The Olympians 1/2

What was the most important thing to a God? Well it was a prophecy and power. Prophecy held heavy weight on the soul, knowing your destination. One that could not be changed, could not be altered. There were many examples of this. But the most known was Ragnarök. The destruction of the realms held in the confines of Norse Mythology. The death of Odin and so many.

This led Zeus to finding out his own prophecy, seeking the oracles of fate, the ones who knew past, present and future. The very latter being the most important of them. Zeus spent days seeking them out, and hours discussing with them what his future held.

No one knew of what he was told when he came out, but he was different, changed.

That is far into this story, too far to know who the Gods are and what role they played in what brought this about. So we will go back, back to the beginning, back to how it started.

Religion is a strange thing. A belief of Gods and deities that hold no proof. The thing about religion is that both the non-believers and the believers barely scratch the surface in what they think to know.

For every religion had a realm, a universe dedicated to its existence. And the one we focus on, is that of the Greek pantheon. A realm that had a world captivated by Ancient greece. Never having gone further than the age of Spartans, Athens, Greece, Rome. All of them existed in tandem.

This was possible because of a change in this world, a change that allowed the empire of Greece to expand, to grow. Rather than die out like a small flame without oxygen.

At the start of all time there were no Gods. For the first were the divine beings. Gaia, Eros, the Abyss, the Erebus and Uranus. From the copulation of 100 times across 1,000 days. Giants, Titans and Cyclopes. Though because Uranus (The Sky) laid over Gaia (The Earth) the children could not escape the womb of which they were born. And they took their anger out on their own mother.

After days of torment and pain suffered because of Uranus. Gaia had ordered her children to rebel against their father. But only one answered the call. Cronus.

He would later become the leader of the titans when he castrated his father with a sickle of his mothers making. His wife Rhea and him delivered the first Gods unto this world. Though Cronus feared that his own children would turn on him like he did his own father. So instead of allowing them too, he devoured them one after the other.

Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, Demeter and Hera had all been consumed before the youngest and strongest was born. Zeus. His mother hid him away, tricking Cronus so that her child could grow strong. When that day came, Zeus confronted his father. The two engaged in a battle that shook the skies, devastated the grounds. Leaving nothing untouched.

Throughout the battle, Zeus had delivered a fatal blow to the body of Cronus, his siblings escaping from the hole in his body. Out of all of his kin Hades was most harmed from the time spent in the belly of their father. His leg burned from the stomach acid, having held up all of his siblings to keep them safe.

Zeus took this chance, delving further into the battle. And with the help of his siblings, they managed to beat Cronus. Trapping him and other important Titans in Tartarus to keep them from being able to reclaim the power they held. Others were given special punishment.

Zeus came to be the leader of the Gods, Hades had taken a role of watching the underworld, judging the dead while making sure to keep his eye on the Titans that were held captive.

Poseidon took command of the sea, controlling all that had to do with it. Zeus built Olympus from the ground up, the ocean that surrounded it at the bottom being where Poseidon's ocean palace took shape. And below Olympus was the underworld of Hades.

With this groundwork made, we delve into the pantheon. With more of our story coming to light as time would go on though we are not in the modern time, not yet.

* * * * *

Zeus stood on the top of Olympus, his eyes looking over the entirety of Greece. He was rather new to this title, this position of power. He didn't know what to do, where to go with it. But he did know one thing, that humanity needed them. By this time only so many Gods existed. His siblings Hera, Hades, Poseidon, Demeter, Hestia and himself.

His wife Hera came to his side, moving a hand along his arm. "Something the matter Zeus?" He turned to address her, shaking his head. "Not currently. I am deciding." He made no attempt to explain what Hera was being forced to ask. "Deciding what?"

"What to do about these...Mortals." He said, gesturing to the lands below. "Why concern yourself with them? They do not matter to us. We are Gods, Olympians." She moved in closer, moving her arms around him in a manner that was to tempt him. He looked down at the arms of Hera, moving his hand to touch her skin. Running it along the side of her forearm.

"They need guidance. Something to worship." Hera ran one hand down his body, dancing it across his stomach and further down. "More Gods will sprout, we both know this. And as more of us come to be. As children are born. They will grow to know us. Grow to look to us. To you."

"Am I intruding?" A voice spoke out. His voice danced on the wind in ethereal essence. All who heard it would say it was ghastly, dread inducing. It held an aspect to it that demanded respect, but also yielded it when in the presence of Zeus. Hera turned to look at Hades, her expression was soft, welcoming. "No Hades, you are not. I will take my leave so you may speak in private." She placed a kiss on Zeus' lips.

Hades lowered his head in respect when she passed by, stepping up to stand at the side of his brother. "How do you feel?" He asked plainly, referring to being the head of Olympus. Zeus was looking back to the land of earth. "Uncertain." Hades made a low grumble in acknowledgement. "Is this about what Prometheus foretold?"

"A child is to be born. Greater than you." Zeus spoke, his eyes gripped on the world like a vice. He was lost in the words, held in a trance. "I worry the same will come to be as such of our father and his. Betrayal of a child toward a parent. Cronus castrated his father and I fought him. It is a lineage of blood."

"There are many ways to be greater than another." Hades spoke with his hand placed on his brother's shoulder. His hold on him was firm enough to notice so Zeus would focus on him. "You are the head of Olympus. No one can match you in power. This child, when born, will outshine in another way. And that is not to be feared, but appreciated. Children should be better than their parents." Hades was saying this to bring a form of peace to Zeus, trying to quell his worry. His younger brother since the moment of his birth was forced to lead. He didn't doubt his capabilities but like any of his other siblings. He worried about him. "And besides, until the child takes hold, there is no need to worry."

Zeus looked at him with a telling glint in his eyes, one that took no words to make clear why. "Ah, I see." He patted his brother on the shoulder and lowered his hand. "When will she birth it?" Zeus took in a breath through his nostrils, looking off to the side. "I do not know brother." He admitted, not paying focus to the pregnancy due to his worry. Hades did note that Hera did not show signs of pregnancy, but it would only take days for that to change.

"Well, you are not to be bested by a child I am sure. Lord of the Sky." His brother teased. Although they were Gods, they were still siblings. Zeus saw the land drenched in flame and brimstone, recalling the battle that it took to take hold of the power the Olympians now had. "It feels like yesterday that we were fighting the Titans." He looked at Hades with curiosity. It was some time since Zeus had seen his other brother. And he found it strange that he would not come with Hades to discuss things. "Where is Poseidon?" Hades moved his hands behind his back, clasping them together. "Tartarus. He wanted to pay a visit to the Titans." How strange Zeus thought to himself. Why Poseidon would want to see them of all things was beyond him.

* * * * *

Poseidon stood at the bronze gate to the eternal abyss of suffering and torment that was Tartarus, the living bottomless pit that was being used to confine the dangers to the Olympians. The surrounding impregnable walls stand high to separate it from the depths of the underworld. He raised his trident and drove it into the ground, the gates creaking open with him walking in. They slammed shut behind him faster than they had opened. Screams echoed out from the shadow and darkness of the souls that were held there. Those imprisoned and fated to be judged.

He walked in the darkness until he heard the movement of chains, looking toward it and pushing the bottom of his trident into the ground knowing he didn't need it. Not for this rodent. A large hand came into view, coming down beside Poseidon and resting on the shadowy floor. The other hand came down to his other side.

Then the rest of Cronus came out of the shadow, the sound of a chain becoming tight as he leaned forward filled the air. It was a noise that signified the length of the chain coming to its end. His head is incapable of moving any further than a few inches forward from the shorter chain that was attached. "What brings you here?" Poseidon looked up at his father. Like any Titan, he was as tall as a mountain, maybe larger. Any person would feel intimidated. Poseidon was not any person.

"I come to see how much you have fallen." Cronus' hands clenched into fists, roaring out with anger and hatred. "How I've fallen!?" He slumped back after Poseidon didn't move from where he was standing. His arms were crossed and his head was held high. The proud Olympian knew that Cronus was not a threat. "You mean you wish to see where your rebellion got you." He coughed out a chuckle, leaning back. Half of his body basked in darkness. "If you are here to gloat, do not bother."

"As if I need reason to gloat to a wounded animal." Cronus' eyes changed from a calm hate to a full out aggression. He leaned forward with the chains barely keeping him back. If he could he would be on his feet with a clenched fist being brought down. But that was out of his range of movement. That didn't stop his fists from clenching to the point his nails could pierce flesh. Veins bulging in his forehead with him moving his hand around Poseidon with it open, showing that he could crush him if he wanted. But Poseidon simply gave him a look, a look of challenge. He wanted him to do it. He wanted him to try –to give reason for the Olympian to harm him further. They shared a drawn out moment, Cronus relenting with his hand moving away.

Poseidon lowered his head with a smirk. "How disappointing. The once powerful Cronus, reduced to a chained mutt. I am finished here." Poseidon turned, walking to his trident and tearing it out from the tar like floor. "How much did they take?" Poseidon paused, looking at Cronus who wore a grin. "Ah. Zeus holds Olympus, why wouldn't he. He led them all to our defeat." He was of course referring to the Titanomachy, the battle of Olympians vs Titans. "And Hades is my first born son. He is destined to rule all in time. No matter how long it takes." Poseidon turned to face Cronus, wanting to see what he was getting at. "If you freed me. I could bring you all that you wish. Me and my siblings. You could hold great power."

