Greetings, from Celadon!

[Celadon's Penultimate]

The rest of the day would be about as hectic. Though, at least things were coming together nicely. And so, the rest of the night was hurried and rushed, but also incredibly eager, anticipating what fun there was to be had at the ball.

To make things better, the Penultimate had had Techne install "The Jigglypuff Program" into each of their rooms. When everyone was down for the night, the ceiling fans played a gentle aria by the plush, pink songstress herself, that lulled them quickly to sleep, and insured that everyone would dream of sugarplums and rainbows, puppies and blue skies.

The next day, everyone could barely wait to wake up, and get ready for the day! Time for a BALL!

Aphrodite had assured that not only would Zeus keep the weather fair, but he'd keep those other divine rabblerousers out of the affairs of mortals.

Terryffinda, Dyris and Linaea made sure the garden was spic and span. The ballroom wall had been opened out, and would extend to the garden, so the young lovers could dance under the sky, sunlight OR moonlight, as their moods saw fit.

Nikolai, Marko, Rion and Tom had put out the table settings, and made sure the chef, Ivan Cook, had the purely-delightful menu in place, ready to be served by Techne's automatons. And Zei would be ready to take pictures for anybody who wanted one to remember the occasion.

Techne would be waiting for guests in the game room, for those younger guests, who were too cool, or too goofy to dance at the ball. In its stead, they could choose to play in the Pogo Room, race hover scooters, join a Dance Dance Revolution tourney, and plenty other gaming and recreational competitions. Even life-sized versions of various games, like Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Robots, Candyland, The Game of Life, Scrabble and so much more.

Brutus had set up another of Techne's automatons to give a tour of the mansion to anyone interested, while the festivities were going on.

Angel, Lucia and a couple of Techne's drones helped set up the lovely Tunnel of Love which ran the course of the Penultimate's miniature river. The river itself had even been diverted, by the Penultimate, to run partially through the farthest end of the courtyard.

The Penultimate looked around at everything that had been set up, and crossed his arms, smiling. This looked like it was going to be quite the occasion. Only a few more adjustments, all the way down the the last detail, and...

The doors flew open. One doorman on each side, they awaited the arrival of all those invited. Everyone waited in two lengthwise rows for the first arrivals. Just as the Penultimate was about to grow bored, the trumpeters blew overhead in one of the higher towers.

"The guests approach! First up! The Sovereigns of Celadon!"

The servants clapped courteously and nodded their salutations as the rulers of Gandrei, Arboralia, Sciops, Illyrion, Habador, Mygea, Safaria and plenty of other lands made their way in little by little, each announced by name, title and the land from which they hailed. The each shook hands, hugged and kissed the Penultimate graciously.

"Next!" The trumpeter Stentor called out from above, "The HEROES of Celadon!"

The servants and the sovereigns clamored amongst themselves. The greatest fighters, protectors, defenders, helpers and teachers in all the land were making their way through. Each was announced by their name, and their home land. They were greeted by a beaming Penultimate, pleased to once again see his old friends.

And Stentor would go on for about ten more minutes announcing who all had come off of very long, busy schedules to make time for their old chum, the Penultimate.

A few dignitaries, ambassadors, lords, ladies, emissaries, scholars, sages, philosophers, professors, masters and their apprentices, mistresses and their ladies-in-waiting, knights and their pages, maidens, matrons, patrons and all others worthy of merit. And when all had been announced and allowed in, there came applause from the whole of them, as the doors slowly were drawn back closed.

Brutus looked around to make sure that everyone had a place setting at the tables, and then cued the music. Techne pulled out her big red button, and simultaneously, every area's music began to play.

For a good while, it was a blast. Everyone was having an awesome time, eating, drinking and being merry. But little by little, as the Penultimate had anticipated, the guests began scattered chat among themselves about where were theses new servants, and this new student, that the Penultimate had been talking about.

The Penultimate smiled, and nodded to Brutus. Brutus quickly cued the band to change from a dainty classical score to an elegant, pomp-filled fanfare.

The crowd turned their gaze to the top of the stairs, and were delighted to see the new faces. Stentor stood at the bottom of the stairs to announce them.

"MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION! MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE! PRESENTING...THE NEWEST ADDITIONS TO THE PENULTIMATE'S EXTENDED FAMILY!"

The guests on the floor waited with bated breath...

"FROM THE ROBAILYN PROVINCE OF GANDREI, THE PENULTIMATE'S NEWEST BUTLER, YOUNG MASTER DYNDRON!"

Dyndron descended slowly, in his handsome suit, trying his best to look stately and mature. When he reached the bottom, he stood to the side of the staircase, awaiting the two remaining entrances.

"AND COMING FROM THE HAIRYAN PROVINCE OF GANDREI, THE PENULTIMATE'S NEWEST MAID, YOUNG LADY BRIDGETTE!"

Bridgette had no problem looking stately, elegant and ladylike, as she stepped slowly down the staircase, catching almost every eye. Her gown fit her perfectly, and everybody knew it.

"AND LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, FROM THE MAJESTIC LANDS OF PARALLELA, THE PENULTIMATE'S NEWEST STUDENT, SAVIOR, AND HER ESCORT, AMADEUS!"

The crowd admired the young lady's poise. She was so mature for her age, the female dignitaries commented. She looked so pleasant and cheerful, the male dignitaries commented. Overall, when the fanfare had finished, and the regular ball music had resumed, the reception was warm.

[ParallelanPrincess]

Savior suppressed the urge to gasp in astonishment. So many people had come! The Penultimate was extremely popular. There were so many glittering crowns and tiaras. So many tuxedos and evening gowns.. This is was a ball. This was elegent. This was extravagance at its peak. This was-

"Overwhelming,"   Savior muttered.  Amadeus tightened his grip on her hand.

"Sugarplum, don't worry. It's not that many people. Just think of it as another pantheon meeting. No need to fret. Or faint. Or do that thing where you start hyperventilating." Amadeus said as the girl's eyes started to grow wide in amazement.

"Such a big crowd. Royal people. Warriors and heroes." Savior mumbled as the room started to spin.

 Amadeus suppressed a sigh. THIS was why Aphrodite sent him . When Savior started to panic, he was the only one who could get her to calm down.

"Sweetheart, you're fine. You look adorable. There's no need for fainting.." Amadeus said placatingly.

Savior started to inhale and exhale deeply. In. Out. In. Out. Just a few thousand people in a ballroom that seemed to be getting increasingly smaller.

Amadeus desperately tried not to facepalm. He refused to let all his hard work go to waste. The hair alone had taken hours to perfect.

"Savior, you see Brutus? He's over there with some silly little girls who love the ground he walks on. Are you really going to let that Adonis wannabe see you like this?"

