Updated: 12/4/2020
Happy Easter. Have a Happy and Safe One.
Chapter .3.
"Castle", Kate whispers shocked
"Richard", Martha states shocked by her sons sudden appearance.
"Dad", Alexis states wide eyed.
How did her Dad just come in without them hearing.
"My Lord!" Basil and Bea says kneeling before the Messenger God.
"Rise Bea Wise daughter of Athena and Basil Satyr. You both have done very well", Hermes says softly
Hermes saw the faces off the people he called family and friends. Espo and Ryan looked ready to kill him. Which he couldn't blame them for.
Lanie looked about ready to slap him when she got over her shock.
His adopted Martha looked shocked but their was a spark off happiness and confusion in her eyes.
His beloved daughter Alexis looked at him in shock, happiness, confusion and surprise.
Jenny is oldest daughter in the room. Looked surprised. But had bowed her head at him showing him she still respected him.
Reece and Jake were looking at him in surprise and curiosity. With only a hint of familiarity.
Johanna looked curious with no hint of familiarity. Why wouldn't she be she had never meet him.
Lily was looking at him in anger as she recognised him. He guessed he deserved that.
Kate. Kate looked at him in shock, hurt, pain and betrayal. Oh how he wished he could take all those feelings away from her.
Damn these blasted Ancient Laws.
"Yes it is me Rick. Well kind off", Hermes replies
They looked at him confused now.
"Dad where have you been? Why are you dressed like that? Why did they call you My Lord?" Alexis asks, "Is that really you?"
"Come here Pumpkin", Hermes says softly opening his arms wanting to hug one of his favourite children.
Alexis slowly approaches him. She looks him in the eyes. Trying to see if this was her Dad. What she saw made her both smile and look confused. She saw many things in his eyes. But she DID see her Dad.
"Dad!" Alexis exclaims and rushing into his arms
Hermes pulls her close. Hugging her tightly. She smelt just the same. Oh how he missed this.
"Where have you been?" Alexis asks pulling back and hitting his arm.
Basil and Bea flinch hoping not to have a wrath of a Olympian but Hermes lets her hit him.
"That is complicated", Hermes replies
Martha gets up next.
"Richard!" Martha say hugging her 'son', "I have missed you. Don't you ever do that again young man!"
Bea and Basil's eyes widen as they saw Lord Hermes do nothing.
Hermes chuckles he was fair from young. Martha was even young to him. But it warmed his heart that she loved him like a son. As his mother…well she wasn't around anymore. Hermes hoped he could gift Martha with immortality. As he hoped to do with Alexis, Lily, Reece, Jake, Johanna and Kate. But that might be pushing it.
"That might be hard", Hermes admits
"Why?" Martha asks
"That will be explained soon", Hermes replies
Lanie breaks from her shock and storms up to him slapping his face. Hard. Bea and Basil whimper at that hoping this wouldn't put the powerful God over the edge.
Hermes winced, "I guess I deserve that"
"That you did Writer Boy", Lanie replies before hugging him, "Don't you dare hurt her again"
"I hope to not have too", Hermes replies
Espo and Ryan just glare at him not moving from Kate's side. Lily storms up and starts to kick him.
"You left us! You abandoned us! I hate you! I hate you!" Lily cried
Hermes heart hurt at his baby girls words. But all demigod children did say that at one stage. But it didn't make hearing it again any easier.
"Ok I might have deserved that", Hermes says as Lily was pulled back by Martha.
"Might!" Kate says getting over her shock to show anger.
She jumped up and stormed over to him. Hermes braced himself for what was VERY likely to come. His brother would be proud of his prediction.
Kate slapped him. Hard. He winced but allowed the second slap too and the third.