Poseidon's expression became less amused when he took in the words Cronus spoke. He was irritated now, grabbing his trident and going to leave, Cronus yelling out." You will have nothing boy! Your name will fade in history, your brothers, your sisters. They will rise while you fall!" Poseidon stopped in his tracks, his grip on the trident became harsh, if not for the fine craftsmanship of the Cyclopes it would have snapped. "Do you forget who you speak to?"

"I am the Earthshaker." He turned to look at Cronus, his eyes peering with hate. "Storm Bringer." His grip somehow became more tight on the weapon, aiming it at Cronus. "I am the God of the Sea. King of Atlantis. The entire ocean is what I have for it is my domain."

"You make offers of grandeur and yet you fell to this bottomless pit when you were casted out from your high heaven by my brothers, my sisters and by me." The air was heavy. If Cronus spoke out of line he would have no way to stop Poseidon so he stayed silent. Poseidon finally left in stride.

He returned to Atlantis submerged in the depths of the sea. He sat in the throne with his trident lightly floating upright, bobbing up and down imperceptibly. He placed his elbow on the arm rest of the throne with his face leaned into his knuckles.

His thoughts held on the words that Cronus spoke. His words were falsehoods and manipulative. He was aware of this and he could not help but hang on them. Seeking the help of Cronus or any of the titans was vastly out of the question. Those deceivers would do anything to be free of their new home.

But he knew that Cronus was right about one thing. The distribution of power. Zeus and Hera now stood at the top of Olympus and although Hades was given the short end with the underworld. He would in time rule everything, like a prince to a king, it was his birth right.

He leaned back in the chair letting out an exhale that made bubbles in the air. There was no reason to be worrying about this, not now. Right now there was only one real topic. The mortals. Out of them all Zeus was far more interested in them then the other Olympians. Why that was, none of them knew. Zeus was intrigued, interested. His attention was grasped and held in a tight hold that didn't seem like it was going to be given leeway. And this was all seen from the few days of calm after the conflict with the Titans.

He closed his eyes and thought back to the battle, the bloodshed, the hellish field encaptivated with destruction. Out of the Olympians only the male gods at this time were fighting with the aid of allies. On the side of the Titans the males Coeus, Crius, Hyperion, Iapetus, and Cronus took the reins.

Atlas was son of Lapetus, the second in command to Cronus with his brothers Epimetheus and Prometheus being involved.

This war had been raging for many years since the moment Zeus saved his siblings from the belly of Cronus.

Poseidon at this time was clashing with the Titan Hyperion. He was not the best match up being the Titan of light who often found association with sun and wisdom. It was only some years into the war and they were trying to deliver a fatal wound to the side of the titans, even if it was just taking out one or two.

Poseidon had his trident crafted by the Cyclopes aimed to the sky. Water started to pull from the ocean, twisting and whirling around him as it rose. It got higher and higher till it hit its limit, all water in a ten foot radius being drained. He started to lower his weapon till it aimed at Hyperion. The water warped as it suddenly lashed out. Its form was loose yet solid. Its form looked like it could fall apart at any moment but holding together firmly.

That was until a ray of condensed light from the sun came down to shine on the water with ferocity. The heat instantly neutralised its form enough to break it apart, the water crashing down with ripples travelling over the ocean Poseidon was standing on. At this moment Hyperion was standing at the height of a mortal since he hadn't changed his form to match the towering one commonly paired with the titans.

"Is this what the 'Olympians' have to offer?" He asked with a distasteful tone. One that was mocking and malevolent. Poseidon walked along the water with profound elegance. Each step made with purpose and stride. "Do all the titans only have to offer overly childish and bitter words?"

He put his foot on the outskirt of the water, his foot caressing the grass in between his toes. He looked down from the feeling of the moisture that was quickly drying up. He jumped to the side landing with the lower part of his trident being dug into the dirt. He looked back to where he stood as a ray of light was brought down, the grass first losing all moisture like it was sucked out and then it burst into flame.

Then the same started to happen where he was standing forcing him to move. This time he moved toward Hyperion but as he did so he saw the same happening ahead of him. He pulled water from the close body of water and used it to slam him out of the way which let him avoid the pillar of light that was made.

He landed on his feet sliding to the side, dirt piling up and sticking to his skin. He let himself lose focus, getting carried away on pushing forward which left him open for Hyperion to nearly deal a debilitating blow or take his life.

He raised his head at the sound of thunder crashing. It was Zeus. He and Hades were off fighting in other regions with the help of the Cyclops, Hecatoncheires , Themis and Prometheus. The only goal during this attack on the titans was to take out one of them. To deal a pain so deep that they could not recover in a short time. It was not the goal to kill that titan but to neutralise them, make it so they were no longer a threat. If that did mean they were forced to take a life they were not against it, however that was just the less considerable outcome.

Poseidon held his trident tightly as he rose. He stood tall with fervour. He was not going to lose, he was not going to fail. To fall to a Titan would be far too shameful for him– for an Olympian. Hyperion took notice of this change, this cardinal shift in his demeanour. "This is quite interesting." He raised his hand to the sky as the heat of the sun gathered in the air. "Don't make this boring for me, Olympian."

Poseidon observed Hyperion with eyes that were both intrigued by his actions but also riled by his words. "I had no such intent." Poseidon started to spin his weapon with determination. Water was dragged out from the nearby body, torn with harsh degree. It was like blood seeping out from an open wound with no way pressure applied. It trailed his weapon from the top to the end and the gathered water formed around him. Spinning and turning in the form of a dome that was never still. Hyperion sent down the beam of light that he readied but even with the evaporating water, the amount proved too much

Poseidon burst out leaping into the air with his weapon held high above his head with a trail of water flowing off the trident. A light gleaming off the flow of water. This tandem of foes created a glorious image of vibrancy in the ferocious wave. It took no effort for the weapon to come down, the weight of the attack carrying it. Like a fearsome tsunami crashing down, its size and force intimidating to any in its path.

His eyes opened at the feeling of the water's movement changing. His wife, Amphitrite entered the vast throne room. She had long flowing crimson hair. Her form was immaculate to perceive. Beautiful, bountiful. It was the reason Poseidon sought her over the many Nereids. Her skin was attractively pale, enough so that light would gleam off her like the surface of water off from the shore of tropical lands. Her body was covered by some of the best fabrics put together across all of Greece woven by the best craftsman there was.

Poseidon did not ask her why she came in a hurry. Her eyes, her movements, her breathing, all of it was a signal to him of something wrong. But what could worry her, the typically calm and collected women that he adored? "A goddess has sprouted. Zeus asked for your appearance." Poseidon's demeanour changed, standing to his feet and taking his trident in hand. His eyes were serious as he lowered his body and dashed forward with a force emitting a boom within the water.

He raced at his top speed, no delay, nothing holding him back. He knew this was a problem. For a goddess to emerge from the unknown. It was to be expected but so soon? So suddenly? He turned his direction upward when he could feel the call of the ocean. A call of something wrong. He leapt out from the water and landed on the ground in a kneeling position.

His skin was glistening in the light as he stood. He moved a hand to his hair and pushed it up so that it was upright out of his face. He looked to Hera first, she seemed...Displeased..to say the least. She made a gesture in the direction of the newly found Goddess and he could see why.

Poseidon took a breath and walked over to Zeus, standing to his side. "I will handle this. She came from my ocean." Zeus looked at him then back at the Goddess. "By all means." Even he was not foolish enough to take the reins on this, not with Hera there at least.

Poseidon looked over the female, her form was grievously bare with only her lengthy blonde hair providing some form of cover over her breasts. Her eyes were a vivacious gold.

She was remarkably feminine. Her face, her body, every part was pristine. It was no wonder she lay everything bare. This astute observation was not made by Poseidon, but by Zeus.

"Where do you hail from?" Poseidon asked with his eyes purely on her face, he did not meet her eyes for a purpose he did not know to be accurate or not. For their glow could be not for beauty, but as a statement of power.

The goddess looked to Poseidon with a salacious look then smirk. "Where do I hail? Might I ask you the same? A creature chiselled such as you, I'd just love to bed." Poseidon did not humour this way of acting. Not with a look on his face or a remark from his mouth. He simply asked again. "Where do you hail?" This time with more backbone to his words. He was more serious now to show this was not a game to play with him.

She walked toward him with a sway to her body, one foot in front of the other with an alluring manner. She got close enough to put a hand on his chest, but he caught it. He gripped her by the wrist looking down at her without lowering his head. The intensity that came from it was new to the goddess but welcome. She had a soft smile and spoke pruriently.

"From the ocean. The ocean is where I hail. Do you recall what Cronus did?" She put her other hand on him and moved it down. "He cut off his genitalia and threw it in the sea. In time it dissolved. Released the secrets it held. And I was born." Poseidon was not surprised to hear this. There were far stranger ways for a God to be born.

