War Bound

“Once again, I’m sorry everyone.” Calista bows.

After returning from the underworld, Calista explains the reason behind her sacrifice and the truth of her position. She thanked them for their efforts, while also congratulating them on their newfound strength.

“Either there was a mistake or you have bad hearing.” Theodoros said.

“I agree, I can’t imagine a world where you wouldn’t be a chosen.” Nikos said.

“I agree with them.” Atalanta said as she held onto Calista’s arm.

“I’m glad you all have such confidence in me, but it may be fate. I will soon announce that I have promised myself to Nikolas, that may brew more anger for Olympians.”

“You’re getting married?!” Atalanta asked.

“Of course. I only hope we are ready for what is to come. I know of the laws, but I fear what mortals and Olympians will think much more.”

“We’ll support you.” Atalanta said.

“Are we sure that it will brew anger?” Nikos asked.

“Do you believe otherwise?” Theodoros asked.

“I think there is a chance. Even if only for a short time, I did see many mortals who bear no hatred for Olympians. Also, Nikolas’s full strength never returned.”

“Your right.” Nikolas said. “It must mean there are some who have refused to hate me even now.”

“This is wishful thinking of course, but your relationship could prove that mortals and Olympians can coexist in such a relationship.”

“I will deal with how the mortals react, it will be the gods that may cause trouble.” Nikolas said.

“Alexios seems open to the idea, but the others only retreated on his command. I doubt they will allow him to decide alone on this matter. At worst, a war of fear could break out from the announcement.” Theodoros said.

“I agree. But we do have options.” Calista said, “A war against mortals will be catastrophic for Olympians as well, many are hesitant to take arms. Nikolas, should tensions rise, I ask that you prevent fighting between both for as long as you can.”

“I will do my best, but I admit that my power wanes.”

“That means your kindness has reached the hearts of people, I can only hope mine has as well.”

“Calista, how did you fall in love?” Atalanta asked.

The group has Dion in sight. They plan to finish preparations for Calista’s announcement on Mount Olympus, but they believe the gods will be waiting for them.

“It was hard not to. Nikolas is charming beyond belief. However childish it may seem, I believe it was fate that brought us together.”

Atalanta blushes at the tale of Calista’s first meeting with Nikolas. “I’m happy for you Calista, I really believe this will work.”

“I should be congratulating you. You’ve grown stronger, I even heard Theodoros confessed at last.”

“Ahh! Somewhat.”

“Well?”

“I-I’d like to go on a date first.”

“I can give you some ideas.” Nikolas said.

“I’d like to hear them.” Theodoros said as he glanced back to Atalanta.

Nikos stops. “I let my guard down.”

“Is something wrong?” Calista asked.

“We’ve been gone for longer than I thought, there’s a large group of mortals marching for Dion from the east. The stairs to Mount Olympus are crowded with protestors; tensions could explode if something isn’t done.”

“We’re out of time then. Theodoros, Nikos, Atalanta, you three make sure no fighting occurs at the stairs, Nikolas and I will meet with the group on their way to Dion.”

“Be careful.” Atalanta transforms into a large bird and carries her teammates to Dion.

“Do you have an idea?” Nikolas asked.

“Only hope, but your waning strength is a sign of fortune.”

Atalanta lands in between the protestors and Olympians, both sides are armed and waiting for the other to strike. The arrival of a giant bird does stun them however, even more once it becomes a short woman with two other Olympians at her side.

“They’re here to attack us!” The crowd yells.

Theodoros steps forward, his arms raised. “Far from it. I’m here to ask you all not to fight.”

“Not to fight? You Olympians hoard fortunes to cities like this and you expect us to sit by and allow it?”

“I know we’ve made many mistakes, but I promise we will work to improve alongside you all.” Nikos said.

“Empty promises! How can you prove such a thing?”

“We can’t as of now! But… but there are two people who can. My best friend Calista and Nikolas the god slayer.” Atalanta said.

“The god slayer and Olympian?” Both sides question the names.

“Yes! They are going to marry each other.”

The news is met with shock, alarm, and disbelief. The Olympians believing the world is soon to end, the mortals afraid of losing their greatest, most hated weapon.

“You seek to kill us!”

“It is you mortals that have no idea what you have wrought!”

Both sides charge, the group of three believing they will have to step in to protect both sides, but both are halted by the words of one man.

“Enough.” Alexios appears next to Atalanta. “I will not allow war to break out here. Olympians, I have given my blessing to Calista and Nikolas. Mortals, I hope you understand, their love has caused Nikolas to enter the underworld and return, such is the love that exists between them. Such love can exist between Olympian and mortal, I only ask that you give them a chance as well.”

“Move aside Nikolas!”

Nikolas stands in front of the large group marching for Dion, should they arrive then battle will be inevitable.

“I ask that you all calm down.”

“Calm down? You have no right to ask such a thing! Even after the return of more gods we have seen little improvements, they won’t budge unless we force them to.”

“That is likely my fault, they must have been preparing for my actions.”

“So you’re at fault again? Get out of the way!”

Pieces of wood and fruits are tossed at Nikolas, Calista stepping in front of him to take the hits.

“Calista.”

“Please dear, it’s the least I could do. What a waste of fruit however.” Calista wipes her clothes down, her presence causing the group to stop.

“An Olympian, are you here to threaten us now? Has Nikolas betrayed us after nearly destroying us?”

“Nikolas would never betray you, not even for me, not even after how you all have deemed him a monster. It is just one of many things I admire about him. As for the gods being away, it is my fault as well. If you will give me the chance, I’d like to speak with you all about our plans.”

“We have no time lady!”

“Wait!” Damon steps forward. “I’ve caught up at last. Please, give her the time. This is Calista, the very Olympian who helped bring back the river.”

“What?”

“He lies! Why would she be with Nikolas?”

“Most of you know, even those angered. If you have been fortunate enough to use the revived river, the least you can do is give this young lady the chance to speak.”

More step forward, many from the villages Calista helped, some who hold no hatred for Nikolas after the reveal that he was the masked tradesman.

“Thank you, Damon. Where shall I start? I know. Everyone, I’d like to tell you about a wonderful man I have fallen in love with.”