AN: This is inspired by a story request from Retro Mania. The prompt was a story based on the myth of King Midas and taking inspiration from the Let's Pretend episode on that myth. Enjoy!
It was a typical day up on Mount Olympus. Typical, that is, in terms of the gods. In reality, they were much like humans, only superpowered, and much like humans, they got bored. Usually when the gods got bored, they would stir up some trouble down on earth and cause the humans some misery. Today, however, the thought just seemed unappealing, and everyone thought so.
The twelve main gods of Olympus sat in their respected thrones in a semi-circle around the main throne room area of the palace that loomed over the rest of the olympian community. Some of the gods were speaking amongst themselves; a particularly heated conversation seemed to be underway between Artemis and Athena over hunting strategies. After finally becoming aggravated of the boredom, Zeus suggest someone come up with an idea to relive it.
Ares seemed hellbent on having a competition between the gods to determine which of the twelve really was the strongest.
"Like the Olympic games, but way better!" He bellowed excitedly. The gods seemed to have little enthusiasm for the idea, but many shrugged anyway, agreeing that it was better than doing nothing. "I think we should start with me against Athena," Ares continued, "She always acts like she's so much better than me when it comes to war."
"While I admire a friendly challenge," Athena retorted, "Let us not forget what happened to Arachne when she boasted that she was better than me."
A few snickers came from a few of the gods, but Apollo looked thoughtful as Athena said those words. Arachne. It was a good story. An entertaining story.
"I have an idea," he spoke up. Naturally, he held everyone's attention. "A common way for mortals to entertain themselves is to tell each other stories about us. Perhaps we could entertain each other by recounting our favorite stories about the mortals. Arachne's story, for example."
The gods seemed incredibly enthused by Apollo's idea. Athena looked pleased as well.
"I always appreciate a well told tale," she mused, "Very well. Apollo should start, then, since it was his idea."
Everyone agreed and looked expectantly at the sun god.
Apollo sat in silence for a moment, thinking of a good tale to tell. He finally came across an idea.
"I shall tell the tale of when I lost a music competition to the satyr god Pan," he announced to everyone, "And to tell it, I will have to start with the tale of Midas and the Golden Touch."