CHAPTER IIV

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WARNING: Mature content.

The little concert below was in full swing. If Athena wasn't being knocked around by flagrant dancing, she was being pulled in by every other god and asked for a dance. She politely declined and shouldered her way past the mass of gyrating bodies around her.

A servant timidly shuffled his way through the crowd, holding a tray of wine goblets high above his head. They wobbled dangerously. Athena caught the edge of the tray before it and all its contents toppled on one unsuspecting god. The servant, nodded at her thankfully, and in return she smiled, and relieved the servant of one goblet.

One gulp and half of the goblet's contents were settled in Athena's belly. Her throat burned and she shuddered. She didn't drink wine very often, and she did her best to avoid any made by Dionysus' hands.

Athena wouldn't say she was… shaken by Aphrodite's little performance. 'Shaken' implied she was physically unsettled by Aphrodite and she most definitely was not. Her hand gripped her goblet firmly, steady as always. Unnerved would perhaps be the more appropriate term. She leaned against a nearby pillar, biting on the gold rim of the goblet.

What an idiot. How could Athena not have thought about the consequences of hers and Ares' actions together? Of course Aphrodite would have noticed – she could detect lust from the opposite plains of Olympus without even trying. And why was she even upset to begin with? Aphrodite was perhaps the most pathetic goddess when it came to monogamy. She would sleep with anyone and anything as long as it at some point wasn't Hephaestus, her husband. Why of all people would she be so …. urgh.

'Pathetic.' Athena mumbled to herself.

Pathetic.

But who really was the pathetic one – Aphrodite or her? Athena, who could barely control herself over the sight of Ares – tall, magnetic, and sometimes austere, despite himself, in battle – how could she judge Aphrodite for her weaknesses, when she had many of her own?

Athena felt a sudden wave of exhaustion rush over her. She sucked back the last bit of her wine, before dropping her empty goblet back onto the tray of a passing servant.

She was done for the night – too tired to entertain any of Zeus' antics. If he wasn't prepared to leave the sanctuary of his rooms, Athena wasn't prepared skulk about any longer. She pushed herself off of the pillar and made her way to another dark staircase. She would find Hera, return the dress, reclaim her rags and ride home.

Athena climbed the stairs and found herself staring down another dark hallway, lit only by the cold rays of the moon. She walked – her heels clip-clopping away as she did.

'Where are you going?' a voice asked from behind her. She released an exasperated sigh, knowing very well who it was.

'Home.'

'The banquet hasn't even begun. Why are you leaving so soon?'

'I'm exhausted Ares,' Athena said turning around to him, and he walked up to her, his hands in his pockets, 'Where's Aphrodite?'

'Downstairs, filled to the brim with wine,' Ares stopped in front of her and lowered his voice, 'why do you ask?'

'Oh please,' Athena scoffed, 'do you really need to ask? She knows, Ares.'

'She knows nothing. Suspects everything, but knows nothing. You have nothing to fear.'

'I'm not afraid of her. Not in the least.' Athena folded her arms across her chest, and Ares laughed.

'I know you aren't.' Ares said, a smile playing on his lips. Athena spent some time staring at him, before narrowing her eyes. She glared at him through the slits, and he looked at her curiously.

'What is that look for?'

'Why are you being so well-behaved tonight?' Athena said, and Ares lips twisted into a crooked grin.

'Would you prefer if I weren't well behaved?'

'I'd prefer it if you weren't so unlike yourself. I can't trust you like this. I can't trust you at all, but especially when you are so… tame.' Ares crowded Athena against the wall. He leaned in, pulling his hands from his pockets and placing them on either side of the wall behind her. He brushed his nose against hers, breathing deeply.

'Say it,' he said in a firm but soft voice.

'Say what?' Athena hissed, placing her hands on his shoulders. She pushed, but not enough to make him move willingly.

'Say it again. Tell me how you prefer to see me untamed. I want to hear it from your lips so that you have no one to blame but yourself for whatever actions I may perform.'

'I will repeat no such thing. I didn't say anything of the kind; I just don't like watching you behave in ways so foreign to what I usually see.' Ares watched her for a moment. Athena had a crippling stare, one that had brought many of her enemies to their knees when a battle was ended, and she rose triumphant. But what intimidated her enemies flattered Ares. The fact that she laid her eyes on him with such intent – even if it were murderous – was slightly provocative.

'You're just asking for a fight aren't you?'

