Diamos has taken control of his and Dalen's shared body after Ares made Dalen a full god. Batalia encourages Diamos to cause chaos and destroy temples with his new powers to spite their father Ares. They begin throwing axes at a park, targeting Malcolm, but Dalen intervenes. A dark witch appears and offers Diamos more power if he joins the dark side, but he refuses, saying he already has more power than her entire coven.

1. {
The Quest For Peace
Interlude Chapter 2: Corruption of Power

3. Dalen had known of Ares' intentions from the moment he turned 18 and while he had craved his
father's attention ever since Arrilla died, he wasn't really sure that this was the best thing to do.
Dalen: Dad, do I really have to do this?
Ares: it's your birthright son, you no longer have any mortal ties to this world and it's
time you joined me as you were always meant to.
Dalen: But...
Ares: No buts son, this is what your destiny has been ever since the day you turned 18.

4. Ares conjured up the glass of liquid ambrosia and gave it to him. He reluctantly took it
and tipped it towards his lips.
Ares: That's it son, drink it all.
Dalen: Will this hurt?
Ares: A little, but you're a man you can take a little pain.

5. Ares turned as he waited for the ambrosia to take effect. For Dalen, however Ares was
lying when he said it would only hurt a little. The electricity raced through his body as
it killed ever last piece of his mortal half, Dalen could barely scream as the pain tore
though him.
Ares: See son that wasn't so bad.
“Now THAT is awesome!! I feel great in here!”
Dalen: Shut up psycho, it hurts like hell!

6. Once his pain had finally stopped he felt a lot better.
Dalen: You're right dad, that wasn't so bad.
Ares: Of course it wasn't, would I lie to you boy?
Dalen: No, you wouldn't.
Ares: Good, that's taken care of. Now, if you'll excuse me I have a previous
engagement that I would rather not be late for.

7. Across town he met up with his appointment, she was eagerly awaiting his arrival.
Xena: Ares, finally. I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me.
Ares smiled. "How could I forget you dear Xena?"
Xena: I called you here today for something important, it's Talia's 20th birthday
today and she would really like it if you went to see her.

8. Ares: Xena, what have I told you?
Xena: But...she's your daughter.
Ares: Therein lies the problem, a daughter.
Xena: Come on don't you dare do this to her again!! You've missed almost every
one of her birthdays since she was a baby the least you can do is see her now!!

9. Ares: If this is all you wanted, I've got better things to do. My son just became a full god
and I have to start his War God training. I can't be running over here for her, Dalen's
training is more important.
Xena: If you leave now without even saying hello, I'll never let you touch me again...and I
know how much you like to do that.
A small smile quirked at his lips; " I do so love it when you get pushy Xena baby. Fine I'll
go see her, but not for long I've got work to do."
Xena: Thank you, that's all I ask.

10. Batalia tapped her chin thoughtfully. "So let
me get this straight, you finally show your
sorry ass and you expect me to be all giddy
and girly about it?"
Ares: No, I really wanted to come.
Batalia: Mom threatened you with no more
sex didn't she?
Ares: That is none of your business.
Batalia: Right, and you fell for it, hook line
and sinker? You're so predictable Ares."
Ares: This was a waste of time. I should
never have come at all.
Batalia: That's for sure; you've never been
around before so why start now right?"
Ares: Right. I’m glad we agree on that.

11. Batalia rolled her eyes. "You really are stupid aren't you?"
Ares: I don't have to take that from you girl. I'm a god!!
Batalia: If you say so, why don't you go now? You've darkened my day long
enough.

12. Xena got up from her game and went over to him.
Xena: Do you really have to go?
Ares: Mmm, I think maybe I could stay a little longer....
Batalia: Oh gods mom...EWWW!!! Get a room...no wait that's worse!! I'm outta here before
I lose my lunch.
Xena: See you kid. be back for dinner.

13. She headed down to Hidden City Central Park then she saw him, her little brother.
Dalen: Hey I remember you, from the library right?
Batalia: At least your mind isn't warped.
Dalen: What?
Batalia: Never mind. So you are dad's favourite huh?
Dalen: Well, I suppose. I mean he did give me ambrosia this morning.
Batalia felt the anger rise up in her chest, how dare Ares make him a full god!!

