[IC] And The Gods All Fell [4 Spots Open]

[Lucas Tallador]

It has been over 7 thousand years since the Gods had been thrown out of the skies and forced to walk among men. And I am entirely okay with that.

I can not help but smile as I realise the we can only be a few days away from the first droplets of snow. I've always loved the winter, you see. Though I never really cared for Jack Frost, I have always adored snow- and I think that has only intensified in the last hundred years or so. I've always been a...childish God but when I was younger I always tried to hide that about myself. However the more time I spent with humans, the more I learned about the world. One such thing I learned was that being childish was okay- entirely, completely okay. So I can't help but smile and await Jack to do his work, I do love playing in the snow. I love laying down and making angels in the snow. I love building snowmen, and having snowball fights with other children. I love ice skating and hot chocolate and-

No, no, what am I doing? Standing in an alley and looking up longingly at the sky? I sigh to myself, as I know I have better things to do than to hope Jack will bring snow today. Like...go shopping! Now I grin at that thought, I love the winter market stalls. They always have the best items at this time of year, mainly because of the upcoming Winter Festival- not that I'm complaining or anything. I adore the Winter Festival actually, they always cater it to young children such as myself. With those thoughts in mind, I begin to feel completely giddy. I love to explore and today, as I walked into the city, I knew was going to be filled with nothing but wonders.

The air is full of city noise- beeping, shouting, talking, barking, and streets are swarming with busy and bumbling people. I don't know why but that comforts me, the way humans quickly weave pass each other to get to their destination. For me there's something...sweet about it, almost cute. However it also makes me feel less...lonely. With this many people about, I can often forget how lonely I really am. Obviously, today this isn't working as I've mentioned it. Still, I try to shrug it off. I promise myself I will buy all the cute cuddly toys I can find. I glide through the people as the city buildings tower over me, all metal and shiny. All the while, it is all overclouded by smoldering smoke from the nearby buildings.

Finally, I reach the market stalls- all dressed in blue and white because of the season. I just love how pretty it all is. I carefully survey the cluttered stalls, to see if anything immediately catches my eye. Which to my surprise, it does. In a stall not too far away there are an assortment of animal hats. Though they are a little bit odd, as they seem to also work as gloves, having two pieces of the fabric trail down and make little pockets that work like gloves. I notice the panda one and I can't help but think how adorable it would look. After all, that's why I buy clothes. Not because I'm cold or warm or anything, don't be silly, I'm a God. No, I purposefully buy my clothes by deciding how cute they would look on me. Like right now I think that panda hat would complete my outfit. My over-sized black coat that has a picture of a bunny sewed onto its pocket. The dark green cargo shorts that are simply too cute with my white socks, that have ducks all around the top. It would work with my white trainers that have a camouflage print in certain places. Then finally, but by no means least, it would work with my backpack that is sooo cute- it's in the shape of a teddy bear! Overall, I just have to have that panda hat.

So without a second thought I go up to the woman working at the store. At first I'm not sure if I really want to talk to her. She's clearly a teenager and well, her blue hair and over-sized black rimmed glasses aren't exactly inviting. However the kind smile she puts on when she sees me puts me at ease.

"Um, H-Hello." I say, smiling and biting my lip as I look up at her- trying my best to look nervous. "Could- Could I have that Panda hat, Please?" I ask as I point at said hat.

She nods at me "Of course you can, kid." She grabs the hat before then saying, “That’ll be 10 pounds please.” she told me, handing me the fluffy hat designed as a panda head, with white gloves attached to it.

“Here you go.” I said ever so sweetly, reaching up with a ten pound note I had taken out of my teddy-bear backpack, and handing it to the woman. Before then snugly placing it upon my head.

“Thank you sweetie.” The woman beamed, finding what she presumed was just a little boy, rather cute. “You have a good day now, okay?”

“Yep Miss! I sure will! Now that I have my new super duper panda hat!” I giggled at her, before then running off- deeper into the market.

I don't really find much else, which is to be expected as it's only the first day of the festival. After a while of walking I do find a hot chocolate stand though, and ask for some with marshmallows and a flake. So that made me rather happy. At this point, I decide it might be best to take a little break. Perhaps find a bench and sit down. So with that, I try to head away from the market without going too far. While, of course, also trying to get pass the people without spilling my drink.

I nearly miss the homeless man entirely.

[Tendo]

"Do you speak for the dead, old man?"

The men in front of him kept laughing as their obvious leader kept kicking Brontes in the gut. The God of the Dead, Dying and Lost didn't bother to let blood out or yell, he was too tired for that, only waited for them to grow bored of hitting a homeless man. After all, he did strike first by telling the young boy not to ride his bike tonight or he'd die on the road like his parents. They shocked the young man, his words, and let it all out through violence, the easy way.

"Come on, you'll kill him!" one of the girls yelled. She'd survive this phase of her life and grow up to be a respected wife in a good marriage with two beautiful twins only to fall victim a few days before her 49th birthday to a drunk driver. She'd die happy though and for some reason, Brontes at that moment decided that he'd be there in her last moments, he'd tell her of her kids and the way they'd live and just how loving her memory would be.

When the hits finally stopped, Brontes raised his head a bit, to look at the boy, now sweaty and with hate all over his face and soul. He'd kill one day, this one.

A few minutes later they left and Brontes picked himself up, didn't bother with his dusty clothes but carefully picked up a small plastic bag he had placed his body over in order to protect. There was a childish toy inside, a teddy bear belonging to a 4 year old boy named Oyu who would die of hunger in a few minutes. It was one of the finest gifts Brontes had ever been given and he would gladly let loose the Dead if that meant protecting his treasure. After all, Oyu's sister had made it for him before the soldiers took her away and in his tender age he had associated it with her so for such a young mind to do something so noble, Brontes was at a loss for words when he accepted the gift.

