.oOo. Brazil, Amazon Rainforest .oOo.
Hidden deep within the lush, dense forest was a white city, its architecture reminiscent of ancient Rome. This city, however, was unique. It was home to the Amazons—warrior women blessed by the gods with eternal life. These women moved with purpose and strength, their presence commanding respect. At the heart of the city stood the largest castle, where the Amazonian queen, Hippolyte, walked with the regal bearing of a warrior born.
Hippolyte was a striking figure, with bronze-colored hair, tanned skin, and a powerful build. She wore armor befitting a warrior queen. Behind her followed a woman even taller than she, her tanned skin marked by battle scars. Clad in gleaming silver armor, her black hair and brown eyes exuded a dangerous, almost predatory light. This was Penthesilea, Hippolyte's sister and a formidable warrior in her own right.
The two women walked through the grand halls of the castle, their footfalls echoing off the stone walls. "Mother, where are we headed?" Penthesilea asked, curiosity and a hint of concern in her voice.
"I've received a missive," Hippolyte replied. "Lady Hera is coming to visit, and we are going to greet her."
Penthesilea's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why didn't you tell us this earlier?"
Hippolyte's expression remained calm. "It seems there is some conflict among the gods, and Lady Hera wishes to rest before continuing with her business."
The sisters exited the castle and made their way to a shrine within the courtyard. The shrine, simple yet elegant, stood as a place of reverence. Moments after they arrived, the shrine emitted a blinding flash of light, and Hera appeared before them.
The goddess radiated immense power, so much so that Hippolyte and Penthesilea were forced to their knees, their lungs struggling under the pressure. The entire rainforest seemed to bow under the weight of Hera's presence, every living creature stilled by the force of her power.
Realizing the effect she was having, Hera's eyes softened, and she withdrew some of her overwhelming presence. "Ah, my apologies," she said with a gentle smile aimed at the two women. "That was quite rude of me."
Despite the lifted pressure, Hippolyte and Penthesilea remained kneeling. "No need for apologies, my lady. It was a reward to be blessed with your presence," Hippolyte said, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. She admired the goddess's power, feeling as though she had been caressed by a soft cloud.
"She speaks the truth, my lady," Penthesilea added, her voice filled with reverence. "It was an honor to feel your power."
Hera smiled at their words, her eyes gleaming with approval. "I see," she murmured, pleased by their loyalty. With a wave of her hand, two items appeared before the sisters. "Here, these are my gifts for your unwavering loyalty."
Before them, a small tree bearing golden fruit and a feathery egg materialized. Hera continued, "With the upcoming events, I won't be able to watch over you all personally, but I'm sure Athena will do so in my place." Her tone was grand, yet there was an underlying seriousness in her words. The Amazons, after all, were women saved by both her and Athena.
.oOo.
Hera sat down within the shrine, focusing inward to connect with her newfound power. Ether flowed within her, and she delved deep into her roots, grounding herself. Hours passed as she allowed the energy within her to settle, no longer threatening to explode outward.
"Done," Hera muttered to herself, feeling the power fully integrated into her being. She stretched, a sense of calm washing over her. "Now, it's time to get that sundial," she said, her voice trailing off as she fell into a peaceful sleep, knowing she was safe for the moment.
.oOo.
"You know, I should kill you right now," a voice muttered within Hera's subconscious.
"You would be saving me," Hera replied softly, her eyes fluttering open as she found herself standing in a white, featureless plain. In front of her stood a small, green tree, vibrant and full of life.
"Ha! No," the voice, belonging to Gaia, retorted with dark amusement. "Zeus will fall, and you will be the one to do it. That would be best for me if you claim Olympus for yourself. By then, you might even have the power to face the invaders."
"Invaders?" Hera asked, curiosity piqued.
"Creatures from beyond the stars," Gaia explained, her tone turning serious. "They desire my death for banishing them outside the universe, with the assistance of my siblings. It's nothing for you to worry about now. All I ask is that you defeat them when the time comes, and I'll grant you a powerful blessing."
"And what blessing is that?" Hera inquired, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Gaia raised her hand, and Hera was enveloped in a warm, pulsating light. "I'll make you my incarnation, granting you authority over the domains of life, dreams, and beasts," Gaia declared.
Hera felt the power surging through her and smiled, bowing her head in gratitude. "Thank you," she said.
"No need for thanks," Gaia responded. "Just fulfill your end of the deal when the time comes."
"You have nothing to worry about," Hera muttered as she felt herself starting to fade from the white plain.
"Of course," Gaia's voice echoed as Hera's vision dimmed. "Now go to the Pacific and find the one who sleeps."
.oOo. Las Pinturas Pyramid, Mexico .oOo.
Hera awoke the next day, feeling renewed and more powerful than ever. She left the Amazon city and flew to Mexico, where atop the large pyramid known as Las Pinturas, a massive sundial awaited her. This sundial held something crucial to completing her transformation.
As she landed in front of the ancient calendar, she reached out to place her hand on the sundial. Suddenly, an incredible amount of heat surrounded her. Hera frowned and turned to see Apollo materializing not far from her, his presence as bright as the sun itself.
"You know, it's not good to steal, Hera," Apollo said, his voice carrying a mix of caution and frustration.
"You speak as if this belongs to you," Hera replied with a mocking smirk. Apollo sighed, shaking his head.
"Yeah, sure, but I was put in charge of it, so I can't let you take it," Apollo said, his tone serious.
"You speak as if you can stop me," Hera countered, her voice dripping with confidence.
Apollo frowned, knowing this confrontation could escalate quickly. "Look, Hera, this isn't a good time to be throwing a tantrum. Bad things are going to happen to Olympus, and—"
Before he could finish, Hera turned back to the Mayan calendar and touched it. Almost immediately, the massive sundial began to shrink, its power flowing into Hera.
"Damn it!" Apollo roared, drawing his bow in an instant and firing an arrow at Hera. But she was ready. With a flick of her wrist, Hera raised her staff and unleashed a beam of flames—flames that burned with the deadly properties of the Hydra, now enhanced by her newly acquired authority.
The arrow and the beam collided in mid-air, releasing an incredible amount of heat. The resulting explosion destroyed the pyramid and the surrounding forests, turning them into a wasteland. When the light and heat dissipated, Hera was nowhere to be found.
"Damn it!" Apollo cursed again, his eyes turning a golden color as he activated the Eye of the Sun, an ability that allowed him to observe everything under the sun's light. He scanned the area, his gaze penetrating the scorched earth, but found nothing. "She must have fled to the other side of the world," he muttered, frustration clear in his voice.
Closing his eyes, Apollo reached out through the ether, contacting his sister. "Sister, I need your help," he said, his voice carrying a sense of urgency.
.oOo. End of Chapter .oOo.