A stillness lingered after Edward's questions. It wasn't tense, just quiet. Heavy. Like the world had taken a breath and held it.
Then Olethros, rather Destruction, broke into a loud, easy laugh that rolled through the trees. He leaned back, one hand resting on a half-finished wine bottle, and grinned.
"Calm down lad. We're just here… reminiscing about old mories. I was trying to write a poem about it actually. Not going well."
Edward's eyes flicked toward Dream, or rather Morpheus—who sat calmly with his arms crossed, face as unreadable as ever. There was no warmth in his voice, but no threat either as he spoke.
"I have seen your dreams," he said simply. "They are complex. Bold. You don't dream much, yet you make those dreams co true, or try atleast. "
Edward raised an eyebrow. "Thanks, I think. Though it sounds more like a remark than a complint."
Morpheus didn't smile, but his expression softened slightly, as if he understood the joke but chose not to show it.
Destruction chuckled again. "He ans it's a respectable way to live. In his own way."
Edward let the mont hang, then nodded and stepped further into the clearing. "So… this where you've been hiding? Out here writing bad poetry?"
Destruction spread his arms. "Better than destroying civilizations. I thought I'd try sothing quieter. Wine, painting, poetry… a bit of sculpture. Doesn't always work, but it helps."
Edward looked around. The cottage was modest. The surroundings peaceful. There was nothing in the scene that scread Endless. No divine glow. No thunder in the sky. Just two brothers and a vineyard.
"And you?" Destruction asked, his tone casual but curious. "The Slayer of Olympus. What brings you to this corner of the world? Even our Older brother knows little about you."
Edward sat down on a bench near the table. "I didn't co looking for trouble, if that's what you're asking."
"No," Morpheus replied, "but trouble often finds those who carry it."
Edward let out a breath. "I'm not here to make a claim or demand anything. I've had enough of that. I ca because I sensed sothing here… sothing old. So I thought might as well check it out."
Destruction nodded. "You're not wrong. This place has a lot of stories, more than it shows. But now, mostly it's quiet. I like that."
Edward glanced at him. "So, how do you like it down here compared to your realm?"
Olethros's eyes shined, " Oh boy, where to even begin! Humans are such wonderful creatures, full of surprises and hope and so many emotions, yet they possess such complexity. I am rather fond of earth than the Fulcrum."
Morpheus interjected," I don't think it's wise to interfere with mortals, brother. And you should not share secrets that might cause harm."
Olethros smiled, " I'm rely a guide for them. Trying to help them if possible. You are stuck up on your duties to even enjoy the long lives we live."
Morpheus watched his brother but said nothing. There was a familiarity to the silence between them, not hostile, but filled with things left unsaid.
Then Edward broke the silence. "I've killed gods before. I've faced monsters. But the truth is, I don't really enjoy it. The killing, the burden. I never really did. But I thought to myself, maybe I owe it to them, since I've watched all end once. I often ask myself, is it right, to try and shape things to my will, even if it's for their good."
Destruction studied him carefully. "But you keep doing it."
Edward looked up. "Because soone has to."
Morpheus's voice was quieter now. "And if no one asks you for help?"
"Then I stop," Edward said. "But as long as gods keep turning n into playthings, as long as they hurt the world just to feed their pride… I won't let it stand."
Destruction gave a small nod. "That's a hard road."
"I know."
"And a lonely one."
Edward didn't answer. He didn't have to.
Olethros suddenly ask, " So, you have witnessed the end? Then you know how it goes down. It is inevitable. So why hurt yourself to such extent?"
Edward looked him in the eye and smiled helplessly, " I guess because I am just another stupid human. Just because sothing seems impossible, doesn't an we should stop trying and give up. We humans, fight, struggle and bleed to achieve the impossible. Maybe I'm one of those hopeless fools.
Olethros smirked, " You won't be the first one."
Edward asked curiously,"So, who runs things now that you are here? Stuff is still getting destroyed."
Olethros's smile faded slightly. "I stepped away for a while. Doesn't an I stopped existing. Just… chose not to be what I was. I still go back from ti to ti."
Morpheus scrunched his nose, but Edward just asked, "Why?"
