Chapter No.30 Suspicious (2/2)

Here comes the pai- Cough! Cough! I mean another chapter!

Enjoy!

(2/2)

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[Third Person's POV]

As the three goddesses, Athena, Aphrodite, and Hestia, exited the grand marble hall of Olympus, the air around them seemed lighter, but their expressions remained tense and resolute. The weight of their mission hung heavily on their shoulders, and their thoughts turned toward the unsettling events that had brought them to this point.

Athena led the way, her eyes fixed ahead, her mind already racing with strategies and possibilities. Aphrodite, usually known for her charm and beauty, walked in silence, her emotions tightly coiled beneath the surface. Her usual allure was replaced by a simmering anger, her thoughts undoubtedly dwelling on the shared history they all kept buried. Hestia, ever the peacemaker, remained calm but her warmth felt distant, her gaze soft but contemplative.

As they passed through the outer halls, their footsteps echoed in unison, reflecting the silent understanding between them.

"I know why you're doing this," Aphrodite finally broke the silence, her voice soft but laced with unspoken fury. "It's for him, isn't it?"

Athena paused, not turning to face her, but her grip on her sword Aegis tightened ever so slightly. "It doesn't matter why we're doing it. What matters is that we succeed. If the Norse gods are searching for something, it may be related to him. Or perhaps not. But I will not sit idly by while Olympus is threatened—whether by external forces or our own."

Hestia sighed softly, glancing between the two. "We've all lost something, someone, because of this endless power struggle. But we mustn't let our emotions cloud our judgment now. If there's even the slightest chance that he is still out there, and Artemis is also actively looking for him. He is her brother first, before our lover."

"Its decided then, I will go and help Artemis to speed up the search. I can't wait for him to hold me in his arms~" Aphrodite said wistfully, her anger melting into a soft longing, her eyes glistening with a mixture of pain and hope. "I refuse to believe he's truly gone, not without proof."

Athena's steely resolve softened for a moment, her mind drifting to memories of the one they had all loved and lost. Her tone, however, remained firm. "We all want him back, Aphrodite. But we must tread carefully. If the Norse are indeed seeking him, they may not be the only ones. There are others who would use his return for their own gain."

Hestia nodded in agreement, her expression solemn. "That's why we must move quickly, but also wisely. If he truly is alive, it could shift the balance of power between the realms in ways we cannot yet foresee. The Norse aren't the only ones who might be watching."

The three goddesses exchanged a glance of understanding. They had always been connected through him—Artemis, too. He had been more than just a lover; he was a symbol of their unity, the one who had brought warmth, wisdom, and strength into their immortal lives. His sudden disappearance had left a wound that no amount of time could heal.

"We should split up," Athena suggested, her voice regaining its commanding tone. "Aphrodite, you go find Artemis. The faster we reunite with her, the better. Hestia and I will gather more information. We need to know exactly what the Norse are after."

Aphrodite nodded, her determination returning. "I'll find her. And when I do, we will search every corner of the realms until we find him."

With that, Aphrodite turned and vanished into the shimmering light of Olympus, her figure dissolving into a radiant mist as she left on her mission. Hestia watched her go before turning to Athena.

"You think he's really out there, don't you?" Hestia asked softly.

Athena's expression softened as a radiant smile made its way across her usually stoic face, a rare display of emotion from the goddess of wisdom and war. "I've always believed in his strength, in his resolve. If anyone could defy death itself, it would be him," she replied, her voice filled with both hope and caution.

Hestia placed a comforting hand on Athena's shoulder, her warmth seeping into the tension-riddled air. "Then let's not waste time. We have to be ready for whatever lies ahead. If he is truly alive, we need to bring him home. And if he's gone…" Her voice trailed off, the unspoken words hanging heavily between them.

"Then we'll face the truth together," Athena finished, her resolve steeling once more. "But until then, we act as if he is still out there."

Hestia nodded in agreement, a flicker of determination in her usually gentle eyes. "Let's go."

***

[Aphrodite's POV]

Hello! I am Aphrodite—Goddess of Love and Beauty.

I have been nothing but a hollow of my past self since he...went away, Yes, went away...

That's what I say to myself whenever I think about him not being here, holding me in his strong arms, Patting my head, singing soft lullabies that echoed with warmth and comfort. Those moments replay in my mind, and I clutch at the memories like fragile glass, terrified they might shatter if I grip too tightly. Each laugh, each stolen glance, is a reminder of what once was and what could never be again.

Apollo...my darling where are you?

Today, as I make my way through the ethereal landscapes of Olympus, the air shimmers with nostalgia, and I can almost see the glimmer of his smile. It's the very reason I find myself propelled into action, seeking answers and searching for Artemis, my fellow goddess, my sister in sorrow. The prospect of finding him ignites a flicker of hope within me—something I thought long extinguished.

