Chapter 4: The Birth of War

“ ... Although my heart has long since stopped, it yet holds love in it for all the gods, save one, the one who made and ruined me as well. I have no kind words to impart to him, except, perhaps, in form of this concession: War, much like the heavens and the sea, can be considered as a force of nature. It keeps men down; they will never grow too plentiful, this way, or near as mighty as the gods. And yet, men worship Ares willingly; they are so much like him. I should know. I was a warrior myself. Only in death do I begin to fully grasp my wrongs.”Achilles, Codex, Hades by Supergiant Games, Written by Greg Kasavin, Copyright © Supergiant Games.

It has taken months to find, but in the end, Rhea had found the elusive island. After Poseidon’s ascension to the King of the Sea, Oceanus’ island had been moved from where it had sat since the reign of Cronos.

When she placed her feet on the sandy border, Rhea looked around. She moved gracefully along the shoreline of Oceanus’ island. She could see the faint traces of Poseidon’s magic lingering along the edges. It might have been from his raw power or that Trident he had been given by the other children of Gaia and Ouranos.

This subtle aura might have been missed by others, but Rhea had been the most powerful mage on Olympus until her daughter, Hera, outgrew her.

Oceanus’ palace stood as a solitary marvel on the southernmost fringe of the sea. Rhea’s eyes could see the sight of the distant lands of Aígyptos.

As she walked closer to the center of the land mass, the palace came into view. As per anything made by the Titans, the structure was breathtaking in its design. Rhea had seen grand structures built by the gods and titans with her unorthodox position in Olympus’ history. The home of Oceanus was wholly his.

The palace was rooted in both Gaia’s earth and Pontus’ water. She could not be sure if this unique existence was from Oceanus’ power or Poseidon’s Trident, but the land was neither fully grounded nor adrift.

Towers rose high with spires catching the light. The walls were intricately carved, portraying an endless, fluid tapestry of sea creatures in the waves.

The quiet, empty courtyard made her pause. Among the blooming floral arrangements, the Titan Queen noted the absence of the Oceanids, who once would have welcomed a visitor with songs and laughter.

It was true, then. The loyal children of Oceanus and Tethys must have sworn allegiance to Poseidon after he had claimed dominion over the seas. With her keen eyes, she saw some remained loyal to Oceanus and Tethys, but where there were once three thousand Oceanids, it appeared less than a few hundred were in the palace.

Rhea crossed the grand threshold of the entrance of the home of her sea siblings. Her steps were soft against the seastone floor, but she moved with confident purpose. While she was not overly familiar with the palace, as she had never been to the palace before, she had heard stories and used that information to move into the heart of the palace.

Inside, there was a long hall that showed off the beautiful design of the building and gardens and fountains while leading to a single set of doors. Sunlight streamed through immense windows overhead. The walls depicted scenes of water, and of Oceanus’ great might.

Under current circumstances, Rhea believed they were closer to wishful thinking rather than hard truth. Though, she could not be too judgmental. All of the Titans lived with diminished grandeur from their earliest days.

During the time of Ouranos, the Realm was theirs to have. Yes ... They all lived under Ouranos, but they were allowed to explore, grow, and claim parts of his and Gaia’s lands for themselves. All too quickly, that was coming to be rescinded. For that, Rhea could thank herself and Gaia even if the other Titans were unaware of Rhea’s treachery.

At the time, Rhea would have sworn to Chaos and back that there was no price too high to be rid of Cronos, but as the days went on, she could see how her sons went about claiming every piece of existence for themselves. Even Hades was coming into his own in what was once Nyx’s Underworld.

This situation was becoming more and more untenable.

In the end, she could only hope that her brother agreed with her.

She entered the main hall with a single, mighty push of the double doors. The imposing double thrones of coral and pearl waited at the far end for the once-great queen. Like most things made by the Titans, the room seemed to gleam with an ethereal radiance.