Olethros was quiet for a mont. He looked at the bottle in his hand, then out toward the trees. "Because being a force of destruction in a world that doesn't need more of it… started to feel wrong. At so point, I asked myself if I was still helping anything. Or anyone."
Edward listened without speaking.
"And I didn't like the answer," Olethros said simply. "So I left."
Edward shifted. "And what about you? Still keeping track of the dreams of everyone alive?"
Morpheus looked at him. "It is my role."
Edward nodded slowly. "You two are very different."
Olethros smiled again. "We are. But we're still family."
That word made Edward pause.
He looked down. "Family's complicated."
Olethros let out a breath. "Always is."
For a few monts, none of them spoke. The wind moved through the vines. A few birds called in the trees. It could've been any afternoon, in any part of the world.
Olethros leaned forward, voice lower now. "So what are you hoping to find from all this, really? Peace? Forgiveness? Redemption?"
Edward looked him in the eye. "Maybe just a place where I'm jsut another human. Where I don't have to watch my back every ti ."
"You're not likely to find that in a world that rembers your na, and worships you like the gods you hate so much." Morpheus said.
"I know," Edward replied. "That's why I plan to leave, travel the world , live different lives , savor every experience, and ensure humans don't repeat the sa mistakes."
" And when you die ? What happens then. Humans, no matter how strong, will die eventually. " Olethros spoke solemnly.
" Well, I'm probably not dying anyti soon. Even if I did, that's that. It just ans I wasn't strong enough, and hope soone else picks up my burden." Edward shrugged with a calm look as if they weren't discussing his death.
" And by the looks of it, it seems death is avoiding sowhat. My vision sees more than anything, and I have never seen her around even when I killed those gods. I would have loved to have a chat." Edward chuckled.
Morpheus held his gaze. "And what would you do if our sister ca looking for you?"
Edward didn't flinch. "I'd hear her out. Maybe discuss about life and it's aning. And if really my ti, I'll follow her into the dark, no regrets."
Destruction raised an eyebrow. "That's quite poetic. Considering how things tend to go when our kind show up uninvited. "
"I don't want to live forever," Edward said simply. "But I won't let fate chain either. I've co too far for that."
Morpheus looked thoughtful. "You've already shaped the world more than you know."
Edward gave a dry smile. "Not always for the better. I wish to see for myself and find out."
Morpheus stood up, " Apologies, but I must return to my realm and my duties. Farewell brother."
He gave a passing look to Edward," And you, mortal. Your presence has been.... Tolerable."
Olethros chuckled, " It ans he like you Edward. High praise considering my brother doesn't like much of anything these days."
Morpheus gave a stern look and faded out of existence, like his presence was a re dream.
*****
Edward's eyes lingered on the horizon, the edges of the golden sky starting to dim as the sun lowered. Only he and Olethros remained atop the rocky ridge, surrounded by the faint breeze of an ancient, breathing world.
Edward turned his gaze toward Olethros, and spoke with a half-smile, "So… how long do you plan to stay here? Don't tell you've got so new destructive hobby to unleash on the world other than your poetry."
Olethros leaned back, letting the wind rustle through his red hair and beard. He looked every bit the wandering artist, even if his na summoned fear in mortals. "Maybe," he said with an exaggerated shrug. "But destruction isn't always a bad thing. Sotis, it clears the soil so sothing new can grow. You should know that better than most. You destroyed Olympus, didn't you?"
Edward looked away, his features tightening, not with regret but with uncertainty. He exhaled slowly. "I did what I had to. But I don't want to be rembered only for what I destroyed. I want to be rembered for what I tried to build."
Olethros tilted his head and studied him for a long mont, his gaze gentle, almost brotherly. "You and I... we're really not so different, Edward. Maybe that's why I feel like I know you closely despite eting you just hours ago. You've done terrible things, yes—but not without reason. And unlike so many others, you carry the weight of it."
Edward snorted. "You're getting soft."
Olethros laughed, deep and genuine. "My siblings say I've always been soft. I just hide it under a lot of rubble." He gave a thoughtful hum. "I do hope we et more often. Who knows, maybe we'll even be good friends. Next ti, I'll bring a better bottle of wine. And perhaps we can finish that poem I started."
Edward raised an eyebrow. "Assuming your poetic skills improve."
