"Are you ready, Pollo?" Pacificus asked, poised to make the final stroke of the symbol on Apollo's back.

"I am," Apollo replied, his voice steady.

Pacificus's finger hovered, then moved purposefully.

"Wait, Big Brother?" Apollo suddenly interjected.

"Yes, Pollo?" Pacificus paused, a gentle smile on his face.

"What did Arty see? When... when you did it?"

Pacificus chuckled softly. "See for yourself, the Goddess of Life.... Are you ready?"

Apollo took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Okay, Big Brother. Do it."

With the final stroke of the symbol of Gaia painted on Apollo's back, his eyes immediately widened in fear and awe. He didn't know what he was looking at. The goddess of life appeared before him, her form both beautiful and ugly, uncanny and pleasant to look at, chaotic yet

organized. Her very essence was a myriad of contradictions, reflecting the nature of life itself.

"Ahh," the voice of the goddess of life resonated with a symphony of contradictions, both alluring and frightening, masculine and feminine, beautiful and ugly. "You must be young Apollo... step forward, if you seek our blessing."

Apollo walked forward, trying not to shake in fear—a feat in which he failed miserably, earning a chuckle from the goddess of life.

"Tell me, young Apollo, what blessing would you like to receive?" the goddess asked, her voice so filled with contradictions that Apollo didn't even know how to properly react.

"I..." Apollo began, trying his best not to scream in fear and confusion, "I want to heal people... I want the blessing of Apothecary."

"Oh," the goddess replied, her tone a blend of mockery and sincerity. "Are you sure, young one? This blessing, this path, is not an easy one. Even with the skills given to you by the world."

"I am." Apollo replied, determination evident in his eyes. "I want to save people."

A smile formed on the goddess's face, a smile full of contradictions that left Apollo unsure if she was mocking him or being genuine. "All right, young one, you shall have it.... but be warned, receiving our blessing also comes with a risk."

"W-what is the risk?"

"You will receive two gifts, and with those gifts come flaws." Gaia leaned closer, her form a bewildering blend of wood and vines, with fire burning in her chest and eyes. Leaves and vines grew and protruded towards Apollo, trapping the young child in the goddess's motherly and frightening embrace. "These gifts are powerful, young one, and to keep the balance of the world, we must give flaws to these gifts. Do you want to accept it?"

"D-Did Sister Artemis also receive this gift?"

"Yes," the goddess answered without contradiction.

Apollo closed his eyes, his hand on his chin. The goddess simply stared at him. "Will it help me save people?" he asked.

"If that is what you want.... If you become stronger, perhaps you can even revive someone from the dead," the goddess replied, her nature shifting between solemnity and jest.

"Then I—"

"Before you continue, my child, I must also warn you. The more powerful the gift, the more potent the flaw."

"I knew it," Apollo responded, "but I'll take it."

The goddess smiled. This time, it was genuine.

With her hands of wood, vines, and leaves, the goddess touched Apollo's forehead. It was so quick that Apollo didn't even realize it. The leaves then touched Pacificus's back, where her symbol was located.

"I give you the spell Healing Light, Solaris."

"A... A spell? What does it do?" Apollo asked, his voice trembling with anticipation.

"You can harvest the power of the sun, the skies, and your soul to heal others or cause harm."

"That sounds powerful," Apollo remarked, awe in his voice.

"However, using this power will also give you great pain, not in your body but in your soul. For the power of flames would burn your soul."

"WHAT?!" Apollo panicked, his eyes widening in fear. "That doesn't sound fair."

The goddess gave a genuine chuckle, a sound that felt strangely comforting despite her contradictory nature. Finally, she let go, and a voice whispered to Apollo.

The moment he heard the voice, Apollo felt a deep, primordial fear. The voice was everywhere, surrounding him, whispering, "You will be at your strongest during the day... but at your weakest during the night."

Then the voice disappeared. The experience was so terrifying that Apollo landed on his knees, his heart beating so fast he went dizzy. The hair on his skin stood up, and his breath came in quick, shallow gasps as he struggled to catch his breath.

"Move forward," the goddess commanded, her tone full of contradictions. "Live, enjoy life, and die as a mortal, young Apollo. Use your gifts wisely." And with that, the goddess and her consort simply disappeared.

