Hellas

2,102 years since initial death
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Up ahead, he could spot the magnificent walls that surrounded Attica.

It was the most heavily defended city in the world, housing a grand total of around 150,000 people within its walls. Seeing it up close was breathtaking and gave Markus an idea as to why the Spartans have been unable to conquer it. Despite his hatred for the Athenian government, he had to admire their construction and strength in maintaining Attica.

One aspect of this culture that fascinated him was the sheer defensive route the Athenians had taken. Their walls were grand and heavily defended beyond the capabilities of any army. So how could anyone ever possibly wish to topple this city down?

The answer was very simple.

This war was a fight between offense and defense.

Back in Sparta, there were no walls. None of their camps were protected, and their city was left defenseless with absolutely no fortifications of any kind. Anyone could stumble into Sparta and successfully infiltrate them.

But that never happened. Because the Spartans themselves were the 'walls'. Whereas the Athenians cower and defend their homes behind their forts and gates, the Spartans shield their homes with their bodies.

The sheer amount of strength and bravery the Spartans held was exactly why Markus loved them. He often liked to joke himself that they had the biggest balls of solid steel that this world has ever seen.

Attica's powerful walls are the immovable objects, and the Spartans are the unstoppable force to be reckoned with.

Markus smirked to himself. As he was about to entire inside this mighty city, he couldn't help but imagine just how spectacular it would be when this place is liberated from the Athenians.

Gaining entry into the city wasn't easy, but Markus already had it covered. His years of wandering the Greek world allowed him to meet hundreds of historical figures, some of whom became powerful allies. Thanks to his connection with a wealthy woman that was a master scam artist, he was able to obtain a forged citizenship for this very occasion.

While a part of him liked to believe he could pretend to be a Spartan spy within the city, he abandoned the idea. He was here to escape the deaths and violence he endured throughout the years, not continue his path of savagery.

The city of Corinthia was fairly crowded, but compared to Athens, it was an unappealing city. Attica was grand and beyond remarkable. The city contains a long history, originally ruled by Pericles, the General of Athens. Just standing in this city gave Markus chills, as he hadn't felt this way since observing the pyramids of Giza.

Dozens of majestic pillars supported the several temples laid out within the city. Beautiful handcrafted markings of their Gods were engraved into each roof's side. Various flowers and gardens formed a path that led to many structures and a grand fountain up top beside the Acropolis. Horses galloped slowly as guards in blue armor kept the peace.

It was just fortunate he hadn't been here during 430 BCE. Attica was struck with a plague, as the pestilence ravaged through the city, wiping out a third of Athen's total population. It obviously wouldn't kill him permanently, but it'd still be an inconvenience to deal with.

For the next two years, war continued to rage outside Athen's walls. The Spartans were advancing, and soon enough they would arrive to truly end the war. But that day never came, Athens held its ground strong and kept them back. After a year of living peacefully in the great city, Markus continued to strive. His time of being a Spartan warrior was over, as all he ever wanted was a simple, quiet life.

Although he remained alone without a family, he still enjoyed what life had to offer him. But he still felt lost without a wife, and he promised himself he would never marry anyone after Ada. It was a promise he made to her over two thousand years ago now. His heart still belonged to her.

Granted there were several times where he's kissed other women and fell in love with some, but none of those relationships were permanent. Perhaps he'll have to change that track record, but finding love when you're immortal is no easy task. He doesn't want to fall in love only to outlive everyone.

It has felt like an eternity. After spending a couple hundred years living alone in the city of Memphis, Maalik had lost hope in the Gods. To him, they were dead. False beings that never existed outside the Egyptian world. Their reign has come to an end, with the sole purpose of being forgotten as humanity discovers a new belief.

His beliefs changed in accordance to the customs of the Hellenes, or the Greeks. The deities may have different names, origins and depicted appearances, but they still offered Markus a fresh start as he began to look up to them. Every time it would rain or storm around him, he would be reminded of Zeus. During his naval battles, he would ask for Poseidon's blessings. Even in ground combat, he would scream the name of Ares, so that he may grant him strength during every fight.

However, he still had his doubts about their existence. Something about them felt amiss and wrong, but he could never quite understand what it was. The whole concept of religion had him question his very humanity. There were over a dozen Gods that supposedly ruled over Olympus, and that's excluding the minor primordial deities, titans and mythological gigantes. He lost count of how many there were.

That's why, when he heard of a particular Oracle in Delphi, Markus was hesitant.

Politicians, foreigners, travelers, soldiers, and citizens sought advice and fortunes from Oracles like her. Whether they be on the current war, the future of their country or their own legacies; the Oracle had an answer for everything. Soon enough, it piqued his interest and he couldn't hold it back any longer. If the stories about the Oracle are true, then maybe she'll have answers about his immortality.

It was a risky idea, but he went along with it. There's a reason people spend their whole lives traveling from afar to visit her at the temple of Apollo. It was located far west of Athens, but it didn't matter to him. There isn't a place on Earth he wouldn't go to, nothing could stop him anyways.

