CHAPTER XVIII
[Warning: Mature]
Athena felt as though a rope had been tied around her throat and slowly tightened as she approached Aphrodite's palace.
The moments after the servant's report were a haze. In a matter of a few minutes, both Athena and Ares were out of the pools and fully dressed, mounted on their steeds and riding hard towards Aphrodite's abode with Artemis and Apollo in tow.
Wet locks of hair whipped across Athena's face and obscured her vision, but when her vision was clear she could see the figure of Ares a dozen feet ahead of her, furiously whipping the reigns of his steed. He rode, determined, and did not look back once.
Athena felt the rope tauten.
*.*.*
Ares, Athena, Artemis and Apollo arrived to a devastating scene.
The grounds of Aphrodite's palace were completely destroyed. Whatever it was that came rampaging through here had left utter carnage in its wake. The left wing of the palace was in utter shambles. The flower beds that lined its lawns were ruined, and petals littered the grounds along with the remains of shattered marble statues. The ornate, stone fountain that stood just before the palace's entrance spurted muddy water, crushed and in an irreparable state.
As Athena tugged at the reigns of her obsidian horse, slowing its pace, she saw that it was not only the grounds that had suffered, but also Aphrodite's staff and servants. The servants lying motionless on the ground were being frantically attended to by those who could muster enough energy to do so without collapsing from their own injuries.
A group of servants, spotting their cavalry, wailed in anguish and relief as the four approached and rushed to their steeds – or rather, rushed towards Ares.
Ares dismounted swiftly and pushed his way through the servants who knelt at his feet and tugged at the sleeves of his military jacket. At the same time, a mousy girl with wide, teary eyes and a headwound staggered towards Ares and they met as he caught her by the arms and steadied her.
'Sir,' she spluttered before dropping to her knees. Ares knelt with her and drew her towards him.
'Where is she? What happened here?' he said. His voice was low and steady but he inspected the servant girl's face anxiously. Her eyes struggled to focus on his face and rolled occasionally as she tried to maintain consciousness. Athena dismounted and hurried to Ares' side.
'I…she…a creature came and–'dazed, the girl's head lolled to the side as a stream of tears fell down her cheeks.
'Speak, Neri!' Ares shook her back to consciousness. Athena gripped his arm.
'Ares, don't–'
'She…was taken. It took her into the forest…' Neri said in the smallest voice with her last bit of energy before losing consciousness. Ares placed her in the hands of a nearby servant who then cradled Neri in her arms and looked up at Ares' desperately. Standing up, he drew his sword from its sheath and marched towards the forest's opening.
'Athena, stay here,' he said, sensing her behind him.
'No,' Athena said tersely as she placed her hand on the hilt of her own sword, 'the same type of thing almost killed you last time. I'm coming with you.'
'Stay here in case it comes back–'
In only a moment, all movement ceased as the party heard a rustling from the dense thick of trees at the forest's mouth.
A gentle breeze passed. Athena's heart pounded in her chest as the hairs on her neck stood on end.
She took a step forward and Ares held out his hand, his gaze fixed upon the trees. The rustling grew nearer and as Athena slowly unsheathed her sword, Ares carefully steadied his own.
Apollo, at the side of a gravely injured servant, looked up at Artemis who slowly drew the arrow in her bow, her attention and gaze unfaltering and fixed upon the forest.
Something approached and the leaves of the surrounding bushes rustled more violently as it did. Athena gripped her sword with wide eyes.
Aphrodite emerged, coughing and spluttering as she stumbled to the ground. Her dress was torn and her white skin covered in scarlet cuts and violet bruises. Leaves had gotten caught in her flaxen hair and her slender frame trembled as she made her way through the thick.
Athena gaped in disbelief. Cries of distress resounded from the grounds as the servants saw their mistress and Apollo did his best to calm them before they could flood towards her. Ares drew his sword back into its sheath and ran to Aphrodite as she crawled through the bushes and into the opening.
He dropped to his knees and caught her in his arms. Weak and out of breath, she struggled to raise her head.
'Aphrodite, look at me. It's me–' Ares lifted her head. Her black eyes were glossy and stared into the sky, but soon a light returned to them as they focused on Ares' face. Suddenly, as it all came back to her, she threw her arms around Ares neck.
'Where were you!' she sobbed uncontrollably, her voice a mix of relief, fury and profound hurt. She wailed into his shoulder repeating the words over and over, holding him as through he would slip through her fingers and disappear into the soil. Ares held her tightly, rocking her slightly as he whispered something in her ear.
It was almost as though Athena were standing at the shore of an ocean during low tide. Artemis, Apollo and all of the whimpering servants suddenly rushed towards Aphrodite and Ares the way the waves of the ocean recede into her confines when she decides it, leaving a lone visitor to watch on at the shore.
She felt outside of herself – as though she were watching herself and the scene unfold. She questioned why Athena stood there motionless, why she was not overcome with relief like everyone else. Why was she there, alone again?
'Careful now, careful. Give her some air,' Apollo said as he waved away the servants who crowded their mistress. Together with Ares, he helped Aphrodite to her feet and walked her out of the forest's opening.
'Do you remember what happened to you?' Ares asked as Aphrodite limped.
'That thing it…it attacked the palace and chased me into the forest,' she said, her voice shaking.
'It chased you? It did not take you?' Apollo asked.
'No,' she sniffed, 'I was resting in my private quarters when I was awoken by a loud bang. It attacked and…I don't know, in a panic I must have made it outside, but it chased me into the forest!'
'Where did it go? Can you stand?' Apollo reluctantly released Aphrodite's arm as Ares pulled her into him, supporting her weight with his arm around her waist.
