บท 4: Confrontations and Reunions

Atlantis, a mortal kingdom that rivalled the divine in its splendour, thrived in the golden era of unbridled bliss. Yet, humans, forever unsatisfied, dared to grasp powers surpassing the divine. The Primordials themselves cloaked that fateful day in uncertainty. Dread engulfs my very being as I contemplate the true culprit behind the fall of Atlantis. How could one force obliterate an entire civilization simultaneously, scattered across the globe? The horror lies not solely in the tragedy itself but in the chilling realisation that a power lurks, vengeful and merciless. It possesses the capability to not only erase humanity but gods themselves with ease. Fear gnaws relentlessly at my soul, for what else may be unleashed upon our fragile world?

- An introspective passage from the records of a forgotten god, dated 8678 BC, was recovered by Phosphorus and translated by Phoebus.

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Aura walked out of tempests, her dark gown shimmering with reflections of the stars in the night sky. She glanced ahead at Artemis, a touch of regret in her grey eyes, before a coldness swept over them like a storm.

"Aura..." Artemis called in confusion, her posture tensing under the cold state of her cousin.

"It was you, wasn't it?" Aura asked, her voice silent and harsh, like a cold breeze on a winter night. "You told Apollo about my love for him."

"Yes," Artemis acknowledged, and she did it for a good reason.

Apollo was never going to fall for Aura, no offence to her, but Artemis recognised that her brother had some boundaries he didn't wish to cross for now. So she thought this was a better approach, rather than watching Aura develop and hide her feelings, only for it all to explode in the future and make a mess of things.

It wouldn't have really been much of a problem if Aura wasn't related to them, but she was their cousin, the daughter of their uncle who had helped her and Apollo so much in their time of need. She could already imagine the guilty rant Apollo would rain down on her if that happened. So she just decided to spare all of them the trouble.

But feeling the intensity of her cousin's stare, Artemis felt it was best to elaborate. "Look, Aura, I know how this may seem to you, but trust me, it's for the best—"

"Best," Aura smiled with sadness, her whisper melting away into gentle winds that smothered the growing tempest into serenity. "Indeed."

Artemis recoiled in surprise.

"I always knew deep down that I never stood a chance with Apollo," Aura continued silently. "But you see, Artemis, I like to Dream. I Dream of a world where the impossible is never out of grasp, where fantasies become reality." She paused, fixing her accusing gaze on Artemis. "But you just had to go ahead and crush it all."

Artemis pursed her lips disapprovingly. "Dreams always come to an end, Aura."

"Perhaps," Aura's eyes hardened, piercing through Artemis' facade. "Perhaps not. But who are you to decide how mine ends?"

Artemis furrowed her brows, feeling the sting in Aura's words. She had acted out of concern and a desire to protect, but she hadn't considered the consequences from Aura's perspective. The resentment brewing within her cousin was undeniable, and Artemis knew that mere words wouldn't be enough to mend their fractured bond.

"Perhaps I overstepped," Artemis admitted, her voice softer now, carrying a hint of apology. "But I thought I was doing what was best for everyone involved. I didn't want to see either you or Apollo get hurt, Aura."

Aura's expression softened slightly, a flicker of understanding crossing her features. "I appreciate your concern, Artemis," she conceded, her voice losing some of its sharpness.

"Facing reality is always better than immersing in a dream, you know?" Artemis sighed, her shoulders slumping under the weight of their conversation.

"Perhaps you're right," Aura tightened her lips into a hardened line. "But here's a piece of advice, Artemis, from all the memorable times we've spent together. It may be brief, but I treasure it."

Artemis subconsciously straightened her posture, her heart filled with a premonition. She nodded to Aura in silent acknowledgment.

"You should Dream more," Aura said, her voice serene and gentle, like a gust of spring. "Dream audaciously and fearlessly. Don't hold back if you still want to stand by your brother in the future," she looked into Artemis' silver eyes. "I have already come to terms with not being able to, but I wonder what you will do then?"

Artemis froze in her place, her cousin's words striking her like a cataclysmic bolt of Zeus. They touched a sore spot that troubled her deeply. It was about her brother and his overpowering abilities. She couldn't deceive herself anymore as she did in the beginning of their training; Apollo was stronger than her, and the gap between them only seemed to grow with time. She had struggled to understand why they were so different in power despite being twins. It birthed a fear in her fearless heart, a fear that her brother would leave her far behind in the future.

"Goodbye," Aura squinted her eyes at the frozen Artemis, and she expected to see something in them—maybe scorn or derision towards her state—but all she saw was understanding in those dark-grey eyes, and that made her feel even worse.

"Dream, Artemis..."

Then Aura vanished, dissipating into the dark breezes of the night, leaving Artemis all alone beneath the starry canopy.

"Dream, huh?" Artemis whispered under her breath, clutching her bow tightly. Cracks covered its once-smooth surface, the string loose and rickety. Then, all of a sudden, her countenance became serene, her posture relaxed, and her eyes brightened as they gazed at the night sky, fixed upon a celestial body shining brilliantly.

