A glimpse to the past.

Chapter 31: PT2

Just like before, I woke up inside one of my memories, but this one felt different. I wasn’t just a ghostly observer. I could feel the grass beneath me, smell the faint sweetness of wildflowers carried on the breeze, and hear the distant murmur of a stream. The memory wrapped around me like reality itself, and for a moment, I almost forgot it wasn’t.

The soft melody of a lyre floated through the air, soothing and rich, played by a man lounging beside me. His golden curls shimmered under the sunlight, as if they were spun from sunlight itself. The elegant lines of his white robe were accentuated by gleaming gold and red armour. Even in this casual moment, his divine presence was undeniable.

“Are you listening to me?” he asked, his voice light and melodic, yet laced with authority.

I blinked, shaking the sleep from my eyes as if compelled to follow the script of my own past. “Yeah, I’m listening,” I said, yawning. “I’m just a little sleepy, Apollo.”

He chuckled softly; the sound as warm as the sun. “Well, you might as well rest while you can. You’ve still got a long day ahead.”

The words tumbled out of my mouth, almost involuntarily. “You think she’ll be mad when she finds us slacking off instead of training?”

Apollo strummed a playful chord on his lyre, his grin widening. “Nah, sis needs to relax. You too. You’ve been grinding away at training since the day you were created. Even a demigod needs to breathe.”

His casual demeanour was disarming, but even as I felt the camaraderie between us, I couldn’t help but sense a faint tension beneath his words. Was it in the way he kept glancing toward the trees, or the slight hesitation in his otherwise confident tone?
“Right,” I said, smirking despite myself. “But that doesn’t mean she’ll be happy when she finds us.”

“True,” Apollo admitted, laughing. “But sometimes, a moment of peace clears the mind better than sparring or strategy drills. Maybe I should teach you to play the lyre. Balance, Kayn, that’s the key to wisdom.”

I let out a laugh, the sound light and unguarded. “I was wondering when you’d bring that up. I wouldn't expect less from you.”

Before he could reply, a sharp voice cut through the peaceful moment like a blade.

“There you are!”

I turned toward the source, already knowing who it was. Athena strode toward us, her presence as commanding as ever. Her storm-gray eyes locked onto me, unreadable but undeniably intense.
Apollo rose gracefully, a teasing grin still on his face. “Sis! So good to see you. Care for a grape?” He offered her a small bowl of fruit; his tone infuriatingly casual.

Athena ignored him, her gaze narrowing on me like an arrow poised to strike. “What are you doing?”
I opened my mouth to explain, but Apollo waved me off, speaking first. “Oh, just enjoying the morning. I invited Kayn to relax with me. He needs it.”

Her arms crossed, her posture stiffening. “He must prepare. Have you forgotten the war that looms, brother?”

Apollo sighed, his light-hearted tone dropping into something steadier. “No, I haven’t forgotten. But you seem to forget that Kayn is a living being, not a weapon.”

Their bickering put me on edge. “Uh, should I... leave?” I asked awkwardly, glancing between them.

“No, stay here you are as much as part of this discussion as we are.” Apollo said in a serious compared tone to his casual cheerful persona. “Athena… I’m not forgetting Kayn and our duty but since he has awakened, he hasn’t had a single moment to breath, he won’t say it but he’s tired… and so are you.” He said this time with a caring tone towards his sister.

Athena’s gaze softened ever so slightly as she turned her attention to me. “He’s right. Kayn, I’ve been hard on you because I want you to be ready. We can’t afford mistakes, not with what’s at stake.”

“I know, It’s just... a lot. You’re a great teacher, by the way. I’m just... overwhelmed sometimes.” I said scratching the back of my hair getting a sweet smile from her and a chuckle from Apollo, Clearly Athena’s relationship with me on a more personal side was just starting… Gods I was so cringe.

Apollo chuckled, clapping me on the shoulder. “See? Even the perfect weapon needs a break.”

Athena sighed, her stern mask cracking to reveal a small, genuine smile. “Perhaps you’re right, Apollo. Perhaps I need a moment of peace as well.”

