Heya, everybody! I've actually had this (and the next three chapters) typed months ago, I just never got around to putting them up, but I am now! Basically it's a twist on the Echo and Narcissus myth, because I don't like how it ended.
Disclaimer: I don't know why we even do this. It's pretty obvious in the name of the website (FAN ) that we are FANS writing FICTION, therefore we are (most likely) not the authors and do not own anything. None the less, I am not Echo, so I do not own the Echo and Narcissus myth or any of the other characters (except Ivy, and the griffin (next chapt.) and everyone's personalities). You all know it, so I see no reason to repeat the disclaimer for each chapter. Unless I suddenly turn out to be Echo's reincarnation, I will never own that myth.
"And you, my little Ivy, are the mere reflection of the stars in my realm." I sighed as I watched Zeus praise each of my sisters in turn. I stayed in the tree-shadows, wanting so badly to reveal myself, yet far too shy. He is so handsome and romantic! Then everything went wrong.
"Hera is coming!" The trees whispered, startling us, warning us. Zeus jumped up, his eyes flicking around wildly.
"She cannot find me here! I cannot risk any of you being hurt by her jealously!"
"One of us must distract her, sisters, in order to give our great Zeus time to escape." Ivy says, calmly standing up, looking each one of us in the eye. "I am sure he would be eternally grateful."
"That I would." Zeus confirms, looking slightly calmer. And still incredibly handsome. My sisters look at each other in indecision, each one too scared to help. This is my way to make myself known to his eyes!
"I will delay Hera." I say, finally stepping out of the shadows. "I will give you time to escape." His eyes widen as he sees me, I blush, looking down in a most maidenly manner. "If that is your will."
"It is." Zeus steps forward and brushes a gentle kiss on my cheek. I step backward, eyes wide, hand to my cheek, my mind spinning. He smiles and flicks his fingers in the direction the warning had come. I spin and run, my mind too focused on Zeus's cheek kiss to think of anything else.
Suddenly Hera comes into view. I stop, shocked for a second, and then gather my wits. "O great and marvelous Hera! May I offer my humble greetings?"
"I have no time for this, nymph. I am looking for my husband, the strayful Zeus. Have you seen him?" She asks. My mind races, trying to think of anything to say.
"I might have perchance to see him. However where, I cannot quiet recall…" I begin, my mind scrambling for the right things to say to this notoriously vengeful queen.
"Recall, nymph, or you may feel my wrath." Hera hisses, and then smiles in a partially charming manner.
"O great and merciful Hera, my mind is scrambling at its fastest. Mayhap I did see him in the orchard of my sisters' picking fruit to please your worshipfulness? Would you perchance like to follow me there and see if we can locate your most faithful husband? Or mayhap-."
"Echo! He has gone! You may—.Oh!" Ivy appears, she speaks, foolishly letting Hera know of my scheme. I thought it was all coincidence, right before Ivy gives me a malicious smile. 'Good luck, harpy' she mouths, before suddenly fleeing in the opposite direction, leaving me alone with Hera.
"So, Echo, is it? This was all a scheme, giving my adulterous husband time to escape while you distract me with your chatter?"
"No! My sister speaks only of a human that we entranced—."
"Silence! You would dare not only to help my husband to stray from me but also to lie to me!" She snarls.
"No! Most beautiful and merciful Hera, I only-."
"Silence!" I fall silent, knowing it would not be wise to protest my innocence any more. "You like to chatter so much, nymph, I think that that will have to be part of your punishment." She smiles at me furiously. "From not on you will only be able to repeat the last few words that others have spoken." She waves her hand. I try to speak, to protest my innocence, but my throat chokes up, not allowing any words to pass.
I turn and run, the sound of Hera's laughter following me as I crash through the forest. No! I try to shout, but I comes out very different. "Others have spoken… spoken… spoken."
So I run, tripping, even falling, but never stopping.
