Here is part two. I hope you enjoy learning how diverse the gods are in Greek/Roman mythology.

The minor beings parted as Angelia stepped forward. She held a scroll in her hands and looked agitated. "Before we start, I have been asked by my group to read the names of those who are no longer with us. I will do my best to make it quick."

She stared at her father Hermes, who signaled her to begin. Taking a deep breath she read off the list of names and their domains.

"Aether, (misty light), Ananke, (necessity), and Hemera, (day). Phusis, (nature) Thalassa, (surface water), and Anchiale (fiery warmth). Asteria, (shooting stars) Astraeus, (constellations), and Aura, (breezes)."

"Eos, (dawn), Helios, (sun) and Selene (moon.) Iakhnos, (initiation to Eleusinian Mysteries), Telete, (initiation to Bacchic Orgies), and Thysa, (orgies). Priapus, (vegetable gardens) Hymenaeus, (wedding ceremony) and Daeira (Underworld Eleusinian Mysteries)."

"Delphin, (dolphins), Palemon (rescuing sailors), and Aristaeus, (beekeeping and cheese making). Pyrrhischus, (rustic dancing), Carmanor, (harvesting), and Carme, (summer harvest). Anytus, (bodyguards), Philyra, (paper), and Menoetius, (violent rage)."

"Cyamites, (beans), Adephagia, (gluttony), and Aergia (sloth). Alala (battle-cry), Polemos, (war effort), and Democracia (democracy). Ekekheira, (armistice), Epidotes, (ritual purification), and Eusbeia (piety)."

"Hormes, (impulsiveness), Limos, (famine), and Moros (impending doom). Oizys, (misery), Peitharkia (obedience), and Pythis (decay). Pompe, (religious processions), Thrasus, (rash behavior), and Incestum, (incest)."

"Cedalion, (smelting ore), Vetustas, (antiquity), and Scelus (crime). Endymion, (consort of the moon), Consuetudo, (habits), and the Time Hours (hours in the day). The Astra planets, (planets in the sky), the Cabeiri, (presiding over the Samothrake Mysteries), and Acratus (excessive drinking)."

"Chariklo, (Chiron's wife), Comus, (revelry), and Korymbus (wreath making). Ctesius, (household protector), Enyo, (Belladona's Greek half), and Harmonia (harmony). Palestra, (Wrestling), Leukuthea, (sea rescue), and Ioke (onslaught)."

"Matton and Keraon, (food preparation), Genus, (winemaking), and Opora (ripe fruit). Pandasia, (banquets) Pannychis, (nighttime parties), and Pertinacia (stubbornness). Trochilus, (mill wheels), Abundantia, (abundance), and Carmenta (childbirth prophecies and technological innovation)."

"Edesia, (children eating solid foods), Portunes, (ports), and Febris (fevers). Fluonia, (conception), Fornax, (bread making), and Levanna (lifting children out of their cradles). Sentia, (consciousness), Aequitas, (everyday fairness), and Convector (carrying grain)."

"Furinia, (bubbling springs), Dominduca, (returning children who have left their home), and Nemestrinus (tree groves). Nodufus, (plant stems), Picumnus, (manure), and Puta (pruning). Lua, (captured weapons), Moneta (guarding money), and Bubona, (cattle)."

"Serritor, (digging), Subruncinator, (weeding), and Vertimnus (seasonal plants). Summanus (nighttime thunder), Peta (the wants of children), and Evander, (writing). Subigus, (brides submitting for intercourse), Alemona, (feeding the embryo), and Postverta along with Prorsa, (head first or breech birth).

"Cunina, (protects the cradle from dark magic), Locutius, (helping children speak full sentences), and Volumna (gives children the ability to do good). Lucina (introduces babies to the light), Vaticanus, (opens the mouth to let babies start crying), and Ossipagina (makes bones strong). Bona Dea, (women), Calva (bald women), and Lara, (Mother of the Lars).

Folding the scroll back up Angela moved aside as Adicia took center stage. She bowed formally to each Olympian before reading from her iPad.

