Numerous footsteps and hoove steps pound the ground. Nervous hearts spike with every step to escape the rest of Stavros' men.

Takashi stays a few yards behind everyone as the first line of defense.

Briseis gets to him "I don't want you to fight again. Just fly if things get worse!"

"I made you a promise and I'm not backing down from it, Hikari!" He shakes his head from the mistake. "I won't let them hurt you."

Meanwhile, Ismene in the front sees the coastline. A long dock is near a harbor, but no ships are present. The group proceeds to ride down with Paris, Helen, and Ismene preparing their arrows.

A horn blares 50 yards from the rear. A Trojan girl falls off her horse from the sudden noise.

The time traveler snatches her in mid air. "You're safe. You're safe," he assures her before handing her to her living parent.

Ismene hands Avgi over to Briseis to aid the foreigner.

Aristedes and his men come into view. Bloodthirsty smiles are frozen on their faces. "You won't get away again, Troy!"

"Get them to the coast! We will hold them back!" Paris directs Helen.

"I won't let y-!"

A passionate kiss by her husband cuts her off. Before she can grab his arm, he's out of reach. The prince loads his arrow while getting close to Taki and Ismene. A blaring horn from the west catches everyone but Aristedes' men off guard.

"You are surrounded, foreigner! Men, don't kill any of the Trojans! Only the demigod can die," Aristedes fires an arrow from his crossbow.

"Stop!" With the wave of his sword, the arrow is broken. He jumps off his horse and rushes forward. His blade trembles from the glimpses of last night.

Just end it! Just end it! Just-

His ears perk up. He stops in his tracks to make out the sound.

From the west, an army of heavy footsteps march through the stoppage of time. Men, armored from head to toe, make their way with spears raised high.

This-They can't be demigods! Taki's mind races. He glances at Ismene on what to do next.

Their eyes then fixate on the leader in the front. The man's exposed arms reveal a portion of his perfectly sculpted body meant for combat. A long spear fills his left hand with a heavy shield occupying his right. A gold pendant of various weapons holds his red tunic together. His transportation of a boulder sized boar makes the long red plume of his helmet bounce.

With a single raise of his hand, his battalion stops in its tracks. His crimson eyes scan over the battlefield.

His appearance reminds Taki of Penny's notes. The God of War, Ares, is here!

Is he here to save or wipe us out? "Ismene, switch!"

"Taki, wait!

"I will keep time paused as long as I can so you can take care of them!"

He focuses his anger and desperation into his feet. Emerald aura whirls around them. He pushes off with the sword ready. The distance begins to shorten between him and the Olympian.

The God of War thrusts his spear into the ground. Time resumes like a flowing river. Aristedes notices a change in the position of the foreigner and the water nymph.

Sanguine aura ignites from the Olympian. Everyone, but Takashi freezes in their steps, fearing a single movement will lead to death.

The weight of the crimson wisps forces the time traveler to kneel. His body quivers from struggling against the gravity.

"Taki, you can't win! Run away!" Briseis cries out.

His body begs him to surrender, but he raises his head. "ARES! I WON'T LET YOU HURT THEM!"

He can't enter the same state from last night, but he forces his arms to rise up.

"Aim!" Ares' gruff voice accompanies his raised hand. All 1000 of his soldiers pull their spears back with focus on their targets. He lowers his hand. All of their projectiles fire off.

Taki grips his sword and throws it. Ares' simple parry of his shield deflects it. A crimson wisp suffocates the mortal's aura while turning him to witness the onslaught.

Tears well up that he couldn't protect an extension of his family.

However...the trajectory wasn't directed at the Trojans.

Aristedes pulls back his horse. "Retr-!"

The command is cut short. All the spears skewer through them and their horses like a hot knife through butter. The projectiles disappear, leaving no corpse behind. The only thing left is a large stain of blood.

The war god releases Takashi from his prison. The crimson aura vanishes along with his soldiers.

Briseis cautiously puts Avgi behind her. Helen and Paris stay in place as Ares approaches them.

The deity stops close to the foreigner. He hops off his war pig and takes off his helmet. After adjusting his wavy black hair and grizzled beard, his scarlet eyes pour out heavy tears. To everyone's surprise, he bows down with his head to the ground. His boar follows suit.

