It's a dark stormy night. No stars burn in the night sky. The sea rages, tears fill the great blue. The screams still eacho in his mind. Filled with failure in his heart, blood coated his hands in a thick wet blanket. He stared at them, and pain tore through his heart like torrent. The very world seemed to weep with him. A hard win battle, but at what cost?

"..what have I done..." His shaggy dark hair hid his sapphire eyes, "...what curse have I brought onto myself..."

He looked across the storming waves, there his city once floated, gone never to return. He was alone now. The last of his kind. He was now the last Atlantean.

"..my people... My kingdom.. all gone... It's all my fault..."

He turned around, the bloody corpse still lie at his feet. The pain grew ever deeper.

"Brother... Why... Why did you betray us.. what deal did you make with the Dark One.. did you not have faith in me?.."

He knelt down, and closed his brother's eyes, then placed two coins on his eyelids.

"One day.. Arion... I hope to understand why.. why did you help Ahriman destroy us.. why did you attack me... I hope one day I understand... Go now.. cross into the underworld... And face your judgment..."

The rain hailed upon him like daggers. He then turned away.

"..I am alone now... No brothers... No sisters... And father has yet to answer my prayers..."

Deimos stared into the weeping sky. The sea air swirled around him. His grief still ate him alive. There was nothing for him now. He was now a broken faithless demi-god.

"...Thera is gone... I should have never left when I did..."

As he stared into the empty sea, he didn't know what he should do now. The gods weren't answering his prayers. He could feel the world around him shift. He knew the time of the gods was coming to an end. He left the battlefield. He picked up his shimmering sword. And gripped it's hilt, firmly with one hand. It was heavy and large, ordained with many markings and strange runes. It glowed with a blue flame. His off-colored armor gleamed in the rainy wind. No ordinary man could even hope to lift that great blade. It looked heavy, yet, Deimos could lift it with ease. He rested it over his shoulder.

"I feel empty... what must I do.."

He felt a hollow hole grow within himself. It consumed him. It felt dark and empty.

He took one last look around the battlefield. The smell of iron, filled his nostrils, it truly was a bloody scent. So many bodies lined the whole shore. Even the legions of ships were now unrecognizable, completely destroyed by the conflict of Arion's conquest.

He gave a silent prayer for each and every one of the fallen warriors that decorated the battlefield. Then he left, there was nothing for him now. He was all alone. All alone with this growing void that burned in his chest. He felt hollow, broken by the pain. He had fought many battles in the past, serving many gods and goddesses, but this was by far the bloodiest battle he had ever taken part in.

Torn by his own grief, Deimos decided to wonder, and drift south from the eastern shore. This weight continued to grow, he felt as though he were crushed between two boulders, trapped between them.

He drifted from Eleon, to Thessilia, and passed Eros. Searching for something, searching for anything that could take this pain away from him. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. He was all alone in the world, at least that's how he felt. He didn't know what to do.

Deeper into the forest between Eros and Athens Deimos kept wondering. The pit in his heart grew even deeper.

The forest was quiet, and dusk was fast approaching.

"...I guess I better set up camp..." He sighed, "... another night... And still I have no way to eliminate this pain.."

He set up his tent, and built a small fire. Just enough to keep him warm from the fridgid forest wind. He hasn't slept in days, he has barely eaten, barley drink anything from his pack. He felt as if he hadn't slept in months.

"..please... Someone..." He prayed, ".. give me guidance... Comfort me... Don't leave me alone..." He prayed to the shimmering night sky, "...I need help.. what am I to do from here..."

Deimos....
Son of Poseidon...
Last Atlantean...

A ghostly wisp howled through the night sky.

My how you have fallen...
What pain dwells so deep in your heart...

"Whose there?" Deimos called out, "travel yourself to me..."

Just then, across from him, a vortex of smoke began to take shape, a dark smoke, but this didn't feel malevolent, or harmful to Deimos. He could sense no I'll intent towards this being that begin to emerge.

"You have seen much Atlantean... Done many services to your pantheon..."

