[Music] In the time before the Titans, before the gods of Olympus, a great battle was waged. The wrath of the primordials, the very beings who forged the Earth, raged out of control for an eternity. And from this rage, this madness of war, the Furies were brought forth. Neither Titan nor God, mortal nor shade, the Furies were bound to know no one, for they were the Guardians of Honor, the enforcers of punishment, the bane of traitors.

When Zeus came to power, he found he had little to fear from the sisters. The Furies sought retribution only for those whom they deemed guilty. The first of these traitors was Ean the Hecaton. When the brute pledged a Blood Oath to Zeus, only to later betray the King of the Gods, the Furies were quick to take action. His sisters relentlessly hunted the Ean and, upon capturing the creature, tortured him without mercy, for the Furies believed death was too kind for this oathbreaker. Ean the Hecaton became an example to war, a special symbol for those who might think to break a Blood Oath with a God.

Kratos, the Great Spartan General, was finally defeated. Driven mad, tortured, and uncertain of his surroundings, the warrior found himself captured like a fly in the web of the Furies.

Never, never again.

[Music]

Hello.

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Kratos. Oh, what's wrong? You seem confused.

Kratos, having trouble remembering a special time together? But then again, we were rudely interrupted by my sister. Electra was never one for manners. Not to worry. I am quite skilled in the teaching of respect for what you've taken. I owe you that. Is that the best you can offer? Your rage means nothing.

You are a worthless mortal. Die, mortal.

[Music]

No. We will see how you fare against the Hecaton.

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Chonies.

He can't defeat us.

I will not indulge you. As my sister, I won't bear... he bears a mark like I have never seen. He will free us from the Fury's grasp. He is cursed. Stay away.

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A glory be to Olympus. I am free.

Kratos, give me strength.

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I have little patience left. He is mine. I will take care of this. You have caused me pain for the last time, Spartan.

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Focusing only on the task ahead, Kratos struggled to remember the weeks prior to his imprisonment, to the time when he set out to break his bond with Ares, the God of War.

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Your mind is troubled, but your skills are still without equal. Do you have business with me?

I do, but this is not the man to discuss it with.

I see no other way. You have no reason to trust me, Spartan. I only ask that you try.

Your thoughts are not your own, but I can help you. I believe these belong to you. Use these items to steal your mind. Kratos, do not let illusion deceive you.

Have the visions ceased?

I see only you.

Good. You will need this skill for the path ahead.

And what path is that?

[Music]

The path of freedom.

Kratos, freedom?

Yes, freedom. Freedom from the Furies who relentlessly hunt you in the name of Ares, and ultimately, freedom from your bond to the God of War himself.

Break an oath with a God? Of all the minds in question, mine is not the one to worry about. You waver from sound mind to illusion in the beat of a heart. Is that any life for a great warrior?

The Furies are near. They cannot know I speak with you. I will draw them away. The truth waits for you in Delos. Kratos, seek the Oracle.

For those who seek the truth, the heat of Ares' fire has no burn. Take the ice of Poseidon, and you will find your path.

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Yeah, yeah.

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All.

For those who have eyes to see, I offer the lightning of Zeus.

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Get fire. The offerings will please the Oracle this time. I know it. No, no. My gifts. She must have them all. It will have to be enough. No. Help me. Someone, please help me.

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Get hurry before the master approaches. You. We have given you all you need for success, and yet you still fail us. The statues were to be completed by now. It is a massive task you have set before us.

Master, my brothers, they, they need food and rest.

You have not been asked to speak. And who will be next? You. You there. You are now charged with the task of completing the statues.

As you wish. We hope your work is better than that of your friend here. We can no longer stand the sight of you. You make us sick. Worthless lot. Pathetic, every last one of them.

If you search for for truth, the souls of Hades will aid your quest.

[Music]

Base your offerings for Althea. We will decide if they're worthy at our will.

I offer nothing.

You presume to seek audience with the Oracle, and yet you bring no offerings. Bold. Stupid, but bold. Although, you must have good reason to seek the Oracle, carrying such a mark. Return when you have brought appropriate sacrifice.

Ice. I have come to see the Oracle, and that is what I intend to do.

I would have liked to hear your story, Warrior. It is a shame you fail to see reason. Remove him. We have to find a better slave trader. We will not tolerate your impudence. You will not see her. Your desire to see the Oracle will get you killed.

He gains, you idiot.

I know he gains. He... me. We'll take care of him. Arrogant fool. You will not be defeated.

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You may be a great warrior, but but you have no place in our temple. You will never see the Oracle.

My... quite persistent, isn't he? His persistence only means his death.

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I will not allow you to continue. Stop tying with this fool. Kill him.

Caster. Yes. Yeah. I grow tired of my brother, but Caster is unstoppable.

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You have sealed the Oracle's fate. You will never know the truth.

Around. I am but an innocent. H. Althea. The relic you carry has no effect on me.

Then I fear you are beyond aid. Do not worry. The situation for me is clear. I have waited for this day. Your thoughts are clouded, and your mind conflicted, Warrior. I can feel it.

You seek the truth?

Yes. So be it. But remember, the truth always comes with a price. Enemies. Innocent.

[Applause]

K. Your bond is complete. What's done is done. It cannot be be undone.

No. The Furies infect your mind because you run from your oath to Ares. They will stop at nothing should you resist.

So the shade speaks the truth. The intentions of Orcus are pure. Orcus. But he is a Fury, and he will play his part in time. My time grows short. To be free of the madness that infects you, you must defeat those who hold your bond with the God of War.

How can I defeat the Furies when all I see is illusion?

Across the sea, the Lantern of Delos keeps the eyes of truth. Delos. Find the eyes, and they will show you the path to freedom.

[Music]

H. Oh.

Only a c hides himself. Orcus. You know I'm one of the Furies who forged your bond. You would have killed me before I could even speak.

Then tell me, what has brought you to this betrayal of your own kind?

It was you. The injustice of your oath that made me doubt them. Is it possible that through all your suffering, you still do not understand why you were chosen? Why Ares needed you? Why he still needs you?

Speak clearly.

Our Kratos. Ares, the God of War, has been plotting for years. I was brought forth by the joining of the War Guard and the Fury Queen. In rage and insanity, Ares hoped to conceive the perfect warrior. But I was only a disappointment to him. It was my mothers who spared me. They gave me the task of keeping the oaths. Although my burden was great, I was determined to be of service to those who said they loved me. But it was you, Kratos. It was the final task of your bond that made me question the actions of my family. I sought counsel with Althea. It was she who revealed to me the plot of Ares to overthrow Zeus. But he needed the perfect warrior. Ares molded you to take down the very walls of Olympus.

Ares, destroy my enemies, and my life is yours to make you beholden only to him.

Ares and my mothers devised three blood tasks: spill the blood of your enemies, the blood of the innocent, the blood of your very...

The past is the past, Orcus. Past. You now seek to rectify, and I will do so without the aid of a Fury.

[Applause]

As Kratos looked upon the gem, he realized all he need do was fight the forces that gnawed at his mind. His thoughts now clear, the warrior turned his rage to the remaining Furies and their ultimate defeat.

[Applause]

I have watched you over the years. When you were just a boy, I saw the signs. Even the loss of your brother did not sway your focus. The tragedy only improved you. You honed your skills, and now, Kratos, you have fulfilled your promise of greatness.

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You served with honor. You brought glory to us all. And today, you have earned your place among us as the greatest General Sparta has ever known.

So there is something you value more than ambition.

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This will definitely have to go into the record. Record. Must record. Must record. You're the Spartan that Orcus talked about. Are you? You definitely need to get this done. Definitely need to get this done.

What do you know of the Oathkeeper?

I know he paid for what he's done. They say he was the first marked one, but his father didn't like the way he turned out. I know I was the first man to be put here by the Furies. See, I've been keeping a record. Orcus was born here. Then his mothers, they, they became, they, they used to be fair, harsh, but fair. Had something to do with Ares, I imagine. The way they treated him. Oh, their own son. That is no reason to betray your own. Betrayed his own. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? But he did it because of you.

I did not ask for his help.

But you received it, nonetheless, didn't you?

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Spartan. This will make a wonderful addition to the record.

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If neither pleasure of the flesh or glory will return you to us, then there is only one thing left.

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It matters not that you have my son's toy. It is your heart that will betray you.

Kratos knew he was close, close to a time when illusion would have no power over him, close to the defeat of the Furies, and finally, close to freedom.