"N-no.." Savior stuttered. She was having a lot of trouble breathing.

"Then get it together!" Amadeus said in a tone that bordered on harsh.

"I- um...I"

Amadeus sighed. Time to bring out the big guns.

"I guess if you can't handle something like this, then you probably wouldn't make a good student. Afterall, this is child's play compared to what the Penultimate does on a daily basis. I suppose that all your hard work was for naught, Come on. I'll help you pack." He said turning to leave.

"No."

"You don't want me to help pack?"

"No. I. Am Not. Leaving."

"Oh, really? And why is that, Sugarplum."

"I have fallen off a roof, had to fight the cat from hell, insulted by that big headed goon, and forced to wear skirts everyday AND this outfit. I'm not going anywhere. Crowd or no crowd. I came here to eat cupcakes and become awesome. And I'm all out of cupcakes." Savior said determinedly.

Phobia be damned. She hadn't come this far to back down.

Amadeus smiled. That was the reaction he'd been waiting for.

"Well in that case, let's dance. You can still do the Harlo City Shuffle, right?"

"Like a boss."

"Then let's hop to it, Boss Lady!"

[ParallelanPrincess]

For the first time since Savior's arrival, Brutus was happy. He was surrounded by beautiful women and dozens of admirers. Nikolai was nowhere to be seen. And to top it all off, the brat looked like she almost had a hear attack. Nothing could ruin this moment. His moment. He was finally getting the adoration and respect he deserved.

"Aren't we getting a big head?" Came a voice suddenly.

"Drake." Brutus growled.

"Bonaparte."

"Who invited you?" Brutus asked the snickering man.

"He's Drake, he invited himself." Nikolai responded suddenly popping into view.

"Nikolai. It's been too long."

"Not nearly long enough, I assure you."

******

"Come on, Er- Amadeus! Keep up!" Savior giggled.

"I'm tryin'! I don't remembah any of dese moves!" Amadeus panted. His pep talk had worked a little too well.

"That's cuz I made them up," Savior laughed, busting a move. This was fun. The music was pumping and a few people had even started to dance in sync with the duo. The second dance floor belonged to Savior and she was enjoying every minute of it.

"To left everybody! Now to the right!"

The crowd followed Savior's instructions much to her delight. To think she had almost missed out on this.

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

"So, I heard the Penultimate's taken a new little birdie under his wing." Drake grinned.

"He has." Brutus said through gritted teeth.

"I also heard the birdie took down a big bad kitty."

"She did." Nikolai said with a touch of pride. Brutus menaced him mentally. The bookworm always did take credit for other's accomplishment.

"Interesting. Tell me, what nest did she fall out of? The Safarian Academy of Warriors? Or did she study in one of Gandrei's learning centers?"

"She came from Parallela and is a welcome edition to the Penultimate's extended family." Nikolai said haughtily.
"And that's all you need to know."

[Celadon's Penultimate]

The Penultimate looked around at all his guests. As usual for all of his parties, they were enjoying themselves. It was always a welcome sight to see their smiling faces, and it brought a smile to his own face.

He danced for a little bit with the giggling maidens of various lands, and afterward, watched some others dance. But after a while, he sat down and chatted with his good old friends, Tyr Krakskul the Warmonger, and Krakskul's mate, Miryuho.

"Ah, the Penultimate. I knew that all this royalty and privilege would not get to your head." Krakskul chuckled in his deep, vaguely Russian-sounding voice, "Come, sit. Drones just brought tea, your favorite."

The Penultimate sat at the table, and greeted some other Heroes of Celadon. Thutmose the Nightwalker and his fiancee, Jezebel the Irresistible. Even Pariah Singularis the Solitary, Roxy the Earth-Sturdy and Drake the--DRAKE?!?

"Drake? What the heck are you doing here?" The Penultimate took a double take and grew agitated, "I don't supposed your friend Claus is here, as well???"

The Penultimate raised a hand, ready to sound the alarms, but Drake put up two hands as the Heroes of Celadon leered at him, ready to pulverize him.

"Oh, no, Claus isn't here! Just me! Your old buddy, Drake!"

Miryuho put her hands on her hips, "Old buddy, my pointed ears. If you had been named among the Heroes of Celadon, you would be Drake the Kleptomaniac."

"Drake the Thief", Thutmose volunteered.

"Drake the Pickpocket." Jezebel seconded.

"Drake the Untrustworthy." Roxy scoffed.

"Drake the Sticky-Fingered." Pariah chuckled lightly.

Miryuho giggled, "Nice."

Drake frowned. They weren't wrong, but still, well...it hurt.

The Penultimate put his hands down, though he remained suspicious. He looked at Drake, and then to the Heroes.

"Ya know what? You guys just keep an eye on him. I'm gonna go and dance some of my annoyance away." He waved to his friends and glared at Drake, before making his way across the dance floor to find Bridgette.

He would find her near the punch bowl, swarmed by noblemen from all over. Dukes, earls, a prince or two, knights, squires, even a newly-married lord-in waiting. Of course, she smiled, and giggled girlishly, and blushed, speaking coyly, but the Penultimate could sense it. She didn't want to dance with any of them, and so he casually made his way through the crowd.

"I'm sorry, gents", the Penultimate didn't even look away from Bridgette, "but I was wondering if I could borrow Bridgette from you for a minute."

The boys stammered hesitantly, but Bridgette put her hand into the Penultimate's before they got the chance to protest. And by the time any of them built up the nerve to defy the Penultimate's request, the two had already gone to the dance floor.

Bridgette smiled warmly at the Penultimate as the two danced together. Taller than her, Bridgette's head fit well on the shoulder of the Ruler of Celadon. And just as they began to dance, her favorite classical song began to play. Bizet's The Habanera. She mouthed the words to herself as the couples on the dance floor all danced in unison.

The Penultimate started off a bit hesitant, but little by little, grew more comfortable with her. Yet Bridgette noticed... though his face was calm, she could feel his heart, still beating faster than normal. She looked up, his brown eyes met her green eyes.

Bridgette blushed, "Are you enjoying yourself, Penultimate?"

"Can't you tell I'm blushing?" The Penultimate chuckled in response, knowing full well she couldn't, "I'm certainly enjoying myself. And you, Bridgette?"

"Meh...so so." Bridgette responded; the Penultimate raised an eyebrow and she continued, "I mean, I really like this song. And I like dancing with you. But I can still see those noblemen eying me in inappropriate places...mind doing something about that?"

The Penultimate smiled, and by his whim, the song slowed down, and gently faded into Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. The lights dimmed, with spotlight on Bridgette and the Penultimate. Then different-colored spotlights appeared on each of the men who stood on the sidelines, and on the opposite side of the ballroom, the same number of lovely female wallflowers were illuminated by spotlights.

