Crius

Young Olympians often train in large groups; many learn the sword or magic as their source of strength.

Nikos strayed from the pursuit of strength. Although he loved magic, he was never invited to train as his idea of magic was one that embodies the wonders and imagination of the user. To him, magic was never just a tool for battle.

After years of training alone, Nikos took the streets to show his talent. Magic is common, but few use it as he did in his street shows. Nikos’s use of magic is natural and effortless; he can make flowers transform into large birds, a ball of flame can transform into dazzling sparks, and he can create large areas of illusions amongst many other tricks.

Nikos found happiness in his street shows, but it brought him ridicule as well. Many Olympians shunned him for using his talent as he did instead of becoming a notable warrior under the direct service of the gods.

“That was an excellent show.”

Nikos turns to Calista and Atalanta who approach him after a show. “Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“It was very enjoyable, but do you enjoy it?”

“I’m sorry?”

“Forgive me, but I’ve watched you many times and never once seen you smile. If I am misinterpreting then please correct me.”

Nikos hesitates to respond, he himself never noticed his failure to smile. “I love my magic, but I’ve always done shows in hope of finding friends. I’ve driven people away however; they believe my use of magic is a waste.”

“I disagree. Anything that affects others as positively as you do cannot be a waste. I, for one, would love to have a friend as talented as you.”

“Me too!” Atalanta said from behind Calista.

“Will it be possible to find Crius here?” Theodoros asked.

The group arrives at a large open field under a star filled sky. Hills have taken the place of trees as they number in the thousands for the area, each high enough to make one believe they could grab the stars.

“It will be simple, all we must do is follow the shooting stars, they always travel in the direction of Crius.” Nikolas said.

“That can’t be true.” Atalanta said.

The group follows a group of shooting stars however. Soon after, they arrive at a hill at the center of the open area where a well dressed young boy stares into the sky.

“It’s been some time, Nikolas.” The young boy speaks but his eyes never leave the sky, “Are you confident about bringing Olympians near us Titans?”

“You’ve been watching us.” Nikolas said as he jumped off his horse, the rest following but nervous about meeting a new Titan.

“The stars are all seeing. I am their conduit to share information amongst each other.”

“Then you know why I brought them.”

“Yes. You’ve fallen to the greatest mortal weakness, I hoped it would at least be another mortal you fell for. Not some Olympian.”

“My heart chooses to love her, Olympian or not.”

“Indeed. But I will not help. Despite what Atlas believes.”

“It is not up to me to convince you.” Nikolas turns to his group. “You all must find a way to convince Crius. I will go to the nearby villages and spread my name some more. I should return within two days.”

“And if we fail?” Nikos asked.

“That is not a choice, even if you must give your life.” Nikolas said as he leaves on his horse.

“Hmph. There is no need to waste your time, I will not help no matter how you beg.” Crius said.

“This is a waste of time.” Theodoros said, “We may be better off training with each other in preparation for the underworld.”

“That won’t be enough, we must find a way.” Atalanta said.

“Go with his suggestion, that way you will understand that it is your own inadequacy when you fail in the underworld.” Crius said.

“We cannot fail, and we have Nikolas.”

“Nikolas will survive, but you all will die a miserable death befitting of Olympians.”

“… May I ask why you hate us?” Atalanta asked.

“You are traitors. Had I my strength then I would kill you all myself.”

Nikos watches as Theodoros and Atalanta continue their attempts at convincing a Titan. Crius never falters, his hatred for Olympians as strong as the light from the stars above.

“You lot are just Olympians. Become a god before you even consider asking for my help. It’s insulting that you think I would help you.”

After their failed attempts to convince Crius, the group makes camp for the night. Atalanta and Theodoros fade away with ease, Nikos left awake as he looks at the shooting stars. After some time, his curiosity bests him and he leaves for Crius.

“Will you leave me alone?” Crius said as Nikos arrived.

“I’m impressed you’re still here; you must love the stars.” Nikos sits next to Crius.

“Are you insane?”

“I like looking into the stars as well. Many years ago, I was alone, even after I did all I could to find others like me. I wanted to give up, but what kept me going was the hope from looking into the stars. They’re always so beautiful and bright, it’s as if they were telling me I would find them.”

“Well I know nothing of the sort, I see all and hear all. The stars are always there, forever using me to talk amongst each other.”

“But do they talk to you?” Crius remains quiet, “I was lucky enough to have found friends, all it takes is a helping hand to change a life.”

“You believe I need such a thing? What makes you think that?”

“Because I used to stare at the stars as you do now. I’ve made countless wishes to them, and I am fortunate enough to say that many have become reality. I’ve had that helping hand save me, and I'd like the opportunity to be that for you.”

“If you believe I will grant you power for having pity on me then you are mistaken.”

“I will save Calista using my own strength if I must, but that doesn’t mean it is all I must do in time here.”

“You will waste your time.”

“And I will never regret it.”

Crius sighs, his eyes leaving the sky at last. “Very well, I will do as you wish.”