Bertha, always the knowledgeable one, decided to use the time on the flight to Athens to give Kyn a detailed history lesson about the city. She recognised Kyn was on the verge of completing his mission, which included transporting Gaia to Athens to deliver her message. However, one lingering question remained: was Athena still angry or resentful of Gaia?
As Bertha delved into Athens' rich history, she revealed details about the city's close relationship with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, courage, and war. She explained that Athena had been Athens' patron deity, revered as its protector and guardian. The city was named after her, and she was honoured for her wisdom and leadership.
Bertha continued her history lesson, telling the mythological story of Athena and Poseidon competing for the city's favour. She eagerly delved into the mythological story of how Athena's gift of the olive tree triumphed in a battle with Poseidon, establishing her as Athens' patron deity. She described the story as it unfolded, becoming lost in the details.
"In ancient Athens, there was a contest of divine proportions. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and Poseidon, the god of the sea, both claimed the city and sought its favour. The Athenians found themselves embroiled in a celestial conflict that would determine their city's fate. In the heart of the city stood a sacred rock, and both Athena and Poseidon were tasked with giving the Athenians a gift that would determine who would be the city's protector. Poseidon, with all his might, thrust his trident into the ground, causing a magnificent spring to spring forth. This spring was intended to represent the abundance of water and sea, a valuable gift.
But, in her wisdom, Athena bestowed a gift that would have an even greater impact on the lives of the Athenians. She planted an olive tree, which symbolises peace and prosperity. This tree provided not only food and oil, but also a consistent source of nourishment and light. Its leaves were used to crown winners in the ancient Olympic Games, representing honour and achievement.
The Athenians were wise enough to understand the significance of Athena's gift. They chose her as their patron deity and guardian, believing that the olive tree, with its symbolism of peace and wisdom, represented a more valuable blessing for their city. This decision tied Athens to Athena, creating a deep and lasting bond."
As Bertha told her story, it became clear how the olive tree, a symbol of peace and wisdom, had played an important role in shaping Athens' history and future. The group marvelled at the city's rich mythological tapestry while also pondering how this history might intersect with their current journey, except for the two Gaias who were busy puffing.
In the midst of the history lesson, Bertha couldn't help but wonder about the current state of Athena's feelings toward Gaia. Had the ancient goddess forgiven any past transgressions, or did she still hold a grudge? It was a question that weighed on their minds as they neared their destination.
As the Gulfstream G350 neared its destination, the captain's voice once again came over the intercom, alerting the passengers to the impending landing. With a tone of authority and reassurance, he declared:
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now preparing for our descent and landing in Athens. Please ensure that your seatbelts are securely fastened, your seatbacks and tray tables are in their upright positions, and all electronic devices are turned off. We kindly request that you return to your seats and prepare for landing. Our estimated time of arrival is approaching, and we want to ensure a smooth and safe landing. Thank you for choosing to fly with us, and we hope you have had a pleasant journey. Please follow the instructions of our cabin crew for a safe and comfortable landing."
With these instructions, the passengers settled into their seats, securing themselves for the upcoming landing. The anticipation of their arrival in Athens added an extra layer of excitement to their extraordinary journey, and they eagerly looked forward to their next adventure in the historic city.
The plane descended and touched down in Athens; it taxied along the runway before coming to a stop at a private hangar. The passengers inside the aircraft couldn't help but notice the sight that awaited them outside.
Lined up in formation were thirty men, each impeccably dressed in black suits. They stood with an air of authority and purpose. Behind them, a fleet of heavily armoured black SUVs, in this case, Toyota Land Cruisers fully plated with armour, waited in readiness.
Kyn's group exchanged amused glances, finding the sight somewhat comical given their unique set of skills and attributes. Kyn's overpowered gun, the divine abilities of the two goddesses, Chris's thief mastery, and Bertha's wisp attributes all seemed more than a match for this unexpected security detail.
The captain skilfully guided the Gulfstream G350 to park within the hangar, and the aircraft's engines powered down. As the group prepared to disembark, they couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this substantial security presence and what lay ahead in their journey through Athens. From there, they could see a 7ft Caucasian gentleman; behind him, the armada of men.
The massive man of Caucasian descent, with a physique that seemed sculpted by the Greek gods themselves, stood before the Gulfstream G350's door, ready to welcome the arriving team. The door was opened by the flight attendants, and within their eyes you could see their unease. Kyn was the first to descend, followed by the two goddesses. Seeing the group descending, the large man took a bow.
As If on cue, "Welcome to Athens, your grace; my name is Sir Bruce Watson, heir to the Athena's guard and protector of Athena's temple." The man welcomed them and introduced himself. With respect in his tone, he addressed Gaia as Her Highness, expressed his desire to welcome her, and apologised for the extravagant welcoming party.
Gaia was taken aback by the formal address and the presence of this guardian of Athens. Bruce extended a letter to her, a gesture that conveyed reverence and respect for the goddess and her importance.
"What's she up to, last I checked, I kind of set her up and ran," the two Gaias thought to themselves.
As Jasmine (Gaia) accepted Bruce's letter, the group watched with interest, wondering what it might contain and how it would influence the events of their journey in Athens. The unexpected encounter with the guardian of Athena had set a unique tone for their arrival in the historic city.
"Hey, Chris You never answered me, last I checked..." Just as the Wisp was about to finish, Chris, who was already sneaking away, took off sprinting into the crowd.