Oceanus and Tethys sat side by side. As the Titans they were, they seemed to embody the primal forces they once ruled. Rhea stepped forward, her gaze meeting theirs.

She could see the discontent in their eyes. Tethys seemed lonely while Oceanus seemed angry by Rhea’s estimation. Why was that? Surely they did not know why she had come.

Nevertheless, Rhea pushed on.

Showing due respectful courtesy for one she wanted a favor from, Rhea set her pride aside and kneeled before her brother.

“Greetings, Oceanus, ruler of the sea.”

“Once-ruler,” Oceanus corrected. “Your belligerent son saw to that.”

“Surely not Zeus.”

“He speaks of Poseidon,” Tethys corrected.

“I do, and you would do better than to speak his name in my presence, dear wife.”

There it was, Rhea realized. Poseidon had done something. Bested Oceanus? Maybe, but why be made at Tethys? Unless ... Her sons all had the wandering desire of Ouranos in them.

“I apologize for my wayward son’s actions,” Rhea said. There was some truth in her words, and that reflected in her manner of speech.

“I doubt you could rectify the change your son had put into motion. My own children have seen fit to ally with him when he best both myself and Pontus,” Oceanus said. “Now, I am but a shell of what I once was.”

“And what would striking a blow to my sons be worth to you?” Rhea asked. She gave her brother a look that warned him that the question was not simply hypothetical.

“I would do anything to bring Poseidon down,” Oceanus said quickly.

Rhea could see it. The once-great Titan of the Ocean was practically salivating at the chance to harm Poseidon.

“She is not talking of a physical blow, are you, dearest sister?” Tethys wondered.

Rhea almost ran up to slap Tethys. It was clear how much that Rhea needed this and her stupid halfwit of a sister was risking the chance for Oceanus to say no. Why? What was her part in all of this? Did she have an inkling of affection for Zeus or Poseidon.

“Is this so?” Oceanus asked. He was gripping the arm of his chair. “You want to play a battle of words and deeds with your son?”

The question was very nearly shouted at Rhea, but she held firm.

“What do you think a battle of might and power will bring us?” Rhea shot back. “Zeus defeated the other Titans, and while my husband was unworthy of his station as king, given his own crimes, do you think my son will abide by another Titan faction? No. We must appear to be complicit.”

“Appear?” Oceanus wondered.

“Our mother has plans ... Ones that might lead to the downfall of my sons’ regimes, but until the time is right, we cannot afford to strike out against my sons physically.”

Oceanus looked like he might protest for a long moment. However, when he turned his head toward his wife. There was something flashing between them, Rhea could see that, but she could not translate what it was. Perhaps it was recognition of Rhea’s truth. Maybe it was something else entirely.

The youngest daughter of Gaia and Ouranos could not be sure. Nevertheless, she trusted that a decision was being made.

“What is it you need?” Oceanus asked.

“Our mother says we need an island much like this one, that is not entirely tethered to the sea floor. It needs to float on the water.”

“Did she say why?” Tethys asked suspiciously.

“She did not,” Rhea said with a shake of her head.

Pausing, she was careful. No matter how close Oceanus was to a yes, Tethys was his wife since the time of Ouranos. If anyone could could sway him away from compliance, it would be her.

“But let me ask you, do you believe you could defeat Zeus, much less Poseidon, in single combat?”

Oceanus bristled at this question, giving no answer to his queenly sister.

“Our mother knows that we may have acted hastily, and elevated my sons too far, too fast. If we are to have another conflict with these gods, we need to cripple them before swinging a single blow.”

“To what end?” Oceanus asked.

“So that when we do strike, victory will be inevitable.”

Oceanus absorbed her words like a stone being consumed by sea water.

“Very well, my sister. Tell our mother that I will make this floating island, but when the time comes, I expect to be forewarned about the upcoming victory that you and she have planned.”

Rhea bowed her head in respect. “Of course, dear Oceanus.”

