The Fall of the Gods

Nishi Rajan

immortal2677@hotmail.com

http://www.usagiandmamoru.com

The planets, stars, all of heaven and its creations watched as the two figures joined hands, accepting the challenge that would end the mighty order and balance of the universe. Behind them, others stood ready to bear the same judgement. Selene turned to her lover and marveled at the horrendous turn of events that had brought them all, the mightiest deities of the universe, to accept a challenge that would end their lives as they knew it. Endymion turned and faced the flaxen-haired beauty by his side, remembering his first glimpse of her back in the lush forests of the Earth . . .

. . . The deer raced through the worn tracks, prodded on by the vicious barking of dogs. Men on horses sped after the hounds, crying war-like chants. The deer stood wide-eyed as it was backed into a stone wall, faced by 4 sets of jagged bared teeth. Suddenly a burst of white light flashed overhead. The horses reared up behind the dogs as the huntsmen tried in vain to control them. Out of the blinding light a female figure stepped forth to stand by the deer. Her eyes shown with blue-white terror as her silver hair flowed behind her. Raising her right hand, she spread her fingers straight out, paralyzing the hunters and their animals. Rubbing the doe comfortingly along its neck, she sent the animal on its way. She took a step towards the hunters when another bright light flashed overhead and a man with piercing blue eyes and raven black hair appeared.

Gazing angrily at the silver female, he extended his hand out and released the hunters and their animals from the time lock. The unwitting victims gazed stunned at the two shining figures before rearing aside. Hastily making the old signs against enchantment and evil, they ran away. The woman of silver looked on with a smirk, enjoying their discomfort.

"Now they run from us as they made the poor doe run from them.", she smiled.

"You have no authority to interfere with the workings of Earth men. They are under my dominion.", came the dark haired figure's voice fiercely. His gaze locked upon defiant blue eyes.

"As Selene, Goddess of the Moon and of women, I answer to those under my care. The deer was female and her plight from death's cries reached my ears . Earth men have no right to chase and kill those under MY dominion whilst I am here."

"Your petulance, stubborness, and disrespect do not endear you in the eyes of Endymion, God of the Earth and of the Hunt. Whilst I am here, you and your will have no power over those I watch."

Selene looked aside and tossed her hair angrily, but then her gaze slid smoothly back to look upon Endymion. Her eyes narrowed and she licked her lips slowly. She walked upto him softly, like a cat on the prowl. Endymion watched her approach, his eyes never leaving hers.

Coming up behind him, Selene traced a finger up along his right forearm, towards his biceps, her fingers lingered at his shoulders, enjoying the taut strength she felt pulsing. Then she slid behind him, dragging her fingers softly around his neck and down his left arm, her fingers resting gently on his own.

"Come now Endymion.", her voice echoed his name softly. "Do not be angry with me. It is my duty and calling to defend the females of the Earth, and that includes the animals.", she made to move her hand but Endymion grabbed it quickly and held it fast in his own. Selene looked up startled. No male had ever touched her and to do so without her permission was punishable by the laws of the Deities.

"Do not toy with me Selene. I am not a God that will fall as most men do, groveling at your feet, by the simple touch of your hand. The Hunt and the Earth are mine. Do not interfere, even if the quarry of a hunt be a doe." His eyes then changed from steely emotion to twinkle with amusement at the expression of shock on Selene's face. He bent his head and let his lips fall gently upon her fingers and up across her hand. Grabbing her around the waist and pulling her close to him, he whispered in her ear, "Try to seduce me Selene and you may be asking for more than you wish.", his hands laced themselves around her fingers as he kissed her powerfully upon her lips. Then with a bright flash of light and a bewitching smile, he left Selene to stand alone, silver and white against the sunlit emerald forest.

******************************************

She seethed in anger. "How DARE he mock me!"

"Selene, please. You interfered with the Earth mortal's customs. They are by birthright under Endymion's jurisdiction. You -", the blue haired beauty was interrupted.

"Mercury, that is not the point. He made a fool of me......touched and held me as if he had any right to Goddess of the Moon. If he weren't a God himself I'd strike him dead!", Selene shook with rage.

"It seems to me Selene is angry because for once, for all her beauty, charm, and seduction, she failed to win a man to her side.", said a tall woman with black hair that shined with the red flames of the planet she watched.

"Mars!", a golden haired beauty joined her side. "I think we may have found the only male to resist Selene and yet live." She laughed with mirth and enjoyment in her eyes.

"You too Venus?!", Selene fumed. "You three just wait. One day you all will understand what it means to have a male humiliate you."

A green cloaked figure strode softly close to Selene and laid a comforting hand around her shoulders. "Come now Selene. Tell us of Endymion. Any male who would get you so wrapped up in anger is surely one worth winning!", she smiled coquetishly.

"Jupiter.", Selene's face changed from stormy anger to that of the calm rays of the morning sun. Opening her hands, she sent a small ball of light into the center of the room. It rose and took the shape of the male God named Endymion, protector of the Earth. Blue eyes, dark hair, tanned skin, and rippling thigh muscles shone. Selene's eyes traveled unwittingly to the figure's chest where the tunic he had worn exposed a thick, gorgeous mound of silky dark hair.

Venus licked her lips in appreciation. "Now I know why Selene is so angry she didn't win this one!"

Mars smiled knowingly. "Selene, of all the men of the other planets you played with, this is the one worth your time."