'I can. I don't know where it went...I don't know…' Aphrodite pushed herself from Ares and turned to look at the ruins of her palace. Her face dropped and drained of its colour, and her lip trembled as she tried to speak.
'My…my palace…my servants…what…?' her legs, losing their last bit of strength, wobbled dangerously and Ares caught her before she could collapse. Apollo hesitated, seemingly wanting to say something as Ares helped Aphrodite to her feet and turned her away from the carnage before them.
'Where were you?' She muttered as she pressed her head against his chest. She shut her eyes tight before looking up at Ares, gripping on his military jacket.
'Where have you been all this time? I could have been killed! You haven't once come to see me and you–' her teary eyes widened curiously, 'your hair is wet.'
Athena's chest tightened. Her own damp hair clung to the back of her hot neck. No one was looking at her, but why did it feel like she was being stared at, regardless?
Ares eyes roamed over Aphrodite's face, momentarily. Her face was so wet with tears, her fair lashes long and shading a pair of pearly, vacuous black eyes. He said nothing at first and then kissed her cheek tenderly.
'I'm here now,' he said pulling her in close.
Aphrodite turned her head and suddenly caught a very still Athena in her gaze.
Their expressions were hard to read. One couldn't tell if they were looking at each other or through each other, what they were thinking or if they were thinking at all. Aphrodite's black discs reflected nothing and Athena was unsure of what her own expression looked like at the moment.
'You're here too,' Aphrodite said flatly. Athena felt tentative pairs of eyes fix on her.
'Are you injured?' she asked. The question was pertinent and one that no one seemingly thought to ask. However, Athena wasn't particularly interested in the answer.
'No,' Aphrodite said, turning to Ares and responding more to him than to Athena, 'at least not very much.'
'That's quite a relief then.' Athena looked away.
'Aphrodite,' Apollo stepped towards her, 'if you would let me heal your–'
'No,' she snapped as she gripped onto Ares, 'I want to be left with Ares. You'll stay with me tonight, won't you?'
Ares glanced down at Aphrodite's face, bruised and stained with tears and dust and yet still glowing and gorgeous. He looked up at the ruined palace behind her, illuminated by nothing but the moon's cold light. He stared at it and the more he did, the further away it felt.
'Of course, I will,' he said, pressing his lips against Aphrodite's forehead, his eyes on the palace, 'I'm sure there must be one spare room which you can rest in for the night.'
Ares asked Aphrodite if her body felt tender anywhere. She said no, not particularly. He asked if he could pick her up and, with delight, she let him. Snuggly in his arms, she curled into his chest and her servants trailed behind the two like the train of a dress.
Ares glanced at Athena once, regretfully. Strands of damp hair hung before her face and veiled a pair of dark eyes that watched him as he carried his lover. She turned away.
'I'll go in and investigate.' Athena placed her hand on the hilt of her sword and walked towards the opening.
'Don't,' Ares responded promptly, 'it isn't safe to go in alone.'
He didn't receive a response, and when he turned, Athena had already disappeared into the forest.
Up until this point, Artemis hadn't done much but that didn't save her from being suffocated by the cloud of tension that hung in the air. She glanced between Ares and the forest's opening before retrieving her bow from its place on her back.
'I will go with her,' Artemis forced a smile as she hopped towards the opening.
'Artemis, it is not safe for you either!' Apollo scolded, but Artemis disappeared as quickly as Athena did.
With a rustle of the bushes, both were gone.
*.*.*
The forest, for all of the chaos that had rampaged through it, was strangely quiet and peaceful.
The moon's white light rendered the leaves a silver colour and as they rustled in the breeze, that colour shifted among many hues. Night creatures chirped, hooted and crooned and their songs softened as Athena stepped into the thick.
Bruised and battered trees waned in the path that had been created by the creature's rampage and the forest floor was covered in snapped vines and tree roots. Athena's task was quite simple: follow the path and see where it led – and to what it led.
Athena unsheathed her sword carelessly and swung at a bush that blocked her way. A night bird, with an indignant hoot, flew into the air, startled. The dampness of her hair only irked her now as she pushed it away from her face, the cold moonlight against her skin.
The trees rustled behind her and Artemis appeared, tugging at a twig caught in her short locks.
'Athena, wait,' she said, tossing the twig to the ground. Athena said nothing at first and a short silence ensued between them. Artemis persisted.
'Athena–'
'Was this all a joke to you two?' Athena swung her sword at another bush, 'Was it all a part of some scheme?'
Artemis, bewildered by her words, hurried behind her.
'What are you talking about?'
'You and Apollo, was it all some scheme to lure me and Ares into the pools? Was that fun for you two?'
'Athena,' Artemis stopped for a moment, 'there was no scheme. Apollo really did invite Ares. He chose to go to the healing pools of his own volition. There was no joke or plan, I–' Artemis searched the trees for an answer, 'I mean, what are you–'
'Listen,' Athena said, her neck feeling warm, 'I know Ares and I are just a spectacle to all of you. Especially after the Psychí-Syndetikó, I'm sure you're all just waiting to see how things end up between us. How things go wrong. When was the last time someone saw a Psy-Syn like this? It must be mighty entertaining to watch unfold.'
'Athena,' Artemis' voice was gentle, 'why are you so upset?'
Athena stopped. Her sword hung in her hand beside her as she searched the forest floor for a response. Hearing Artemis' footsteps approach, she tensed.
'Its nothing,' she said bluntly, 'we should just follow this path.'
Artemis watched as Athena continued. Before she could disappear into the trees, Artemis picked up her own pace and followed.
Artemis and Athena had been good friends since time immemorial.
