A.N.: Hello everyone! Crimson-Moon-Beams a.k.a. Nikoru-chan here! So this is my latest story that I made up with the help of my friends. This story is actually a conjoined story with two of my friends. Each of our stories are from our own character's points of view so we're hoping it's something new and unique. The story from the character Keket's point of view can be found at Tasty-Clarice (no italics) homepage and the story from Eámanë's point of view can be found at MissImpossible1352 (again, no italics) homepage. If you want to read it from the character's point of view you can get there by clicking on these links:
.net/u/1263528/ This is the link to MissImpossible1352 homepage.
.net/u/1775307/ This is the link to Tasty-Clarice homepage
To Begin to Shine
Chapter One
The Letter
I was awoken by a loud ringing sound in my ear. I rolled over and moaned. The ringing stopped and I sighed with relief, until the ringing started again and pierced my eardrums.
"I swear to Zeus…" I whispered under my breath. I heard a loud bang, turned over, and stared at the ceiling.
"For the love of Hera I'm up already!" I yelled.
"Are you sure about that?" I jumped and pulled my pure white covers up to my chest. My face fell and I glared at the floating boy leaning on my window pane.
"Hermes it's rude to come in without knocking." I told him coldly. Hermes smiled at me. His eyes sparkled like they always did and his smile was mischievous as always. His dark brown hair fell in curls around his head and he was wearing a toga with one strap. His face was beautiful, like all the Gods and Goddesses, but I could see through that in a second.
"I'm not technically 'in' so it doesn't matter does it?"
"Hermes why are you here anyway?" I asked. I ran my hair through my hand. It got stuck in a tangle of dark auburn curls and a let my hand fall limply back to the bed. I sighed and looked around the room. Everything was in place, perfectly, the same as everything in my life. I sighed again. I turned back to the window and nearly fell out of my bed. Hermes had moved into my room and was floating inches from my face.
He smiled. "I don't like it when you ignore me." He said.
"And I hate it when you come into my room without my permission. Now why in the name of Hades are you here?" I demanded.
"Oh no reason, I just felt like playing with you. Poor little demi-goddess stuck down at the base of Mount Olympus." I grabbed my pillow and stuffed it in his face. Hermes' voice was muffled and his arms stretched out as I pushed him back.
"Ok…stop…I…can't…breathe." He managed to say. I pulled the pillow away and Hermes began choking for breath.
"Knock it off we both know you don't need to breathe."
"I know but it's fun to pretend to be mortal…or a demi-god." Hermes said with a smirk. I grabbed the pillow again and whacked him with it. He flew back and almost back out the window.
"Dang, you have one hard hit. All that mortal work has got you pretty buffed up. I guess you do take after your dad." Hermes said taking the pillow from me.
"Hermes I swear to Athena if you don't tell me what you want I'm going to do something no demi-goddess should ever do…"
"The dishes?"
"That's it!" I jumped out of the bed and grabbed my Libra. I turned and glared at Hermes. He was floating with his hands behind his head and looked as calm as ever.
"Oh, what are you going to do? Tip the scales?" Hermes asked humorously. I walked over to Hermes and was about to smack him over the head when there was a loud bang.
"Oh, I think the 'Big Man' doesn't want you doing that. Attacking a God goes against the rules does it not?" He asked smirking.
"I swear to…"
"I think that's enough swearing for now. The Gods can only do so much at once. Which would also bring me to the point as to why I'm here, your sweet little mommy and daddy have asked me to summon you. They were pretty desperate for me to come get you. They need you to come so they can have a 'talk'." Hermes emphasized the word "talk" with his fingers.
"They what?" I asked stopping.
"They want to see you. They are allowed to see their daughter every now and then. Oh and I suggest you bring that useless Libra of yours, you're probably going to need it." Hermes sighed and floated by me flicking the Libra with his finger. I pulled it away from him protectively.
"It's not useless, I just…don't know how to use it properly." I said sadly looking down at my Libra. It was true, I didn't know how to use my Libra properly. Which was mostly the reason why I was only a demi-goddess. I was supposed to be able to control the fates by the time I was fifteen. At least I was expected to. The only problem was, I was about as good at reading the fates as Athena was at being stupid. No matter what I did I just couldn't make it work. Maybe once in awhile I could make a proper reading, but that was a very long while.
