Apollo's eyes closed, and he took a deep breath, focusing on his mother's voice. He walked forward, his footsteps echoing off the ice walls, as he followed the sound of her gentle voice.
"Mama, I'm coming," he said, his voice filled with determination. The ice seemed to glow around him, and he felt a sense of peace wash over him.
As Apollo walked, the ice walls began to shimmer and glow, and he saw a faint outline of a figure standing in front of him. The figure grew clearer, and he saw that it was his mother, Sierra. She was standing in front of a large ice crystal, its facets reflecting the dim light of the cavern.
"Ah, Apollo," Sierra said, her voice filled with warmth.
"You've made it. I'm so proud of you." She reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring.
Apollo looked up at her, his eyes shining with excitement.
"Mama, I did it! I found the ice crystal!"
Sierra smiled, her eyes sparkling with pride.
"Yes, you did, Apollo. And now, you must take it. It's a gift, a symbol of your strength and determination."
Apollo reached out, his hand closing around the ice crystal. As he did, he felt a surge of energy flow through him, and he knew that he had passed the second trial.
"Well done, Apollo," Sierra said, her voice filled with approval.
"You're one step closer to becoming a true master of the elements."
"Mama that idiot House of Watergate are so stupid they don't see you are a true genius even above genius there isn't any word to describe it," Apollo said he knows that this crystal is from his mama and she is the one that set up the sets for him.
Apollo's words brought a warm smile to Sierra's face, and she gazed at him with pride.
"You're too kind, Apollo," she said, her voice gentle.
"But I'm glad you understand your own worth. Now, let's return to the surface. The third trial awaits, and I have a feeling it will be the most challenging one yet."
Sierra's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as she turned to Apollo.
"You see, Apollo, the third trial is not just about physical strength or magical prowess. It's about strategy, wit, and cunning. Are you ready to face it?"
Apollo's eyes lit up with excitement as he nodded eagerly.
"Yes, Mama, I'm ready! I won't let you down!"
Sierra chuckled, a low, throaty sound.
"I'm not worried about that, Apollo. I know you'll do just fine. Now, let's get started. The third trial is... the Trial of the Maze of Reflections."
As she spoke, the ice caverns around them began to shift and change, the walls melting away to reveal a vast, labyrinthine maze. The air was filled with a dizzying array of mirrors, each one reflecting a different version of Apollo.
Apollo's eyes widened as he gazed into the maze.
"What do I have to do, Mama?"
Sierra's smile grew wider.
"You must navigate the maze and find the exit. But be warned, Apollo, the mirrors will try to confuse you. They will show you reflections of your past, your present, and your future. You must be careful not to get trapped in the illusions."
Apollo took a deep breath, his heart pounding with excitement. He knew that this was going to be the toughest trial yet. But with his mother's guidance, he was ready to face it head-on.
Apollo nodded, his eyes fixed on the maze.
"I understand, Mama. I'll be careful."
Sierra's smile grew wider.
"I know you will, Apollo. Now, go! The maze is waiting for you."
Apollo took a deep breath and stepped into the maze, his eyes scanning the reflections around him. At first, the reflections seemed like just that - reflections. But as he walked deeper into the maze, he began to notice that the reflections were changing. Some of them were showing him scenes from his past, while others were showing him possible futures.
Apollo's mind reeled as he tried to keep track of the different reflections. He saw himself as a child, playing with his siblings in the gardens of the Watergate estate. He saw himself as a young man, standing on the battlefield, his sword raised high. And he saw himself as an old man, sitting on a throne, surrounded by his loved ones.
But which reflection was the real one? Apollo's head spun as he tried to make sense of the maze. He knew that he had to focus, but the reflections were so convincing.
Suddenly, he heard a voice behind him.
"Apollo, which path will you choose?"
Apollo turned to see a reflection of his mother standing behind him, a sly smile on her face.
"Mama?" Apollo asked, his voice uncertain.
Sierra's reflection chuckled.
"Which path will you choose, Apollo? The path of the past, the path of the present, or the path of the future?"
Apollo's eyes narrowed as he thought. He knew that he couldn't trust the reflections, but he also knew that he had to make a choice.
"I'll choose the path of the present," Apollo said finally, his voice firm.
Sierra's reflection nodded, a look of approval on her face. "Very good, Apollo. Now, follow the path and see where it leads you."
Apollo turned and followed the path, his heart pounding with excitement. He knew that he was getting close to the exit, but he also knew that the maze was full of surprises.
As he walked, the reflections around him began to fade away, replaced by a bright light that seemed to grow brighter with every step.
Apollo's eyes squinted as he shielded them from the light. He knew that he was almost there.
And then, suddenly, he was out of the maze, standing in a bright, sunlit room.
Apollo blinked, his eyes adjusting to the light. He looked around, taking in.
Apollo ran to his mother who lifted her six year old boy and kissed his soft cheeks.
"Mama it was so hard but I saw it I saw you when you were in pain when you lost your fourth child it was so painful I wanted to take it away mama," Apollo said.
"Aww baby don't worry mama is strong u am so proud of you," Sierra said she held out her hand as a dragon cube appeared in her hands. This was something she got in her long lost dream she tried to recall it but she can't remember it at all this was known as the Dragon Seal. Apollo eyes widen as he stared at the Dragon Seal.
"Mama what is this?"
Apollo's eyes were fixed on the Dragon Seal, his face filled with wonder. Sierra smiled, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mystery.
"This, Apollo, is the Dragon Seal. A powerful artifact that will help you on your journey. It's a symbol of your strength and destiny."
Apollo's eyes widened as he reached out to touch the Dragon Seal. As soon as he did, the cube began to glow, and a surge of energy flowed through his body. Sierra's smile grew wider as she gazed at her son, her eyes shining with pride.
"It's yours now I gave your sisters their own artifacts as well, like your twin sisters you need to understand your own weapon but when you three people it took together a level four mage can't defeat you guys nor a level 2 martial art master," Sierra said.