CHAPTER IX

Authors note: Sorry for the long wait, I've been terribly busy with exams. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

WARNING: Dark Mature Themes

'Ah, Athena! What a surprise! I thought you had gone into hiding. I might've sent a search party to sniff you out.' Zeus beamed warmly, seeing his daughter before him. Athena bowed slowly and then straightened, forcing a tired smile.

'I haven't been missing in action for so long, have I?'

In fact, it had only been a few weeks since Athena was last seen at Zeus' Palace. Since the feast, she had made herself rather scarce around Olympus.

'Forgive me for not reporting in.' Athena bowed her head apologetically. She was surprised; she thought Zeus would be a bit more hostile. After all it was her duty to report in to him as often as she could.

'Is there a reason you've been hiding yourself from me?' Zeus said, and Athena almost laughed.

'I haven't been hiding myself, my king. Though, in my time alone, I had been contemplating confronting you about something.'

Zeus gazed at Athena and raised a silver brow.

'It occurred to me after the Psychí Syndetikó that, perhaps my service to the kingdom has been inadequate. Of course I do not doubt your wisdom, and I trust your reasons for why you bestowed the title unto Ares and myself, but I believe such spells are put unto those who cannot hold their own. Please my king, my skin is tough, and I accept my duties but I must hear the criticisms of my work, as to improve.'

Zeus contemplated Athena for a moment. He looked into her dark eyes – they were distant, this was not just a recital of a prepared speech, but of her beliefs and ideals. Her wild hair hung over her shoulders and face, shielding her healing wounds from Zeus' gaze.

'And what makes you think your work is inadequate Athena? I do not remember saying those words at the feast.'

'Of course I wouldn't expect you to sir. You are a kind and affable king and you would not openly criticise an apparently "valued" member of the kingdom,' Athena could see she had caught the king's attention with those words, 'but as I said, I have a very tough skin. I can take your criticisms. It just makes no sense to me why, in an effort to fortify the integrity of Olympus, you would pair Ares and me together.'

'Well what doesn't make sense to you Athena? You are matched in strength and resolve.' Athena winced.

'But my strength lies in working alone, and Ares', in his arrogance. I've proven myself over the millennia to be a worthy protector of Olympus, so I only ask for you to tell me what I have been doing wrong to have the burden of Ares' company thrust upon me, so I may improve my efforts with grace.'

A short pause in which Athena awaited Zeus response ensued.

'Your work has not been inadequate Athena.' Zeus said. Athena glanced at her father in shock.

'But surely–'

'In fact your work exceeds adequacy. This is quite unlike you Athena. You're not one to complain.'

'I beg your pardon, sir,' Athena tensed and frowned, 'complain?'

'You're letting your pride get in the way of your duties,' Zeus said looking down at Athena, a look of disapproval slowly growing on his face.

'My pride?' Athena's calm demeanour faltered, 'Forgive me my king, but I am not complaining, I'm merely stating a point and making a request sir–'

'Is that so? Because what you are doing sounds quite similar to complaining to my ears,' Zeus inspected Athena's bewildered expression before continuing, 'you are distressed because you think that Ares will mar your title and subsequently, your pride, but you fail to see the bigger picture. Ares may seem to be a flagrant and a delinquent in some respects, and when left to his own devices he either creates chaos or goes looking for it, but when given orders, he is a very useful asset. He performs his duties – given that they are disguised as requests rather than orders – with precision and speed and does not complain while doing so. You believe that he will taint your reputation, but in truth, the two of you together will be a formidable force, worth the recognition.'

Athena stood with her lips parted, perplexed.

'Now tell me Athena, honestly,' Zeus began with concentrated sincerity, 'is this all a matter of you just feeling…sour?'

'The man you describe is…is not Ares!' Athena yelled, unable to control her mounting disbelief, 'a flagrant and delinquent, that he is, but you speak of him as though he were some…easily tamed animal. He is not! And he is not so easily fooled by orders disguised as requests as you say. Forgive me for speaking out of term but he is…manipulative and depraved and… and untrustworthy –'

'You say this and yet, I am to believe,' Zeus eyed Athena curiously, 'you find quite some comfort in Ares' company.'