Each of the women in the room had had their fair share of men except Selene. Though she would shamelessly lure and attract men, she would refrain from anything further. Selene had yet to meet the man, mortal or Deity, who could win her heart and thus, her bed.

Venus turned her mischievous eyes upon Selene. "It is not only that, but our virgin Moon Goddess here was kissed by our Earth hero."

All eyes in the room focused upon Selene now. Her face flaming with the crimson shade of embarrassment. "Leave it to Venus, the Goddess of Love to know everything that should remain private", Selene thought angrily. She closed her palm, causing the image of Endymion to fade away. "Enough of this!", she exclaimed in a controlled voice. "I will make Endymion pay for making a mockery of me. And you all shall help!"

"Help? Oh no Selene!", Mercury said. "You and your plans for revenge and play have got you into trouble before. Do not bring us into it."

"Oh where is your spirit of FUN Mercury?", Venus cried, coming alongside Selene. "I'm all for playing a trick upon our handsome Earth protector."

"Not I.", said Mars quietly. "The innauguration of our planets for the new millennia is only a short while away. Each of us has our duty to defend our planets in combat with those of the others. This will determine the ruler of our new order."

"Our new order?" Jupiter asked. "For all time, the Deities battle in each new millennia for control. The most powerful winning. What new order do you speak of Mars?"

The room became still as death when Mars spoke. As the ruling deity of Mars, the Goddess was given to premonitions and knew the happenings of distant times to come. "It is not the time for revenge or tricks. I have seen the fire and there is a change to come for all of us. The entire order of the Gods, of mortals, of the living and unliving shall be challenged. There shall be a battle. . . ." Her gaze fell on Selene. "It will be for the good of us all if you are to seek the friendship of Endymion rather than his anger."

Venus gazed from Mars to Selene and to the center of the room where the image of Endymion had stood. A feeling stirred within her as understanding flooded her mind. The mood in the room had changed. Selene looked at Mars and then turned around. A wind picked up, blowing through Selene's silvery locks. The tinkling of chimes floated in the air of the chamber. "His friendship . . ." she said softly. The image of his blue eyes, glinting with amusement.....the feel of his lips upon her fingers, his challenge of her power and control. Selene smiled and closed her eyes remembering. "Yes, I will give him friendship.....after I have taught him a lesson."

******************************************

Venus accompanied Mars on the journey back to the latter's red planet. "Was it the fire or the stars? Which told you?", she asked.

"Both.", Mars replied. "I did not fully understand until I saw Endymion's face."

"They are fate's chosen ones.", Venus remarked.

"As are we.", Mars replied then looked at Venus. "Will she accept him?"

"The better question to ask is if he will accept her." Venus answered. "From all I have heard, he is dedicated to the people of the Earth. He also has a passionate dislike for the Deities. He thinks we are all self-serving and do not look out for the people of his Earth. Sadly, I must say he is right. There are only a few of us who love the Earth and its people. When the Fury Nineveh fell in love with him, he refused her, saying that were he to devote his life to her in love, he would lose the people of Earth in turn."

"Yes.....I remember....", Mars said slowly. "It is not wise to cross one of the Furies. It is her doing. This challenge. The battle."

"Venus turned to her in shock. "Nineveh?!"

******************************************

*FLASHBACK*

The woman clasped Endymion's hands. "Look at me!", she demanded, screaming.

Enydmion turned with fire blazing in his eyes. "You ask for love and favor, yet what do you give the people of Earth? If one does not please you in the least of ways you and your hateful vanity send disease and the scourge upon the helpless!"

"It will be easy with the people of the Earth if you will but take me as yours." She placed his hand upon her breast.

Endymion snatched it away as if he had been burned. "Disgusting enchantress. Fury though you may be, none is above my wrath whilst on the Earth! Get away from me or I will not hold back my anger upon your 'fairer' self." He spat the word "fairer" out as if it pained him to say it. "Mark my words Nineveh. Interfere with the Earth, and you will deal with me."

Nineveh, the Fury, raised herself away and with one finger extended, pointing at Endymion, cried, "It is YOU who should mark my words oh Lord and God of the sickly Earth. One day you shall be but a man amongst your Earthlings and I will have the pleasure of killing you by my own hand!" With a final angry scream she disappeared in a flash of light.

*END OF FLASHBACK*

******************************************

The next day, the sun rose over the Earth and Moon in all its golden glory. Endymion raised his head and let the warmth of the golden light embrace his face. Dressed in civilian clothing, he entered a village that was beginning to bustle with the usual early morning activities. As always, the village tavern was full and Endymion went into the small, dark and cramped building. Lanterns hung on low protruding beams, and these were losing their light as the windows were opened and the sun's light let in. Endymion sat at a table in the back, and ordered ale and meat. From here, he could learn of all the news and activities of the village. As he drank his ale, his eyes were drawn by a scrimmage at the front door.

In came two men, both large, heavy-set, drunk, and both brandishing weapons. Behind them, he saw two women, their faces obscure since the sun was at their backs, but as they stepped forward he realized who they were, despite having dressed in civilian clothing as well. Selene and Venus spotted him, the latter acknowledged him silently, but Selene did more. She pointed a finger at Endymion and shouted, "There! There he is! That's the man who attacked me."

