Antithesis

Origins

War

Such large fear for such a small word

Once in a world a very long time ago, was an emperor. Physically very young, but a soul older than time itself. Emperor Strategos, a ruler, a general, a father. A name that inflicted fear into the ears of enemies; any logical ruler would know better than to challenge his kingdom. However logic does not apply to the deranged.

An envious king from a nearby land recruits an army. Manipulating weak kingdoms to join him in his battle, Strategos's kingdom was harshly outnumbered. However, there is a reason the young emperor is feared.

Moving strategically, only making necessary advancements and sacrifices, they manage to hold ground and protect their home. 

While discussing plans for attack, at his right hand, his son stares at the board in front of them. Looking at the the map of where his people will die. Once his father dismisses him and the generals, he overhears his father pray. Strategos is not a man of religion, and the Gods don't answer to measly prayers alone. With his father praying, he knew that they would not hold their enemies off for long.

The son knew what he had to do. He snuck out at midnight and swore his devotion to every God he could think of, pleading for help to save his people and their kingdom.

And so it came to be

The next morning of battle, a figure swooped in from the heavens. Within minutes, the battle field is bloody with only blood of the enemy. And within an hour, every enemy perishes, with the head of their leading king at the feet of the emperor.

However, celebration is withheld. While his soldiers pray with gratefulness, Strategos can recognize his own son.

Once the tired army returns to their home, the emperor and prince enter the castle. Once freshened up, the emperor requests an audience with his son.

"Odin" His name said in dull monotone "what.did.you.do?"

The newborn God stiffens; for this is not a conversation between God-to-mortal, but rather one from father-to-son.

"I did what I had to. We were losing. I made a deal with the Gods and they blessed me."

The emperor turns to face his son, inspecting his new form of a gray robe with two circles covering his face like those of a thrones angel, he walks to his son unfazed and places a hand on his shoulder.

"Odin, this was war, you can't always save everyone" The emperor's eyes soften with pity "They were our people, our friends. They were like children to me; but these children were ready to sacrifice themselves just like you did for their home."

"I am Odin" the son responds "God of war and death. I have been given a domain for those who die in battle; I have saved our people both living and dead. Is that not worth it?"

And Strategos responds sharply and smoothly "At what cost"

Looking down with sorrow, His son responds "I can never return home. They said I'd lose something else as well, I don't know what it is yet, but it's haunting me already—"

The room is silent. A heavy gloom enters in the presence of both kings, and despite how incredibly awkward it might have been, the father and son hug for one last time.

"I may not be the best father out there but I am still your father" The emperor pulls away and places in his sons hand, a single emerald earring. "I once made an exchange like yours, we will see each other soon. It'll be a day when this world forgets both our names"

The young God was about to make his leave, but he turns back curiously and asks 

"Wait...wouldn't you technically be dead by then?"