'I ask nothing of you.' Athena put firmly, and Ares contemplated her. Without another thought, he brought his hands to her neck and placed them just beneath her jaw, pulling her into a kiss. Athena resisted only as much as she could – which wasn't much. There was hardly any space between her back and the wall – she had nowhere to go. Athena clutched Ares' wrists and pulled down hard. He broke away from the kiss, frustrated.

'She's right downstairs, what are you doing?' Athena hissed through gritted teeth.

'I don't care.' Ares hissed back and Athena gripped tighter on his wrists.

'I care,' Athena retorted, 'I care Ares,' she dropped his hands and glared at him, 'I don't want to be anyone's sloppy sides. I don't want to be anyone's anything at all.' Athena breathed and Ares shook his head disbelievingly.

'You don't get it, do you?' his hands clutched Athena's aching sides as he pushed up against her, 'I want you,' he said, his voice so low, Athena could feel his chest rumble, 'I want every bit of you for myself. Aphrodite can think what she wants of it.' His hands slipped to her back as he pulled her in, kissing her.

Ares took his time, enjoying this moment, milking it for what it was. This wouldn't happen again very soon, and even if it did, he was almost sure it would end in him being a bloody mess on the floor. He delighted in Athena's growing confidence and interest. She wanted this, as much as he did – hopefully, a little more. That heat in Ares was insatiable now, so thick and warm. He told himself he wouldn't lose control – he forbid himself to lose control, but how could he not with Athena in his arms, her defences slowly crumbling? She smelt so good, she felt so good.

Athena started at the deep groans emitting from Ares' chest. What if someone heard downstairs? What if someone saw them? Athena could barely think, with Ares face buried in her neck. The heat in Ares bubbled as he heard Athena's soft whimpers at his ear. He kissed her neck, nipped at it enough until she would let him sink his teeth into her neck, leaving shallow and harmless bites on her.

That was it. He couldn't handle it any more. He wanted her more than ever now. His hands slowly plucked away at the buttons on the back of her dress. Her back exposed to the cold air, Athena slipped her hands into Ares hair, gripping on the thick locks to contain her anxiety and excitement. Ares' fingers worked on her back, fingering every scar and stroking each bruise. He ran the edges of his nails along her back, up and down her spine, feeling each vertebra, acquainting himself with the body that would soon be his to enjoy.

Ares jerked back suddenly. He stumbled halfway across the hallway. Athena had pushed him away, her beautiful red dress slipping off her shoulders. She pushed it up where she could, and where she couldn't, she clutched her body protectively. For a long time she said nothing, but stared at the ground. Ares watched her. He approached.

'Athena –'

'Don't.' She said firmly, she looked up at him, eyes large, 'What are we doing?'

The two started at the sound of fanfares playing, resounding throughout the entire palace. The marble trembled with the noise.

Zeus had finally arrived.

And needless to say an enormous choir and fanfare was needed for the King of the gods. Ares and Athena glanced at the stairs and then looked at each other.

'Go before me,' Athena said, now fiddling with the buttons of her dress, trying to button up where she could, 'just so it doesn't look too suspicious.'

'Wait, your dress –' Ares walked towards her, ignoring her obvious gestures for him to leave her.

'No, I can do it–'

'Let me just help you finish the res–'

'Don't touch me–'

'Don't be such a brat, you can't go down there with half your dress undone.'

'Ares I swear – ah!' Athena doubled over and clutched her side. The night had taken its toll on her already so battered body. She could feel the crunching of her ribs that seriously need to be tended to.

'What's wrong?' was all Ares could repeat until he managed to straighten her. Athena, despite herself, clutched onto him until she could stand straight. Her ribs were aching, collapsing, and she couldn't breathe.

'Let me take you to one of the rooms, you need to rest.' Ares said, his concern growing.

'No, I'm fine, just–' Athena buckled and Ares gently put his arm around her waist, holding her up.

'You need rest Athena,' Ares lowered his voice and said ever so gently, 'Come to my Palace. I will take care of you personally, and patch you up–'

'I don't need your help!' Athena, with great force, pushed Ares and he staggered away from her. Athena breathed heavily, still hunched over; she looked up at Ares, only seeing fragments of him between the locks of hair hanging over her face. Ares stared at her for a moment. Athena was sure – if this was even possible – that she had, perhaps, offended him quite profoundly. Ares straightened. He wanted to say something. His mouth kept opening and closing. He pushed his hand into his hair and huffed angrily.

The words were there, but the time wasn't. Ares had promised himself he wouldn't lose control. He glanced at Athena one last time and then strode off, down the stairs and gone from Athena's site.

Athena stood up and pushed her back against the wall, trying to lengthen her torso and open up her breathing apparatus. Gods weren't easily killed, but were capable of feeling profound pain, bordering on agony in some cases.

