Epimetheus

“Tell us what your trial was like!” Atalanta pulls on Theodoros’s sleeve.

The group rests on a hill overlooking the largest forest on the planet. Entering the forest is difficult as the terrain is uneven and the trees act as a natural barrier. Given its protection, it is believed animals from ancient times still live within.

“It was a simple test of courage, I’m not sure it would help with yours. We must find Epimetheus within this large forest after all.” Theodoros said.

“He may be right; my trial was different from his after all.” Nikos said.

“Epimetheus is the least violent of the Titans. If memory serves well, your trial is bound to be different.” Nikolas said.

“I see. Very well, I’m ready.”

“Run!” Atalanta jumps as a wooly mammoth charges the group.

Having made their way inside, the marvels within are far greater than they could ever imagine. Trees that pierce the clouds, large rivers, flowers from ancient texts, and every animal Atalanta has ever come across or seen in text exists within.

They escape the charge of the large animal, but have little time to catch their breaths before Atalanta lets out a yell filled with awe.

“A Tyrannosaurus rex!”

“Atalanta!” Theodoros grabs Atalanta as she stares at the attacking dinosaur with nothing but wonder in her eyes.

“Wait! I need to get a piece of its skin to study!”

“You can worry about that after we find Epimetheus.”

The group finds refuge inside a hole halfway up a cloud piercing tree. They hope to avoid harming animals or risk damaging the ecosystem of the forest, though it may come to be necessary in time.

“Perhaps it is not a trial for Atalanta but an invitation to live here.” Nikolas said.

Atalanta laughs at the idea, though she does consider it. “Perhaps after we save Calista I will. There is so much I could discover here, it’s just incredible. But I haven't seen a trace of Epimetheus.”

“You just need to say my name.”

A thin man with blonde hair appears next to Atalanta. He sits with their group who are left speechless by his sudden appearance. Not only is he thin, but his clothes torn, hair disheveled, and the magic from his body weak.

“Your Epimetheus?! I-I am Atalanta.”

“Nice to meet you, but may I ask why you're here. It’s very dangerous in this forest.”

“I’ve been sent here to take your trial. I need to become stronger and save my friend.”

“Hm, that is something I am incapable of. I apologize.”

“Incapable? May I ask why?”

“Nikolas, why did you seek me out? Many other Titans would be better suited.”

“Atlas sent us.” Nikolas said.

“So it was him. The reason is simple, my lack of maturity and foresight led to many struggles for mortals and for my kin. I didn’t participate in the war my kin fought, I remained hidden during the war ten years ago fearing that I would cause disaster and hardship as I always do. You must understand this, Nikolas.” Epimetheus said.

“Even if you believe that, you have also brought much to this world. Most if not all animals are your creation. They are incredibly important to all of us and the planet.” Atalanta said.

“I did bring them, but I was too impressed with myself. I failed to help mortals prosper as they could have, even animals are far from perfect.”

“That is something to admire in my eyes, if there were perfection then there would be no need to grow and learn.”

“But the world would be free of hardship.”

“I believe otherwise. New hardships would arise, one that those now considered perfect would be unable to deal with.”

“No such problem exists.”

“I… life would be difficult to enjoy, that would be a hardship. If I could use a bow and arrow the moment I touched it, I would never experience the joy of mastering it. The excitement of being alive would disappear.”

“You may have a point, but I cannot help. I’ve made too many mistakes, I apologize.”

Epimetheus transforms into a bird before anyone can stop him. He zips through the air and out of the tree the group rests in.

The sight of small prey attracts a pterodactyl. It dive bombs the tree, now aware of the prey resting inside, and is met by Nikolas. The child of the Titans launches a heavy right hand against the predator, the tree shakes and the pterodactyl is knocked unconscious, it is assurance of Nikolas’s returning strength.

“I’m sorry everyone, I’m not sure I can convince him.” Atalanta said.

“Yet you will continue to try.” Nikolas said.

“I believe you can do it.” Nikos said.

“Perhaps you can try a more heavy-handed approach next.” Theodoros said.

Atalanta giggles. “That will be a final resort. I’m sure I can find him in time, the bird he became resembled a small woodpecker, but the tail was much different.”

“I will share my vision with you.” Nikos said.

“Can you?”

“Let’s try!”

As Nikos believed, sharing his vision is as simple as holding Atalanta’s hands.

“I found him!” Atalanta jumps up, heading for the exit until Theodoros stops her.

“We should come with you; this forest is dangerous.”

“I should go alone; we can’t risk him being angered or afraid.”

“I have to agree with Theodoros.” Nikos said.

“I know it is dangerous; I will call for help if I need it. Watch me from here, please.”

“If she is in danger, I can reach her in seconds.” Nikolas said as he lay down near the exit.

Nikos and Theodoros relent, receiving a grateful hug from Atalanta before she leaves.

Deep inside the ancient forest, Atalanta finds a large stegosaurus resting beside a cove hidden underneath leaves. The stegosaurus watches as she approaches and rests her hand on their leg.

“Stegosaurus live in groups, I doubt many would defend a cove as you do as well.”

Epimetheus smiles as he returns to his mortal body. “You must be a fan of animals.”

“I am. They’re such wonderful creatures; I like to pay respects anytime I must kill one.”

“I know, I hear your voice often. Would you like to see what is inside?”

“I would.”

“Follow me.”

The inside of the cove is a small shrine unlike any Atalanta had ever seen. Water flows alongside the walls, limestone like stone supports the structure of the well-maintained shrine.

Near the end is a large portrait of Epimetheus’s wife, Pandora, smiling at the guest.

Atalanta stands at the entrance of the temple, taking in the wonderful sight before taking a step inside and disappearing.