Hera's Story

The silence between the two young ladies was interrupted with Artemis's interesting question. "Artemis!" Surprise evident in the woman's soprano voice. "I'd never thought the Goddess of the Hunt and virginity would ask me such a question." While Persephone didn't answer her question directly, the corner her mouth twitched and a small smile dance across their features as she lead the young Goddess to a small cafe several blocks from Ambrosia, aptly called " The Hole in the Wall".

It did not take the two long to reach the cafe. It was a simple establishment, and unlike many of the more extravagant buildings in New York it had a more open and family feeling to it. She had known the owners Marcia and Manuel for years, even being invited to their daughter wedding at one point, but since it was a winter wedding she had been unable to attend.

"I have the perfect place for us to talk. Not to mention the apple pie Marcia makes here is to die for." Taking Artemis's hand, she would led her inside the small two story building where her ears would listen to the simple piano Manuel had bought for guests to try their hand at (only if they were decent of course) during their meals. Chopin's Nocturne Op.9 would enter the newly arrived guests ears . Persephone took her normal seat in the left side of the cafe, one that was hidden conveniently behind a large ficus that allowed her some privacy from prying male eyes.

She pulled her chair in and motioned for her half sister to take a seat across from her. "It's my treat of course. Consider it an apology for having to endure such an embarrassing conversation." Her smile lit up across her face as easily as any day, and the thoughts that had pressed her mind minutes ago as well as the stinging of her cheek faded as she conversed with her sister.

A young female waiter with a large beaming smile approached their table, holding up a pen and paper to take their orders. "What can I get for you two?" She questioned cheerfully. "Coffee with a splash of cream, no sugar for me. Nothing else for me." While the waitress nodded and scribbled hastily on her notepad, Persephone cocked her head to the side and motioned towards Artemis to answer next.

---

"Lenora. We're live in five"

“I can read the timer idiot.” Lenora(Hera), whispered venomously, putting a hand over her mic so that the other crew members wouldn't hear her. She usually made no attempt to mask her malice but a few of the show's main directors were here and she needed to put on a sweet image. It was just business.

"Alright, let's get out there and help some couples guys." Hera's manager rubbed his meaty hands together and smiled. "Help couples? If you're so adamant about helping couples, why are you screwing your secretary instead of your wife you shit head." Her face did not betray her thoughts as she tossed the repugnant man a wink before taking a few steps towards the set.

"We're live in three....two....one"

The sounds of paid audience members clapping met Hera's ears as she stepped confidently onto the set of "Trouble in Paradise", the talk show she had began nearly three years ago to this day. "Hello Neeeew York!" She began, her usual entrance as she waved towards the cameras. She lingered for a moment in the front of the large set before she took a seat on a small black chair. "Today's show features a few couples who are having a problems keeping their romance alive..in the bedroom of course." A few giggles escaped the crowd and Hera kept the shining smile on her face.

"Our first couple of the day hail from the Sunshine state. Let me introduce Sally and Micha Hamilton!" While the crowd began clapping once more, the producer motioned for Hera to wrap up the introductions so they could cut to a commercial break. While the leathery sound tanned couple made their way on stage and Hera shook their hands, she shot the camera her signature smile.

"Right after this brief commercial break, we'll talk about some simple easy ways to spice up your bedroom life and keep the love alive."

The camera briefly switch off and some commercial about laundry detergent would pop on quickly afterwards as Hera walked back behind the set and threw her ear piece onto the ground "Spice your bedroom life up? What kind of shit are you putting on that tele prompter Tom? We're supposed to hip! We're supposed to be cool. Not sound like complete morons. Doesn't anyone have any vision in this place?"

Her temper usually didn't get the better of her, but word of Zeus's latest conquests in the past month had finally reached her earlier that morning. Lilly-Mae, Jamie-Lynn, and some girl named Candy. All girls with floozy names that her husband had slept with in the last few weeks that she had found after informants had sent her text messages. She had the girls taken care of, but the mere thought of her husbands infidelity once again sent her into a rage.

Not even bothering to look back, she pushed her way through the studio . The cries of audio crew members and the producer fell on deaf ears as she pushed the exit doors open and the muggy air of New York met her cold skin.

She ripped the rest of her audio equipment off and let it fall from her hands onto the cement as she walked towards where her limo and driver Edmund was leaning against the black vehicle. "Take me home" She commanded, not bothering to wait for him to open the door for her before she slipped into the car and sat impatiently.

Within thirty or so minutes, she would home and with enough time she should be able to collect her thoughts.

Artemis felt accomplished after seeing Persephone loosen up considerably. She was glad to be rid of the tenseness in the atmosphere, even for just a little while. "I'd never thought the Goddess of the Hunt and virginity would ask me such a question." Artemis laughed a little, a bashful expression making its way onto her features. Her eyes looked up demurely at Persephone as the continued on down the street and into the cafe "The Hole in the Wall".

The brunette was quiet as they sat down. "It's my treat of course. Consider it an apology for having to endure such an embarrassing conversation." Persephone insisted and Artemis was never one to turn down the kind gesture, or rather talk her cousin out of paying. They didn't have to wait long before the waitress arrived to take their order. "Coffee with a splash of cream, no sugar for me. Nothing else for me."

Artemis didn't bother to look over the menu, most cafes had the same things anyway. "I think I'll get a hot chocolate and a slice of apple pie, I've heard it's delicious." She smiled charmingly up at the waitress as she handed over her menu. Two-seconds later the mortal was off to fulfill their requests.

"By the way…" She said slyly, moving her attention back towards her kin. "Just because I'm a patron of virginity doesn't mean I'm a prude…or not curious." A large grin broke out onto her lips by the end of her statement as she continued to happily tease Persephone.

The feeling she had gotten early that morning returned to her stomach. Her smile diminished as she bit her bottom lip. "Perse, have you felt anything strange lately?" Artemis looked out the window to her left, the sky was effectively blocked by the towering skyscrapers but just looking in that direction helped her think. "I mean, it's just this uneasiness I'm getting. Something just feels off, it's like the energy isn't flowing the same." Her conclusions were strange and she wasn't sure if she was expressing herself properly, but if there truly was anything off about then Persephone would probably be able to sense it as well.