The two men grunted and gave a growl of anger and made as if to charge. Endymion smiled to himself, and shook his head. Standing up he faced the two men who were racing at him. As they almost hurled themselves on top of him, Endymion simply moved aside. He continued to walk towards Selene and Venus, but then felt one of the men grab him around the neck. Endymion touched the man's arms and shrugged him off his shoulders as if he were a fly. The man sunk to the floor and got back up furious. His companion rushed at Endymion shouting, "How dare you assault an innocent woman!"

Endymion turned around, his eyes blazing, and shook fear into the men. "This 'woman' practically forced herself onto me with her caresses and her lip service and I, as any man would, responded in like, but assault her?" White light shined around Endymion. "The God of this planet has no need to assault a woman or a Goddess he could easily have any other way."

Hearing this, Selene grew furious. "Ooooh! Endymion how dare you!" She ran upto him and pummeled his chest with small fist blows. Endymion laughed, enjoying the look of anger on Selene's face.

"Trying to teach me a lesson Selene?", he laughed. "You'll have to do better than that."

Suddenly the one of the drunk companions lunged at a man and woman sitting peaceably at a table. All the villagers in the tavern had watched amused as the little scene between Selene and Endymion had unfolded and now all were shocked by the drunken man's sudden actions. The large man had his weapons at the throats of the couple.

Endymion stepped forward and with a bright flash of fire from his hands, the weapons fell to the floor, charred. As his attention was occupied, the other companion came up behind Endymion with his knife.

"Endymion!", Selene screamed out in warning and thrust out her hand, sending the man falling like a cripple to the floor.

Endymion turned and flung the man against the far wall, and flung his companion there as well. "Assassins.", he announced.

Venus looked at Endymion. "Assassins?"

Endymion raised his hands, his fingers spread apart, and time stood still inside the cavern. Only the two men lay stirring from their drunken, enraged stupor. He appeared before them and grabbed each by their necks. "Who sent you?" He received no answer. Both men were still stunned. He looked at Venus and Selene. "I am sure you both know of Nineveh." Recognition flickered in both Venus' and Selene's faces. "She has long since been digging my grave. Those two men were her minions. The knife that man carried, Selene you saw it, that was why you warned me. It is covered with Hine's blood - the only thing that can kill a God. Where did you find them?"

Selene looked shocked. This was not the lesson she had planned on at all. "They were in a field this morning, drinking their heads off. Venus and I did not know......that is we did not see.....Endymion...." She looked up at the God. "I'm so sorry."

Endymion smiled at Selene. "It wasn't your fault. You did not see until the knife was bared." In two quick strides he was next to her. He bent and kissed her softly on her cheek. "Thank you for saving my life." He watched as the Goddess' blood rushed to her face, and smiled at her becoming blush. The two men disappeared from the tavern. Time returned and all went on as it had before, as if the Deities and the troublesome men had never been. Reappearing outside, the Deities stood in the sunlight, invisible once again to mortal eyes.

"I will take the men and question them." The knife with the Hine's blood appeared in Endymion's hands and in a burst of fire, it was destroyed.

"Selene and I did not mean any harm Endymion. We came only for fun, to surprise you, to have a joke.", Venus smiled.

Selene cast her eyes down. "Endymion, I am ashamed by my actions. You may see all Deities as selfish and wanting to only wallow in their selfish pleasures without any care to whom they may harm, but I am not like that, I could never be like that. If you or any in that tavern had been hurt today, I would have never forgiven myself" She raised her eyes to him. "I will not bother you again." With that she disappeared.

Venus lingered. She looked at Endymion, and smiled with friendship. She nodded in farewell and disappeared. Endymion's eyes were caught in a state of expression between confusion, shock, and admiration. For Endymion, a God who had watched his people suffer while the other Deities ignored the Earth's plight, Selene confused him.

"Selene.", he whispered her name, letting it float through the air and fade away. "Do you really care that much?", he asked finally to the empty air.

******************************************

Endymion lay restless deep under the Earth, in the caves that man nor beast knew of. The crystal walls around him shimmered, silver and white, mocking him and teasing him and reminding him endlessly of her. Though the Earth and Moon were in close proximity, all Deities kept close guard and watch over their own domains, not treading a step elsewhere unless necessity beckoned. Endymion remembered seeing Selene many times. They had both known of each other but they existed as Gods and Goddesses do, not interfering in each other's lives, meeting when chance permitted or when higher duties called. Never before had either of them exchanged more than a hello, and somehow fate had dictated that the two should be thrown together. He got up and went above ground, traveling with light feet upon the Earth. The moon shone down upon him. He raised his eyes and searched for her. He saw her sitting in her chamber, dressed in a white gown. She brushed her long silver hair. Endymion retracted his vision and left her alone.

Then the acrid smell of death reached his nostrils. Turning aside he saw them. A small family, the parents both dead and the girl whimpering, crying pitifully.

******************************************

Night had fallen and the Goddess Selene looked down upon the Earth from her high white tower on the Moon. Laying against the cool sheets in a canopy bed, she brushed her hair and thought of him again. "He said it was not my fault, but I am sure he must hate me", she said to herself. "I know I said I would leave him alone but I would give anything to see him just once more!" She closed her eyes and lay down to rest but before she could grasp at sleep, she saw him. He was walking among the gardens of the Earth. She could feel his steps upon the planet. She arose and walked to her window where she looked more closely beyond the clouds and the thick trees. He was with a child, a young girl of about 4 or 5 years of age. Behind them she saw the dead bodies of the girl's parents. The girl's pitiful cries reached upto Selene. In an instant she appeared before Endymion.

