The Reign of Cronos Ch. 08

Chapter 8: The Decline of the Pantheons

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates

Hyperion walked into the Underworld, which was as unusual as it sounded.

That could not be helped. Hyperion had traveled the world, met many amazing tales from around the world.

He met a divine being of war in a land called 'Midgard'. This warrior told of his father and his two brothers slaying their Progenitor. Hyperion shook his head at that turn of event. Never on Olympus or in Greece would a Titan or their children kill their Progenitor. Hyperion did enjoy the one called Týr, so the Titan invited the Aesir to Olympus. He genuinely hoped that he would come one day.

Lands of India and Chinese Heaven had conflict after conflict. Though, by Hyperion's estimation, India did so out of fun and declaring the strongest of their lands. Chinese Heaven had only just found peace and separated gods versus demons. Such a tenuous peace would not last. The two would inevitably fight again.

Egypt has its own issues. Hyperion had met a sun deity called Ra. His wise insights had given Hyperion much to think about when he visited. Ra had taught him that sometimes even the sun must dip itself into darkness to give the clarity of light. Though, Ra was not a perfect being, Hyperion had been a newcomer but he had seen the division and strife between the children Set and Osiris.

The insight from Ra was why Hyperion, creator of Greece's sun, was in the Underworld, seeking the Fates. After deposing Ouranos and Cronos' actions of devouring his own children, Hyperion contemplated the future. He reflected on those other lands and other divine beings more and more.

Those lands were at the beginning of the shaping of everything. While so much outside the Realm of Greece was the same, there was also madness. It was also the strangest sensation. When Hyperion saw the other lands, he saw the conclusion that would solve the problems of those lands with the greatest of ease, but when it came to his family...Hyperion just could not.

Babylon had a King who slayed a dragon. With India's divine beings battling for power and supremacy, there was cause for concerns. If those Realms ever worked out their issues, they could prove problematic for Olympus. Somehow, Hyperion doubted this would happen. Still, with Crono's deranged rise to power and the consumption of his children, Hyperion could see Greece's instability.

What was the point of being Titans if they lost rule of their dominion to the outside world? After destroying Ouranos, Hyperion felt that Coeus was right, and the Titans owed it to Gaia, and by extension Chaos, to make Greece as magnificent as possible.

While walking through the dead lands, the spectral form of Ouranos walked through the Underworld. Hyperion shivered at the ghost of his father. The Titan of Light could never shake the memory of Cronos castrating their father. At that moment, Hyperion realized no matter how powerful he or Crius was, they could never be the Ruler over the Titans when Cronos performed such a decisive act.

Upon climbing the steps in Tartarus to the Temple dedicated to Sisters of Fate, Hyperion was careful upon entering the sacred abode. He was wondering if it were better if he called the Sisters the Moirai like their mother, Nyx.

He doubted that they cared for whatever name they were addressed by. Hyperion returned to himself and glanced along the wall at a grand, beautifully woven tapestry. It showed the crowning of Ouranos by Chaos, images of Ouranos trying to harm the Fates, the Fates making a decree, and Ouranos falling to Cronos. Hyperion was awed by the astonishing work they had already accomplished and that there would be more to come. Even as the divine threads were shining, he saw his brother eating his own offspring in the tapestry. There was more that the Fates were working on, but for some reason, he could not identify what they were doing.

"Greetings, Hyperion, Lord of Light," Lachesis said.

"Moirai, Keepers of the Celestial Tapestry," Hyperion hailed with great deference to the power of the daughters of Nyx. If he learned anything from his travels, it was that respect should be given to those you want favors from. "I have come for your guidance in an unpredictable world."

"In what way?" Clotho questioned. She genuinely seemed confused by his request. "If there is something you wish to know, simply ask, Light Titan."

"What is to become of me and my brethren? What will become of the Titans under the reign of Cronos?"

"Under Cronos, you shall rise or fall, but you will do so together," Atropos said simply. She did not turn from her tasks of cutting and organizing the threads.

