The Tiger s Legacy

by Del1ons

After the death of a son of Apollo by Artemis and her hunters, a fierce fight breaks out between the two. Until Apollo claims that Artemis does not know what it means to be a parent and what it is like to lose a child. Zeus punish Artemis with a life cycle as mortals without access to their memories and divine powers to learn humility.

2. Prologue: Enough is Enough

Prologue: Enough is enough

April 30, 1971, New York City, NY, USA

Anyone can get angry, it's easy. But to be angry with the right person, in the right measure, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way, that is hard - Aristotle

It began, like many things in life, with a little something. A little thing became a little bit more disagreement and the disagreement became quarrelling. From time to time, quarrels escalate to larger scales, then it happens that statements are made, which are often not meant in such a way but are at least as hurtful but also contain a grain of truth. The often-boiling emotions quickly lead to fisticuffs and violence. If this quarrelling lasts for several centuries or even several millennia, and if both squabbles are of divine nature, the consequences are usually far more reverential than they usually are with mortals.

This ongoing quarrel and its consequences would change the world as known to every mortal, satyr, nymph, demigod, demigoddess, god or goddess.

It began on a mild spring evening in New York City. The air is already filled with the first scents of spring that has already begun. The first flowers were already sprouting on the trees of Central Park and the birds were chirping their last songs in the evening sun slowly approaching the horizon. The inhabitants of the city were once again drawn to the fresh air in these wonderful moments, the mood was cheerful and exuberant. Couples in love and young families with their offspring roamed the park. Laughter, the screaming of playing children and the babbling of newborns from their strollers were the dominant sounds that evening.

But the glow of harmony, love and peace was misleading, high above the city the clouds piled up to form mountains. They became darker and darker, and the weather that had been so wonderful before changed at lightning speed. Gone was the beautiful spring evening. Just as the weather changed as fast as the weather changed, so did the park, nobody wanted to be exposed to a spring storm. Even if none of the mortals had any idea why and how the weather was behaving, they all had the same feeling that a divine hand must have been at work. How right they were with this feeling would only be known by a few of them much later.

For high above the city, above the Empire State Building on the 600th floor, Mount Olympus was enthroned on clouds. The home city and residence of the Greek gods and goddesses. The city that only a few mortals had ever seen. The entrance to this celestial city was hidden inside the Empire State Building in the form of the elevator, with which one can reach the upper floors. However, not everyone could simply ride to Mount Olympus. The elevator was guarded by Aloysius the Guardian of Mount Olympus, who fulfilled his duty as guardian of the gate since the gods began their conquest of power over the Titans. Even the daughters and sons of the gods could not simply come and go here as they pleased. Only those who had an audience with a god or goddess or were ordered to Olympus could enter. The only exception was for those half-bloods who had gained the favor of a god or goddess. Then they were given a key card that enabled them to reach the 600th floor. As soon as the elevator doors opened, the chosen person would see a look that would burn itself in forever. An elegant but narrow stone bridge swung across to a city built on clouds. A city of such incredible beauty that no one could describe it as anything other than divine or heavenly.

Every detail, however small, was perfect, because wherever the eye turned, perfection and masterly craftsmanship jumped straight into the eye, whether it was simple things like streets, walls, hedges, lanterns along the way, or larger things like parks, palaces the agora, the amphitheater. These buildings were topped by a gigantic structure enthroned on a mountain of clouds, the throne room/council chamber of the Olympians. However, what they all had in common was that the stone used was exclusively snow-white marble, and the gutters and sides were made of gold. Each palace of the various deities was marked with sculptural representations of the attributes or dominions typical of the god or goddess.

A passer-by on his way to the Agora would then recognize some of these magnificent buildings and their sculptures as he walked past.

On the wall of a palace a stone tablet showed the scene of a bloodthirsty battle. A group of men in Spartan armor braced themselves against a sea of wild looking men dressed in green scale armor. The men of Sparta showed resignation and acceptance of the coming death, yet they fought with relentless zeal against the never-ending flood of savages. A large boar could be recognized by the gable of this palace.

Another picture can be seen on the stone tablet of the palace next to it. For there is a peaceful picture of a field in summertime can be seen. People equipped with sickles and such agricultural equipment are at work. Their faces shine with joy at the sight of the grain to be harvested. The gable is decorated by the statue of a pig and a dolphin.

The stone tablet of another palace shows a scene from a hunt in the forest for a wild boar by moonlight. Young girls led by a young woman could be recognized by the passer-by. The young woman radiates power and authority and inflexibility towards the male world, while the young girls follow her with reverence and devotion. A silver glow seems to emanate from all the women, which seems to radiate especially from the eyes of the leader. All of them were armed with bow and arrow, from which a silver glow also emanated. The gable of this palace is decorated with a silver doe.