"Are you okay Pollo?" Pacificus asks.

"Y-yes" Apollo tries to reply "I'm fine, I'm fine" he tries to calm himself, the memory of Thanatos's whisper is still in his mind.

"All right." says Pacificus "Prepare yourself Apollo... tell me when you are ready."

"I'm fine Big Brother... I'm ready"

"Alright." Pacificus touches Apollo's back and the symbol glowed brightly. "Close your eyes Apollo."

Apollo closed his eyes and felt an immediate shift in his perception, as if he were diving deep within himself. In this inner world, he saw his soul. It wasn't an abstract concept or a vague idea; it was a tangible presence, a star, glowing brilliantly in the darkness. The star was small, but its light was intense and unwavering, reminiscent of the sun at its zenith.

This star was a source of life, pulsating with energy and warmth. Its light was pure and radiant, casting no shadows, only a brilliant glow that seemed to infuse everything around it with vitality. Yet, there was a duality to this brilliance. The sun, after all, was both a life-bringer and a force of destruction. It could nurture and sustain life, but it could also scorch and burn with equal ferocity. Apollo's star embodied this paradox, its radiant light holding both the promise of creation and the threat of devastation.

As he focused on the star, Apollo began to notice the appearance of runes. They emerged slowly, like ancient symbols being etched into his very essence. Curious and intrigued, Apollo reads the runes;

Apollo Leto (I) Apothecary Blessing: Gift and Gaia and Thanatos: The blessed one will receive two gifts each one contains flaws Apothecary (Beginner Apothecary) Strength C/C Dexterity C/B Agility C/B Speed C/C Stamina C/B Vigor C/B Gifts: Solaris Spells: The gifted one can harness the power of the sun, the skies and one's own soul to heal or damage. Flaw: The power burns the soul causing great pain. The damage takes a long time to heal. Sun-Born Skill: The gifted one is at their strongest during the day. Flaw: The gifted one is at their weakest during the night. Main Skills: Apothecary Apothecary's Mind (Beginner) Apothecary's Wisdom (Beginner) Pottery (Poor) Glassware (Poor) Maintenance (Beginner) Herbalist (Beginner) Apothecary's Intellect (Beginner) Apothecary's Perception (Beginner) Herbalist (Beginner) Chemistry (Poor) Healing Hands (Beginner)

A huge smile formed on Apollo's face, a mixture of relief and pride. However, before he could fully embrace his newfound joy, he remembered what had happened to his sister. Panic quickly replaced his elation, and he bolted toward the river. The tannin water, with its gentle current, was abruptly disturbed by a huge splash as Apollo plunged in.

As he submerged himself, Apollo's initial shock was soon replaced by an overwhelming sense of disgust. The foul, putrid pus began oozing from every pore of his body. The stench was beyond revolting, a sickening odor that made him gag and nearly retch. The thick, viscous goo, a grotesque mixture of colors, never seemed to stop pouring out, turning the tannin water an inky black and sending the local wildlife scattering in alarm.

Apollo scrubbed furiously, desperate to rid himself of the horrific substance. But the ordeal only grew worse. The pus began seeping from his ears, nose, eyes, and every other orifice, a relentless torrent of filth. It was the most disturbing and disgusting experience of his life. He felt a deep sense of empathy and newfound respect for Artemis, understanding now the true horror she had endured.

Merina watched from the shore, a knowing smile on her face. "It is always the first time that feels the worst," she said with a chuckle, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she observed Apollo's frantic attempts to cleanse himself.

After a few minutes of nonstop cleaning, Apollo emerged from the river, breathing heavily as he tried to calm himself. His blonde hair and yellow eyes were still the same, but his hair seemed more vibrant, and his eyes glowed with a new, lively brightness. His tan skin had become much softer and smoother, exuding a healthy, vibrant glow. Exhausted, he trudged wearily back to his group.

Hyakinthos and the others blushed when they saw Apollo, unable to ignore his enhanced appearance.

Artemis looked at Apollo with wide eyes. "Who are you?"

"It's me, Arty. Apollo."

"What happened to you? And why are you so bright?"

