He had finally done it. Apollo could now set down his roots. The beast was dead, and his family could finally live in peace. After his fierce battle with the python, there would be no more running away from danger. The monster standing in his way to glory was now rotting away, abandoned. He sighed in relief as he waded into the water, thinking his mother would finally live comfortably and that he would finally find a wife with whom to have a family. He already had someone in mind and would try to woe her tonight. But first, he needed to purify his body.

Apollo felt disgusted by the sight of grime and gore still clinging to his clothes and skin. Queen Hera, his insufferable stepmother, pestered Zeus about having killed such a noble beast. Instead of waiting until he was clean and presentable, he was summoned to stand trial as he was. It didn't matter. The situation was her fault, and Apollo killed the elemental being in self-defense. Immediately, he saw conflict brewing in his father's eyes before decreasing Apollo's need to protect Delphi and its lands, celebrate the python's death, and honor the beast that had tormented his family.

When he looked down at his body and realized his appearance wasn't a good sight for anyone to behold, he tried to remedy the situation. With meticulous care, he used an assortment of soaps and oils to cleanse the remnants of his battle. The muck was clinging all over his skin as he had to wait on Hera and his father for his punishment. Soon enough, he stood, selecting his attire for the celebration that was to become the funerary service to honor the beast. He saw the sun was still hanging low on the horizon and decided to take his time preparing. He wanted to look divine as he would throw a grand celebration anyone had seen—more monumental than the plain and ordinary Olympics. He was going to leave his shining legacy behind.

He chose each garment with meticulous care. Each piece was only meant to enhance his already impressive and commanding appearance. He knew well how to impress, but today, he wanted to go out of his way to become gallant and beyond desirable. Confidence radiated from him as he moved through the forest, sunlight casting a gentle glow on his features. Once outside, he noticed a small gathering at the temple, now his home, reading his chariot. Lifting his chin and a stern look on his face. Judging by the goosebumps on his skin, he sensed the awe and admiration of those gathered at his new home. It reaffirmed his belief of feeling like embodying royal splendor amidst the lush greenery.

"Father has asked me to honor the slain beast. Henceforth, hold the Pythian games every fourth season. There will be artistic and athletic events, and both men and women can participate in the competitions," he said as he mounted his chariot and called to those around him. "Now, go and spread the news." He stared as everyone ran in every direction. Soon, he took to the skies to survey his new territory. It was vast and beautiful. Apollo couldn't feel more proud of lording over a fertile, promising land.

After Apollo was satisfied surveying his lands, he steered his golden chariot into the mountainous woodland to start his procession. His eyes swept over the lush green canopy of the forest, marveling at its beauty. His chest swelled with affection when he admired his new domains and saw a nuthatch sing a melodious tune. My realm! Even if I'm banished to become the lord over these regions, I love better than any other place! I want to set my roots in this blessed place and start anew. Start a family with that lovely naiad that has stolen my heart. He thought as he plucked a leaf from a nearby branch and admired its beauty. He closed his eyes to sense the fresh scent of morning dew mingled with the earthy musk. The woodland aromas invaded his senses in a blend Apollo had cherished since childhood.

Noticing as the air teemed with unfettered jubilation as mortals and forest spirits came together under the ancient, towering trees, their protective embrace palpable. Apollo was right at home. His ears perked the moment the hushed conversations floated to his ears as their conversations harmonized with the gentle rustling of leaves. He listened intently to the conversations, wanting to know how people felt about him. The scene was a painting of mystical communion between nature and its inhabitants that filled his heart with gratitude. Apollo's gaze swept across the festive gathering, seeing a tapestry of unity and reverence woven into the very fabric of the ancient grove. He smiled at the scene flashing before him. His realm would become a prosperous one—that was a promise he would never break.

Apollo watched the excited buzz in the crowd as the news of his hunt and eventual punishment spread like wildfire. And he enjoyed every minute of it. Although he steered away from gossip, Apollo enjoyed indulgently in it whenever it was about him. Moreover, talks of his punishment were like a butterfly's wings fluttering to his ears. Like the delicate yet mischievous creature, he enjoyed all the attention he could get.

He smiled broadly at the thought of pissing his stepmother yet again and seeing his father conflicted about what to do with him. His existence was a thorn in her side, and he wanted nothing more than to make her well aware he wasn't one to be picked with. There was wicked satisfaction filling his chest because of the situation as he enjoyed every second of his antics. He felt like screaming with delight from the top of the world, and that was all he wanted in life—being at the top. All eyes turned to him as he rode in and parked amidst the murmurs and sighs of admiration.

"Apollo, the hero and king of these lands! That title has a good ring to it," he murmured as a fit of desire to bask in the spotlight filled his head with ideas of grandeur. He spread one arm gracefully while still holding the reigns of his carriage with the other. He wanted to start the celebration of defeating the poisonous python that had long tormented his family. His bravery shone brightly in the dappled sunlight filtering through the dense foliage. Apollo believed he looked handsome as the sun gave him a natural halo. As for his smugness, he felt that came as a bonus.