Athena's stomach dropped within her. She felt her ears burn with shame first, and then felt the burn spread across to her cheeks. She dropped her gaze suddenly, unable to withstand the embarrassment.

'That of course, is your business. I am impartial,' Zeus sighed deeply and his voice suddenly became very low and gravitas, 'I am quite aware of Ares' reputation, and I take your concerns into recognition of course, but you have to understand the Psychí-Syndetikó was for strategic purposes and was in no way a criticism of your work Athena. Do not take it so personally. This bond will bring great strength and success to Olympus. As for Ares, he can be reasoned with and with a little swaying he can be put onto the right path. The path I have chosen.' Zeus smiled, whether from sincerity of triumph, Athena was unsure.

'Now shall we put the matter to rest?' Zeus said, his voice laced with amusement. Athena twitched.

'Of course sir,' she bowed, 'forgive me for my impertinence.'

'All is absolved.' Was the last thing Athena heard from Zeus as she exited the Palace.

Athena rode back to her temple, humiliated.

Not only did she come across as complaining – and now that she thought about it, she sort of was – but Zeus somehow knew about her incidents with Ares. How many other gods knew of this? Ares' argument would be that if the others had no proof, it did not happen, but the fact that no one had proof about the incidents just went to show how sly and depraved the two really were.

In a domain shrouded with mist; in the isolated mountains under the moonlight; in a dark corridor…

Everything had to be hidden, kept a secret – in the shadows. Athena dropped her gaze from the horizon to her steed's cold neck, still ashamed.

Athena had stayed away from Ares for the last few weeks, and he had made no effort to visit or contact her, and that was the way it was meant to be. But why was it that whenever Ares and Athena came into contact one moment she wanted to throttle him, and the next moment she wanted his arms around her? Why was it that all sorts of unwholesome thoughts rushed through her head, and no matter how hard she tried to dismiss, them they came back to her?

Athena sighed, seeing her temple up ahead, bathed in the golden rays of the sun. Maybe she just shouldn't think about it anymore. She shouldn't think about it, or him, or anything. Yes, that's what she would do.

Athena swallowed, a great pain in her chest growing. She wasn't sure why.

Up ahead not only could she see her temple in all its crumbling glory, but she could also see a white carriage pulled by a very graceful Pegasus, stretching and shaking out its enormous, snowy wings.

'What does she want now?' Athena growled knowing who the carriage belonged to.

Athena arrived at her temple and a few servants tended to her steed. She glanced at the white carriage and noticed that no one was inside it. Entering the temple, she smiled as her owls soared around the room, ecstatic that their master was home.

In the foyer – its huge columns, covered in ivy and looming over Athena's head – stood a woman in a pearly white cloak, shimmering amongst the stony white columns. With her stood a servant, holding some object wrapped in a dark red velvet cloth.

Aphrodite turned around, pulling her cloak from her head and exposing her perfectly combed golden hair.

She smiled, and Athena did as well, averting her eyes from Aphrodite's. What business did she have here anyway – Athena just wanted her gone.

'To what do I owe the pleasure?' Athena said as she approached. They did not hug. Aphrodite had the feeling they would not, and so did Athena. So they stood a good few feet away from each other.

'I come bearing gifts,' Aphrodite gestured to the velvet cloth, 'or rather repairs should I say, from Hephaestus.'

'Ah excellent,' Athena's face brightened. She always enjoyed getting weaponry from Hephaestus – especially when she didn't have to trek to his domain and got it delivered to her temple instead.

The servant bowed and unwrapped the cloth carefully. There lay one enormous combat sword, two dual combat swords and a bow and set of arrows.

'Wow,' Athena beamed, inspecting each weapon, 'excellent craftsmanship! Tell Hephaestus I am extremely grateful.' Athena glanced at Aphrodite for a moment and noticed the goddess' eyes were fixed on her. They gazed over Athena with intent, a small smile on her face.

'Something wrong?' Athena asked, chills starting to spread across her neck.

'Nothing at all,' Aphrodite averted her black eyes, 'you like them? Hephaestus spent a lot of time perfecting each weapon.'

'Yes well,' Athena accepted the weapons into her arms, 'he truly is brilliant at his work. I'm surprised he sent you all this way to deliver them.'