The figure was wearing black armor. Deimos couldn't see his face. A well crafted black helmet obscured the figures face, all Deimos could make out was the figure's like green flames where eyes should be. He could see this being's aura, it radiated in a like green ghostly flame. His armor covered him form head to toe, and it was all black and smooth.

"Spirit, who are you?.." Deimos asked, "are you one of the gods? I do not recognize you.."

The void in Deimos's chest continued to overtake him, he felt so vulnerable.

"I am he that oversees the realm that Ahriman once ruled... I am feared by the mortals of this land. And I sit upon a throne I didn't choose..."

"...then you are Erebus... Aren't you?.."

"Ah.. so you are as wise as Odin and Zeus proclaim... Not many mortals know my name.."

Though Diemos couldn't see Erebus' face, he could tell that there was a slight hint of happiness in his tone. Erebus is the one who holds the balance between darkness and light, he does this by remaining in the dark realm between all the heavens and all the hells. The realm that Ahriman once governed, before he became Calamity.

"..of course I know your name lord...." Deimos bowed, "..we Atlanteans know all the gods.."

"I see.."

Erebus could sense the broken heart that darkened Deimos's  soul, that void that kept growing inside of him. Erebus felt it too. He could connect with Deimos hollowed spirit.

"Your heart... Why does it ache?"

"...I... Lost my kingdom... And I slew my own brother... I was too late to make a difference..."

"... Atlantis was doomed from the start Diemos... Don't feel so bad... Ahriman always planned for this to happen..."

"...but why?... What purpose does it serve? Not even an Atlantean can slay a Primordial... We were no threat..."

"You are correct, an Atlantean cannot kill a primordial.. but there is a prophecy.. one fortold by Armazda, as he drew his last breath..."

"Prophecy? What kind of prophecy?"

"..when the time comes, it will be fulfilled, and it will be revealed to you when the time is right..."

"..when the time is right?!" Deimos was aggravated, "..and when will that be?"

"When you fulfill your part of the prophecy..." Erebus spoke, "...only then will it be revealed, and the long awaited victory assured.."

"Then why are you here Erebus?"

"You asked for anyone to visit you..  remember?.. to know you are not alone... I am here to assure you that you are not... There is much for you to do, and much that awaits you... Your destiny is finally ready to unravel..."

Deimos's pain was growing deeper, weighing heavier on his soul. He felt the void inside of him growing hungrier by the second. Fear gripped him. He felt his many abilities draining, as if sealing themselves. He felt weak. Atlanteans power drives deeply form their positive emotions. Normally he would feel unstoppable. But this week feeling, it felt as if it drained him, and was continuing to drain rapidly.

"..what's happening to me..." His aura was growing weaker... "My divine abilities... It feels as though they are leaving me..."

"...hmm... That is interesting. I didn't know that demi-gods could gain corruption too..." Erebus reach out to Deimos's chest, as if feeling something deep within Deimos's soul, "...ah.. I see... Hmm there is a darkness growing inside of you... And with this darkened heart, your spirit is becoming corrupt, like that of gods who have been tainted by corrupt worshipers..."

"Does that mean I am becoming a shadow?..."

Erebus could feel the negative emotions Diemos felt for himself. He knew that Deimos was now already unable to use his divine powers, he needed something else now.. a new ability, a new skill. He had today quickly, otherwise Diemos would become a twisted shadow, a shell of nothing but dark corruption, Deimos would die if he couldn't do something.

As the darkness in his heart grew, Diemos was burning in pain, becoming corrupt was a fate worse than death. His heart was slowing, there wasn't much time left.

"Deimos... Hold still..." Erebus commanded, and pressed his hand to Deimos's chest, "...I can help you..."

A ghostly blue flame began to form waves of the fire rose form between his fingers. He was focusing on Deimos's heart. Deimos screamed in agony as the flames felt as though they were drilling into his chest violently.

Erebus 's body began to degenerate, becoming pure energy. Fading until nothingness, as the flames field Deimos's heart. His body's energy appeared to be joining the flame, as it sunk in and disappeared into Deimos's heart.

Once the flame vanished entirely. Deimos felt something awaken within his soul. The pain was now gone, he felt as through the corruption was gone.

