Atlas the Titan: ~Return to Glory~

© 2004 by Khary K. Williams. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

ISBN: 1-4140-5253-7 (e-book)

ISBN: 1-4140-5251-0 (Paperback)

ISBN: 1-4140-5252-9 (Dust Jacket)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2003099491

This book is printed on acid free paper.

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, IN

IstBooks-rev. 12/23/03

Contents

Act 1

Act 2

Act 3

Act 4

Act 5

Act 6

Act 7

Act 8

Act 9

Act 10

Act 11

Act 12

Act 13

Act 14

Act 15

Act 16

Act 17

Act 18

Act 19

Act 20

Act 21

Act 22

Act 23

Act 24

Act 25

Act 26

Act 27

Act 28

Act 29

Act 30

Act 31

Act 32

Act 33

Act 34

Act 35

Act 36

Act 37

Act 38

Act 39

Act 40

Act 41

Act 42

Act 43

Act 44

Act 45

Act 46

Act 47

Act 48

Act 49

Act 50

Act 51

Act 52

Act 53

Act 54

Act 55

Act 56

Act 57

Act 58

Act 59

Act 60

Act 61

Act 62

Act 63

Act 64

Act 65

Act 66

Act 67

Act 68

Act 69

Act 70

Act 71

Act 72

Act 73

Act 74

Act 75

Act 77

Act 78

Act 79

Act 80

Act 81

Act 82

Act 83

Act 84

Act 85

Act 86

Act 87

Act 88

Act 89

Act 90

Act 91

Act 92

Act 93

Act 94

Act 95

Act 96

Act 97

Act 98

Act 99

Act 101

Act 102

Act 103

Act 104

Act 105

Act 106

Act 107

Act 108

Act 109

Act 110

Act 111

Act 112

Act 113

Act 114

Act 115

Act 116

Act 117

Act 118

Act 119

Act 120

Act 121

Act 122

Act 123

Act 124

Act 125

Act 126

Act 127

Act 128

Act 129

Act 130

Act 131

Act 132

Act 133

Act 134

Act 135

Act 136

Act 137

Act 138

Act 139

Act 140

Act 141

Act 142

Act 143

Act 144

Act 145

Act 146

Act 147

Act 148

Act 149

Act 150

Act 151

Act 152

Act 153

Act 154

Act 155

Act 156

Act 157

Act 158

Act 159

Act 160

Act 161

Act 162

Act 163

Act 164

Act 165

Act 166

Act 167

Act 168

Act 169

Act 170

Act 171

Act 172

Act 173

Act 174

Act 175

Act 176

Prologue

From out of the myriad of mythological darkness, birthed two ambient, intelligent, amoebas that matured into powerful ideologies. From the same embryo, spawned two universal forces-chaos and order.

Chaos and Order have spun their web across the universe creating and filling the void of infinite space. These two philosophical embodiments spent eons dreaming up their realities into existence. Once everything was set into motion, chaos and order remain to be ever present in any situation or predicament, no matter how minute.

The two embodiments merged one last time. And for that brief moment they created what is called-Life.

Life as they had predicted, spun into it’s own complex clandestine matrix, bringing about all types of possibilities and impossibilities. On earth, a multitude of realities exist all around.

Among the many heavens, spectral planes, astral planes, limbo, and the despicable hells, focus lies within the Greek mythos because of the extreme changes that are about to take place in a primarily nonchalant plane of existence.

Within this reality, the Titans ruled the world for many centuries before their incredibly powerful children took the mantle of leadership. A huge war erupted between the two races allowing this battle to carry on for decades until finally, Zeus, with his vast power, managed to briefly unite his two brothers, Poseidon and Hades.

The three of them forged the famous Titan Stone. This artifact was forged out of the personal weapons that represent the individual deity’s power. From Zeus came the shield of Aegis, with the ability to cast fear into anyone standing near it. Poseidon donated the second artifact, merging it into the stone was his golden trident, with the ability to create earthquakes and tidal waves. The last article of the Titan Stone belongs to Hades, ruler of the Underworld. His Horn of the Misbegotten has the power to call upon the services of the dead.

With these three artifacts fused together, the Titan Stone has become an object of interest that was powerful enough to take control of the Titans (those who survived) and force them into the Caverns of Shame, underneath Mount Olympus. Here, the remaining forces of that race remain frozen in time, for the prophesized day that they will return.

