That Time I Got Reincarnated With Gacha System In Mahabharata

[Third Person's POV]

[Delos, Mount Cynthus]

On the small, barren island of Delos, which floated high above Mount Cynthus, the winds howled like a chorus of ancient spirits, carrying with them the whispers of gods long forgotten. This desolate place was said to be sacred, a realm where only those with divine blood could tread, and today, its solitude was disturbed by two figures—Artemis, and her mother—Leto.

Artemus had a lifeless look in her eyes, muttering under her breath with fiery intensity. "A-Apollo...M-My brother...M-My beloved...He...H-He is back..."

She has become like this because she sensed it.

Him.

It was just a brief moment but it was no doubt that her twin brother, Apollo, had returned. The energy was unmistakable, a divine signature that resonated deeply within her. It had been centuries since she last felt his presence, and yet, in that fleeting moment, it was as if he had never left.

Artemis' normally stoic demeanour cracked, her composed nature slipping into a frenzy of mixed emotions—anger, longing, love, hope, and fear.

Leto, the mother of both Apollo and Artemis, observed her daughter with a mixture of concern and quiet understanding. She knew all too well the bond that once existed between the twins, a connection forged in the fires of divinity and brotherhood, but also in a love that surpassed mortal comprehension.

"Artemis, my daughter," Leto spoke softly, stepping closer, her presence like a calming breeze against the storm that swirled in Artemis' mind. "You must not let these feelings overwhelm you. Yes, Apollo has returned, but you must remember that time changes even the gods."

Artemis clenched her fists, her gaze still distant as if her thoughts were lost in the memory of her brother. "But how? How could he return after all this time? Why now, after centuries of silence?" Her voice trembled, betraying the tempest of emotions that she had long kept hidden.

Leto placed a hand on Artemis' shoulder, her touch gentle yet firm. "There are forces at work that even we cannot fully understand. The balance of the cosmos shifts, and with it, destinies intertwine. You must be patient, my child. Apollo will come to you when the time is right."

"But Mother… what if he's changed?" Artemis' voice was barely a whisper now, the fierce goddess of the hunt reduced to a vulnerable sister, aching for the return of a part of her soul that had been missing for so long.

Leto's eyes softened, filled with the wisdom of ages. "Change is inevitable, Artemis. Even gods are not immune to it. But your bond with him is unbreakable. Trust in that. Whatever form he takes, whatever path he walks now, you will find him, and he will find you."

Artemis nodded, though the unease in her heart did not fade. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, to gather the strength she was known for. She had always been a pillar of resolve, unyielding in her duties and in her role as the protector of the wilderness and maidens. But the thought of Apollo's return stirred something deep within her, a vulnerability that she could not easily shake.

As the wind howled louder, carrying with it the scent of ancient forests and forgotten realms, Artemis finally spoke again, her voice stronger this time. "I have to go talk to those three, they also must have sensed him. As they too have a piece of his divinity in them."

Leto smiled as she looked at her daughter, "I know, He will return to us, and his love for you four will never fade," Leto said, her voice calm but filled with a deep conviction. "Your brother's heart belongs to you, Artemis, as it always has. No matter how much time has passed, the bond between you, the four who share his essence, and him cannot be broken. He will come back to all of you."

Artemis closed her eyes, letting her mother's words settle over her like a soothing balm. The storm of emotions swirling inside her calmed, but only slightly. She knew her mother's words held truth, but the uncertainty still gnawed at her soul. How could she face Apollo now, after centuries? Would he even be the same brother she once knew?

The three Leto had referred to also weighed heavily on Artemis' mind. The four 'Virgin Goddesses' that is what we are called.