"Almighty Olympians, thank you for allowing my brethren and me a chance to speak about the problems we are suffering from. Lord Apollo has already informed you about the promises you still need to fulfill to our kind."

"There are a few other injustices we would like to bring up, which we can resolve peacefully. Our hope is both are parties can come to have a compromise that satisfies both parties."

Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "Why should we do anything for you? You should be pleased to be serving us instead of having to live in a hovel on Earth."

Adicia replied in a clipped tone that a majority of them did live on Earth. Synchronizing her iPad with the viewing globe, she played a short slide show presentation of what their daily lives were like.

The goddess of love was taken aback by how even her handmaidens rather live like mere mortals on Earth instead of tending to her needs. No wonder she was having trouble keeping her staff in line.

Athena asked Adicia what the slideshow had to do with her brethren's grievance. The goddess of wisdom listened patiently as the daemon explained the situation.

The heart of the matter was simple. The D, C, and one or two B-listers felt exploited without proper compensation. They were overworked, badly treated, and rarely had any personal time.

Even the D-listers who lived on Earth full time had to be ready to be called upon. Most of them were constantly on the move to stay alive and they didn't want to do it anymore.

"Our demands for compensation are very simple. We want a few days off every month to rest and have a life. The workplace attitude needs to change."

"No more threats about tuning us into something else. We won't tolerate violence or becoming someone's scapegoat. All we want is respect and a good working relationship."

Apollo and his supporters whispered amongst themselves for several minutes. The four who were against it were being carefully watched by Hades and his family. He looked at them with a smirk on his face.

Eventually, the two groups reached an agreement. The D -listers could continue to live on Earth without being on-call twenty-four/seven. Both the daemons and the minor groups got every other weekend plus Friday off.

The nymph groups would help with improving the workplace by keeping both sides in check. The D and C-listers could issue complaints however they would be reviewed by an impartial council. This would cut down on the number of threats and violence towards others.

With that settled, Persephone stepped forward with the next grievance. Demeter's eyes widened as she had previously overlooked her other children with her focus solely on her favorite child.

"Hello, mother. I thought it would be nice to have a family reunion. You remember my sisters and brothers, right?" the goddess asked with slight sarcasm.

Demeter was aghast at her favorite child's flippant attitude. "I don't appreciate your tone, young lady," she snapped at her child.

Persephone replied coldly, that she didn't appreciate her mom for ignoring her siblings to the point they nearly faded away. For the past three centuries, she had kept them alive by sharing her renewed immortality with them.

That raised some eyebrows in the Olympian Council. The term renewed immortality referred to the energy boost they got every day when more people worshiped or told stories about them.

Sharing the energy boost with four others puts enormous strain on a god/goddess's body and powers. To do this for three centuries without showing any symptoms was a miracle.

Demeter was astonished that Persephone would make this daily sacrifice. Did she truly love her siblings so much she couldn't bear to part with them?

Despoina took over the discussion. It was her right as the oldest child of Demeter. "Hello Demeter, I bet you're wondering what my being here has to do with you. You are only part of the bigger issue we have with the Olympians."

Despoina gave a brief speech about how the Greek Pantheon needed to work on their family relationships. No more ignoring their children, immortal or demigod. It was time to implement what the humans called, "family time."

First, and most important was remembering the names of their children. Second, spending quality time together either by doing an activity together or just talking. Thirdly, make more effort to be involved with their demigod siblings to help prepare them for the dangers they faced.

Dionysus was not thrilled by this. He had enough quality time with demigods as it was. He wanted to be here with his wife. He looked at the crowd and did a double-take.

Ariadne was standing next to Methe and Pasithea. She looked happy to see them. He recalled what Alethea had said to him at the Big House. It seemed his wife was ahead of him when it came to enjoying the blessings you had.

After securing an oath for taking steps towards family time, the daemons and minor gods/goddesses had only a few more grievances. They were simple things, such as being told what the Olympians were meeting about. Fewer restrictions around certain areas of Olympus.

There was one last big and controversial grievance. It related to what Bronte had been discussing with Apollo's granddaughters. It also revealed what happened to the leontocephaline.