"Oh, harsh," Olethros chuckled. "But fair."
Edward's voice shifted, more sincere now. "Just don't disappear without a word one day. If you start feeling the itch again, the guilt, the disappointnt, talk to first. I'll get you drunk and talk you out of thinking the world's weight is yours alone. And even if you do, maybe keep in touch. I won't rat you out."
Olethros didn't answer imdiately. He studied Edward carefully, as if seeing him differently for the first ti. "You're truly one of a kind, you know that?" he said with a chuckle. "You've even got Morpheus talking more in one day than he has in a decade. That's a damn miracle."
Edward shrugged. "Maybe I remind him of soone."
"Maybe," Olethros said. His smile faded, replaced by a glimr of curiosity. "Tell sothing, Edward… do you know why you're really here? Who brought you to this realm?"
Edward's expression darkened slightly. "I've been asking myself that ever since I got here. I know… Big P has sothing to do with it."
Olethros's brow furrowed. "Big P?" he repeated.
"Presence," Edward clarified. "Or sothing close to it."
"Ah," Olethros said, voice thoughtful. "Well, I don't know much, to be honest. That's Destiny's domain. Only know that you're not here by accident. You've got a purpose… though I couldn't say what it is. I've only heard whispers from my siblings. Destiny and...."
Then, abruptly, he cut himself off. "Ehem… forget I said that."
Edward raised an eyebrow. "Co on, man. Don't tease and leave halfway like that."
Olethros grinned sheepishly. "That's a tale for another ti. Maybe when we've both had more wine."
Edward chuckled and stood, stretching his limbs. "As much fun as this was, I should get going."
Olethros stood with him, dusting off his robes. "You're welco to visit anyti. Just co here and call my na . I'll even prepare sothing better than the swill I had today."
"I'll believe it when I taste it. And don't be shy to visit." Edward shot back, half-laughing.
He turned to leave, his boots crunching softly against the rock. But just before he got on his horse, Olethros's voice followed him.
"Your path is far from over. The choices you make next will echo for longer than you know. I wish you good fortune on your journey… my friend."
Edward paused for a mont. But he didn't turn around. "Then I'll make sure they're the right ones. Until next ti.... my friend. Don't lose hope on humanity just yet."
Olethros laughed as He walked on, vanishing down the slope, leaving only the Endless behind.
Olethros watched until he was out of sight, then sighed and spoke to the empty air beside him, his tone dry but knowing. "Sister… he's gone. You can show yourself now. It's not exactly polite to spy on people like that."
From the shadows, a faint swirl of black smoke coiled into being. It twisted in the air like a wisp of burnt incense until it took shape—pale-skinned, raven-haired won with an unique beauty, dressed in black with a gothic flair that suited her perfectly Her eyes were deep, ancient, and unreadable.
"Hello, brother," said the woman.
Olethros smiled. "So? How was it? You could've co out and t him, you know. It's not like he bites, dear sister."
She tilted her head slightly, her voice calm, distant. "You don't need to remind you how these things usually end. Mortals and Endless… it never ends well."
"You're being cautious," Olethros said, folding his arms. "Understandable. But co on, DiDi… it wouldn't have hurt to say hello."
She looked away, expression unreadable. "If I speak to him… if I let myself be more curious… it becos harder to walk away. And then…"
She didn't finish the sentence.
Olethros sighed, brushing a hand through his beard. "You know, for all your experience, you can be just as stubborn as Morpheus sotis."
She just shook her head, " That is my problem , brother. I'd like it if you keep your mouth shut about this. As much I care for my siblings, I don't wish Desire to find him."
Olethros chuckled," You're rather protective of soone you claim to have no interest in."
She spoke softly," You saw how dangerous his charm is. Even you and Morpheus felt it. Our little brother barely talks to mortal after our nephew..."
Olethros sighed and rubbed his beard," Maybe having a friend isn't so bad sotis. I do intend to be his friend, sister. He is soone, no, perhaps the only one who understands . Try talking to him once. Maybe you'll get over your.....obsess.....ehem, I didn't say anything." He raised his hands in surrender as she glared at him.
She didn't speak. She turned silently, her black coat trailing like a shadow behind her as she began to vanish into the smoke again.