Hestia—The Goddess of the hearth, the eternal flame that burns within every home. The eldest of the Olympians, she is known for her unwavering commitment to peace and domesticity. Her calm presence is like a steady fire that has always brought comfort to the gods, and to mortals alike. Hestia was the first to vow her virginity and has always remained distant from the drama of the pantheon. But she falls for Apollo nonetheless, quietly harbouring feelings she has kept hidden for millennia. Despite her vow of eternal chastity, the flame within her burns fiercely for him, though she would never admit it aloud. Artemis wondered how Hestia had taken the news of Apollo's return, her stoic nature never betraying the depth of her emotions.

Then there was Athena—the Goddess of wisdom, strategy, and war. Cold and calculated, she had always valued intellect over emotion, but even she had been captivated by Apollo's brilliance. Theirs was a bond forged in shared knowledge and understanding, a meeting of minds that transcended mere attraction. Athena would never allow her feelings to cloud her judgment, but Artemis knew that her heart wasn't immune to Apollo's charm. His return would undoubtedly stir something in her as well, though she would likely hide it behind her usual façade of reason and logic.

And finally the most bizarre one, Aphrodite—the Goddess of love and beauty, she kept her chastity like a precious gem, though her affection for Apollo was as vibrant as the roses she often surrounded herself with. Her love for Apollo was the most ferocious one due to her divinity of love which locked onto Apollo, and when a goddess of love loves someone they could become a fierce force, driven by passion and desire. Yet, with her playful spirit, she often masked her true feelings beneath layers of flirtation and mischief. Artemis couldn't help but wonder how Aphrodite would react to Apollo's return. Would she fight for his affection, or would she accept the depth of their bond, the four of them forever entwined in his heart?

Artemis sighed, the weight of her thoughts pressing down upon her. She felt a sense of duty to bring the three together—to confront the changes that lay ahead, to weave the threads of their destinies once more. "I will seek them out," she declared, her voice filled with newfound determination. "We must prepare for his arrival, I can't pinpoint his location but I know the general direction. He is...not in Greece, but likely in other pantheon."

Leto nodded, her expression shifting from concern to pride. "You are wise to seek them out, my daughter. The bond you share is stronger when you are united. The four of you hold a piece of Apollo within you, and together, you can weather whatever storms his return may bring."

Artemis turned her gaze toward the horizon, where the sun dipped low, casting hues of crimson and gold across the sky. "I must go. They need to know." With renewed resolve, she stepped forward, the winds swirling around her, carrying her thoughts of her brother and the divine connection they all shared.

As she made her way toward the sacred grove where she knew the others often gathered, memories flooded her mind. They had always been more than just sisters; they were protectors, warriors, and confidantes. Together, they had faced challenges that tested their strength and their unity, and it was this unity that would be crucial now.

The path was winding and covered in thick vines, but Artemis moved with purpose, her keen instincts guiding her. She reached the grove and paused, taking a moment to appreciate the serene beauty that surrounded her. The air was thick with the scent of wildflowers, and the gentle rustle of leaves created a symphony of nature that calmed her racing heart.

Hestia was the first to notice her arrival, her radiant presence illuminating the grove. The flickering flames from a nearby fire danced in harmony with Hestia's gentle spirit. "Artemis," she greeted warmly, her voice like the soothing sound of a crackling hearth. "What brings you here?"

"Hestia," Artemis replied, stepping closer. "I have news—Apollo is back. I felt him. We need to prepare ourselves. We must discuss this together."

The water can in her fell from her hands as tears of joy streamed down Hestia's cheeks, mingling with the earth at her feet. "He's returned?" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "After all this time?" The flames flickered wildly as if in response to her joy, illuminating the grove with a warm glow.

Artemis nodded, her heart swelling at the sight of her sister's happiness. "Yes, but we must be cautious. Change is upon us, and we don't yet know how it will affect him—or us."

Before Hestia could respond, Athena emerged from the shadows of the trees, her expression broken as tears streamed down her cheeks. "I sensed it too," she said, her voice laced with disbelief and wonder. "He's returned? After all these centuries?"

