2 The Valley of Hecate

"Hello, Adrian Crimson. I am Apollo, the God of the Sun." my dog-turned-God said with a smile .

Now, that was it. What was it, Huh? A freakingly hellish surprise day or '101 ways to kill Adrian with surprises' contest. These things were way beyond my mortal senses could tolerate. These many surprises were enough to drive me insane for a lifetime. And as if my condition seemed to amuse the God.

"This is just the beginning, boy. The worst is yet to come." What he said was very 'reassuring'. Thanks I really needed some enlightenment, specially from a dog who just changed into man. But he seemed to read my mind.

"If dare call me a dog again, I will crush you to pieces. It wasn't like I had a choice. Dad forced me into doing that, just so that you can be safe. Don't make me regret it." His eyes glowed and I nodded like a rattle.

"Half-brother, I hate say this but you are our last hope. Only you can stop Ares from becoming the new king."

"Me! How? Ares is the God of War in case you have forgotten. Why don't you challenge him for the throne. You're a son of Zeus plus you are also a God." I said, trying to save my butt from getting sacrificed to a mission that is already doomed. No way I was go to be a part of this nonsense shit.

"Thanks for reminding me. If it wouldn't have been for you this idea would never have crossed my mind. The truth is I can't. Ares tricked me. He made me swear on the river Styx that I would never fight him." the God said it so casually like it was something that happens everyday.

River Styx? Huh? I recalled that if anyone swore an oath over this sacred river, the oath cannot be broken. And if the oath breaks then the consequences are disastrous.

"Exactly, that's why I can't challenge Ares and he also manipulated other Gods to not speak against him. They don't want Ares to be the king but the rumors are that he has found the Chaos Vessel and so everyone's afraid of him."

This was actually getting weirder than I thought. I tried to remain calm and asked

"Then if I try to challenge him, won't he just kill me. I mean, I'm no God."

"Listen kid, we're as gods have many restrictions but you are totally free and besides Ares can't kill you until you are in a battle with him. Zeus made sure to keep you safe." he explained.

"Now you have to come with me. You must stop Ares before the solar eclipse because that's when he will use the Chaos Vessel." the God said.

"Come with you? Where?" I asked and the God mischievously smile.

"You ask so many questions, lad. Just come with me and I will show you everything."

"It's important for you to go with him, Adrian."

my mom said and her face became dark.

"You need to come with me in order to understand your powers and grow strong because your battle with Ares is inevitable." through God said.

I looked at my mom one last time. I didn't know why but I was getting the feeling that I won't be able to see her for long. I moved closer and hugged her tightly. She felt warm and cozy. I didn't want to leave, I just wanted to hug her like this forever and forget about everything, Zeus, Ares and everything that will take her away from me. I reluctantly pulled back and she cupped my face in her hands.

"I love you so much, dear. Don't ever forget that." she said and I nodded. And then we left the library.

It was difficult. It was VERY difficult not to puke when I was in the god's vehicle. It was a shining, bright and breathtakingly gorgeous car.

"Since when did you gods started using modern day vehicles? I mean aren't you supposed to be godly. With those chariots, servants, spotlight and all that." I asked and the god frowned.

"Listen kid, you want me to do all that in the middle of a city so that we can get unexpected guests. Besides, those things are out of fashion. I like my current clothes better." he said. I looked at his attire. It looked like a pop singer's costume that had been burned several times. Yeah, What a fantastic dressing sense.

And then we entered the car. Oh! dear readers, don't you ever, ever take lift from a god, specially when that god is a maniac wearing burnt pop singer-like costume.

He hit a button and the next moment the whole car was on fire. I screamed and begged him to let me out but he was busy talking to a MIRROR.

"Aren't you gorgeous? How can any god be so handsome?" He was talking to his own reflection. Looking at him I could only think 'I am DOOMED!'

"hey, you can carry on praising yourself afterwards. We're dealing with 'end of the world' stuff here, remember." I said trying to keep my temper in control. If he was to teach me to fight then I better commit suicide. Ahh! Someone help me. I am stuck with a low quality, third class moron.

And suddenly he seemed to have remember that he was driving with a half-human. He pushed another button and the the fire died.

"Oh! You are really half-human." he said.

"Glad you notice." I averted my gaze from him.

'Seriously, he's a god. Seems more like a confused pig.'

And then the car lost track of the road, literally. The car was flying. Then Apollo pressed a button. 'Seriously, how many magical buttons does he have in his goddamned car.' I really didn't want to see what that button does but the fates totally seemed against me.

The car was now flying with the speed of light. And I literally wanted to throw up.'Is he trying to help me or kill me. Because at this rate I'd die before I even got to see Ares.'

Finally, the car landed. And the rushed out of the car. 'I am never gonna enter that thing again in my whole life.' I heaved a sigh of relief. I waited till my senses came back to normal. I looked around me.

Wow! The view was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It was hard to believe that something like this even existed on earth.

"This, Adrian, is where you will be living from now on. The Valley of Hecate, the goddess of magic and witchcraft."