"Ok I DID deserve that", Hermes replies wincing, "Geez my sister would be proud of you"
Hermes knew he was probably right. Artemis would love Kate and if it was possible ask her to join the Hunt. So would Athena as she had respect for strong women and women who took no shit. Apollo was probably laughing his ass off right now. Jerk. Ares if he was watching was probably roaring with laughter. He just hoped Hephaestus was not recording this and airing it on Hephaestus TV. Hopefully Persephone was still in the Underworld. And Dionysus was hopefully at Camp so not watching this. So yes his siblings were probably getting so much enjoyment in this. He just hoped Thalia, Hebe, Hercules, Enyo and so many other siblings weren't seeing this they would never allow him to forget this. Jerks.
He knew his Father was likely laughing at his misfortune. His Step-Mother Hera would likely love and adore Kate. His Aunts and Uncles would differ. Demeter and Hades wouldn't care. Well Hades might laugh at his misfortune after the prank he played on him last week. Hestia would likely give him sympathy but she would understand Kate and the others point off view. And Poseidon and his wife Amphitrite were likely laughing their asses off if they were watching.
As for Aphrodite was likely absolutely loving this as she loved drama and messing up peoples love life.
He was coming to have to do something about that.
"You bet you did. Explanation now!" Kate growls
Basil and Bea were looking like they were going to have a heartattack. They didn't understand how the all mighty Lord Hermes was allowing people to talk, hit, slap and verbally assault him. Jenny was also slightly scared. She didn't want her fathers Roman side coming out.
Hermes sighs, "Ok this is really going to be hard for you to believe"
"More so then monsters attacking my daughter?" Kate asks scoffing
Hermes winced when Kate referred to Lily as just her daughter.
"More so. But first please stop giving Miss Wise, Basil and Jenny a heart attack", Hermes states
Kate and the others looked at the three. And all three did look scared. Basil more so he was cowering on the ground.
"What is wrong with you three?" Espo asks
"Jenny it is just the bas…", Ryan starts
Jenny slaps him, "Shut up! Don't insult him!"
Everyone looked at her confused.
"I am sorry about him My Lord Father", Jenny says bowing to Hermes
Everyone's eyes widen in disbelief. How can Castle be Jenny's father? He was about her age wasn't he? And what was the 'My Lord' stuff that those three were saying.
"Jenny relax I am not going to go off. To be honest I deserve everything they throw at me. If you daughter want to have a go you can too without me getting mad. I deserve it. Your other siblings have done a lot worse", Hermes replies honestly
Which was true. Many of his children cursed his name. None more then Luke. Hermes winced at the thought. He had failed as a Father so many times and as a Husband too. Even though his marriage to Kate wasn't a Divine Wedding and a Binding Wedding. He still considered her his True Love and Soulmate. Yes he did have flings in the last 5 years. But he was upset and well there couldn't be a world without demigods. There needed to be balance.
"Siblings?" Ryan asks confused
"Castle explain now! Or get out", Kate demands.
Hermes sighs he couldn't stall any longer.
"Kate I am sorry. To ALL of you I am sorry I lied…", Hermes starts
"Lied about what?" Alexis asks confused
"Yes Richard what?" Martha asks
"About being me being Richard Castle. Son of Martha Rodgers", Hermes replies
"You ARE my son", Martha starts confused
"I DO consider you my mother Martha. As mine. Well is kind of dead and faded", Hermes replies
"What do you mean?" Martha asks hurt
"I am not Richard Castle son of Martha Rodgers. I am Hermes Greek God of Messengers, Loads, Roads, Travels, Gymnasiums, Thieves, Athletes, Orators, Diplomacy, Commerce, Trade and Invention. Son of Lord Zeus, King of Olympus and King of the Sky and Lady Maia, Eldest Pleiades, who was a daughter of the Titan Atlas", Hermes reveals with a tried sigh
There was silence. Shocked silence.
"That is why I look the way I do now. And why do much is happening. Including why a satyr told you Alexis, Lily, Reece, Jake and Johanna were demigods. And the reason why a monster attacked Lily", Hermes says with torment in his eyes.
"That is not possible. I birthed you", Martha whispers speaking first.
