Author's Note: Give it a chance. Please? This is an AU (Alternate Universe) YAOI fan fiction starring Seifer Almasy and Squall Lionheart from the Squaresoft Game Final Fantasy 8. This could also be considered a Crossover. You'll understand what I mean as you read.

I was reading one of my old Greek Mythology books when I came up with this, so just think of one of those old Greek or Roman myths when you read this.

This is a Lemon, but it's not too strong. It is non - consensual however.

Even though Squall is often called "boy" or "youth" in this story, this is not Shota. I use those terms as a substitute for the term "young man" here. They just sounded better than saying "young man". There is a lot of repetition in this fiction, but it's for dramatic effect, and I hope it worked.

There is absolutely no dialogue in this story. It's all Narrative. I know it's weird, but give it a chance. Please? Hee hee.

DISCLAIMER: Squaresoft owns these guys, but I rent them from time to time.

Of War and Peace

By Miss Dincht

In the beginning there was Chaos, and Chaos was wild and without form. After a time Order emerged from Chaos becoming a separate being, for Order had always lingered within Chaos although Chaos did not know it.

Chaos feared Order, but was drawn to it, for Order was strong and beautiful in its way. There was a joining of the two, and many children resulted from this union. The first children of Order and Chaos were fierce and untamed. They were the Guardians, the Monsters of old: Shiva, Ifrit, Alexander, Bahamut, Cerberus, Eden and the others.

In another age, the union of Chaos and Order resulted in a son, who was named Hyne, and three strange daughters. These daughters were the first Mothers. Adel was the eldest of the three, and she was Goddess of all things Past. Edea, who was second of the daughters, was Goddess of all things Present. Ultimecia was the youngest of the three, and she was the Goddess of all things Future. Hyne took his sisters as his wives, and many wondrous children were born to them. These children were the first Gods.

Laguna, God of Life, was one of Hyne's sons. He was beautiful in face and form, and of all the Gods, he was most pleasing to Hyne. Sephiroth, God of Death, envied his brother Laguna, and so he rose up to fight against his sibling. Sephiroth was defeated after a terrible battle, and he was thrown into the pit where he created a kingdom of darkness and shadow.

The battle exhausted Laguna, God of Life, and so he hid himself and slept for many ages. Laguna dreamed as he slumbered, and from his dreams there emerged universes and galaxies and worlds. Indeed, the World of Men was created in this way.

Laguna woke from his slumber after a time, and when he discovered the World of Men, the world he had created in dreams, he was pleased. He constructed a floating kingdom above the earth, on the top of the great Mt. Eshtar, and from his throne he watched over the humans.

Laguna took his sister Raine, Goddess of Earth, as his wife, and to them were born many mighty and beautiful children. Men loved Laguna and his children, and they called them the Gods of Pleasure because they gave gifts of joy and beauty to humankind. Sephiroth and his children were known as the Gods of Pain because they despised Man and sent destruction into the Land.

Seifer, God of War, was one of the Death God Sephiroth's many sons. When the War God's time came, he would ride through the sky in a black and gold chariot that was pulled forth by two black stallions he called Pandemonium and Strife. Whenever Seifer, God of War, rode through the sky, the world would suffer greatly, and the hearts of Men would lust for blood.

Nations and cities that had once been at peace would long for the destruction of war, brother would turn against brother, child would fight father and mother, and the blood of innocents would be spilled into the earth. Wretchedness and death reigned over the lands of Man during Seifer's time, and the people would cry out to the Heavens for salvation. Their piteous cries went unanswered, however, for the Gods of Pleasure feared the War God, and they were far too frightened to raise a hand against him. Even Laguna turned his face when Seifer's chariot stormed across the sky.

In a certain era, another son was born to Laguna, and he was called Squall. Squall was God of Peace, and he was youngest of all the Gods in his father's household. Squall was kind - hearted and very, very beautiful, and all that looked upon him loved him. Squall knew that he had been born because the people longed for Peace, for there was very little Peace in the lives of Men before his coming.

Whenever Seifer rode through the sky, the people would call out to Squall for deliverance. The young God loved the people and he feared for them, and when they called for him, he would beg his father to allow him to go to the humans and help them. Laguna would refuse, for he loved Squall above all his children, and he wanted no harm to come to the beautiful youth. Even when Seifer did not ride through the sky Laguna was unwilling to let Squall leave their celestial palace, and he kept the young God of Peace close to his side. Laguna would always watch his son carefully, and there was little Squall could do that Laguna did not notice.