A much less violent image is conveyed by the stone tablet of the palace opposite, where a scene of a family sitting around a hearth fire can be seen. Common to all family members is that they feel comfortable, safe and secure around their home hearth. Both the children present and the adults represented there all have a plate with the treasures of the local kitchen in front of them.

If the passer-by were to stroll further along that road to the Agora, he or she would notice another palace in addition to the numerous parks and small courtyards. At first sight, it seems as if this palace shines with the power of the sun. The stone tablet shows the scene of a young healer nursing an old man to health. However, a lyre can also be recognized, which seems to play next to the old man's bed. Bow and arrow are lying next to the young man, ready to defend himself. The gable is decorated with a statuette of a raven.

Many other palaces and their scenes and miracles could be marveled at when he wandered through the streets of Olympus, and yet they all led to the same goal. The Agora, the market and meeting place of the cities of the ancient world. It was here that news was exchanged, goods traded, or business was done. Each of the immortal merchants who offered their goods here had in common that they all offered only the best of the best in order not to fall into the wrath of the gods. For a hero everything was to be found there, from masterfully crafted weapons and armor worthy of Hephaistos craftsmanship, such as bows, arrows, swords, daggers, armor, helmets, shields and so on. But also, everyday objects such as amphorae as well as vessels of all shapes and sizes could be purchased. The delicacies, food and spices offered here could simply be described as delicious or divine.

The agora was already considered a busy and noisy place, just like in the ancient days of antiquity. But on this day at the end of April, the noise level was muffled. The local gods and goddesses of lesser rank whispered and whispered; no laughter could be heard that evening. The merchants were not as usual loudly praising their goods, their thoughts were only occupied with one thing .as fast as possible to leave the Agora and move out of the danger zone of the angry gods. The satyrs and nature spirits looked up anxiously to the towering throne room of the Olympians. Around this hall more and more dark thunderclouds piled up, a sign that Zeus the Lord of the sky and King of the Gods was angry. The few half-bloods who had the special honor to be on Olympus, a group of about 20 young girls and young women were always worried looks at each other and fear for the safety and well-being of their patron and adoptive mother. Word fragments of malice and hatred towards males like

"Punishment..."

"He had it coming..."

" Boys... always think of only one thing",

"Unbelievable that he has the nerve to ask my lady of all people..."

were to be heard. But there were also shreds that conveyed worries:

"I hope nothing happens to my lady..."

"NO, she hasn't gone too far... NO, nothing will happen to her, you'll see, you'll see sisters".

For within the throne room the penal tribunal was held against the goddess Artemis. The reason: she killed a male demigod who had been watching her and her hunters taking a bath and, as if that was not enough, made obscene and immoral offers, as if the whole world and especially women were laying at his feet.

This disgusting male scum was dealt with quickly because the hunters not only felt threatened to break their sacred oath, but also saw the honor and purity of their patron saint in danger. He was tied up and consciously castrated and tortured in the cruelest way possible and finally turned into a jackalope. This animal was then mercilessly hunted to death by the hunters and their hunting wolves. The matter was a completely normal situation and every male demigod was told to stay away from the hunters of Artemis or if there was no other way to behave extremely respectful BUT to avoid at all costs to watch them while bathing or other activities. However, this demigod was a child of Apollo and therefore a nephew of Artemis and even partly a half-brother for some of the immortal ones of this sisterhood. But none showed remorse in any form and so this punitive tribunal was born.

The one who boldly climbed the Cloud Mountain and approached the throne room could see the large golden closed gates. Although these were closed and not a word could be heard from outside, it could be felt that the situation was more than tense and the inmates of the room were more than just irritated. Anyone who was able to name the incident and its consequences in the circle of those who knew about it could guess what was discussed behind this gate:

Who was to blame for this situation, whether there should be a punishment and if so for whom, how it should be?

Inside the throne room, in a semicircle, 12 large, majestic thrones for giant figures were made, set around a large hearth fire. Each individual throne like the palaces reflected the respective deity and its elements. On the thrones sat Zeus in the middle of the semicircle, on his right side his wife and sister Hera, the goddess of marriage and marriage, next to her their common son Ares, the god of war and war terror, next to him sat his half-sister Athena, goddess of wisdom, art of war. At Athena's right sat her half-brother Hephaistos, the god of forging and fire. The last throne on the right side is occupied by Zeus' daughter Artemis, goddess of hunting, virginity, child births, archery and the moon. On Zeus' left side, Zeus' sister sat the goddess Demeter, goddess of agriculture, next to her sat her brother Poseidon, god of the sea, followed by Zeus' adopted daughter Aphrodite, goddess of love. Next to Aphrodite sat Zeus' son Hermes, the god of messengers, travelers and thieves. At his left side sat the god Apollo, Artemis' younger twin brother, god of prophecy, healing, music and poetry, and the god of archery and the sun. At the end of the left side sat Zeus' son Dionysius, god of wine, festivities and madness.

