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Chapter Text

After 20 long, Odysseus finally managed to catch a break. Odysseus knew he deserved, he's suffered every punishment and pain; from the wrath of gods and monsters to the screams of comrades slain. 

It was a just normal evening for the Ithacan royal family, they were eating together while Telemachus spoke about his training with Athena.

"While I was taking a break, Athena told me a short story about her adventures with you, Dad." Telemahus said, looking over at Odysseus, "She told me tha-"

Telemachus was cut off by a a loud rumble coming from beneath them. Odysseus and Penelope shared confused looks before they both looked beneath the table, only to see cracks forming.

"Guess this palace is getting really old, eh?" Odysseus joked to his wife who chuckled in response.

Then a whimsical poof was heard on Telemachus's side of the table.

Odysseus looked over at Telemachus to ask what that sound was, but found his son absent at his seat. "Son?" Odysseus called in confusion before he heard another poof, this time on Penelope's side.

Odysseus looked over at Penelope but saw her chair empty, similar to Telemachus. "What is going o-" 

Odysseus couldn't finish his sentence because, before he knew it, he was poofed out of existence as well.

In Midgard, 

Freya was reviving Mimir's head at Kratos, and Mimir's request. Kratos held Mimir's newly revived head by the ropes in front of Freya.

"Mimir? You there?" Freya asked, looking at the head with the glowing gold eye. "Yeah..?" Mimir said in response.

"Good." Freya stated with a nod before she spat into Mimir's gold eye. "Oh. Hello, Freya." He said rather awkwardly. "Been a long time!"

Just then, a whimsical poof was heard beside Kratos.

When Freya looked, her brows furrowed. "Where is the boy?" She asked Kratos, which sent Kratos into a slight panic as he looked around himself and the hut.

"What? He was just here." Kratos said as he looked back at Freya, only to see her gone as well.

"Uh.. What's happening.." Mimir said before he disappeared in a puff of white smoke in Kratos's hand.

Kratos was not given the chance to process what was happening as he was poofed as well.

Chapter Text

The Ithacan royal family were the first to arrive in the cinema. They landed rather ungracefully on their stomachs while Telemachus landed on his back. Telemachus sat up in confusion and he saw the giant TV screen projecting the words "take a seat". And Telemachus, being the good son that he is, helped his parents up before finding a seat with them. 

Odysseus was hesitant, to say the least. He was pretty skeptical about following the words of an inanimate object. Penelope seemed pretty skeptical as well but went along with it and sat down. Telemachus sat in between his parents, his dad on the right and his mom on the left.

Suddenly, Atreus, Freya, Mimir and Kratos appeared into the cinema as well. Kratos was quick to grab axe from his back to defend himself and his son.

"Holy Hades, is that a head?!" Telemachus exclaimed, referring to Mimir who was, in fact, a head with a glowing gold eye and horns.

"A talkin' one at that!" Mimir said rather cheerfully when Atreus picked him up again.

Telemachus just stared in a mix of awe, concern and confusion at the sight of a talking, decapitated head. Odysseus and Penelope seemed just as stunned as well.

"Okay, wait!" Penelope suddenly says as she stood up, to which Kratos gripped his axe tighter and Odysseus glares at Kratos. He was ready to protect and defend his wife at any cost. "Who are you people?" She asked.

Just then, the TV screen changed text and it presented who everyone was in alphabetical order.

Athena - Goddess of wisdom and war and the mentor of Odyssues and Kratos

Atreus - Son of Kratos, creator of Jörmungandr and Fenrir

Freya - Ex wife of Odin and the mother of Baldur

Hermes - God of travel and the great-great grandfather of Odyssues 

Kratos - God of War and the God Killer

Mimir - Wisest of the Aesir gods

Penelope - Wife of Odysseus, mother of Telemachus and former champion of Ares

Poseidon - God of the sea and horses and father of Polyphemus

Telemachus - Son of Odyssues and Penelope and student of Athena

Odysseus - The reigning king of Ithaca, neither man nor mythical, your darkest moment and former student of Athena

Zeus - God of the sky and thunder and the father of Kratos

"Wait, why are there names of Gods on the list?" Telemachus was the first to ask before a loud crash was heard.

When everyone turned to look, they all so the mentioned gods on the list laying on the floor, disoriented. All except Hermes, who caught himself with his wings before he hit the ground. Athena, Poseidon and Zeus all sat up and Kratos scowled at the sight of the three gods, though his glare was mostly directed at Zeus.

Hermes looked around the room in curiousity for he immediately smiled at the sight of his favorite mortal. "Ohohohohoho! Hello again, my darling!" He said to Odysseus in excitement, to which the king of Ithaca just rolled his eyes ratger fondly at Hermes.

"There you are.." Poseidon suddenly said as he stood up, his glare directed at Odysseus who grabbed his sword since his bow and arrows were no where, "Coward..."

When Poseidon attacked, nothing happened. His powers were gone. All there powers were gone. The TV screen then changed texts stating; "Yeah, I took away your powers since I knew this was gonna happen. Now everyone, kindly take a seat, please and thank you so I can get further into explaining the situation!"

The ones who were left standing, the greek gods and the Ragnarok roster, all took their own seat as well. All of them were a respectable distant from eachother.

With everyone seated, the TV screen changed text again. "Good morning, good afternoon, good evening and good night to my audience! Here and now, we will be watching a little movie about Kratos's life before he fathered Atreus!"

Kratos's expression tightened at the words on the screen. Freya and Mimir both knew who Kratos was at first glance, except Atreus. Mimir–who was just sitting on the armchair since an actual chair just seemed unnecessary–looked up at Kratos and whispered, "Guess this person's gonna do the talkin' for ya, brother."

Kratos simply grunted in response while Atreus seemed rather excited to learn more about his father.

The Epic roster chatted with themselves for a bit while a few nasty glances were shared between Odysseus and Poseidon but Athena, Telemachus and Penelope all resolved the situation.

"That Kratos guy seems pretty powerful.. And jacked too." Said Telemachus.

"I know, I can practically sense his aura." Penelope said to her son.

Then the TV screen changed text again, this time it says, "Alright, since everyone seems pretty chill now, let's get on with it! Remember, no violent reactions, no fighting, no yelling, no arguing, etc."

The TV screen faded to black and the first scene of Kratos's past was projected.

Chapter Text

[Kratos hopelessly looks up and then down again at the cliff]

Kratos: The gods of Olympus have abandoned me.

[Kratos lifts his left foot and places it over the edge of the cliff]

"Wait, what." Was the first thing Telemachus said. It was a reasonable reaction, really.

"Helluva way to start the story, eh?"

Hermes says with a small chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

Kratos: Now there is no hope...

[Kratos dives off the cliff, down to the ocean below]

Despite knowing Kratos won't die, considering he was right there in front of them, Mimir and Freya couldn't help but feel worry and concern at the scene in front of them while Atreus was just stunned at what was happening.

The gods, other than Hermes of course, didn't have much of a reaction nor did they say anything yet.

Narrator: And Kratos cast himself from the highest mountain in all of Greece. After 10 years of suffering, 10 years of endless nightmares, it would finally come to an end. Death would be his escape from madness... [You see through Kratos' eyes as he falls head first into the ocean]

"Hm, this narrator sounds oddly familiar.." Zeus muttered to himself. The narrator of Kratos's story sounds oddly like Gaia, but he decided not to jump to conclusions.

Narrator: But it had not always been this way, Kratos had once been a champion of the gods...

"Ooh!" Hermes exclaimed, "A champion of the gods, that's something." He said, looking over at Kratos, who didn't meet his gaze.

Three Weeks Earlier

The Aegean Sea

[Kratos appears on a ship in the Aegean Sea, ready for battle]

Kratos: Foul beasts! I will send you back to the depths of Hades!!

[Kratos comes across a fightened ship man]

Ship Man: Stay away! Stay away from me!

[The ship man locks himself in a cage, he seems to fear Kratos]

"That was a pretty stupid move.." Atreus couldn't help but say. It was true though as the ship man had only trapped himself and made himself mote vulnerable to Kratos.

"Its not like running would've made a difference." Telemachus says with a shrug as he looked at Atreus them back at the screen.

Ship Man: I know who you are Spartan! I know what you've done. I'd rather die than be saved by you.

Penelope hummed at Kratos being called a Spartan. "A spartan warrior then. I am a spartan myself." She says, looking over at Kratos

Kratos looks over at Penelope. "You were raised as a spartan as well?" He asked, showing just the slightest bit of emotion at knowing he wasn't the only spartan in the room.

"Yes, I am the daughter of King Icarius of Sparta." Penelope confirmed rather proudly while Odyssues smiled adoringly at his wife.

"Ah, a princess of sparta then." Kratos says with a respectful nod, an acknowledgement to Penelope's title. Penelope nodded back to Kratos in respect before they focused on the TV screen once more.

[Kratos tried to talk to him again, but with no luck]

Ship Man: You! The Ghost of Sparta! Stay away! Stay away from me!

[As Kratos made his way further, he encounter another ship man being shot at by undead archers]

Ship Man 2: It's.. It's you! The visions, they were real! The gods came to me, told me that their champion will come and rescue us from the Hydra.

[Kratos looks to the other side of the ship to see a row of undead archers striking down ship men that are trying to take cover]

Ship Man 2: But your too late, we're pinned down! These creatures, they came from nowhere, the ships are all destroyed, all hope is lost Spartan, even for you-

[The ship man's warning is cut short as he is killed by an arrow piercing his skull]

Odysseus's eyes widened slightly at the arrow that pierced through the ship man's skull. It was a similar move he did to the suitors who dared to touch his wife and hurt his boy.

[Kratos hears the sound of women crying for help behind a tightly locked door]

Woman: Please! Someone get us out! Find the key! Find the key!! Their coming! No.. No!! Get us out! Get us ou-!

