Butterscotch Souls: The Morningstar Series: Book 4
Butterscotch Souls – Chapter 46

Things are not going how I planned them to. The Morningstar family and the rest of those powerful beings are not what I expected them to be. They’re all a pain in my a*s.

I knew that other powerful Demigods were out there. I had even met a few in my time, but none as powerful as that Bexley girl. At first I thought that I would be able to handle them. That they could easily be pushed to the side. Now I’m realizing that it is us that are being pushed to the side.

For many, many years the five us have been protecting Hercules’s bloodline. We made mistakes, one being that seal. But, we pushed on. All we had to do was keep them hidden, keep them safe.

Everytime though, something happened. If it wasn’t one of the Gods finding them, it was something else. Like what happened with Sandra. Killed by something as useless and weak as a human. All because we locked up her power. Not a day goes by that I’m not wracked with guilt.

We hadn’t even known about Epperly at first. Someone powerful was helping those humans. I have been trying to figure out who for the last twelve years. The simple fact that I haven’t, leads me to believe it is someone more powerful than anyone realizes.

A God. But who?

Lockern and I thought that if we kept a close eye on Epperly, perhaps we could keep her safe. Staying in one place for too long would have drawn suspicion. Especially with how much she was practicing her Djin abilities.

So, we had Lockern go down and convince her father to force her out. It wasn’t the nicest option but it was all we had. We couldn’t afford to expose ourselves.

What I wasn’t expecting was for Epperly to be mated to a Morningstar. Why Selene perceived this to be a good idea, I will never understand. Lucifer is an insufferable tyrant. He thinks himself a God when he is just a Devil.

“You’re still angry with me I see.”

I looked up from my view of the ocean to see Selene herself. We are in my home on the edge of Austraila. I spend more of my time here than I do in the realms of the Gods, with the rest of my family. It’s more peaceful here. And I am the Water God afterall.

“I’m not angry with you. I just don’t understand your reasons.” I said.

I returned my attention back to the ocean. I own several acers of land so there are no people for miles. My home is large, much too large for my taste but it was a gift from my father. I’m sitting outside on the back porch of the house in a coushiony chair. Selene came to sit on the chair next to me.

“This place is peaceful. Much more so than Olympus.” She commented.

All I gave was a grunt in response.

We were quiet after that. Selene watched the waves roll across the sand with me. She was right. This place is peaceful, only because I made it that way. No one to bother us for miles, how could it not be peaceful?

“Sometimes people misconstrue loneliness for peace.” She said.

I scoffed. “I am not lonely.” I stated.

Selene and Venus were always like this. Constantly asking us if we wanted mates. Something about it being good for us and what is a life without falling in love?

I fell in love once. And that love was taken from me by my brother. Just like everything else in my life. If this place was not given to me by our father, Zeus would have taken this from me too. He can never stand to see anyone happy but himself.

“I never said you were.” Selene replied. When I didn’t reply, the Moon Goddess sighed. “Do you really want to know why I paired up Epperly and Ambrose?” She asked.

I turned my head to her. “I do.”

I’ve asked Selene a few times over the last six years why she chose Ambrose Morningstar out of all the people in the world, she never gave me an answer.

“Their fate was destined the moment they were born. I might not have known that Epperly was who she was exactly when she was born, but she was born with one of my children inside of her. I knew she existed, I just didn’t look close enough to see who she was.” She told me.

“We have already been over this.” I said annoyed.

Selene nodded. “I didn’t pair them up because they are two powerful beings. I didn’t do it in the hopes that Ambrose would protect her. I did it because they are two halves of the same soul. When I split their soul up to create mates I had no idea that this would be the outcome Poseidon. But I am glad it is.” She said.

My head snapped to her. “How could you say that? Zeus is already out to get you now because of this. You paired up two of the most powerful creatures to ever exist with each other. Now they are having children. Do you have any idea what Zeus will do if he finds out about the boy or the child that Epperly is currently carrying?” I asked.

Selene gave me a small smile. “Like I said, I had no idea this would be the outcome. But Zeus is a tyrant among us. He needs to be put in his place. I think Epperly is the one to do that.” She said.

“You think that she can take on Zeus?” I asked incredulously.

Selene nodded. “I do. As long as she has her mate and friends. If they work together then they can defeat him.” She said confidently.

I gave a sarcastic laugh. “And then what? Epperly becomes the new God of Gods?” I asked.

Selene frowned at me. “Why must there even be one? Why can’t we go back to how it was before Zeus’s reign? Back when we all stuck to our own realms and delt with our own people? Your father understood that. He might have called himself a ruler, but he let the Gods handle things themselves.” She asked.

“You are the reason we will never be able to get back to that, not Zeus.” I stated.

The look the Moon Goddess gave me told me that I am treading on dangerous waters.

