Starfall

I do not own Bleach. Or greek mythology. I don't even own the chair I am sitting on to type this.

Warning: Yaoi, Mpreg in later chapters. This fic is going to be either 14 or 16 chapters. The trials will be one chapter each.

Greek god and description and source at the end of the chapter.
The lunar cycles in this story happen only once a month. The moon changes over the course of the month. Thank you.

*walks back on stage holding the microphone* It seems our lovely prince has got himself in a twist. The Gods of Olympus have given him trials to find true love and create a child. One year has he to complete the fate's woven tapestry. Now one month to find his lovely 'bride' for the goddess of the hunt will hold no sympathy.
-----

Trial 1: Misconceptions (Artemis' trial)

Dinner was served and as all dinner's in the palace were, it happened to be a large lavish affair. Greek nobility were gathered around to say a farewell to the prince as they heard he would be embarking on another journey so soon after returning home. They gave him their presents, good wishes, and some even tried to ask if he would take their daughters in hopes of the journey bringing promising results. During all the loud music, laughter, and more the seer just sat there sipping a glass of water and eating small bites of bread with oil. He did not partake in anything else and just waited patiently for the festivities to end. He felt a strange rush of heat to him before realizing he was being told to speak to Renji privately.

He slowly rose and walked over to the prince. "It is time, my prince. I am to speak with you alone regarding the first task.", he said to him in a quiet voice. The royal family nodded knowing it was best not to anger the gods by making them wait.

Renji stood bidding all a farewell, before leaving the dining hall with the seer traveling behind him. "What is the message they wish for me to know, Byakuya?", he asked the seer once they were alone in a room.

Byakuya's eyes started glowing an eerie golden color and when he opened his mouth to speak, it was not Byakuya who spoke. "Dear child. Your first trial belongs to me. I am Artemis. The goddess of the hunt. You shall see me once more if you complete the trials correctly for I also govern childbirth. Your task is to hunt for the one you are to create the child with. I shall give you only one clue. They are neither far nor near, close but not to close, standing in front or behind. You find that you only want this person and no other can compare. Good Luck Renji.", she said before giving Byakuya the control of his body back.

The seer fell over exhausted only to be caught by the prince before coming to. He stood up looking at Renji and felt the strange sensation of heat rush to his cheeks, but stopped it before it reached that far. "I am to assume that you received your message.", he said to the prince.

Renji looked at Byakuya having felt a strange jolt in himself when he stopped the seer from falling. "Yes, I should leave immediately. It appears that the Goddess Artemis wishes me to hunt for my mate, so to speak.", he told Byakuya before turning away. "I already have everything ready to go. I am only taking two guards with me for I believe it is the will of the gods for me not to go searching for the one they chose for me with an entire army of soldiers. Now please follow."

Byakuya nodded and followed after the prince. He could not ask what the goddess told him. If Renji chose to reveal that information to him, then it would be fine, but he could not ask. Following him outside the castle, he was surprised when Renji brought over a horse for him and helped him up on to it. After that they rode off in search of the prince's lover.

~The First Week~ (Waxing Crescent)

They traveled through most of Athens asking the women to please present themselves before the prince so that he could see if he had any interest in them. One by one the women were turned away for the prince couldn't even find himself partially aroused by the beautiful figures before him. The first few days passed with no results and so they began to make their way to Thebes. If the woman was not in Athens she had to be somewhere close, in Renji's mind, considering the clue he had gotten.

It was a day's trip to the next province and so they decided to make cap half way there. These roads were patrolled by the guards of Athens, but if need be Renji and his two best soldiers could easily protect themselves an the seer. Renji and the other two guards were discussing the best place to check after Thebes if they did not find the one they were looking for. Byakuya just sat there with steel grey eyes staring at the fire. He sipped a bit of water and nibbled on a piece of bread seemingly in a trance.

"Excuse me, seer. Do you have any idea of what kind of person we are looking for?", one of the guards asked him.

Byakuya looked up with the light of the fire dancing in his already lightly colored eyes. "I do not know anything about the one the god's have chosen. Prince Renji was to figure this out on his own. For this task I can not assist for I do not know of what was said to the prince. If I did, I could not help too much as this is his trial.", Byakuya said to them.

Renji looked at him, Byakuya finding it oddly mesmerizing the way the light shone in the seer's eyes. It was almost beautiful. "I was told that the one I am looking for a person neither far nor near, close but not to close, standing in front or behind. I'll find that I only want this person and no other can compare. If you have an idea Byakuya, I would like to hear it.", he said to him.

Byakuya was silent for a few moments closing his eyes. When he opened them again, he looked straight at Renji with the fire dancing in them. "I believe you are to find SOMEone. I am not sure given the clue that the person is indeed female or not. I believe it was meant that whoever you found to be this person would in fact be the bearer of your child. We must remember when it comes to the will of the gods anything is possible.", Byakuya said to him.

"That would still be strange would it not. For the bearer of my child to not be a female in any shape or form.", Renji said to him.

