Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Yearning.

 

An intense feeling of longing for something unattainable.

 

How Hera loathed it.

Loathed every single one of her thoughts around times like these.

 

Hera was laid in her shared bed with Zeus, the atmosphere near perfect for a sleep that never came to her.

Zeus himself was resting on the other side, faced toward her.

She hated his face when he slept.

 

His calm, imperturbable face. Blessed with the realm of dreams he was, and how she envied the ease he had.
He slept like a newly born baby, nude like one too with his broad chest that breathed steadily.

She exhaled, holding the shared blanket closer to her own.

She was sure that her face was thoroughly angry, annoyed even, if Zeus were to wake and gaze at her. But she knew he wouldn't, he was out like a light.

Everything about this, sharing a bed with him, being married to him now, felt… wrong in every way.

She knew who she wanted to be in bed with, she knew whose breath she was meant to be sharing. And it certainly wasn't his.

 

She shifted in the bed, unable to stare at his face any longer.

She faced the window of Zeus' palace instead, the one that looked over the entirety of Olympus with one gaze.
She saw the dark sky, littered with the dust of stars, cloudless and undisturbed like a calm lake.

She stared outside that window, memorizing every star, every constellation, until at last her eyelids began to droop, and her mind slipped into sleep.

 

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Hera stirred, a warm light hitting her eyes suddenly.
She winced, sitting up to her elbows, only to notice she wasn't in her bed anymore.

She opened her eyes fully, blinking to adjust to the light as everything came into focus.

She was in a field she realized.

A warm and comfortable meadow.

Beneath her was, instead of a mattress and sheets, a picnic blanket.

It was then that a firm hand pulled her back down onto her back.
Hera gasped, immediately turning to look at whomever did so, only to pause, gaze softening.

 

Metis stared back at her, smiling, her dark eyes staring into her very being. But what shocked her most is that she looked simply happy.
Hera blinked before she finally said something.

 

“Metis-”

 

Metis chuckled, a deep and sweet sound, like dark honey. Hera could listen to that for hours.

 

“That's my name.”

 

Hera found herself unable to form words, though somewhere deep in her shocked mind, she knew this was a dream. A pointless hope given to her as if to mock.

 

“Did slumber attend you favorably? You seem somewhat disoriented, dearest.”

 

Hera took a second, but she nodded. Her heart allowed her to play along.

 

“I- yes, yes, I slept fine. I just… missed you.”

 

Metis smiled again, moving closer and pressing against Hera's side.
Despite it being a dream she knew deep down, this moment felt real. And her heartbeat quickened just the same.

A breeze washed over the long grass of the meadow, brushing through both of their hair.

Metis nuzzled closer, one arm moving to lazily rest of Hera's stomach as she leaned in, lips brushing against Hera's neck.

Hera exhaled softly, resting her own arm on top of Metis's as she allowed her to press soft kisses to her neck. Everything seemed to calm and still for a moment, even the breeze became an afterthought as she savored the warmth of Metis' breath.

That is… until the sound of a young child cut through the air.
A shriek, and then a plethora of giggles made Metis jolt up a little bit. Hera sat up soon after.

A girl ran up to them both on the picnic blanket, skin dark like Metis', eyes white like a goddess, not a Titan. It was no doubt a child of Metis, judging by the fact she was running up to her with her hand extended.

 

“Mama! Mama look what I caught!”

 

She exclaimed, holding her hand out to Metis, who pulled her down to sit with them, a smile on her face.

 

“What did you catch, baby?”

 

The rest of the conversation faded away from Hera as she watched, moving to sit criss-cross.

She watched the motherly interaction, and it dawned on her who this child was.
The one Metis was prophesied to have with Zeus unwillingly. The daughter she went to tell Zeus about and never returned from.

She was snapped out of her realization when the young girl turned her attention to Hera, hand outstretched for her to open next.

Hera hesitated, looking to Metis, who only chuckled and gestured for her to open it.

Not wanting to disappoint the child, she did, and what rested in her palm was a dark, wart covered frog, who gave a long cloak before jumping as far as its little legs could let it.

The young girl gasped, and Metis ushered her forward.

 

“Go on! Go get it again!”

 

The daughter immediately took off to go and catch it again, much to Metis' delight.

Hera found herself smiling. Metis reached out and held Hera's hand as they both watched the child run off.

Hera glanced to Metis beside her, moving closer and giving a quick peck to Metis' cheek, which made her flushed briefly.

 

“I really did miss you.”

 

She said quietly, to which Metis hummed.

 

“You were merely resting for a few moments.”

 

Hera laughed, resting her head against Metis' shoulder, watching the child until they fell into the grass fully.

She expected to see the child pop back up again, but after a few moments of no movement or sound, concern rose, and Metis seemed to tense.

The sky darkened as if it were about to rain, and suddenly all the sounds around Hera seemed to be muffled, Metis moved up, calling out to the child.

Hera felt the urge to reach out, but it suddenly felt as if she were suffocating, her vision blurring and the sounds only getting harder to pick out.

“M-Metis, I can't…. I can't breathe-”

Metis ran- Hera clutched her shirt above her heart, hearing it pounding with a dull rhythm, calling out one last time to her before her vision faded entirely.

 

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Hera awoke from her fleeting sleep with a sharp jolt.
She was panting, taking in deep breaths as she frantically groped the sheet below her.

She shook her head, trying to come back to reality as swung her legs over the bed.

Her racing hard calmed slightly at the cool air, and she wiped some sweat from the back of her neck.
She groaned, pushing off the bed to stand and make her way over to the window.

It had been a long time since she had dreamed so vividly, and it seemed every other night she dreamed of that woman.

The woman she's been told time and time again to forget about.

The woman she yearned so dearly for every night.

 

She glanced back for a moment to Zeus, who's back faced her now.
Tears pricked her eyes as she leaned out into the window for some fresh air.

It was still night, as if hardly any time had passed, and the thought of returning to that dream made Hera's stomach turn.

She ran her hands over her face, stifling a sob.

“What is wrong with you…”

She asked herself.

“It's a dream, you know it was a dream- and yet you're still crying like…”

 

She didn't finish her sentence at first, staring absently as Olympus below.

 

“Like you were there…”

 

She wiped her eyes, and Zeus gave a stir. She tensed, but he did not wake.

Hera adjusted her chiton she wore to sleep, and allowed herself just a few more minutes by the window.

 

Her mind drifted to the feeling of Metis' lips on her neck in the dream, and her hand rubbed that area instinctively.

 

“Such a fool…”

 

She whispered as she turned back to her bed, climbing in lazily.

 

“Such a fool I am to dream.”

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The rest of Hera's night was dreamless and bare, filled with only the soft snoring of herself.

Zeus was an eerily quiet sleeper.

When Dawn arrived, caressing the sky with her rosy fingers, Hera woke with a grumble.

Her very bones felt fatigued, she did not sleep well.
Though all the same she willed herself out of bed as Zeus stretched.

She stood from the bed and moved to her closet nearby, summoning a bell in her hand meant to call over her personal maids.

With the first ring came a young Nymph, body adorned with freckles and her expression amateur.
Hera did not really care, simply asking her to help her get dressed.

Her chiton was slipped off, replaced with the same red, embroidered shirt Metis made her what seems like ages ago now.
The Nymphs' hands were soft and hesitant, and Hera only sighed.

“You needn't be so nervous, you'll make a mistake that way.”

The Nymph swallowed, embarrassed, as she finished Hera dressing and left soon after.

Hera looked down at herself, straightening everything briefly before moving to wash her face in a bowl of water she conjured on her bedside table.

She could see Zeus in the corner of her eye, looking at his own poor Nymph like they were a snack, and they worked swiftly and nervously.

Hera rolled her eyes and washed the sleep off her face, gazing at her tired reflection in the water for a moment longer than necessary.

 

Would Metis even love her still? If she was like this?

 

She shook the thought out of her head and dried her hands and face. Moving out of the way for Zeus to use the same water as she walked to leave Zeus's palace, brushing past the beads that lined the entrance door.

 

When Hera's skin was met with the warmth of Helios's sunshine, she almost thought today would be a peaceful, normal day.

 

Almost.

 

Immediately another Nymph rushed up to her, panting and clearly in a hurry, Zeus stepping out right behind Hera. He set a heavy hand on her shoulder, and she suppressed a shiver.

The Nymph spoke up.

 

“M-my King and Queen.”

 

Zeus hummed lowly.

 

“You have a guest- Lady Tethys would like to talk with you. Urgently..”

 

Hera raised a brow, Zeus stepped forward with a nod of his head. The Nymph bowed deeply and slipped away.

 

Hera knew of Tethys, Rhea had brought her to visit her soon after the war with Kronos.
She knew of her motherly nature, and how protective and proud she was of her children.

 

Hera also knew that Tethys was the mother of Metis.

 

-----------------------------------

 

Zeus and Hera walked together, his arm around her waist like it meant something.
She kept her focus forward, ignoring the way his hand squeezed her hip as they arrived at Zeus's throne room.

 

Tethys, as Hera set her eyes on her, was very tall.
Her form carried something immense -and if it wasn't rude to say- something ancient.

Her eyes were the dark black of a Titan, though she was taller than Metis. At the crown of her brows were wings, though relaxed at first, her posture stiffened as Zeus entered.

Hera ducked her head first to the woman, who hummed and gestured for her to lift herself.

 

“None of that.”

 

She said simply, walking over to her. She crouched to her level as best as she could, pressing a kiss to either side of her cheek.

 

“Hera. It's good to visit, but I am not here to see you.”

 

Tethys’ gaze immediately shifted to Zeus, who stood firmly with his hands crossed behind his back.
Hera nodded, and stepped back to be out of their way.

Over by where Tethys stood before were two smaller Titans. Hera recognized them as Okeanids, some of Metis's many siblings.

She approached them, and they greeted her kindly.

“Hera, you look lovely.”

One said, the other nodded. Hera smiled, acknowledging them.

“Careful now, you'll make me blush.”

The other Okeanids simply smiled, but the atmosphere shifted when Hera suddenly caught word of what Tethys was saying to Zeus, her tone rising.

 

“Regardless of your engagements this morning, I am here only for your counsel advisor! Does my daughter ring a bell for you?!”

 

Zeus's face was clearly conflicted on biting back at Tethys' accusation, and Hera's attention was immediately back on them.

 

“Lovely Tethys, whatever ails you to come to my home, your King's home, and insult me so! You dare assume I do not recognize you as the mother?”

 

Tethys shook her head, hands on her hips.

 

“Don't play coy- I'm here for her, we have not seen or heard of her in almost a year now!”

 

Tethys gestured to her daughters behind her, who looked equally angry.
One of them points a finger to him accusingly.

 

“No one knows of her whereabouts but you, not your wife, not anyone.”

 

Zeus's glare turned to Hera at her mention, and she swallowed but attempted to keep her confidence. Zeus spoke up again, addressing everyone.

 

“It is unfortunate you seem to care, as this will only harm you. My advice as your King demands that you forget about that woman, name and soul, and only then may you find peace.”

 

Tethys

Absolutely

Fumed.

 

She stepped closer, and with her great strength grabbed the cloth around his neck and lifted him nearly 4 feet off the ground. She bore her teeth at him, a rage only a mother could match in her eyes.

 

“You DARE insult me like this?! Tell me to forget one of my eldest daughters whom I love so dearly?! You are deranged, simply show where she is or by Gaia restraining me I will RIP YOU TO PIECES-”

 

She had begun to shake him aggressively before from his chest he pulled a lightning bolt- powerful and white, buzzing with the power of a King.

Tethys had dropped him, and he composed himself quickly despite his showing anger.

 

“Control yourself!”

 

Hera was stuck between listening and comforting the Okeanids beside her, who appeared distressed at seeing their mother at the end of Zeus's lightning.

 

“That woman carried a terrible luck on her back that could threaten every bliss-filled moment of our kingdoms! Either surrender yourself from this anger or I shall send you to Tartarus with the rest of your Titan kin!”

 

Hera gasped, the Okeanids gasped, Tethys faltered.
She took a step back from the blazing Zeus, and she couldn't continue.

Her anger cooled like a fire settling to ash, shoulders falling slightly.

 

“What did you do…”

 

Zeus said nothing at first through his pants, simply straightening.

 

“What I had to do.”

 

Zeus dispersed the lightning bolt in his grip as Tethys's grief became apparent.
She fell to her knees with a powerful thud, shaking the throne room for a moment as her daughters hurried to her side with comfort despite the tears on their own cheeks.

 

Hera was shocked.. to say the least, gaze left on Zeus and hear left hearing his words.

Until eventually, she too, went to Tethys's side as the woman began to wail.

 

She shushed her softly, rubbing the large woman's back until Zeus began to walk forward again.

She stood, moving to him first, but before she could speak, Zeus brushed her aside.

He leaned close and spat at the Titan and her daughters.

 

“Forget her, or to Tartarus you all will go.”

 

Hera would remain horrified if not for Zeus dragging her along with him as they left the throne room.

She looked back to Tethys, whose face only showed sorrow and defeat.
Her lip quivered, and Hera could do nothing as she was forced to walk beside Zeus once more.

 

-----------------------------------

 

Hera had, rather fortunately managed to free herself in fear of Zeus's continued anger to be directed at her- and swiftly took her chance to leave when she spotted her sisters.

Demeter, carrying in her hand a large amphora. And by her side, Hesita, eagerly discussing something with Demeter.

Hera walked up to them, in which Hesita gave her a strong hug.

 

“Hestia, Demeter, how fare you?”

 

They both smiled at her, and they all began to walk together, while Zeus merely grumbled and went on his own way.

Demeter spoke up next.

 

“Me and Hestia were discussing our plans to bake this morning, and I've brought a grain she had been eager to try. Care to join?”