Squall despised how his father treated him, and he envied the other Gods because Laguna let the others do whatever they wanted. The Peace God eventually decided that he would have to disobey Laguna. Squall hated to disobey his father, but he could see no other way. He soon discovered that he could easily escape his father's palace when his father was sleeping, because nothing could wake Laguna when he slept. So, Squall, God of Peace, would escape the palace on those occasions and walk the World of Man.

Whenever Squall had the chance to walk about in the world, Men's souls would know Peace, and they would rejoice. Their hearts would soften, and they would long to reconcile with their brothers, mothers, and fathers. Nations that had once warred against each other would end the strife between them, and because there was no War, the Nations would thrive. The land itself thrived because of the Peace God's presence, and the harvests of Men were more fruitful during this time than at almost any other. The humans would make statues and icons of the God of Peace, images of him barefoot, and wearing a little tunic, the feathers of a dove woven in his hair, because this was how he was clothed whenever he came to the World of Men.

The Peace God, for his part, found that he liked the world of humans. He enjoyed bestowing gifts upon them, and he graciously accepted their offerings to him. He also liked the beauty of the world, and when he was not helping the humans, he would go about in the green fields, pick flowers, and admire the beauty of creation.

The God of Peace would never stay long in the world, for he knew his father worried about him, and he did not want his secret to be discovered, but on one occasion Squall thought he should like to see the sun set as a human would see it. He went to lie down in a field of flowers, and there he watched as the Sun fell below the horizon. It was a wondrous sight, one that made Squall long to stay in the World of Men, and so he decided that he would wait awhile before returning home. He lay on his back in the grass, eyes closed, listening to the wondrous sounds of the world around him. Squall eventually drifted into slumber, unmindful of the growing darkness.

As the Peace God slept, the God of War was beginning another journey across the sky. He had been quite pleased with his last ride, and so he was most eager to reign terror down on the World of Men once more. His chariot tore through the darkened sky, a blaze of crimson fire behind it, and below him humans wailed and cried out to the Gods of Pleasure for deliverance.

The Nations of Men went to war. Brother fought brother, mother fought against daughter, and old women wailed over the fallen dead, but the Gods of Pleasure did not respond, for they had turned away and shielded their faces from the horror. And young Squall, God of Peace, did not hear the cries of the humans, for he was still deep in slumber.

Seifer, God of War, looked down at the carnage below and was not pleased by what he saw. There was some interference in his work, and he could not fathom what it was. It was then that he noticed the figure lying quietly in a flowering field. Seifer snarled and violently pulled at the horses' reigns, and Pandemonium and Strife stopped instantly. Their black heads thrashed about violently as they roared in protest and their red eyes glowed like hellfire. The War God snapped the reigns and the chariot plummeted toward the earth. Before it crashed into the trembling lands, the black horses strained upward, thus pulling the chariot across and over the ground. The War God snapped the reigns once more, and the horses stopped abruptly. He stepped from the chariot and moved past the prancing beasts toward the sleeping figure.

The War God removed his helmet so that he could get a better look at the sleeping beauty. The boy was a God, one of the Pleasure Gods Seifer determined, but one he had never seen before. Seifer's eyes roamed lecherously over the boy's delicate form and lovely features. He had never seen such a winsome creature, and The God of War fell in love instantly.

The War God did not hesitate. He snatched the Peace God from the earth, and flung the youth over his shoulder. Squall awoke with a start, and when he realized what was happening he struggled to be free of his captor. Despite his struggles Squall could not escape, for the fearsome God of War was far too strong. Squall cried out to his father and his siblings, but they could not see or hear him, for they had turned away in fear. The War God grinned wickedly as he carried the screaming boy to his gilded chariot. He dropped Squall to his feet, but held the boy with one arm so that he could not escape. The War God then grabbed the horses' reigns, and the chariot sped into the sky, toward his Realm in the Ice Regions.

The War God's Realm stood atop Mt. Galbadia, the highest mountain in the Ice Regions. Only Frost Giants and Ice Dragons lived in that cold, barren land and Men feared to go there. Squall, God of Peace, pleaded with the War God to release him, but Seifer would not heed his cries. Squall wept during the entire journey, and wherever his tears fell on the snow - covered earth below flowers would grow.

Seifer's palace was an enormous work of black stone. It boasted several hundred chambers, and it was to this place that the souls of men and women of War came when they perished. These great warriors would spend eternity in the warmth of Seifer's Great Halls, feasting on the finest fruits, breads, and roast meats, and drinking from golden goblets filled with ambrosia. It was Seifer's custom to attend this Eternal Feast each night, but as soon as he reached his palace he abandoned his chariot to his servants and swept the Peace God away to his bedchamber in the highest tower.