You so desper s. The sooner we get past Delos, the happier I'll be. They say it is cursed. Too bad we can't sail south of Delos.

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You see, the great Archimedes built that statue for Apollo.

Why do we stop at this cursing island? He's gone. Let us leave this wretched place quickly, for we are cursed.

[Applause]

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Too.

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You.

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Get.

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Yeah.

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You leave an army in disarray. Return to us, General. Lead us to victory.

You do not exist. You are of my mind. Return to your roots. Return to who you are.

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Spartan. We only mean to bring you home.

My home is in Sparta. Sister, show him what Sparta does to a traitor.

[Applause]

Out of my way. Let me show you how it's done.

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Long. Oh.

Not much further now, Spartan. Inside there are the eyes of truth. The very same eyes my mothers ruthlessly tore from Althea. When I learned of the plot between my parents to overthrow Olympus, I could not believe Althea's words. Then she showed me the truth: that the God of War would bring down the very walls of Olympus. I knew I must stop them. Althea and I sought to warn Zeus, but when Ares learned of our attempt, he sent my mothers after us. The eyes were brutally ripped from my beloved. She became a prisoner in her own temple. Ares and my mothers knew that if the eyes of truth were hidden, their wicked plot would not be revealed, and soon they would reign over the gods themselves. To keep their plan in motion, they need you back, Spartan. They will stop at nothing until you return to Lord Ares.

Ares will have to find another to do his bidding. I know he will set things right.

[Music]

I'm sorry, Spartan. When I learned that my mothers were close, I came to one. We have special plans for you, my son. Oh, all this effort, and you still fail us.

[Applause]

Come, sisters. We will break him. Within the walls of Peithones, Kratos found himself defeated, and this time, no Olympian would come to his aid. Satisfied, the sisters returned home with their prize. Within the walls of their prison, they would delve into the broken warrior's soul and entice Kratos back to his place as a servant of Ares.

It has been too long.

Never, never again.

[Music]

I have been away far too long. You can see her in the morning. Come.

In time, you will forget all that you have lost can be yours once again. If this is what keeps you in service to Lord Ares, then this is what you shall have.

It is not real. I can be your reality. The hard part is over, Spartan. You have committed the ultimate sacrifice. Offer yourself to us completely, and you shall live in blissful illusion.

Never. Then let death be your reality.

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What is the meaning of this?

[Applause]

You have made a poor choice.

[Applause]

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Spartan. A simple trinket will not defeat our sister. You defy me. You are but a mortal. You should have taken our offer. Kratos. Now you will pay for that mistake. I am the Queen of the Furies. You. You bring this on yourself, Spartan. A life for a life.

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See.

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Yeah.

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St.

You shame Sparta. Oathbreaker. You are not fit to be called a Spartan. I lost everything because of you. They were not there by chance.

[Applause]

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Kratos. You think you want truth, but truth will only bring you pain. My death will not free you from this madness.

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I would not have been strong enough to choose your path, Spartan. Orcus. I would have taken what my mothers offered. I would rather live in truth.

I fear you may come to regret those words. Lord Ares still holds your bond.

This cannot be. Before you killed them, my mothers once again made me your oathkeeper. For you to be free, I must die by your hand.

I do not understand. If you do not release me, my father will retain power over you. But even worse, I will live in eternal torture.

I have spilled enough innocent blood.

There is no other way, Spartan. Destroy the oath. Kill Ares. Have your revenge.

I was never the warrior my father wanted me to be. Please. All I ask, give me an honorable death.

With the death of Orcus, the Blood Oath to Ares was finally broken, and the painful truth rushed back to Kratos's mind: the truth of the murder he committed, the slaughter of his wife and child, the carnage forged from his relentless ambition surfaced in perfect clarity and became the visions that would haunt him all of his days.

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

Now free of the Fury's madness, but still tortured by the truth of his past, Kratos left the only home he'd ever known and set out to undo all that he had want. Suffering for years, Kratos, the once great General, now known as The Ghost of Sparta, had pledged himself as a champion to the gods of Olympus. In return, he hoped only to rid himself of the nightmares that haunted him for far too long.

[Music]

But for now, his only relief, his only relief from the sins of his past, was found in the. And on this day, Kratos had been called upon by the gods to confront an unthinkable evil unleashed on the city of Atar by the invading Persian army.

On my mar fire, I must return fire.

What evil have you wrought on this city?

Persian evil. It is not evil that I bring, Spartan. I bring the might of Persia and the sacrament of purification. As we speak, my Balus cleanses this land so that it may embrace the glory of the Persian Empire. Olympus has sent a message, and I am here to deliver it.

Then you are just a messenger. So take this message back to your little Gods. It will take more than a pathetic Spartan to stop the power of the Empire.

Please, please, please spare my life, and I will give you all that you ask.

You have nothing I want. Persian. Take my kingdom, my women, my gold.

I won't take your riches, but I will take your life. Flank him. Flank him.

[Applause]

Fulfilling his commitment to the gods, Kratos defeated the Bassam brought forth by the Persians. But this small victory would not satisfy the man who had come to be known as The Ghost of Sparta.

Is this all you would have me do? Is there nothing else?

Seeing the sun plummet through the sky and the world plunge into darkness, Kratos knew this was not a sign from the gods.

What treachery is this?

Setting his sights on the glowing horizon, Kratos made his way toward the mysterious light. But there was more afoot than Kratos could possibly know. In the darkness, Morpheus, the god of Dreams, awakened to a world where he, and only he, wielded power. The land was slowly overrun by a black fog that engulfed everything it touched. The power of Morpheus affected even Kratos, as he was haunted by a strange melody. And as Kratos approached the temple, it became clear that the task ahead was more than he could have ever imagined. Once again, the strange, lingering melody could be heard through the black fog of Morpheus, haunting Kratos. The temple on which Kratos stood was the Sun Chariot of Helios, the very Chariot that the fire steeds pulled across the sky every day, allowing the brilliance of Helios to shine down on all mankind.

Kratos. Athena. What madness has befallen us?

Kratos, there is not much time. Olympus needs you.

I grow tired of the gods' request, Athena. I have given enough. Now take these night mass from my head.

It is not for you to say when your servitude ends. You will earn earn your freedom in time, but for now, Olympus needs your unquestioning obedience. The god of the sun has been torn from the sky. This temple on which you stand is the Chariot of Helios. Without their master to reign them, the fire steeds have driven the sunshine into the Earth, and without Helios, there is no one to keep Morpheus from seizing permanent power. Many of the gods have fallen into a deep slumber. Soon, all will succumb to the black grip of Morpheus.

What would you have me do?

You must find Helios and return him to the sky, lest the world of gods and man be lost forever. Only his light can release the grasp of Morpheus.

Athena.

Athena, I am grateful you have come, Ghost of Sparta. The Titan Atlas has been freed from the pits of Tartarus and has taken my brother Helios from his rightful place in the sky.

What does Atlas want with the sun god?

Helios holds within him the power of the sun, a power so great it can destroy the world. It cannot be trusted in the hands of a Titan. Please, take the Sun Shield from his throne. Walk through the gates of Olympus, and you will find me. Hurry, Kratos. Even now, my brother suffers at the hand of Atlas.

As Kratos stepped out into the eternal night, much had changed. Outside the temple, Morpheus grew ever stronger as his hordes of darkness continued to smite.

[Music]

As Kratos entered the cave, Eos, goddess of Dawn and sister to Helios, sat above him, visibly weakened by the absence of the sun. All glory be to Lord Zeus for granting you safe passage to me. The King of the Gods does not aid me. Eos, I am but a slave to Zeus and Olympus.

Save my brother, Kratos, and he will convince Zeus to release you and rid you of the horrors of your past. I give you my word.

The gods have broken their word to me many times. Forgive me if I find it hard to believe your promises. Be that as it may, Kratos, the primordial fire is almost out. Without Helios, the life-giving light of the world cannot be sustained. If you do not find him, only darkness and death awaits all of us.

Where has Atlas taken him?

I do not know, Kratos. Follow the passage out of the cave. Retrieve the fire, and it will light your path to the remaining steeds. They will guide you to their master. They will take you to my brother.

[Music]

May you go with the speed of Hermes, Ghost of Sparta.

And again, the melody returned, and it almost seemed familiar.

[Music]

As Kratos left the temple, he was assaulted by the army of Morpheus, and again he heard the haunting melody. But this time, he recognized it as the song of his daughter, Calliope.

Calliope, my daughter, where are you?