He got up, bag in hand and entered the busy street, the sky almost completely hidden by concrete and steel. The people passing all around him made an effort to not look at him or touch him at all, in other words not to acknowledge what in their eyes looked like another example of where their civilization failed. I am busy some told themselves. He should find a job. the rest and only one for every ten cast a glance towards him as if apologizing or showing sympathy, Brontes couldn't tell. Or he didn't want to.

He kept walking, he wasn't there without a reason. All around him lives and their endings, he could see it all and the fact that some of them had hours or days left was overwhelming. If only they knew.

A little girl waved at him and he waved back, smiling. Children were the only reason he hadn't gone completely mad these past 7,000 years. Mortal children and a certain boy, infatuated with Art and Music and everything cute. Amare had been the only of his kind that Brontes wholeheartedly trusted. Loved, some could say but he, the Seeker of the Lost, wasn't sure that he could love. Love meant putting others before yourself in his mind and so far he didn't have the chance to find out whether he could except from his Betrayal.

He stood against a wall behind a stall and pulled his treasure out of the bag, feeling its rough texture and knowing that it would be garbage to every single man or woman in this city. To be honest, it was made out of garbage in one of the poorest regions of the world but it was made as a gift and gifts are sacred.

Brontes looked at him, beaming as he drank his chocolate, his new had proudly sitting on his head. He didn't notice him, obviously. How would you notice someone you hadn't seen for a few thousand years? He started walking towards him, his usual confident stride now replaced by short, anxious steps.

He had betrayed him and betrayal always carries a price. Did he understand why? Did Amare know why he never contacted him in 7,000 years, why he never spoke of his plan?

Of course he did. he told himself and that thought calmed him. He shouldn't underestimate his only friend, he had proved his worth many times.

He kept walking until he was within an arm's reach when he remembered Oyu whose time had come. He put on a soft smile and took care of him before grabbing Amare's shoulder.

"A penny for the dead?" he whispered, barely holding back a huge smile. He was overjoyed to see his old pal after so long.

Thousands of miles away, a 4-year old boy was dying in the arms of his sister, happy, not feeling hungry anymore. She sang to Oyu of the man in black, sitting on top of a grand tower in the middle of the Underdark and of his deeds. She was a spirit, a ghost you might say but she was there, beside him as he was taking his last few breaths.

They both smiled for the last time on Earth and in a busy street, the man in black smiled too.

[Lucas Tallador]

I jump out of my skin as I feel the touch of another creature. It's simply not something I expect. I guess I've gotten used to being on my own far too often. Instantly I blink and turn around looking up at the man with big brown eyes. There is instantly something replusive about the man. The dirt and grime on him make him smell bad and I don't like it. Yet...there is something about that face- that expression that...puts me at ease. It is as though I've seen it somewhere before and can't quite place where. So, even though a part of me wants to leave, an even bigger part of me wants to stay.

So I do what I always do when I feel safe nowadays, I give him my biggest and most childish smile. However as soon as I hear his words I very nearly falter. A penny for the dead...Why did he have to use the word dead? Most probably wouldn't have noticed the slight faulter- in fact only those close to me would. And I haven't let anyone into my heart for a good long while now. Regardless I try to keep up my happy smile, and not think about what thoughts and feelings those words provoke.

Instantly, I then take out a ten pound note and hold it towards him and try to be as bubbly as I possibly can. Not nessicarily because I feel that way. No, it is because I learnt a very long time ago from a very lonely God that being bubbly can soothe to soul. So for a poor soul such as the one I think is before me, I want to be happy- for his sake.

So I speak up cheerfully "Here ya go, Mister! After all it's nearly Christmas! Do you like Christmas? I love it! There's snow! And-and hot chocolate, and presents! Oh I love presents! Aren't presents wonderful, Mister?"

[Dark Cloud]

"Thoughts are always the openings to new opportunities..."

A passage from one of the many books that Armarion has written.

Armarion was relentless he had so much on his mind other than all the secrets of the world and all the knowledge something bothered him he didn't know where is youngest brother was Amare and his close brother Amos had disappeared long ago not to return.

Armarion sat idly on a stone in the middle of a park in a city that he cared not for he knew the name but decide not to recall it because of its unimportance due to the situations, he was relentless these days not really mingling amongst mortals usually researching.

He had decided to wear a plain pair of normal jeans and a white shirt instead of his robes, he had cast a spell to conceal his sword who was continuously conniving him to polish and shine it's blade so it would look shiny.

Armarion was reading a book about birds that he had summoned with ease he hadn't written it but it was quite detailed.

He stood up and dispelled the book with a snap of his fingers then he looked around hearing many thoughts of mortals around him but merely ignoring them he was focusing on tracking a trailing thought that he had spotted not long ago.

"A penny for the dead"

It sounded like something familiar and ancient, something he had contested for and with his mind racing he could guess that the thought was the one and only Brontes.

With a sneer Armarion stood up and mumbled a few magic words to track the direction of the thought.

As he did this he also detected another thought well a voice sounding familiar to Armarion almost so near and dear to his heart, it was Amare his heart pounded as he found where Brontes was and he also found Amare in the same place.

He scowled then walked out of the park thinking whether he should burst in between the two then he decided that he would simply spy on them nearby and he crossed the street into and alley where he began to cast a scrying spell.

[Tendo]

"Here ya go, Mister! After all it's nearly Christmas! Do you like Christmas? I love it! There's snow! And-and hot chocolate, and presents! Oh I love presents! Aren't presents wonderful, Mister?"

Brontes looked at him for a moment, it was truly nice to see Amare again with his always positive demeanor. That awfully big smile and his bubbly attitude as if there was nothing wrong with the whole of existence. He should have expected that he wouldn't recognize him, after all the form he currently had wasn't even close to the form he used on Earth back in the old days before the Fall, this one was rough and old and scarred, a form he created after he betrayed everyone, full of overwhelming feelings of wrath and sadness.