After days of preparing, he was finally ready to start his odyssey. He purchased the fastest steed he could afford, making haste outside the walls of Attica. The journey ahead was wearisome. Immediately after leaving the safe walls of Athens, the sense of war returned to him. Athenian military camps had been erected close to the main road, as spikes lined the path.

Even as he made his journey, his violent tendency was required. Whether a wild animal appeared on the road, a military patrol was ambushed by tribal worshippers, or mercenaries mistook him for a wanted man; danger followed him everywhere. His former self would have avoided this trouble. But a thousand years of bloodshed had taken its toll on him.

Finally, after almost a week, Delphi was right ahead. Beautiful valleys surrounded the Phocis region as a magnificent Greek temple rested at the top, overlooking the entire world. A courtyard laid beside it, alongside an amphitheater. The streets were crowded with locals of Phocis and visitors from elsewhere. A few Spartan patrols marched around the sanctuary of Deplhi, maintaining peace and stability.

Markus was glad to see them there. Despite leaving his Spartan duties behind, his loyalty and support remained. But he had to focus on the task at hand. Upon arriving, he made his way to the grand entrance to the Temple of Apollo. In front of it was a majestic statue depicting a chariot. Then, something caught his eye. A pillar beside the temple was visible, with a golden sphinx resting at the top. It was clear he was in the right place.

A line in front of the temple stopped Markus from entering. Many people awaited their fortunes and gladly paid any fee required to enter. It took some time, but he was finally able to gain admission.

As he stepped inside the temple behind closed doors, the scent of candles immediately caught on. Sitting on a carpet ahead was a young, elegant woman, dressed in the finest silk anyone could wear. Her gorgeous blonde hair flowed past her breasts as her eyes opened at his presence. They were crystal blue. At least the stories of her being beautiful were true, but her predictions still remained to be seen.

Markus stood before her and took a deep breath. "Divine Oracle of Delphi, the Pythia; you who possess the power and knowledge of Gods and all divine beings. I ask you, what does my future hold?" He waited for an answer while the room remained entirely silent. The Oracle observed him carefully.

After what felt like hours, she responded. "A foreigner. You have traveled from afar to see me." She paused for a few moments. Her expressions were hard to interpret. Even Markus was afraid of what she would say next. "I must confess, looking into you; I do not know what could be said."

Reaching out with her hand, she stood and walked towards Markus, touching his forehead. Her eyes were narrowed, focusing directly on him. "Egyptian."

"Oracle, I do not wish to intrude, but what does my ethnicity have to do with my future?" He replied with a worrisome tone. A straight, honest answer is all he needs, but he's just afraid. "My name is Markus Athánatos, and as far as anyone must know, I am a Hellen. I just wish to know, for how much longer must I continue to live for? Do you understand?"

He knew deep down that nobody could possibly explain his unnatural ability. Yet he still wanted to cling on to hope.

The Oracle stood still, staring into his eyes as they were both within a foot of each other. "I understand you wish for an end. As many seek for an end of suffering and injustice, you seek your own resolution."

She placed a hand over his cheek as she continued. "I can't say I have seen this before, even I must admit when I've been left speechless."

Markus listened carefully, suspecting her of somehow acknowledging his curse. He didn't dare move a muscle as she stared him in the eyes only a few inches away. It seemed as if she was about to kiss him, or if she was waiting for him to make the first move. But it never happened.

"I look into your soul and all I see is an eternal abyss. There lies a side of you that you have yet to awaken, and I fear the day you do. You'll blame anyone but yourself when the time comes, yet you will never understand that you are what you choose to become."

"I don't understand what you mean." Markus found her words to be intimidating, as if she was tearing him apart internally. "Don't speak in riddles, just be honest. There's something you know that you're not telling me."

The Oracle spoke more, beginning to sound empathetic. "I can see clearly that the man who stands before me now is nothing like the man I see in your future. You will find many efficacious moments of joy, love, harmony and adventure. You have my promise. But in the meantime, you will seek a loving hand to guide you down your path. The unfortunate truth is that you will never hold that hand for very long."

They were so close to each other as she gently held his chin and pulled him towards her. "You have my sincerest apology for what you will witness. There comes a time where everything must end, and I shall die far before you. For all the wisdom in this world for the Pythia to carry, your burden will forever remain the heaviest."

There was silence for a moment. As he awaited her response, she slowly lowered her hands and took a step back. "There are things even an Oracle such as myself would not know how to answer. You will leave this temple with more questions than answers, but it falls upon you to uncover the truth. Wherever you may go, whomever you meet and whatever you may influence; you mustn't lose control over who you really are."

Markus was on the verge of breaking down. For the first time in his life, he finally felt a connection with someone who actually understands him. "I'm not ready for what my future holds. Not given the way you've described my character. Please, I'm begging you. What can I do now to prevent the worst from happening?" He was scared, he didn't want to leave her.