[Music]

Calliope.

[Music]

With the release of the fire steeds, Kratos was now in the hands of the beasts, and where they would take him, he did not know.

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Sh.

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Ha.

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As the steeds pulled Kratos away from the grip of Morpheus, they crossed into the underworld. But in the land of the dead, they could go no further, for these beings of light were not welcome in Hades.

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Kratos found himself on the very edge of Hades, the land where no mortal had set foot. Here, where the souls of the dead walk their faded path, Kratos knew that for him, this was merely the beginning.

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Who calls for the ferryman?

H. Of Sparta. Slave to the Olympians.

I am a slave to no one. Kon. We share a common fate, Kratos. The gods will release neither of us from our torture.

Be gone. It is not yet your time, mortal. You chose your path. Host of.

[Music]

Sparta.

Here, where the souls of the wicked are tortured in the pits of Tartarus. Wailing and agony of the damned resonated deep throughout the bowels of the underworld. Kratos saw before him the remnants of the old rulers of Earth, the mighty Titans, defeated by the gods and enchained in the depths of Tartarus. They suffered their unjust penance, and for their torment, it was well known that these immortal beings hated the Olympians with immeasurable fury. By the hands of Zeus, the Titans had been bound and shackled in their torment for a thousand years with no hope of escape. Now, the chains that once held the Titan Atlas lay broken, and only one question played the thoughts of Kratos: Who will release such evil?

[Music]

[Applause]

You again. The walls of Tartarus would not hold Atlas, and they would not hold me either. The gods have obviously taken pity on their slaves.

You underestimate me, Caron. This time, I will not be so merciful.

Having defeated Caron, Kratos journeyed deeper into Hades and closer to his goal. For in the distance, the bright light of Helios illuminated all of the underworld. But something on the shore caught his attention.

[Music]

And to Kratos, it almost seemed an apparition.

Cabe. Upon seeing his daughter, Kratos realized that all that he had been working for, all that he had wanted, was within reach. Years of service to the gods had not delivered him from his pain. Never had it eased the burden of his past. And now, Althea was found. Found.

[Music]

Clara.

Kopi. Kopi, where are you?

Kratos looked, but his daughter was nowhere to be seen. In the middle of the room sat a graceful figure, a figure he recognized all too well.

Tohany, wife of Hades and queen of the undead.

Where is my daughter, witch?

Choose your words carefully, Ghost of Sparta. You address the goddess of the underworld. Your daughter is well. She lives among the pure souls in the Elysian Fields.

Lead me to her.

Have you forgotten, Kratos? The Olympians need you. They slumber at the hand of Morpheus. I have faithfully served the gods, yet they do not give me what I ask. I grow weary of their demands. The gods on Olympus failed me too, Kratos. I was betrayed by Zeus and tricked by my husband, Hades. Now I am to stay in the Underworld as Queen of the Dead, to serve the fallen and care for them as my own children.

Pranie. I demand to see my daughter.

As you wish. If Calliope is your true desire, I can help you. But be warned, Ghost of Sparta, the world of man will suffer because of your choice.

I care little for the world and its suffering.

Where is she?

If you are to see your daughter again, you must become worthy of Elysium. Cast your weapons at the Forsaken Tree and let it release the evils of your past. Only then will you be free of your sins and be granted passage through the divine gates.

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

You have done well, Kratos. Walk through the portal and find the one you seek.

[Music]

Calliope. Father. My child. Why did you go?

I am here now, child, and I will not leave you again.

I have watched over you, pathetic mortals, for a thousand years, and it is always the same. Serving yourself before the needs of others has always been your flaw. But no matter, for now, you serve my purpose. It is time for all that came before to end. The Titan will fulfill his role and finish what I have started. I released Atlas. You, as you were, pathetically disarming yourself. Atlas completed the task I set him out to do. With the power of the sun in his hands, it is only a matter of time before he destroys the pillar that holds the world and Olympus with it.

But why do you think it was my choice to wed a man I did not love, live a life I did not choose? I was betrayed by the very gods that once saw me as their own. But no more. Once the pillar is destroyed, the world will revert into chaos.

And what has to become of you?

I will have my peace and be free from this miserable existence. I will perish, but it is my choice.

Father. What's happening? I'm scared.

In your selfish choice to be with your daughter, you have caused her ruin. No. Elysium falls too. Kratos, she will perish.

No. I will not let the gods take her from me again.

Father. The choice was clear to him, yet impossible to make. To stay with his daughter meant the end of the world and the end of her. To stop Persephone and Atlas would mean forsaking his daughter forever. While his hatred and anger for the gods grew ever stronger, he knew there was but one thing to do.

Father, please. Please, father.

[Applause]

No.

Kratos soon realized what he gained in humanity, you lost in power. You will need to become the monster want. Want. He needs to defeat Persephone. Spartan, witness the end. Die, Spartan. Go to her. Be with her. Leave this world behind. Atlas, you will not stop me. I got it. I am a queen. I am.

[Music]

Your suffering will never end, Ghost of Sparta.

[Music]

Perhaps you believe the Olympians will help you. But I ask, where are your gods now, Kratos? Why do they not come to your aid?

I do not need the aid of the gods. But my path is now clear to me. I will serve them, and they will keep their promise to free me from my past.

I ask you, Spartan, what good is the promise of an Olympian?

It is all I have. Atlas. We will meet again, Spartan. The fates have deemed it. One day, you will regret what you have done here.

The mighty Atlas was left enchained, condemned to forever hold the world on his shoulders, greater penance than even Zeus himself had placed on the Titans. The fate of Atlas had been sealed, and the goddess Persephone was no more. Kratos had saved mankind, but that mattered little to him. By forsaking his daughter, he had abandoned the only person he ever cared for. What he had long sought and finally found was now forever lost.

[Music]

As the sun chariot rose higher in the sky and the might of Helios shone once again on the world, Morpheus retreated to the shadows. Kratos gained little satisfaction from his victory. With years of servitude in front of him, he would need to confront his past and fight to reclaim the humanity he lost on the day his dark legend was born.

[Music]

The dire hole of his relentless battles finally caught up with him as Kratos fell from the Chariot to the Earth. Was this sacrifice too much for one to bear, even for the man who was known as The Ghost of Sparta?

He has again served us well, Athena. He is a remarkable mortal. He is weak. Shall we help him? He'll live.

They must.

[Applause]

The gods of Olympus have abandoned me. Now there is no hope.

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

Foul beasts, I will send you back to the depths of Hades.

A. It's you. The visions. They were real. The gods came to me, told me their champion would come and rescue us from the Hydra. But you're 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.

Lord Presided. Kratos, before you reach Athens, there is a task you must complete. This beast, this 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. Take this weapon, Kratos. Take this power, and use it to defeat your enemies. Go with the gods, great host. Go forth in the name of Olympus.

Back. Get them away from the [ __ ]. Why won't they die? It's the giant one. He keeps healing the others. No. I. I got. Never get out of here. Doomed. We're doomed. We're all exited. Save me.

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

Thank you. Thank the gods you came back for me.

I didn't come back for you.

[Music]

No. Slaughtered like animals. The victims lay before him, a reminder of his own past, a past he could never escape. His only solace was the sea, endlessly sailing from one harbor to the next in service to the gods of Olympus. All his hopes rested with them, 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.

Athena. 10 years. Athena, I have faithfully served the gods for 10 years. When will you relieve me of these nightmares?

We request one final task of you, Kratos. Your greatest challenge awaits in Athens, 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 fall. 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. And if I am able to do this, to kill a god, then the visions, they will end. Complete this final task, and the past that consumes you will be forgiven. Have faith, Kratos. The gods do not forget those who come to their aid.

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

Run. Run. The beasts have taken a look out. No, no. Stay away from me.

[Music]

You. A reinforcements arrived. Ares has brought these beasts to Athens. Without help, the city will fall. The gates destroyed. You'll have to find another way.

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. Medusa, the queen of the Gorgons. Bring me her head, Kratos, and I will give you the ability to wield its power. Go with the God's wisdom. Go, for in the name of Olympus.

W. Do not fear, Kratos. I am the Oracle of Athens, here to help you defeat Ares. Find my temple to the East, and I will show you how to murder a god.

[Music]

I know who you are. I know what you've done. Monster. Wait. Stay back. Get away from me.

[Music]

[Applause]

You. I must get across. Release the lever. Extend the bridge. No, no. I won't let them get me. They won't get across. These monsters, they'll, they'll tear me apart. Coward.

