Chapter 13: How long was it
Hestia looked at the two of them, as she, Zues, Hades, Hera and Demeter were eating food seeing the fight.
Hestia looked at Posiedon. "5 more minutes and I would have need to stop you"
Hera though to her self. "How long was the fight"
Hades answer her. "6-7 minutes"
Hera blinked in surprise, her eyes widening slightly. "That was only six or seven minutes?" she muttered, trying to wrap her mind around the sheer intensity of the battle she had just witnessed. It felt like hours had passed, with the sky and earth practically torn apart by Poseidon and Odin's clash.
Zues took a bite of his food, grinning at his sister. "You get used to it. They don't call us gods for nothing."
Hestia glanced at him, her fiery red hair calming to a soft glow. "Still, if they had gone on much longer, we'd be dealing with half of Asgard in ruins." She turned her gaze back to Poseidon, who was shaking off the residual lightning from his body. "You know how he gets when he's excited."
Demeter chuckled softly, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere despite the chaos that had occurred moments before. "It's always amusing watching them go at it. They're like children with too much power."
Hades nodded, his voice dry. "Children with the ability to destroy realms. Quite the combination."
Hestia laughed softly. "And to think, all of this started because Poseidon wanted to try something new. Maybe we should keep an eye on him more closely." She took a sip from her cup, her tone playful but with an underlying hint of seriousness.
Zues leaned back, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Poseidon's always been like that. Testing the limits, pushing boundaries. He's good at it, but he doesn't always know when to stop."
Hera crossed her arms, a contemplative look on her face. "Well, we certainly don't want him bringing the entire realm down just because he wants to see how far he can go. That lightning drive of his is no joke."
Hades, with a smirk, leaned toward Hera. "If you're worried, sister, you can always step in next time. I'm sure Poseidon would appreciate the challenge."
Hera scoffed, shaking her head. "I'll leave the reckless brawling to you boys, thank you very much."
As the gods continued their meal, the stormy skies began to clear, the lingering tension from the battle fading away.
Rhea then came to her kids. "Don't forget all you god are still kids".
Odin looked at her. "We all are 21 year olds, Miss Rhea".
Hades looked at Odin. "For someone whose eyes is wisdom or self, you are sure dum in turms of gods we are still children we make look adult and in human standers we would be considered Young adult"
Everyone looked at Hades a bit confused on the word 'Human'.
Zues looked at Hades. "Himans?"
Hades almost smacked his head, he had to remember this was the past and more Immortality during the early days of the age of the gods, humans didn't exist not yeat, but in away they did, Cronus had them but they can't be call humans, luckily his mother saved him
Rhea looked at Hades. "He means the immortal creature in our home, own my... Father"
Eveyrone just looked away, Cronus was still a topic non of them wanted to touch on, to them they had no idea whag trh Titian god was doing or planing
The atmosphere around the group shifted immediately at the mention of Cronus. The once lively banter and carefree mood quickly gave way to an uneasy silence. Everyone's eyes averted from one another, avoiding the heavy subject. It was clear that none of them, despite their strength and recent accomplishments, felt comfortable discussing the looming shadow of their father.
Hestia, always the one to try and lift spirits, broke the silence first. "Well, whatever he's planning, we've gotten stronger. We won't be taken by surprise again."
Poseidon nodded, though the usual spark in his eyes dimmed slightly at the mention of Cronus. "We've come a long way from the stomach of a titan. We're not defenseless anymore."
Zues, though still pondering Hades' earlier mention of "humans," shook off the thought and stood tall. "And whatever Cronus is up to, we'll face it together. As we always do."
Odin, after a moment of silence, spoke quietly. "Your father is not like any of the gods we've encountered so far. Even with all our power, he's... different. Ancient. And dangerous."
Rhea placed a hand on Odin's shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. "That is true, Odin. But remember, you are all still growing, still learning. You have the potential to surpass even him."
