☠︎︎ Pandora's Box ☠︎︎

The world is on the brink of chaos after Pandora's box has been opened once more. The release of ancient evils and curses has plunged humanity into an era of darkness. From the depths of the Underworld to the peaks of Mount Olympus, curses have taken physical forms—monstrous creatures, chaos-turned gods, and destructive plagues.

And worst of all, Hope has escaped.

The gods, weakened by the loss of Hope and overwhelmed by the sinister curses, have called upon their creations, The Aegisborn.

Spoiler

Who Is Pandora and why did she open the box in the first place?

Pandora was the first woman created by the gods. She was crafted by the god Hephaestus on the orders of Zeus and each of the Olympian gods contributed to her creation, giving her various gifts: beauty from Aphrodite, wisdom from Athena, and a cunning personality from Hermes. Zeus wanted to create a woman that possessed charms and traits that would make her irresistible, but with a hidden purpose—to bring suffering to mankind.

Zeus wanted to particularly punish the titan Prometheus (God of Fire), who had defied him by stealing fire from the gods and giving it to mortals. As a result, Pandora was given to Prometheus's brother, Epimetheus, as a wife, despite Prometheus's warnings to his brother not to accept any gifts from Zeus. As part of Zeus’s plan, Pandora was given a jar (Pandora's Box). The jar was sealed and she was instructed never to open it.

For a time, Pandora resisted the urge to open the jar, but her curiosity grew stronger with each passing day. One day, driven by curiosity, Pandora opened it. Zeus knew she would.

What happens once the box is opened?

The evils contained within the jar—disease, death, pain, and despair—escape and spread across the world. These are known as the 4 Curses, ones that shaped humanity.

How did Pandora stop it?

In a desperate attempt to stop the spread of the curses, Pandora quickly slammed the lid shut. However, by that time, most of the evils had already escaped, leaving only one thing behind: Hope. Although she couldn't undo the damage, by closing the lid she unknowingly prevented Hope from escaping, leaving humanity with a vital force to counteract the evils.

But... with Hope gone, everything will burn.

The Aegisborn are a unique and revered group of half-divine, half magic individuals that were created after the first time Pandora's Box was opened. They each possess a powerful blend of Pandora's Boxand divine abilities inherited from their godly creator. They are the last hope for humanity.

Each Aegisborn was crafted to defend against each of the ailments of Pandora's Box, starting with Umbraen.

Spoiler

Background: The Umbraen were once divine guardians of the night, tasked with protecting mortals from the dangers lurking in the dark. When Pandora’s box was opened, the night itself was corrupted, and these guardians became infused with the essence of shadows. Now, they walk the line between light and darkness, using their shadow powers to fight the evils unleashed from the box.
Role in Closing the Box: Umbraen use their ability to manipulate fear and shadows to infiltrate cursed areas and sabotage the forces of chaos. Their intimate knowledge of darkness allows them to detect and counteract the curses that spread through fear and despair.

(Half-Divine, Half-Cursed Flame)

Spoiler

Background: The Chrysaoris were once noble warriors who served as the last line of defense against the cursed flames that escaped Pandora’s box. In their final act of heroism, they absorbed the flames into themselves, transforming into beings of molten gold.
Role in Closing the Box: Chrysaoris wield their cursed flames against the monsters spawned by Pandora’s box. Their golden fire can purify areas tainted by evil, allowing them to recover relics.

(Half-Divine, Half-Sea Creature)

Spoiler

Background: Thalassids are descendants of ancient Mer who made pacts with Poseidon to protect their people. When the chaos of Pandora’s box began to seep into the oceans, these humans were granted the power of the deep to combat the approaching darkness. Their transformation into amphibious beings allowed them to survive and fight in water.
Role in Closing the Box: Thalassids are the guardians of aquatic zones or cursed regions filled with water. Their ability to manipulate water and their aquatic combat gifs make them essential for retrieving underwater relics and battling sea-bound curses.

(Half-Divine, Half-Wraith)

Spoiler

Background: The Moiran Shades are the spirits of those whose fates were cruelly twisted by the curses of Pandora’s box. Refusing to succumb to their destinies, they have retained their human consciousness and fight to reclaim their lost futures. Their connection to the threads of fate grants them unique powers in the battle.
Role in Closing the Box: Moiran Shades use their ability to manipulate fate to guide their allies through the cursed lands, ensuring they stay on the right path. They can foresee and alter outcomes. They're also great at noticing weakness of enemies, they are masters in body language.

(Half-Divine, Half-Inesectoid Warrior)

Spoiler

Background: Once mighty warriors who fought in the name of Hades, the Stygian Myrmidons were transformed when Pandora’s box unleashed its curse on the Underworld. Their divine forms merged with the armor of the Myrmidons, creating a species of warriors devoted to reclaiming the lost souls that Pandora's Box let loose.
Role in Closing the Box: Stygian Myrmidons excel in battle, using their strength and combat skills to protect allies and crush the cursed creatures guarding the relics of hope. Their ability to bind souls can weaken the enemy’s forces and provide crucial power boosts to their team. They can also summon arachnids, like Spiders.

(Half-Divine, Half- Disease Spirit)

Spoiler

Background: The Phthorae emerged directly from the aftermath of Pandora's box opening. They are a species born from the forces of illness and plague. These beings have inherited the abilities to spread and cure ailments and sicknesses. Unlike other species, Phthorae was directly harnessed from the power of a primordial god and the forces of Pandora's Box itself.
Role in Closing the Box:By having control over disease, they can both weaken their enemies and provide critical healing support to their team.