Then again it could have just been Artemis' paranoia. Maybe it was just that time of year where Hera would plot some kind of long and slow revenge for the betrayal she believed Leto, Artemis' mother, had done against her. Her father's wife was still bitter about his affairs and having to deal with the offspring of his infidelities at every Olympian meeting couldn't have been doing wonders for her sparkling personality.

Their waitress returned, two cups and a slice of pie neatly placed onto the tray in her hands. After setting the dishes down the mortal gave a polite "Enjoy your meal" and left them to their discussion. Still not content with much of anything, Artemis all but stabbed her fork into the baked good rather angrily. Everything about this feeling just irked her. Even still, she stuck the removed a piece of the pie and stuck it in her mouth. Persephone wasn't lying when she said the confection was to die for. To be honest, if there was one thing that Artemis enjoyed about the mortal world, it would have to be the food.

Zeus's Mansion.

Brandon stood before the mirror on his dresser drawer sliding on a tight, grey long shirt over his defined torso. He had black dress pants at his hips and matching, leather shoes. A thick, silver neck lace hung about his neck, only adding more style to the already stylish god. Afterwards, he turned his head left and right, inspecting his jaw for blemishes or razor bumps. He had to look nice for his date dinner.

“Won’t this be exciting? The family’s finally coming together after so many years. I get to see how they’ve all grown,” said Brandon to his lovely wife.

Hera leaned against frame of the doorway that connected her bathroom to their bedroom.Her eyes dimmed as she watched her husband primp in front of his mirror with a cool expression carved onto her face. He looked as flawless and arrogant as always, though he masked it with such a cheerful disposition that even Hera was fooled at times.

She did not share her husbands excitement for the dinner he had planned. It was just another meeting that flaunted his children before her. The products of his many indiscretions.

"Oh yes, I'm sure it'll be quite lovely. I'm positively giddy." She replied, feigning excitement and tossing her husband a tight lipped smile.

Brandon glanced at Hera from the corners of his eyes while he sprayed himself with cologne. He wasn’t as dumb as she may have thought. He knew how much she disliked his other children. Hell, she had made it a point that he would never forget it when the affair happened. How was he supposed to know that all of his lays would secretly get pregnant and bestow upon him beautiful children?

“Hephaestus and Ares will be there,” Brandon informed, trying to mention only her children. Although, he was forgetting one on purpose.

“Our crippled child and the God of War? You say these names as if it will bring me comfort.” Hera replied. A shadow fell across her face. He can bear such beautiful children and yet the only children he grants me are cripples and fools. Such a burden the wife must carry. She thought bitterly, turning her face away from her husbands figure.

She straightened up and walked delicately towards the vanity of her own close to Zeus's dresser, sitting gently on the small stool and staring deeply into her own reflection.

"Will all our brothers be joining us this evening, or will it be the just the Sea God who graces us with his presence." She questioned.

She was making things difficult as usual. The way she spoke about Ares and Hephaestus wounded him a little. “Ares is an excellent warrior and Hephaestus an amazing inventor. Look what he did for Olympia. Business is booming! We’re number one in the consumer report.” Brandon clenched his fist and little tails of electricity flicked between the cracks of his fingers. A competitive grin was fixed on his face as he growled, “Take that Bill Gates and Steve Jobs! Take it right up the ass!”

Resting his hands on his hips, Brandon threw his head back and filled their bedroom with his triumphant laughter. Quieting his self-celebration, he answered Hera with a long smile. “I managed to get Hades to come. I said he could be with Persephone for this one night, so it shouldn’t be too bad. Of course Demeter may be sore about it, but hey, she has five months still to go.”

She loathed and loved that smile. " I'm aware of their abilities." She answered, brushing her ebony hair with long strokes, occasionally reaching a tangle and digging the brush into her scalp to fix it . She lifted a strand and twirled it between her fingers as she spoke. "You invited Hades as well?" Surprise overlapping her usual bored tone. " Are you sure that's wise ? What if he makes a scene?"

She dropped the hair she was holding and twisted her head away from the mirror to stare directly towards her husband. His laughter still echoed throughout the room, which only made the Goddess roll her green orbs up towards the ceiling and round before bringing them back to her husbands freshly shaved face.

"I'm sure Demeter is going to enjoy listening to your explanation on why her daughters kidnapper is among us." She would enjoy listening to it as well. She liked neither Hades nor Persephone, but his possessiveness over the girl annoyed her to no end.

Brandon forced a grin—and he had loved this woman once? He fanned at her pessimism dismissively.

“Everything will be fine. It’s not Hades I’m worried about, but Demeter. My brother wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize his night with Persephone. I’m sure he’ll be like a tamed lion.”

He stepped behind Hera and intimately rested his hands upon her shoulders. “You worry too much.”

His assurance would do little to contain her worry. " A lion is still a lion, no matter how tame it might be for a moment. Whatever you say though dear." She mumbled, putting her brush down and puckering her lips before her mirror. Was she not beautiful enough for him? Once there had been a time she even rivaled Aphrodite's beauty but it seemed not even her looks were enough to keep her husband faithful.

His warm hands pressed against the cool flesh that covered her delicate shoulders. She allowed him to linger for a moment, savoring his touch before she brushed his hands off and stood once more.

She sniffed the air. "You smell musky. You must be having quite the night if you put that much cologne on. Lucky girl." Her smile was a mixture of venom and honey, and before her husband could reply she brushed past him and made her way towards her closet to find an outfit to wear for the evening.

Her words rendered a crippling blow to his ego. She put up such a front that their bed may forever be cold. Brandon had quickly retracted his hands and held them up in surrender when his first wife brushed past him. His smile became sheepish as he watched her glide over to her closet.

“What are you talking about?” Shaking his head, Brandon strolled over to the door, trying to make his getaway seem as normal as possible. “I’m going to go check on the dinner preparations.”

