Winner of Panhellenic Games 2022 - Nermean Games

Order of the Apocryphe by mmmofongo

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Act I

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Death is part of life. It is an unending cycle; there must be life in order for there to be death, and death cannot happen without life.

But I can change that.

Many are the stories of an honorable, skillful medic who mastered the art of healing with such discipline that he was said to bring his patients back from the brink of death. With the sole touch of his scepter, any ailment would vanish in the blink of an eye, and every spirit would be snatched from the hands of the Underworld and rightfully returned into their lives. His prowess was revered in the land, and his knowledge unmatched.

However, a mortal with such power posed a threat to the well-known cycle of life. Driven with fury, Hades, ruler of the Underworld, petitioned his execution. Many say the doctor was slain, though honored with a place among the eighty-eight constellations. Others, however, claim the medic fled into a plane that was unknown even to the gods in the Olympus.

Though the constellation remains, I was never executed, nor did I flee. Resolved to soothe Hades' fury and set an end to our conflict, I dove myself in profound sleep with only the touch of my scepter. My slumbering body was retreated into the sea, where Cetus stored me away in a glass coffin and vowed to awaken me only each millenium. Unfortunately, over the course of the centuries, my scepter vanished from the ocean, presumably swept away with the waves, and was nowhere to be found.

As I reminisce in the story I've long been told, I can see in Cetus' teary gaze that she has omitted valuable information for my sake. I exhale slowly and readjust my glasses in another attempt to reason with her. The scepter is the source of my ultimate power; the key to my healing expertise. In this time and day, I need it more than anything.

-"I know you did it for my own sake"- I reassured, once again reminding her that I was aware of her good intentions -"I just need to know where it's hidden".

-"I can't tell you"- Cetus shook her head, her eyes still filled with tears -"You know how this is going to end. The Olympus, the Underworld, even the Atlantis will demand my head if I return you the scepter!".

-"I'll free you from any responsibility, Cetus"- I resolved, crestfallen. I knew Hades would want to keep such object hidden, cast away from my grasp -"I'm willing to be the criminal the gods have always deemed me to be... but I can't turn a blind eye to my duty".

-"And live on the run for the rest of your life?"- Cetus countered, her voice laced with indignation -"Watching your back every second because of the gods? Because of their selfishness?".

-"If it means protecting your integrity, then so be it"- I declared, determined. I couldn't risk endangering the only person who cared enough to protect me for so long -"Besides, it's not too different from what I did back in the day. I traveled the world, day and night, healing and resurrecting people".

-"Which is exactly what led to this very situation, Ophiuchus"- Cetus clenched her fists and closed her eyes -"Hades wants you dead. If he finds out you're up from your millenium sleep and alive, he'll do anything to make sure to get the job done. And if he gets to you this time, I... I wouldn't be able to deal with the guilt".

Silence followed. Cetus averted her gaze, while I shoved my handd into my pockets. We were everything each other had, but I was ready to take the blame in her stead. I was damned prepared to recover my scepter and feign ill intentions if it meant that, by separating, Cetus would be safe.

-"It didn't really disappear in the sea, did it?"- I asked, referring to my scepter. Cetus dedicated me a long, crestfallen stare before responding.

-"No"- was the only answer I received from Cetus before she crossed her arms and returned inside the house.

I let out a long, exasperated sigh and turned to gaze at the stars. There, across the raven mantle in the skies, my constellation radiated the brightest. Was healing individuals and saving them from the brink of death a selfish ambition? A sin, perhaps? What was wrong with saving lives?

Wasn't Hades himself rescued from the dark, terrifying guts of Chronos as well?

[ °• ௲ •° ]

The golden sunrays shone intensely through the house's windows. I stood in the kitchen, preparing a herbal remedy. Although I spent around two milleniums asleep, it seems I still haven't lost my practical skills.

-"Hey... good morning"- I heard Cetus' call from the kitchen's entrance. I turned with a smile that stretched immediately as soon as I saw her messed hair and baggy sleepwear.

-"Good morning"- I return the greeting, and, although she smiled, I could detect a negative look in her eyes. Regardless, I gestured to the plate of toasts on the table -"How did you sleep?".

-"Meh, I've had better nights"- Cetus plopped into a seat and dug into the first toast she grabbed.

Silence reigned as I finished preparing my medicine. I stored the concoction in one of Cetus' reused jars and threw away what was left of the herbs. I often found amusing how Cetus had adapted so well to the modern world and how she had convinced her acquaintances to form a sort of guild. The 'Order of the Apocryphe', I believe it was called.

It was her order that had, precisely, drawn Hades' attention upon her services. He requested to see Cetus as soon as she could visit the Underworld, though Cetus feared it might have to do with my awakening. However, she accepted, and, when asked about my scepter's whereabouts, our argument was produced.

-"I'm going to the Underworld today"- Cetus announced. I nodded, attempting reassurance when I showed a smile. Cetus pressed her lips together, not quite able to return the gesture.

-"I'll also tell you where your scepter is".

[ °• ௲ •° ]

Act II

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All along, I knew Cetus hid the true location of my scepter for my own good. I never imagined my suspicions would be correct.

My scepter was in the Underworld, under Hades' custody.