As though they could see no other beings, the men each made their way across the ballroom to the women with their same color spotlight, and asked them simultaneously to dance. The group then made their way out to the dance floor, and, much to Bridgette's satisfaction, each now had their own lady to look at, rather than ogle her.

"Impressive." Bridgette smiled, putting her head back onto the Penultimate's shoulder.

"Oh, just impressive?" The Penultimate chuckled, "We'll have to spend more time together, so I can be more than just impressive."

And for the rest of the song, the ceiling dimmed into an artificial night, twinkling with gem-like stars.

[ParallelanPrincess]

"Oh, the romance! The passion! The Penultimate sure knows how to party!" Amadeus said ecstatically.

Amadeus was practically beside himself with joy. Many seeds of love were being planted while others were flourishing. That little trick with the spotlights alone would lead to four marriages, six sets of long life friends , and four, nor five love confessions. And the evening was just getting started.

"Really? Between who?" Savior panted, dabbing her forehead with Amadeus' handkerchief. Shuffling was not for the easily exhausted.

"Can't tell ya, hon. Strictly confidential.  I'll give you a hint about one couple in particular. They're staring into each others' eyes and dancing in the moonlight."

Savior surveyed the dance floor. That could have been any number of people. She pointed to one of the more interesting pairs. A very tall, muscular male dancing with a slightly shorter, petite female with pointed ears.

"Them? The big guy and the tall elf?"

"Close enough. That's Tyr Krakskul and Miryuho, his ma- girlfriend. They're some of Celadon's finest Heroes. They are a couple, but not the one I was talking about."

"Okay. Those two!"

"Ah, Thutmose and Jezebel. One of my better assignments. Engaged. I suppose spending time with me and the Boss has attuned you to these sort of things. However..." Amadeus glanced at the Penultimate and Bridgette.

"You should have picked those two out first. Maybe you're just too young and inexperienced with such things. Yes, that must be it."

"If you say- oh!" Savior moaned.

"You alright, hon?" Amadeus asked. If something happened to Savior on his watch, Aphrodite would feed him to Cerberus.

"Sore feet. Guess I danced a little too hard." Savior rubbed her right sole. Shuffling wasn't for the tenderfooted either.

"I'm just gonna play a few of Techne's games. I'll be fine. I'll meet back up with you in an hour or two" Savior said heading off towards the game room.

*************
"Troy! Troy! Troy!" A crowd of children cheered as the boy rocked it out on Guitar Champion 5.

Savior joined the crowd and watched as the brown haired boy played with lightning speed and matched every beat and sang every lyric with such precision it would make a bard jealous.

"He's really good," Savior commented.

"He is, but don't tell him that. Sometimes Troy gets a big head." Said a girl to Savior's right.

"Amara Styx. And the rocker is Troy Jericho." She extended her hands towards Savior.

"Savior NineOhEight. Pleased to meet you." Savior shook hands with Amara.

"You're the Penultimate's new student, right?"

"Yep, that's me."

"He may act all regal and powerful, but he's really a nice guy once you get to know him."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yes. You're sure to learn a lot from him. Oh and Troy said he wants to challenge you."

"Challenge? To what?" Savior asked, startled. Did Celadonian kids challenge each to duels to the death instead of fight? Was Troy going to challenge Savior to a quest for some rare item?

Troy finished his set. He was ready for a real test of gaming skill. He spied Savior talking to Amara. Well, that was convenient.

"Savior!" He proclaimed dramatically, pointing to her, "I challenge you to a gaming contest. Whoever wins five games is the victor! Do you accept?"  Troy paused for dramatic effect.

The crowd parted around Savior. She blinked. Games? That was it? Oh, thank Zeus. , she thought. He just wants to play games. Well, in that case...

"I accept!"

The crowd cheered. This was going to be good.

*********
" I love you, Abbelinia." Hiroshi said kneeling on his knee.

"Will you marry me?"

"YES! I WILL!"

Amadeus sighed from the balcony overlooking the garden. Love was beautiful.

"Eros!" The Penultimate called from behind him.

"Yes, Penny Guy?"

The Penultimate scowled. Aphrodite really shouldn't have told him that.

"Where is Savior? I was under the impression you were keeping an eye on her." The last thing he needed was Savior to cause an international incident.

"She's playing with the rest of the kids downstairs. Now...let's talk about you and Bridgette." said Amadeus with a sly grin.

The Penultimate blushed ever so slightly. Love gods always were too nosy for their own good.

***********************
When the Penultimate's away, the thieves will play. Drake had managed to sneak out from the Heroes' notice during one of the dances. He was slowly making his way to the Penultimate's study.

"Drake." came a voice, before slamming him into a wall.

"Bonaparte. What a completely inevitable surprise." Drake said sarcastically. It had been worth a shot.

"Come to rain on my parade?"

"On the contrary. I came to ask a favor." Brutus said with a smile that sent chills down the thief's spine.

"I need you to steal something for me."

"And that might be?"

"A ring. From a bracelet."

"And you can't do this yourself because?" To Drake, it sounded simple enough. How could such a trivial task pose a problem for Big, Bad Brutus?

"It belongs to the brat." Brutus responded, "And If I lay a finger on that so called Savior, the Penultimate will destroy me."

"You want me to steal candy right out of a baby's mouth? That's a little cutthroat, even by my standards. What makes this ring so special?" Drake was growing increasingly suspicious. The manservant was plotting something dangerous. He wasn't entirely sure he wanted to be involved.

"Do you really think I would tell you? For all I know, the moment I let go of you, you'll go running to the Penultimate. Or worse, you could try to take it for yourself. And we wouldn't want that now, would we?" Brutus moved his hand from Drake's chest to his throat.

"So...do we have a deal?"

[Celadon's Penultimate]

The first game of choice for the two competitors? Super Smash: Next Level.

Savior would take Storm from "X-Men", and Troy would take Dexter from "Dexter's Laboratory". The other kids who managed to unglue themselves from their own games were amazed to watch the two compete.

Storm rose, and the awesome sky graphics signaled a storm coming. Dexter talked into his computer watch, and from his lab coat erupted a mechanical battle armor.

Bolts of lightning hurled from the sky at great speed, crashing into Dexter's battle suit forcefully. Though, fortunate for Troy, Dexter's suit had a forcefield function, so he wouldn't have to take the abuse long.

Storm amplified the speed of the blustering winds, and struck hard as she could with the lightning. But the forcefield would take a lot more than four or five strikes to be truly damaged. Just as the strikes were about to dissolve the forcefield--a good fifteen strikes-- Troy smiled, and the forcefield lit up--what kinda trickery is this? Savior thought, dismayed-- before hurling the forcefield's OWN energy at Storm.