Caerus informed the Olympians how living several lifetimes as mere mortals had given them a unique viewpoint.

Ares interrupted his younger brother. "Excuse me, you haven't lived as mere mortals. Your immortal remember? All this talk about living near sources of your powers is proof you use them."

Caerus refused to be ruffled by Ares's belittlement. "We only use certain powers during our lifetimes. Such as using our ability to change our appearance to give the illusion of aging. Sometimes we use our unique powers to assist others or save a life but otherwise, we live and act as mortals."

Dike took over from there. The evidence was clear. Spending time as ordinary mortals made deities strive to become kinder and emphatic gods. They thought it would be best if every divine being took a turn being a real mortal.

A few of the minor deities had already agreed to give up their immortality for a time. They wanted each of the Olympians to have what they dubbed, "The Apollo Experience", and become better individuals.

Hearing these words, Zeus lost it. He hurled his master bolt at the group intending to maim them. The others failed to react as the bolt hit struck the minor beings.

Apollo's heart raced in fear. How badly hurt were the D and C-listers? Had the few B-listers who joined the crowd been harmed as well?

To Zeus and every Olympians' astonishment, the minor gods/goddesses were unhurt. The leontocephaline was holding the master bolt without any trouble. The strange being examined the item before offering it to Astrape.

She took possession of the master bolt. Her hair started to stand on ends as the power of the bolt surged through her. The fact she could hold it without turning to ash showed how powerful she was.

The Persian creature projected his thoughts to every person assembled in the throne room. He had been offered the chance, to become the guardian of the Greek Pantheons' immortality, in exchange for Nero's fasces.

He had accepted the offer and was ready to hold the immortality for every Greek god/goddess. The creature would tweak his system slightly because he was no longer guarding a single symbol.

Instead, he would hold onto the collective immortality of everyone in a magical sphere. He would siphon their connection to the collective until they were mortal.

After the deities learned the values of humanity, they could ask for it back. However, they would have to pass the review board before the leontocephaline would give it back.

The panel would consist of three Roman goddesses. The review board included: Clementina, Disciplina, and lastly, Tutela. If all three agreed, then you were welcome back to Olympus.

The Olympians realized they couldn't say no to this agreement. Already, they could feel their immortality tied to the magical sphere in the leontocephaline's hands.

The creature was too strong to be defeated in combat. It could see into a person's soul, so it couldn't be fooled. None of the Olympians could make a better offer.

The Olympians were unable to order the beast to go away. Its loyalty was to the entire pantheon. As long as a majority wanted him around, he would stay. It also had already showcased its power and resolve.

Apollo watched the rest of the Olympians, wondering what they would decide to do. His allies were looking uneasy as the leontocephaline stared at them. They were starting to regret siding with him.

It was no wonder everyone was caught off guard when Hera announced she and her sisters would join the first group on Earth.

Zeus's jaw dropped, and Poseidon was doing a nice impression of a blowfish. Hades was wondering if he was dreaming. He pinched himself and it hurt.

Demeter was strangling her crops. "I did not agree to this sister! I refuse to be forced into this monstrous scheme."

Hera looked at Demeter with cold determination. "This is not up to debate. As Queen of the Heavens and Goddess of Motherhood, I'm ordering you to do what your daughter has asked of you."

"It's time for you to invest your time with your children instead of crops. If you fight me on this, I can guarantee you will lose your immortality for good."

Demeter was about to argue when Hestia rose to her feet, gaining everyone's attention. She approached her sister and leaned in to whisper something to her.

The fight went out of her eyes. Her expression changed from defiant to submissive. No one missed how her eyes darted towards Persephone, who had her back towards her.

Everyone turned their attention to Zeus the tyrant. It was clear that he wasn't pleased that he was being strong-armed into changing the way Olympus worked. He hated the feeling of being put in his place.

"In light of public opinion, I approve the leontocephaline being the Guardian of Immortality. I also approve of the mortal deity operation. We shall begin initiating the changes tomorrow morning just after sunrise.