Now that the gods have formed a new order, the world has long forgotten the massive Titans. Although, there are some Titans that have not forgotten the defeat served to them by the gods. Atlas is one of them. Zeus’ punishment for Atlas, is to have him spend all of eternity in Tarterus holding the earth while he has to endure watching the deities rewrite a new world and his brother Prometheus, live among them.

Many years of jealousy for his brother, and hatred for the gods, have brewed to a point where Atlas has not only planned his escape, but he has underlined motives to take back what was once his-ruling the world!

Retribution and Revelations

Act 1

The story takes place deep within the smoke filled, dark red and orange blazing background of the underworld called, Tartarus. Here lie the creatures and men who were not worthy of redemption or judgment. Beings of all kinds exist either in torment, self-delusion, or even in ongoing battles that produce no victor. Directly within the middle of all the chaos, on top of a hill, a huge dark-skinned, giant of a man stands effortlessly, holding a large round sphere. The sphere dimly glows of white and yellow radiance, as though it is alive. The behemoth that is holding the object grimaces in pain every time the sphere begins to glow with energy. Tiny beads of sweat accumulate and run down the man’s baldhead and battle scarred back. His every hair tingles with energy while an angry sensation crosses his mind.

Atlas: I, Atlas the Titan, should not be compromised in such a way. Tis not fitting for one as powerful as I, blood linked to Chronos and Rhea, to fulfill a demeaning punishment as to bare the weight of the world upon my shoulders! Though an easy task to perform, I hold no other freedom but to this bothersome chore. Much time has passed since that fateful day. During the battle between the Titans and the deities, Zeus banished me from the surface world into this dismal environment. It still burns in my bosom as though it were yesterday.

(Flashes back)

The hills and valleys of the earth were torn asunder. The skies turned black with the fury of the war. Across the land, bodies of dead Titans are strewn as far as the eye can see. Lightning bolts, fire, and boulders fly through the air hitting every single thing that moves on either side of the battle. On the fore front…

Atlas: (holding a huge club) Prometheus, the time has come! Be joined with us or die with yon puny gods!

Prometheus: "No, brother. My decision hath been made. Our time has been met. We hath squandered the gifts handed down to us by Father Time! Zeus promises to bring a new order!

A new way to live in the world. Change must occur-for all!"

He says passionately.

Atlas: So be it, brother! (Slamming the club across the head of Prometheus) Watch as the gods perish at our might! Come my brothers, the battle has been joined! Onward to Olympus! He says leading his side of the battle.

(Then a loud booming sound snaps Atlas out of his daydream)

Atlas: By Kronos’ beard!

He notices a war raging in the far background of his position. In his line of sight, that sound came from lord Hades castle. Flames explode from within and in moments, many flying creatures emerge from the flames.

Loud noises of all kind protrude from the castle as intruders from the west, in large overwhelming masses, try to over take the structure.

Atlas: Have merriment with yon war Hades, for thy reign shall not succeed any further. He smiles.

(Then turning his head from disinterest, Atlas flashes back into his private thoughts)

Atlas: To battle! He commands.

Before Atlas’ command can be followed through, two bolts from the sky separates Atlas from his army. He notices Zeus floating down on a cloud, glowing with power.

Atlas: Zeus. He says angrily.

Zeus: Yon ways come to an end, titan. Thus thou claim over the earth shall go in infamy! And with that, Zeus throws down a huge lightning bolt at Atlas’ back sending him crashing into his titanic men.

With another bolt, the ground splits asunder and with a wave of his hand, great winds blow the entire platoon into the crevasse.

His men scream in horror, begging for mercy.

Zeus: I say thee nay! Mercy shall not pass across the lips of such scoundrels! Let the underworld welcome you with a milk filled bosom, for the devils shall not soil the earth again. Hermes, to my side.

And like a swift wind…

Hermes: At thee service, sire. Kneeling before his lord.

Zeus: Be swift, my child. Swift as though all the pillars of Olympus depend upon thy parchment to be delivered to my dark brother.

Hermes: Lord Hades?

Zeus: Aye. The punishment of Atlas.

(Shaking his head out of his private thoughts, he now pays attention on his current situation.)

Atlas: The rest is a blur. Banished from the surface world, and carried over the River Styx. Transported to my current dilemma.

He glances over to Lord Hades castle. From between the beads of sweat, a smile creeps across his face. To escape, he knows what he has to do and who must be a part of his plan.