Like that, she departed from his sight. She was respectful enough to walk away before summoning a tower of light to take her back to her island.

When they were sure she was gone, Oceanus stood from his throne.

“Are you simply going to do as our mother and sister want?”

“Why? Are you concerned for my prestige or that I might hurt your lover?” Oceanus asked.

“I laid with him one night, not for ages!” Tethys exclaimed.

“I think we both know one night is enough to change everything.”

“Will you never forgive me?” Tethys asked bitterly. She loathed that this conflict still lasted between them.

“When he is dead and gone, I will,” Oceanus said, leaving through a side exit.

He had his portion of the agreement to keep up, and he would. Gaia was not like the Titans. She was steadfast and patient. If she saw a path to victory, the outcome must be assured. Gaia was a child of Chaos, and she was the only Primordial being active in the world. There must be a reason for that.

There had to be. If not ... what was the point?

With her support, Poseidon would be brought low. Who cared about the plans and machinations for the Throne of Olympus? Who cared about having that seat of power?

The sea was where freedom truly came from, and soon, it would be Oceanus’ once more.

Under the light of the midday, Zeus sat alone in his garden.

Around him, he was surrounded by the natural beauty that only Olympus could offer, yet it offered him no peace to his thoughts. He was not plagued by the headaches that had turned out to be Athena trying to get free.

No. His mind was elsewhere. Marital fidelity ... No one had ever expected him to be faithful, not even Metis. Both Demeter and Metis had been higher in his chances of marriage, and they both understood that he would need to have his needs met, but with Hera’s pregnancy advancing, he could see not only would she not satisfy him, but she expected fidelity.

This would not do.

Intimacy was becoming a distant memory to someone who was accustomed to having partner after partner. This would not do. If nothing else, his pride expected more than his duty for her would allow.

For others, he might say it was an ache in his heart, but the simple truth was that there was a restless craving for companionship. He enjoyed the raw sensuality of being close to another living being, and why should he not? He was the King of Olympus!

That was when he thought of all the people in his way.

Hera would not stand for infidelity. Then there was Rhea and Gaia. Gaia claimed her wedding present was a truce, but with grandmother, that was no guarantee. She had been making maneuvers against Cronos while also placating Zeus’ father at the same time. That was how Zeus obtained the throne he had. The same could be said of his mother. Their very presence was a reminder of their ability to control the throne upon which he sat.

Logic was all well and good from a practical standpoint, but Zeus was scarcely an entirely practical being. One does not become King of Olympus by being safe, rational, or practical. To be king, one lived their life by taking risks, being bold, demanding what one wants, and then taking it.

And when the gentle sound of footsteps reverberated through his gardens, Zeus knew he might be tempted to be bold once more. He stirred and the air wafted the familiar alluring scent of Leto entering his garden.

Her trademark black dress moved for her body it seemed. She watched Zeus, more attuned to his current vulnerability than even him. She approached with a graceful softness that was so unlike Hera. Her hands were folded demurely at her waist. Whether he knew it or not, her gaze held a glimmer of intention.

“Zeus,” she began in a soothing murmur. “I must stop finding you by yourself. People will think you’re miserable.”

He glanced at her. He restrained himself for the briefest moment. “I enjoy being by myself from time to time,” he said. “It lets me think. I do lead a busy life, Leto”

Leto tilted her head in mild confusion. Whatever she had expected him to say, it was not that. Her gaze was sympathetic, yet she was anticipating an opening.

She stepped closer, allowing the faint scent of her body to drift toward him. “Maybe so, but perhaps such weighty burdens should be carried by others.”

She placed a hand lightly on his arm. Her touch was delicate yet lingering on him. Zeus looked at her hand to her eyes. He did not pull away, and she sensed the door opening wider. Her eyes softened for him, so that he could see vulnerability.

“A king,” she continued, her voice low, “should not be cursed with loneliness. A king deserves comfort.”

