Paramythi III: Prometheus

Kane Ruskin had lived and lost throughout the journey of his Rebellion. He had laughed, cried, spilt blood and witnessed tragedy first-hand - and while it had all started with the dreams of a sixteen-year-old boy, it had ended with a man who had lost everything.

Quincy Dionysus had resolved Kane’s feelings of wanting to pass on. It had been a week since Remiel’s defeat and he had finally located where Kane had slunk off to. It was a similar replica to the cottage he used to live in years ago before leaving Emvolo’s grounds with Ciiria. It stood on the border of Tentrail, tucked away in the vegetation to the North. Quincy had knocked, running his knuckles along the worn wood.

Rewarded with no response, Quincy held tighter to the bundle in his arms and walked around the cottage. He followed the low tunes of a static-filled radio, approaching it just around the corner into an opening. Tree trunks lay on their side behind the cottage, beside that was a small log cabin. In the centre of the circular opening stood Kane Ruskin, waving an axe down on a stump as he chopped wood.

Quincy cleared his throat, grabbing the man’s attention subtly. “Good morning.”

“It’s evening.” Kane muttered around the loose cigarette hanging from his lips. He tossed his axe down and turned, bright blue eyes sparkling behind the mop of dark hair. He had taken a bath at long last, but the facial hair remained; albeit with a tidy trim to make it less dirty. “What do you want? You missed Twyla’s funeral, that was a week ago.”

“I know, Neoma told me.” Quincy forced a smile. “I was too busy fending for myself in the Colosseum when the world was falling down. So, I apologise.”

Kane’s eyes turned to the low cooing sounds coming from Quincy’s arms. “What is that?” He grunted, switching off the radio on top of his beer-cooler.

Quincy cradled the bundle in his arms, staring down at it lovingly. “Before Twyla was put under my father’s influence for the last time, they told me they were pregnant. I removed the child before they could be injected and sent up to meet you; knowing full well how you would react if you were to kill the love of your life and your child.” Stepping forward, Quincy handed the squirming bundle over. “I would have told you sooner, but… after everything, you just up and disappeared.”

Kane tossed his cigarette to the floor and accepted the bundle with shaky arms. He stared down at the babe, glancing over the locks of white hair curling around their dark-toned face. When they opened their eyes, Kane was staring into the pale orbs of an Avolaki staring up at him.

“They look just like Twyla.” Kane’s flexed finger was met with the smallest of hands, gripping with might as a tiny mouth opened and a gurgle of delight left the babe.

“What will you call them?” Quincy clasped his hands behind his back, head tilting as he scanned the expression upon Kane’s face. “Twyla never gave a name. I guess they wanted you to do it.”

“Clear,” Kane held the child up, watching it shake their arms frantically with excitement. Avolaki children were always quick to adapt and grow; one whole week was like one whole month to them. “Their name is Clear.”

Time went on and faces began to leave Emvolo. It had been Enzo to make his move first, putting up his armour and weapons to travel North. He had visited Kane briefly before leaving, left Clear a golden box to open on their eighteenth birthday, and went on his way. Tovi had been waiting for him on the border of Emvolo and together they left, leaving their mark on Emvolo as it was built from the ground up.

Theo had been sad to watch his best friends leave. He had made his fiendish comments, playfully elbowing Enzo in the side when Tovi happened to be staring a little too intently towards Enzo. With an irritable shake of his head, Enzo had hugged Theo and left. The Sylvannix man, left without the horns of his kin and two stumps upon the crown of his head, had decided to leave his own thuggish life behind and scout out the Prophet of Emvolo.

Standing at the entrance of Emvolo’s church, Theo had watched Neriah Kiska send good fortune to Emvolo’s citizens. There had been a long line of human, Faeman and Sylvannix alike. Some were covered in bandages while others looked dirty and fatigued. Nobles or peasants, they all looked the same now. As the line ceased and Neriah’s prayers were sent out to the families and familiars of her church, Theo had confronted her.

