18 Guide

The Moirai? They're not my daughters, not in the slightest. And it would be downright foolish to consider them mere Goddesses. No, no, they're far, far beyond that—part of something so immense that most can't even begin to grasp the true magnitude of their existence.

And honestly, I am terrified of them.

- Themis, the Titaness of Order.

————

Few days later.

In a vast and solemn hall, shelves proudly stood, adorned with parchments and books that exuded an air of wisdom. Each book found its place with meticulous care, as if it were a natural extension of the room's harmony. But the meticulousness of order didn't stop at the books alone; it pervaded every corner. From the small marble brick supporting a solitary leg to the grand model of the solar system at the heart of the room, everything adhered to a precise and unbroken sequence. It was as if the architect, none other than Themis, the Titaness of Divine Order, had been consumed by the very essence of perfection.

"Care for some tea?" Themis asked, her voice infused with a gentle warmth as she addressed her guest. Seated in one of the two chairs surrounding a small table, she faced a god with golden eyes. Even now, in her far-seeing gaze, he emitted a radiance that surpassed even that of Aether, the Primordial of Light. The Bright One, she mused. Sister truly captured his essence with that title, though I can't help but wonder if it's a blessing or a curse.

The Titaness of Order could never forget the moment she cradled Apollo just after his birth, her curiosity tempting her to delve into his brilliance. Yet, her every instinct and intuition screamed with a singular warning: don't look, or you will die!

"Tea?" Apollo, the Bright One, arched his eyebrow in surprise.

"Oh, yes," Themis replied, casting a knowing glance towards the God of Foresight. "It's an exquisite beverage from the future."

"Well," Apollo responded coolly. "I reckon I want a taste."

With a flick of her wrist, Themis conjured two empty cups and a kettle brimming with hot tea she had specifically prepared for this meeting. She took her time, pouring the tea into the cups while Apollo watched curiously, before handing one to him. Then, bringing the other cup to her lips, she savoured the drink's earthy flavour, relishing every sip.

"Grandaunt," Apollo finally chimed in, unable to contain his curiosity any longer. He casually set his cup on the table. "I must admit, I had no idea you were a Titaness of Oracular Prophecy until just now."

Themis passed her judgement in silence. The fact that he figured it out so quickly spoke volumes about his divination abilities. And he is cautious too, not trying to find everything through it.

"I still am, Apollo," the Titaness of Justice replied, placing her cup on the table as well. "At least when it comes to the prophecy part."

In the days long before God created Adam from dust, she was just a young Titaness. Fierce and dauntless, she protected and oversaw all of the Oracles. But life, as it always does, swept everything away with an unrelenting storm of change. And now, here she was, often casting her gaze back at her former self, a person who felt almost like a stranger to her.

Apollo had the sense not to press further into her past. Instead, he met her eyes and asked, "So you understand why I'm here." It was more of a statement than a question.

"Yes," Themis replied, "I have an idea."

"Just an idea?" Apollo raised his brow in question, capturing the nuances in her tone.

Themis reached for her cup, which sat on the table, its contents radiating a comforting warmth untouched by the passage of time. Bringing it to her lips, she took a sip, her unwavering gaze fixed upon Apollo. With a quiet breath, she spoke, her words lingering in the air. "The future has been rather chaotic lately, hasn't it?"

The Titaness of Order couldn't help but scoff at the notion of coincidences. To her, everything in existence had a purpose or a cause. Even the smallest influences, those that might seem insignificant and inconsequential, held their own significance in the Book of Destiny.

When it came to the chaotic future, it all began around the time of Apollo's birth—the lines and possibilities became even more blurred. Apollo might be many things, but a mere coincidence? I think not.

"But, grandaunt," Apollo met her gaze without flinching, skillfully evading her probing question, "the path ahead is still clear."

Themis wasn't surprised, though a hint of disappointment lingered as she took another sip of her warm tea. "Indeed," she acknowledged, "but please do enlighten me about the purpose of your visit, Apollo."