Endymion looked up surprised to see her, his eyes asking an unasked question.

"Let me heal her." Selene said plainly.

Endymion laid the crying toddler into Selene's arms. Placing a hand along the girl's forehead, Selene wiped the first throws of the disease away from the child, the same disease that had killed her parents. The child sniffled quietly against Selene's arms. Endymion watched entranced.

Selene sat upon the ground and rocked the girl gently. Endymion joined her. "You were watching me." It was more of a statement than a question.

Selene shook her head. "Are you so arrogant that you believe I stand gazing out my window for your every move?" She gave a toss of her head to hide her embarrassment. "I heard the girl's cries and saw you attending her." Her voice softened. "It is not often that a male lets himself be soft and gentle with a young one."

"I am not all without heart Selene. It is only flaxen-haired beauties I find bothersome." He turned his head aside. "Besides, I was watching you as well.....but only for a moment." He turned back and smiled at her.

Selene smiled in return, all doubts and questions gone. The child was now in a heavy sleep. "Where will she go?", she asked.

Endymion remained silent at first, his eyes and face angry, thinking of the one that was behind the ill fate of this child. Then all signs of turmoil vanished from his face. "She will be raised by the village she came from. I myself will watch her and be her guardian."

"Do you care for the people of the Earth that much?", Selene asked. Deities were notorious for favoring their planet's mortals only if proper service was paid to them. Selene was amazed that Endymion showed favor and love for the mortals of the Earth without asking or requiring anything back.

"The people of Earth, no matter what the Deities think, are humble and loving, with far greater hearts than those of the other planets. You see the Moon, Venus, especially Uranus all wrought with wars time and time again, and all because the people of those planets have powers beyond those of human capability. So they battle for greater power and greater control. Here, wars are few and far between. The people rely on each other for sustenance and life.", he stroked the hair of the child tenderly.

Selene looked at Endymion increduously. "The primitive people of Earth?"

"The "primitive" people of Earth, as you call them are suffering. They have been hit with maladies and scourges. Although I have tried everything in my power, to heal them of this particular disease is not possible for me. The disease was cast by another Deity whose enchantment found a way around my own." His voice went soft. "I could not heal the girl's parents or those of her village. Yet instead of crying out hate and murder in their afflicted state, the girl's parents lived each day giving blessings and precious little money and food as offerings to the shrines of the many Deities, and yet not one of the Gods or Goddesses has shown any compassion upon my people."

Selene stroked the head of the child in her arms.

Endymion continued, "You believe the people of Earth are shameless, spiritless, less than the people of the other planets all because they are not as advanced." He stood suddenly and grabbed Selene's hand. "Come. I will show you the village I lived in when I was young. Though the mortals who were my parents have long since died, I have family there. We will watch unobserved and I will show you how mortals of Earth truly are." He placed his other hand upon the child's head and the girl vanished. Selene looked up at him startled. "I have sent her back to her village. She will be taken care of." With that he led Selene forward with him.

Selene held onto Endymion's hand tightly. His touch had sent shivers through her body. Within a few moments they had arrived at a small peasant village. Though it was the middle of the night, men and women were about, lighting fires and talking of the day's events. Endymion led Selene to a small house where inside 3 children slept and a husband and wife held their hands together and talked. They listened.

The man had pain in his voice. "The disease is wearing me down. It is taking all my strength to walk and get the kindling for the fire."

The woman wept upon his shoulder. "Tomorrow I shall walk to the Temple and lay offerings. By the Gods' grace may we be shown mercy. Without you, I cannot care for the children."

The man wrapped his arms around his wife's shoulders as both their bodies racked with sobs.

Selene and Endymion left the tortured scene. "The people are suffering, yet in the midst of tragedy, you will find that they love and care for each other.", he stopped and pointed at the men and women who had been milling around outside. "They are not walking and chatting idly. This village has many sick and those who are not sick are getting the kindling, the water and helping the sick and their families to live a little better."

Selene watched as two men with a basket of food and a trough of kindling for the furnace knocked upon the house of the man, his wife, and the three sleeping children. With warm shakes of the hand, the gifts of help were given and accepted. Selene heard the wife's cry of relief and gratitude. Extending her hand out, Selene healed the husband of his malady.

Endymion turned and faced her. "You healed him? A selfish Goddess who is too wrapped up in the causes of womanhood healed a man?"

Selene turned a defiant face upon Endymion her eyes narrowing with hurt. "No matter what you may believe about some of the Gods and Goddesses Endymion, there are those of us who wish no harm but only to help the people of the planets, and I-"

Endymion interrupted her with a full hard kiss to her lips. "And I thank you.", his eyes looked deeply into her own. Selene's fingers reached upto her lips feeling the heat from his kiss upon her tender skin. Her body shook with the knowledge that she wanted him to kiss her again. Not waiting, she pressed her lips back onto his, wrapping her fingers around his neck. Endymion smiled and kissed her back gently. His hands traveled up and down the length of her thighs, as her fingers lost themselves in his thick hair. His kisses led a fiery trail down her neck stopping inches above her chest. He pulled his face back and gazed at her flushed cheeks. He kissed her softly on the lips again and stood her gently up. Laying his hands gently across her cheeks he whispered in her ear, "Selene, without trying you have seduced me."

The night faded around the two as they left each other.