14. Batalia: WHAT??!! He made YOU a full
god??!!
Dalen: Umm, yeah. He said that since I had
no more mortal ties to this world that I should
be taking my rightful place with him on
Olympus.
Batalia: That son of a bitch...how DARE he!!
Dalen: I don't see what the problem is, he's
right.
Batalia: Gods, you're so irritating!! Where's
Diamos? I want to talk to my real brother.
Get him out here.
Dalen: I don't think so, there's no way I'm
going to let that psycho out!!
"You really think you can control me loser?
With the awesome power dad gave us I can
take you out in a heartbeat."

15. Dalen: YOU SHUT THE HELL UP!! I'M NOT LETTING YOU OUT!!
"Try and stop me."
Batalia raised an eyebrow, so this is what he looks like when he argues with
himself? She got an idea: "Dee, are you there? It's your ever loving sister Talia.
Come out and play."

16. That was all the incentive Diamos needed, he
easily tossed Dalen back and took over.
Diamos: Okay, first off I'm not a dog you
can just call whenever and second you are
hardly a loving sister.
Batalia: But you're out aren't you? Doesn't
that count?
Diamos: Okay, fine you got a point there. So
what do you want?
Batalia: I want to take out Ares, and make
him pay for everything he's done to me. I
know you'd love a chance to wreak some
havoc with your new full god powers.
Diamos: Why the hell would I want to take
out dad? He gave me this power and I'll
make him proud as his heir.
Batalia: Because with him still around you’ll
only ever be second best…that’s why.

17. Batalia: Oh for sure, I'm all for the heir thing if that’s all you want to be, but why not have some
fun anyway? Wreck a few temples, kill a few mortals, I know how you like killing mortals.
Unless you like being second best…
Diamos: If you’re trying to anger me, you might not like what happens when I get serious.
Batalia: Anger is good, I love anger. Bring it on baby brother.
Diamos: Well...it has been a while since I've had a good killing spree...maybe you're right.
Batalia: Of course I am, I would LOVE to be known as the Goddess of Chaos and Destruction.
And I think you can help me get there.

18. Batalia: So what do you want to do first?
Diamos: They have axe throwing practice here, maybe I can spice it up and use
the mortals here as targets instead.
Marylena: Did he just say what I thought he just said?
Meadow: I don't know, wasn't listening.
Marylena: And that's different than every other day how?

19. Meadow: Like way harsh Mary, I so totally don't space out all the time!!
Diamos: I can start with the ditzy blond, what do you think?
Talia pondered that for a moment; "Naw, way too easy."
Diamos caught sight of someone in the mirror beside him that he'd been longing to see, his old
enemy Malcolm.
Diamos: I got a better idea, another blond target.

20. Diamos: Mal!! Old buddy, how you been? Evict any elderly widowers lately?
Malcolm: EYAHHHH!!!!
Diamos: No? How bout peasant farmers?
Malcolm: AHHHHH!!
Diamos: Always a pleasure talking to you.
Meadow: Alright!!! Like fry him up good!!

21. Meadow: Aww, he didn't like kill him or whatever, I'm outtie.
Malcolm: Don't you have anything better to do brat?
Diamos: No, not really. And watch who you call brat buddy.
Malcolm: I'm not your buddy.

22. Diamos decided to try out the axe throwing after all, too bad Mal didn't stick around.
Diamos: Maybe I can pretend that is him on the target...
"Why do you have to go and be like that?"
Diamos: Oh gods, what do you want?
"I see and hear everything you do remember?"
Diamos: And? Am I supposed to care or something? Now shut up, you'll make me miss.

23. "PSYCH!!!"
Diamos: Gods be damned!!! I missed!! I told you to shut up.
"No, I would really rather not."
Marylena: Try to ignore the crazy kid talking to himself, try to ignore the crazy
kid talking to himself....
Diamos: ARGHH!! I'm sick of you getting in my way!

24. "You're really a sore loser aren't you? How about you give me a try, maybe I
can actually hit a target that big."
Diamos: If I could kill you I would!! You irritate me soo much!!
"I know, the feeling's mutual brother."
Diamos: I plan to enjoy this new power, and I won't let you ruin it.

25. Dalen: As if!! If you think I'm going to let you roam free with full god powers you got
another thing coming!!!
"And what do you plan to do about it huh? I'm in control of the body now, and I'm
allowing you to project."
Dalen: You don't allow me to do anything, I allow me to do things.
"Sure, whatever lets you sleep at night brother. Where's Talia? I think you need a time
out. Get back in your cage!!"
By sheer will, Diamos forced Dalen back again and out of his sights. He headed towards the farm
when he ran into someone else he wasn't expecting...