That also explained why I was stuck at the bottom of Mount Olympus. Until I was able to read the fates with my Libra, I was trapped as a demi-goddess. This also forced me to try to be as perfect as I possibly could in order to prove to my parents I could be a full Goddess. It wasn't that easy though, especially when your parents were Aphrodite and Hephaestus. I looked up as I felt a hand on my head. Hermes was floating inches from my face again and was patting me on the head.
"There, there little one. I'm sure you'll figure something out. For now I suggest you get a move on."
"Why's that?" I asked.
"Well you were actually supposed to be there, oh, about ten minutes ago."
"I what?!" I yelled. Hermes smiled and quickly kissed me on the cheek before flying out the window.
"Hermes you little jerk!" I yelled. Hermes poked his head back in the window and smiled.
"Better hurry, I'll be outside when you're ready. I suggest you brush your hair too, I've seen mauled animals that looked better." If there was something that wouldn't break I would have tossed it at him but he was already out the window. I quickly put my Libra down and ran around the house. I quickly had a shower and brushed my hair. I pulled it back and put a golden diadem on my head. I pulled on a white slip and then my white formal toga over top. The sleeves had small golden circles on them and I had a white sheer sash tied around my waist with gold trimming. I placed golden circlets around my wrists and upper arms. I weaved gold strands through my hair. I looked at myself quickly in the mirror. My emerald eyes glowed back as I put gold eye shadow on my eye lids. I looked at myself over and smiled. Ready.
I ran outside.
"Hermes, Hermes where the heck are…" I stopped as Hermes jumped in front of me. He stopped and stared at me. His eyes grew wide and he sat in the air and whistled.
"Well look at you. Who are you trying to impress anyway?" He asked sarcastically.
"Shut up Hermes." I replied. Hermes sighed and shrugged his shoulders.
"And the illusion is shattered as she opens her mouth." I glared at him and he put his hands up protectively.
"Keep looking at me like that and my heart could stop." He said.
"What heart?" I asked bitterly.
"Ah, touché my good woman. Now shall we go?" He asked. I nodded and put my hand out. Hermes took it and before I knew it I was heading up Mount Olympus. After what felt like seconds I was dropped in the center of Mount Olympus. Hermes floated beside me like he usually did and followed me as I walked through the Realm of the Gods. I passed by Gods and Goddesses, a sight many mortals only dreamt about. They were amazing beings, an aura floating around all of them. They were beautiful, and I wanted to be with them so much it hurt.
"I wouldn't stare it's rude." Hermes suddenly said.
"Don't start with me Hermes." I warned as Athena, the Goddess wisdom, walked by.
"Ah, Kalonice, you've come back for another visit?" She asked. Her little owl hooted on her shoulder.
"Yes Lady Athena. My mother and father want to meet with me." I replied politely. That's right, just keep the façade of perfection. A perfect mask, one I had worked on and molded throughout my entire life, one that I wore so perfectly now, it was almost apart of me. The only time I let it break was when I was around Hermes.
"Now Kalonice you know better than to call me 'Lady' anything." Athena replied with a smile.
"I know Lady Athena." I replied with a graceful bow. Athena smiled and touched my cheek.
"You are so beautiful, just like your mother. Don't forget to stay true to yourself though." She advised.
"Yes Lady Athena." I said. Athena smiled and bowed respectfully before walking off. When she was out of earshot Hermes flew closer to me.
"Hey, how come she gets so much respect? Where's my respect?" He asked annoyed.
"I lost my respect for you long ago." I replied. Hermes scowled at me but didn't say anything else during the walk.
The walk to my parents' house was quiet and slightly awkward. Hermes continuously floated beside me the entire time. I greeted Gods and Goddesses as they walked by me. Demi-Gods and demi-goddesses walked by me doing their chores. Each of them bowed respectfully. I sighed. I was the same as them, but the difference was I had a chance to become a goddess. Many of these demi-gods were stuck as they were. Half-god, half-human or other race unable to be anything more because of their parents' choice.
I sighed again.
"Something bugging you?" Hermes asked suddenly.
"No, I'm just nervous is all." I replied.
"Why? They're your parents."
"I know, but…ugh never mind, we're here." I said as we came to my parents' house. It was an elegant mansion with the classic columns that Greece was famous for. The roof was a cream colour just like the building. There were roses planted around the house and two statues of cupid pointing at each other on a small walkway up to the front door. I opened the small gate and closed it behind me. I turned to Hermes and managed to pull a small smile.
"Here goes nothing." I said. Hermes looked genuinely concerned, for once.
"I'll be around if you need me." He said.