*******************************************

In the Great Hall of Cronus, the Deities gathered together to begin preparing for the battle. Most were dressed in the symbolic colours of their planets and positions among the heavens. Selene walked with Mercury and listened to her explain, once again, the meaning behind the battle.

"Every millennia, war is waged between the Deities for possession of the Universe. The one who survives to the end is the ruler for the next millennia. Battle is waged by your own powers and abilities and force if necessary. Cunning and intellect are the chief weapons. One can only lose when some of their essence is taken by the victor. This can only happen when the adversary is at their weakest point. By taking some of their essence, you are doubly powerful. In the end, when the strongest stands victor, he or she is proclaimed ruler. In this way, Titan was defeated by Cronus, and he in turn was defeated by Zeus so now---" Mercury was interrupted by the snide voice of a woman dressed in black with black hair.

"So now, who shall defeat Zues and the rest of you?", she asked.

"Selene, have you met the Fury, Nineveh?", Mars and Venus arrived at Selene's side. Mars glared at the black cloaked woman before them. "Excuse us, but we must speak with Selene." She and Venus both guided Selene and Mercury safely away to the other side of the chamber. "You must take great care around her, Selene. The Fury is a snake, with venom that will kill a Deity. She is not to be trusted. Ever."

"Mars, why? What has she done?" Selene asked, yet her question was never answered.

Next to them, a fierce struggle was taking place between Ares, God of War and Tethes, God of the seas. Using force, they collided against each other, attempting to weaken the other, grappling to pin each other to the ground, twisting their arms and legs at disproportionate angles. Beams of light radiated now and then from one to the other to stun the intended. At last, Tethes fell unconscious, and Ares held his hand over Tethes chest, as a small ray of light burst forth from the still chest into Ares' open palm. Tethes then awoke and raised himself, his energy returning. Ares stood tall and confidant, with challenging eyes searching the room. None rose to the challenge, all abetted by the show of battle he had won.

The crowd broke up again and Selene turned to find Jupiter by her side. "Ares will be difficult." She stated. "It seems he is stronger than before."

"Ares is cunning and can be vicious when he chooses to be.", Venus put in. "He is another that is not to be trusted."

Venus and Mars then left Selene with Mercury and Jupiter. Selene turned to Mercury. "You were saying before about the battle and the essence, what happens when--" Selene was now interrupted when she felt a hand clasp around her waist. She turned startled to face Ares. "Remove your hand." Selene said with an icy voice.

Ares grinned down at her, ignoring her and leaving his hand where it was, and only holding more firmly and tighter. "I was hoping the fair Selene would grace my victory with a kiss. It is only proper as I have helped your kingdom on the Moon to be safe at war times."

Selene grasped Ares' forearm struggling to be free of his viselike grip. "You offered your help with no requirement of a service as payback. You will not subject me to your whims and fancies as you might subject a whore." His grip on her waist tightened hard and she cried out in pain and was then aware that his hold on her was gone. Instead she stared at the floor where Ares lay stunned. She then lifted her face and saw Endymion by her side.

"You will listen when the Moon Goddess speaks to you. And when you do not heed her, you are challenging her, and in doing so, you are challenging me." Endymion spoke with a calm voice that belied the razor sharp edge to his words.

Selene turned to him in shock. Endymion, fighting for her? She watched as Ares stood.

"Are you challenging me Endymion?", he spat out with malice in his voice.

Endymion stared back with equal malice in his eyes. Inside of him, fury had built the second he arrived at the Hall of Cronus and saw Ares take hold of Selene and heard her cry out in pain. He had never felt such anger in his life, yet the shock and pain in Selene's eyes had shaken him, and he had moved quickly to blast Ares, sending him crashing to the ground. Now he looked back at Ares, ready to battle for the essence.

They lined up in place, facing each other. Each of their arms held at their sides. Ares launched the first hit, sending red fire at Endymion. Blocking with red fire of his own, Endymion moved aside and aimed another blast at Ares shoulder, blue flame struck the intended target, sending Ares reeling back. Ares then shot back with fierce force so suddenly that Endymion fell. Ares was on top ready to take the essence but Endymion wrestled with him and pinning him to the ground, sent a quick blast into Ares. The God of War fell silent. Endymion then stood, panting heavily, and thrust his hand out, and gathered a small portion of Ares essence. Ares then awoke. The crowd that had gathered cheered for Endymion and then dispersed. Ares stormed from the Hall of Cronus in a blaze of black and yellow fire.

Endymion turned and faced Selene. Although today should have been only preparation, and no challenges issued, the reasons for Endymion's actions were clear. "Are you alright?", he asked. His hand gingerly touched her waist as if a bruise or tender mark could appear on a Goddess.

Selene took her breath in sharply at his touch. "I'm fine.", she said at last. Then she turned her eyes up to him. "Thank you." The words were enough to convey the full meaning of her gratitude.

******************************************

As another evening approched the Moon, Selene decided to walk to her gardens. For days now she had not been able to stop thinking of Endymion. She had gone six times to Earth for the outward purpose of checking up on the little girl whose family had died of the disease, but her true purpose had been to run into Endymion. Both times she had missed him. Now she walked to the far end of her garden where there stood a large white gazebo, tall and wide it took up 200 sq. yards and was fashioned of solid mohogany. Inside was a small swing made from the purest of gold. She sat upon it and thought of his fight with Ares, of his kind eyes upon her when she had saved his life, of the way he had whispered in her ear that she had seduced him. Her mind travelled to the people of the Earth and Endymion's dedication to them.

