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There was once a time, before all the Greek gods and goddesses existed. Where an ancient civilisation that goes by the name Okhema and four gods resided. Okhema had all the knowledge known to man, and that let them live a peaceful life.
One of the people who resided there went by the name Phainon. He was a gladiator, an excellent one in fact. He inspired many gladiators to become gladiators. But despite all the recognition, Phainon preferred to live a quiet life in nature. So when the chance arose, each time he would go to a forest with his friend, Elysia.
Elysia was an author of sorts. She wasn't too popular. However the ones who knew of her works admired her.
Her books were like hidden gems, but in that forest Phainon and Elysia were just two friends who admired nature together and wished for a peaceful life there.
Up in the sky, in the garden of Aides Elysiae were where the four gods resided; Ronova the god of death, Naberius, the god of life, Asmoday, the god of space and reality, then there's Istaroth the god of time. Istaroth has always been quiet and reserved, but held great curiosity for the human race.
One day, while Istaroth was looking through time, (one of her pass times) she foresaw a great flood that was to come. Istaroth deeply cared for the safety of humans, even if not shown. So despite Asmoday’s warnings, Istaroth descended into the human world.
When her feet touched the ground, Istaroth finally took in her surroundings. Trees everywhere–a forest. Flowers like white Chrysathamnus, Malvaceaeus and Hydrangeas scattered across the ever so green grass. “Where am I…?” Istaroth pondered, mostly to herself.
“You're in the forest of Epiphany,” A boy said, while walking up to the goddess.
“Are you hurt? You seem a little out of it…Oh! I'm Phainon by the way.” Phainon stated, his voice laced with concern.
“Um, yeah. I'm fine...” Istaroth responded. Out of the corner of her eye she notices something…pink?
“Hi! Who might you be?” A girl appears out from behind Phainon.
“O-oh…im Istaroth,” she mutters “and you..?”
“I’m Elysia! And you said your name was…Istaroth?” the pink haired girl questions.
Istaroth nods, feeling her cheeks heat up.
“Wait, isn't that the name of the goddess of time? Are you-?!”
“Yes…I am,” Istaroth buts in. “but please refrain from panic, I came to deliver a warning.” The goddess explained.
“Warning? Of what?” Phainon asks, worry etched on his face. Istaroth hesitates–not sure if this was the correct thing to do.
“T-...there's a great flood to come that could very well wipe out all of humanity,” Elysia and Phainon stayed silent, still trying to process the information given. Istaroth then grabs Elysia by the hand, holding it in hers “I'm so sorry, there's nothing that i can do except warn you all…” Elysia feels her cheeks heat up at the gods sudden movement.
“It’s quite alright, we’ll find a way to save everyone!” Elysia reassures the white-haired girl
“Okay…i neednt waste your time, I'll be off now…bye.” Istaroth waves a final goodbye, before disappearing in an instant.
Elysia turns toward Phainon.
“I’ve got a plan!” she then shouted confidently.
“A- already? That was a lot to process just now, but let's hear it.” Phainon responded “Alright! So you know the newer race of us humans–the hunter gatherers? Well, we are going to travel around the world, at least the parts where they reside, and teach them everything we know, in case we don't survive!” Elysia explained, only then realizing the weight of her words
“Oh…that's right. We might not survive, but we can’t lose hope!” the shorter girl exclaimed, not wanting to let despair win her over
“That’s…actually a great plan, let's do it!” Phainon responded with excitement.
It was then that their journey to teach the hunter gatherers began. Phainon and Elysia traveled around the earth visiting each country the hunter gatherers lived (Greece, Turkey, Persia, etc.).
Then they finally arrive at their last stop–unbeknownst to them–Mexico. One day, after Elysia and Phainon finished teaching oral communication to the hunter gatherers, Phainon noticed something out of place. The shoreline receded more than usual, so like any good friend would do, he informed Elysia.
“Hey Ely? The shoreline receded more than usual, just thought I'd let you know.” Phainon then realized what that could have meant.
“Hold on…you don’t think–”
“The flood…” the shorter girl interrupted.
“It’s coming, either today or tomorrow…but it's coming.” She continued.
The taller boy sighed. “It was inevitable…but, we did the best we could.” Phainon reassured Elysia, a solemn expression on his face.
“Yeah. We did the best we could,” Elysia repeated. “But I would prefer if we did the best we could to survive it, and we need to tell the hunter gatherers.” She stated.
Once Elysia said that, she and Phainon went on the move to warn the hunter gatherers and to try to save themselves.
Soon after, the real flood hit. Waves upon waves coming down all at once. Okhema screaming and pleads for help, and Istaroth has had enough. After watching Okhema, the civilisation that grew up alongside her screaming in pain and agony, and the hunter gatherers were about to be dealt the same hand.
“I can’t watch this.” Istaroth muttered as she stood up, but was suddenly stopped by a grab at her wrist.
“Sister, it's a part of life.” Asmoday interrupted
“so? I have to do something.” Asmoday was a little shook by the defiance of the quiet and reserved god
“You’ll be risking your godhood, potentially your life!” Asmoday tried to keep her voice steady, but failed.
“I don't care. People are dying. My friends Phainon and Elysia are probably dead, and Okhema is gone!” Istaroth exclaimed, her voice being uncharacteristically loud
“And don’t try to stop me, I've made my decision.” Asmoday watches as Istaroth disappeared. And only then did realize just how deep Istaroth’s admiration for mortals went.
Back down on earth, the floods suddenly stopped, all the water disappeared in an instant, all that was left was wetness everywhere, but above was a sight to behold. It looked as if a star exploded, pure, unfiltered beauty.
Elysia lifted her pen and closed the book
“How was that Istaroth? Got all the details?” Elysia asked.
“It was perfect, Elysia…” Istaroth appeared awestruck.
“Thanks, Istaroth…I kinda miss Phainon, but I have you now,” Elysia stated.
“now that you're a mortal like me, do you mind spending the rest of your years with me?” Elysia offered.
“I would be delighted to.” Istaroth smiled. Even with Elysia’s home gone and Istaroth's godhood out of reach, they both still managed to find peace in this moment.