Act 2

Olympus, home of the Greek gods. All is serene and tranquil-for now. Within the temple of Zeus, the father of the gods…

Apollo: Sire, revel of good cheer it is a new day. He says with open arms.

Zeus: (with a bit of sarcasm) I hath time to be full of cheer much later, my son. Grave matters weigh me heavily. He stands up from his throne.

Apollo: Sire, if my words are not appropriate, I shall return another time.

Zeus: My apologies, sun god. We hath time for frivolity and merriment later. Please fetch Athena, I seek her audience.

Apollo: Yes, sire. Bowing in respect.

Moments later, Athena, goddess of wisdom and combat, glides in on a huge white owl.

Athena: All hail Zeus, Monarch of Olympus! What is yon request sire? She bows to him in respect.

Zeus: Rise my child. I seek wisdom in an upcoming battle that shall shake the very foundation of Olympus itself. Your wisdom is incomparable. He says as he walks toward a huge glowing table with little figurines that represents all of Greece.

Athena: Sire, who shall I ask is the intended foe?

Zeus: The enemy hath yet to reveal himself. Although I feel a shimmer of power throughout the heavens, for the foe shall be a titan!

Act 3

Tartarus. Here, restless souls continue an ongoing tradition of torturing themselves and other poor miscreants.

With all the chaos, in the middle of the battling dead, we find… Atlas.

Keeping up with his everlasting punishment of holding up the world.

Atlas: By all that is eternal, I must escape this plane of existence! Or rule over it. My everlasting strength does not support my existence here in this chaotic world. Only on the surface, shall my strength return to full glory. Atlas quietly thinks to himself, Kronos¹ beard! It shames me to ponder such thoughts. If I escape from my peril, I must align myself with forces beyond my power, and get my revenge on mighty Zeus! Out loud, he shouts; Lord Hades! I call upon thy help! I ask for thou audience!

With a flash of brilliance, and an explosion of flame, a tall dark-skinned man with bulging muscles and scantly dressed ripped leathers steps forward. He drops his shield and takes off his helmet of war. Handsome features and dripping sweat, takes the place of fear and evil.

Atlas: Hades! He says alarmed.

Hades: Thou called upon my name. It hath better be of importance, titan.

Atlas: Yes milord. Tis’ a matter of life and death.

Hades: Yes, titan. Yon life, and death. He says laughing. Atlas grimaces.

Hades: What is it thou seek?

Atlas: Freedom.

Hades: Ah, I foresaw this moment. Verily, that is a costly gift. Art thou worthy? He says forming a flaming blade from his hand and putting it to Atlas’ neck.

Atlas: I am worthy milord.

Hades: Aye. Prove thou mettle to me. If victory is within thou grasp, freedom shall be at hand. Now is the time for renewal. A baptism of fire! Hades says as he raises his hands with a mighty wave.

Searing fire consumes the entire realm. Ceasing all activity and on goings within his world. The demon war within his castle instantly stops. The River Styx freezes in motion. All the while a blazing white fire surrounds the two colossal figures. When they emerge…

Atlas: "Kronos¹ beard! I am no longer present in Tarterus! I no longer hold the world! I… I am free!! Ha, Ha, Ha, haaah!!! Atlas says as he falls down to his knees and rejoices.

Hades: Hold yon merriment, titan. The journey to prove your loyalty has just begun. He says with burning eyes and a stern voice.

Act 4

The Elysian Fields. Aside from Tartarus, this dimensional haven is the resting place for all honorable souls. The only place in the Greek mythology that is truly peaceful and serene. Great heroes and beautiful maidens alike, rest here in eternal bliss. Fields of green grass and bubbling brooks litter the environment along with the smell of fresh picked roses. This day unfortunately, peace comes to an end.

A tall muscular woman dressed in beaten leather, stands before a well that displays images. Images of immortal figures. Aepola: My love! I see trouble in thou bosom, but please do not ally with such a fiend. That is not the way to my heart. For I, Aepola beseech thee to listen to my plea! For I love you! Aepola, the massive titan’s one true love, cries and her tears fall into the well of eternity.

Act 5

Among the tallest mountains of Greece sits Olympus, fabled home of the gods. Here home and hearth can be compared to none other. Similar to many different paradises, this mythological environment spins with wonder and imagination every day. Although now, the time has changed from serenity to turmoil, Zeus, king of the gods, has called counsel with his family of deities. Zeus stands side by side with his tall and alluring wife, Hera. The two are within the Hall of Greatness where all their audience sits in a surrounding arena.