Wrath towards the Gods who had mistreated Humanity since the day of its creation and sadness because he had probably ruined his chances for a life full of people who cared about Death himself.

"Christmas is nice I guess. Any day involving presents is nice, presents make people happy and happy people are great, don't you think so too?"

Amare can not help but blink at that and smile. Yes, yes presents are fantastic things. He can still remember the day when Brontes introduced him to the idea of birthdays, simply because he loved getting presents so much. There is now a sadness in his eyes as he thinks of The Lonely God he once knew so well. Yes, presents are great. Amare should know- he's gotten a lot of them from Brontes. Though perhaps the best present of all was Bronte's constant companionship. Even when Amare grew up and was more of a party boy than the sweet child he used to be. Brontes was always there for him.

"Yeah...presents are great." He decided, still trying his best to be chipper, before sounding unusally mature "However I think the best present of all is having someone else by your side."

"Yeah, I think I know what you mean. I had such a person once, what you'd call a friend but I betrayed him. He would always be my side and I will always be by his but I chose Earth over him. I didn't really understand it back then but he was... he was actually the most human of my kind. Prone to mistakes yet always willing to do anything to see me happy. Selfish yet selfless at the same time... Ah, I've started to ramble."

Brontes took a few steps back and pulled his teddy bear from inside his dirty coat.

"Listen, I don't think that I have a lot of time, I want to give you this." he said as he presented the raggedy toy to him. "A really special person gave it to me and I have this really crazy idea that I would like you to have it, an early Christmas present."

[Lucas Tallador]

His words make Amare frown in instant confusion- and suddenly feelings are boiling in his stomach. He knows this story all too well. And he...doesn't understand. What- it- is that man saying what he thinks he's saying? No, there's no way..this- it can't be- Amare grabs his own head. He can feel a head ache coming on, his brain is reeling from everything he's hearing. It doesn't make sense and-

It is then he notices the old man is holding out a teddy bear.

"An...early Christmas present?" Amare repeats in a soft, trembling voice. There is an awful sense of deja vu in the act. Something that Amare has seen before.

The boy reaches out to take the present then stops. He hesitates- he's done this before. So very long ago when he believed himself to be a prisoner of a very powerful and fearsome God. That is, until the God offered him a doll, then suddenly the ferocious God did not seem so ferocious anymore.

So, like he did once before, he accepts the toy. However no sooner does he take it, he swiftly grabs the edge of the man's clothes. Holding it in a death grip as he can barely believe what's happening. Suddenly, he finds himself filled with all the emotion in the world. Both wanting what's going through his head to be true and false all at once. In fact, he feels so much love- hate- fear- wonder- desperation- that the only expression on his face is neutral.

It is then, with that neutral face that he asks with the most shaky of voices- one that is barely louder than a whisper. Mainly because it's such a despairing, aching question

"Who- Who are you?"

"You trusted me and I failed you, old friend, like everyone before, even her, in my way." Brontes replied, looking him straight in the eyes. He would be glad if he hit him. Hell, he could throw him into the darkest pit of the Underworld if that redeemed him in his eyes.

"I am sorry Amare. Not for betraying our kind but for not saying something. I'd never put you in danger by taking you with me but still, you deserved to know." Brontes said as he instantly shifted into the form he had on Earth, a form he hadn't used for a long, long time.

"I watched you so many times, always happy unless no one was looking. So happy I sometimes forgot of your suffering and for that I don't deserve you. This is goodbye old friend."

His plan had been ready for quite some time now and all that was left was to try and make them understand, to try and make amends with all of them and of course, Amare would be first. He mattered more than the rest of them together except for that one perhaps. But Brontes hadn't seen her in ages, much more talked to her.

At first Amare just stares- he doesn't believe this is happening. It's..him. It's- oh gods, it's really him. After all this time, Brontes...really- really did come back for him. He can see it now- not the face but the eyes. The eyes that belong to The Lonely God- His Lonely God. Finally...7,000 years and...he's here...just for Amare.

The first thing Amare does after processing this, is pull Brontes to his level and punch him in the face.

Amare can't help but hold back a smirk at Brontes's look of pain. Obviously The God of The Underworld wasn't expecting a punch in the face to hurt from a fourteen year old. Then again, Brontes doesn't know Armarion taught Amare to fight. Good, he deserves it.

The boy can punch Brontes thought as he felt the strength behind his hand, much more refined and targeted than the last time he had been punched by him a few days after they had met and were still learning each other.

However before Brontes can really process what happened, the boy immediately wraps his arms around the man. Holding him tightly- as though the God would disappear if Amare were to let him go. For a good minute, Amare says nothing, before eventually he whispers, quite childishly:

"What took you so long?"

[Tendo]

"Oh you know, this and that." he replied, awkwardly tightening his grip around the boy. He didn't like to be touched and in fact it had been a long time since anyone had touched him but he would never dare pull away. It actually felt nice, being hugged. An entirely human act yet one could probably define love with it.

"I've missed you, God of Art and Music." he added, as he took away his hat and wore it.

Even as he takes the hat I don't let go- I'm still so very terrifed he'll disappear if I dare. Still there is an instant look of childish annoyance "Hey!" I pout and whine "Brroonnttteeesss! Give it back!"

"It does look better on you." Brontes replies as he puts it back on Amare's head. This felt just like the good old days yet he still had a lot to make up for.

Amare just looks smug at that "Yes, it does. Doesn't it?"

"So, once more, am terribly sorry- No in fact, I will do anything you ask of me, if that means that you'll forg-"

In an instant, Amare's expression changes from a bubbly child to the God he actually is "Sorry isn't going to cut it, you fully well damn know that." He says, holding onto Brontes tighter "However, a good start would be promising me- right here- right now- that you will never leave my side again."