Apollo looked at his hands, noticing the warm glow radiating from his skin. He remembered the dreaded voice and the gift that had been bestowed upon him. "Sun-Born," he thought. This was his gift in action. Closing his eyes, he imagined dimming the glow, and as he did, the radiance gradually faded until it disappeared completely. Despite the change, he remained strikingly handsome.

"How do you do that?" Artemis asked, her curiosity piqued.

"It's my gift, Arty. It's called Sun-Born."

"I have a gift too, but it's not that cool. It's called Moon-Born."

"Maybe you'll glow during the night?" Apollo suggested with a smile.

"Maybe," Artemis replied, a hint of excitement in her voice.

Hyakinthos stared at Apollo, captivated by his beauty. He had always thought Apollo was handsome, but now he seemed even more stunning. His gaze was interrupted by a call.

"Haya," Pacificus called to the last child, "you are next."

Hyakinthos swallowed nervously, tearing his eyes away from Apollo. The anticipation of what lay ahead filled him with both fear and excitement. He stepped forward.

They quickly performed the ceremony. A drop of blood from Hyakinthos and blood from Pacificus were mixed into a bowl filled with holy herbs and sacred oils. When the concoction was thoroughly mixed, Pacificus used the ink to draw the symbol of Gaia on Hyakinthos's back.

"Are you ready?" Pacificus asked, ready to brush the final stroke with his finger.

Hyakinthos inhaled deeply, recalling the fear in Artemis's eyes when she stared at the tree. He had thought she was going crazy, running around Pacificus as if trying to avoid something invisible. Apollo had also behaved strangely, albeit with more calm and decorum compared to Artemis, but Hyakinthos remembered how scared he had looked and how he had started talking to the tree. Closing his eyes, Hyakinthos inhaled and exhaled, preparing himself to see what had scarred his siblings. "I'm ready, Big Brother," he finally said.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

With a stroke of his finger, Pacificus finished the drawing.

The Goddess made her appearance before Hyakinthos and Pacificus. The tree twisted and turned, transforming into the shape of a woman and a man. The branches were both chaotic and neatly organized, her eyes simultaneously ugly and beautiful, her overall appearance uncanny yet pleasant. She was full of contradictions, so much so that Hyakinthos jumped and yelped in fear the moment he saw the goddess in her glory. Despite his mental preparation, Hyakinthos didn't know how to feel while looking at the deity. She was both ugly and beautiful, chaotic and orderly. He didn't know how to handle such a contradictory appearance.

"Greetings, young one," said the Goddess of Life. Even her voice was full of contradictions: mocking yet genuine, truthful yet false, beautiful yet ugly. All of these qualities were present in her voice alone. "Step forward if you wish for my blessing, young Hyakinthos."

With a shaking body, Hyakinthos did as the goddess requested—or was it an order? Hyakinthos didn't know.

The goddess looked at the young Hyakinthos, her form circling the terrified child. "Oh my," she said, her voice full of contradictions. She leaned closer to young Hyakinthos's face, staring into his eyes. Her burning eyes were both hot and cold, full of chaos and order, spite and goodwill. She was so full of contradictions that Hyakinthos was utterly confused. "You are very beautiful, young Hyakinthos."

He gulped, not knowing how to answer.

"You are also full of doubt," the goddess continued. "Tell me honestly, young one... are you comfortable with your body?"

"W-W-What?" Hyakinthos stammered. "What do you mean?"

"You seem to like the fact that you are a boy... but you want to be more feminine... yet you don't follow that desire."

"B-Because it would be weird."

"Weird? How come, young one? Enlighten me." Her voice was no longer full of contradictions; it took on a motherly tone.

Hyakinthos looked at Apollo and Artemis, then at his mother and his other siblings.

Seeing this, the goddess chuckled. "I can keep secrets, young one. Watch."

Suddenly, a gust of wind formed around Hyakinthos. He looked around, panicking a bit.

"Don't worry, young one," the goddess spoke, her voice motherly and comforting. "Now they can't hear you."

Hyakinthos looked at Gaia, amazed and terrified not just because of her show of might but because of her nature. One moment she was full of contradictions; the next, she was motherly, friendly, and trustworthy.