[The woman's call for help is cut short as Kratos hears her dying, he makes his way to the next ship to find the key to the door]

Woman: Ahhhhhhh.... Ahhhhhhh... Aaahhhhhhaahhh.. Ahh..

Penelope and Freya both watched in concern for the other women that might possibly be on the ship.

[Kratos discovers a blue glowing door on the next ship]

Kratos: Lord Poseidon

Odyssues rolled his eyes at the mere mention of Poseidon's name, while Poseidon grinned rather proudly of himself as he was the first to make a godly appearance on screen.

[Poseidon, lord of the seas appears in the glowing door with a gift for Kratos]

Poseidon: Kratos, before you reach Athens, there is a task you must complete.

This beast is Hydra, it has terrorized my seas for far too long. Your skills are admirable, but you will need assistance, you will need the power of the gods.

[Kratos embraces his new power from Poseidon, known as Poseidon's Rage]

Odyssues and Poseidon recognized the name of that power since it was the same one Poseidon used when Odysseus's home was so close and he had nearly reached the coast of Ithaca.

Poseidon: Take this weapon Kratos, take this power, and use it to defeat your enemies.

[Poseidon bids farewell to Kratos and wishes him luck on his journey]

Poseidon: Go with the gods Kratos, go forth, in the name of Olympus!

[As Kratos makes his way to the deck of the ship, he sees shipmen being attacked by a Hydra]

Ship Man 3: Back, back!

Ship Man 4: Get them away from me! Ship Captain: Argh!

Ship Man 3: Why won't they die?!

Ship Man 4: It's the giant one, he keeps healing the others! Gaahhh!!

[One of the ship men is devoured by the Hydra]

Teleamachus inevitably decided to remove the hydra from the monsters he wants to fight to become legendary.

Ship Captain: No.. I..

Ship Man 3: Gods...

[The ship captain becomes frightened and runs for his life]

Ship Captain: No! We'll never get out of here! Doomed, were doomed, were all dead!!

[The ship captain stops and begins beging Poseidon to save him, as an even greater Hydra rises from the sea]

Ship Captain: Poseidon... Save me!

"Don't even try, he isn't going to bother." Odyssues said, shaking his head slightly while Penelope put a hand on his shoulder to calm him down.

[The ship captain is consumed by the greater Hydra]

Ship Captain: Ahh, ahhhhh!! Help, help...!

Odyssues let out a humourless chuckle. "Called it."

[The final ship man is devoured soon after, as was the one before him]

Ship Man 3: Aaahhhh!!

[Kratos defeats the two Hydra spawns below and then the greater Hydra above, and shortly after hears a call from help, but with no idea where]

????: Help, help me! Gods help me! Ple-, Please! I'm begging you, help me out of here!

[Kratos proceeds down the greater Hydra's throat and finds that the ship captain is still alive, so he pulls him up by the key hanging from his neck]

Ship Captain: Argh, Argh, thank you! Thank the gods you came back for me!!

[Kratos pulls the captain so they are face to face]

Kratos: I didn't come back for you!

[Without mercy, Kratos rips the key from the captains necklace and let's him fall to the Hydra's stomach]

"Yikes.." Was the first thing Atreus could manage to say. He knew his father was brutal and relentless but now that brutal and relentless.

Ship Captain: Noooo!!

[With the the captain's key in hand, Kratos makes his way backed to the locked door where the women are taking refuge]

[Kratos breaks through the door to find the women being slaughtered by undead and without thought, Kratos viciously slices through the undead soldiers, then looking down at those we couldn't save]

"Holy shite.." Mimir muttered to himself. Penelope, Athena and Freya gave their respect to Kratos for avenging the deaths of those innocent women who had been caught in the cross fire.

Narrator: Slaughtered like animals, the victims lay before him, a reminder of his own past, a past he could never escape...

[Flashbacks of Kratos' past, of when he served the God of War rush back to him]

Athena sighs deeply, "I should've expected this. My brother is a cruel man and hew never cares much for those who serve him. He only truly cares about his handmaidens, which is how he earned the title of the 'protector of women'."

Narrator: His only sauness was the sea. Endlessly sailing from one harbor to the next, in service to the Gods of Olympus, all his hopes rested with them.

[Kratos sits at the edge of a bed with two naked women lying next to him with empty wine cups on the floor]

Telemachus spared himself the sight of the naked women and he looked women. The same couldn't be said for Atreus as he was too stunned to look away, so Freya jusy covered his eyes with her hand until it was safe.

Narrator: For no matter how much wine he consumed or how many women he took to his bed, nothing on earth could rid him of the horrors that plagued his mind.

[Kratos looks up and screams the name of the god that is watching over him]

Kratos: ATHENA!!

[On the deck of the ship, a statue of Athena comes to life]

"Woah, you can do that?" Telemachus asked, looking over at his mentor who nodded in response.

Kratos: Ten years Athena!

[Kratos breaks open the ships' deck doors and walks toward Athena in a rage]

Kratos: I have faithfully served the gods for ten years. When will you relieve me of these nightmares?

Athena: We request one final task of you Kratos, your greatest challenge awaits... in Athens.

Athena: Where even now, my brother, Ares lays siege. As we speak, Athens is on the verge of destruction. It is the will of Ares, my great city falls.

Athena's eyes narrowed at the mention of Ares destorying Athens. She had expected Poseidon to be the one who would wreck Athens out of sheet jealousy, but Ares was pretty high on the list of people she expected to destroy her city.

Athena: Zeus has forbidden the gods from waging war on each other. That is why it must be you, Kratos. Only a mortal, trained by a god has a chance at defeating Ares.

Kratos: And if I am able to do this, to kill a god, then the visions, they will end?

Athena: Complete this final task, and the past that consumes you will be forgiven.

Kratos sighed deeply at that, knowing that Athena wouldn't keep her end of the bargain.

Athena: Have faith Kratos, the gods do not forget those who come to their aid.

Narrator: Leaving the rotting carcass of the Hydra behind, Kratos sets sail once more. His greatest challenge, and freedom from his growing madness lay before him, in the ancient city... of Athens... 

Chapter Text

 The Gates of Athens

[Kratos tells the woman he slept with to get off of his ship]

Naked Woman 1: Stay Kratos, just a bit longer...

Freya and Penelope visibly cringed at the sight of the naked women in Kratos's bed. Freya didn't say much of anything and instead kept her hand firmly on Atreus's eyes to spare him the sight. Kratos was visibly cringing as well, but mostly at his younger self's actions. Though Kratos would not describe himself as a womanizer, he has brought a surprising amount of women to bed, some even by force, just to let out his anger. Looking at his past self now, waves of shame and disbelief washed over him like the tsunamis Poseidon controls.

Kratos: We've reached Athens, get your things and get out!

Naked Woman 2: Come back to bed, Kratos.

Kratos: We're finished, be gone when I return.

[Kratos speaks with the statue of Athena on the deck before he sets off]

Freya removed her hand from Atreus's eyes in relief while Telemachus finally looked back at the screen, relieved to see the lack of naked women now. Telemachus silently prayed to Zeus (even though he is in the room with him) that his parents simply assumed him looking away from the screen was just him trying to respect women and not the fact he just didn't swing that way. Well, actually, he swings both ways, he just prefers men.

Athena: Destroy Ares... And the gods will forgive you your past. Find the oracle. She will guide you in your quest.

"An oracle? In Athens? How curious.." Athena said, mostly to herself.

Kratos looks at Athena, mildly surprised by the differences in their universes, though small and unnoticeable. "Athens does not have an oracle in your universe?"

"Well, No, Athens does not have an oracle in the traditional sense like Delphi did. However, religious and spiritual guidance was still a part of Athenian life." Athena explained, "That said, Athens did have religious sanctuaries and priesthoods, and Athenians did engage in forms of divination, but it wasn’t known as a major center for oracular prophecy."

Kratos silently nodded at Athena's explanation, accepting it.

[Kratos comes two soldiers that seem to be running from something]

Soldier: Run, run! The beasts have taken Athens!

[Two Minotaurs appear from around the corner and one throws an axe at the

running soldiers]

Soldier: Look out!

[The first soldiers ducks and avoids the flying axe, but unfortunately the second did not and is decapitated]

Atreus and Mimir visibly cringed at that, though Mimir mostly cringed at the decapitation.

Soldier: No, no! Stay away from me!

[One the Minotaurs charges after the remaining soldier, jumps up for a dive attack and completely obliterates him]

Telemachus's jaw practically drops to the floor at the sight of the soldiers getting absolutely obliterated by the minotaurs. Seems he won't be fighting those either.

[Kratos finds his way to a fortress with two soldiers on the other side of a disfunctional gate]

Soldier 2: You! Have reinforcements arrived?! 

Soldier 3: Ares has brought these beasts to Athens! Without help, the city will fall! 

Soldier 2: The gates' destroyed!

[Before the soldiers can think of another way out, two undead soldiers fall from the sky and silence them]

Soldier 2: We'll have to find another wa-

[As Kratos made his way through Athens, he comes across a glowing red door]

Kratos: Aphrodite.

Aphrodite: Kratos, the gods are pleased with your progress, but your current skills will not be enough to defeat the minions of Ares. I offer you the power to freeze your enemies where they stand, but you must earn such a gift.

[Kratos turns around to find a lizard like creature with hair of snakes]

"Medusa? But she should be dead at this point in time.." Athena inquired.

"Maybe Perseus doesn't exist in his universe!" Hermes said with a shrug

"No, Perseus exists in my universe." Kratos says, shattering whatever theory Hermes and Athena had for the absence of Perseus and Medusa still very much being alive.

Kratos continued to speak to explain what happened. Or at least what he knew that happened. "Perseus had embarked on a journey to the Island of Creation to meet the Sisters of Fate and change his destiny so that he could bring his wife back to life. However, at some point he became trapped in a large bathing house above the Hall of Atropos. When I reached the hall, Perseus calls me for assistance, though I am unable to reach him immediately. Eventually, I reached the bathing house where Perseus is trapped and shut the door, unknowingly trapping myself inside with Perseus. Having gone somewhat mad after being trapped for a long time in that room, Perseus assumes the Sisters are trying to test him and he attempted to kill me using his magic sword and helmet of invisibility."