The forcefield dissolved, but at least Dexter got a hit in.

As Storm fell, Dexter began to power up for his next attack. Crud! Savior thought. Stupid Storm should be more powerful than this! She KNEW there was a reason she hated Marvel!

There had to be some better function she could use, or she was definitely gonna lose! One energy-gauntlet punch from Dexter after another, she barely had time to recuperate! Clicking A, B, Z, direction buttons, this trigger, that trigger--ooh! She saw something change. Dexter shivered, and his tech shorted.

Oh, SNAP! Everyone thought, including Savior. Storm was a weather manipulator! And weather included TEMPERATURE...

Troy turned to Savior, and blinked once, in horror. The Penultimate had Techne send him this game a couple days before he was invited to the ball. He hadn't had TIME to play with Dexter in Vs. Mode! And now was certainly not the time to be unprepared.

He pushed and clicked different button combinations, but nothing happened! Where were the stupid temperature protection controls??? No doubt it was one of those ridiculous combos that takes ten buttons to be pushed in order to work! At this rate, he'd NEVER figure it out!!!

No! He thought mentally, and the crowd watched in suspense. Dexter's tech had failed succumbed to the weather fluxes between heat and cold, just as Troy had feared.

He would have to stick with his little utility belt of awesomeness for now. Dexter chucked vials of explosive chemicals, acids, smokescreens, and finally when he had run out of everything else, Troy would try out one of the last ones he could think of. He had read it, but forgot what exactly it did.

Ooooh... he thought deviously. Chameleon mode. Nice.

Dang. Savior frowned. How could she dodge his acid and explosives and other annoying chemicals if she couldn't even see him? She struck as many times as the controller could register, only actually striking him every fourth or fifth time. And he was recovering as fast as she could hit. There had to be some way to get past his Chameleon mode! Her health points depended on it!

She looked at her controller, and took a deep breath. There had to be some combination she hadn't tried. And so, she closed her eyes, and gave it her best shot.

Hold A+Z+B+up+down+up+down+left+right+Z.

The kids' eyes were wide.

Out of nowhere, the digital skies opened up to unleash a monstrous tornado. It barreled through the digital landscape mercilessly, and since Dexter's tech has yet to recover from the wild temperature fluxes, it barrels through Dexter, too. Picked up, whirled around a good ten times, and then tossed off into the wild cybernetic yonder.

"GAME!" called the game console, as Storm gently descended to the ground; the SSB music played in the background and the kids erupted into cheering. Never had such dumb luck paid off against Troy Jericho before... the kids all high-fived Savior at her awesomely storm-wielding skills. Only Troy seemed less than psyched at her win. Savior noticed this and turned to him, with a frown. Hopefully he wouldn't be THOSE kinds of competitors.

"What's wrong? You're not mad 'cause I won, are you?"

Troy rolled his eyes, with a smile, at the thought; he had lost in the past before, "No. I'm hurt you think I'm a sore loser, or something. I just hope you won't let that win go to your head. Cause I'm so totally gonna kick your behind in this next game. My choice. Kingdom Hearts: Clairvoyant Destiny."

The crowd oohed and ahhed. But Savior put her hands on her hips, sure she was up to the challenge.

"You're on!"

[ParallelanPrincess]

Troy led Savior over to a raised metal platform. On each side of the platform was a pair of metal boots in front of a large flat screen TV. The two mounted the stairs leading to the platform and stood on opposite sides. Troy kicked off his shoes and stepped into the boots. Savior stared at him curiously. Troy grinned. Typical noob behavior.

"Put on the boots." He instructed. With a wary glance at them, Savior complied.

"Not scared are you?" Troy teased.

"Me? Scared? You must have forgotten, Tis I, the Penultimate's student! "

Troy chuckled. The Penultimate was rubbing off on her already. Although, he had a good feeling Savior would be much more fun to hang out with.

Savior stepped into the boots. The cold metal was a little tight on her feet. This boots had obviously not been designed for walking. The TV monitors turned on.

-Select Game-

"Clairvoyant Destiny." Troy and Savior said in unison.

Troy winked. Savior pretended not to notice. Aphrodite had always said never too appear to eager in front of cute boy. Not that would apply to Troy in any way, shape, or form.

-Select Number of Players-

"Two." said Savior and Troy.

-Select Skill Level-

Savior and Troy stared at each other.

"Do you worst." Savior said with a cocky smile which Troy returned.

"Alright then. Computress, I'd like to access Hero In Training Mode."

-Enter Authorization Passcode-

"Cityfall."

-Troy Jericho. Authorization confirmed. Beginning game.-

Savior felt the boots begin to heat. The crowd of children started cheering. The lights in the room began to go out  one by one until on a red spotlight focused on Troy and Savior remained.

"Hey, Savior!"

"What?"

"You ever play a simulation?"

"Does The Sims count?"

"Not this time it doesn't."

The spotlight went out. Savior felt a strange pulsalting sensation shoot from her toes to her head. She had no idea what she was in for. She had a feeling it would be awesome.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Huh?* Savior said as she found herself standing on a deserted street.

*Where am I?*

[ParallelanPrincess]

*We are on Copia Street.* Troy said materializing beside Savior.

*Where is Copia Street and why is it empty?* Savior asked looking around. It appeared that she and Troy were the only people for miles.

*We're on Fate Island, the largest of the Fortunate Isles.* Troy replied. Troy knew all there was to know about this game. He had designed himself (with a little help from Techne). The idea for the game had sprang from an old legend he had heard.

*Why are we here? I don't remember this place from the Disney movies.* Savior had seen all 50 Disney movies and could tell you the location of every merchant in Agrabbah and every vine in Africa.

*It's not based on Disney. It's based on mythology and what I think is one of the most interesting tales of all.* Troy said with a touch of nostalgia. He hadn't been one for myths until he had met the Penultimate. He had introduced Troy to a whole new world of legends and heroes.

*What's that?* Savior asked curiously. She hoped that it wasn't one of those stories were the hero went insane and killed everybody.

*The story of a missing goddess* Troy said with a touch of sadness.

*Which one?* Savior asked. Could it have been Aphrodite? No, Aphrodite had never gone missing. She went on break for awhile, but never disappeared.

*Tyche*

*Who?*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
On the balcony, the Penultimate was avoiding Eros' questions with increasing difficulty.

"Friends? I know the difference between platonic love and romantic love. Face it, Penny-Boy. You're head over heels."

Eros said smirking. Wait until the boss heard this. The Penultimate falling for a maid. This was what the best gossip was made of.

"Well you see- Er...That is to say.." The Penultimate stuttered.

"Yes?" Eros said, leaning forward with a grin.

