Bertha, always the knowledgeable one, decided to use the time on the flight to Athens to provide Kyn with a deep history lesson about the city. She recognized that Kyn was on the verge of completing his mission, which involved transporting Gaia to deliver her message to Athens. However, there was still that one lingering question in the back of their minds: was Athena still harboring anger or resentment toward Gaia?
As Bertha delved into the rich history of Athens, she shared insights about the city's deep connection with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare. She explained that Athena had been the patron deity of Athens and was revered as its protector and guardian. The city had been named after her, and she was celebrated for her wisdom and leadership.
Bertha continued her history lesson, recounting the mythological tale of the contest between Athena and Poseidon for the city's favor. She enthusiastically delved into the mythological tale of how Athena's gift of the olive tree had emerged victorious in a contest with Poseidon, securing her as the patron deity of Athens. She described the story as it went and even got lost in detail.
"In the ancient times of Athens, there was a contest of divine proportions. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and Poseidon, the god of the sea, both laid claim to the city and sought its favor. The Athenians found themselves in the midst of a celestial rivalry that would determine their city's destiny. In the heart of the city stood a sacred rock, and both Athena and Poseidon were tasked with offering a gift to the Athenians that would determine who would become the city's protector. Poseidon, in all his might, thrust his trident into the earth, causing a magnificent spring to gush forth. This spring was meant to symbolize the abundance of water and the sea, a gift of great value.
But Athena, in her wisdom, presented a gift that would have an even greater impact on the lives of the Athenians. She planted an olive tree, a symbol of peace and prosperity. This tree not only provided food and oil but also offered a sustainable source of nourishment and light. Its leaves were used to crown victors in the ancient Olympic Games, symbolizing honor and achievement.
The Athenians were wise enough to recognize the significance of Athena's gift. They chose her as their patron deity and guardian, believing that the olive tree, with its symbolism of peace and wisdom, was a more valuable blessing for their city. This decision bound Athens to Athena, establishing a deep and lasting connection."
As Bertha shared this tale, it became evident how the olive tree, a symbol of peace and wisdom, had played a pivotal role in shaping Athens' history and destiny. The group marveled at the rich mythological tapestry that surrounded the city, even as they pondered how this history might intersect with their modern-day journey.
In the midst of the history lesson, Bertha couldn't help but wonder about the current state of Athena's feelings toward Gaia. Had the ancient goddess forgiven any past transgressions, or did she still hold a grudge? It was a question that weighed on their minds as they neared their destination.
As the Gulfstream G350 neared its destination, the captain's voice once again came over the intercom, alerting the passengers to the impending landing. With a tone of authority and reassurance, he declared:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now preparing for our descent and landing in Athens. Please ensure that your seatbelts are securely fastened, your seatbacks and tray tables are in their upright positions, and all electronic devices are turned off. We kindly request that you return to your seats and prepare for landing.Our estimated time of arrival is approaching, and we want to ensure a smooth and safe landing. Thank you for choosing to fly with us, and we hope you have had a pleasant journey. Please follow the instructions of our cabin crew for a safe and comfortable landing."
With these instructions, the passengers settled into their seats, securing themselves for the upcoming landing. The anticipation of their arrival in Athens added an extra layer of excitement to their extraordinary journey, and they eagerly looked forward to their next adventure in the historic city.
The plane descended and touched down in Athens, it taxied along the runway before coming to a stop at a private hangar. The passengers inside the aircraft couldn't help but notice the sight that awaited them outside.
Lined up in formation were thirty men, each impeccably dressed in black suits. They stood with an air of authority and purpose. Behind them, a fleet of heavily armored black SUVs, in this case, Toyota Land Cruisers fully plated with armor, waited in readiness.
Kyn's group exchanged amused glances, finding the sight somewhat comical given their unique set of skills and attributes. Kyn's overpowered gun, the divine abilities of the two goddesses, Chris's thief mastery, and Bertha's wisp attributes all seemed more than a match for this unexpected security detail.
The captain skillfully guided the Gulfstream G350 to park within the hangar, and the aircraft's engines powered down. As the group prepared to disembark, they couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this substantial security presence and what lay ahead in their journey through Athens. From there sits, they could see a 7ft Caucasian gentleman, waiting behind him, the armada of men.
The massive man of Caucasian descent, with a physique that seemed sculpted by the Greek gods themselves, stood before the Gulfstream G350's door, ready to welcome the arriving team. The door was opened by the flight attendants and within their eyes you could see their unease. Kyn was the first to descend followed by the two goddesses. Seeing the group descending the large man took a bow.
As If on cue, "Welcome, to Athena your grace, my name is Sir Bruce Watson, heir to Athena's guard and protector of Athena's temple," The man welcomed them and introduced himself. With respect in his tone, he addressed Gaia as Her Highness and expressed his desire to welcome her and was sorry for the over the board welcoming party.
Gaia was taken aback by the formal address and the presence of this guardian of Athena. Bruce extended a letter to her, a gesture that conveyed reverence and respect for the goddess and her importance.
"What's she upto, last I checked I kinder set her up and ran," the two Gaia's thought to themselves.
As Jasmine (Gaia) accepted the letter from Bruce, the group watched with intrigue, wondering what it might contain and how it would shape the unfolding events of their journey in Athens. The unexpected encounter with the guardian of Athena had set a unique tone for their arrival in the historic city.
"Hey, Chris you never answered me, last I checked...", just before the Wisp could finish, Chris who by that time was busy sneaking away took off with a sprint into the crowd.