Hyakinthos sighed deeply, casting a nervous glance at the goddess. "I... I like being a boy... I love being a boy, but... but I also admire girls. I admire them and I am also jealous of them... they are so pretty, they are beautiful, graceful, and gentle... I want to be like that. But I can't because I am a boy. When I saw Big Brother Pacificus perform martial arts in front of me, I thought he looked so graceful and pretty that I thought to myself... I want to be like that too. I don't like fighting... it's too brutish, insensitive, and horrible... But as a boy, that is what I should be. I always wanted to be a boy. A graceful boy. A beautiful, graceful, and gentle boy. I don't want to be brutish or insensitive."

"Ahh, I see." The goddess looked at Hyakinthos's family. "Young one... you are worrying too much. You have a family that loves you unconditionally. No matter what you do, your family will always love you."

"But it's weird."

Gaia smiled. "Life is weird. Life is chaotic, brutal, ruthless, but it is also organized, kind, and merciful. It is not in my nature to dictate to you how you want to live... but you only have one life, young one. Treasure it well. Be brave and be yourself."

"But my family might hate me if I do that."

"You will be surprised," Gaia reassured young Hyakinthos. "Young Hyakinthos, to receive my blessing is to receive my gift and my consort's gift. Both of our gifts come with flaws. But before I give you your gifts, tell me first. What path do you wish to walk on?"

"I—" A finger, or a branch, stopped Hyakinthos from talking. The act was surprisingly motherly.

"Before you make your decision, young one, you need to think clearly. What do you want? What do you want to be?... But don't worry, you could always choose to walk on another path if you don't like your first decision.

Hyakinthos turned his gaze from Apollo to Artemis, then to his mother and siblings, each face reflecting different facets of his life and desires. He pondered deeply, weighing his thoughts against the expectations and paths of his siblings. After a moment of introspection, he finally spoke, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions within him.

"I think... I would walk the path... the path of agriculture."

A murmur of acknowledgment passed through the gathered onlookers, and the goddess’s multifaceted presence seemed to shimmer and shift as she regarded Hyakinthos. Her appearance was a constant dance of contradictions—beautiful and unsettling, serene yet unsettling. This time, her gaze carried an air of expectation, making Hyakinthos tremble with a mix of awe and apprehension.

"Why choose this path, young one?" Her voice, always a perplexing blend of opposing qualities, resonated through the air, wrapping around Hyakinthos like a cloak of uncertainty.

Hyakinthos took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. "Apollo wants to help others by choosing the path of apothecary. Artemis chose the path of the hunter to provide us with food and clothing. I want to support them both by becoming a farmer—by choosing to cultivate and sustain the land."

A fleeting smile touched the goddess’s lips, though it was as enigmatic as her overall presence. A small, delicate branch extended from her form, brushing lightly against Hyakinthos's forehead. The touch was so swift and subtle that he barely registered it, a mere whisper of movement.

"Then it shall be as you wish," the goddess declared, her voice oscillating between warmth and detachment. "Hyakinthos, you will be endowed with the strength and power of ten men, but you shall also require the sustenance of ten men. I grant you this blessing—Fortis."

As Gaia stepped back, her presence seemed to retreat into a sea of swirling light and shadow. Hyakinthos was suddenly overcome with an intense sense of dread, a primal fear gnawing at the edges of his consciousness. The very essence of his mortality felt exposed and vulnerable.

Without warning, a chilling whisper filled his ears—a voice so cold and haunting that it felt as though it were emanating from the depths of his soul. "You will be resilient to magic and curses, for your own body and soul will deny mana that is not your own," the voice of Thanatos intoned, imbued with a timeless, chilling finality.

The whispering voice faded, leaving behind a lingering shiver of fear. Hyakinthos, now gripped by terror, bolted toward Pacificus, his steps frantic and desperate.

"Live well, young Hyakinthos," the goddess's voice echoed softly as she began to dissipate into the ether. "Be brave and be yourself." With those final words, the goddess and her consort vanished, leaving behind a lingering aura of their presence.

"Are you all right, Hyakinthos?" Pacificus asked, concern lacing his voice as the form of Gaia faded into the ether.

Hyakinthos, still trembling from the experience, managed a shaky response. "Y-yes," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper.

"All right... are you ready?" Pacificus continued, his tone gentle but firm, sensing the weight of the moment.

