A Scripta

Gods never sleep, but they get distracted.

Ares picked up his spear and wondered who he would use in Fallujah to do his dirty work. It had been a while since he’d smelled burning flesh, so he thought a car bomb would be perfect for this. He shifted his form into that of a typical Iraqi soldier, gun at the ready. He walked over to a young man, a freedom fighter, and put it into his head that maybe that car right over there would be ripe for a car bomb.

The young man thought it was a great idea, and went to his leader and got the parts for the bomb. When he returned an hour later, the car and the soldier were still there. He broke in easily, tossing the C-4 in the passenger seat. Then the young man got into the car and drove away.

Ares smiled, and followed. As he was stopped in traffic, Ares thought this would be a great place to have the bomb go off. He raised his spear, aiming it at the passenger side door. He threw it, knowing it would easily pierce the metal and hit the C-4 inside.

The spear hit the door and exploded like glass.

Ares stared at what had happened. The young man broke free from traffic and continued on his way. He was heading to the Green Zone, but that didn’t put him in a better frame of mind. Still as an Iraqi soldier, he walked into the middle of the street, getting honked at by horns but being driven around, and looked to see if there was anything left of his spear. Bits glittered on the street, bits of magic.

Mortal magic.

Athena grabbed her spear and shield and laughed at her companion, Nike. “I would spar with you again.”

“You could spar with Eris.”

“She cheats.”

Nike also laughed, holding her own spear and shield loosely, and they went to the sparring area of Olympus.

“What about Herakles? He’s always good to watch.”

“You want to see him in the lion’s pelt.”

“That too.”

Athena took a simple battle position. “Have at me!”

Nike looked side to side, and thrust once with the spear. Athena moved to block it with her shield.

The shield shattered like glass, and the spear went through it, hitting her armor and deflecting off it.

“What…?” Athena stared at the floating bits of light that settled down on the floor of the sparring grounds. Nike put her hand to her mouth in shock. Athena’s brow furrowed in anger, and Nike knew better than to stay in the same area.

Athena stormed to her father, where she saw Artemis also there with Hecate. Athena bowed to Zeus and nodded to her half-sister.

“What are you missing?” Zeus asked Athena.

“My shield, my lord father.”

“There can, of course, be only one who could do this.”

Artemis and Athena said at the same time, “Hermes.”

Zeus sighed. “It seems, fair Athena, that Hecate has noted who created these imitations.”

Hecate nodded. “His magical name is Grimaulkin. He’s a mortal magician. A very good one.”

“Where is Hermes?” asked Athena.

Zeus gave her a look. “Where do you think? Hiding.”

Athena looked exasperated. Artemis glanced at her. “We know who made them—“

Ares thundered into the room. “He will find them.”

Athena looked at him. “How?”

“Because I told him to.” Ares glowered. “I took away my blessings from his beloved. He’ll do anything for him.”

Athena said, “Why did you do that?”

“Because I can’t do anything to him, he’s protected by a seraphim.”

“So you’re taking it out on your champion. Brilliant as always, Ares.”

“I want my spear back.”

“Holding a man hostage won’t bring it back any faster!”

“Cease,” said Zeus, his voice rumbling. “This Grimaulkin is a servant of Hades. His fate is already sealed and you are not going to cut it short, Ares.”

He raised his head defiantly. “I can do what I want to my champions, though.”

Athena turned away, muttering. “The horse bites you so you kick the dog,” Hecate said, shaking her head at Ares.

“Hermes can disappear for years,” Athena said.

“Then we must use the mortal.” Zeus looked to Athena. “You will go to Grimaulkin and assist him. Give him your blessings until this is over.”

“I will help too,” Hecate said, stepping forward. “He’s a mage.”

“He has magical help,” said Zeus. “He has many friends who can help him with that.”

Athena asked, “What is missing?”

“Some of Artemis’ arrows, your shield, Ares’ spear, and my brother Hades’ helm.”

Athena nodded. “I will give him wisdom and foresight.”

“He will see his own future, Athena.”

“Yes, my lord father.”

“Go and mend the rift Ares caused.” Zeus looked at Ares who, at first stood defiant, then backed down slowly.

Hecate stepped forward. “Wait, Bright-Eyes, I will walk with you and tell you about him.”

Athena went to go put on her armor, and listened to Hecate tell of Hades' newest servant.