Lord 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. Take this weapon, Kratos. Take this power, and use it to defeat your enemies. You have done well, Kratos. Go with the gods. Go forth in the name of Olympus.

[Music]

Oracle. Kratos. Praise Athena. You are no Pros. Kratos. Find me. You must find me. Athens depends on it. Bratos. Bratos. Help me.

[Music]

Good. My boy. Good. Athena has chosen wisely. I knew it was so.

Who are you?

So you have the blades. The skin as pale as the moon. You are the one, indeed. Perhaps Athens will survive at that. But be careful. Don't want you dying before I'm done with this grave.

A grave in the middle of a battle. Who will occupy it?

Old man, you will. My son. Oh, 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.

[Music]

Kos. Help me. Help Kratos. Hurry, Kratos. I'm slipping. You must get here quickly. I can help you. We can save Athens, but you must hurry.

And with that act, Kratos set in motion the events that would lead to his downfall. 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? No. I. I can't. We must not stop.

And when the Oracle looked into his soul, she saw a beast as well as a man. Once a captain in the Spartan Army, Kratos had begun his command with only 50 soldiers, but soon his numbers grew to the thousands. His tactics were brutal but effective. Drunk with power, he was feared by all except one: his wife. She was the only one to brave his fury.

How much is enough, Kratos? When will it end?

When the glory of Sparta is known throughout the world. The glory of Sparta. You did this for yourself.

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

By the gods, why would Athena send one such as you? Stay out of my head. Choose your enemies wisely, Kratos. Your brute strength alone will not be enough to destroy Ares. Only one item in the world will allow you to defeat a god: Pandora's Box, which lies far beyond the walls of Athens, hidden by the gods across the desert to the East. But be warned, Kratos, many have gone in search of Pandora's Box. None have returned.

Kratos, the journey forward is perilous, but one you must complete if you are to have any hope of saving Athens.

The Oracle spoke of Pandora's Box. Can it be real?

The Box exists. It is the most powerful weapon a mortal can wield, and with such a weapon, I could defeat Ares. With the Box, many things become possible. And so, it is hidden well, far across the desert of lost souls. There is safe passage through the deadly sands, but only those who hear and follow the siren song will discover it. You must find the sirens, Kratos. Only they can guide you to Kronos, the Titan.

A Titan lives. Kronos is the last. Zeus has commanded him to wander the desert endlessly, the Temple of Pandora changed to his back, until the swirling sands rip the very flesh from his bones. Stay true to the song of the siren, Kratos. Your journey begins here. Pray it leads you back to Athens with Pandora's Box.

[Music]

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 its guarded treasure.

[Music]

Ang. For 3 days, Kratos climbed the sheer 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.

[Music]

Ah. So you think you can conquer the Temple of the gods, do you? It's never been done, you know. Sooner or later, the Harpies will bring what's left of you back for me to burn. The gods hid Pandora's Box in here so no mortal would ever claim its power. And yet, year after year, I open the gate for more and more soldiers and place more and more bodies on these piles. If I were you, I'd leave now. But I can see you are determined. Very well. May the gods grant you strength to conquer the perils that lay before you. Good luck, Spartan.

Emus. 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 it to complete your quest. Take this weapon, Kratos. Take this power, and use it to defeat your enemies.

The wrecked bodies of those who had gone in search of Pandora's Box lay before him, and at once, Kratos knew who was responsible. This was not the first time he'd seen the ruin Ares and his minions had left in their wake. Kratos had experienced it first-hand years before, the youngest and boldest captain in the Spartan Army. Kratos inspired fierce loyalty in his men. It had always been enough to carry them through any battle, until this day. The Barbarians to the East numbered in the thousands and descended on the Spartans without mercy. The battle lasted near hours. The discipline and training of the Spartans did little to stem the tide of the merciless barbarians. The soldiers faced a massacre, while their young captain faced the end of his brilliant career and his life. But to Kratos, victory was worth any price, even his soul.

Ares, destroy my enemies, and my life is yours. That desperate call for aid would come to haunt Kratos for all his days.

By the gods, what have I become?

[Music]

Let down for sh. Lord 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 who stand ready to fight by your side. Take this weapon, Kratos. Take this power, and use it to defeat your enemies.

Oh, what.

[Music]

Kratos had been in service to the gods long, 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. Had it been that long since he'd almost met his end at the hands of the Barbarians? That long since he traded everything to save himself? Ares. The sky split apart, and the God of War stepped through, descending from Olympus. He saw the makings of a god in a mere mortal. Ares would save Kratos. He would turn him into the perfect warrior, his servant on Earth. Only a simple pledge of loyalty was required.

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

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. As for Kratos, his sword and shield would be it, the nearest servant of the God of War. The Blades of Chaos, forged in the foulest depths of Hades, once attached, the chains remained so chained and seared to the flesh, a part of the bearer's body, a permanent reminder of Kratos's pledge. In return, ultimate power. 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.

Wretched beast, I know who it is you serve. Return to your master. Tell the God of War I am his no longer. Tell him he is not safe while I walk the Earth. I will find Pandora's Box, and I will use it to see him tremble and fall before me.

The path before Kratos was clear, but still the memories came rushing back, as familiar and permanent as the blades chained to his wrists. Memories of what he'd done in the name of Ares, memories of how he'd become a servant to the God of War, a beast, his humanity robbed and replaced only with the will to murder. No one was safe. Entire armies fell before Kratos and the soldiers who followed him on his unending path of conquest, all in the name of his master. Those who offered resistance of any kind were dealt with quickly.

They've 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.

Emboldened by the God of War, Kratos's 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. He feared nothing. But there was something about this temple, something forbidden. All his instincts told him he should never cross its threshold, never step inside.

Beware, Kratos. The dangers in the temple are greater than you know.

But the village oracle's warning fell on deaf ears. His ambition would not be denied. All who opposed him would die.

A. 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. With that act, Kratos knew he could no longer serve his master. He had but one calling now: the death of Ares.

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

[Music]

Kratos, your quest is at an end. You are the first mortal to ever reach Pandora's Box. There is still time to save Athens. You must bring the Box back to my city and use it to kill Ares. Return to Athens, Kratos. Return and save my city.

[Music]

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

After a thousand years, Pandora's Box was at last freed of its confines. Kratos had found the means to destroy the God of War. Far away in Athens, Ares knew Kratos had succeeded in his quest.

So little Spartan, you've recovered Zeus's precious Box. But you will not live long enough to see it opened. I will see to that. Goodbye, Spartan. You will rot in the depths of Hades for all eternity.

As the life began to leave Kratos, his thoughts returned to that fateful night. Even in death, the memories, the visions would not fade. For how could he forget spilling the blood of his own family? A cruel trick orchestrated by the God of War.

My wife, my child. How they were left in Sparta.

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

But as the flames consume 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.

Ares. From this night forward, the mark of your terrible deed will be visible to all. The ashes of your wife and child will remain fastened to your skin, never to be removed. And with that curse, all would know him for the beast he had become. His skin white with the ash of his dead family, a ghost of Sparta had been born. In the end, in death, he had failed.

As the minions of Ares claimed Pandora's Box, Kratos's life faded and his cursed soul was cast into the fires of Hades. And Kratos fell into the Underworld. The River Styx beckoning below, the currents strong enough to carry even the strongest mortal to his eternal resting place. But Kratos had no intention of resting yet. He intended to live, to return to Earth and complete his quest.

Let go, fool. You won't drag me down to that cursed river. There is a task left for me above. I will see completed.

You.

[Applause]

Again.

Ah. Kratos. And not a moment too soon. I only finished digging just a moment ago.

Who are you?

Now that is an interesting question. But for now, you must hurry. Athens needs you.

But how did you know?

I. Athena isn't the only god keeping watch on you, Spartan. Complete your task, Kratos.

And the gods will forgive your sins. Kato's had traversed the desert of lost souls, Ved the deadly traps of Pandora's Temple, and escaped Hades itself. There was but one task left. Zeus, do you see now what your son can do? You cast your favor on Athena, but her city lies in ruins before me. And now, even Pandora's Box is mine. Would you have me use it against Olympus itself? Kato's returned, even from the underworld. Is this the best you can do, father? You send a broken mortal to defeat me, the God of War.