Zeus let out a soft grunt at how Perseus's life was in Kratos's universe. It was mostly the same with the only difference being Perseus's fate in Kratos's and the fact Polydectes didn't send him on the quest for Medusa's head as a "wedding gift" for when Polydectes proposes to Perseus's mom, Danae. Zeus's guess? Maybe Polydectes just does not exist in Kratos's universe or Polydectes simply did not want to marry Danae, which led to the difference in fates.

"My goodness, Brother! You told a good story! And I was here to witness it!" Mimir said rather excitedly while Atreus let out a soft chuckle at Mimir's excitement for Kratos telling a good story.

Aphrodite: Medusa, the queen of the Gorgons. Bring me her head Kratos, and I will give you the ability to wield it's power!

[Kratos first weakens Medusa, then rips off her head and after that, he is presented with a challenge from Aphrodite]

"Huh. That was quick." Telemachus said, looking rather impressed.

"You didn't even use the magical items Perseus had! Truly impressive!" Hermes said with his usually smile and cheerful attitude.

Kratos simply grunted and nodded slightly, accepting the compliments that were given to him.

Aphrodite: Freeze and destroy them all with Medusa's Gaze and the power of the gorgon will be yours.

[After destorying several Minotaurs, Aphrodite bids Kratos farewell]

Aphrodite: Go with the gods Kratos. Go forth, in the name of Olympus.

[Kratos reaches a bridge with a symbol carved in the middle where an image of a woman appears and Kratos prepares for battle]

????: Do not fear, Kratos. I am the Oracle of Athens, here to help you defeat Ares.

[Kratos reaches for the oracle's chest area to find that it's just a hologram]

"Why would you reach for her chest specifically if you had no idea no idea she was a hologram?" Freya asked, raising an eyebrow as she looked over at Kratos.

Kratos was silent for a few seconds before he responded. ".. Do not ask."

Freya shrugged, "Very well."

Oracle of Athens: Find my temple to the East and I will show you how to murder a god.

"Huh. Now I wish there were an oracle in Athens who could teach me how to murder a god as well.." Odysseus said, mostly to himself as he looked over at Zeus and Poseidon specifically.

"Are gods not able to be killed in your universe?" Kratos asked as he looked over at Odysseus.

"No. But I used that to my advantage and I tortured Poseidon by stabbing him 600 with his own trident." Odysseus answered, almost proudly. Telemachus and Penelope simply listened to Odysseus's tale, having heard this from him quite a few times already.

Poseidon grimaced at the mention of what Odysseus did to him.

"600 seems oddly specific." Mimir points out as he glanced at Odysseus

"Short answer? Poseidon killed 557 of my 600. Each strike was meant to avenge each crew member he slaughtered." Odysseus explained, almost matter-of-factly.

"And what of the other 43 men?" Mimir asked, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"Killed by Zeus. He gave me a choice; me or my crew." Odysseus said, shaking his head slightly.

"I thought I was doing you a favor! They did a mutiny and they slaughtered the cattle of Helios!" Zeus said defensively.

 The Road to Athens 

[Kratos makes his way to a ledge where he can see Ares, the God of War destroying the army of Athens with his great power]

Kratos: God of War, I haven't forgotten you, for what you did that night. This city will be your grave.

Athens Town Square 

[Kratos finds a woman that seems to be frightened to death of him]

Scared Woman: Stay away, don't come near me!

"Valid reaction. I'd be terrified as well." Telemachus said with a shrug before he stopped and realized what he just said. "Uh, no offense."

Kratos simply grunted in a way that said "none taken".

[Kratos decides to follow her]

Scared Woman: Stay back! Keep away from me!

[Kratos continues to follow her]

Scared Woman: Stay away!

[Kratos reaches a flight of stairs where the woman looks at him from the top]

Scared Woman: I know who you are. I know what you've done, monster!

Kratos: Wait!

Scared Woman: Stay back! Get away from me!

[The woman runs away again and Kratos follows her up the stairs and to the balcony]

Scared Woman: Stay away, don't come near me! Keep awa-

[The woman looses her balance and falls off the balcony where she dies below]

Scared Woman: Ahhh!

"Okay.. that was a bit overkill.." Telemachus muttered to himself.

[Kratos looks below at the woman's corpse and notices a key on her]

 Rooftops of Athens

[Kratos comes across a bridge which needs to be activated by a lever from the other side, luckily there is someone already near the lever]

Kratos: You! I must get across! Release the lever, extend the bridge!

[The man rejects Kratos because he fears death]

Scared Man: No.. No! I won't let them get me, they won't get across, these monsters, the-, they'll tear me apart!

[Kratos leaves the man for now to look for another way of extending the bridge]

Kratos: Coward.

[Kratos comes across a blue glowing door]

Kratos: Lord Zeus

Zeus: Kratos, you grow stronger as your journey continues, but if you are to succeed in your quest, you will need my aid. I offer you the power of the greatest of all the gods, the father of Olympus, I offer you the power of Zeus.

Odysseus simply raises an eyebrow at the mention of "the power of Zeus". He actually seemed pretty curious about it.

Zeus: Take this weapon Kratos, take this power, and use it to defeat your enemies.

[Zeus congratulates Kratos and bids him farewell]

Zeus: You have done well Kratos. Go with the gods, go forth in the name of  Olympus.

Athens Town Square Revisit

[Kratos finds the oracle being attacked by harpies]

Kratos: Oracle!!

[The oracle turns around and begins running toward Kratos]

Oracle of Athens: Kratos!! Praise Athena you've arrived!

[A fireball is blasted at the bridge and the oracle falls to the ground]

Oracle of Athens: Ahhh!!

[Two harpies pick up the oracle and take her away]

Oracle of Athens: No, no.. Kratos, Kratos find me, you must find me, Athens  depends on it!

[Kratos proceeds ahead to the oracle's temple and sees her again being taken away by harpies]

Oracle of Athens: Kratos, Kratos... Help me... No... Noo!!

Outer Temple of the Oracle

[After Kratos destroys a battalion of harpies, he is greeted by an old man]

"Who is that?" Atreus asked as he looked up at his father.

Kratos did not answer.

Grave Digger: Good my boy, good. Athena has chosen wisely, I knew it was so.

Kratos: Who are you?

[Kratos doesn't even know this old man but he seems to know everything about Kratos]

Grave Digger: So you have the blades, the skin as pale as the moon. You are the one in dead, perhaps Athens will survive at that.

[The grave digger laughs as if the destruction of Athens is a joke]

Athena's eyes narrow slightly at the grave digger's laughter.

Grave Digger: Hahahaha, but be careful! Don't want you dying before I'm done with this grave.

Kratos: A grave? In the middle of a battle? Who will occupy it old man?

Grave Digger: You will my son.

[A shocked look appears on Kratos' face]

"Well, considering the fact Kratos is right here with us, he never actually occupies it." Zeus says with a shrug.

Grave Digger: Hm, I've got a lot of digging to do indeed. All will be revealed in good time, and when all appears to be lost Kratos, I will be there to help.

[Out of curiousity about the grave, Kratos tries speaking with the grave digger again]

Grave Digger: Don't disturb me now, son! I've got my work to do, and you have yours! And precious little time left to do either!

[But Kratos can't stop thinking about the grave, so he talks to the man again]

Grave Digger: Don't forget me, Kratos. We shall meet again, when you need my help the most.

Atreus looks up at Kratos, wanting to ask whether the mysterious old man actually met Kratos once more but decided against and he looked back at the screen.

[Kratos, more puzzled than ever decides to concentrate on his main quest of finding the oracle]

 Inner Temple of the Oracle

[Kratos makes his way to the inner temple and sees the oracle being carryed by the harpies above]

Oracle of Athens: Kratos, Kratos! Heeelp, help me! hel-

[The harpies let the oracle go but she manages to grab hold of a nearby rope]

Oracle of Athens: Aahhhhhh- Ugh! Kratos, hurry!

[As Kratos makes his way up, the oracle begins to loose her grip]

Oracle of Athens: Ahhh, ah, Kratos, I'm slipping, you must get here quickly! I can help you! We can save Athens, but you must hurry!

[Kratos makes a jump for the oracle just in time before she falls]

Narrator: And with that act, Kratos set in motion the events that would lead to his downfall.

Oracle of Athens: Kratos.. As Athena herself has foretold, but you are late, perhaps too late to save Athens, or is it Athens you have come to save?

[The oracle places her hands on Kratos' head and looks into his past]

Kratos: No! I, I can't-

[Kratos is leading his men into battle at the beginning of the vision]

Kratos: We must not stop! Go forth! Go forth and attack!

"You led an army once?" Odysseus asked as he glanced at Kratos.

Kratos grunted, "... Once."

"That's so cool!" Atreus exclaimed. He never knew his father led an army since he never talked about himself or his past that often.

Narrator: And when the oracle looked into his soul, she saw a beast, as well as   a man.

Narrator: Once a captain in the Spartan army, Kratos had begun his command with  only fifty soldiers, but soon his numbers grew to the thousands.

[Kratos is shown killing men in battle with no mercy]

Narrator: His tactics were brutal, but effective. Drunk with power, he was feared by all. Except one, his wife was the only one to brave his fury.

Atreus let out a soft gasp. "You had a wife before Mom?" He asked curiously

Kratos was alot more hesitant to answer this question, but he forced himself to answer it nonetheless. ".. Yes, I did."

Kratos' Wife: How much is enough Kratos?! When will it end?!

Kratos: When the glory of Sparta is known throughout the world!

Kratos' Wife: The glory of Sparta... You did this for yourself!