"Hmm, I don't know..." Brontes said, risking another punch but he just loved messing with him.

There are now tears in the young boy's eyes. Normally he would accept such teasing, but not today- not today of all days. "Please..."

"I promise I will never walk forward without you right next to me until everything you see, in Heaven, Earth or the Underworld turns to nothingness and we too, disappear. That I vow to you as Brontes, God of the Dead and your friend." he replied, dead serious this time. A promise he would honor to the end.

Through the tears, Amare slowly smiles. Never in his entire life has he felt comforted by the words of another like he has been right now. It is possible the most wonderful emortion in the world. Finally feeling somewhat relaxed, Amare lets go of his death-grip of the God. Now, instead settling for just holding his hand. Saying "Thank you."

[Lucas Tallador]

No sooner does this happen and the childish grin is back. "Come on! Let's go and have coffee" He says with a laugh, dragging the older God along.

Brontes barely has a chance to shape-shift into a more suitable form, before the two enter the coffee shop. It's a quiant and sweet looking place, that seems as though it has been open for quite a few years now- and it's obvious as to why. For such a small corner shop, buisness is booming.

Almost immediately, Amare takes them up to the counter and says, pointing at the hot chocolate "Dad! Dad! I want that! Please? Please?!" Amare considers it only fair as he had to drop the other one to hug Brontes.

"You little... Of course, but remember what the doctor said about chocolate and diarrhea."

Amare merely pouts.

The waiter blinked and laugh before saying "Sure" The waiter says with the typical smile of anyone who works in service "Coming right up."

Which fortunately it is, as it isn't long before the two are sitting and drinking together by the window.

"So, any highlights from the past 7,000 years?"

"Well you know, obviously I had to join the Army- it was the only way I knew how to look for you." I tell him in a semi- serious tone. "Of course, it was an entire waste of time, and I ended up spending my time with mortals. Really, I should have done that from the beginning- because then I would have understood your intentions much quicker than I actually did."

[Tendo]

"Ah, the so-called army led by Armarion and his goons, thinking that I was some sort of monster needing to be taught a lesson. Honestly, they could find death everywhere. Anyway, enough about him, mortals are worth it, aren't they? A ton of mistakes but still..."

Now Amare's face looks painful "I get it now, why you used to get so upest when I..." Amare's voice wavers a little "killed them." I can't help but sigh "I'm...glad I do but at the same time I...wish I didn't."

"Don't you worry about that, I send all of them back to Earth you know, all those killed by our kind. Some of them as sharks, others as lions. A few, really bad ones, as amoebas. Amare, what you did made you who you are today, good and bad. So, I wouldn't change a thing if I were you."

"I-I know" he says, looking down at his hot chocolate. [ib]"It's just...I...I...fell in love."[/ib]

Brontes almost saw the plains of the Underdark call to him as he choked when he heard Amare's revelation. "You what?! A mortal? No... Who is it?"

"He was mortal." I say with a sad smile "It was many years ago now...it ruined me entirely- you know. If it weren't for Emily I would have never of...it doesn't matter now." I sigh before looking back up at him "Do you know why the Gods were never suppose to understand Humans?"

Brontes's face darkened as he heard his words. He was half certain of what he would say, of the bitterness in his voice, bitterness only loss can cause.

"Because..." Amare swallows "Because if we did, we learn two of the most terrible and wonderful gifts Humanity has to offer- Love and kindess. For mortals, that is a beautiful gift, but for us...it can truly kill us. We're immortal, Brontes. If we could not stand pain and suffering- it would be agony. If we knew how they felt, we would become fearful of ever being Gods to them- because we would love them too much. Just like I do now. I've become too kind, Brontes. I understand what you've known for the longest time.

How do you cope?"

"You let it kill you. You let yourself love them, their hate, their love, their quirks and their terribly short lives. But to be honest, I don't know whats the next step. I've loved them but I've never been loved in return Amare for I am death, their destroyer. I've known kindness but love? Not, never tried that. You know what?"

Brontes stood up, excited for the first time in centuries.

"Once we're done with the whole 'I locked the Gods out of their realm' stuff, we're gonna find me a bride!"

"What?!" Amare stares at him, obviously confused.

"Amare..." Brontes whispered, puzzled.

Amare now stands up, glaring at him before saying in a surprisingly dark tone "What ever gave you the idea that I'd ever share you anyone else?! Have you forgotten everything about me?! No one loves you? Oh please! Get a grip why don't you?! In fact get over yourself! Ha, no one loves you.

I love you, you damn idiot!"

[WhiteStar19]

Jack Frost and Ash Adair

---

---

High above the city, high above the blaring sirens, flashing lights, the loud people talking, cold, winter wind rushed by. No one would be around to feel it, but the passengers of a 747 airplane, heading to the west coast, got ice across their windows as this wind blew by them. A young child, no older than three, looked out the window, his stubby nose pressed against it to watch the dancing flakes go across the windows, when he noticed something strange. A young man, with startling white-blonde hair and glittering blue eyes, rested just outside the window. He carried a curved wooden staff and had it gripped lightly in his hand as he walked on the edge of the airplane wing. The young man turned his head slightly, looking back toward the boy. He dropped a pale eyelid in his direction, simulating a wink, and suddenly a large blockage of snow covered the window. Because of the high speeds and winds, the snow was gone in an instant... but so was the young man.