The people of the Earth truly were kind and humble and loving. The adopted family of the little girl, whose name was Gwen, were very kind to Selene, asking her to stay for dinner. Gwen, herself, loved to play with Selene. Each day Selene's affection for the people of the Earth grew until she had vowed that for the Earth people's sake, she would help them always, no matter what.

Suddenly a gust of wind picked up behind her. She did not turn when she felt his hands upon her waist, propelling her forward on the swing gently.

"Endymion," She swung forward and back gently, his hands lightly holding her back whenever she returned. "I did not expect to find you here."

"I came to tell you good news of Gwen. She has fully recovered, and will not stop speaking of the 'pretty lady named Selene' who always visits her.", his eyes followed his lips in a smile. "Can you entrance men as well as you do little children?"

"Entrance men?", Selene asked coyly turning her head aside to catch a glimpse of him through the corner of her eye. "What have I any use for men? They seek their own pleasures and adventures wherever it suits them. Loyalty and devotion aren't the most frequent of qualities you find in them."

"And what of women?", Endymion laughed. "Surely there is something to be said against drawing a man so deeply into a woman's claws that all thoughts of seeking pleasures and adventures elsewhere are obliterated."

Selene parted her lips and looked straight ahead. "Why Endymion, you speak as though you have had the experience." She swung forward, the wind caressing her face.

Endymion caught Selene as she swung back into his arms and held her tightly. "If ever a woman was to win my heart, Selene, she would be my life, my soul, my everything." His fingers tenderly stroked her waist.

Selene lay her back gently against Endymion's body, closing her eyes. The wind picked up and glided over them both. Endymion bent down and kissed the top of Selene's head.

"Good night, for now Selene.", and he disappeared in a flash of light.

Selene opened her eyes.

******************************************

Endymion rested upon the lilacs and the jasmine of the river valley. His eyes saw the many people of the Earth and made sure that even the youngest and the least were cared for. As he gazed at a white Jasmine, it gleamed silver in the sunlight. He closed hisr eyes and he instantly he saw her again, against the green foliage, the form of her body visible through her gown, her silver hair blowing, the feel of her touch as it sent his body reeling with desire, and the look on her face, peaceful, beautiful as she took away the disease from Gwen. His eyes opened. "Selene.", he whispered still caught up in his memories.

A flash of white light broke his reverie as he saw a man appear before him. "Elios!" Endymion cried. "What news? Is Elysion safe?"

"My Lord." The tall white haired and delicately featured man dropped to one knee. "All is well in Elysion but it is with haste that I, the Priest of Elysion, have come to you with news of another nature." He bowed his head lower. "By the light and prophecy of your kingdom, I saw a vision of you in battle. The planets all in ruin, save the Earth and Moon. At the end of this battle, the order and balance of our existence in this universe was changed. My Lord, the fates have appeared to me. They have told me a challenge by Nineveh, the Fury, has been accepted. She has raised quarrel with the Gods and Goddesses of the planets and has stated that those who lose to her in battle will be banished to life as a mortal of their planets."

Endymion stood in shock. "Mortal? Such a challenge and stake is unlawful."

Elios replied quietly, "The Fates have dictated it must be so."

Endymion's eyes blazed with anger and he disappeared in a flash of white light.

******************************************

Far outside of time, of the universe, of the realms of deities and mortals, three women sat before mirrors, spinning on old fashioned spindles, one holding shears, the other the string, and one moving the spindle. In a bright flash of light and tremor, Endymion appeared before them. The Fates made no sign of knowing anything had changed in their quiet and peaceful chamber. At last the eldest of the sisters of Fate called, without looking up from her spindle:

"Endymion, of the Elysion Kingdom, the protector and champion of the Earth, you have come to question the fates, demand to know why such a challenge to the deities, bearing the threat of mortality, was accepted."

The second sister of the Fates stood and faced Endymion. "I shall tell you why. Do you believe your existence as a God is all there is to you? To rule and love the people of the Earth? There are times coming when all this will change and you will be the champion for all the order, balance and justice of things."

The third sister of Fate stood. "Endymion, though you are beautiful, kind and wise, in all your centuries of living, you have never loved a woman, is that correct?"

Endymion, who had thus far remained silent but had been ready to burst with his angry words, suddenly felt all ability to speak clearly leave his body. He did not answer, yet at the next word, his body shook.

"Selene." The third sister of Fate whispered. The name of the White Moon Goddess hung in the air. The second and third sisters sat and worked at the strings while the first sister finally stood and spoke again.

"It has been a long time coming, but that is the way it works with soul mates. You can keep them apart for many years, try to separate them in every way, even take one's life away, yet in the end they always find their way back to each other. That is the unconquerable love of true soul mates. Do you know who your soul mate is Endymion?" She walked up to him and slowly turned him to face the mirrors. "Look into them. See what your Priest Elios saw. See what is in your future."

Endymion watched. He saw the Deities battle one another, but instead of regaining their strength and life, the Gods and Goddesses remained still, lifeless as corpses. He saw her then. Silver hair blowing around her. She battled some unseen force. He heard her call his name. The fear, terror, the need for him was in her voice. Endymion reached out as if he could hold her and keep her safe. Then he saw himself, not the him that was there watching, but the him of that moment, watched himself come up beside her. One by one, the others behind them fell. Selene turned with tears in her eyes, watching them fall. She screamed out their names. Endymion's eyes began to water hearing the grief in her voice and seeing the Deities fall dead. He saw himself reach up and hold her hand. She turned and gazed at him with such love. Endymion watched as his image took her hand and between them formed a brilliant flash of light and from their cupped hands, flew an object, shining with gold and silver brilliance, the light of which spread forth, defeating the unseen beast. He then saw everything go black. He saw himself fall, then Selene. Aloud, he called out her name, and then he, too, fell in front of the Fates, unconscious.