The two had hunted together, fought together and spent hours chatting beneath the golden rays of the Olympian sun, recounting old tales and occasionally indulging in gossip. Artemis understood Athena as someone filled with intensity, often passionate and even at times sentimental. She also understood that the weight of her position and her many responsibilities often hindered her from expressing herself. Athena was thoughtful, an excellent listener, observant, objective and one of the pillars of wisdom that upheld the structure of Olympus. However, when Artemis thought about, the trivial things that she could afford to kick and scream about, and the ardent emotions that fuelled her kicking and screaming, were not always afforded to her friend.
In moments like these, she knew better than to inundate Athena with further questions or distracting banter, but instead to follow quietly and allow her time to think.
The night air was chilly especially after being in the warm waters of the healing pools. Athena kicked a stone and it rolled into the dark confines of the forest.
Athena truly felt like a fool.
She should have known better. She really should have known better. To think that this flagrant affair with Ares could persist was juvenile of her and even more so when she knew that their lust was merely the result of the Psy-Syn.
The Psychí Syndetikó is an arcane and mysterious process, an oath, that presents many possible outcomes in terms of how it affects the souls involved. Some souls, after the oath, experience an overwhelming sense of solidarity and companionship, others, a great protectiveness over one another. And apparently in a few select cases – the desire to be together physically.
Ultimately, these effects exist to draw the corporal bodies together so that they may be protected from vulnerability. Perhaps the most controversial and risky aspect of the Psy-Syn is that if the body of one of the parties is destroyed, the part of their soul that is preserved within the other party can be cultivated and reborn in to a new corporal body after some time. However, this takes an incredible toll on the remaining party, who must bear the weight of two souls while enduring the physical pain of their partner's death, as well as the mental anguish of their absence.
This was all it was. Nothing profound, but instead the effects of two spirits being bound together, generating an insatiable heat within Ares and Athena – creating a means to protect the shells of one soul.
Twigs crunched beneath Athena's feet as she walked, Artemis' light footsteps a few feet behind her.
The evidence presented itself at the perfect time. Just as Athena felt herself falling into lustful madness, reality struck the two. Upon hearing the report, it felt as though Athena suddenly disappeared. The warmth of Ares' embrace dissipated as he vaulted out of the water, his mind flooded with thoughts of his paramour in peril. And as Athena scrambled to follow, to pull on her dress and then mount her steed, she did not feel his sense of urgency. Shamefully, despite knowing that one of her fellow Olympians was in danger, she did not assume the same sense of duty and nobility that drove her to protect her kind in the past. Instead she was driven by fear. By loss.
For Ares, whom she cared for so dearly.
It was juvenile, it was irrelevant and it was selfish – but tonight, she honestly thought, would be theirs. Tonight, her fears – of Hades' warnings, of Olympus' future, of Typhon – were to be quelled as Ares consumed her fatigued and battered form in his embrace, in some warm and dark corner of his domain. But, as she watched Ares carry Aphrodite to the ruins of the palace, it was made clear to her that his words, 'I'm here', were nought but words. Now she walked head first into what could be imminent danger, dazed and preoccupied, accompanied by the only companion who elected to follow her – the very same one she dared to treat so coldly.
Athena glanced over her shoulder. Artemis held her bow firmly in her hands as her eyes roamed around the surrounding area, alert. Athena turned away.
It was very much like Artemis to keep vigilance over Athena at her most vulnerable moments.
'You didn't need to come here, Artemis,' Athena finally spoke and her voice was not unkind, 'it isn't safe for you.'
'It isn't safe for you either,' Artemis huffed after a short while, 'do not do what Apollo does. I'm not a child.'
'I know,' Athena whacked a shrub and cleared it from their path, 'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.'
Artemis glanced at her.
'It's okay.'
The two continued further into the forest.
Hearing Artemis speak of him, Athena was reminded of Apollo. Apollo, like many Olympians, had many lovers ranging from goddesses and gods to humans and even nymphs and sprites. And yet his consort, Calliope – who Athena was sure had many of her own lovers – was the dark-haired starling that enraptured him the most, to whom he dedicated so many of his ballads and poems.
Aphrodite had many lovers. Ares had many lovers.
It was at a function, centuries ago at Zeus' palace that Athena saw the flagrance of their affections. Though every Olympian was present, including Hephaestus, the two could be seen wandering into one another in the great hall, brushing shoulders, covertly capturing little fingers and passing furtive looks of desire between one another. When they came into contact, Ares towered over Aphrodite's form and the glow of her presence illuminated his face before they departed again into the sea of guests. At the time, Athena thought it unbecoming of the both of them to make their conquests so conspicuous, but after seeing Hephaestus drunk and crooning over a doe-eyed nymph, it dawned on her that this, perhaps, was just the state of Olympus at any given moment.
Now looking at it retrospectively, she knew that this much was undoubtedly true. But then why did she struggle to recognise that fact that Ares may not be exclusively hers?
Was it so wrong of her to not want to share him?
Even then, the desire for exclusivity was merely a ridiculous dream induced by the Psy-Syn. Athena lifted her head and gazed at the moon. It watched her curiously.
Yes. A ridiculous dream.
Athena felt something brush up against her arm. Artemis appeared beside her, eyeing her carefully.
'We are getting pretty far into the forest, we should stay alert.'
'Yes,' Athena agreed and the two walked beside one another.
The path was still clear enough to follow but visibility was low. This far into the forest, where the trees were denser and the leaves plentiful, the moon's light could only spill in and lead them so far. The chaos of Aphrodite's palace was far behind them and a symphony of gentle sounds surrounded the two.
'Athena,' Artemis said. She bit her lip. She wasn't exactly sure what to say, what question to ask.
'Are you alright?' she said finally. Athena glanced at Artemis out of the corner of her eye.
'Yes, I think…my hair is still wet. It must be making me feel a little ill. But I'm fine.'
Athena knew that this was not the appropriate response to Artemis' question, but the two walked in silence nonetheless.