"You're all alive! The People of Troy are still alive!" His voice projects for all to hear.

Confusion falls on the mortals like a heavy blanket.

Ares stands up to one knee with endless tears striking the ground. "I thought you were all dead. I'm glad to see I was wrong!"

Minutes of silence pass from the sight of the mournful Olympian.

He manages to compose himself from seeing Paris, Helen, Briseis, and Avgi among the crowd. "May I speak with you?"

Takashi finds the strength to stand up. "W-What are you doing?"

"I came to save them. I saw the letter that Aristedes, their leader, sent to Aulis. I was in disguise when I overheard their conversation. I disposed of them shortly. I haven't heard of the Trojans for months since...I'm sorry for not making that clear beforehand. I see you care about them just as much as me."

Briseis hands Avgi over to Ismene before walking towards the god with Paris and Helen.

"You are free to talk to me how you wish," Ares continues to kneel.

The priestess' hands form into trembling fists. "Talk? You want to talk to us about what? How you abandoned us when we cried out to you and the gods for help?! Our city was burning. Our people were getting slaughtered like animals," her voice breaks into tears. "My beloved uncle died because of your inaction. And you think saving us will undo all of that? Like our pain meant nothing to you?!"

"You're absolutely right."

Briseis and the others almost lose their footing from his response.

Ares grips the dirt. "I don't deserve your forgiveness. I have failed you when you needed me the most. That horrible night is painted all over your faces. I still hate myself for what has happened."

Taki's heart sympathizes with the last statement.

Briseis stomps her foot. "I don't accept your sadness, Ares! That will never bring them back! Paris, do you still have that letter?"

He pulls out a scroll that was hidden in his quiver. "Dear People of Troy, due to failing to provide us 100% obedience and proper tributes, we will not provide further help. Your disobedience will echo your downfall. Don't bother crying out to us."
-Ares, Artemis, Zeus, Aphrodite, and Apollo

His eyebrows explode up. "We never wrote anything like that!'

"It's in our father's handwriting," Helen asserts.

Taki tilts his head until it clicks that she's the daughter of Zeus. I didn't see any aura from her, but maybe she just got the marksmanship of one?

Ares' eyebrows furrow. "Tributes? Obedience? That wasn't why we fought for you," he reaches underneath his breastplate. He unrolls a scroll of several months old.

"People of Troy, we have seen the countless bloodshed on both sides. You each have lost fathers, sons, and loved ones. 10 long years is the line to stop. We will convene with the other gods to end this war peacefully. In the meantime, we have declared a truce between Agamemmonon and Priam. If anything happens, call out to us. We will still be in reach to protect you."
-Ares, Aphrodite, Zeus, Apollo, and Artemis.

Shaky exhales leave the mouths of Briseis and the others.

"W-We never received that letter," Paris states.

Ares crosses his arms. "That can't be. I made sure it wouldn't go through Hermes because of his trickery. Artemis personally handed out the letters, with one meant for Odysseus."

Taki's pupils waver. "Odysseus?! Why would he and his men build the horse if there was a ceasefire?"

"Because they are ruthless animals! They don't carry any honor," Paris answers with rage.

The time traveler grips him by the shoulders. "I know they were your enemy, but I know they wouldn't do this."

Paris shoves his hands away. "We knew them longer than you. This wouldn't be below them," he shoots a glare at Briseis.

Her hand trembles with the urge to slap him. "We wouldn't be in a war if you didn't take someone's wife! We lost Hector because of who you brought to our doorstep!"

Helen's lips draw in tightly.

"Don't forget your lover killed him!" Paris stands up to the priestess.

Ares lays gentle hands to create space. "Stop, both of you! Stay mad at me, not each other. You are what's left of your family. Say sorry to each other right now and mean it," he urges.

Paris squeezes his eyes. "I'm sorry, cousin. That wasn't right of me."

She exhales. "I'm sorry too. Sorry, Helen. That was wrong of me."

"I've dealt with that ever since the war. But, brother, how could you not hear us when we cried out to you?"

"I did hear prayers. But what I heard was: "I pray this war will be over soon. Represent us well, Ares."

Briseis and the others take a step back in bewilderment.

"I even sent my boar, Castor, and my "men" to watch and report...I wish I had checked it myself," his scarlet eyes reflect his guilt.