Slipping outside, he closed the door behind him and frowned. His eyes narrowed irritably as he thought, And she wonders why I look at other woman…She’s already kicked me to the curb.

Hera watched as her husband walked off, leaving her to go handle the party preparations. The moment his figure vanished from the room, she allowed herself a small sigh before falling to her knees in their closet. Shoes, coats, and dresses were all organized neatly around her yet she was still a mess. I love him and I hate him. May the goddess of love burn in the fiery hells for the days she's put me through with that man. She cursed before bringing herself to a standing position.

It was easy to be a frigid bitch to him. It was harder to show her softer side, especially when he continually made the same mistake over and over again. Shaking her head, she pushed several dresses aside and peered into her closet, rejecting everything she saw without even bothering to try it on.

She already wanted the stupid affair over with.

The door was opened for Athena by a being that materialized from water vapor. A man as white as a cement statue and comprised entirely of cloud smiled briefly at the young goddess before he evaporated on the air. Brandon was descending the marble staircase when he saw one of his beautiful daughters, punctual and hopefully ready for the occasion.

“Athena!” Brandon greeted. He approached his…daughter. She was rather a conundrum. She hadn’t been born by normal means but yes, she was still of his creation. He stepped toward her with the intention of embracing her in a welcoming hug. “I was just about to check on dinner. You’re early.”

Brandon's phone hummed in his pocket. He had set it on vibrate in the case that he needed to secretly take a peek at it during dinner. After breaking his embrace with Athena [if it happened], Brandon reached into his pocket and removed his cell phone to see a message not from Cynthia, but Apollo.

Really? he thought. This was why he told his children to go directly through Hermes, so they wouldn't get in the way of his mortal business. I'm changing my number.

Pulling up the text, Brandon frowned as he read to the bottom.

The Titans? he pondered in silence. But Hades would have told us...


Brandon turned away from Athena to hide the disturbed look that had ruined his joyful mood. The idea that his father was free again spooked him. How many of his children would he try to gobble up this time? They weren't even born when the Titanomachy occurred. To them, it's a mere war story. Preparations for war...no. No war. The boy was overreacting. He would need however to talk to his brothers and sisters in secret when they arrive. This matter shouldn't concern his children.

Closing his eyes, Brandon pulled himself back into the mood of things and sighed his concerns aloud. He faced his clever daughter and graced her with a pleasant smile. “Sorry about that. Make yourself at home. Hermes is here somewhere if you need company. The others, I’m sure, will be along soon.”

There was nothing quite as satisfying to her as watching drama unfold around here, especially when it didn't involve her.

Hera found herself looking at her family with a curious expression. How have we not killed each other yet? The thought amused her, but it was a serious question to think on. Surely some of her siblings, nephews and nieces wanted to kill one another, so why hadn't they done so already?

When her eyes landed on the unfamiliar hulking figure standing near, and eventually hugging Zeus, her eyebrow raised.

Her sons mortal form was more pleasing to the eye than his godly visage, that was for sure. He was no Adonis, but at least now he was a bit more bearable to look at. Hera took a few steps forward in order to move into the light and announce her presence to the rest of the Immortals. Standing only a couple feet away from her son, she crossed her arms and tilted her head in the way a buyer might in front of a painting they were considering buying.

"Not bad." She replied, the smallest ghost of a smile over her sharp features. Normally she did not praise her children, but she decided a small compliment might do her crippled son some good. Her brief attempt at being motherly was interrupted by Demeter's voice.


"Zeus...what is our daughter talking about? You didn't...invite him did you?

Hera rolled her eyes and wrapped a stray hair around her finger;watching while her sisters face went from calm to enraged in a matter of seconds. Demeter went through several shades of red before the poor thing looked as bright as a tomato. Everyone knew she hated Hades and vice-versa, and while their spats were amusing at times Hera wanted no part in any of it tonight.

"I told Hermes to invite whomever he felt should come. So..." Zeus replied, shrugging his shoulders carelessly.

Figures. Put the blame on your kid. Hera thought. She gave a snort before turning on her heel and turning to follow her husband into the kitchens. She picked at a passing caters silver plate, deciding on a silver green olive before she began to speak.

"I told you inviting Hades would be a bad idea. Especially with your little Spring Goddess's shop burning down. Did you think after hearing that he's going to still be a tamed lion?" She questioned, popping the tiny olive into her mouth and chewing it thoughtfully as she waited for her husband to reply.

Hera attempted to mask her amusement while watching Demeter and Persephone's scuffle. A few pathetic smacks and fistfuls of hair summed up the majority of the brawl. This was the perfect opportunity for either side to get all their anger out on one another, but they both threw the chance away.

She lingered near the front door, her slender body leaning against the door frame. The door was wide open and she could see the long awaiting confrontation between her sons. Hephaestus's anger with the God of War was justified, and for once she planned to stand behind her child. How could she be the Goddess of Marriage if she allowed the illicit relationship between her two sons?
She stepped from the shadows, the bright porch light illuminating her hard features. "Boys," she began, her voice as chill as the evening air, "the meal is about to begin so it's best to get inside soon." It was more of a command than suggestion, and there was the slightest hint of anger behind her words, even though she did her best to forth a charming smile. When her sharp eyes locked onto the blonde's, her charismatic grin became less inviting and more deadly. "If you're done toying with my children's affections, perhaps you'd like to join us as well Aphrodite?"

She looked the blonde harlot up and down before giving an audible sniff and turning on her heel, walking briskly back into the mansion and leaving the door open behind her.Not long after she could feel Apollo's presence It was not long before the raven haired goddess had found her way to her husbands side once more. Demeter was with her husband as well, with Zeus's hands on her back. Hera bristled, but contained her sudden anger at seeing her husbands hands.

"Darling," she purred, walking up behind him and running a hand down his own back, "I think everyone's arrived. Perhaps we should have everyone seated?" She maneuvered her body so that she was now standing beside him ,with her right hip pressed against his own and her hands roaming still from his upper back to lower waist.