It was time to hear him out. Any further testing and probing would be unbecoming of a host, as the previous inquiries were to be expected considering the nature of his visit.

"I request your guidance into the realms of Order," Apollo said, his tone filled with purpose as he looked at her expectantly.

Themis seriously contemplated his request. He undeniably possessed a strong sense of justice, but his actions also revealed a keen understanding of the importance of restraint and control. After all, unchecked justice had the potential to transform into the greatest embodiment of evil, capable of annihilating oneself and everything else.

Furthermore, Themis had already been seeking suitable candidates among the new generation of gods to guide them in the ways of Order. This quest had begun when Zeus expressed his interest in the domain of Justice, which would ultimately serve to consolidate his rule over the Olympian pantheon. It would enable him to establish laws akin to the ancient laws, though less potent and restrictive, that both the gods and mortals would have to abide by.

Themis had no intention of granting Zeus complete dominion over their pantheon. Any hope or expectations she might have had for him were shattered when he swallowed Metis out of sheer fear of prophecy, just as his father had done before him.

Despite this, Themis had actually reluctantly agreed to marry Zeus. However, it wasn't entirely her own decision. The mighty Fates had entangled her in a web of destiny, leaving her with little choice but to comply. It came as no surprise that they singled her out—after all, the Fates were notorious for their vindictiveness. They obviously couldn't resist the opportunity to inflict further torment on her.

As Zeus attempted to manipulate the prophecy, the Fates grew furious and decided to exert direct control over their pantheon, punishing Zeus in the process. They forced Zeus and Themis to wed, and it was from their union that the Moirai, the avatars of the Fates, came into existence. It was far from a joyous occasion for either of them, to say the least.

All things considered, despite their complicated history, Themis still had no intention of allowing Zeus to acquire the domain of Justice.

But now, Destiny had presented her with the perfect candidate, who had come to her of his own accord. None other than Apollo, Zeus' golden child, could be more suitable for the ways of Order.

Nevertheless, Themis was curious. "Why do you wish to pursue Order, Apollo?" she asked, posing the most important question.

Apollo paused, locking his gaze with hers, his mind delving deep to craft a response. He pondered his words, meticulously weighing each syllable and striving for a flawless reply. But then something unexpected seemed to shift within him, causing him to shake his head. He lifted his eyes to meet her intense gaze, his chaotic, wide golden eyes clashing with her stern, orderly blue ones. In a burst of conviction, he exclaimed, his words carrying the truth like the divine light of God, "To shatter it and mould it anew."

The cup in Themis' hand trembled ever so slightly as her eyes sharpened with intensity. They blazed with such power that they could reshape reality itself to her will, fixating on Apollo and causing him to momentarily flinch under her piercing gaze.

Yet, in that very moment, Themis caught a glimpse of a fleeting shadow within him—a strange yet familiar woman exuding unwavering courage and fearlessness, determined to change the world for the better. And as swiftly as she appeared, she vanished, as if she had never graced the scene at all. "Forgive my lack of manners, Apollo," she said, composing herself once again. "It was unbecoming of a host." She added, placing the cup back on the table.

"May I inquire," Apollo began, his ever-composed demeanour replaced by a mix of caution and curiosity, "what happened, grandaunt?"

"An oversight," Themis replied evenly. "I didn't anticipate this turn of events, but I can't say I'm displeased."

"So," Apollo proceeded, "is that a yes?"

"Please, Apollo, put your mind at ease." Themis apologised, noticing his guardedness and discomfort. "Regarding your request, I am willing to accept it, but there needs to be a slight adjustment, you see."

"What is it?" Apollo asked, considering her words.

"I want to be more than just a guide, Apollo. I want to be your teacher," Themis declared, causing Apollo to recoil in surprise.

"Why?" Apollo asked, breaking the silence after a moment of contemplation. "Or perhaps I should ask, what did you see in me that led you to propose this?"