26. Diamos: Oh what now? Not you.
Mokosh: Same to you, where's Dalen?
Diamos: In his cage where he belongs.
Mokosh: I was coming here to see him, a friend of mine said she saw him here.
Diamos: Well he's not so piss off.
Mokosh could tell this wasn't going to be a fight she could win, especially when she just felt the air grow heavier...

27. Mokosh: Ohh...not now. Not a Dark Witch...There's no way I can get to Dalen
now with this much evil around him.
Dark Witch: There's too many happy people here, someone should remind
them of what misery really is.

28. Diamos: Now this is my kind of people. Thanks for the power boost.
Dark Witch: What power boost Halfling?
Diamos: Oh, I'm not a Halfling anymore. I've crossed over to the better side.
Dark Witch: Oh ho? Another evil god? We sure need them around here.
Diamos: Tell me about it; there's definitely too much good energy around here.

29. Dark Witch: Tell me then; are you in the market for another kind of power? One that comes only with
joining the Dark Side?
Diamos: No, I'm already too far out of your league mortal. I have more power than your entire coven
put together.
Dark Witch: Most likely that's so, but it wouldn't hurt to have a god join our order so we can eliminate
the Followers of the Light.
Diamos: Sorry; you're just too insignificant to me now.
Dark Witch: Well if we ever need a favour, to whom should we be praying?
Diamos: To me of course, the future God of War.

30. "Not if I can help it..."
Diamos: Shut up.
Dark Witch: Are you addressing me oh powerful one?
Diamos: No, my loser of a twin brother. I've got other engagements so if you'll excuse me.
He teleported off, the strain of fighting Dalen had worn him out more than he let on. Even the presence of
the Dark Witch didn't help. The power of a god, especially one who happens to live inside your body, is too
much to control when he wants out. Dalen could feel how tired Diamos was and he was going to take the
opportunity it presented. Halfway though the teleport he managed to take back control of the body.

31. When Dalen arrived home he had just sat down
when he heard a knock at his door.
Mokosh: A-Bomb!! There you are!! I ran into
Diamos at the park and I was so worried
about you and...
Dalen: Mo, calm down. I could hear
everything you were talking about.
Mokosh: I heard Ares gave you ambrosia...
Dalen: Yeah, he did. I'm a full god now.
Mokosh: So that means he is too?
Dalen nodded. He could tell she was upset but
for the moment he was at a loss as to what to say
to her, so he tried to be reassuring instead.
Dalen: But I can handle him. Don’t worry.
Mokosh: I wish I could do something to
help you…

32. Mokosh: Dalen, you do know Ares is just using you to release Diamos don't you?
Dalen: Yes I know and I won't let him Mo. I won't let that psycho roam free with full god
powers...
Mokosh: I'm--I'm worried about you A-Bomb, what if he kills you?
Dalen: He won't, trust me.
Mokosh: Then why don't I feel any better about this?

33. Dalen took her hands and pulled her into a slow dance, it was all he could think of to do.
Dalen: Trust me when I say this Mo, I will not let Diamos loose on this city with full god
powers, so long as I breathe.
Mokosh stared into his grey eyes, somehow his words actually made her feel better.
Mokosh: I do believe you Dalen, I know you'll be there to stop him.
Dalen drew her in closer, Mokosh suddenly felt nervous...

34. For the entire time she was in his arms, it felt like time had just stopped. It was the most
comfort and love she had felt in a long time. But part of her knew all along how much she
really felt for him, ever since they met in the park that day. Now that he had become a full
god she was more determined than ever to help him make sure Diamos never hurts anyone
with that power.

35. However their moment was ruined by the
appearance of Ares.
Ares: You, Halfling take off. Dalen has work
to do.
Mokosh: Halfling? I hate being called that.
Dalen looked apologetic; "I'm sorry Mo, I
really have to get back to my training now.
I'll call you later okay?"
Mokosh glanced at Ares then headed out.
Ares: Get to work boy, I didn't give you my
sword so it could sit around and collect
dust.
Dalen: Yes...father.

36. Dalen practiced until well into the next morning. Everything Ares taught him about
swordsmanship, stance and postures rattled around in his mind and he knew it all by
heart by now.
"Dad said I should be practicing too. Let me try."
Dalen: No, if I let you out you'll take off.
"And miss this? Hardly."