 

“I would love to join you, but I shall warn you; I am not the best baker.”

 

Hestia waved her hand dismissively.

 

“Bah, anyone can cook.”

 

Hera shrugged her shoulders.

 

“Doesn't mean they cook well.”

 

Hestia seemed personally offended, a hand to her chest in a mock-shock.

 

“I will not stand for this. All my sisters shall be great cooks, or else I fail at my only job.”

 

She pretended to be wounded, both Demeter and Hera chuckled.
Demeter turned and whispered to Hera -though she knew Hestia could hear anyway-

 

“Don't fret, by the end of today, you'll know how to bake 20 different breads within a lunchtime.”

 

Hera smiled, mood lifted from the early morning drama.
Speaking of which… Hestia spoke up next.

 

“I heard lovely Tethys has come to visit. Whatever for, Hera? How is she?”

 

Hera hesitated to answer, mind drifting to the sorrowful expression she last saw, but shrugged it off. She decided to spare her sisters the details.

 

“An argument with Zeus actually.”

 

She answered, Demeter raised a brow and the three of them turned a corner, nearing Hestia's place.

 

“Whatever about?”

 

“Nothing- it's been resolved.”

 

‘I hope’ she thought quietly to herself before pausing outside of Hestia's home. The two sisters hummed, but didn't press further, simply walking up the steps.

Hestia turned to her right before she entered, and held the door for Hera. She continued up and she too, entered Hestia's palace.

 

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It was midday by the time Hera, Hestia, and Demeter had finished the cooking lesson, and Hera was exhausted already.

She made a note not to ever excuse cooking as not being labor intensive -because THAT was a lie-

Hera's hands were covered in flour, marks on her cheeks and some even coating stands of hair around her face showed her obvious… misfortune when it came to cooking.
But Demeter looked far worse…

Her entire upper body at one point had been covered in the white powder after Hera had unceremoniously slipped and dumped the contents of her bowl on her poor sister…

 

She spent the rest of her evening washing it all off, and even now as they all stand looking over their creations, she still itched at her skin.

Hestia hummed for a long time, looking over every little pastry.

 

“Well, I think they look edible.”

 

Demeter slapped her arm with a scoff.

 

“They look fine, you mutt. Must you insult everything I make?”

 

Hestia raised her hands defensively, stuttering before Demeter moved forward to the pastries on the counter.
She grabbed a bread knife from the knife rack and cut herself a slice of her own… which Hera thought looked incredibly burnt and raw at the same time.

Both Hera and Hestia braced themselves as Demeter brought the slice to her mouth, and Hera squeezed her eyes shut when she heard the crunch of the bite.

 

A few seconds passed…

 

Demeter rushed over to Hestia's window and threw up.

 

Hestia busted into a loud, hearty laugh before making her way over to poor, ill Demeter. She rubbed her back soothingly as Hera bit back a laugh of her own.

 

“Demeter, how was it?”

 

Hera asked, which only earned her a groan from the other woman. Hestia shook her head.

 

“I told you not to put it back in, but did you listen to me? Nope!”

 

Demeter gave a kick to Hestia's shin, wiping her mouth as she finally removed her head from the window.

 

“I am never- and I mean never cooking with you two ever again.”

 

They all laughed, and Demeter slowly had color return to her face as they all lounged together, eating the good pastries, and leaving Demeter's… hellscape… in the garden for the snails.

 

Hera enjoyed her time with her sisters as she ate bread and sugary treats. Her favorite was of course her own- simple cinnamon bread, but it had turned out near perfect, if not a bit undercooked.

All of Hestia's were, of course, perfectly done and seasoned. Demeter grumbled many times about her own.

 

“The snails liked it far better than you did!”

 

Hera joked, and Demeter laughed despite the embarrassed flush on her cheeks.

 

“You're teasing me for a failure that was not my fault!”

 

Demeter exclaimed. Both Hestia and Hera asked her to elaborate.

 

“Well, it's not the painter's fault if the paint decides to drip. And so, it is not the farmer's fault if the bread turns out bad.”

 

“But you are both the farmer and the baker.”

 

Hestia retorted.
Demeter shook her head.

 

“I am not the baker- for the only thing that can truly bake, is the oven itself.”

 

Hera shook her head through giggles at Demeter's analogy.

 

“Demeter- you rival even Metis's jabbers with your words!”

 

As soon as the words left her mouth, Hera regretted it.
The conversation stopped, and the mood in the room seemed to chill, even for a moment.

Hera debated apologizing before Demeter spoke up.

 

“Perhaps I should keep them to myself then-”

 

The room stayed silent, and soon enough, Demeter and Hera both made their leave, Hestia giving them a warm goodbye.

 

Hera cursed herself for letting that slip- what if she had done so in front of more people? What if Zeus-?

She sighed, rubbing the corners of her eyes.

 

Hera returned back to her room to rest, the exhaustion from bread-making left her vulnerable to talk about Metis- and she'd rather not get smote.

Chapter Text

Hera did not dream again until she lay exhausted a few nights later.

 

Sleep did not come to her easily, and she had made the mistake of complaining to Zeus about it.

 

“I cannot sleep.”

 

She said simply.
Zeus turned in the bed then, extending his strong hand to her face.

She said nothing, simply letting him caress her face begrudgingly.
He hummed, leaned closer, and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

 

“You always have a difficult time resting. Does something bother you?”

 

Of course something troubled her, she wanted to say. She wanted to leave this bed with and just yell, and scream, and explain every emotion that plagued her through day and night.

She wanted to express her aching love she felt for her once-lover. She wanted to express her hatred for the man she was currently laying next to.

But instead, she just sighed and turned away.

 

“No. Nothing bothers me that matters.”

 

Zeus simply curled closer into her, resting his forehead against her shoulder. She could feel his warm breath against her.

 

Hera closed her eyes softly, and for a moment, allowed her mind to wander.

She imagined it was Metis' strong arms curled around her.
Imagined it was Metis’ breath against her skin, her weight that dipped the bed.

 

Only then did sleep arrive for Hera.

 

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Hera, in this dreamland her mind had conjured tonight, felt anxious, surprisingly.

She was standing outside of what seemed like a medical tent, since there was yet to be an official palace of medicine and healing.

Before she could fully take in her surroundings, the sound of a woman screaming overtook her attention. Soon after, a Nymph rushed out of the tent to her, panicked.

 

“Hera- you're needed now, as the goddess of childbirth-”

 

It was then that Hera decided this was a strange dream, but nonetheless she followed the Nymph into the tent.

 

She was met with a few other Nymphs that brushed past her, until she saw who exactly was in labor -or rather- they saw her.

 

“Hera-!”

 

Metis reached a hand to her, and immediately Hera went to her side, letting the woman grasp her hand like a lifeline.

Her body was covered in a thin layer of sweat, strands of her hair sticking to her face, it was clear she was exhausted.

 

“Metis- I'm here, I'm here.”

 

Metis’ only response was a pained groan as she leaned into her. Hera cradled her head against her stomach, and watched the earlier Nymph panic about what to do.

Metis' hand was shaking hard in Hera's, and in a split second decision, grabbed the Nymph up by her shoulder and more or less shoved her over to hold Metis’ hand.

 

“Stay there, hold her hand and dab her face with cool water.”

 

The Nymph swallowed but complied, and Metis, now grasping their forearm, began to cry.

 

Hera's face twinged in sympathy, but she had a job to do.
She first pressed a gentle hand to Metis' chest, a blessing of hers to help the birth go smoothly, before moving down to check where she was at with her contractions.

 

“You're alright, Metis- you're almost done now.”

 

The next half hour was filled Metis's cries and screams, until at last, it was a baby's cry that filled the air instead.

Hera held the small infant in her arms as they cried and cried.
Metis gave a small gasp, craning her neck to try and see her child.

Hera felt simply awe-struck at the child in her arms, their skin was dark like Metis', and the small hair that wisped at the top was the same ashy-black as Hera's.
She didn't question it, simply cutting the cord and brushing some of the blood and fluid off the baby's face.

 

“She's beautiful, Metis.”

 

Metis held her shaky arms out for the child, breaths still short and shallow with exhaustion.

 

“Let.. let me hold her..”

 

Hera stepped up with the still lightly crying child, helping the child rest against her mother's chest.
She watched the tender moment as the newborn settled near instantly against their mother.

The Nymph, who had been by Metis, moved with a bowl of water for Hera to rinse her hands before returning back and helping dispose of the placenta.

Metis cooed at her child, Hera moved and brushed a wet strand of hair out her face. Metis gazed up at her softly as the baby fell asleep on her chest.

 

“She is so small, Hera. Delicate..”

 

Metis ghosted her fingers over the baby's head, as if she were a fragile flower.
Hera leaned down and kissed her cheek.

 

“You'll be a great mother.”

 

“You will too.”

 

She paused for a moment, the idea that this was a dream returning back to her- only briefly.
Metis laughed breathlessly, bringing Hera's attention back.

 

“Did you think I'd raise her all by myself?”

 

Hera hesitated, a warmth rising to her cheeks when Metis reached up to her face with a slightly shaky hand, caressing down her jaw.

 

“Would you do me the honor of joining in matrimony, and raising this child with me, Hera?”

 

Hera resisted the urge to cry -happily of course-, nodding as she leaned into Metis's hand.

 

“I would. I would love to, Metis.”

 

The baby shifted, a pitiful, broken cry.
Hera smiled, gently taking the baby from Metis and ordering her to rest while the baby was washed and cleaned.

 

Metis seemed hesitant, but eventually allowed herself to rest, head falling back as she took deep breathes, recovering.

 

Hera held the squirming baby carefully, chuckling as the Nymph returned with fresh water and a soft cloth.

She dipped the cloth into the water as she asked the Nymph to hold the baby.

 

She couldn't help but giggle at every little annoyed sound the newborn gave when the warm water touched their skin, eventually wrapping the baby up in a blanket until they were comfortable in a swaddle.

 

She held the now sleeping baby again, rocking them quietly as the Nymph left to give the two of them some privacy.

Hera kissed the baby's head goodnight, and waited until Metis woke again.

 

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Meanwhile, beside Hera in the real world bed, Zeus breathed out heavily.

His wife had fully fallen asleep now, while he had not.
Normally, the opposite would happen.

He huffed quietly, tightening his hold around Hera's waist.

He rested his eyes once more, listening to the sound of Hera's breathing.

 

-----------------------------------

 

It was nearly an hour later when Zeus finally succumbed to the land of dreams, only this time, no dream awaited him tonight.

 

He was somewhere cold, dim but not dark, a black-grey mist was around him like the background of a painting.

He squinted in an attempt to see past it, only for the mist directly in front him to condense together into a proper form.

 

Zeus often dreamt of women -naked ones, mostly.
Women he has seen recently, some he has not.

Tonight, he saw Metis.

 

From the mist formed her body, full and as beautiful as he remembered.
Her hair grew then, wild and long, moving with a mind of its own.

He looked at her face next -terrified and tired, he recognized.

Her posture was hunched, hands held in front of her, coated in the golden blood of the divine.

He could see the hot steam that rose from the dripping blood, and as he gazed over her now fully formed body, he could see the same blood on her inner thighs, drawing a slow line past her legs and ankles until it pooled on the floor.

 

Zeus said nothing, felt nothing, except for an overwhelming ache of something sentimental.

 

He blinked, and the mist shifted again.

In his hands now, weighted as if it were real, was a newborn baby -small and loud as it cried.

His hold on the child was not one of gentleness or care, but rather, he held the baby by its torso as if it were an object.

The apparition of Metis took a shaky step forward, face anguished and full of dread.

Zeus looked at the baby, and then to Metis, the ache in his chest replaced with a hollow anger.

 

It was a son he held.

 

The son prophesied to end everything Zeus sacrificed and worked for.

 

He held his future in his hand with a cold grasp, even as the baby squirmed and cried, longing for the comforting hold of its mother.

 

Metis took another step, though ever frightful, extending a hand out as if begging for the child back.

 

Zeus tightened his grip, much to the child's discomfort.
Metis whimpered.

 

Zeus exhaled sharply through his teeth, his hatred only grew for this child and its mother.

He lifted the child closer to himself, studying its upset face.

 

“I do… what I have to.”

 

Zeus lifted the child, swift and quietly, to his mouth, Metis cried-

 

“Zeus please-!!”

 

He swallowed that child.

 

He was larger than the child- Titan large.

And he swallowed the son, smooth and easily.

 

Metis’ apparition crumbled to her knees until she too, disappeared, just like the child.

 

Zeus clutched his fists at his side, the realization of what he had just done seemed to strike him like his own lightning.

 

He raised his hand to stare at them- only these were not his hands anymore.

 

These hands- scarred and greyed, were the hands of his father.

 

Zeus flinched, and while his hands returned to their normal look, the mist blew past him, gathering and forming to look just like the previous King of the Heavens.

 

Kronos stood before him, great and mighty, with a wicked grin on his dry lips.

 

Again Zeus's anger rose, not aggressive, but fearful anger.

 

Kronos laughed, that deep, chest-aching laugh, and took a step toward his youngest son.

 

“Look! My son, shaking like a newborn. Whatever frightens you so?”

 

He laughed again, and Zeus could only glare. His lightning was not present in his soul, not here in his dreams. He could only stand and talk.

 

“Are you afraid, perhaps, of your position?”

 

Zeus faltered, Kronos’ gaze grew darker, and his form towered over him, looming.

 

“Are you afraid of that child, Zeus? Are you afraid of prophecy?”

 

Zeus grit his teeth and spat at the mist-Kronos.

 

“I am not afraid of what won't be. I fear nothing.”

 

Kronos grinned with his yellow teeth, wide and all too familiar.
Zeus never remembered his teeth being such a pale, diseased color- he supposed it was his subconscious, a way to make him seem more frightening.