“Dante,” Neriah bowed. “You look well.”

“Thanks to you.” Theo grinned. “So, is this your endgame? Listening to everyone’s problems and sending good fortune their way through a crazy God in the sky?”

Neriah chuckled. “Remiel has not spoken since his return above. The other Gods have begun to fill the gaps, although it seemed they had left their posts momentarily to join their brethren here in Galaxis. We were lucky to have missed them.”

“I missed most of it, anyways.” Theo hummed, dropping himself down upon the bench to Neriah’s left. “Got myself hit by a car, had my horns amputated and was strung like fairy-lights by the man I despised.”

“Be grateful, Remiel was a horrid being to witness in person. Even I did not meet him face-to-face. Staying in my dreams is good enough,” Neriah stepped forward, perching beside Theo. “Is that really what you wished to ask?”

“You’re the one who can see the future, you tell me why I’m here?” Theo challenged. He gingerly leant forward, bumping foreheads with Neriah and closed his eye. “I’m done with fighting now. Kinda need a new hobby.”

“Is that what I am? A new hobby?” Neriah quirked a brow, leaning forward into the wholesome touch. Her hands found Theo’s and she squeezed. “…I can’t leave the church.”

“Then I guess I’ll stay in Emvolo, with you.”

“I never thought you would grow to the idea of commitment, Dante.”

“Stop calling me by my last name, it’ll only get awkward when you marry me.”

“Are you proposing?”

“Maybe.” Theo closed the conversation with a kiss. Had it been eight years ago, he would have been struck down for being a Sylvannix, kissing the Prophet at the foot of Remiel’s statue in Emvolo’s church.

It was the first time he felt safe enough to drop his guard.

Neriah did marry Theo, but only after the birth of their first and only son, Xanthippe. Theo had kept in touch with Kane and often took his little ram up to Tentrail’s forests, so Xanthippe had a friend to play with. Clear was quiet but would later prove to be protective of Xanthippe, like an older sibling. They got into trouble making pranks and staying up past midnight during sleepovers.

Allawo, Avolaki, Feral and just about every other race were no longer chased out of Emvolo rules. After Deimos was voted to be the next Governor, he lifted all discrimination laws and allowed all and every race to pass Emvolo’s border. He kept his most loyal Prowlers, keeping them fed and healthy to the point their grey skin became clearer. He needed to ensure his softness for all races was not overlooked by other politicians and leaders across Galaxis. If he needed to fight, he would – his Prowlers were living proof of that.

Furthermore, when Damon left his post as Deimos' bodyguard, Deimos needed insurance for protection. Damon did not go far. He moved back to Tentrail and was later appointed position of Mayor after putting so much effort into rebuilding the town. He had spent the worst years of his life in its streets but owed it to the pub owners and market-sellers for keeping him alive until Deimos had found him years ago.

As for Pythias, she was appointed commander of Capitol troupes alongside Reidonn. Pythias had been sceptical with the idea, having been partners with Reidonn a long time ago before she had left to join the Rebellion. Reidonn was serious to reunite and proved it by meeting Pythias for every meeting and training session she could muster.

Patrols on Tentrail had never been smoother. Crime rates dropped and trade picked up. Merchants from all over made Emvolo their main point of business, filling the Bazaar day and night with high-quality stock. It was quickly becoming a kingdom to be proud of, yet those who fought for it needed to leave – to spread their wings and start anew.

Ares and Calix met with Damara after a long night of partying in the newly improved Lion’s Mouth. With not enough words and too much alcohol, they said goodbye before leaving for Typhon where Calix could grow up with his kin before taking his next formation as a Meister. Ares had stayed with him for the most part, continuously traveling along Galaxis in his spare time.

Damara left Emvolo with Selene and returned to Minoas. After Hecate was informed of their greatest adventure, the young woman was married beneath a full moon and Minos III had been kind enough to throw the biggest celebrational feast on account of their marriage and the end of a long war.