[As Kratos' wife looks back at him, blood runs from her eyes]

"Woah.." Telemachus muttered, feeling slightly creeped out at the sight in front of all of them.

Narrator: His desire for conquest knew no bounds, but that which he desired would ultimately consume him...

[The oracle becomes frightened and backs away from Kratos]

Oracle of Athens: By the gods! Why would Athena send one such as you?!

[Kratos grabs the oracle and throws her away from him]

Kratos: Stay out of my head!

[The oracle regains her balance, and gives Kratos a warning]

Oracle of Athens: Choose your enemies wisely Kratos, your brute strength alone will not be enough to destroy Ares.

Oracle of Athens: Only one item in the world will allow you to defeat a god...

[The oracle walks over to a door, and uses her magic to open it]

Oracle of Athens: Pandora's Box, which lies far beyond the walls of Athens, hidden by the gods across the desert to the east.

"Pandora's Box, eh?" Miimir said, "That's gonna be quite a task."

"Well, considering the fact Kratos is in this room with us right now, it's safe to assume he completed the task." Zeus says with a shrug.

Oracle of Athens: But be warned Kratos, many have gone in search of Pandora's Box, none have returned..

"Other than Kratos apparently." Poseidon said with a shrug.

[Kratos speaks to the oracle again to be sure where he must go]

Oracle of Athens: Go through the gates to the desert, Kratos. There begins thepath to Pandora's Box. It is the only way you will defeat Ares and save Athens.

Chapter Text

Desert of Lost Souls

[Kratos discovers a statue of Athena at the entrance of the desert]

"Does your Athena just have random statues around Greece with the sole purpose of communicating with you?" Odysseus asked as he looked over at Kratos.

"I feel bad for the person who built that statue in the desert." Athena said, shaking her head slightly.

"The statues were not placed fully at random, some were strategically placed." Kratos says in response, trying to give his Athena some credit.

"Eh, strategic my arse." Mimir muttered.

Athena: Kratos, the journey foward is paroles, but one you must complete if you are to have any hope of saving Athens.

[Kratos questions what the oracle said]

Kratos: The oracle spoke of Pandora's Box, can it be real?

[Athena explains about Pandora's Box]

Athena: The box exists, it is the most powerful weapon a mortal can wield.

[Kratos still questions it's powers]

Kratos: And with a such a weapon, I could defeat Ares?

"Well, considering how tightly locked, hidden and secure it is, I'd assume so." Zeus said sarcastically with a shrug.

"Maybe the contents of Pandora's Box are different. Maybe it hides an all-powerful weapon meant to kill a god," Poseidon points out, "So.. What's in the box, in your universe?"

Kratos was silent for a few seconds as he would rather not dwell on what happened to Pandora but he gave answer despite himself, "Pandora's Box contained all the evils of the world, which were released when Pandora opened it. However, hope remained inside the box."

Poseidon paused, his theory shattered, "... Nevermind."

[Athena explains where Kratos will find Pandora's Box]

Athena: With the box, many things become possible, and so it is hidden well, far across the desert of lost souls.

[Visions of the future are shown as you see a glimpse of your journey through the desert]

Athena: There is safe passage through the deadly sands, but only those who hear and follow the Siren's song will discover it.

[Singing from the Sirens can be heard]

Athena: You must find the Sirens, Kratos, only they can guide you to Kronos, the titan.

"Why on Earth are there sirens in a desert? How lost did they get?" Hermes asked out of sheer curiosity.

Text appeared beneath the scene that read, "Don't ask, it's something neither I or Kratos can explain" to which Kratos simply grunted in agreement.

[Kratos is shocked by what Athena has told him]

Kratos: A titan lives?!

"Well, I'd like to think so, considering the fact they were simply imprisoned in Tartarus. And their immortality meant they couldn't be killed." Athena points out as she leaned back into her chair. She felt rather comfortable now that she wasn't wearing the armor she was literally born wearing.

[Kronos, Zeus' father, is shown crawling through the desert with a gigantic complex chained to his back]

"This fate seems a lot worse than the one we gave him." Zeus said, rubbing his chine while Poseidon looked at Zeus incredulously.

"Who's we?" Poseidon asked, "It was you who decided the fate of the Titans!"

Athena: Kronos is the last, Zeus has commanded him to wander the desert endlessly, the temple of Pandora chained to his back, until the swirling sands rip the very flesh from his bones.

[Athena is shown again, wishing Kratos luck with his journey]

Athena: Stay true to the song of the Siren, Kratos, your journey begins here, pray it leads you back to Athens, with Pandora's Box...

"What's all the evils in the world gonna do against a god?" Telemachus asked curiously, "Especially one like Ares."

"You will see, boy." Kratos said rather cryptically.

[Kratos speaks with Athena once more to understand what he must do]

Athena: Follow the song of the Sirens, Kratos. Find and destroy them all, and the path through the deadly sands will be opened to you.

[Kratos finds and destroys the first Siren]

Athena: You must find and destroy the two remaining Sirens before you may pass.

[Kratos finds and destroys the second Siren]

Athena: You must find and destroy the final Siren before you may pass.

[Kratos finds and destroys the third and final Siren]

"That was fast." Atreus said, looking impressed and in awe and Telemachus couldn't help but agree.

Athena: The desert Sirens have been destroyed Kratos, the path before you is now revealed.

[As Kratos made his way past the Desert of Lost Souls, he finds a horn and blows through it, causing Kronos to begin crawling toward him]

Narrator: Kronos, the last of the mighty titans, emerged from the desert sands, on his back, Pandora's Temple awaited, massive and patient, ready to challenge all who went in search of it's guarded treasure.

[Kratos jumps for a chain linked to Kronos and begins his climb]

Narrator: For three days, Kratos climbed the shear walls of the mountain. He knew he would either recover Pandora's Box, or perish inside the cursed temple, never to return to the world of man.

"Holy shite, three days, Brother?!" Mimir exclaimed in awe as he heard the narrator's words.

"No wonder you're so good at climbing!" Atreus said as he looked up at his father.

Kratos didn't say much of anything but he accepted and appreciated the compliments.

"3 days without food or drink is impressive, Spartan." Odysseus says as he looked at Kratos, showing that how impressed he was is genuine. Odysseus himself had survived a few solid days without food or drink while on his 20 day sail back to Ithaca after he had escaped Calypso's island, relying on what Calypso packed for him-ample provisions in a sack—red wine and water, and plenty of food in a bag of leather. Then when Poseidon wrecked his raft, he was cast adrift for two days and had no food or drink during that time until he eventually washed ashore on Scheria, the land of the Phaeacians. After being rescued by Nausicaa and taken to the palace, Odysseus was welcomed, bathed, clothed, and fed and given a better boat to sail in. 

Pandora's Temple

[Kratos finds a skin-less man, missing some of his limbs, standing near a fire]

"Oh that's creepy.." Atreus said in disgust as he looked at the skin-less man on screen.

"And morbid." Telemachus added helpfully.

Body Burner: So, you think you can conquer the temple of the gods do you?

Body Burner: It's never been done you know. Sooner or later, the harpies will bring what's left of you, back for me to burn.

"Do not doubt Kratos's determination." Freya said, shaking his head slightly.

[As the body burner talks, two harpies appear and drop a body in the fire]

Body Burner: The gods hid Pandora's Box in here so no mortal would ever claim it's power. And yet, year after year I open the gate for more and more soldiers and place more and more bodies on these fires.

[Kratos looks at the body burner will a serious face]

Body Burner: If I were you, I'd leave now. But I can see you are determined, very well.

"Never doubt a Spartan's determination." Penelope said, having been raised as a Spartan princess and a Spartan warrior so she knew first-hand the unwavering determination of Spartans, they were unyielding, disciplined, and forged in the crucible of hardship. 

[The body burner takes a stone and throws it at some harpies above, commanding them to open the gates to the temple]

Body Burner: May the gods grant you strength to conquer the perils that lay before you, good luck spartan.

[Kratos speaks with the body burner before he leaves]

Body Burner: It's always the same. Madmen and fools seeking glory, I know. As you can see by my... somewhat disheveled state, I was the first to attempt the temple and the first to die. The gods punished me for my failure and now I must tend to all who have followed me and perished.

"I can only imagine what his first day of being a body burner as like.." Telemachus said, "I mean, imagine dying in a temple, unburied and being forced to burn the bodies of those who followed his footseps." He says, shaking his head slightly.

[Kratos speaks with the body burner one last time]

Body Burner: The architect who built this temple was a zealot. He lived only to serve the gods but went mad trying. The rumor is that he's still alive, still inside... still trying to appease the gods who abandoned him years ago...

"He sounds so pathetic it's sad." Zeus said.

Chapter Text

The Challenge of Atlas

[Kratos discovers a glowing red door before entering the Challenge of Atlas]

Kratos: Artemis.

Artemis: Kratos, the gods demand more of you, you have learned to use the Blades of Chaos well, but they alone will not carry you to the end of your task. I offer you the very blade I used to slay a titan. Take this gift and use to complete your quest.

"What happened to the weapons that Greek gods gave you?" Atreus asked, his brows furrowed slightly. The others did seem to agree as the only weapon Kratos seemed to have was his magical frost axe hooked to his back.

"They were all taken back the owners when my days of service to them ended." Kratos answered. He still remembered the rage and frustration he felt when the supposed "gifts" from the gods were taken from him when he became god of war; he supposed it was because he was much more powerful than he was as a mortal and no longer needed to use them but he (though he would never admit) had actually grown a light attachment to the gifts given to him as the weapons from the gods would be the only gifts he would ever receive in his whole life. Everything, from the Blade of Artemis to his magical abilities were stripped away yet Poseidon (his Poseidon) chose to allow Kratos to keep his Poseidon's Rage ability but he is not able to use it anymore since the source of that power had been slayed brutally in his hands.

Artemis: Take this weapon Kratos, take this power and use it to defeat your enemies.

[Artemis bids Kratos farewell]

Artemis: Go with the gods, Kratos, go forth in the name of Olympus.