Athena felt stout fingers slip into her hand.
'He just needs to see to it that she is alright for tonight, its nothing, really,' Artemis looked ahead as she spoke. Athena glanced down at their hands.
Artemis' hand was smaller than hers, warmer and a lot clammier. The nails were a little overgrown and her palms were calloused and rough.
'Is it foolish of me,' Athena turned to look ahead, 'to be anxious that they might…do that?'
Artemis did not respond at first. A small creature with bright eyes scurried along their path and disappeared into the bushes.
'No,' Artemis said, 'you aren't.'
She tightened her grip on Athena's hand. Athena did the same.
They made their way through the dark.
*.*.*
Ares gazed out of the ornate window and looked upon the decimated grounds.
It was only a short while ago that he sent a message to his men to come immediately, instructing half to scope the forests and the other half to stand sentry at Aphrodite's palace. He intended, once he got Aphrodite settled into the room furthest from damage, to place a dozen sentries at her room's entrance and head straight into the forest, but Aphrodite would not dare let him leave.
Now she was being bathed and attended to in the adjacent bathroom while Ares stared at the forest's mouth.
Athena truly and definitely hated him.
And more so now than ever before, he was sure. He was surprised that the look in her eyes did not incinerate him and what was left of Aphrodite's palace in an instant.
He sighed.
This would not be an easy one to recover from.
Ares felt an overwhelming discomfort in the pit of his belly. Regardless of how much Athena might have detested him at the moment, whatever type of creature it was that attacked Aphrodite's palace, and previously himself, was still out there. Granted, it was Athena who had come to his rescue in the past, but still – this was not the battle to which he wanted to send her alone.
Well, she was not entirely alone. Artemis was a proficient hunter and combatant, but judging from Apollo's anxious glances towards the forest's entrance, perhaps she was not cavalry enough if something did happen to Athena.
The door to the private bathing room opened and a cloud of perfumed steam entered the room. Aphrodite emerged in a long, trailing, diaphanous underdress, her hair washed and combed, her skin ruddy and glowing and her radiant beauty restored. The same could not be said for the slew of servants who trailed after her who were the least injured of the bunch, but still considerably shaken, every part of them except for the hands used to bathe her covered in a thin film of dust.
'Tend to one another,' Aphrodite said, smoothing the hair of a maiden who gazed at her with large, watery eyes.
'But–' another begun, but Aphrodite hushed her.
'Leave me until I call for you again,' she turned to looked at Ares with a small, knowing smile, 'I am safe now.'
The servants quickly made their exit, some glancing at Ares with timid eyes before floating out of the room.
Ares' mind must have really been somewhere else. In one instant he was watching the servants leave one by one, and in the next, Aphrodite was in his arms – and he had barely even noticed.
Then he wrapped his arms around her and her form seemed to fit into his perfectly.
'You should rest,' he said, feeling her fingers trace along his neck and into his hair.
'Rest with me,' she said, gently brushing her lips against his ear.
It truly had been a while since Ares had seen Aphrodite. With the chaos in Olympus, his busy schedule and the general unease he had been feeling of late when visiting her, admittedly he had been making an effort to avoid their meetings.
But perhaps this was his greatest mistake, because her ethereal charms and haunting tricks which he had been immune to owing to overexposure, suddenly had a renewed effectiveness on him after so long.
He felt entirely outside of himself as Aphrodite tenderly led him to the bed that had been prepared hastily for them, entranced by the endless curves of her form, visible beneath her slip. His head spun a little as Aphrodite pushed him onto the bed, mounting him with hungry eyes.
'Wait,' he said grabbing her waist. Her underdress was loose and slipped down her shoulder as she watched him curiously.
'This is what you want to do after everything that has happened tonight?'
'I want you comfort me,' Aphrodite sulked, 'I was terrified there alone in the dark forest. Being chased by that…' Aphrodite glanced off to the side, her lip trembling.
Ares watched her carefully. With one swift move, he toppled her over and a soft sound emitted from her chest as she landed on the bed, Ares' face just above hers.
'What did it look like?' Ares said, he kissed her gently, 'do you remember?'
'I don't really know,' Aphrodite looked away melancholically, but there was still a light in her eyes, 'I couldn't see much, but it was big and… terrifying.'
'That's all you remember?'
'Why are you interrogating me?' she pouted, putting her arms around his neck, 'you are the one who said I need to rest didn't you? I don't want to think about it – it ran off and I just…' Aphrodite blinked and the fair lashes that shielded her black eyes were damp.
Ares sighed.
'I'll have to investigate this later anyway, so it's better you tell me when the image is still fre–'
Aphrodite caught Ares lips with her own. She locked him into a tight embrace and explored the warm cavity of his mouth with a listless tongue. Ares resisted ever so slightly, knowing if he were too persistent, she would be offended and throw a tantrum. But just then, just before their lips could part, it hit him.
The scent of freshly pressed silk, of olive trees and healing oils, of fresh sweat sitting dewily on bruised skin.
Of Athena.
Ares drew his arms around Aphrodite's waist and pulled her towards him, suddenly entranced. He tore his lips from hers and buried his head in the crook of her neck and shoulder, the scent stronger and ever more powerful. He nipped and kissed the skin, his heartbeat quickening. His mind escaped him and his hips throbbed painfully as he pushed his form and Aphrodite's further into the sheets. Blood rushed to his hears and he could barely hear his own breathing – in fact, he wasn't even sure if he was.
So, this was why he and Aphrodite got along so well at first.
Maybe back then, the first time they were together and the many times after that, he smelled something different. Maybe his desires were geared towards different scents and memories. But now, whether Aphrodite knew it or not, her scent was so reminiscent of Athena – and it was driving Ares insane.