“That is why I have Hera,” Zeus said. He was hoping she might catch the warning in his voice. Then again ... Did he really want her to?

“Yes,” Leto said, looking mildly dejected. “Hera is ... blessed ... to be by your side and carry your heir.” She refocused herself before him within a moment. “That does not mean you should be alone.”

Zeus looked at her more closely in order to consider her more seriously. Though he knew the temptation of her words, he was caught up by her. Leto’s figure exuded a certain allure that he could not deny. Her words and attention made him feel seen in the light of admiration. He was smart enough to know that this was intentional on her part. She was good. Perhaps if he had met her before Rhea forced his hand on Hera, Leto might have made a good queen.

Internally, he knew this was not true. She was reaching for more than she deserved. However, she might very well be what he needed.

He felt her fingers glide over his shoulder. Her touch was subtly suggestive, but even still, he could see that her ambition was behind a mask of this tender compassion.

“What is it you want, Leto?” he asked, already knowing his answer.

Leto’s expression did not falter. Her golden eyes held his gaze with unwavering intensity. “I seek nothing but to serve—”

Zeus held up a hand. “I know you know better than that, Leto.” He paused, letting out a sigh. He knew what he wanted and what he would do to obtain it, but truth was so much easier than the games she was playing. “You come to me, as a balm, in my time of need ... twice. I chase you by the statue after Athena ... You know what I want, and I know what you will give.”

He looked at her before reaching over and grabbing her chin. “Would it not be better to simply have what we want?”

Leto reached up the back of her black dress. “I think so too.”

With his great strength, lifting Leto was the easiest thing. When she was in his arms, he brought his face close to hers. Their lips met in a passionate desire from his end while it was compliant supplication from Leto’s side.

That was at first. Leto could see in his eyes that this would not make the King of Olympus happy. Rather than make a declaration of change, Leto opened her mouth, wrapped her arms around him, and made sure he saw she was not only willing but wanting.

That made all the difference. Zeus had her ass on the bench he had sat in only moments before. He began to undo his tunic when Leto stood up. Rather than help him, she made a motion, a slip, and a half step forward, and her gown was on the floor.

The stunned look in Zeus’ eyes told her she had him.

“It somehow seems bigger since my time,” Rhea commented blandly.

She paced back and forth in the softly lit chamber of Hera’s palace.

Hera reclined on a plush chaise in the center of her private quarters. Her figure was full from breasts to stomach to her hips and ass from the life she grew in her advanced pregnancy. Her gown was a deep green, and only seemed to highlight the graceful curve of her belly even more than if she had been naked. She did not place her hand on her stomach. Rather she seemed more focused on her mother.

“Changes have been made since your time as queen, Mother,” Hera remarked blithely. “I think it suits this era. Don’t you?”

The palace itself seemed to illustrate her point as well as reflecting her station over her mother. From the terrace beyond the open archways offering a sweeping view over Olympus to the indoor gardens which were carefully tended by the daughters of Atlas to the cool marble halls and grand yet intimately styled chambers that seemed to wrap around Hera like a protective shell.

Rhea looked around before taking a seat across from her daughter. “I suppose it does, at that.”

The Titaness Queen wore a robe of dark crimson, helping exude a warm strength about her. Despite her curiosity when it came to the changes to Olympus, her expression held a quiet insistence for her daughter. She leaned forward.

“Yes, mother?”

“How are you and Zeus getting on?”

Hera blew out a long, annoyed breath. “And here I thought you would want to know more about your grandchild,” she said, irritation coating her words.

“While your condition is a point of concern, your first job as queen is to attend to Zeus.”

“Like you did with Cronos?” Hera snipped.

While she did not want to be snide or rude when it came to her mother, Hera felt more and more as though only Zeus mattered to Rhea, especially in terms of matters on Olympus. She was also a child of Rhea and Cronos, yet it was Zeus who held all of her mother’s attention. Hera felt as though she were some outsider.