37. Dalen: Shut up!! I'm busy!!
"You call that a punch and block? You suck man."
Dalen: Screw you.
"I would so love to knock you on your ass right now."
Dalen: I bet. Anyway I've been doing this for hours, I need a break.

38. "What?!! We're just getting into the groove!!"
Dalen: WE are not doing anything; I AM doing everything.
"Then let me out, take five."
Dalen: Nice try.
“I’m serious; LET. ME. OUT!”

39. “Oh, good, you’re here father. Tell this loser wimp I want to train as well!”
Dalen: What the hell do you think you’re doing?
Ares: This is fascinating; I can see both of you at once. Is this how it always is?
“Only gods can see both of us at the same time father, mortals just think we’re
crazy and talking to ourselves.”
Ares: Huh, I’d tell you two to share but I’d much rather see you boys fight it out.

40. Dalen: This is MY body! And I say it’s tired!
“OUR body you white haired asshole! How many times do I have to tell you that?!”
Ares: *chuckles* Awesome show boys. Keep it up.
“I’m going to train for now so back in the cage!”
Dalen was pretty exhausted so fighting to remain in control, especially near Ares, was too hard for him
to do anymore. He had to relent to Diamos and ended up back in his cage.
******

41. Hephaestus: Are you sure? I mean you can
always go tomorrow.
Aleidra: Yes daddy, I'm sure. We've been
planning this for a while now. We finally found
Leslie's father.
Hephaestus: Alright, I suppose. But be back for
dinner okay?
Aleidra: I know daddy.
Hephaestus and his daughter Aleidra have always
been close ever since her mother died when she was
nine. She was his only child and for him that meant
more to him than anything in the world. He had
always felt like no one would ever love him because
of his facial scars, his own mother Hera couldn't
stand the sight of him so how could he ever expect
any woman to? But when he met Aleidra's mother it
all changed; she actually loved him for who he was
and didn't judge on looks. Her death seemed cruel
and unfair, why would the Fates give her to him only
to take her away so soon? Hephaestus had Aleidra
and that was all the motivation he needed to move on
with his life. So naturally when she became a
teenager and started spending more time away from
home, he worried about her; more so after she told
him about Dalen. All of Olympus knew of Ares'
plans for him and it made some of the gods nervous.
Dalen was not only another half god child; he was
host to two different souls and the other gods
worried about his sanity when dealing with that.
When word got out about Ares giving him ambrosia,
the uproar on Olympus shook the city; Zeus was
beyond angry and the other gods avoided being
around when he was ranting and raving about it.
Giving a half god as unstable as Dalen the powers of
full god could only mean disaster...

42. On the outskirts of Hidden City, just before the temples begin, there was an ancient castle standing alone against the
base of the mountains. It was here that Aleidra had found Leslie's father, a mortal king named King Leian. Leslie's
godly parent was Hera, she was only a child, barely turned six. Her powers began to show only last year they gave
her insight into whether or not people's relationships will last. She shared this ability with her older sister
Dominique who spent most of her teen years raising Leslie alone. And she was cute too, big puppy dog brown eyes
and lovely long lashes usually meant that anyone she batted her eyes at would be putty in her little hands she
especially likes to use this on Dalen.
Leslie: Aleidra? Are you sure that this is a good thing to do? What if he doesn't like me?
Aleidra: He'll love you Leslie, I know he will.
Leslie: I don't know....
Aleidra: Trust me. He will.

43. This was just the break Dalen was looking for; he
managed to subdue Diamos's rants and objections for the
time being. Little Leslie had been looking forward to this
for a while and when she asked him to come, he couldn't
say no to those puppy dog eyes. However he wasn't
expecting Reias to show up as well; he rarely socialized
with them.
Dalen: So what brings you out of your cave Reias?
Reias: Okay, first of all I resent that and second I just
felt like I should be here today.
Dalen: I'm teasing buddy you know that. Cross my
heart.
"Oh gag me; knock it off with the buddy-buddy
talk I'm going to hurl."
Dalen: Shut up loser.
Reias: Diamos again? How do you stand that?
Dalen: I deal; I have to.
Reias nodded understandingly; the real reason he was
here was because of what the Fates had told him that day
after he met up with Dalen in the Marketplace. He
wasn't entirely sure it was a good idea to do it but if the
Fates decreed it be done, then he had to do it; he was the
only one that could....

