Faded History

                       Title: Faded History

Prompt ——❝ Write about two mythical

                               beings who were once a force to

                              be reckoned with when paired who

                               have since moved on, with one still

                               famous and praised, the other

                               fading away in history. ❞

——❝ #QOTPerm

Word count: 545

— 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝 🏛 ❞

My name is a mystery. It is part of a greater tale—a story of reckoning and great victory. The roads I walked were streets of gold, and the sights I saw were clouds and infinite skies. In the garden, luscious and sweet apples grew from their trees. Peaches blossomed and scented the air with their fragrance. The water, clear like glass, opened a window to the deep. Centred in it all was my home—our home.

We used to walk these paths together, the divine roads of Olympus. We received praise from our peers and were the envy of their hearts. The humans cheered for the two wise warriors who marched into battle with song. They danced for us and our temples were overfilled with offerings in every season. Blessed by the fates, we were unstoppable.

𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲.

But times are different now. Olympus is a shell of its former glory and the Olympians, unwilling to forfeit their power, sit amongst their worshippers, controlling the world. They had reached a new epitome in this era: kings and queens, now of earth. Even Hades, rejected by his brother, received a seat amongst the living.

As for me, few my name. Despite my mighty sword and defending shield; despite my bravery and selfless sacrifice for their crowns, they have forgotten me. While the Olympians sat on their mighty thrones, celebrating their victory, drinking human worship like a powerful aphrodisiac, I was left behind.

Even my king, wearing the laurel and wielding the thunderbolt, praised as almighty—the one I sacrificed my life for—put aside my name for his glory. In the underworld, prostrate before death himself, I begged to be freed. I couldn’t stand the sight of Elysium. It reminded me of home. It only fuelled my rage further.

“I know I will forget. I know you will erase my memories, but please. Do not send me there.” I closed my fists tightly. “My soul will never forget what they have done to me.”

“Will you seek justice for your blood?”

I raised my head, pitiful. "Who will fight with me? My king will demand my life and should he cower, his wife will seek vengeance on this innocent soul. My friends have forgotten me and my brothers, and my sisters, they have all denied me my birthright. I have nothing left."

I pleaded my cause with him and he cast his judgement. I would serve him in the over-world, on earth. And so it was: a tooth for a tooth; an eye for an eye. In exchange for me, one was lost that day.

“What use do you have of me, Milord? How can this reject ever please you?”

“You will be my sword and shield. You will go forth before my armies and subdue my enemies.”

“You would give me such a grand position?”

“I give you a chance to take what is rightfully yours.” It was odd of him to say. But then I realized. He didn’t care for my glory or my praise. He didn’t say those words to comfort me. No. He wanted to break them apart. And I would be the key to his plan.

“I will see that you are victorious, Milord.”

I will bathe the world in their blood.