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Chapter 11:

3rd person POV

Athena's transformation into what they could call a fairy was one of the confusing parts. When she was at home or school, she was human again, but when she entered the woods and felt one with the nature, she transformed. However, the tattoos stayed in her human form and it was hard to cover up with clothes at all times. Especially in gym, where Carlisle had to make up some excuse for her to not have to attend. A scarf was needed at all times in public as well. However, it did not make a difference on her grades. She was keeping straight A's easily, and she could honestly say that school bored her.

It was weekend and the spring weather kept Athena outdoors a lot, even if it was cloudy, she still liked it outside. There she felt at home.

She was practicing with her earth magic. Making flowers and trees grow. The feeling of new life literally coming alive was a wonderful feeling. But with those powers came a prize. She could also feel every time a plant or tree close by, or an animal for that sake, die. Which caused her great sadness those times.

It was not only the earth and the plants that she had a connection to. Animals loved her and she could understand them, however, she could not describe how she did it or how she understood them. She just did.

Green sparkles were falling to the ground and yet another plant bloomed as Rosalie approached. Stepping on life without even noticing and the feeling that coursed through her made her wince before she turned and greeted Rose with a soft smile.

Rosalie spent a lot of time together with her when Edward wasn't there. And if not her, Jasper. He helped her with her emotions and getting under control. He was a great help and a great brother.

"I've been looking for you," Rosalie said and gave Athena a hug. Noticing that her sister was not as fine as she wanted everyone to believe she was.

"I like being out," Athena answered and started to help a tree grow.

"It's so full of life. The trees are fuller and the animal life is blooming," Rose said and her eyes sparkled with the venom there.

"What's wrong?" Athena wondered and gave her full attention to the female in front of her.

"It's Edward," Rose whispered.

"Edward?" Athena asked and felt her pulse quicken as well as her fear that her mate might have gotten hurt.

"He went out hunting yesterday evening, but has not returned, Athena."

"He never returned?" she breathed. Barely believing it.

Rosalie shook her head. "Everyone's worried. But only you can feel him through your bond and pull. We thought that… We thought that maybe you could track him down?"

Athena sighed. "Maybe he wanted some time alone." She paused and crossed her arms. "Then again I will share a little secret with you Rose." She leaned in a bit towards Rose and then whispered, "I can't feel it."

Rosalie gasped. "What?"

"I don't know! Something is clearly wrong with me, but the truth is that I haven't been able to feel it for some days now. Maybe it means we're not even mates!" she cried.

"You're wrong Athena. It does not mean you are not mates. It just means that something is going on with you and we cannot explain it." Rosalie started pacing and she stepped on a flower making Athena hurry forward and try to revive it. Sometimes she was successful, while other times she was not and the flower would simply disappear.

"You're hurting them," Athena said sadly, making Rose stop.

"What?"

"The flowers. They have feelings too," Athena whispered. The flower glowed and then it vanished with a low popping sound. Leaving golden dust.

Athena's face fell so much that Rosalie sat down in a rush and pulled her in for a huge hug. She kept her close to her and they just breathed.

When Athena felt calmer, she looked Rose into her eyes. "I will try. But I'm not making any promises. Go home and tell our family."

Rosalie nodded and took off in a run.

Athena opened herself up and let the nature's energy flow through her. Then when she felt it was enough, she let it go and it spread out of her as she looked for Edward's familiar signature. His energy and natural form.

It felt like ages as the search happened from within, when it most likely only were minutes. She felt him – knew which direction to go – and took off in a fast run. Not bothered by the earth around her as she ran towards her mate. He was the most important now. Nothing else mattered.

He was to be found in a meadow. The flowers were in full bloom and so was the high grass in between. He stood facing a huge black wolf that was snarling and baring its teeth. Athena froze. She was not sure entirely when Sam first changed, but she was certain it was during Twilight sometime, just that you did not hear about it before later that he had phased. He was the first though. And if she could guess right, he was a fresh wolf.

Panic started to spread through her as Edward hurriedly looked back at her, his eyes widened. The wolf followed his gaze and landed upon her. The shock was clear as she took one step and the sun started to peek through the clouds. Her wings sparkled in the light as well as Edward's skin. The wolf was not expecting a fairy to be present – and most likely not even existing. The wolf could not hold the focus on her long before it took a step forward towards Edward.

"Go, Athena. Please," Edward said and took one step back.