As the tension eased, I marvelled at how different the gods seemed here in Olympus, casual, flawed, almost human. These moments of levity, however brief, hinted at the bonds I shared with them and the weight of the erebosian and gods war that threatened to shatter everything.

Apollo leaned back on the soft grass, patting the space beside him with an inviting grin. “Come on, Athena, live a little. Sit, rest, and enjoy yourself for once.”

Athena hesitated, her composed exterior briefly cracking. A moment passed before she gave in, sighing as she gracefully lowered herself onto the patch of grass next to me. “Fine. But just this once,” she muttered, folding her arms.

Apollo grinned, pulling out a bottle of wine. “See? That wasn’t so hard. Here, have a drink.”

Athena’s brow furrowed at the offer, but she eventually reached out for one of the cups. “...Pass me the bottle, please,” she said, her tone stiff but tinged with **** curiosity.

The corner of Apollo’s mouth twitched in amusement as he poured her a cup. Her posture was poised as always, but then she tipped the entire cup back, drinking in one go.

“Gods…” she muttered, her eyes widening as the **** hit her. "I need that." A deep exhale of relief escaped her lips before she chuckled softly, meeting my surprised gaze. “What?”

“Nothing,” I said, still staring at her in disbelief. “I just… didn’t think you had this side to you.”

She arched a brow, her expression playful. “I can be fun,” she said, jabbing Apollo lightly when he smirked. “I mean it, you idiot!”

Apollo snorted, clearly enjoying himself. “The ‘Lady of Iron,’ fun? I’ll believe it when I see it.” He grinned, leaning toward me. “Kayn, do me a favor and grab another bottle from my chariot? Might as well keep the good times rolling.”

“On it,” I said, standing and leaving the two of them alone.

As I walked away, Apollo turned to Athena with a sly grin. “He’s cute, isn’t he?”

Athena’s gaze lingered on me for a moment before she blushed, immediately snapping her focus back to her brother. “W-why would you say that?”

“Oh, please. You think I haven’t noticed?” he teased, his grin widening. “And I don’t blame you. He’s pretty handsome.”

“It’s not like that,” she protested, though her flustered tone betrayed her.

“Uh-huh. So you’re not checking him out right now?”

Athena didn’t answer, but the red creeping up her cheeks was answer enough.

Apollo’s laugh boomed across the clearing. “Gods, Athena, when was the last time you had sex”

“Apollo!” she cut him off, glaring. She poked his shoulder, her voice dropping to a low grumble. “...A year ago.”

Apollo’s teasing demeanor shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing in mock seriousness. “Wait, really? No wonder you’re this stressed.”

She rolled her eyes. “I don’t need your commentary, thank you very much.”

“Just saying.” He shrugged. “You ever think about, I don’t know, doing what Father does?”

“It’s not like I haven’t considered it,” she admitted, her voice softening. “But…” Her eyes flicked toward where I had gone, lingering for a moment.

“You’re not looking for a fling.”

“…No,” she admitted, almost a whisper.
Apollo’s teasing faded entirely as he leaned forward, his voice quieter now. “You’re looking for something real.”

Athena nodded, hesitant.

“And you’re thinking that something real might be with Kayn?”

“...Is that wrong?” she asked, her voice wavering. “I feel like I’m making a mistake.”

Apollo chuckled, though there was no mockery in his tone. “You’re not wrong, Athe. You’re just scared.”

Her frown deepened. “What if I am?”

“Then that means it’s worth it.” He smiled gently.
“Listen, you don’t get to pick who you fall for. Your heart and soul make that call. If you feel like Kayn is someone you want to be with, then go for it. Who cares what the others think?”

Athena’s blush deepened, her fingers nervously toying with the edge of her tunic. “…But wouldn’t it be frowned upon?”

“Why would it be? You’re not his mother, and you didn’t create him alone. We all played a part in his creation. And besides, since when do you care what others think?”

Athena’s lips twitched into a small smile at that, but before she could reply, a sudden shift in the air made both gods pause. Apollo’s smile vanished, his eyes narrowing as he turned his gaze toward the shadows of the nearby trees.