The mirrors clouded white. The Fates looked at the still form of Endymion and raising their hands, they bathed Endymion in light and sent him back to the Earth to rest.

The eldest sister of the Fates then spoke in a voice loudly reading from the strings on the spindle: "'By union of Moon and Earth will salvation come.'", The Sister paused. "The wheels of Fate are turning. Selene and Endymion shall fall in love, and with their love shall be born the greatest thing of power to save the universe."

*******************************

Selene sat alone in her chamber and conjured up the image of Endymion once more. Her gaze locked upon his lips. Her face flushed at the memory of his strength, his power, the warmth of his hands at her back, of his lips on her own......." She shook her head blushing more.

"Endymion....." she uttered his name softly, then in a flash of light she appeared before the village of the Earth from the night before. She walked invisible and undetected. She did not feel Endymion near. She saw the peasants rushing by. Here and there men and women were being carried on the arms of others, sick and heavy laden with the scourge. Suddenly she felt a presence behind her, she turned around to face a woman dressed in black robes with matching black hair. "Nineveh?"

"Selene....." the name was spoken like the hiss of a preying snake. "What brings you from your white tower on the Moon to the disgusting wretches of the Earth?"

"These people...." Selene asked startled. "How did this happen to them?"

Nineveh took hold of Selene's elbow, tucking her own arm under it, and walked forward through the village. "They are poor folk, with unclean habits.....disease flourishes among them."

"But you..." Selene said slowly, her eyes catching a shrine to the Furies. "You are this villages guardian deity. You can heal their aging and sickness."

"What do I care of mortal Earthling men and women? If they do not pay me the proper respect and offerings I will not save them.", she spat scornfully.

Selene wrenched her arm away. "That is cruel! These people are poor and you demand offerings when they have barely enough food to feed themselves with nor gold or money to buy decent clothing and medicine with. Their state should secure your compassion, not encourage your greed and vanity!"

Nineveh laughed. "My compassion?! For these mortals? They were born to serve me. They are my slaves and I will do with them as I wish."

A woman with a sick baby walked in front of the shrine to the Furies without placing an offering into it, she was too busy trying to calm her ailing baby.

"There do you see? The ungreatful wretches!", Nineveh cried. The baby wailed loudly and painfully. "That foul noise! The disrespect at my doors! I will not tolerate it!" She extended her hand out and pointed at the small infant. Instantly the child stopped crying. The mother than shook the baby gently, then began feeling the baby's skin. Now the air was filled with the loud wail and screams of a mother.

"What have you done??!!" Selene screamed. "You killed an innocent babe!" Selene extended her hand. "By the power of my essence, holy spirit of a Goddess', give the child back her life."

White light shot forth from Selene's heart and vested itself into the small infant. The baby began to cry again with life. The mother gave a sob of relief and looked in the direction of Selene. "Blessed be the Goddess Selene, protector of mothers and children."

Selene stepped back, slightly faint. For a Deity to give up any portion of their life force was to weaken them for a time. Nineveh grabbed Selene by the shoulder and whirled her around. "You have made a fatal mistake.", she snarled, hate and anger twisting her face.

Selene regained herself and turned her blue blazing eyes upon Nineveh. "Fury though you may be, with dominion over this village, none takes the life of one under MY care."

Suddenly all movement in the village stopped. Not a leaf nor the wind itself stirred. Time stood still. Overhead, Endymion appeared and with a burst of light, he charged at Nineveh, knocking her to the ground. "You have interfered for the last time."

Nineveh scowled and disappeared with a shake of her head. Selene looked up into Endymion's eyes. Without removing them from hers, Endymion restarted time for the village. He slowly descended to the ground and stood before Selene. He caressed her face gently.

"You gave up a little of your essence, for a mortal of the Earth?", he asked. His eyes mirrored warmth and admiration.

"It was a small babe that Nineveh almost robbed the gift of life from before it had a chance to begin.", Selene replied, placing her own hand over his on her face. She closed her eyes, relishing in the signs of his care and approval and when she opened them, Endymion was still staring at her. She returned the unwavering gaze. Unspoken words and feelings passed between them.

Slowly their hands dropped as the peasants of the village passed by oblivious to the deities amongst them. "Come this way," Endymion led Selene down a forest path. "you must guard yourself against her. Nineveh is power hungry, vain, and wishes ill upon all . . . the Earth is not always a safe place for the Moon Goddess to walk when there is treachery from others so near." His hand clasped itself protectively around her waist.

Selene smiled, enjoying the feel of his warmth upon her skin. She turned her face upward to feel the strong midday rays of the sun. "Are you gifted with the sight as well?", she asked.

"I can see things others can't, it is the gift of Elysion. And what I cannot see, the Fates show me."

Selene nodded. Her hands mindlessly picked a flower from the ground and she sniffed its sweet scent. She turned and placed the flower among the folds of Endymion's tunic by his golden broach at his shoulder. "I have heard of Elysion before. Tell me of it?" She faced Endymion. Her hands found their way to his and when she clasped his fingers, he returned the hold in equal strength. They continued to walk down the sun-dappled forest path.