In the middle of the hall the huge hearth fire is kept in compartment by the goddess Hestia, goddess of the family and state hearth. Even if nobody noticed her, there was great sorrow and sadness on her face. For a long time, she was tired of how much her family quarreled and bickered and violence between them was common. This incident, however, was much worse for her, as she felt the great grief of her nephew Apollo over the loss of his son on the one hand and also through her divine domain of the family, as she felt her great-nephew being separated from his family and his half-brothers and sisters. She was so infinitely tired of all the quarrels and the resulting conflicts in her family.

"Father, I do not want this incident to go unpunished," cried Apollo, deeply shaken by grief and anger at his sister.

"Apollo, I agree with you, but..." Zeus began to be interrupted only by Artemis

"Nothing I agree with you Apollo, how can my hunters and I feel safe if dirty boys are allowed to string us up while bathing and then flirt with us not to mention perverse offers to make us" Artemis shouted foaming with rage

"Then is our right as maidens and against such scum to defend" she said afterwards

"This scum as you call him sister was my SON," Apollo yelled back

"Your nephew on top of that" Hermes now also joined in to support his friend and prank partner

"This does not change the situation, Hermes, and you know that, too, or would you prefer that this boy had assaulted your daughters as he had intended" Artemis replied to him

"No, of course not, but..." but he didn't get any further, because he was interrupted by a triumphant Artemis

"So, you agree with me, Hermes?!"

"No, what I wanted to say..." again this was interrupted

"No, what Hermes?! So it's all right with you if Dalia, your daughter, who has been part of the hunters for over 500 years, should give up her holy oath to me for a man's lust? -not to mention me your sister, her patron saint?!" shouted Artemis

"Artemis, no one says that you are wrong or that you should break your sacred oath" Athena began diplomatically

"But would do her good" the goddess of love now also interfered in the dispute

"It was typical of you to say something like that, the one who has no self-respect and throws herself at any man" poisoned the goddess of the hunt

"And many thanks Athena, we maidens must stick together" she now addressed her half-sister

"No, you misunderstand me, sister, and if you would let me finish, you would know that I mean that your anger is justified and no one has anything against it" - she gave Apollo a warning look - "but your method and reaction how you handled the situation is up for debate" the Goddess of Wisdom said

Hestia, unnoticed by everyone, smiled and seemed relieved; her niece had always been one of the few sensible ones in the family.

"I don't like to agree with the owl head, but in this situation it's true", Poseidon confirmed.

"OH, WOW, Uncle P. And Athena are agreed the world is coming to an end?!" asked a joking Dionysus, now awakened from his half-sleep

Uncle and niece looked at the wine god with penetrating glances, even though most of the people present could not suppress a smile.

"You do not understand, the hunters are like my own daughters and I love them. I do everything to protect them from evil - the arrogant and egocentric men" contradicted Artemis

"And there lies a problem, little sister, for" but Apollo, now calm again, did not get any further, for he already screamed out in the next moment, when a silver arrow drilled into his throne just below his manhood.

"Don't call me little sister, I'm older" sparkled Artemis, the next silver arrow already on the string

"You have no children, each of your hunters has a different pair of parents - YOU are merely, if at all, ONLY their ADOPTIVE MOTHER, YOU will never understand what it means to lose a child or to worry about its safety, the. No matter how close you and the hunters get to the mother-daughter ideal, it will never be one hundred percent like mine," Apollo said, even though he knew it was below the belt.

Artemis' eye twitched briefly, but she did not say anything. Her face didn't show any other emotion, but inside, it was chaos. She knew deep inside that her brother was right, but she could not and would not accept it.

The rest inhaled sharply, nobody could say how Artemis would react to this, this argument came up again and again during the many centuries of the reign of the gods and mostly ended with violent outbursts of rage Artemis, in which both parties often avoided each other for weeks to lick their wounds of the most often arising fight.

"NA finally gets down to business" Ares roared with malicious joy at a fight

Hestia then looked sadly to the ground, the eternal conflicts within her family were always hard to bear for the peace-loving goddess. Hermes, who usually was always on the side of his half-brother, friend and prank partner Apollo, suddenly looked as if he would get out of the danger zone as fast as possible and devote himself to other things. He squinted at his otherwise permanently ringing cell phone, which, however, remained silent at that moment and so he was stuck. Even the otherwise uninterested Dionysius looked up from his wine magazine and devoted all his attention to the course of the conversation.

Zeus in a moment of providence realized that things would take a quick and unattractive course, and spoke hastily:

"Apollo, this has gone too far, apologize immediately. I will not tolerate such behavior here; it is unworthy of a member of the Olympic Council and..."

But whatever else he wanted to say was lost on his wife's comment:

"Why husband, let the boy speak his mind, it is his right, even if I will definitely not mourn his demigod son"

In response, she received angry looks from the twin archers, since both knew that Hera hated them with everything. As the living and above all enduring proof of her father's infidelity, Hera was well-disposed toward both throughout their time of immortality. Apollo's gaze was further enhanced by the hateful commentary on his dead son.

