The Little Golden Mouth

Helios' Sun Temple was located not far from Mount Olympus. Originally, the temple was part of the mountain, but after Zeus led the new gods to take over, Helios had to relocate the Sun Temple to a mountain peak in the east, ostensibly to be closer to the sunrise, but in reality, it was just to seek solitude.

Unfortunately, this peaceful existence was eventually ruined by his own son.

"Once we meet him, have you two figured out what to say?" Hermes reminded, as the trio slowed their flight as they neared Helios' divine domain.

"I'll start, then please, Wisdom Goddess, act as our negotiator," Apollo answered Hermes' question, delegating the tasks. Hermes was Zeus' messenger, and this time, he carried the will of the King of the Gods. Apollo, as the successor, found it difficult to speak directly. By comparison, Athena was the best candidate to take on the role of the negotiator.

"Are you sure about trusting her?" Apollo asked.

Though everyone remained silent, there were different thoughts behind the scenes. Athena walked ahead, while Apollo and Hermes began conversing through divine senses.

"Don't be fooled by Athena's low profile; after all, she's the daughter of the Water Goddess. If she hadn't inherited her mother's wisdom, how could she have earned Zeus' favor?"

Hermes smirked, appearing confident. Athena would help them, or more accurately, help Zeus. As a favored daughter, Athena surely knew how to act to earn the King of the Gods' attention.

Meanwhile, back in the Sun Temple, a similar scene was unfolding.

"Brother, now that Phaethon has done this, Zeus will certainly not let it go... You should start preparing," Selene, the Moon Goddess, advised her brother, Helios, who seemed listless, clearly still mourning the loss of his son.

Selene, though sorrowful, knew this wasn't the time for grief. They were busy cleaning up the mess caused by Phaethon, while Zeus and his family were likely planning how to target the remaining Titan gods.

"It's only the Sun God position they want," Helios replied, sitting in his throne with a weary look, his once proud and radiant form now diminished.

It was a bad sign. As a symbol of light, his state represented the dying of his power.

"Are you just going to wait here?" Selene snapped, frustrated. Before she could finish, a temple servant rushed in with news: "My lord! Someone from Olympus is here!"

Helios and Selene exchanged a glance, both thinking the same thing: "Finally, they're here."

It was no surprise. Ever since the fall of the previous King of the Gods, Cronus, the remaining Titans had either been exiled or removed from positions of power. So, sooner or later, they knew Zeus would come for them. Helios, being the holder of the Sun God position, was an obvious target.

"Looks like Zeus couldn't wait any longer. Maybe it's Apollo," Helios speculated as he prepared to meet the visitors.

"Whatever happens, don't clash with him if it's Apollo," Selene warned, understanding the gravity of the situation.

If it was indeed Apollo, Helios knew he could not afford to argue, for it was their son, Phaethon, who had caused the current chaos.

"Long time no see, Helios, it seems your brilliance is not as bright as before."

Guided by a temple servant, Hermes and the others entered the Sun Temple. Upon seeing Helios, Hermes was struck by how much he had changed. His once proud appearance was now weary and faded.

It was clear: the Sun God position was about to be taken from him.

With a subtle smile, Hermes greeted Helios, but Selene, standing by, darkened at his approach. The reference to Helios' dimming brilliance seemed to mock him, likening him to a dying flame.

"Apollo, Athena?" Helios' gaze shifted to the two gods beside Hermes, his sharp eyes flashing. Apollo and Athena, both descendants of the Titans, were now in Zeus' family. This was a clear demonstration of Zeus' power over them.

"Indeed, it's been a long time, but you're here for more than just a visit, aren't you?" Helios said, his tone calm as he addressed Hermes. "I hear you're now Zeus' messenger. Does this mean you're here with a message from your father?"

Despite being a descendant of the Titans, Helios remained proud and refused to show deference to Zeus, merely referring to him as "your father."

"It seems Helios is quite perceptive," Hermes said, smiling, as Athena took the lead in addressing the matter.

"The Sun God Helios inherited the Sun God's position from the Light Father, Hyperion. Yet, due to negligence, he allowed the Sun Chariot to crash, causing the fire of the sun to fall upon the Earth, killing countless mortals. This is a great transgression..." Athena stated, listing the charges against Helios.

Her words were based on facts, though they had been embellished. The moral high ground was in their favor, and Helios could not deny it.

Instead of arguing, Helios remained silent.

"By the command of King Zeus..." Hermes announced, stepping forward and presenting a sphere of golden lightning, a power capable of destroying gods. Helios and Selene's expressions changed immediately.

"So, what does Zeus mean by this? Sending you three to announce this decree? Does he intend to strip me of my Sun God position and pass the light to Apollo?" Helios sneered, laughing bitterly. "But he's just a fourth-generation god. What does he have to deserve this?"

"Same could be said for you, Helios. If you hadn't spoiled Phaethon so much, we wouldn't even be here," Hermes quipped, pulling Apollo closer. "After all, Phaethon was also a fourth-generation god—it's no wonder he was consumed by the sun's fire and ended up in the underworld. The balance of light has been broken, and countless lives have been lost. Even the Mother of Night is angered..."

Approaching Helios, Hermes leaned in and said softly, "As a smart Titan, you must know when to act. Instead of clinging to past glories, it's better to consider how to face the current crisis."

After speaking, Hermes gave Apollo a glance, signaling that it was time for the "successor" to step in.

"Let's be straightforward, we're all male gods. There's no need to make this difficult. Hand over the Sun God position, and we'll grant you one request. As long as it's not too unreasonable, I'll grant it."

Understanding Hermes' point, Apollo knew that simply relying on Zeus' word wouldn't be enough to gain the Sun God position without some negotiation. He acted decisively, prepared to take what was being offered.