Mankind has matured. Ever since my return from my exclusion on Caucasus there wasn’t a need for me anymore. Mortal life continues to toil away going about their own goals and ambitions. Now that Pandora has unleashed upon the world the sins and desires of the corrupt mind; humanity has changed. However, I deem this as necessary change; only by overcoming the evils of the heart will mankind truly prosper and evolve as a society.

Change.

That is something we gods lack. Olympus has grown stagnant. We divine beings have grown too complacent upon our thrones of power. We have the power to bend the wills of mortals to our every whims and yet we don’t understand. We are no more free from the wills of Gaia and Chaos than our forefathers: the Titans. Just like Cronus and my father Iapetus, our time will end and a new generation will spring forth and seize the throne.

That fool Zeus. In fear of his end, he imprisoned me upon that forsaken slab of stone. He’s just like the rest of our forefathers. Drunk with absolute power. Just like Cronus and Uranus, Zeus fears his end. His end will come with time, right now, all we can do is wait.

Who am I exactly? I am the offspring of Iapetus. Deemed to be a Titan. I fought alongside the new generation and ended the rule of Cronus. I am the bringer of fire, the benefactor of mankind. I am Prometheus.

Millenniums I’ve wasted as the damned bird of the sky god ripped into me. Oh it wasn’t painful, no way. The pain was little compared to the pleasure I felt. I knew that every second that ticked by, the thought of that damned Zeus’ offspring will soon one day end his rule, brought a smile to my face. Oh yes, continue with your ways and spread your love upon everyone O Great One. Don’t let your end deter the desires of your loins. After all, not even gods can escape the threads of time and fate.

Enough about Zeus. He was but a trivial subject on my mind. No, what’s more important was the genesis of free thought and free will upon mankind. After Pandora had released the evils upon the world of man, mankind grew irritable, they sought for control and dominance; they became just like us divine beings. Oh how ironic, the children that I wasted countless mind numbing centuries to perfect, reduced to the evils that plagued those of divine blood. Maybe this was the fate of Gaia.

Time.

What is time? What a funny concept, made up by man. Time was invented by mankind, they are not like us; they are not immortal. I find such a concept amusing, after all, we gods do not die, we only cease to exist, thus we have ceased to change; forever chosen to remain in our perverse and static ways. Is it because of death that has caused mankind to change in so many interesting ways? The knowledge that their ‘time’ was limited had allowed mankind to be nurtured and pressured into changing themselves? Very amusing. However, I digress.

With my power for forethought, mankind’s prominence was guaranteed. No, it was engendered ever since I was given the task of birthing my ultimate creation. The balance of power has already shifted from our divine hands and unto mankind. Mankind doesn’t exist because of us, we exist because of mankind. With this, I can feel at ease. After all, I too am a god. Though we do not perish, we will soon one day meet our end. Whether that is banishment into the depths of Tartarus for all eternity or forgotten in the mists of ‘time’. Why not seek an earlier end?

Right now, I’m journeying to Tartarus. When I passed by the souls of the dead, I’ve always wondered to myself. Does Hades enjoy living amongst the denizens of the dead? I feel that if given a choice I would choose to live amongst the dead. They are rich with life. Funny how contradicting these two concepts are. After all, how was it possible for the dead to be full of life?

That’s just one of the many mysteries of mankind. I can give you a hint though. The dead are simply mankind in their purest form. One of Athena’s greatest achievements. Cleansed of all evils that plagued the Overworld, the souls of the dead are in fact something I envy. They know nothing, cleansed of all past crimes after undergoing the punishments of Hades. They are the purest essence that I know, even more than us divine beings. That is what I deem to be alive; to be pure and have an endless potential to become anything. There’s no way up once you’ve reached the top, the only other road is back down. Potential. That is also something that we gods lack.

Which brings me to my next point. Are we gods alive? With a wave of our hands, everything we want will appear within our palms. What then, is the point of this? I must say, I find this fact disgusting. It dulls our senses, separates us from the feeling of achievement. Something that I stressed greatly upon creating mankind. Something that I wished I had, and I did at one point. Soon after mankind was born, I felt it. This sense of achievement, my greatest gift to the world. I guess that is what we gods lack. After having a taste of the ambrosia of achievement, I had to have more. Soon I became something of a caring parent to mankind. The more I helped them and defied the tyrannical rule of Zeus, the more sense of achievement I felt.

However, like all things, these feelings soon ended.

I’m no longer needed. If I continue to interfere with the growth of mankind, their bright future will change. They are no longer children that need to be led by the hand. No, they are now adults, ready to pave their own paths in their mortal existence. I understood this, it must be because of my love for my children that I’ve decided to do what I’m about to do.

The Gates of Tartarus stood before me. The foreboding sense of ancient power engrossed my entire divine being. Even I, a titan of great ability, cannot stand whilst in the presence of such a being. What was Tartarus? Was it a prison used to hold the gods of old?

No.

Tartarus isn’t a place. Tartarus is a being. Just like Gaia and Chaos that created us. Tartarus is the other side of Gaia. In a sense, Tartarus is Gaia’s shadow.