"What... What did you do to me Erebus?.."

"I infused my soul with yours, giving you my own unique god soul... This was the only way I could save you..." The voice of Erebus eachoed, "..I am now a part of you... And given you access to many of my abilities..."

"But who will keep balance between light and dark now? Now that you no longer are in your realm?"

"I am sorry.. but this was the only way to save you... And now you share my burden... It's up to you to bring balance.. we all have our roll to play..."

Deimos was fatigued, Erebus 's voice faded, and finally he slumped over to his tent, and lie down on his sleeping bag. Finally able to rest peacefully.

The next morning, Deimos packed up his campsite, and stomped out his fire. He slung his bag over his shoulder, and picked up his large silver sword. His mind felt quiet. He felt calm for the first time in months. Then continued to drift through the soft wanting forest.

He continued to follow a well worn pathway, the forest trees seemed to begin receding behind him, more and more empty land began to fill his path. He knew he was getting closer to a settlement of some kind. He didn't know where he was headed, but he knew he had to keep moving forward.

It want king until marble buildings began coming into view. They shimmered brightly into the sun. He could hear the voices of people form a distance. Fields of grain seemed to be surrounding him now. He made his way closer, and was stopped by two guards, dressed in leather armor and blue tunics with gold stirchings. Their Spears had flags, and their flags bore the symbol of an owl.

"State your business stranger..." One of the men held up their hand, signaling Deimos to stop, "..you are about to enter Athens..."

Deimos knew the Athenians, he had spoken to many who visited Atlantis, and they all shared the same accent, but these guards, the lacked the accent. It was then that Diemos became suspicious. He could tell these weren't guards. They were imposters, and he could sense that these were not the only two. He could feel the presence of 3 maybe 4 more imposters, hiding from Deimos's sight. Something was very wrong here. He sensed an ambush.

"..Deimos... These men are not what they seem to be" Erebus 's voice eachoed in Diemos's head, "they don't feel like Ahriman's people, but they don't feel good either... There is darkness in their hearts.."

Deimos said nothing, he looked at the two men before him, while still focusing on the other four that remained hidden, they were slowly moving closer, obviously trying to cut off Deimos's escape.

"I just want to enter the city, and pick up supplies for the road... I am just a wonderer... Nothing more..."

"Well, then I suggest you pay us the toll for entering our city..."

"How much is this toll?"

He could feel the enemies drawing nearer and nearer. But he remained relaxed, he was calm and ready for everything.

"The toll is 400 gold.."

"Really? Just to enter the city?" Deimos gnashed his teeth, "that's outrageous..."

"A toll is a toll... And everyone must pay it.."

Deimos felt the others still creeping closer.

"Do you really want to fight me human?" Deimos gave an intimidating glare, "...do you think you can command me? An Atlantean?"

One of the guards took a step back, a look of mockery and disbelief took over the other one's face.

"Impossible...there are no Atlanteans left!! I heard they were all wiped out about 8 months ago..."

"Um sir... I don't think he's lying...." The cowering guard remained behind the other one, "..he looks more equipped than the refugees we've been charging...." His voice was deep and he sounded a bit slow, "He even has that heavy sword on his back... Maybe we should just let him pass.."

"Silancd you bibling bafoon. He is just one man.." his voice was nasily, erragant in every way, "we still have the advantage..."

"Maybe you should listen to your friend..." Deimos mocked,  "He seems to be the smart one..."

"Nonsense!!" He whistled, and all 4 of the men hidden emerged, surrounding Deimos, "not even the most powerful warrior in the world coud handle all 6 of us.. so I'll ask you again stensger" he ordered, "pay the toll or die by our hand.."

Deimos gently placed his bag on the ground, and gripped the hilt of his sword on his back.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked calmly, "I've spilled too much blood lately, and I'd rather not spill anymore..."

"I'll give you props stranger, you have balls to stand so clam like that when your clearly out numbered..."

"Outnumbered..." Deimos taunted, and held the blade to his side with 1 arm. "..but clearly not out matched..."

"You'll pay for insulting us stranger... Those will be the last words..."