(Half-Divine, Half-Embodiment of Discord)

Spoiler

Background: The Echthroi were once divine diplomats and mediators, working to maintain peace among the divine of Olympus. However, when Pandora’s box was opened, they became infused with the essence of discord, warping their abilities to cause chaos. They are known for being extremely destructive, yet diobolically intelligent. The Echthroi are used by the Gods to punish mortals.
Role in Closing the Box: Echthroi specialize in disrupting the enemy’s plans, using their chaotic powers to turn the curses against themselves. They can create illusions and warp reality to confuse and mislead the forces of evil, giving their allies the upper hand.

Spoiler

*Your characters "Species" will be one of the Aegisborn. We'd like to have one of each, so try not to pick a species that has already been claimed :D

*Abilities: Max 5 powers. Mix and match with Godly Parent and From the box. Check out my finished CP if you want an example-- A lot of powers/gifts in this SB will be slightly OP (they are guardians of the box, and are created through the box, so they're bound to be pretty powerful). Pick a god that would go nicely with your protector.

*Age: They'd be 5,000-5,500 years old, which is right after Pandora's Box last opened.

* On Primordial Gods: Phthorae is the only species that are created by a Primordial God.

Code: Select all

[b]Name and Title[/b]:
[b]Age[/b]:
[b]Sexuality/Gender[/b]:
[b]Species[/b]
[b]Godly Creator[/b]:
[b]Appearance[/b]:
[b]Abilities[/b]
[u][i]- From Their Godly Creator:[/i][/u]
[u][i]- From Pandora's Box:[/i][/u]
[b]Personality[/b]:
[b]Short History[/b]:
[b]Other[/b]:

Zeus' Throne Room was a vast expanse of polished marble and towering pillars. Golden light filtered in through the high windows. At the very center, sat the King of the Gods himself. His eyes were dark with storm clouds, and a faint crackle of lightning echoed through the chamber as he waited.

Beside him, Hera sat with regal grace, her expression serene yet observant. She had arrived early, as expected. Zeus appreciated her counsel, even when they disagreed. Today, however, was different. Today, they faced a decision that could alter the course of both Gods and Mortals alike.

One by one, the other Gods and Goddesses began to arrive.

Athena entered first, her grey eyes sharp and focused. Hermes came next with his normal sly grin-- casually leaning against a pillar. Ares stormed in next, flopping himself down on a throne. Persephone and Hades walked in together; Persephone dragged the King of the Underworld by his ear, literally.

More gods shuffled in after Demeter, Dionysus, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Gaia, The Fates, Artemis, Poseidon...

And of course, the woman of the hour, Pandora. She was brought in by gods, shackled at the ankles. Her normal luxurious appearance was faltered by dirt and bruises.

Once all were present, Zeus' voice boomed through the chamber, "Gods, today we have a choice that will determine the fate of Olympus itself."

"You say that every time you call us here," Hermes smirked and kicked his feet up on the armrest, "What is it this time?"

"That one--" He pointed at Pandora. "Opened the box. And Hope has escaped."

Demeter hummed, "Well, that is indeed tragic, isn't it?"

"Yes, Mother. That's bad." Persephone snapped, sighing heavily.

Hades nodded. "Very bad."

"So what do you propose we do, Darling?" Hera asked, snapping the rest of the Gods a stern yet formidable look.

"He wants to send the Aegisborn out," Athena answered. She was twirling a pocketknife in her left hand as she continued, "The souls created through the box itself. The ones we created. Gods, this is all such a mess."

"Can you let the man speak?" Poseidon finally spoke and leaned back in his chair. He immediately started talking again, "You know, Zeus," he looked to Pandora, "It's almost poetic, isn't it? The one who opened the box being brought in chains before us, looking so... vulnerable. I wonder if the Aegisborn will have the same fate, or worse."

His gaze flickered back to Zeus, "But tell me, brother, what will you do if this little venture of yours goes wrong? Will you shackle the Aegisborn, too? Or perhaps, you let me handle their punishment. I do have a way with those who defy the gods, y'know."

Zeus scowled. "They cannot fail. The world without Hope is destined to crumble. The people will rise against us. The wars that rage will be bloody. The entire world evidenced in the name of Discord, Disease, all the horrors of the box."

Apollo, who had been silent up until now, spoke up with a calm demeanor, "It's not just about the immediate aftermath. We must consider the long-term effects. Hope, once returned, could bring a wave of expectation for Mortals. We, as Gods, could be seen as... selfish by the very ones we seek to protect. We must be precise here."

Demeter, with a worried frown, added, "And let's not forget about the impact on nature. The humans were already in turmoil, even before this attack. If the Aegisborn fails and the balance is further disrupted, the natural order could be damaged."

Poseidon smirked, "Ah, but there's the thrill of it all. It would be quite the spectacle. And if all goes wrong... well, it's not as if we haven't weathered storms before, right?"

Hermes sighed loudly, "I'm bored. This is boring. I say we just let the Aegisborn loose and call it a day. Maybe then we'd be secure for world domination. That sounds like something that'd be worth paying for. To watch, I mean."

Ares growled. "I say let the humans figure it out! They've grown soft. They need the turmoil to be strong! Hope is the calling of a weak man. A strong one would depend on skill."

Apollo sighed next, a sense of frustration in his voice, "This is not just about entertainment or ... whatever Ares is talking about. We have a real problem to solve. Let's focus on how to make this work. If we're to send the Aegisborn, we need to ensure they're equipped for success. And that means, we need a solid plan. Anyone?"

"Thank you, Apollo," Hera said.

Hermes raised an eyebrow, "Fine, fine. If we're going to play this out seriously, let's discuss specifics. Zeus, what exactly do we need to provide them, and how do we ensure they're properly prepared? I'm game for a strategy-friendship-bonding session if it means avoiding any more serious conversations."

"Weapons! Explosives! Guns. All of the guns." Ares nodded, proud of his amazing planning.

Hermes giggled in his seat, "Ooh. I like you, Ares. You think like me. You should come to my pad sometime. I got guns--"

Hera gasped, "No! No, you will not taint him. He is still a child and doesn't need you crawling in his head. Ares, love, stay away from Hermes, okay?"