"I- oh hello, Techne! What are you doing up here? You should be downstairs having fun." the Penultimate was grateful for a distraction.

"I was just going to the game room. Looks like Troy and Savior are having a contest. I think you should come cheer them on." the Tech Elf said. Her voice hinted at her having another motive for wanting the Penultimate to join her. The Penultimate got the hint, alright.

"Excuse me, Amadeus. I have to go make sure Savior doesn't break another Xbox." The Penultimate left the still smiling god in his wake as he followed Techne. The moment they were in an empty corridor, Techne starting speedwalking.

"What's the rush?" the Penultimate asked as he sped to keep up with her.

"Savior and Troy are playing in a virtual world" Techne said urgently.

"How is that a problem?" The Penultimate was at a loss. Techne wasn't usually so possesive of her gaming systems.

"Savior's bracelet. It's basically the essence of Tyche in metal. That means it's pure luck and can therefore influence stochastic fields. There's a good chance that the ring alone can cause irreversable damage to the virtual reality simulator."

The last thing Techne needed was for one of her favorite machines to be destoryed, accident or not.

"Mind telling me what they're playing?"

"Clairvoyant Destiny. Troy made it. I helped him with design,but I haven't gotten around to playing it myself."

The Penultimate stopped in his tracks. He had played it many times. He had played it to help him in his search. The search for the missing goddess. He hadn't played it in the last month for one reason. He had found the goddess. He had watched her fall from his roof and poison Mr. Fluffums.

Savior was the new Tyche. And she was about to learn what happened to the old Lady Luck.

[ParallelanPrincess]

*Tyche* Troy began.

*Was and still is, the goddess of fortune and chance.*  

Savior's unconsciously toyed with the bracelt on her wrist. The gears in her head slowly began turning. The Penultimate had said the ring belonged to Tyche. Techne had advised her to protect her bracelet. And now Troy had made a game based on how Lady Luck went missing. These were all signs that kept pointing to her. Savior could feel that she was missing a vital piece of the puzzle. Maybe the game could help her find it.

*OK, Lady Luck is missing. So the objective of the game is to find her?* Savior asked as she and Troy began walking down the street.

*Find her. Find out what happened. Loot her house. Do whatever you want.*

Troy preferred games that had a 'sandbox' quality to them. The freedom to go wherever you want and do as you pleased was extremely appealing to him

*How are you supposed to win then?*

*Easy. To win you need to collect the Seven Artifacts of Tyche. Whoever gathers them all is the winner.*

Troy pointed to a large manor at the end of street.

*That is Tyche's house. If you want, you can start there. I'm going to ask a few villagers some questions* Troy turned to leave.

*Wait a sec!* Savior called after him.

*What? You're not afraid of being alone are you?*

Savior bitterly smirked against her will. Troy had a lot to learn about her.

*Course not. All I want to know is how do I know you won't cheat. You did design this game, after all.*

Troy was taken aback at Savior's bluntness. Cheating was the ultimate dishonor. To think he would do something so disgraceful was insulting. Troy frowned against his will. Savior had a lot to learn about him.

*I would NEVER cheat! Cheating is appalling, disgraceful, and just plain uncool. The game is programed to randomly scatter the Artifacts every time it's played. There are so many possible hiding places that it's impossible to memorize them. That way, the game never gets boring and no one cheats.*

Troy said with a wink. Amara may have had her girly charm and cutesy graces, but Troy had a sense of honor and mad gaming skillz.

*OK. Let the best kid win.*

*I intend to...* Troy said with a smile.

Savior started walking towards the manor. Time to see if video games really could teach her something.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Penultimate...we don't have time to waste." Techne said impatiently. The Penultimate had stopped walked for no apparent reason.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm coming" He said a bit distractedly as he caught up with Techne.

Troy was no doubt unaware of what his actions may cause. Savior, on the other hand, was bound to uncover the truth. She was far too young to understand the duty she would one day face. She hadn't been properly trained either. Aphrodite's insistence on placing Savior in his care made much more sense. Aphrodite knew the Penultimate would protect the girl regardless of who she was.

The only question was whether Savior was ready to find out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Hello?* Savior called as she walked into the manor's front door. The walls  were decorated with mirrors of varying sizes. The floor was covered in some kind of greenery. There was a mysterious blue smoke floating through the air that smelt oddly familiar.

*Anyone home?*

*Is that you, sister?" A man's voice asked.

*Um, no. This is Savior. Sorry, to disturb you, dude.* Savior started to back out of the door. She started walking backwards and immediately bumped into something. She turned and found herself face a tall, tan man with emerald eyes.

*Sorry. I didn't mean to barge in, mister-"

*Tychon.*

*I'm sorry?*

"Tychon, as in, god of chance and accident. And you would be?*

*Savior.* Savior reached out her hand to shake his. Tychon seized it with a violent tug.

*How did you get my sister's bracelet?*

*Your sister's?*

*That is The Bracelet of Tyche. My sister.*

[ParallelanPrincess]

Savior paled. The bracelet was Tyche's. She had been wearing a goddess' jewelery for five years. All this time she had a powerful Artifact of Luck on her wrist. Her life began to flash before her eyes.

The chase. The Lake. Meeting Aphrodite and the Penultimate. The pieces were coming together.

*I asked you how you got this.* Tycho glared at the silent girl.

The NPC had been programmed to have the god's personality. At least, the personality the Penultimate's books had attributed to Tychon.

*I found it.* Savior replied honestly. It's not like Tychon could smite her. Then again, there was a chance that smiting was in-game feature Troy had created.

*Where?* He demanded, tightening his grip on Savior's forearm

*At the bottom of a lake* Savior winced in pain. This game was getting too lifelike for her tastes. She pulled away from Tychon.

*Didn't anyone ever teach you how to treat a lady?*

Tychon snorted.

*You're hardly  a lady. You may be dressed like an Erote, but you're still a brat to me. A thieving brat.*

Savior made her signature Oh-no-didn't! face.

*Let's get this straight, Tychon. One, I'm not a brat. Two, I'm not a thief. Three, call me either again and I'll-*

*Do what? Throw a tantrum? You are a thief. My sister was the last one to have to have the Bracelet and she's been missing for the last year.*

Tychon knew the brat had stolen it. He just needed to find out how.*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``

The Penultimate entered the gameroom. The children were watching Troy's screen with amazement. Troy was battling an army of harpies single handedly. Savior's screen was being largely ignored. The children were uninterested in watching someone talk to an NPC. Watching paint dry was much more productive.

The Penultimate gazed at Savior's screen. She was talking to Tychon. Not THE Tychon. That would be awkward and possible tramatizing. Aphrodite had told him how rude and blunt the god could be. If Savior met him-No, Tychon had gone missing ten years after his sister. Savior would never meet him. Hopefully.