There it was—the silver moon—so resplendent and brilliant, just within her grasp.

——————

Apollo landed on the edge of the beach on the island of Lemnos. He could never forget the sight that greeted him when he first intruded upon Lemnos. An army of robots of all kinds, flying, riding, and swimming, surrounded him with hostility. They carried laser shooters within their mechanical bodies, aiming them at him. Among them, a lion robot, likely their monitor, shouted things like "Intruder alert," "An Immortal," "All units, assume defensive positions," "Don't engage unless provoked," "Awaiting further instructions from Lord Hepathaus."

It was an understatement to say that he was amazed by the scene, which resembled something out of a sci-fi movie. However, he was in ancient times, where it had not been long since humans were created by the divine pantheons from all around the world. The dichotomy he felt at the time helped him thoroughly understand the infinite possibilities and opportunities that divinity held within.

In the face of the guarded robots, Apollo informed them of who he was, but they continued to surround him, aiming their guns. Unbothered, he had waited under the blazing sky. Perhaps next time, he should really use the Iris messaging service to inform of his arrival beforehand, rather than showing up unexpectedly like this.

Soon, someone had arrived to dismiss the robots and welcome him with respect. It was Thetis, the Goddess of the Sea and Leader of the Nereids. She was the one who saved and raised Hepathaus after Hera yeeted him out of Olympus. She would also save Zeus, who was bound by Hera, Poseidon, Athena, and his namesake during the Olympian riot. Last but not least, she was fated to be the mother of Achilles himself.

Overall, Thetis was one of the important figures in Greek myth—

"Lord Apollo, you're back," a raspy voice called out, drawing Apollo's attention to the sandy beach. Emerging from the crashing waves, a woman walked forward, her skin luminous and impossibly pale, as if it drank light from the moon. She exuded a scent of seawater laced with dark brown honey. Her eyes, black at their center and flecked with gold, held a mesmerising gaze. Her mouth appeared like a gash of red, reminiscent of a torn-open sacrifice, bloody and oracular. Behind it, her teeth shone sharp and white as bone. Despite her otherworldly and dangerous appearance, she possessed a strange and ethereal beauty.

'Speak of the devil,' Apollo walked toward the Leader of the Nereids to meet her midway on the drenched beach, his steps leaving a trail of sandal marks emitting steam.

"Ah, Thetis," the God of Light greeted the Goddess of the Sea, stopping in front of her. "You are striking as always," he complimented with a smile.

Thetis smiled reservedly. "Lord Apollo, it's good to see you too," she greeted, extending a silent invitation by pointing her hand towards the depths of the forest that covered Lemnos.

Apollo accepted the invitation, and together they walked into the vibrant green tapestry, side by side. "You can let go of your reservedness, you know?" he suggested.

Thetis shook her head, a hint of acknowledgment crossing her features. "No," she replied. "As a future Olympian, due respect is necessary."

"That may be," Apollo acknowledged the truth in her words, for the first time. He and his sister becoming Olympians were already set in stone when their father declared them as his true children. Considering this, he moved on. "So, where is Eurynome?"

Eurynome was one of the Elder Oceanids, meaning she was a daughter of Oceanus and Tethys. She assisted Thetis in raising Hephaestus, and they were often said to inseparable. Even when he personally observed them, their intimacy was unmistakable. The way they acted and complemented each other made it clear that their relationship was anything but platonic.

'Oh, Hephaestus may be the first to have two moms in history.' Apollo thought.

"Eurynome has returned to her father's palace for the moment," Thetis informed, her eyes somewhere far away. "Tensions between the sea and ocean are increasing."

"Uncle Poseidon and Titan Oceanus?" Apollo raised his brows inquisitively. They were walking through a cacophony of natural sounds, from trees to insects, from streams to birds.

"Yes," Thetis nodded, her expression carrying a hint of heaviness, as she side-glanced him with a soothing gaze. "But there's nothing to worry about. It's just a matter of resolving some overlooked issues stemming from the division of the world. They will likely come to a peaceful agreement, considering that a war between them would impact all the waters of the world. It would fill their palaces with diplomatic complaints from other pantheons."

Apollo sensed that Thetis was trying to reassure herself more than him. "Yes, we needn't worry," he affirmed, lending his support. "Father won't allow the situation to escalate into a war."

Thetis hummed with a touch of serenity. "By the way, are you here to meet Hepathaus?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Yes," Apollo said. "I have requested some commissions from him."

"Ah, so it was yours he was working on," Thetis offered. "Then come on, I will take you to his forge."

"If you don't mind," Apollo said, and they increased their pace towards the streaming volcano. It was huge and fiery, trembling from time to time while erupting smoke and lava. It felt as though someone was hammering the volcano repeatedly.

"Speaking of seas and oceans, can you tell me about Atlantis?" The God of Truth asked, his curiosity piqued. Among the many things that interested him about the waters of the seas and oceans, Atlantis topped his list. The sunken kingdom was shrouded in mystery and secrets, and his mother's reluctance to divulge much about it only fuelled his curiosity.