The War God began to ravish the Peace God's body as soon as the chamber was shut behind them. Seifer's rough hands roamed mercilessly over Squall's smooth skin, and the frightened God of Peace struggled to get away from the harsh touch. His patience spent, the War God snatched the thin scrap of fabric from Squall's nubile body, and the boy tried desperately to cover his nakedness with his hands. Squall stood nude and trembling before Seifer, pleading desperately with the God of War to let him go, but Squall's cries only intensified Seifer's lust.

The War God pushed Squall down onto his bed and quickly removed his armor. He moved onto the bed and mounted the squirming youth, easing himself down between the boy's quivering thighs, reveling in the feeling of the Peace God's pristine flesh against his own. Seifer eased his aching member into the sweet passage between the Peace God's slim legs, roaring in triumph as his engorged tool sunk deep into the boy's body. He pounded viciously into Squall's tender flesh, unmindful of the youth's fretful cries and pleas. He ravished the God of Peace well into the night, taking the boy in every possible way, until he finally satisfied himself with the boy's beautiful flesh. When it was done, and he'd spilled his essence into Squall's body, Seifer held the trembling boy close to him. He stroked Squall's skin, and kissed Squall gently. In a small, frightened voice, the God of Peace once more asked to be set free, but the God of War refused, for he loved the boy beyond all reason, and he could not let him go.

The God of War kept the God of Peace chained to his bed day and night. He had asked his brother Kuja, God of Lies and Deceit, to fashion the chain for him. It was made from the bone and sinew of the Behemoth, and it could only be broken by Seifer's sword, Hyperion. The War God also set a Ruby Dragon before his chamber to prevent anyone from entering it when he was away.

Eventually, the Art of War was forgotten by the Men of the world. Although there was still some form of War, it was not what it had once been, for the God of War began to neglect his duties. He could think of nothing but the God of Peace. During the night, the War God would satiate his lusts on the Peace God's flesh, and during the day he rode his chariot throughout the worlds seeking gifts and treasures to give to his beloved. He would plunge into the deepest oceans seeking gold and jewels. He would pull starlight and moonlight from the skies. He battled the Water God Leviathan for the Jewel of Edea, slaughtered the Minotaur Sacred for the Crown of Adel, and destroyed the demon Diablos for the Scepter of Ultimecia. All of these things, and many other wondrous treasures, he lay at the Peace God's feet. He also offered his eternal love, something greater than any Treasure of the Gods, but not even this would make Squall happy, for his sadness was too great. The young God of Peace longed for his home, and his family, and a great shame had come over him because he had begun to like the things that Seifer would do to him beneath the cover of darkness. Moreover, Squall could not believe that the God of War loved him, for Squall believed that if Seifer loved him then Seifer would let him go. And that was something Seifer would not do.

Now, back on Mt. Eshtar there was much commotion and dismay. Squall, God of Peace, could not be found, and the Gods of Pleasure were terribly worried about the missing youth. They were also worried about the World of Men, for Laguna, God of Life, had made himself sick mourning the loss of his son, and the human world was suffering because of it. An Age of Ice had come to the lands of Men, and no green things would grow. The Men suffered greatly, and many of them perished. The Gods of Pleasure did not wish to see the world destroyed, and so they held a Council to try to figure out what could be done.

Selphie, Goddess of Happiness, suggested that they hold a feast for Laguna, for that was sure to lift his spirits until Squall could be found. Zidane, God of Sport and Play, suggested that they find great champions of the Earth and hold a Game for Laguna. Kiros, God of Creativity, suggested they sing for Laguna since this had always improved his mood in times of crisis. But Quistis, Goddess of Wisdom, said that finding Squall was the only way to make Laguna happy and save the World of Men, and the other Gods worried, because they knew she spoke truth. The Gods discussed who should be sent to look for Squall, and they decided upon Quistis, Zell, God of Truth and Honor, and Irvine, God of Love. And so, these three Gods set out seeking their lost brother, Squall.

Quistis, Goddess of Wisdom, traveled by way of a Great Owl. It was a magnificent creature, and it was Quistis' symbol because it was one of the wisest of all birds. The three Gods rode the Great Owl through the World of Men. They questioned God, Monster, and Oracle alike in the hopes of gaining any news about their brother's whereabouts. They came away with nothing, for no one had seen what had happened to Squall. Zell and Irvine were distraught, thinking it was hopeless and that all was lost, but Quistis would not be so easily deterred. She suggested they pay a visit to the Sky God.