"I'll go get the staff ready to start the first course." She murmured sweetly, right before her hand wandered down to his left buttock and gave it a playful pinch. She shot Demeter a look that needed no words to accompany it. Fuck off.

Hera ventured back into the kitchens and her sweet facade began to evaporate as she began barking orders to the chefs and staff fumbling around her. "What are you standing around for? Go out there and set up the first course!" She commanded, while most of the staff mumbled a series of "yes ma'ams " as they took turns exiting the kitchen and heading out into the dining room.

Aphrodite.

Aphrodite reached for the door handle, about to walk into their fathers mansion when she felt Ares freeze beside her, turning her head slightly the blonde gave him a confused look as a rather unflattering sound escaped the god of wars lips "your husband is here" he scowled, face glowing with fury.

The blondes lips curled up into an amused smirk as a raspy laugh escape her throat "Don't be ridiculous" she dismissed with a wave of her hand, Hephaestus never left his workshop, why would he start now? Although something on Ares face cause her smirk to falter, watching after him as he stalked back down the stairs. She followed, concerned. "You go in first. He probably doesn't even know we're here." Aphrodite sighed, running a frustrated hand through her blonde locks, she hated having to hide their relationship, well not that they needed to, everyone and their mothers knew her and Ares were lovers, they had been for centuries. Whatever emotions she felt towards her 'husband' he didn't deserve her and Ares relationship flaunted in front of him; in defeat the goddess nodded with a sigh "Okay" she uttered on a breath, turning back to go into the house.

Hearing heavy footsteps behind her, Aphrodite turned back around, just in time for Ares to take her hands in his; something in the way his thumbs gently rubbed over knuckles calmed her immediately. "Just give me another kiss. Just one more before I'm forced to hear my retarded sister preach to me about how weak and dumb she is. I don't think I could survive this dinner without it, but you better bet your ass I'm gonna have you tonight. I hope you've been practicin' your yoga 'cause I'm gonna have you sore in the morning."

"So vulgar" the blonde rolled her eyes in mock disgust before a smile crept onto her lips "but I'll hold you to that promise" Aphrodite whispered into his ear whilst wrapping her arms around his neck in time with his hands coming to rest on her hips, his lips lightly playing against hers "and you call me a tease" she managed to groan before his lips attacked her with much more ferocity, Fuck the meal.

She was lost in the moment until she felt Ares lips retract from her "What?" She asked breathlessly "Get your hands of my wife!" came a loud roar, that immediately answered her question, Hephaestus. A large hand collided with Ares chest, breaking the lovers apart with force.

Aphrodite finally turned to face her husband, shock etched on her beautiful face, he was definitely not as she remembered, infact if it hadn't of been for the iron leg she probably wouldn't have recognised him. In too much of a daze, the goddess only snapped back into reality when Hephaestus spoke to her directly "Aphrodite; we must talk. I know that you've been seeing Ares behind my back. Why? I have given you everything. There isn't a jewel on this earth that he could give you that would ever be as immaculate as the ones that come from my forge."

For a moment she was speechless, he almost looked like a love sick puppy, she pitied him "That's because I give her a different kind of jewel." Came Ares reply, causing her head to snap round in his direction "Ares please!" She snapped at his childish comeback before turning back towards the smithing god, although the arguing between brothers did not stop; watching impatiently as insults were exchanged between the two until the small thread holding back her temper finally snapped "Enough! Both of you!" She snapped loudly placing herself in front of both men "This is neither the time or the place for such conversations..."

"Boys" A cool voice echoed out over the crisp night sky, Hera,Aphrodite immediately stiffened, her featured hardening "the meal is about to begin so it's best to get inside soon." Hera continued before turning her attention onto the blonde "If you're done toying with my children's affections, perhaps you'd like to join us as well Aphrodite?"

Anger welled up immediately, her top lip curling into a scowl, eyes narrowing "Now you play the dutiful mother" she retorted, turning back to the brothers although she could still feel Hera's eyes running over her, judging her "We should go inside" she spoke softly; not directed to a certain person as she turned quickly on her heel, definitely should have stayed in Figi.

Hades threats did little to quell her simmering anger, but she held her tongue. Hitting her child was not the solution, she was already aware of this.

Thankfully Zeus had the sense that Demeter did not at the moment to lead the Harvest Goddess away from their daughter and brother. While her blue eyes still remained on Hades dark figure, she listened to Zeus's soothing words.

"He's just mad, but you must leave them alone for the rest of the dinner. You will have Persephone back soon enough"

She sighed. "You are correct, but still..." she lifted her hand to run her long fingers through her crimson locks, " to see our child with that Devil even after all these years always makes me feel troubled." Even as she spoke, she could feel her brothers hands kneading into her back in a comforting manner. She did not shy away from his touch, but the sudden feeling of someone watching them made the Goddess take a single step back.

"Darling," Hera's dangerous voice cooed, "I think everyone's arrived. Perhaps we should have everyone seated?" she asked. Demeter took another step back in order to get the full view of Zeus and Hera's mortal forms. In her opinion, they suited one another perfectly. The King and Queen of the Gods were as different as night and day, but their differences are what made their marriage enviable (besides Zeus's countless indiscretions).

Before the Queen left their brothers side, she shot Demeter a look that could have matched Hades in coldness. Message received sister, he's your husband Demeter thought, but did nothing except giving her brother and his wife a brief nod. "I'll go wait in the dining room ." She said quite glumly, gathering long ends of her dress in hand before walking towards the dining hall.

A ripples of goosebumps made their way over Demeter's body when she spotted the final Immortal, and the most important for tonights events. Apollo was chatting with his twin, with no trace of his frightening grimace he had bore in Persephone's shop hours ago.

She could only hope that was a good sign.

---

“I had to come. I've spent the better part of three millennia free to walk upon the surface of Gaia, and I don't want to wonder if today will be the day that someone binds me in chains beneath the earth or chained to the sky once again, and staying hidden it would be a matter of time before you or your son came for those without a side.”