"Guns won't taint me, Mom! They're cool." Ares grumbled, crossing his arms.

Aphrodite chirped in, "He's lying, anyways. Hermes doesn't own any guns. So nothing fun to see there. Besides his Hot Wheels collection."

Hermes shot an irritated glance at Aphrodite, "Says the one that collects seashells. What a weirdo. Who collects seashells?"

"Actually, a lot of people do, Hermes," Aphrodite smiled, "...it's a common hobby. Collecting Hot Wheels is for children."

Hermes hesitated but crossed his arms, "Okay, Princess. Whatever you say."

"You're both acting like children! The world is at stake! Focus on the dire manner at hand and not your games." Zeus shook his head. "We must send the Aegisborn. I don't trust anyone here to do this properly."

"Listen. I've seen some pretty bad stuff," Persephone said as Hades fed her a grape, "Don't you think we should save our heroes for a more... dire time? Hades and I are going to Europe this summer, and we don't want to stay cooped up in the Underworld."

Artemis groaned. "Do you two ever listen to anyone but yourselves? Europe won't exist if the box isn't controlled! Or whatever." She went back to something under the table.

Persephone looked to Hades with a saddened look on her face, "No, no, give me another one. That one was mushy. And gross. But anyway, yeah. I guess it's serious but can't Gaia just like..remake Europe? Isn't that what she's here for, anyways?"

"Did you seriously just ask Gaia to remake Europe for you?" Athena groaned.

"She did. I heard it," Poseidon chuckled, "She's valid though."

Gaia took a deep breath. "Child, I know your kind has been... exceptionally dense... but do you seriously think I would trust you with anything if the world ends? I will create a new race and I will personally let them drive you to extinction if you destroy my Earth!" She shook her head. "Please try to act like you're in charge and not like children running around a park. You're supposed to be responsible."

The whole room seemed to go quiet at that moment. Finally, after moments of the Gods staring at each other, Hermes spoke, "So... World Domination? Is that still on? Or no, because like... If so, I have to start making plans."

Gaia stood up, marched to Hermes, and smacked him across the head. "THERE WILL BE NO EARTH TO DOMINATE" Gaia raised her fists to the sky. "Uranus, why did we have children?"

Hermes flinched and held the side of his head where he was smacked, grimacing, "Ouch! That hurt. For such an old lady, you're strong."

Aphrodite gasped, "She's not old! She's vintage."

"Can everyone, in the name of the Gods, shut up?" Hera's voice radiated.

"I AM THE GOD OF THE SEA and I believe--"

"I believe you all need to shut up." Hephaestus looked up. "The box needs to be closed again. And either we do it, you let Pandora go and she does it, or someone strong enough does it. All of you like to talk but you never do shit, and I doubt Zeus is going to stop yelling at Pandora for him creating her like this soon, so we pick the next best thing."

"What are you even saying?" Hermes' eyes closed slightly, "I didn't understand one word."

"Be nice to him," Hera raised an eyebrow, "He's sensitive."

Athena slammed her hand on the armrest of her throne, "We need a vote! I'm not going to sit here one second longer and listen to this idiocracy. All in favor of sending the Aegisborn, raise your pinky."

Hephaestus, Artemis, Zeus, Gaia, Hermes, Poseidon, Apollo, Aphrodite, Hera, The Fates, Dionysus, and Demeter all raised their pinkies. Persephone and Hades didn't, as expected.

Athena took a deep breath, "Then it's settled. The Aegisborn will be dispatched to retrieve Hope."

With that, the Gods began to leave the chamber, and the Aegisborn would be summoned for their first mission.

Zeus raised from his chair, walking to the window behind him. From here he could see all of Olympus and the azure sky. "I will protect my home from mankind. It's too precious for them to ruin."

Calypso's steps echoed through the empty corridors of the palace, as they made their way to Hermes' Quarters. The Grand hallways, adorned with gold and ivory, seemed quieter than usual, as if the very walls were holding their breath. The usual bustling energy of Olympus was subdued, creating an eerie calm.

Suddenly, a strange sensation began to creep over them. It was subtle at first, like a whisper at the back of their mind, a faint tugging that made them pause mid-step. They frowned, their swirling red eyes narrowing as they tried to pinpoint the source of the unease. Rapidly, the sensation intensified, turning into a sickening twist in their gut. It was as if the very essence of their being had been disturbed. A cold shiver ran down their spine, and for a brief moment, the palace around them seemed to flicker, the walls and corridors warping as if reality itself was glitching. Their breath caught in their throat, and the air around them grew heavy, almost suffocating.

Calypso reached out instinctively, their hand brushing against the smooth surface of a nearby column. But instead of grounding them, their touch sent a ripple of chaotic energy surging through the air. Their powers, normally so controlled, now felt wild and untamed. For a split second, they felt disconnected from their own abilities-- like trying to grip water with bare hands, it slipped from them.

The energy burst was sudden and violent. A nearby vase shattered into a thousand pieces as Calypso's power flared uncontrollably, sending shockwaves through the corridor. They clenched their fists, struggling to regain control, but the feeling of something being terribly wrong only grew stronger.

Through the haze of their confusion, Calypso noticed a faint glow at the end of the corridor. It was dim at first, but it grew brighter with each passing moment, casting long shadows that danced along the walls. As they took hesitant steps towards the source, a figure began to materialize in the flickering light. Hermes appeared, his usual casual demeanor replaced by... intensity. It was unlike him to look this concerned. His eyes, sharp and assessing, locked onto Calypso.

"You felt it, I'm guessing?" Hermes asked. He gestured for Calypso to follow him, "Come with me."

Calypso raised an eyebrow but didn't choose to speak. Their creator never allowed Calypso in his quarters. They followed.