Jack chuckled under his breath as the wind carried him away from the plane, heading in the direction of the nearest city. "Let's have a little fun, shall we?" he murmured and tapped his staff against his leg. The curved, spiraling, wooden staff glowed a bright white-blue for a brief moment, and suddenly, snow began trailing behind him. He knew it was early, and he hadn't traded with Autumn yet, but who really cared? He sure didn't. As he spun over and around, he created icy clouds, filled with water, that would allow snow to fall for days. He took existing clouds, not filled with a ton of rain, and touched a hand to the outer edges of it. The cloud's water droplets froze and he saw, as he continued to fly by, fluffy flakes of frozen water begin drifting down toward the surface of the Earth.

He loved to have winter as his season, being one of the four Season Deities, because it was wearing people could have the most fun. Snowball fights, sledding, snowmen, Christmas... all of those came in the wintertime and he allowed for it to happen. Of course, he would mess with snow during some of the other seasons as well... but that's beside the point. It was now winter, now his time to show what he could do. He flipped his wrist and the wind paused, holding him steadily in the sky. He drew up his staff and flicked it, and suddenly, a rushing wind came from the East, bringing with it more clouds to be frozen to create snow. Jack grinned and looked down toward the city.

Though he was high above the surface of the Earth, he noticed small children laughing and running around, trying to catch the snowflakes in their tongues. He drifted down slowly to Earth, landing on top of one of the taller buildings so no one would be able to see him. The bigger children giggled as they began picking up the bigger piles of wet snow and began hurling them at each other. Teenagers looked up at the sky with disinterest before going back to staring at their phones. Jack frowned and tapped his staff again, this time against the side of the building. The frost slid down the building rapidly and went onto the sidewalk, slicking in the path in front of the groups of teenagers that just got out of school. One tripped and fell, breaking their phone as well as maybe a bone, but that got the attention of the others and the others began laughing before helping the poor girl up.

Jack smiled and laughed at his own little prank before looking back at the children. He was about to jump down and join in on the fight when some slightly movement out of the corner of his eye made him turn. He looked down to the street, just down a little bit, and a familiar cloaked figure, covered by a hood, stood at the edge of an alleyway. Dark green eyes flashed up to the Winter Sprite on the rooftop before looking toward the children. A large, hooked scythe was behind the figure's back and Jack took a deep breath before launching himself off the rooftop and back into the air. He knew what was going on.

The figure had disappeared almost instantaneously and Jack knew where they were going. He dodged to the West, flying on the cold winds, his bare feet dangling in the air. He noticed the barren hills on the slight outside of the city and curved himself downward toward it. He saw the cloaked figure again, but this time its hood was down, exposing a handsome young man with dark brown hair and a drawn scowl. Jack sighed and landed carefully on the ground, the grass freezing under his feet.

"You know you aren't supposed to kill them. Or harm them. You should know, anyways. You created the rules." The deep bass voice rumbled out of the young man, who didn't look much older than Jack.

"No, that's your job, isn't it, Ash?" Jack snapped back and Ash narrowed his dark eyes at him. He just shook his head and leaned up against the nearest tree. "Why'd you call me here?"

"It seems that you have broken one of your rules yet again, Jack," Ash rumbled. "You forgot to exchange with me formally."

"There's a reason for that-"

"Jack..."

"Fine, fine..." Jack flipped his hook around and held it out to Ash. "Do you, Ashthelic, relinquish the power of the Season of Autumn and Nostalgia, to me to bring Winter and Fun to the land?"

Ash flipped out his scythe, the hook facing toward Jack. "I relinquish it, my brother Jokul. The season is now yours." They hooked the blade and the wood together. As soon as the metal met the bark, multiple images jumped through Jack's mind of Amare talking to an older man, of Amare taking a stuffed animal from him, of the old man changing into a spider God. Brontes... Jack jerked his staff away from Ash and stared at him. From the look on his face, Ash saw the same thing.

"Did you...?"

His bass voice was soft. "Yes."

Jack stepped back, confusion, excitement, fury all coming across his mind. He stumbled back a little bit after tripping over a branch. "I gotta go. I gotta find Thallie. She needs to know..."

"Go, brother. Do what you need to do." Jack nodded and whistled. Immediately, the wind picked up and carried him into the air, taking him back toward the city. Ash's dark eyes followed him and he shook his head. "Just don't do anything stupid."

[heroofhyrule50]

As the two gods of Seasons talked and Reunion of another two Gods was happening. Another God, or rather two Gods were in that city getting up to greet this winter morning.
Now It's been around 7,000 years since the gods were locked out of heaven but we didn't really mind it that much because for the first time since we could remember we were free to do what we wanted. As we think back to that fateful day we feel anger towards the one who caused it all: brontes. Now although we spent little time up in the heavens I know that an evil deeds was done by brontes and he must pay for his sins. But that's enough moping for today, moping never gets you anywhere. We get up and I feel the after effects of whatever Skouro got up to last night
Skouro what did you do?
Well Kalith I had some fun....at a bar
Damn it Skouro!!
I sigh and realise I should get up because I volunteered to help with the winter festival with the stalls for a charity. We pull a poncho over ourself to cover our sword and so we stand out less.
We head out to the Market Stall we're working at for the Winter Festival. We take our normal route, the one that takes us pass the bank, the bakers and the coffee shop on the street corner. Little did we know that the said Coffee shop was going to be different from every other day. As we were about to walk pass there was shouting. However we paid that no attention- it wasn't too unusual, though we did take a look out of simple curiousity. It was then that I stopped in my tracks. We didn't know who they were but we knew they were gods one of the people in there's presence....Surely our senses decieve us but it has to be him, Brontes. As I think that name I feel anger surguing through me and as it increases Skouro takes over in my fit of rage.
I take over from Kalith and throw off the poncho revealing our sword. I draw the sword and charge into the shop shouting "You....! As I leap into the air about to strike.