"I won't leave you, Edward," Athena said as she took another step, and so did the wolf. "Sam," she addressed the wolf. He snapped his head into her direction. Eyes widening. "You don't want to do this."

"He does not agree with you, Athena," Edward hissed.

"Run, Edward. You have a treaty, and if he breaks it… I will kill him if he manages to kill you," Athena growled and felt her wings beat against each other twice.

"Athena, please listen to me-"

But it was too late. Athena felt it happening, but could not explain it as she took hold of Edward and they disappeared over ground. The sun hid behind the clouds again and on ground a pissed wolf stood left. Looking up at them and snarling their way. At least the treaty had not been harmed.

"Athena," Edward breathed.

"I know," she replied with a squeak and she started flying towards the Cullen household.

The feeling was amazing as the wings met the air and felt it guide her just above the trees. The connection to the nature getting stronger. They landed gracefully on the ground outside the house and they were met with the family at once. As her feet touched the ground, she transformed back to her usual self and her wings were gone. But so was her tattoos. She frowned and met Edward's eyes and his widened.

"The green is gone," he whispered.

Athena knew right there and then that another part was gone. Ripped away from her just when she had started to enjoy the new life. She collapsed and was caught in his strong arms. Meeting concerned expressions. She did not want to look anymore and turned to Edward's neck. Hiding her face and letting sobs and cries get muffled by him.

The night came by and she was safe in her bed. Edward held around her and she just laid with her eyes open. Breathing and living.

"I'm here for you," Edward whispered and let his grip become stronger.

"I know. And I am grateful." But I cannot explain what I am going through. It is so difficult. I know if you were ripped away from me in such a manner that I would truly face my death. But it does feel like a part goes missing every time. First I was a mermaid and I came to enjoy it, but then when I just had started it was taken from me. The same happened today. When I just got the feeling of it, it was taken away from me. My wings got to fly once. I got to test in one time and then it was taken away from me. Is that how it is going to be? What will the next be? Will I be an animal like the wolves? Or some other kind of shape shifter?

"I doubt it. So far you have only been a creature we did not know if even existed in our supernatural world. If anything, I would guess witch. A creature with magic that can do amazing things. But if that is the case, please do not turn Bella Swan into a toad, no matter how much you loathe her," Edward responded and a bit amused towards the end.

Athena giggled and Edward felt satisfied. He had managed to make her laugh and he was pleased with himself. He preferred her happy.

"I just don't want to be an animal," Athena grumbled and Edward chuckled in response. "Or a dwarf, seriously. Witch I can accept. Sounds kind of cool. Especially turning Bella into a toad. Thanks for that idea," Athena teased.

The conversation ended and they were both comfortable. Listening to one heartbeat – yes, the other one had faded as well – now she was left with one normal heart.

And no matter what happened next, they would get through it.

"How is your daughter?" Nyx asked and the other Goddess moved a bit uncomfortable.

"She's getting by. If she did not have her family and especially her mate, I do not know what would have become of her. Yet again I must thank you for the gift you provided her. Without it, I do not know what would have happened if she died that time."

"She's a strong soul."

"And yet I wonder why she never became a Goddess. When she was born, she was mortal. At least she should have been a demi Goddess. She should have been here with me; however, I had to send her to a dreadful planet. With man."

"Mankind – no matter on which planet – are dooming themselves. And what the Gods did to your daughter… I can see why your protests are the loudest. But both Gaia and I stand beside you, Aphrodite."

"Thank you," Aphrodite whispered and turned to leave.

"Do not fret, soon it shall work out and she may live a life peacefully with her mate. Then the Gods cannot touch her anymore," Nyx said calm and with true kindness.

"I just wish it was over," Aphrodite said with a sigh and left a trail of golden sparkles as she disappeared.

Aphrodite often visited the nursery in her temple where her child was supposed to grow up. The reason of her sadness was that she once fell in love with a man. But after a night with him he unexpectedly died. She was pregnant and could comfort herself with that she would still have someone that resembled him. Then as the child was born, she showed to be a full mortal. And as a mortal she could not stay on Mount Olympus. She had to abandon her baby. She forever did watch over her child and tried to help when able. She got his hair color and his eyes, but she got her beauty.

Deep within she had a feeling that some of the Gods had to be responsible. Both for the death of her true love and the reason her child ended up mortal. The Fates were cruel, and they only listened to favors from Zeus. It was the only clue.

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