The Penultimate walked on to the platform. He pushed the OFF button.

Savior and Troy rematerizaled on both sides of him.

"What gives? I was in the lead!" Troy said angrily. The Penultimate had ended the game much too early.

"And now you're not. Savior, I need to speak with you. In private." Savior looked at the Penultimate with wide eyes.

"I-"

"Come. Now."

The Penultimate led Savior out of the gameroom. She followed him to his study.

"Sit." He instructed.

"I know you have a lot of questions for me."

"Hundreds."

"Then let's start with the first."

Savior was silent and then burst out with.

"Who am I?"

[Celadon's Penultimate]

The Penultimate thought a second. This wouldn't be easy to explain. But...he always did have that habit of trying to explain that which seemed unexplainable.

"Okay, look. This may be strange to you, Savior, but I don't see any other way to make it clear. You have taken the mantle of Tyche, the Element of chance and fortune. Um...Lady Luck, as it were."

Savior thought a second, and grew perplexed. What the heck had these folks gotten her into? Gods and goddesses appearing left and right? The Penultimate was obviously used to it, but she certainly was not. She was still vaguely freaked out by meeting up with Aphrodite and Eros, and now she herself was supposedly a member of their same pantheon!

"So..." she started, "How exactly does this work? I remember Nikolai laughing when I mentioned reincarnation in his lessons. What gives?"

"Um...reincarnation is a privilege, not an automatic process of the sentient psyche. I mean, well, er, put it this way. Rather than your soul being the reborn soul of an Element that cannot die (and who thus cannot pass her soul onward anyhow, even if reincarnation DID exist), the Tyche before you must not have been powerful enough to operate without her attribute, that bracelet. Somehow she lost it, and you found it. Though, how exactly she lost it is a mystery..."

Savior looked at the Penultimate, her fog of confusion clearing, "Wait, you...you said Element. I thought we were talking divinity."

"Well, in a way, we are talking divinity. Elements are divine beings, regardless of whether they belong to the Greek pantheon, the Indian, the Native American, the Norse, the Egyptian, the Roman or the Celadonian. They're immortal, to an extent, but closer in their power to angels and demons than a true deity. Only with a lot more gray area in their morals."

Savior eyed her bracelet, in amazement. She had been bestowed power that would have promoted her to the status of godhood on a non-powered planet like Earth, and didn't even realize it.

"So...technically, I AM a goddess, let's just get that clear." Savior said, a smile growing.

The Penultimate rolled his eyes and sighed, "I suppose. And by that logic, it would make your rightful name Tyche, not Savior. And you would have no last name anymore."

"Sweet...weird, but sweet." Savior rubbed her hands together, thinking a mischievous thought, "So, wait...about the whole pantheon thing. What does it say about all the other gods?"

"They ALL exist, naturally." The Penultimate crossed his arms, "Odin and Thor. Zeus and Hera. Poseidon and Amphitrite. Even met Rama, and some of the Elements worshiped in Japan. Their names are a bit tough to pronounce, as one might guess..."

"Oooohhh..." Savior's eyes were wide.

"Indeed." The Penultimate looked up at nothing, "Now. I think I'll leave you to marinate in your thoughts. I need to go and figure out which Tyche this bracelet belonged to. Certainly not the daughter of Ocean and Tethys. She was far too mature to have misplaced it. Maybe the daughter of Zeus? No, she was pretty tight with Nemesis; she'd never let that Tyche out of her sight. Perhaps Prometheus' daughter, or the one whose son was Plutos..."

[Celadon's Penultimate]

The Penultimate figured he had shocked the girl enough for the day. Rather than stick around and help Savior pick her jaw up off the floor, the patrons of his ball were awaiting his return.

He would leave her to her thoughts.

When Savior finally came to, and began breathing again, she caught a groggy vision of a familiar hand waving across her face.

"Hello? HELLO??? Savior, are you okay?"

Troy Jericho, and his friends Amara Styx, Bugsy and Master Kai. Four of the most powerful children on the entire planet.

Troy, who was entirely invulnerable to all manner of harm, including disease, acid, energy and metaphysical attacks, and when he turned around 21, AGE. Master Kai, who had found a mystical sword, and now possessed the combined skill of all his most powerful warrior ancestors, among the greatest mortal fighters known. Amara Styx, whose telekinetic powers were said to be capable of blasting foes to pieces, and would only get stronger and more sophisticated as she got older. Bugsy, whose intimate connection to the insect kingdom would allow him to speak to them, command them and mimic their abilities at will.

And now, Savior, whose capability to perceive and manipulate the very essence of fate would allow her to bend luck and chance to her will. Her eyes were so glazed over with stars, the others had to look away from the glare of the light show.

Finally, Troy was physically shaking her. She came to, but visions of sugarplum fairies kicking butt and taking names still buzzed dreamily in her subliminal subconscious.

"Yesss?" Savior grinned, more than a little pleased.

"Are you okay, Savior? Savior? Are you okay?"

"Why, yesss...I is fine. Tis I, Savior...indeed." Savior chuckled to herself.

"Um...does she always act like that?" Kai crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.

She shook her head, "Wait, um...I'm fine. I...I just got really good news."

"Well?" Amara smiled.

"What is it?" Bugsy seconded Amara's anticipation.

"You'll never believe this." Savior could barely believe it herself, "The Penultimate says that I am one of the Elements. Since I have this here bracelet, my rightful name is Tyche. Lady Luck. Looks like I'M gonna be one of the Heroes of Celadon one day, too."

The other kids marveled at her, and Amara wanted a closer look at the amazing bracelet.

Brutus ducked back behind the corner before anyone would notice him.

"Very interesting. Just as I suspected."

[Celadon's Penultimate]

Brutus ducked back into the party, and quickly found Drake the thief, just as he was about to get into the pockets of some nameless, wealthy tycoon.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Drake complained, as the large manservant pulled him around the corner, "I don't go taking your feather duster while you're dusting, now do I? Why do you have to interrupt me on MY job?"

"Hush up, you sticky-fingered pest!" Brutus snapped, "Now, I've got word from my sources about a very impressive piece of jewelry that someone living in this manor received from some very important parents."

"Really? Important parents, huh?" Drake was intrigued again, "Well, who are they?"

"More powerful than you could imagine." Brutus smirked deviously, "Practically gods."

Drake's eyes went wide, "So...um...what do I get if I help you acquire this rare piece of jewelry?"

"Of course, you'll get your reward. With that, I'll have wealth and fame and fortune coming out of my ears. I'm sure some of that will trickle down to you, as well."

The thief frowned, "Oh, really? Trickle down? Well, since you say it like that, what makes you think I shouldn't go and take that there artifact, and use its power for myself."