 

“All too familiar, I thought the same way."

 

Zeus blinked and Kronos' voice was suddenly at his ear.

 

"Look at you,”

 

Zeus was suddenly forced then to look at an apparition of himself.

 

“How your hands have grown violent, how your mind has clouded.”

 

Zeus looked back to Kronos, who was no longer towering, but rather standing directly behind the apparition of his son.

His hands lifted apparition-Zeus' hands.

 

“You ate that child and its mother, Zeus. You're not stronger than me, you are me.”

 

Kronos walked through the apparition, face blending near perfectly as the mist-formed Zeus disappeared.
Zeus looked so closely like his father.

 

“If you are anything like me, Zeus. You shall know very soon that prophecies do not give up.”

 

Zeus finally broke through the anger that froze him and lunged a punch at the mist- it too, disappeared soon enough.

 

Zeus was left in the dark fully.

 

“Damn you. Damn you all.”

Chapter Text

For Hera, the dreams never ceased reminding her what she could've had, what her life could've been.

For Zeus, the dreams never ceased showing him what he did, and the consequences that shall soon follow.

 

No more than a month of these dreams and nightmares had passed and Zeus had already begun to feel the effects.
He refused to sleep some nights, while Hera felt eager to.

This lack of rest, he presumed, is what has been causing the minor aches in his head.

It started mild, a dull, faint throb right behind his eyes.
He brushed the feeling aside, he had more important things to do than worry about his pain.

 

Another month passed, and the nightmares only got more violent.

He sometimes dreamt of Metis despite his attempts at fully erasing her existence, other times he dreamt of his father.
All the same, Zeus did not want to face either of them.

 

He could not confine to his mother and risk her finding out what he had done. He can't risk anyone finding out.

Zeus made sure of that.

 

More time had passed, and the ache only grew, in both area and strength.

At times it felt as if there were a large bell in his head, the vibrations of each powerful strike only despairing him.

Hera had caught on to him, she noticed the way he grumbled at each pound against his skull, his irritation.

She had asked him:

 

“What ails you, my King?”

 

And Zeus waved her off, pinching the bridge of his nose.
He will not admit to anyone, not even his wife, of the pain he was in.
What kind of mighty King would?

 

One night, the ache grew to the point where it wasn't dull anymore- it was a sharp, deliberate, and piercing pain, as if there were an animal clawing at the inside of his head.

 

He had groaned loudly, and stood from his bed.
Hera lifted her head.

 

“What is wrong now?”

 

Zeus shook his head, unable to form an answer immediately.

He stumbled against the wall, each rhythmic stab blurred his vision and threatened to send tears to his eyes.

 

Hera was standing now, walking to him cautiously.

 

“Zeus, are you-”

 

“Silence, Hera!”

 

He had shouted, the unbearable feeling did not leave him room to deal with her.

Hera paused, waiting.

Zeus groaned, pressing a hand to his eyes before trying to stumble to the exit.

Hera followed, moving to guide him outside without tripping, but a sudden entourage of white-hot pain made Zeus nearly scream and fall to his knees.

Hera did not attempt to soften his fall, only watched in concern as he held his head like it was going to split.

 

“Zeus-!”

 

“Get Prometheus!”

 

Hera hesitated at Zeus's order, brows furrowing.

 

“Now!!”

 

She moved.

 

She moved through the halls of Olympus, not stopping even as Zeus’ pain became stronger and his cries more apparent about his suffering.

 

It was a solid 10 minutes before Hera returned to Zeus, half lifting- half dragging Zeus towards the large arena.

Zeus resisted the urge to slap the woman for moving him so roughly, but was too busy trying to keep his head on to really bother.

 

When they arrived, she let him fall to his knees, right in the center.
His cries of pain had attracted the attention of his other siblings, who were all there, watching with concern.

Zeus yelled at them, cursed until Prometheus entered, dusting ash and soot off of his skin and clothes.

Zeus looked at the man and immediately shouted to him.

 

“Prometheus! Gather your great axe and strike me! Be rid me of this ache in my head!”

 

Prometheus blinked with that odd look in his eye, concerned but nonetheless obedient to his King.

He gestured for Poseidon and Hades to hold Zeus by the shoulders, for he could not stop writhing in pain.

 

Zeus groaned and groaned, and Prometheus lifted his great axe above his head, the metal gleaming in the early morning sunlight.
He hesitated, if only for a second, before tensing and bringing the weapon down with a powerful swing.

 

A sickening crack sounded out as Zeus's skull was unceremoniously split nearly in two.

His consciousness faded quickly, and as his golden blood sprayed from the wound, Hades and Poseidon dropped his body.

 

He fell forward, hunched, as the liquid gold flowed forth from his head.
Hot steam rose from the liquid, filling the air with an ozone smell.

Hera, Hestia, and Demeter stood together, watching the blood flow from his head like a never ending river.

Hera swallowed hard, hesitant to move to her husband, Prometheus standing there with a slightly panicked look on his face- he had just struck his King unconscious.

 

But before any of them could say anything, something in Zeus' ichor shifted.

The blood actively flowing from his head gurgled, a gross, wet, squelching sound.
It bubbled, and the siblings all watched with concern and disgust on their faces.

 

Hera moved to crouch begrudgingly next to Zeus, watching as the golden blood was spat out at an alarming rate- an unnatural amount.

 

Soon after, Hera had sworn she had seen something move inside his brother's skull. She hesitated, lifting a hand unconsciously-

 

“What was-”

 

With a sudden slimy surge, a blood covered hand reached out of Zeus's head. Hera -being startled- flinched backward as Hestia and Hades exclaimed simultaneously.

 

The ichor on the hand dripped down onto the sandy ground of the area until it grasped the edge of the wound, shaky and weak as it grabbed the edge of Zeus' head.

 

Everyone watched the scene with horrified faces.
Hera swallowed some bile that rose to her throat, and Poseidon's face began to pale as he watched. Hestia rubbed his arm comfortingly.

 

Another hand escaped from the confines of Zeus's head, whatever it was, desperately tried to claw its way out.
Hera's breath hitched as she heard Zeus' skull crack again, forced apart further, and then a head began to emerge.

 

The blood sputtered again, and as a third and fourth hand reached out to try and lift themselves from Zeus's skull, Poseidon fainted on the spot.

Hestia caught him before he fell, grunting as she helped to lower him down. Hera might've found it funny if it weren't for what was directly in front of her.

 

A person was actively crawling out of Zeus' head, streaming and covered in ichor.
They lifted themselves up until their hips- it was then Hera noticed they were sobbing.

Zeus' body fell forward from the weight, which made the figure fall into the ichor covered sand with a grunt.

They dug their fingers -many fingers.. this person had two pairs of arms- into the ground, continuing to push out of Zeus' head.

Their sobs continued, moments frantic to just get out, and Hera found herself compelled to help.
She moved closer, grasping the figure by their shoulders, even as the blood burned her, and pulled.

The figure cried out as their hips and the rest of their body came free, drenched with ichor and slipping as they tried to steady themselves like a newborn trying to crawl.

Hera's forearms were seared from the molten hot blood, and she could only imagine the pain of the figure freshly… born... from Zeus' head.

Hera half held them as they shook, a tail whipped at the ground, and Hera really took in their strange appearance.

Upon their head were horn-like protrusions- sharp at the ends and nearly the length of their shoulders.

The figure whimpered, distress evident now as they then covered their eyes with one pair of arms while the other shook violently, almost like a shiver.

 

The other siblings began to speak all at once, voices overlapping and from first hand experience, Hera knew how it felt to be overwhelmed by so much new.

Hera summoned a nice towel quickly and threw it over the person's head, helping to block both the rising sunlight and the growing noise.
She held their head to her chest, making sure they wouldn't take the towel off, just looking at her siblings' concerned faces, and then to Zeus.

 

“I…”

 

She couldn't think of what to say- but the person relaxed into Hera, hands falling to their lap and their cries softened.

 

“Check on Zeus.”

 

She had told Prometheus behind her, and he did so quickly.
Demeter spoke up next.

 

“What is- I don't.. Who is that?!”

 

Hera shrugged, the figure's noises were pitiful.

 

“I don't know- but they're scared.”

 

Demeter hummed, hesitantly crouching down beside the figure.
She briefly touched their shoulder, flinching back as the blood burned her.

 

“They need to be bathed-”

 

Hera nodded, wincing as she shifted to sit on her knees.
The figure whimpered, and their tail flicked Demeter in the knee.

 

“Ow.”

 

The figure was shaking- and it was hard to tell if it was from pain or fear.
Hera guided their towel-covered head to lean into her, letting their arms naturally grasp her as she tried to stand up with them.

Demeter went to help Hera stand, while Hades came to help lift the figure by their bottom pair of arms.

The figure whimpered again, legs shaky and threatening to collapse.
They were a bit shorter than Hera, and their hands clung to the fabric of her shirt as ichor continued to drip off their skin.

Poseidon woke soon after, and both he, Hades, and Prometheus offered to stay and help the unconscious, bleeding Zeus.

Hera nodded, and began to move with Hestia and Demeter to guide the blood-covered person to the bath house.

 

The figure could hardly walk, both from lack of vision because of the towel, and because their legs just couldn't stop shaking.

Hestia eventually decided to just lift the poor soul into her arms- the blood had cooled enough to not burn immediately.

She held the figure bridal-style, and their arms immediately tightened around her neck, clearly afraid.
Hestia shushed them softly, and they hurried on.

 

Demeter turned her attention to Hera beside her, grasping her arms and looking at the burns.
Hera swallowed, pulling her arms back to herself before Demeter could say anything.

 

“I know- I'll get them treated soon.”

 

Demeter said nothing, only sighing.

 

-----------------------------------

 

The bathhouse air was warm like always as Hestia set the figure down to their feet again, holding them steady.

Hera walked up and gently removed the towel from the figure's head, which made them gasp and nearly slip.
The towel had absorbed some of the blood on the person's face, and Hera noticed that their skin was a grey- metallic.

The person was made of metal. A very strange metal, it had the feeling of skin and seemed to act the same way.

Hera noted that with all the other strange things this person had, and simply gestured for Hestia and Demeter to help get them in a tub.

 

The figure -a girl, they soon found- was a fan of the water.

She did not splash like Hera had expected, simply resting in the warm water as they all worked to scrub her poor body free of Zeus' ichor.

Despite being what Hera could assume a young adult, the girls chest was fairly flat and had hardly any feminine qualities except for their literal sex.

Hera, more than once, thought the girl's face was eerily similar to Metis'- her mouth, her jaw, even her eyes.

Hera did not want to know why that was, she did not want to question why this girl crawled from Zeus's skull.

Not ever.

 

The bath continued smoothly, and the girl had even dozed off, littered with exhaustion.

 

The girl had said nothing during the wash, having only made noises of discomfort or pleasure, but something told Hera that the girl understood what they were saying just the same.

Demeter had decided to get her something to wear- though with her extra arms, some adjustments would have to be made.

 

Hestia was in the middle of bandaging Hera's burns when she spoke up again.

 

“So, Hera. How do you feel?”

 

Hera hummed.

 

“I feel bad for her- I can't imagine how overwhelming everything must be to someone born not even an hour ago.”

 

Hestia shook her head.

 

“I meant about the bandages and if they were too tight. But we can talk about that.”

 

Hera brushed her embarrassment to the side as Hestia sat next to her.

 

“What are we supposed to do with her? What about Zeus?”

 

Hestia didn't speak back, knowing it'd be better just for Hera to let it all out.

 

“Oh Styx, I didn't even think about Zeus- what if this is an omen? What if he kills her- or us! Tell me you saw the resemblance, that girl has Metis' face, there's no doubt she was sent by the Fates-”

 

Hestia pressed a kiss to Hera's forehead, quieting her instantly. She rubbed Hera's shoulder.

 

“You stress too much, Zeus doesn't even know of the child's existence- he's still unconscious as far as we know.”

 

Hera sighed.

 

“But he will find out, we can't hide her forever- Poseidon can barely keep a secret, let alone one this big!”

 

Hestia shushed her, but before she could say anything more, Demeter arrived with the now dressed girl.

She wore simple white- and it was clear it was just a large chiton with extra holes cut out for her arms.

She had one of Demeter's belts tightened around her waist to keep it all together. Demeter sighed loudly.

 

“Despite being horrible at walking- she sure likes to wander.”

 

She plopped down onto the seat next to Hera with a huff, and the girl just stood there awkwardly, clearly unsure of what she was supposed to be doing.

Hera found it endearing, and gestured for the girl to come join them on the seat.

 

-----------------------------------

 

When the sisters disappeared with the new member, Poseidon groaned with frustration, Hades side-eyed him.

 

“Are we just- and now- HADES.”

 

Hades tensed when Poseidon suddenly grabbed his shoulders, shaking him aggressively in order to get his point across.

 

“HADES, THEY LEFT US TO CLEAN!”

 

Hades blinked and brushed Poseidon's hands off.

 

“They left us to help our brother.”

 

Poseidon groaned and gestured with his hand to the very large puddle of ichor.

 

“And what is that!?”

“Ichor.”

“And who is left here?”

“Me, you, and Prometheus.”

“WHICH MEANS WE HAVE TO CLEAN IT!”

“Your yelling is very grating-”

 

Poseidon huffed and brushed past Hades, moving to Prometheus instead, who simply looked up at him.

 

“Can you believe them? Leaving us men to do the cleaning!”

 

“You do realize they're cleaning too, right? They're giving that person a bath.”

 

Poseidon turned to Hades, who crouched down and began lifting Zeus' limp body. Prometheus came to help as well.

Poseidon rubbed his face, but begrudgingly went to help too.