But her next response left him permanently speechless. Nothing could have prepared him for what she was about to say.

"Of all the people I have shared my wisdom with, you horrify me more than any monster ever could. There is however still a chance to save not just yourself, but also those around you. Heed my words, Maalik. Be careful of your actions and who you may turn into. Keep steady, and you will discover your true purpose in life. For that is my prophecy that you must fulfill throughout your infinite, immortal life."

She knew his real name. She knew his power. It seemed impossible, but this confrontation has already altered his understanding of reality.

"How-" Markus tried to speak, but was interrupted as the Oracle continued. With one final response, she ended their meeting.

"Do not give in to your wrath, Maalik. Never rely on your anger. There is always a safer approach. Fortunately for you, you will never truly be alone. For as long as you may live, you will prioritize the safety of your loved ones, and that is admirable. I truly believe you can be an inspiration to those around you. So I thank you for your time, and I can only hope my words have been enough to change your future for the better."

"I require guidance." Markus was beginning to stutter. Two of the Oracle's guards walked towards him. But he wasn't finished, despite what the Oracle may have said. His voice began to raise. "Don't leave me out there! I require your guidance, this isn't enough to live by! Have you any idea how long I have waited?!"

She already turned her head away, unable to look at him any longer. The guards grabbed his arms and escorted him towards the exit. "You can't do this to me! I've killed hundreds, maybe thousands of men throughout my life, and I'm afraid to add anymore to that list! All you've done is insult me, and speak in riddles! What exactly am I supposed to do with that information?! Answer me, damn you!"

Suddenly, the Oracle looked back at him. She waved her arm and yelled at her guards. "Stop!"

The guards came to a halt, still holding Markus within their grasp. He looked at her, with both fear and rage in his eyes.

"You don't even realize that you've already proven my words to be truthful. Already, you've used your anger against me and my guards. This behavior is exactly what you must avoid, otherwise you will experience nothing but the worst torment and suffering any man could receive."

Before turning her back again permanently this time, she bid him farewell. "Live your life well, Maalik Seti."

Markus was taken outside despite his continued protests. Immediately, the doors to the temple were locked as no more visitors were allowed to enter. Markus still found it difficult to comprehend everything that had happened. It was impossible to hold back his own tears any longer as he yelled out of pure rage.

After this encounter, he felt tiny. Like a grain of sand in a desert, or a single drop of water in the ocean. Already, his long life has been exhausting. He's lived for nearly a thousand years now, but he's only just realizing the horrible and refined truth.

His life has only just begun.

A war raged on across the Greek world and he could not stand idly by. This is who he was meant to be. Not a spectator that hides and waits for results. No matter what the Oracle said, he refuses to believe that he is the monster she has painted him out to be.

This was an opportunity for him to rise away from his former self. There is a world out there for him to explore and experience. You only live once and it's up to you to make the most of it.

Despite not wanting to return to that life of violence, his wrath thought otherwise. He can add more kills to his list, as long as it was for the greater good. He'll become a hero that this world could look up to.

With his mind made up, Markus mounted his horse once more. His destination wasn't back to Attica, rather it was Sparta. Even if he must suffer more agonizing deaths, he's determined to end this war.

With the war resolved, there could finally be a time of peace and prosperity not just for him; but the whole world itself.

Violence is his solution towards securing the safety of those around him.

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Historical Notes:

Athens is one of the world's oldest cities to date. Originally constructed over three thousand years ago, it even had inhabitants living within the area nearly ten thousand years ago. Is it considered the birthplace of democracy.

Similar to the treatment of the Bubonic Plague's victims, those who were caught with the pestilence in Athens during 430 BCE were killed and put out of their misery. Corpses would be burnt in public streets as smoke polluted the air. As humanity tends to act throughout every pandemic, most decency and common kindness were abandoned. It was every man for himself. The ultimate test of sacrifice and survival.

Attica (Athens) in 418 BCE

Fun fact: Having large genitalia was viewed as an embarrassment in Ancient Greece. It was laughable. However, having smaller sized genitals was seen as a sign of intelligence and wisdom.

There were many Oracles stationed around the Greek nation that awaited visitors and travelers inside their temples. The Oracle of Delphi being the most 'popular' at the time. Many of these Oracles were put to the test to determine if they were legitimate. They were able to accurately predict the outcomes to conflicts, certain people's fates and offer strategic advice to general and commanders that helped them achieve victory.

In 560 BCE, the King of Lydia approached the Pythia in Delphi after she had passed his test. Before a massive confrontation between his army and another, he sought her advice. She told him if he crosses a river, a great Empire will be destroyed. When he attacked by launching his army over the river, the battle ended in his loss. It was his own Empire that fell, thus marking the Oracle's prediction to be true, but not in the way he had expected.

The last recorded prediction by the Oracle of Delphi was in 362 AD.

The Temple of Apollo

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