After thousands of years, Pandora's Box was finally opened. The power of the gods unleashed. You are still just a mortal, every bit as weak as the day you begged me to save your life. I am not the same man you found that day. The monster you've created has returned to kill you. You have no idea what a true monster is, Kato's. Your final lesson is at hand. I have taught you many ways to kill. Immortal creators, flesh that burns, bones that break. But to break a man's spirit is to truly destroy him. 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.

The nightmares that had haunted Kato's for the past 10 years had now taken form and substance. His past stood before him.

"What's happening? Where are we?"

"By the gods, can this be real?"

"Daddy! Ares! Kato's, please take us home."

"Do you see, God of War? You took them once, but you'll never have them again. You cannot save them, Kato's. You gave them up in your quest for ultimate power. There is a price to pay for everything you gain."

"Not that price! I didn't want them to die!"

"No price is too high for what I offered, and you rejected me."

"Oh God! Now you will have no power, no magic. All that is left for you is death."

"No! Not again!"

"You should have joined me, Kato's. You should have been strong. Stronger are the gods."

The battle was not over. The gods had seemed at a final gift for Kato's. "I still have allies in Olympus, Ares. Now you will see how strong I am."

"Remember, Kato's, it was I who saved you in your time of greatest need."

"I haven't forgotten, Ares. I remember how you saved me that night. I was trying to make you a great warrior."

"You succeeded."

Kato's had done the impossible. A mortal defeating a god. Ares was no more. The city had been saved and would thrive again. 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.

"Athena, rid me of the memories that haunt me still."

"You have done well, Kato's. Though we mourn the death of our brother, the gods are indebted to you. 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."

In the end, knowing the visions of his past would never leave him, Kato's made his way to the bluffs overlooking the Aegean Sea.

"The gods of Olympus have abandoned me. Now there is no hope."

The fate of Kato's was not as it seemed. The gods had other plans. Born aloft like a feather, Kato's found himself risen from the sea and placed on solid earth.

"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. But now, there is an empty throne in Olympus, and a new God of War is needed. Take these stairs, Kato's. They lead to your ultimate reward."

And from that point forward, throughout the rest of time, whenever men rode forth to battle for good cause or for evil, they did so under the watchful eye of the man who had defeated a god. They were driven forward by Kato's, the mortal who had become the new God of War. Kato's, the Ghost of Sparta, had taken his place amongst the Olympians as the God of War. The bloodshed, the relentless battles, had finally brought him here. Ares was dead. And though Olympus beckoned, visions of his mortal existence still haunted him.

"Great help me."

Kato's knew that this was not a mere vision, for with the gods, nothing was ever as it seemed. The vision of his past set Kato's in search of answers. Answers that lay in the Temple of Poseidon, deep within the city of Atlantis.

"This is not a wise course of action, Kratos. It was a dream, nothing more."

"The visions still haunt me."

"Be the visions you promised to take away. But this vision, I can change."

"Perhaps it is a vision best left unchanged. There is more to this than you know."

"Please."

"Aha! You're searching for him. The Ghost of Sparta! Run for your lives!"

The Temple of Thanatos, the god of death. A vestige of a long forgotten time, erected before the rule of the Olympians. This temple was not placed here by mortal hands. Within its walls, they a passage to the domain of death. In the distance stood the Temple of Poseidon, a monument around ed by the Atlanteans to the greatness of their protector, the God.

"Know thyself, and your path shall be revealed. Come, brave Spartans. The battle is done."

"Kato's, bring Deimos inside."

"How I have missed you, Kato's."

"What treachery is this? Another trick of the gods?"

"No, my son. It is me. Your father."

"Brought me here. I have waited so long."

"My father. We do not have much time. Kato's, your brother does not have much time."

"Deimos! He lives! Trapped in torment, deep in death's domain."

"But he's gone! You told me that he was!"

"I'm sorry. I had no choice but to lie. You must listen now. The Temple of Ares in Sparta holds the secret that will lead to your brother. The road will not be easy. But you must help him. You must, Kato's. He needs you."

"This cannot be. Why? Why would you do this?"

"Your father forbid me to tell you."

"My father? Who is my father?"

"Finally, I am free. Find your brother, Kratos. Go to Sparta. Find Deimos. He needs you."

"Mother! What have I done?"

With her last breath, she released the weight of her burden and finally found the peace she had long sought. But for Kato's, the rage was almost palpable. Fate had once again pushed him to the brink of madness.

"It has been long since our kind waited for the one destined to free us. Gaia foretold of our salvation, Ghost of Sparta."

"I have not come here for you or your kind."

"Do not be so naive, Kato's. Your path led you to me. You need my help."

"I need nothing from you."

"Theah! If you do not free me, then you will share my fate. You will die here with me."

"Free me! Free me, and my power will be yours. Without it, we will both remain prisoners of our torments."

The battle with Sila had shaken the very foundation of Poseidon's Kingdom. Atlantis was sinking. But that mattered little to the Ghost of Sparta.

"Athena, you lied to me! The gods lied to me! My brother lives! He lives!"

"Don't let your rage blind you, Kato's. There is much you do not know."

"Be warned. They will all try to stop."

"Hold fast, Dominus. We've won the battle."

"Hold fast."

"What happened here? We have angered them. The gods. They sent a message to all who defy their glory. But we, we survived."

"Sared us. She, she who spared you. The daughter."

"A message to the Ghost of Sparta. Labor begins. Death awaits the ghost. He will never get the skull. Let's go."

"I am coming for you, brother."

"What fools! What fools! And you, the biggest fool of all, Kato's. The Ghost of Sparta. The Slayer of Ares. And now, the destroyer of Atlantis. You should take heed, Spartan. The destruction of Poseidon's Kingdom will not bode well on Olympus."

"I can't little for the gods. And yet, you walk beside them."

"I did not ask for the throne of Ares."

"You were given the honor to walk among the gods, and yet you spit on it like it was dirt."

"The gods can keep their honor. I wish only to find my brother."

"Ah, yes, the other one. Try if you must, but you will not succeed. You will never find him. And in the wake of your destruction, you have sunk the only path to your salvation. This is all that awaits you at the end of your journey."

"Not before I find Deimos."

"Be wise, my son, and turn back now. Do not seek the domain of death."

"Don't let your guard down, Deimos. A Spartan warrior never lets his back hit the ground. Even in death, a Spartan stands tall for battle. You are a Spartan, are you not?"

"Yes."

"Kratos, I don't know where he is. Please, I swear to you."

"My Lord, I knew you would return. I have not failed you. I told the servants of death nothing."

"Elysium. Elysium. You are a Spartan. Even in death, you stand tall for battle. Thank you, Lord."

"Kratos. Thanatos, the daughter of Thanatos, the god of death. Pain given form. Evil living life. Ghost of Sparta. The god slayer. Your brother belongs to Thanatos. So you blood. You cannot stop me. Nothing can."

"What?"

"Lord Kratos, return."

"Turns all heal. The God of War. Lord Kratos, come and play. You are tired. Let us strike. What can we get? You won't catch me. Come back here, coward!"

"Get up! You can't fight from your back. Is that all you have? Is that all you have?"

"A Spartan war."

"No, brother. You are weak. Weak. Get up! You can't fight from your back."

"A Spartan warrior never lets his back hit the ground. Even in death, a Spartan stands tall for battle. You are a Spartan, are you not?"

"Yes."

"Kratos. After the Great War with the Titans, the Oracle had foretold the demise of the Olympian gods and the destruction of Olympus. She saw that it would be brought about not by the hands of the Titans who thirsted for revenge, but by the hands of a mortal, a marked warrior. Whoever controlled the marked warrior controlled the fate of Olympus."

"E pnal of farahan s a heos help."

"Kratos, forgive me. Deimos, where are you?"

"I'm home, my sons."

"Deimos! I will find you!"

"Open the gate. This way, my Lord."

"He the true God of warable. You will never catch me. I'm warning you. Take that. Glory be to spider. Pull you move further out, my Lord. We shall make quick work of this and erect a statue bitting of your glory. That's right, man. Now pull. All hail, Lord Kratos, the God of War. All hail, Lord Kratos."

"My Lord, I have something for you."

"I shall return. Face thyself, and your F shall be seal."

Kratos stood in the Temple of Ares. It was a somber reminder of who and what he had become. The Ghost of Sparta. The god slain. And now, the very person he had once despised. The God of War.

"Yes."

"Yeah."

"You are a coward. Some warrior. You are liar. You were liar. You were afraid. You are count. He was tortured because of you. The warrior you are. You are coward. Liar. You were afraid. You are a coward. I thought you were a sped coward. He suffers because of you."