Aphrodite giggled delightedly, feeling the sweat form on the back of Ares' neck.
'There, there,' she said, kissing his cheek as she felt him fumble with the buckle of his trousers feverishly, 'we have plenty of time.'
Just then, a heavy rap sounded on the door. Aphrodite started and Ares froze, suddenly awoken from his lustful, drunken stupor.
'I beg your pardon, milady! Sir, I have a report.'
Ares recognised the voice of one of his men. His breath suddenly returning to him, he glanced down at Aphrodite, at all of the marks he had left on her already, and pushed himself off of the bed.
'Ignore it,' Aphrodite demanded, tugging the sleeve of his shirt.
'Stay here,' Ares said, buckling up his trousers.
His head was still spinning a little but nonetheless he stepped out of the private quarters with composure. Closing the door behind him, he nodded at his young, stern-faced sentry who bowed stiffly.
Ares smoothed back a stray hair.
'Report.'
*.*.*
Athena and Artemis arrived at an opening in the forest. They looked at one another, and then at the scene.
The opening was not natural. Shattered pieces of tree bark littered the ground and only crude stumps were left of trees that had been there before the creature's arrival. It was not solely the foliage that had been subjected to the beast's performance – half of the carcass of a doe laid shredded and mauled against a tree stump, while its other half hung from the branches of one of the surviving trees. The glassy eyes shone in the moonlight.
Artemis released Athena's hand and immediately drew her bow from her back. She quietly retrieved an arrow and scoped the area carefully.
Athena gripped her sword and held out a hand towards Artemis.
'Don't move,' she said, 'not just yet.'
Closing her eyes, she listened.
Fifty-metre radius. Six owls.
Fifty metres beyond that. Four owls
Fifty more metres. Seven owls.
Fifty metres beyond that. Three owls.
Athena opened her eyes and lowered her hand.
'There are plenty of owls nearby. This is the area where the beast caused the most disruption, so the animals should be most hesitant to come here. However, there are still owls hunting nearby. The creature must be long gone.'
Athena sheathed her sword and walked into the opening, inspecting the area.
'I don't understand,' Artemis said, stepping over a piece of bark, bow still firmly in her hands, 'where could it have gone? It made this much of a mess coming into the opening, but there's no path leading out of it?'
Athena mused over Artemis' question. Suddenly, a memory came back to her.
'If this is the same type of creature that attacked Ares, as reported, then it would not need a path out of this opening. That night, I saw the beast disappear into thin air and then reappear. Perhaps this one has done the same.'
Artemis furrowed her brows. She crouched at the carcass of the deer and ran her hand over the skin that had been left unbroken.
'Even so…if that thing could cause this much damage unprovoked, how exactly did Aphrodite evade it? Is she really that fast on her feet?'
'Who knows?' Athena said, kicking over a piece of bark, 'Maybe she used some trick of hers to distract it.'
Artemis sighed. She straightened herself and looked up at the night sky, the stars shining above their heads and the moon looming over the forest.
'This isn't good, Athena,' she said and Athena caught her gaze with her own, 'these beast attacks all over our kingdom, gods and goddesses getting attacked in their own domains…something doesn't seem right in Olympus.'
Athena's chest tightened a little as she heard Artemis' words. She hoped that her expression didn't give away too much and looked away, into the forest.
'Whatever it is,' Athena said, 'we'll fix it together. All of us. But right now, we need to take things one step at a time and try to figure out just what it is that attacked Aphrodite's palace and why.'
Athena remembered the creature that attacked Ares vividly. It was unlike anything she had seen before. It was not obviously a hybrid, as it did not embody the features of known creatures, and it displayed enormous strength and great speed contrary to its appearance. A large belly composed most of its form, coupled with long, spindly limbs and a head bearing no face and no features. Its stench was unbearable, a mix of rot and decay and the smell of festering flesh. It could disappear and reappear at will.
At this point, Athena was not sure if it was the same type of creature. Yes, the messenger at Apollo's palace stated that Aphrodite's staff reported a beast that looked like the beast that attacked Ares, but with the exception of Ares and Athena, no one had actually seen what it looked like. News of the attack and the beast's appearance had been passed around superficially as Athena had not bothered to create an official report, seeing as she had killed the beast herself.
But perhaps she hadn't.
Was it possible that it was in fact the same beast? Athena paced around the opening.
Surely not. She had sliced through the creature and set it a light, and still found its charred carcass in the woods. However, there were many beasts in Olympus that could feign death as a means of surviving an attack. Could it be…
'Athena,' Artemis said tensely. Athena snapped out of her thoughts.
'Could you say something? Tell me what you are thinking.' Artemis stood akimbo, eyeing Athena carefully.
'I should have hung around to ask the servants and staff if they could describe the creature they had seen. We still have no confirmation about whether or not this was indeed the same type of creature that attacked Ares.'
'Well, for argument's sake,' Artemis shrugged, 'let's say it was. Is there some sort of pattern to their behaviour that we can anticipate?'
Athena thought hard. What pattern could there be? The last one seemed to have little objective beyond killing whatever was in its sights. As for any other behaviours, well, Athena was not feeling particularly observant during their confrontation, so she would not know that much.
But suddenly, something clicked.
'Artemis, the Basilisk that attacked the forest near your temple, how much of your temple did it manage to ruin?'
'Well…not much of it. It was mostly the façade that took damage from all of that thrashing and tail-swishing the Basilisk did. Why?'
'Then there might be a pattern,' Athena's said, 'Patterns are difficult to discern from only two events, but if these two creatures are from the same breed, then this might be a determining behaviour. These are the only two occurrences in which I have seen a creature enter the palace of a god.'
Artemis blinked a few times. She wasn't yet sure what Athena was getting at and Athena could tell from her expression.
