He was famous as the One-who-must-not-be-named in the Gods' council meeting on the top of Mount Olympus. Lord Nick, covered with a black hood and a matching kaftan from head-to-toe, walked silently amongst his people in the bustling late evening market of the city. He liked listening to the peoples' hopes for the millennia. He had new ideas, new concepts for them and was eager to set them in motion. He knew his ideas could potentially change the way the Gods are revered, looked at by people. And the rest of the Gods were locked in a war of words,ego, hate and used weapons for dominance. All they desired was a stake and say in the Apocalypse. They wanted to destroy the world. 

"I want to see the love and pride in their eyes, when they look at me, when they talk about me. They are my people and fear is the last thing I want to see on their faces. I'll do everything I can to stall the apocalypse. I'll move the heavens and earth for it. Even if it means I walk alone. Even if it means I've to take it one-day-at-a-time. One-step-at-a-time. Even if it means to sacrifice everything I've got. Anything for my people... Anything. As long I'm alive, I'll do it. The rest will automatically follow," he thought to himself. 

Deep in thoughts, Nick didn't notice the lapse in time during the slow walk home from the market. It was night when he finally reached. He cooked a swift meal of goat curry, tandoori roti and rice. He was about to sit down for his dinner when someone knocked. It was late and Nick was concerned. He opened the door and the person casually strolled in and ploped down on the sofa. "What the-" only to realize it's only Gavin. "Gavin! It's you, old buddy. I honestly didn't see you coming in. How are you and what brought you here?"

"So many questions and so fast. Have some mercy on this old brain, Nick." Gavin replied with a chuckle and trademark dry humor. To answer your questions- "I'm fine, thanks for asking. I heard about your new mission and want to support you. I'll do whatever it takes, Nick. I'm ready for everything. Just tell me and I'll do it- no questions asked."
"By the way, I smell goat curry in the air. My favourite," said Gavin, smacking his lips.

"Aye, I just made goat curry. Was about to start dinner. Why don't you join me, Gavin?

"I'd love to. Thanks, Nick."

During the dinner:

"Are you sure you want to do this, Gavin? I mean- want to be a part of my mission. The stakes are high and we have a 99% chance of failure. Failure can also mean death and destruction. An unwanted apocalypse." 

"Aye, I've thought about this long and hard, Nick. Have gone through the consequences over and over again. I'll do it. I'll take the 1% chance at success. Our people deserve peace and happiness. And I'm not going to let the egoistic Gods decide the fate of our people." 

"You are in the official council of Zeus, Gavin. In fact, you are the team head for managing affairs of all the Gods. You are their right-hand. You are playing with fire, to be honest. They won't take your rebellion lightly, Gavin. You'll have to pay. They will make you pay. It could also mean death, my friend. I can't- I can't let them do this to you. I can't let them take your life. I'm not so selfish, Gavin. You are my bestest friend. You and your friendship mean the world to me."

"I know that, Nick. That's why I'm here. To be with you. With our people. I just want to be in your team. Play a part in the vision that you've seen. We'll get there. We'll succeed. No matter how much time it takes. No matter what happens. Together we can. Team work is dream work. And if you can dream it, you can do it. I'm always here for you, Nick."

"Thanks. Means a lot to me, Gavin. Much appreciated!" Fills two beers and raises a toast. "To the new millennia, to new hopes. To the people. To us."

A/N: This is an on-the-spur-of-the-moment story. The story was written a couple of months ago when I was answering someone in the Next Beta thread (name changed to Paid Stories) hosted by Nick on the community forums. And came across this prompt: 
The only reason the world hasn't ended yet is because the Gods are locked in a war to determine who's version of Apocalypse will take place. Unbeknownst to them, a minor God has been slowly working towards his version for millennia, and the rest are finally starting to catch on.

Feel free to use the prompt to write your own story 🙂

Please vote and comment if you like the story 🙂 Any feedback is always appreciated. Thank you so much ❤