'Oh yes, well I was passing through the area anyway and I offered to drop them off.'

A short silence ensued. Athena cleared her throat.

'Well thank you so much Aphrodite, it was nice seeing you and tell Heph–'

'Might we speak in private, Athena?' Aphrodite asked suddenly. Athena blinked and then looked around the room. It was only the three of them standing there.

'Give that to one of Athena's servants and wait in the carriage.' Aphrodite said, and her servant bowed to the both of them, fluttering away.

Aphrodite turned to Athena.

'I hear your balcony has an exquisite view. Why don't we chat there?' Aphrodite smiled, beautiful and demure as ever. Athena turned away from her.

'Follow me then,' she said, leading Aphrodite down the foyer. They climbed a few sets of stairs before reaching Athena's private balcony.

Athena's balcony certainly had an exquisite view as Aphrodite said. It faced the west and was always in view of the setting sun of Olympus. This would be the place Athena would come to rest after a battle.

It wasn't perhaps, a very well-furnished balcony, but it had its simple quirks that Athena liked. One lone seat faced the railings, laden with cushions as green as the rolling hills, and beside that, a small side table.

'Oh, I suppose I should bring out another seat for you,' Athena turned to call a servant but Aphrodite grabbed her arm.

Her grip was unlike any grip Athena had experienced from her before. It was firm and immediate, not the delicate, breakable touch she usually had.

'No, that won' be necessary,' Aphrodite said and then promptly released Athena's arm.

'Well then,' Athena turned to her, folding her arms, 'forgive me if I sound brash but, what business do you have with me?' Aphrodite giggled and turned her back on Athena, moving over to lean on the railings. The sun touched her golden locks, making them shimmer.

'By your tone, you're expecting a very tense conversation. I plan for the exact opposite.'

'If this is about Ares,' Athena sighed, moving over to her seat, 'you can end the conversation right here. I haven't seen him in weeks and to be honest, I intend to keep things that way.'

'Is that so? So you do not plan to consummate the Psychí-Syndetikó then?' Aphrodite said; her voice distant.

'I beg your pardon? Consummate? Forgive me, but I believe that is reserved for marriage is it not?'

'It is essentially,' Aphrodite turned to Athena, 'but there has been quite a buzz around Olympus since the feast. Everyone is waiting for the fateful day when sparks come flying from one of your palaces.'

'You know,' Athena huffed, crossing her legs, 'the parameters of this Psy-Syn are no-one's business firstly, and secondly, what good would that be anyway?'

'Well, traditionally, from what I have heard, when a Psy-Syn is performed, the candidates usually perform a second ritual in which they receive parts of each other's flesh. Some form of a laceration or an opening was created on each body, and these would be the openings with which the souls could find each other. It made the effects of a Psy-Syn all the more effective. That was, of course, in a time when a Psy-Syn was performed on two very different individuals. But you and Ares, man and woman, are capable of creating this bond without sacrificing parts of your body. All you need is an opening…'

'That's quite enough,' Athena said getting up, 'that's nonsense. I feel no obligation to do so, I have not been instructed to perform any such ritual and even if I were –'

'I won't hate you for it Athena.' Aphrodite cut Athena off, walking up to her. They were only a foot apart now. Athena stared at Aphrodite.

'What do you mean?'

'Part of me feels sorry for you,' Aphrodite touched Athena's arm, and Athena immediately grabbed Aphrodite's wrists, holding it in a vice grip away from her.

'I don't need your sympathy,' Athena said through gritted teeth.

'Listen to me,' Aphrodite said with a stern look and Athena noticed something different about her eyes, 'you stay here isolated and cooped up in this temple and when you leave you're out fighting all day. I feel your urges, your desires more than anyone else.' Athena released Aphrodite's grip with force. Aphrodite grinned.

'What is it exactly that you want Aphrodite?' Athena was getting frustrated now.

'We both have a role to play in this situation. Ares will forever be a love of mine. Who else could bring him the delight and pleasure that I do? You on the other hand owing to the circumstances, have become a part of him now. Who could blame you if you wanted to fulfil your duties and your desires in the same breath?'