'Most beasts wouldn't dare enter the domain of a god for fear of being slain. The divine energy surrounding one's palace or temple should be enough to keep uninvited creatures at bay. The Basilisk that attacked the forest near your temple was a hybrid, so naturally its temperament would be more volatile than your average beast. But even then, it did not dare enter your temple but merely thrashed about in the surrounding area. The beasts that attacked Ares and Aphrodite not only forced entry into their palace's, but went as far as attacking the gods themselves and even chasing one back into the forest. Don't you think it strange?'
Artemis hesitated a moment. She returned her bow to its place and folded her arms, thinking.
'So,' her eyes lit up, 'are you saying that they aren't…normal creatures? Or at least not the type that occurs in naturally? Do you think they were sent or created?'
Athena opened her mouth to speak, but promptly held her tongue. Artemis' words reminded her of Hades' testimony at the hearing, and if Athena were any more careless, she would have told Artemis that.
Hades stated that he had in fact sent only one creature to Olympus, the Basilisk, and no others. He claimed it was merely an experiment and not a means of purposefully disrupting Olympus – and strangely enough, Athena believed him. It was unlikely that Hades created these mystery beasts – especially after expressing just how taxing it was to spawn a pre-existing one – and even more unlikely that he would send them to attack Ares and Aphrodite, two gods with whom he seemed to have a pretty neutral rapport.
'Maybe,' Artemis said with sudden confidence, but the confidence swiftly disappeared, 'maybe…it was Hephaestus?'
Athena looked at the goddess and raised a brow.
'Hephaestus? Why would he–'
'Well I'm thinking in terms of the two gods who were attacked. If these creatures really were sent, then we should look at who they were attacking and what motive they would have to do so. Perhaps…I know it seems completely bizarre, but perhaps Hephaestus got…angry? And wanted to exact revenge on the two of them for their affair!'
'Even so,' Athena was uncertain, '…it just seems unlikely. Ares and Aphrodite have been in an affair for millennia, why would Hephaestus think to react this way now? Not to mention, Aphrodite may undermine the sanctity of their marriage everyday with her affairs, but Hephaestus would never dare to put her in harm's way.'
'I know,' Artemis sighed, defeated, 'but then I can't think of anyone else who would have the motive to harm the two of them…I mean, except for you.'
Artemis gazed at Athena with wide, glossy eyes. Athena stifled a laugh – Artemis really resembled an owl with that expression.
'I didn't send them, Artemis,' Athena rolled her eyes.
'I just had to be sure,' Artemis chuckled.
The two goddesses continued to scope the area for some time, but they could find no further clues among the scraps of bark and dead leaves.
'We should head back,' Athena said, stretching, 'This is lacky work, investigating dead trees and deer carcasses. Finding out more information about the attack from the servants should be our priority.'
Artemis agreed. The forest felt more at peace now than when they had first entered. Athena was right, whatever attacked Aphrodite must have been long gone.
'It really has gotten dark, hasn't it?' Artemis said, looking into the forest at the direction from which they came. In this little opening, where the moonlight could spill in, visibility was much higher than in the dense thick of the forest.
'It really has,' Athena said, holding out her hand, 'all of these roots will cause us quite a bit of trouble.'
Artemis smiled and placed her hand in Athena's, and the two made their way back towards Aphrodite's palace.
*.*.*
'They did not run into it, then?'
'No sir, milady found the opening where the beast thrashed about but believed it to be long gone.'
'Good,' Ares sighed with relief. Athena and Artemis had both returned safely.
'Where is she now?' Ares folded his arms over his chest.
'Lady Artemis is alongside Master Apollo and–'
'Where is Athena?' Ares interjected. The sentry cleared his throat.
'Milady left shortly after returning.'
As expected.
Ares shut his eyes and rubbed the back of his neck.
'Alright, return to your post.' he said. He turned to the door, not entirely sure of what to do.
'Um…sir?' he heard from behind him and quickly turned to find his sentry still at his heels, looking uneasy.
'What is it?' Ares raised a brow. The sentry hesitated.
'It is unbecoming of me to eavesdrop and perhaps this is not my place but…I overheard Lady Athena state to Sir Apollo in hushed tones that she suspects foul play.'
The sentry shuffled uncomfortably and could not meet his master's eyes with his own. Ares watched him for a moment and then spoke.
'You're right,' he said flatly, 'it is unbecoming of you. I said return to your post.'
The young sentry did not dawdle. Sweat beaded across his forehead as he apologised, bowed and swiftly escaped the heat of his master's eyes.
Truthfully, Ares was appreciative of the work of his eavesdropping sentry but could not let him know that his words held anyway weight. Ares did not know why Athena suspected something sinister but he trusted her hunch nonetheless – and even more so if she felt the need to air her suspicions to Apollo in "hushed tones."
Ares glanced black at the door leading to the private room. Aphrodite was in there, eagerly awaiting his return, and he knew that if he went back in, she wouldn't dare let him leave until the morning or even make him stay for the next few days.
Truthfully, after witnessing his own reaction to her, Ares was sure that somewhere, deep down, he wouldn't mind doing so.
But this really was poor timing. There was a lot that needed to be tended to: the beast, the palace but mostly whatever fragments of a relationship he still had with Athena.
Ares noticed movement out of the corner of his eye.
At the end of the hallway, three heads peeked around the corner and peered curiously at Ares. As soon as Ares set his eyes upon them, they quickly disappeared behind the wall leaving only the tinkle of their airy laughs behind. Ares made his way down the hallway, his footsteps light, and rounded the corner.
'Is this really the time to be playing games?' he said, raising a brow. The three Graces giggled uncontrollably, skipping a few feet away before Ares could get close. Thalia and Euphrosyne hid behind Algaea, each peering over her shoulders to get a good look at him.