"Your name?" Poseidon asked with his other hand catching her by the wrist again, his trident in the ground. "Aphrodite." She said looking up into his eyes which was an action he did not return. Her hands went limp in his hold. "It would be so easy would it not? To take me right here?" Poseidon closed his eyes and released her. "Zeus. Hera. Is this to be taken to Olympus?"

Aphrodite now had a different look, one of irritation that none of her advances were being acknowledged as much as she would like. And now the attention had been moved off her. Zeus shared a silent exchange with Hera before raising his hand to the sky. He called down four of his bolts to transport them all to the peak of Olympus. Poseidon grabbed his trident at the exact moment it happened so it was not left behind.

Hera took Aphrodite to get her covered before the discussions continued. With only the siblings there, Poseidon did not see reason to refrain from his question. "Are you not pleased with Hera?" Zeus looked at him with both a look of question but also slight aggravation. For he assumed where the question was going to go and was already displeased. "I saw how you were looking at the Goddess at my arrival."

His eyes met with Zeus' who was now radiating aggression. Not the type that would result in a physical altercation, but if he were to raise his voice, it would not be a surprise. "If you have a reason for speaking out of line this way tell me why." His voice made his anger all the more apparent. Poseidon propped his trident on one of the outer pillars that held up the circular roof above them.

"Simply an observation. That if I noticed, Hera would have as well." He looked back at Zeus with a strangely calm demeanour. He was pushing Zeus in every way possible and yet he did not care and didn't try to pretend he did.

The clouds above them started to darken as they gathered together, lightning crashing down suddenly on the outskirts of Olympus. Poseidon looked Zeus in the eyes with his arms crossed. As of right now they were complete opposites from each other, one was calm and collected and the other was brimming with anger, ready to lash out.

It was by this time that the two goddesses returned, Hera seeing the display and knowing that she had to put a stop to it before the boys got out of hand. "That is enough!" Her voice boomed with authority. The air grew heavy as both males looked her way, the clouds parting as quickly as they formed.

Hera's eyes were a mix of irritation and a perplexed wonder of what led to that near outburst, so of course she felt the need to ask. "What happened?" Her tone was like a parent who just stopped their children from fighting. Disappointed but also full of power. Poseidon closed his eyes to show that he had no intent of answering. He didn't answer to her even if she was standing at the top of Olympus with Zeus.

As for Zeus he would avoid the question. "It was nothing, just a disagreement." Hera did not believe this situation to come from a simple 'disagreement' as he put it but that was a concern for some other time. "If you two are done." She stepped to the side with Aphrodite standing behind her.

She now wore a red fabric that had gold embroidery lined into it with rubies placed around to hide her lower half. Her ankles were covered by shining bracelets adorned with rubies. Two gilded bracelet cuffs covering her forearms. Her chest was covered by a chest piece that was held together at the back by various links made of the same metal as the rest of the parts that stood out. The entirety of the attire was made to compliment her features. Those captivating golden eyes and vibrant blonde hair.

Poseidon opened his eyes only to look in the direction of her and Hera to pay attention to the conversation. Zeus focused more on his wife due to his thoughts hanging on the words of Poseidon. Hera was the one to break the silence. "We are here to decide whether or not Aphrodite is to become one of us. An Olympian." Poseidon's eyes narrowed in scepticism. If that was the discussion then why would Hades not be here? It was possible he was too busy with the underworld. Or that calling him here would take too long.

Hades was one of them just like the rest, one of the first born even. And soon enough Poseidon was also dawning on the fact some of their other siblings were missing. Hestia and Demeter were not to be found. Did their opinions not matter when in the face of the deemed top Gods? This only furthered his prior feelings.

Poseidon took a step forward with his hands lowering down to his sides. "She has only been here for days if we take into account how long it would have taken for her to reach shore. And you want to offer her a place with the Olympians?" He didn't seem to be against it all together according to his tone. It was more like he was trying to be careful, not wanting to just accept a random goddess into their ranks of whom they knew nothing about.

Zeus looked at Poseidon for a brief moment but that was enough for Poseidon to take notice. Not of the action but the look in his eyes. He was going to agree with Hera. Not because that's what he believed in doing but to spite him. Zeus looked back at Hera and nodded his head in agreement with her. "Being closed minded will not get us anywhere so I believe it best to grow the Olympians. If the Titans one day break free we will need all the help we can get."

Poseidon's eyes stood still on Zeus in a longing glare of disdain. His choice was of course not because Zeus agreed with Hera. It made sense, if in the situation the Titans did come free they would be more than just them. But this decision never came from that line of thought, Zeus was simply finding a place to put his resentment. Poseidon grabbed his trident and looked to Aphrodite one more time before his departure. His eyes glinted with wariness.

To be accepted into the Olympians so abruptly so soon after her arrival filled her with a deep satisfaction that was foreign to her. She knew of the war with the Titans and was assured they would have had feelings of animosity or mistrust. But to be here now standing at the top of mount Olympus, the peak of power as one of them. It was euphoric. As a Goddess acknowledged by the others soon enough the mortals would spin tales of her. Her name would be known by all mortals alike..

* * * * *

Just as what was believed, in the passing weeks mortals started spinning tales about the Gods, including the old and the new. During this time, the child of Hera and Zeus was born. But not alone. Strangely something happened days prior to the birth. Another God was born from a single parent. A goddess that was born from solely Zeus in a strange twist of fate.

You see before Zeus had married Hera, there was actually another. Metis, a powerful titaness who was the first wife of Zeus. He just can't get enough of those can he? Though unfortunately for her, it was around this time that Gaia foretold a prophecy. Of a child to be born greater than Zeus. He didn't like that much and with the timing so close to the Titanomachy, Zeus was in a poor state of mind to receive such words. He absorbed his wife into him, her entire being vanished like nothing. Harsh way to go if you ask me.

The entire time from that moment, a child was growing inside of Zeus. A child that was mixed into the essence of Metis from a pregnancy he had no idea about. When the time came for the Goddess to be fully grown, she burst out from the God's forehead. Her body was adorned with the stunning armour of a warrior and a mind of unbridled wisdom.

Only days later a son was born. A god and personification of War. He was a bastard and I mean in personality. He was the coldest and most savage form of war. Ares was born as the first legitimate child of Zeus and Hera. This started the long drawn on rivalry of the two pseudo siblings.

* * * * *

Ares was standing on a raised plot of land far from the raging battlefield he watched over. It was not a vast war between hundreds of thousands but instead it was five hundred fending off one thousand. A situation none would want to be in. Savages were tearing into one another, gnashing with teeth, smashing skulls with clubs and digging axes into flesh. He found satisfaction in seeing bloodshed of any scale. Not from sadistic nature or any obscene sense of pleasure. It was the act of fighting itself, the brutal yet encaptivating nature of it. There was much to fight for: Belief, freedom, desires. All of them mattered in the grand scale of it all.

One side was overwhelming in numbers, pushing back the other with relative ease. The lesser seemingly unprepared side was being pushed back, some of them running in retreat. The men at the front were either missing limbs or getting disembowelled in gruesome fashion. Ares' eyes changed when he saw it, saw what the stronger side hadn't. It was another band of savages coming from the west dragging along beasts with chains. The large canines were struggling, pulling back. Some of them even tried to tear into their captors. They looked hungry, saliva falling from their mouths. It didn't matter what type of man was fighting down there. To those hungry beasts they were all just piles of meat and bone to ravage.

He watched them let the beasts loose, the wolves barrelling down on top of them until the men were first yelling out to run. But soon those yells became screams. The sound of squelching flesh and snarling beasts filled the air. While the grass was covered in crimson. The creatures had no care for friend or foe. Sending in beasts to win a conflict was an act that was even distasteful to the God of War himself. But in war they were free of will, any man could act how he wanted. They could be pious, brutal, rapists, murderers, thieves. Ares cared not for the man themself. He cared for their actions on the field in which they were laying down their lives.

War was brutal, he understood that better than most. He didn't expect the men to be better than what happened here today. But something he did expect was bravery. To see leaders lead the charge, to see warriors laying down their lives with no fear in their eyes. To see victory grasped and torn from the hands of the enemy. But for that to be accomplished with beasts he found disdain.

Soon enough the conflict was over, the remaining savages that were on the lesser side led away the wolves in victory, and Ares descended among the corpses. He walked on them with bones cracking with each step. He only came to a pause when he saw one of them still moving. He knelt next to the man who extended a bloodied hand, crimson dripping from the tips of his fingers. He tried to speak but no words came out. "You can rest now." Ares spoke in a strangely comforting voice.

Ares could feel a chilling presence behind him, the personification of death, Thanatos. Son of Nyx and Erebus. He was like a voided shadow, his form both solid but shapeless. This feeling, this cold grasp was what any mortal would expect to feel in their final moments. And that same feeling washed over Ares like he was a mere mortal man. Even immortal Gods could feel the unnerving presence of death. "I have many to bring down to Hades." His voice was just like his appearance, malleable. Many voices in one.