“If you are refering to the inter-species mateships then think again. The Gods who rule over the supernatural creatures have all agreed.” She said.

My eyes went wide. “You asked them all for their permission first?” I asked surprised.

There are not many Gods that get along. Espeically not the ones who rule over the supernaturals. They have always been at each others throats. Always wanting to be left in peace while their creations fight for leadership. The fact that Selene had went out and convinced them all to ban together is surprising to say the least.

“I’m not sure what ever gave you the impression that I am stupid, but I’m not. I have been working closely with the others for quite some time now.” Selene told me.

“The worlds are changing Poseidon. New Gods are being born that are much more powerful than us. Many of us current Gods have already pieced that much together. That’s why Zeus wants Epperly so badly. He knows that his time is running out. As of right now, the only Gods that stand with him are the ones on Olympus.” She said. “I’m not sure if Zeus realizes how many allies he has lost yet. You need to go up there and convince the others not to follow him.”

“You want to do this now? I haven’t even gotten enough information from him.” I said.

This was all part of our plan. I hadn’t realized how much support that Selene had gathered already though. I was supposed to remain on Zeus’s good side, get all the information he had and relay it to the others.

Then, when the time came, I was to try and turn his own side against him. I was fairly certain that I could gather quite a few but I still had my doubts. It isn’t that the Gods are loyal to my brother, it is more that they fear him.

“He already suspects us. You have one more chance to go up there and try. Then you will come to the Moon realm and wait for the war to begin with the rest of us.” Selene said.

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. “This war… it’s going to be big.” I said.

To my surprise Selene shook her head.

“With the amount of power that Epperly has awakened, I think that it will be much more low scale than you think. If she figures out how to use her powers correctly… Epperly could take out any God with the snap of her fingers. Do you really think that power won’t flow through her at the sight of someone she loves being hurt?” She asked amused.

I recalled the images we saw when she took out the Behemoth. Even with our seal in place she managed to crack it all on her own. I have no doubt that if Akeehla hadn’t been able to break our seal, that Epperly would have done it eventually.

Even if my brother somehow manages to get his hands on Epperly, she will never let him live. That much I was sure of. What I was afraid of, is how different Epperly would have to become in that situation. There is no way her mate or his family would ever let her go without a fight. Zeus would have to kill all of them and that would be bad for all of us.

You see, a God cannot die. They have to be absorbed. Absorbing a God means taking on their powers. For some time there was doubt in me that Epperly would even know how to do that in the first place.

And then I met that Bexley girl. She’s done it. She was born a Demigod and stole the power of the Necceis. I had no idea he had even been absorbed. But I felt it when I looked into her eyes. It hovers beneth the surface in her.

Same with Max.

I met his father and mother several times over the centuries. At least absorbing his father didn’t make him like that bastard. Now I know that Epperly will know exactly how to take on Zeus. Our plans that we have been building for the last twelve years came crashing down in the matter of 24 hours.

They didn’t need us. At least not now, or not there. So, we stick to our side of the plan. We turn everyone against Zeus that we can.

“I’m going to Olympus right now.” I said and stood up.

Selene reached out and grabbed my arm. When I turned her she gave me a pained look. She’s scared for me.

“Are you sure that you don’t want a mate?” She asked.

“How does that even work? If it’s so pre-destined.” I asked.

Selene smiled. “There are lots of them who lose their mates, some before they even find them. It is as simple as a snap of my fingers to give them another.” She said.

“Would they really be my mate then?” I asked.

Selene chuckled. “She would be. You would be surprised how much a soul can bend to fit another.” She said.

I shook my head and put my hand on hers. “If we make it out of this alive, I will let you give me a mate.” I said.

Selene beamed. “Zeus would no longer be around to steal this one from you, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy.” She warned.

I shrugged. “I have serious doubts that we will make it out of this unscathed anyways.” I said.

I gave the Moon Goddess one last look before vanishing.

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

I stood in front of the golden gates of Olympus. They opened up for me after sensing who I am. I walked in and found myself standing in front of my brothers castle. I sighed as I stared up at the enourmous golden palace. My brother is an ostentatious bastard.

Pushing the double doors open I walked in. There are many Gods and Goddesses lounging around. Their Angels are busy at work. Another thing that disgusts me. Angels are only meant to be made when we need to send them to our people in the other realms. Zeus has them made to clean his palace and feed him grapes. Our father taught us better than this.

I walked straight for the grand hall. There is more power eminating from there than usual. They must be having a meeting. When I made it to the doors there was no gaurd. Like a child, I pressed my ear to the hard wood and listened.

“The Morningstar’s have the Djin?” Hermes asked. “Why have they not attacked us yet?”

“They must be biding their time. Lucifer must be planning something big.” Another God added.