"I swear by the River Styx, that the Olympians will not stop until we have kept all of our promises to all of you. It will take some time to break our habits and become better beings."

The minor gods/goddesses cheered. They had won a major victory for themselves. Many of them thanked Apollo or the other Olympians for finally listening to them.

That evening, Apollo returned to the Palace of the Sun curtsy of Artemis. He would sort through the amount of mail and deliveries he got during his absence another time. Right now, he just wanted to tend to his horses.

It felt strange to do something normal.

For months now, he had been running from danger or fighting alongside Meg and company.

Now he had to be there to help other gods/goddesses. It would take years or perhaps a century or two, for the Olympians to change the way they thought and acted.

Apollo sensed it was nearly time for the sun to rise. He put one hand against the stable doors. This would be the first time he would be using his powers since his godhood was reinstated.

He concentrated extremely hard picturing himself being divided into eight pieces. He focused most of his attention on the one which would be driving the chariot. This one would be his center, a piece for everyone to gather back to after the day was over.

Until the eight pieces became one being, he couldn't be sure of what order he chose to visit his friends. He wondered how they would react seeing him as a god again.

It was just after breakfast when Apollo appeared near Hestia's Hearth. The campers were heading back to their cabins to clean up for inspection. It was hard work to keep his power contained as he hugged his children.

Chiron assured the campers they could hear more about Apollo's return to godhood tonight along with their guests' speakers. That appeared to satisfy the campers as they went about their day.

Apollo didn't have to wait long to find out who the other speakers were. Hestia was sitting on the porch of her cabin, in her adult form, catching up with Eunice. The two of them were wildly gesturing or making funny sounds.

As they strolled past the Cabins, he saw a new one was being constructed. His granddaughters, the Asclepiades, were busy building five tiny house units. Cabin Nine was helping them get started.

"Remember, we want the houses to fit together like a star when we're done," Hygeia called out to the others.

"Can someone help me over here? I want to know if I'm installing the window the right way," Aigle called out. Harley ran over with Nyssa shouting at him to not turn the window into an explosive.

Panakeia and Iaso were learning how to measure and cut wood. The youngest, Akeso was keeping track of where everything went.

Apollo was thrilled they had chosen to join the first group to experience mortality. He better get over there to give them some pointers.

Another Apollo was at the Waystation, catching up with the caretakers and the Hunters. It had been no surprise that Alethea had been part of the first group. She was thrilled to be spending time with Isra as they camped with the wild griffins and Quieta.

Leo was enjoying his summer job, teaching shop skills to at-risk kids. Calypso was away being a counselor for band camp, but she was sending letters every week.

Lityerses was supervising Hannibal's visit, by making sure the big guy wasn't being overly friendly to Olivia.

Meanwhile, Jo, Emmie, and Georgina were making enrichment items for the elephant pair.

Apollo listened to Thalia and Reyna talk about their latest attempt to catch the Teumessian Fox. He was proud of both girls for all they had accomplished.

When Apollo caught up with Brooke and Ulster, he was surprised to see them coming out of the history museum Brooke's mom worked at.

"I thought dogs weren't allowed in the museum unless they were service animals," he remarked casually.

Ulster barked and jumped on the god who was glad he had his strength back. Otherwise, he would have been knocked over. "Nice to see you again to Ulster. You look even bigger than last time."

Ulster barked and licked the god's face before he went back to his mistress's side. Brooke scratched his ears making his tail wag exponentially.

"Yeah, he still has a bit of growing to do before he reaches full size," Brooke retorted. "As for your earlier question, normally your right. Today was a special occasion. We were part of historical reenactment for guests today."

"I hope you left your weapons at home today," he quipped. Brooke laughed knowing he was joking with her.

Apollo could hardly believe this was the same teenager he met months ago. Brooke didn't seem lost anymore. She knew what she wanted to do with her life. "Are you enrolling in college this fall?"

"Yep, I'll be going to community college. I'll be studying environmental science. The best way to protect flora and fauna is to figure out how to make them more important than profits."