"I do not know what they have planned Prince Renji, but I do not believe it wise to question the will of such divine beings as the gods.", Byakuya answered. "I assume only your heart or mind at this point would be able to tell you who your chosen is."

"Well that was completely unhelpful.", one of the guards said. "It has to be a female. I do not expect a seer to know of how children are created. I believe they are born without those desires."

Byakuya just looked at the guard emotionless and didn't say anything. "I shall retire for the evening.", he said and then went and leaned against a tree falling into a light sleep.

Renji looked at his guard when Byakuya had moved away. "You will not insult the seer again or I shall have your head.", he said to him and both guards nodded in understanding. Renji got up unrolling the thin blankets that his mother had insisted he pack as to not sleep on the hard ground. He unrolled one and stopped before going over to the seer. He bent down laying the blanket over him looking at him. Byakuya looked really good this close up. Renji shook his head and went to sleep.

~The Second Week~ (Waxing Gibbous)

They had searched all over Thebes and were currently en route to Corinth. Renji was beginning to feel frustrated and yet his thoughts couldn't turn from a certain seer. He was fairly sure the gods did not want him to do anything to their messenger, but the thoughts were so strong it was almost impossible. He had to keep reminding himself that he was on a quest to find the one th gods said would bear him a child. Taking the seer's words into account he began looking at both men and women, but still could find no one.

It was already towards the end of the second week and he feared that Greece would indeed fall and more importantly that his home of Athens would have to face the wrath of the gods for his failure. They stopped to rest for a bit by a slow flowing river to replenish their energy. His guards were currently replenishing their water reserves and the seer had said he was going for a small walk in the woods and would stay close. The loud bark of a wolf like creature sounded not to far away. They split up to find the creature for not only could it provide meat for a meal, but it would most likely kill them if they didn't kill it.

Byakuya had backed up against a tree looking at the creature in front of him. He was no warrior and therefore could not fight off the creature. He had wandered a bit to far away from the camp and he knew he could not run back in time for anyone to save him. He would not be the first seer to meet a tragic end, but he had hoped it would not be so soon. He was sitting on the ground for that had happened when he stumbled back. The creature lunged at him and instinctively he covered his face and neck waiting for the feel of sharp teeth biting into his skin. It never came.

He opened his eyes to see Renji standing before him and the dead creature in front of him. "Renji?", he asked surprised though it didn't show.

"You know... If you die, you wont be able to help me with my trials.", Renji said to him with a friendly smile and then held out a hand to help the seer up.

Byakuya took his hand and stood up. For a moment, the two of them just held hands staring at each other while everything just seemed to stop. A light blush appeared on Byakuya's cheeks and Renji raised his other hand touching the seer's face gently. Byakuya leaned into the touch closing his eyes. What was this feeling?, they both thought before pulling away at the sound of the guards coming their way.

Renji reluctantly looked away from Byakuya and at his guards. "I found the animal. However it seems that it may have been sick. Therefore we will not use it as sustenance. We are close to Corinth. We shall be able to replenish food supplies there. Remember you are all with me for each trial unless the gods tell me otherwise. Lets get going. The horses should be well watered by now.", he said and then walked away with them following.

Byakuya closed his eyes realizing with a slightly heavy heart that he liked the prince.

~Third Week~ (Waning Gibbous)

The search in Corinth once again turned out to fruitless and they started to make their way to Argos. There was a treaty in place, so it would be easy enough for them to search in the province. On the way to Argos, they stopped at a farm in which a woman dressed rather provocatively was asking if they would accompany her there. She claimed to be afraid of the creatures that roamed these places at night and that she had lost her traveling party. The guards were more than happy to accept her into the group saying that they should make the seer walk and let the pretty young woman ride on his horse.

Byakuya said nothing. It was no secret that there were those who did not like seers. Still it was Renji's quest and he was leading it. He would wait for the prince to decide what he was going to do as far as this strange young woman.

Renji looked at the woman. He felt something inside, but he wasn't sure what it was. She wasn't what he wanted and yet he felt a bit drawn to her. He closed his eyes trying to think things over. It was strange for a young woman to be all alone, and in no good faith could he leave her as such. He turned to the members of his group. "The seer will let the woman use his horse.", he said and Byakuya felt a twinge of hurt, but still said nothing as he slid from the horse. He stood to the side ready to walk and follow them, before Renji moved over to him. "You will ride with me.", Renji said to him.

Byakuya blushed lightly and nodded as Renji helped him up on to his horse. He sat in front and Renji behind him holding on to the horse's reins. The warmth of Renji behind him and semi-encircled in those arms felt rather nice actually. It was almost like he could slip away knowing he'd still see Renji when he awoke. The sound of a horse moving next to Renji's horse made him more alert. Just what had he been thinking.

"So, you look like someone of importance. A nice strong young man such as yourself.", the woman said to him. "Do you find me to be interesting?"

Renji looked at her and into her eyes. Maybe, this was the woman he had been searching for this whole time. "You seem to be interesting. It would be a lie to say you are not beautiful."

