Prometheus

“That’s incredible!” Atalanta said.

The group congratulates Nikos upon his successful return, each delighted to hear of his time with Crius and relieved to know it is possible to convince the Titans to help them.

“How is the vision?” Nikolas asked.

“Daunting, but incredible. I’d like to see what blessing you all will get.” Nikos said.

“Perhaps a never-ending supply of bait for Atalanta.” Theodoros said.

“You really think so?!”

“We’ve seen stranger. We should leave now, any plans on who we will visit next?”

“Prometheus.” Nikolas said.

“I see very well.”

Theodoros watches as Nikos speaks with the others. He never doubted the capabilities of his friend, but there is nothing but doubt of his own.

For now, the group rests. Their journey is far from over, their next destination a meeting with the Titan of fire.

The crimson sea is an area of a much larger ocean known for its red tint and warm water year-round. Even during cold days, the water remains warm. Unlike many shoresides, there are consistent waves and powerful pulling waters. Enjoying the warmth of the water is left only to those capable of maintaining their balance within.

“They sealed the man of fire in the ocean, how cruel.” Theodoros said.

“Theodoros, are you ready?” Atalanta asked.

“I must be, time is not on our side.”

“You should still be careful; strength alone may not be enough if Prometheus is angered.” Nikos said.

“Well, I have you all. Let us begin.”

Nikolas steps into the ocean. “Prometheus is strong and dangerous. Theodoros, if you fail, I cannot guarantee your safety.”

“Simple then, all I must do is pass.”

Nikolas laughs. “Good, even the Titans recognize such confidence.”

Pulling his sword, Nikolas chants undecipherable words. The crimson sea glows as he speaks, his sword held high before piercing the water as his incantations end.

The sea pulls, bringing all water back and even dragging Nikolas before he can gather himself. Waves crash against nearby rocks, the movement of the water hissing at the visitors as the glow becomes brighter.

Moments later, a great heat overtakes the area. From the boiling ocean rises an orb holding a single man, Prometheus.

Prometheus stares at the sun, smiling at his old friend before turning his attention to his visitors.

“Haze.”

Steaming haze surrounds the group, followed by the sound of shattering glass.

“What is this?” Theodoros collects himself, finding the others through the haze and witnessing a terrifying sight.

Prometheus stands atop the shattered orb, free to do as he pleases as a snake like flame slithers across his body.

Nikolas is attacked first, a single swipe sending the child of the Titans into the sky. Even the god slayer failed to react in time, Prometheus’s next targets all share the same thought; they stand no chance.

Nikos and Atalanta are attacked first, both dealt devastating blows. Their bodies drop, Theodoros unable to raise his arms to defend himself. The heat around Prometheus is sickening, though it is the display of power that has left Theodoros unable to move.

“Say, young Olympian, are you afraid of absolute strength, or of your pitiful weakness?”

“Ahhhh!” Theodoros rushes forward, his sword drawn and high.

Theodoros swings his sword with all the strength he can conjure, against anyone else it would slice through their body with ease. Prometheus has no worry however; the blade shatters the moment it meets his body.

“Fool, an Olympian who can’t use magic could never hope to best me.” Prometheus grabs Theodoros’s wrist, burning the skin until Theodoros is able to pull away. “You were brave enough to wield your blade against me, a commendable act itself, so I grant you your gift at the cost of their lives.”

“I won't pay that price! Help them, my life in return for theirs.”

“I refuse. I have no reason to help Olympians or mortals. Just look at what mortals have become. I gave them technology, knowledge, and what have they done with it all? They held the ability to become independent of gods and only fell once they were forced to be. How despicable. It may be time to reset this world once more.”

“You will kill as you please? How does that make you any different from the olds gods?”

“Because I am Titan! The gods could not defeat us without treachery! And then they only fell to their vices. Say, young Olympian, how can you say you will fare any different?”

“I will learn from my mistakes, and those of my predecessors. But the world I wish for is different, I believe we can coexist with mortals.”

Prometheus laughs. “You need strength to create such a world.”

After finishing, Prometheus leaves in the blink of an eye. Theodoros rushes over to Atalanta and Nikos, Nikolas has yet to return and may take much longer to return.

“No.”

Atalanta and Nikos are dead, their bodies cold to the touch and their skin pale. Resuscitation efforts have no effect, even as Theodoros makes desperate efforts on both his fallen friends.

“I can still save them.”

Theodoros places Atalanta and Nikos on his shoulders. Powerful magic is capable of reviving the dead, but Theodoros cannot cast even the simplest of spells. Returning to Mount Olympus will take too long, his only option is Prometheus once more.

With Prometheus’s flame he can bring life back into his friends. Prometheus is gone, but his magic is easy to track despite being far. From his position, it will take Theodoros a day to reach Prometheus.

“So be it, I will not allow you to die yet.”

Theodoros’s stumbles on his first step, his body still in pain from the heat and haze summoned by Prometheus. But he remains standing, the bodies of his friends safe on his shoulders.

“Darn it all. Why was I born so weak… no. I have no time.”

Theodoros continues forward, no journey too far to help those he cares for.