Kratos knew he had to return to Atlantis. Back to the sunken city. Only there would he find the entrance to death's domain and the brother he left behind.

"Your weapons, my Lord. I have looked after them as if they were my own."

"You have served me well. Thank you, my Lord."

"Be warned, Ghost of Sparta. Do not pursue this path. The gods forbid it."

"The gods have no power over me."

"Deimos, where is my brother?"

"If you persist, that the fates will prevent me from ending your power. Ares was unwise to believe you could serve him. Do not stand in my way, Fadus, for Ares' blood is not the only I will."

"Stay away! Stay away! I'm cursed! Stay away! Don't you see? Everything I touch, gold. I just, I, I didn't mean to. I thought... How, how could I know that she would... Oh, my daughter! My beautiful little girl! Mistakes! Am I in Hades? I must be. Finally, I know what I must do."

"Stop! Please! No! Please! Why will the G let me die?"

Kratos knew that deep within the ranging abyss lay the answer to a question he was not yet prepared to ask. Was Deimos still alive?

"You have desecrated my kingdom. I shall not forget this, Ghost of Sparta. You will answer for this affront."

"It is not too late to turn back, Kratos."

"No good will come of this journey. The gods."

"I am done with the gods. Return to Olympus and leave me be."

"Your brother was a threat to Olympus, Kratos. What was done had to be done."

"Forgive me. Forgive me."

"You were there! Why? Why did you help him?"

"I was there for you, Kratos. You had to be saved."

"You should have saved him! I should have saved him!"

"There is more to this than we could possibly know."

"Gros, lies and riddles. As all you give me. An inner. I will save my brother, and you will stay out of my way."

The domain of death. A dark nether world nestled between the land of the living and the realm of the Dead. A Purgatory ruled by the god of death, Thanatos. The doors to the domain of death. A place neither mortal nor God had dared enter. Worshipped long before the Olympians, Thanatos, the god of death, dwelt within.

"Brother, you are safe now."

"Sh! You let this happen to me! You were supposed to protect me!"

"Did you think I would forget? Did you think I would forgive? I will never forgive you, brother. You left me."

"Get up! Fight me! I hate you, Kratos! You killed my daughter, Spartan! And now you will suffer for it!"

"I a Spartan never lets his back hit the ground, right, brother?"

"I will not lose you again."

"Demons come. The fight is not over."

"The Oracle may have yet spoken truth. The marked warrior shall bring about the destruction of Olympus. Ares chose pooling that day. He took your brother when it should have been you. None of that matters now. Nothing you do is of your own choosing. The gods do not decide my fate."

"Thanatos. The gods decide. And the sisters of Fate make it so. You are nothing but a PAW in a game you don't even know is being played. Pathetic. Now is the time, Kratos. The beginning of the end."

"Deimos."

"You are insignificant. Command us. Your brother suffers because of you. Your fate lies in the hands of Olympus."

"Spot on."

"Come now. I have a fresh PO for them."

"You are free now, brother."

"Oh."

"By the gods, what have I become? Death, the destroyer of worlds."

"It is done. You have let go of that which made you mortal. Your ties to this world are severed. You are ready to be a God."

"Is this all a game to you, Athena?"

"It is not over again. The gods will pay for this."

"Forgive me, brother."

"All."

"Now, only one remains."

By defeating Ares, Kratos, the once mortal warrior, became the new God of War. However, Kratos soon found himself alone on Olympus, shunned by his fellow gods. But Kratos had no need for the love of petty gods. He had found a new family in the warriors of Sparta, gaining solace from his past and con to battle.

"My Lord Kratos, another city is ready to fall. Soon all shall know the glory of Sparta."

"Enough, Kato's. With every city you destroy, the wrath of Olympus grows. Soon I will no longer be able to protect you."

"I need no protection. Do not forget that. It was I who made you a god."

"Ghost of Sparta. Do not turn your back on me."

"I owe you nothing."

"Then you leave me no choice."

Kato's had turned the pain of his memories into hatred. Hatred for the gods who had refused to free him from the nightmares of his past deeds. And so he went to Rose to deliver the final blow to the besieged city.

"Athena, you conspire against me."

"Oh, Athena, you will."

"Love, Kato's. I do not need your help."

"Zeus, I can take down this beast."

"I offer you more than help, Kato's. I offer you power. I offer you the Blade of Olympus. It was this blade that ended the Great War and defeated the Titans. Drain your godly powers into the sword, Kato's. Only then will you reach your full potential."

"Why do you aid me now?"

"What I do now, I do for the good of all Olympus. Do you see, gods of Olympus? Do you need more proof than this?"

Placing all of his godly power into the weapon had rendered Kato's mortal, vulnerable to the arms of death. Blooded and beaten, he knew that to have any hope of survival, he must retrieve the Blade of Olympus. Humiliated before his Spartan Army, Kato's dragged himself up from the dirt.

"How can this be? Why does our..."

"You yes. I am forced to attend to this matter myself. Athena refused to undo her mistake. Imagine caring for a creature such as yourself."

"Why? Why would you betray me?"

"It is you who would betray me. Am I to stand idly by, die while Olympus is threatened?"

"Your hands are already stained by the blood of a god. Will not let's fate be my own."

"The gods are petty and pathetic, and your rule is weak."

"I grow tired of this insolence. I am the king of Olympus, and it is my way."

"That is the way of the Gods. You must vow to forever serve me."

"I serve no one."

"Then you, you leave me no choice."

"God struggle. What power could possibly defeat the God of War?"

"Kratos has fallen. Submit."

"I would rather die."

"It did not have to be this way, my son. This path is of your choosing."

"A choice from the gods is as useless as the gods themselves. Even now, as you draw your last breath, you continue to defy me. You will never be the ruler of Olympus. The cycle ends here. You will pay for this."

"S be certain of that."

As the life drained out of Kato's, the arms of Hades reached out to claim their prize. But there was more resting on K's shoulders than he could know. Kato's was destined to bring about change so severe that it would shake the very pillars of Mount Olympus. His death was something that I could not alive.

"Ares! Destroy my enemies, and my life is yours."

"Fight, Spartan! You are not meant to die here. This is not the end."

"Who are you?"

"I am the Titan Gaia, everpresent mother of Earth. I have watched you become a powerful warrior, and I have been with you through all the events of your life. But I can no longer simply watch. We will help you defeat Zeus."

"Death is an escape, Kratos. You are a warrior of Sparta, not a coward. Only a coward accepts death."

"I am no coward. Then you must F."

"I will show you the way to the sisters of Fate. Only with their power will you defeat Zeus."

"My Lord, I knew you could not be killed. I never lost faith. Return to Spartan and prepare for battle."

"But our brothers are dead."

"You can still hold a sword. Spartans do not surrender. Do your guard commands."

"And what of you, my Lord?"

"I am going after Zeus."

"It seems are still this. Turn back to Olympus, Beast. I must face Zeus."

"You defy the God of War. You are no longer a god. God Kratos. Zeus. The Limpus. And the blade which holds all your power will forever more be out of reach. Your only hope is to find the sisters of Fate and travel back through time. For only then will he truly be vulnerable."

"Kratos, to succeed, you will need more help than I can."

"Who dares to enter this place?"

"A God of War. You live."

"I no longer walk with the gods."

"Who has placed you in this torment?"

"Zeus. My only crime was helping mankind. When I took the fires of Olympus to the mortals, Zeus considered it a betrayal. As punishment, he made me mortal and condemned me to be savagely consumed every day by this cursed bird. And then, with the fall of night, I am healed."

"How long have I been here? How long have I suffered this curse?"

"I truly do not know."

"Please, Ghost of Sparta, release me from my torment."

"Will p for that, great. You have freed Prometheus from the torment of the gods. His flesh has tainted the fires of Olympus and embodied it with the power of the Titans. These ashes will give you great strength, Kratos. Take them within you and use this strength to defeat your enemies."

"Kratos, behold the island of Creation. Hold the sisters of Fate here. The path to your true destiny begins. The island is fraught with danger. It was created to prevent all from reaching the three SST sers of Fate. The power of the sisters will allow you to return to that moment when Zeus betrayed and killed you, thus changing your fate and the fate of others."

"You must find a way across to the island of Kratos, for there lies your path to the sisters of Fate."

"Why do you aid me, Gaia?"

