First Trial

Atalanta and Nikolas fall into the village river after escaping Mount Olympus.

“Theodoros! Nikos! You made it.” Atalanta embraces her closest friends who remove their masks.

“We ran as fast we could, but I never imagined you would point your weapons at a god. I’m impressed Atalanta!” Theodoros said.

Across from them, Nikolas struggles to catch his breath. “My strength is gone, impossible.”

“Hey!” Atalanta swims after Nikolas who rushes out of the river, “Wait! What are you planning now?”

“I’m going to recover my strength then I will search for Calista.”

“Let us help you.”

“I thank you for helping me on Mount Olympus, but this is far too dangerous.”

“Before you go, I’d like an explanation on what is going on. Why was Calista in such trouble and where is she now? You owe me at least that much.” Theodoros stands in front of Nikolas, blocking his path forward.

“Ah! What Theodoros means is that he is very worried about Calista. Please, we care about her just as much as you do.” Atalanta said.

“Fine.” Nikolas explains Calista’s actions in the mortal realm, the sacrifices she made for the people of the villages, and for himself. “I understand why she has done it, but she deserves better than this. At least, I want her to know that I can accept my previous fate, that I want her to chase her own dream.”

“But can you do so as you are now?” Atalanta asked.

“It is doubtful. I hear traversing the underworld is near impossible for Olympians, what can a mortal hope to accomplish?” Theodoros said.

“I will find a way.”

“We will find a way. Or are you so arrogant to die and give Calista even more heartache?”

“I ask that you let us accompany you as well. I’m sure Alexios and Helen will seek to intervene; we can help.” Nikos said.

Nikolas takes a deep breath. “You’re right. I’m sorry. As we are now, we are too weak to hope to prevail.”

“Hmph, you may have lost your strength but we are Olympians.”

“Theodoros, this is the god slayer.” Atalanta said, she grips her bow to calm herself as her blood still rushes from the events on Olympus. “I couldn’t keep up with them; if they intervene again, we will lose. Please, I want to save Calista. So please, help us get stronger.”

“Atalanta… I haven’t introduced myself yet. Theodoros, and this is Nikos.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Nikos said.

“Nikolas.”

“I apologize Atalanta, if it is as you say then I am a fool. Nikolas, we will do as we must to save Calista.” Theodoros said.

“Good. Follow me.”

“Nikolas!” Damon greets Nikolas at the village entrance. Not just him, all villagers nearby give Nikolas a cheerful welcome, delighted to see his return.

“Do you not remember me?” Nikolas asked.

“Remember you? We’d never forget you after how you’ve helped us.” Damon said.

“Calista must have removed all memory of your actions, at least from mortal minds.” Atalanta said.

“Damon, may we borrow horses?” Nikolas asked.

“Of course, anything for you, old friend.”

“Come on, it’s not difficult at all.” Atlanta says as she rides horseback with ease.

Theodoros and Nikos both struggle to maintain balance and confidence with their horse, Nikolas only comfortable given his years of experience during the war.

“Gosh, here.” Atalanta gives their horses light taps on the nose, calming them despite their nervous riders.

“Ready?” Nikolas asked.

“Of course, but where are we going?”

“If you all are going to become stronger then it will take incredibly tough training.”

“You have teachers for us?” Nikos asked.

“If you can find better teachers than those on Olympus, I will be impressed.” Theodoros said.

“They may not be good teachers, but their training should be more than enough to make you all strong. It will allow me to recover strength as well. Follow me!”

The journey takes three days down open paths. Despite the world forgetting Nikolas, the effects of the war are ever present. Settlements that have managed to prosper are few, those that struggle continue to outnumber by a saddening margin.

“There’s a barrier there.” Nikos said.

Their horses continue forward at incredible speeds, what lies ahead of them appearing to be nothing but a simple, vast and empty field. The Olympians brace however, whatever lies beyond the barrier wields power that peaks their survival instincts.

None falter however, keeping close to Nikolas as they cross the barrier into a new realm. Cloud filled skies appear, flowers of all colors and animals from around the planet existing in the single vast area as the group rides forward.

The Olympians can take little of it in however, their attention overtaken by what lies at the center of the realm.

Atlas, the Titan. A being so massive that mountains pale in comparison to his stature even as he kneels. He holds the sky on his shoulders, firm as a statue after eons of punishment.

“Unbelievable.” Atalanta said.

“A real titan.” Nikos said.

“We’re going to fight Atlas?” Theodoros asked.

“Heavens no, the world would end.” Nikolas laughed

“Hm?” The realm shakes as Atlas wakes and looks around. “Ah! If it isn’t Nikolas! Child of the Titans, or so you were. What has become of your blessings little one?!”

Atlas’s voice shakes their bones, it takes all they have to remain conscious as he speaks. Yet, ahead of them, Nikolas continues forward without faltering once. Even in his weakened state, Nikolas impresses the Olympians.

“That is why I am here! Atlas, we seek your knowledge. I for a moment of strength, they for the need to become stronger.”

“Ah, but can you pass my test?” Are you brave enough to risk your life for a single person?”

“The sky...” Atalanta said.

Atlas releases the sky, allowing the clouds to engulf the top of his body as they plummet to the ground. All animals of the realm flee, the ground cracks like glass, the very air trembling as the sky nears the four visitors.

“We’re going to die.” Nikos said, the weight of the sky making his heart heavy.

“You two!” Will you allow such a small thing to hinder you?! If the sky is enough then how will we overcome the world we will be up against. Look ahead.” Theodoros said.

Nikolas rides forward, his composure resolute and inspiring.

“But they are right to be afraid!” Atlas laughs. “The underworld is cruel! Perhaps the most dangerous place to ever exist, it will not show mercy even to Olympians. Will you risk your lives? Or shall I do you a favor and send you home little ones!”

“Never.” Atalanta braces as the clouds are within arms reach. “I will never abandon her.”

“Wield your weapons!”

Atalanta prepares her bow, Theodoros his blade, and Nikos his spell and short knife. But, as they do, the clouds stop just before hitting their heads.

Atlas’s laugh echoes throughout the realm. “You all pass!”