 

Together, they both managed to lift Zeus in a sitting position, blood still slowly oozing down his face.
Prometheus shivered.

 

“He is going to be very angry when he wakes..”

“You're dead first, Prometheus. You ruined his pretty hair.”

“Poseidon, pay attention before Zeus falls over-”

 

Poseidon adjusted his grip, allowing Zeus' body to lean on him. He grimaced, the smell of ozone strong.

 

“He stinks.”

 

Hades summoned a cloth while Prometheus formed a bowl of water.
Hades dipped the cloth and began wiping the blood off Zeus' face and head.

 

“The wound is already closing.”

 

He commented as he wrung the cloth and continued. Prometheus hummed.

 

“Who's going to tell him?”

“Tell him what?”

“About the person who crawled out of his head!”

 

Poseidon exclaimed, making Hades turn. He sighed.

 

“No one will tell him. Simple.”

 

Prometheus shook his head.

 

“He'll find out someday- Poseidon can't possibly keep quiet about this.”

“Hey-!”

“We'll figure it out later, then. With our sisters.”

 

Prometheus hummed in agreement.

When Zeus was finally clean, the large slit in his head was slowly stitching itself back together.

Hades turned and stood with Prometheus to the pool of ichor while Poseidon watched Zeus.

 

Hades sighed, kicking some sand into blood.

 

“This is quite a lot.”

 

He rubbed his eyes before walking to it, lowering his hand and beginning to disperse the blood into the closest stream, not having the patience to get rid of it somewhere far.

 

When he finished, he gazed up at the rising sun, noting how it was fully morning now.

He turned to Poseidon and Zeus- but instead of seeing the gaping wound on Zeus's head, there was instead a wool cap.

 

“I got tired of looking at it.”

 

Poseidon said, and Hades only hummed.

 

The three of them together managed to lift Zeus' body without disturbing the wound, walking carefully through the halls to get him to his bedroom.

More than once they almost bumped into a pillar, but he was unscathed by the time they actually managed to get him to his room.

Nymphs began waking once Zeus was laid on his bed, Poseidon threw a blanket lazily over top of him and they all hurried out of the room to go meet up with Hera and the others.

 

Zeus would be fine.. right?

 

-----------------------------------

 

Eventually, both the sisters and the brothers met up- only the sisters looked way more panicked.

Hades spotted them first, moving over, but it became clear that they were not looking for him, Poseidon, or Prometheus.

 

“Sisters, what are you-”

 

Hera went up to him.

 

“Have you seen the girl anywhere?!”

 

Hades paused before shaking his head.

 

“Girl? Do you mean the one that was just-”

“Yes! That one! Fates..”

 

She moved past him to ask Poseidon and Prometheus the same thing.

Hades looked puzzled until Hestia came up to him. She leaned and whispered to him.

 

“Hera may or may not have lost her-”

“She what?”

“Yeah… apparently she ‘walked outside with the girl and she wandered away.'”

 

Hades, as he thought about it, could guess that it was actually fairly plausible.
Demeter spoke next.

 

“That girl can barely walk and she's gone off almost immediately!”

 

Hera groaned in frustration loudly.

 

“I KNOW, I'm looking RIGHT now.”

 

Hera went into a different hall, still searching, as Poseidon came up behind Hades.

 

“I can't believe it! Hardly an hour since she was born and she's already as curious as a toddler.”

 

“Sounds like someone I know.”

 

Poseidon flicked Hades, who grumbled, but began searching for the girl too.

 

-----------------------------------

 

It was nearly noon when they actually found her… sort of.

Hera had screamed:

 

“AH! GET DOWN FROM THERE!”

 

And of course, they all came running.

Hestia arrived first, gasping and looking up.

Then Poseidon, then Hades, then Demeter.
They all looked up at the -what used to be Metis' palace.

The girl was standing right at the roof, upon the roof's raking, looking down at them.

She was halfway to climbing the rest of the raking when Hera had found her, and by the time everyone else arrived, she was already sitting at the very top.

Hera looked exasperated.

 

“HOW DID YOU GET UP THERE-?”

 

The girl smiled, tail flicking as if amused. She waved before sliding down the raking, gripping the edge, and dropping down to the floor with a surprisingly soft thud.

Hestia went over to her first, checking over her form for any injuries as Hera scolded the girl.

 

“What is wrong with you! Why would you go up there?!”

 

Hestia turned to her.

 

“Don't yell, Hera, she didn't know-”

“I was looking.”

 

Hestia whipped around to the girl, who had just spoken for the first time.
The girl's voice was slightly raspy from the earlier crying and screaming, deep like someone she knew.

She poked Hestia's chest.

 

“For you.”

 

Hera blinked before it clicked in her head.

 

“You were looking for us?”

 

The girl nodded and Hestia responded next.

 

“We were looking for you.”

 

The girl said nothing, just let Hestia hug her tightly.

 

“Maybe don't wander off then- you're not exactly er... recognized here. You could get hurt.”

 

Hera rubbed the bridge of her nose while Poseidon laughed like no tomorrow.

 

“She- haha! She was looking for YOU, hahaha!”

 

“Poseidon, zip it!”

 

Poseidon grumbled when Hera slapped the back of his head, but complied nonetheless.

 

-----------------------------------

 

Hestia had offered to take the girl under her care for the time being- Zeus rarely bothered or visited her, and Hestia had plenty of time to watch over the girl.

 

Hera returned to her room to find Zeus awake on their bed.

He was mumbling to himself, rubbing his now healed head.
Hera went to his side.

 

“Zeus… how are you feeling..?”

 

Zeus glared at her for a moment before his gaze softened.

 

“I feel like a porcupine has just climbed out of my head.”

 

Hera swallowed the lump that formed in her throat- she couldn't say anything about the girl.

Zeus sat up fully, looking Hera over.

 

“You look shaken.”

“I was just worried about you- you bled quite a lot.”

 

Zeus' eyes narrowed as his mind went back to the arena and Prometheus.

 

“Well, my headache is gone now.”

 

“That's good.”

 

Zeus looked at her again, her nervous posture, her nervous tone. She answered too quickly. He hummed and stood from the bed.

 

“Are you sure you should be standing-”

“I'm fine, Hera.”

 

His mind went back to his unconsciousness. He didn't remember much, it was all fuzzy and black- but what he did remember was his siblings talking.

 

“... she's scared-”

“... they need to be bathed…”

“... he stinks…”

 

Well, that last one he'd do good without, but the others made him pause.

‘She’ was scared? Who would be?

His eyes narrowed to Hera, his suspicions clear.

 

“Hera.”

“Yes?”

“What are you keeping from me?”

 

Hera did not answer immediately, and stopped dead. Did Zeus not trust her? Was he more conscious during than she realized? She swallowed and shook her head, trying to appear as certain as possible.

 

“Nothing, Zeus.”

“You're lying, I can tell when you lie.”

 

Hera felt her stomach sink.

 

Zeus moved past her to his bedside table, opening a drawer.

 

“You're not allowed to keep secrets from me.”

 

He said, and Hera watched as he pulled a parchment from his drawer.

She recognized that paper.

That was a letter she wrote to Metis when she was grieving.
She remembered what a Nymph had told her-

 

“The King of Olympus will one day discover these letters you are sending, I foretell.”

 

Styx how she hated prophecy- of course Zeus had seen.

 

Zeus unrolled the letter, holding it in front of Hera's face.

 

“I wonder how Olympus would feel if their loyal Queen of Marriage was seen sending letters to another. Breaking her vow of loyalty, hm?”

 

Hera's breath hitched.

He was blackmailing her.

 

She could see her handwriting on the letter, she could see what she wrote- the details of her lover.
She shook her head frantically, she cannot let people see what she has been hiding.

 

“No-!”

 

She reached to grab the letter, only for Zeus to hold it away from her, firm hand pushing her into the bed with a grunt.

 

“What are you hiding then? Tell me.”

 

Hera shouldn't, she couldn't.

 

That girl didn't deserve Zeus' anger- no one did.

But she did not want that letter revealed either.

She swallowed, but eventually spoke.

 

She explained the child that clawed out of his head with immense guilt.

 

And Zeus' gaze only darkened.

 

“Where is this child?”

 

“Zeus I-”

 

“Where.”

 

Hera could feel the static in the room rise, the hairs on her legs standing up, alert.

 

“Hestia's-”

 

Zeus dispersed the letter before she could say anything more.

He walked with heavy steps out of his room.

 

Hera fell to her knees, watching him, hand coming up to the shirt over her chest and her rapid beating heart.

 

“What have I done…”

Chapter Text

It took a lot of convincing for Hera to actually get Zeus to go.

It took a lot more to convince Meneswo.. or, Athena now, to leave Hestia's house.

 

Hera had asked her siblings to join her in convincing Zeus to let the child live.

It was slow- especially with whatever Zeus was dealing with.
It was clear, to Hera at least, that he wasn't well.

He was hot-headed, he was uncaring, and he was quick to anger and violence.

 

Hera stood before him with her siblings at her side, a plea ready to be spoken on her lips, when Zeus raised his hand.

He didn't shout, he didn't yell, but spoke calmly.

Hera didn't know if that was worse.

 

“Bring the girl here.”

 

He had said.

Hera did not want to, but by the look of her siblings, she didn't get the choice.
She'd have to hope that this was not a trick or a scheme.

She had to hope Zeus would understand.

 

Athena stayed in Hestia's home, even when Hestia left with Hera and the others.

She'd attempt to make herself as small as her body would allow, even when it looked physically exhausting to do so.

She'd constantly touch and hold random things when she did walk around, but she always made sure to be near a place she could hide.

When she could hear the sound of someone approaching, even if it wasn't heavy or nearly as frightening as Zeus, Athena scrambled.

 

Hera opened the door calmly to Hestia's place, and watched through the corner of her eye as the girl ran up the stairs to the second floor.

She closed the door and moved, hearing a thud or the sound of something falling and hitting the floor.

Hera made her way up the stairs quietly, the rug Hestia had placed on them offering some padding against the cold marble.

She looked around the second floor- it was a hallway that led to the main and spare bedroom.

Judging by the slightly ajar main bedroom door, Hera assumed the girl to be in there.

She brushed the door, the smell of cinnamon and apples wafting through the air quietly.

Hera hummed, trying not to mess with any of Hestia's belongings.

 

“Athena? Athena, you have to come out. I'm not going to hurt you.”

 

She looked under the bed and behind the curtains, those were the only places a girl her size could hide behind fully, but saw no sign.

 

A muffled thud coming from a different room made Hera turn.

She moved out of the hall, took a quick glance around, before moving into the spare bedroom, opening the closed door.

It was then that she saw what had fallen- just a painting off the wall- and a panicking Athena trying to put it back.

When the door opened, however, she gasped and moved to crawl under the bed.

 

Hera found it sweet, surprisingly.

She walked over and grabbed the abandoned painting, placing it back on the nail in the wall.

 

“It's okay, Athena. You don't have to be scared.”

 

‘That's a lie.’ Hera thought.
The girl had every right to be afraid, especially now as she would have to go to Zeus again.

Hera crouched down, making sure her movements weren't sudden, and looked under the bed.

The girl was curled fairly tight, looking frankly squished and uncomfortable.

Athena's gaze softened at Hera, though, and she relaxed just a bit.

 

“See? It's just me.”

 

Hera coaxed her out, being mindful of her horns, and letting her head rest in her lap.

They two sat in silence for a few beats.

 

“I'm sorry.”

 

Athena apologized, glancing at the painting.

 

“I thought I broke it.”

 

Hera smiled.

 

“You didn't break it. Paintings aren't hung there permanently, if they were, you'd never be able to take it down.”

 

Hera rubbed the girl's shoulder gently.

 

After a few moments of silence, the girl spoke up again.

 

“I don't want to be Athena.”

 

Hera hummed and looked at her.

 

“Why not?”

“It's not the name I want. I don't want to be Wisdom- I don't wish to steal it.”

“Steal from whom?”

“You know who.”

 

A beat.

 

Hera watched as the girl sat up, now sitting beside her.
She brought her legs to her chest, resting her chin on her knees.

Hera didn't say anything.

 

“I am Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, daughter of Zeus.”

 

Athena said quietly.

She repeated.

 

“I am Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, daughter of Zeus-”

“You are the daughter of Metis.”

 

Hera interrupted.

Athena looked to her, and Hera spoke again, looking forward but no less distant.

 

“You are Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, daughter of Metis.”

 

Athena blinked, Hera clenched her hands before sighing and standing.
She held her hand out for Athena.

 

“Unfortunately, I didn't come here just to talk with you.”

 

Athena took her hand hesitantly.

 

“Where are we going?”

 

“Just come with me.”

 

Hera felt bad, she felt guilty for having to drag her back to him, but the girl's safety depended on it.

 

She held one of Athena's hands, running her thumb over her knuckles as she took her from Hestia's house, much to the girl's discomfort.

 

She brought her through the halls, walking past a few Nymphs and other Gods on their way.

 

They whispered, they pointed, always such gossipers the Nymphs were.

Athena, being the shy girl she was, stuck close to Hera and avoided eye contact with most of them.

 

-----------------------------------

 

Eventually, of course, they reached the throne room.

 

Hera let go of Athena's hand. Her siblings were standing outside, moving to her and Athena when they saw them.

Hades came up to Hera.

 

“He wishes to speak with the girl alone.”

“Are you certain..? We cannot trust him yet-”

“He's made it clear, otherwise he will refuse his agreement.”

 

Hera swallowed, looking at Hestia and Athena, who were hugging.

 

“I see…”

 

Hades placed a hand to her shoulder.

 

“We tried all we could. It's up to her now.”

 

They both looked to Athena, and Hera's response faltered.

 

“I cannot… if something happens to her Hades-”

“Nothing will.”