"Elysion is the realm of golden dreams. It is a land of magic, love, and peace. It was long ago prophesied that I would be the Lord and King of all the Earth and the Elysion realm."

They neared the end of the trail and approached a gushing river. Birds flew ahead and one circled above a waterfall. Its rapid flow spread mist throughout the grounds, and sent rainbows careening through the air. Selene gasped with pleasure.

"Elysion is a home of beauty much like this.", Endymion finished. He watched the rabbits and the deer drink from the water.

Selene looked at Endymion. The sun reflected off his skin, which shone like bronze. Selene felt once more, desire course through her body. She slowly let go of his hand which she had held all along. As soon as she let go she wanted his warm hold again, but she brushed it away in the hopes of something better. She walked out into the river, letting the water surround her ankles. She turned and faced Endymion.

"Are there women in Elysion?"

"Of course." Endymion answered, watching the cold water lap at Selene's toes.

"Beautiful women?" Selene undid her hair and let it cascade down her back.

"The finest." Endymion replied watching as Selene's hair shone in the sunlight. Then his eyes were caught by her fingers which were unhooking the broaches that held her gown to her shoulders. He waited for her next question.

"More beautiful then me?", she asked at last, letting the gown slip like petals from a flower, revealing her golden body.

Endymion's eyes traveled from the soft supple skin of her neck to the tender mounds of her chest, over the round curve of her belly and down her shapely thighs and legs. At last he answered, "No. None more beautiful than you."

Selene backed into the stream, wading deeper until she had half covered her chest beneath the water. She smiled up at Endymion. "Won't you come join me?", she asked simply.

With a request that simple and maddeningly impossible to refuse, Endymion slowly removed the flower that had been pinned to his broach and kissed it softly, then he unhooked the broach that tied his tunic. He let the flower and the tunic fall gently to the ground and then he walked to the water, his gaze never leaving her. He remembered how she had healed the little girl in the forest village, renewed health in the ailing husband, and her selfless decision to give some of her essence to save a mortal's life. For all her compassion and humility, he knew he had fallen in love with her.

Selene gazed at the male God figure before her. Her gaze traveled from his muscular arms, to his tight stomach, up to his beautifully chiseled chest, down to his rippling thighs. Selene sighed with pleasure. He was everything she had hoped for, and more. She saw his gaze upon her, the same gaze she had felt so shaken by when they had first faced each other back in that forest. In the time that had followed, she now admitted to herself that she had fallen in love with the compassionate, and beautiful Endymion. Now she only hoped he would love her as much as he loved the Earth itself.

Within seconds Endymion was next to her in the water. He pulled her around the waist to him and buried his lips in her neck, kissing her soft skin. Selene's hands ran up and down his muscular back. He kissed her chin, and slowly moved up to kiss her lips. His hands curled themselves around her hips and pressed her body closer to him. He pulled away slightly and then placed his hands upon her face and looked into her eyes. Two beautiful blue spheres of innocence and love stared up at him. In her eyes he saw his world, and his heart. He then remembered how Niniveh was ready to attack Selene back in the village, and how Ares had been quick to try and claim Selene for his own. He let one finger stroke her cheek tenderly then traced down her arm to grasp her hand. Lifting it up to his lips he kissed her fingers and spoke:

"Beautiful Goddess of the Moon, Selene, by whose touch hundreds are healed, and by whose gaze grace and compassion are bestowed. Tell me why it is I cannot sleep at night, for your goodness and beauty shine forth from the moon and make me ill at ease until I can be with you again, and hold you. Tell me why my arms long to protect you and keep you near, and why my mind and heart will not let the mere thought of you fade?" He rested her hand upon his heart. "You have won the heart of Endymion, is it too much to dare and hope that you may feel for me the same?."

Selene gazed at Endymion, tears falling from her eyes. Endymion raised his fingers and brushed them away gently, and smiling, he asked, "What now? Is my admission of love a source of grief for you?". Selene's lips broke into a smile and a small laugh escaped forth. She then spoke:

"I cry because at last my fervent wishes and prayers have been answered. I could not speak for fear that this was a dream and that by uttering one word, I would wake and find you gone. My dear Endymion, you are all I have thought of for days and weeks. To be near you, to watch you, to hear you talk, not a day passed that I didn't scheme a ruse by which to catch a glimpse of you. For some time now, you have been all that my heart, my mind, and my soul has desired. To hear that I have won your heart is joy enough in all the universe for me, save the joy it is in telling you that I love you as well as you love me."

For a moment, God and Goddess, shining in white brilliance, stared at each other, then their lips found each other. Endymion felt Selene shiver with the cool feel of the water surrounding them and he raised his head away and looked into the waterfall. Carrying her safely in his arm, in a motion as liquid and smooth as that of a bird spreading its wings and taking flight, they flew into the waterfall, making no greater movement than that of curtains being spread apart. They entered a small dark cave and Endymion lay her gently on the ground. Their lips found each other's once more.

Outside, the water fell to the river below where it spread and revealed the creatures of the sea. Overhead, the birds flew, singing the ancient songs. Amidst the beauty of nature, two souls met each other in the age old act of love, while in the stillness of their chamber in the heavens, the Fates smiled to themselves. "The birth of our salvation will now come."

*******************************