"Why must you be this way Thanatos?" He said while standing up, not facing him. He referred to the form Thanatos was taking, his true form. No God ever stayed in their true form when on a mortal plane. If they did, it would be too much for any mortal to handle and they would be vaporised. For him to use that form so brazenly made him stand out in comparison to the others. That would be expected of Thanatos. He was not an ordinary Greek God. His parents Nyx the personification of night and Erebus the personification of darkness. Both Primordial Gods that came before the Olympians.

His body moved like the shadows his form took so that he was standing to the side of Ares. "Look around you Ares. My job is to escort the dead. I do no damage that has not been done." Ares casted a side glance in his direction. One that held animosity but also a hint of discomfort. Or maybe fear. "You creep me out Thanatos. Next time don't bother showing up 'till I leave." He said while walking away.

Ares' attitude derived from the feeling Thanatos brought on. It was not normal for a Greek God to experience something like the chill of death. To have such a mortal feeling be thrust unto him whenever Thanatos was around, was unpleasant, unnatural. His command was given solely for Ares to avoid going through that sensation again.

Thanatos watched him walk away for a few passing moments with a growing smile that pierced his form of shadows before starting to fade, his body breaking off in the wind as green wisps from all the corpses came to him. The souls of the dead were brought down so that they could be carried across by Charon, the Ferryman of the River Styx.

* * * * *

Somewhere else in Greece, in a vast library that had shelves extending up to a second floor was Athena. She was walking through it sedately, a hand running over the books. This place was a trove of knowledge and she could not wait to explore it all. Book by book, page by page.

She heard someone walk into the room, the sound of feet on the nice marble floor. She looked over in the direction of the sound and saw an elderly hunched man. His face was wrinkled, his hair and beard as white as snow. The man met eyes with Athena and lowered his head slightly. "Forgive me. I did not know someone was here." Athena watched him move over to a stack of books. His movements were slow and drawn out yet purposeful. He outstretched a shaking hand to the top book on the pile, about to pick it up before Athena walked close. "Allow me."

She grabbed the book and the man smiled at her before pointing in the direction the book was supposed to be. "Just right there." She moved over and slotted the book in place. "How long have you been here?" She asked, her curiosity tempting her to know more of this man who took care of this beautiful place seemingly on his own. Unless she was wrong, but that was unlikely the case as the goddess of wisdom. She would never be wrong. The man looked to the ground in thought before looking back at her. "60 years. My father owned this library. And he passed it to me when I came of age. I have tended to it ever since."

She was fascinated by the commitment of this man, to have a place like this passed down through generations. Tended too, cared for like a child. It was a devotion that she admired. "Enough about me. What brought you here?" Athena looked at the book that she came here for, being reminded by him. She went over and took the book out from its spot. "I came for material, to broaden my horizon." She walked over to the man who took it out of her hands when she put it out for him. He ran a hand over the front of the book and it looked like he was reminiscing. "Aw. I know this one fondly. I hope you enjoy it. But please return it promptly when you're done." He gave it back with Athena taking it. "What is your name?" She asked before she would leave. "Aithan." He said with a kind voice. "Yours?"

Athena smiled at the man and with a solemn lowering of her head answered his question. "Athena." The old man's expression changed to realisation before smiling. Athena left the building with the book titled "Heroes of Old." She made sure she would devote the man's name to memory so that she could visit when she returned.

* * * * *

Zeus was in the place that he typically could be found, the peak of Olympus. Its form had changed with the addition of new Gods and stories. Like the belief in them changed the world they existed in. There were new giant pillars made around the mountain, ones that at the top reassembled the different Gods in some way. At the peak there was a long stone pathway that led to the bottom of the mountain and at the top there was a circle of platform with a reflective surface. On the platform were various stone chairs to represent the Olympians.

The only ones that stood out were Hades', Poseidon's, Zeus' and Hera's. Zeus' was the largest of them all directly in line with the pathway, so that anyone reaching the top would see him or the chair first. The design that was etched into it was like strands of lightning coming down from the sky.

The ones for Poseidon and Hades were to the sides of Zeus, theirs slightly smaller in scale but not enough to diminish them. For Hades his chair had some broken pieces at the top to signify decay while, lower down from the top, arms were reaching up to represent the underworld.

For Poseidon his chair was etched with a flowing design that resembled Atlantis: His vast ocean kingdom of beauty and extravagance. The design itself made his chair barely larger than Hades' though to most it would be unnoticeable.

And finally Hera's had pieces of gold etched into the stone. It was subtle, but delivered a sense of power that demanded worship. It made hers stand out amongst the others as intended.

Zeus was at the very top observing humanity, his eyes held on the lower sanctums of the world with the same curiosity from his first days on Olympus. He heard the sound of someone walking, tearing his eyes from humanity and looking over his shoulder to see Leto who was standing by his throne, a hand on the side of it. She was a Titaness born of Coeus and Phoebe. His relationship with her was a complicated one, she was among the titans who he had married prior to Hera. Even so, Hera was not fond of her being around Zeus.

"How long has passed since we last saw one another?" Leto asked in a serene voice, her hand gliding down the chair while looking over at Zeus as he turned to face her. "We have not spoken since the end of the Titanomachy." Leto had a reminiscent glint in her eyes with a solemn nod. "Yes, that sounds about right."

"I heard about those kids of yours. That not so tiny thing Athena you bore all by yourself. And that other one Ares. He seems delightful." She said moving her hand off the chair. Zeus assumed there was another reason Leto was here for more than just casual conversation. "What calls you here Leto? With so long passing since last we spoke." He moved his hands out from behind his back, letting them hang at his sides. "There is no reason for you to be here. So why come back? Why come to me?" The look in his eyes called for him to be answered even if his demeanour was in a sedated state.

Leto's eyes shifted down when the question was asked, of course he knew better than to assume reliving the past was all she was here for. "I heard a rumour. Speak among people. I didn't believe it so I decided to come here." She met eyes with Zeus again, he seemed intrigued by what she was saying, wanting to hear exactly what had been spreading. Leto seemed hesitant to speak about what it was but did so anyway.

"I sought Hestia and Demeter. They told me that Hera felt scorned from the birth of Athena, that she would find way to pay the deed back." Zeus' eyes narrowed, crackles of electricity going across his eyes. He was uncertain how to take this information, the truth of it was unfamiliar to him. But if it was coming from Leto, then it was likely to be more true than false.

But he would not believe what he was told because of what he heard from a single Goddess. Surprisingly having an ounce of trust to give to his wife. "If what you say is true, then Hestia and Demeter will surely back up this tale." He turned and dispersed with a strike of lightning.

The one he was heading to visit first was Demeter. At his arrival she was sitting in a field of beautiful flowers, one in particular having her full attention. A black rose that seemed lesser due to the overwhelming abundance of colours around it. She moved her hands along its sides, caressing it like a mother might a child. Nurturing it with kind actions and words. It swayed with the wind into her gentle touch.

There was no reason for her to turn around to see who arrived, a bolt of lightning hitting the ground behind her with a gust pushing the blades of grass around the impact site were made black from the lightning's heat.

"You are disturbing my garden Zeus." She said with some irritation. Her hands moving over the sides of the flower while standing up. Zeus' eyes shifted down when he felt the grass forming under his feet, the dead grass renewed with life. "I apologise sister." There was little to no remorse in his voice, Demeter closing her eyes momentarily to calm herself.

"What do you want, brother? I am quite busy tending." To any who saw what she was doing they would assume that she was simply focusing on a single plant. Nurturing one out of hundreds. In actuality she was providing life across hundreds of thousands over all of Greece to every person who gave her prayer which was something that required most of her focus.

"Leto came to me." Demeter looked at him with a questioning look in her eyes. She was clearly wondering why. "She tells me of Hera being scorned. That you and Hestia betrothed that knowledge to her." Demeter moved a hand to her chin, rubbing it in thought before her eyes lit up briefly. "Ah yes. That." She moved her hands down to her sides.

"It was simply word of the wind. Word passed from Gods to mortals." She said in a nonchalant manner, not having much care for the drama of her siblings as more important matters took priority in her life.

Zeus did not seem pleased by what she had to say, feeling as though he was sent on some wild chase for something that was not even true. "The details I think you will find interesting however. Whether real or not." Demeter added to her previous words, Zeus raising a brow in expectation.

"She wishes to birth a child by her own right. Like you had done with that daughter. And that his story will be known by all." Hera had been acting strange for the past days since Athena's birth, keeping distant from the child and from Zeus. He believed it was simply because of the births being so close to one another which would make any importance that was felt toward one be lessened by the other. But if it was truly because of what he was told, then it meant that she was likely already on the path of seeing it through.

It was less the act itself that he detested, but the fact that she was going against him. Birthing a child that was not his and making it so all would know. Not only the Gods, but his precious mortals as well.

As the head of Olympus he could not let this stand. Could not let Hera make a mockery of him all because her feelings were hurt by something he had no control of. He was about to leave, not even thinking of the fact he meant to see Hestia after this to further validate the story. "What do you intend to do?" He heard the feminine voice of Demeter ask when his back was to her. Not giving a reply which forced her to infer on her own. "If you plan to take her life because she is going to wrong you. Will you still be worshipped?"