“You say that and yet Zeus is so clearly unwell! He slapped our eldest sister without care, he had this girl on the floor in tears with his foot on her chest!”

“Hera-”

“Hades I cannot…”

 

Hera felt her emotions well up into tears despite herself, pooling but not falling.

 

“Hades if he does anything to that girl, if he kills her… we'll truly have nothing left of Metis…”

 

Hades’ face shifted slightly.

 

“Hades, that's her kid… that's her our daughter and that's all we have left..!”

 

Hades pulled her into an embrace, though she did not cry into his shoulder.
Poseidon came up to them, hugging her as well.

 

“Hera, I.. I didn't know she had a kid.”

 

Hades said softly. Hera sniffled, breaking the hug to steady her emotions.

 

“I never told anyone- she didn't either… she…”

 

Hera couldn't bring herself to say what happened, not here where anyone could hear.

Not when Athena was right there.

 

Hera shook her head, just barely whispering.

 

“Metis was.. pregnant.. when she disappeared… I'm sorry but I cannot tell you any more than that-”

 

Hera brushed past Hades before he could say anything in his surprise, moving to Athena who was talking with Demeter and Hestia.

She grabbed the girl's arm and turned her to face her.
She held the girl's face -Metis' face- with her hands, just looking over it for a second before speaking.

 

“If anything happens, if you feel scared or he looks angry, you run out here immediately, okay..?”

 

Athena blinked, then nodded.

 

“Yes ma'am.”

“Good girl.”

 

She pulled her into a hug before leaving her, gesturing for her to go into the throne room.

 

Athena swallowed, looking back at everyone before walking inside.

 

-----------------------------------

 

Athena's heart was pounding in her chest loudly as she pushed the doors open.

The inside was lit with candles, and in the very center of the ceiling was a large skylight.
The sun shone down onto the marble floor, illuminating a mosaic right in the center.

The mosaic was of the Titanomachy, the war where Zeus claimed his Kinghood.

Athena kept her gaze down on the mosaic as she walked up with soft footsteps to the throne of Zeus.

She couldn't look at him.

 

Very clearly in the mosaic as she stopped, was a missing portion.

Above the figure of Zeus was a strangely empty spot- as if someone had chipped it away and replaced it with the color of the background.

She said nothing about this.

Zeus spoke.

 

“Athena.”

 

She said nothing, one pair of arms wrapped around her stomach tightly while the other balled her fists at her side.

 

“Athena.”

 

Athena looked up at Zeus finally.

His gaze, white and cold, made her feel like an open book.

And like Zeus held a lighter in his hand, ready to burn her.

 

Athena swallowed hard, remembering what Hera had told her earlier.

She can't run away now, she had to be brave and get it over with.
Zeus might chase her if she runs.

 

“Athena, my daughter, come here.”

 

Athena's hands shook slightly, and despite the fear that wrapped around her heart, she took a step.

She walked up the steps to Zeus' throne, stopping right in front of him.

Zeus stood, his pearlescent hair falling down his shoulders like water.
He reached out and grabbed her jaw.

Her breath hitched and she nearly flinched, holding her body tight as her head was lifted so he could gaze at her face.

He looked over her, thumb tracing down her jaw.
He was slow, agonizingly slow. It made her feel nauseous.

His thumb stopped briefly, only to then jab his nail to her neck suddenly, drawing ichor.

She hissed and flinched out of his grasp, taking a step back. He smiled and sat back down as she bore her teeth, only for a moment.

 

“You have my eyes, child. That fire in your spirit, I shall snuff it.”

 

Athena said nothing, only raising one of her hands to the bleeding.

 

“Come to my side, Athena.”

 

She didn't move.

 

“Don't test my patience now. I can strike you where you stand and move on with my day.”

 

Zeus raised his hand to his heart.
Only then did Athena move, walking and standing at the left side of his throne.

 

“That is where you will serve me, daughter of mine.”

 

He looked at her, she did not look at him.

 

“Welcome to Olympus.”

 

-----------------------------------

 

Hera volunteered to wait for Athena outside the throne room.

 

She paced, and to her relief, the sky never darkened.

When Athena finally exited the throne room, Hera went up to her, clearly happy to see she was alive.

Athena still had a hand to her throat still, a sloppy attempt to hide the bleeding.

Hera noticed this, and gently tried to move her hand away.
Athena didn't let her.

 

“It hurts, but not damaging.”

 

She said, Hera shook her head.

 

“Athena, I can see the ichor dripping.”

 

She sighed, glaring to the throne room and pulling Athena closer.

 

“He shouldn't have done that, but it's alright, it'll heal fast.”

 

She took Athena away from the throne room, away from Zeus.

 

“He welcomed me.”

“Then we'll need to find you a place to stay.”

 

Hera looked around, she was halfway to dragging Athena to her own room when she realized.

She thought before her gaze landed on Metis' place- still left untouched.

She hesitated before looking at Athena beside her.
Hera took one of her hands and gestured for her to walk.

 

“You can stay here, Athena.”

“I know this place.”

 

Hera nodded.

 

“You climbed it.”

 

Athena hummed.

 

“I've seen this building. In my dreams.”

“Your dreams?”

“Yes.”

 

Hera opened the door to the inside, cool air hitting her face.

 

“I haven't been here in a long time.”

 

Athena stepped inside and looked around the empty space.
She walked to the center, and then went to the walls, dragging her fingers over the dusty pillars.

 

“I like it.”

 

She said simply.

Hera walked up.

 

“We can get you some furniture, then you can decorate this place however you'd like.”

 

She placed a hand to Athena's shoulder, glancing up at the painted ceiling.

 

“It'd be good for this place to have someone living in it again.”

Chapter Text

The new Goddess on Olympus was quite the talk.

Rumors spread, suspicions rose and fell, and of course the gossip was flourishing.

 

Gossip, gossip, gossip.

 

It didn't help that Athena went well into her place as the new Goddess of Wisdom.
Zeus demanded her presence and her guidance by his side constantly, even though she was still learning all the customs expected of her.

Athena knew a lot of things, naturally.

But she lacked the experience that would truly make that knowledge useful.

 

Athena was at Zeus’ beck and call.
She was beside him during meetings, she followed behind him like… like a pet.

Hera hated how familiar it felt.

 

Eventually, Athena was given furniture for her room, even if she looked a bit too shy to decline it anyway.

 

Hera had remained both distant and close to the new Goddess.

She wanted to be kind and welcoming, like the mother Athena would never have now, but seeing Metis' face again, her intelligence in the body of her daughter, it made Hera afraid.

And she didn't know why or what of.

But today, she decided to just talk to the Goddess. Just a simple conversation.

If she could even manage that.

-----------------------------------

 

Hera spotted Athena leaving Metis'- or now her room, she supposed.

Athena left at the same time every morning, this girl already had a routine.

Hera knew that she'd make her way to Zeus soon enough- but by the way the skys gloomy grey threatened to rain to, maybe seeing Zeus wouldn't be the best..

 

“Athena-”

 

Hera called out to the girl, walking towards her as she turned.

 

“Hera..?”

 

She tilted her head.

 

“You haven't spoken to me in some time. Do you need something?”

 

Hera nodded, taking a well-needed sigh as she set a hand on Athena's shoulder.

 

“I just thought today could be a time just for you. A day-off per say.”

“A day… off?”

“Mhm.”

“Off from what exactly?”

 

Hera began to walk with her, gesturing to the sad sky above them.

 

“The clouds, they aren't the best, you see?”

 

Athena looked up at the sky as she kept up with Hera.

 

“They're grey.”

 

She commented, Hera hummed in agreement.

 

“You're new to Olympus- so I didn't expect you to know but, when it's grey or rainy like this, it means Zeus isn't in a particular good mood and-”

“Hera, I don't wish for you to speak to me as if I am a child- what are you wanting?”

 

Hera hesitated, stopping for a moment.

 

“What I want..?”

 

Athena seemed hurt.

 

“You haven't spoken with me recently, if at all. Anytime I see you, I am avoided or ignored. Why?”

 

Curse this girl and her perceptiveness. Hera flexed her fingers a bit absently.

The way Athena looked at her- held her gaze like she knew.

 

She sighed.

 

“Athena, I…”

 

Athena waited expectantly.

 

“I just…”

 

Hera couldn't continue, the response dying on her tongue. How was she supposed to tell the girl that she had no true valid reason to avoid her? Just tell her she was afraid when she saw how Athena followed Zeus around like Metis did before…

Athena grabbed Hera's hand- the one that was scratching at her arms absently, small specks of ichor under her nails now.

Hera hesitated, looking at Athena and then her arm.

Athena let go of Hera's hand, but her concern remained etched on her face regardless. Hera ran her fingers through her own hair before finally mustering up enough to respond.

 

“Just… go on a walk. Explore some islands. Be away from Zeus, alright?”

 

Athena continued to stare, as if expecting another answer, as if she knew that's not what Hera really wanted to say.

Hera stared back, and after a few beats of silence, Athena turned and began to walk away, glancing over her shoulder.

 

“I'll be at the shores… if you need me.”

 

Hera watched as the girl disappeared from sight, an unnamed feeling settling in her chest.

 

“Stay safe, Athena…”

 

-----------------------------------

 

Athena's little day-off, as Hera had suggested, was mostly filled with walking and more or less exploring.

She had first walked around the shore nearest to Olympus, gazing up to the large rocky cliffside on which many Nymphs and other creatures liked to rest.

There were the quiet wails of infants, and the chatter of friends, like a house etched into cliffside rock.

Once most of their impressive details were mapped in Athena's mind, she moved on.

She felt drawn to the shore, in some strange sense of longing, or sentimentality.
Athena doubted she missed the sea, as she'd never been in it yet.

But there was something soothing, something comforting about the calm waves and the sound of water rushing against sand.

She pushed it aside as simply enjoying the sound of the ocean, once again moving on.

 

A rustle borrowed the Goddess' attention.

Athena watched as a Nymph, who had come from the forest nearby, exited to the shoreline.

The Nymph gave only a brief glance to her before their form shifted.
Their body changed and shaped itself like clay, forming into what Athena identified as a grouse before flying away.

Athena watched the transformation curiously. Surely if a Nymph could transform, she could as well?

Athena thought about it for a moment, glancing at the sea water.

She'd rather not waste energy swimming through the cold water when she could simply fly like the grouse.

Athena tried to perform the same shifting she had seen the Nymph do, tensing herself and thinking long and hard about the bird she wanted to be, but alas, nothing happened.

Athena huffed, disappointed in herself, trying again.

After the second failed attempt, Athena tried a different bird.

Then another.

 

Her body made a sort of groaning noise- like bending metal, a slight grimace.

It took a few seconds to register what had actually happened- but in short she concurred, instead of clay-like shifting, she was now simply a grey bird of an ambiguous species.

Athena had figured out what intent she needed to transform, and soon after her excitement, she was flying over the salty sea, feeling accomplished.

 

Athena's new form was unsteady at first, and she had to take frequent stops on different islands to catch her breath.

The sky remained a somber, gloomy color as Athena unceremoniously transformed on a new island, falling to her knees in the sand.

She panted, raising a hand to her chest.

She might've pushed herself too hard, judging by the soreness in her body and the ache in her lungs.

 

Athena decided to rest on this island, enjoying the soft sands and calm waters, at least until she felt better.

She dusted some of the sand off her arms and legs, dragging herself over to one of the rocks that lines the shore.

She pulled herself onto the smoke-black stone, feeling its rough texture beneath her fingertips.

 

She hummed as moved to lay down, just for a moment, she promised herself.

 

-----------------------------------

 

Athena awoke to the soft patter of rain against her face and body, stirring with a groan as the cold water dripped down her cheekbone.

Athena sat up slightly, a hand coming up to protect her eyes from the sprinkle of rain.

She mumbled, half-annoyed to have been woken, while remaining still thankful she didn't fall asleep for too long.

As Athena went to slip off the rock and take flight again, she noticed that all along the beach and floating in the water was some thick, cream colored foam.

She blinked, gazing at the phenomenon, slipping fully off the rock.
She hummed curiously, beginning to move through the foam.

Athena smiled, if only a little, at the strange new texture, reaching down and scooping some foam with her four hands before blowing it like dandelion seeds.

 

Her amusement was cut short when she noticed, half buried in the foam a bit away, was the form of a person.

Athena's interest was piqued immediately, walking over cautiously.

 

Gentle waves lapped at the sides of the person. Long, almost stringy, dark hair was pooled around them like ink.

Upon closer inspection, Athena saw the individual to be nude -a girl- and either unconscious or asleep.

Athena hesitated, torn between her curiosity and her caution.

But after a few moments of no movement from the still woman, she ventured closer.

 

The foam stuck to Athena's legs as she waded forward, as well as coating the woman's arms and entire lower half.

Athena pushed some aside as she crouched down.
Firstly, she placed gentle hands to the woman's shoulders, grabbing and beginning to drag her from the foam.

It would make it harder to view if the lady was injured, Athena concluded, as she set her down gently in the sand.

It was apparent then, though Athena would hate to admit it, that the still woman was very beautiful.

Her skin, a rosy tan, glowed softly, even in the dimmed overcast.
Her hair, though wet, framed her form as though it were made to do so.
Her body, Athena preferred not to stare at it, hoping to give the woman at least a little modesty.
And her face- Athena could not put it into words to describe her if she wanted full accuracy.

Athena reached out and gently tucked a wet strand of hair behind the woman's ear.
And only then did her thoughts catch up to her-

There was an unconscious person just on the beach with her…

 

She could see the rise and fall of the woman's chest, which was at least a sign they weren't dead.

Athena gave her a shake, hoping to wake her.

A strained, quiet sound escaped the woman's lips, but nothing more.

