Here is the next installment of the story. Thanks again to all who replied!

love,

^-^
>b< ~ms~
---------------
Darkfall: Part 11
From the Annals of Bastet


[son?]

Ares continued to fall through the darkness for what seemed like an eternity, even to a god. He felt the blackness all around him and as he fell, it seemed as though it began to close in, breaking his fall and slowing his descent. He had had, at the moment that his journey began, a sense of malevolence, but as he let himself become calm and leaned into the experience, that sense disappeared and was replaced by an awareness of great power, stronger than he had ever felt around any being. As he allowed himself to relax, he realized that he was slowing and soon he had come to a stillness. He thought that he was standing up, but was unsure.

[son? It is you… the son of the sons of Kronos. ]

Tears welled up in the War God’s eyes. He had an overwhelming sensation that at first he could not give words to. Then, as he felt enfolded in the warmth of another’s devoted concern, he realized that this was what was meant by unconditional love. He was at once so drawn into the feeling and yet needing to hide from it. He felt shame, unworthiness. For an instant, he understood why mortals would be so overcome with this sense of worthlessness, that they would take their own lives in an attempt to extinguish existence. This loving presence could not possibly know him, his dark past, his black thoughts, his disgraceful deeds, or he would surely be cast away. He waited, not moving, not breathing.

[I have been waiting to meet you. My sister has told me about you. She is so proud.]

Ares let out his breath slowly. “Who are you?”

“I am Aset,” said a voice now. It was a woman’s voice, deep, clear, but gentle. “I have many names. I am known to some as Isis.”

“I’ve heard that name,” Ares said, trying to recall the mythology of his own immortal tribe about their ancestors. “You are the wife of Osiris, who brought him back to life. You are the greatest magician of all time and space.”

There was the sound of a soft laugh that made the tall man smile. “So they say.”

“Have you brought me here?” the War God asked.

“I think you brought yourself here,” she answered.

“Did I come to meet the One?” Ares continued feeling excitement and anxiety all at once.

Laughter again. “You silly boy, you have met Him many times. He sent His spirit the day you were born and the day your son was born. He put his hand out to you in the darkness of your boyhood prison, when you thought you had no joy left in you and the darkness had extinguished the smallest light. He walked with you when you lost your sword and your godhood. And when you gained it back, then lost it and …”

“Yes, I get the picture. That thing’s getting hard to hold onto.”

There was a pause. “You don’t need it anymore, you know.”

Ares paused himself. “Yes, I know. I keep it now for old time’s sake. And to remind me of a path I better not take again.”

“And without the sword, you would take this path?”

“I might.”

“And with the sword, you will not?”

“Well, …” He thought for a moment. “I don’t think so.”

“So the sword holds the power over good and evil for you?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then why do you need it?”

“I didn’t say I needed it. I said it keep it to remind me…” He stopped, becoming discouraged. “Are you telling me to get rid of it. I will if you tell me to.”

He felt that sudden feeling of being embraced. The feeling was so deeply pleasurable that he felt himself shiver. “Silly boy,” said Isis. “ I’m not telling you to get rid of it. Keep it if it pleases you or serves you. But do not keep it as a source of shame. Keep it because it as a source of strength.” There was a pause.

In the darkness was ever so slowly turning into light. It happened so subtly that Ares was unaware until he saw the shadow of a woman standing on dais before him. He looked up at the figure, curious as he was expecting a larger woman, more like Bastet.

Isis was quite petite. It was hard for Ares to picture her gathering the dismembered pieces of her slain husband and bringing them back to life. The legend told that she had had the help of a twin sister who was the wife of Set. The whole story had been confusing to the god when he was young and he realized that he hadn’t paid very much attention to the details except for the fight scenes.

Isis smiled, knowing his thoughts. He smiled back in return, a little embarrassed but yet feeling able now to be open with her. The feeling was unusual.

The small ancient one walked down the stairs of the dais. She was dressed as an ordinary Egyptian woman, in a shift of linen that clung to her. She had the figure of a mother, wide in the hips and heavy breasted. Ares was not use to seeing the ancient ones look so ordinary. As she approached him, he was amused. He towered over her. Her black hair was cut squarely to her shoulders and across her brow. It was so black, it shined with a blue hint.

