Alex Cyprin was probably the most dependable person you could find. Almost everyone in their division of Hera had looked to them at one point or another, and many others as well, they could dole out advice or head a full scale investigation any day of the week and they so often did. It wasn't uncommon that they found themselves lacking in sleep but you could never really tell. Although their eyes tired and smile worn, an unmistakable god-like beauty never ceased to grace their face, they sparkled with sincere joy every time they smiled. So it was considerably disconcerting to everyone in the office that one day they walked in looking so worse for wear that everyone had to pause to make sure they were seeing correctly. Alex trudged in on this particular day with a face so discolored by lack of sleep they almost looked bruised, their lids could just barely keep open as well, and it was incredibly shocking to all that they had not even bothered to tuck in their wrinkled button down when it was a well-known fact that Alex takes extra care every morning to press, tuck, button and smooth every aspect of their outfit before going anywhere.

This was in and of itself a very rare event in the life of Alex cyprin but it was not something unfounded by everyone else in the office, although in a state of shock everyone from desk to coffee maker was in the most casual and disheveled office wear you could find and many struggled to stifle a yawn or even keep their eyes open. It was clear that on this day there was no one in the offices of hera who had gotten a decent night's sleep. Alex attempted to make small note of this but choose to keep a majority of their focus on getting to their desk and finishing off their bitter cup of coffee. It was even a challenge to say good morning to their favored agent Moira Carmen, or her office mate may. Alex took a couple swipes at their office door and managed to swing it open and stumble inside to their desk chair. They then leaned back and sighed heavily with the outbreak of a very harsh headache.

Alex had barely noticed a knock at the door when Moira walked in, apparently having been anxious since she carried with her a basket of muffins.

"Hey boss, looks like you could use breakfast" she made the most heartbreaking grin as she handed alex a couple of blueberry muffins. Alex looked up in gratitude twords her sleep-ridden face.

"geeze Carmen you look awful."

"You're one to talk, I've never seen you without an iron pressed shirt in your life."

"I had the worst weekend, I was so ready to just sleep all the way through"

"after all that stuff with Ares? Me too"

"But I just couldn't there was this dream and I was so freaked out I couldn't even close my eyes, I was pretty much awake for three straight nights."

"wait, a dream?"

"Yeah, more like a-"

"nightmare? There was a dark figure, right? And an end of days type scene, there was lighting and brimstone?"

"yeah but, how did you-?"

"I was talking to may, something like that happened to her and the security downstairs, nobody got any sleep I'm starting to think this happened to everyone."

"What? But then, that would have-"

Just as a thought was starting to form in alex's mind, his question was quickly answered by a call on his cell from none other than Zeus, themselves.

"Lord Zeus, Sir good morning."

"If that's what you call it… Cyprin I've got a bit of an urgent matter for you to deal with, I'll need you on Mount Olympus."

"Of course, I'll be there right away"

The call was ended abruptly as Alex scrambled to find all the files that needed dealing with.

"Well Carmen you heard the man I'm afraid I'll be busy today, But I've got a few cases that need dealing with can you do me a huge favor and distribute these out? Ah! That one's for you I want you to look into hydra for me. Just make sure the place isn't a wreck when I get back."

Moiras eyes lit up at the newfound leadership, she took all the files in her hands and stood up to head for the door. "Of course boss! But do you think this call will really take that long?"

"It's the bureaucracy of gods my dear agent, I'm afraid it takes forever, and if I'm correct this matter may be rather serious."

"Don't supposed it could have to do with this recent bout of insomnia do you?"

"I'll let you know soon as I find out." Alex waved at moira as They walked Briskly over to the elevator. Even in their sluggish state they could manage a bit of energy at the call of a god, making sure to pat down their shirt and tuck it in as they pressed for the elevator.

Elsewhere in queens was a young man of 22, He was small and not at all impressive for his heritage. He Had slept soundly through the night and was as spunky as ever as he took out the first load of garbage for the day, lifting the large bags that looked far too heavy for him with great ease. From inside a doorway stood an aging waitress waiting for the young man to finish his heavy lifting.

"Hurry up! You've got two more tables to clean! I'm running low on places to sit people!"

The young man nodded silently, He turned and sprinted back toward the door removing his heavy coat. He tugged a little more at his sleeves as they were prone to catch in the large silver braces he wore, they also looked for too heavy for him but for as long as he had worn them they were merely another part of him. He rushed back into the dining room of the greasy restaurant to collect all the gross plates and half empty cups, making sure to only collect so many since balancing was not his stong suit. He went back and forth from the tables to the sink and ran the hot water over everything and washed with great ease. A fry cook who took to the young man more fondly than a few others in this establishment walked over to collect a few dry plates.

"Man I tell you, I could hardly catch a wink, how about you Cal? Seems everyone had a rough night."

"nope, I slept good" The youngster replied not looking away from his dishes, the dark skinned fry cook just laughed weakly and ruffled his shaggy blonde hair, revealing even more of the silvery and green streaks that wove in and out of the young man's locks. He didn't talk very much clearly, and didn't show much emotion toward anyone. He always had made extra care not to stand out more than anyone, or be too exuberant, which based on his appearance, was incredibly hard, but generally, he managed. But even with all his precautions, his blood lineage would be enough to find him on this November evening.