Chapter 9: Happenings of Olympus

While Ares and Thanatos were on their way to Tartarus, Nyx and Hypnos made their way to Olympus. 'It's been quite sometime.' Nyx thought to herself, gazing at the nymphs and gardens she passed on her way to her destination, a look a familiarity on her face. Following her exit out of the gardens, Nyx and Hypnos were presented with a glorious sight. In the middle of a rolling plain filled with flowers is an all white temple fit for the Gods.

White marble pillars accented with golden veins throughout were spread out equally along the walls of the one story, golden roofed, rectangular structure. Foliage was spread all over the building giving it a weathered but beautiful look.

Walking up to the temple's marble, foliage covered steps, Nyx and Hypnos began to make their way through the open doorway. Nyx wondering what was wrong and Hypnos being his rather Tanaka-esque self.

Stepping into the room, Nyx and Hypnos noticed three Gods and the woman they came here for. Standing in the room were, Demeter, Goddess of Agriculture, Zeus, God of the Sky and King of Gods, Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth, and finally a flustered Hera, Goddess of Women, Marriage, and Family and the Queen of Gods.

At a height of 8ft11in, Zeus was wearing a white chiton with a golden belt wrapped around his waist with a lighting bolt at the buckle. His left chest was exposed showcasing his muscular physique resembling a Spartan warrior's. He had a handsome visage with sky blue eyes and lightly tanned skin. His white hair reached shoulder length accompanied by a budding white beard that would one day be considered one of the best in the future.

Turning to the Goddesses, Demeter was a beautiful woman standing at 5ft8in having ivory colored skin and wore a purple peplos with golden wheat symbols around her collar and at the end of her dress. Her head was adorned with a crown of golden wheat stalks that varied in size accenting her light brown eyes and honey golden hair that cascaded down her round face to her mid-back.

Hestia and Hera were dressed similarly, both wearing a blue peplos however Hera's was more ornate in appearance having gold patterns intricately woven throughout.

Hestia was shorter of the two standing at 5ft3in while Hera was much taller at 6ft4in. Hestia's blonde hair fell to below her hamstrings mixed with wisps of orange flames. She has a buxom figure and beautiful face with her eyes having a warm yellow color.

Hera's golden brown hair resembled Ares' slightly with small but noticeable streaks of red and black throughout stopping just below her lower back. Her complexion was similar to Ares, a tanned olive, and her ocean blue eyes drew attention to her stunning face.

"What do we have here?" Nyx voice rang out in the temple, all the Gods present turning their attention towards her. Except Hypnos, he was sleeping.

"Lady Nyx." They all sad simultaneously, bowing their heads slightly. Even Zeus had to bow to such a being. "I've told you ages ago to stop calling me that. It makes me feel old." Nyx said pouting as she finished. Zeus, Demeter, Hestia, and Hera we're all taken aback at her behavior. They didn't think the Primordial Goddess of Night could show such a side. They didn't know that Ares was partly to blame for her current performance. She had been around Ares for a while. A hundred years and counting. Though he is a battle maniac, when he's not fighting Thanatos or trying to provoke Nyx to fight him, the 9ft2 man often sulks and pouts claiming he's bored.

Being around him so much, Nyx had picked up those traits.

"Well since Ares has been away, you could say I've missed him." Stated Hera facing Nyx. "I mean how could I not? Im his mother. Because of my loneliness I wanted to make another child the same way I made Ares. I consulted Zeus about it and he offered to create a child the, "human" way but I declined. The way I made Ares was special. And though I knew I would love my child regardless, I missed Ares. I tried time and time again but to no avail. I even tried to use the method Prometheus used in making humans, but they all came out hideous. Each and everyone of them were uglier than the last. None came out like my Ares. And so, that leads us to here." Hera finished, gesturing to a child who looked around five that was currently sleeping. The child was deformed, having a hunched back and swollen eyebrows. His forehead was swollen aswell and he had a cleft top lip showing one of his front teeth. He had clubbed feet and his legs were bowed making it hard for him to walk if he tried.

"What happened to the others?" Nyx asked her downcast counterpart. She didn't really care mind you; Gods throw their children away all time. Uranus did it.

"Some I gave to nymphs, and the rest I gave to Hades as subordinates. I might be seen as cruel but I'm not heartless; I am their mother after all." Hera said as she opened a portal that sucked the child in. On the other side of the portal was Hades domain. Closing the portal Hera's attention was again placed onto Nyx. Her eyes searching for something, asking a question that Nyx answered, "He's not here. He did arrive on Olympus with me but him and Thanatos quickly left on a journey. However, he did tell me to give you his regards." Nyx said, a small amused smile on her face. Hearing this, like a balloon losing air, Hera visibly deflated.

"I haven't seen my Ares for a century and the minute he comes home he leaves! AGHHH!" While Hera was having her mini breakdown the other Gods began a different conversation.

"There are rumors amongst the many nymphs that Gaia starting to move once again. They say she is creating more children in order to free the ones inhabiting Tartarus. I've sent my Eagles to all the known locations Gaia would be but they have yet to find her or any of her so called creations." Zeus finished, his arms were crossed and one hand was under his chin.

"I told you we should have let them go. They helped us when we needed it most and instead of honoring our promise we left them in Tartarus to rot for eternity. I'm not surprised Gaia is trying to take back her children. If I was in her situation I would do the same." This was Demeter who spoke. As she finished Hera who had earlier calmed down heard what Demeter had said and couldn't help but nod her head fervently. If Ares was locked away she would stop at nothing to get her boy back. Absolutely NOTHING!

Hestia also agreed with Demeter but remained silent. 'What's done is done.' She thought to herself sighing regretfully.

"Hmmm. Rumors are often founded on truth Zeus. I suggest you make preparations for such a battle like the Titanomachy. Remember, it was Gaia's children you once fought before. Imagine fighting another of her children, this time stronger than her last. Can you and the Olympians handle facing such a creature?" Nyx's words were ominous. 'Does she know something?' Thats what the other Gods present were thinking.

As of picking up on their thought Nyx again spoke, "No. If your wondering if I know something the answer is no. Gaia has been too quiet recently and the last time she was this quiet was right before the events of the Titanomachy. If that's anything to go by then I could only assume she's planning something far worse. She's a mother after all. They would do anything for their children."

Everyone was in deep thought until a forest nymph broke them out of their musings. Kneeling down she spoke, "My King, sea nymphs had found a man-sized clam that washed ashore on the north beach. After trying to open the shell but to no avail, the shell opened by itself and what was inside was not what we expected." The nymph finished, still in her kneeling position. "Well what was it? If not a pearl then what? A woman?!" Zeus laughed boisterously, slapping his knee and holding his stomach. He found the joke he made funny. Even the Goddesses had a small smile on their faces. Well until the nymph uttered her next words.

"Yes my King. It was a woman inside of the clam. She claims to be the child of Uranus." The once laughing faces were frozen. Even Hypnos had woken up from his sleep.

"What?!"