"Zeus must be stopped, Kratos. The story of revenge has been told before. You know of the mighty Titan Kronos. Sful was Kronos of the oracle's prediction that his own children would rise against him, that he decided to imprison them all in his belly. Rhea stood by and watched as her children were devoured one by one. But when the time came for the last of her children to be eaten, she was unable to bear another such loss and devised a trick to save the baby Zeus. Rhea commanded the eagle to secret us on the way. He was taken to an island far beyond the watchful eyes of Kronos. It was I who cared for him. It was I who kept him safe. I nurtured his desire to free his brothers and sisters from Kronos. But my foolish act of compassion would haunt the Titans forever. For in sparing Zeus, we allowed him to return to us with vengeance in his heart. He betrayed all of the Titans for the sins of just one. The sins of his father."

"Kronos."

"The Ghost of Sparta, then. What they say is true. This is of all the fools who try. You would be the last I would expect to seek an audience with the sisters of Fate. And you are the last one I would expect to become a servant of the Fates."

"I serve and protect the sisters of Fate for the glory of Zeus."

"The time of Zeus is coming to an end. You seek the sisters to kill Zeus. You no longer possess the powers of a god, Kratos. I doubt you're capable of killing me, let alone the king of Olympus."

"Let me pass, and I will let you live."

"Over. I do not think that is your a choice to make. Come forward. Let us finally see who is the greatest warrior in all of Greece."

"Let the rage of the Titans."

"Our destiny has brought us together, Warrior. Before my hope in the Great War with the Gods, I hid away the last remnant of my magic for the good of the Titans. IUS now bestow what is left upon you. Use the word."

"Hear me, Fallen God. None defy with the F's decree. That is how it must be. Only death awaits you at the end of your journey."

"My death is what began this journey. The fates have not deemed victory for you. Your soul will never find peace for what you have become."

"I am what the gods have made me."

Hidden deep within the spire lie the sisters. They control the threads of Fate. Gain control of your thread, and you will be able to return to the moment when Zeus betrayed you.

"By the gods, it is true! I have F my way through the guardians of Hades and crawled my way out of the fires of torment to change my fate. And for my efforts, the sisters shine their light upon me, delivering the very object of my vengeance."

"Kratos, the servant of Ares. Do you remember that day, Spartan?"

"I will never forget that day."

"This time, Ghost of Sparta, I will have your head."

"A Let the rage of the Titans fuel your blades, crater."

"You Warrior, help me. Help me, God of War."

"Jason, that beast took him! All our men are dead! Jason has the fleece! You must save him! The fleece is the key to Medusa's Temple!"

"No! That door was my only escape. I have faced test after test in search of the sisters, and now you have dashed it all away. You certainly do not live up to your reputation, Ghost of Sparta. But perhaps this is a test. Are you watching me now, sisters? Give me a sign. Am I the great Percus to kill this fallen god to receive an audience with you? Will that allow me to bring my love back from the grasp of Hades himself? If not, at least I can bathe in the glory of being the one who brought down the mighty Kratos, the Slayer of Gods. Although I hardly think a harpy's fool such as yourself deserves such praise."

"I'm right here."

"Go back! Go back, Warrior! There is no passage here. You will never make it across. You think you can, but you cannot. Do you hear me? It's my wings that will make it across. It is my test. Do you not know who I am? Have you not heard of Vicus? It is my fate to make it across. None of this is my test. The sisters will grant me an audience, not you. You will die, white Warrior. You will die. I will reach the sisters of Fate, and I will use your wings to do so. The sisters will not allow you, a fallen god, to breathe in their light."

"A Go. Wait. Perhaps the sisters have sent you to help me. I realize now."

"Oh, the sister's Temple is far above, Kato's. You must get back to the surface."

"Who breaks my chains of torment? You are strong, but you are far too small, even for an Olympian, to be a god."

"Kratos, you dare show your face to me after what you have done! I will make you suffer, Kato's! You must trust me."

"Has pass since we last met. Why could I ever trust a servant of to?"

"Kratos, still the arrogant and foolish Warrior. You have not changed."

"H. And how do you plan to defeat the king of the Gods?"

"By taking the Blade of Olympus back and driving it into Zeus's heart. It holds the power I once wielded as the God of War."

"The Blade of Olympus. I have not heard that name in many years. Since, since the end of the Great War. Bloodlust and power raged within Zeus. His desire to rule over mortals was intolerable to us. The war between the Titans and the Olympians forged the landscape of the mortal world. It was a war that we knew the Titans must win. If we lost, it would mean an end to the Golden Age of the Titan rule, peace and prosperity for mankind would be no more."

The battle continued despite my caption. Then Zeus created a powerful weapon to end the Great War, a weapon forged from the heavens and the Earth, the Blade of Olympus.

"I banish you to the darkest pits of darkus."

"I awoke in the torment of the underworld, banished to the darkest pits of Hades. I would have destroyed Zeus if you had not put me here."

"Slave of the Gods. I no longer do the bidding of the Gods."

"Atlas, I have stomached their betrayal for the last time. Show me the way to the sisters, and I will kill Zeus once and for all."

"What Gaia says is true, Ghost of Sparta. You are a powerful Warrior and a worthy Ally of the Titan."

"Then tell me how to find the Temple of the sisters of Fate."

"None, not even a Titan, know how to reach the sister's Temple. But it is said he who finds it will wield great power."

"I have given you the last of my magic, Spen, and I will help you across the Great CM, but that is all I can offer."

"May fate grant you passage, Kato's, for many rely on your success."

"Read it. Hear me, sisters, who control the threads. Keep going. Another searches for what only the sisters may give. Read it as proof that he is worthy. No, please! No! I cannot do it. Reed, accept this sacrifice of my blood."

"Well done, Warrior. With this sacrifice, you have proven your resolve to seek out the sisters of Fate. However, this is but a small step in your quest to gain an audience with Ratos."

"You know not what you do. There are things far more important than your revenge."

"Reed, the words. Hear me, Noble sisters, who forge our destinies. Another seeks an audience to change their fate. Read as proof that he is worthy. No, Kato's, this will be the end of us all. You must stop. This is your purpose. Die with honor. I give my blood to illuminate the way."

"Gros, like the fiery Phoenix who is resurrected from his ashes, you too search for a second chance at life. Find these ashes and free the Phoenix. Only then will you find the path to the Temple of the Face."

"I have come too far to fail."

"You, my Lord. I told told you to return to Sparta. Why do you leave Sparta unprotected?"

"Sparta is no more. What treachery is this? Zeus! He came under the cloak of darkness into Sparta."

"Keep watch. The people cried out for you. They begged for their God to save them, but you did not come."

"I was left with no choice. I had to seek out the sisters to change the fate of our beloved Sparta. For I am all that is left now."

"You are all that is left. I have faith that our brothers of Sparta we live on through the true God of War."

"Zeus! Is this how you face me, coward? I am through doing the bidding of the Gods. Come down here and face me now."

"To I grow tired of the lies of the Gods."

"I am so sorry, my love. Can you ever forgive me?"

"All is not lost, Kato's. You must go on. There is much at stake here. I cannot defeat the gods."

"Victory favors you, Kato's, but you must grab hold of your destiny and command it. There is a war on the horizon, and we need you to lead us into battle."

"To what end?"

"The death of Zeus. If you relent, Zeus will torment you still. He will not rest knowing you live. And when you die, his brother Hades will see that your soul is tortured for all eternity. You will have no rest until you destroy him. Take within you this fire that burned your beloved Sparta. Let it fuel your rage and hasten your steps towards Destiny. The time to act is upon us, great. This battle is just the beginning of a Great War that is to come."

"Let the rage of the Titans fuel your blades, Pros."

"We've been expecting you. Out of my way. Your resol admirable, even if it is misguided. None can change their Destiny, Kato's. We sisters determin the fate of all. It was I who deemed that the Titans lose the Great War, and I who have allowed you to come this far. It is not your destiny to kill Zeus."

"You no longer control my destiny."

"I see Gaia has filled you with her lies. I have warned you."

"Let me pass."

"You have always amused Usos, but know this: there is no power greater than the sisters of Fate. If you challenge us, you will die."

"You do not defy fate, Cros, for we have Wen the events of your life. And now that life is at an end. We control your destiny."

"Foolish mortal. With a win, we can end your life or allow you to live. Search your memory, Kato's. The sword which you stand on delivered your Victory against Ares. Without it, you will be the one who dies this day, not Ares. We can change your past and set your future. This is the power of the the face."

"I look through playing games with you, Kratos. This power was never meant for a mortal like you."