"Ares, who offered the idea of a peace meeting?" Taki asks the burning question.

"It was a joint effort, but-" His scarlet eyes narrow. His teeth clench together, but he smothers his homicidal aura. "I want her head on a pike! She brought it up to us towards the end of the war. We said yes, trusting her judgment. When it was over, we returned to a Troy , burnt to the ground."

His aura illustrates his perspective...

His helmet was thrown to the side. War boots rush past the roaring flames of the Trojan gate. The streets were littered with the corpses of men, women, and children. Puddles of crimson iron stained the once beautiful city. In the center of the city lies the weapon responsible: a giant wooden horse with an open belly.

Ares summoned his crimson wisps to find any trace of a survivor. The grip around his spear tightened from the lack of response. "Briseis, Paris! Avgi! Where are you?!"

He jumped to the top of a remaining building for a better view. His heart swelled with wrath. The soldiers of Agamemnon were propping up King Priam's body for target practice. A swift hand of spears dropped them dead in their places.

He clutched Priam's body tightly. "I'm sorry," he whispers through heavy tears. "I'm sorry, old friend."

The sight of the wooden horse ignited his full rage. With a glowing red hand, he rained down several pikes to tear it to splinters. Ares wailed out while being comforted by an armored woman wearing a pink veil.

Tears shed between them in their gentle embrace.

---

Heavy tears and sniffling from the mortals follow the end of Ares' retelling. The lies of the prior letter melt from his genuine actions.

"Because of what happened, the city wasn't won as a trophy," he continues. "We kept looking for you after all this time. I-I almost lost hope until now," he grips his spear. "Athena was the one who offered the peace talks."

Paris catches Helen who stumbled back from her half-sister's actions. Briseis' heart falls to her stomach.

Taki's eyes shoot wide open. "I actually met her a day before I met Briseis."

"You met her?"

"My gut told me not to trust her," he tries to shake off the feeling. Wait. Mention what you saw. "Did she always have a scar on her nose?"

"She has a scar?" The surprise is written on his face.

"It seemed fresh."

"Hmm, that would explain how her illusions weakened over their presence. Another thing to ponder. Why did I feel part of my aura in Hyria?"

Taki swallows his saliva. "I killed someone who claimed to be your son."

Ares' tip of the spear is near his throat. "Who. Did. You. Kill?"

Briseis puts her hand on the staff while Paris and Helen push Taki back.

"You will not hurt him," she interjects. "He saved us from his slave camp."

The weapon clatters on the ground. "What? Who enslaved you? Give me his name."

"Stavros."

The Olympian strokes his beard numerous times. "I have numerous children, but I don't have a son with that name."

"Are you sure?" Paris then describes the former slave master. Taki's right foot taps as he imagines his face again.

"I don't have a son who matches your description of him," Ares says without a doubt.

"What?! I felt your aura and it was like you were there," Briseis questions.

"For now, give me that letter so I can use it as evidence against her. It will put her off guard."

Paris looks to Briseis who agrees to let him have it. Ares stores both letters under his chest armor.

The time traveler stops his right foot. "Is it possible for her to transform into a man? Maybe Artemis was tricked by Athena?"

"Athena cannot transform into a man, but Poseidon can."

Taki's body foams with an emerald aura that the deity understands.

"You encountered him too. For some reason, he's getting in your way."

"Not only that. He must have assumed Odysseus' identity and they tricked him into making that horse. I hate them!"

The green aura turns darker from his anger, but he sees the terrified faces of his friends. With deep breaths, the energy dissipates.

The priestess gives him a deep embrace. "It's okay. There will be justice for us."

Ares sighs. "I will let the others know of this too-"

A memory pops into his mind that connects the pieces. "I actually met Poseidon on my way here. He challenged me to an arm wrestling contest. It was a tie up until I felt something weird. He then left the contest as a draw...He actually took a bit of my energy to lend to Stavros!"

Ismene's heart sinks to her stomach. The thought of her father committing an atrocious act was unbelievable to her.

"He helped that monster? Why?!" Takashi tries to calm the anger that burns like a furnace.

"I don't know, but my father will hold him accountable. He's one of the few who can put Poseidon in his place including...I can't seem to remember her name, but my father will handle it."