Cronus could hear the bitterness in his nephews voice as he spoke and his own mirrored it. " We've all had our own troubles Atlas. Need I remind you of your brothers trouble with a certain bird devouring his liver?"

The boy, for that was what he would always be to the elder Titan, was not a favorite of Cronus's. He cleared his throat and folded his hands neatly across his lap before speaking to each and every Titan in attendance. "Brothers and sisters," he began, "we have only struck a minor blow to the Olympians. It is true of course that the burning of my granddaughters shop was not the wildest of plans" he shot a look over towards Atlas, as if daring him to speak, but continued before any could get a word in, "this was only the first step of many to overthrow our foes and to once again take our rightful place in the heavens."

Now he stood, though he lifted a hand to signal he wished none of his kin to rise along with him. He began to walk around the table, his hands now clasped behind his back as he paced.

"We require a sacrifice."

"A sacrifice?" Epimethius questioned, not bothering to raise his hand as he blurted out the question.

"An Immortal sacrifice my dear nephew." Cronus smiled at his dimwitted kin, not bothering to scold him for interrupting his speech. "We need to show the Olympians exactly how serious we are. "

A murmur swept across the table and Cronus raised a hand to continue. "The only question is who should be killed first. Clearly the more powerful of the God's is not the wisest of choices," he paused and his wicked smile began to form over his rugged face. "Atlas." He called out, staring directly with his beady eyes at the only standing Titan in his presence. "Who do you think should be the first to die, nephew?"

Zeus, Hades, Hephaestus, & Ares


Hades.

Yes dear.

Dmitri raised his hand and pinched the corners of his eyes. Persephone’s sweet voice was a melody that often extinguished the flames of his temper and brought him to ease. He loved her so much. Before he ever learned of her existence, Hades always doubted that he could ever love a goddess so fiercely. He didn’t believe in such emotions and before, he didn’t know such emotions existed within him.

Her petal-soft lips touched his jaw and Dmitri lowered his hand to gaze at his queen.

That’s a thank you for the gifts…the rest of my thank you will have to wait until we’re not surrounded by the rest of our family.

Her façade of innocence was so deceptive that it often drove him mad. Dmitri smirked and crept close to her ear and whispered mischievously, “I tend not to be a patient man.” He didn’t think he needed to remind her of how they first met. It had been an impulse he had reacted on. His breath tickled her ear before he kissed the shell of it and snaked his arm about her offered one.

“Sociable? That’s not exactly my thing. I won’t stop you, however. If you have a desire to mingle with your old girlfriends, then do so. I have a table for us, and I hope you don’t mind Italian with a glass of ambrosia.”

There was no wine that he could buy finer than the wine brewed in the heavens. His unexpected reunion with his wife was beyond special. He led her into the dining room where a long table adorned with silver platters and dishes sat on a tablecloth so thin and silky, it may have been woven from undulatus cloud—it was very much like his brother after all. To the left of the table, was a black glass table carved from obsidian. He had refrained from using wooden furniture in his wife’s presence. He didn’t think that the idea that a tree was butchered for their comfort would settle well with her, but obsidian had been a mineral of The Underworld. It would possibly remind her of home. A plain-white table cloth was draped over the table and two minions stood nearby guarding his wife’s gifts, and the other holding two wine glasses and the tall and dangerously potent bottle of ambrosia in a bag.

Lifting her hand, he brought the backs of Persephone’s fingers to his lips and tenderly kissed them. He gazed from behind his shades into her eyes that allured him like precious jewels.

“Do as you like, my dear, but I shall have you for dinner…” He paused on the innuendo and smiled impishly. “Interpret that any way you want.”

He released her.

---

Hephaestus & Ares.

Boys.

Hephaestus’s attention snapped to his mother who had appeared in the doorway. Ares turned a honeyed eye over his shoulder to regard the woman with one of his uncle’s cigars clenched between his teeth.

The meal is about to begin so it’s best to get inside soon.

“Hmph,” Ares grunted. Yes, Mom, he thought sarcastically. He couldn’t believe that after all these years she still felt like his mother. Like Zeus, he wouldn’t dare disobey her either—especially, her. He had heard stories of her revenge games, and as much as he would like to see what kind of monster or devil she would summon to try and kill him, the game may not go as he envisioned. He imagined an opponent but she may put him through a bitch of a task. She was the Goddess of Bitches after all.

Hephaestus said nothing. When his mother vanished back into the house leaving behind her plume of distasteful words, the smith had followed his wife inside. She still hadn’t answered him, and he had every intention to sit next to her until she did. He was tired of being in the dark about their relationship.

For being so determined, the god remained silent as he followed the goddess still fearful of what she might say about him. There were many who saw Aphrodite as they did Persephone and Hestia—goddesses not made for combat and were as vulnerable as shallow water. Hephaestus wouldn’t class Aphrodite amongst the latter for she may not be as strong to wound a god physically, she could emotionally destroy him. What drove her to love an animal like the God of War? Did she desire protection? Did she purposefully seek out the affections of the most dangerous god to guard her? Surely she was using him for the smith couldn’t imagine there being a characteristic in him that she fancied. He was a pet—a guard dog.


Ares took a final, deep drag from the cigar and allowed the smoke to stream out from his nostrils and the cracks of his teeth in a relaxed sigh.

“I can see why he smokes that shit,” Ares muttered. He handed the cigar to one of the minions and turned to follow Aphrodite and her lost puppy of a husband inside. He didn’t feel a drop of worry about her relationship with Hephaestus. He knew he had her just as she had him, and it hadn’t required her magic. Her charm craft didn’t work on him, but her natural foreplay could drive him crazy. He was already feeling crazy. The magnitude of his frustration was taking all of his energy and every ounce of his patience to keep him from transforming from man to sex-craving beast.

Cael hadn’t even been thinking about his brother. All right, I’m goin’ to eat the damn dinner, and then were goin’ to get the hell out, drive to the nearest hotel, alley, tree, bush…

The god stopped before the door and hung his head. This was bad…he wasn’t going to make it if he kept thinking like that. Shaking the thoughts from his head, he sighed deeply and stepped into the foyer before closing the doors behind him. It may have actually been a good idea that Aphrodite remained with his weakling of a brother for majority of the night. If Cael got any closer, he would attack.