"Atlantis, huh?" Thetis seriously pondered for a moment before delving into its story. "It was the most magnificent mortal kingdom during the Golden Age. Its inhabitants lived almost like gods, untouched by toil or sorrow. But, as is often the case with humans, they were never satisfied. Driven by insatiable curiosity and boundless arrogance, they delved into powers even beyond those of the gods."

"They offended a Primordial?" Apollo interjected, captivated by the tale.

"No," Thetis shook her head solemnly. "In fact, it is said that even the Primordials themselves were unsure of what exactly transpired on that fateful day. Whatever occurred, it not only caused Atlantis to sink into the ocean but wiped out every Atlantean, even those residing in other parts of the world. All perished at the same time, one way or another..."

'Not even the Primordials, huh?' Apollo inwardly frowned. 'Maybe something greater than them, but what could actually be greater than the Primordials? The Creator of the Cosmos? Chaos? Does God even exist in this cosmos? Or someone completely unknown? Ah, there are too many mysteries and uncertainties!'

"...the ruins of Atlantis were considered cursed, causing even immortals to steer clear of it," the Goddess of the Sea continued, pulling his attention away from his musings and back into the story. "That remained the case until Lord Poseidon boldly chose it to become the capital of his realm, clearing its infamousness. He rebuilt the Kingdom of Atlantis with the assistance of his Cyclops. It has now..."

Thetis went on, describing the current situation of Atlantis as one of the most pivotal locations in the world, where all sea races convene and live.

It had become its own civilization under the rule of Uncle Poseidon, who not only restored Atlantis to its lost glory but made it prosper and thrive even more, becoming the epicentre of the seven seas and oceans.

Apollo listened intently, his mind already making plans to visit Atlantis in the future. As they neared the volcanic forge, he thought, 'Maybe this could be our first family trip….'

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The main forge of Hephaestus lay hidden deep within the heart of the towering volcanic mountain of Lemnos, nestled amidst billowing clouds of ash and smoke.

Apollo and Thetis strode through the air crackling with electric energy, and the ground trembled beneath the weight of molten earth. The deafening roar of erupting lava filled their ears, blending with the rhythmic pounding of hammer on anvil, creating a symphony of creation and destruction.

The temperature in this place was enough to burn humans to ashes, but they remained unaffected, walking calmly towards the entrance of the forge. The intense heat meant nothing to Apollo, and although Thetis, being a Goddess of the Sea, would typically feel uncomfortable in such an environment, the air and ground around her seemed to cool down as she took her steps, adjusting to her needs. It was as though the volcano itself was bending to make her as comfortable as possible.

Ah, Hephaestus, truly a dutiful son.

Apollo and Thetis soon reached the entrance to the forge—a massive obsidian archway seemingly carved by the fiery hands of Hephaestus himself. As they passed through this monumental gateway, the temperature rose dramatically, and the air became suffused with the intoxicating scent of smouldering metal and sulphur.

Inside, the forge revealed itself, embodying everything about the art of forging. Gigantic pillars of cooled lava punctuated the expansive chamber, their twisted and contorted forms resembling the very sinews of the earth. Molten rivers of lava flowed through narrow channels, casting a fiery glow upon the walls, illuminating the space with a mesmerising dance of light and shadow.

The forge itself was a colossal structure, crafted from obsidian, bronze, and divine fire. Towering anvils, each larger than a house, lined the forge floor, their surfaces marred by countless imprints of powerful strikes. Above them, massive bellows of leather and bronze hung from the ceiling, their rhythmic pumping providing a constant stream of oxygen to feed the ever-burning inferno. There were robots—no, automatons—and Cyclopes flying and working all around the forge.

In the heart of the forge stood the great hearth, an immense cauldron filled with bubbling, molten lava that seemed to possess a life of its own. It was here that Hephaestus worked his miracles, pouring his divine essence into every creation. Surrounding the hearth were workbenches strewn with a dazzling array of tools, each meticulously crafted and imbued with the essence of craftsmanship.

The air was filled with the sound of clanging metal as Hephaestus, with his mighty arms and skilled hands, hammered and shaped the streaming mold. Sparks flew, creating a shimmering display of light that danced in the fiery atmosphere.

Apollo sucked in a breath, taking in the forge with his shimmering golden eyes. He didn't expect it to be this magnificent and spectacular in its own way—

A flicker at the corner of his eyes caught his attention, drawing his focus. There was a raised platform surrounded by littered and broken tools, unlike the order that seemed to brim the forge. It clearly sang a song of failures to him.

He looked up at the source of the failures, resting on the platform. It was a mortal woman, still in her place, as though time was frozen around her. And her eyes, oh her eyes, he had never seen anything like that. They were soulless and void, as if she was an empty husk.

For some reason—most probably his mysterious instincts flaring up—Apollo knew exactly who he was looking at. Her name came to his mind automatically.

'Pandora.'