Algaea looked up at Ares with ardent, dark eyes. A coy smile played on her lips.
'Don't you like to play games too? With our mistress?'
The three tittered with delight. Euphrosyne wrapped her delicate arms around Algaea's shoulders and lightly rested her cheek against her sister's.
'You never play with us,' she said, her light, crystalline eyes shimmering as they fixed on Ares. Thalia wrapped her arm around Algaea's, and though she said nothing, her black eyes were equally as hungry as her sisters'.
Ares mused over the three for a moment. With Algaea's cascading, auburn hair, Euphrosyne's elegant and slight frame, and Thalia's olive, speckled skin, the three exuded a radiance and feminine energy that floored almost anyone who set their eyes upon them. However, Ares had been to Aphrodite's palace thousands of times and had been exposed to their wiles on many occasions.
His expression now was stern, but this seemed only to delight them more. He couldn't help but smile.
'Your mistress is at rest in her room, shall we play?'
The Graces glanced at one another, their faces lighting up. The three pounced.
Euphrosyne caught his right arm while Thalia curled herself around his left, and Algaea took the place right between the two, wrapping her arms around his waist.
They spoke all at once, tugging and squeezing at him while cooing with the anticipation of baby birds.
In truth, Ares was very fond of the Graces and to say that the feeling was mutual would be an understatement. Their fluttering dresses, tinkling laughs and coquettish behaviour was endearing to him and admittedly it entertained him to see them flounce about whenever he was near. However, Aphrodite was not entertained by their performance and demanded that they make themselves scares whenever Ares was around.
Now, at least to Ares, their presence was more fortuitous than they could have known.
'Settle, settle,' Ares said, quite sure that anymore tugging would rip his shirt to shreds, 'after tonight's attack, you three are still in such high spirits? You're not injured?'
'We were picking berries deep in the forest behind the palace,' Thalia said in a little voice, 'by the time we got back, everything was already a mess – but there was no monster.'
'Lucky you, then,' Ares pinched Thalia's cheek gently. Euphrosyne eyed Thalia coldly before tugging on Ares' arm.
'What did come through here anyway?' she widened her eyes, their glossy surface seeming to quiver in the light. Her hand idly smoothed the lapel of his shirt.
'Whatever it was,' Ares caught her hand with his, 'it chased after your mistress. All three of you should be more alert.'
'Maybe she deserved it,' Algaea muttered flatly, but her words were audible enough for the others to hear.
'Algaea!' Thalia gasped and Euphrosyne pinched her shoulder with force.
'Ow! I don't care, I'm saying it!' she buried her head in Ares chest, 'She never shares anything with us, especially not Master Ares!'
Ares looked down at Algaea as she nuzzled further into his chest, as if she intended to make her way to his heart. He smoothed her abundance of wild hair with his hand and patted her head tenderly.
'It is against your mistress' nature to share. You must be more understanding.' He said smoothly. The Graces looked up at him and nodded innocently with a musical 'Yes, sir,' almost in unison. Ares could only imagine the looks of sheer disbelief from his men upon seeing him play this role.
'Well, I heard that when your mistress doesn't share, the three of you like to nick things from her private drawers, is that true?'
The three girls glanced at one another, guilt spreading across their faces. Ares chuckled, encircling them with his arms.
'You're not in trouble with me, it just so happens that I need the help of three little thieves just like you. Will you help me?'
An electricity in the air surrounded the three girls as their expression changed almost simultaneously. Whatever space that was left between them and Ares was quickly closed, and Ares wasn't sure whose hands were touching him where.
'If we help you, what will you do for us?' Algaea's innocence escaped her as a pair of very knowing, dark eyes fixed up him. She nudged his chin with her forehead.
'Keep your mistress distracted,' he lowered his voice, 'and I'll do anything you'll have me do.'
*.*.*
Neri arrived at her mistress' new private room with a tray of tea in hand. The tea sloshed in its pot: a cherry blossom and chamomile infusion – strong, fragrant and sweet.
She felt nauseous, a little dizzy and wobbled on occasion. Perhaps the bandage around her head was a little too tight, but she could not disappoint her mistress by staying bedridden all day in this time when her mistress needed her most.
Once Apollo healed her and attended to her wounds, Neri was up again against his wishes. However, many servants were too injured to move, let alone work, therefore as Aphrodite's handmaiden, it was Neri's duty to pick up the slack of those who could not serve her. Besides, she already missed the opportunity to bathe her mistress' warm, milky skin, possibly scarred and decorated with blossoms of violet bruises across her body.
Neri clutched the tray, breathless.
She hesitated at the door, not sure of how to announce herself. Balancing the tray on her forearm, she raised her handa.
'Neri,' she heard from behind her. Startled, she turned and met the eyes of her mistress' lover. Ares approached, one hand in the pocket of his trousers, swaggering the way Neri had always seen him do.
She bowed stiffly, still balancing the tray carefully.
'The tea that you requested, sir. A blend of chamomile and–'
'Excellent,' Ares said, 'that'll do.'
'Sir,' she said, lowering her eyes, 'thank you for coming to milady's rescue today. Myself, as well as the rest of the staff, are grateful for your swift response and her safe return.'
'There wasn't much I did,' Ares said stopping in front of her, 'my sentries will investigate the forest and watch over the palace for tonight. All of you can rest easy.'
'As long as you are here sir,' Neri's eyes caught his for a moment before she could avert her gaze again, 'then all is well.'
A short pause ensued between them. Ares watched Neri shift awkwardly, but she did not move from the door. He thought he was making his intentions clear.
'If I may,' Neri turned to the door, placing her hand on the big, silver handle, 'I will set the tea down–'
'Give it to me,' Ares said and Neri froze, 'I'll take it in.'