Briseis approaches the deity and bows to him. "Forgive me, Ares. I was wrong. I thought you and the gods left us when we needed you."

He lifts her up. "I should be the one asking. I should have done things better. The least I can do is escort you to safety. Where are you heading?"

"Taki talked with Aeolus and he allowed us to stay in his kingdom," the former prince informs.

"He's a good man. Both of them," he cracks a smile at the foreigner.

He turns his face to deflect from his actions.

The god of war announces he will stay with the Trojans to make up for his mistake. He will also send one of his "men" to deliver the letter to the gods."For today, just rest. Sleep and I will guard you. I won't leave even for a second. You can use Castor as a pillow," he pats his war pig to walk over to Avgi and the others.

His menacing behavior disappears from the gentle trots before laying down. Avgi pets his snout. Castor licks her face, eliciting a laugh from her. Ismene breathes a sigh of relief and relaxes her body.

He lowers his head, allowing Avgi to climb and rest on his soft fur.

"Good piggy!"

More children climb on top and nestle in. Once they are all settled in for a nap, Castor closes his eyes to sleep.

"Everyone, let's rest for now," Ismene instructs. The Trojans listen and make camp where they are.

"Ismene?" Ares asks. "Can you help me with getting dinner?"

"Certainly," she nods.

"Ares, may I help too?" Takashi offers.

"Sure."

They go to the coastline where the Trojans are still within sight. The river nymph puts her hands into the water. Numerous fish flop onto land until they get enough for everyone. The god of war throws out large nets and closes them. He slides them on his spear which withstands the unbelievable weight. He lays the catch near the former citizens of Troy.

Takashi seasons them generously but runs out quickly.

"Here's more," Ares hands him a jar of rosemary.

"Thanks."

"In fact, take some of mine for your journey," he offers him some small jars.

"I can't do that. That is really generous of you."

"I insist. Seasoning is a must if you want to enjoy life."

With a gentle smile, he obliges. Ares puts his hands together and mutters something. A giant pile of wood appears which makes the time traveler jump.

"Thank you, Gaia," the Olympian digs his spear to form a trench for the bonfire.

Ismene walks away to avoid the trauma of the fire that almost consumed her.

Taki adjusts the firewood. "Ares, if you don't mind me asking, can you tell me why you joined the war? Was it really because of your love for Aphrodite?"

"How do you know of our relationship?" His eyebrows rise up.

"It's what I read from some scrolls," he bluffs.

"I love her, but she wasn't the main reason why I helped Troy. They had numerous enemies without an ally in sight. I don't carry tolerance for bullies. Over the ten years, I made bonds with Priam and his family. Avgi included. She reminds me of my daughter, Hippolyta, when she was little. It might be unbelievable for you, but it's the truth."

"I believe you. You are more than what others claim about you," he skewers a fish.

Ares smiles at his insight. "Thanks for helping me figure out that Athena was responsible."

"Just like you said, I don't have tolerance for bullies either."

As they skewer the fish, a troubling question makes Taki's hands shake. "Ares, do you remember when you first killed someone?"

"I do."

Taki's right foot taps. "How did you feel when that happened?"

"It was exhilarating at first. My teacher's last lesson was helpful in fulfilling my role," the Olympian then notices the guilt under the mortal's words. "You want advice?"

He nods.

"There were some people I killed because of the heinous crimes they committed. One of them violated my daughter," Ares grips his spear.

The time traveler jerks his head with eyes of sympathy. "I'm sorry to hear about that. How is she?"

"She's doing better now. No more nightmares."

A memory jogs Taki's mind. His sister, Hikari, would wake up screaming because of that particular night. He would wrap a blanket around her and fall asleep when she did.

"You understand it well," the Olympian gleans from reading his aura. "You didn't do anything wrong, Takashi. Then and even now. Stavros was evil and deserved to die."

The foreigner squeezes his eyes to shut out the bloody barrage. "Still, what kind of man am I if I broke my vow? How can I look at my family knowing I did this?" His voice wavers while he tries to stifle his tears.

The deity gives him a gentle hug. "Stop hating yourself. Sometimes we have to do things that we hate to protect the people we cherish. At the end of the day, I know you are a good man."

"I'm not."

