already home in one piece, that made him sigh with relief.

Landon was debriefed and said that he could take a shower and wash up, he sagged with relief as soon as the hot water touched his skin, he scrubbed himself feverishly: he was keen on getting all the grime and dirt of his skin that had collected there over the course of the weeks he had spent outside getting to this damned checkpoint. He was in for a surprise when he returned to his bunk: several others had order crates of beer and professional company as they were playing cards and smoking cigars. "Hey Miller!" several people waved at him as he entered, he smiled slightly as he waved back and several of the professional company made their way over to him, he knew he was good looking with his light hair, light eyes and a physique that was easy on the eyes. That night he didn't resist the offer made to him, he was fine with just a one night stand which the beautiful black haired woman offered him, she reminded him of the man who wouldn't leave his thought alone: Marcus.

Somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean

Sighing for what felt the millionth time that day, Tanner Cole son of Ares listen to his other shipmates bicker back and forth about everything and nothing. He counted himself lucky that he got paired with Marshall Stone a son of Poseidon: at least now they didn't need to rely on the rubbish compass they were given by golden boy Stephano Starr son of Zeus. "I guess we're pretty close huh?" Tanner was standing close to ships reeling looking ahead, hoping to get a glimpse of the island. Not taking his eyes of the horizon he answered Bob the sater that joined them on this trip "Yeah, we're pretty close, I can feel a huge pull on my power." Behind him the bickering continued: he wasn't happy when he heard that they were going to have an Athena child with them. Ever since the famous Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase got together and lived to grow old, they always paired and Poseidon child with an Athena child. He personally didn't mind, but he could not stand the constant bickering. "Will you two SHUT UP already? You have been doing nothing but bickering, it's giving me a headache." He roared as he turned to face the other two teens. "Oh, lookie lookie kiddies, an island." Bob said and pointed to a dot on the horizon.

Battered and bruised two of the tree teens ungracefully sank down on the banks of the island. "So where is he? I thought that he was supposed to meet us here?" Marshall asked, "Maybe he already split leaving us defenceless against any other monsters we had to face." Josh the Athena child complained. Feeling his anger rise Tanner found it a good idea to scout around the Island, he needed to be away from those two if he was to make a good impression on his father. He never told anyone but this was the first time in his life that he was going to meet the man, feeling slightly nervous he walked down a small hidden path in the undergrowth; he felt the magnetic pull, like a piece of iron being pulled to the magnet. He didn't even notice that the two other teens and sater had to scramble to keep up with him as he disappeared over a ledge. Walking a little further he saw paw prints and foot prints on the path "You were always the quickest to find the prints anyone left behind." twirling so fast he would have lost his balance hadn't it been for him Tanner could do nothing but stare. His father was over 6 foot, jet black shoulder length hair, and red piercing eyes and was wearing a Greek tunic and some animal leather sandals. Swallowing thickly he uttered one word "Father" the red eyes didn't lose their intensity but gained a warmer glow. "You grew up well Tanner; I hope they taught you properly at camp and at school?" The man ruffled his hair, making him bow his head as tears silently fell from his own dark eyes. 

Sniffling a few times tanner wiped the tears from his eyes and smiled at Marcus. "Yeah things have been good, we're here to get you back to Olympus. We would include, Marshall, Josh and Bob our sater." Tanner said as they walked back up around the ledge where the others were bickering again. Clearing his throat, everybody turned when they heard the sound and their mouths dropped, they obviously never saw a God up-close. "Whenever you twits are ready let's go." his voice boomed around them, making everybody scramble to get ready. Marcus turned his head and bellowed "Tromos heel!" They heard twigs snap, bushes rustle and finally saw who or what Tromos was, in the time they spend on the island Tromos grew to half the size of an adult hell hound. The grey and white blur was at least seven feet tall, as it sat down on Mrcus'right side, he petted the dog on the head "Good boy." Tromos looked over at tanner and sniffed him plentiful before licking his face, making him grimace.

Ignoring the snickers Tanner just walked beside his dad who grimaced when he saw the boat they come on and rounded on Marshall "This is the best your dad could do, a small sailing boat?" Marcus huffed "Knowing your dad I would have expected a freaking battle ship." As if hearing his complaint the sailing boat sank and a huge old Dazzle Ship appeared along with a man with dark hair and see green eyes, wearing an awful Hawaii shirt and shorts. "This more to your linking then cousin?" Marcus grumbled as he inspected the huge boat, "It's better than the other one, so I guess this will do Uncle." everybody was clearly shocked at the disrespect Marcus was showing his Uncle, "Lord Poseidon, what an honour it is to meet you." Bob finally squeaked. That made Lord Poseidon smile, "The honour is all mine Bob. Good job Marshall, you did me proud." Marshall glowed at his father's approval, as he couldn't hide the smug grin. Tanner felt Marcus's hand on his shoulder, warm and inviting I care for my own Tanner never forget that. Other usually dismisses me easily but I always make sure me and mine are protected.  Smiling at his father's sincere words, Tanner moved past Marshall and Josh, walking up the plank as Tromos bounded after him sniffing all around the huge boat. Bob, Josh and Marshall followed not much later with Bob complaining about wet dog stench; he quickly shut up when Tromos showed him his teeth, daring him to say another thing about dog stench. 

Clasping Marcus on the shoulder "It's good having you back with us Marcus." Lord Poseidon said before walking up the plank leaving Marcus behind looking at the small mountain he woke up in. I will free you from this place my love, I swear. Before walking up the plank and boarded the ship as it slowly marooned away from the little pier and into the wide Atlantic Ocean.  I wonder uncle how long everybody will think that before they will return to the way they thought about me before. Marcus kept watching the island until it became a dot on the horizon and he couldn't see it anymore, with a heavy sigh he returned to matters at hand, how was he going to explain this to the owner at the Café? He was most likely fired and needed to find another job, for he was serious when he said he would not be at Olympus for long, he only going to be there to talk to Lord Zeus about Calliope's freedom and leave Olympus and return to the Mortal realm.

Mount Olympus

Lord Zeus watched Marcus interact with one of his children, for only this once will he overlook the fact they weren't allowed to meddle in their demi-God children's lives. His wife Lady Hera insisted that Marcus should have a little break from it all; it will do him some good before returning to his duty. He was feeling bored and decided it was time for one of his favourite past time of all: annoy the hell out of Hades, pun intended. He loved the fact he could annoy and bug his eldest brother  to the point where he would explode. It was better than stay here and listen to several nymphs and air spirits gossip, with that plan in mind Lord Zeus transported himself to the underworld, leaving the throne empty for when Marcus would arrive. Not that Marcus expected him to be there, but it was a nice thought to have that someone was there to welcome him back home. But of course fate wasn't that nice and Marcus arrived to an empty throne room, squaring his shoulders as to not show how affected he was by his father's dismissal of him, he returned at once to his own chambers and wasn't seen for the rest of the day.