Quistis and her brethren rode the Great Owl into the Heavens, where Cloud, God of the Sky, dwelled. Since Cloud, who was Laguna's brother, had the best view of the World of Men, Quistis thought it likely that Cloud had seen what had become of Squall. Cloud informed them that he had seen Squall lying in a field of flowers on a previous day. He also informed them that he had seen Seifer coming across the sky during the time that Squall had been asleep below. However, Cloud had not seen what had become of young Squall, because he had looked away when Seifer, God of War, had come too close to the Heavens. Irvine, God of Love, wept bitterly at this news, for he could not see how they would ever find his brother. Zell also wept, but Quistis became determined, for she could guess what had happened to her younger sibling. Quistis, Goddess of Wisdom, and her brothers, immediately left Cloud's Realm and headed for the Ice Regions.

When the God of War was informed that three of the Pleasure Gods had come to his palace, he was afraid. He knew why they had come. He asked his servants who the Gods were that had invaded his home, and when he discovered who they were his fear nearly overwhelmed him. He did not wish to give them audience, but he had no choice. He took his magic helmet and armor and put them on for protection against the three Gods. The helmet had been fashioned by Rinoa, Goddess of Fools, and it hindered the power of Wisdom. The mask had been fashioned by Kuja, God of Lies and Deceit, and it protected one from Truth, and the breastplate had been fashioned by Rufus, God of Hate, and it protected one from Love.

The Pleasure Gods waited for Seifer in his solar. The three Pleasure Gods sat around the large table in the center of the room. He had had his servants prepare a small feast for his guests, and the table was covered with all sorts of wonderful dishes and bottles filled with the most delectable wines. Zell and Irvine had partaken of the food, but Quistis took only wine. The War God greeted them pleasantly as he joined them at the table.

Quistis, Goddess of Wisdom, was very cordial as she questioned Seifer about the Peace God's disappearance. Now, Quistis was the smartest of all the Gods, and no being, whether God or Man, was wise enough to defeat Quistis in a battle of words, for Intelligence and Reason were her powers. Quistis spoke gently, but her words, the way she utilized them, the way she twisted and changed them and used them to cause confusion and inspire fear, made them as deadly as any of the War God's weapons. If not for the protection the armor provided him, the War God would have been no match for the Goddess of Wisdom. He managed, however, to keep her at bay. He gave her vague answers, played the fool, and on occasion, he wouldn't answer at all. The battle of wills between the two went on for some time, but Quistis could not defeat the War God, and eventually she exhausted herself.

Zell, God of Truth and Honor, also conversed with Seifer. The Truth God's words were very persuasive, but with the aide of the mask Kuja had given him, it was very easy for Seifer to taint all of his own words with lies. Thus, Zell was also defeated, because he could get no words of Truth from the War God.

Irvine, God of Love, watched the War God intently, but didn't utter a single word. Despite the protection of the armor, Irvine had been able to peer into Seifer's heart, and he had seen the small seed of Love, Love for his brother Squall, that had been planted in that black, empty place that was Seifer's soul. Irvine said nothing, however, because his fear of what the God of War would do was too great.

When the three Gods of Pleasure left him Seifer retreated to his bedchamber. Rage filled his heart, and he took his anger and frustration out on Squall's body. He abused the God of Peace and took him roughly, almost brutally. Squall begged Seifer to stop hurting him, but the War God would not hear him.

The three Pleasure Gods left Seifer's Realm, but they did not return home. Quistis had suspected that Seifer held her brother prisoner, and when Irvine informed her of what he had seen in Seifer's heart, she was certain of it. She did not want War with Seifer, for it could lead to destruction for all the Gods, and so she knew she had to think of some other way. She also knew that she had to think quickly, for the World of Men had fallen into darkness, and soon the humans who still lived would perish. Quistis, Goddess of Wisdom, thought on it deeply, and she decided that they would pay a visit to Sephiroth, God of Death.

Sephiroth lived in the netherworld of Hades. His Realm was fashioned from fire and brimstone, and to his Realm came the souls of the dead who had lived wicked lives. Sephiroth sat upon an intricate throne that had been made from the bones of an Ultima Beast, and from his throne he could see out over his entire Realm. The Gates of Hades were guarded by Cerberus, the three - headed dog. Any who wanted to enter Hades by that way was forced to face Cerberus and answer one of his riddles, and any who failed to answer were devoured by the great beast.

The three Gods of Pleasure approached Cerberus at the Gate. He was a hideous, frightful beast, and as large as a mountain. Quistis demanded entrance into Sephiroth's Realm, and Cerberus conceded, in the event that they successfully answered his riddle. It was decided that Quistis would be the one to answer, since she was wisest of all Gods. When the Goddess of Wisdom was ready Cerberus asked his riddle.

Lesser than Time, but greater.

Smaller than Life, but grander.

Weaker than Death, but stronger.

Quistis closed her eyes when Cerberus finished speaking his riddle. She turned from the leering hound and went to lounge upon a nearby rock. She closed her eyes, and there she sat and thought. It almost seemed as though she were sleeping, her bare breasts rising and falling gently with her every breath.