"Thank you. I'll be back…eventually." Hermes smiled and slowly flew off. I turned and took in a deep breath. I walked up to the front door and knocked. A young demi-goddess I knew of named Alena answered the door. She worked as my mother's maid. She was small in everyway and had a blonde bob cut and bright blue eyes.
"Oh, Miss Kalonice, your parents have been waiting."
"Yes I know. Sorry I didn't mean to be late. And Alena you know you don't have to call me 'Miss'." I feel like such a hypocrite, I thought rolling my eyes. Alena blushed slightly and ushered me in. She led me through the large mansion to the second floor and down a large corridor until we came to a large door with intricate frame work. Dad probably made this for mom, I thought bitterly. My father was always making things for my mother and always giving her what she wanted. If she wanted a Persian rug, he would get her a Persian rug, if she wanted Zeus' head on a silver platter, he would get it for her. I rolled my eyes and Alena knocked quietly.
"Yes?" A low voice answered.
"My lord, miss Kalonice is here." Alena said politely. There was a sudden rush of feet and the door flew open. Alena quickly stepped to the side as my father rushed out and lifted me in a large hug.
"Oh my little angel! Look at how big you are! You look just like your mother." I smiled and hugged my father back.
"Hello daddy. I missed you." My father put me down and smiled. I smiled back. Hephaestus, the God of craftsmanship, was my father and he was one of the sweetest men I knew. He was considered the, in a word, ugliest God, but to me he was the best father. His jade green eyes sparkled as he looked at me and his auburn hair fell in a tattered mess around his head. His beard was stringy and fine but only made him look more homely.
"Come in, come in." He said and pushed me through the door excusing Alena. I smiled and looked around the room. I was surprised that my mother wasn't there. There was a large sofa in the center at the back of the room. There were sheer curtains hanging around them and small columns with cupid statues and rose vases on them. There were two arm chairs facing the sofa but off to the side. Everything was lined with gold and had white silk coverings. The walls were a soft yellow and large windows filled the room with light. My father stopped me in the middle of the room and put his hands on my shoulders.
"Now let me get a good look at you. I haven't seen you in what feels like years." I smiled trying to stop myself from rolling my eyes. It had been years since I was last in my parents' home. The last time I was here was back when I was fifteen and being told that I wasn't allowed to stay on Mount Olympus anymore.
"Well you have my eyes, and my hair even though yours is darker. That much is for certain, but you definitely take after your mother in looks." He said winking.
"Oh I think I'll be the judge of that." My father and I looked up as my mother, Aphrodite, Goddess of love and beauty, walked into the room. Her long blonde hair was tied back in a French braid and shone in the light. Her violet eyes were observing and bright and her skin was fair. She was the most beautiful and sought after Goddess in all Mount Olympus, but she was given to my father and often mentioned how much she hated it. I looked at her and felt all confidence drain away. She was my mother, my role-model, and there was no way I could ever live up to her expectations. She was already displeased with me for not being able to read the fates properly.
My mother walked over to me and stepped in front of my father. She was wearing a low-cut tank top that showed her voluptuous curves and a short skirt that showed off her long legs. My father stepped to the side and his smile widened.
"Isn't it exciting dear? Kalonice has come to visit us."
"Yes I know I was the one who summoned her." My mother replied nonchalantly. My father's face fell slightly but he tried to keep his smile. My smile was already long gone and I stared back into my mother's eyes. She was such a hateful woman. Suddenly she lifted her hands and put them on my face.
"Now let me get a good look at you." She started turning my head from side to side.
"Let's see now, strong cheek bones, good, face falls to a nice pointed chin, very good, skin is soft, no blemishes. Eyes shine nicely, but one seems to be a little larger than the other but you can blame your father for that. Hair is sleek and shining, very nice. All in all you're a pretty girl, for a demi-goddess anyway. Now then let's look at your body shall we." My mother took a step back and put her hands on my shoulders. She spun me to the left and then to the right.
"Strong shoulders but they are nice, waist is small but there aren't many curves, more like a tiny arch than a curve. Posture is very good, excellent, behind is nice but not much of a bump, chest is average but I do believe you could use a nice push-up bra to add volume…"
"Mother please…" I asked turning slightly red.
"Now, now chest size is nothing to be ashamed of. Now I want you to flex for me…" My mother put her hand on my abdomen. I rolled my eyes and flexed my abdominals. Finally my mother's eyes showed a sign of appreciation.
"Well, at least we know you've kept up with your work-out routines. Excellent, if there's one thing I can't stand it's laziness. Because what happens to people who are lazy…?" She asked. I looked to the side and crossed my arms.
