Chapter One
My sun gold hair waved through every bounced step; the curls became ocean-like in movement. Pale sun-bathed skin glistened with each ray of sunlight. Eyes with such a deep azure colour, took in this beautiful world.
I was making my way through the streets, of what I could only assume was Toronto. Massive, glass skinned buildings were rooted in the ground. Noisy, bossy cars argued on the streets. Of course that didn’t matter too much to me, I was distracted by a beautiful flutist.
His music but one story, being told through the magic that were the notes. Those thin, espresso fingers delicately placed in a new position. An afro of black curls rested upon his head. A jawline that could slice through paper bore the air of every note.
Anyone you care about, must face a terrible fate in the end.
An ancient voice rang through my mind. It was a constant reminder to me.
“Why must it be that way…” I sighed, walking away from the park.
It was awfully annoying having that reminder in the back of my head. Especially, when you’re the God of prophecies. You’d think I’d be able to see that coming… apparently not. I pressed on, making my way to whatever seemed most interesting. I’ll be honest, there weren’t many riveting things here in good ol’ Toronto. My eyes trailed to an adorable coffee house, it was decorated with lovely music notes, and gorgeous plants climbed its walls.
“That should have promise,” I muttered.
I pressed the door into the belly of the shop, taking in the strong black coffee scent. Cacti, and succulents were placed in cute pots of all sizes. Pastel purple walls painted the skin of the place. The grey tile floors brought it all together. It almost reminded me of Starbucks, in a way, but with a vibe that suited Demeter a little more.
Maybe I’ll bring her here sometime… I thought with a smile.
I suddenly felt a small body crash into my legs. I peered down to see what would only be a compact human.
He panicked, “I… I’m sorry… I’m sorry, sir.”
“Oh don’t worry, it’s okay,” I reassured him, placing a hand on his shoulder, “Are you lost, little guy?”
His eyes shook with worry, and looked around fiercely. A bush of red curls appeared to be untamed, and dirty. Patches of brown spotted themselves like islands in water, over his cool skin.
“My… I… I lost…” He hyperventilated, gripping his chest.
“Woah, let’s sit you down okay,” I moved him to an armchair in a quiet corner, “Here, you can squeeze my hands.”
His tiny, padded hands gripped onto my own. His breathing began to relax, in the way that the sky became calm after a storm.
“I lost my mom…” He mumbled, thinking he might be in trouble.
“Well, why don’t we find her?” I suggested, “And while we’re at it, maybe tell me your name?”
He nodded, “I’m… I’m Clyff.”
“I’m Apollo,” I grinned, walking with my hand tied to Clyff’s.
Sometimes my healing powers worked in such interesting ways. I suppose I also have a calming effect on others when they’re in need. A whiff of contentment blew into me, as we continued our search for his mother.
Clyff danced his head side to side, enjoying the nice stroll. He may have thought this was a nice quest… or his mom never taught him to not talk to strangers. Either way he seemed far more relaxed than when he bumped into me.
“Your hair is pretty, Mister.”
“Oh… Thanks,” I replied.
I couldn’t help but grin.
The sun began to shine brighter, giving off a wave of heat. Flowers danced with joy from the gift the sun offered to them.
Sometimes… Sometimes it was the little things that made life so much brighter. I guess that also depended on my mood… Me being able to keep the sun in a good spot wasn’t a skill I mastered just yet.
“How old is you?” Clyff asked, glancing up towards me.
I snorted. “Do you really wanna know?”
He nodded vigorously, as if it was a cookie that he had earned.
“Uhu uhu!”
“Well…” I started.
Should I be honest? Nah… he wouldn’t believe me… Well, I mean he’s a kid… so why would it matter?
I continued the debate in my head for a little longer. There wasn’t any harm being done if I told Clyff that I was an ancient God; nobody would believe the poor kid. Maybe he’d become some famous actor because he met me? If so, then win for Apollo! Really… If I told him this, would he even remember me? If he did, then I wouldn’t wish to know what could possibly happen after that. It was such a weird thing to try and balance out. If we’re being realistic here, his future did kind of rest in my hands.
“I’m seventeen.”
One less person to worry about. I could already tell this kid’s life wasn’t absolutely amazing. If I could make it any better by lying, then I guess that was a win in its own way.
A huge grin spread across his tiny face, making his dimples more apparent. His hands clapped as he jumped in circles. For some reason a simple age made him so happy.
“Awesome!” He cheered.
