In the dimly lit living room, Thomas gathered with his friends and allies. The weight of the situation pressed on their shoulders as they exchanged glances, acknowledging the severity of Earth's plight.
Thomas, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and concern, started the discussion, "Alright, everyone. We know the deal. Earth is in chaos, and Mars is barely holding up. We need a plan."
Katherine, the pragmatic scientist, spoke first, "Resources are strained, and people are suffering. We can't sustain this for long. We need a solution, and fast."
Thomas nodded in agreement. "I have an idea, but it's a bit unconventional. It involves the true nature of Mars."
Clarisse, her crimson hair vivid against the subdued room, leaned forward, "The true nature? What do you mean?"
Thomas explained, "Mars is not just a planet. It's the dormant body of Gaea, the Titan Mother. I believe we can awaken her and seek her help. She can restore balance to Earth."
Other than the immortal cultivation and the alien vampire, his own mother, Katherine and the others seemed shaken by the news but at this point, no one thought to argue with him. Even Clarisse was a bit surprised; she didn't expect a living being to take the form of a planet, but this goes to show how unpredictable the universe is.
Kan, the immortal cultivator, chimed in, "An ancient titan, huh... A bold plan, Thomas. I can offer my assistance. While my powers are not at their peak, they might be of use."
Thomas appreciated the offer but shook his head, "Thanks, Kan, but for now, I need to go alone. I'll check out the other cities first. You all stay put and be prepared for anything."
Without divulging the specifics of his plan, Thomas left, having a quiet overlook at the colonial cities before moving to the mysterious Mt. Olympus. As he reached the mountain, he performed a series of hand signs, revealing the hidden structures beneath a magical veil.
Clarisse, still puzzled, whispered to Katherine, "What's he up to?"
Katherine shrugged, "I guess we'll find out. Thomas always has a plan."
As Thomas explored the ancient temples, he uncovered forgotten relics and symbols of the divine pantheon. After some time, he returned, his expression a mix of resolve and uncertainty.
"I've seen the truth of Mt. Olympus. I found a passage to the labyrinth, and from there, I should be able to get to Gaea. It's a risky move, but it might be our best shot."
Clarisse, despite her earlier confusion, nodded in understanding. "Do what you must, Thomas. We'll be here, holding the fort."
In his mind echoed Lulu's voice. "Don't worry, brother, we are doing what we can over here as well."
Entering the yellow vortex, Thomas found himself within the ancient corridors of the great labyrinth. The air was thick with a sense of ancientness, and the stone walls, adorned with archaic symbols, echoed with whispers of the past. The ground was uneven, scattered with the remnants of countless unfortunate explorers, their skeletons telling tales of their tragic fates.
As he ventured deeper, a soft voice guided him through the maze, the echoes of the past and the present intertwined in a spectral dance. The labyrinth seemed to shift, creating a living tapestry of the gods' history.
Finally, the passages led Thomas to an immense cave aglow with multicolored crystals. At its center lay a giant crystal coffin, within which a 30-foot woman with brown hair and closed eyes rested. This was Gaea, the Titan Mother of Life and Nature.
In that moment, the Olympian gods and titans in Thomas's mind stirred with complex emotions. Dike, Artemis, and Hestia remained apathetic, while Zeus, Kronos, Hades, Poseidon, and Ares exhibited feelings ranging from hate and sorrow to pity. Gaea's presence invoked a warm sensation among them.
The soft voice that guided Thomas grew stronger, and a cloud of dust and earth formed a face identical to the woman in the coffin. Gaea's consciousness materialized, watching Thomas with eyes full of emotion. Two giant hands pulled him into a tight hug.
"Sorry, child," she spoke softly, pressing three of her fingers against his forehead. "I see you have grown strong. And you have brought my family with you."
As she said this, all the deities in Thomas's mind froze, confused by how she knew of their existence within him. Gaea laughed softly, taking Thomas and having him sit on her lap.
"I may have been asleep, but I could see it all unfold in my dreams," Gaea explained. "From the disaster that befell the universe to the sacrifice and hurting of my children. It made me regret all past conflicts and realize how childish we had all been, clinging to stupid beliefs and pride over what matters most, family."
Kronos and Zeus exchanged uncomfortable glances as Gaea continued to share her insights with Thomas. Their conversation spanned various topics, and Gaea replied with a smile. Her giant finger even caressed Thomas's cheek, eliciting a bit of embarrassment from the young deity.
Meanwhile, in the system space, the Olympian gods and titans were in silent disbelief. Gaea's behavior seemed somewhat flirtatious, prompting Kronos to scream in Thomas's mind, "Mom, control yourself, he's a minor!"
Aphrodite and Athena interjected, "Technically, the assimilation of divinities caused his own mind and spirit to age considerably. The current Thomas should be older than most of us with the experience of all of us combined."
Gaea, oblivious to their internal debates, addressed her children. "I know how things are up there, and don't worry, I don't blame any of you for anything anymore."
Nearing her face toward Thomas, Gaea turned serious. "Thomas, I'll be giving you the authority of Olympus. You will become the last titan and progenitor of our race, as well as the true spirit of Mars."
Leading him to the crystal coffin, the woman inside opened her eyes. With a wave of her hand, the coffin shook open as she floated out towards Thomas. Her form changed, becoming a normal brown-haired girl of his age.