The time of the Gods is different than the time of Men, and although it had only been a few moments since Quistis had heard the riddle, many years passed on the World of Men. Zell watched his sister anxiously as he waited, but Irvine watched the World of Men, and he wept because the people were still suffering greatly, and the Age of Ice had not passed.

Quistis, Goddess of Wisdom, did eventually open her eyes. A knowing smile spread across her berry - stained lips, and she moved from the rock to stand before Cerberus. Despite Quistis's calm demeanor, Cerberus was certain that he had defeated her, and his three heads grinned down at her wickedly. Quistis told Cerberus that she had the answer to his riddle. The hound laughed uproariously, but when the Wisdom Goddess revealed the answer - LOVE - Cerberus bowed his heads in defeat and stepped away from the gate. When Irvine heard that the answer was Love, his tears stopped flowing, and his strength and confidence

grew.Sephiroth, God of Death, was not pleased to see the three Pleasure Gods. He did not greet them warmly, and he resented their invasion of his domain. He was a dark, imposing presence, but the Pleasure Gods found the courage within themselves to face him. The Goddess of Wisdom informed Sephiroth of Squall's disappearance, and although his face remained as still and emotionless as stone throughout the duration of her speech, his heart leapt with malicious joy to hear such news. He knew how much his brother Laguna loved Squall, God of Peace, and the Death God got great pleasure from anything that caused Laguna pain. Furthermore, he now understood why the World of Men suffered so greatly, and this filled his black heart with glee as well. Quistis then informed Sephiroth of her belief that the God of War was responsible for Squall's disappearance. When Sephiroth heard this bit of information, a smile nearly formed upon his lips, but not quite, for the Death God never, ever smiled.

Sephiroth promptly informed the Wisdom Goddess that he would in no way interfere with his son's affairs. He told Quistis that there was nothing he could do, and that nothing she could say would change his mind. However, when she mentioned what would happen when Laguna was told what had befallen his son, a great fear clutched at Sephiroth's blackened heart. He in no way wanted a war with the Gods of Pleasure, for when that time came he would be thrown into the Abyss, and his reign would end. He had no other choice but to promise the Wisdom Goddess that he would speak to the God of War. Quistis and her brothers were satisfied with Sephiroth's answers, and so they left Hades and returned to Mt.

Eshtar.Immediately after their departure, Sephiroth abandoned his Realm and rode his six - legged stallion, Torment, into Seifer's Realm. Seifer was filled with dread when his servants informed him that his father had come to see him, but he could not refuse Sephiroth an audience. Sephiroth wasted no time in revealing the reasons for his visit when his son finally came to meet him. Seifer could not lie to his father, and so he told Sephiroth that he had indeed taken Laguna's son. The Death God's anger was great, and he ordered Seifer to return the boy to his father immediately. Seifer forgot his pride and begged his father to reconsider, but Sephiroth refused. He warned Seifer that the consequences would be great if his wishes were not heeded, and then he abandoned the War God's palace to return to his own Realm.

Seifer, God of War, was unwilling to let the boy go, and his heart constricted painfully at the thought of losing the beautiful youth. When he was certain that Sephiroth had left his Realm, he abandoned his palace, and rode his chariot down into Kuja's Realm, hoping desperately that his brother could do something to help him.

Kuja's Realm was a place of barren rock and cold mists. The only living thing that grew in the twisted landscape was an enormous tree, and it was in this tree that Kuja dwelled. The tree was surrounded by a moat of frozen waters, and an enormous snake lived within the icy torrent. The snake had been created from Kuja's own flesh, and Kuja used the snake's venom to poison Men's hearts so Men would lie and deceive each other.

Kuja, God of Lies and Deceit, was more than willing to assist the War God. He despised the Gods of Pleasure, and he welcomed any opportunity to do them harm. When Seifer told Kuja about his trouble, the Deceit God devised a plan that would allow Seifer to keep his love. Kuja knew how fickle the Gods of Pleasure were, he knew how much they admired beauty and despised ugliness, and so he created a potion that would transform Squall into a twisted mockery of what he truly was. Kuja mixed the devious concoction in a massive, black cauldron, and when the shimmering mixture was ready, he injected some of it into a golden apple. He presented the golden fruit to the War God in exchange for one of the War God's fingers. Kuja later used this finger to create a mighty sword that could slay even the most fearsome monsters.

