Child of The Titans

Theodoros, Atalanta, and Nikos lay on the ground as they recovered from their trial. Even as brave they are, the near-death experience has drained their energy.

“A nice group you’ve brought again Nikolas. But this time you have a much humbler request, are you sure you do not want your power from before?” Atlas asked.

“It is not what I need. The gods will attempt to stop me, but I am not here to return as the god slayer once more.”

“How unfortunate, I am not fond of the gods after all. The world needs them however, and I look forward to the trials the young ones will face. Seek these names! Crius under the falling stars. Prometheus in the depths of the ocean. Epimetheus, hidden in the forest of ancient animals. And for you, Nikolas, the only way to return a semblance of your strength is to reverse the effect of what has taken them, will you accept?”

“I accept.”

“Then I shall begin.” Atlas takes in a deep breath, creating winds that pull trees and create small sand storms in the distance. “Nikolas! Remember him! Dread him! For his strength, for his very existence has brought misfortune and misery. Child of the Titans, god killer, he has returned!”

“Is this the only way for Nikolas to regain his strength?” Atlanta said after her ears stopped ringing.

“I hope you do not believe that I bear hatred for Nikolas myself, he is the favorite of the Titans after all. But his strength comes from the strong emotions towards him. Once, from the hope and pleas of the mortals, then from the hatred they bear for him. Unfortunately, we cannot fool the mortals into giving him power through hope. I wish you all luck.”

“Will our training be as difficult as that trial?” Nikos asked Nikolas.

The group sits around a fire as they rest. Their bodies still recover from the trial, the weight of the skies has left their bodies slow and their bones aching.

Such a trial is far more difficult than anything they have experienced on Olympus, Nikos fears what may come from the other Titans.

“It is possible.” Nikolas said.

“I thought all Titans were dead.” Atalanta said.

“It is difficult to kill a titan, the gods found it best to seal and punish them. Those that roam free are strong but remain quiet as they have been weakened.

“I am surprised they have remained quiet after the death of the gods.” Theodoros said.

“As am I. If I may ask, why do they call you the child of the Titans? Were you born from them?” Nikos asked.

“No, though I am no longer a mortal after receiving a blessing from them. My close allies during the war traveled with me to seek training from the titans, it was the only way we could turn the tide of the war.”

“There are more like you?” Theodoros asked.

“There are.”

“Then, why do you carry the moniker god slayer?” I’ve never heard of anyone with similar strength to you.” Atalanta said, “…You did it for them. This way only you would face the world's hatred.”

Nikolas stares into the fire, images of the battles replaying for him. “They are the bravest people I ever met, my greatest friends that saved my life. The least I could was ensure they faced no hatred after all was over.”-

Theodoros laughs. “How admirable, you have my respect, Nikolas. I dare even say we need more Olympians like you.”

“It’s easy to see why Calista has fallen for him.” Nikos said.

“I like to think my charm is irresistible.” Nikolas said.

“You should have whisked her away my friend, you have our blessings at least. But there will be more hurdles unfortunately.” Theodoros said.

“Do you know of the laws against mortal and Olympian relationships?” Atalanta asked.

“I do.”

“What is your plan?”

“I haven’t thought that far.” Nikolas laughs. “But I will do everything within my power to protect this world she loves so much. I’ve seen how much she loves it; I could never allow it to die.”

“What if the only way is to remain apart?” Nikos asked.

“Then so it shall be. Even from afar, her smile will be enough. I shall return to the world as it should be, though I will try all I can before so.”

“You aren’t alone, we will help as we can. I’d like to spread word of what we think of your actions, no Olympian hates you though they do fear you.” Atalanta said.

“I will do the same. Before that, I would like to ask about the underworld. I hear it has three realms before reaching the bottom, each a difficult trial. Will you be able to overcome them?” Theodoros asked.

“I have heard of the underworld, as well as the stories of a man who managed to enter and escape.”

“Hercules. But he was a god, you won’t be at full strength when entering.” Nikos said.

“You all underestimate the grit of mortals. Where strength is needed, I will rely on you three, but the biggest challenge will be our own desire to continue. I will say this now, there is no shame in stopping, I will save Calista for us all.”

“We won’t give in easily.” Atalanta said. “I’ll pass whatever trial necessary, I promise.”

Nikolas nods. “You three remind me of my old team. They never fought for themselves unlike I did. I was a foolish man; I caused them strife and unnecessary life loss. Like then, I am glad to have you all at my side.”

Nikolas stares at the sky as the others sleep. Strength has already returned to his body, the truth of existence returning by the minute after Atlas’s message.

“There is the possibility that we can never be.” Nikolas said.

Simple love and desire may not be enough to overcome the laws of the world.