[Lucas Tallador]

The confession Amare just blurted out is completely gone from his mind as someone bursts into the cafe. Amare's heart instantly sinks- he isn't entirely which God it is- but he knows for certain He is a God. How did he not see this coming?! Brontes was a wanted criminal as far as the rest of The Gods were concerned! And Amare's first thought was to take him to a Coffee Shop out in the open? However Amare didn't really have time to worry about his stupid actions now. No, because no sooner did the strange God enter, he pulled out his sword.

Without a second to lose, Amare uses his powers and throws the table in front of him into the God. He makes sure the table hits him hard and fast, slamming him into the wall- and the room fills with the sound of the cup of hot chocolate smashing onto the ground. Instantly, before his opponent can get up, I go up to nearby humans- at least as many as I can- and whisper into their ears.

It is then that four humans surround the God, just as he gets up off the ground.

[Tendo]

"You....!"

Within miliseconds, both Brontes and Amare were on their feet, against the intruding, sword-bearing, unknown God. His young friend showed a completely new side of his by sending him flying towards a wall and using humans as shields for their escape.

Brontes on the other hand wouldn't be so forgiving towards this godling, the days they hunted him like an animal hadn't been forgotten nor forgiven and he would definitely have his vengeance in the coming days. After all, he didn't exactly make his presence known without an ulterior motive.

"Try your best, pup, the Underworld hasn't seen an immortal prisoner in a thousand years!" he yelled as he moved towards his opponent who was now surrounded by four humans.

Amare instantly grabbed Brontes arm, looking at him with a completely sense of seriousness and authority. One that the other God hadn't seen before. "Brontes, now is not the time. We need to go, now."

"I-" Brontes began but the look on Amare's face completely erased his anger.

"No, I don't want to hear it. You said you wanted to make amends, right? Well murder isn't exactly going to help. So, we need to leave."

"As you wish. For now." Brontes replied, recultantly agreeing with the younger God.

With that, Amare declares loudly "By the time all the Gods leave, you will all forget this ever happened!" No sooner does Amare say that, does he swiftly pull Brontes away, and through the back door. The two Gods heading into the crowd of the streets and blending in, as though they had never even been to the coffee shop to begin with.

[Etain]

Thallie sat on a bench at the park. It was nice being able to have quiet time then again that is all she ever knew now. Watching the people around her she rolled her eyes. They were all happy and she couldn't understand why; being on earth for 7,000 years taught her that there is nothing to be happy about when it comes to this place and it pissed her off entirely to see every mortal happy. In fact seeing them unhappy gave her complete sadness yet at the same time she enjoyed it. It was awful for her..being on earth was awful for her, she was entirely lost and out of place. In the Heavens she was always occupied and knew exactly what needed to be done and or what she wanted to be done.

Although on Earth it was a way different story. She had nothing to occupy her nor knew exactly what she should or wanted to be done. She felt out of place in a world of chaos and this was all because of Brontes. God how she hated Brontes. It was Brontes who sent her here. Not only that it was Brontes who practically ruined her and her precious little brothers bond. Amare her beloved brother the one she actually cared for out of all them. She will never forget the day they argued along with why; Nothing in the whole Heavens could make her understand why he wanted to leave..why he wanted to leave her.. she hated and envied Brontes for this not only that but everything Brontes had done.

Closing her eyes she sighed and stood up and walked down the path it was covered in a sheet of white, looking up though to make sure she didn't trip or anything she sighed. The days where Earth was beautiful made her miss the Heaven's so much more and that hurt her even more each time. Thellie just wanted to return home it was something she craved more than anything.

[Winter05]

"Ahh, yes. Looking good." Ernestine clicked her tongue as she walked past a shop and saw her own reflection. "As always," she rolled her eyes with a smug smile, slightly shaking her head as if to say "why am I stating the obvious?" She confidently strolled down the street and pulled her leather jacket closer to her body -- not because she felt cold, but because it made her look attractive doing so. However, the air certainly was starting to get chilly. She perked up, suddenly recalling something. "Winter," she whispered to herself with a small smile, her eyes showing a hint of mischief. "The best season for stirring up trouble. I love it," she chuckled in excitement.

Ernestine was definitely in high spirits today. She was going to get busy very soon. She hummed gleefully as she mentally planned how she'd entertain herself this season. Snow storm? People slipping and breaking a bone or two? People getting sick? Hmm.. Ah, what about a massive snow storm where people would have to get locked inside their homes? Even better if they didn't get to stock up on food. An open cafeteria came into view, and as soon as the goddess of chaos strolled by, a costumer choked on his food, coughing loudly, alarming other people on his table and causing a slight panic. "Aww man, this is no fun. What about a fire?" She whined. From a distance, a young woman came running outside of a building, "Fire! Someone please help, there's a fire!" She screamed in panic.

A long sigh dragged out of her lips, a scowl plastered on her face. None of these entertained her at all. "Someone save me from this misery," she groaned, feeling annoyed of how bored she was.

Suddenly, the goddess froze in her tracks. She squinted her eyes in deep thought before slowly whipping her head to the direction of the cafe right across the road. Her head tilted slightly to the right as she gazed, hardly willing to believe, and yet convinced.

She took a deep breathe, her gaze never leaving the man in the cafe. "Ahh, I've missed this scent. The smell of death itself." She chuckled to herself, a smirk plastered on her lips. She felt her blood boil in excitement. The thrill caused a shiver to run down her spine. She suddenly felt empowered, inviting alot of chaotic energy around her, wrapping around her like a blanket. She could feel warmth run up from her hands to her face.

It didn't take long before a scene played out infront of her.

Everything happened so fast, it was almost a blur. She could see her dearest brother flee with a young boy. Amare, she assumed. She had never spoken to him, but she had always known how fond Brontes was of him.

She was quickly snapped out of her trance when two cars collided infront of her. There was a loud crash and a series of yells from passersby. A couple of people took out their phones, quickly snapping pictures of the incident, while others pulled out their phones to make a call. The others ran to check in on the drivers, while others simply walked by, too busy to care.