He paused briefly, turning to face her with a look in his eyes that told her to keep speaking. "If you take Hera's life. Or the life of the child she will bear. I have no doubt the mortals will make tale of it. They always find way too."

"You will be remembered as just another Cronus." She said to drive in her point, like a hot knife sinking into butter. Zeus' thoughts bubbling in anger at the idea of such fallacy. But he knew she was right. He knew that if he acted out in rage, he would just be giving more fuel to the fire. But there was another way. A way that did not involve physical harming Hera.

"Thank you for this sister of mine." She was bemused at the fact Zeus seemed so at ease. She would have expected him to lash out more. To even see her as someone just in the way. And with that, he was gone. A bolt coming down with his form being whisked away in electricity so that he could return to Leto.

* * * * *

Aphrodite was sitting in her chamber on Olympus. Her bedroom has an assortment of fabrics along the walls and floors of colours strewn about. She was on her bed, large enough that it could fit multiple people, fabric hanging loosely from the beams of wood above. The bed was a mess to say the least, the sheets hanging off with the blanket pulled down near the bottom of the bed. Around the room were men and women. On cushions that were scattered around on the floor or with Aphrodite on the bed.

There was a knock on the door, Aphrodite rolling onto her stomach, her chest smushed against the cushion of the bed. "Come on." She said in a sultry tone, like she was trying to lure in another mate.

The door opened with Ares stepping in, his eyes going over the naked figures of the men and women though his eyes held a look of neutrality having no care for what Aphrodite did in her spare time with the mortals. "Why have you come to see me Ares?" She asked, laying an arm in front of her face with her chin resting on it, her eyes held on the male God.

"I heard of your newly found position as the patron of Cyprus." He moved his hands behind his back so that the clenching of fists was out of view to hide his disdain. "I came to congratulate for adopting your new position so fast." He was of course speaking of her becoming an Olympian and that over the short course of the decision she was already renowned enough to be the figurehead of a city.

Her eyes ran over the male. She did wonder why he would be here congratulating her of all the Gods. She didn't think he had any form of respect toward her. Maybe she was wrong, or maybe this was something else. A grin spread on her lips as she moved to a sitting position on the edge of her bed with one leg crossed over the other, putting her bare top half on display for Ares. "Congratulating me? Why that is so kind of you Ares. I never would have expected that."

"Power is...Something anyone can understand. The ability to grasp that power so soon." He said, clutching his hand into a raised fist to emphasise his point. "Is commendable." He opened his hand and lowered it back to his side. Power was easy to understand for him. It didn't matter the person who was striving for it. So long as they took it, he could respect that.

She rose to her feet, moving close enough to him that she could put a hand to his chest. They were roughly the same height, with him standing at 6'4, four inches above her. "How thoughtful of you. Maybe I can repay that kindness to you." She spoke with an alluring tone in her voice, one that beckoned Ares into accepting the offer.

"I..." He paused, the thought playing with his mind. It was an interesting offer, but she could easily be playing him, wanting to use him in some way. He would not put that past her based on her actions since the moment she appeared. "Will have to refuse." He said with his eyes averting from her body. She could hear the begrudging hint in his voice, a sly smirk on her face. She would just have to push a little further. But there was no fun in rushing this, she had all the time in the world to play this game with him.

* * * * *

Athena was sitting in her study, hands caressing the pages of the book she took from the Greek library. She read the pages with astonishment. The stories inside of them were captivating and not because they were grand acts of heroism, or that they showed immense power and strength. But because of the cunning of the people portrayed, the wits that they used to survive, to develop strategies that even with little numbers meant they could overpower enemies.

Her attention only drifted when her owl landed at the table she was sitting at, reaching out a hand and messing with the tuft of feathers on its chest. She had an idea brewing, one that she rather liked the thought of.

It was an idea to create a warrior, someone who could fight the way that she did. Someone who could lead an army through strategy and wit. She wanted to make someone in her own image, someone that would be great enough to match the will and smarts of a God. A pupil so to say. She didn't want to rush this process, she would give it time, let Greece further itself. Let the people make themselves known. Let their wills be shown. And when the time comes. When a great war is on the horizon. She will find who she seeks.

Till that day she will continue to expand what she knows, she will continue to learn and watch. Build strategies to give to man. For if she is to find this warrior. She may need to lend a hand to those that peak her interest, those that seek her aid through prayer.

Much like her father she was quite interested with the mortals. They were intriguing in all kinds of ways. The ways they approached problems, the solutions they came up with, their dedication to victory. Everything spoke volumes to her in voluptuous grandeur. That was one of the only things she shared with her father, that feeling towards the mortals.

Outside of that they hadn't really connected since the moment of her birth. Sure he seemed to favour her over her brother but it was strange. It didn't seem as though he had this kinship toward her because of her being his daughter, or because he was proud of the type of God she was. It felt more like a forced nature. And she had ideas of what it was about. Ones that pertained to Hera and the relationship between Zeus and her.

It was not exactly what you would look at to find comfort in. There was an intensity about them, one that was brimming with all sorts of emotions. Love, hate, anger, compassion. In some strange tandem all of these feelings mixed in together to create the relationship they had.

She of course didn't see it lasting, but that was her own opinion of the matter and thus it would stay that way. Hidden in the recesses of her mind, having no reason to involve herself in petty family squabbles that served no purpose then to mislead and cause ill will.

* * * * *

I do hope that you have some idea of who these Gods we are currently acquainted with are, because unfortunately. More are still to come. You see after Zeus had his encounter with Demeter and in turn Hestia. He returned to Leto. His mind held a cruel goal in the circumstance that Hera did birth a child of her own.

Which that she did. A male God of the name Hephaestus. The God of artisans, blacksmithing. And all sorts connected to such. Though she looked down on him with disgrace. Not out of hate. But because of his appearance. He, unlike the other Gods, was not beautiful. He was called deformed. Ugly. It was told that he held no place amongst the Gods. Amongst the perfection that surrounded him. His own mother cast him aside like he was nothing.

And because of his birth, Zeus sought out Leto. It was easy to convince her to share a bed with him. She was a former lover after all. And although Hera was his consort. She could not say no to his advances. He was far too persuasive. And as the head of the Gods, she had no right to deny him. At least that was what he had told her.

In time it was learned that she was pregnant with his offspring. That paired with the prior birth of Athena. Well. Hera did not like that in the slightest.

She cast out Leto from Olympus. Cursed her to wonder, a God among mortals. That any who helped her be met with punishment tenfold. And mere hours after she was banished, Hera sent Python, a child of Gaia after her to make sure that Leto's children would not see the light of day.

Leto wandered the mortal plain. Trying to find a place where her children could safely be born. But with the passing days Python had been growing closer. She tried to seek aid from mortal villages but they all denied her. And in her fury she changed the villagers forms. Into that of toads.

Eventually she found her only option to be the open sea. A place where Python could not reach her. But before long, she was stranded. No place to go with the birth growing closer. So she did the only thing she could. She prayed to Zeus. She asked him to aid her. To help her and his unborn children.

* * * * *

Zeus' eyes held onto Leto from where he stood on Olympus. Hera had caused this for her. Hera had casted her out from Olympus. It was only right that he helped her. And so he called on one of the Wind Gods. Specifically Boreas of the North wind. "You will guide her to my brother, Poseidon." He told the Wind God who lowered his head before vanishing.

And thus the perfect wind had hit her poorly made sails, pulling her along. She looked up in the direction of Olympus, lowering her head in thanks. She arrived at a body of water that was surprisingly solid. Stepping off the boat, expecting her foot to sink when it came down. But instead she stood.

She took a step. Then another. Her eyes darted around from one plot of open sea to the next. Till a voice spoke from behind, only saying one word. "Leto." Poseidon's voice was...Compassionate? No. It was full of pity. Pity for her situation. Pity of what he saw in front of him. A once powerful goddess now dishevelled.

"What are we standing on?" She could only find herself wanting to know the answer to that question. Was it simply water that he was manipulating? Or something more. He turned, moving his hands as the water started to warp around them. Raising and shifting till it was a dome that fully encompassed a large radius. And as the light stopped hitting where they stood. Something started to take form, an island. The magnificent island of Delos.

"Delos. An island of my creation. Hidden from the others." Why would he hide such a thing from them? She could only wonder. Looking over his stoic nature. There were some ideas. He never really liked Zeus. Always seeming jealous of him from the moment the domains of the realm were divided amongst the siblings. Maybe he wanted something of his. Something that only he had control over.

No. That felt wrong. He had the entire sea and all else that he corresponded with. "Zeus has asked that I let you stay till the..." His eyes trailed over her, holding on her stomach. "Birth." She could see that he was not doing this out of the kindness of his heart. His demeanour. The aura that was coming off him. It was all wrong if you were trying to find compassion. Or empathy. Maybe it was so that Zeus would owe him. But knowing Zeus that was unlikely to be the case. Perhaps he was trying to hold something over him for the future.

"The dome will stay for as long as you do. I only ask one thing. That you do not cause trouble." He turned, his form taking the shape of water and then that of a Hippocampus made of water. A horse that had features of a sea creature. Disappearing into the ocean.

