Chapter 25: Hecate

Over the passed few months Ares has been thinking, 'Can I do magic?' And apparently, according to his mother, yes he can.

Although he can learn and perform different types of magics, because of his divinity, he can only do so to a certain extent.

Teleporting himself or others, detecting other mythical entities, and summoning Gods and/or weapons from Olympus are the only things Ares can perform to a satisfactory degree.

Other than that, unless Ares wants to spend centuries learning a specific magic, his main magic arsenal will only consist of the basics.

Hearing this, Ares was not discouraged however, on the contrary, he was excited.

'Who cares if it takes centuries! Power that comes quick leaves just as fast!' Ares thought.

He's been planing to meet the Goddess of Magic for quite sometime and now, as his and her interests align, it's the perfect time.

"I wonder if Thanatos missed me?" Ares wondered aloud.

Currently, Ares is by himself in front of the cave entrance to Tartarus his good friend Thanos showed him.

'Why is he in front of the entrance to Tartarus?' You may be thinking.

Well, once again, according to his mother, Hecate lives in Tartarus.

Hecate is the Goddess of magic, witchcraft, ghosts, boundaries, necromancy, and crossroads.

Born to the Titan, Perses, also known as the destroyer, and Asteria, the Titaness of stars and divination, the Goddess Hecate was alive even before the Titanomachy.

Because of her neutral stance in the war, when the Olympians won, Zeus sparred the Goddess in respect of her decision to not intervene.

If rumors are to be believed, she even helped the Olympians in their fight against the Titans, hence Zeus's leniency.

But, if you listen to rumors, you would have also heard one that states that the only reason Zeus didn't try and kill Hecate was because he was afraid of her.

As she has divinities associated with the underworld, she took residence in Tartarus after the Titanomachy, sometimes working for or with Hades, and often spending her time with Hades' wife, Persephone.

Passing familiar scenery on his way through Tartarus, Ares pondered on his soon meeting with Hecate.

'If you think about it, Hecate is kind of like the Ancient One of Greek myth. She's able to see the future. I wonder if she knows of my visit.'

Arriving at the gates of Tartarus that had two giant statues standing guard previously, Ares saw a welcomed sight.

Laying on the ground apparently sleeping on its stomach, is a black three headed dog, maybe ten feet in length.

'So he listened.' Ares thought amused.

Walking up to the sleeping Cerberus, Ares thought about engaging the young mutt, but ultimately decided against it.

'I'm surprised he or she hasn't woken up and attacked me, or was I hoping for that?' Ares thought shrugging his shoulders. 'Maybe. But next time we'll fight for sure.' He thought, as he walked passed Cerberus, brushing his hand against the sleeping beast.

Walking a bit further in the directions his mother told him, Ares arrived in a clearing, and in the center was a small wooden house in the typical witches aesthetic that was surrounded by tall dead trees, their bark colored red.

Approaching the door, as Ares suspected the Goddess Hecate had seen his arrival.

Opening on its own slowly, from inside, Ares heard a woman's voice, "I've been waiting for you Prince of Olympus."

"As I expected Goddess Hecate." Ares said, entering her home.

It was a small space, with a fire burning blue in the middle, outlined with stones in a circular shape.

All around her walls were shelves of books and to left of the blue flame was a black cauldron with silver symbols inscribed on its sides.

To the right of the flame is a small black, circular table with two chairs on either side, and one presently being occupied.

"Fufu, so you know of me? Sit young Prince we have much to discuss." Hecate said, gesturing to the seat across from her.

Obliging, Ares took his seat across from the Goddess.

Hecate had long black hair reaching her lower back with pale white skin that did nothing do take away from her beauty.

Her irises were black along with her pupils, matching her elegant black peplos.

"Now, for what has the young Prince of Olympus come to me for?" Hecate asked, her arms crossed, and face showing a smirk.

"Gravity magic." Ares said plain and simple.

"Gravity magic?" Hecate parroted.

"Gravity manipulation?"

Now Ares wasn't sure. Internally he was freaking out, 'Does gravity magic not exist? Did I just fuck up?'

Ares was quickly relieved however when he heard Hecate's reply, "Oh no, you had it right. There is a gravity magic, I just was shocked really. I didn't think a God like yourself would be patient enough to undertake such a task. Truly, I'm surprised." Hecate finished in a somewhat impressed tone.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ares asked in a playful tone, sipping the ambrosia Hecate produced moments before.