“I fear that we all will need to prepare for a war.” Zeus told them. “Lucifer is too power hungry. He captured the Djin and will use her to destroy all of us! I was so close to saving her, but…” He trailed off. “Something must be done.”

This is ridiculous. He’s convinced all of them that Lucifer has Epperly and is going to slaughter us all. As much as I hate Lucifer, I have to admit that he didn’t look like he had any intention of using Epperly. Zeus can say all he wants to about the Devil, but at least that man cares about his family. Something my brother knows nothing about.

“Lucifer has never been one to plan things out before.” Athena said. “I find it hard to believe that he would start now. He is the type to take action, not wait. If he really had the power to take us all out right now, why would he just sit around and wait?” She asked.

I smiled. At least I could always count on Athena to question my brother. Being the Goddess of war and wisdom, she knows when someone is lying. Athena has hated Zeus for many centuries now. She is already on our side, Zeus just doesn’t know it yet.

“Perhaps he has had a change of heart?” Asked Aphrodite.

Zeus scoffed. “The Devil have a change of heart? Don’t be silly now.”

“Then what is your reasoning for him waiting?” Athena asked. “If what you say is true then we should all be dead.” She stated.

I could hear the audible gasps of realization. The Gods began to murmur to themselves. Zeus’s lies are catching up to him.

“Are you calling me a liar Athena?” Zeus said danerously.

It was never part of our plan for me to barge in on this meeting. I was supposed to gather up Zeus’s people quietly while he fumed over the events that are taking place.

So, why did I storm into the grand hall like I owned the place? Why did I march my way up to my brothers thrown? And why, oh why did I open my mouth and let these next words fall?

“Athena might not be calling you a liar brother, but I am.” I stated loudly.

There were gasps all around. Zeus glared down at me from his throne. My eyes flickered to his right, at Hera, his wife. She was begging me with her eyes to back down. As much as I love her, I can’t.

Zeus chuckled. “Poseidon, brother, you must be joking.” He said and his laughter grew making others around us join in.

I kept my blank expression. “I’m not joking brother. You are a liar. You have been lying to all of us for long enough.” I said.

Zeus’s amusement died down. “On what grounds do you call me a liar?” He asked calmly.

Now it was my turn to be amused. “You really think so lowly of all of us don’t you Zeus?” It was a rhetorical question and my brother knew it.

“You honestly think that not one of us has picked up on your games?” I asked as I began to walk the steps to his throne. “You play with us like we are pawns. Punish us if we don’t follow your rule. Take away everything that we hold dear because you can’t get anything of value yourself.” I’m seething at this point. I came right up to stand in front of my brother.

“What do you think you are doing Poseidon?” Zeus seethed quietly.

I smirked at him and turned around to address the crowd of Gods and Goddesses.

“Zeus has been lying to all of us for too long now. I see it, I know that most of you see it as well. The things that he has said about Lucifer are not true. He does not have possession of the Djin, nor does he plan to use her against us, or at all.” I started.

“And how do you know that?” Hermes asked.

There were murmurs of agreement to his question.

“Because I have been protecting the Djin and her bloodline since her ancestor fled Olympus.” I stated and there were gasps in the audience.

“Fled? The Djin was killed by another jealous God!” Another called out.

“And who told you that? My brother?” I asked and there was no response.

“If you are saying that the Djin wasn’t killed all those years ago, then what happened?” Athena asked.

“This is proposterous!” Zeus fumed from behind me.

He stood up and pushed me aside.

“You can’t really believe anything Poseidon is saying. He’s jealous of me for marrying the women he loved. Can’t you see?!” He shouted to the crowd.

My brother knows how to get my b***d boiling.

“I might be bitter that you married Hera but I am no liar brother.” I said danerously. “I have no reason to lie. Nothing to gain from telling your truths. Hera has chosen you. All I care about is doing what’s right.” I said.

Zeus turned and got in my face. “Your little stunt is over Poseidon.” He stated.

Although I had no intention of backing down, someone else stood up for me.

“I, for one, would like to hear about what our brother has to say.” Hedes said as he marched to the front of the crowd.

“I rule a section of the underworld thanks to you brother, I think I would like to know what the ruler of my realm is up to.” He said coming to my defense.

Hedes is a creature of selfishness. I never reached out to him because he never does a thing unless there is something in it for him. Of course, that was befroe he took a wife of his own.

Is it perhaps that Persephone has changed our dark brother?

“I want to hear as well.” Athena said.

There were more murmurs of agreement. I turned to Zeus. He glared at me before taking a step back. I turned to the crowd.

“The Djin known as Serenity was not killed in Olympus. She fled with her lover. They escpaed Zeus and were killed for it. One of their children was saved. I have been watching over that bloodline since.” I said.

“And why have you taken it upon yourself to look after a Djin’s bloodline?” Hedes asked.