Calypso could feel the pull of the divine disturbance growing stronger with each step. The flickering lights of the palace casted long, shifting shadows. They kept glancing around, keeping their composure. Whatever it is, it had to be serious. Calypso had only felt like this once, and it was when they were first created.

Hermes finally stopped infront of a large carved door that led to his quarters. He turned to Calypso with a serious expression, "We need to talk."

Calypso nodded. Hermes opened the door, and they entered a spacious, elegantly furnished room. The walls were lined with scrolls and artifacts, and the air was filled with the faint scent of incense-- a stark contrast to the atmosphere in the rest of the palace. Hermes gestured for Calypso to take a seat at the large wooden table, cluttered with celestial maps and documents. He took his place opposite of them, sighing.

"Here's what we know," Hermes began, leaning forward, "Pandora's Box has been disturbed. The ancient seal was broken, and the energies contained within it have begun to wreak havoc. This is not just a minor disturbance, all of the four curses have once again been released. Hope is lost, we don't know where she is. "

Calypso's eyes widened. Hope was gone?

Hermes continued, "The Box's disturbance has sent a shockwave throughout the realms. Each Aegisborn has felt it-- an echo of the instability. This is why I've summoned you here. You, and the others, are they key to finding Hope and fixing this."

Calypso adjusted their mask. They had been trained to handle divine interventions, but this was something entirely different. Sure, they were made from the box, but... Hope had never been lost. They made sure of that the first time.

"What do we know about these curses?" Calypso asked, "What should we expect?"

Hermes sighed and picked up a scroll from the table. he unrolled it to reveal a series of ancient symbols and runes, "The four curses are Despair, Death, Disease, and Pain. Each has it's own destructive potential. Despair undermines hope and resolve. Disease infects and spreads. Pain is ruthless and cunning. Death is..." he trailed off, pursing his lips, "Death."

"But what exactly can these curses... do?" Calypso sat back, "The last time we encountered them--"

"No," Hermes shook his head, "It will not be the same. Trust me. Despair creates a void, snapping strength and willpower until nothing is left but a pervasive sense of hopelessness..."

he continued, "Disease is a more literal curse. He inflicts the body and spirit, spreading sickness that weakens. Its not just physical, though. it can corrupt. Then there's pain. She manifests as both physical and emotional agony. It is meant to break down even the strongest wills, leaving nothing but suffering."

"What about Death?" Calypso braced themselves.

Hermes hesitated, his gaze shifting to the scroll beside him. The room seemed to grow colder, "Death is not like the others," he said slowly, his voice uneasy, "It is the culprit that all the curses represent. It is not merely the end of life-- it's an all encompassing void that consumes everything in its path. When Death manifests, it erases existence itself, leaving behind nothing.. Nothing at all."

Calypso's heart sank. They had been created to manage the chaos of Pandora's Box, but the thought of confronting Death, especially at it's fullest power, was terrifying.

"So," Calypso said, "our goal is to counteract these curses and find Hope before things get worse. But how do we even begin to tackle something as destructive as Death?"

Hermes leaned back, his face contorted, "Finding Hope will be our best chance at containing these curses. She is the one who can counteract their effects but she is hidden somewhere. We don't know where. As for Death, it's a parasite that thrives on the fear and chaos created by the other curses. Our priority must be to manage the spread of Despair, Disease, and Pain... and then go after Death when we can. It won't be easy. You will need to meet the others at the Colossus."

"Understood, Father," Calypso replied, "I'll head to the Colossus immediately. And the other Aegisborn?"

"They're already on their way," Hermes confirmed, "Each of them have been summoned to confront a different aspect of the curses. You'll need to work together. They each bring unique strengths to this mission, apparently."

"I'll be ready."

Hermes offered a final nod, "Remember, Calypso... the balance of the realm depends on you and the others. We're relying on you all."

With a final glance around their Father's quarters, Calypso turned to leave. The palace of Olympus, once a grand and beautiful, seemed distant with a grotesque eerie energy. They fixed their mask once more, and made their way to the Colossus.

Xenia has always had a way with strings of fate. Maybe it was because she was practically just one that was tied together after being discarded by time. She had seen her string before. The Fates kept it in a pocket. It was tied in an elaborate knot, symbolizing how her journey never ended. She was trapped in the bundle whereas mortals would slip along the string until they fell from the fraying ends of a clean cut.

She never cut the strings. That wasn't her job. Mostly she smoothed them with their hands to make sure they didn't tangle together, horrendously mixing two lives together until it created a horrible mutation of a person. Occasionally, as she touched the delicate thread, memories or feelings would seep through. Hands through hair, a breeze that rustles clothes, grass poking bare skin. She would pull away her hand like she was a human touching a hot iron. Shaking her head before the jealousy took hold, she'd make her way to the other side of the room to focus on something else.

So when her hand brushed a string and she felt the telltime shudder of a vision on her neck, she was prepared to flee from it.

What she was not expecting was to be entirely consumed by it, the clacking of needles disappearing, overpowered by the crackle of fire. The air smelled of smoke, decay, and fresh viscera. Xenia's hands were sticky through her lack of form, her palms splitting themselves open and spilling imaginary blood down her slightly less imaginary fingers.

"A child appears--"

"--so unaware of the price--"

"--of seeing the end."

She couldn't turn to see the being speaking behind her, but there were too many of them. They shared sentences like bread, continuing each other's thoughts without so much as a word between them. All the while, she struggled to face them as a distant figure slowly approached. They didn't walk with a limp as much as shamble, their left leg dragged behind them like a dead weight as their arms swung uselessly at their sides with every step forward. The muscles of their cheeks were exposed, the rot deep enough that their teeth were visible through the wound.

"Child!"

The voices turned into a chorus, all speaking in unison. There must have been hundreds.

"You dare challenge my great design? You think yourself too good for the end?"