"It doesn't hurt that you have a deadly magical weapon to use for intimidation either." The trio started laughing or yipping happily.

At Camp Jupiter, Apollo first checked on Frank and Hazel. The two had been declared the best praetors yet. Thanks to them, the rebuilding of New Rome was complete.

They had also worked with Lupa and her pack to find new recruits for Camp Jupiter. Twenty new demigods had already arrived. The sun god hoped the kids knew who their godly relative was.

"We've already started on building the sixth barracks for our mortal soldiers. We're planning on adding a few extra accommodations to help the recruits feel more at home," Frank explained as he showed Apollo the blueprints.

He tapped a small square that looked like an extra room. "There will be four chaperons living full time in the barracks. Two retired soldiers, along with two therapists. They'll be able to help with the emotional needs of the recruits."

Apollo looked at what appeared to be an addition to the back of the barracks. Hazel explained what it was for. "We're building a quiet area. A place for recruits who have suffered severe trauma, to go to calm down and collect themselves."

"What's this last space for?" Apollo asked tapping space on the opposite side from the chaperone bedroom.

"A private bath. Roselyn and Raquel told us about how often homeless people are victims of sexual crimes. A private place to clean up is a better option than forcing them to use the public baths," Hazel replied.

Apollo whistled in amazement. They hadn't even started building the barrack, and they had already figured out ways to help the homeless community who would be utilizing it.

He left the praetor couple to their plans and decided to visit Lavinia. She was doing well as the new Centurion of the Fifth Cohort. She had taught her entire cohort to do the three-beat shuffle while forming a testudo shield.

Apollo passed by Temple Hill on his way to New Rome. He watched as Mefitis, Vallonia, (valleys), and Rusina, (mowing) used their powers to help build a new temple for Orbona.

He later found the goddess turned mortal helping Raquel and the former homeless kids setting up The Orbona House for the Homeless for future residents.

Orbona explained that there were two sites for the foundation. "One is in San Francisco. That one will be for intake and evaluation. The public will get a chance to learn about our mission."

Roselyn explained that it would give people time to choose if they wanted to become citizens of New Rome or not. If they decided they did, a secret tunnel would lead them to the city itself.

"Newcomers will stay here for a few months to adjust to life as a citizen. Once that's accomplished, we'll work on finding them homes or for the kids, adoptive families," he finished telling Apollo.

Raquel was super excited about their grand opening two months from now. "It will be a challenge to juggle working part-time at the book store while being a full-time administrator here. I know I can do it!"

Apollo congratulated her on becoming the leader she was always meant to be. He decided to help set up and visit Percy and Annabeth later.

He nearly fell off the roof of Jason's new home when he saw Hera talking amicably with Coach Hedge while hugging the boy with one arm. Everyone looked up to see him flailing.

Steadying his balance, Apollo made his way off the roof and to the ground. "Apologies. That was not one of my better landings. I'll try not to appear on the roof next time."

Dusting off his clothes he looked around to see where Piper was. He couldn't see her anywhere and thought it was strange because he had been thinking about both her and Jason.

Seeing his confusion, Jason explained what was going on. "Piper, her dad, and Piper's friend Shel, are in town picking up groceries for tonight's barbecue to celebrate my stepmom's arrival."

"I am happy that Mellie's cloud nymph friends got me here safely. Soaring through the air without any divine power is a scary experience," Hera remarked honestly.

Apollo had never seen his stepmother so calm and happy before. She didn't seem bothered that she was wearing a blouse and shorts instead of a long evening gown.

Her eyes were no longer red from crying. Hera was smiling as she kept a protective hold on her champion. Judging by Jason's expression, he was enjoying the warm embrace.

After so many years of longing for a present parent, it must be nice to be doted on. They were both benefiting from being in each other's company.

While they waited for Piper to return, Apollo asked how Coach and his family were doing.

Gleeson launched into a long story about how hard it was to find a good place to practice his fighting skills on the open prairie. "Never knew I would miss seeing trees so much. It's hard to figure out what to make Chuck's first club out of with any trees."