Brutus' eyes narrowed.He grabbed Drake by the throat and lifted him up a foot against the wall without the slightest sign of strain, ".....Understand this, you vile, underhanded, no-pedigree street urchin. If its power were NEARLY as predictable and easy to access as you seem to think it is, I'd have yanked it off the runt's wrist myself long ago. I'm the only one with the knowledge of how to wield its power and influence. Trust me on that."

He let Drake fall back to his feet, and the thief rubbed his sore throat. Brutus looked at him with disdain and spoke again, "So. Do we have a deal or what?"

Drake cleared his throat, "Um...I don't know. Give me some time to sleep on it. This is a bit risky, even for my taste. Not to mention, if the Penultimate finds out..."

"Don't worry about him." Brutus grumbled, "Your true threat is the child. Trust me."

[Celadon's Penultimate]

Savior walked with Troy, Bugsy, Amara and Kai to their table at the ball. Dinner was about to be served for those who had had enough of the dancing.

It was late afternoon, and so they'd probably eat again later, but still...the food was awesome. They'd have to try at least one course.

And they would not regret it. The Penultimate's chef, Ivan Cook, was the business. He had traveled the world, learning the secrets of various cooking styles and methods, and worked closely with Nikolai to combine science, math and culinary genius. What he came up with was impossible to put into words other than 'Oh. Em. Gee.'

Safarian steak supreme.

Chicken fricassee from Gandrei.

Pork roast from Habador.

Mygean kebabs and baklava.

A zesty Arboralian Salad with snapdragon dressing.

Pies and various other sweets from Candyland!

Irresistible, indescribably-good goodness.

"So...much awesomeness..." Savior could hardly contain her delight.

"Yeah, it's awesome." Kai spoke with his mouth full.

"So, Savior?" Amara swallowed a mouthful of salad, "Have you decided your hero name yet? Every super needs one if he doesn't want to be tracked down, and potentially have his family threatened."

"Mine is Warcry." Kai volunteered.

Bugsy smiled, "I go by Hive."

"Call me Stronghold." Troy smirked.

"And mine is Tantrum." Amara giggled.

Savior thought a second, steeling herself against the silky, tasty goodness of the food long enough to respond. She hadn't really thought of it before.

She couldn't take Miss Fortune. Isidisia Zym already had that one. Lucky? Charm? No, what was she, a leprechaun? Lady Luck? No, she wasn't quite old enough to be called a lady yet. Maybe Clover? Ugh, no that sounded like an animal name for some reason.

"I think", she said at last, "I'll just go by Tyche."

Yeah, Tyche. That was good. And the others seemed to agree, clapping at her decision.

[Celadon's Penultimate]

"Okay." Troy said, at last, when he had packed away everything on his plate, "I'm satisfied. Who wants to go dance?"

Tyche and Troy's teammates stood up.

"Sure, I'm up for some Dance Dance Revolution!" Amara smiled.

"Yeah, the 4D version!" Bugsy tented his fingers together, grinning evilly, knowing how good he was at that version.

"No!" Kai, "You always win at that one!"

"Precisely", Bug grinned.

"Wait! No, that's not what I meant." Troy mused, "I was thinking...we could dance out there. With everybody else."

The others gasped. Amara and Tyche secretly smiled inside. The two put their hand out for some mature, dashing, suave boy to sweep them off their feet to the dance floor of the ball.

Amara, however, was not exactly in company plentiful with those. She'd have to settle for Bugsy, who grabbed her hand quick as she put it out.

Kai reached for Tyche's hand, but with cat-like reflexes that would have made a ninja flinch, Troy booted Kai in the forehead, sending him flying several feet, before returning his blushing glance to Savior.

"Savior?" He smiled, "May I have this dance?"

[ParallelanPrincess]

Savior blushed. Troy was so noble. Kicking away a master of every known martial arts just so he could dance with her. Was this what every girl wanted in a Prince Charming. Troy was more of Knight Awesome, to be honest. Savior took Troy's hand and mentally thanked Aphrodite for putting her through dance classes. Aphrodite would be proud that-

Wait. Did she-. No.  It wasn't possible that Aphrodite had known. Surely she would have told Savior. Savior tightened her grip on Troy's hand. As soon as this song was over, Eros had some 'splaining to do.

"Quite a grip you've got Tyche." Troy commented as they stepped unto the dance floor.

"All the better to hold you with. And please, call me Savior. Tyche's going to take some getting used to." Savior said as the band started to play.

"As you wish, Savior."  The two preteens began to glide around the ball room and, for a moment, Savior forgot about goddesses and reincarnation. She focused on the handsome young man dancing with her and tried to conceal her fangirlish squeals of delight.

"Look at my lil' sweetpea!" Eros gushed. "She done got herself a beau!" He was so proud. She'd be batting away suitors left and right when she got older. Her wedding would be the most fanstatic thing the mortal realm had ever seen. The thought of his little Savior all grown up and in a wedding dress brought the smallest tear to his eye. Eros sniffled. Tears would stain his tux.

"Eros." the Penultimate said as he stepped to the god.

"Penultimate. What's wrong? Trouble with your girlfriend." Eros said cheekily.

"No- SHE'S NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!" The Penultimate fumed.

"Sure, sure. Whatever. So what's up?"

"She knows."

"Who knows what?" Eros asked. The Penultimate egnimatic act was seriously overrated.

"Savior. She knows the truth now." The Penultimate waited for Eros' reaction. The god took a long sip of his wine.

"I knew this day was coming. How did she find out? The Bracelet?" Eros sighed. Too soon. It had happened before he was ready. Savior was a child. In  a way, his child. He, Aphrodite, and the Erotes had raised the girl since the that fateful day. He had lied to her time and time again about why she was so fortunate. Because she was sweet. Because she cute. He had told her everything but the truth.

"She was going to piece it together soon or later. I decided it would be best that she didn't find out on her own."

"Oh, really?" Eros asked getting angry. "And what convinced you to make that decision? You've known her for a month. I've known her for seven years. If anyone should have told her the truth, it should have been me!"

[Celadon's Penultimate]

The Penultimate put his hand up in defense, backing up a half step. No need to go all 'Classical Myth' on him, and make him fall in love with a cow, or a tree, or himself.

"Look, Eros." The Penultimate grew defensive, "There's no need to be hasty.How else do you expect she should have found out? It was going to be apparent one day, when even my most dangerous beasts and monstrosities couldn't lay a finger on her. And besides, I think I relayed it rather well."

Eros looked down and exhaled, putting his left hand out to a tree decoration. The tree then spontaneously burst into a flock of doves. The Penultimate's eye twitched. That was meant for him.