Xenia's palms bled faster and faster, streams of blood running down her legs, pooling on the ground. The blood blackened. Maggots swam to the surface and crawled toward Xenia's immobile legs.

"I will have you. I will make you mine!"

The maggots started crawling up her leg, and her long-dead skin revolted at the contact. She watched as they reared their heads back, ready to dive in. They pounced.

She opened her eyes with a start, the familiar clacking of needles helping her slow her breath. The Fates, the Croon specifically, looked down on her. "Terrible things have happened, dear." The Croon helped her to her feet, not commenting on the way the False Amazon's knees shook. "You've seen them, haven't you?"

Xenia swallowed. "An end is coming. The horde is coming to swallow the earth."

The Croon's winkles lessened until the Mother emerged. "Then you know what you must do."

"I do." Xenia felt a pull, sudden thoughts of how she must've had skin once and how it must be rotting far away from her flickering consciousness.

"Good." The Mother's frame shrank while her eyes grew into something wide and helpless. "You have to save the day! Please, Xenia." The Maiden grabbed her hands, fear making her hands shake.

"I will." Xenia waited for The Maidan to let go before she stepped back. "I'll return victorious or not at all." She couldn't help it. It was the Amazon in her, desperately fighting to still be something after everything. She left before The Fates could say anything else. If it was important, it would find her in her dreams.

The obsidian hall held a dark eloquence with its towering pillars, pointed-arch roof, and intricate carvings all over the place. They all told an unfathomable depth of story from the Underworld and all who had visited. The sleek floors were the hue of a shining pearl, refracting hues of seafoam, lavender, and cerulean amid its silvery-white base. The sconces illuminated with blue flames, providing a dim light, and black thorns grew up around the pillars. The mystical scents of amber and myrrh hung in the air, as a lonely enchanted cello played a rhythmic melody in the corner.

In perfect timing, Acacia made each step in a slow, mournful dance. Her figure seemed to shine against the dark environment. Her sleek white hair, her spiny crimson wings, her black dress under the pieces of thorny black armor; all of it flowed with even the slightest movement. Beautiful, yet haunting. Full of life, yet cold as the grave. No one would expect that she was one of the deadliest members of Hades's army.

As she danced, she saw the thorns. Not just the ones that grew along the pillars of her personal hall, but the ones that entwined her arms, rooted deep under her skin.

Not long ago at all, they were blooming with flowers and natural green hues. Not only beautiful, but a testament to life, each one holding a healing property. And like those flowers, Acacia herself radiated life and healing energy, an enchantress purely by nature.

But over a course of days now, the flowers began to fade. The green rotted to a deep black. Leaves and petals, replaced by thorns and spines. That was also when the insectoid features began to appear throughout her body. Throughout it all, the enchantress became more like a witch; despite any charm she may have held, there was something dark inside of her, chilling others and making them wary. Any respect she did gain was through fear, not through admiration.

Her own fear, likewise, was numbed. Right alongside the passion behind her work, the empathy she held for those beneath her, and the benevolence she shared with companions. Even mercy was becoming something she had to dig deeper and deeper within her to find.

The Myrmidon clenched both fists briefly, before her dance turned more intensive. As she ran across the room, a series of flips and twists formed blades of air around her, leading up to the final jumping spiral.

That was when she unsheathed her short halberd-style polearm, her bec de corbin.

As she finished the spiral, the three-sided blade cut the air with piercing whistles, ready to obliterate any unfortunate target.

Another victim of Acacia, the Crimson Briar.

'CLANG!'

The polearm was blocked by an intricate staff, formed from grayish wood with a spiraling pattern. A faint blue-green sheen implied a layer of magic helped make it stronger, emanating from the vibrant emerald rooted on one end.

"I never thought you would have the bravery to strike at me."

Acacia stepped back, brandishing her polearm. "The last few days have made it easier."

She met the deep sage-green eyes of Circe, which held all the light and life that she had since felt dimmed. Her dark copper hair hung loose, wavy and fluffy, all the way down to her thighs, with sections decorated by silver cordage and small flowers. Her long satin robes were a dark emerald green, with a gold floral-patterned belt just below the bust. All contrasted against her very fair gold-toned skin, with vines of white anemones coiled around her legs and arms. While she was no major god, divine energy radiated from her.

Normally, Acacia would be happy to greet her creator. But now, she felt hardly anything. Only a numbness that lingered in her core.

Seeming to notice, Circe sighed, lowering her staff. "I see you've felt the impact even more than I have."

Acacia sheathed the polearm to her back, then bowed her head. "Your grace. What are you talking about? Unless, you know the reason for the thorns..."

"Yes, I do," Circe answered, her tone becoming more firm. "Come with me."

Circe turned on her heel, wafting the powerful aroma of herbs and flowers toward her. Though reluctant, Acacia snapped her fingers, making the cello stop playing, then picked up her black helmet and put it on. Her face was completely shrouded by it, while a halo of thorns crowned the head.

Acacia followed her creator toward the north side of the hall. In contrast to the ebony doors that hung ajar to the south, the one to the north was sealed tightly.

The door opened to reveal an enclosed grotto, with lush meadowgrass and vibrant greenery poking out through clusters of blackened bramble. At the center of the room was a shallow pool, reflecting the dark sky like a mirror.

That was, until Circe tapped the pool with the emerald side of her staff, causing a single circular ripple that transformed the reflection into a dense moonlit woodland of oak and beech trees. As soon as the goddess stepped into the pool, she sank through effortlessly. Acacia followed, and as soon as she sank through the water, she found herself standing in a similar pool in the same woodland. The air became fresh, moist, tinged by earthy aromas and saltwater.

Behind her, a worn path led to an elaborate stone manor, entwined with roots, ivy, and simple white, green, and pale pink flowers. A square tower toward the southeast corner rose above the trees and the rest of the building, save for two spires above the entrance. Acacia could already tell that the tower was their target.