"Perhaps you should hold off on that for a while. After all, your son will be turning one soon. He's more likely to knock himself out than anyone else if you give him a weapon."

A short time later, Piper returned. She threw a look over her shoulder to her dad's car. Understanding, the sun god helped unload the groceries and put them away.

"How have you been doing?" he asked as he put the buns in the breadbox.

"I'm doing great. It's been a bit of adjustment not looking out for danger constantly. It seems monsters avoid this area for some reason. Whatever it is, I'm glad for it," Piper replied.

She turned to look at her father, who was sitting at the table doing a crossword puzzle. "The stress from the auditing process is gone. He's doing a lot better."

Apollo asked where they got the money to expand the two-room house to a five-room one.

Piper blushed slightly. "My mom arranged for the house to be bigger before we moved in. I don't know how she paid for it, but it was nice of her. She did it anonymously so my dad thinks it was a donation from some fans."

Apollo remarked he was astonished Aphrodite had managed to restrain herself from turning the house into a mansion.

"She left me a note explaining her reasons. She wanted to make the house a place my dad and I could reconnect. She's very insightful when it comes to my dad."

"I suppose even Aphrodite can be considerate when she wants to be. Do you need help with the barbecue tonight? I happen to be a first-class solar oven user."

In Manhattan, Apollo was visiting the Jackson/Blofis residence. Sonya and he played with Estelle while Paul and Sally were making lunch for everyone.

Apollo was encouraged by Sonya to tickle Estelle's toes. The baby let out the cutest giggles with the biggest smile on her face. "There is no doubt about it. Estelle will rule the world one day."

"I think we would settle for her ruling our hearts for now," Sonya quipped. The teenager was not as stressed about living in the city now. She knew she could handle short outings out of the apartment by herself now.

She was still wary about traveling in taxis and preferred to walk. Her anxiety was also more manageable now. Her Uncle Paul had found her a new therapist and psychiatrist which helped greatly.

"I'm glad you made it back to Olympus. I got an Iris-Message last night from Astrape. She was really excited that the Olympians are finally keeping their word."

Apollo replied he was cautiously optimistic right now. It was only day one and there were still details that needed to work out. "Hopefully, by the end of the year, we will have achieved some of our goals."

Sonya nodded and mentioned the minor gods would be keeping a watchful eye on the Olympians. When the god asked if she knew what was happening with the troglodytes she grinned madly.

"Oh, they're in Boston right now. Annabeth called in a favor with her cousin Magnus. He has a dwarf friend who makes fashionable armored clothing. I can imagine Screech-Bling is trying to get a great business deal."

The two of them joined in Estelle's laughter as they went to help Sally and Paul.

Apollo was cautious to approach Aeithales knowing the Meliai were around. Still, he was unprepared for them to pop right in front of him with their spears aimed at his throat.

"Halt! Who dares to intrude on the house of the Meg?" the lead dryad demanded.

"Calm down! It is me, Apollo! I was Meg's servant remember?"

They eyeballed him and slowly lowered their spears. "We shall take you to the Meg. She will decide your fate. Double-time!"

Apollo was marched across the property until they got to the greenhouse Meg was working in. Hearing them coming, the recently turned thirteen-year-old was delighted to see her old friend.

"The Meg, we have brought you an intruder claiming to be your servant. What should we do with him?" the leader asked as the others tilted their spear tips once more at Apollo's throats.

"Leave him here with me. He won't harm anyone. Return to your duties," she told them promptly. The Meliai nodded and double-time marched out of the greenhouse.

"Sorry about that, they've been on edge all day since the guests arrived. They really want to skew someone." Wiping off some dirt she went to check on her foster siblings in the other greenhouses.

The plants were thriving under the care of her foster siblings. He wondered where the oldest ones were as he scanned for them.

"My older foster siblings are with Crest right now. He's using musical therapy to help them cope. Thank goodness he's a lot better than before. All Herophile had to do was get him a used laptop so he could start taking lessons over the Internet."

Apollo was pleased that the pandos was progressing well with his music studies. He was also pleased to know Herophile's tarot reading and crystal healing business was gathering a tidy profit.

