Chosen

Atop Mount Olympus, the views of the mortal world are stunning.

Calista, a young Olympian woman with long brown hair and a dress that kisses her hourglass figure, often finds herself lost in the gleaming rivers and colorful birds flying between the clouds.

“Eager to visit?”

“Very much so.” Calista responded to her friend, Atalanta.

Atalanta is much shorter than Calista, and not a fan of dresses or heels that Calista is often seen wearing. Where Calista focuses on her beauty, Atalanta is known for honing her hunting skills. Yet, despite their differences, their friendship is among the strongest on Mount Olympus.

Friends since near birth, the two have shared the journey of youth, and now face the new world past the fall of the Olympian gods.

The two were pushed into a world they could have never imagined, a new responsibility brought to all young Olympians to take the seats now empty. It is their generation believed to have the candidates worthy of such a task, though all Olympians wish for the opportunity.

“Come, we mustn’t keep Theodoros and Nikos waiting.” Atalanta said.

“I agree, impatience makes them top candidates for the seats after all.”

Calista and Atalanta find Nikos and Theodoros waiting for them at the center plaza of Mount Olympus. It sits at the foot of the stairs leading to the Abode of Gods. Here, every Olympian trained to be a candidate for the next seat gathered for the opportunity to hear the voices of the gods and be chosen as a candidate.

The other Olympian residents gather to wish them luck, bringing with them festivities, performances, and great food. The joyous occasion is a gathering of hope to bring back the gods and balance to their home. Even the animals of Olympus gathered to the occasion, their joyful cries inspiration for the young group soon to ascend the stairs.

“To think you’d keep a chosen waiting. Shall I seek payment once in my seat?” Theodoros waves the girls over. Tall with golden locks, he is often considered the most beautiful man around. At least that is what he will let you know.

“Calista must have lost herself in the clouds below once again.” Nikos said. The antithesis of Theodoros, where shine is replaced by gloom, but strength replaced by wits. Even with his small disposition, few care to duel him given his record for outsmarting opponents.

“It’s as you say. Fortunately for you both, the view from the peak is something I will not pass up. I have no issue with allowing you all to take seat next to me.” Calista said.

“I only hope we hear a voice.” Atalanta said.

“Of course we will. It is due time new gods are chosen; the seats must be filled after all. Or the balance of the world will collapse soon. I will, of course, take Aphrodite’s seat. My beauty is reason alone, you three can fight amongst each other for the other seats.”

Atalanta giggles, Calista has always gleamed with confidence. Despite the air of arrogance, everyone on Olympus will agree that Calista is an otherworldly beauty.

“Fine, then I want Herme’s seat so I can fly around.”

“I don’t believe flying is a right reserved to that seat, Atalanta.” Theodoros laughed as Atalanta makes the same realization.

“Whatever the case, I will not mind giving you all permission to sit next to me.” Calista said as she pulled the group forward.

They all share a laugh, hopeful of their chances even amongst the large group gathered today to climb to the top of the stairs and seek a fate coveted by all.

The group of Olympians reach the top of stairs where eleven seats remain open for the taking. Only one seat is taken, once owned by the god named Ares.

“Welcome.” Alexios, the first to take a seat, stands and greets the visitors. Tall and sun kissed, the great axe on his back alone is enough to make his presence daunting. “You are only the second class, but you all look promising. I wish you all the best. And please, I am here to help you succeed.”

Calista watches as girls swoon over him, and the boys envy him. Alexios was the only one chosen from the first class, a testament to his ability but many believe him the standard to be chosen. An often demoralizing standard as Alexios was known for his strength even before taking a seat as a god.

“What do you think of him?” Atalanta asks Calista.

“Hmph. Respecting him is natural, but there is little reason to fawn over him.” Calista perks up, fixing her hair and preparing for the first test.

The voice of the gods. Those who hear the voice of a god are chosen for the opportunity to take seat. The Olympians chosen will follow the voice that calls them and will be assigned trials to test their merit.

Rumors say Alexios bested 10000 men alone to earn his seat.

All together, the Olympians close their eyes.

Calista does so, waiting for the sound she must follow. As the sound of excited breaths and hurried footsteps fill the Abode of Gods, Calista wastes no time, following to the seat of Aphrodite and standing amongst the others who stare at the seat they wish to take.

Olympians rushed out of the Abode of Gods after receiving their trials. All trials are below in the mortal world, many of them in hopes of amending the torn relations between both sides and ending the growing tensions that bring fear of another war.

“Calista! We’ve passed the first test!” Atalanta rushes over, Nikos and Theodoros close behind her.

“It’s no surprise of course.” Theodoros said.

“My trial is impossible.” Nikos said, his head hanging low.

“I believed nothing less. Although it seems the trials will be far more difficult than I anticipated. This may be our last meeting for some time.”

“You may as well give up now, Calista.” A woman approaches Calista, behind her a small group of women glaring at everyone in sight. She shares beauty similar to that of Calista, though where Calista with a comforting aura, Helen’s beauty is overwhelming. “You stand no chance against me in a battle for Aphrodite’s seat. Save yourself the shame and become my servant now.”

Calista smiles at Helen. “Many often consider you my rival, so I suggest you cease such expressions, Helen. We both know a single misstep will be enough to make others realize the distance between us. Even godhood has no fix for such gaps.”

“You’re only saving grace is your beauty. Talentless and near the bottom of our class in every measure, for others to even consider you near me is insulting.”

“Can a god be so envious of another to know so much about them? Servitude would suit you much more than I.”

“You wench! I’m sure the others wouldn’t mind if I punish you even before taking my seat.”

“Alright you two.” Calista and Helen are separated by Alexios. “Competition is certainly healthy, but fighting is restricted here. Although you may do as you wish out there, I do ask that violence remain unused.”

“Fine.” Helen said, realizing that Alexios’s eyes focus on Calista.

“As you wish.” Calista said.

“Good, then I wish you both luck.”

“Thank you.”

Returning to her friends, Calista left for their journey to the mortal realm. Their journeys have only begun, but all are in high spirits for the chance to realize their dreams.