As she traversed the island in an attempt to find a place to give birth. She found others who were waiting for her arrival. A titaness Dione. Rhea who was the wife of Cronus and mother of the first Gods. Ichnaea Goddess of tracking and tracing. Themis the god of law and justice. And finally Poseidon's own wife Amphitrite.

It turned out when they heard of Leto's banishment they had prepared for this moment in advance. Believing that no one should have gone through what she did because of the actions of Zeus and Hera.

Perhaps it was because of the tyranny of the actions that they disagreed with. Whatever the reason. Leto was glad to have them with her. It gave her a sense of comfort to have others be with her during the vulnerable moment that was to come.

When the time finally came for the birth, she expected to see the Goddess of birth by her side. But she never came. Being held at Olympus by Hera which made the birth anything but painless.

It was an excruciating nine days and nights of labour. Artemis was born one day before Apollo on the eighth day.

The children grew fast like any God would. Artemis was the Goddess of the Hunt, chastity, virginity and the Moon. A clear contrast to her brother Apollo who was known for being the God of many things by the mortals. Archery, music, dance, truth, prophecy, healing, diseases, light, poetry. But most importantly. The Sun. For he was as radiant and as beautiful as it.

When they reached maturity. Apollo took it into his hands to slay Python who had been chasing his mother since the moment of her banishment.

He travelled to Delphi, wishing to find the oracle there to find Python. But at the moment of his arrival, it was on top of him.

He stood much smaller than the serpent-dragon. Its large wings encompassed a large width of the area with its head coiling around to attack him.

But he was Apollo. God of many. Son of Leto and Zeus. He was one of the most powerful Gods to ever live. Python was no match for him. He held his bow tight, standing on a raised piece of land, notching the arrow and lining it up. He took a deep breath with the creature growing closer. Lunging forward with its maw wide open, neck stretching out like the body of a snake. And when it was close enough, he let the arrow loose.

It traversed the air, piercing the wind in front of it with flames sparking off its body. And at the moment of impact, it tore through Python with a large glowing path of orange made in its wake, smoke rising off it. It lurched to the side, its entire body hitting the ground with its head just a few feet to Apollo's side. He lowered his bow, his eyes held on it. On the creature that chased his mother.

He walked up to him and put a hand to his head. His eyes shut tight. "I am...Sorry." He was sorry not only because he had to take his life. But because he did not choose this. It was Hera. Hera sent the creature after Leto. Hera started this all. But Apollo could not do to her what he did to Python. He would be forced to take on all of Olympus to do so.

He walked away from the corpse and met with the oracle he sought. He could still use her wisdom. And when he left, he could see mortals gathering around the corpse. Examining it. One of them looked at him, staring in awe at his beauty before dropping to their knees in worship. He looked over them, wondering why they were doing this. He didn't feel pride in what he did. And he didn't deserve their worship over it. But that was what he got. He gained the worship of the immediate land around Delphi, the people praising his name. Praising the sun.

* * * * *

Artemis was sitting in the forest, her bow next to her, laying in the grass. Her eyes were held on the deer that was in her path. She examined it piece by piece with curiosity but also admiration. The beast was beautiful. Its antlers extend high, pushing out to the sides, demanding respect of any animals in its path. She reached down to the bow without her eyes moving. She took hold of the wooden bow, fingers caressing around it and raising it up. She held it forward, lining it up.

She grabbed an arrow out of her quiver. She notched the arrow, making sure to take each step to ensure it would not falter. It would not waver off course. She was about to let the arrow loose. Letting out an exhale of breath before taking another and holding it. And then the arrow flew.

It caressed the air, breaking through it and eventually sinking into flesh. And with the position of the arrow, the deer was dead. She stood tall and walked over to the deer, kneeling down beside it. She ran her hand over it, petting it a few times as she spoke a prayer. Not to her father, not to Olympus. But to the deer. "See the fields of eternity and run."

After some time of praying over the creature, she picked it up over her shoulder and started to walk through the dense forestry. The trees stood high around her, watching her pass with their looming figures.

She got to a camp, a fire crackling in the middle with stones around it acting like a barrier. Her mother was sitting to the side, looking off in the direction of Olympus.

Artemis lowered the creature, placing it gently on the ground. Not a sound was made through the process making her caution in how gentle she was being with it more evident. "Are you thinking of home?" It was strange for Artemis to use that word. To call Olympus home. She was not born there. She had no connection to it. It was not her home. But it was Leto's. That was the only thing that connected Artemis to the place. Her mother.

Leto told her stories of its beauty. Of what it was like. Artemis was left to her imagination but she could see that her mother wanted to go back. Wanted to be accepted. Unbanished.

She looked at Artemis with a motherly look. Gentle, loving. She was not upset with the question that was asked. In fact she was happy about it. "Yes. Of home. Of your father." Artemis raised her head at the second half of the answer, her attention taken from the preparation of tonight's meal. "Zeus? Why would you be thinking of him?" The question was not accusatory or bitter. She didn't see it wrong for Leto thinking of the man she lay with. But she did want to know why Leto would continue to think of someone who let her experience so much when he could have helped her sooner. Things he could have helped avoid.

"I know what you two think of him. But he did help me. He saved me from a fate that could have been so much worse." Artemis and Apollo had both heard this before. She accepted it. Apollo did not. That was one of the main things that was different about the twins. One was understanding of Leto's feelings. The other despised the man that was their father.

Why he thought that way he always made quite clear. But surprisingly, even when he made these words known verbally. He was not struck by a bolt of stray lightning from Olympus. Maybe Zeus was more lenient than he believed. Or maybe he was humoured by how Apollo acted. They couldn't know. Not without asking.

"Did you want to go back?" These words slipped through Artemis' lips. She didn't know why she was asking this, her attention and thoughts drifting from her previous line of thought. Leto paused, she was reminiscing for a moment, then another, then she answered. "Yes. I would like that. But I would need to give them reason. And I have none." Artemis looked up at her. "Yes you do." She responded. "Your children. Me and Apollo. Take us to Olympus and we will show father and every other God. Just what kind of children you bore."

And with that declaration. She sunk the knife she held into the deer, blood spilling out as she dragged it up the corpse to open it wide.

* * * * *

"Absolutely not." Apollo said. He saw Zeus as a failure of a father who could not even be there for the birth of his children. He thought of him as a bastard who did not stop his wife from sending a beast after their mother. He thought much about him. And it was nothing pleasant. So it was no surprise he didn't want to go. His arms crossed to his chest with a disapproving look in his eyes. Artemis had come to him so that they could discuss what she offered to their mother. Unfortunately she came alone. Expecting that her words would be able to convince Apollo. If she brought Leto with her. They would have already been on the path to Olympus to confront the Gods. But alas she overestimated how agreeable he would have been.

"Why not?" She questioned. Wondering if she would really have to drag their mother here. He turned his back to her, starting to walk away "I have no intention of seeing the man who abandoned our mother." The city of Delphi had been active, building a new temple in the name of Apollo which he was overseeing. Making sure that no one would be hurt in the process. "You know that is not what happened." Artemis retorted. "He aided our mother."

"After weeks of running Artemis." He argued adamantly. "He helped because he took pity. He does not love our mother. He does not love us. If he did he would have been there. If he did he would have accepted our mother back. If he did he would have come down from Olympus. He did nothing." There was plenty of truth to his words. Zeus did leave Leto running for weeks. Zeus did let her be banished. Zeus let her struggle to live.

"It's what mother wants. Olympus might not be our home. But it is hers." She spoke in a gentle manner that looked to break through her brother's stubbornness. His eyes became softer, looking to the ground with a sigh. "Fine. I will accompany you both to Olympus. I will greet our father and any other God who comes to us. But know this sister. I have no respect for them."

"You do not need to respect them to be there for our mother."

And when they returned to Leto, they had left for the journey back to Olympus.

The journey was a long few days spent with little to no breaks. The goal was to reach Olympus before the end of the seventh day. And they were on track. There were no incidents that caused them to slow or that got in their way. Compared to the weeks that Leto spent running. This was a pleasant breeze. An enjoyable afternoon with the sun shining down and the wind caressing them with every passing gust.

They were in silence for most of it. Not saying much. There was no need. It was easy to see what each of them was feeling through simple glances and assumptions.

Apollo looked uneased or irritated. Like he was already thinking of how this was going to go and was finding himself pissed. Artemis was collected and calm. Her hands down at her sides with her bow slung over her shoulder. Her eyes trailing the ground, trees and sky. She was wondering how this was going to go. How not only Zeus might react to their arrival. But the other Olympians as well. Leto was joyful about the journey. The fact she was going to see her home after the amount of time spent in banishment. Even the idea alone was filling a hole that she never realised was there.

And just as they wanted. By the sixth day, they had arrived at the grandeur of Olympus. A large city built around the base that spiralled up the mountain higher and higher. It was beautiful. A vibrant city of Greek architecture. Hundreds of sculptors and architects worked tirelessly to see it through. These people wanted to be close to the Gods. Wanted to be in their splendour. With how high the city went, it disappeared above the clouds with the upper portion of the mountain, hiding behind thick white clouds.