[As Kratos completes the Challenge of Atlas, he finds a blood bath of dead soldiers lying around a flight of stairs]

"Alright that is just.. Beyond disturbing." Telemachus said as he grimaced slightly. He wasn't exactly fond of gory and bloody scenes, especially after he and his father slaughtered the suitors. Sure, that was months ago but, like his mother said to him once, healing – mentally and physically – takes time.

Narrator: The wrecked bodies of those who had gone in search of Pandora's Box lay before him.

"So, what, for centuries these people have just been chasing something that is practically a myth to them?" Atreus asked, tilting his head to the side curiously before he glanced up at his father, wanting any form of confirmation from him.

When Kratos was going to answer, Zeus managed to speak before him. "Mortals are foolish creatures, boy." The god of thunder said, and Atreus accepted that answer with a shrug.

[Kratos seems disturbed as he looks over the bodies of the soldiers]

"First time I've seem you actually look disturbed." Freya said as she glanced at Kratos but the latter didn't answer, only letting out a simple grunt. As usual.

Narrator: And at once, Kratos knew who was responsible. For this was not the first time he'd seen the ruin Ares, and his minions had left in their wake.

[As Kratos looks over the massacre, he is reminded of his past]

Narrator: Kratos had experienced it first hand, years before...

[Kratos is shown storming into battle]

Narrator: The youngest and boldest captain in the Spartan army, Kratos had inspired fierce loyalty in his men

"Youngest and boldest, eh?" Penelope inquired as she glanced at her fellow Spartan, "How old were you then?"

Kratos let out a soft grunt before he responded. "Around that time I would be in my 30s. But, by my early 20s, I was already leading small units in battle." He answered, earning a small nod from Penelope as a simple sign of acknowledgement while returning the respect he had shown her early on.

Narrator: It had always been enough to carry them through any battle, until this day.

"Bad sign then." Odysseus said, leaning back in his chair as he sighed through his nose. And Telemachus agreed with his father's words of "wisdom". Truly, any sentence that ends along the lines of "until this day", "until this hour", "until this minute", "until this second", etc. means that something bad had happened or is about to happen.

[Kratos leads his men into a battle they could never win]

"Damn, even the audio description knows it's an impossible win.." Telemachus said, running his hand through his hair before he paused as he realized what he had just said. "Uh- no off-" but before he could finish his sentence, Kratos cut him off. 

"You have to stop saying 'no offense', boy. I know you had no intention of insulting me." Said the old god of war, and Telemachus simply nodded and looked down as he pressed his lips into a thin line.

Narrator: The barbarians to the east numbered in the thousands, and descend on the Spartans, without mercy.

[The barbarian leader fires an arrow at a soldier beside Kratos and takes off his skull]

Narrator: The battle lasted mere hours. The discipline and training of the Spartans did little to stem the tide of the merciless barbarians.

[Kratos' soldiers are shown battling with everything they have]

Narrator: The soldiers faced a massacre, while their young captain faced the end of his brilliant career, and his life.

[The barbarian leader lifts his Warhammer, ready to strike the fallen Kratos]

Narrator: But to Kratos, victory was worth any price, even his soul.

Kratos: ARES!! Destroy my enemies, and my life is yours.

Athena covered her mouth in shock. "Of all the gods you could have possibly called upon, you chose Ares?" She asked as she looked at Kratos.

Kratos sighed deeply through his nose before he responded. "My Spartan army and I were being overwhelmed by a barbarian horde. I was on the brink of death and watching my men be slaughtered."

Telemachus, for some reason, came to defend Kratos's choice with his own words of wisdom. "Ares is the Olympian god of war, destruction, and conflict." the prince began, "He knew that if any god could grant him the power to win a battle, it would be Ares. Ares answered immediately—not out of compassion, but because he saw potential in Kratos."

Kratos glanced at Telemachus, appreciating the prince's words while Athena raised an eyebrow. "... I have taught you well, young prince." She said with a small, proud smirk.

[The sky fills with darkness, and covers the battle]

Narrator: That desperate call for aid, will come to haunt Kratos for all his days...

"I would imagine so." Zeus said, "My son is a far cry from merciful, Spartan." 

[Kratos has a shocked look on his face]

Kratos: By the gods, what have I become...?

"That's something i ask myself every time I look in the mirror." Odysseus said as he let out a sarcastic chuckle while Penelope put a concerned hand on his back.

The Challenge of Poseidon

[Kratos discovers a caged, living soldier in the temple]

Caged Soldier: Oh, thank the gods you've come. Break these bars get me out of here!

[Kratos looks over at the sacrificial chamber to the north]

Caged Soldier: Well, what are you waiting for? Let me out, we can find our way back to Athens.

[Kratos reveals to the soldier, his fate]

Kratos: The gods demand sacrifice, from all of us.

[The soldier looks over at the sacrificial chamber in fright]

Caged Soldier: Oh please, no... No.

[Kratos gave the soldier a cruel, mischievous smirk]

Atreus gasped at the screen. "You smirked!" the young archer exclaimed proudly.

Mimir looked just as shocked yet proud as well. "You actually made as expression that isn't a scowl, Brother!"

Freya chuckled softly, "This day has ought to be celebrated."

[As Kratos dragged the soldier to his ultimate fate, the soldier continuously begged him for mercy]

Caged Soldier: Gods on high! Save me from this barbarian!

"Unfortunately, Kratos is right," Poseidon said with a shrug, "The gods do demand a sacrifice."

Caged Soldier: No please, please!!

Caged Soldier: Please, on your humanity, don't do this!

[Without mercy, Kratos placed the cage on the switch and pulled the lever, sending scorching flames through the soldier's body]

Caged Soldier: No, no, noooo!!

[The burning soldier, is taken below and the door in front of Kratos opens to reveal a new path]

 The Challenge of Hades

[Kratos discovers a glowing red door in the room where he killed the temple's guardian minotaur]

Kratos: Lord Hades.

Hades: Your progress is impressive Kratos, but your skills will not carry you to your ultimate goal. I offer you the souls of Hades itself, the souls of the dead, set ready to fight by your side.

"This ability was taken from you, too, Brother?" Mimir asked as he glanced up at Kratos.

"Yes." Kratos said simply and gruffly.

Hades: Take this weapon, Kratos, take this power, and use it to defeat your enemies.

[Hades offers Kratos several victims to test out the Army of Hades]

Hades: Go with the gods, Kratos, go forth in the name of Olympus.

[Hades bids Kratos farewell]

Chapter Text

The Rings of Pandora Revisited

[Just before Kratos prepares to continue to the upper temple, he hears the voice of Athena]

Athena: Your progress is impressive Kratos, but be warned, once you ascend to the upper levels of the temple, you will not be able to return without Pandora's Box.

"Come now, Kratos is a Spartan. Of course he's coming back with the Box." Penelope says with an underlying amount of respect for her fellow Spartan warrior. 

[Without question, Kratos pulls the lever and the platform begins rising]

Narrator: As Kratos rose through the massive temple, constructed to guard Pandora's Box, he realized it was a monument, not only to gods of Olympus, but to the madness of the warden who designed it. He conquered the lower floors of Pandora's Temple, but what lay in wait above would detest even Kratos.

 The Cliffs of Madness

[Kratos finds a harpy ripping apart, what's left of a dead soldier]

Telemachus muttered a soft, "yikes" to himself as he looked at the dead soldier and the bloodied mouth of the harpy.

Narrator: Kratos had been in service to the gods long enough to know the harpy had been sent as a warning, a reminder from his former master of the decision that had cost Kratos everything.

"What sort of connection does your universe's Ares have with harpies?" Penelope asked as she turned her head to look at Kratos.

"Ares commanded legions of monstrous creatures, including Harpies, Minotaurs, Gorgons, and other beasts." Kratos answered, though it didn't make much sense to those in the Epic universe. In their world, harpies are not directly under Ares’s domain, though both are associated with fear, destruction, and divine wrath and can be seen as thematic extensions of divine aggression.

[Kratos again remembers the battle where he was on the verge of death]

"Oop- another flashback then." Mimir said as he watched.

Narrator: Had it been that long since he almost met his end at the hands of the barbarians, that long since he traded everything to save himself?

"A decade of servitude if I remember correctly?" Mimir asked, looking up at Kratos who simply grunted in response.

[Kratos looks up at the sky]

Kratos: ARES!!

[The sky becomes dark with clouds and fierce with thunder]

Narrator: The sky split apart, and the God of War stepped through.

[Ares, the God of War is shown coming to Kratos' aid]

Narrator: Descending from Olympus, he saw the makings of a god, in a mere mortal.

"If I didn't know any better, I would've said that it was kinda nice for a god as powerful as Ares to recognize your strength and potential as his right hand." Telemachus couldn't help but say as he gave an awkward smile.

[Ares stands on the battlefield, observing Kratos]

Narrator: Ares would save Kratos. He would turn him into the perfect warrior, his servant on earth. Only a simple pledge of loyalty was required.

[Kratos is shown kneeling before Ares]

Kratos: My life is yours Ares. From this day, I shall carry forth your will.

Odysseus raised an eyebrow slightly as he heard Kratos's pledge to Ares as he found it quite similar to his pledge to Athena when they first met in his youth. There was something in his gut that told him Ares and Athena were similar in how they treated their respective protégés which led to similarities to their protégés in question. 

[Ares calls forth the savagery and brutality of war]

Narrator: And his fate was sealed, as promised, Ares rescued his new disciple, bringing forth the power of a god, destroying those who would slaughter Kratos and his men.

[Ares summons a band of harpies, who carry the ultimate weapons of chaos]

"I recognize those blades.. I saw them while I was hiding from the stranger who came to our house." Atreus says as he looked up at Kratos, "Is this how you got those blades?"

Kratos silently for a few seconds, hesitant to answer that question, but he decided to humor his son. ".. Yes."