Hestia looked sadly at her sister from the hearth. She could not understand the anger of Hera at and especially at the illegitimate children of Zeus and the other gods, for she was the most innocent of all. If at all it was the parents, in this case Zeus, who deserved the wrath. To dismiss the death of a family member so easily, just because it was an illegitimate grandchild, hurt the goddess very much.

With the comment that a dead demigod was not important, the queen of Olympus not only incurred the wrath of the twin archers, but also of all other gods and goddesses who had demigods and now felt attacked in their honor as parents. For minutes, no one could understand each other's words, since all the gods protested loudly at the same time and also exchanged threats against each other if their children fell victim to the wrath of a rival or because of other disputes and were hurt or even killed.

Zeus with his patience shouted "Enough, no more" and the noise level slowly decreased

"Artemis, your behavior is anything but worthy of an Olympian, and Apollo your childish behavior I can no longer bear," he continued, after he had the full attention of the hall

"About your comments against your sister were although it is understandable also not in order, about your punishment we will talk soon..."

"Artemis, your views and how you lead your divine domain are your own business, but what I can't answer for is the murder of my grandson and your nephew...that's why I have decided that either you will spend a lifetime among mortals without your memories and powers to learn humility and remorse for this incident or your hunters will be disbanded for a century" the king of the gods roared

Artemis sat wide-eyed on her throne and stared at her father in fear. The thought of losing her hunters, her daughters was too great. She opened her mouth to answer but made no sound.

"Dad, don't you think it's a little harsh? I mean you are punishing us too, since our children are also in the hunt?" asked Apollo to all astonishment. He knew that if he did nothing now, his sister would hate him forever and he would cause her greater pain. Yes, he had wanted to see his sister punished, but this went too far. He had rather thought of humiliation than something so drastic.

"NO, enough is enough! I am also tired of the eternal quarrels between you two. Make up your mind Artemis!"

"Father, please..."

"Father, may I... can I... can I explain the situation to my hunters be...bevor it happens, and I decide?" Artemis now asked stuttering and with tears in his eyes.

"So, you have decided? Well, does everyone agree with the proposal that Artemis may explain herself to her hunters?"

Toes of eleven hands rose to the vote. The only one who had not raised her hand was Hera, who didn't care what happened to the followers of her illegitimate stepdaughter.

Artemis looked desperately over to Apollo

"Brother", she began now completely dissolved, "I know we have our differences and I have incurred your anger, but I beg you, I beg you to protect my hunters and their values. If not for me, then for the sake of your own daughters"

Apollo looked into the eyes of his twin sister for a long time. Although he was still angry with her, he loved her with all her faults and deep inside he could not summon the strength to refuse her this wish and last request as a goddess before her banishment. Finally, he sighed and nodded and spoke unusually seriously:"

"Sister, yes you have drawn my wrath upon you and make no mistake I am still angry and disappointed with your behavior. But that doesn't mean that I don't want to take the most important thing away from you. I swear by the Styx that I will watch over them and make sure that no harm comes to them".

With the typical roll of thunder, the oath was sealed and left all present speechless. Apollo stood up to his full height of 15 feet and walked towards his now openly crying twin sister. He took her in his arms to the astonishment of all and whispered in her ear:

"Big sister, even though I am still incredibly angry with you, you can count on me. You rescued my daughters from the worst situations in which I could not help by the old laws, for this alone I am always at your side. BUT if something like this should ever happen again, talk to me first so that we can find a solution together".

But the moment of the twins was interrupted by Hera, who announced loudly with blatant scorn and just too bittersweet a voice:

"Apollo, have you forgotten what your sister has done, that here is her punishment, although I still believe that they should all suffer the same fate as your son - an eye for an eye".

Whereupon all the gods who had daughters in the hunt pierced the queen of Olympus with evil looks. Before Zeus cleared his throat noisily:

"Artemis, we give you one hour to explain yourself to your hunters and to say goodbye to them, after which your punishment will be imposed and carried out".

Still with tears in her eyes, Artemis nodded to her father and the other Olympians and disappeared with a silver flash of light.

During the council meeting about the punishment of Artemis and her followers, they left the now empty agora and went to the temple of her patron saint. They prayed to destiny that nothing bad would happen to their patron saint and, if punishment were to take place, that it would not be too great. And yet, they all could not get rid of the feeling that at any moment something great and fate changing would happen. In the temple the mood was depressed and there was no trace of the previous confidence because it took too long for a simple admonition of the other gods to their mistress.

