Kairos 57: Among Monsters

“This is my story,” Nessus finished his tale.

For a moment, neither Kairos nor Andromache knew what to say. The couple exchanged a glance, then turned to Gaia. Though it was still tremendously difficult to even look at her face, the ancient Earth Mother gazed down at Nessus with an immortal’s compassion.

It was all true. 

“This is a lot to take in,” Kairos said while turning to Nessus. And Persephone has been influencing our journey long before Achlys, he thought. “But why didn’t you tell us sooner?”

“Would you have believed me, oh my captain?” Nessus asked, and Kairos silently conceded his point. If Gaia and Hybris hadn’t confirmed his tale, the Travian would have doubted still. “Besides… I don’t want to be Dionysus anymore. I made a mess of that life, and I’ve been offered a fresh start. I intend to seize that chance and make things better.”

Kairos could respect that. Though he was angry with Nessus for keeping important secrets to himself when his knowledge could have helped, he had proven himself a loyal friend and crewmate. The Travian captain couldn’t blame him for trying to move on from his past and find penance.

Andromache reacted far less calmly, though for different reasons. In the end, she didn’t care much whether Nessus was an old god reincarnated. A much more personal revelation bothered her.

“Circe’s soul never reached the Underworld?” she asked with a cold, angry voice. “She is still alive?”

“No. Orgonos slew her and stole her godhood.” Nessus put his hands behind his head. “But I’m the living proof the loss of a [Legend] isn’t always the end. I do have a theory about what happened. The Necromantheion as it is now seems to honor Thanatos above the other Underworld deities, so we can presume his involvement. I told you the only way to earn the old fiend’s support—”

“Is the promise of death and slaughter,” Andromache finished, her eyes narrowing. “Circe’s soul may be powerless, but her magical knowledge remains.”

Kairos quickly put the two and two together. “Thanatos kept her soul to run the planetary alignment ritual?”

“If allowed to run its course, this plan will certainly cause a war between the surviving titans imprisoned in Tartarus and the new gods who rule in the current era.” Nessus chuckled darkly. “Maybe we’ll get around to having a Theomachia.”

The old gods and the new would tear the cosmos asunder. And whoever won, Thanatos would reap a new harvest of immortal souls. “But if you work for Persephone, why isn’t she taking more direct action?” Kairos asked with confusion.

“Hades and Persephone never joined my old man’s [Dodekatheon] [Pantheon],” Nessus explained. It was strange to hear him refer to Zeus himself so casually. “The lords of the Underworld formed their own separate group.”

And members of the same [Pantheon] couldn’t interfere with each other’s activities directly… Nessus was Persephone’s representative in the matter, a champion she could act through.

“This changes nothing,” Andromache hissed with fury. “If the gods will not act, we shall end this ritual ourselves.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Nessus said, before glancing up at Gaia. “Will you let us do it, great-grandma?”

Kairos suddenly realized that both Gaia and Hybris had listened to everything without a word. The former didn’t seem like she cared all that much, while the latter looked as thoughtful as a giant sea monster could be. “We are sorry for making you wait,” Kairos apologized to them.

“I am as old as time,” Gaia replied softly. Though Kairos and Andromache had managed to stand on their feet, the ancient primordial’s voice made the Travian struggle not to kneel before her again. Her [Charisma] had to be sky-high. “A few minutes are nothing to me.”

“Not to me, however,” Hybris said, slithering away from his altar to approach Kairos. “This discussion has little to do with the present matter.”

“I disagree,” Nessus said while looking up at Gaia. “You helped Zeus overthrow his old man to free your imprisoned children in Tartarus. And when Zeus sealed the titans away, you tried to do the same with him. And now, we’re plotting to keep the surviving titans imprisoned.”

So that was why Nessus didn’t trust Gaia? Seeing it this way, a conflict of interests seemed inevitable.

“I want my children to live free and walk the world with all creatures of the Earth, that is true,” Gaia explained. “When your ancestors asked for my help in overthrowing Zeus, I forced an oath upon them. That they would free my imprisoned children. When mankind rose up in rebellion, they freed my unruly son Typhon, the giants, and even some of my beautiful titans. For a moment, I rejoiced.”

Her expression soured, her colossal head turning at the dark sea beyond the dome of air protecting the ruined temple. Could she see the sky beyond it?

“And then, I looked upon the world left after the Anthropomachia. My son Typhon had been imprisoned again, and so many of my children had perished…” Gaia shook her head sadly. “I have seen too many of my descendants perish in costly divine wars. If you can find a way for my titans to walk the world peacefully, take it. But otherwise, I would rather have them imprisoned than dead.”