Aphrodite placed her hands on Athena's arms gently. Her palms and fingers met tension and resistance from Athena's muscles. She inched forward, and Athena furrowed her brows.

'You look so confused.' Aphrodite said.

'I still don't know what you're getting at. Just make your point.' Athena frowned and Aphrodite's lips curled into a small smile.

'I am trying to tell you that we could work together on this. We don't have to be enemies.'

'You know, interestingly, I never once considered you as my enemy Aphrodite.' Athena said, a harsh expression on her face.

'You're too kind then.' Aphrodite said, now placing her arms around Athena's waist. Athena looked down at Aphrodite's arms, not entirely sure of what was going on here. She looked back up at Aphrodite whose face was only a few inches away from her. Suddenly Aphrodite's scent hit her like a wave; that subjective, intoxicating scent.

'Someone once told me that as opposed to eliminating your enemy, you must eliminate the circumstances in which you make enemies, and there you will find an ally,' Aphrodite lowered her voice steadily, looking into Athena's eyes, 'we do this by using our strengths. Do you understand?' Aphrodite inched towards Athena.

'Immense pleasure can be found in eliminating those circumstances.' Aphrodite said before planting a gentle kiss on Athena's lips.

Athena's arms hung limp at her sides as Aphrodite brought her hands to Athena's back. Athena's eyes stayed open for only a moment before closing slowly, submitting to the incredible information flooding her senses. She pulled away from Aphrodite dazed and sighing deeply, releasing a gust of warm air onto Aphrodite's chin and neck. Aphrodite gently clamped her teeth down onto Athena's lip and pulled her back into form before gently working her hands up Athena's sides.

The sun made its way to the horizon, showering its hot crimson and gold rays onto the rather unbelievable sight playing out on Athena's balcony.

'My Lady! Oh…forgive me…' a servant rushed onto the balcony and stopped abruptly. He retreated to the shadows of the hallway, flushed.

Athena, hearing the sound of her distressed servant's voice, tore her lips from Aphrodite's. Her dreamy daze had been shattered, and she looked down at herself caught in Aphrodite's embrace, not entirely sure of what had happened, but quite sure she was mad about it.

Aphrodite looked into Athena's eyes, blazing with fury, and pulled away from Athena before she had the time to fling her.

'You honestly tried to seduce me! Were you trying to coax me into laying down with you and Ares at the same time, it that it? You were just feeling left out! My word Aphrodite.' Athena ran her hands over her face and pushed her hair back.

Aphrodite, breathing heavily, turned away to the railing of the balcony.

'My Lady…' came the timid voice of the servant and Athena turned to him.

'Yes,' Athena said sternly, 'what is it?'

'An emergency Lady Athena. A Basilisk has been found in the forests near the Temple of Artemis. Ares and a team of pacifists have gone in to slay the beasts but it's proving harder than they initially thought. A lot of men have been taken down. He needs you to come in immediately.'

'Of course. Tell me we have something faster than my run down steed.'

'Unfortunately we don't my lady.'

'By the time I get back I want someone to have worked on that. Prepare my steed for me please.'

'Yes my lady.' The servant bowed and scuttled of. Athena turned to the hallway, stopped and glanced back at Aphrodite.

'You. By the time I'm back you should be gone.'

Aphrodite placed her hand on her aching chest.

'Are you alright, Mistress?' her servant asked, the velvet cloth folded over her lap. Aphrodite looked up and smiled, nodding.

'Yes.' She said.

Her white carriage soared dramatically through the air, the clouds making way for her.

The effects of the baptism were still taking their toll on Aphrodite. She could only remember the events after the baptism up until her arrival at Olympus in fragments. She knew that when she emerged from the river Styx, she was considerably weakened. The icy black water filled her lungs as she fought against Hades' vice grip.

It truly felt like death.

But she could feel Styx within her. She had heard the Lady River's voice. She was the one who had given her the advice about Aphrodite's enemies.

Athena's reaction was expected, but her responsiveness was not. Aphrodite was sure that had she not bound herself with Styx before visiting Athena, Athena would have easily detected her seductive advances before she had the chance to kiss her and thrown her off of the balcony.

Aphrodite knew her approach would not work. But she was getting stronger. She could feel it.