"The Mist which hides the Divine World from mortal eyes can do many things. Including planting false memories. But I needed a break from Olympus and saw how you had a heart of gold Martha that you draw me in. I choice you to be my mother in this 'break' my father was allowing me to have. And I truly became to care for you as a Mother. As my Mother. When that started I protected you from the harm of my world. If you died it would hurt me more then Maia's death did. I didn't know Maia. But I grow to know, respect and love you", Hermes says softly to Martha love shinning in his bright blue eyes.
Martha was shocked but she could tell Rich…Hermes was speaking the truth.
"I don't know what to say Rich…Lord Hermes", Martha corrects herself starting to believe
"I don't need you to say Lord. Just Hermes. A mothers right after all", Hermes replies smirking and smiling slightly.
Martha lets out a laugh and gets up and hugs him. Hermes hugs her back.
"Well then expect me to be embarrassing then", Martha states
"I expect nothing less", Hermes replies smiling softly as Martha sits down.
Everyone else was starting to come around from their stunned looks.
"Dad you're a God?" Alexis asks cautiously
"Yes I am Pumpkin. I swear on the River Styx", Hermes says as thunder booms at his oath.
Everyone jumps slightly and looks confused.
"Swearing on the River Styx is one of the strongest oaths one can swear. It has unpleasant side effects if you break an oath", Bea explains, "So if Lord Hermes was lying he would be struck down or worse"
"Worse?" Espo asks trying to imagine something worse then being struck down.
Whatever that meant.
"To mortals or demigods it could mean certain…", Basil hesitant
"Death", Jenny, Bea and Hermes says together
Everyone looks alarmed at that.
"That is if Lady Styx is in a really bad mood. In a good mood you might get away with bad luck", Hermes informs them.
"Bad luck?" Lanie asks raising an eyebrow
"Very, very bad luck Lanie. That could lead to death. That is if Lady Styx wants to toy with you", Hermes explains
"This is all crazy man", Espo states
"Welcome to my life", Hermes says drily
"Why did you leave Cas…why did you leave then Lord Hermes?" Kate asks not knowing what name to call him.
"First you NEVER have to call me Lord. I don't want to hear it from you my Katie. NEVER from you. Even if it is a formal event", Hermes tells her firmly
This shocked Bea, Basil and Jenny. They knew what that meant. If Lord Hermes was giving a free pass for life and like that to not addressing him formally. This meant Lord Hermes considered Detective Beckett his wife. His equal.
Kate raises an eyebrow. She didn't know what that meant. But she knew it was big considering how Jenny, Miss Wise and the so-called Satyr were acting.
"As for leaving. My world has laws", Hermes starts
"Laws?" Kate echoes
"For Gods?" Espo asks snicking
Ryan had to laugh a bit too Jenny glares at him.
"There are laws to even Gods. Yes they are different to mortal ones. But more serve", Hermes replies not commenting on the laughing.
He knew it was funny for Gods having to obey the law.
"These Laws are called the Ancient Laws. ALL Gods are bound by them. Well all Greek/Roman anyway", Hermes explains
"What are these Ancient Laws?" Kate asks
"And why would they make you leave us?" Alexis asks confused
"There is a law that Gods are not allowed to be with their children. Including raising them", Hermes says quietly
The kids eyes widen. So do the adults. But didn't that mean that Cast…Hermes shouldn't have raised Alexis?
"But m…", Alexis starts
"My Father gave me a pass Alexis. He gave me time to spend with you all. Till five years ago. Five years ago my time was up. And my family needed me on Olympus. I couldn't completely ignore my responsibilities. You might think I am irresponsible. But I DO have a lot of duties. I tried to do them while I was Richard Castle. But soon with how things were going they needed me FULL time", Hermes explains.
"Why would they need you full time?" Lanie asks
"And you responsible?" Espo chuckles
"Guys I am THE messenger God. I carry messengers and packages for everyone. I have my own company that actually does that. So many people depend on me. As I am the only one that can pass into other Gods or Goddesses domains", Hermes explains
"Wouldn't that be exhausting?" Ryan asks
Hermes shrugs, "I am the Fastest. So not very"
"What do you mean by Greek…", Reece starts
"…and Roman?" Jake finishes
"Greece was founded first then Rome right?" Hermes asks them
Everyone nods.