"Our weaving holds countless possibilities," Lachesis said as if contradicting her sister. She seemed upset by Atropos' flippancy. "The future is ever-changing. The choices made by beings like yourself shape the course of destiny."

"As with all beings, the path of the Titans comes with triumphs and failures," Atropos added. What you do and what you decide shall determine if your reigns shall last forever or if they shall be cut short like Ouranos. Your choices shall echo through eternity, Lord of Light."

"What of the other Realms? I have seen heavens at war, divinities battling one another, and Kings being crowned in other lands," Hyperion said. "What should happen if those Realms come into contact with ours?"

The Fates looked confused as if they had not considered such a possibility. The three Sisters held hands. Their eyes glowed, seeing the infinite possibility of the future Hyperion could not. Their faces reflected shock, awe, anger, sadness, and joy, and a tear rolled down them. Before too long, the three let go of one another.

"It is too much, dear Sister!" Clotho cried.

"So many gods! So much destruction," Lachesis agreed.

"That future is too great for us to see, for now, Hyperion," Atropos admitted. There may come a day when a great King arises on Olympus, one who can harness your great flame."

"The Flame of Olympus?" Hyperion inquired with surprise. "That's impossible. The Flame consumes and melts all that it touches."

"That does not mean it will always be so," Lachesis countered. "With time, all things are possible."

"Then what should I do?" Hyperion probed. He recalled the chaotic nature of the other Realms. He yearned to make Greece a land of order.

"Be wise; support your King. Do all you can, and the day might come when a greater King may arise," Lachesis advised. She seemed to be lost in a nostalgic reminiscing of something that would be destroyed...or that was not yet in existence?

While he wanted to ask about the other king, the Titan of Light thought better of it. They had given him more consideration than he expected. Hyperion bowed low to continue his display of respect. "Thank you, Great Moirai," Hyperion said honestly. "For everything."

The Sisters of Fate waved him away. This Titan had received what he came for, and so, he left with that information in hand.

**********

Hyperion needed time to consider what he was told, but weeks later, as the birth of Cronos' new child approached, Hyperion asked for a meeting with his brother king.

In the golden light of Helios' sun, Hyperion met Cronos in a secluded glade.

Cronos approached Hyperion with a solemn expression. With all Hyperion had heard about his brother's activities, he was not surprised that Cronos was starting to show signs of fraying. After all, it was universal that all living beings have conscience that make them regret their evil.

Cronos' eyes reflected the weight of his past mistakes. The rings around his eyes warned Hyperion that Cronos had not been sleeping.

"Brother," Cronos began, irritation oozing out. "Why have you called me here?"

"Cronos," Hyperion replied with patience. "I didn't know you had gotten so bad that you would be upset to hear my counsel."

"It is not your counsel which concerns me," Cronos replied. "Hera is close to giving birth. I am concerned that you have come here to prevent me from eating him."

Hyperion bristled. Cronos had never been so obvious in his cannibalism. The nonchalance by which Cronos spoke worried the Titan of Light. "I cannot believe you mean to continue. This is not who you are."

"You might do the same if the Fates had predicted your downfall!" Cronos exclaimed.

And just like that, the insanity of his brother's actions made sense to Hyperion. He knew that his decision to meet with Cronos was the right one.

I have an opinion on that score. I have spoken with the Moirai."

Cronos raised an eyebrow. To seek the Sisters was dangerous in nature. Had Hyperion gone there to try and defeat Cronos? Without surety, Cronos looked at his brother with caution. "And?" Cronos asked, prepared to summon his scythe. "What have the Fates said? Have they given another prophecy?"

With a grave nod, Hyperion replied, "They have warned that our destiny is in danger, but they also said our actions would determine whether we continued to rise in glory or fell into oblivion."

Cronos furrowed his brow. "How does that help me?"

"Don't you see, Brother? We decide our destiny. I believe it is our choices, not their past prophecies that decide. I believe they are given you a second chance. You do not need to continue consuming your children."