Artemis stepped forward, enveloping Athena in a fierce embrace. "He is, sister. I felt his presence, a force that cannot be denied. But his presence was weaker than before and I can't pinpoint his location only general direction."

Athena hugged her back, relief flooding her expression. "I feared we had lost him forever, that the threads of our fates had been severed. But to know he is back... it's a miracle," she murmured, her voice heavy with unspoken emotions.

As they stepped apart, the three sisters exchanged knowing glances, their hearts bound by the memories of the past and the promise of the future. The air hummed with anticipation, the grove alive with energy as if the very essence of the earth rejoiced at Apollo's return.

Just then, a gentle laughter echoed through the grove, brightening the somber mood. Aphrodite emerged from behind a cluster of blooming roses, her golden hair shimmering like sunlight on water. "What's this? Have I missed some delightful news?" she chimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, do tell me, my dear sisters!"

"He is back..." Artemis's voice trembled with a mix of excitement and trepidation as she spoke the words, "Apollo has returned."

Aphrodite's laughter paused, replaced by an expression of pure joy that illuminated her face. "Where? Where? Tell me I will go! I will go! I need to see him!" Aphrodite exclaimed, her exuberance filling the grove like a warm breeze.

"Wait," Artemis interjected, holding up her hand to calm the goddess of love. "We don't know how he has changed or what he's been through. We need to discuss this together before we rush into anything. This isn't just a joyous reunion; there's a lot at stake."

"And we all make any move, that lecherous bastard will know," Hestia interjected, her voice serious. "We must approach this with caution."

"Zeus!" All four of them said with disgust, and hate, their expressions darkening at the mere mention of that man's name. The memory of his countless manipulations and cruel decisions weighed heavily on their hearts.

"Zeus has played with our fates for too long," Artemis said, her voice firm. "We cannot allow him to dictate the terms of Apollo's return or our reunion."

Athena nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. "We must be strategic. If he senses Apollo's return, He will do everything in his power to kill him."

"I will burn his manhood if ever so touch him," Hestia vowed, her eyes narrowing. The normally gentle goddess of the hearth displayed an intensity that shocked even her sisters.

"I am with you on this one, Sister. I will not let him touch Apollo either," Artemis added, her voice steady. The anger radiating from her sisters fueled her own resolve. "We must protect him at all costs."

Aphrodite's eyes sparkled with determination. "Then let's find him before Zeus does. We can regroup, strategize, and confront whatever challenges await us together. He belongs with us, and we will not allow anyone to tear us apart."

The four of them stood in a circle, united by their shared purpose and the bond they all held with Apollo. The grove, a sacred space filled with memories of laughter and camaraderie, felt charged with energy, resonating with their determination.

"First, we should gather what information we can," Athena suggested, her mind already racing with possibilities. "We can use our connections to the realms, gather intelligence about where he might be, and why he's returned. If he's in another pantheon, it could be dangerous."

Hestia nodded in agreement. "And we should fortify our own defences. If Zeus discovers our plans, he will try to manipulate the situation to his advantage. We cannot let him get the upper hand."

"Then it's settled," Artemis proclaimed, her eyes fierce and unwavering. "One of us will actively look for him, while others will cover for her."

"Me! Me! Chose me!" Aphrodite clapped her hands, her enthusiasm bubbling over like a spring flower bursting into bloom. "I will go! Please let me go, I will make love with—"

Bonk!

Ahhh!

"Why did you hit me?" Aphrodite asked while rubbing her head with confusion, her playful demeanour faltering for a moment. The others exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of concern and exasperation.

Artemis sighed, trying to regain the seriousness of the moment. "This isn't about romance right now, Aphrodite. This is about finding our brother and ensuring his safety. We need to stay focused."

Aphrodite pouted but nodded, her spark dimming slightly. "Fine, I can do that. But you can't blame me for being excited! I haven't seen him in so long."