He noticed a satyr playing reed flute and joyfully agitating the crowd. Oh, a fellow music lover, how lovely! He'll be perfect for announcing my arrival to the cheering crowds awaiting my arrival. He thought as he dismounted his cab and started for his glorious procession on foot. "Satyr, my musical devotee, I choose you to announce your mighty lord's arrival."

Apollo watched as the satyr's face morphed from shock to pride as he turned to address the mass. “Lo! With victoriously triumphal splendor arrives Apollo, the mighty deity of light and music, exuding divine potency and virality. His resplendent ringlets rival the sunbeams while his gaze reflects the boundless heavens. As his golden chariot glistens in the sun’s warm embrace, it is a testament to his victorious conquest over the formidable python dwelling at the heart of the Earth. His quiver, erstwhile brimming with a thousand arrows, now stands empty, symbolizing the fierce battle he waged to safeguard and claim his rightful domain,” the proud satyr boasted with a melodious voice as the forest procession ended at the clearing. "Behold the new lord of these lands, part ways, and let him through."

He watched the crowd's cheers mingled with the forest's rustling leaves. Apollo held his head high, puffing her chest out, as he promenaded the lush trail. As he to his clamoring fans, he called upon his power to cast a luminous golden glow around him. He wished to look like the sun today, utterly marvelous. So much so that his fans would succumb to his mere presence as he carried the weight of being the new monarch of the lands. He was willing to commit and devote his time to his subjects—and judging by the cheers, he did a great job at impressing his people. Then, each step became a dance of divine grace and radiance that captivated onlookers, drawing them into his celestial aura. His presence was the flame, and his followers the moths.

Apollo started to laugh uncontrollably, his baritone voice resonating like thunder that electrified everyone who stood close by to listen. he embraced the euphoria as he stood at the pinnacle of his little world, basking in the glory of his feat. Feeling confident, he coaxed his magic to manifest and enhance his celestial presence. Once done with his magic, he extended his arms grandly with a graceful flick and sweep of his golden mane. Casting his pompous yet mesmerizing aura upon his agitated audience. Even the tiniest creatures in the forest couldn't help but stop in their tracks to admire.

As Apollo gracefully pulled out the lyre, plucking on its four-string with effortless mastery. The birds sang along with his melodies as their sweet notes wound with ethereal melodies and celebrated his heroic achievement. Other forest creatures praised Apollo's glory and celebrated his heroics against terror. Even the trees swayed and danced in the gentle breeze, bowing in reverence to the mighty god as his music grazed all beings. He knowingly cast a spell of awe and wonder to every living being. His spirit shone brightly with a touch of ethereal beauty.

As Apollo continued his journey through the forest, his solar radiance illuminated the path ahead, guiding and inspiring those who saw his presence. The devotees inflated his cockiness as they sang more eulogies in his honor as he passed with his back straight and head held high. His triumphant aura lingered in his wake, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who noticed Apollo’s greatness on this magnificently glorious day.

When he reached an expansive clearing shrouded in radiance and the mightyness of the sun, he began his proclamation. “On this day of great splendor and reverence, we shall inaugurate the Pythian Games!" Apollo gazed upon the multitude with a commanding presence, his eyes sparkling with divinity and satisfaction as the crowd burst into a roar. Before continuing, he raised his hand, and the crowd went still and silent. Apollo could taste the exhilaration of the crowd. "Athletes shall converge with their unmatched prowess from far-flung dominions and realms. They will compete in a spectacle of might and wits if so willing. Anyone who wants to engage in diverse game disciplines is bound and united by a spirit of harmony and glory. In the heavens, camaraderie pirouettes, intertwined with unwavering resolve and determination, as they etch and inscribe their names upon the tapestry of history and revel in the luminous embrace of triumph and victory, if they so desired to take it,” Apollo proclaimed boastfully. “Let the games begin, an ode to luxury and resplendence! Compete in my honor after defeating the mighty python.” His voice, enriched with golden thunder, resonated through the meadow and forest as he spoke, delighting in their unwavering support.

The anticipation for the myriad athletic competitions, music contests, and artistic performances reached a crescendo when the sun began warming the sprawling meadow and the amphitheater in Delphi. Amidst the chaos, a graceful faun appeared from the crowd and presented Apollo with a beautifully crafted wreath woven from oak leaves, brambles, and acorns. As the crowd cheered, a lively mob of mortal men and women joyfully accompanied by sprites and immortals made their way to him. Their eyes shimmered with anticipation and yearning. Hopeful to capture his undivided attention. They wanted to bask in his charm and allure, even for only a day. Amidst the adoring crowd, Apollo couldn't help but sense the surge of delight at being the center of attention. And to be the center of attention was what he was born to do.