Zeus: "My loyal subjects, audience must be met! Time hath come for the gods to again change the course of time! Only moments ago, wise Athena foresaw grave events that hath potential to shake the very pillars of Olympus itself! For the very thought creates uncontrollable rage to thy bosom, but I say thee nay! Now is not the time for such outbursts. Athena and I hath discovered through the Fates, the

Titans will rise again!" He says with enormous thunder and the clouds grow dark in the sky.

A loud gasp washed across the lesser gods, with some facial expressions showing fear.

Hera: My children! Take heed! We must set aside our petty differences and unite! My husband devised a scheme that will ensure our victory! She says vigorously.

The gods start to clap and applaud a foreseen victory. The clouds go back to their calm, dormant state. As Zeus starts to unravel his unique plan, a figure in shadow, outside the Hall of Greatness, ponders and cracks a thin evil smile.

Act 6

Hades: To pledge thou loyalty to me, thou must perform minor deeds to gain your freedom from your everlasting punishment my detestful brother has placed upon thy head. Hades says waving his hand, revealing the first of many tests.

Atlas: A maze of shrubbery?

Hades: The Maze of Lost Souls! Prepare thyself for certain doom! If survival is achieved, thy next challenge will gain thy freedom and revenge thou lust after!!

As Atlas enters the maze, he looks back for one last glimpse and notices the entrance has vanished!

Act 7

Hundreds of feet beneath Mount Olympus lie the Caverns of Shame. The survivors of the war are strewn about these cavern walls unconscious and motionless.

While on Mount Olympus, a very large white eagle sits on Zeus’ throne in his absence. The animal looks strangely into a void of space just a few paces ahead of where it is seated. It cocks its head back twice as though it was laughing and then it takes off, flying through the void as though it hadn’t existed. From any average viewpoint, the void displays images of the titans, starting to awaken and stir.

Act 8

Atlas: Magic and gimmickry. I have no time for such things! He says as he thinks to himself.

Alas, no ordinary shrubbery stands before mine eyes. As a babe, I have heard many tales told of this hellish place. Souls that were lost over the countless millennia-such fabled stories ever bring a chill to Atlas’ bones. Bah! I believe not.. Cut off in mid thought, he is startled by a ghoulish experience.

Before the mighty titan, stands a 10-foot tall human warrior with pale skin and ghoulish features. His visage fades in and out as Atlas’ eyes strain to concentrate on the figure before him. The spirit slowly fades away only to reappear closer than before.

Atlas: Aye, creature. Alas, the battle you seek shall be fulfilled. Have at thee, foul one!

Atlas swings wildly at the apparition, only to discover that his blows cleave harmlessly through the air. The apparition blinks in and out, spiraling around the super strong titan.

Atlas: This is maddening! Ghosts must not burden me any further. Saying that, Atlas slams both hands together, creating a wind vortex strong enough to remove the apparition and the entire Maze of Shrubbery out of sight!

Hades:(smiling) Impressive.

With an overconfident stride, Atlas marches through the ghost infested area casually swatting aside each apparition until he witnesses a strangely familiar image. Boiling out of the River of Styx, Atlas stares at a ghostly image chained down by the neck and arms, with his face!

Atlas: Kronos’ beard! It’s my life force! (Turning to Hades) Devil! What have thou done with my essence?" He says shaking his fist.

Hades: I present yon life energies to you for the taking, if you dare withstand another challenge! Hades says as he waves his arm, revealing the enormous behemoth, Cerberus!

Act 9

Within the mighty domain called Olympus, a dark stormy region emits a certain type of violence that can corrupt any mortal spirit. The catalyst for this is Ares, god of war. Materializing within his bleak temple domain, surrounded by two-headed guard dogs and vultures, his yellow eyes burn bright with menacing thoughts.

Ares: (Thinking to himself) Zeus! The bastard himself doth ponder grand schemes only to lose the brewing war! All schemes will transcend quite well, if Ares hath his way! The father of the gods cannot mask his true intensions for long. His worries contain more than just the Titans, however I risk discovery should I reveal my plans to soon. The Fates hold the true outcome to the pending war and I must be on the correct side.

(Saying out loud) If their Cave of Threads holds the truth, then I will use all means necessary to possess it first! He says with a devious smile on his battle-scarred face, as he disappears into thin air.

Act 10

Somewhere between Tartarus and the ethereal plane, Hades entertains himself by putting Atlas to extreme tests in order for him to prove his loyalty.