One huntress, the deputy Artemis Lieutenant Zoë Nightshade was especially worried about her mistress. In the 3000 years of her membership in the hunt she and Artemis had become closer and closer and a secret love affair had developed between the two of whom nobody had ever known anything before, she believed at least. Because every time she was in the company of Artemis and near Aphrodite, she would cast knowing glances at them. Zoë had already mentioned this several times, but they were both opinion that their now secret marriage should not yet be revealed to the public.

Zoë seemed to be worried because Pheobe, the third in the hunters' command structure and the best tracker, approached her but seemed no less worried. They had both served Artemis for almost the same length of time and knew only too well the whims and punishments of the gods.

"Tell Zoë, do you believe that something bad has happened? The clouds around the throne room have been piling up more and more a few minutes ago and darkened and thundered that I could feel him in the agora."

"Pheobe, I can't tell you for the life of me, yet evil suspects me, sister. I cannot help feeling that it is more than just a warning from the other masters and mistresses. We must be lucky that the punishment is not too severe. If you speak the truth and your observation can be believed...who can know?"

Then Phoebe looked at her best friend, sister and comrade in arms in astonishment and with growing fear. Zoë was known to keep a cool head in any situation, the hunt owed her mercilessness, which kept the monsters at a distance and in fear, seeing them now so worried and thoughtful made the veteran huntress a little scared.

"Zoë, do you really think so? I mean clearly, we might have been a bit overzealous and should have called Lord Apollo in beforehand, but the punishment is the same as in the last centuries and all the boys know that" She literally spat the last word with contempt

"I really don't know, but come on, let's talk about something else or accomplish something else so that it drives away my gloomy thoughts" the lieutenant now tried to cheer her up.

And with these words she stepped up to the rest of the hunters to talk to them well, or to help the newer recruits with their archery technique. But Pheobe and Atalanta, the elders of the hunters, immediately saw through her, but said nothing because they felt the same way. Both had been at the side of their patron and their mother figure for centuries, but they had never experienced such a situation and the tension and irritation in the air. Therefore, they were more than grateful when they were shared with the recruits to pass on their experience to their sisters.

Atalanta, as the daughter of Apollo, was not quite with it, because she could not get the death of her half-brother out of her mind. He had, after trying to woo the goddess, turned to her first and made her obscene offers, saying in the same sentence, "it stays in the family of sweetheart", she shuddered, this thought was too much for her again, even though a small part of her was mourning her dead baby brother, the majority was of the opinion that she had done the world a favor and not let another raping pig run around.

She still remembered the situation from which her mistress and quasi mother had saved her. She had been 14 years old at the time when plundering and murdering bandits attacked her village near Pylos. The men killed every male villager who stood in their way, the women and young girls were herded together in a barn. Her brother, not even 10 years old, was cut off his head just because he wanted to protect her from the greedy hands. Her foster-father, one of the nicest people she had ever known, had his belly slit open and then set on fire. The horrible screams of her mother next to her in the barn as the men forced themselves on her. At that time, she had prayed to her father to let him see a miracle, to drive away the men who had caused her so much suffering and misery. And when her mother's tormentors now turned to her and her greedy, sweaty and dirty hands came ever closer, it happened. A horn sounded, bright and powerful. An arrow, silver, radiating power and authority, pierced her tormentor in the throat. More arrows rained down on the bandits and killed them. It was striking, however, that many of the arrows first pierced the manhood of the looters. Their cries of pain filled the destroyed village. Their gaze was now directed at their rescuers, young girls and women aged 12 to 18 years dressed in silver togas, their bows ready to fire at the target. The leader was a young girl perhaps 12 or 13 years old with silver eyes. She looked her straight in the eyes and asked in a voice that was completely inappropriate to the situation, even soft and caring:

"Are you the one they call Atalanta of Kinigos? Are you hurt? Has this monster done something to you?"

Only now did she realize that her foster father and brother were dead, and she could no longer hear her mother. The dam broke and she cried unable to answer, and her vision was clouded by a veil of tears. She flinched sharply when she felt a gentle but firm hand on her shoulder. The voice of the young girl with the silver eyes spoke again:

"It will be all right, calm down. They can no longer hurt you. My name is Artemis, and these are my hunters. We were sent here to hunt down a group of bandits who have been terrorizing the area around Messenia for some time, raping innocent women and virgins. Who are you? Can you help me find the one called Atalanta of Kinigos? It is extremely important that I speak with her."

Slowly she looked at the stranger, Artemis, she had introduced herself, in her face and with heavy sobs she choked out:

"I am the mistress you seek. Where is my mother? Is she well? Who are you? Who has sent you?"

The questions pelted down on the stranger, while she tried to regain her composure in tears. When the strangers' questions were answered, their eyes became softer, but also sadder.

"My name is Artemis, I am the goddess of hunting, virginity, the moon and archery - these are my hunters. We have come because your father, my brother, has answered your request for help. Before you ask why he is not here himself, it is forbidden for us gods to interfere in mortal affairs and that is why he could not be here himself. I am an exception, and I can interfere in mortal affairs to a small degree. I am here to make you an offer, but you must first answer one question, "Are you...".