"Oops. I got excited," she shrugged nonchalantly with an amused smile. She glanced one more time towards the cafe, but there was no more sign of them. "Everything just keeps getting better and better," she chuckled lightly, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and continued her stroll down the street in a very casual manner. A menacing smile slowly made it's way to her lips, and her eyes glimmered in amusement. "We're going to have lots of fun~"

[Dark Cloud]

"There will always be evil yet it might never seem that way..."

At this point as he watched the scene unfold he knew this couldn't end well.

He quickly dispelled the scry spell then frantically prepared a teleportation spell, as he pinpointed the exact location of the situation now unfolding.

He thought this would go horribly wrong for his brothers and sisters might misunderstand the situation yet he himself did not understand, how was it that Brontes was not the monster?

Yet he pushed the thought aside as he finished his spell then in a flash of light he disappeared.

---

Armarion appeared where he had thought his brother and Brontes had been yet was not in time they were gone somewhere now not letting themselves become apparent to him, tears formed in his eyes and he leaned against a wall as he felt sorrow once again.

All Aramarion wanted was to track down his brother and show him that he actually cared all he wanted was his brother to realize that he was important.

He wiped away the fist tear but they came streaming out and he retreated into a nearby alcove in between the buildings of the city and sat upon a trash can crying casting a spell so no one could hear him yet he left out a part so only the cries amplified so that his brother Amare and maybe even Amos could here him cry because he had lost two things important to him.

He felt lost and he wanted no other Gods or Goddesses to know that he was a hopeless reck other than those who cared about him or were dear to him he shivered and he heaved a breath and more tears came bright shining tears of light that held his magic, the beautiful magic of the world and he made sure none spilt onto the earth for he was sure that he could let no magic free onto earth other than for plants and animals or important beings.

Yet he sat and cried because he didn't know where his brother was once again and also he had just lost another thing important to him he remembered that Amos was somewhere lost maybe.

Yet he sat and cried not knowing what to do but cry and let those who he cared for be the only people who could hear his sobbing.

A spell amplified the sound for a few specific people, Amos and Amare.

[heroofhyrule50]

Shit! Shit! Shit! Fuck! Shit! Shit! Shit! Fuck! I can't believe I let him again away that easily! How could I let Brontes and that little boy- or rather little God just run straight out of the Café back door like that?! I didn't expect that small God to be able to do such things. Ipunch the wall in anger, damn it!!! I remove my hand from the hole I just created. I sigh and barge through the mortals that surrounded me with ease and I step outside the shop to try and see if they're still within range. However something catches our attention, there's a building on fire across the street! Who the hell started a fire at a time like this?? We look toward the way we thought they ran off and then back to the fire. We hear some mortals shouting for help inside,
damn it Skouro let me back in control!
ughh okay.
I take back control ,Thank you Skouro, I sheathe our sword and put our poncho back on and head toward the building on fire.

I get there and see that the fire isn't too strong but is a danger none the less, I also see that there are people still inside.
What's the plan, put out the fire first or get the people out first?
Well the people first probably
Alright lets do this.
I draw on the power of the phoenix to give myself extra flame protection just in case the fire grows and Icharge into the burning building and grab the two people inside, slinging them over our shoulders. I run out of the building and set them down in the street near the shocked onlookers so they can take care of them. I then grab a bucket and fill it with water from the nearest source but i have to break the ice covering it to access the water underneath and I start putting out the fire at it's source. After I put out the fire I walk away and start walking towards back to our 'home'.
What the hell was that fire?
I don't know Kalith but it certainly wasn't caused naturally, it came out of nowhere
This can't be a coincidence, we see Brontes has returned and then someone causes such a fire?
I agree but for now we don't have a fucking clue who caused it but we do know one thing
And what's that Skouro?
Well if Brontes is back...
Then we can finally make him pay for his sins!
Yes
Still I would like to know who started that fire
heh and you call me impatient Kalith

[AsgardianLord19]

Seatus was meditating, earlier he swam all the way across the Delaware river. He knew Brontes was present, he heard the rumors believing they were true, he had to find him later. Seatus wasn't bothered by cold water, he was in antarctica many times. Swimming beneath the ice caps with pods of the whales he created. This was during his God years, before he was usurped.

Now Seatus sat at the bottom of the lake. His eyes were shut and legs crossed meditating, listening to the movements of the water. The sound of cracking ice interrupted him, he swam up to the sound punching the ice to make a hole to peek out. Seatus said "Meditation time's over I guess." he swam back under the sheet approaching closer to shore where the sheet of ice ended. He stepped out drenched from cold water, he shook it off and walked through the snow barefooted. He found a christmas charity box with clothes all inside it, he took a pair of jeans, t-shirt and a sweatshirt. He placed on the hood keeping himself hidden walking down the path, he didn't know if any of the other Gods which could've likely been present, or Brontes would remember him he had a handsome human appearance now instead of a sea monster.

[Robo27]

Tet watched as the various humans that were before him, had different sorts of communications methods with each other. While a rather boring task, it was normal for Tet. He did not mind sitting and observing various things for several hours a day. Rather he did it because he had nothing else to do, he had done this for the several thousand years he had been on the Earth. Seeing as he really could not complain about it he thought he might as well find a way to enjoy it, otherwise he would've gone mad by now. He sat quietly and watched each and every interaction. They ranged from loving interactions to very hostile interactions, there was never an absence of one or the other. He laughed every now and again when he witnessed something out of the ordinary but that was on very rare occasions. This was his basic routine wherever he was, although he didn't always sit in an idle spot for hours on end. He slowly but surely learned several things over the several years he did this, after all he had nothing but time so he figured gaining knowledge was the best way to use the endless amount of time he had.