"But Rome kind off adopted us Olympians. But called us by a different name. So in doing that they split the Olympians personalities and forms in two. That is when the Greek Olympians can change form into our Roman", Hermes replies
"That must be confusing", Martha states
"Well the last year and a bit wasn't a picnic", Hermes replies drily.
"What does that mean?" Kate asks she was curious
"Well there was a war. And the Gods were split between their two identities One minute we would be Greek the next Roman. Dad had to close off Olympus. And all off us were kind of incapacitated. And it caused chaos", Hermes replies
"War? Gods have wars?" Espo asks curious
"Yes. When a war happens it means it is nearly the end off the world. Two wars of ours have been fought in the last two/three years", Hermes explains
"How didn't we notice?" Ryan asks
"You did", Hermes replies simply
"How? We don't remember anything", Kate asks
"The mist changed events. Do you remember the large so called storm system racing across the country?" Hermes asks
"Yes it cost a lot of lives", Ryan says
"That was you?" Kate asks shocked
"No it wasn't us. My family were facing something so deadly that mortals go into insanity if they truly or partly saw it. MY family were trying to lock it back up for better words. It nearly cost our family everything. But I might have been fighting it but I was more concerned about you Katie, you and our children, Alexis, Mother and also Ryan, Espo, Jenny and all my children", Hermes replies looking haunted
"What would have you so concerned?" Kate asks seeing the pain in his eyes.
Kate knew by that look that Hermes/Castle had lost someone. Someone important and he was blaming himself.
"The Battle of Manhattan was happening. A battle where demigods of Olympus were fighting their family that had sided with my Grandfather. Who wanted to literally destroy humankind", Hermes replies
"Grandfather?" Lily asks losing some of her anger.
"Kron…", Alexis starts
"Don't! Names have power Pumpkin. Yes it was him", Hermes replies
"How didn't we notice a 'battle' take place?" Ryan asks
"Do you remember the rash vandalism and murders all around Manhattan? About a year, year and a half ago?" Hermes asks
"Yes. It caused havoc with all the precincts. We were overloaded. But a voice was telling me not too get too close…", Kate trails off
"Did you Lily, Reece, Jake, Alexis and even you Johanna ever hear a voice in your head?" Hermes asks suddenly
They all hesitant but nod.
"That was me. So I never really left you. I care about all off you. All my children. I just couldn't be physically with you. So I tried to keep you safe by giving you advice and steering you away from something dangerous", Hermes explains
"But didn't it break those laws?" Alexis asks
"Laws can bend slightly pumpkin. All the Gods do it. They give some off their children special attention. By doing it mentally is safer for the demigod child", Hermes explains
"My Mum does it all the time", Bea confirms
Kate realised something. He said 'ALL my children'. Did that mean he had others?
"You said children…", Kate says eyes narrowing
Hermes was saved from answering by a buzzing sound. He sighs duty called it seemed.
"What is that?" Ryan asks
Hermes pulls out his Caduceus. Kate, Espo and Ryan all jump seeing it just come out off nowhere and the snakes start moving. Start talking.
"You have to get back to work", one hisses
"Your wasting time and you have Lord Hades waiting on his package", another hisses
"George! Martha! Shut it", Hermes tells them as they continue to complain
Everyone's eyes widen at that.
"Excuse me?" Martha asks her adopted son.
"Sorry Mother. This Martha", Hermes nods towards the snake, "Everyone these pests are George and Martha. George, Martha this is my mortal family"
"We are not pests", the snake George complains
"The nerve of you", the snake Martha complains
They continue to argue. Making Hermes sigh why again did he have them?
"What is that?" Espo asks
"We are not a that", the snake George hisses
"We are…", the snake Martha starts
"Enough! Tell Uncle H I will be there soon", Hermes orders
He puts it away muttering to himself.
"Damn guy is Lord of the Dead and he expects next second delivery", Hermes complains muttering, "Do this Hermes…deliver that Hermes…son make sure that necklace for Hera comes quick I hate sleeping on the couch…"
Thunder booms above them at his last muttering.