"What about my MOTHER?!" Atalanta now cried out in panic and interrupted the goddess. The goddess looked at her with pity and her heart broke, she was alone. Her whole life in ruins, her little brother, so dear to her, dead. Her foster-father, who had taught her everything he had learned from his time in the military, dead, her beloved and always understanding mother now also dead. Her whole life had been taken away from her by these beasts, these monsters, and now she was alone. She began to cry again, this time more violently, more uncontrollably than before. The thought that she might have offended a goddess by interrupting her was not important to her. There was no other way. And yet the Goddess said nothing, just looked at her with deep understanding and the same sadness and gently held her shoulder while she gave in to her grief.

"Mistress, I'm sorry to have interrupted you, please forgive me, but... but... but the pain is just too great. I hope I have not offended you. You spoke?"

"No, you haven't offended me, niece, I'm here to make you an offer. But my question before I can make you that offer is? Are you a virgin?"

"Yes, mistress, I am. This beast has not managed to take that from me, the only thing I have left," Atalanta whispered with bowed head.

"This is good and will certainly please my brother, your father. So, you are not completely alone. My offer is, would you, Atalanta of Kinigos, like to become part of the hunters of Artemis? YOU will be immortal at my side and at the side of your sisters who hunt the innocent people, who have caused suffering and pain to the innocent, and who will travel the whole world, known and unknown to you, to destroy the monsters that plague this land. Do you, Atalanta of Kinigos, want to become part of this sisterhood? But be warned, the entry comes with a price, eternal virginity and the eternal renunciation of the company of men"

She looked at her aunt, a real goddess, how this was possible was still not quite understood to her, but she pushed this thought and the thought of her father, a god before first aside, resolutely and said now with a strong voice:

"Yes, I want to join this sisterhood and yes I want to take the oath"

"Well, then repeat after me" began an unknown female voice, she turned her head and discovered a young woman of perhaps 18 years with a silver tiara on her head

"I dedicate myself to the goddess Artemis."

"I dedicate myself to the goddess Artemis."

"I renounce the company of men, take eternal virginity and join the hunt."

"I renounce the company of men, take eternal virginity upon myself and join the hunt. If the mistress accepts the oath, you are part of our sisterhood. My name is Zoë, and I am the Mistress' deputy.

"I accept your oath, niece. Keep it." The Goddess spoke now with a steely, but not unfriendly tone and smiled at it:

"Welcome to the sisterhood. You must have questions about how all this can be and with your father? YOU are what is called a demigoddess, half man through your mother and half god through your father, my brother Apollo. But more I will explain to you and your new sisters later, we have to give your family and the others in this village a worthy burial, so that their souls can find their way safely to my uncle in the underworld".

"thank you, mistress that means a lot to me, my... My brother and father t... they just wanted to protect me...they don't deserve this..."

She started to cry again, let her tears run free, the pain was just too big. Even though she knew now that she still had a father, her foster father meant incredibly much to her. He had treated her as if she were his own daughter and always cared for her and her beloved mother's well-being.

Suddenly he felt her being taken in his arms and held her now new sister as if she was a life-saving rope. Too much horror for one day. She still remembered the funeral of her family and all she had ever known, the last words to her beloved little brother, her promise to him to always fight for good so that his courage would not be in vain and she would find the strength to prevent fates like hers. The last words to her mother, that she should not worry, that she had sisters now and that they would protect her. The thanks to her foster father for all the love and warmth he had shown her. Thanks for teaching her how to bow and arrow shoot and how to fight with a dagger. Leaving her destroyed village, the encouraging words of her sisters.

Slowly Atalanta returned from her memories and looked at her sisters of the old days. She knew that Cassandra and Pheobe had suffered similar fates. Pheobe's family fell victim to the marauding Persian troops after the glorious Pat Sparta at Thermopylae. Her foster father was killed in battle, and her mother and brother left Sparta to join relatives in Attica. There, at her uncle's vineyard, she lost everything but was saved by Atalanta and the hunt. Phoebe's father Ares had sent her to the rescue, because he saw Phoebe's foster father as a worthy warrior, who went into battle for the safety of the family and all of Greece.

Kassandra was rescued from a small village near Delphi, she was a daughter of Demeter and an olive farmer. On that fateful day, murderers, bandits, and rapists came to the family estate. The estate was located a little outside the village and help was not immediately available, but her father and brother, who came from the marriage of their late foster mother, fought and were severely wounded by the bandits who infected her farm. In his last moments, her big brother asked her great example to protect his sister, a wish she could not refuse him.

But she didn't want to hang on to the past anymore, she had already experienced too many sad and tragic moments, so Atalanta now turned to her protégé and newest sister Daphne and her attitude in archery. Daphne, had joined them only recently, considering the agelessness of the hunters. She had only served in hunting for five years and her archery technique could still be improved.

