Calista's Punishment

News of the crimes against the new god Helen made way across Olympus and the areas nearby. The perpetrator, Calista, has been brought in for punishment and awaits her sentencing.

Calista yawns as she wakes in her cell. Although nothing compared to her home, a week in the cell has helped her become accustomed to the environment.

In the Abode of Gods, Alexios sits next to Helen who decided to ignore the rest of her celebratory welcome in favor of punishing Calista.

“Must we wait any longer?! Calista threatened a god with the god killer of all things, she must be punished.”

“I agree that is a crime, but I warn you be cautious of how far you take your punishment. The god killer has made sure to make it known of how you treated Calista already.”

“Be quiet Alexios. I will be the one to see what punishment is fit, the god killer can do nothing to stop me.”

“I ask that you change such thinking, you must understand what happened to our predecessors.”

Yes, they lost themselves in their own power. Fortunately for you all, I have complete control over myself. Alexios, do not intervene.”

Alexios relents. Now of equal authority, he can only warn Helen.

The next morning, Alexios volunteers to bring Calista to the abode of gods.

“There is little I can do to lower your punishment, I apologize Calista.”

Calista fixes her hair in the mirror of her cell. “No need, the decision was mine after all.”

“May I ask why you did it?”

“I was powerless otherwise. I made my choice Alexios, but thank you for trying.”

“Of course, I’d like to start a new precedent after all. You do seem livelier than I thought you would.”

“I met a wonderful man below, just the memories of our time together keep my spirit high.”

“You’ve broken more rules than I believed then, to think Calista would be such a troublemaker.”

“You’d be surprised. Alexios, may I ask for a favor?”

“If you wish to know of this wonderful man, he hasn’t caused any trouble. Although I worry of what may happen should he learn of your punishment.”

“I agree, I will only continue to cause him pain. I hope you will listen to my request.”

“Very well, go ahead.”

Calista arrives at the Abode of Gods. Helen is now surrounded by five guards alongside her usual servants, the fear of someone like Nikolas appearing again torments her dreams.

“You should have been buried in our deepest cell, but Alexios is a merciful fool. Enough, your punishment will last eons, long enough to drain all life from you. I may not be able to punish that wretched man, but this will be more than enough, I’m sure he will suffer alongside you.”

“I’m sure the punishment you have for me is fit for such a transgression, unfortunately I cannot serve it. I do hope you will accept my apology.”

“What do you mean?” Helen stands, “You! Where is your soul?!”

“It resides with me now, young goddess.” A pale man wearing a long black cloak and wielding a scythe appears beside Calista. Thesmoros, a reaper of the underworld, known as he who governs the boundary between both worlds.

“I have given my soul in exchange for a deal with the underworld.”

“Alexios! You’ve done this?!”

“Calista must have gotten it past me, I apologize.”

“Well stop him!”

“Thesmoros can kill with a single touch, and we have no authority to stop such a deal.”

“Thesmoros, have you considered my request?” Calista asked.

“Not I, but the ladies of the river Styx are willing to for a soul as beautiful as yours.”

“Very well then, we have a deal.”

Helen lunges forward, falling to her knees as Thesmoros disappears with Calista. “Damn her!”

Banishment to the moons of a distant planet. Calista’s punishment spread as fast as her transgression, reaching Nikolas’s ears who made way for Dion. Such punishment is equivalent to a death sentence, though much worse as it dooms the person to an eternity of insanity.

Nikolas hoped the punishment would be somewhat tame, perhaps he could even serve part of it, but he was foolish in believing so.

“Let me through!” Nikolas reaches for his blade but is stopped by Atalanta who grabs his hand.

“Enough! If you cause any more of a scene the guards of Olympus will not show mercy. Why are you doing this?”

“To save the woman I love.”

Smoke bellows from Atalanta’s ears as she processes his answer.

“By woman you love do you mean Calista?”

“I do.”

“I see, I will come with you.” Atalanta pulls Nikolas forward, the guards standing in their way. “Move aside, I will be his escort.”

“That man is Nikolas the god slayer, he cannot be allowed on Mount Olympus.”

“Will you be the one to stop him, or will you allow me to keep him under control for the time being?”

The guards glance at Nikolas, even in their best moment they wouldn’t sand a chance against him.

“Very well.”

“Thank you.”

Helen thrashes about, her wine glass shattered against her throne, and her servants clean up any mess left behind by her as she continues to curse to the heavens after Calista’s disappearance.

Alexios watches from the entrance to the Abode of Gods.

“You arrived much sooner than I expected, I thank you for not harming anyone.” Alexios said as Atalanta arrived with Nikolas, “I envy you, winning Calista’s heart was once believed to be an impossibility.”

“Where is she?” Nikolas asked.

“Alexios, even you must understand that punishment is harsh.” Atalanta said.

“I do, but Calista has chosen another fate. She made a deal in exchange of her soul with the underworld.”

“I see.”

Alexios grabs Nikolas’s shoulder as he attempts to leave. “The sacrifice she made was for you I believe, do you plan to disrespect her decision?”

“I have an idea of what she may have asked for. I plan to prove that I can be happy with my fate, but only if I can make sure she is as well.”

“Nikolas, this could never be. She is an Olympian, your relationship is strictly forbidden, this was the best choice.”

“Then I will simply be at her side as she takes a seat.”

“I also believe she is worthy, but even she cannot break every rule. Will you destroy the world because of your selfishness?”

“I will make it sure it is not destroyed.”

“No, that is my responsibility.” Alexios draws his sword.

“You believe you stand a chance against me?” Nikolas asked as he drew his own blade.

“I plan to protect this world and keep my promise to Calista.”

“Wait!” Atalanta yells but she is helpless to stop the two warriors dash at each other.

Mount Olympus shakes each time their blades meet, their battle too fast for Atalanta to register or hope to intervene in. The floor of the Abode of Gods cracks on the last impact, Alexios standing above Nikolas who pants as he stares at his hands.

“It is done. Her soul, for your happiness. Nikolas, congratulations, the world has now forgotten your sins, it is as if you never existed. But so must your strength fade.” Alexios points his sword at Nikolas. “Please, I do not wish to make her sacrifice be in vain… Atalanta, what are you doing?”

Atalanta points her bow at Alexios; even he stands little chance of escaping unharmed at a short distance.

“Let him go.” Atalanta said, her voice quivering but her hands steady.

“You realize this man will chase after Calista, even with the possibility of the collapse of both worlds.”

“Calista thought enough of him to sacrifice herself, so I will trust him to bring her back. Once she takes a seat, I’m sure she will find a way to keep our worlds safe. I will support them.”

“I’m sorry, but I cannot.” Alexios swings his blade, Atalanta releasing her arrow the moment his muscles twitch.

Both attacks are misdirected, Alexios’s blade missing Nikolas’s neck, Atalanta’s arrow bouncing away and into the sky.

Before Alexios can recover from the strange moment, Atlanta and Nikolas are whisked away by two masked men.