So she wouldn’t interfere with their attempts to stop Circe’s ritual. Good. “Why do you sponsor the [Térastheon]?” Kairos asked.

Gaia answered with a motherly smile that reminded Kairos of Aurelia. “My husband Ouranos imprisoned my first children into my womb, because he found them repulsive… but to my eyes, they were all equally beautiful. I’ve had a soft spot for the creatures you call ‘monsters’ ever since.”

“I approached the great mother with my ambition of uniting all monstrous deities under a single banner, and she granted me her blessing,” Hybris declared with pride.

“The times when a single [Pantheon] ruled the cosmos are over,” Gaia said. “I would rather have many of them coexisting. Even Prometheus created his group, to welcome peaceful deities.”

“Hey, why didn’t they invite us?” Rook asked, finally finding the courage to speak. The question had bugged Kairos too.

“Prometheus’ prophetic abilities dwarf even my own,” Gaia mused. “No doubt he had predicted another destiny would fit the two of you better.”

That crafty father of mankind… Kairos thought. Did he foresee this conversation? The more he heard, the more the Travian realized that invisible forces conflicted over mortals’ fate in the background.

“You said some of our foes formed a [Pantheon]?” Kairos asked Hybris. “Can you give me more details?”

“Mother Gaia was not the first Protogenoi I approached with my plan for a pan-monster alliance,” the sea monster admitted. “My first choice of a patron was Lord Pontus, the avatar of the seas. Unfortunately, he had recently formed a [Pantheon] of his own, one that wouldn’t welcome monsters in its midst. The [Diadochi].”

Kairos recognized the word as an ancient Greek term for successors. “The successors of whom?”

“Of the Olympians,” Hybris answered with a grunt. “Your foe, Mithridates, joined it.”

“I can imagine what that poisonous [Rogue] promised sea-loving Pontus to gain his support,” Nessus said grimly.

To expand the sea, and sink more land beneath the waves. No wonder Mithridates managed to get his hands on a trident piece. “Why didn’t he let you in his [Pantheon]?” Kairos asked Hybris. “You wanted to sink the surface too.”

“Though we respect him as our distant ancestor, Lord Pontus prefers the merfolk, the nymphs, and the beautiful creatures of the depths to us Abysseans,” the Abyssean [Demigod] said with a grunt. “Lord Pontus also wants to restore his worship among the surfacers, who long ago turned to Poseidon and then the New Gods. He knows that your kind despises the Cetea, and does not want to be associated with us in their mind.”

“Pontus supports this [Pantheon] in hope of gaining adoration,” Gaia added. “I created the [Térastheon] to give my monstrous brood the power to carve their own place into this world. Even through violence, if needed.”

“I understand,” Kairos replied. “But I would rather defeat my enemies by making them my friends, rather than by killing or imprisoning them.”

Gaia looked bemused. “Is that a jab I sense, mortal? There is a place for diplomacy, child, but if everyone was willing to compromise, wars wouldn’t exist.”

“I never said otherwise,” the Travian pointed out. “But monsters have always used violence as their first resort, alienating potential allies and feeding a cycle of hate. I’m looking for coexistence, not extermination. Even if I join the attack on Orichalcos, my grief is with the merfolk’s current culture, not the species as a whole. I will not participate in a war of extermination.”

Hybris grunted. “Innocent blood will paint the sea red, even if we restrain ourselves.”

“But it can be kept to a minimum.” Kairos’ hand tightened on his spear’s grip. “I want to be a ruler, not a warlord. If that makes sense.”

Gaia appraised him for a moment, her gaze as heavy as a mountain. It took Kairos a herculean force of will to face it, and even then he couldn’t read the goddess’ expression. This creature might have looked humanoid, but she had never been human.

“Is that your wish too, Andromache?” Gaia finally asked, turning her gaze at the Scylla. “You spent centuries slaying mortals who would bother you.”

“I did, Mother Gaia,” the witch replied while straightening up. “It is a struggle to restrain my hunger. To maintain balance between the monster Circe made of me, and the woman I was.”

“But you would rather suffer than take the easy way.”

“Yes,” Andromache said with a firm nod, before exchanging a warm glance with her lover. “Though I will gladly devour these arrogant fish in Orichalcos, I have grown to enjoy the company of some mortals. Other creatures, like our birds and even that insufferable Sphinx have made similar choices. Though monsters are seen as the enemies of all, it does not have to be.”