The God of War rode back to his Realm in haste. Once he arrived at his palace, he abandoned his chariot and quickly rushed to his bedchamber. The God of Peace was lying across the bed, sleeping soundly. Seifer admired the Peace God's beautiful, nude form before pulling roughly on the chain that held the youth to the bed. Squall stretched languidly and his large blue eyes fluttered open. The War God pulled Squall up into a sitting position and presented him with the golden apple. As Squall moved his delicate fingers over the glowing fruit, Seifer stood back and waited.

The God of Peace would never eat anything that Seifer gave to him, but he was thoroughly enchanted by the lovely fruit. He couldn't resist taking a bite of it. As soon as he swallowed the piece of apple, his face and body became twisted and misshapen. The God of Peace wept bitterly when he realized what had happened to him, and Seifer roared with laughter. Squall pleaded with Seifer to restore his appearance, but Seifer laughed maliciously at his piteous cries. He put a cloak around Squall's body, broke the chain that had held the boy to the bed, and whisked Squall off to his chariot. The War God rode across the sky, Squall by his side, toward Mt. Eshtar and the Hall of the Pleasure Gods.

When the Gods of Pleasure learned that Seifer, God of War, had come to Mt. Eshtar and was demanding an audience with them, they trembled in fear. No God of Pain had ever been allowed into the celestial home of the Pleasure Gods. However, when Laguna was told that Seifer was there to return his son to him, he immediately allowed the War God entrance.

When the God of War presented the God of Peace to his family, there was a great disturbance. Some of the Pleasure Gods ran from the Hall in an attempt to escape the horror, others simply collapsed where they stood, and still other cried out in despair. Even Laguna couldn't hide his disgust and loathing for the twisted creature before him. The God of Life denied ever having such a foul, loathsome creature for a son, and he ordered Seifer to remove the wretched figure from the Hall. Seifer readily obliged. The War God knew that he could never restore the Peace God's beauty if he wanted to keep the boy, but Seifer didn't care because he would love Squall no matter how disfigured he was. He whisked Squall away from the Hall and back to his chariot. He sped back to his Realm, his vicious laughter shaking the Heavens as he passed.

Quistis, Goddess of Wisdom, chastised the other Gods as soon as Seifer had departed. She had been able to see that Squall was still her brother though his shape had been changed. She was appalled by her family's behavior, and she berated them for not possessing the wisdom to see what she had seen. A deep sadness overcame Laguna when he realized that the Wisdom Goddess had spoken the truth. He retreated to his chambers and slept for three days and three nights. When he finally emerged from seclusion, his sadness had been replaced by anger. So, Laguna, God of Life, rode down to Hades on a bolt of lightening. He slew the great dog Cerberus and barged uninvited into his brother's Realm. He warned Sephiroth that he would declare Armageddon on the Gods of Pain if his son was not restored and returned to him. Laguna then left his brother as quickly as he had come, riding the lightening bolt back to Mt. Eshtar.

Sephiroth, God of Death, was left badly shaken by his brother's visitation. He was also angry that his son had betrayed him by disobeying his orders. Seifer's deeds had endangered his kingdom and threatened to start a war between the Gods. The Death God sent a messenger to the War God's Realm with instructions for Seifer to hand Squall over to Laguna. The War God refused and sent a message to his father informing the Death God that he would never release Squall. Sephiroth's anger shook the Underworld, and he sent a message to Seifer, informing the God of War that he would meet him in battle. Seifer, however, would not back down.

When the God of Death and the God of War met for battle in the Heavens, the entire universe trembled in fear of what was to come. As the two Gods raised their swords and began to circle each other, a deathly silence descended as everyone from Man and Monster to Titan and God watched and waited anxiously. Then a great light appeared, blinding all foolish enough to look directly into it, as the sword of the Death God and the sword of the War God clashed.

The force of the blow rocked the Heavens and jarred the earth. The universe groaned and shook as stars fell from the sky, moons exploded, and worlds collided. Storms, cyclones, and brutal hurricanes tormented the World of Men, and legions upon legions of people perished. Men ran for cover, Monsters hid themselves in the earth, and many of the Gods turned away from the turmoil. It was a vicious, bloody battle.

The blades of the two Gods clashed again and again and again, and their cries of rage resounded throughout the universes. It seemed as though the fierce battle would never end, however, the God of War eventually began to grow tired, and this turned the tide of the battle. When the Death God realized that victory was close, he began to fight vigorously. Seifer's strength dwindled with every clash of their swords, and soon he could no longer hold Sephiroth's blade in check. The Death God struck one last blow with the Masamune, and Hyperion was shattered. Seifer fell to his knees before the God of Death, and Sephiroth raised his mighty sword to bring down upon Seifer's neck.