Atlas: Hades, you scoundrel! Must I vanquish your timid beast to reclaim my life force? Verily then, I say to thee cub of cubs, have at thee! Atlas yells as he jumps on the back of Cerberus, trying to tame the great beast. Cerberus howls several times, spinning around in circles using each one of its heads to bite the titan. Atlas holds onto his back with a ferocious grip, pulling fur and hide, literally off Cerberus’ back. Cerberus howls continuously, while Atlas repeatedly beats the monster on his middle head, causing the massive head to fall lifelessly. Suddenly, the creature’s body bucks Atlas off its back, having him land awkwardly in front of the two angry sets of drooling jaws.

Hades: Excellent titan, excellent! He roars out loud.

Atlas: (Holding both heads at bay) Hold thy tongue death god! I need not an audience to provide more bravado whilst I do battle!

Picking up the animal almost effortlessly, Atlas tosses him to the side causing a tremendous thud upon a steam-covered ground. With the middle head presumed dead, the Cerberus reacts wildly once it recovers it’s footing. The monstrous creature runs full steam at the titan, jumping at him jaws wide open to devour him.

Atlas: By Kronos’ beard! He says in surprise.

Cerberus lands successfully, devouring the titan with its massive jaw.

Hades: Ha, Ha! Can it be said Cerberus feasts well this day? How will a titan aid me in conquering the surface world when thou is nothing more than badly digested meat in Cerberus’ belly?

Before the creature can start chewing it’s new found meal, slowly Cerberus’ jaws pry open.

Atlas: (Bleeding and scarred)"I say thee nay! I… Atlas, will not yield… I know not defeat!

The jaws pry open a bit further, then, with a terrific roar.

Atlas: Aauughhh!!

With all his might, Atlas breaks free from Cerberus’ jaw, snapping it in two. Atlas falls to his knees breathing hard, but feeling victorious. As he catches his breath, he is surprised to see an impending shadow growing over his shoulder. He turns to view his upcoming doom, and sees the last pair of jaws engulf him one last time.

Hades: (Still laughing) By the River Styx! What a melee! My beautiful pet is quite famished.

Cerberus smacks his lips in content, feeling the digested meat slide down to his enormous abdomen. Weak and tired, the battle-driven beast shakes its only live head, whimpering in pain. Sadly mistaken, the whole body starts to throb with body wracking blows, lord Hades pet is confused as well as stricken with non-stop, thundering hits from the strongest titan of them all! Before Cerberus can even stand with his full belly of food, he is ripped in half, from the inside out!

Atlas: Thou art undone… creature! He says limping out from the side of the beast’s belly.

Hades: "Bravo, bravo, well done titan! Alas, I should thrash thee for destroying my favorite pet, but never the less, thy victory hath been earned.

Now let us away, for the test of a lifetime is pending."

Atlas: (Tired and confused)Mad little death god, what lies beyond for me?

Hades: (Simply bringing Cerberus back to life, with a wave of his hand) The final task shall usher eternal freedom within yon grasp.

Atlas: What task must I perform?

Hades: Thy great strength must capture a demigod.

Atlas: Verily and verily again. A superior challenge of my power. He says as he flexes his muscles.

Hades: "Aye, a titan with bravado. That is a necessity to rule the surface world. (He says as he reveals through his cape, a vision of the surface.) Both the death god and the titan look upon a grassy field where a familiar man dressed in small toga and golden braces, slumbers upon the meadows without a care in the world.

Atlas: Doth that bearded man deceive mine eyes? He asks excitedly.

Hades: "Aye. The next task is to defeat and capture the son of Zeus.

Atlas: So be it.

Act 11

Outside the golden gates of Olympus, stand dozens of deities some familiar to the eye, as well as those who have never been seen before.

Some mounted on horses, others on objects or animals that pertain to their designated station in life. Mighty Hera, beloved wife of Zeus, hold a private discussion paces away from the other gods.

Hera: Beloved, thou mood is one of solemnity. How can I be of service? She says gently taking his hand.

Zeus: "Ever loving Hera, gentle as the eastern winds. My burden weighs heavy this day. For the world is in peril and the grave changes determine our existence. Aye, Hera, lest for the moment be silent. Let our actions merit from our royal standings. Leadership must never waiver.

Suddenly, Zeus’ favored pet, a large white eagle lands on his shoulder, delivering news that opens his eyes just a little wider.

Holding Hera’s hand they both turn and quickly address