The war god was looking sick and obviously bothered by something, and he tried to hide his emotions behind one of his stay-the-fuck-away-from-me expressions. Perhaps if he mingled a little, then it would take his mind off his carnal desires; and who the better to mingle with than his darling sister?

Cael caught sight of Athena sitting at a chess table with Hermes—oh the irony. The war god couldn’t hide the wicked smirk that slowly sliced across his lips as he approached their game and stopped beside Hermes. Resting a hand on his chin, he scanned the pieces in play and how they were set up before he grasped one of Hermes’s knights and unceremoniously knocked several of Athena’s random pieces off the board, making more moves than allowed, and not abiding by the knight’s L motions before finally sending her king clattering upon the floor. Slamming the knight down in the king’s spot, Cael threw up his fists and cheered, “HA! CHECKMATE BITCH!”

Cael then threw his head back as he roared with obnoxious laughter. Resting a hand on the edge of the chess table, he supported his form as he grew weak with mirth. With a recuperating sigh, the war god straightened and decided to shed some of his wisdom upon his siblings, “There are no rules in war. So if you want to win the game, then you just need to win it.”

---

Zeus.

Brandon was pleased to see that his sister’s temper was subsiding from his touch. She was a good mother deeply concerned about her daughter.

Darling… Hera’s voice made Brandon freeze as though ice had taken hold of him. I think everyone’s arrived. Perhaps we should have everyone seated?

As her hand passed down his upper back to his lower, he felt a chill following. She might as well have slid a knife down his spine for the touch was similar. Lifting his hand from Demeter’s back, Brandon sheepishly replied, “That’s not a bad idea.” The sooner we get this show on the road, the sooner I can be off on my date.

I’ll go get the staff ready to start the first course.

“Great, then I’ll go ahead and have-!” Brandon suddenly jumped when he felt a sudden pinch to his rear. He tried to play it off behind a large, all-is-well grin as his train of thought was suddenly derailed. He couldn’t remember what he had been about to say before. All he could do was watch Hera out of his peripherals prowl off into the kitchen.

Why did you do that? he found himself mentally screaming in his embarrassment. He had forgotten how much of a bad girl she was, and it had aroused him a little; but he had played that game once. Hera’s mood swings were too unpredictable.

I’ll go wait in the dining room.

“See you there,” Brandon quickly replied. When Demeter sauntered into the dining room, Brandon sighed in relief before he regarded the remaining gods and goddesses in the foyer.

“Everyone, go ahead and seat yourselves in the dining room so we can go ahead and get started on dinner. There is a lot that I must discuss with you all, so the sooner I can speak to you all at once, the sooner we all can return to our mortal lives.”

Without another word, Brandon started into the dining room with every intention to police where each god and goddess sat. He wanted to separate the ones that would cause the most commotion, and he quickly noticed that he wouldn’t have to worry about Hades for he still had his own table set up to the side. Brandon scowled at his brother’s back, but he didn’t bother him. It had been in their agreement that he would leave him alone. Bastard.

As soon as everyone was seated, Brandon didn’t jump directly into the main point of discussion as Apollo may have liked. He instead wanted to hear about his family’s well-being.

“My beautiful and handsome children; my beloved sisters and brothers; I am pleased to have us all gathered here today for this harmonious and hopefully peaceful dinner. I haven’t heard much from some of you, so if you would like to share how your mortal life fairs you, then please feel free to share. There is something grave that I must discuss with you all eventually, but before I get to that I would like for us to feel like a family first.”

Athena

---

The doors to the room had opened to admit her fathers wife, Hera being trailed by Ares; looking like a child ready to throw a tantrum and the lame Hephaestus with his wife in tow, and as always Aphrodite's gaze was more surely aimed towards the god of war, however subtly it was plain to see if you knew what to look for. As she awaited her brothers turn on the table she noticed the glint of a plan flicker to life in the eyes of the newly arrived 'Cael' as he preferred to be called these days and she had to force down her instinct to roll her eyes at his obvious intent to show his superiority over her and all of their kin, as per usual. The smirk that had broken out across his face all too blatant to her tastes.

Athena tried to ignore her sibling as he approached, hoping that he would instead acknowledge their fathers call for dinner to be taken in the dining room and be diverted. But that was just wishful thinking talking and she knew better than to expect such a simple conclusion to this, as she saw him stand behind hermes his vile noxious laughter filled her senses as she watched him take the figure of himself and use it to scatter the board before placing it in place of her king, causing the titan lord to clatter onto the floor. Her eyes flared a dark crimson for a fraction of a second before returning to deep blue, as he spoke; taunting her as he attempted in vain to assert his superiority.

"There are no rules in war. So if you want to win the game, then you just need to win it.”

Athena sighs softly before speaking "Always such a simple mind, childlike really. It is not about war having rules, brother, but in understanding how your opponent thinks in their approach to the conflict. But alas the concept is something you would be unable to grasp. All you do is act and thrive on the conflict it causes to those around you, but for you it is the conflict, win or lose that boils your blood and sets your passion alight." she shakes her head "You and her have always had a connection with that have you not? She enjoys your primal nature and you enjoy the conquest and apparent victory over our smith."

She smiles and leans back in her chair, her fingers lightly caressing the king that was thrown to the floor as the other pieces retake their places upon the board, a faint aura of pale light covering each.

"I do tire of your vain hope to prove yourself better; oh yes you've had your fair share of victory, but your flaw is that you see one won battle as the victory to end the war and become complacent in your won laurels."

Athena stands slowly before placing the king as the final piece upon the freshly set board, then walks towards the dining room leaning close to Ares as she passes, whispering softly for his ears alone.

"A word of caution brother, you've had your conquest, and you've tasted the spoils but beware that your foe is not beaten and simply bides his time. I don't doubt you'll ignore me, but don't say I didn't try." she shakes her head as she walks away, to take her seat at the table.