I swear… kids were quite enthralling beings in their own way. Yes, adults and teens were… very… strange, but kids… now they make for some good conversations and entertainment.
“So, where did you see your mom last?”
He tilted his head, planting his feet to the ground. Clyff’s round, large smoky eyes took a look around, loading the information into his tiny brain.
I felt a pull, and began to be dragged by this miniscule person.
“Dis way!” He squealed.
I allowed him to lead the way, assuming he knew where he was going.I found that trusting in a little person was… kind of exciting. Maybe I could write a song about how thrilling this was? I am sure the demigods and people who worshipped me would love this!
Somehow we ended up in an office. Well, a building stuffed with multiple offices.
“Can I help you, young boys?”
“Oh, I’m here-”
“Is Mommy here?” Clyff interjected.
The receptionist smiled sweetly. “Why, hello Clyff, yes, she is. Come on, dear.”
She held her hand out, about to bring the boy to his mother.
“Thank you for bringing him here,” She bowed her head.
I watched the dusty haired women take Clyff farther into the building. A part of me felt attached to the little boy. A piece of me completely left my body, trailing behind Clyff as we waved goodbye.
I shook my head and wiped a tear away, trailing out back to the buzzing life of the city.
Clouds now curtained the sun slightly. This might have been Hades’ vibe, but not mine.
I grumbled to myself trying to brighten the mood.
Haha, so funny Apollo.
I rolled my eyes, and began to think of positive things. Muttering the lyrics to such a masterpiece song… Heat Waves. So many knew the song, so few appreciated it the way I did. It happened to be in June… A SUMMER month, where the sun shines brightest. The artists definitely thought of me. At least that’s what I would like to believe.
“Heat waves been faking me out…” I mumbled.
Sometimes, I’ll admit, humans created masterpieces that truly should be revealed to the world. But, we can’t forget, I am the one that inspires all those lovely artists. I continued to stay in my little world of bliss, only to see I was up in the CN Tower.
The lights of the city made for a fantastic scene. My sister was doing her job, making the sky look so beautiful. Astraeus (forgotten god) made the stars dance in magnificent ways.
I forgot how beautiful the night could be… I knew it was classic for me to hate my sister, but I am quite thankful to have her as my twin. It was kind of weird to see the world in her eyes. This was her… Her beauty… Who she was. I wouldn’t ask for it to be any other way.
“You’re so gorgeous…” I uttered, gawking at the sky.
I stayed there a while longer, taking it all in. Thoughts ran through my head, the creative juices (as humans say) were going at it. I’ll be honest, I never thought something could be more beautiful than a sunrise… But this changed it all. I had a feeling Artemis would try to shake the compliment off and pretend it never happened. But she would appreciate it nonetheless.
“Apollo!” A familiar voice snapped.
I opened my eyes, it seemed I was still in the CN Tower. My body slouched down against the wall.
“Huh?” I groaned.
“Oh my dear Gods,” she hollered, “Wake up!”
I waved her off, “Okay, okay. Awake. See?”
Athena stood above me, in a comfy blue hoodie. Ripped jeans dressed her muscly legs. I’ll admit the look suited her.
“You’ve been gone… for Gods know how long!” She continued, “Apollo, because of you, the sun rose later than usual!”
“I’m sorry for not doing my job correctly.”
I didn’t care that much. Ya, sure, my job was kind of important. But the sun still rose in the sky… Didn’t it?
“I don’t see the issue.”
“Must you be so ignorant?” Athena asked, “You better hope dad doesn’t catch you.”
There it was. Reality. That slapped me harder than a swatter to a fly. I winced, not wanting to be smooshed to the ground by the big bad scary thunder daddy. That is no way to spend an afternoon.
Athena ripped me up into the air. Her glare was anything but kind, it stabbed itself deep into my heart. She looked around before she could tie her hair up.
“Are humans not allowed to see you tie your hair?” I joked.
“Of course not.” She let out a laugh. Her silk mocha hair was now tied into a messy bun. Athena glanced towards the city before saying, “Wait, why are you down here anyway?”
I tilted my head, “Do you mean down here. With the mortals?”
She sighed annoyed with my stupidity. Athena was a patient person, but I couldn’t tell how much patience she had left for me. She pinched the bridge of her nose, “Yes, why are you here… In Toronto of all places?”
I slouched, “Well… I wanted to get away I guess.” I shrugged, I was already tired of being a God. Sometimes we deserve breaks too.