"Well…?" She added pushing me for an answer.
"They gain weight and become…above average size." I added to lighten the tense atmosphere.
"They become fat sweetie, there's no getting around that, and if there's one thing I will not have it is fat offspring. Oh honey I'm so happy to see you!" She said suddenly changing into a real mother. She hugged me and kissed my cheek. I hugged her back awkwardly. At least I had passed one obstacle.
"Now come and sit down I have something to talk to you about." If you didn't I wouldn't be here, I thought bitterly. My mother put her hand on my back and led me towards the sofa. She stopped by one of the armchairs and sat me down in it before continuing gracefully to the couch. My father followed and sat down beside her. He took my mother's hand and she awkwardly held it back. I sat as straight and still as I could. I placed my hands in my lap and crossed my right ankle behind my left. Perfection was key.
"So, mother, father, why am I here?" I asked.
"Well I honestly don't know. I'm shocked that you're even here in the first place." My father replied with a bright smile. My mother looked at him and patted his hand with a smug smile on her face. She turned back to me and smiled as sweetly as she could manage.
"Well the reason you're here sweetheart is because the other day I got a little message from a certain someone concerning you." She said. She suddenly pulled a little letter out of who knows where and waved it in front of my face.
"A letter…concerning me?" I asked confused. Why would someone be writing to my parents, or in this case parent, about me?
"Yes a letter concerning you. You see I pulled a few strings and well… Oh here why don't you read it." My mother passed me the letter excitedly. I took it and looked at the envelope. The hand writing was very fine and it had my name written across it. I turned the letter over and saw that the wax seal had been broken. Of course a letter for me was already opened. No privacy when your parents were gods. I lifted the seal and pulled the letter out. The same hand writing covered a cream coloured page.
"Dear Miss Kalonice of Greece,
It has come to our attention that you, the daughter of Hephaestus and Aphrodite, have been unable to attain the title of true goddess because of your inability to control your power to read the fates. We feel unfortunate for this and have realized that you will not be able to master the power on your own. That is why we have decided to accept you into the Nitesco Academy. Here you will learn not only how to control your powers but will also learn literature, languages, math, sciences, and many other classes if you choose to take them. Here you will interact with students of other races and ethnicity and be welcomed into an environment where you are not the only student who needs help with their abilities.
In order to get to the school please take the ticket that was sent with this letter and go to the nearest train station to you. You will need to look for the last train in the station. A special car is set up for the students but don't worry about that, someone will be there to lead the students into the proper cars. The ticket will let them know the difference between the students and normal passengers.
Books, your uniform and other educational needs will of course be covered by the school and we can not wait for you to join us at Nitesco Academy.
Yours Truly,
Tsunade Senju
Nitesco Academy Headmistress".
I stared at the letter.
"So what do you think? Isn't it exciting?" My mother asked excitedly.
"I…I…" I couldn't form any words. What was I supposed to say? This was all so sudden. Just when I thought maybe my parents were going to let me come back home…
"Honey are you ok?" My father asked. I realized suddenly that tears were forming at the corners of my eyes and beginning to fall down my face.
"So I really am not good enough." I whispered to myself.
"Sweetheart are you alright?" I heard my mother ask. I slowly looked up at her as tears fell down my face. Both my parents faces fell and they were about to jump over to me when I jumped up and ran for the door. I opened it and slammed it behind me before running out of the house. I rushed passed home after home, God after god, until I finally made it to a secluded spot on Mount Olympus. It was about the only place where I knew no one came to. It was a small clearing in the middle of an olive orchard. It was quiet and secluded, and somewhere I could vent. I grabbed the diadem out of my hair and threw it against a tree. I ripped the bracelets off my arms and threw them across the clearing. I stamped around the clearing and screamed at the top of my lungs.
"Is there a reason you're screaming? I think the olives are shaking in fear." I looked over to see Hermes floating near the edge of the clearing. He was smiling, but as soon as he saw my face his smile fell and concern washed over his face. He was immediately in front of me.
"Are you ok? What happened?" He asked. I felt my throat close and my chest became tight. The tears flowed freely down my face. I jumped at Hermes and wrapped my arms around him.
"Kalonice…what're you…?" He asked completely caught off guard. I couldn't reply, my throat was too tight. The only thing I could do was sit there and sob uncontrollably into Hermes' shoulder. Hermes was quiet the entire time after his question, and he occasionally patted my shoulder.
"They're sending me away." I finally said when I found my voice. Hermes lifted me off his shoulder and stared at me.