Slowly, Athena pushed herself off of the wall and made her way to the staircase. Anyone who had seen her descend with grace and elegance before, would be surprised at her sudden rigidity. Not that anyone would notice anyway – they were all too fixed on their king.

Zeus, being King of the gods, ruler of the sky and lightning – the epitome of power – never shied away from a bit of drama and theatrical spectacle.

Rose petals showered down from the ceilings as the trumpets and drums sang praises to his name. Dancers rejoiced in his presence and he ascended to his throne, gods waving their goblets and cheering. He stood and looked down at his 'people,' his white beard and icy blue eyes glowing, and smiled demurely. Zeus opened his arms, his broad chest exposed proudly. The audience of gods and servants hushed into silence and bowed before him.

'My fellow gods, I welcome you,' he said in his rich, gravitas voice as his audience stood to attention, 'I welcome you to my palace and temple – your home – in the hopes of celebrating with you a most glorious event. Many of your faces I have not seen in a long time, and I hope that this night reminds of our unity as a family – a pantheon of powerful gods. If you will retire with me to the banqueting hall, we shall waste no time in beginning our feast!'

The audience cheered, and Athena refrained from shaking her head. Zeus had such a way with words. Not many had the talent he did.

And so the audience slowly made its way to the banqueting hall. Athena tried, as best as she could, to avoid being bumped and knocked around. She felt someone come close behind her and touch her dress.

'Your dress is undone.' Artemis said, doing up the top button. Athena whipped around and stared at her friend with surprise. She stood silently for a moment, Artemis looking at her curiously.

'Thank you,' Athena smiled, averting her eyes.

'Are you alright, Athena? You seem…'

'Seem what?'

'On edge,' Artemis grimaced, and Athena smiled.

'Nonsense, come on.' Athena grabbed Artemis' hand and pushed through the crowd "eagerly" despite her aching sides.

Just as Athena was entered the banqueting hall, she felt a tug on her arm and was pulled out of the room again. Hera led her away from the door and into a dark passage, lit only by a few torches.

'What's wrong?' Athena asked, puzzled. She only noticed then how pale Hera looked. She gripped Athena's wrists with white knuckles.

'Zeus has finally told me why this banquet has been held.' Hera said, and Athena, delighted, perked to attention.

'And?' she asked eagerly. Hera, looking down at her pale hand, released her grip from Athena. She cleared her throat and tried to compose herself as much as she could but Athena could still sense her tension.

'Something will happen here tonight, and your actions and reactions will be observed closely. You must stay composed throughout the evening. Do you understand?'

'Of course I don't understand,' Athena scoffed, 'What's going to happen, why…why am I being observed.'

'You must do as I have asked of you.'

'Tell me why!' Athena hissed.

'I cannot!' Hera fixed her eyes on Athena's face, fear and shame lingered in her stare, 'It is not my place to divulge such news until it has taken place. You must keep composed, keep calm–'

'Hera…'

'You must Athena,' Hera was visibly upset, she clasped her hands together tightly, 'it is your duty – your duty to the kingdom.'

Hera and Athena stared at each other for a while. Hera could see it dawning on Athena's face. She was frightened.

'Come,' Hera said, leading Athena back to the banqueting hall. As they entered Athena suddenly felt very cold. Her stomach dropped. It was her duty? When did anyone ever have to tell Athena that? She had always fulfilled her duties for the King and kingdom. When did anyone ever need to remind her? Athena looked up and noticed Zeus standing on a terraced platform, a red silk robe draped over his shoulders. He opened his arms warmly.

'Gods, goddesses, humble servants among us,' he began, the room fell silent as each god and goddess stood to attention, 'before we begin our feast, I must apologize. I invited you all here under the false pretence that we were having nothing more than a mere banquet, but tonight…is more than just that. Olympus has been a great and powerful city ever since its conception. We built it together and we have protected it together, but it will not be safe from threat forever. To the Olympians, the protectors of Olympus, we are a strong group are we not? We are not easily defeated and we have stood tall in the face of adversity, and we can only grow stronger. We as Olympians must build bridges and link chains where we can, we must unite. And that is what this night is all about – unity in our two strongest forces. Our prowess in war and battle has always been a great contributor to our successes and protection. Though we advocate peace, we forever find ourselves thrust into battle and we persevere to protect ourselves, each other and the humans and any other soul that needs us. Were it not for the humble goddess Athena and her wisdom, strength, courage and resolve, Olympus could be rubble and dust today. It is her I thank for outmanoeuvring every enemy and slaying every beast that could possibly threaten our great society.'

