"Hmm…"
Sighing softly, Metis sat in front of the window, enveloped in silence. She had foreseen some of this, but never imagined Zeus would alienate and imprison himself before the God King ceremony even began.
"Zeus…"
His name escaped her lips like a whisper, heavy with resignation. She felt the powerful auras of three Titan Main Gods surrounding her, protecting her in this moment. Metis could choose to leave Olympus, but where would she go?
A spark of divine power began to coalesce around her, and as it did, time seemed to still. A figure emerged slowly from the glow.
When Metis recognized the visitor, she stood respectfully. "Grandmother."
It was Gaia, who approached Metis with a calm demeanor. "Metis, how does it feel to be betrayed? My dear, I warned you that aligning with Zeus would not lead to good outcomes. You didn't heed my words, and now you are paying the price."
Metis sighed again, the weight of reality sinking in. She had never expected things to spiral this way. The Zeus she had once known was gone, replaced by someone unrecognizable.
Gaia continued, "Metis, it's time to make a choice. You carry the next generation of God King within you. If you are willing to oppose Zeus, I can train your child to defeat him, ensuring he becomes the true fourth generation of God King."
Metis fell silent, deep in thought. After a moment, she gently cradled her abdomen and replied seriously, "Grandmother! Please!"
"Wise children make wise choices," Gaia said, satisfied with Metis's decision. With a sweep of her hand, a bright light enveloped Metis, and in an instant, they vanished.
"My dear, I have taken Metis away. You must decide your own fates."
The three gods—Atlas, Epimetheus, and Perses—who had been guarding Metis, understood the implications immediately. Without hesitation, they turned and left Olympus. Following Prometheus, their elder brother, they realized that there was no point in remaining. With Metis gone, it felt like a cruel joke to wait around.
This unforeseen turn of events was beyond the scope of myth; for Gaia, however, it mattered little. With the loss of her beloved child, she had severed her ties to the affairs of the world.
Meanwhile, Zeus, seated in his temple, felt the shift instantly. He opened his eyes, his gaze aflame with fury. Thunder crackled around him.
"Gaia! Metis! Prometheus!"
His voice was laced with a deadly intent. "How dare you betray me, Gaia! As an ancient Primordial God, why do you interfere in my affairs? Why?"
Zeus's tone revealed a deep transformation within him. Such a drastic change in a god was unusual, indicating something profound had shifted, though what exactly was unclear.
"But…"
"It's of no consequence…"
With a disdainful snort, he added, "It's just a prophecy. Metis may be gone, but Prometheus is still on Earth. As a prophet, what choice will you make now? I will ensure you suffer a fate worse than death!"
His eyes glinted coldly as thunder morphed into dark energy, his aura growing more menacing. The killing intent radiating from him was palpable.
"Brother! Brother!"
Atlas, Epimetheus, and Perses arrived in the small village where Prometheus resided. Before they could speak, Prometheus addressed them directly. "I know the situation. From here on, this is my responsibility. You must return to the Temple of the Earth to protect Metis. Don't involve yourselves in what lies ahead."
"Brother!" Atlas exclaimed seriously. "Zeus won't let you go. Join us! We can all work together to assist Metis's child in overthrowing Zeus."
Prometheus shook his head. "No need for that. Some matters I must handle alone. Zeus's behavior has nearly torn Olympus apart, but he's also devised a solution for himself. I still have tasks to attend to."
"Understood," the three gods replied, knowing well that whatever decision Prometheus made would be the right one. They departed with respect.
The Earth Temple, a sacred place above the mortal realm, was where Gaia resided. It was an impregnable fortress, even for the Primordial gods, unless invited. This made it the safest haven for Metis.
With the three gods at her side, they continued to ensure her safety. Prometheus had anticipated Zeus's possible actions, and he had calculated Gaia's involvement. In this complex web, Gaia, an enemy of Zeus, became an ally against their common foe.
Gaia planned to defeat the three God Kings, but could the final Titan God conceived within Tartarus be enough? To bolster her efforts, Gaia needed Metis and her child.
"Lord Metis, everything is prepared," Prometheus announced. "It will be easier than before."
"Next…" he said, stepping out of the room. "I must go to the Underworld. I hope to negotiate for that treasure from Hades. We'll see if my offering is worthy."