Athena blinked, thinking strategically about what she could do.
She had no knowledge of the specific island she was on, only the divine essence of Olympus could she feel faintly in the distance.

Athena looked at the woman again- she was too tall to be a Nymph, she thought.
And when she opened the woman's eyes, she wasn't met with an iris, just a faintly glowing white like that of any other Goddess.

That only made Athena hesitate, she hadn't seen a Goddess like this, nor was one mentioned to her.

‘How long was she in the foam?’

Athena decided she would continue her attempts at waking the Goddess.

She pulled her into her lap, grasping her chin and tilting her head up.
Athena began to speak to her.

 

“Hello..?”

 

No answer.

 

“Are you alright-? Hello? Wake please.”

 

A small stir before quieting again.

Athena frowned, trying a different approach.

She carefully lifted the woman into a sitting position on her knees, one pair of arms helping her stay sitting up by her waist, while the other held her shoulders.

The woman's body swayed slightly before calming, and Athena gave her a firm shake before raising one hand.
She hesitated, just for a moment, before giving a slap to the woman's cheek.

The woman jolted awake by the sudden pain -gasping loud enough to startle Athena- as she raised a hand to her cheek instinctively.

Athena nearly dropped her, but kept her hold- just watching the woman adjust, who blinked slowly.

The woman's gaze was very.. distant, like a lost lamb away from their Shepard.

Another slow blink, and then their gaze turned, viewing everything briefly with an awe as if it were their first time alive.

 

It was soon after their gazing that the woman noticed the hands on her shoulders and waist, following them until she gazed straight at Athena again.

Athena herself was staring back awkwardly, halfway considering letting go of the woman, who dripped salty water onto the sand around them.

They both continued staring, Athena did not like the rising tension, but she also did not want to startle the woman by letting go- one could say she knew the feeling of suddenly waking in an unfamiliar place, naked and cold.

 

The woman's breathing heavies slightly, and Athena thought she was about to cry, finding the courage to finally speak up.

 

“Do you understand–”

 

Athena was very suddenly cut off with the feeling of the woman's arms wrapping around her neck..
And the feeling of warm lips against hers…

Her whole body tensed, eyes widening- of all the things she expected the stranger to do, kissing her was not an option she foresaw..

When the woman pushed closer, ready to deepen it, Athena finally took action.
She grasped the woman's sides firmly, pulling her off and holding her still, attempting to get over her surprise.

 

“Wha- what are you doing..?!”

 

The woman herself was confused- gazing at the grey woman before her without a clue on what she'd done wrong.

Athena compared the woman's face currently to that of a sad puppy before sighing.

 

“Can you understand me at all…?”

 

The woman kept quiet, just staring. She shivered, the fact she was drenched returning to Athena's mind, words faltering in her throat.

 

“I… this is a problem...”

 

She gazed back at the foam on the shore- most of it floating away out to sea again- before turning back to the woman, who just could not stop staring.

 

“Your constant staring is uncanny…”

 

The woman shifted in Athena's hold, trying to get free.

 

-----------------------------------

 

There was an ache in her chest, a feeling worse than the cold that stuck to her.

In contrast, it was a burning, like an emptiness in her heart- a feeling unnamed in her mind, indescribable.

 

The overwhelming urge to do something she could not stop. Perhaps just to feel.

 

It was unbearable, her body acted impulsively to satiate it, only to be held firmly by this being.

She strained to get free and fill the hole in her being again, to feel the woman's lips against hers again.

The grey woman stood, pulling her up with her.

She attempted to stand too, only for her knees to wobble, unsteady like thin sticks- the grey woman tightened her grip enough to keep her from falling.

She gazed up at them, still burning, before feeling herself getting lifted suddenly next.

She gasped, wet hands clutching and grasping onto anything as she was held gently.
She relaxed when they shushed her quietly, gazing at her face again.

 

-----------------------------------

 

Athena grunted softly as she held the woman in her arms, trying to ignore her longing stare as she thought for a moment.

The woman tried to indulge in her urge to kiss again, only for Athena to place a hand over her mouth to prevent her, much to the woman's disappointment.

Athena huffed before concentrating on the faint feeling of Olympus.

‘Is it possible to contact anyone at this distance?’

Athena thought.

When she gave a quick glance to the now giggling woman, she groaned and decided to make an attempt anyway.

She did not want to be stranded with this lewd girl..

-----------------------------------

 

Hera was feeling rather guilty since her talk earlier with Athena.

Had she made Athena feel awkward or pressured?

All Hera wanted was for Athena to be safe- that's reasonable, right?

A part of her, deep in her mind, told her she was being selfish.
Told her that she was selfish to want to preserve what was left of Metis rather than seeing Athena as her own person.

Hera had already completed her duties that required her urgent attention. She was rather swift today, a curse in this case, because now Hera was left with her thoughts without anything to do.

 

Hera was in her and Zeus' room, the rain falling over Olympus giving her an excuse to stay there.

She was laid on her bed, hair sprawled out like a large spider, the crook of her arm resting over her eyes.

She mumbled a quiet song; one she learned from Rhea in her dark, unloving youth.
The lyrics were long forgotten, only the melody remained in her memories now.

But all the same, she enjoyed its comfort, its fondness.

 

More than once, Hera almost found herself drifting off- but just as quickly caught herself.

Soon after maybe the 4th time of avoiding sleep, she felt a tug at her mind, weak and almost hesitant.

Any other time she would've brushed it off as a Nymph trying to get her attention- but with this one, she could tell it was no Nymph.

 

Hera sat up and slipped off her bed, moving to her bedside table as she began searching through the contents of its drawer.
She made sure to keep the weak connection clear in her head, in case it were to disappear.

After a few moments of searching, she pulled out a small box- opening it to find it filled with an ambiguous brown root.

The root was discovered -by Metis, she should say- to have special properties. Once eaten, the individual's communication through the mind was extended tenfold- though using it too much or for too long will create major headaches.
Metis encouraged the use of the root for better communication while fighting the Titans, and it worked out great in their favor.

Hera took the bitter root that made her grimace, letting it work its magic in her system as the weak connection steadily became clearer.

Hera was eventually able to recognize who was reaching out to her:

Athena.

She became a bit worried- and she hoped Athena was safe.
She reinforced the connection with her own, and sent the first message.

 

‘Athena? Is everything alright?’

 

After a few moments of silence, it seemed Athena figured out how to talk back.

 

‘Mostly..? I just- I'm stuck. On this island.’

 

Hera would've almost found it amusing before Athena spoke up again.

 

'There's this woman who washed up on the shore- she doesn't speak and can't really walk or stand and I don't recognize her- she is a Goddess, though.’

 

Hera's brows furrowed as she listened, but it was clear Athena was a little lost on what to do, her voice speaking up again.

 

‘I didn't mean to bother you.. if you can't help that's fine, but I'd rather not be stranded here with her or leave her here. She…’

 

Hera could feel her hesitation.

 

‘She reminds me of myself. When I was born.. just.. so clueless- ACK! WILL YOU STOP SQUIRMIN-’

 

The connection flickered as Athena lost focus, and Hera only chuckled a little bit before responding back.

 

‘I can pull you both back to Olympus, but it might be disorienting.’

 

Athena didn't respond, but Hera could tell she understood.
Hera moved to stand. Being Queen had its perks- she was almost always aware of where people under her kingdom were.
Especially for those of Royalty.

She closed her eyes and felt for Athena.

Like the strings of fate, she reached, dancing across smaller essences, smaller minds, until at last she found her.

It was easier to feel for Athena than other Gods- her essence was distinct- filled with something both new and ancient, two-faced one could say.

Hera could also feel an essence with Athena- the woman she talked about earlier, Hera presumed.

This essence was as steady as the flame of a candle- smooth and warm.

Hera hummed and focused on the two essences.
She breathed out, grasping onto the essence.

Another part about being Queen is that she could force-summon people to her.

And she did just that.

She watched as the essence was yanked towards her, and after just a split second, two women were dropped at her feet.

Hera caught her breath for a moment before helping the two of them untangle.
She pulled one of Athena's arms up, helping to steady her despite the dizziness.

The woman, who grasped onto Athena's clothes, had hair almost as long as the length of her entire body.

Once Athena was on her knees, she bent down and helped the girl to her knees too, watching as she tried to focus through the dizziness.

 

“We'll have to be careful and watch her because has a habit of-”

 

Before Athena could even finish her sentence, the naked woman pushed up to stand suddenly, falling onto Hera unceremoniously.

Athena stood too- grasping and pulling the woman back by her sides again before she could kiss Hera.

 

“Would you QUIT with the kissing, lady?!”

 

Hera blinked away her stunned expression, watching the unknown Goddess groan in clear frustration and disappointment.

Hera sighed.

 

“I can see.. why you didn't want to be stranded with her..”

Chapter Text

Thunder.

 

Loud, crackling thunder.

 

Whips sound in the air, sharp and jarring.

 

This is enough to wake Athena.

 

Or so she thought.

 

Deep in her mind is where she assumed herself to be.

It was cold, she stood next to a cool, rushing river.

The sky was dark with night, her breath lingered frozen in the air before fading.

Athena clutched herself, rubbing her arms to provide warmth fruitlessly.

 

“I'm dreaming.”

 

She said to no one, voice echoing.

 

Again the crack of lightning rang out, startlingly loud as Athena stumbled.

The bright flash in the air was more than enough to send fear through her body, her foot slipped- and down into the cold river she fell.

 

Her body- heavy like metal, sunk through the water like a large stone.

She pushed her arms up frantically, a failed, tragic attempt at swimming.

The water around her faded to darkness- and despite not needing to breathe as a Goddess.

 

Athena was suffocating.

 

She struggled, sinking farther and faster the more she tried to reach the surface.

 

Until the sight of the surface faded from view.

 

Athena still felt submerged, floating in the black, empty void.

 

She curled into herself, hugging her knees like a baby still resting in their mother's womb.

Her breathing shuddered, she had to inhale, and it felt as if a burning black ink filled her mouth and nose suddenly- traveling down her throat and into her lungs- coughing and coughing to no relief.

Athena began to cry until she was suddenly weighted by gravity again, dropped onto solid ground.

She landed with a thud and immediately began to cough up the black ink.

It burned- everything stung, as if she swallowed a bunch of cactus prickles and inhaled micro shards of glass.

She wiped at her face, and suddenly, the ink was gone.

 

Athena panted with adrenaline as she tried to make sense of it.

Until a voice spoke.

 

Athena could not tell where the voice was or what it said, a low and unrelenting drone of noise put pressure on her ears.
It didn't let up, like a long chant it continued, enough to make her uncomfortable.

 

She scrambled to sit up, looking around at nothing in..

 

Where was she?

 

She looked around, it was somewhere on Olympus, judging by the large and looming marble doris.

The pillars faded into the ceiling's darkness- everything was dim.

Athena finally moved to stand, walking hesitantly through the dimmed hallway.

The pillars around her remained ominous, and the drone of sound continued, though quieted enough that Athena could tune it out.

 

She walked until a clearing came up- a room.

It was lit far better than the hall, and as Athena stepped inside, she recognized the place.

This was a throne room- Zeus' specifically. It was a bit different, it wasn't quite as aged as it looked in person.

Athena walked to the center, and the mosaic, too, looked different.

She walked around to look at it upright, and there she saw it.

In the place of the missing piece, Athena saw a figure with great wings.

They were battle-tensed, spear held up and ready to throw, dark hair flowing wildly behind them.

 

Athena leaned down, lightly brushing her fingers against the figure's wings as if she could feel the feathers before the sound of doors opening made her shoot up.

Athena felt the urge to hide despite not seeing any immediate danger.

She moved past quickly and quietly to hide behind one of the doris, waiting as she heard the sounds of footsteps rise to the same place she had been before.

Athena saw Zeus in his glory walk up to his new throne, setting himself down and resting his chin on his hand.

 

He spoke.

 

“Come, my advisor. Let us hear what the Great Mother has to say.”

 

A much larger woman walked up next- dark skin, black eyes, and those same great wings Athena had seen in the mosaic.

In one hand was a yellow fabric, and in the other was an embroidery needle.
She was embroidering onto the blanket little snakes.

She dispersed the blanket soon enough, though.
Athena could see exhaustion riddled on the woman's face.

She stood to the left of Zeus' throne, the same place Athena was instructed to stand daily.

She watched the woman's wings, how the stress that tensed her feathers only worsened when another person entered.

Athena turned her head- she hasn't been spotted yet, but she could watch the scene before her just the same.

 

Arising from the doorway- grim and foreboding- was a very tall woman, though she shrunk herself as she entered.

 

Her skin was rough and textured like tree bark.
In place of her hair were long kelp and leaves like that of a willow tree.

Athena identified all the nature attributes to that of a Nature deity, and judging by the immense power and divine essence she sensed from them- this was a primordial woman.

Athena hid herself ever so slightly more behind the pillar, watching with held breath as the woman stopped right before Zeus and the dark-skinned woman.

Zeus ducked his head and gestured for the Primordial woman to speak.

 

“You have the floor, Mother Gaia.”

 

Gaia.

Athena repeated the name in her head to remember for later, watching Gaia raise her hand.
She spoke with a broad toned voice, as if she were a dozen voices at once.

 

“Our Kingly victor,”

 

She gestured to Zeus.

 

“Finished with his honey sweet meal
and olive oil, soften
smooth down with rich, fresh blood.”

 

She closed her hand to a fist, and Zeus’ amusement turned to intrigue. Gaia turned to the tall woman next.

 

“Our Cunning tongued
whispered words as brute sword
Her hand raised order,
established ‘the wise of mind is mine.'”

 

The winged woman listened carefully, Athena could almost hear the thoughts in her head.
There was something soothingly, achingly familiar about the woman.