“Why have you come here, my child?”

“I’ve come to seek my end.”

“Little Prometheus, I can tell that there is something different about you. Why are you this way?”

“I’ve grown tired. I’m no longer needed. Fate no longer has a place for me. I fear that if I remain here, I will interfere with fate, I will truly become the one that I hate the most.”

“Fate is a fickle being, my child. It is ever changing. As one who stands guard over the future of everything, don’t you think you’ve made this decision too arbitrarily?”

“I do not think so. I’ve had over a millennia to think about this decision. While being preyed upon by the bird of Zeus, I’ve reached a conclusion. My decision was further solidified after I watched my children walk upon the earth. If I were to stay here any longer, it would stunt the growth of my children. I will become drunk with power. No, this is the best decision and one that I must make if I wish to remain as myself.”

“*Sigh* You are one of my brightest children. Unfazed by the power that you possessed. I fear that if you leave this world, it might crumble down into ruin. Yet, I understand your fears. I too chose to distance myself from the ongoings of the world that I have created. I want to ask you one last thing before you leave.”

“Ask away. This will be the last time we talk.”

“If you were given another opportunity to help mankind once more, would you do it?”

Those words struck a chord within me. Was I truly ready to end my life? Ready to descend into the abyss and remain there for eternity? Yes I was. If I was given another reason to help my children once more, I wouldn’t hesitate. But, using my powers of forethought and in a sense foresight, mankind will prosper regardless of interference from us gods. I do not see any chances of me ever being needed anymore.

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“I would. In fact, I wish I was relied upon. It brings me great joy that my children relied on me. However, it brings me even greater joy that they have grown up and do no need me anymore. I’m stuck at an impasse, as a parent I wish them the best, if that best requires me to leave, I will leave.”

“I understand your dilemma. Then, if I were to say that in another world, the equivalent to your children are in need of your help, would you help them?”

“I do not understand your question. There is another world?”

“Silly child. Gaia is just one of many that gave birth to existence. Just like this world, there are countless others. Right now, in another world, mankind is in need of your assistance. If you do not help them, they will perish.”

I want to help them. To feel that sense of achievement once more. I will help them. I must help them. In the end I’m just a selfish god like the rest. Am I truly doing this for the sake of mankind? Or am I doing this for myself? I thought that I’ve already surrendered myself to death. Yet, I cling to the thought of existing once more.

“Is there some way I can help?”

“There is. I will send you over to that world. However…”

“However?”

“I cannot guarantee that you will remain the same as you are here. Even I am not sure if you will retain your powers. I cannot fathom how much you will lose or how much you will gain after traversing to the other world. You may even be forever changed upon reaching the new world. Even so, will you still do this?”

What is godhood? It’s simply something that every mortal wanted to obtain, yet they cannot understand its meaning. To be a god is a sentence of eternal duty. I abhor it. It is boring; what is the point of being a god if it meant dulling your emotions? I’ve seen many gods and goddesses succumbing to the vices of power. They kill and copulate as if the matter didn’t concern them; they do not understand the responsibilities that are set upon them. They neglect those below them, feeling that the ones below them are insignificant.

What these gods and goddesses do not understand is that, mortals are not like us. They truly understand the emotions that we’ve become despondent or never even had. They know what love, what struggle, and what achievement feels like. They may have short lives, but they live it to the fullest. Something that we gods lack. If I were given a chance, I want to live as a mortal. I want to keep feeling what achievement feels like. I want to experience love, I love my children, but I also want to experience more than that. I want to lay my life, my existence on the line for the ones that I love. It doesn’t feel like love when I was chained to a rock for bringing mankind fire; yes, I suffered, but it was only temporary.

What I desire was to be needed and loved.

“Send me there, Tartarus.” I answered adamantly. I do not fear the unknown, in fact, I welcome it. If I’m no longer needed here, then I’ll just go where I’m needed.

“Understood.” Tartarus paused for a second. I could feel the same feeling that I have towards mankind emanating from Tartarus. “Prometheus, I will miss you. Promise me and Gaia that you won’t change, alright?”

Right before me, the Gates of Tartarus opened. Unlike with my father and the Titans, it wasn’t the abyss that greeted my eyes. It was something even more foreboding. I don’t want to change who I am, I don’t want to become like Zeus, but I knew that if I become human, I might not be myself anymore. As I stepped into the unknown, these thoughts and fears echoed through the lonely darkness.

Even after I’ve solidified my will to end my existence, I’m still such a coward. I’m a hypocrite. I speak of change, how the gods never change and wanting change. Yet, here I am, fearing change. Who knows what the future holds, my ability of forethought eludes me. I’m now out of my domain. As I trudged on, I felt my powers wane, my limbs grew weaker. Where am I going exactly?