"Well." Apollo's eyes trailed up the intimidating mountain, looking higher and higher with his head tilting back. "Here we are." He sounded impressed which had caught Artemis' attention, primarily because she was expecting him to be more dismissive of what they were seeing. "Impressed?" She said this with a slight grin, Apollo casting a side eye. "Impressed with the people who built these monuments. Not the Gods who they were built for."

Leto put her hands on the shoulders of her children. "Calm now. We still have a small journey ahead." Her and the other two roamed the city streets. People looking at them and bowing their heads. Though when looking closely. It was easy to see these bows were directed at Apollo and Artemis. Not Leto.

They reached the bottom of the winding stair case of stone at the bottom of the mountain. Starting to take one step after the other. The staircase was long, made from the mountain itself. Each step chiselled into the framework. It was unsafe. That was easy to see based on the side of the staircase that was facing the off side of the mountain. But the beauty and intricate nature of it was admirable.

It took 30 minutes to make it halfway up the mountain. And when they had more of the city revealed itself to them. Previously concealed by the pools of white clouds. It was even more impressive than the lower portion. Since they didn't have a ground to build from, they had to build off the mountain itself. Making paths to walk on and buildings that clung to the rocky terrain. Apollo admired it in awe and Artemis watched his admiration. While Leto continued on, the other two caught up when they saw how far ahead she was getting.

And then they continued the second half of the path up. By the point they reached the top, another 30 minutes passed. Taking them one hour total.

When they got to the top, Zeus was sitting on his throne with Hera close by. They were the only two here, which was surprising. They would have thought if they were expected one of the two might have called a council. Leto stepped forward, her two children right behind her. "Zeus. Hera." She looked at one, then the other. "I come to make a request." She moved to her knees, lowering her top half to the ground with her hands extended forth. "Please forgive me for my transgressions. Please welcome me back-" "No." Hera's words cut like a harsh knife piercing flesh, Leto's eyes meeting Hera's cold and unforgiving ones.

"But I beg of you-" Hera stood from her throne, staring down at the grovelling Leto. "Try begging louder." Artemis was the one to step forward first, eyes locked with Hera. "You best watch your tongue." Hera looked to the young Goddess, her head tilted to the side with disgust on her face. "And you must be the bastard offspring." Hera sat back on her throne, leaning back into it with an elbow propped on the armrest. "Leave. You have no place here." Leto was trying to think of what to say, looking at Zeus who was simply watching in curiosity. He wanted to see how this was going to play out, what was going to happen in this altercation of words.

It was when Leto seemed like she was about to give up that Apollo stepped forward. He walked until he was in the very centre of the Tholos. Putting one hand to his chest and extending the other to the side in a very showman manner, bowing before he straightened himself. "As a child bearing the same ichor as Zeus. I extend my right to ask that a council be called." Hera raised a brow in amusement. "A council? For Leto? You must be out of your mind, bastard child."

"A council for the addition of me and my twin sister Artemis to the Olympians. And the return of my mother." Hera was about to get out of her throne, about to make it known how absurd this was. But a hand raised by Zeus halted her, the God of lightning standing up for the first time the three had arrived.

He walked up to Apollo, each step booming like thunder through a darkened sky. And as they stood face to face, a smile spread on Zeus' face. "A council will take some time to gather." Apollo furrowed his brow and gave a smile back that was mirthless. "We can wait." Zeus turned and waved his hand through the air. "You will be led to a vacant room where you can rest while we gather. When all the Olympians arrive. We can begin."

Apollo, Artemis and Leto all returned to the upper part of the city, leading to a room that was fit for a God. The room was spacious and adorned with furniture for royalty. A commodious bed in the middle with velvet fabric hanging from the top rail, lights crackling in the room. Apollo looked it over, walking to the bed and laying on it, his eyes on the roof.

"How did you know that would work?" Artemis asked, with a very clear astounded tone in her voice. Impressed at the scheme Apollo came up with. "I didn't. But I assumed that being the children of Zeus came with some perks." Artemis looked to Leto who was sitting off to the side, sitting silently with her eyes closed. "And if they accept us as Olympians?" She was asking this for a very specific reason. She knew that Apollo would never do this because he wanted to. He would only ever do this sort of thing if he saw it was the only way Leto would get back into Olympus.

"Then I live with it." Apollo responded, sitting up and crossing one leg over the other. Leto looked over at her children with that same gentle smile she always wore with them. "Thank you for this." Leto could not see it from where she sat, but Artemis could. Apollo's demeanour shifted to a more content one, feeling more adamant in what he was doing. "We are your children. We would do anything for you." Apollo said, looking back at Leto.

* * * * *

It took a day for the Olympians to gather. Apollo, Artemis and Leto stood in the middle of the structure at the top of the mountain, the other Gods sitting around them in each of the stone chairs made for them.

It had been some time since all of them had been gathered together. Zeus, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, Ares, Athena, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Demeter and Hestia. The ten Olympians all in the same place, at the same time. It was almost intimidating.

"We, The Olympians, have gathered for the discussion of two matters." Zeus stated with his fingers intertwined. "The matter of the banishment of Leto. And the inclusion of twins Apollo and Artemis as one of us. Let us now begin." He outstretched a hand in the direction of Apollo, since he was the one who made the request of a council. "State your case Sun God."

Apollo patted his sister on the shoulder, his way of letting her know to leave it to him, but she found that difficult since he didn't share his plans to either her or their mother. He put a hand to his chest and extended the other to the side in a dramatic bow. "I thank you all for coming here to discuss this matter."

He stood back up, straightening his posture. "I would like to discuss first the inclusion of me and my sister to the council." Zeus had a grin on his face, clearly satisfied by the fact Apollo took that approach. Drawing them in with a more interesting matter first.

"My sister and I are children of Zeus. head of Olympus. Through our veins flows the same ichor as his. And by that right I say by birth we have the right to take our place amongst you." Apollo's eyes danced from one of the Gods to the next. He saw each of their expressions, each one a different opinion on the matter.

Hera was the first to speak, to make her opinion known. "Zeus may be your father, but that does not change that your mother was banished by your birth. Or that you both are bastard children." Athena spoke after this. "Why do both parents need to be considered? In my and Hephaestus' case we were born to only one. And that was enough."

Aphrodite was the next one to speak. "I do believe it is right for young Apollo to be considered, lately he has been making waves amongst the mortals. Although for Artemis. I hardly see that." Apollo shot a vicious glare in her direction at her words, finding the fact she talked about his sister like that to outweigh the compliment that was given to him before that.

As for Artemis, she found herself less vexed than her brother was. Why would she care what some Goddess had to say about her? She did not live for praise amongst mortals. She was not salivating at the idea of temples and status. She lived for the hunt, for the wild. And that was the only thing that mattered.

Hades' voice was the next to dance along the drifting wind. "Both children have the right to become Olympians. Their father Zeus. Mother Leto. By birth it is their right to be among us."

Poseidon spoke next, since none of the others would have dared go against one of the three brothers so brazenly. "Is that what defines becoming an Olympian? Birth? From what I recall most present here earned their place." Hades looked to his brother. "All have earned their place through some means or another. And would you not say these two standing here have proven they earned that?"

The weight of the conversation was starting to shift in the favour of Apollo until. "Did you not kill Python, boy?" Apollo's eyes narrowed in disdain toward Hera, Ares wearing a wide grin of excitement. "He slew Python?" He could barely contain himself. "That is impressive. To kill a son of Gaia. He must wield great power."

Athena was more concerned over this then Ares by a large margin, the worry sculpted into her eyes. "A son of gaia? Killed by you?" Her eyes held on Apollo who looked ashamed over this fact. "But why...how?" These questions caused Hera's expression to shift, just enough to be noticed. "Python was sent for my mother after her banishment. When I was old enough, I set out to find a way to stop the creature."

"That bow you wield, is that how you killed him?" Demeter asked, speaking for the first time during the council. Apollo responded with a solemn nod. "Who forged such a weapon? A Cyclopes?" Before Apollo could even respond, Hephaestus spoke. "I forged them for him...At the time he did not know who I was, nor I him. But he asked of me a request that tested my skill as a smith. And I accepted."

"So it's your fault you pathetic whelp." Hera said this with her words cutting like a well honed dagger, Apollo's eyes going from Hephaestus after he had just learned it was him who made him his weapon. And then to Hera when she insulted him. "Who are you to call someone pathetic? You sent a beast after my mother because you were too cowardice to do the job yourself." Hera stood to her feet, looking down at Apollo. 'What was that boy?" Hephaestus, looking to Apollo, was surprised that any of the Gods would defend him.

"You heard me." A hand clutched his arm, looking at Artemis who saw where this was about to head and knew she had to step in before it got there. She stepped past him, standing in front. "My brother had no choice. Hera sent Python who hunted down our mother for weeks on end. And when we were born, we were included in that hunt. Python would have done anything to kill us."

"So it was defence." Athena said, her eyes holding on Hera momentarily before looking at Artemis. "Do you have any proof of this claim?" Artemis looked back at Apollo, he wasn't going to defend himself, he regretted his actions and believed that he deserved punishment for it. "The oracle of Delphi. He sought her out. She could confirm this."