"They're what?"
"They're sending me away." I repeated.
"Who's sending you away? Where?" He asked. Hermes' voice was filled with worry.
"My mother…and father…they're sending me to some Academy or something. It's supposed to help me control my abilities but I don't want to go! I don't want to leave! I'm happy here." New tears started to fall down my face. Hermes wiped them away and a small smile crossed his face.
"If you keep crying you're going to look like a cherry." I hit him in the arm.
"This isn't funny Hermes! My own parents are sending me away and all you want to do is make jokes?!"
"Calm down. You know your parents wouldn't just send you away for no good reason. Maybe your mom, but never your father. It's obvious they want you to go to the school to learn to control your powers. They want you to learn to control your powers so you can join them here on Mount Olympus. I think that's why they decided to send you to a school for it. To be perfectly honest you weren't making much progress here by yourself." I opened my mouth to object but closed it when it suddenly dawned on me that Hermes, for once, was right.
My parents had always loved me and I did love them, but when they sent me away to live at the base of Mount Olympus, it was like a wall was built between us. I stayed in solitude for almost two weeks before Hermes managed to get me to leave the house. It was then that I vowed I would prove myself to my parents and gain my spot back on Mount Olympus as Kalonice, Goddess of the Fates. I stood to my feet and wiped some loose blades of grass from my toga. I turned to Hermes and smiled.
"Thank you." I said. Hermes blushed slightly and turned his head to the side while scratching his cheek.
"Yeah, well, that's what big brothers are for." He said shyly. I smiled again. Hermes wasn't really my older brother, but he was the closest thing I had to an actual sibling.
"I guess I better get back to the house. I doubt they've sent anyone to find me but you can never be sure with my dad." Hermes smiled and nodded. I picked up the bracelets and diadem and put them back into place. Hermes then led me back out the clearing and towards my parent's house. When we finally made it back the house looked exactly as it had when I had left. No blade of grass had even moved. I looked at Hermes and shrugged my shoulders. He chuckled and this time followed me into the house. Alena was happy to see I was back and took me back to the bright room. My dad was immediately up and smothering me with a hug as soon as I walked into the room.
"My dear I am so sorry! You must think we're horrible parents! Will you ever forgive us?!" He asked tears forming at the corners of his eyes.
"Oh Hephaestus stop acting like a child." My mother said sourly while looking at her nails. My father stopped hugging me and smiled. He went back over to my mother and sat on the couch next to her.
"Oh, Hermes, what are you doing here?" My mother asked.
"I was accompanying Kalonice." Hermes replied. My mother looked up at him and electricity filled the air when their eyes met. Hermes hated my mother and my mother loathed Hermes. She figured he was a stupid fool who was only good for sending messages and being the Gods' lackey. Hermes thought Aphrodite was a stuck up snob who was about as smart as a dead cow.
"How very noble, but don't you have a message to deliver or something?" She asked sweetly.
"No not right now." Hermes replied.
"Well this is a family matter so if you wouldn't mind…"
"To Kalonice I am family."
"What a bold boy, but I really think you must be going. My husband, daughter, and I..."
"So now you decide to be a mother and not when you're daughter is upset?"
"I will always be her mother."
"But only when it best suits you."
"Hermes…" I whispered. I was trying to stop them from fighting. Right now they were exchanging words very calmly but there was always a calm before the storm.
"Listen boy I think it's time for you to go. This family needs to talk." My mother said her eyes narrowing.
"I already told you, I am Kalonice's family." Hermes replied coldly.
"Unless you happen to be one of my sons I suggest you leave." My mother said her voice rising.
"From what I've heard I very well could be!" Hermes yelled back.
"Hermes that's enough." I snapped. Hermes looked at me and his face fell.
"Oh, Kalonice, I'm sorry I didn't mean to…"
"Hermes it's ok but I think you should go. Just stay outside the door if it makes you feel better, but please go." I said not making eye contact. Hermes opened his mouth to respond but closed it and floated slowly out of the room. I waited until I heard the door close behind me before I looked up again. My mother's face was tight and angry and my father's face was calm but sad. The room was silence and tense. When I couldn't take it anymore I finally spoke.
"I'll go to the academy." My mother and father suddenly turned to me and looked at me like they just realized I was in the room.
"Oh, oh you will?" My mother asked.
"Yes. I'd like to first ask for your forgiveness for running out of the room as rudely as I did. I was just…confused and I needed to get my thoughts in order."
