F O U R

Eleena fell asleep due to exhaustion and stress. As soon as they went back to Apollo’s house, she went to bed and slept. Apollo peeked at her and when he made sure that she’s safe, he went to the dining table where the other three gods were. 

“What brought you here, Ares?” He asked as soon as he sat. 

Ares smirked but Artemis and Apollo watched him with wariness while Hermes was just silently listening beside Artemis. 

“Can’t I meet the destroyer of the world?” Ares took an apple and even moaned when he bitten a piece. “This is sweet. Demeter must have been in the good mood when she produced this.” He even nodded at the other gods as if he’s asking for their agreement. 

“We had an agreement, Ares. You can’t hurt Eleena until we discover what made her special.” Apollo said with full seriousness but Ares kept his attention to the apple.

“Even Athena is not certain if we did the right thing. She has the wisdom, after all.” Ares’s tone is resentful before he glanced at Apollo then at Artemis. 

“Are you suggesting that we should end Eleena now?” Artemis asked but Ares just shrugged. 

“No one will lay a hand on her. I had Zeus’s permission to protect her while finding out the reason why she’s the destroyer.” Apollo said through gritted teeth before he hashly stood. The three gods followed him with their eyes. 

“Like I said earlier, she has strengths like us.” Apollo looked at Artemis and she’s looking at him seriously. 

“Are you sure she’s a mortal? I’ve seen her ability, Apollo.” Hermes said worriedly so Apollo’s eyes averted away from them. Even he is not certain of Eleena’s ability. 

“That was what Delphi showed me. A mortal who will destroy the world.” Apollo said with uncertainty that caused Ares to chuckle. 

“Now you’re doubting your oracle.” He commented. Apollo turned to him and looked at him deadly but it was nothing to Ares. 

“Just leave if you don’t have anything good to do and say.” Apollo pointed to the door. Artemis and Hermes just stayed quiet knowing that Apollo is now irritated which is a rare scene to see. 

Ares stood and looked at Apollo with mockery. He clicked his tongue while shaking his head before he smirked at Apollo. 

“Do not get yourself attached to the destroyer, Apollo.” He even patted his chest before he left. 

Apollo sat in annoyance as he glared at the door. Artemis just patted his shoulder to help him calm down. 

“Ares really has that effect.” Hermes commented before he disappeared like a smoke. Artemis followed soon after. 

Apollo was left thinking about Eleena. It was a mystery for him and for everyone why a mortal will destroy the world. Eleena looks like a weak girl with her small frame and short stature. She also shed tears easily so Apollo kept thinking how can a girl like her cause destruction. His oracle just showed him Eleena’s face then the world exploding as if a volcano erupted. Apollo’s certain that Eleena is special so he convinced the other gods to not kill her right away but now he’s having doubts. 

“What if I was wrong?” He asked himself before glancing at the room where Eleena is sleeping. 

Apollo stood and slowly walked towards the room. He took his sword on his way. He carefully opened the door to not wake Eleena. She’s still asleep and Apollo thought that it’s better to kill her now that she’s sleeping. She cannot bear to look into her round eyes while beheading her. She looks peaceful while asleep and while staring at her, Apollo’s hold to his sword loosen. 

“You must have been tired.” He whispered while watching Eleena. “I know you didn’t want all of this but you’re still the destroyer, Eleena.” He held his sword tightly then took a deep breath. 

“She’s not innocent, Apollo. She might destroy the world later or tomorrow so you cannot let her live.” He told himself before he aimed the sword at Eleena’s neck. 

His hands were trembling so he held the sword tighter. He’s trying to remember the world ending so he can have the motivation to kill Eleena. He has to sacrifice her and his conscience in order to save the many. With his eyes closed, he aimed at Elena’s neck and thrusted the sword towards it but he didn’t feel any flesh ripping so he opened his eyes and saw Eleena standing on the other side of the bed surprised and panting. 

Apollo was surprised too. Now he believes that Eleena has strengths like gods. He was certain that Eleena was asleep but she still managed to know that he’s about to behead her. Eleena glared at Apollo and he dropped his sword when her eyes started to turn black. Eleena breathed faster and angrily as she stared at Apollo. She doesn’t know what’s happening to her. All she sees is black as if she’s just sleeping. She doesn’t have control of her body. 

“Eleena.” Apollo called but Eleena didn’t listen and slowly walked around the bed and towards him. 

Apollo quickly took his sword and aimed it at her but Eleena doesn’t seem to be scared at him. Her eyes are now pitch black and she’s growling angrily. 

“How weak, Apollo.” Her voice became deep. Apollo clenched his teeth as he watched Eleena. He doesn’t have an idea as to what is happening but he’s certain that the person in front of her is not Eleena. 

“You’re gonna kill this girl in her sleep?” Eleena smirked and tilted her head as if mocking the god. Because of what Eleena said, Apollo thought that she’s possessed but he doesn’t know by what or by who. He can’t think properly as Eleena might do something so his attention is all on her. 

“Who are you?” Apollo asked through gritted teeth as he watched her intently.

Eleena laughed with her deep voice before she crossed her arms and smirked at Apollo. 

“You will know soon.” Eleena took a step forward and didn’t mind the end of the sword slowly stabbing her neck. Blood quickly rushed out of her neck so Apollo quickly backed away because Eleena kept advancing. He looked at her worriedly as she’s already bleeding but he didn’t do anything as he’s still confused.

“Apollo.” He looked at Eleena. She wiped the blood using her point finger then she licked it while still looking at Apollo. His brows met at what Eleena did but he knows it is not the real Eleena who’s he talking with. 

“You cannot hurt this little girl. You will need her to meet me.” Eleena smirked before her eyes returned to their normal state. 

Apollo was surprised at the sudden change but he was quick when Eleena collapsed and he caught her in his arms. Eleena is so pale and her eyes are tired while beads of sweat started to form in her forehead. 

“You’re burning.” Apollo said as he felt how hot Eleena is. She still cannot grasp what’s happening to her. She can’t even feel anything and seeing Apollo worried didn’t help her. She’s worried as well and confused. 

Apollo quickly put her to bed and when he was about to leave, he saw bruises starting to show in Eleena’s arms and legs. Her neck is still bleeding, which made him worry more. He sat beside her and looked at Eleena’s eyes but they’re closing already. Apollo slightly patted her cheek to keep her from losing consciousness but he failed. He groaned in annoyance before leaving. He cannot bear seeing Eleena in that state as if she’s dead already.