"You're much sharper than others give you credit for, straightforward too," Themis complimented, her voice devoid of surprise.

"Believe me, I enjoy wearing masks and playing with riddles," Apollo said, shaking his head with a light smile, "but as we both know, they aren't much help in this situation."

"I suppose this is the only way." Themis nodded, then paused for a moment, carefully considering her words. Her voice carried a hint of reminiscence and strain as she finally spoke. "I saw a shadow of a Titaness, vibrant in her youth, filled with fearlessness and unwavering determination to transform the world for the better. However, as it often happens, reality proved to be the ultimate teacher, and it taught her dearly, nearly costing her life if not for her mother."

"Does the Dream still burn?" Apollo asked, his voice filled with empathy.

"It does," Themis replied, her words carrying a haunting whisper. "But it has been tamed, restricted, suppressed, restrained, controlled—" she locked eyes with him. "You know what I mean, don't you, Apollo?"

"A dream like that can't shatter and transform the world," Apollo concluded, holding her sharp gaze.

"Yes," Themis nodded with a touch of irony. "To make that happen, we need a wild and fearless dream, one that can confront everything until it becomes a reality."

"And you believe I can accomplish that, even when one has already failed?" Apollo asked solemnly. "What gives you such faith in me, grandaunt?"

"Dreams aren't the only thing you possess, Phoebus," Themis revealed quietly.

"And here you called me sharp." Apollo leaned back in his seat, letting out a humourless chuckle.

"You needn't worry," Themis reassured him, addressing his unspoken concerns. "You shine too brightly, indeed, but only a few can perceive it, and even they, I doubt, can comprehend what you truly are."

In their pantheon, with the exception of primordials and gods of foresight, nobody else should be able to perceive the brilliance that Apollo holds. This is the truth, and Apollo should be able to recognise it.

"That's somewhat comforting," the God of Truth said, nodding with slight relief.

"To be honest, this is a gamble," Themis said. "And I've come to hate them, but here we are. So, what is your answer, Apollo?"

"Well," Apollo drawled, tapping the edges of the armrest in consideration. "I also have something to add."

"What is it?" Themis spoke tersely, her expectations and assurance thinning by the moment.

Apollo picked up his cup of tea and took a sip. "It's an exquisite beverage," he said, smiling at Themis. "Can you teach me how to brew this, teacher?"

Themis thought in anger, This—I should have expected this; after all, this is Apollo—but her lips rose to form a subconscious smile. "Of course, Apollo," she ultimately acknowledged, taking her tea and sipping it as well. "So let's begin, shall we?" she added abruptly.

"Now?" Apollo asked in surprise.

"Yes," Themis gave her student a kind look. "Is there a problem?"

"No," Apollo returned her smile. "Not at all, teacher."

Feeling his challenging and bright gaze, Themis thought, Maybe this Dream truly has hope after all.

"So what are we going to do? Theory? Practical? Or are you going to directly guide me into the Order divinity?"

"Nothing of the sort," Themis interjected sternly. "I will tell you a story." Before he could question further, she continued, "Not just any story, but the story of creation and the war that preceded it."

"There was a war before creation?!" Apollo asked in astonishment, his composure slipping, but Themis couldn't blame him, as she was no better when her mother told her the story of creation to make her understand her place.

"At least that was what was speculated," Themis replied sombrely. "And it is essential for you to understand the origins of everything, as it may aid your path."

"I am ready, teacher." Apollo nodded solemnly, though his golden eyes betrayed his eager anticipation and veiled caution.

Themis double-checked the wards within her palace as well as her order, which covered every inch of it, before embarking on vividly recounting the tale of creation.

"In the beginning, there was nothing. A vast, infinite void, devoid of any existence. And from that void, three beings emerged, born from its very core: Yahweh, the Almighty; Khaos, the Lady of Nothingness; and Ayin, the Great Darkness..."