Hades, deep in thought, looked at his siblings. He knew from his memories of the future that Cronus was not a simple opponent, but this time, things would be different. He wouldn't allow his family to be blindsided. He would ensure they were prepared, no matter what.
He looked at his mother, giving her a nod of understanding. "We'll be ready, when the time comes."
Rhea smiled warmly at her children, her gaze softening with pride. "I know you will. You've all grown into such strong and capable gods. But remember, strength isn't everything. Wisdom, unity, and understanding—those are what will truly guide you to victory."
The others nodded in agreement, the tension lifting slightly as they returned to their food and conversation. The weight of Cronus' looming presence would always be there, but for now, they were together, growing stronger each day. And that, in itself, was enough to keep them moving forward.
Poseidon looked at everyone. "I think it is time for all to continue our journey"
Hera looked at him and nodded. "Yes, but I think we should learn something".
As then Anansi landed next to them, he went from a spider back to his human form as he looked at everyone.
Anasi had a missive looked in his eyes. "How about getting more wisdom"
Hades got a bad feeling about this. "Where do me get Anasi pointed at Odin"
Odin just blinked then he realises he was pointing at his covers eyes. "You want me to take them the same place were I got my knowledge and this eye... Your insane buddy"
Anansi grinned, his many arms folding as he regarded Odin with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Insane? Perhaps. But wisdom often comes at a great cost, Odin. You, of all people, should know that." His voice carried a weight that made everyone around him uneasy, but he was right—Odin's knowledge and the power behind his eye were not earned lightly.
Poseidon raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And where exactly did you get that wisdom? What place did you go to?"
Odin hesitated for a moment, his one visible eye narrowing. He wasn't fond of the idea of dragging his fruend into the same trial he had endured. "It's not a place for the faint of heart," he said, his tone warning them. "The Well of Mimir. It's an ancient source of wisdom, but you don't leave it the same person as when you entered."
Hera looked between Odin and Anansi, clearly interested. "Is that where you lost your eye?"
Odin gave a grim nod. "Yes. Mimir demanded a sacrifice in exchange for the knowledge. I gave my eye willingly."
Hades crossed his arms, the bad feeling he had growing worse. "You're suggesting we all go to this well? And what, sacrifice something important? This isn't a light decision."
Anansi chuckled softly, weaving in and out of their conversation like the trickster he was. "Oh, but what are gods without wisdom? Power without understanding is dangerous, Hades. Surely, you've learned that in your many years."
Zues, ever the bold one, shrugged. "So what if we have to give something up? If it makes us stronger and wiser, why not?"
Hestia, though quiet, was deep in thought. "But what would we have to sacrifice? We aren't like Odin. We're family, bound by more than just power. We've never had to make that kind of sacrifice."
Odin glanced at Anansi, then back at his family. "The well doesn't just take an eye. It takes what it deems necessary. For each of you, it could be something entirely different. But the wisdom it offers... is unparalleled."
Hades rubbed his chin, contemplating. "So, what do we gain in return for this sacrifice? Is it worth the risk?"
Anansi stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with knowledge untold. "You gain understanding. You see beyond the veil of godhood. You'll understand not only the mortal realm but the very nature of existence itself. But be warned, what you learn may change how you see the world—and each other."
The group fell silent, the weight of Anansi's words sinking in. Was the pursuit of knowledge worth the price? Would they come out stronger—or fractured by the sacrifices they had to make?
Odin finally broke the silence. "It's your choice. I won't force anyone to follow me to the Well of Mimir. But know this: the path to wisdom is not easy. But for gods like us, it may be necessary."
Hades exchanged glances with his siblings, the decision hanging in the air like a sword waiting to drop.
Hades took a deep breath, staring into the distance, pondering the magnitude of Odin's words. He glanced at his siblings, seeing their expressions filled with both curiosity and apprehension. Finally, he spoke.
"If we do this," Hades began, "we must be prepared to lose something we may never get back. Wisdom is valuable, yes, but is it worth the risk of... losing ourselves?"