Though her expression remained mostly stoic, Kairos noticed a half-smile on Gaia’s lips. “I see your condition gave you some insight… and this is why you and your human mate would make great additions to the [Térasthreon]. Voices of reasons to balance the hot-headed among my children.”

Hybris looked up at the ancient deity. “So, Mother of All, will you accept them?”

“If they choose,” the primordial deity replied.

“You could always try to stay independent, oh my captain,” Nessus said. “Become a [God] on your own lonesome and create your own [Pantheon].”

“Are you trying to make us turn back, old ghost?” Andromache asked.

“No, I’m just pointing out other roads to take,” the satyr replied. “Or it wouldn’t be a choice.”

Kairos considered Nessus’ proposal, before quickly dismissing it. Though the Travian wished to ascend, like all of those who claimed a [Legend], he was not arrogant enough to believe he might live long enough to reach that status without support. Few became [Heroes], and fewer ascended to [Demigods].

By the time Kairos became a [God], he probably wouldn’t need to create one in the first place. If he took Gaia and Pontus’ example, [Pantheons] were mostly for the benefit of weaker creatures.

Finally, Kairos faced many enemies. Mithridates and his allies intended to conquer the Sunsea, while Thanatos and Circe plotted its destruction. And then there was the not-so-small matter of Lycaon...

They simply couldn’t fight all these threats on their own.

“What will joining this [Pantheon] entail?” Kairos probed. “I understand that we will have to join a defensive alliance, and that conflicts between us will become indirect.”

“A member of the [Térastheon] can ask others to help in their battles, though assistance is only mandatory if the [Pantheon] as a whole is challenged,” Hybris explained. “In short, if you ask for help in attacking your foes, each member can decide whether to join you or not. But if one foe threatens multiple members of the [Térastheon], then this will be considered a challenge to the whole [Pantheon] and we will mobilize.”

“I will not tolerate infighting either,” Gaia said. “If you face a dispute, I will either arbitrate it, or you will settle things through champions. In exchange, you will receive a unique Legendary Skill associated with the [Pantheon]. As an aspect of the world, I can also petition the Fate System to grant you a boon upon joining. Skill Points. An increase in one of your stats. A unique Skill.”

“Oh, will I get it too?” Rook asked, wagging his tail when the Earth mother nodded. “Yes!”

Andromache’s eyes lit up with hope. “Could you lift my curse?”

Though the Scylla had probably expected it, Gaia shook her head. “At the beginning of time, the Fate System forced order upon the primordial Chaos and shaped our kind, the ancient Protogenoi. From my essence, Fate crafted my husband Ouranos, and from Nyx’s the likes of Thanatos and Hypnos. Unlike the likes of you mortals, we Protogenoi and Personifications are fully beholden to the Fate System. While as aspects of creation we cannot truly perish, our ability to influence the world is… limited.”

“Is that why you never attempted to take down the likes of Zeus or Chronos directly?” Kairos asked.

“Indeed. I can only affect the fate of the world indirectly, either through my children or agents.” Gaia glanced down at Andromache. “I cannot circumvent Fate’s decrees. If you received a Quest promising you freedom from your curse, then I am forbidden to interfere with it. Nor can I free you from your immortality, Dionysus.”

While Andromache clenched her jaw, Nessus crossed his arms. “Could you at least explain what’s causing it?” the satyr asked.

“This universe of ours is torn between an age-old conflict between two cosmic forces: the formless Chaos, and the Fate System’s order,” Gaia explained. “It may be that your reincarnation is caused by one or the other. Perhaps even by their battle itself.”

“So you don’t know either,” Nessus said with a sigh.

“I suspect that you are the counterpart to Thanatos, the eternal spirit of life. Your existence as Dionysus may not be the one where it all began, but only the first life you remember.”

Andromache scowled at the setback, so Kairos put a hand around her waist and pulled her closer. The witch rested her head against his shoulder. “What do you want?” Kairos asked her softly.

“I want to cast the fish’s city down,” she replied angrily. “I want Circe’s soul in the palm of my hand, so that I may torment it for all eternity. I want my curse lifted, so that I may find peace. And above all, I want allies to see this through.”

So they were in agreement.

“We accept,” Kairos said.

While Nessus remained silent and Hybris showed his teeth in a twisted parody of a smirk, Gaia appeared unsurprised. “What blessing do you wish for, mortal?” she asked.

“Can we know which Stat you will raise?” Kairos asked shrewdly. “Or how many Skill Points will we get? Or what the Legendary Skill will do?”