Narrator: As for Kratos, no mere sword and shield would befit the newest servant of the God of War.

[You see two blades attached to chains in the a harpy's talons]

Narrator: The Blades of Chaos, forged in the foulest depths of Hades.

[Kratos willingly accepts these weapons, extending his arms out]

Narrator: Once attached, the chains remained so, chained and seared to the flesh, a part of the barons bargain, a permanent reminder of Kratos's pledge.

"Wait what-" Atreus managed to say before he was cut off by Past Kratos screaming in pain on screen.

[The chains were so burning hot, even Kratos seemed to be in pain when they were seared to the flesh on his wrists]

Telemachus stared in absolute shock, his mouth wide open and his jaw practically on the floor as he watched in shock and horror. Atreus had a similar reaction, staring and jaw dropped to the floor. Everyone else was either stunned or watching in shock.

"But.. How did you manage to remove the blades?.." Atreus asked softly. Of course, this question had no response.

Narrator: In return, ultimate power.

[Kratos uses these to weapons to decapitate the barbarian that would surely have killed him if he hadn't called Ares for aid]

Narrator: The rage of Ares exploded from within, but soon, he would learn the true cost of such power, a cost too high, even for Kratos to pay...

[Kratos is shown in all his glory with a sadistic look on his face]

Kratos: Wretched beast, I know who it is you serve! Return to your master!

[The harpy that Kratos found sneers at him and eventually flies away with the soldiers body]

Kratos: Tell the God of War I am his no longer! Tell him he is not safe while I walk the earth.

Kratos: I will find Pandora's box! And I will use it, to see him tremble and fall before me..

Hermes hummed and pursed his lips, "Seems Penny was right about a Spartan's determination." He suddenly said, waking up from a long nap he had accidentally-on-purpose fallen into.

[Kratos proceeds to the higher levels of The Cliffs of Madness]

[Kratos, questioningly looks at the blades he used to slay so many]

Narrator: The path before Kratos was clear, but still, the memories came ushing back, as familiar and permanent as the blades chained to his wrists..

[Kratos throws the blades to the ground and is, again reminded of his past]

Narrator: Memories of what he'd done in the name of Ares. Memories of how he'd became a servant under the God of War.

"We are the same, you and I." Odysseus admitted as he looked over at Krato, and the Spartan in question could not deny the king's words. Both had underwent a long, harrowing journey that transformed them and revealed their deep personal struggles, both are driven by a desire to reunite with or protect loved ones, and carry the emotional weight of their past actions down to how they treated by their godly mentors.

[Kratos is shown assassinating innocent people]

Narrator: A beast, his humanity robbed, and replaced only with the will, to murder...

Odysseus pressed his lips into a thin line as he looked down at his calloused hands, permanently stained with blood not even water from Olympus itself could ever wash off.  

[Kratos is, again shown slaying innocent people, with his soldiers]

Narrator: No one was safe, entire armies fell before Kratos and his soldiers that followed him on his path for never ending conquest, all in the name of his master...

[A village is shown in the background with Kratos and his men standing at the entrance, armed for combat]

"But it's literally just a village, it didn't wrong you in anyway, did it?" Hermes asked, raising an eyebrow at the Spartan.

"How long have you been awake?" Odysseus asked he looked up at the god of travel.

"Oh, just earlier, dawling. It was a glorious one, too!" Hermes said as he giggled like an owl.

Narrator: Those who offered resistance, of any kind were dealt with quickly.

[Kratos quickly briefs his soldiers on why they must destroy the village]

Kratos: They built this temple to offer prayers to Athena! This entire village stands as an affront to lord Ares! Burn this village, burn it to the ground!

Athena was mildly shocked by the reasoning Kratos had given. But she held her tongue and gave Kratos the benefit of the doubt that the Spartan was serving Ares at the time and was blinded by his loyalty.

[Yet again, Kratos' men are shown slaying innocent villagers]

Narrator: Emboldened by the God of war, Kratos' army was ruthless, feared throughout the world for their brutality. All that mattered was conquest in the name of Kratos, their great leader, who had become near invincible.

[Although chaos is raging in the village behind Kratos, he looks upon a temple in front of him with great determination]

Narrator: He feared nothing, but there was something about this temple, something... forbidden.

[The village oracle walks toward Kratos]

"Does every village in your universe just have an oracle?" Hermes asked the Spartan with a small grin, but Hermes did not get a response.

But Athena couldn't help but feel like Hermes had a good point. Even in Athens, there was an oracle.

"Oh! Or maybe all the villages that worship Athena are the only ones with an oracle!" Hermes added and Athena shrugged at her half-brother's words, it was, yet again, a good point.

Narrator: All his instincts told him that he should never cross it's threshold, never step inside.

[The village oracle delivers a warning to Kratos]

Village Oracle: Beware Kratos, the dangers in the temple are greater than you know.

"You would be surprised at how much he can take." Atreus said with a small shrug.

[Kratos, confident that no danger was too great for him, pushes the village oracle out of his way and walks towards the temples' doors]

Narrator: But the village oracle's warning fell on deaf ears.

"Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Kratos was at least 50% deaf." Hermes said teasingly, his stupid little grin still staying strong.

[Kratos breaks open the doors to the temple]

Narrator: His ambition would not be denied, all who opposed him, would die.

[Kratos slays everyone in the temple in a rage of chaos, but looks at his last two victims in great, great shock]

"Huh? Why? What happened?" Atreus asked as he looked at his father did not answer or meet his gaze, similar to how he acted while they were collecting trees for Mother's pyre.

Narrator: In that instant, the glory he had reveled in, turned to horror. The image of his two final victims would stay with him for all his days.

[Kratos falls to his knees in disbelief]

Atreus's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Not ever has he seen his father on his knees.

Narrator: With that act, Kratos knew he could no longer serve his master, he had but one calling now, the death of Ares, he would murder the God of War...

[Kratos regains his thoughts and threats Ares' life, yet again]

Kratos: Ares, you will die for what you did that night.

"My best guess? He accidentally killed someone important him." Athena assumed, but she will only realize how right she was later on.

Chapter Text

 Zeus' Temple

[Kratos finally reaches Pandora's Box]

Athena: Kratos, your quest is at an end. You are the first mortal to ever reach Pandora's Box. 

"That much is clear and obvious, darling." Hermes said as he kicked his feet up on the vacant seat in front of him, hands on the back of his head. 

Athena: There is still time to save Athens, you must bring the box back to my city and use it kill Ares. Return to Athens, Kratos, return and save my city!

Pandora's Temple Revisited

[As Kratos made his way out of the temple, he was reminded by Athena to be sure that he has Pandora's Box when returning to Athens]

Athena: You must bring Pandora's Box back to Athens, Kratos. You cannot defeat Ares without it.

Athena: Kratos, you cannot leave the temple without Pandora's Box, Athens depends on it!

"After everything he's done just to acquire it?" Freya remarked with a slight grin, "There is no way he would even think of doing so."

[Kratos, using all his might, begins pushing Pandora's Box out of the temple]

Narrator: After a thousand years, Pandora's box was, at last freed of it's confines. Kratos had found the means to destroy the God of War.

[Ares continues to level the city of Athens with his great power]

Narrator: Far away, in Athens, Ares knew Kratos had succeeded in his quest.

"How?" Atreus asked, "How did Ares know? There's no way he just.. Had a hunch you did it." He pointed out but Kratos did not answer him.

[Ares, about to swing his blade to destroy another building stops short and turns around, sensing a familiar presence]

Ares: So little Spartan, you've recovered Zeus' precious box, but you will not live long enough to see it opened.

"Well, considering he is right here with us in this room, he did live long enough to see it be opened." Zeus said as he crossed his legs.

[Ares picks up a broken pillar and hurls it at toward the desert]

"What? How? The desert looks so far from Athens! There's no way he made that shot!" Telemachus says almost incredulously as he and the others watched the broken pillar fly through the air.

Ares: I will see to that.

[Ares bids farewell to Kratos]

Ares: Good-bye Spartan, you will rot in the depths of Hades for all eternity.

[The accuracy of the pillar was unimaginable, as it struck Kratos through his abdominal area and sent him hurling to a wall]

"What?!" Mimir exclaimed as he looked at the screen in shock. Telemachus and Atreus's jaws have dropped once more while the rest either watched with wide eyes or shocked expressions.

"Is that how you got the scar on your stomach?" Atreus asked his father as he looked down at said scar.

"No," Kratos said bluntly, "I acquired this scar from a different object in a different battle." He explained, and Atreus accepted that answer.

Kratos let out a light growl at the narrator– or rather Gaia's –words. When he came to Midgard and met Faye, his memories of that specific night had stopped haunting him. And though his regret and the ghosts of Athena and Zeus still haunted him, the presence of Faye, and by extent Atreus, helped guide him through the darkness that is his past.

Narrator: Even in death, the memories, the visions would not fade.

[Kratos is shown at the temple, kneeling before his wife and daughter]

Narrator: For how could he forget, spilling the blood of his own family? A cruel trick orchestrated by the God of War.

Atreus gasped in shock and Telemachus's jaw just seemed to drop further. The prince looked between his parents as if asking if they were seeing and hearing the same thing he was seeing and hearing.

[Kratos holds his wife his arms, still questioning how this could have happened]

Kratos: My wife, my child... How? They were not in Sparta...

"But how did it happen?" Hermes asked, "That town was supposed to be a small one that praised Athena!" He said incredulously. 

"Ares had intentionally arranged their location." Kratos answered, "Ares wanted to sever my mortal ties to turn me into the perfect warrior.

"Then there's also the thought they could have possibly even relocated to that village without your knowledge because, well.." Telemachus said but he cut himself off, not wanting to remind Kratos of his argument with his wife about the supposed glory of Sparta.

[An image of Ares appears, and reveals the truth to Kratos]

Ares: You are becoming all I'd you hope you'd be Kratos. Now, with your wife and child dead, nothing will hold you back, you will become even stronger, you will become death itself!