"None of us have," Hestia replied gently, her expression softening as she reached out to place a comforting hand on Aphrodite's shoulder. "We all want to see him again, hold him, smell his familiar scent that we have long missed. But we must approach this carefully."

"I think you, Artemis. Is the perfect choice as you can use the hunt as an excuse, while we will cover for you so nobody suspects a thing," Athena proposed, her strategic mind already calculating the best course of action.

"But I wanna goooo!" Aphrodite's voice rose with an exaggerated whine, her playful nature struggling against the gravity of the situation.

"Aphrodite," Artemis said firmly, her emerald eyes narrowing, "this isn't a game. The stakes are too high."

"But think of the potential! If I go, I can charm my way through any barriers. Who wouldn't want to help the Goddess of Love? Plus, I could find him and lure him back without drawing any suspicion!" Aphrodite's eyes sparkled with mischief as she spun her thoughts, trying to sway her sisters with the allure of her gifts.

"Aphrodite, we need to be smart about this," Hestia chimed in, her tone gentle yet resolute. "We can't risk drawing too much attention to ourselves, especially not from Zeus."

Athena crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "While Aphrodite's skills could be valuable, we also need to consider her tendencies. If she finds him, she may not want to leave him behind. We need someone who can stay focused on the mission, not become distracted by emotions."

Aphrodite rolled her eyes, pouting dramatically. "I can be serious! I promise! Just give me a chance!"

"No." Artemis's tone was final, a decision made from the depths of her resolve. "I will go. I know the hunt better than anyone else, and I can move swiftly without drawing attention. My skills will be our greatest advantage."

"But what if he's changed?" Aphrodite's voice was softer now, tinged with genuine concern. "What if he doesn't want us anymore? What if he prefers to remain in that other pantheon?"

Artemis felt a pang in her heart at Aphrodite's words. The thought had crossed her mind, too, gnawing at her as they spoke. She stepped closer to Aphrodite, her voice soothing. "We will face whatever he's become together. We have always been stronger as a unit. That won't change just because time has passed."

Athena nodded, a flicker of pride lighting her features. "If anyone can bridge the gap, it's you, Artemis. Your bond with him is unlike any other. You understand him in a way we cannot."

"Then it's settled." Hestia stepped back, her eyes shining with quiet determination. "Artemis will seek out Apollo, and we will support her from here. We'll gather what intelligence we can and be ready to protect ourselves if Zeus tries to interfere."

As the sisters solidified their plan, a surge of energy pulsed through the grove. It felt as if the very air vibrated with their collective resolve, binding them together in purpose. They were not just sisters; they were a force to be reckoned with—a coalition of divine strength and unwavering love.

"I'll prepare myself," Artemis said, her spirit renewed. "I'll leave at first light. If I set out early, I can make use of the cover of dawn and avoid any unnecessary eyes."

"Be careful," Athena warned, her expression suddenly serious. "If Apollo has indeed changed, you must be prepared for anything. Trust your instincts, and remember your training."

"I will." Artemis glanced around at her sisters, her heart swelling with gratitude for their support. "Together, we will ensure his safety and reclaim our bond."

Aphrodite's earlier exuberance had waned, replaced by a deeper understanding of the situation. "Just remember, Artemis, if you find him, let him know how much we've all missed him. And... maybe give him a kiss from me?" She added playfully, a teasing glimmer returning to her eyes.

Artemis couldn't help but smile despite the weight of their circumstances. "I'll let him know," she promised. "Now, let's not waste any more time. We have preparations to make."

As they began to discuss their plans, the wind carried their voices away, merging them with the rustling leaves and distant echoes of the past. The sacred grove, alive with ancient magic, held witness to the strength of sisterhood and the unwavering hope that Apollo's return would bring.

With their hearts intertwined and their resolve solidified, the four goddesses stood united—ready to face the challenges ahead and reclaim their brother, their love, and their destinies.

.

..

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[To Be Continue]

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