Leaving the nymphs and dryads to keep an eye on everyone, Meg suggested they go inside and get some fresh lemonade Plutus was making.

A family reunion was happening at Aeithales. Demeter and her immortal children were visiting Meg for now. They would be heading to Camp Half-Blood in August to spend some time with their half-siblings there.

In the main room, Luguselwa was busy assembling furniture. Chrysothemis and Eubouleus were helping her. It had only been a day since Apollo had seen them, and they already looked much better.

"Hey, cell mate. How are you doing?" Lu asked. She meant to wave, but her mechanical fingers got stuck in a crude position. She shook the arm until the fingers released.

"Sorry about that. The arm still needs some tinkering. Luckily I got my buddy Eubouleus here to help me out."

Eubouleus blushed slightly. "If I can fix a plough, I'm sure I can fix some joints in a robot arm."

Chrysothemis let out a booyah as she finished assembling the love seat she had been working on. "I did it! I put together furniture with my own two hands!"

Meg gave her sister a big hug congratulating her. The harvest goddess looked pleased to hear a compliment aimed at her. "I'm nearly finished with my decorative pillows. We can add them to make it even nicer."

Apollo asked where Despoina was as Plutus entered the room, offering everyone a glass of lemonade. Everyone took a glass, enjoying the cold drink on such a hot day.

"Aron decided to drop by for a visit. She decided to catch up with her twin by going for a ride together," he explained.

He sighed before adding, "I hope she can get him to stop barging into the greenhouses looking for precious metals."

Apollo recalled his interactions with the famous horse. He wished Despoina luck in her endeavor to get her twin under control.

Anticipating his next question, Meg informed him that Persephone wasn't here right now. She wanted to give her siblings a chance to bond with Demeter without her hanging around.

As for the goddess herself, Demeter was currently out on the balcony adjusting to having a mortal body. The others were giving her a little space for now.

"You should check on her," Eubouleus suggested. "We would do it but we're afraid of how she would react to us."

The sun god agreed and promised to do his best. He approached the balcony where his aunt was. Demeter was wearing a green sundress with a matching sunhat. Her mortal form appeared to be a few years younger than her sisters.

She rocked in her chair and stared at the landscape. She didn't react when he came out and sat in the other one. He just waited for her to speak.

After ten minutes she spoke. "I take it you're enjoying your revenge against me for having to listen be Meg's slave for six months."

The sun god shook his head. "Meg's my friend Aunt Demeter. There is no need for revenge."

Demeter stopped rocking and looked at Apollo. "You're probably wondering what Hestia whispered to me. She said that it's my time to understand what Persephone went through."

"Earth never felt the same as the Underworld but the part about not getting to go home I understand. Persephone is refusing to talk to me right now which is upsetting enough. I'm not sure what she wants from me."

Apollo asked her if she remembered what her daughter had told her at the meeting.

"Of course, I remember. She was mad at me because she thought I forgot about her siblings. I never forgot my children's names like Despoina accused me of," the former goddess protested.

Apollo raised an eyebrow before replying her memory wasn't entirely correct. Persephone had told her that she didn't appreciate Demeter neglecting her other immortal children.

He told her about his thoughts during his time imprisoned with Lu. How challenging it was being a child of hers. That during his time as a mortal, he realized it wasn't enough to remember someone's name or give them gifts.

What mattered was spending time together making memories and showing someone how much they were loved. He had vowed to be a better father and he was going to hold himself to that.

"Your kids love you, Aunt Demeter. Despite how much you have neglected them they all try to please you. They want you to be proud of them and their accomplishes."

He pressed on when Demeter tried to speak. "They have also grown very resentful for you placing more attention on agriculture than them. Yes, your duties are important but you should never put crops ahead of your kids. Do you think they like feeling lesser than grains?"

It was as if Demeter had an epiphany. Rhea had done her best to be there for her but it hadn't always been enough. She had continued the cycle by being a worse neglectful mother.

"I think I understand now why Despoina stressed the need for family bonding. It's just hard when it isn't something you were taught."