All this time she had not lost her beauty to Styx and she had not lost her youth to Styx either. What had she sacrificed to Styx then?

Perhaps Styx was merciful.

Aphrodite looked out of her carriage, watching the sliver clouds dissolve at her Pegasus' stride.

Athena galloped furiously to the Temple of Artemis.

Partly because she was incredibly worried about her friend – though she knew Artemis was quite the capable combatant – but also because of what had just occurred at her temple.

Athena's temple was meant to be a sacred place embodying, dignity and sanctity. Often those who arrived at her humble dwelling – despite its lack of aesthetics – complemented her on its tranquil and pure aura. How could Aphrodite think to bring her corrupt, seductive charms to Athena's temple and still go as far as to use them on her?

And what for, just to get her, Ares and Athena all locked into one sordid act? Absurd and unacceptable! Yes, it wasn't a taboo custom to engage in flagrant acts with more than one person at a time. One could say in Olympus it was almost a convention. After all, Dionysus' side of Olympus was filled with howls of ecstasy almost every second of the day and no one complained about him. But Athena was dignified – a dignified virgin goddess no less – and…and it was all just absurd!

Athena entered the forest and could hear a thrashing in the trees ahead of her.

And now she would have to see Ares again after sternly telling herself that she was to have nothing to do with him. Well, everything would stay strictly 'business' this time around. She would slay the basilisk and before he'd even have time to say a thing, Athena would have mounted her steed and ridden out of that forest.

Athena could hear howls of pain crying out from the centre of the forest. As she rode through, an array of creatures fled past her.

How had a Basilisk even gotten to this forest? Once again the closest portal to this forest was all the way in Athens and there was no way this would go unnoticed. Besides, Athena's balcony not only looked out to the west, but was also in clear view of her city below her. She would know if the portal was opened.

Athena rode up to the area, now an open piece of land. The trees had been crushed and flung across the forest and Athena could see up ahead that Artemis' temple had been partially ruined. Before Athena even saw the beast, an enormous, black leathery tale swooped for her steed. Her obsidian horse kicked up its legs and sent Athena flying off the back. She landed on her feet and ran straight ahead, her steed shattering into pieces and forming armour around her body.

The Basilisk was like nothing she had seen before. It had the head of a furious bird with silver and dusty teal feathers. Its eyes were a shimmering crimson colour and the rest of its body was that of a gigantic black python with tough, glossy scales.

'Hold it still!' Athena heard from the trees. She looked up at the Basilisk and noticed a thick chain had been swung around its neck. On either end of the chain, a group of men tugged at the beast, trying to pull it down. The Basilisk resisted, thrashing around manically, its bronze beak snapping about. The voice from the trees Athena had heard was Ares'. He was covered in blood, and not the blood of the beast, Athena could see on his face, but his own. He breathed heavily holding his sword to the side, ready to make the jump.

If Ares was smart he would severe the head, and that was probably why the men where there pulling the snake down. But honestly the clever thing to do – that obviously Ares wouldn't think of – was to slice through the Basilisks underbelly first before trying to sever the head. That way the beast would still be thrashing around, but also considerably weakened and bleeding profusely. The underbelly was the weakest point. It would make severing the head easier once the beast started losing its energy.

But of course –Ares. Always going in for the glory.

Athena moved around the trees and made her way between the men. She held her sword firmly in her hand and ran straight for the beast's belly. Its head, far too preoccupied with squawking, was raised high in the air as Athena ran for it.

Ares caught Athena is his eyes. He saw what she was doing. What she was about to do. The colour drained from his face.

'Athena wait!'

Was all Athena heard, but she ignored Ares' cry. Athena noticed something bizarre as she ran towards the Basilisk. Its black scales parted, exposing what looked like huge pores. From the pores emerged things like fangs, dripping with a black, gooey substance, as long and wide as her own sword. With one loud squawk, the Basilisk launched its array of dripping fangs from its belly, sending one straight through Athena's torso.

Athena watched blood and black goo spout from her body, her sword tumbling to her side. She fell to her knees, and then to her side, writhing and convulsing, unable to control her body. She could feel the goo inside her, the black venom rushing through her blood, bursting her veins, destroying her from the inside out.