Just as Atalanta was about to proclaim her, her patron saint returned to them under a silver flash of light. Her mistress could see that she had cried and the bad feeling she had tried to suppress suddenly returned in full force. Her sisters lowered the bows and other weapons they were training with. Fear was also visible on their faces. How bad was it? What was the punishment, and if so, did it also affect the sisters of Artemis? All these questions went through their minds in a split second. Her mistress took another deep breath, gathered herself for the upcoming conversation and spoke in a fragile voice:

"Girls, come here quickly, all of you. We do not have much time. I will tell you how the council meeting ended, but please do not interrupt me."

Thereupon it became even quieter than before and the Sisterhood quickly approached its patroness.

"I have several things to say: we have trampled on what we stand for..."

To which many opened their mouths to speak out, but Artemis continued emphatically and with obvious haste and tension.

"Hunting stands not only for the covenant of sisterhood and the keeping of our oath, which we consider sacred and protect, but also for the protection of our family, including the male members of our family. Therefore, at the council meeting it was decided that I have the choice: Either the hunt will be stopped for a century or I will be banished from Olympus for a mortal life without my powers and memories. This should teach me a lesson in humility and…."

Here now nevertheless a frightened calling of all was to be heard. All the sisters were now panicking that their home and family, some of which had been forming for centuries, would now be dissolved and that they would have to give up their mother figure, even though they had never openly addressed this.

Zoë looked at her mistress and tried to keep her composure, but she failed. Panic, which bored itself like a spear into her heart, seized her and she tense up noticeably. Artemis' gaze rested on her for a few seconds, but she felt the same, afraid, afraid of the unknown, of being thrown into a world without any memories of the person who had been her anchor and support for almost 200 years. She now continued with a clearly audible tremor in her voice:

"You are all to me as my daughters and there is nothing in the world that I would not do to protect you. I love you too much for that".

In the last sentence, her gaze now turned back to Zoë and she looked deep and longer than usual into her eyes. She hoped that her wife could understand the message without words and understand her decision. The other members of the hunt had tears in their eyes and now they stepped towards their "mother" to take her in their arms and find support in this fateful situation.

"I will not allow the hunt, my family, which has existed for over 4000 years, to be suspended even for a moment! That is why I have decided for the second punishment. It will be carried out after we have met here, and I have explained the situation to you."

The reaction to this announcement was now accompanied by even more tears and pressure from the sisterhood. Zoë just stood there and let her tears run free, it hurt too much. The thought of letting her love go for an age was simply unbearable. But in that moment, she felt it, she felt like a presence that was not hers was invading her mind.

"Do not despairhuntress, I will guard your secret and that of your mistress. I will see to it that you do not lose her, I swear it."

"Lady Aphrodite, why are you helping us? Why haven't you revealed us yet?"

"I have not revealed you because I have been waiting for centuries for it to happen, for you two to express your feelings for each other, then I can wait a little longer until it becomes public.

"But say, mistress, what is the catch, no god does anything on a whim?

"I am doing this in return for, on the one hand, you saving my nine year old daughter named Layla from her abusive relatives and, on the other hand, you both, you my sister-in-law and my sister, openly confessing your love to the Olympic Council. Don't worry about your sisters or should I tell daughters, they will not be affected by the announcement as you both did not violate your oath. For I am also the patroness for lesbian and bisexual couples and will support you despite the frequent quarrels".

During this spiritual conversation she must have looked apprehensive, shocked and worried, because Artemis was now speaking her name again and seemed extremely worried.

"...nant, Zoë, are you well? You looked like..."

"No, mistress, I'm fine. I was just deep in thought after you brought us this terrible news." Zoë replied quickly and looked her patroness in the eyes for a long time. Artemis nodded slowly, signaling that the two of them were about to talk alone.

"Hunters, despite my quarrel with my brother, he has agreed under a stygian oath to watch over you and protect you if possible. I therefore ask you to humbly show that you understand the situation and apologize for all our actions. We may have defended ourselves from the assaults of this boy, but he was still a family member and should have been presented to his divine parent first. We acted overzealously and we must understand and accept that. Therefore, I want all of you to show the best behavior in my... absence.

The next part she spoke with a previously absent authority

"I trust that you will all listen to Zoë's command as if I were distributing your tasks to you. She will lead you in this time and guide you in my spirit. Before I return to the Council to receive my punishment, I would like to speak with Zoë so that she can guide you all through this challenging time safe and sound."

The hunters then departed from their patron saint and went into an adjoining room of the temple to give the goddess and deputy the necessary privacy.

For a long time neither of them said anything. They just started to start each other until finally Artemis stepped towards her wife and took her in a tender embrace. The dam broke and both sobbed bloodcurdlingly in each other's arms.