Quistis, Goddess of Wisdom, did not wish to see Seifer destroyed. When she realized that Sephiroth was going to kill the War God, she climbed on the back of her Great Owl and rushed into the fray. She placed her own body in front of the fallen War God, and asked the God of Death to spare Seifer's life. The Death God was eventually swayed by Quistis's reasonable words, and he slowly lowered his blade to his side. He turned from them and vanished, going back to his Realm. The Wisdom Goddess gathered up the battered and bruised body of the War God and fastened him securely to the back of her Great Owl. She then climbed atop the magnificent bird, and off they went to her Realm.

The Realm of the Goddess of Wisdom was located atop Mt. Centra. It was a beautiful place of flowering, green plants, and sparkling waterfalls. Her palace was actually a large library, and the finest works of science and literature were kept there. Quistis had 200 beautiful maidens. They were her priestesses, and they cared for her home when she was away. Quistis and her maidens carried the battered War God to a chamber in a high tower, and there they put him into a bed and cared for him.

The God of War recovered slowly. Many days and nights passed before he could even open his eyes. Quistis and her maidens took very good care of the fallen War God, but he did not appreciate their ministrations, and he made taking care of him a difficult matter. Although Quistis remained optimistic, her maidens began to dread having to care for the God of War. Seifer's mood was dark and terrible, and he spoke harshly to all that entered the chamber. His mood became even more fearsome whenever Irvine, God of Love, came to visit with him. Irvine was unable to resist Seifer, because of the strong Love that dwelled within Seifer's heart. The Love God would spend long hours in the chamber with Seifer where he would pluck a lyre and sing sweetly to the aggravated God of War. Even Seifer's harsh words would not prevent Irvine from visiting, and so the War God was forced to listen to the Love God's warbling. He despised the songs that Irvine sung to him because they made him think of Squall. Seifer longed to see his beautiful lover, but he knew that he would probably never be allowed to see the God of Peace again.

The War God did not know that Squall was there in Quistis's Realm. Zidane, God of Sport and Play, and Zell, God of Truth and Honor, had gone to retrieve Squall when the battle between Sephiroth and Seifer was ended. Nida, God of Beauty, had restored Squall's appearance, and Squall had since been staying and resting in another chamber of Quistis's Library. Squall at first resisted his desire to see the injured War God, but dreams of Seifer plagued him often. He eventually asked his sister if he could visit Seifer. Although the Wisdom Goddess was hesitant at first she allowed it. She knew how badly Seifer missed Squall, and she knew that her brother would be unhappy if he could not see the War God.

When Squall was sent in to him, Seifer's heart filled with joy and all the pain in his body seemed to vanish as though it had never existed. Tears came to his eyes, and those who heard of it were shocked because the God of War had never once shed tears. Seifer opened his arms, and Squall went to him without hesitation, for he had become attached to Seifer. Squall willingly let the God of War taste and caress his sweet flesh, and it pleased him greatly when Seifer kissed him. Squall uttered soft words of encouragement as Seifer climbed atop his lithe body and settled between his long, graceful legs. He allowed the God of War to make love to him, and he remained with Seifer long after their lovemaking had ended.

In time, Seifer was fully recovered, and Quistis informed him that he would have to return to his Realm. Seifer had been dreading this day, for then his time with Squall would have to end. During his stay in Quistis's Realm he had spent nearly every waking moment in the Peace God's presence, and Seifer had come to understand that the God of Peace was his only reason for existence. However, he had known in his heart all along that he and Squall could never be together. He had been unwilling to see that truth, but now it had been made plain to him.

On the eve of the War God's departure, Quistis, Irvine, and Squall came to see him away. Seifer bid farewell to Quistis and Irvine, but he said nothing at all to young Squall. He would not even look at the boy, and when Squall tried to speak to him, Seifer was silent. The God of War climbed into his waiting chariot and was off in a blaze of crimson fire. As the chariot pulled him away, he so wanted to look back, if only to see the God of Peace one final time, but he resisted because he knew to look back would be his undoing. Even when he heard Squall call out to him, he did not look back.

Laguna, God of Life, was overjoyed when his son was finally returned to him. He held a magnificent feast in his Great Hall, and every one of the Gods of Pleasure was in attendance. Quistis, Irvine, and Zell were honored for their bravery and strength during the celebration, and each was given a design of stars in the Heavens so both God and Man would remember them for all of eternity. Below, in the World of Men, life was restored. The ice melted and green things began to grow once more. The human race grew sturdy and strong, and they began to multiply in great numbers.

The Pleasure Gods gave many blessings to the humans; however, War was always present in many lands, for Seifer, God of War, rode across the sky more often than he had at any other time. Seifer terrorized the World of Men, his anger and rage seemed unending, and soon Men knew the more of War than they did of anything else. Although Men had recovered from the Age of Ice, legions would perish because of the War God's constant presence. They cried out to the Gods of Pleasure, but the Pleasure Gods could only do so much. Squall longed to go to the people, but Laguna would not allow it.