"Umm Lord Hermes I think you should stop", Basil mutters nervously
"Yeh Father. I don't think the Lord of the Sky liked you sharing that information", Jenny states with a weak chuckle
Hermes rolls his eyes, "It is true"
Thunder rumbles again.
"Well it is!" Hermes says looking up
Thunder rumbles again.
"What is that?" Reece asks
"That is my Father. He is the King of the Skies. Thunder and Lightning are usually his signs. Thunder rumbles when you offend him and he takes notice", Hermes explains
"But you did an oath before and it rumbled", Jake asks confused.
"It takes practice to tell the difference", Hermes says gently
Suddenly thunder rumbles again.
"All right", Hermes replies sighing sadly knowing his time was up.
"What is it?" Kate asks seeing his sad look.
"I must go", Hermes says
There were protests immediately.
"It is not forever that I vow on the River Styx", Hermes says
Thunder rumbles at his oath.
"Just for now. The Ancient Laws are being changed. Too many Gods are complaining about not seeing their children. And about how many hate us for not being there for them. So they are being reviewed and soon I'll hopefully have more leeway. But for now I must leave", Hermes explains softly
"What do we do now?" Kate asks, "You just going to leave us again"
"No. Basil, Miss Wise I have a quest for you!" Hermes announces trying his attention to the satyr and daughter of Athena.
Both kneel on the floor.
"What may we do for you Lord Hermes?" Bea asks formally
"You are to escort my family. Everyone here plus Jenny and Ryan's children to Camp Half-Blood. Safety and alive. They are to be able to bunk in the Big House or my Cabin if my children desire. They have MY permission to go. Tell Chiron if Dionysus has a problem with it he can talk to me", Hermes orders, "Do you accept this quest and its possible dangers or deaths?"
That last sentence makes everyone but Bea, Basil and Jenny flinch and worry about what could happen.
"What do you mean possible dangers or deaths?" Kate asks worried
"There are risks Katie. All will be explained in time", Hermes says softly looking her in the eyes.
"We can't…", Kate starts
"Katie do you trust me? Do you trust me even a little bit?" Hermes asks seriously looking her in the eyes.
His crystal blue eyes meeting her hazel eyes (AN/I don't know if Hazel is right). He doesn't break her gaze.
Kate looks into his ancient eyes and sees he is desperate for her to trust him. Could she trust him again? Could she or would she be putting her children in danger?
"Katie I promise I am doing this to protect you all", Hermes says softly, "But I swear on the River Styx that if necessary I will personal come to you to defend you and the kids if it looks like your going to die or if Basil and Bea fail to protect you before you all reach Camp Half-Blood"
Bea, Basil and Jenny gasp at the vow. That was very serious. No God had ever, ever made such on oath of protection. That vow would deter major threats for fear off angering the Messenger God. Having a God turn up to fight gets you vaporized if your lucky.
Kate's gut told her that vow was one of the most serious. And it told her that such a vow probably had never been done.
He holds her eyes. Kate could see he was begging her to trust him.
"I will trust you with this. But you have a long way to go", Kate decides
Hermes nods, "Fair enough Katie"
Everyone was surprised by how well Hermes was taking this. Shouldn't a God be more serious or short tempered or all knowing?
"Basil, Bea do you accept this quest I give you?" Hermes asks the two.
"Yes my Lord", they say bowing
"I will see to it too Dad", Jenny adds
"Very well. I must go", Hermes says
They could see the pain in Hermes eyes as he said those words. Johanna seeing his eyes gets up and runs to hug his legs.
Hermes kneels down and hugs her tightly. His heart warming at his youngest daughters acceptance.
"I love you my precious baby girl. Never doubt that", Hermes says softly kissing her forehead, he whispers his blessing on his youngest.
Making Basil and Bea gasp at what Lord Hermes just did. They realised how special those words he said in Ancient Greek were.
The others all look confused.
"I love you Daddy", Johanna says pulling back
"I love you too Baby. We will see each other again soon", Hermes says
"Promise?" Johanna asks
"I swear on the River Styx", Hermes vows
Thunder rumbles at his oath.
