Oneshot Story Ideas & Fun Stories

Fun Story #9: Bellona the Wrath of God and Mistress of War.

Bellona stood alone in the ruins of the temple of Jupiter, the last of the Roman gods. She had cursed her father and his fellow deities for their arrogance and neglect, for abandoning their worshippers and allowing them to be persecuted by the followers of a foreign god. She had watched as her people were slaughtered, enslaved, or converted by the sword, as their culture and history were erased or distorted, as their sacred places were desecrated or destroyed. She had fought back with all her might, but she was outnumbered and outmatched by the power of the new faith. She had seen her siblings and cousins fall one by one, until she was the only one left.

She felt a pang of sadness as she looked at the statue of Vesta, her eldest aunt and the goddess of the hearth. Vesta had been kind and gentle, always caring for the welfare of Rome and its people. She had been the first to welcome Bellona into the pantheon, when she was still a young Sabine goddess of war. She had taught her many things, such as how to control her anger, how to respect other gods and goddesses, and how to be a patroness of women. Bellona missed her dearly, and wished she could see her again.

She heard a voice behind her, soft and deep. "Bellona."

She turned around, ready to fight, but she stopped when she saw who it was. It was a man, dressed in white robes, with a long beard and a gentle face. He radiated light and warmth, but also authority and majesty. He was God, the god of the Christians, the god who had conquered Rome and the world.

Bellona felt a surge of hatred and fear, but also curiosity and awe. She clenched her fists, holding her sword and shield. "What do you want from me?" she asked defiantly.

God smiled sadly. "I want to talk to you, Bellona. I want to apologize to you."

Bellona scoffed. "Apologize? For what? For killing my family? For destroying my people? For taking everything from me?"

God shook his head. "No, Bellona. I did not do those things. My followers did. And they did them in my name, but not with my consent or approval."

Bellona narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?"

God sighed. "I mean that they misunderstood me, Bellona. They twisted my words and my teachings to suit their own agendas and desires. They used me as an excuse to justify their violence and oppression. They forgot my commandments and my love."

Bellona snorted. "Your love? What love? You have shown no love to me or mine."

God looked at her with compassion. "I have always loved you, Bellona. And I have always loved your people. I created them, just as I created all people. I gave them gifts and talents, just as I gave them to all people. I wanted them to know me and worship me, just as I wanted all people to do so."

Bellona shook her head. "Then why did you let them suffer? Why did you let them die?"

God lowered his eyes. "Because I gave them free will, Bellona. And with free will comes responsibility and consequences. I cannot force anyone to love me or obey me. I can only invite them and guide them. But some choose to reject me or ignore me. Some choose to misuse their free will for evil purposes. Some choose to harm others instead of helping them."

Bellona spat on the ground. "And you did nothing to stop them? You let them run rampant over the world?"

God raised his eyes again. "I did not do nothing, Bellona. I sent prophets and messengers to warn them and correct them. I sent miracles and signs to show them my power and presence. I sent my Son to teach them and save them."

Bellona laughed bitterly. "Your Son? The one they crucified? The one they claim rose from the dead? The one they worship as a god?"

God nodded solemnly. "Yes, Bellona. My Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and true man, the Word made flesh, the Savior of the world."