"I-I think so," Hyakinthos replied, his uncertainty still palpable.

"Then show me your back... let us see your runes."

With a deep breath, Hyakinthos turned, his back exposed as he prepared himself for the final revelation. Pacificus’s fingers lightly touched the symbols etched into Hyakinthos's skin, and as he did, a warm, radiant glow began to emanate from the runes.

"Oh," Pacificus said, a chuckle escaping him as he observed the glowing symbols. "Your choice is quite fitting."

"Close your eyes, Haya," Pacificus instructed softly. "And see your runes."

Hyakinthos obeyed, shutting his eyes with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. Inside his mind’s eye, he was transported to a vivid inner landscape. There, floating amidst the darkness, was his soul—a delicate, radiant violet star that shone with a soft, ethereal light. Around this star, orbiting in a slow, graceful dance, was a small, luminous planet. The planet was draped in a velvety, violet sky that sparkled with distant, shimmering stars, and its surface was marked by gently rolling hills.

The planet, though seemingly barren, held an undeniable promise. Its soil appeared rich and fertile, almost pulsating with the potential for life despite the absence of visible water. The hills and contours of the landscape were striking in their simplicity, rendered with a gentle grace that spoke of quiet strength and resilience.

As Hyakinthos watched, the planet’s surface gradually began to transform. The previously lifeless expanse started to come alive with subtle, intricate patterns—runes—etching themselves into the planet’s soil. These runes shimmered with a soft, inviting glow.

Nervously, Hyakinthos read the runes in his vision;

Hyankinthos Hyacinth Leto (I) Farmer Blessing: Gift and Gaia and Thanatos: The blessed one will receive two gifts each one contains flaws Farmer (Beginner Farmer) Strength C/B Dexterity C/B Agility C/C Speed C/C Stamina C/B Vigor C/B Gifts: Fortis Skill: The gifted one will have their power multiplied by ten Flaw: Hunger is the gifted one's greatest enemy for the gifted one will need to consume as much as ten men. Anti-Mage Skill: The gifted one's body is resistant to curses and magic that intends to attack them. Flaw: The gifted one's body is resistant to magic that intends to help or assist them. Main Skills: Farmer Terraforming (Poor) Planting (Poor) Harvesting (Poor) Maintenance (Poor) Strong Back (Good) Domestication (Poor) Green Thumb (Poor) Livestock (Poor) Fertilization (Poor) Cooking (Beginner) Defender (Good)

As Hyakinthos gazed at his glowing runes, a smile spread across his face, illuminating his features with a momentary glow of contentment. Yet, this joy quickly faded as the memory of his siblings' ordeals surfaced, overshadowing his initial elation. The recollections of Artemis's terror and Apollo’s subsequent struggle with the pus were vivid in his mind, and a wave of anxiety swept over him.

With urgency propelling him, Hyakinthos sprinted away from the group, his heart pounding with a mixture of dread and determination. His steps were frantic, and the sheer speed of his flight seemed to intensify the growing sense of panic. As he ran, the air around him began to take on a foul odor, an unsettling harbinger of what was to come.

The once-pristine air was tainted by the stench of his own impending distress, a putrid mix of decay and sweat. Despite the growing stench, Hyakinthos didn't slow down; instead, he bolted towards the river with an almost frantic desperation. His movements were a blur of urgency as he neared the water, his mind solely focused on the need to escape the impending mess.

With a final, desperate leap, he plunged into the river. The impact was sudden and jarring, sending a massive splash of dark, tannin-stained water into the air. The river, once a tranquil flow of deep brown, was now violently disturbed. As Hyakinthos submerged, the water around him darkened rapidly, turning an ominous black as it mixed with the pus seeping from his pores. The local wildlife, already skittish from previous disturbances, scattered in alarm, their natural habitat now a chaotic swirl of contaminated water.

Apollo, Artemis, and their entire family stood by the riverbank, eyes fixed on the water's edge. They watched intently as Hyakinthos frantically scrubbed himself in the river, the tannin-stained currents swiftly washing away the vile pus that had oozed from his body. The sight was both a relief and a source of renewed sympathy for his siblings.