He gave the command to charge, and all 6 rushed at Deimos, their blades ready to kill.

Just as they were about to make contact, Deimos gave an effortless full circle swing. His attack was so powerful that the isjdn of thunder seemed to radiate form his movement. All of them except the slow one was now on the ground, their heads cleaved from their bodies.

"F-forgive m-me sir... I was just doing what I was told..." He groveled at Deimos feet, "please spare me sir.. have mercy..."

Deimos placed his name on his back again, and picked up his bag.

"Turn yourself in sir... And be sure I never see you again..."

"...y-yes lord..." The guard dropped his weapons and armor, and ran into the city. Disappearing into a sea of people.

"You really are as skilled as people say aren't you Deimos.." Erebus 's voice eachoed once more, "..I'm glad you shared that guard..."

"He didn't want to engage in battle with me... He wasn't my enemy..."

"I can tell this will be a new experience for me atleast.."

"..I'll bet.." Deimos spoke softly, "... So why did we wonder here to Athens?"

"Well, let's go and see the Oracle of Athena... I'm sure we will find something that will lead you towards your destiny.."

"Shouldn't you know my destiny? You are a deity after all.."

"In truth, I can't share with you your destiny... Atlanteans have the most difficult futures for gods like me to read... I really see why the Elder One created your race...."

"...yeah... My race..." He felt grief over take him once more, "...Erebus... Will I become corrupt from my grief?"

"...no... Since I boind my soul to yours, I can use my power to keep the corruption at bay... You have nothing to worry about so long as I am with you..."

"..... Interesting..."

He picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder. And finally Deimos entered the city of Athens.

Athens was a young metropolis, structures that honored the goddess Athena decorated each and every road. The marble buildings were beautiful and lovely. Everything was so clean. The citizens seemed friendly, they smiled and waved at each other,  as they continued through their ordinary lives, fea, and humans were living in harmony. Deimos continued to traverse the great city.  Working his way through to Athena's winderous temple.

Deimos was lost in the architecture. It was so unique, everything was marble or stone, some black granite buildings also decorated the city. After hours of walking, he finally made it to the heart of the city, Athena's great Temple, and hundreds of worshipers were kneeling all over the place, praying wherever they could. In the center of the temple stood a megalithic marble and bronze statue, it was beautifully painted. As he looked at the statue, Deimos was in awe.

"My favorite cousin... It looks so much like her..." Deimos spoke to himself, "These mortals really love her..."

He walked closer to the statue. Carful not stop step on any of the groveling people lost in their worship ceremonies

"Ouch!!" A girl's voice yelped. "Who the hell stepped on my foot?!"

A girl sat up, aggravation filled her face.

"Hey, stensger! You owe me an apology!"

Deimos looked at her as she stood up. She was wearing a loose blue tunic, it was wonderfully colored, and obviously expensive. It drapes over one of her shoulders while leaving the other bare. She was very Voluptuous. And well toned. She had violet colored eyes, and long elegant scarsktceed hair. Her skin was flawless, and she wore a silver warrior breastplate. Deimos was lost in her unique eyes. He could feel a powerful magic form them. It felt like a kind of charm. This was no ordinary woman.

"You owe me an apology.." she frowned, her tone was sassy, yet soft, "...hello?!"

Deimos said nothing. He felt paralyzed by her magic eyes.

"...damn it!!" She focused her glare, her eyes seemed to glow in Deimos's mind, "...answer me!!"

He felt her eyes pierce his soul. He could feel the magic form them, as it seemed to allow her to dig into his most inner mind. Within seconds it felt like she read everything, he felt as if she were reading his history like a book, as if pages were turning and she was memorizing each and every detail about him.

"...oh gods..." She gasped in disbelief, and bowed before Deimos, ".. forgive me my lord... I didn't know you were Athena's cousin... I didn't know you are an Olympian, as well as an Atlantean..."

Deimos knew this feeling, this was normal for him. Any time a mortal learned what he was, they almost always end up on their knees, worshiping him. He hated being worshiped. He never saw himself as a full blooded Deity, evnd though he lived amongst them for so long.