"Really?" Cronos asked, suspicion returning.

Hyperion hesitated. He might have said they control their destiny, but he was guessing to a degree. "If you choose wisdom, I think we both know we can save our futures."

"Save?" Cronos wondered. "What would we need to save it from?"

"Well," Hyperion said with careful consideration, "the Fates had hinted at a ruler who might hold the key to restoring order to this Realm."

Cronos' eyes narrowed. Like that, all of his worst fears were confirmed in Hyperion's revelation. He did not allow his intentions to be revealed on his face. Instead, he hugged his brother in love.

"Thank you, brother," Cronos said. "Your counsel has made all the difference on this day."

Hyperion was grateful to help. "Of course, my brother and king. I think we can preserve the Titans forever more."

"I think we shall," the Titan King said, withholding his intentions. He knew how he would save them, but he knew his siblings would not see. They could not just yet, but when the time was right, he would explain it to them. Hyperion had given him the last piece to this puzzle.

**********

She did not know what was going on, but when the day came from Rhea to give birth to her last son, Cronos was nowhere to be found. Little did Rhea know, fate had aligned for Cronos to head down to the mortal lands to speak with Hyperion. This little time that was bought for her would pay off one thousandfold until it altered the course of the divine.

Rhea gave birth to her son all alone. In her room gasping, barely holding on, she looked around confused when Cronos did not come to take her child away right away.

She could see in this child a power, unlike Cronos'. This baby boy reminded her of Aether and Ouranos. Lightning crackled in his eyes, his hair was as white as clouds, and he felt weightless as if he had been blessed by Ouranos' sky itself.

Rhea immediately surmised what must be done; he had been born to her on an empty Olympus, so she alone could save her son. In this child, she had a champion who would overthrow Ouranos and overcome whatever cursed the Throne of Olympus.

She cradled her white-haired baby boy. Rhea had to act with haste. She tried to silence him, but this tiny creature would not be quiet for long. In her smaller, nearly six-foot form, Rhea ran down the mountainside of Olympus.

There were places, secret places, Cronos could not see. There was a small cave. In her diminutive size, Rhea could probably fit another twenty or thirty people. If there were ever a time on Olympus to hide, she would go there. She bundled her baby in a white and golden cloth and put him in a makeshift crib made of rock and stone. Laying the child down, Rhea left, sealing the side of Olympus closed.

"Be safe, my little Zeus," Rhea whispered, naming her son.

There was a rumbling in the Mortal Realm below. Something was happening; Cronos must have been returning. Rhea ran to her part of Olympus, clutching a rock from the mountainside with a last second thought. She would need to hurry; there was not much time. Wrapping the rock in a blanket, she carefully used her magic on the stone so it looked like a sleeping baby. The magic was not perfect. Rhea was only able to make merely an illusion without as much substance as she would have liked when Cronos arrived.

Cronos appeared in a flash of light moments after Rhea put the false baby Zeus into the crib. Cronos did not hesitate to push her out of the way even though it was not necessary as Rhea stepped aside for him. At nearly eighty feet in height, Cronos' hand could have grabbed the room. With the dexterity of the divine, he could take the crib, faux-baby and all. Dropping the contents into his maw, Rhea was assured he would not be looking for her baby boy.

Rhea watched her husband turn from Olympus and howl his victory. What a worthless fool! How had he not seen through the deception? Soon, his throne would be lost to him.

In the background, Cronos would hear Rhea crying. He would assume her wails were meant for her lost child. He would think she lamented another lost child.

He could not have guessed that her life's work was taking form and she was letting out maddening tears. She could see the end of it all, and there was nothing left to do but cry. Her knees gave out from under her and the tears would not stop coming. She could not even laugh in her success. She banged her fists against the stone floor of Olympus. Rhea looked up and screamed, wishing the tears would stop, but they just kept coming.

When Zeus came, much like when Cronos came for Ouranos, Rhea would do as Gaia did and side with the usurping son. When Cronos fell, Rhea would do well to side with her son and make him a King befitting the blood of Ouranos.