"Oh sweetie of course you have our forgiveness. We shouldn't have put this much pressure on you without your consent first." My father said the usual shine returning to his eyes.
"Yes your father is right. It is perfectly fine. So you will go to the school?" My mother asked again.
"Yes I will go on one condition." I said.
"Yes? What condition? Just name it sweetheart and we'll do it." My father said happily.
"I…I…" I bit my lip. My mother was going to kill me for asking.
"Sweetheart use your words." My mother said.
"I will go to the academy, as long as Hermes is the one to escort me to the train station." My father opened his mouth to answer but my mother was already up and cutting him off.
"What?! That fool?! I will not have him taking my precious daughter to the train station! I'll ask one of the nice demi-gods to do it. Alena could do it for goodness sake!" She yelled angrily. If there was one thing that she couldn't stand, it was Hermes.
"I don't want some demi-god or Alena to take me. I want it to be Hermes. Hermes is the closest thing I have to a friend and I want him to be the one to see me off. You're both too busy to come but Hermes can do it."
"Oh I won't argue with you that the boy is too lazy to be busy, but I will not have him taking you to the train station. Maybe D…"
"I don't want him to take me." I said quickly cutting my mother off. If there was one person in all Mount Olympus I didn't want to take me to the train station, it was him.
"The only person I want to take me to the station is Hermes. If he doesn't take me, I won't get on that train." I stated finally.
"But he-"
"Aphrodite, I think the girl has set her mind and no matter what you say it won't change it." My father suddenly said. He rarely ever said my mother's full name unless he meant what he said. My mother stared at him and she narrowed her eyes.
"You're always spoiling her and giving her what she wants. Fine, take Hermes. I'm going to go do my nails." My mother said and stormed out of the room. I looked at my father and smiled.
"Thank you daddy." I said.
"It was my pleasure sweetie. I know Hermes means a lot to you. And don't worry about your mother. As soon as she finishes her nails she'll wish she hadn't said all that."
"No I won't!" I heard a voice yell from the other side of the door. I looked at my father and he shrugged his shoulders. I stood up and hugged my father.
"Thank you again. I'll be sure to write and let you know how my studies are." I told him.
"Alright, and I'm sure your studies will be perfect. Good-bye honey, have a safe trip." He said kissing me on the cheek.
I smiled. "Good-bye daddy." I kissed him and walked towards the exit. My face fell as I walked to the door. Of course my studies were going to be perfect, they had to be.
"So are we going to the train station?" Hermes asked as we left the house.
"Not yet, there's one more thing I need to do before we go."
"Pack?"
"No, I want to visit Nana Hera before I go." I replied. Hermes looked at me and smiled. I smiled back and we continued on. Hera was Zeus' wife and queen of the Gods. She was also my mother, Aphrodite's, mother. Unfortunately Hera treated me more like a daughter than Aphrodite always claiming I was more like a daughter to her than a granddaughter. I always tried to visit her whenever I was summoned to Mount Olympus.
Hermes and I walked to the center of Mount Olympus and turned north. Hera's home was like a castle and was placed at the very peak of Mount Olympus. It was a grand home with large columns holding it in place and clouds surrounding it. It was white with a black roof and wore the Ancient Greece look very well. Hermes and I walked up to the front door and knocked.
"Oh, hey there Kalonice how are you?" I was surprised to see who answered the door.
"Oh, Uncle Hercules, what are you doing here?" I asked. Hercules was an idol among demi-gods. He was sent to the mortal world and ascended as a God when he fell in love with a human woman and saved her from Hades. He chose the life of a mortal, but he came up to visit every now and then.
"I was just visiting mom and dad. You here to visit them too?" He asked. Hercules had wavy red hair, a handsome face, and bright blue eyes. He was tall and very well built.
"Yeah, my parents are sending me to some academy and I thought I might as well say hi while I was here."
"Oh is that so, how is my sister anyway?" Hercules asked.
"Stuck-up, snobby, bratty, annoying…take your pick." Hermes answered scornfully. I glared at him but Hercules laughed.
"Yeah that sounds just like her. Well I better go, I'm needed at home, there's a baby on the way after all."
"You're having a baby?!" I asked excitedly.
"Yeah, due any day now too. When you're not studying feel free to come visit." He said and patted my head. I nodded and smiled brightly.
"I'd love to." I replied.
"I thought so. Alright I better go, see you around small-fry."
"Bye Uncle Hercules." I said and waved as he left.
"Ugh he's so lucky, he ascended to being a God by falling in love with a woman and saving her, I wish I could do that." I said after Hercules was out of ear-shot.