Apollo's face twisted in a grimace of disgust, yet his eyes softened with empathy. He remembered vividly the feel of the viscous pus seeping from his pores, the way it clung to his skin, and the relentless, nauseating odor that accompanied it. Beside him, Artemis shared his expression, her lips pressed into a tight line as she relived the memory of the sticky, stinging substance that had threatened to blind her when it oozed from her eyes. The experience had been terrifying, and the memory still lingered like a phantom pain.

Merina watched her children with a mix of emotions, her usual serene smile touched with a hint of nostalgia. She understood all too well the horror of the miasma, a necessary but deeply unpleasant part of their ritual. The miasma, that insidious pus, was a symbol of the impurities being purged from their bodies, a necessary cleansing before they could receive their gifts of potential. She knew that this would not be the last time they would undergo this ordeal; the tradition dictated monthly rituals to keep the miasma at bay.

As Merina stood there, she couldn't help but feel a swell of pride mixed with her relief. She remembered the days when these children had first come into her care, each with their own tragic stories. Artemis and Apollo, rescued from a burning village by Lelantos, had been adopted at the same time. She could still see the soot-streaked faces of the two infants, their wide eyes reflecting the trauma of their narrow escape. Hyakinthos had been brought to her after his parents were killed in a brutal war, his small body trembling with fear and confusion as Leto placed him gently into her arms.

Watching Hyakinthos now, struggling but determined, Merina felt an overwhelming sense of maternal pride. These children, once so vulnerable and dependent, were now taking their first steps toward independence. They had grown strong and resilient under her care, each facing their trials with courage and emerging stronger for it. The river, once a symbol of their purification, now reflected the light of their potential.

As Hyakinthos continued to cleanse himself, Merina’s thoughts drifted back to the many moments of joy and sorrow she had shared with her adopted children. She recalled the laughter and the tears, the small victories and the hard lessons. Every step of their journey had brought them to this point and she couldn’t help but smile.

After a few minutes, Hyakinthos emerged from the river, his long black curly hair released from their braids, cascading down his back in an elegant, shimmering wave. His violet eyes, now glimmering with a livelier luster, caught the light and sparkled with a renewed vitality. His smooth, soft brown skin radiated with vigor and health, making him appear almost ethereal. It was in this moment that everyone fully realized the extent of Hyakinthos's beauty and femininity.

Even the way he walked was graceful and refined, each step carefully measured to conceal his exhaustion. Artemis couldn't help but blush at the sight of her brother, her cheeks tinged with a delicate pink. Apollo stood frozen, utterly starstruck by Hyakinthos's radiant appearance. His heart pounded in his chest, and a deep blush spread across his face, which he couldn't control. Time seemed to slow as he gazed at Hyakinthos, the world around him fading into the background.

Their siblings were equally astonished, their eyes widening as they took in Hyakinthos's transformation. He looked like a vision of elegance and beauty, every inch of him exuding a quiet grace that captivated their attention.

Hyakinthos looked at his family, his expression serene yet exhausted. He simply uttered, "I'm hungry."

"Then let's eat," Pacificus replied warmly. "I baked some bread, and I still have some jam. I can cook more pemmican if you want."

With that, Pacificus and the children gathered beneath the ancient tree. The rope that had been used in the ritual was now in the hands of Merina, who meticulously inspected the knots as she sat close to her lover, Pacificus.

The three children shared their experiences with their younger siblings, which led to a barrage of curious questions.

"What does the goddess look like?" one of the younger ones asked, wide-eyed.

"I don't know... she is both ugly and beautiful at the same time," Apollo replied, struggling to find the right words.

"How can something so ugly be beautiful at the same time?" another sibling inquired, furrowing their brow in confusion.

"I... I really don't know... I don't know how to describe it," Apollo said, shaking his head.

"What is a gift?" a smaller child asked, their eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Hihi, it is when we receive two gifts from the two gods," Artemis explained with a giggle. "They are strong powers that have flaws."

"What is a flaw?" the child pressed on, eager for more understanding.

"Oh, that is simple," Artemis began. "It is a limitation. For example, I can be the strongest during the night, but in exchange, I—Hmmph!"

"Don't tell your flaw to anyone, Sis! Are you this slow!" Apollo interrupted.