He lifts his chin like a father to his youngest child. "You stood against me to protect them, knowing you could die in the process. That is the mark of a good man. You are nothing like Stavros."

The words bring out his welled up tears. Ares pats his back to let it out. After some time, Takashi feels a bit of weight is no longer sitting on his heart.

"From this point on, you will have to make choices. It's ultimately up to you if you want to live with that consequence. But keep moving forward. That is what makes you a man."

He lightly chuckles. "Are you really just a god of war?"

"Not just that. Bravery and valor too. Oh, let's not overcook the fish. Aunt Hestia would be upset."

While sitting and eating with the others, the Olympian of War mutters a quick prayer before throwing delectable fish into the fire. To Taki's amazement, the fire doesn't consume the portion. Instead, it vanishes from sight for his aunt to enjoy.

Castor gorges upon his pile of fish while the children pet him. A big burp from the boar sends fits of laughter among them.

"Manners!" Ares jokingly wags his finger at his friend.

Briseis and the others notice the gentle smile on the time traveler's face. Their hearts are filled with relief.

Taki tilts his head to the right at Ismene. The duo walk to the edge of the shore to talk freely.

"What is it?" She asks.

"I want to thank you for all of your help. I also want to apologize for what happened. Let me finish," he sighs at the end. "I allowed my fear to get you injured. I'm tired of being weak! I promise you that I will be stronger. That no one will ever get hurt in my presence again," his voice rises with newfound determination.

The nymph embraces him gently. "I'm sorry about my father. I guess I didn't know him well enough."

"It's not you fault."

"What I do know is that you will be strong one day. Will you be going to Delphi tomorrow?"

"First thing after they leave."

The duo walks back to the others with relief in their hearts. Takashi brings out his phone which amuses Ares and the other Trojans.

"How about some instant paintings?"

"Good idea!" Helen agrees.

After taking group pictures of scrunched up families, he takes photos of Avgi with Ismene and Briseis, Helen with Paris in a loving embrace, and Ares with his pet boar. The god of war jumps from the painting in his phone.

"By the other gods, Athena would be upset at this," he chuckles to himself.

"Family photo!" The priestess exclaims. "Taki, Ares! Get over here too!"

As the foreigner sets things up, the Olympian puts Avgi on top of Castor. Briseis, Helen, and Paris stand on the right of the war pig while Taki joins Ares to the left.

"1...2...3..Say niki!"

As they were about to say it, Castor licks Takashi in the face and the photo snaps.

"No. We have to try again," he laughs. He shows them the photo which captured that moment.

"I like it like this," Ares crosses his arms. "More memorable."

"Your reaction is priceless!" Briseis laughs to the point of tears.

"You're right," Taki wipes off the drool. "You did good, pig. You did good."

Another lick by Castor brings another round of laughter before they head to bed. The god of war's scarlet eyes watch over everyone as Briseis, Paris, Helen, and Ismene sleep near Takashi with Avgi on his chest. They close their eyes with the dreams of a better future.

---

Taki's alarm sounds off at Oct 30th, 9am. His hand rushes to turn it off for Avgi. The little Trojan rubs her eyes before covering them from the sunlight..

"Morning, Avgi," he whispers.

"Can I have 5 more minutes?"

"Okay," he sits up with her in his arms.

Briseis and the others wake up gently. Taki motions with a finger to his lips to keep quiet.

Ares and Castor sneak over without any sign of tiredness. They sit and wait for a bit.

Taki gently nudges her. "Avgi. Avgi. Time to wake up."

She stirs up and opens her almond eyes. "Thanks, big brother," she cups his face.

"You are always welcome. Are you hungry?"

Her grumbling stomach answers his question.

"I can take care of that," Ares put his hands together prays under his breath. Small mountains of sweet rolls appear with cooked lamb and goblets of juice for a proper feast. "Thank you, Hestia."

They eat and enjoy what would be the last time they see each other. After Taki packs away some food, he repairs his wings for his flight to Delphi.

Avgi takes staggered steps towards him. A glance at her quivering lips told him what she's sad about.

"Hey, can you help me with this? Put your finger right there on the thread."

She listens and the wings are finished with a final cut.

"Perfect. Have you ever flown before?"

She shakes her head.

"Let's change that," he crouches down with attached wings. "Get on my back and don't let go."