Athena rolled her eyes, she wasn’t in the mood to decipher my plain words. She kept her stare out over the mute city. The quietness brought a sort of peace to her, as a gentle smile crept across her face.
“Okay, well… You have about an hour before dad finds out you aren’t home.” She warned, before headed off to do whatever it was Athena did.
The sun stood with pride in the centre of the sky, no clouds were in sight. People chatted, argued, and yelled as they continued their afternoon. Children ran around, and tried to gain their parents’ attention.
I never understood why my family didn’t come down here often. Sometimes there was beauty in this mess. Father would’ve just zapped people out of annoyance. Mother would’ve enjoyed this just as much as I was. I checked my wrist like I had a watch on me… Apparently I didn’t.
“Okay…” I grumbled. I continued my strut for a watch or any type of clock that could be in the area. Did I still have time before good old father, Zeus, would thunder down and yell at me? I doubted I had some time to spare, Athena didn’t quite tell me how much…
Oh wait… she did. Exactly ONE hour. I reminded myself. I panicked and rushed to a back alley. This was not happening, out of the many times I’ve come down to the mortal world. I checked around to make sure no one was in the surrounding area, just as I pushed myself off the ground and shot through the air.
I landed peacefully in the backyard of my home. Flowers of all sorts, and cute bushes kept the area busy; birds, rabbits, and tons of other furry little creatures nestled themselves in this home. Past that, a huge building with columns for crutches kept it up. The giant masterpiece was painted opalescent white.
I sprinted with finesse and silence towards my bedroom window. My hand pressed upon the smooth glass; I pushed the lips open, and entered the mouth of the window. My feet placed themselves down on the floor, the way ballerinas did when they landed a jump.
“Welcome back, brother,” Artemis’s cold voice rang through the air. A smirk was plastered across her face. Fingers tapping against my desk.
I rolled my eyes, and threw myself over my enormous, cotton filled bed. Yellow blankets draped over, with tons of textbooks from school. Over to the far left, the piano and other instruments rested, and cried to be played.
“Hey, Artie,” I waved solemnly. “Why are you in my room?”
“Better question, why weren’t YOU in your room?”
“Maybe because I didn’t want your big nose in my business?” I retorted.
She growled, “Well, you weren’t here for what… two days.” Her lightning blue eyes shot through me. She made her way towards me, playing with her bow. Sheets of chocolate brown folded over into a braided bun that rested on top of her head.
“I’m sorry for needing a little break!” I rolled onto my stomach, to now be face to face with my frustrated sister. My eyes darted past her, trying to find something a little more peaceful to stare at.
She snorted. “YOU! A break!? That’s hilarious.” A stiff laugh escaped her lips, “Do any of us look like we are taking a break? No, so why does the ‘great’ Apollo need a break?” She finished, and made air quotes to emphasize her point.
“First off, I am great. Secondly, it was a lot of work okay.” I pleaded, “I haven’t slept in days, and school is getting to be too much.” I wasn’t sure my pleads were going to get me out of this one. My sister felt a lot worse than facing my father right now. I think I’d honestly want to fight him at this current moment.
“Oh you poor thing! Maybe be better organized or something?” She started her way to the door.
“Artemis, please… for once, don’t tell dad.”
“And why would I do that for you?”
I thought for a moment. “Because you’re my favourite twin sister?”
“Apollo, I have nothing to gain from that. If I tell dad, I will laugh at you as you get grounded.” She said, “If I say nothing, then there is no fun in that.”
We both turned at the sound of light footsteps that rushed towards my door.
“Artemis, don’t worry, I’ve already told dad!” Hermes poked his head in, “I hope you survive Apollo. Peace out!” He threw his headphones over his ears and sprinted off, as if he was never in the room.
“NOT THE VIBE MAN!” I yelled out after him, “Why must he be the God of communication?”
Artemis shrugged, “Why must you be so lazy?”
I gasped, “I am not lazy! If anything I’m about to be dead.”
“I shall be here to keep you company as father’s words destroy you. I hope you rest in many pieces.” Artemis gave a foul smirk as she sat on one of the stools in the far right side of the room.
I glared at her, and made sure she didn’t just ‘slip’ her fist through one of my paintings. Now that would kill me more than a disapproving father. A sudden shiver went through my entire body. The fear inched into its new home, and placed itself on a couch deep in my mind. My body became cemented to the bed.
“APOLLO!!!!”