Zeus spoke before one of the others could. "She won't have too. I saw it with my own eyes from here." He looked at Apollo. "If you become an Olympian. You will not be extricated of your crimes. If Gaia seeks punishment. Will you accept it?" Apollo gave a solemn nod, his eyes to the ground before he met Zeus' own. "I will accept what punishment she bestows." Zeus had a subtle grin, leaning back in his seat of power. "Then this matter of Python's death does not require further indulgence." He casted a unnoticed side eye in the direction of Hera in tandem with this statement.

"Has everyone spoken their piece?" Zeus looked to one God, then the next. None of them spoke, not even Hera. "Then we will take the vote. All in favour of Apollo and Artemis joining the council of Olympus and ranking on par with us. Raise thy hand." Zeus, Athena, Hades, Hephaestus, Demeter, Hestia, Ares and Aphrodite all raised their hands. The only ones who hadn't were Poseidon and Hera.

And thus it was passed, Apollo and Artemis now ranked as Olympians. "Now for the next matter. Leto's banishment." Zeus said, carrying on with the matters at hand. "Although she is your mother. She must make her case." He snapped his fingers and two bolts of lightning came down, two new stone chairs added to the circular structure. "Take your place." Apollo and Artemis looked to their mother, giving her a reassuring look and then taking their seats.

Leto was told to take her place in the very middle of the structure, all eyes of the Olympians on her. She looked to one, then the next before she spoke. "You know who I am. Titaness Leto, Goddess of Night. I was banished for my involvement with Zeus. To the disdain of Hera. I did these acts. And I am not ashamed. I loved him when I was his consort and I still love him now. And the children that came from our engagement together are some of the strongest to have been born since the golden age of Greece." She put her palms together, lowering her head and holding her eyes shut.

"I ask that you revoke my banishment. So that I may come home. I will take whatever other form of punishment you invoke on me." Zeus looked around at the others. "Now we discuss." Hera didn't get the chance to speak, Poseidon being the first to get a word in. "I say she come back." That was a shock to the others, to have one of the most ruthless ones here be forgiving of one's actions. Was he doing this to spite Hera?

"And why is that?" Hera asked with anger in her voice, casting a side eye in the direction of Poseidon. "She has gone through much. I would know. For when I aided her at the request of Zeus. I saw the state she was in. She did not look like a Goddess. But rather a mortal with no home. It was shameful. Not only for her, but all of Olympus." He looked back at Hera. "Are you really to suggest we send her off once again? To continue this shame?" Zeus' eyes held on his brother for a mere moment due to discontent from the fact his brother had just made it aware that he went to him for aid. Something that struck him in his pride most of all.

"Would it not be more shameful to accept her back? To make a decision as harsh as banishment to then revoke it. That casts doubt on our judgement." Hera defended, Athena adding. "Your judgement." Hera looked in her direction, Athena looking back with a calm and collected demeanour. "None of us made the choice of banishment outside of you. If this choice is to be withdrawn. The only one it would affect. Is you."

Hades nodded his head stoically. Looking at Leto, their eyes meeting. "I agree." He intertwined his fingers. "She has gone through much. Much pain. Much dread." He leaned forward, his eyes going to Apollo, then Artemis. "I would like to hear what you both think. She is your mother afterall."

Aphrodite rose a brow to this. "Is that really wise? Objectively they are quite biassed." Ares had a vicious grin, pointing a finger at Hera. "As is she. But still we hear her out. Let us hear what they have to say." He said, looking directly at Apollo. He was enticing Hera to get angered at him. Wanting to argue further. But she managed to hold her tongue.

Apollo took in a long breath, leaning back into the chair with one elbow propped on the armrest of the chair. "Leto has gone through much. As said by Poseidon and Hades. Has she not served her due punishment?" Artemis added to this with her own words. "Hera also went against the punishment she gave. Did she not?" This brought about an enticing curiosity at what she meant, Artemis continuing on. "Hera gave the punishment of banishment. Not execution. Therefore her sending Python after Leto went against that punishment."

It was easy to see that Artemis was specifically using Leto's name instead of referring to her as mother to make sure they knew that her judgement was not clouded by their relationship. A tactic to make them listen and take her words into consideration more as one of them and not of a worrying daughter whose opinion was clouded or misguided. It seemed like it was working, based on the expressions present on the Gods' faces.

They were losing faith in Hera's judgement on the decision she made. Doubt was being sewn. But that was made easier due to the fact many of the Olympians had reason to oppose her. She was not a benevolent God who you could turn to for love and nurturement. Hephaestus of all would know that.

So with that being known, Artemis found easy allies on her side of this argument. Zeus had a grin on his face that was...Proud? Perhaps impressed with the cunning of his children.

They were clever enough to make sure they had gotten onto the council first before addressing the matter of Leto. Making it so they had power in the say of what happens. Then uncertainty was implanted into the discussion. Making Hera's decision seem hasty and off put by anger. Which it was of course, but to so boldly point that out took courage. And it was not as though Hera could do anything about it now. That would only further the allegations.

The twins were working off each other, almost like they could hear the other's thoughts. Or like this was all planned prior to them beginning. Which would simply speak more to the cunning nature of the two.

"Any more to say?" Zeus asked, eyes trailing the room. From one Olympian to the next. It seemed like there was nothing more. Most of what was wanted to be said, had been. Until Hera spoke. "You are all fools." She said, getting to her feet, walking toward Leto. "She is a mockery to us, a concubine who forgot her place is to be below. A titaness who thought she could bed an Olympian and not face consequence."

She stopped right in front of Leto, only inches between them, eyes staring into one another. It was taking everything in the siblings' power to not move and intervene. And that was exactly what they were all waiting for.

If they intervened it would paint their opinions as partial. Not to be taken seriously. And Hera wanted to push this line as far as it would go. Raising her hand to seemingly backhand Leto. Until a hand caught her wrist with a thunderous boom. She looked back, Zeus standing right behind her. His hold was not hard enough to be painful, but it was uncomfortable.

Ares had a large grin on his face, waiting in anticipation for an altercation to erupt. All the others were waiting for the same. Maybe for different reasons, but that was on all of their minds.

"That would have been beneath you." Hera could see it in his eyes. He was furious. A potent blue glow covering his eyes. "Sit back down." He was ordering her.

She listened, taking her seat with anger in her eyes aimed at both Zeus and Leto who shared a brief exchange without words. Zeus then went back to his seat. "Now we take the vote."

Hades, Poseidon, Athena, Demeter, Hestia, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Zeus and Hephaestus all put up their hands in agreement to Leto being allowed to return. The only ones disagreeing being Hera and Aphrodite.

Hera was disagreeing for obvious reasons. Zeus was unfaithful and she felt like someone had to be punished. He could not be punished so of course that fell to Leto. As for Aphrodite, it was like she said the first time. She thought Apollo deserved to be here but the other two, she didn't care much for them. They hadn't done anything to prove their worth.

"That concludes this matter. Leto will be welcomed back to Olympus." Zeus said, pushing up to his feet. "You may all leave." And so they did, one after the other. Ares looked at Apollo with a smile that was more like a challenge than a friendly gesture. He wanted to face him in combat. Wanted to trade blows in an almighty battle.

Maybe today, tomorrow. Maybe years from now. They would face one another at some point eventually. And with that declaration that was without words. Ares left Olympus. And with that the only ones left were Zeus, Hera, Leto, Artemis and Apollo.

"You will have your own rooms assorted." Zeus stated, gesturing for them to follow, standing at the stone staircase that led down through the mountain. They started to descend the path, Zeus standing in front of them, hands at his back clasped together. "It was smart what you did. Getting on the council, working together."

He glanced back for a moment. "You are as smart as you are strong." After making the statement they continued on. Soon enough they were at the upper level of the city intertwined with Olympus. "You are free to leave as you please. Live where you wish. But know you will have quarters here for your stay whenever you come to Olympus."

Artemis had no intention of staying here. Her place was the wild with her huntresses. Roaming the forests. Taking part in the grand hunts. Her place was not confined but free.

And for Apollo. His place was not Olympus. It was Delphi and wherever else needed his aid. His place was with the roaming the lands of the mortals. Not held to some higher place of Godhood.

Leto would stay, this was the whole purpose of her return after all. But that did not mean she would abandon her children because they are parting. She would leave Olympus to visit them when she could. When they wished to see her. But she knew to let them be free. Let them find their own place, take their own journeys. Her purpose was not to control them but to let them flourish in whatever way they so choose.

So at the end of it all. Apollo and Artemis left Olympus. Artemis in the wild and Apollo in Delphi. Leto stayed behind on Olympus, glad to finally be home after so long passed.

Although this would not be the last time we saw the consequences of someone else's actions fall onto another. But that is a tale to be told another time. Many other times in fact. Gods are vengeful, spiteful beings after all. No matter the realm you look into.

After that long ordeal, we take a look into another time. A time when Zeus did a vile deed toward one of his own siblings, Demeter. So let us embark on this tale of misfortune.

* * * * *