Today was one of those rare occasions he would get to experience every now and again, well rather this one would probably be one in a million chance of happening, considering what Tet had witnessed. As he sat across from a cafe he was observing the various crowds of people and leisurely enjoying a small drink, it wasn't long before he sensed something very off, and at that very moment, in the crowd of people he saw to very familiar gods dashing out of the back of a cafe. At the same time as the two gods dashing out, a fire broke out just across the street, it was a rather contained fire so too much panic did not ensue. Seeing as Tet was good with keeping an eye on a certain pair through heavy crowds he immediately got up from his feet and followed into the crowd in which Brontes and Amare ran into. It took a bit of dodging and weaving in the crowd but Tet was able to keep track of them fairly easily. His goal was not to approach the two, rather he was only seeing what the god of the underworld was doing showing himself, after all he was wanted by pretty much every god for the past seven thousand years.

Seeing as the gods are easily able to sense the use of powers, Tet restricted himself from using any of his powers and kept up using methods he learned from observing mortals over the years. It was not easy at first since he had never done it before but after putting it to practice he was able to copy the exact tracking methods he obtained through observing the mortals that had put the skill to use on an everyday basis.「How they do this on a daily basis is beyond me, then again they were mortal and they had to use it as a means of survival.」Tet shrugged to himself and continued on following, going from building to building as the two other gods continued forward.

[NarcissisticPotato]

The Queen of Darkness

Darkness inhaled, the sting of cold hitting the back of her nostrils paired with the stench of daily human life - coffee, food and the fuels they treasured so much. Winter had finally rolled around and it was already having its way with the environment, people glided and fell with the frosty paths and already, scarfs seemed to be in high demand. Humans were fiercely adaptable creatures and despite the rapid change of conditions, they still went about their daily lives. Strange. Sparing a moment of her eternity to peek around, Kyra briefly remembered being in that place before only the last time, it was full of the dead and dying as disease tore through it. The Goddess of Darkness was always attracted to the places where evil flourished. Or maybe it was the other way around? Kyra had forgot to remember.

A hushed whisper from beside her woke her from the trance that had imprisoned her. An excited silence, a breath of life against the cold abyss - her little summons, she guessed. Pulling her hands from her warm coat, she pulled her hood about her frosty hair and followed the sound into a nearby ally. Finally, in a particularly dark corner, she found the Shadows' Moot. At least a dozen of her creations were darted around, chiming into the debate with their own excited tones. Kyra frowned and took her place among the little creatures, sitting cross-legged and listening as they recounted tales from the last endeavor she had sent them on. It was around Christmas and keeping within the weird human traditions, she felt a weird desire to see her family or at least, be near them. She had tracked them down to this particular city which seemed to be buzzing with their activity but she didn't want them to see her just in case they decided to get into her Mother's good books and bring her in. Instead, she sent out her Shadows to see who was all there. Frowning once more, she tilted her head in silent curiosity at their answers. "The King of the Dead? You mean Bronte? Amare? And Armarion? And a few seasons? And Light as well? Guys, don't you realise that there's only ever one season in one place at a certain time, right?" The chorus of angry buzzing that followed made her think otherwise. "Damn... I guess I'll have to leave then. Having all those gods together in one place means that anyone with half a brain should stay away from said place." She must have dimmed their curiosity as they all let out a disappointed chatter before rejoining the shadows around them and leaving her alone. So dreadfully alone.

Nyra allowed her feet to lead her from the ally and along the cluttered streets. Her rather small form was swamped by heavy clothing that did dreadfully nothing - the Queen of Darkness was always cold and it was bloody miserable. Somehow, she found herself standing at the entrance of a dark-looking establishment much too far off the main road. Peeking in, she noticed the large lack of light and decided it was better than nowhere so quickly darted inside, her dark eyes peeking around in silent caution. It was mostly abandoned save for a few rather menacing looking individuals sitting at the bar. Approaching the same place, she leaned against it and the barman, who was previously caught up in a conversation with the men, gave her a confused look and briefly wondered if she had a death wish. Nevertheless, he moved away from the others and gave her a raise of his eyebrow. Attempting to make her voice a little deeper, she coughed. "Er... a banana milkshake please; and don't skimp on the bananas."

The look he gave her was bordering on confusion and sheer skepticism. A resounding laugh went up amongst the other men as the barman narrowed his eyes at her. "Listen kid, you may think this is funny or something but this is a very dangerous place for a little girl. I advise you run along to daddy." Kyra raised her eyes from her hood and gave him a confused look, blinking in misunderstanding - she didn't exactly see the problem with her request. Was she being rude for asking for extra bananas?

"Um... Just a water then?" She made sure to avert her eyes this time, shrinking back on herself as the barman shook his head and went to find a tap. Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder and quickly looked up to find one of the men was standing over her. He was about to say something but in her quiet terror, Kyra kicked into combat-mode. The man's words were caught in his throat as the girl in front of him suddenly disappeared. Out of nowhere, she reappeared, tugging him to the ground before keeping him down with a punch that betrayed her Godly strength. His friends rose, going for their concealed weapons but Kyra was much too quick and darkness enveloped her form again. The first man received a kick where the sun doesn't shine which was subsequently followed by a heavy punch that sent him sprawling backwards. Just as the second one righted himself and drew a pistol, a hand that could only be described as being physically made from shadows slammed his head down into the bar, his body releasing a sickening crunch. Breathing heavily, the Queen of Darkness allowed herself to breath as she heard a door open.

The barman returned and cast one glance over the scene before his eyes went wide and he pointed back to the door. "I'll go get that banana milkshake!" Sighing, Kyra dropped the last man to the ground and found a comfortable seat in the corner before pulling her knees to her chest. Why were humans such confusing creatures?