[Kratos kneels at the entrance of the temple, now truly understanding what he must do]

Narrator: But as the flames consumed the temple, Kratos realized his true enemy was the god who once saved his life, the same god who had now taken everything from him.

"Is that why you stopped trusting me when.. Mimir revealed me to be a god?" Freya asked, which earned her a grunt in response but deep down she knew there was more to it than that.

[Kratos looks up and screams out the name of the god he must destroy]

Kratos: ARES!!

[The village oracle turns around and looks at Kratos]

Village Oracle: From this night forward, the mark of your terrible deed will be visible to all!

[You see as white ash, flowing from the burning temple]

Village Oracle: The ashes of your wife and child will remain fastened to your skin, never to be removed!

Atreus and Telemachus almost simultaneously cover their mouths with their hand in shock and horror as they both looked at the old Spartan, specifically his skin. 

Hermes's jaw had dropped as well as he watched with a look of incredulity and horror, "What the hell kind of oracle is that hag?!" 

Poseidon watched with a look of disbelief, "I thought oracles were all about divine truth and prophetic visions, not curses!"

It seemed everyone in the theater was either in a state of shock, concern and/or disbelief. Everyone except Kratos himself, of course.

[The ash ingulfs Kratos and attaches to his own skin]

Narrator: And with that curse, all would know him for the beast he had become, his skin white with the ash of his dead family. The ghost of Sparta had been born...

"That's how you got the title?!" Exclaimed Atreus.

"I was dangling from the belt of the bloody ghost of Sparta?!" Asked Mimir.

But both questions were left unanswered as Kratos did not respond, instead focusing on the screen.

[Kratos begins crying tears of blood as he still cannot accept his fate]

Narrator: In the end, in death, he had failed.

[Two hapries appear and fly off with the Pandora's Box]

Narrator: As the minions of Ares claimed Pandora's Box, Kratos' life faded. And his cursed soul was cast into the depths of Hades...

"There's no bloody way!" Mimir exclaimed.

Hades

[Kratos begins falling, in what seems to be endless space]

Narrator: And Kratos fell into the underworld, the River Styx beckoning below, a current strong enough to carry even the strongest mortal to his eternal resting place.

[Kratos sees a ledge with someone hanging from it, and he makes a grab for the unknown person's legs]

Narrator: But Kratos had no intention of resting yet, he intended to live, to return to earth and complete his quest.

[Kratos tries to climb up the unknown person]

Ship Captain: Let go fool! You will drag me down to that cursed river!

"What? How has he still not fallen?" Zeus asked as he looked at the ship captain with a mix of shock and disbelief.

Kratos: There is a task left for me above. I will see it completed.

[The ship captain grabs at Kratos' feet]

Ship Captain: You again?!

[Kratos then, without mercy kicks the already half dead captain down into the deepest pits of Hades]

Everyone visibly cringed as they watched the ship captain fall down to Styx, Kratos included.

Outer Temple of the Oracle Revisited

[When Kratos finally returns from Hades, he discovers the old man he had met outside the temple of the oracle]

"Huh, guess the old guy was right about meeting Kratos again.." Telemachus remarked

Grave Digger: Ah, Kratos, and not a moment too soon, I only finished digging just a moment ago.

Kratos: Who are you?

Grave Digger: Ah, now that is an interesting question.

[The old man looks to his right, hearing Ares continue to destroy the city]

Grave Digger: But for now, you must hurry, Athens needs you.

[Kratos is very confused about how the old man knows so much]

Kratos: But how did you know I-

[The old man interrupts Kratos]

Grave Digger: Athena isn't the only god keeping watch on you, spartan.

"Is this old guy secretly Thanatos or something?" Hermes guessed, raising an eyebrow.

[Kratos also becomes distracted by the chaos and looks away from the old man]

Grave Digger: Complete your task, Kratos, and the gods will forgive your sins!

[When Kratos turns back to the old man, he finds him gone]

Chapter Text

        Inner Temple of the Oracle Revisited

[Kratos finds the oracle of Athens dying on the floor]

Oracle of Athens: Kratos... Returned, but too late... Ares has taken Athens... there is no more hope... no hope...

"Knowing this bloke, he'll find a way." Mimir remarked when he heard the Oracle's words.

[The oracle speaks to her last breath]

Oracle of Athens: Ares is... victorious... we... failed...

"Not quite yet," Hermes said, "He just pulled himself out of the depths of Hades, and he's basically a walking armory with how many weapons this guy has."

 The Aegean Sea Revisited

[Kratos walks foward, to the edge of the cliff side]

Narrator: Kratos had traversed the Desert of Lost Souls, bested the deadly traps of Pandora's Temple, and escaped Hades itself. There was but one task left.

"Ah, yes, kill Ares." Odysseus said, "If only gods were killable in my universe.." He adds, shaking his head slightly as he looked down, clearly disappointed in more ways then one.

Poseidon grumbled and scowled slightly at Odysseus's words, sending a glare at the king. He was a grown-ass man crying about his men, he can just find a new ones!

[Kratos watches as the God of War makes a victory speech]

Ares: Zeus! Do you see now what your son can do?! You cast your favor Athena, but her city lies in ruins before me!

"Which is basically why you're one of my least favorites.." Zeus muttered, mostly to himself. Ares represents chaotic, violent war, which Zeus-as a god of order and justice-finds detestable.

Ares: And now, even Pandora's Box is mine! Would you have me use it against Olympus itself?!

[The God of War slowly turns around and notices a familiar face]

Ares: Kratos? Returned even from the underworld.

Hermes chuckled and he looked over at his father, "Did you know that you could escape the River Styx if you were strong enough?" The god of travel asked.

"Definitely not." Zeus responded, shaking his head slightly.

[He quickly turns back around and stares at the sky again]

Ares: Is this the best you can do father? You send a broken mortal to defeat me? The God of War.

"I mean.. It was not I who sent him, it was Athena, so.." Zeus said with a shrug.

[As Ares continued to mock his father, Kratos charges a lighting bolt of Zeus' fury and fires it at the chained Pandora's Box, connected to the God of War's hand]

Narrator: After thousands of years, Pandora's Box was finally opened.

[Without question, Kratos opens the weapon that is said to give him the power to kill Ares]

Narrator: The power of the gods unleashed.

[With the power of Pandora's Box, Kratos grows to the size of Ares]

A few of the gods' jaws drop slightly as they watched Kratos grow into a giant, similar to the forms they would take for divine intervention, though Hermes and Athena simply preferred being the same height as mortals.

Ares: You are still just a mortal, every bit as weak as the day you begged me to save your life.

"Please, he looks ready to fist fight you now that you guys are the same size." Telemachus remarked.

[Kratos draws his Blades of Chaos, ready to do battle with the god]

Kratos: I am not the same man you found that day! The monster you've created has returned, to kill you.

[Ares contradicts Kratos]

Ares: You have no idea what a true monster is, Kratos!

"Eh, you'd be surprised." Mimir remarked. ".. I'd shrug if I could."

[Ares sprouts several spiked wings from his spine, and surrounds Kratos]

Ares: Your final lesson is at hand!

[Kratos savagely cripples Ares, but he opens a portal that sucks Kratos in]

Ares: I have taught you many ways to kill a mortal, Kratos. Flesh that burns, bones that break, but to brake a man's spirit, is to truly destroy him!

[Kratos creates a small crater when he lands on rural ground below]

Ares: Do you recognize this place, spartan? The location of your greatest failure. Perhaps there is a chance you can undo the deeds of the past.

"Yikes.. Probably not a good thing to do with a rage monster like Kratos." Hermes couldn't help but remark, which earned a mildly annoyed and irritated grunt from Kratos himself.

[Kratos walks towards the temple doors]

Narrator: The nightmares that have haunted Kratos for the past 10 years have now taken full amend substance.

[Kratos smashes open the doors to the temple to find his wife and daughter]

Narrator: His past stood before him.

Kratos' Wife: Kratos, what's happening?! Where are we?!

[Kratos cannot believe his own eyes]

Kratos: By the gods! Can this be real?!

"Eh, probably not." Hermes says with a shrug, "My people are known for being, eh.. Tricky?"

"Yeah, says you." Odysseus remarked.

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?" Hermes asked, almost offended.

[Kratos sees clones of himself begin spawning from the walls, and surround his wife and daughter]

Kratos' Daughter: Daddy!

Kratos: Ares! There is nothing you can put in my way to stop me! I will save my family!

[Kratos imagined himself failing to protect his family once again]

Odysseus couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Kratos. He had imagined himself failing to protect his family as well while fighting in the Trojan War, everything that could possibly happen to him and his family. Odysseus promised his baby boy that he would make the storm clouds cry for him, capture wind and sky for him. And he did, on his way home-with Zeus and the wind bag. He held his baby in his arms and prepared to die for him, and he could tell Kratos was prepared to die for his children too.

They had more similarities than they would like to admit; both are fathers who are determined to protect their children and wife who were manipulated by the gods, and nearly everyone in the theater knew of it. Well, except Hermes, who is semi-high on Moly.

Kratos: I couldn't stop them, they were too strong...

[Kratos is then massacred by several clones of himself]

[Kratos had fended off all the clones, and protected his family]

Narrator: Kratos had done the impossible, he had saved his family.

"But.. If you did, you wouldn't have met Mom." Atreus couldn't help but point out, which seemed to confirm everyone's suspicion that that this whole scene is a dream, hallucination or illusion.

Kratos' Wife: Kratos! Please, take us home!

Kratos: Do you see God of War? You took them once, but you'll never have them again!

Ares: You cannot save them Kratos, you gave them up in your quest for ultimate power. There is a price to pay for everything you gain.

Kratos: Not that price, I didn't what them to die.

[The ground begins shaking]

Ares: No price is too high for what I offered you!!

Ares: Now, you will have no magic, no power!

Ares: All that you have, is dead!

