Apollo & Cassandra (#rewindtheclassics22)

Fame...

"What would you do if you were famous?"

Cassandra stopped writing and tapped her chin with her pen. "I have no idea... Maybe pay off my student loans?"

I chuckled and folded my arms on the table. Over the course of the past few weeks, she had been focused on her songs. She had an important concert coming up, one that would give her a passing or failing mark.

"That's all? What would you do if you walked down the street and people recognized you?"

She shifted with a shrug, suddenly shy. "I guess I never thought about it. Being famous is, well, for the famous."

"What if it's for you too?" She frowned and I reached for her hands. "Take it from someone who knows, you have real talent, Cassandra. The world deserves to know your name."

Cassandra stared at our hands, her lips pursed. "It's a nice dream but I don't think–"

"I can make it happen," I blurted.

She pulled her hands away, eyes flaring with suspicion. "What do you mean?"

Looking back at that moment, telling her the truth was probably the worst thing I could do. But once I started speaking, I couldn't stop. As gods, love was a strong word. Falling for a human was bound to happen, but it came with a cost. Not even Hyacinthus was spared. Cassandra would not be either.

And yet, Cassandra had hypnotized me. Made me feel like maybe I was more human than I bothered to acknowledge. That should have scared me, but staring into those brown orbs that melted my soul, I wasn't thinking of the consequences. I wanted to give her the world. I just happened to be in a position to give it to her.

When I exhausted my speech, the room was eerily silent. Not even the clock on the wall ticked. Everything was muffled as I stared at Cassandra. At some point through my illustrious confession, her eyes had glossed over, and she fixated on a spot above my head. A war shattered the glass in those eyes as she tried to comprehend–and believe–what I had just shared with her. She would believe, did believe.

When confronted with the truth humans always started with denial and anger. They were taught to believe in faith and religion, yet their minds refused the truth when faced with proof.

"Cass?"

Her name sounded uncertain, harsh on my tongue. I reached forward. She leaned away, her face twisting into anger.

"Is this some kind of sick joke?" she demanded.

Never before had I heard such venom in her tone. I flinched. Perhaps I should have been mad at the way she spoke to me, an Olympian, but the venom was potent.

"You know it is not."

Cassandra chewed on her bottom lip. Wrung her hands. Stood and paced. Sat down and stared at me. Stood again with a frown.

I waited.

In the days we were worshipped, such encounters weren't unusual. But with the rise of one particular religion, our presence has faded into myths and legends.

"So, the man I've been dating for months, is actually the Greek god Apollo. Like the god of the sun, justice...?"

"And music, healing, prophecy, dance, also the most beautiful–" I cleared my throat at her withering look "–yes. I am that god."

Cassandra slumped into her chair again, dragging a trembling hand through her curls. "Why?"

I frowned. "Why what?"

"Why me? You could have your pick of anyone in the world."

"You give yourself too little credit."

I stood, moved around the table to crouch before her. She tensed like a rabbit caught in a corner but didn't shy away when I placed a hand on her knee.

"I am the god of music. I see a bright light within you, Cassandra. You have a talent that surpasses anyone in this generation."

"So, you like me for my musical talent?"

"No... Well, it was what drew me to you in the beginning, yes," I admitted, "but you are so much more. It has been a very long time since I've met anyone like you. If I can help you foster your talent like you have helped me, then our love will flourish."

More silence engulfed us. She stared at me, words escaping her. But humans craved whatever we offer. No matter how pious they may appear, our allure always drew them in.

Cassandra's uncertainty cracked and rays of dreams seeped through. With the gift of prophecy, I saw what her life would be like, should she accept. It was filled with glory, recognition and comfort. Cassandra would never want for anything. And I'd be by her side.

"Fame, huh?" I nodded, and she tapped her fingers against the table. "What's the catch?"

"There is no catch," I shrugged. "All I ask is that you love me as you have these past few months."

"Well, if you truly are who you say you are, and you pull this off, then I think that could be arranged," she smiled.

It was another precious moment I'd cherish and lose. 

****

Word Count: 3,047

I think it's time to dig a little deeper into the god Apollo! My favourite of all the Olympians :D

He is considered one of the most important and influential Greek gods. His profile is vast and does cover everything from the sun, to diseases and health, to music and prophecy. He is often depicted as an ideal image for a Greek youth (kouros). This means he's young, clean-shaven and athletic.

Fun fact: even though the Greek gods and goddesses were imagined in the likeness of humans, Apollo is actually the only god who is the "most Greek." This connection made him incredibly popular in ancient Greece. Today, we still see influences he has left behind. For example, the Staff of Aesculapius is a medical symbol with two serpents coiling around a staff. Apollo gave that staff to his son Aesculapius (god of healing and medical practices).

On that note, there is one more chapter left plus an epilogue! I hope you enjoyed this new chapter. If you did, let me know with a comment and don't forget to hit that star!