Atalanta

Atalanta stands inside the temple, now in open air high above the clouds. At the center stands Pandora, Epimetheus' beautiful wife.

“What is going on?” Atalanta said.

“This is what I protect.” Epimetheus walks toward Pandora. “We often like to delude ourselves, living in worlds of our own imagination. But I have the ability to make such worlds possible.”

Epimetheus embraces Pandora. She returns his embrace, her movements robotic and she never whispers a word. Yet, her eyes convey great love for Epimetheus, just as he does for her.

Atalanta wakes in the Abode of Gods, resting in her own seat. Her clothes are heavier than usual, a bow made of fine wood rests at her side.

“How unusual of you to fall asleep here.”

Atalanta looks to her left to find Calista smiling at her. “Calista? Calista!” She jumps up and pulls Calista in.

“Oh my! Did you have a nightmare? It’s fine dear, I’ll never let anything hurt you.”

“Calista, I’m so happy to see you. I thought I’d never see you again, I was afraid I wasn't strong enough to help you.”

“Atalanta, you’ve always been more than strong enough.”

“I agree.” Theodoros said from another chair.

“You should have more confidence in yourself.” Nikos said.

“Everyone, you’re all here.”

Calista takes Atalanta for a walk on Mount Olympus to calm her nerves. With the return of a god to every seat, Olympians prosper more than before. Such fortune travels far as well, mortals have recovered from the war and the relationship between both sides is at an all time high.

“May I ask what your dream was about?” Calista asked.

“You were in danger and we had to become stronger to save you from the underworld.”

“The underworld! Have I angered you enough to send me there in your dreams?”

“No, no! It… I’ll tell you more about it some other time.”

“I see, then I’ll do my best not to slight you again.”

“Haha, I’d never be so mean to you.”

For the next day, Atalanta spent time with her friends. She never returned to the Abode of Gods, choosing instead to explore the new areas of Mount Olympus, and even take some time in the city of Dion.

“You can remain here.” Epimetheus said. He appears next to Atalanta as she and her friends climb the stairs to Olympus. “The choice is yours.”

“Thank you. This has been a fun experience, but I’d like to return now.”

“You wish to return? You must not understand. This is your perfect world, just how you wish it to be. It could never be better in reality.”

“That may be true, but this is not my real world. I can always imagine a world without strife and problems, a world where all our dreams come true, but I can never forget my own world. Despite its many problems, it has given me everything I love, it has given me a reason to love life.”

“No. What could be better than this? It is a world of our dreams.”

“Better? Hmm, Calista, Nikos, and Theodoros, I love it when we can just share a laugh together. I’m sure we will after we save her as well.”

“Even if you must struggle and face death?! No! I can see where such things will go, you will only suffer.”

“You’re wrong. Suffering is a part of life, just as death is. You must know, you never gave the gift of immortality to anyone.”

“Yes, but not for the reason you think. Immortality is a cruel gift, death a respite from our world. Although, only after having lived. Only after experiencing the joys bestowed upon us.”

“Even in death we can create such joys for others. That is why I love animals; in life or death, they are beings that keep this world alive and beautiful.”

“You may have reason, as saddening it may be to me. But I do not wish for a world without Pandora, there can be no joy in such a world.”

Atalanta grabs Epimetheus and runs up the stairs of Mount Olympus. They rush past her friends, “I’ll see you all soon!” Past the city filled with Olympians, and burst through the barrier that creates the dream world and back into the temple.

They continue to run until they reach a hill overlooking the ancient forest. Both gasping for breath, Atalanta smiles at the view.

“Look! Is this not beautiful? All the animals able to live, the plants blooming, and farther beyond as well. I’m sure, out there, many are happy to be alive. No matter what, through loss and joy, there will be beauty. That is why I can continue forward, because I believe no pain can take this away from me. No pain can take away the joy of being with my friends.”

“When was the last time I took this view in?” Epimetheus wipes tears away, “I’ve avoided this, believing it would be a way to fool myself after losing Pandora.”

“I’m sorry.” Atalanta said.

“No. Mourning is also part of life; I must face it head on as you do. Maybe, one day, I could meet Pandora once more. But I must become someone worthy of her love once more. Do you believe it will be a hopeless venture?”

“I think you can do it. Even if you fail, you’ll find pride in that you made the attempt. But I'm sure your love will help you find a way.”

“That would be nice.” Epimetheus pokes Atalanta’s forehead. “May our gifts help on your journey, best of luck Atalanta.”

Epimetheus leaves as Atalanta processes the gift she has received. Far more beautiful than even the sight before her, more than she could ever ask for, the voices of animals reach her and she understands.

“Worried about me?”

“An angel!” Theodoros said as Atalanta returns to the tree, her large wings disperse as she lands.

“Close enough, I’m still learning how to control it well.”

“Congratulations.” Nikos said.

“Good. I can tell you all are far stronger now, are we ready?” Nikolas stands, smiling at the group with him.

Their excited response is met with dire news, two lights strike the top of Mount Olympus.