Of Godlings And Giants

Eternal battles are just that.

Author’s AI of the Giant facing off with the Godlings

It was still dark when the Giant ventured forth. The glimmer of pre-dawn light had yet to begin simmering the skies above the horizon.

He knew they would be there, the Godlings that is. He heard them recklessly tramping through the forests and o’er hill and dale all night. He drew a deep breath, then slowly let it escape as a long sigh. Onward then.

He secured his soft-soled shoes and headed towards the door, his blue-tinged skin eagerly anticipating the day’s warmth. The forest floor sprung gently under his feet as if it were a soft carpet. A small comfort in the face of what he knew was soon to ensue. The attack would come, there was no getting around it.

“I’m bored.”
"You're always bored. Go back to sleep."
"Oh come on! Let's go hunting!"
"No."
"Is that a new toga? Your old one is too tight now, huh?"
"That's it you little ...!"

Artemis gave her sister a quick shove and a laugh before dashing out the door and into the woods with the speed and grace of a wild cat. Once she reached the first shadows of the forest Artemis, known for her hunting prowess, took up a concealed position under the forest canopy and waited patiently for the Giant.

Rising up from the warm soft bedding in which she had, until a moment ago, been comfortably curled Athena stretched her muscles to wake and warm herself. Let her run, she thought, they both knew the best places for the ambush. Athena’s confident, purposeful demeanor was the embodiment of her reputation as a fearless, yet wise, warrior.

Yawning while walking to the door with a relaxed gait, she recalled with a slight smile the first time she and Tem had fought with the Giant. Athena was nearly crushed when she crossed the path as the Giant strode by, unaware that the “little ones” were playing nearby.

She was so angry at the Giant for the near-squish that she challenged him to battle. Artemis joined in with great enthusiasm and the Eternal Struggle began again with these newest players.

Athena was quite sure the Giant didn’t intend to squish her and in all fairness, he hadn’t. He did insist on walking the same forest path daily, right through their forest! It wasn’t the sisters’ fault that it was the only path, unless, of course, the Giant chose to walk halfway around the world instead.

Athena watched as her sister became one with the canopy, effortlessly fusing with the very essence of the untamed shadows. Turning her gaze up the path Athena checked the small shrubs they had carefully laid across the path. The giant would have no option but to disturb it on his passing. All was as they left it, the Giant had not yet ventured forth this day then. She took up her favored spot on a ledge just above both the canopy and Artemis, still patiently waiting in ambush.

Athena brazenly lounged on the ledge in full view of the path. “Heeere giant-giant-giant!” was running through her head as she relaxed, seemingly carelessly exposed, yet truthfully baiting the Colossus.

In due time the Giant ventured forth, his gaze sweeping the treetops, looking for signs that the sisters were hiding beneath. “Ah. The ledge again.” he thought, “Fine. To battle then!”

The Giant moved toward Athena, hoping to flush out her sister in the process. Athena remained calm and leaned back a bit in case she needed to execute with a well-timed lunge. Looking closely she saw what could only be an open wound on the Giant’s left leg. Tensing up she attacked, hoping that her aim was true.

She managed to land a solid strike, causing the Giant to wince. The Giant stepped back, pulling the furiously engaged Athena off the ledge in the process. “Artemis! Where are you sister?” she called out. Athena then took a stance right in front of the Giant, taunting him so Artemis could stealth attack without reprisal.

A shadow flew across Athena, it was Artemis. She had climbed past the ledge and leapt upon the giant with her daggers glistening. She landed on his thigh thrusting her daggers into his pale blue skin. Athena switched to the same leg. If only they could cost him his balance, or at least get him to one knee. Together they attacked with wild fervor, intent on bringing the Giant down.

The Giant was having none of this. He had things to do, so he simply began walking again. Sure enough, Athena fell off with the first step. Artemis was good with her daggers though, and held on till the edge of the forest all the while continuing to climb the Giant. Once she realized that the Giant had stopped walking and was simply gazing at her she reconsidered and slowly let herself down while flashing him what she hoped was an endearing smile.

The Giant went on with his day. Artemis and Athena burned off their unspent energy sparring and playing hide-and-seek in the forest. And, as ever, the mechanisms for this eternal battle reset till the morrow’s dawn.

There are five depictions of this battle plus one of the aftermath which have been procured, with great patience, by the author. Here then are six of the key moments in this tale.

Artemis camouflaged under the forest canopy

Athena brazenly lounging as Giant-Bait on her “ledge”

Athena’s first attack on the wound on the Giant’s leg

Athena taunting the Giant

Athena and Artemis doing the double attack they love so much

Athena and Artemis relaxing after a fierce battle with the Giant

Stay tuned for the next piece in this series. Its current working title is:

“That time Aries pretended to be Athena then got his half-sister Artemis pregnant.”

With a possible third installment, “The feline psyche, what four cattens* have to say about their feral parents.”

And finally, this work is reader-supported so if you found this story worth your time, or just plain fun, please show your support for Philip Writes!

Even a share is priceless to a writer.

*Cattens are kittens who think they’re all grown up. They are not.