Disclaimers: I own no one and I am not doing this for profit. This is pure fun.
A/N: I finally edited this chapter! Forgive me for my lack of updating and for such a long term of waiting. I apologize profusely. Reviews appreciated!
Summary: By the will of Athena, Achilles does not kill Hector. Plans have been made to change the course of history with Achilles, Hector, and Odysseus at its head. Many couples will be featured.
Hector gasping with pain thanks to the spear tip that was pierced deep into his left shoulder looked up expectantly at Achilles.
He knew that he was close to death.
His mind flashed to Adromache and his son.
I will meet you again.
Achilles glared at the man before him; ready to make the death blow. But before he could enact the thrust that would end the prince's life – mist swirled around and between him and Hector.
He tried to move; to pass and to push through the mist, but the mist was strong.
It was a barrier. It was like the mist didn't want him to kill.
Some god must have caused this.
Indeed it seemed to be so.
As Hector closed his eyes and passed out, the mist swirled around them; covering them from everyone's sight.
Achilles, breathing heavily, put down his sword and then sheathed it.
"Speak! I know that you are here," he furiously said.
The thought of giving whoever the god or goddess was some show of respect never came up in his mind. He was to drawn in anger at the fact that his revenge was interrupted.
"Listen, son of Thetis, listen…" a voice said as the mist that was between Achilles' sword and Hector transformed into Athena Pallas.
The grey-eyed goddess who bore the Aegis looked down at the fallen and unconscious body of the Prince of Troy.
Achilles saw no emotion in her eyes until she turned to face him.
In her eyes, he saw determination and inside that determination – the glory that only a god and goddess could hold.
"You must not kill him, Achilles," she said in a dangerously low tone of voice.
Achilles raised an eyebrow at her statement. He was about to speak, but the goddess was quicker.
"No objections. Stay your hand. Take him to your ten. Heal him. I have other plans." Athena said.
Achilles put his hands behind his back and crossed them in thought. He then looked at the goddess of wisdom curiously.
"You have plans?" he asked. "You are going against the word of the others…"
Athena smiled slightly.
"Believe it or not, son of Thetis, you and Hector are well loved by the gods," she replied.
"And you are for him?" the son of Peleus asked in disgust.
Athena laughed. She easily detected the feelings Achilles bore at the thought of her choosing the son of Troy over him. She laughed a little more loudly.
It was a laugh that most mortals would flinch at, but not Achilles. Instead, he glared more at the goddess without any fear of retaliation of some sort at his outright disrespect.
"Apollo is." Athena answered. "I respect Hector." She looked down at the said man once more. "He's strong, clever, and true to his reverence of the gods." She looked back up to Achilles and to the man's hidden fire. "No, I'm here for you. I see how you are with the young priestess Briseis cousin of Hector. You deserve to live."
"And Hector as well?" Achilles asked; knowing the answer even though he knew he wouldn't like it.
"Hector surely shall live for if you kill him you will die." Athena assured.
She bent down on her knees and touched Hector's head. She then stood up and touched Achilles on the forehead.
"Your mother wishes it to be so."
Achilles thought about pulling away, but he didn't. It was the daughter of Zeus whose hand was touching his skin. And the mere fact that this goddess mentioned his growing feelings for Briseis and his mother captured his attention.
"Thetis holds one of Zeus' ears and I hold the other. We both whisper, son of Peleus. We whispered for your safety. And Zeus agreed."
"But Hector must live?
Athena nodded.
"Hector must live," she answered. She pulled away her hand. "Control your rage. Control your pride. I know you miss your dear cousin Patroclus, but you must pull your thoughts away from vengeance, Achilles. I promise thee that you shall live and your name shall still be remembered forever."
Achilles stood straighter.
'Yes." Athena continued with satisfaction in her eyes. "You will live and have all the glory that would be given to you if you had killed Hector, and had been killed later in the war."
Achilles looked down at Hector and then back at Athena. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. It was indeed a promising thing to be told that one would live and still garner glory that would last through the ages.
"What do you want me to do?" he asked finally.
Athena's regality shined brighter after his acceptance.
"An image has already played before the spectators. They think you killed him. They have seen you tie rope around his ankles and back to your chariot. You are showing them your hatred and your triumph."
She pointed to the side. The mist flew apart and then engulfed his chariot.
"See, the prince is already there to leave."
As so he was, Hector was laying down on some invisible.
Achilles took in a deep breath as he ultimately decided to trust in the goddess before him. He walked to the chariot, took a step, and stood triumphantly.
He took the reins and beckoned the horses to move.
As he rode away from the gates of Troy, he heard Athena whisper to him.
"No one will see Hector. Order everyone to leave. I will appear to you then with further instructions."
Achilles didn't respond but rode on. He glanced at Hector. He knew that he couldn't turn back. He made the decision to go follow the will of Athena.
After all, she gave him a promise; a promise for life and glory.
He liked the sound of that.
Athena looked on as Achilles galloped away.
"Let us hope Odysseus can figure out a plan…"
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TBC
End-note: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Reviews appreciated!