 

“Serpent heart woman
lifted from…”

 

Gaia raised her hands as if she were lifting the sky before dispersing them at her sides, some strands of hair falling off her shoulder.

 

“alienated.”

 

The winged woman stiffened.

 

“If she leave your work
You be toyed with lust.”

 

Gaia returned her attention to Zeus once more, the winged woman looked increasingly uncomfortable.

 

“You achieve your conquer
I foretell”

 

From Gaia's hand came black and grey smoke, swirling and movement-filled.

Images began to appear in the smoke, as if telling a story.
A wolf and a lamb appear first, one stalking, one grazing.

 

“Your jaw
sharp bite into tender.”

 

The smoke wolf lunged forward suddenly- too quick for the sheep to escape.
It’s teeth sunk deep into the sheep's neck before the smokey image dispersed.

 

“A life you will slay!”

 

Gaia's voice rose in intensity- and so did the droning chant.

 

“You will breed a child from her,”

 

The winged woman's eyes widened- hands wrapping around her stomach, then.

 

“Mighty,”

 

The smoke formed an armor-clad figure, a spear in one hand and bolt in the other.

 

“Mightier than the Kings of Earth,”

 

Zeus sat straighter in his seat.

 

“Mightier than the King of Heavens.”

 

His jaw grit tight, something dark and venomous forming in his eyes as he glanced to the winged woman- who did nothing but watch the smoke image.

 

“Wisdom’s eye, King’s hand..”

 

The figure in the smoke disappeared to instead form a hand holding one of Zeus' lightning bolts.

Suddenly- Gaia pushed forward through the smoke, voice rising in both pitch and emotion.
She moved to the winged woman swiftly, to which they backed up slightly-

 

“This child!
Her child!”

 

The smoke continued to form, wrapping itself into a snake around the dark-skinned woman's neck before being grasped by Gaia as if it were real.

 

“Born a monster from a monstrous act.”

 

Gaia held the hissing and whipping snake, now moving to Zeus with the violent creature.

 

“This child!
Your child!”

 

She held the snake out to Zeus, who merely wafted his hand and blew the smoke away.

 

“Will live a life of unforgiven,”

 

Zeus' eyes narrowed.

 

“Secrecy.”

 

A hissing sounded out- though there was no snake.
The smoke formed again into the same armor-clad figure.

 

“Grey of their skin with gold in their seams
With hate in their eyes.”

 

Gaia gently caressed the figure before dispersing it herself- aggression filled movements.

 

“Hate!”
“Hate!”

“They will hate!”

 

Zeus seemed ready to stand from his throne- but Gaia continued.

 

“Their hate will fuel
Stain marble
and burn!”

 

The smoke suddenly formed into a bright red and orange fire- no longer smoke, but not real either.

 

“Burn with weakness you will fall.”

 

Zeus' bared his teeth in a hateful passion, watching the illusioned fire grow.

 

“The King of Kings will fall.”

 

Zeus finally stood from his throne, walking to Gaia- she continued.

 

“The veil of the sorrow filled Wisdom will fall.”

 

Gaia gestured to the winged woman, who seemed entirely transfixed on the words Gaia spout, with her hands still around her stomach protectively.

 

“Leaving only creativity.”

 

Zeus came up to Gaia, ready to speak and tell her off, before being stopped.
Gaia moved behind him, dragging nails down his neck and arm.

 

“Your body will be their muse
Their sword a brush
And your blood spilled like ink.”

 

She suddenly scratched at him- enough to draw ichor on her finger.

“Golden
Golden seams.”

 

She walked in front of Zeus once more.

 

“Monster child,”

 

She pointed her now ichor-stained finger at Zeus.

 

“Your child.”

 

-----------------------------------

 

Athena was suddenly awoken, heart pounding.

Tears dripped from her cheeks to the sheets below, then ichor joined.
She was crying and her nose was bleeding.

She reached up with shaky hands to wipe her tears and then her nose, still too fear-struck to move.

She sobbed, millions of thoughts rushed through her head all at once- literally.

Every detail of that dream flooded her, leaving no room for her to just think.
One hand grasped at her throat, the other her stomach- an unbearable itching.

 

Everything was interrupted when a large flash of light illuminated the sky outside her window.

Then it sounded.

 

Thunder.

 

Loud, crackling thunder.

 

Whips sound in the air, sharp and jarring.

 

Athena flinched, pushing off her bed quickly- Zeus' voice was then very loud in her head- cutting through all of her thoughts.

 

‘Athena.’

 

Athena whimpered- dressing herself quickly as the voice contacted her mind.

 

‘To me. Now. I won't ask again.’

 

Athena left her palace immediately despite the rain and made her way not to Zeus' throne room, but rather the large arena.

Athena swallowed and entered.

Zeus stood- clearly vexed and disappointed.

Athena was drenched from the rain- but she walked to him nonetheless at his command.

 

“On your knees.”

 

He said to her,

She obliged, resting her knees in the mud-like wet sand.

 

“Father, I-”

 

She was very suddenly met with pain against her cheek- flinching from the brutal slap.

Zeus spoke low.

 

“Do not worsen it with your excuses.”

 

Athena's breath shuddered, wincing from the sting.
Her nose began to bleed again.

 

“Look at me.”

 

Athena did so, not wanting to anger him more.

He grasped her chin.

 

“When I call to you, you answer me. Understand?”

 

Athena nodded as best she could, ichor dripped from her nose down to the curve of her lip.

 

“You are my servant, my advisor. You do not get to ignore me, child.”

 

He spat the word child like an insult.

 

“I carry you with this position, this authority. You are an example, Athena.”

 

She nodded.

 

“I won't ignore you again-”

 

Zeus raised and moved his hand quickly as if to slap her again- she flinched, but he did not hit her.
Instead, he grabbed her by her shoulder and lifted her to stand again.

He then turned her around, gesturing forward.

 

“This new Goddess,”

 

She could see the beautiful woman curled up against the arena wall, hiding her face and head in her arms.

 

“She needs a tour and a name.”

 

Athena could not get over the fear she saw in the woman's posture as she sat hunched.

 

“Hera is feeling unwell, and she is too afraid of my power to trust me.”

 

He pushed Athena forward.

 

“You will deal with her.”

 

Athena bit her lip and nodded, glancing back to him.

 

“When you two are back, I expect her to have a name.”

 

Athena began to move before Zeus grabbed her, adding:

 

“Show her, be the example.”

 

Athena swallowed and nodded as she was let go.

 

‘Be the example.’

 

She repeated in her head.

 

‘Be the example.’

Chapter Text

Athena stood outside in the cool autumn breeze.

Straight like an emotionless statue- spear in one hand, the other resting on someone's shoulder, while the remaining crossed behind her back.

The beautiful woman she found washed up on the beach was beside her- Aphrodite ended up being her chosen name by Zeus just as Athena had been hers.

Aphrodite was sitting on the stairs, long hair braided by Athena into a loose style.

She wore a simple chiton- nothing extravagant, for she already looked that way without exceptional fashion.
Her gaze was on the door of Zeus and Hera's palace, impatient and somewhat anxious.

Athena gave a small squeeze to Aphrodite's shoulder, making her turn to look at her.

 

“It takes time.”

 

Aphrodite nodded slowly, turning back to the way she was before.

Despite Athena teaching her how to speak and write, Aphrodite did not talk much.

She was very.. emotional in a sense. She was great at both expressing and interpreting body language, facial expression- something that often spoke more than words in Athena's opinion anyway.

 

It had been roughly nine months since Aphrodite joined Olympus.

It was apparent she was a Goddess of Love almost immediately after she learned the words.
All types of love, both romantic and platonic, long and short, fell under her.

In turn, Zeus had also granted her the domain of beauty- for what is a Goddess of Love without rejection-less attraction.

Athena picked up spear work and fighting on the contrary, and soon enough under Zeus and Hades’ guidance, she excelled at the art of fighting.

That very quickly became a domain of hers.

For what is a Goddess of Wisdom without perfection in every area.

 

The doors to the palace opened- the cries of a newborn and woman could be heard faintly.
Aphrodite tensed and stood by Athena.

Zeus stepped out briefly, his own hair tied into a pony-tail.
He gestured for her to come hither.

 

“Athena,”

 

Athena inhaled and straightened her posture.
Aphrodite looked at her.

 

“You're needed.”

 

Athena nodded, removing her hand from Aphrodite's shoulder while simultaneously dispersing her spear.

Aphrodite spoke up just enough for her to hear, making her pause only briefly.

 

“Is Hera okay?”

 

Athena glanced over her shoulder and nodded, just once, before walking up the steps and entering the room.

Zeus closed the doors again behind her.

 

Athena walked to where she heard the crying of both a baby and Hera, with Zeus following closely behind.

 

“What do you need?”

 

She asked him before entering a room that hung at the side of the main bedroom- a nursery.
Zeus hummed.

 

“The child needs an examination.”

 

He said simply.
Athena thought only briefly why she would be called, but didn't question it further as she stepped inside.

Hera was curled into herself- sniffling and sobbing.
There was a Nymph rubbing her shoulder and fixing the blanket over her legs- who glanced solemnly to Athena before continuing her comforting.

Athena hummed, and moved past to a blanket covered basket where the baby was laid.

Zeus made his way to Hera as Athena uncovered the child.

Inside was, of course, a baby. But Athena would not say it was the cutest thing she ever saw.

Athena reached down and lifted the child, beginning to check over them as their cry only worsened.
Hera shuddered, and her sobs continued, burying her face further into her hands.

Athena noted the stiff and uncoordinated movements from the newborn’s limbs, and after checking the movement of their eyes, she set them back in the basket.

She turned to face Zeus, who awaited an answer.

 

“Ataxia.”

 

She concluded. Zeus waited for further explanation.

 

“A loss of muscle control. He will likely have trouble with balance and coordination, as well as things like walking or talking without outside assistance.”

“Useless.”

 

Zeus slid from Hera's side, who finally uncovered her tear-stricken face to watch him move towards her baby.
She shook her head frantically.

Zeus came up to Athena, who stood in front of the basket.
She spoke.

 

“With proper assistance and care, he should be able to live a nor-”

“Move.”

 

Athena blinked.

She inhaled and stepped out of the way- Hera sat up slightly, reaching out.

 

“Zeus, wait-”

 

Zeus reached into the basket and grabbed the upset child, watching the strained and weak squirming.
Athena said nothing, returning to a straightened pose.

 

‘Be the example.’

 

Zeus turned with the child in his arms.

 

“This child you bore, Hera, is deformed. Useless.”

 

Hera shakily moved from the side of the bed- even as the Nymph beside her attempted to stop her from moving.

 

“He is my son, let me hold him-!”

 

Zeus watched with an unreadable expression as Hera stood from the bed.
Athena could see the small stains of ichor on her.

Zeus stepped forward after a few moments and handed Hera the child, who immediately held the baby close to her.

Athena saw Zeus' expression shift.

 

“I will deal with the child, you needn't get attached.”

 

Hera looked up at him with dread- clutching the baby closer.

 

“Deal… how..?”

 

Zeus did nothing but raise his hand to his chest, and cause a small spark from his hand.
Hera stepped back from him, bumping into the Nymph who was still trying to encourage her to sit down.

 

“You.. you wouldn't..”

“Hera-”

“Don't touch him!”

 

The anger rose in Hera's tone- Zeus stepped forward, to grab Hera or the child, Athena could not tell.
Hera slapped his hand away -and in sudden fear of her actions- made a dash out of the room with the newborn.

 

“Hera!”

 

Zeus followed after her.
Athena did too.

 

Hera pushed through the doors of the palace, not bothering to stop, even as Aphrodite stood with worry.

She ran past, and Aphrodite gasped as she saw Zeus soon chase after.

When Athena emerged, Aphrodite grabbed her arm to ask what happened.

 

“Athena! What-”

“Zeus plans to kill the child- I must go-”

 

She slipped from Aphrodite's grasp before she could be questioned further, Zeus' voice sounded in her mind.

 

‘Hera is going to corner herself. Westward side, by the cliff. Stop her there.’

 

Athena swallowed at the command, but complied, changing direction and heading to the cliffside.

 

When Athena emerged to it finally, Hera was already there, eyes widening as Athena came into view.

Athena raised her hands to show she had no weapons.

 

“Hera..”

“You stay away from me, Athena.”

 

Athena swallowed at the venom in Hera's tone, watching her step closer to the edge.

 

“Hera stop-”

“You can't have him.”

 

When Hera turned, Zeus came into the scene suddenly, which made her shoulders tense.

Her arms were shaking as they held the baby, her cheeks wet with tears, her mind distant from her body.

When Zeus shouted, she heard nothing, just the cry of the child in her arms.

Hera held her child over the cliff then, and suddenly everything around her was numb.

Athena watched as Zeus began to walk towards Hera, unable to bring herself to move.

Hera mumbled quietly-

 

“You can't have him…”

 

The baby's cries stopped.

 

Zeus stopped.

 

Athena finally moved- Hera crumbled to her knees and Athena looked over the cliff.

 

She had dropped him.

Dropped the crying son off of Olympus.

 

Zeus came up next, not even bothering to look at Hera.

He said nothing.

 

Athena crouched down to Hera next before Aphrodite's form came into view next- she was panting, hands on her knees, before coming up to the three of them.

Her eyes spoke enough to question what had happened.

 

Athena glanced over the cliff again before returning her gaze to Aphrodite.
Zeus spoke up for her, walking away from the cliff and back to the halls of Olympus.

 

“The child is no more.”

 

-----------------------------------

 

It was soon after that.. unfortunate situation that Hera would be pregnant again.

At the same time- Zeus found a new woman to love late at night.
A Titan of Daylight and Modesty, Leto.

 

Hera was, frankly, very distressed to have found out Zeus had cheated- she had become the Goddess of Marriage when she married him, and here he was, disregarding the vow that held them together.