Is this what it feels like to be banished to the abyss? I wouldn’t mind staying like this forever if it meant that I will remain as myself. I’m scared. I’m frightened that if I reached the other world, I would become like Zeus. I fear that I might become a tyrant that feels no sympathy and remorse. I fear this and yet I continue on. Though the mankind in the new world isn’t the ones I gave birth to, they can comparatively be their brothers. I cannot neglect them; if they need me, then I will be there for them.

“I’ve received advanced notice of your arrival, little godling.”

Who was that?

“It seems your powers have weakened during your journey here. I’m sad to say that it could’ve been more interesting if they remained. Though, that would make it boring I suppose.”

“Who are you? Show yourself.” I began to feel fear and enmity. This presence was similar to Tartarus in the sense that it surrounded the entire darkness.

“Tsk Tsk, you are a mighty impatient one aren’t you? Well, that’s also fine with me.” An amused laughter rang out from my surrounding, bringing back reminiscent memories of Apollo’s Lyre. “Gaia and Tartarus told me that you are their favorite child. I can see why already.”

“Gaia? Tartarus?”

I see now. This must be the mother of this world.

“Who might you be, O Great Mother.”

“Hehehe, such a drastic change from just a few seconds ago. That’s fine, I quite like you, though I’m not sure why specifically. I am Altear, just like your Gaia, I gave birth to this plane of existence.” While speaking, a dainty little human girl appeared out from the darkness. She looked like she was an 8 year-old human child from back in my world. Dressed in a pure white robe, she looked like a priestess from one of the temples that worshipped us gods. Upon her brow was a head of fresh snow fallen hair, combined with her golden irises reminiscent of those with divine blood, she could only be considered as dangerous as Aphrodite.

“You are quite young. I must say, is this your real appearance?”

“It is. After all, this world that I gave birth to is still very young. It is also a very interesting place, it took me a great deal of time to finally envision what I want in this world. Of course, Gaia helped me a bit. I must say, Prometheus, Gaia and Tartarus both promised me that you will be very beneficial to the growth and development of my world. Is that true?”

“I cannot say for certain. After all, I’m only a selfish godling that wants to feel what it’s like to be mortal. I cannot promise anything, but if there’s anything you wish for this godling to do, please say so.” My future is in her hands. I’ve already decided, as long as I’m needed here, then I’ll stay. I’ve already committed myself to non-existence, so even if Altear was to turn me away, I would not blame her for doing so.

“That is true. It is quite selfish of you to want to forsake your godhood.” Anyone would agree to that. I would have done the same if it weren’t for what I felt when I created Humanity. “Therefore, as punishment, you will be sent down to the Overworld.”

Truly a mischievous being, this one was. In order to not make me feel in debt to her, she instead worded her gift as a punishment. There must be a reason why I was sent here, Tartarus did say that this world required my help.

“Is there something that must be done in the Overworld that requires my help?”

“Nope. I just want to see what you will do once you’ve become mortal. I’m interested to find out what could possibly have happened to changed you so much, little Prometheus. Therefore, I want to see your adventure, your journey as a mortal. Part of me wants you to experience joy, but another part wishes ill upon you because you’ve forsaken the gift of divinity.”

“I don’t blame you, O Great Lifegiver. Any normal being would have felt the same way with what I’ve done. However, their opinions matter little to me. I’ve made my decision and I’m going to follow it through until the end.”

“Nice answer. From now on just call me Tea (Tee-ah). You aren’t one of my children; you are a guest here. Now, before I send you down, Gaia begged me to give you a gift to make your mortal life easier. Will you accept her blessing?”

Gaia truly is a caring mother. Not only does she let me leave my duty, she had also granted my wish and sent me away with a farewell gift. I felt some regrets from my decisions, but it’s now too late to return. I don’t want to be seen as a coward and someone that goes back on their word in the eyes of Gaia. I can trick and lie my way through my enemies, but in front of Gaia, I must maintain absolute honesty.

“I’ll receive her blessing.” Thank you Gaia.

“Good. Since you are one who appreciates knowledge and wisdom, I’ll give you this.” She held out a soft white light from her hands. It shined through the darkness that surrounded the two of us and made my felt warm, just like when I delivered the flames of life to mankind. I received the light and absorbed it into my soul.

“What is this, Tea?”

“You’ll find out once you’ve entered the Overworld. For now, we shall part. I’m sure we’ll meet soon.” She winked mischievously, truly like a goddess that will bring destruction and war through her beauty. I’m not sure what she meant by soon, it’s all relative. Soon could be a few seconds or it could mean a few centuries if gods are concerned. That’s why I’m sure I probably won’t meet her for a while.

After our conversations have ended, Tea began to fade away…

No!

It’s not that she’s fading away, it’s my vision that’s dimming. I felt myself slowly losing myself over to the warm embrace of sleep. We gods do not need sleep, feeling such a mortal experience upon my mind and limbs caused a soft and fuzzy feeling to spread throughout my entire soul.

As I slowly blacked out and accept my new life, I felt some lingering regrets. I’m positively certain that Humanity back in my old world would prosper, but I can never be 100% certain. No matter what happens, I would always have some doubt in my mind, after all nothing is certain. Not even us gods.