Hecate became Minoas’ official doctor and would often take on the responsibility of babysitting Selene and Damara’s babies; a total of seven little ones with unique abilities and skills thanks to their parents’ genes. Minoas was never quiet again because of them.

Maxa Kara had ensured Merine Trezla met his fate. After Remiel’s possession, Merine was left an empty shell, mumbling the same words over and over. He was no longer the Rebellion’s greatest foe. Most had even felt sorry for him when Maxa sent him off to Diyu where he was locked up in the deepest, most secure cell Diyu had to offer.

Once Merine was gone, Maxa took her own leave. No-one would be able to say where she went. She did not say goodbye to the remainder of her family, nor did she even see Neoma before disappearing. There had been some witnesses on the coast and the harbour who claimed to have seen her take one of the ships and leave for the sea.

Nino inherited the Trezla fortune by default. With Merine gone, the whole estate was left in her name and she was left with an empty mansion and miles of garden. She had been righteous, using the money to meet special needs for people like Pepi. The Kara sisters lived on the estate and Nino remoulded the place into a shelter for orphaned children of all races.

Tessa recovered after being found in the abandoned Colosseum. She made her way back to find Junior R had risen to the surface. Neoma Athena had become its leader, working in cooperation with Deimos. They worked to restore peace across the rest of Galaxis with the help of Kaira, who had taken the position of Rebellion’s captain. She had insisted not to call her group ‘Rebellion,’ claiming it would disgrace everything Kane Ruskin had fought for. To this day, she is still trying to pick an appropriate name.

Capitol’s hotspots were remodelled. Xerxes had taken the responsibility to turn the theatre into a restaurant. It took some getting used to by the Faeman who wished to stay. The longest task was learning what to wear and how to act appropriately in front of their guests. Other Faeman chose to flee, leaving Emvolo as soon as they could. Xerxes was content on staying, teaching youthful Faeman like Taavi how to cook and clean; pulling them away from their previous lifestyle of filth and performance.

The Colosseum was blown to the ground. Quincy had pushed the button himself, finally putting all his father’s findings to rest. He had buried Zyki in an unmarked grave before leaving Emvolo. Most would have liked to think the great Quincy Dionysus had left to discover unknown knowledge and write books on Moon-Graced anatomy and the secret to their physiology. |Alas, he did nothing of the sort and had instead settled himself into a nice cottage outside of Dike, tending to Shema and mastering the arts of making cheese.

The moment the guns stopped firing and Emvolo began growing, Helios Artemis married Riyo Midas. They grabbed the moment as soon as they could, wasting no time to share their vowels and tell the whole world how they felt. Helios had naturally made a bigger deal of the whole thing, hoisting Riyo into his arms shortly after the bouquet was thrown.

Since Riyo only had a right arm, they had to wear their wedding ring on a chain around their neck; but Helios could not care less. He had laughed until he cried from sheer happiness as they danced in the Bazaar and stumbled to an Inn, utterly drunk and in love.

As their friends left, they followed their example and walked to the border. Goodbyes and hugs were shared with their companions as they made their way through Tentrail, past Capitol and into the wide fields outside the city’s walls. Helios had stopped at Theia to give the ground a prayer and thank it for giving him such an ‘awesome childhood.’

They stopped at Minoas for a while, giving Helios time to catch up with Selene for real and tell her all about his time spent in Emvolo. The story was cut short when Hecate had taken Riyo for a quick examination and told them they were pregnant. It left Helios blushing like mad whilst he tried to explain to Selene just when he had the time to 're-pop' his cherry during the end of the world.

Riyo said nothing, even after Damara had jumped into the scene and hugged them; announcing her own pregnancy. Thus, turning the tables and leaving Selene to explain herself instead. Hecate cut the finger-pointing blame-game with a hefty meal and drink, only allowing Shema milk for Riyo and Damara.

After a week of Minoas, Helios and Riyo kept travelling, hitting the border of Dioscuri when the rain began thundering down. They had ducked under the numerous rocks and dusty slopes, huddling together in the cavern dugout near the road.

