introduction

"your anger gets the best of you, brother," athena says, her voice laced with wariness. "be sure it is not the downfall of those who worship you."

ares sneers in disgust.

"you would be wise to silence yourself, foolish sister."

. . .

war is ugly and unforgiving; it is deceiving and cruel to those involved. the violence takes hold of one's heart and crushes it little by little, taking every hint of warmth that ever lingered inside. war takes hold of one's mind and clouds it with grief and anger, planting seeds of hatred that will soon come to bloom.

war changes people. it takes and takes, no matter how much effort is put forth to protect and defend.

sometimes, we don't know why we fight. we don't know why there is a need for bloodshed.

the only thing that is known is what lies at stake.

mercy does not exist on the battlefield. to grant mercy upon another is a death wish upon yourself. no fool would do such a thing.

ares stands by these words. athena does not.

you see, the two gods are vastly different.

ares, the god of war that leaves havoc in his wake; athena, the goddess of war that leaves rebirth in her wake.

ares does not allow second chances; his wrath is a storm-- once the calm settles in afterwards, there is nothing left. no more homes, no more happiness-- nothing. absolute emptiness. the few who survive encounters with him seek revenge, though terror strikes their hearts and prevents them from doing so.

athena allows new beginnings. she will fight to protect, but her wrath does not seek to leave ruins. she will prove her point and move on-- and she will allow her enemies to learn the consequences of their unwise actions. they will be hurt, but they will learn to begin again. the many who are spared by the goddess seek forgiveness from her, keeping open minds and open hearts as they continue on with life.

we know they stand with war, but we do not know why. why is it that athena wishes to end wars when ares wishes to start them? why is it that athena avoids bloodshed, yet ares will gratefully bathe in it?

you will learn of their thoughts during these times of violence. you will know of their intentions and their reasoning behind the sword. you will learn how they battle and you will see the cruelty or temperance that lingers beneath their actions.

and then you will decide.

tell me, who is the one that leads you into battle?

is it athena that guides you? or is it ares that you follow?