Hera could not let her anger out on Zeus directly.
The scars he gave taught her enough lessons than to do that.

 

Hera instead took her anger out on everyone else.

 

When Leto had discovered her pregnancy, she confided to Hera, she expected understanding.

She did not get it.

Hera turned her away, explained how she could not accept it. Not ever.

 

Hera gave birth to her own child- a son, warm and scaled.
Zeus allowed this child to live, much to Hera's thankfulness.

But her fear did not ease.

Her son, Ares, Zeus had named him- loved only Hera.
She was afraid of Zeus' anger if the child wouldn't love him.

What if he believes his son has disgraced him? What if Zeus changes his mind about the child?

Hera would not lose another one of hers- she promised.
She made Ares promise to never disrespect his father, and to treat him like the King he was.

Ares, being too young to really understand, simply went along with Hera's words.

 

When it came time for Leto's birth- Hera refused to assist, too overcome with hatred at both Zeus and herself.

Leto had to do so by herself, and thus, two twins were born on neither land nor sea.

 

She brought the children to Zeus, still exhausted, and offered them at his command.

Hera refused to be in the same room, and thus left Zeus, Athena, Leto and her children in the throne room as she went.

Zeus had named the boy Apollo, and the girl Artemis.

Her anger remained, brewing, and growing.

Her child grew too, he was fast, and after only a month Ares was already walking and speaking in babbles.

His lower half was that of a dragon, Athena had noted.
Hera did not want to know where that gene came from..

 

It was clear that Ares was a fighter- he was aggressive when he played and followed Athena around demanding her to fight him, much to her annoyance.

The twins refused to leave each other's side, but soon found their own interests.

Apollo became interested in the arts of healing and the mysteries of disease.

Artemis was fascinated by the nature of things and the lack of order.

 

Athena taught both of them how to shoot a bow and arrow once they expressed interest.

 

Ares, however, grew up with a sword at his hip.

Any attempts Athena gave in order to teach him proper technique ended in either frustration and sadness or a stab wound.

 

Ares began to teach himself instead, and he grew into a new domain.

Zeus had noticed that both his son and his daughter were fighters- and so, he made the decision to split the War domain.

Athena agreed, Ares did also begrudgingly.

Athena became the Goddess of Warfare and traditional Strategic fighting, while Ares became the God of War and Bloodshed in contrast.

He was messy and violent, but a good man at heart.

 

Apollo soon enough became the God of the Sun, and Artemis the Goddess of the Moon.

Domains began to stitch together, new ones emerged, old ones got taken, but all the same, the family of Zeus grew.

 

Athena, as more siblings came along and her duties grew, became far more distant than ever before.

She valued her work, her efficiency, over everything else.

Zeus loved it.

He encouraged her to ignore familial ideals and to prioritize her importance, her authority.

Athena was Zeus' advisor, his first-born, his favorite.

 

Athena was the example.

 

He made this clear to Aphrodite, to Ares, and to Apollo and Artemis.

He made sure that they knew to be like her, and when they weren't, they were punished.

 

Always punished.

 

Athena was disliked.

 

‘Disliked because she was perfect’ Zeus had told her, and she had no other choice but to accept it.

 

Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and more, daughter of Zeus, was the perfect child.

 

The perfect child with grey skin.

 

-----------------------------------

 

Today was a celebration.

Another child of Zeus had just been born.

A boy, from the Goddess Maia.

 

The boy, which Zeus had dubbed Hermes, was a more mischievous fellow.

He was cunning and swift, and had caused quite some stress for Apollo early in his years.

 

Today, he was turning about 3 months old- already aged enough to be considered a young teen in appearance.
He would officially become an Olympian today- that is why they were celebrating.

 

Athena was with Hermes in her room, crafting him a mask to his liking.

 

“It is customary for every Olympian to have a mask. One of great symbolism and representation of their inner-selves.”

 

She explained as she placed the bones of the mask onto Hermes' face, testing measurements.

 

Hermes hummed, keeping still- which was not an easy task for him.

 

“It could be of an animal, or maybe an object of importance, or even a person if you so wish.”

 

Athena removed the unfinished mask from Hermes’ face, now trimming the edges with a knife to make it neater and fit cleaner.

 

“So, it can be virtually anything.”

 

She finished, holding the blank mask up for Hermes to view.

 

“Any ideas speak out to you?”

 

Hermes thought, looking over the shape of the mask, then thinking of symbols of himself.
His hand came up to scratch his head absently, brushing his fingers against his horns.

He paused before speaking suddenly- an idea appearing in his mind.

 

“A ram!”

“A ram?”

“Yes! Like a cool ram skull!”

 

Athena thought about it for a moment before humming in agreement.

 

“I could do that. Is that what you want?”

 

Hermes nodded, standing from where he sat at Athena's bed.

 

“Yes ma'am!”

 

Athena stood too, gesturing to her door.

 

“I'll get to work then. Confine with Zeus about what your dance should be-”

“I already know what I'll do, Athena. A pirouette!”

“Is that not for ballet?”

“Exactly my point, have you seen how fast I can spin?”

 

Athena sighed, setting down the mask and beginning to push Hermes out of her room.

 

“I don't need a demo- go on now. Your mask will be finished in half an hour.”

 

Hermes hummed in disappointment as he was essentially kicked out of Athena's palace, huffing.

He shook his legs, waking up the small wings that grew above his ankles.
He thought about who he could go to instead- he hated being alone.

Hermes fluttered calmly above the ground, moving past gardens and homes of other Gods.
He counted each one in his mind, keeping track of something to occupy himself until the sound of chimes and jingles caught his attention.

He moved past to look for the source of the sound that intrigued him.

The tips of his sandals grazed the ground quietly as he came up to the large arena.
The chimes continued, and Hermes entered.

 

Before him, in the center of the arena, was his brother, Ares.

 

Hermes hummed, slipping past the wall and jumping up into the seating area, now watching Ares practice his performance.

In one of his hands was a pipe for smoke, smooth grey smolder right at the tip.
On his face was a mask- one of a teeth-bore dog, angry and vicious.

His strong body was, oddly enough, moving very delicately, light touches against the ground, gentle swishes of his tail to brush his smoke around.

Hermes noticed where the chime sounds were originating from- a belt of coins rested at Ares' hip and tail.

Ares then took a deep inhale of the pipe under his mask, exhaling a large lung-full of smoke before igniting it with a spark.

A swift flame arose from the smoke instead, as if he were breathing fire, before just as quickly fading away.

Hermes waited for Ares to finish his performance before clapping.

Ares lifted his head quickly- not expecting applause nor an audience.

 

“Hermes?”

 

He was surprised, to say the least, as he lifted his mask from his face and dispersed his pipe.

Hermes smiled and dropped down onto the arena floor, moving to him.

 

“Beautiful! Lovely moves, brother Ares.”

 

Ares blinked before registering the compliment.

 

“I don't suppose you're here to spy, are you? Find your own dance.”

 

Hermes chuckled.

 

“I didn't mean to spy- those coins make quite the racket is all.”

“That is the point.”

“You intend to be the spotlight, then?”

“No, I wait and wear them when it suits best. These were gifted to me.”

“By whom?”

“Aphrodite.”

 

Hermes nodded, Ares unclasped the coins around his waist to show to Hermes.

 

“They're engraved.”

“So I see.”

“Have you decided how you will perform tonight at your ceremony?”

 

Ares clasped the coins back.

 

“I have.”

 

Hermes answered.

 

“I think you'll love it.”

“We'll see.”

 

Ares brushed past him, fixing his hair into a loose pony-tail. He looked over his shoulder and gestured for Hermes to follow him.

 

“Have you talked to Athena about your mask, yet?”

 

Hermes came up beside him, walking slower to keep pace.

 

“I have, she is making mine look like a ram skull.”

“Ooh, morbid, I like that.”

 

Hermes glanced at the mask still held by Ares.

 

“So, you chose an angry dog?”

“Neat, isn't it? A war dog specifically.”

“I was merely surprised at the lack of blood and gore on it.”

“Athena would skin me if I got anything on this.”

 

Hermes laughed, Ares stopped moving, now standing outside of his place. He hummed.

 

“Wait here for a moment.”

 

Hermes blinked, watching Ares disappear into his palace.
He waited for maybe a minute before Ares returned, holding a jade dagger in his grasp now.

He came up to Hermes and set the dagger in his hand.

 

“You may use this however you please, though I give this to you with the intention of using it for your performance. Just as Aphrodite had gifted me these coins.”

 

Hermes felt the weight of the dagger in his hand, tilting it and viewing his green reflection in the blade.
He smiled.

 

“Thank you, Ares. I will use it.”

 

Ares nodded, and gave a firm pat to his shoulder.

 

“Go practice now, your ceremony will be in a few hours.”

 

-----------------------------------

 

The ceremony came soon enough.

Ares returned to the arena where the event would be hosted.

The sky hung heavy with stars, and the blooming trees filled the air with the scent of ripeness.
Petals brushed against the ground, soft as Ares walked past.

He could see the looming top of the arena, even at his distance.
A voice called out to him- making him turn.

Aphrodite came up to walk beside him, clearly happy to be in his company.
She had begun to talk more now, with the new Gods around.

 

“Ares!”

 

She exclaimed.

 

“Catching up to the arena now?”

 

Ares smiled, nodding.

 

“I am, care to join?”

 

Aphrodite returned the smile, the two of them walking side by side now.

The petals on the ground blew past Aphrodite's legs- as if energized by her presence.
Ares bit down a chuckle as they arrived at the front of the arena.

Most of those attending were already inside- save for Hermes and Athena.

Athena had one pair of arms holding Hermes still while the other fixed his mask upon his face.
Ares could hear her faintly.

 

“Stop moving before you mess me up.”

 

Aphrodite walked past Ares when he stopped to watch, brushing his shoulder with her fingers before entering the arena.

Faint music could be heard briefly when the door was opened, only to quiet again when they were shut.

Ares hummed as he watched Hermes enjoy his new mask- the gifted jade dagger in a sheath on his hip.

He thought about his own mask, raising his hand to materialize it in his hand.
He remembered well when it was his turn to pick out what he wanted his mask to be.

A fond memory replayed in his mind- one of Athena and him.

Athena had finished his mask, and as soon as Ares felt its weight in his palm, he slipped it on and became wild with excitement.

So much so.. that he chased Athena around as if he were the violent war dog depicted on the mask.

Ares hummed in amusement at the memory, looking at Athena and Hermes now- the latter buzzing around in his own energy.

Etched on Athena's face was not amusement or joy- but rather something somber, if only briefly, before she returned to her neutral expression she always wore.
Ares thought about how Athena had changed over such a short time, only for a moment, before pulling his mask on to distract himself.

Ares met up with Hermes- or rather, Hermes came up to him.

 

“Ares! Ares! How do I look?”

 

Ares hummed in approvement.

 

“Just how I pictured it.”

 

Hermes laughed- a loud and genuine laugh, before Athena pulled him to the door of the arena.

 

“You're late to your own ceremony, Hermes. Get a move on.”

 

Ares moved with them both into the arena- his senses being hit with an entourage of wine-smells and candle lights.

 

In the very center was a large table. Fruits of all kinds were gathered and stacked there, pastries, cheeses, meats, and more all sat glamorously.

Lit by candles and lanterns, everyone and everything was bathed in a radiant and warm glow.

Titans, Gods, and Nymphs alike were gathered in this large celebration.

Ares spotted some of his own siblings- namely the twins, who were already helping themselves to the food.

Before Ares could continue gazing, firm arms pulled him into a hug.

Hera spoke.

 

“Ares, I was beginning to think you wouldn't show.”

 

Ares hugged his mother back, gazing at her own masked face.

 

“Just a little late is all.”

 

Hera smiled and pressed a kiss to his head- much to Ares' embarrassment.

 

“Well, the official ritual isn't until later- it's time to truly celebrate tonight.”

 

She let Ares go, taking a step back before moving to greet other people.

Ares spotted Hephaestus secluded in a corner next.
He did not speak much, and Ares more often than not described him as lame.

He especially did not like the disrespect of his mother- no matter how funny it may have been to trap her in her own throne.

Nonetheless, he became an Olympian just like him, and Ares begrudgingly had to accept it.

 

Music and festivities were very prominent all around- and if you weren't Athena, it would've been especially inviting.

Zeus raised his chalice of nectar, clearing his throat to gather everyone's attention.
He grinned and exclaimed.

 

“Tonight, swift-footed Hermes becomes an Olympian! Tonight, we shall all express and celebrate this time of age!”

 

The crowd cheered in agreement, unison applause.
And thus, the ceremony began.

Hermes was brought to a clearing on the arena floor, powerful and upbeat music came from his own invention- the lyre, as well as other instruments, like Athena's aulos.

Hermes grinned, spinning from one foot to the other, energy in his very bones.

The rest of his siblings came to the clearing soon after- all of them wearing their masks, and some holding objects they wished to dance with.

Athena held a two-ended spear, its ends decorated with talisman and tassels.

Apollo and Artemis both had matching fabrics, an unknown material that flowed like no other.

Aphrodite held incense carries, its romantic scent strong enough for anyone to smell.

Ares had his smoke pipe- as always.

And Hermes unsheathed the jade dagger.

 

Together they all danced to the music and cheers of the others.
Some were gentle with their moves, others robotic, but all the same, Hermes was the attention.

His spins, his pirouette as he called them, were well done and smooth.

 

By the end, all of them were panting, and the ceremony was over.

Zeus stepped up to his youngest son, a hand on his shoulder.

Athena came up beside him, holding a bowl of rust-red ash.

 

Zeus dipped his fingers and brushed some of the ash onto Hermes' cheeks.

 

Hermes was now an Olympian.