It seems that, after I induced myself into a millenial sleep, Hades somehow managed to soar the seas until coming across Cetus' dwelling. Agreeing to her pleas, he did not slaughter me under the sole condition of confiscating my scepter. Since then, my only tool to recover my dreadful abilities lies in the most decadent of realms.

My scepter was stored away in Hades' chambers, an abode adjacent to his throne. I accompanied Cetus well into the Acheron river, but parted ways before the boatman could notice me. I kissed her forehead goodbye and marched in the opposite direction, towards the Cocytus river. This was the last time I would ever see Cetus again, and although I would have wished to say more and spend more time at her side, I could not prolong my stay. I had a duty to fulfill and a promise to keep.

Battling tears, I followed Cetus' instructions to find my way into the Temple without being discovered. Amidst the cold, mysterious Styx Springs, I found the secret passage that would lead me directly into Hades' chambers. However, I couldn't just barge in, as I had to wait until Cetus had arrived at the throne room to head inside.

Concentrated in the sounds that surrounded me, I was finally able to confirm that, certainly, Hades had left his chambers, presumably to speak with Cetus. After ensuring he would not return soon, I finally entered in his abode.

Hades was, undoubtedly, a man of elegance. The entire room radiated of such. Touches of marble, gold and silver lined the walls and furniture. However, as I gazed across my surroundings, I couldn't locate my scepter. Of course, I figured the god of the Underworld wouldn't want to have such a powerful item in display, given its immense capabilities.

I stepped around the room sensing the walls and furniture in seek of anything that could perhaps give away my scepter's hiding. Finally, my fingers came across a sort of switch that revealed a display of treasures salvaged behind one of the walls. Amidst them lay my golden scepter in all its gentle, though menacing glory. Smiling pridefully, I fixed my glasses and reached for the tool; my most intimidating weapon.

As soon as my hand came in contact with the scepter, a snowy, intense light surged from within the tool and filled every corner of Hades' chambers. I gripped the scepter tightly, sensing its power coursing through my body. I could feel my strength being restored and revitalized, and my extensive knowledge renewed.

At last, I had recovered my scepter.

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Word had reached me that Hades required my immediate assistance. I clenched my fists, believing his summoning to be nothing but a lure. However, it involved Cetus, and, as I had long vowed, I couldn't deny my duties to anyone who needed me. I couldn't abandon Cetus a second time.

This time, I sat in the boat that would cross the Acheron river into the gates of the Underworld, accompanied by Hermes and the passionate hymn renditioned by Charon. I held my scepter firmly, albeit shamelessly after what I'd done. Months ago, Cetus sat in this very boat as I took a different route to reclaim my scepter, which, of course, shook the Underworld from its foundings.

For months, I traveled day and night, fleeing Hades' iron hand. In my quest, I never once turned down a request to heal anyone who needed it, all the while avoiding the myriads of the Underworld. Yet here I was; heading directly into the lion's den. I repeated myself that it was for Cetus, to reinforce the promise of protection I'd made her.

Cerberus growled, infuriated upon recognizing me. Mustering every bit of courage, I ignored the beast's intimidation attempts and followed Hermes through the gates of the Underworld. In the distance, I devised the Styx Springs, through which I once hiked in search of Hades' chambers. However, when I least expected, we arrived at Hades' imponent, majestic temple.

Hermes led me quietly through the dark corridors until reaching the throne room. In contrast with Hades' chambers, the throne room evoked a sense of desolation. Torches lined the dark walls, adorned with golden curtains, whereas the throne seats appeared to have been built upon the skulls and bones of fallen mortals. A little disturbed, I reaffirmed my grip on my scepter in case anyone attempted to snatch it.

-"Lord"- Hermes spoke -"I have brought the medic, as requested".

Hades peered from across the wide, ample room and stood behind one of the enormous windows that led to the balcony. His amber gaze, though severe, revealed a hint of sorrow. Without mustering a word, Hades nodded and turned, allowing us to accompany him.

My heart nearly dropped as soon as I stepped into the balcony. Cetus lied unconscious on a bed of shells and conches. Her skin, once tanned, now seemed pale and lifeless. I battled tears as I knelt to her side and clutched one of her limp hands. It was freezing, as I feared.

-"When did this happen?"- I asked, devastated. My heart wrenched at the sight of the woman I loved in such state -"How did this happen?".

-"Thanatos..."- Hades replied quietly -"He rebelled two days ago. He... stole Cetus' soul in an act of sheer vengeance. I believe it's withheld within Pandora's box".

I glared at Hades, who remained unfazed. For milleniums, he despised my power, deprived me of my only source of aid, and requested my head. He insisted the cycle of life and death must not be tampered with. Now, he expected me to use my healing in his favor?

-"You're nothing but a hypocrite"- I spat, infuriated. I turned to Cetus again and shook my head. I would only do this for her.

-"This isn't for me"- Hades reiterated -"I don't agree with you in the slightest bit, but I'm willing to contradict my beliefs as long as it means helping the only person I care about".

-"You wouldn't care for Cetus more than any of us"- I retorted, referring to the Order of the Apocryphe. I heard Hades inhale deeply, but paid no mind to his displease. Instead, I extended my scepter above Cetus to activate its resurrecting properties. I exhaled, quite nervous for that matter.

But I lowered the scepter, aiming to touch Cetus' heart in hopes of returning her to life.

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