"I am afraid, Artemis. I'm afraid of losing you, I don't want to lose the woman as you are, I don't want to lose you. I'm worried that this time will change you and that you no longer want me as the woman at your side," Zoë choked out, tears rolling like a waterfall from her black, volcanic eyes.

"Zoë, my love, this will not happen! No matter what happens, you'll always be the woman by my side, I swear by Styx...".

And so, the promise was sealed under a roll of thunder. And Zoë visibly collapsed with relief. Her worries about losing the only person who had ever opened again were like blowing away.

"I am afraid to lose one of you, to lose one of our daughters ... but I know that you will not let that happen, darling. In all your years at my side you have never disappointed me" and with these words she kissed her wife with affection to show her how much she meant to her and to show her appreciation. Zoë returned the kiss, knowing that they would not be possible for an exceedingly long time.

Zoë looked at her wife and lover with warmth and affection and put her forehead against Artemis' forehead until the conversation with the goddess came back into her head. She broke off the physical contact abruptly and whispered:

"Darling, please do not panic and please keep calm about everything that is important to you. Aphrodite found out our secret, but..."

But further the former Hesperidia did not come. Artemis' eyes widened in fear and a short and panicky sound escaped her. Zoë silenced her by kissing her on the mouth as quick as lightning to silence all noise. The noises from the next room suddenly stopped. Zoë looked at Artemis sternly and gave her a penetrating look. The noise level from the other hunters decreased after a few moments.

Whereupon Zoë continued whispering:

"But she swore by the Styx to keep our relationship a secret. In exchange, the mistress wishes that her daughter be saved by her relatives through the hunt and that we should be open to each other. Her support in the council is assured in this matter."

The eyes of the moon goddess became, if it was possible, even bigger now. She opened and closed her mouth again and again but could not make a sound. She could not help thinking that the Goddess of Love, whom she had so often denounced and pushed to her head, would support the couple.

A roll of thunder could now be heard, the hour of farewell with the hunt was over and Artemis now had to face her punishment.

" My love, no matter what happens to us, no one will divide us. I love you Pheobe Artemis and our covenant will survive this hard test. We will face the council together and all will be well." whispered Zoë full of love but also urgently

"And I love you Zoë nightshade. You are right, this will be a difficult time for both of us, but we will overcome this obstacle as well".

And with these words, the two kissed each other in tears one last time with full passion, as if to show how much they would miss the other.

"Come, I want to say goodbye to our daughters one last time before it happens."

Zoë's eyes became wet, as they did every time Artemis spoke of the hunters as their common daughters. For her it was the ultimate proof of Artemis' love for her.

The two now returned to the next room. The girls all looked crying and both could clearly see the tear marks on their faces and the reddened eyes.

"Come here daughters, I want to take you all in my arms one last time" said Artemis in a husky voice, her eyes were also clearly reddened.

One by one the girls approached and embraced her; countless tears flowed. Artemis stroked each of them once more lovingly through their hair and kissed each of them on the forehead. Until only the oldest of them remained. Again, Artemis embraced Pheobe, Atalanta and Cassandra, stroked their hair and kissed their foreheads and spoke:

"You my daughters are the oldest in this family, take care of your younger sisters and teach them everything, that we lose no one until I can hunt with you again. Support Zoë as much as you can to make this time as feasible as possible for her".

The veteran sisters got their eyes very wet at these words and they pressed the goddess again.

"Zoë, you will guide her in my absence as we have discussed. You, my huntress, will lead your sisters to successful hunts in my absence and watch over them" and with these words the goddess pulled her into a firm embrace once more, drove through her dark brown hair and gave her a kiss on the forehead like the others.

With a last tearful veiled look at her daughters and Zoë, Artemis disappeared from her temple in the typical silver flash of light to return to the Council.

Artemis appeared in the throne room at the exact moment she heard her father say to Hermes:

"...takes too long. Her time is up, and I want to finally get these Fars behind us. Go and get Artemis!"

"Father, I'm here. There's no need to stir up my hunters anymore. And yes, I have made up my mind. I will not allow the hunters of Artemis to be suspended for even a moment. I will take the banishment upon myself"

Even though she tried to radiate a strong and determined impression, the other gods could clearly see her fear.

"All right, I don't like to do this daughter, but the circumstances are too serious to ignore her and the decision was made by the council. I, Zeus, god of heaven and king of Olympus, hereby banish you Artemis, goddess of hunting, virginity, moon and archery, to an age as mortal from Olympus. Your powers and memories bound until your return. May fates have mercy on you until your return".

And under a glaring flash of light Artemis disappeared from the throne room.

Hey Guys, welcome to my fanfiction. First of I want to thank you for being Interested in my Idea and my Story. Secoundly for reading my Prologue.

I really would love to hear your thoughts and comments about, so feel free to leave it down below. As I have written above English is not my first language, so please tell me if I did some seri(o)us mistake above.

Cheers