But deep down, Kratos knew what Ares said was a lie as his brother, Deimos, was still very much alive at this point in time, just imprisoned.

[Ares throws the Blades of Chaos at Kratos' wife and daughter, killing them]

Atreus's eyes widened in shock. Sure, finding out he had a sister was one thing but witnessing her die in front of him twice was a whole other thing. 

Kratos: No, not.. Not again..

[Kratos begins to regain his sense, finding himself in the real world]

Ares: You should have joined me Kratos! You should have been stronger!!

[Kratos looks over at a giant statue of Athena, holding a sword]

"That's.. Actually smart, since no other weapon can fit in your hand anymore." Athena remarked.

Kratos: By the.. gods..

[Kratos rolls out of the way, avoiding a direct blow from Ares]

Narrator: The battle was not over, the gods had sent a final gift for Kratos.

[Kratos picks up Athena's Blade and walks back over to Ares]

Kratos: I still have allies in Olympus, Ares. And now you will see how strong I am.

[Kratos cripples Ares yet again, and tries to, now reason with Kratos]

Ares: Remember Kratos, it was I who saved you, in your time of greatest need.

"But in the process, you destroyed him. Him and his family and his life." Athena points out.

[Kratos reminds Ares that he hasn't forgotten]

Kratos: I haven't forgotten Ares, I remember how you saved me!

[Ares recalls the night where Kratos killed his family]

Ares: That night, I was trying to make you a great warrior...

"There are several factors that make you a great warrior, but slaughtering your family is not one of them." Odysseus said, shaking his head a bit. 

He thought back to the time he was Athena's student. Sure, he thought of him as nothing more than warrior, a general but she never went as far as ro manipulate him into killing his own men, his own family.

[Kratos congratulates Ares and puts Athena's Blade through his chest]

Everyon in the theater either gasped, covered their mouth in shock or put their hands behind their head, though those reactions belong to those from Greek. Everyone was fighting back the urge to cheer, especially Athena and Zeus.

Kratos: You succeeded.

[Blood shoots out of Ares' chest as he falls in ocean and explodes, creating a massive tidal wave]

Zeus and Athena immediately stood and cheered loudly like their soccer team just scored a goal. They high-fived and hugged each other happily before they sat back down laughing.

Kratos glanced at Zeus and Athena, not expecting that kind of reaction Ares's own sister and father.

Narrator: Kratos had done the impossible, a mortal defeating a god, Ares was no more...

"Why didn't this happen with Poseidon.." Odysseus muttered to himself as a glass of Islay Scotch appeared in front of him with a magical poof. He sighed deeply and took the glass in his scarred, calloused hand before taking a rather large gulp.

Meanwhile Poseidon shook his head in irritation at Odysseus's comment as a glass of Navy Strength Gin & Tonic appeared in front of him as well. He took the glass into his finned hand and drank it down in one gulp.

[Glimpses of the nearly fallen city of Athens are shown]

Narrator: The city had been saved, and would thrive again.

[Kratos is shown on his knees somewhere in the desert]

Narrator: The same could not be said for Kratos, for as he sought to rebuild his soul with the help of the gods, the truth was revealed to him.

[Kratos is on his ship again, begging Athena to finally rid him of his nightmares]

Kratos: Athena, rid me of the memories that haunt me still.

[Athena congratulates and thanks Kratos]

Athena: You have done well Kratos, though we mourn the death of our brother, the gods are in debt to you.

[The truth is now revealed to him by Athena]

Athena: We promised your sins would be forgiven, and so they are, but we never promised to take away your nightmares. No man, no god could ever forget the terrible deeds you have done.

The theater filled with groans of annoyance and disappointment. At this point, everyone was rooting for Kratos to have at least one moment of peace, and this major favor of killing Ares would have, could have and should have been his key to peace.

"That is such bullshit!" Hermes even yelled.

[Kratos is shown ascending many flights of stairs]

Narrator: In the end, knowing that the visions of his past would never leave him, Kratos made his wa y to the bluffs, overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Telemachus gasped slightly, "This was that scene at the beginning!"

Chapter Text

The Bluffs Again

[Kratos hopelessly looks up and then down at the Aegean Sea]

Kratos: The gods of Olympus have abandoned me.  

[Kratos lifts his left foot and places it over the edge of the cliff]

Kratos: Now there is no hope...

[Kratos dives off the cliff, down to the ocean below]

Narrator: And Kratos cast himself from the highest mountain in all of Greece. After 10 years of suffering, 10 years of endless nightmares, it would finally come to an end. Death would be his escape from madness...

"That was a total dick move on Athena's and the gods' side.." Telemachus muttered and, to his surprise, the gods and Athena actually seemed to agree.

They were gods, for Kronos's sake. They could do practically anything, Zeus and Poseidon especially. Just one quick word with Epiales and Phobetor and poof, nightmares gone.

[Kratos is shown falling in the ocean, expecting to be dead]

Narrator: The fate of Kratos was not as it seemed. The gods had other plans.

"Is.. That a good thing?" Atreus asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion as he glanced up at Kratos.

".. Not at all, boy." Kratos responded gruffly.

[Kratos was surprisingly lifted out of the water back to the top of the cliff]

Narrator: Brought aloft off like a feather, Kratos found himself risen from the sea and placed on solid earth.

[Athena explains why she could not let him die]

Athena: You will not die this day Kratos. The gods cannot allow one who has performed such service to perish by his own hand. Ares' tactics were brutal. His path of destruction had to be stopped.

[A circular door opens in front of Kratos]

Athena: But now there is an empty throne in Olympus, and a new God of War is needed. Take these stairs Kratos, they lead to your ultimate reward...

"Wait a damn minute.." Zeus muttered, "That's.."

"A portal to Olympus!" Hermes exclaimed, hands behind his head in shock.

[Kratos talks with Athena again]

Athena: Your battles are at an end Kratos. Your Journey is over, take these steps to Olympus and your place among the Gods.

Atreus watched in shock and confusion. He glanced up at Kratos then up the screen while Kratos closed his eyes and looked down. 

The old god had never Atreus to find out about his godhood, and he certainly did not want him to find out how he attained that title.

[Kratos speaks with Athena one last time]

Athena: Take these stairs, Kratos. They lead to your ultimate reward.

Mount Olympus

[Kratos makes his way into Olympus and takes his throne amoung the gods]

Narrator: And from that point forward, throughout the rest of time, whenever men road forth to battle for good cause or for evil, they did so under the watchful eye of the man who had defeated a god.

[Visions of wars in the future are shown]

Everyone watched in confusion as witnessed the future of warfare, machinery they never thought possible, firearms with the use of gunpowder and metal tanks that shot out missiles.

Narrator: They were driven forward by Kratos, the mortal who had become the new, God of War...

[Kratos is shown sitting unsettlingly in his new throne as his journey ends]

Atreus looked at Kratos in a mix of shock, disbelief and a hint of horror. Kratos opened his eyes and glanced at his son. ".. Boy." Kratos said gruffly, but also softly.

"You.. Are the God of War? A god? All this time, and you never told me?" Atreus asked, tears brimming his eyes, "I don’t get it. Why wouldn’t you say anything? You- You're my father! You always said we need to be honest with each other, that we can’t keep secrets—so why keep this from me?" The young archer demanded as he stood up and stepped back from Kratos. Kratos stood as well and he stepped closer to Atreus, but the boy stepped back.

"It makes… it makes everything make sense though." Atreus said with a teary shrug, "The strength. The rage. The way you fight like no one else. Like you've seen a thousand wars. Like you are war." The seeming demigod paused to take a deep breath, "But still… it hurts. I had to find out from someone else. Not from you."

Kratos closed his eyes and sighed deeply as he opened his eyes once more. "Boy.." He tried to explain but Atreus cut him off.

"Did you think I couldn’t handle it? That I wouldn’t understand? Or were you ashamed of what you did—who you were?" Atreus asked, practically demanding as his voice cracked.

"Atreus..." Kratos began, "I did not want this for you. Not yet." The old god shook his head slightly as he continued to explain himself as best of he could, "Yes. It is true. I am... a god. From another land. A place of endless war and bloodshed. I kept this from you not to deceive, but to protect. To give you a chance to live without the burden I carry." 

Kratos swallowed his saliva deeply, giving a slight pause before he spoke once more. "Being a god... it is not glory. It is not pride. It is pain. Sacrifice. Rage that consumes until there is nothing left but regret." He says, "You are more than what I was. You do not have to walk the same path. But now you know. And now... we face the truth. Together." He cups Atreus's face in his large, ashy hand, "Ask what you must. I will not run from it anymore." His voice softens, but his gaze remains firm, unwavering. "Boy— no... Atreus. You are my son. Whatever you are feeling... we face it as one." He says as he brought his other hand up to cup his son's face, maintaining eye contact to show he was being genuine.

Atreus looked into his father's eyes and swallowed down the lump in his throat deeply before he hugged his father. He could tell his father was hesitant to hug back but he did so anyway. "I just wish you trusted me enough to tell me the truth." Atreus said, his voice not cracking as much anymore, "Not just about being a god… but about everything."

Kratos stands still at first, he hug pierces the armor he's worn for decades—not the steel on his skin, but the one around his heart. He placed a large hand on the back of Atreus’s head. His voice, when it comes, is quiet… almost human. "I know... You are right to feel this way. I have failed you in this." He admitted, "My whole life, I have survived by hiding truths. From enemies… from the world… from myself. I thought if I kept them buried, they would stay dead. But lies are like seeds. They grow. They twist the things we love.

Kratos pulls back slightly, enough to look Atreus in the eyes once more. "You deserve more than silence. More than riddles and shadows. From now on... you will have the truth. Even if it is hard. Even if it shames me. You are not just my son. You are my future. And I will not lose you to the same darkness that claimed me." A beat. The everyone around them quiets as if listening. Then, softly: "No more secrets, Atreus. You have my word."