As she walked through her creator's rustic abode, Acacia felt the darkness even stronger than before. Perhaps Olympus, or somewhere nearby, was the epicenter.

Reaching the top of the tower, Acacia could see all the way to the coast of this island, Aeaea. Across the seemingly limitless stretch of ocean, Olympus rose like a radiant golden spire amid a dark world, surrounded by many stretches of land she hadn't yet explored.

The helmet deepened and slightly distorted her voice. "What am I feeling, your grace? What is this?"

Circe smiled faintly. It seemed that no matter how many times she insisted her creation call her by name, maybe even 'mother' if it suited her, it never happened. Acacia preferred formal, respectful labels for those she respected.

"An ancient curse has reawoken in this realm, Acacia. The seal of Pandora's Box has been cracked, and its contents have once again leaked. The curses of disease, death, pain, and despair are spreading like a wildfire."

Acacia's gaze snapped onto her. "How?"

"I don't know," Circe replied calmly. "But I do know one thing."

"What would that be, your grace?"

Circe turned to her with earnest eyes. "You are a powerful warrior, and a driven protector. You are an Aegisborn. I know, as one of many affected by the box's curse, you must be struggling. You must feel hardened, weighed down, dispirited -I can only imagine. But it's very important that you understand that hope has not yet died, and this world could use your strength. As a matter of fact, it is a crucial component in undoing this."

Acacia remained silent there. Apathy had a chokehold on her spirit, but reason told her that Circe had to be right. And under the thorns, she could still feel a spark of determination, driving her to act.

She spoke strongly, "Where?"

"Go to the Colossus. The other Aegisborn are gathering. With their help, you'll find the way. I believe in you."

Acacia bowed her head. "Thank you, your grace."

"And Acacia..." Circe smiled and rested a hand on her shoulder. "Be careful."

With those bittersweet parting words from her creator, Acacia leapt from the tower. As she neared the treeline, her body was briefly consumed by crimson light before dissolving into a burst of butterflies, swarming past the dense branches before they recollected into her physical form. She spiraled seamlessly past the remaining branches before landing, then charging on toward the pool. By will of Circe, the reflection had already changed, showing her the path to take.

To the Colossus, it was.

Synariope hummed quietly to herself. It was turning out to be quite a relaxing morning this, and she was enjoying every bit of it. There was no feeling quite like sitting down in a familiar place and enjoying a lovely book that somehow she hadn't encountered before. It was quite rare to find those nowadays. The library here was large, but Synariope had been browsing it for a good five thousand years now. She was running out of new books to read.

She turned the page again, nestling further back into her little alcove. This was turning out to be quite the interesting read. She was probably going to lose track of time entirely. On that note, she quickly glanced up at the clock.

Three hours.

Syna let out a little sigh of relief. That was honestly not as bad as she'd envisioned. She still had an entire hour left before she had to be present for her daily meeting with her mother. Well Amphitrite was technically more of a creator than a mother in the traditional sense but Syna had long since forgotten to bother about that distinction. She was the most motherly figure that Syna had ever had. Amphitrite was her mother for anyone who was concerned.

She sighed and got up, emerging out of her little nest. It was quite the comfy little hidey hole, strewn with a few pillows, the marble walls of the library keeping her nice and cool. The library itself was a grand affair. It was the library for all those who lived down here in the depths in and around Poseidon's court.

Soaring marble columns and beautiful wood paneling, studded in beautiful patterns much like the coral outside made the library and incredible sight to behold. Syna had spent many a day just standing by the walls and admiring them. It was quite easy to get lost in the incredible swirls and twirls, just being one with the library for a moment.

The patterns shifted. Violent storms rippled through the beautiful coral reef. Life began to drain out of them. Disease and discord spread through the beautiful ripples. Syna was frozen in horror and shock. What was going on?

Something was wrong. Something was wrong.

She felt it in her very bones, vibrating up through her feet, through her eyes and into her chest. The beautiful images were shifting. The pleasant tranquil reefs were no more. They were being shredded and destroyed. No. No. This couldn't be. What was going on? What was going on?

Memories flew through her. Of an age now long past. An age she'd done her very best to forget. When Pandora's box had been open, and many, many, many horrors had been unleased upong the world spreading nothing but chaos, disease, pain and... Death. She shivered at the very thought. No. No. This couldn't be happening. Not again.

Frantically, she pinched her forearm expecting to wake up from this nightmare. It had been a few millennia since she'd last had a nightmare about this but surely that's all it was. Hope was still there. Wasn't she?

Shivering, Syna noted that she had noticed the pain. This was not a nightmare. Not a dream. This was real. This was happening. Pandora's Box had opened again. She stumbled toward the exit. She needed to find Poseidon. Amphitrite. Somebody. Somebody had to know. Something had to be done.

"Syna?" a familiar comforting voice broke through the hailstorm of thoughts currently wreaking havoc in her mind.

She looked up, clinging desperately onto the comfort it provided. "Mother?" She reached blindly, before she felt herself sinking into a warm embrace. Amphitrite was here.

For a moment, Amph held her close, comforting her. Syna allowed herself to breathe, feeling a fleeting moment of comfort from the panic that was fast approaching at the knowledge of Pandora's box.

"I see that you've felt it too," she began simply, as soon as Syna was beginning to relax. She was on edge again, but didn't collapse this time, managing to look up into the comforting eyes of her mother and relax, as much as one could given the situation.

She nodded, not planning on releasing herself from this warm embrace anytime soon.

"Pandora's Box was opened," she said, confirming beyond even the most unlikely of hopes that the worst had in fact happened.

"Oh," was all Syna was able to manage.

"Your father was summoned. The gods had their meeting to decide what would go down in this new fresh wave of chaos. Its worse than ever expected..."

Before Amphitrite could finish, the cold truth came to Syna. "Hope was lost. Hope was lost."