---

“My beautiful and handsome children; my beloved sisters and brothers; I am pleased to have us all gathered here today for this harmonious and hopefully peaceful dinner. I haven’t heard much from some of you, so if you would like to share how your mortal life fairs you, then please feel free to share. There is something grave that I must discuss with you all eventually, but before I get to that I would like for us to feel like a family first.”

Athena sighs at her fathers words, clearly this night in intended to drag on more than it should. Whatever is praying on his thoughts, the reason for tonight, must be serious indeed for the shear amount of stalling before details are revealed. Their appeared to be some unease shown by Apollo on arrival which spoke to the Grey Goddess that he knew what tonight was about, and their fathers stalling was not to his liking.

Apollo

She gave him confirmation of everyone’s presence within the mansion, even noting some of the typical interactions of his kin to which Apollo resisted rolling his eyes. He saw a concern grow within her however and she expressed this saying "Apollo, what's wrong? Has something happened?"

Has something happened?

At first he was confused as to why she would ask such a question, after all didn’t Zeus... The Far-darter’s eyes shown realization, near disbelief in them. He said almost more to himself than to his twin, “He hasn’t told you.” A moment passed in complete silence, this new information taking its toll to the point where he paid no heed to what else transpired in the foyer. When the moment ended, his bared a deeply frowning brow and barred teeth in the direction of the dining hall.

Ignoring his sister Apollo strode into the dining hall and was set to bombard his father with questions. What was there to gain from not telling his children and siblings? What purpose was therein failing to warn them immediately what was happening, what was at stake? How could put on that stupid grin and pretend all was well, when of all people in the entire cosmos he should be the most troubled, having faced these monsters before? But Apollo had the wit to calm himself, for now Zeus would address them, Apollo resolving to sit at the obsidian table awaiting for his father to break the news. To Apollo’s great disappointment however he merely mentioned that there would bad news, and decided to yet again stall what would be the most important council in millennia.

No.

The Far-darter wouldn’t have it, in his mind there was had no time to waste, he’d done enough of that taking his sweet time in arriving, though at the time he thought they’d be discussing this already. He rose out of his seat, and faced his father with a face of disappointment and contempt, and perhaps he would be thought insolent by all others within the hall but he spoke anyway, “Feel like a family? You want us to feel like a family? Please don’t even try to pretend that we have any semblance of that word, at least not until each of us can openly acknowledge our failings and vices, myself included. But more than that, wouldn’t it be far more prudent to address imminent threat to us, and all six billion men women and children on this earth?” his voice was rising and growing ever more irritable.

“That perhaps you of all people would understand what’s happening? What do you want? For us cease this infighting? To act unified and ignoring the discrepancies and grievances between us? They’ll never do it, they’ve had thousands of years to do it, why would they start now when they feel nothing to gain? Well now I say to all of you, that were in not that our very survival hinges within the choices made in this hour I would not care if you bashed in each other’s brains to your hearts content, but it seems even some part of me long dormant and diminished still loves as kin.

“But please father, do continue, see how far they go to please you without compromising their egos.” When he was finished his body seemed to relax, and rested his hands upon the table supporting himself, and sighed deeply, “I’m sorry,” he apologized. He then he looked to his father apologetically, “I’m not known for my temper, but even you don’t know what I saw, and I shouldn’t blame you. Nonetheless this can’t be put off for another minute.”

He rose again and addressed them, “Let me tell of my visions. Think of them as the sense of hearing, you don’t typically choose what you hear though you can tune yourselves the sound around you to detect what is near. Normally what I see is far off, distorted, subject to change. But earlier today the vision I had was the equivalent to putting ear to a jet engine, it is something that is just short of being inevitable.”

And so it was that the Far-darter sate them down, recounting the events concerning the return of the Titans who visited Persephone’s shop, and foretold in explicit detail the world he saw. Of the earth caked in the ash of mortals, of the fall of Olympus and detailed descriptions of the corpses of the Olympians not even omitting the fate of his dear sister. Of and age in which all would be laid to ruin under a red sky and sea, of a Crimson Age yet to come.

He finished and regarded them grimly, “You know me not to be an exaggerator, nor paranoid nor deceitful. But this will happen if we do not act, and sooner than any of us would like. What say you, my kin?”

“My beautiful and handsome children; my beloved sisters and brothers; I am pleased to have us all gathered here today for this harmonious and hopefully peaceful dinner. I haven’t heard much from some of you, so if you would like to share how your mortal life fairs you, then please feel free to share. There is something grave that I must discuss with you all eventually, but before I get to that I would like for us to feel like a family first.”

What a crock of shit that was.

What sort of family are we to rape, attack, and attempt to overthrow one another every hundred years or so? Hera thought to herself, with her mouth opening to correct her husband. She knew exactly the sort they were, the type mortals would pay to watch on HBO. She quickly snapped her jaw shut when the younger Immortal began to speak.

“Feel like a family? You want us to feel like a family? Please don’t even try to pretend that we have any semblance of that word, at least not until each of us can openly acknowledge our failings and vices, myself included. But more than that, wouldn't it be far more prudent to address imminent threat to us, and all six billion men women and children on this earth?”


She couldn't quite hide the surprise in her eyes at Apollo's sharp words. No attempt was made to hide the wicked grin on her face as the Immortal continued to speak. He quickly continued on, Hera herself listening quite intently.

When he was finished, Hera regarded the God of Light with a cool expression. His words and whatever truth they held did not surprise her. They did frighten her however, even if Zeus's golden child chiding had managed to put her in a slightly better mood.

While she waited to be sure Apollo had finished his tale, ( the details of their impending deaths making even her cringe), Hera took a step forward to where golden haired youth now sat.

“Death.” Hera said. “That is what awaits us if we continue as we are now.” She stared down at the God, her revulsion of Zeus's children suddenly forgotten. “You are neither a deceiver or fool God of Light, and in your words I have seen the truth." A hand swept a tendril of black curl from her face and her emerald eyes darkened. The green orbs passed over every Immortal in the room before speaking.