"...you don't have to worship me human..." Deimos assured, "I am not a god like Athena... I'm a half-breed, one part Olympian, and one part Atlantean. You can treat me as any other human..."

"But I have done you s great dis-service Lord... I should have  noticed what you were as soon as you stepped on me..."

She stood up, she was beautiful. More beautiful than any goddess Deimos has ever known.

"You're eyes... You're part fae aren't you?"

"Yes Lord.. I am.. my mother is a noblewoman from Elfame, she passed away seven years ago..."

"I am sorry..." Deimos nodded, "it's not easy losing parents..."

"I suppose you do know.... News spread fast that Atlantis was taken.. along with all members of the Atlantean race... Though I guess you survived..." She used her eyes, to scan his mind, "aah and you are a prince too... Well Lord... It is an honor to meet you..." She bowed in respect, "I am Princess Annabeth Dawnstar, the third princess in line to the throne..."

"I am Deimos Neptus, Son of Poseidon, and late queen Angelica." He introduced himself politely, "it is an honor to meet you Princess Annabeth.."

"The honor is all mine.."

Annabeth gave a kind smile, something about this warrior seemed to interest her. She didn't know what it was, but it was... Something ..

"So what brings you to Athens Son of Posiedon?"

"I'm seeking a way to understand my destiny... I've come a long way... And I need guidance... I am told your oracle here specializes in such matters... Can I speak to her?"

"Lady Anora is out right now, she is visiting a neighboring town, tending to the sick, a plague has swept over that village, I'm afraid she won't be back for a few days..."

"...I see... So I've wasted my time coming here then..." He spoke softly, "..damn it..."

"Oh don't worry Lord, she will return in just a few days..." She reassured him, "in the meantime... How about you stay at the palace, we have many extra rooms.. and I'm sure father would like to meet a real Atlantean... Not many of us have meet a member of your kind... But there are many rumors..."

"Rumors huh?..."

"It beats staying in a smelly old tavern.." Erebus's voice rang in Diemos's ears, "...I say let's be this princess's guest..."

Deimos didn't respond to Erebus's voice. But he didn't argue. Staying in a royal place sounds like a much needed change. He was tired of camping in the woods or staying at a noisy tavern.

"As you wish Ms Dawnstar.." Deimos nodded, "I would be honored to be your guest."

"Very good!!" She smiled happily, "once I finish my rituals to Athena we can head to the palace..."

Deimos nodded. He knew how important it was for humans to worship their gods, and he didn't want to risk the wrath of his cousin.

"Would you like to help me worship Athena Deimos?"

"..sure... Tell me what I must do.."

"Well, first I finish my prayers, then I wait for the sacrificial sheep to be brought to Athena's statue, once I spill the sheep's blood, and say a final prayer, we will silently leave the temple, and return home..."

"I see..."

Deimos never worshipped his fellow gods. He had no need. All of the deities loved him greatly, and they relied on him so many times in the past. To the gods, just his very existence was tribute enough to them. Many of them even in turn offer tribute to him.

He helped Annabeth perform her rituals. And it wasn't long till they left Athena's temple.

"Come Deimos, let me show you around my city before we go to the palace. It's not every day that an Atlantean Demi-god graces my people with his presence..."

"...sure... If that's what you wish..." He nodded, "but can we please keep my origins a secret for now? I'd rather not draw more attention to myself..."

"But you already draw so much attention with that silver armor and sea blue tunic... Not to mention that huge blade on your back..."

"Still... I don't want people to know...."

His gloomy face was covering his expression. She knew his heart was still aching, but she could tell Deimos was a good person.  She wanted to give him something to think about outside of the grief he holds. She was easy to get along with. And she was extremely cheerful.

She showed him around Athens. Bringing him to the docks, and visiting all the different shops that filled the city. They weren't as advanced as Atlanteans were, but they did seem highly intelligent amongst the cities Deimos had passed through before. Athens was a strange primitive place to him. However, he enjoyed seeing how happy everyone seemed. And for a moment, he did actually find a distraction from his own pain. Athens and it's people were definitely something different to him.