The Penultimate crossed his arms, and decided they had discussed enough, "Look. If you have some problem with what I said, then talk to Savior yourself. Ask her if she understands the gravity of the situation. And if she has questions, she has you, Aphrodite, me...trust me. She'll be fine."

And before Eros got the chance to protest, the Penultimate poofed back to the dance floor. Bridgette was waiting for him.

[ParallelanPrincess]

Eros fumed. Perhaps, he should have turned Penny Boy into a flock of doves. Or maybe a roach.  Eros searched for Savior on the dance floor. She had just finished a waltz with the Jericho boy. The Hero placed a kiss on Savior's hand and she practically swooned. Eros frowned. Oh no, you don't! My little girl has enough to worry about. Eros thought. If Troy kept trying to woo Savior, Eros find something that could harm the so-called Invulnerable Boy.

Savior rushed over to him, nearly tripping in her heels. She'd told Eros a million times that flats were much more sensible, but the god had started his you-are-a-young-lady-and-should-dress-as-such rant and she'd complied.

"Erodeus!" Savior panted as she finally made it to the other side of the ballroom. That dance with Troy had been more exhausting than she'd anticipated. The sight of a frowning Eros was enough to remind her why she needed to speak with him.

"Yes, sweetpea?" Eros said slipping back into his Southern drawl.

"We need to talk." Savior looked dead into Eros' eyes with such intensity that the god was reminded of the previous Tyches. Savior had Fortuna cheerfulness, Felicitas' quick wit, and Laima's kind heart. Eros was struck so deeply that he hugged Savior as tightly as he could.

"I know, baby, I know."

[ParallelanPrincess]

Eros held back his tears. Now was not a time for getting emotional. He needed to be serious and explain the weight of Savior's situation. Eros lead Savior to her room. He locked the door and cast a charm to prevent anyone from entering that wing of the palace.
Savior sat on her bed, her heart beating maddly. What was Eros going to tell her? Did she have to go back to Aphrodite? Would her training under the Penultimate end? A million questions buzzed through her mind. She start hyperventillating. Eros took that as his cue.

"Savior." He began.

"Yes?" she answered, her voice trembling.

"I understand the Penultimate told you something very important."

"He said I was Tyche. And that my bracelet...was hers. Did she-" Savior stopped and clapped her hands over her mouth and her eyes grew to the size of dinner plates.

"What? What's wrong?" Eros asked frantically.

"Did the old Tyche...die?" She said in a small voice. Eros grew pale. Savior definetley wasn;t ready for the answer to THAT.

"We, that is the gods, don't know. All we know is that she's been gone for a very long time."

"Then why didn't you and Mo- Aphrodite tell me? All these years you've been LYING TO ME!" Savior shouted. Eros felt the floor shake. It was beginning. Now that Savior knew who she was, her powers would start to manifest.

"I never meant to! We wanted to wit until you were older. So that you'd be ready."

"FOR WHAT?" Savior screamed shaking with rage. Had the gods merely been manipulating her? Was her whole life a lie?

"To be a goddess! You are Tyche. That means that one day you will join the Pantheon. Do you know what that means? Savior, you're not like other mortals. You control Fate and Destiny. You have a large responsibility to the entire COSMOS! You are one of the most powerful beings in existence. Do you think a mere six year old would have understood? Do you understand why you're HERE? You came to train to be ready for whatever comes your way. And you're so...so young. You're just a baby. My little clover." Eros hugged Savior once more.

"Now do you understand?"

[Celadon's Penultimate]

The day wore on, and soon it was nearly night. The open cove allowed everyone in the main ballroom to watch the evening sun dip into the Garden of the Hesperides.

Zeus had spoken to the Anemoi, and the winds calmed right on cue. He had had words with his elder brother Poseidon, and the Lord of the Sea had projected a vision; the manor now seemed to be overlooking Celadon's Ocean, Atlantion. He had even convinced Nyx to orchestrate a Choir of the Night, and all the creatures' calls were perfect and docile. And Astraios had arranged the stars to make ALL the zodiac visible.

Hera had called the Nephelai, and the clouds drew in only slightly, carving out intricate, elaborate landscapes. Aura leaped into the sky, with her sister Aurai in tow, trailing behind them ribbons of soothing breezes. Pan rode through the forests on the back of a hippalectryon to chase away any evil spirits who dared lurk in the midst of the ball-goers.

Artemis set the nymphs out to play, and they teased the satyrs sensuously into chasing them. In their pursuit of nature's seductresses, they were led away from the ball; there would be no rowdy interruptions from them, or their cousins the centaurs, tonight.

And as Helios' job had finished with the setting of the sun, Selene's job would begin with the rise of the moon.

The Penultimate had thought of everything.

Tonight would be perfect.

Tyche sat in the threshold between the ballroom and the hall that led to the game room, hunched over, holding her knees in her arms. It was all so much to take in. Of course it was an exciting idea, but it was no shortage of pressure. So much responsibility thrust on her at one time. And Eros was sure it was too early. What was she going to do?

"No need to worry, Tyche." A familiar voice came, "You know we won't let anything happen to you."

Savior turned around. Aphrodite was reclining on a red satin chair she had summoned. She stood, and took Savior by the hand, lifting the girl to her feet. She took her into a warm embrace, and exhaled compassionately. It was perfectly okay to cry.

The goddess tried to remember the last time she had cried. Fairly recent, whether Savior would believe it or not.

"You...I don't know what to say." Savior sniffled, "How can I be an Element? It sounds WAY too hard."

Aphrodite chuckled; so many before her had had the same feelings about the power that awaited them, "Look, Savior. There's a reason why everything happens. Some of us are born into it. Others have to be tracked down, hunted, backed into corners or outright begged. And still others beg for the right. The privilege. The honor. It's all in how you look at your situation."

Savior loosened her embrace of the sweet-smelling goddess, and looked up to see her smiling warmly.

"Well...how did YOU get to be Aphrodite?"

The goddess thought a second, and answered with a smile.

"Well, my father was Zeus. And my mother was Dione." She began, "But there was one before me born of the blood of Ouranos. And another after her, born from Hemera and Ouranos. And all of us had very different beginnings. The first one knew nothing of her father...he was the sky itself. And the second had only her mother to care for her; but she was still left to the care of maidens as a child. Only I, the youngest Aphrodite, was cared for by a mother and a father. And even then, it took time for Hera to come around and not hate my guts."

The two laughed, and Aphrodite wiped a tear from Savior's eye. Savior really did feel better, and it made Aphrodite feel better.

"So..." Savior started, "I should probably get back out there dancing. Don't want them to think I left or something. Pen-what's-his-face might send a search party after me."

Aphrodite smirked at Savior's humor, and disappeared with the breeze.

Back to the party.