As Gaea approached Thomas, the air around them shimmered with a blend of divine energy and anticipation. The cavern, bathed in the soft glow of the multicolored crystals, seemed to hold its breath as the moment unfolded. Her fingers, cool and gentle, cradled his cheeks, and her voice echoed with ancient wisdom.
"I will begin the transfer of authority," she declared, her words resonating with the weight of eons. Her eyes, deep pools of ancient knowledge, bore into his, and there was a solemnity in her gaze that spoke of the countless years she had witnessed.
Without awaiting a response, she pressed her lips to his. In that singular moment, time itself seemed to waver. The essence of Mars surged through him, an overwhelming tide of awareness that swept him into the heartbeat of the planet. It was an immersion into the very soul of the red planet, and Thomas felt the pulse of life echoing through every corner.
The transfer was not without its price. A sudden, searing jolt of pain shot through him. It was as if a piece of his very essence, a fragment of his soul, was being torn away. Yet, even in the midst of this agony, there was understanding. It was a sacrifice willingly made, a relinquishing of self to meld with the very core of Mars.
As the pain subsided, Thomas found himself permanently tethered to the planet. It wasn't a mere mental connection; it was a profound bond that transcended the boundaries of mortal comprehension. Gaea, once a deity, had woven herself into the fabric of his soul. Her wisdom, her essence, now an inseparable part of him.
A colossal flying city manifested in the celestial expanse, an ethereal masterpiece against the canvas of the heavens. A thunderous voice, a harmonious blend of Thomas and Gaea, reverberated across the minds of every being on Mars. "Foul creatures who tainted these lands, Begone!"
Suddenly, the entire planet underwent an extraordinary metamorphosis. The once barren, dusty landscape transformed with breathtaking speed. The skies cycled through shades of blue, purple, and finally settled into a radiant golden hue. Barren lands erupted into lush greenery, teeming with vibrant life. It was a spectacle of rejuvenation, almost magical in its instantaneous splendor.
A wave of golden fire surged across the surface, attracting and purging all traces of demonic energy. The power of sin was cleansed, and a healing cascade washed over every living being, mending injuries and revitalizing the planet itself.
As the energies coalesced, brilliant specks of light converged in the sky, forming a colossal being over five thousand feet tall. This majestic entity materialized a colossal, jet-black spear seemingly plucked from the void. With a single, majestic motion, the being hurled the spear toward Earth.
The spear hurtled through the cosmic expanse, propelled by otherworldly force. It descended with unfathomable speed, piercing through the Earth's atmosphere like a divine comet. Its target: the core of the planet, where a humanoid figure stood in solitude, cradling a cylindrical crystal in its hands.
The spear arrived with celestial precision, impaling the enigmatic creature within. A torrent of curses echoed through the cosmos as the being disintegrated into golden dust, yet a tiny globe of light escaped from the dust heading into a thin dimensional fissure near the core of the planet.
With the completion of this divine intervention, the colossal figure in the Martian sky dissolved from view. Thomas, who was now one with planet mars, communicated with unwavering certainty to his allies. "I said it would work, but there's a problem. I can't leave for now and will have to stay for a while to familiarize with some things."
Several months had elapsed since the cosmic renaissance that transfigured Mars into a celestial haven. Thomas, now a deity fused with Gaea, adjusted to the intricacies of having dual bodies within the core of the rejuvenated planet. His apartment served as a unique portal to this ethereal realm, and every day, his mother descended through this mystical gate to share moments with him.
His mother, Jade, a beacon of unwavering support, visited him daily, always marveled by the sight before her. The crystal cave itself was a mesmerizing spectacle. Multicolored crystals adorned the expansive cavern, casting a gentle, iridescent glow. They jutted from the walls and ceiling, creating a prismatic dance of colors that mirrored the vibrant energy coursing through the newfound heart of Mars. The air, charged with divine essence, shimmered with an otherworldly luminescence, illuminating the union of mortal and deity in this cosmic sanctuary.
She brought home-cooked meals, even though Thomas, in his current state, didn't require sustenance. The familiar taste of his favorite cheesecake became a daily ritual, a gesture of love from a mother who saw beyond the complexities of his newfound existence.
Clarisse, too, made regular visits. Initially taken aback by the scene within the crystal cave, she gradually acclimated to the surreal view of Thomas within the crystal coffin, lying there in a peaceful slumber. Her mother, less perturbed, took it in stride, joining Clarisse in the conversation.
On the surface, Thomas discovered a fitting location by Mount Olympus and decided to establish the city there. Following discussions with his friends, he concluded that "Infernal City" wasn't an apt name. It carried negative connotations and could attract undesirable attention. After thoughtful consideration, the name "Pantheon" emerged as the perfect choice.
This city was suposed to transcend racial and cultural boundaries, welcoming beings of diverse origins. The city thrived on inclusivity, accepting all who sought refuge, provided they adhered to the laws set forth. The Pantheon Golden Police, comprising members from various races, ensured order impartially.
Despite initial resistance from the Human Alliance Council, which labeled Thomas' friends as traitors for joining the city, Pantheon persisted as a bastion of freedom. Thomas remained indifferent to their opinions, steadfast in his commitment to equality. The city council, comprised of Lulu, Katherine, Alice, and Clarisse, worked tirelessly to maintain Pantheon's independence.
The city flourished as a symbol of unity, where former adversaries coexisted harmoniously. Though conflicts arose sporadically, the Pantheon Golden Police enforced laws without bias, quelling unrest and upholding the principles of justice.