"It's nothing young Ares." She said giggling. "So, you want to learn magic, and even something like gravity magic at that. What for?"

"I'm a God of War. Yes I could manipulate people to a certain extent, yes I can start or even end wars with my voice, yes I can fly or teleport, but that's it. I once manifested energy and moved it through my blade as an attack, but ever since then, whenever I tried to expel the same attack, it hasn't happened; at least not to the same effect. I don't want to just be known as a brute or an effective tool for any war Zeus decides to partake in. I hate to say it, but I want my name to ring like Athena's, through not only Olympus but the world. Since my birth, the Princess of Olympus has always been my comparison. Yes I am liked, and somewhat loved amongst the Olympians, but I am not worshiped amongst the mortals like Athena or the other Gods; not yet at least. I want to make a name for myself. One that is worshiped not only in the lands we govern, but the world. And I believe teachings from you would allow me to do so. As for gravity magic, it's applications are, I think, particularly suited to my divinity." Ares finished, taking a sip from his cup, and placing it to the side.

"You do know this will take time, what of the human woman and man you brought to Olympus?" Hecate asked.

"How- never mind. Zeus and I came to an agreement. Because I hold interest in the island where a "pest" according to Zeus lives, once I annex it, he will give them immortality." Ares said confidentiality.

"And how are you so sure he will hold up his end?" Hecate asked genuinely curious.

"Insurance." Once again, Ares' answer was plain and simple.

"And what's this… Insurance?"

"Let's just say, if my mother found out about what he did, again, it wouldn't be a good time to be on a Olympus."

Looking at him knowingly, Hecate moved on, "So why are you here? Don't you have a "pest" to slay?" She smirked.

"I just wanted confirmation you would teach me, which you still haven't done." Ares finished, looking her in her eyes.

"Isn't obvious young Ares? You wouldn't have found me in this place if I didn't want you to. There are not many who can say they were graced with my presence, you're one of the lucky few. Be honored. Once you set out on your journey and return, come back to me. You will then begin your training, and do be warned, it will take a while."

With a smile on her beautiful face, Hecate raised her hand, followed by a tremendous pressure that pushed Ares out of his chair and the house.

"Ugh.." Landing roughly and rolling a bit, Ares got up and dusted himself off.

'Was that gravity magic?' Ares thought excitedly, not worrying about the small cuts on his body. 'That pressure! It felt like the world was smothering me. I can't wait!' Ares thought, walking back through Tartarus, fantasizing about showing the world pain.

Exiting Tartarus, Ares was about to take a leisurely stroll until he heard the flapping of wings and the caw of a crow.

Landing on her favorite spot, Praeco spoke to her master, "Master, Lady Hephaestus requests your presence in the forge."

"Me?" Ares asked, scratching under Praeco's chin.

"Yes, she said she has a gift for you master." Praeco replied.

"Why didn't you start with that? I guess I can go and see my sister." Ares finished, a small smile on his face.

From his feet, red clouds wafted over his body, taking himself and Praeco from the entrance to Tartarus, to the entrance of Brontes' forge.

Arriving in front of the forge, and before he can so much as place a foot inside, Hephaestus who was awaiting his presence, latched on to his hand, eager to show him his gift.

"Brother, come quickly, look at what I made for you." She said excitedly.

"Hahaha! I'm coming. Now what is it- Amazing."

In the center of the forge, on an armor stand, is a black cuirass with golden Greek motifs on its sides, and golden pauldrons on each shoulder, the left being a boar, and the right being a horned crow. The chiton under the armor was maroon in color designed with the same golden motifs found on the cuirass. On the bottom of the armor stand, two golden leg greaves reaching the knee with the motif of a horse breathing fire on each.

"D-Do you think so brother?" Hephaestus asked nervously.

"Hephaestus, this is beautiful. You even put my companions on there. I knew you were working under Brontes, but to produce something of this quality this fast, you truly are my sister." Ares said to Hephaestus with a coy smile." So are you going to help me put it on or is for decoration only?"

"Ill help brother!" Both Hephaestus and Ares laughed with each other. Enjoying the rest of the time in each others company.

(A/N: Hey guys! Let me know what you think about the power thing. I don't really know how Gods and their powers are supposed to work, so I'm taking creative liberties. If you have any ideas on power ups or where to take his gravity magic; let me know! The more ideas the better. CK)