Henlo everyone,
Wow, it's hard to believe that it has been three years already. I'm happy to say that I'm back to writing about Hera and Zeus again! :) I'm really thrilled and excited to write this story. I've been meaning to write this since the start of the plague but I just never had the time to plan the story properly. I've taken a different approach from what I did with Lost Fragments, but I hope you guys would enjoy this one nonetheless! As usual, reviews are greatly appreciated. Stay safe, everyone!
Cheers,
FluffyClutchie
I
"Your Highness." The three old ladies greeted in perfect unison. Their hoarse voices echoed throughout the dimly lit cave as it mingled with the occasional drops of water. They never ceased spinning threads on their wheel, much less glanced at her direction and yet they knew. It surprised Hera a little because she was wearing a special cloak that was meant to mask her divine essence.
Then again, she should have known better for who can escape the grasp of the Fates?
"If you know that much, then the three of you must know why I am here." Hera tersely replied as she lifted her hood.
"Indeed. We were expecting you, Your Grace." Lachesis, the weaver of the present, spoke and with one hand procured an obsidian ring with golden linings. She sent the ring towards the queen's direction and resumed working with her sisters without another word.
The ring landed gently on Hera's palm and for a while, she just gazed at Chronos' ring. She inspected the mechanisms of the ring with her eyes. Its gears moved rhythmically on its own to signify the movement of time. Its past wearer used to wear it on his ring finger, but she would have to wear it on her thumb to prevent it from falling. Her heart ached at the thought as she recalled the past, but there was no going back. She put the ring on and it briefly glowed, acknowledging its new master.
"Surely, it can't be this easy." Hera expressed without bothering to hide her sarcastic disbelief.
"It is what it is. Don't you think so, my lady?" Lachesis replied nonchalantly which made Hera scoff. Lachesis was right. It's just that Hera didn't expect that she would obtain such a dangerous thing without needing to fight for it.
"With this, I can bend time to my will. It plunged the entire universe into the brink of annihilation once. And yet, here you are casually handing that power to the most vindictive deity whom even the King of Olympus fears. What's the catch? Will using this ring make me lose my immortality or does it require me to sacrifice a loved one to activate?" The Fates were slightly taken aback by the intensity of the queen's resolve. They expected it, but things are always different when you experience them directly. Hell, indeed, hath no fury than a woman scorned.
"No, not at all, Your Highness. In fact, you may use your father's powers however you like and it won't harm your person or anyone you love." Lachesis explained.
"Well, aren't you all on my side for once." Hera thought to herself. She wore her hood once more and decided that it was time for her to go back. There's a lot to be done now that she finally has the ring.
"Daughter of Chronos, do you understand the gravity of what you are about to do? Could you bear the weight of another apocalypse?" The three of them suddenly beckoned and it made Hera stop in her tracks. Chronos' descent into madness, the destruction of her family, and the Great Titan War which claimed the lives of so many mortals and immortals alike. Generations have passed but until now, the wounds are still hurting. They've ousted Chronos and his allies, but no one truly won that war. Could she really subject herself and the rest of the world to the same torment once again?
"If that's what it takes, then so be it."