Vision blurred and blood spewing out of her mouth and nose uncontrollably, she tried to utter a word, but could not.

The last thing she saw with her muggy vision was the shimmering head of the beast falling to the ground and a red coat and glistening sword rushing towards her.

Wherever Athena was now, it was warm. Warm with a deeply familiar scent.

Her eyes fluttered open. Everything was a blurry a mix of a glowing yellow and damask shadows. Slowly, the room came into focus.

The ceiling was lit by a quivering, warm light. A fire crackled nearby, casting shadows across the room. Athena blinked and looked down. She lay amongst soft, thick sheets, a large bearskin throw-rug covering her.

The sheets, the pillows, the throw-rug all smelt so musky and indulgent. Athena pressed her face against the pillows and breathed deeply. That sweet smell…why was it so…

Ares.

Athena shot up, flinging the sheets off of her. She felt a tear in her torso and yelped. Her head spun and her sides ached all at the same time. Everything became blurry again as she gripped her head.

'Why are you up already?' she heard a stern yet velvety voice say, and looked up. Ares loomed over her, shirtless and wrapped in bandages around his shoulder and lower torso. He places his hands on either side of her and Athena looked up at him bewildered. His expression was a mix of frustration and concern.

'Lay down,' he commanded, they're faces only inches away, and immediately Athena sidled back down, half way into the sheets.

'Look at you,' he said, pulling the sheets away from her and inspecting her bandages which wrapped all the way around her waist and just under her breasts. Speaking of breast, those were completely bare. She covered herself protectively, gasping, but Ares seemed to be far more interested in her wounds than her bare body.

'You fool,' he curled his arm around her waist and gently inched her towards him, he then touched her bandages, 'you've reopened your wounds.' Athena looked down and noticed blood slowly seeping through the bandages.

'Have you become dumb now?' Ares said, after Athena just stared at him, 'Say something.'

'Where are we?' Athena asked, inspecting the large room.

'The private quarters of my palace,' he said, and immediately Athena tensed.

'Why am I here?'

'You idiot,' Ares growled turning away, and Athena looked at him offended, 'why did you charge into that situation without coming to meet me first? I warned you in that message that it was a tricky situation.'

'Well you didn't really specify what type of 'tricky situation' it was, did you?' Athena said defensively.

'Because I expected you to communicate with me before thrusting yourself into the action,' Ares held Athena's stare firmly.

'I did what I thought was right!' Athena said indignantly.

'You had no knowledge of the situation! Only I did!' Ares' neck turned crimson with fury as did Athena's ears.

'I was just trying–'

'Trying to what Athena? You put yourself and those men in an immense amount of danger all for the sake of protecting your pride.' The volume of Ares' voice was well above polite conversation now.

'What you did out there was totally selfish and unlike yourself, you–'

Ares stopped abruptly. He looked into Athena's eyes before she had a chance to avert them from his gaze. The image of her dark brown eyes had been warped by glistening tears welling up in them, made all the more visible by the fires flickering lights.

Athena swallowed a few times, trying to push back whatever was in her throat.

'I know Ares,' she said, her voice steady and audible, 'I'm sorry I put you and your men in danger. I'm sorry I put all of us in danger and compromised your mission. You are totally correct. I have been unlike myself and now,' she looked down at her bandages, 'I'm paying the price for it. Forgive me.'

Athena could not bring her eyes to meet Ares' for longer than a few moments. She was once again humiliated, admitting defeat. What was going on with her?

'Rest,' Athena heard Ares say as he started to pull the sheets up, 'you woke up too early, and you're not going anywhere now.' Athena slowly slid back into the sheets as he pulled the throw-rug over her. She turned away from him, returning to her position in the pillows.

'I'll see you in the morning. And don't you dare try to move until then.' Ares said, smoothing the rug over her. His hands were still placed on either side of her.

'Thank you, Ares,' Athena said, before Ares had a chance to disappear. There was a short pause in which Athena was sure she wouldn't get a response.

Instead, Ares bent over her, his lips just a few inches from her ear.

'You're such a fool,' he whispered, before pressing his lips gently against her cheek.

Ares disappeared for the night. Athena did not stay awake long enough to find out if he came back.