But what she didn't say, what she wouldn't admit aloud—was that she had seen him, again and again. From the mont he killed Poseidon, through the blood and fire of Olympus, to the quiet kindness he showed the people of Greece. She never approached. Never interfered. But she watched.
And it confused her.
She didn't know why this mortal drew her in. She didn't want to get closer—because to do so might hasten his end. Not because she willed it, but because she was Death. That was her nature.
But Edward… he had no fate. No tether. No prophecy. Even she couldn't see what awaited him.
And that was what made her watch, again and again. With fascination. With wonder. And, perhaps… with interest more than she admitted.
Because deep down, Death knew: there was sothing different about him. And she feared if she knew more about him, she might repeat the sa mistake her little brother once did.
****
Since that strange and fateful eting with the Endless duo, another year had slipped by.
Edward had spent the ti restoring order in Greece, rebuilding after the devastation he'd unleashed on Olympus. Mortal kings knelt, cities restructured, gods no longer dictated fate. Peace was restored.
Now, a different kind of unease weighed on him.
Themiscyra.
It lood in his thoughts more than he admitted. The island of warrior won, shrouded in divine enchantnt . And more importantly, the place he had left behind Two won , both divine, both proud and powerful. And both likely furious.
He had rehearsed the visit in his mind dozens of tis: how to explain his absence, how to calm their wrath, how to make peace after nearly two years of silence. His heart was not afraid of blades or beasts, but Hera's affection and Hippolyta's care were another matter entirely.
Still, it had to be done. So Edward flew towards Themiscyra , thinking he would spend so ti, get to know them better, and maybe make it official after a while.
Ten hours later.....
He found himself utterly dumbfounded.
Edward sat atop an elaborately carved throne, ancient, and inlaid with golden laurels that shimred in the afternoon sun. The throne had clearly been prepared for so grand occasion, but he hadn't expected to be the centerpiece, or the prisoner.
He wasn't bound by chains or rope. No, it was worse. His right arm was caught in a vice-like embrace between the warmth of Queen Hippolyta, who perched confidently on the throne's armrest like a queen surveying her spoils. Her grip on him was gentle in appearance but unyielding.
His left arm was held just as tightly by Hera, the forr queen of Olympus, who had sohow managed to make herself entirely at ho… on his lap. Just a couple inches, and his finger might enter rather plesant territory.
Her elegant robes shimred with divine light, every inch of her perfect body designed to unsettle. One arm wrapped lovingly around his neck, the other idly traced circles along his collarbone. Her lips hovered just beside his ear, and the warm breath that escaped them was far more dangerous than any battle .
He sat there, part bewildered, part victim, and utterly stunned.
He opened his mouth slowly, blinking as though he'd just co out of a daze.
"…What the hell is even going on?"
Hippolyta didn't turn to him. Her chin rested elegantly on her knuckles, gaze focused ahead with regal detachnt, as though she were a statue co to life. But she did squeeze his wrist, gently nudging it further into the space between her chestplate and the warmth beneath. Her voice was calm, composed.
"Don't speak like that, dear husband," she said, her tone leaving no room for protest. "Today is a happy day."
Edward almost laughed. He would've, if both of his arms weren't trapped between sothing soft that distracted him.
Before he could summon a response, Hera tilted her head upward, her voice a sultry whisper against his ear. "Today is, of course, our wedding day," she said sweetly. "Both of us will marry you today before you run off sowhere again."
Edward's heart skipped. Not in a romantic way ,more in the way a soldier's heart stutters when they hear the distant sound of siege drums.
"Wait… what!?"
His exclamation echoed through the vast marble courtyard. Birds scattered.
Sowhere in the distance, the sound of flutes and ceremonial drums continued as if nothing had happened. A hundred Amazons were still preparing the grounds, laying wreaths, hanging garlands, and assembling golden banners inscribed with victory, unity, and love.
But Edward barely noticed any of it.
His mind, usually quick as lightning in battle, overloaded at once.
He looked at Hera. "Why is this even a thing? Can we take a rain check? I just got here hours ago." he asked, half-desperate, half-confused.