“No,” Gaia replied. “I petition the Fate System, but I have no control over its choice. Your decision will also affect your [Animal Companion], Kairos.”

“It’s alright, Kairos!” Rook said. “I trust you. Whatever you choose will be for the best.”

So this was a gamble all the same. A Legendary Skill was tempting, but its random nature worried Kairos. As for a Stat Rank-up, it could either increase a key ability like [Charisma], or one he didn’t use much like [Strength].

Skill Points though were always useful. Kairos could shore them up to raise a Stat he had chosen, and most importantly, increase his [Idols]’ power. Listening to Nessus’ ascension tale had taught the Travian a valuable lesson: people’s faith had power.

Enough to turn a dead [Demigod] into a true deity.

“I will take the extra Skill Points,” Kairos decided. A boring choice, but a practical one.

“I wish for a Stat Rank-up,” Andromache demanded. “I will take my chances.”

“So shall it be,” Gaia answered, her eyes shining.

A golden glow swallowed Andromache and Kairos whole, as the two moved closer to one another. Rook joined them too, standing proudly at their side like a ferocious guard hound. Monstrous shadows surrounded the group from all sides, turning their hungry maws in their direction. They were a carnival of dark beasts, some with wings, others with fins, and so few with legs.

Kairos recognized a few among them. The monstrous maw of Charybdis the devourer, the slithering form of a serpent woman, the eyes of abyssal monsters lurking at the ocean’s bottom. A serpent eating its own tail, a three-headed giant, and dancing daemons. But it was Gaia’s own shade that stood above them all, while Hybris’ form slithered at her feet.

Kairos and Andromache each cast a shadow of their own. The Scylla’s shade represented her true form, roaring hound-heads, and mighty tentacles; Kairos’ was stranger, a chimera with wolf-legs, great griffin wings, and a hydra’s countless serpentine heads. Rook’s own shade didn’t change much, but it grew to a colossal size, like a true king of griffins.

They fit right in among this assembly of nightmares, and the beasts welcomed them.

Kairos felt it long before the notification arrived. The sensation of joining something greater than himself, of forming an unbreakable contract similar to his marriage agreement to Julia.

You have joined the [Térastheon] [Pantheon]. Only death or the will of Fate can release you from your bonds.

You earned the [Henosis (Hero)] Legendary Skill. You can now access racial Class Specialization regardless of your species, so long as you meet the other requirements such as Stats, necessary Skills, achievements, or Character Rank. Additionally, you can identify an individual’s [Pantheon] with [Observer] or similar Skills.

You have been blessed by [Gaia, Mother of All]. You gained 20 Skill Points.

And the [Henosis (Hero)] Skill immediately paid off.

You unlocked the [Moonblood] and [Telchine] Class Specialization.

Moonblood.

The beast within him had made its presence known.

When the light died down and Kairos returned to the temple, he found himself holding hands with Andromache. The Scylla wore a satisfied smirk; perhaps she saw joining a [Pantheon] as some sort of vindication for her suffering. Where Circe had cast her out, the new gods had accepted her in their midst.

There would be no turning back now.

You gained a level (total Fifty-One) and 3 Skill Points.

“So?” Kairos asked his consort. “Satisfied?”

“[Magic], my love,” Andromache replied with a satisfied smirk. “From B+ to A.”

Really? Kairos thought it had been higher, but then again, he had to pay 30 SPs to achieve the same increase with his [Charisma].

“Ooh, 10 Skill Points!” Rook wagged his tail. “I can finally take that sweet [Magical Claw] Skill!”

“I hope you won’t regret your choice, oh my captain,” Nessus replied with a shrug.

“They will not,” Hybris replied with triumph. “A feast awaits us.”

“It is time you explain to us your plan for Orichalcos,” Kairos said with a frown.

“Of course…” The monstrous Cetea coiled like a serpent. “Though it is my [Idol] that maintains the dome of air around us, the power it channels is not my own.”

“When Chronus castrated my husband Ouranos, he did so on a physical and spiritual level,” Gaia said. “His power over winds had grown aimless, undirected. This allowed the Anemoi gods, whose spear you bear, to assume control over the four winds.”

“This place was once a temple dedicated to Ouranos’ power, before I claimed it for myself,” Hybris explained. “I have drained and stockpiled its power… and thanks to your spear, I can finally direct it.”

Andromache immediately understood what the Cetus had in mind. “Once, the sky came down each night to unite with the earth…”

“As the merfolk sank islands beneath the waves,” Hybris said with a burst of hideous laughter, “we will bring the sky to them.”

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