Mother's grim nod was all that Syna needed. It was true then. Hope had been lost. The diseases, the pain, everything evil had been unleashed on the world to wreak utter chaos unchecked.

"Wh..what will they do?"

"If they had it your father's way, we'd do nothing. He seems to believe that fate will happen as it happens, whether Hope is with us or not."

Syna frowned. "Oh."

Amph nodded. "Yes. I was surprised too. But he was overruled. They've decided that the Aegisborn shall be mobilized. To go out and combat this. To recover hope."

Syna nodded. "That seems to be as good a plan as any in a state this dire."

Amph shook her head and Syna frowned.

"You're not understanding my dear child."

"What am I not understanding mother?" Syna was very confused now.

"You are one of them. You've been called to join the others at the Colossus."

Syna's mouth fell open, so many rebuttals coming to mind. She wasn't a fighter. She couldn't stop them. She'd read about the four curses. Of course she had. Half the scrolls about them, especially how they behaved in the ocean were written by her. She was the keeper of those cursed records.

Despair that could sap the willpower of the strongest beings, trapping them in a hopeless void of nothing, begging for the sweet release of death. Disease that broke you down. Part by part. Starting with the body, then the mind, cutting off any ability to heal until you were just a husk of pure agony.

Pain was no better and worst of all Death. The all consuming end of all things. A being powerful enough to strike fear into the hearts of every god and somehow Syna, whose best skills included reading over a thousand pages in a day and correcting typos on love letters for their lovely librarian would have to combat it.

"But I.."

Amphitrite nodded. "I know my child. You are not a fighter at this point in time. I am aware, but you once were. You command the powers of the sea. The powers that I bestowed upon you. Do not count yourself out. Besides. Many of the Aegisborn are skilled in battle. Not all of them are quite as proficient as you in knowing the enemy. You know everything there is to know about the curses. About what could stop them. That will be invaluable."

Syna felt her heart rise a little at that. Amphitrite believed in her. Believed she could bring something to the table.

"You. You really thing so? A scribe. In this grand war?"

Mother nodded. "I believe so dear Syna. You've proved to be one of the sharpest minds I have ever come across. You're no slouch in battle. I believe you can do this. I would go so far as to say they couldn't do this without you."

Syna's mouth fell open. "You think so highly of me?"

"I've always though so highly of you dear child. You just refuse to see your own potential sometimes."

Syna felt a small blush color her cheeks. "I've. I'm the quiet little dormouse, residing in the corner of the library. One that occasionally writes down the details of something important someone important did."

Mother nodded. Perhaps you have been so far. But now it is time for a change."

Syna hid her face, predicting what was to come next.

"Its time you wrote down your own story. You're one of those important people too. No go out there and do something important."

Syna took a moment to compose herself, giving Amphitrite a tight squeeze before she finally pulled away. She took a long deep breath.

"I will try mother."

"That is as much as anyone could ever expect from you," Amphitrite smile. "Now go forth my brave child. Dazzle the other Aegisborn. Show them who you are. And of course. Above it all. Save this world. It is your calling dear daughter and I believe nay I know that you will do this."

Syna felt her heart rise again, a small bit of comfort against the welling despair of the situation. "Thank you mother. I will make you proud."

"I am already proud Syna. Just keep it up."

Blushing even more than she already was, Syna gave Amphitrite one final hug and made for the exit.

"Come back to me my daughter," Amphitrite whispered one final goodbye.

Syna turned, nodding. "I will mother." With that she jumped out into the vast ocean, already gathering speed. It was time to see how a scholar would fare in a war for the world.

Aquare liked parties. There were some aspects he didn't care for, and some he hated. But for the most part he liked them. He sat on a sofa, drinking from a red solo cup as he watched gods, nymphs, and satyrs dance. He dressed up for this one, wearing a purple blazer with the rest of his clothing as black.

What was it with people and clothes? Dress up for this occasion everyone, never mind if it was comfortable or not, just wear this and you can do this. However, you could tell who someone would be by their clothing. That was the only thing good about it. Well, and pockets. He always needed a pocket for his flask. It really didn't matter to him, since most of the time he was in the shadows, watching whatever seemed fitting. Dead mortals in the Underworld, other gods quarreling on Olympus, more quarreling in the outskirts. No one cared to pay him much attention. If they did, it was an uncomfortable stare because they probably first saw him in their peripherals.

As he brought the cup to his lips he was hit with a sensation he couldn't quite describe. As if it was an explosion, he was hit with the second, burning, wave. He crushed the cup as he tried to stand (and failed), wisps of shadows in his peripherals that were probably coming off from his body too. His vision warped and blurred and he melted into the shadow from the couch, and in the darkness shards not unlike those from a broken mirror appeared. Each had a different setting. A forest, a temple, a bathroom, pretty much any place you could think of.

Aquare's form flickered from his more human form to his shadow form that most people only saw from the corners of their eyes. The shards flew around, going faster as he continued to lay there. Never had his abilities been this uncontrollable. He looked down at his hands, which when in shadow form, shadows curled off of them and they urged Aquare to join the shadows fully. This was why he never traveled the shadows in their form.

He felt something else though. Something he hadn't felt in a long while. But it felt different. What changed about the Curses?

Aquare. A voice called from one of the shards. Aquare focused on it, bringing it closer to him. It was his creator, Dionysus, who was standing over a shadow. Aquare touched the shard which expanded, and he surfaced. That wasn't exactly the most dignified way to appear to your creator. Lying on the floor with one hand balled in a fist, wearing a wrinkled up suit, still flickering between forms. Were those tears on his face? But Dionysus simply just stood up, motioning to one of his servants.

"Wine!" Once he had a wine glass in his hand he sat down on a couch. He swirled his glass, looking at Aquare. "So you've felt it already."