"Pinky promise?" she asks innocently holding out her pinky.
Bea and Basil have to smile at Johanna's innocence. Not realising her Father just made the highest oath he could.
Hermes laughs and wraps his pinky around hers.
"Pinky promise", Hermes promises smiling
Johanna smiles and backs away to her Mum. Alexis comes over and hugs him.
"I still love you Dad", Alexis says softly
"I will ALWAYS love you pumpkin", Hermes says hugging her tight and kissing her hair.
He also mutters a special blessing. Before Alexis pulls away. Martha comes up next.
"You might not be my flesh and blood. But I still love you like a son", Martha says kissing his cheek.
"And I love you like your my own Mother, Mother. Be safe and I'll see you soon. Keep everyone in check", Hermes says to her smiling fondly
"If I can survive you antics all these years I can survive anything", Martha jokes with a laugh
Hermes laughs too. He blesses her with his protection.
"So we will see you again?" Espo asks
"You WILL. Will you forgive me?" Hermes asks
"Can't say yet bro. Maybe with time", Espo replies
"Fair enough", Hermes nods with respect
"You better keep your promise", Ryan states, "And I want to know how Jenny is your daughter"
"You should know how babies are made Kev", Hermes replies drily with a laugh
"If you break our girls heart again you will pay", Lanie says to Hermes
Bea and Basil wince hoping that threating his life would NOT get them killed.
"I know. And I'll let you", Hermes replies solemnly
Jenny comes over and hugs him.
"It is good to see you again Dad", Jenny says pulling back
"You too Jennifer. Know I have always loved you and respected your mother", Hermes tells her
"Thanks for telling me", Jenny says nodding
Reece and Jake give him a quick hug not quite forgiving their Father. Lily refuses to hug her Father not forgiving him yet.
He still left them. To Lily that was still unforgiveable.
Kate looks at Hermes. She didn't know what to say to him. What could she say to the man she both loved, hated and not really knew.
"I know Katie. You don't have to say anything. Just know I love you with all my immortal being. On the River Styx I vow", Hermes vows
Everyone gasps. Kate's eyes widen at the oath. But only Basil, Bea and Jenny knew the true meaning behind those words.
"I will see you soon. If you need me have this", Hermes says pulling out a gold necklace with his symbol of power on it in pendent form, "This is made out of Imperial Gold. Enchanted to alert me if you need me and to protect you from harm"
Kate shakily takes the gold necklace in hand. She notices as she takes it the ring on Hermes wedding finger. Their wedding ring.
"I love you more then anything in the universe Katherine Beckett and I would be nothing without you. This pendent is a promise to you of my undying love. You are the love off my life. And I'll spend however long is necessary on making up for all the wrongs I have made. And if you still don't want anything to do with me I'll leave you alone. But I'll never fully leave you. I can't. I have tied myself too you. I can't fully leave you again if I tried. I love you Katherine and I'll wait forever for you. And I would gladly come back for you again and again", Hermes says kissing her forehead.
Kate had tears in her eyes at his words.
"I love you", he says one last time before vanishing in a flash of light
Making them all shield their eyes.
Kate's tears fall when he left. He loved her. It sounded true. But could a God really love a Mortal? Could she ever forgive him for breaking her heart?
She knew she still loved him.
But as she thought could a God, an immortal being, truly love a mortal such as her?...
Hephaestus Forges…
"Brother I have a favour to ask off you", Hermes says appearing in his brothers forge to Hephaestus and Apollo laughing.
Hermes looks where Hephaestus and Apollo are looking. At a TV screen of him getting slapped, kicked and verbally assaulted.
"Damn and curse you Hephaestus, Apollo I'm going to send you both to Uncle Hades!"
That just caused the brothers to fall over laughing at him.
What Hermes didn't realise to later was that his situation had been broadcasted all across Olympus. So EVERYONE saw him getting slapped silly.
Oh how he was going to kill his brothers…
Author's Note: What do you think? Please Review:)