The woman smiled dangerously, but it didn't seem that way to Renji or the enamored guards. "Why thank you? My name is Matsumoto and may I ask what your name is?", she said sweetly.

"My name is Renji. Prince of Athens.", he introduced himself.

"Oh a prince? Just my luck it seems.", she said to him as they neared Argos. "It is most definitely a pleasure to meet you, my prince."

"It is a mutual pleasure.", he said flirting back.

Byakuya frowned. He could tell something was really not right with this woman, but it was not his place to tell Renji that. This was most likely a test within the trial or was it that he was jealous? No, not that. This woman gave off a strange feeling and it had nothing to do with the fact he liked the prince. He watched her carefully noticing the necklace on her throat. He glance over at her a few times to try and figure out what sort of creature was before them. It was not a siren, but something else. Perhaps a demon of Hades? Hades... hmmm... why? Byakuya's eyes wanted to widened at the realization. This was no ordinary woman, but a goddess which meant this was definitely a test.

The goddess Persephone was allowed to visit the earth for short periods of time each year only to return to Hades for the winter**. Byakuya closed his eyes wondering if Renji would be able to pass the test. He instead tried to focus on the ride knowing that Renji would not actually be allowed to be with Persephone, queen of the Underworld. They arrived in Argos late at night. The last week was almost upon them and if Renji failed his first trial he shuddered to think of what would happen.

The woman 'Matsumoto' wanted Renji to go out for drinks with her. She took him a less populated place for them and then proceeded to buy them drinks. "So Renji.", she said touching his arm lightly. "Why are you in Argos?", she asked after he had a decent amount of alcohol.

"I am looking for someone. I am supposed to know this person on sight. It will complete my first trial.", he said to her.

"Oh a quest? How exciting. Tell me Renji. Would you like to kiss me?", she asked.

Renji looked at her unsure of what to do.

~The Fourth Week~ (Waning Crescent)

Renji was confused. What on earth was going on? She was a beautiful woman and yet he felt no attraction to her. He hadn't even realize how late it was and that it had passed into the next week. "I...can't.", he said to her.

"Is it that you can't or that you don't want to?", she asked with a smile moving closer. "Is there someone else?"

Renji fought through his alcohol induced state. "Yes, there is.", he said to her.

"Do you know who it is Renji?", 'Matsumoto' asked him in a whisper like voice. "Who are they Renji?"

Renji closed his eyes. It seemed that his mind was starting to clear up and he could think more about things. The voice the woman was using made him want to answer for it felt as though it was an order from a higher being. He thought of everything that had happened in the past four weeks and the only one that seemed to appear in his mind was the seer. He wanted the seer.

"Well Renji...tell me...who is your chosen?", she asked in the same whisper like voice.

Renji looked at her and he could tell something was wrong with her, but now he just needed to answer. He feared what would happen if he didn't answer her right now. "The seer I am traveling with. Byakuya.", he said and the woman smiled.

"Very good. Prince Renji. You have passed your trial, but many more await you. You have to complete the other eleven in order for you to ensure not to incur the wrath of the gods.", she said with a smile. "However, I advise you to find those guards and your seer. The next trial will begin sooner than you think." With that last statement, she disappeared and Renji's head cleared up almost instantly. He looked down to realize he had only been drinking water this entire time.

He left the place going in search of his guards and Byakuya. He had passed his first trial and needed to know the second one. When he got to the inn that they had gone to before he went out with the woman, he ran to the seer's room only to find it destroyed. He searched frantically when one of his guards came in with the same glowing eyes Byakuya had before.

"It would seem you passed your trial Renji. How nice. Now its time for my trial. Your seer has been taking and your job is to kill someone to get him back. I do so love to see someone with courage and well violence is a given seeing as I am Ares, God of War.", he said with a smirk. "You must rescue the seer from Sparta. I give you the rest of this moon cycle until the next. He is in the hands of Spartan leader Kenpachi Zaraki. I'd advise you to hurry. Who knows what Zaraki will do to him, if you don't. I advise sneaking in if you can. I doubt a lone man can stand against the force that is Zaraki."

"Lone man?", he asked suddenly wishing to be able to take the words back.

Ares smirked again kicking the body of the dead guard by the bed that Renji had missed and then took out the sword of the guard he was controlling and stabbed it. "Good Luck Renji.", he said and disappeared.

Renji looked wide eyed for a moment before leaving and getting on his horse rushing off towards Sparta.

----

Next Chapter: Into the Heart of a Lion (Ares' trial)

** The line about Persephone and her allowance up from the underworld went along with one of the myths I've read. There are many different myths surrounding the wife of Hades and therefore this may not be the version of it you have read. So please no comments on the different myths as this is the one I had chosen for this story. Thank you**

List of Greek Gods (that I am using anyway) http:/ / en. wikipedia . org/wiki/Greek_gods

Lunar Cycle reference I am using. http:/ / en. wikipedia . org/wiki/Moon_cycles