I wanted nothing but him... just him to came back to us and never leave~

Whenever I think of him, my divinity of love goes crazy almost as if my heartbeats resonate with the very essence of longing itself. Every flower blooming in the gardens of Olympus feels like a reminder of his absence. The sweet fragrance of the roses seems to whisper his name, pulling at my heartstrings and urging me to seek him out.

As I glide through the golden fields, I can't help but remember our moments together—the way his laughter danced through the air like the sweetest melody. Those shared sunsets, the laughter, the quiet moments when the world faded away, leaving just the two of us, are like threads woven into the fabric of my very being. I can almost hear his voice in the rustling leaves, and it fuels my determination.

Artemis!

Finding her is paramount. I remember the fierce bond we all shared, forged in love and tempered by the challenges we faced together. She is the key to unlocking the truth about Apollo's disappearance. If anyone can reach him, it's her—his sister, protector, and confidante.

I focus on the connection we share, the thread of sisterhood that binds us, and it pulls me forward. As I arrive at the glade where Artemis often communes with nature, I call out, "Artemis! Are you here?" My voice echoes softly, blending with the melodies of chirping birds and rustling leaves, a serene contrast to the storm of emotions swirling within me.

The glade is peaceful, illuminated by soft dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. I take a moment to breathe in the tranquility, grounding myself. Then, from behind a cluster of silvery trees, she emerges—a vision of grace, her hair flowing like moonlight, bow in hand, an aura of strength and resolve surrounding her.

"Aphrodite," Artemis greets, her voice steady but with an underlying tremor of emotion. "What brings you here?"

My heart swells at the sight of her, a sister in this tumultuous time, yet my voice trembles with urgency. "Zeus called a gathering today, in which he said norse pantheon's overseer is searching for something significant, and sister Athena thinks I might be related to Apollo's return as it somehow coincide with how you felt Apollo's divinity reignite few days ago."

"I have search all over the greece four time over, he is not in our pantheon that much is clear," Artemis said while her mind seemed to be on the brink of unraveling. Her fingers instinctively tightened around the grip of her bow, a silent reflection of her resolve and determination. "But if the Norse pantheon is involved, that complicates matters. They have their own agendas, and we cannot predict what they might do if they discover his presence or the remnants of his essence."

"And if norse pantheon is search here, that means Apollo is not there too which leaves—" Artemis added but I realised what she was trying to say.

"Hindu Pantheon!" I finished her line of thoughts, a shiver running down my spine. "If anyone could hide him from both the Greek and Norse gods, it would be the Hindus. Their magic is ancient and vast, far beyond our understanding."

"You know what our impression is out there due to Zeus," Artemis said with disgust just as her frustration bubbled to the surface. "The last thing we need is to provoke them. If they think we're a threat or have the slightest inclination that we're searching for Apollo, it could end in chaos."

I nodded, feeling the weight of her words settle over me like a storm cloud. The thought of the Hindu pantheon, with its multitude of deities and complex hierarchies, sent a jolt of fear through me. The political landscape was precarious enough without adding another layer of conflict.

"But we can't sit idly by," I countered, determination igniting within me. "If Apollo is alive, we owe it to him to search for him, no matter the risk. We can't let fear dictate our actions."

"And that's why I am going there...I will infiltrate the Hindu Patheon, I will find my brother and beloved no matter what!"

As Artemis spoke, her resolve radiated like the moonlight, cutting through the shadows of doubt that threatened to cloud our mission. My heart quickened at the thought of her entering the unknown, a dangerous realm where the intricacies of power and divine politics could ensnare her at any moment.

"But you can't do it alone," I said, stepping closer, my voice steadying despite the tumult within me. "I won't let you face that peril without me. Together, we're stronger, and we have a better chance of navigating through their territories undetected."

Artemis's gaze softened, the fierce intensity in her eyes giving way to a flicker of gratitude. "You would risk yourself for me? For him?"

"Always," I whispered, reaching out to clasp her hand, the warmth of our shared determination igniting a bond that felt unbreakable. "We've faced the chaos of Olympus together, and we can face whatever the Hindus throw at us. Besides, they're unlikely to expect a goddess of love alongside the huntress."

A small smile touched Artemis's lips, momentarily breaking through the tension. "Then it's settled. We'll enter their realm together. But we must be discreet and gather as much information as we can about their intentions. If they have Apollo, we need to know why. And if he's not with them, we must find a way to reach him."

I nodded, my heart swelling with pride for the fierce goddess standing before me. "We will bring him back, Artemis. No matter the cost."

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[To Be Continue]

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