"PLO weaves the thread of life for every mortal. Garden TI. Find your thread, and you will be able to control the mirrors of the F, the source of their power, and use them as a gateway to return to the time when Seuss betrayed you. Even now, as you draw your last breath, you continue to defy me."

"No. How can this be? The sisters of Fate have aided you. Unexpected. The sisters are dead. I underestimated you. A mistake I do not intend to repeat. Now I will show you the true power of a god."

"I told you I would make you pay for what you did. I am through playing with you, Kato's."

"See. Release me from this torment of my life."

"I will release you from your life, my son. But your torment is just beginning."

"You cannot do this, Kato's."

"You dare stand against me, Athena?"

"I do not wish to fight you, Kato's, but I will defend Olympus."

"Know this, my son, you have started a war you cannot possibly win."

"The fates have already deemed me victorious. No, Kato's, stop!"

"No! Why do you sacrifice yourself to save Olympus?"

"I do not seek to destroy Olympus, only Zeus."

"Zeus is Olympus. He brought this to himself because of fear. Kratos, a fear felt by his father Kronos, a fear that wrought the Great War, a fear that drove Zeus to kill you, his own son. His son, just as Zeus was compelled to destroy his father Kronos, you are compelled to do the same. No son should destroy his own father. No! I have no father."

"God after God will deny you, Kato's. They will protect Zeus. Zeus must live so that Olympus will prevail. If all on Olympus will deny me my vengeance, then all on Olympus will die. I have lived in the shadow of the Gods for long enough. The time of the Gods has come to an end."

"Remember, Kato's, you have the power to control time itself."

"G. We have been expecting you, Ghost of Sparta. The gods are far too powerful for us to defeat now. All on Olympus tremble at my name. Zeus is weak. Ares and Athena are dead, and I wield the blade. We can win the Great War, but not in this time. Together, we will destroy the petty gods, and we will see Olympus crumble before us. Come with me, Gaia. Return to my time. Victory awaits."

"We have faced far worse than this one fallen mortal. But we are the gods. We whom the mortals worship. We who rule over this land. We who will not be swept aside by this petulent fool. Brothers, put aside the petty grievances that have splintered us for so long. We will unite. We will stand together, and I will wipe out this plag. Olympus will prevail."

"Zeus, your son has returned. I bring the destruction of Olympus."

"The Titans will fail again."

"A something has been. I cannot move. Kato's, free me."

"Great, help me."

"You challenge me, mar? A God of Olympus? A true warrior does not hide. Poseidon, lead the sea and face me. You have disrespected the gods for the last time, Kato's. I will leave nothing of you in my wake. Jump to my hand."

"Zeus should have kept you where you belong. No matter how many gods fall, there will always be another to stand against you. They will fall as as well. The death of Olympus means the death of us all. Then prepare for your death, beside."

"In die."

"Kratos, the death of Zeus is within our reach. Climb to my hand."

"What will you do, father?"

"You can no longer hide behind the skirts of Athena."

"Athena is dead because of the rage that consumes you, Kato's. What more will you destroy?"

"The hands of death could not defeat me. The sisters of Fate could not hold me. And you will not see the end of this day. I will have my revenge."

"Excellent child. I will tolerate your insolence no more."

"All I can hold on no longer. If I help you, we will both War. Even now, Zeus SC the destruction of Zeus is why you saved me from death."

"I saved you to serve the Titans. Do not deny me my revenge. Listen carefully, Kato's. You were a simple porn, nothing more. Zeus is no longer your concern. This is our war, not yours."

"I have lived as a warrior. I have died as a god. Having suffered the ultimate sacrifice, I have been denied release. I, I will defeat Olympus. I will have my revenge."

"H BL. We are not finished, Seuss. The gates of Hades have never held me. Death cannot hold those of purpose. Creatur they are. I have missed you, Spartan."

"I, I don't My Sacrifice to save Zeus has brought me to a higher existence."

"You still appear to be an Olympian."

"Appearances can be deceiving, Quos. So can the children of Olympus. Perhaps, but remember my death came by your blade."

"My blade was meant for Zeus. Be quick with your words, as we speak the war for Olympus rages s, and mankind suffers. Let them suffer. The death of Zeus is all that matters."

"Zeus will not fall as easily as Ares. To destroy the king of the Gods, you must seek the source of the strength, the flame of Olympus."

"You want sacrifice yourself to save Zeus, and now you seek to destroy him. What is brought about this change?"

"I see truths where I did not. Perhaps these will earn back your trust. These are the blades of Exile. They will help guide you on your journey to the flame. Remember, as long as Zeus reigns, there is no hope for mankind. Destroy the flame, craters, and the very foundations of Olympus will crumble."

"I knew you will be back, Spartan. Did you miss me?"

"I have suffered enough, Spartan. Hades, he sentenced me to this eternal torture, my prison of Tinder. But now that you are here, you can free me. All I have left is my bow. Please, free me, and it is yours."

"By the gods of Olympus and Order of Zeus, we are the three judges. Face your final judgment, mortal King. IUS has found you wanting. King Ramanas has found you worthy. It falls to me, King Minos, to make the final decision. Your future is cloaked in Shadow. The realm of the afterlife is not yet ready for you. Beyond that door waits your destiny."

"Father! Kiai! Oh, you are not my daughter."

"No, but I know who you are. You know of me."

"They said you would come. SL toys. Gros. Show yourself."

"Hades, another one of your tricks, as usual."

"Spartan, you are gravely mistaken. Face me, coward."

"So eager, Kratos. Relax. Soon enough, we will have our time to play."

"Leave me be, I tell you. I have paid the price."

"Calm yourself, Smith guard. Ghost of Sparta, it is you. Well, well, well. I thought Zeus would have killed you by now. I thought you would have escaped this cavern by now."

"Zeus may have imprisoned me here, but you are the reason I live in torment."

"I did you no wrong, Aestus. I pursue only one Olympian."

"Well, as long as it's only one Olympian. I seek the flame of Olympus. Do you know of it?"

"For what purpose, Spartan?"

"For the purpose I have chosen. Now tell me, do you know of the flame?"

"All true children of Olympus know of it. They've all come to respect its power. But don't be fooled by its enticing glow. Neither God nor man can touch its Le or flame."

"I only need to find it. If you can find your way out of the underworld, I'm sure you can find your way to the flame of Olympus."

"You have been truly helpful, Aestus."

"Kato's, how do you know of me?"

"You're the Ghost of Sparta. Everyone knows who you are. Everyone is afraid of you."

"There are re reasons for that. I'm not afraid of you."

"It is good you're not afraid, child. Fear is a heavy burden."

"I'm not a child."

"Kato's, it does not matter what you are. My concerns lay elsewhere. Kato's, please, I need you to free me."

"The quest for freedom is also aead of I cannot help you now. It falls to me to collect payment for the pain you have rought."

"Great, so glad you could go out sometime for us. You know we need it. I sense some bad blood between us, craters. Oh, all the memories, they're overwhelming, really. Let's see how many sins have you committed against me? Oh, that's right, you murdered my niece, Saina. And what else? What else? And you killed my brother, PID. And I have not forgotten that it was you who butchered my beautiful queen. I will see you suffer as I have suffered. Your soul is mine."

"Kratos, can it be? Does this mean Lord Hades rules no longer?"

"The god of the underworld is dead. Dead. Hades deserved to suffer, though I thought his death impossible."

"Olympians overestimate themselves. Interesting. I will keep that in mind, Spartan. You need the soul of a God to use the Hyperion gate, Kratos, and that one has not been used for centuries. I'm sure it's broken, otherwise I would have seen my beautiful."

"You know, Kato's, I wasn't always like this, a monster. I was once the most prized Craftsman in all of Olympus. Zeus rewarded me with my marriage to the beautiful Aphrodite. My mother, Hera, bragged my talent. But the day you killed Ares was the day my world was torn for me. That day, Zeus became the fiend you now know. Worst of all, he took my beloved daughter, Pandora, my reason for living. I spend my time here trying to recreate her. I fail again and again. She still lives, sped. I could feel it. You, you, Kos, you can bring her back to me."

"Your child is not my concern. But surely you can understand. You were once a father too. Remember your purpose, Kratos. The Twilight is upon us. His death, death is our only hope."

"Understand this, Athena. Zeus will die. You live, sparton. The blood of Cronos serves you."

"We are not finished, Seuss. The gates of Hades have never held me. Death cannot hold those of purpose. Creatur they are. I have missed you, Spartan."