Delphi

Apollo always shows that he was a cheerful and easy-going person. He never hides his expression and was honest with his inner voice. Because of that, he didn't feel the need to fake a smile and chose to show a disgusted expression towards his followers.

It was dinner time and his followers knew he didn't like to be disturbed while eating. But his followers were also not unfamiliar with the character of the prince. Instead they said it because they knew Apollo would be bothered and more seriously think about it.

They had been trying for months to persuade Apollo to give humanity his new prophecy. But Apollo evaded and assumed their plea never existed. Apollo kept himself busy doing less urgent things and seemed to be slowly drifting away from his divine duties.

Apollo was a god with many titles. He had many worshipers. The three people facing him right now were the Titans who settled in Delphi. It was the city where the main temple of Apollo was and visited by thousands of people every day. Currently, the humans were waiting for a new prophecy from Apollo.

"You have to decide now, Your Majesty! That new Oracle, it's starting to make a mess in your temple..the humans began to say that Apollo abandoned them. It had been two months since the last prophecy. Can we find out the reason why you keep putting it off?" One of his followers who had a thin mustache on his face protested.

Titan followers, different from human worshipers. Titan followers like them were people who devoted their lives to helping their god's divine duty. Meanwhile, human worshipers only worship in temples and expect blessings from the gods.

In Apollo's palace on Olympus, there were many Titans who became his followers. Pelias was one of them. He served as his warrior as well to help Apollo doing his divine duty as the god of archery. Pelias was the vassal with whom he currently interacts the most, for of all his titles, Apollo prefers to be the god of archery.

His three followers currently facing him were the Titans who helped him to his title which was the most popular in the human world— namely the god of prophecy. Apollo has great power here. Because every prophecy uttered by Oracle Delphi, will spread and be believed by millions of human worshipers. Every prophecy that he gives, has an important impact on the lives of humans.

Not infrequently, other gods asked Apollo to convey prophecies to humans. Like Athena who once asked Apollo to say that Sparta would win the war, and said that Athena supported Sparta, to strengthen her position in a land famous for its warriors. Or when Zeus said there would be a plague coming and asked humans to remain calm.

There was an incident hundreds of years ago, where the experiments of the Titans accidentally created a virus that was dangerous for humans. Olympus, who was in charge of that, was trying to come up with an antidote but it will take time. Apollo's prophecy at that time had helped give humanity hope that things would improve.

Apollo's prophecy was the main thing that makes Apollo one of the gods with the most worshipers. The Delphi Oracles became his strength, as well as his tools to control humans. Apollo could have made humans subservient and fearful, or on the contrary gave them hope and happiness.

However, it had been almost three months, Apollo did not give any new prophecy. It made the Delphi Oracles uneasy. Humans began to leave his temples because they felt their prayers were not answered.

"Why should I do it?" Apollo finally revealed part of the reason.

"Because you are Apollo. Everyone is waiting for your prophecy!" His bearded follower affirmed.

"I don't want to keep doing this, just let the humans live their lives this time without having to think about my prophecy. They won't die just because I didn't deliver the prophecy," Apollo shook his head and quickly returned to his plate. He took a piece of bread and took a bite. It was also a sign that he was asking them to leave.

Although furious, the three followers only gritted their teeth and clench their fists. Before finally they bowed and turned away.

Erithea, very uncomfortable with the situation. Why was the atmosphere so tense? Why were they so hostile? The other occupants of Apollo's palace were now chewing their dinner in silence. They didn't chat or joke anymore. Then one by one they left the dining hall.

Apollo ended his dinner early and wiped his mouth. He then drank a glass of water from his silver goblet and looked at Erithea.

"Sorry you had to see that, Erithea. Sorry because they are impolite people who presumptuously interrupt our mealtime for annoying business," Apollo said again.

"Annoying? What do you mean? Sorry, but as far as I know, the gods are obliged to do their divine duty. Of course I don't want to criticize you, I just want to know, why?" Erithea responded cautiously.

"Erithea, those Titans, used to follow and obey my requests faithfully. They did anything for me. But the situation now is different..do you remember what i said before? If immortality will change a person?" Apollo spoke while looking her in the eye.

"Yeah, I remember that," Erithea nodded.

"The three of them have been using Apollo's prophecy for decades for their own benefit," said Apollo coldly.

"What? How to?"

"Every time I issue a new prophecy, they will add another message from minor kings or other Titans who have certain interests. I only found out about it three months ago and decided not to predict anything again," said Apollo.

Erithea was taken aback. That was a very bad thing. Such an act could get them punished with the death penalty. Not the usual death penalty. They would be tortured slowly and painfully. Like Prometheus who Zeus punished by imprisoning in barren mountains and letting wild birds peck at his wounds.

"Why did you let them walk freely?" Erithea who was usually calm became emotional at this time.

"I guess even though I'm immortal, there are some things that don't change. I don't easily forget someone's kindness. The Titans were once my valuable companions. For hundreds of years they have helped me and us through the good and bad times. I would feel guilty if they were punished. So, I'm still waiting."

"What are you waiting for?"

"Waiting for the right time to get rid of them," Apollo smiled as he said it.

"But, the humans have been anxiously awaiting your prophecy," Erithea responded cautiously.

Apollo rose from his seat and stretched out his hand. He asked Erithea to reached his palm.

"Eh? Why?"

"I refuse to discuss boring things. You are my guest, my job is to make you happy. I will show you around my palace," Apollo said again, looking at her intently, as if Erithea was the only thing he cared about there.