Poseidon clenched his fists, his competitive spirit stirred. "If Odin could handle it at six, we can handle it now. We've faced worse than this. How bad could it really be?"
Hera narrowed her eyes at Poseidon. "We aren't children anymore. We know what's at stake, and this isn't some battle we can fight with swords and lightning."
Anansi chuckled, walking around the group with a playful swagger. "Oh, Hera, you're right. This isn't a fight of might or strength. The Well of Mimir... it tests your soul. It will strip away the illusions, the pride, and the vanity—if you aren't careful, it can break you."
Hestia, ever the voice of calm reason, stepped forward. "If we do this, we do it together. None of us should face the well alone. We will support each other, no matter what we must give up."
Odin nodded in approval. "That's the right approach, Hestia. Alone, the well could shatter any of you. Together, you stand a better chance of walking away with your minds intact."
Zeus finally stood, determination written on his face. "Then it's settled. We go to the Well of Mimir, face whatever it throws at us, and come out stronger. If it can help us prepare for the future, we need to take this chance."
Hades sighed. "I suppose there's no changing your mind once it's made, Zeus."
Odin turned towards the horizon. "Very well. The well isn't far from here. We can leave at dawn tomorrow."
---
As the next morning came, the group found themselves standing on a desolate, rocky path, the winds howling around them. The sky above was dark and ominous, almost as if the very world knew where they were headed.
The Well of Mimir wasn't a welcoming place. It was hidden deep within an ancient forest, shrouded in mists, and the air around it carried an unsettling heaviness.
When they finally reached the edge of the forest, Odin stopped. He gestured ahead. "Beyond here lies the well. This is where I made my sacrifice."
Zeus, ever the brave one, took a step forward. "Let's get this over with."
The group entered the mist, and as they did, the air grew colder, the sounds of nature faded away, and an eerie silence enveloped them. The deeper they went, the more isolated they felt—as if the forest itself was watching, judging them.
Finally, they reached a clearing where the well stood. It wasn't grand or majestic, just an ancient, weathered stone structure with dark water swirling within. An aura of power emanated from it, subtle yet overwhelming.
Anansi hung back, watching them with an amused expression. "The well knows what you seek. It will demand its price."
One by one, the gods approached the well.
Zeus stepped forward first, kneeling by the edge of the water. "What do I need to give?" he asked aloud.
The water rippled, and a deep voice echoed from the well itself. "You must relinquish your arrogance, your need to dominate all. Only then will true power come to you."
Zeus flinched but didn't hesitate. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, and whispered, "I accept."
The water shimmered as if acknowledging his sacrifice, and when Zeus stood, his demeanor had shifted—he looked less brash, more grounded.
Next was Poseidon. He approached cautiously. The well spoke again. "You must surrender your pride in your abilities, your need to outshine others. Humility will grant you the strength you seek."
Poseidon gritted his teeth but nodded. "I accept," he said, and the well responded in kind.
Hera and Hestia went together, both kneeling before the well. "You must give up control, Hera. Let go of your need to guide every outcome. Only then will you find peace."
Hera swallowed hard, her grip on control being the one thing she'd never wanted to let go. But after a long moment, she whispered, "I accept."
For Hestia, the well's voice was softer. "You must relinquish your self-sacrifice, Hestia. You give so much, but you must learn to take for yourself. Only then will your strength flourish."
Hestia hesitated, but finally, she nodded. "I accept."
Lastly, Hades approached. The well's voice was almost a whisper as it addressed him. "You must surrender your fear of being alone, Hades. Embrace the solitude that comes with power. Only then will you find the peace you crave."
Hades clenched his fists, the idea of loneliness gnawing at him. But he knew the truth—the well's words were right. "I accept," he murmured.
As each of them made their sacrifice, the well's waters glowed faintly, as if imbued with their offerings. When it was over, the air seemed lighter, and the oppressive atmosphere lifted slightly.
Odin watched them carefully. "The well has taken its due. Now, let's see what wisdom it grants you in return."
To be continued
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