**********

Epilogue: The Dawn of a New Era

"Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it." - George Orwell 1949

On a secluded island, embraced by the lush beauty of nature, Rhea arrived, looking for Gaia. Finally away from the watchful eye of her husband, Rhea smiled at her mother. In the Titan Queen's arms, there was a baby Zeus cradled in his blanket.

She hoped her son would change the very cosmos. The warm breeze gently caressed Rhea's face when she reached her Primordial Mother.

Her husband's fear of retribution would manifest on that island. Rhea and Gaia would see that dream come true. For Gaia, it was the charge of eating his children. For Rhea, it was for deposing Ouranos.

But they were both committed. Rhea had waited a long time, but carrying, birthing, and ferrying her child away were her parts of the quest. For Gaia, she would have the harder of the tasks.

Gaia made herself the size of Rhea rather than the giantess she was. She wore a serene smile with eyes filled with compassionate understanding. This would be no easy time for Rhea. She would be separated from the son that might defeat Cronos.

"Rhea, you made it," Gaia said with the warmth of life. She looked down at the baby in Rhea's arms. "This is the one?"

Rhea nodded. "His name is Zeus." With slow uncertainty, Rhea relinquished Zeus into Gaia's arms. This act was the only way to protect him from Cronos' wrath as well as to make their plan move forward. "Gaia," Rhea said with a mixture of sadness and anticipation. "Take care of him."

Gaia cradled the baby gently. She could see the shine of divinity on Zeus' flesh. His eyes crackled with the lightning of the heavens. "I would not worry, Rhea," Gaia reassured, "I shall raise Zeus to be all that we believe he can be and more. He will know he is loved and protected until the day he is ready to free his brothers from Cronos' belly and start the work of removing Cronos from power."

As she spoke, the island seemed to shimmer and shake as if to echo a reflection of Gaia's promise. Gaia turned her gaze to the baby in her arms. "Zeus," she murmured softly, "I will bless you with wisdom, courage, and strength to rule Olympus. You will be all that Cronos and Ouranos failed to be."

Rhea watched Gaia embrace her son, whom she truly loved. He was not like her other children. He would be powerful, and with that power, he would become King. Giving him up to Gaia, even for a short time, brought an unexpected sorrow to her. In her mind, she was confident her decision to part with Zeus was right, but that would not make the absence any easier.

"Thank you, Mother," Rhea said with a soft resolution in her voice. "Prepare him for what is to come, please."

Gaia nodded to her daughter and walked towards a cave deep within her island. Satyrs, nymphs, and animals would bristle and make noise, hiding the baby's cries with the sounds similar to that of thunder and lightning.

Rhea turned, bidding a silent but tearful farewell to her son. While her task in the war that was to come was over, Zeus's journey toward his divine calling had only just begun.

AN: I am glad you have enjoyed this portion of my Grecian Mythology retelling. I surely hope you are enjoying yourself when you're this deep into the story.

As always, please comment and rate to your heart's content.

For those wondering why there were delays on getting this out, there were apparently some concerns about this story being AI. For those that have followed me since The Sequel to Heracles days, you'll know this is just my writing style. My editor helps clean things up but my very human flaws shine through.

As for the full versions, I will be uploading longer, cleaner, full versions of these stories on the Novella section as these stories range from 15~100+K words.

Also, I will be uploading certain chapters into certain other categories in the hopes I can widen the net and really find my audience.

I enjoy writing these, and I have worked out exactly where I want to go, which is why there was such a gap between The Three Sons and In the Beginning.

As for what's next, The Titanomachy is the next story. I have some cleaning up to do on it, so that might be a few weeks of a wait, but I hope you guys can bear with me, and enjoy it. After that, the next story will be These Three Kings.

I hope you can stick around for all of that. Please comment, share, and rate. I want as many eyes on this as I can, so I can get both constructive criticism, and I guess so I can know people are enjoying the journey.

Thank you. I can't express into words how much your readership means to me.