"I am not a kind woman. Many of you can attest to that," the raven haired Goddess said. The smallest of smiles passed over her lips before she continued. “I bear little love for many of you,” she admitted. Her eyes fell onto her crippled son in his human form and lingered for only a moment, barely long enough for any to notice besides Hera and the man himself. “And some I care for more than I might admit or show, but...” she paused. “I would not wish the sort of the death our God of Light has described on any of you.” Her eyes danced around the room once more before landing on the prophetic godling.

"I am neither warrior nor strategist, but whatever I must do to avoid our impending doom, so be it. Ask what you will of me.

Hera locked her arms together, ignoring the looks any Immortals might give at her outburst.

Aphrodite turned on her heels and stalked into the mansion, the smile which usually sat upon her lips was swapped with a frown at the current predicament she had been put in. The blonde could feel Hephaestus close on her heels, his minions not far behind him, she highly doubted she could shake the smith that evening. Once entering the foyer she shrugged off her coat handing it to one of the many servants working for her father, looking around she noted Hades, Persephone and Demeter no doubt arguing again, not that she could judge after the blow up which had just happened outside. Deciding to skip the pleasantries with her siblings, the goddess walked straight towards the dinning room, taking a seat at the elaborately decorated table, she immediately reached for her wine, waiting patiently for her family to join her.

Already she began to feel the affects of the tediously long day take its toll on her form and the wine in her hand certainly wasn't going to help her stay awake. Placing the glass down she instead opted for water; Aphrodite knew Hephaestus was close by, she could feel him, he use to make her skin crawl and although she had to admit this version was a whole lot better, it still didn't do anything for her. How many times would she have to explain to the smith that true love was not something that came with materialistic items, no matter how breathtakingly beautiful they may be, if she had been as shallow as a mortal then perhaps the diamonds and jewels and the new meat suit would have been enough for her to forget about Ares, yet she was not, despite people's conceptions of her. Her love for Ares was too strong.

Perhaps the inevitable talk between the trio would finally make Hephaestus see sense and release her from the shackles of marriage, but then that posed the question as too if Ares love was passionate enough to claim her as his own bride, a part of her doubted this, but this was not a thought for today. No, now her mind was focused solely on how to get Hephaestus to see sense. “HA! CHECKMATE BITCH!” Ares roar echoed throughout the mansion, with a shake of her head she hid her smirk from behind her glass, her eyes drifting towards her 'husband.'

It wasn't long until everyone joined her at the table, once everyone was seated Zeus rose, standing at the head of the table a rather welcoming smile plastered across his face, something was definitely wrong. [i]“My beautiful and handsome children; my beloved sisters and brothers; I am pleased to have us all gathered here today for this harmonious and hopefully peaceful dinner. I haven’t heard much from some of you, so if you would like to share how your mortal life fairs you, then please feel free to share. There is something grave that I must discuss with you all eventually, but before I get to that I would like for us to feel like a family first.” Oh she just couldn't resist the urge to roll her eyes at that one, family, when had they ever been like a real family? Even when they sat high above on Mt Olympus they still weren't a family.

Apollos words spoke for everybody, well certainly for herself. Hera spoke and for once she found herself agreeing with the Queen of the Gods, something she never thought would occur in her life time "I agree with Hera, although I fear I will not be of much help, I will do what is asked of me." Aphrodite spoke up softly looking between Zeus and Apollo "but what is it you propose we do to prevent these premonition's?"

"He hasn't told you."

It was a statement her twin spoke, not a question and Artemis could hear the utter disbelief in his voice. She was confused though and watched him expectantly to continue on and tell her just what was so important. "Apollo, who didn't tell me what?" The huntress was in the dark as to what information should have been passed on from her brother and she certainly didn't know that it pertained to all of her kin and not just herself.

Artemis was a bit startled as Apollo, abruptly in her opinion, left her and marched his way towards the dining room where the others were gathering. She sighed rather loudly and brushed a hand through her hair before following after him. The Huntress was certain that things were about to become so much worse in the following hours. As customary she took the seat beside Apollo, watching out of the corner of her eye and all but ignoring the complete bullshit spewing from Zues' mouth.

Artemis could see the tension in her twin, the tightness of his jaw and the glare in his eyes. She knew that something was terribly wrong, especially because Apollo was usually one of the calmer of the Olympians. She was actually fairly surprised as he stood from his seat, her head turning fully towards him in response.

“Feel like a family? You want us to feel like a family? Please don’t even try to pretend that we have any semblance of that word, at least not until each of us can openly acknowledge our failings and vices, myself included. But more than that, wouldn’t it be far more prudent to address imminent threat to us, and all six billion men women and children on this earth?”

The goddess bit her bottom lip in nervousness. No one really ever spoke against Zues' words of 'family', it just wasn't done. This was a group of beings who almost prided themselves to see how they could keep up appearances and backstab the most unsuspecting relative at the same time. Apollo's words were true none-the-less and Artemis felt her heart swell in pride for her brother having the balls to speak the truth in front of everyone else.

She listened intently as he recounted his vision and the near destruction the future held for the mortals and their own kind. The only knowledge that Artemis had of the Titans was her own mother, sweet and gentle Leto who had given everything to raise her and Apollo into who they were today. The rest had all been locked away in Tartarus long before her time, but as her brother spoke of each death, Artemis could honestly say she feared for what could become of them.

Artemis was actually surprised to hear Hera speak first, then again the elder goddess never missed a chance to talk. Alas the words the queen spoke were true and honest to the best of her abilities. Hera may have been jealous and power hungry at times but she would do all she could to keep the very few she cared about safe and the balance of power in check. Even Aphrodite, with no power, skill, or knowledge to truly help in battle offered to do what she could to aid the impending situation.

Taking a deep breath the huntress took her brother's hand in her own, giving it a squeeze in reassurance. "You know I am always with you brother." There were few whom the goddess truly loved but her brother was certainly one of them. Their existence had been intertwined since the moment they had been conceived and Artemis would always do what she could to protect him.