“Bastet has chosen well,” Isis said.

Ares smiled. “I have endeavored to make her proud of me,” he said quietly. “It wasn’t easy. I can be …”

“Stubborn?” she replied.

“Contrary,” he corrected. “Tell me how to defeat Set,” he added. “That is why I’m here, correct?”

The sudden change in the subject made the ancient one raise her eyebrows in amusement. “Right to the point,” she answered, “so I will tell you that you will not be a part of that struggle. You have another journey to take.”

The God of War took a deep breath and thought for a moment. “My lady, right now somewhere on the earth plane I come from, my half brother and his mortal comrade are battling Set. I hope they have allies but I can’t be sure. I know that Bastet will help and I hope that will be enough. I know Set. He is not as foolish as he was when his brothers were alive. I’m sure that he has learned from their defeat. I really need to make sure that Hercules and Iolaus have all the help they need.”

Isis put her arm through the crook of his and began to lead him as she walked in the amorphous place. It was a little gesture but it made Ares feel as if his mother was strolling with him, about to impart some motherly advice. The act was so simple but kind, an odd feeling washed over him. He thought briefly of his own son and hoped he would experience this with Kendaa.

“Your mother,” Isis began. Ares groaned inwardly. Now the feeling was gone as he recalled his stormy and tortured relationship with his own mother. Isis smiled and squeezed his arm with her hand. “Yes, your mother has not been doing her job. I have a deed for you that will restore the balance and right an old wrong, one I think you will understand will serve the ones you are concerned for.” The small ancient one leaned up toward his ear and whispered something to the War God.

Ares gasped. He looked down at her and grinned. “This is possible?” he asked breathlessly.

Isis smiled. “It is more than possible. It is necessary but not easy. I ask you to take up this quest.”

Ares bowed his head briefly toward the small woman. “Done,” he answered.

The ancient one smiled. “I am pleased. You do not hesitate.”

“This task will help me to redeem a act that I have regretted for a long time. I am eager to see this done. Thank you.”

Isis smiled again. “And you should know that you will not be alone in this,” she added. As she spoke, she waved in the direction that they walked. Ares looked toward where she had indicated. Forms began to coalesce from the shadows and Ares’ heart began to race as he saw the figures of women in armor walk into the light of the place. First Kendaa, then Lessa, then Aeronwy and then others. All of the women his protégés. He strode to Kendaa, embracing her then reached out for the others as they approached him.

“Here is your army,” Isis said finally, and disappeared. As quickly as she had gone, the small group had been transported to another place. A huge cavern surrounded them. The warrior and his sister soldiers looked around and then at their leader.

Ares reached out and squeezed his Chosen’s hand then called his troopers to him. “We have a job to do, Amazons,” he said quietly. “One I think you will agree to in an instant.”

The women closed around him for their orders.

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

This is wonderful, Bastet!

Sarge for your response. I LIVE for the feedback and encouragement. It has been dwindling over time with the canceling of the shows. I suppose that fans go on to other shows.

more later

love,

^-^
>b< ~ms~

It hasn't dwindled from me, and it never will, dear Master Scribe!

Love,
Kendaa

Oh, Champion of the Amazons! YOu are the best! Thanks so much? How's the studying going??

love,

^-^
>b< ~ms~

Bastet, dear,

YOU ROCK

Lessa, a proud Bastet-fic groupie

Well the exam was Saturday. Beforehand, the woman in the college shop was telling me some had done it and found it "cruisey". Well if that's the case, my cruise went via the Bermuda Triangle, LOLOL!!! It was pretty tough, and I just knew if there was a lot on the oils themselves I'd be in trouble. Guess what? There was a lot on the oils themselves and their properties. So I could have passed or failed. I think I could have done well with the assignment, though, so we'll see. Thanks for asking, B!!!

Love,
Kendaa

{{{{Bastet}}}
The girls have arrived and it's time to ROCK!!