“Ares,” he muttered.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” Ares’s voice boomed, his tone dripping with arrogance as he stepped into view. His imposing figure loomed larger than life, every movement exuding raw power and unshakable confidence. Accompanying him were Eris, her presence chaotic and unsettling, and Deimos, a shadowy figure whose very aura radiated fear.

Athena’s gaze turned cold, her body tensing as if bracing for a storm. Apollo, leaning casually against a column moments before, straightened, his golden features hardening.

“Slacking off in a time of war?” Ares sneered, his sharp eyes scanning the group with contempt.
Apollo was the first to answer, his voice smooth but cutting. “We were just wondering where you were, brother. The day was peaceful, until now. Leave it to you to ruin it.”

Eris smirked, her voice a melodic taunt as she came to Ares’s defense. “You should watch your tongue, Apollo. He’s done more for Olympus in a century than you have in a millennium.”

Athena stepped forward, her eyes locked on Ares like a predator sizing up its prey. “What’s the matter, Ares? Can’t defend yourself? Do you need your little entourage to do it for you?”

Ares’s expression darkened, his lip curling in disdain. “Watch your mouth, slut,” he spat, venom lacing every word. “Unless you want me to teach you some manners.”

Athena tilted her head, unfazed by the threat. “Oh, is the mighty Ares forgetting who won the last fight?” Her words were sharp and deliberate, each one a calculated strike.

“YOU BITCH!” Ares roared, his hand rising in a blur of motion, ready to strike. But before the blow could land, Kayn stepped in, his hand locking around Ares’s wrist with an iron grip.

“Lost something?” Kayn’s voice was calm, but his eyes burned with a warning. “Looks like you should learn how to keep your head cool.”

With a sharp shove, Kayn pushed Ares back, releasing his wrist as a clear signal that he wasn’t welcome here. The tension in the air crackled like a live wire.

Ares straightened, his eyes narrowing into slits. “You forget your place, Chosen. You’re nothing but a pet to us, a tool.”

Athena moved to stand beside Kayn, her presence defiant. “Is the great Ares jealous of someone ‘lesser’ than him? My, my. And here I thought you were just an arrogant brute. Turns out you’re an envious arrogant asshole.”

Apollo couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “Go on, girl. Give it to him,” he murmured with a grin.

Ares ignored Athena, his focus entirely on Kayn now. His voice dropped to a menacing growl. “You dare to touch me, Chosen? That, in itself, is an attack. And you know what that means, don’t you, Athena?”

Athena’s confidence faltered, her eyes widening in alarm as she turned to Apollo, who shared her look of shock. “No… You wouldn’t dare.”

Ares’s smirk widened, his expression a mask of malevolent glee. “Oh, but I would. By right, I challenge you, Kayn, to Theomachy.”

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Kayn felt his breath catch, his mind racing to comprehend the weight of the challenge. I looked to the ground for a second pondering “PLEASE DON’T ACCEPT IT YOU IDIOT” I scream at my past self from inside my brain seeing the scene play out and my choices.

Before he could think it through, his head nodded almost reflexively. “I accept.”

The room fell into a stunned silence. Ares’s laughter broke the stillness, triumphant and mocking. “Good luck, Chosen,” he said, turning to leave with Eris and Deimos trailing behind. As he passed Athena, he gave her a smug wink, the ultimate insult.

As soon as they were gone, Athena turned on Kayn, her face a mix of fury and desperation. She punched him in the chest not once, twice. “YOU. IDIOT!” she yelled, her voice trembling. “Do you have any idea what you’ve just done?!”

Kayn winced but stood firm. “What are you talking about? Athena, he was going to hurt you! What was I supposed to do? Stand by and watch?”

Athena shook her head, her voice rising in frustration. “No, you idiot! I, Apollo, and Father would have punished him for that. Trust me, Ares would’ve paid the price. But this? This is exactly what he wanted! He’s been looking for an excuse to turn the gods who distrust you against you. And now, thanks to you, he has it.”

Apollo, unusually serious, stepped forward. “Kayn… It’s worse than that. You accepted a Theomachy.”

“What even is a Theomachy?” I asked, confused. “I thought it was just some kind of trial?”

“It’s a trial, all right,” Apollo said grimly, his golden eyes hardening. “A trial by combat. To the ****.”