“Man, it looks like it never rains here, what’s all this about?” Helios piped up, waving his hand out to catch droplets. They rolled off the brown leather of his glove with ease. “You think climate’s gonna suddenly change because we saved the world?”

“Dunno.” Riyo nestled against Helios’ side cradling the small swell of their stomach. “Maybe everything’s just gonna start changing. I mean, we kinda altered the course of fate and stuff.”

“Is that what the Gods have been telling you?” Helios turned back, pulling Riyo closer against him. His hand cupped the stump of their shoulder perfectly, his thumb running across the mantle-cloak which covered the charred remains of appendage. “You can still hear them, right?”

“I think they’ve decided to leave me alone. I mean, I only ever heard Sytry. He just disappeared after the Colosseum.” Riyo grumbled, closing their eyes. They shuffled back against the numerous bags and rolled up blankets they had thrown into the cavern. If they had to camp out, they had everything they needed. “I doubt I’d listen to any of the Gods even if they did try talking. I am sick and tired of Gods.”

“Agreed.” Helios snorted.

The rain continued to fall, making a shift in the dusty grounds. Water began to flow down slopes and ran across the empty road. No-one had walked by in the last few hours. With the rain and wind howling down, it became difficult to tell just what direction they had come from. It got worse as time passed by and the duo began to fall asleep when the clopping sounds of a pair of horses approaching stirred them enough to peak out.

“Hey!” Helios had waved his hand, catching the rider’s attention.

The horses slowed, stopping at the entrance beside the cavern. They were pulling a wagon filled with hay and food stock, covered with a tarp to keep out the rain and wind. The rider was a middle-aged man with messy facial hair and a long ponytail pulled up into the hood of his cloak. A lantern hung by a short rod beside him, barely covered by the lip of the tarp above. His eyes shone from the shadow of his hood; like a wolf under the full moon.

“Need a ride, friend?” The rider spoke, accent thick with Hera origin.

“Sure, if you’re offering!” Helios shot a grin, helping Riyo up to their feet. “We’re carrying a babe with us, that okay?”

“S’long as ya don’t give birth on the way. It’s a long journey.” The rider motioned towards the back of his cart, tipping his head. “We’re heading to Astraea.”

Riyo smirked, grabbing as many bags as their hand could hold. “Let’s go. I’ve always liked Astraea.”

Helios helped Riyo into the back of the hayride and handed them their luggage. As he climbed up, the horses began moving and the ride swayed. He unhooked the flaps of the tarp, letting them close to keep out the draft and damp.

He was an attentive husband, always considering Riyo before himself. Even now, as he rummaged through their belongings and laid a blanket out upon the softest corner of hay, he led Riyo over to it and tucked them up with an extra comforter over the top before making his way up the ride to meet their benefactor.

“I’m Helios Artemis.” He offered a hand out towards the rider. “Thanks a bunch.”

“Don’t mention it,” came the reply, along with a strong handshake. “They call me Nana.”

Helios and Riyo never got further than Astraea. Helios became a teacher in Astraea’s castle, teaching the children of Termitown. The couple were given accommodation for Helios’ job; a small cottage tucked into the West of the town near the wishing well and market.

Riyo gave birth to a small babe with matted brown hair and intense eyes shortly after settling into their new home. They called them ‘Shana,’ the Astrean name for new beginning. Shana picked up their bitterness from Riyo and their smiles from Helios. They were perhaps the most loved child throughout all Galaxis.

Psykhe Trezla was never seen again. Some suspected she had returned to Minoas, while others were convinced she crossed the borders of every kingdom and kept walking.

The only trace she left behind were books. Best-selling novels which told the stories of Kane Ruskin and his Rebellion. Every book was published under the pen name Anima Eros. The novels kickstarted after her first book; her best book which she had simply titled ‘Elias Kara,’ a story no-one could forget.

THE END