That time was very difficult for the God of Peace, for not only was he kept from the World of Men, but he was also kept from his beloved. Squall was sick with longing for Seifer, and when his hopelessness overwhelmed him, he began to waste away. Squall retreated to his chamber and did not rise from his bed.

The Pleasure Gods were greatly dismayed by the Peace God's deteriorating condition. They would come to his chamber and try to make him rise from his bed but to no avail. They mourned him and sung lamentations over his frail body. Some of them would spend many long hours at his bedside, and Irvine, God of Love, would not leave him. The Love God stayed by his side endlessly, not even rising to perform his duties, for Irvine was also weakened by the longing that Squall felt. Quistis, Goddess of Wisdom, had a private council with Laguna, and after much arguing and debating, she managed to convince him that Squall's suffering was because of Seifer. Laguna was unwilling to compromise, but he had no choice. He knew that if he did not give in his beloved son would never recover and that the World of Men would continue to suffer beneath the War God's endless rampage.

Laguna, God of Life, summoned the God of War to his Hall. He held a private council with Seifer, and when Laguna saw the Love that Seifer held for his son, he was helpless to deny it any longer. Indeed, it warmed his heart that the God of War could even know such a thing as Love. So, the two made an agreement, an agreement that both Gods could be satisfied with. One year in the Cycle of the Gods was equivalent to one thousand years in the World of Men. Laguna and Seifer agreed that Squall would live half of one year in his father's house and half of one year in Seifer's Realm. When the other Pleasure God's were informed of the truce they were filled with joy, and they rushed to Squall's chamber to tell their dear brother the good news.

Squall, God of Peace, recovered instantly when he was told of the agreement. It pleased him greatly, and his heart swelled. He rose from his bed and readied himself to meet with the God of War. He bathed and clothed himself in a crimson tunic that was trimmed with gold. Crimson was the color of blood, and blood was a symbol of the God of War. The other Pleasure Gods were with him as he prepared, and they did not hesitate to interfere whenever it was possible. Selphie, Goddess of Happiness, blessed Squall with good cheer, and Kiros, God of Creativity, rubbed perfumes into Squall's skin and decorated his hair with flowers. Nida, God of Beauty, praised Squall incessantly, so much so, that the Peace God's beauty became even more radiant. Zell, God of Truth and Honor, taught him how to honor and be true his love, and Quistis, Goddess of Wisdom, did not hesitate to offer him her advice. Cid, God of Dreams, and Vincent, God of Desire, each presented Squall with a piece of golden jewelry. Cid gave Squall a crown to put upon his head, representing the fulfillment of a Dream, and Vincent gave Squall a golden ring to place around his most secret part, a representation of Desire. Irvine, God of Love simply sat in a corner plucking his lyre, thus filling Squall's chamber with the sounds of Love. All of the Gods of Pleasure blessed Squall in some way, and when the Peace God was finally presented to Seifer he was the most radiant creature anyone, whether God or Man, had ever laid eyes upon.

The God of War fell to one knee before Squall, and he took the Peace God's hand into his own. He placed a gentle kiss upon Squall's skin, and with this kiss the bond was sealed. Seifer then rose and wrapped his great arms about Squall's slender form. He hoisted Squall off the ground and flung the youth over his shoulder, and in this fashion they left Laguna's Hall. Laguna sat upon his throne, a soft smile upon his lips, as he watched the two leave. The other Gods of Pleasure followed Seifer and Squall from the Hall, cheering and singing as they went. Their song could be heard long after Seifer's chariot vanished into the heights of the sky.

Neither War nor Peace can exist alone; they are in fact inseparable entities. One gives life to, and destroys, the other, for each is only half of a whole. The two will co - exist until Time itself has passed away. So, it was not strange that the God of War and the God of Peace were joined, each having loved the thing they feared and desired most in all the world.

For one half of every year in the Cycle of the Gods, Squall, God of Peace, would be sent to dwell with Seifer, God of War. In that time, the Ages of Men would be golden, and Peace would dominate the World of Men. It would be a time of love, honor, creativity, wisdom, and the rest. Men would become strong, and their future would be a thing of endless possibility.

But, when the time came for the Peace God to return to his father, the World of Men would fall into shadow and a Dark Age would begin. War would dominate all things. Seifer would fill the world of humans with terror, for his heart ached to see his lost love. He loved Squall beyond all things, and the beautiful God of Peace was his only sanctuary.

And this is the tale of War and Peace, and of how War longed for Peace, and of how the two came to know Love.

And that's all there is, there isn't anymore.

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