"What, fall in love with a woman?" Hermes asked. I hit him on the arm.
"No I meant ascend to being a Goddess that easy." I glared at him.
"Alright calm down I was kidding." He said. He then started floating into the house. I followed after him and we were soon walking into the center of the house. We walked down a hallway and into a bright room. Hera was sitting on a long sofa wearing a shining pink dress and a sheer pink shawl around her arms. Her light pink hair was pulled back and she was wearing a tiara. Her violet eyes were fixed on a book she was reading. She looked up as she heard our approaching footsteps. A sweet smile crossed her face.
"Kalonice, what a pleasant surprise." She said in her sweet, whispery voice.
"Hello nana Hera, where's grandpa Zeus?" I asked looking around.
"Oh he's gone to cause another thunderstorm on the west coast. You know how he is when he gets bored. What brings you to Mount Olympus?" She asked.
"My mother wanted to talk to me. She's sending me to an academy to help train myself how to read the fates."
"What? An academy?" Hera asked completely shocked.
"Yes, it's called Nitesco or something like that. It has the classes I need to train myself, at least according to this pamphlet that came with my letter anyway. I think it might be exciting though. I'll get to learn some new things, and I'll be a full goddess before you know it." I said with a smile. Hera looked at me but she didn't smile back.
"Kalonice, sweetheart, I do agree this academy is a good idea for your education, but I think you should be careful not to put too much pressure on yourself. Remember to take it in steps. You won't become a goddess all at once." I looked at Hera. What did she mean "take it in steps"? I had been taking it in steps my entire life. It was about time I finally got something for all my hard work. I couldn't tell her that though, so I just smiled.
"Oh don't worry nana Hera, I'll be fine." I said happily. Hera looked at me gravely but a small smile crossed her face.
"Alright dear. I won't keep you any longer then, you probably have a train to catch."
"How do you know?" I asked surprised. I had never even mentioned having to go on a train.
"Oh a queen just knows these things." She replied winking at me. I smiled and we both stood. I hugged her and she hugged me back.
"Be careful my child." She whispered into my ear.
"I will, I promise." I whispered back. We released each other and smiled.
"Good-bye Kalonice. Hermes be sure to take care of her." She said with a sweet smile.
"Don't worry your majesty, she'll be in good hands." Hermes said saluting.
"Bye nana Hera, say hi to grandpa Zeus for me." I said while waving. Hera waved back, sat down and returned to her book. Hermes and I left the house and headed for the center of Mount Olympus again.
"So are we heading back to your house now?" Hermes asked.
"Yeah, I need to get packed and head to the train station. I think I'll feel better once I actually am on the way there." Hermes smiled and took my hand. He lifted me into the air and started carrying me back down Mount Olympus. When we finally got back down to the house I started feeling homesick. I belonged on Mount Olympus, and I was going to do whatever I could to make it there.
"I'll be waiting out here." Hermes said. I nodded and ran into the house. I quickly changed out of my toga and into more casual wear. I kept the arm bands and bracelets on but threw on a loose white halter, and black Capri jeans. I quickly took the diadem out and threw my hair into a ponytail with my bangs going across my forehead and two long strands falling past my chest. I grabbed the only suitcase I had and started packing. I sighed when I finished. I didn't even have enough things to fill my small suitcase. All I really had was a few shirts, pants, my formal toga, jewelry, make-up, brush, toothbrush and paste, some other bathroom necessities that a female might require, and my Libra.
I came out of the house and put my hand my forehead to block the sun. I looked around but couldn't find Hermes.
"Where the heck did he go?" I asked myself looking around.
"I'm here calm down." I turned around to see Hermes standing behind me. My jaw dropped. Hermes was wearing black jeans, a skin-tight white shirt, and a leather jacket. It was hard to believe that only ten minutes ago he was wearing a short toga and floating around me, now he looked like a Greek model.
"What happened to you?" I asked.
"I changed alright. I can't exactly go walking around a train station in a toga." He replied.
"That's true, you should wear that outfit more often, you look good." I said smiling. Hermes' face became red and he turned trying to hide it.
"We should get going." He said. I smiled and followed him as he led the way to the train station.
The train station was as busy as ever. Hermes and I had trouble getting through the crowds. It didn't exactly help that girls kept stopping Hermes, and boys kept stopping me. Finally we made it to the last platform of the train station. People stared at the both of us as we walked past.
"They're beautiful."
"Do you think they're models?"