44. It was just after Ares had given him the ambrosia, he teleported to the Marketplace before Dalen got
there and waited for him. Dalen was telling him all about what Ares just did and was going on and
on about how cool it felt to be a full god. Reias knew he would be excited at first, it was a great
honour to become a full god after all. But Reias could feel Diamos's energy in him, and he could
make out the faintest traces of his aura. It was a pulsating angry red colour, which meant bad news.
Of course he didn't say anything to Dalen about it, he wanted him to remain thinking that he
couldn't hear or see Diamos when he wasn't in control of the body; as the Prince of the Underworld
and a full born god himself, he can see other souls and hear them as well. Diamos's anger was
climbing towards an apex which meant it was going to be only a matter of days before he went off.
And when that day came he had to be prepared...

45. "LET ME OUT NOW!!!"
Reias shook away the memory; now was the time. "Hold still Dalen; this is going to hurt like hell."
Dalen: Huh? What?
Before he could get a reply the whole area suddenly went bright and he screamed as he felt the pain tear through
him; he could only see a blur through the tears in his eyes but he saw a dark haired figure appear in front of him, it
looked like Diamos. Reias grabbed onto Diamos's soul and tore it from Dalen's body as the replacement body
appeared beside him, he let go of the soul and it headed right into the body. A Soul Separation of this magnitude
given the strength of the soul in question, was highly dangerous. If the slightest thing went wrong, both the soul
and host body it was in, would be destroyed. Which meant that only Reias was qualified to do such a delicate
procedure, this is what the Fates told him that day after he met with Dalen.

46. When the area returned to normal again, Dalen got to his feet slowly. The bits of pain ebbed away
as he steadied his stance.
Dalen: Some warning would have nice you asshole!!
Diamos: WHAT IN THE GODS' NAMES HAVE YOU DONE TO ME DEATH FREAK??!!
Reias remained calm; " I separated you two."
Dalen: I see that, but how?

47. Reias: I preformed a Soul Separation; it's a highly dangerous and delicate procedure and has to be
done carefully. Diamos's anger was ready to explode and it would have obliterated you and most of
us here if I hadn't contained it in time."
Dalen: Hang on, back up; you could hear everything Diamos was saying this whole time?
Diamos: And you could see me?
Reias: Yep. I am the Prince of the Underworld and a full god, it's my job to see and hear souls.
Dalen: You bastard; I hate you so much right now.
Diamos: I can't believe I'm going to say this but; I actually agree with Dalen. You bastard.

48. Diamos: However, now that I'm out and free I can do something I've wanted to
do for years!!!
Dalen: AHH!! LET ME GO FREAK!!
Reias crossed his arms over his chest; "Do you two ever grow up? And you're
welcome by the way, don't say I never did anything for you guys."
Reias teleported off after that, leaving them to finish what they started.

49. Diamos: Let's see what else I can do with this new body. Hey Aleidra!!! Duck!!
She hadn't heard him, and the build up of power behind his energy ball was already
getting out of control. Diamos lost his grip on it....

50. The entire area of the courtyard lit up like the sun as the uncontrolled energy shot out
of Diamos’s hand, the ball of energy flew straight towards her; Diamos cried out for her
to move but it was as if his voice was slowed down so much that it didn't reach her in
time, instead she stood up. Leslie's eyes went wide as she watched the energy ball
speeding towards her friend.

51. The ball of energy went right through her body, Aleidra's knees buckled as she fell to the ground.
Leslie began to sob as she watched her friend die right in front of her eyes; Diamos covered his
eyes, why did she have to stand up right at that moment?
Leslie: ALEIDRA!!! ALEIDRA NOOOO!!!
Diamos: What have I done?

52. Leslie: Aleidra....*hic*why did you stand up? Why did you protect me? It killed
you...Aleidra...wake up…please...don't die...
She choked as another round of sobs escaped her throat, her best friend died protecting her.
If she hadn't been standing in front of her then that ball would have killed her instead.
Diamos had killed before, that Townie girl back home, but this was a hundred times worse
than some mortal. He had killed a Halfling, the child of a god. Zeus didn’t forgive an act
like that and even Ares could not protect Diamos from that punishment. His sin would
forever follow him, if Zeus didn’t kill him, Hephaestus would. The God of Fire and Forge
he can make weapons to kill a full god…Diamos wondered how many days he’d have left
before that retribution came for him.

53. "Peaceful god, forever drifting between life and death's sweet
embrace....."

54. "Past sins revolve around igniting the Fire god's wrath....“
"desPairing Parent; lost child...”

55. "Innocents die at The hands of Nature."