I could pratically feel Zeus’s anger rolling off of him from beside me.

“Because, her lover was my nephew, Hercules.” I said.

Shock filled the room but Zeus said nothing.

“Is that so?” Persphone asked with a smirk.

Has my brother made the Goddess of Spring sinister?

“Yes. I, along with four other powerful Gods protected the bloodline. We tried to keep them hidden, but they were always found and killed. Until now. Epperly is the name of the Djin that Zeus is so set on capturing. A daughter with the b***d of Zeus himself.” I said.

“A Hybrid?” Athena asked.

I shook my head slowly. “A Tribrid.” I said. “Epperly is also a Werewolf.”

More gasps sounded.

“Figures that the Moon Goddess would stick her nose where it doesn’t belong.” Zeus muttered.

“How does any of this mean that this Epperly isn’t with Lucifer right now?” Hermes asked.

I smiled. “Epperly is not being held captive by Lucifer, because she is now a part of his family. Isn’t that right brother?” I asked Zeus.

He only glared at me.

“What does that mean? A part of his family?” Aphrodite asked.

I took a deep breath. This is the one fact that will be the deciding factor for them all. I just hope it goes well.

“Epperly is mated to one of Lucifer’s grandson’s.” I stated.

The room went so silent that you could hear a pin drop. Everyone is shocked. Zeus knew, you could see in his face. He failed to mention that he started a war with some of the most powerful people. Zeus put all of us in danger for his own selfish gain.

“Is this true?” Athena asked.

I nodded. “It is. She is mated to Ambrose Morningstar. And they have already started planning for the war that our ruler has started.” I said and then turned to Zeus.

“Did you tell them what you did King? How you knew about Epperly’s mate and you still attacked? How you got innocent people killed and now the Morningstar’s want revenge?” I seethed.

To my surprise Zeus chuckled. “I am the ruler of Olympus. If I say we are going to war we go to war.” Then he turned to address the crowd. “It’s true that I knew about the Djin and her mateship. It doesn’t change the fact that Lucifer could use her against us.” He said and I could see most of the crowd agree.

“He won’t though.” I agrued.

“How could you be so sure of that brother?” Zeus asked me angrily.

“Because that is not what Epperly wants.” I said. “She doesn’t want to be involved with any of this. You did that to her. You forced her hand by killing her friends. Epperly will come for all of you now, but it has nothing to do with Lucifer.” I said.

“And what makes you so sure that Lucifer won’t force her hand?” Hedes asked.

I looked out at the crowd and smirked at my brother.

“Believe me all of you, there is not one being, God or not, that could force Epperly to do anything. She is much more powerful than any of us could ever dream. If this war happens we will all suffer.” I said.

Zeus let out a loud laugh. “A Djin more powerful than us? Don’t be silly Poseidon.” He said and a few others in the crowd laughed as well.

I shook my head. “Your ignorance will be your ending. Your b***d flows through her veins and you still think she is not powerful? I’ve seen Epperly’s power, there is no doubt in my mind that she can kill you brother.” I said. It was a half lie.

“So what exactly is your plan then? Fight with them against me? Your own brother?” Zeus spat out.

I gave him a stern look. “Yes.” I stated. “I’m asking you to step down now, let someone else rule, retire from these games you have been playing with all of us. If you don’t, I cannot help you with what happens next.” I said.

Zeus looks furious. There is a tick in his jaw. He looks ready to explode.

“You think you can take us all on right now? I could just kill you at this moment and be done with this blasphemy. You don’t really think anyone here would dare to disobey me, that they would be on your side.” He stated dangerously.

Before I could respond someone else did.

“I will stand with him.” Athena stated. “Poseidon is right. You have drug us along for too long now Zeus. You are not our king but our tyrant now. The power has changed you. I no longer wish to follow your rule.” She said.

“I too, will stand with Poseidon.” Hedes said.

“Me too.” Aphrodite said.

Multiple others called out as well. Zeus now only has about half of his followers left. This war is going to be pointless for him.

“If a war is what you want brother, than so be it.” Zeus said.

I watched as he prepared to attack me. This would be the end for me, but it would show the others just how far gone my brother really is. If I had to be the sacrafice, than so be it.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” A familiar voice said.

Zeus and I turned to the crowd to see my four closest friends and Lucifer walk through the crowd.

“Zeusy, been a while. Let’s have a chat shall we?” Luficer said smiling.

“I will not be having a chat with the likes of you.” Zeus spat at him.

“Awh, what a pity.” Lucifer said with a fake pout.

“Poseidon, it’s time for us to go.” Selene said while keeping her eyes on Zeus.

“Leaving before the fight even starts brother?” Zeus teased me.

I shook my head and walked to the newcomers.

“The fight is just beginning, brother.”