"If not models, actors at least." I looked around and sighed.
"Something wrong?" Hermes asked.
"I don't like people staring at me, it's creepy."
He laughed. "Well don't worry about it. Here's your train." Hermes said pointing at a normal looking electric train. I was expecting a gothic looking steam engine train with a smokestack at least, but it was just a normal, modern electric train.
"Are you sure that's it?" I asked.
"Last platform, last train, yeah, that is it." Hermes said. I took in a deep breath.
"Ok, let's do this." I said to myself.
"Here you go." Hermes said passing me my ticket and letter just in case. I smiled at him and he smiled back. Before he could stop me I jumped up and wrapped my arms around him.
"Thank you Hermes, for everything. You're the best big brother I've ever had." I told him. Hermes hugged me back awkwardly.
"Uh, yeah, no problem." I released him and smiled. I quickly kissed him on the cheek and ran forward. I turned around and waved. Hermes was bright red and it took him a moment to realize I was waving before he waved back.
"H-have fun." He said.
"Bye Hermes!" I yelled and walked toward the train. I went up to the conductor and passed him my ticket. He looked me up and down.
"Go down to the front of the train and show the conductor there your ticket. I can't believe how young some of these first-class passengers are." He whispered the last part under his breath. I shrugged and took my ticket back. I walked down to the front of the train and found another conductor. I looked at him and immediately felt there was something odd about him. He was…different. I walked up to him and passed him my ticket. I realized I was holding my breath and was really tense. He looked at me and then at the ticket. Suddenly he smiled.
"Hey there, welcome to the Nitesco car. If you don't mind me asking what race are you?" I released my breath shocked. It was like he was a completely different person. He smiled brightly.
"'Race'?" I asked confused.
"Yeah you know, elf, nymph, werewolf, demon, angel, vampire, you know, race."
"Uh, demi-goddess?" I said more like a question. He looked at me again shocked.
"Wow, we don't get a lot of those around here. That's pretty interesting. I'm a werewolf myself." I nodded. Werewolf?! I didn't even know those existed! I thought amazed. Then again I was a demi-goddess so I shouldn't be that surprised. Suddenly there was a loud beeping noise.
"Oh, I guess you better get on the train, we're about to leave." The werewolf took my ticket and ushered me onto the train. I looked around. The train was packed with other kids ranging from ten to nineteen. I suddenly felt very out of place, like I didn't belong. I walked through the train car looking for somewhere to sit. Every compartment I looked in was full. I kept getting weird stares from other people as I walked down the car. I opened one compartment and finally found one that wasn't full. I looked in to see a girl with black hair, tanned skin that looked almost gold and she had bright, golden brown eyes.
"Um, excuse me, is this compartment full?" I asked. She looked up at me and smiled.
"No, you can join me if you want." She said. She had an Arabian accent.
"Thank you. My name is Kalonice, by the way." I said while putting my suitcase on an overhead shelf.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Keket. I'm from Egypt." She added.
"I'm from Greece, obviously." I added.
"I can tell. You do look very Greek. Oh, if you don't mind me asking, what race are you?" She asked.
"Oh, I'm a demi-goddess." I said. Keket's eyes suddenly grew wide and a large smile crossed her face. She looked to the side and stifled a laugh.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Oh, I was just thinking about how my parents would act if they found out the first person I met here was a demi-goddess." She replied.
"Why's that?" I asked.
"Well you see, I'm a human, but I have the spirit of a cat inside me. I was a priestess at the Bastet shrine. My mother is a priestess of Isis, and my father is a priest of Osiris. Since I was blessed with the spirit of Bastet in me I can read spells out of my spell book. Also, Since my parents are priests they would adore you, worship you even, just because you're a demi-goddess." She explained. I sat stunned. No one had ever adored me before, let alone worshiped me.
"Oh, that's…weird." Was all I could think of to say.
"Oh I know it is. I think it's kind of weird too. Then again my parents would be scolding me for not getting on my knees and bowing to you right now too. Excuse me for a minute." Keket suddenly went into her bag and pulled out a pen and paper. She suddenly started jotting something down.
"Um, what are you doing?" I asked.
"Writing a letter to my mom and dad. They'll freak when they find out I met a demi-goddess." She replied and continued to write her letter. I looked out the window. The train had already started moving and we were whizzing past the Greek country side. I put my elbow on the edge of the window and put my chin on my hand. I sighed. I will get to this school and learn to control my abilities. My destiny as a goddess, the appreciation of my parents, and my place in Mount Olympus depend on it.