An uproarious round of applause resounded from the audience. The crowd parted allowing Zeus full view of his daughter. Athena smiled and bowed her head modestly, trying to shield the fact that her face had turned utterly crimson with the sudden influx of attention. Why was he doing this? What was the meaning of all of this?

'And were it not,' Zeus said as the applause died down, 'for our great military powerhouse Ares and his unmatched skill, battle prowess, cunning and strength, our military forces would be weak and vulnerable to any attack,' Ares stood on the other side of the room, not so much as flinching at the sound of his name. The audience broke out in to applause again, but he merely looked straight forward, catching a wary Athena's eye for only a moment, and then glancing away.

'Wisdom and Power. The two greatest elements of war manifested in two great gods. Two gods living in very separate worlds, far from one another. But tonight this will change. After much thought and close deliberation, I have come to the conclusion that our two gods, and our kingdom, will only become stronger under Psychí Syndetikó.'

Athena felt her stomach drop, she felt the blood drain from her face to nowhere.

Psychí Syndetikó – or Psy-Syn for short – is the process in which two god's souls are bound together in order to create one primordial deity. Unlike the Syndetikó Só̱ma or Syn-So, the physical manifestations of the gods are not bound together, but instead. This bond is stronger than marriage or any oath made over the river Styx – as the Psy-Syn was created by Styx herself.

The Psy-Syn was first created to join the powers of gods who would create the deities of inescapable entities. The first example of these gods was the Fates. Three separate sisters, all for the same cause, under the same name and bound together forever.

But what did this mean for Athena as she stood, her hands balled into fists so tight she could tear her skin apart. Yes, it meant that the stronger Ares became, the stronger she would become, and the stronger she became, the stronger Ares would become. It meant that Olympus had, instead of two separate sides of war at war with each other; Olympus now had one deity, one that would deal with wisdom and bloodshed.

No, what it meant for Athena was that 'I' would now become 'us', and 'me' would now become 'we' and her soul and Ares' soul would be intertwined, bound together like earth and water. Forever.

Athena would no longer be viewed, or praised or addressed as 'Athena the goddess of war' but instead, 'Athena, the goddess of war, consort of Ares, the god of war.'

The audience around her was silent for a moment, and then suddenly came a huge round of applause. Cheering filled the hall, more blood red rose petals fell from the ceilings, bards and musicians played jubilant songs and Athena stood deaf and blind to these spectacles. Athena barely noticed an arm hook around hers.

'Come,' Hera said, leading her up to the raised platform Zeus stood on. On the other side of the stairs, Ares ascended, looking pasty.

'Our two gods,' Zeus grasped Ares' hand in one of his, and Athena's hand in the other and smiled lovingly at the both. Athena didn't notice, she just stood, stunned.

Zeus, after glancing at Athena for a moment, raised both their hands and the cheering began again.

'Bring the chalice!' Zeus called out, and a servant walked through the opening in the crowd gracefully, holding a tray with a golden chalice, encrusted with stones and gems and of all sorts. The servant ascended the steps and dropped to one knee, bowing his head and offering he chalice up the King Zeus.

'See this binding,' he began in his booming voice as he released Ares and Athena's hands and accepted the chalice, 'as your duty to this kingdom, to Olympus, and to those who need you. Receive this drink with your consort, provided by the great River Styx herself, the creator of the Psychí Syndetikó, in the hopes and faiths that your power together may grow, and you may forever strengthen your bond. Accept you this offer?' Zeus looked at Athena as she said the last bit. Athena could have said no. She really could have. She could have declined. She would still be forced to do it anyway but at least the kingdom would know that she did not approve. At least someone would understand her actions from here forth.

She should have declined.

Hera stood at the side, her head bowed, her hands clasped tightly together. She was almost shaking. Do as I told you Athena. It is your duty.

Athena reached out for chalice with two hands. She received it, staring into the icy black liquid. Your duty.

She put it to her lips and sipped the river water. It tasted of nothing, but meant so much. It was cold. That was it. Athena lowered the chalice, enough liquid for another sip. But that sip wasn't hers.

'Athena,' she heard and looked up. Ares stood with both hands ready to receive the chalice from her. Athena looked down at the chalice and the up at him. Her eyes grew dark all of the sudden, very dark. She glared at him intently for a long time before extending the chalice to him. His fingers clasped around hers. Ares winced at how icy her fingers had become. Athena clutched the chalice, that black river water and bile bubbling up her stomach and to her throat, bitter like tar. Bubbling, bubbling and boiling.

Athena was furious.