Apollo gave her an understanding smile. "Being set in our way for several thousand years has caused us to remain stagnant. It will take time but I'm sure everyone can change. Even my father, given enough time."

Demeter rolled her eyes at the thought of Zeus changing his ways. On the other hand, Hera had started changing last year so maybe it was possible for anyone.

Apollo looked at the sky and realized he would need to return to his anchored self soon. "I would like to say goodbye to Meg before I leave if that's okay with you."

"Yes. I think I'll go find Despoina and Aron so I can have dinner with all my children."

Meg was waiting for Apollo at the front door. She had seen the sun setting and knew he would be departing soon. "You're leaving, aren't you?"

The sun god nodded. "I need to get back to Olympus. I have a lot of promises I have to keep. I also need to apologize before making things right for those I've harmed over the years."

Meg understood because she would be doing the same with her foster siblings. It might take her entire life to help bring them back from the darkness inside them.

She wasn't going to give up on them. Even the rockiest soil could produce the greatest flowers given enough time. "So, this is goodbye forever?"

"No, it is not Meg. Your friendship turned me into a better person. Everything you taught me will help me be a better god. I am going to make time for you because you're important to me."

"If you ever need someone to talk to or boss around, I'll be available. Even if I'm busy with other duties, I will still visit and help you. This promise is one I intend to keep no matter what."

"Good, because if you don't, I'll track you down and bury you under enough trash bags so you'll stink for years to come." The two friends laughed and hugged each other tightly.

Letting go, Apollo return to his anchored body. Once he was completely himself again, he reviewed the memories and was happy his friends still loved him.

His time on Earth hadn't been a punishment. It was a blessing in disguise. From this moment on, he would always remember what it truly meant to be human. A concept his fellow gods and goddess would learn in time.

The future was going to be very bright indeed.

Thank you for sticking with me the whole way through this five-part series. I would like to add the names of the gods who are still around but were not mentioned individually. A few of them are from large groups, but stand out individually in mythology.

Pallas: Titan of warcraft

Electra: Storm clouds illuminated by the sun

Thaumus: Sea wonders

Psamathe: Nereid of sandy beaches

Proteus: Seals

Galene: Nereid of calm seas

Adicia: Injustice

Aedos: Shame

Agon: Contests

Alastor: Blood Feud

Anaideia: Ruthlessness

Arete: Virtue

Cacia: Vice

Calocagathia: Nobility

Dyssebia: Lawlessness

Elpis: Hope

Epiphrone: Shrewdness

Hedone: Pleasure

Homonoia: Unity

Lyssa: Marriage Rage

Momus: Mockery

Nomus: Laws

Ossa: Rumor

Paregoros: Comforting Words

Peitho: Seduction

Penia: Poverty

Penthus: Grief

Philote: Affection

Ponus: Labor

Porus: Expedience

Praxidicae: Exacting Penalties

Prophasis: Excuses

Ptocheia: Beggary

Techne: Technical Skills

Epione: Soothing Pain

Abeona: Protects Children When They Leave Home

Acca Larentia: The Lands of the Roman Empire

Adeona: Teaching Children to Walk

Aestas: Summer Solstice

Agenoria: Children Playing

Angernona: Winter Solstice

Anna Peranna: Lunar Calendar

Bonus Eventus: Profitable Investments

Cloacina: Sewers

Conditor: Grain Storage

Consevius: Insemination

Consus: Protector of Grains

Cuba: Children Transitioning from a Crib to a Bed

Empanda: Charity

Fabulinus: First Words of a Child

Faustulus: Livestock

Imporcitor: Pigs and furrowing

Innus: Testosterone

Insistor: Planting Seeds

Jugatinus: Marriage Counseling

Laverna: Thieves

Libitina: Funerals

Messor: Reaping

Nundina: Birthname Ceremonies

Oberator: Final Preparations for Planting

Occator: Harrowing Soil

Pales: Sheep

Paventia: Prevents Childhood Fears

Pilumnus: Monitoring the Health of Children

Reparator: Farrowing Lands

Robigus: Rust

Securitas: Security