327 Mount Olympus

Plutus woke up. He looked around and saw streets paved in gold and shiny Greek mansions. Wherever he was had a bright sunny, cheerful, clear sky

He was resting naked on a marble slab, in what appeared to be a temple of some kind.

"Oh, you're up?" said a beautiful angelic voice.

Will saw a lovely mature woman. She had chestnut hair, green eyes, voluptuous breast, and a slender waist. She wore a white peplos that draped over her olive skin.

He recognized her from his meditation, years ago at Wolf Clan's chief ceremony. How could he forget the woman he obsessed over?

"Mother?" Plutus asked.

"Yes. It's been so long, but you have finally returned home. My son has returned. I shall throw a sumptuous feast in your honor!" Demeter said proudly.

"I've returned home?" Plutus muttered softly.

"Yes, but we must hurry. The Divine Council wants to convey their gratitude," she urged him giving him a toga.

Having dressed, Plutus followed his mother out of the temple, and to the Coliseum.

As they walked Plutus looked at the former acropolis, that once sat atop Mount Olympus, but long since moved to a different planet.

The gods colonized new planets and populated them with new human worshipers to increase their faith points.

The new planet was entitled, Olympus, it was an ecumenopolis, and served as the administration hub for the gods to manage their worlds.

Giant Greek megaron palaces; palaces of marble and gold aligned the golden streets with beautiful parks and fountains that covered Olympus.

Primordial, ancient, and contemporary gods lived there. As humans evolved so did their gods, and new gods were created.

Some evolved human societies worshiped the newer gods of science and technology.

Yet, no matter how much humans evolved they always used some form of an economic system. And one thing people always pray for is more wealth.

Plutus was an ancient god, but his worshipers could be found on every planet.

Plutus and Demeter walked to the heart of Mount Olympus the large opulent Coliseum.

The Coliseum was a massive 10-story building. When they walked on stage, cheers erupted from the audience. People whistled and clapped joyously.

On stage, sat a semicircle of armchairs each filled with gods in there normal giantic form. Literal toga and peplos wearing giants that glowed gold.

Plutus could feel their divine aura. But the strongest was the man in the center of the semicircle. He knew that man.

"Well done, grandson," boomed Aether's loud baritone voice.

Plutus knelt on stage, as was the custom in front of the primordial gods.

"Today, we are here to officially welcome back Plutus. For his meritorious deeds, and valor in battle, his divinity was restored.

Olympus and Elysium are safe. Terra's laws are preserved. Finally, humanity is safeguarded.

As your reward, the Divine Council shall grant you a wish. Name it and I shall be done," Aether said extending his hands magnanimously.

The crowd went silent, everyone waited on bated breath to hear his request.

"Grandfather, may I have some time to think about it," Plutus asked.

"Oh, how wise. I am glad to see you've matured." Aether said encouragingly, before yelling, "Let the celebration commence!"

Outside the coliseum, people rushed to greet Plutus and inquire what he'd wish.

Some even offered to purchase his wish, which Plutus found initially appealing.

The celebration was great, it was just too much. Plutus hadn't even had time to process his death and return to Elysium.

Will left the party and was found in Central Park.

"I thought you'd be here. Was the celebration more than you could handle? asked Philomelus.

"Greetings older brother, I could use your wise counsel," Plutus said.

"Yes, your head must be full of weighty thoughts," Philomelus agreed.

"Mortal thoughts plagued my thinking. Instinctually, I wanted to ask for more gold and riches.

But then I thought of using my wish to secure human teachers' freedom. Or return to Terra to see my mortal wife, children, and friends," Plutus complained.

"Ha-ha, brother it is love that plagues your mind. Are you moved by your love for humans?

Why not take time for yourself, and rest in your realm to recuperate? Think about what you truly desire.

Remember 100 days here is equal to a single day on Terra. This means every 36 minutes on Terra is a year for you. Since you've died, 36 has even yet to pass," Philomelus said helpfully.

"Ahem. Excuse me, Philomelus, but Gaia requested Plutus's presence," a Dyad said with a bow.

"Go, I'll meet you in your realm in 99 days," Philomelus said waving farewell.

Will followed the large stone megaron. The Ancient Greek palatial walls, exterior, and interior were covered in ivy and plants. The floor covered his grass, and the further in he walked the sights changed.

Soon he found himself back outside in a wide open prairie adjacent to a nearby forest and pristine lake.

Under an open cabana, a voluptuous, curvy, brown skin woman with brown eyes and gray hair sat at a table.

"Grandmother," Will said kneeling in respect.

"Come sit, join me. Would you care for a cup of tea and biscuits?" she offered.

"Thank you."

When Plutus sat down, he noticed the familiar Cloud Tea and Fermion biscuits.

"Tell me about your time on Earth and Terra. I know what I obscured, but I want to hear it about from you," she said cheerfully.

Plutus recounted his story, much of it retold in this novel.

As he spoke, his grandmother's smile never left her face. She enjoyed the ups and downs, the drama, comedy, and tragedy.

"What a wonderful story Plutus!" she said happily.

"Truly, I'm happy you enjoyed it," Plutus said. He enjoyed retelling his reincarnation stories.

And now that he was a god again, he could check on his Earthen family. He wondered how his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were doing.

Unlike Camille, Edward, Liam, Lily, and Huang they would never feel the closure his children on Earth felt. He felt guilty for not immediately returning to let them he was alive and safe.

"Penny for your thoughts," Gaia said, tickled to use an Earth idiom.

"Ah grandmother, I'm just thinking about my family back on Terra," Plutus said.

"Yes, poor Rebecca shall be distraught to learn of your death," she said sadly.

"Eh? Rebecca? Why did you mention that crazy woman with the weird brother complex?" Will spit out his tea and yelled at his grandmother who was laughing hysterically.

"I must say, I enjoyed your family on Terra!" Gaia said joyously.

"They were okay, but I'm happy to be back home," Will explained.

"Before you go, I want to give you a boon. You certainly worked hard and brought me, new followers. My faith points greatly increased.

I gift thee this ring, it allows its, wearer, to conceal their divinity from others. Goodbye grandson, it was catching up with you," Gaia said with a hug and kiss.

With a last goodbye, Plutus teleported to his realm.