Avgi hops on his back with excitement. With a quick run, he flaps his wings for them to be a few feet in the air. The six-year-old's eyes grow with wonder. He gently turns while flying so everyone can see them.

The rest of the people are agasp from the amazing sight of a flying man.

Avgi's smile grows from the fun as he climbs higher and circles around. The time traveler finishes with a gentle swoop and landing on his feet. She hops down to the ground to give him the biggest hug possible.

"That was so fun! I want to be like a bird one day."

"I can show you how to make wings of your own."

Her eyes light up. "Really?"

"I will write it down and give it to Briseis."

"Thank you!" She holds him tightly.

After giving Briseis the notes, Ares claps his hands to get everyone's attention. "Since no ships are available, we will take mine!"

With his scarlet aura, a large battleship materializes on the surface of the water. His "men'' also materialize to ready the sails. Ares leads everyone aboard the walkway while riding on his pig. Paris, Helen, Avgi, and Briseis stay behind to say their goodbyes to Taki and Ismene.

"It was great to meet you both. Thank you for helping us," Paris offers his hand.

"You too," Taki pulls him into a hug.

"Be safe, brother."

"I will," he smiles.

"I appreciate your help, Ismene."

Ismene hugs him and Helen.

"Keep them safe, Paris."

"I will remind him just in case," Helen winks before getting whisked into her lover's arms. He gazes into her bright blues while taking her up the walkway.

"I don't want to go," Avgi hugs their legs.

"I know. You have a new home now. I will miss you though," Ismene lifts her head up.

"We will miss each other, but we won't forget. We will always be right there with you," Taki points to her heart.

"He's right," Briseis reassures. "We will live on in each other's hearts. Thanks, Ismene. Thank you, Taki," she wipes the happy tears rushing down her face.

"No tears, little sis," the time traveler embraces her. "Save them for when you get there."

"I can't promise that."

Ismene wipes her tears away with her hand. Another group hug ends with them slowly drifting apart. The priestess leads Avgi onto the ship as the final passengers.

Ares' battle horn makes the walkway vanish from sight. "Set course for Aeolia!"

The soldiers push off from the land with their long oars. Briseis hands over the bag of winds to Ares who ties it to the mast. The People of Troy watch as they set sail.

"Isn't there something you want to say? Now is the time," the deity advises the priestess.

She walks to the edge of the ship and inhales. "Get home safely, big brother!"

"Be safe, everyone!" Ismene adds.

The People of Troy say their farewells to their heroes.

"I will send a message that we have arrived. Be a brave man the next time I see you!" Ares shouts.

Taki gives him a thumbs up with a confident smile.

"Alright! Grab hold of something! We will be in Aeolia in no time!"

Everyone on the ship listens and holds onto a part of the ship. Ares slowly pulls the silver cord.

Whoosh! The ship is pushed out of their sight.

"You will be home. Fly safely," Ismene hugs Taki one more time.

"Thanks."

"I hope to see them again."

"I hope you get that chance."

The river nymph smiles while jumping into the water. She sticks her hand out to wave goodbye. He waves bye as she swims back home.

After taking in the moment, he leaves a voice message on his phone.

"Penelope, I'm sorry it's been a while. I did something great. Me and others saved the people of Troy. I also met Ares who surprised me. He's nice and understanding. I will tell you everything about my adventure when I'm home. I love you and our child. Kiss her for me."

He double checks the map for the route to Mt Delphi along with sketches of the mountain temple. Three days means I can skip, he smiles to himself. Taki soars into the sky with barely a cloud in sight. With a deep inhale, he exhales. "Fast forward."

His watch clicks. His surroundings change as time flows forward. His feet settle on the earthy ground with his memories falling in place. He clutches his head for the rush of puzzle pieces. Fortunately, nothing substantial had happened except for the nightmares of his encounters. One piece of good news was that he received Ares' letter that they had arrived in Aeolia.

He readjusts his vision to find a fork in the road. A road marker points towards the mountain with a symbol he recognizes.

A white snake and a black snake intertwining a staff with wings on top. The Oracle of Delphi

Takashi checks his watch. October 30th, 2pm for California time. He follows the sign up the mountain with hope in his eyes. I will be home soon and...I will know the truth of why I'm here.