Hera tilted her head with a smile so composed it was unsettling. " this will be the publicly held wedding. A proper one. With vows. Music. Offerings. Celebrations. I am a goddess, and She is a queen, do you think we'll settle for any less?"
"Celebrations?" Edward asked, incredulous.
"A week-long one," Hippolyta added with perfect serenity. "The entire island has prepared. The priestesses arrived yesterday."
He turned slowly to Hippolyta, blinking again. "You're serious?"
"As serious as I was when you first conquered my heart," she said, and for a mont there was genuine warmth in her voice. "You left without a word, Edward. You thought we would wait forever? That we would just forget and move on?"
Edward chuckled nervously," Umm..."
Hera stopped him. "We're not angry," she whispered. "We're just… ensuring you don't run again."
He sighed. "I wasn't running. I was trying to help people."
"You're here now," Hippolyta replied. "That's all that matters."
Edward looked down at the courtyard again. There were already seats being prepared, garlands trailing from archways. War drums were replaced by lyres and harps. Statues of old gods had been draped in crimson veils, and at the center of it all stood a marble altar shaped like a crescent , clearly awaiting him.
And them.
A young girl approached their throne shyly. She bowed and spoke, " Hello . I'm Diana, daughter of Hippolyta. You must be the hero Edward we've heard so much about. Mother talked about you a lot....that she would marry you. "
Edward looked carefully, so this was the most famous heroine of DC huh? Still looked like teenager although she might be over 100 years old by now.
He smiled politely and replied, " Hello Diana, I'm Edward. It's nice to et you. Yes, apparently your mother has arranged a whole wedding ceremony for us. I hope we can get along and have fun . Think of like a cool uncle."
Diana looked excited, " Really? Then will tell about all your adventures ? We can also go explore the forest. Can we ride Your flying ship? "
Edward chuckled, " Sure why not. Only after your Mom and Hera releases my arm."
Diana bead brightly, " Umm... Can I also call you father ? I never knew mine .... And I heard he was a bad person despite being a god."
Hippolyta smiled and pulled Diana close with her other arm. " of course dear. We will all be family. Together."
The Amazonians clapped and cheered watching the warm scene.
anwhile Edward was stunned. His mouth opened, then closed again. There were no words. Just the surreal reality of being forcibly sat down into a divine wedding he hadn't even known was on the calendar.
Still seated, still trapped, he finally sighed.
"…I should've stayed in the sky."
That earned him a light laugh from Hera and a victorious smirk from Hippolyta. The Amazon Queen tilted her head, brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek.
"Oh no, husband. You've avoided this long enough." She waved away Diana, " Go child, get dressed. You should wear sothing nice for our wedding."
Diana nodded excitedly and ran to find her dress.
Then, casually, Hippolyta called out , "Bring the ceremonial robes."
Edward's eyes widened.
"Wait, wait, what robes?!"
From the steps below, several Amazons approached carrying fine cloth — crimson and gold, with symbols of the old gods stitched across the fabric. Formal, heavy, and far too extravagant for his taste.
He groaned, but Hera kissed his cheek softly. "Be grateful. You're marrying the two beautiful won who others would kill to have."
"Sohow," he muttered, "that doesn't comfort ."
Hippolyta smirked , " Then imagine us at your bed at night, showering you with love
" She whispered in his ear softly.
Edward gulped. Yeah, that's sowhat tempting.
And so, on the steps of Themiscyra, with no sword in hand, no armor on his back, and both arms claid by queens, Edward prepared for a battle unlike any he'd fought before, one with vows.
And no chance of retreat.
"Well, if you can't avoid it, just enjoy it." Edward sighed and and looked at the won sitting on his both side who bead with happiness and just let go . Might as well get it over it.
It looks like he was getting married today...twice. Plus, he did in fact beca Wonder Woman's step father.
*****
Degenerates would be like : She now calls you father, but soon she will be calling you daddy.
Current tiline for Endless:
Destruction considering his retirent.
Morpheus still haven't been imprisoned. Orpheus saga happened 200-300 years ago.
Btw, they are singular entities and ti is different for them, so a thousand years might not be much to them. And of course, I won't follow the sa events, it will be changed according to Au.
I was supposed to address another thing, but forgot. Since I forgot about it, it's probably nothing too important, right?
Right?
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