Neri turned, the tea tray still firmly in her hands. Ares noticed that her knuckles were white, but so was her face and most of her in fact.
'You're still unwell,' he closed the space between them, 'go rest with the others.'
Ares placed his hands on the handles of the tea tray, and as though the tray had suddenly caught alight, Neri released it and slunk out of the way of the door. She stepped away, clutching her hands.
Ares looked over her mousy form once more before turning to the door.
'Sir,' he heard, 'milady has been…eagerly awaiting your return. She is happy to be with you again.'
Ares turned the door handle.
'You've been dismissed, Neri.'
Neri watched him disappear as the door shut.
*.*.*
'What's taken you so long? I–'
'Surprise,' Ares grinned, the tea tray in his hands. Aphrodite, who had been lounging on the bed, her slip hallway down her shoulders, sat up and sighed.
'You know that's not what I want right now,' she crawled to the edge of the bed, her eyes fervent.
'It 's what I want right now,' Ares set the tray down at a small table, his back turned to her. Aphrodite could see the taut muscles of his back through the thin fabric of his shirt and she felt her heartbeat quicken. His hair had dried somewhat and was slowly returning to the dark, fiery mane-like appearance that she so enjoyed.
'That's what you want? Tea? More than me?' Aphrodite said and Ares laughed quietly. She heard him carefully pour the tea into the ornate cups. For someone who enjoyed mayhem on the battlefield the way he did, he was surprisingly delicate and deliberate with his movements when doing something so prosaic. Aphrodite was enchanted by his quirks.
'Today has been quite the day,' he said, 'I had a rather tense hearing at Zeus' palace this morning, and then this…forgive me for feeling a little tense.'
'A hearing? Were you in trouble?'
'No,' Ares snorted, he approached with the teacups in hand, 'it wasn't about me for once. I can't spare any details beyond that though.'
'Then don't bring it up.' Aphrodite retorted. She received her teacup and looked into it. The tea was a faint, pale pinkish colour and two cherry blossom petals bobbed along the surface. She glanced up at Ares, who took a sip of his own tea. Their eyes met.
'I thought wine was more to your liking?' she asked.
'I need to be alert if anything happens tonight,' Ares eyed her cup, 'besides, this is a part of our ritual isn't it? Tea, to make us warm on cool nights like this.' He looked up into her black eyes.
Yes. Many, many moons ago when Ares and Aphrodite's affair was still a blistering flame, dancing, hidden from Olympus' prying eyes, their little ritual took its form. Tea, treats and trivial conversation on the lawn before retiring to the private rooms and disappearing into a night of balmy breaths and warm sheets.
Aphrodite watched him for moment. She threw her head back and swallowed up the hot contents of the cup with one large gulp. Ares, a little startled, gaped at her as she wiped at her mouth before fixing her black eyes upon him.
'You do it too,' Aphrodite demanded.
Ares grinned before complying. In one swig, he downed the tea and before the last drop could reach his lips, Aphrodite sent his and her cup crashing to the floor with one swift toss.
With a thud, Ares fell back onto the sheets, Aphrodite straddling him. He did not resist as she tugged at the buttons of his shirt, popping one off in the process, and tugged at her own light slip until it fell to her waist. Ares' head spun again as her scent filled the air around them and his body responded accordingly. A sea of golden locks obscured his view as their lips met, clumsy and impatient, and he was quite sure that those locks would seize him by the end of the night and never let him go.
As Ares felt his hand itch to loosen the buckle of his belt, the urgency of Aphrodite's movements subsided. Like a ragdoll, she collapsed onto Ares, motionless.
The room, save for the sound of a spluttering fountain in the palace grounds, was silent.
Ares sighed, brushing a few locks of Aphrodite's hair from his face. Her breathing was slow and steady against his chest.
Finally.
As he pulled himself up, Aphrodite flopping down beside him, he remembered the covert conversation he had a short while ago.
'This is the strongest one I could find,' Algaea whispered into his ear as she placed the small vile into his hand.
'And you're sure this is sleeping draught and nothing else?' Ares said, glancing down at the vile. There was no label on it and it was filled with a clear liquid that could have been anything.
'Of course, it is,' Algaea's laugh tinkled softly, 'and it was the last one, too. All of the others were smashed to pieces.'
Ares inspected the vile, turning it over in his hands. He glanced at the several sentries nearby who kept vigil as the two spoke, and then looked at Algaea whose eyes glimmered with delight and pride. He caught a stray lock of her hair and smoothed it behind her ear.
'You're a good girl, Algaea,' he said and Algaea beamed. She cupped his hand with her hands and on her tip-toes, she pressed her lips against his ear.
'Use it wisely. It's potent, so only a drop or two should do.'
But Ares had used the entire vile. If his calculation were accurate, Aphrodite would be asleep for more than a day.
Doing up his shirt, Ares looked over Aphrodite's form. Her expression was peaceful, and her delicate chest rose and fell rhythmically as her hair framed her face. Her appearance was cherubic – a contrast to the ravenous creature that, much to Ares' dismay, had just tore a button off of his good shirt.
Carefully, Ares readjusted her slip dress and placed in the sheets, covering her and making sure to smooth her hair away from her face. He picked up the shattered pieces of teacup and tossed them out of the window along with the empty vile he had tucked into his belt. Looking over the room once more, he made sure that everything was in order and nothing seemed suspicious.
He glanced at Aphrodite. Approaching the bed, he sat down on the edge beside her, running a finger along the smooth curve of her shoulder.
'Perhaps another night,' he muttered. He lowered his head and kissed her cheek gingerly and then once more on her shoulder.
Ares thought about drawing the curtains, but thought it would be too morbid. Either way, he had done what he needed to do.
He closed the door behind him quietly as he left.