Aquare stood up, and looked around. It was Dionysus' own personal quarters. He'd only been here once before. Maybe twice. Vines abundant with grapes covered the walls. Aquare stumbled to his feet, and smoothed out his clothing as much as he could. He wiped away the tears. He took out his hip flask and drank from it. Dionysus continued to speak and drink. "All the curses have once more escaped, as well as Hope. All the Aegisborn are being summoned once more to capture them again. You'll be meeting them at the Colossus. Wine!"

Dionysus snapped his fingers and another servant brought him a cup.

"An' wh't 'm ai sup'sd t' do?" Aquare asked, leaning on a counter.

"Just make it interesting. Maybe take part in some action. I don't care what else you do." Dionysus drank from his wine glass. When Aquare was still there after he finished that drink, he made motions with his hands. "What are you waiting for? Go on."

Aquare just rolled his eyes, took a drink from his flask, and returned to the shadows.

Cressida darted, well, danced more like, around Olympus lighting the many pyres, lanterns, and braziers strewn about to provide light. She was the lightbearer of Olympus and loved her job. There was nothing else she would trade it for.

The golden flames dancing in their holders were much more pleasing then regular ones to the eyes of the gods. Even Cressida herself could agree that they made the whole place feel more mystical, the light accenting the glimmering gold of the marble and casting dramatically gorgeous shadows from where the pillars stood. Her favorite spots though, were those with open flames. She enjoyed watching them dance and flicker, the flames moving with shadow in unison.

Happily humming a song, she reached up to light a lantern, a small flame gently cradled in her hands as if it were a baby bird. But something about it was wrong. It's usual brilliant glow usual looked warm and protective but today it looked haunting and dangerous. Deep inside, her instincts told her to drop it, to let it go, that it would hurt her if she were to continue to hold it.

But she didn't let it go. Like usual, she forced the emotion down and called it a coward. Maybe it was foolish but she wasn't about to give in to any fear or uncertainty, especially not here. There was absolutely no reason for any of this. She was being silly.

Glancing around, she noticed a curtain a little to close to the brazier she was about to light. "Huh, maybe that's the problem."

Gently, she set the flame on the brazier and lit it before moving the curtain away. Once that was done, she gently pet the fire with a smile like it was a fond pet. "No burning down Olympus for you, little one."

Even though the flame had already filled the brazier like it was supposed to, it kept climbing higher. Cressida glanced back at it as she walked away and shrugged. Maybe it had been filled with a little too much fuel. Doubts crept into her mind though as is continued to rise, and kept rising.

With each pulse of the rising flame, Cressida felt something become more and more wrong inside herself, like an unexpected surge of anxiety and adrenaline.

Before it got too high and damaged something, she tried to control, using her power to take it away from the brazier once more. It worked like usual and all of the fire came away, moving to her hand as if it were magnetic. She smiled a little and the adrenaline inside her faded... that is, until the flames touched her hand.

Her eyes went wide in horror as pain shot through her arm. Instead of soaking back into her skin, the flames crept over it, burning everywhere they touched. Biting back a scream, she tried her hardest to focus and control the flames but couldn't no matter how hard she tried. She felt as though she were being burned alive.

She watched helplessly, falling to her knees as her skin turned to molten gold and the flames enveloped her entirely.

They had never felt like this before, never hurt so much. Well, that was a lie. They had hurt like this before, but only once. If they felt like this again, that meant something was very very wrong.

After what felt like an eternity of firery torment, the flames finally subsided and sunk back into her skin, leaving Cressida on her hands and her knees, panting for breath.

A calming voice spoke to her suddenly, causing her to slowly look up, her skin still stinging like it was covered in fresh burns.

"It's okay, my child." Apollo gently soothed, offering her a hand to help her up. "Come here, let's get you back on your feet."

Cressida shakily reached for his hand and he helped her back to her feet. "Father... something... something is wrong..." She breathed in between little spurs of pain from the movement.

"I know." Apollo hummed. "I tried to get someone to check on you when I saw something wrong with the brazier but sometimes you just have to do some things yourself unfortunately." He shook his head a bit and a bit of a golden glow came from his hand that held Cressida's, soothing the pain from the flames until it was gone completely.

Cressida nearly collapsed again just from pure relief that the pain was fully over but Apollo held her steady as she took deep breaths to recover before he spoke again.

"Look, the box has been opened again. You and I both know what that means but this time it's worse... Hope has escaped too." Apollo told her gently, but Cressida could tell just how much worry was in his calm tone. "I'm going to need your help again this time, Cressida. You helped with the box before and I know you can do it again. I can trust you."

Cressida swallowed hard but nodded determinedly. "I can do this, Father. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't but don't think you have to face this alone." Apollo soothed. "The other Aegisborn will be there to help you. You will need to meet them by the Collosus. Just make sure you have everything you need before you start this quest because once it has begun there will be no turning back."

"I will be ready." Cressida replied determinedly then added with a smile, "Don't worry about me."

"I can't make any promises about that." Apollo replied, but the change in his tone told Cressida he had found amusement in the small jest. "Now, no more delaying. You're no simple torchbearer anymore. Go take up arms and meet the others at the Collosus. They're already waiting for you, my brave warrior." There was a quirk of a smile on his lips but it looked almost a little sad.

Cressida gave him a quick hug. "I've got this, I'll come back once it's done too."

"Not the hair-!" Apollo tried to protest but it was too late as his golden curls got trapped as well as him in Cressida's hug. With a heavy sigh he gently hugged her back though before letting go. "Alright, be careful, okay?"

"I will. It's nothing I can't handle, especially with help." Cressida replied with grin.

Apollo nodded and then just as quickly as he arrived, disappeared in a flash of light.

Now on her feet again and with her new instructions, Cressida raced off to her quarters to grab her armor and weapons before heading straight to the Collosus. It was time to be a warrior again.

With how she took the news, one might think she were hope itself.