My gift was complete and with ten minutes to spare. It was an average size tree of my own invention. The leaves were green, the bark was strong, and it's fruit has several uses. I just hoped it was better than what Poseidon brought. A scowl appears on my face.

Why couldn't he try to see it through my eyes? Why were we arguing with our eyes? Why haven't we talked since yesterday? The thoughts and questions keep coming as I put on my leather sandals and white knee length chiton. I knew this competition was more than just about becoming a patron. I knew the cow was behind it. I didn't know why.

I held a seed of my creation and Demeter's quick grow potion. I sighed. If I thought anymore of this scheme, because I know it's not random, I'll be late. If I'm late, I'll miss the ceremony and my chance of being patron. I close my eyes and teleport.

It's a small for a city in buildings but big for a town. The number of people here is far too great because of all the people living in the streets. It gives off the sense of business as people rush all around me. No one bumps into me though. I give off power and even if I look human, these people are smart enough to see through my appearance.

I finally make my way to the town square. I see what looks to be a fisherman wave me over, I knew it was Poseidon. I gracefully made my way to his side. He was holding a sword in his belt, riptide, and I had my dagger. My spear and his trident were more for ceremony than battle and these weapons were much easier for us in disguise ourselves. His hand touched mine.

How many more times do I have to say I'm sorry Athena? Because I am, I'm super sorry.

Can we just participate and talk about this later.

We can't do this later!

Are you saying you made party plans?

No! Listen to me Owl. Every play made by the king and queen, they do it for themselves. Somehow, Hera wishes to make us enemies. That's why she did this.

Barnacle, as interesting as that seems, why? She has no power over me nor you. We do great things that benefit mortals and immortals, great enough to rival my father.

That's probably why she did it. Think about, if we are more powerful than her husband then we are a threat to him.

But we'd never do anything as rash as overthrowing Zeus. All you'd have let over was a position that would be constantly fought over. We'd be weak and someone would come along and overthrow us.

True, but Zeus was always a nervous god. All I'm saying is to watch your back. I know the twins would never allow themselves to be pawns and Aphrodite is still bitter towards Hera. I don't know about the rest.

Why are you just telling me now?

I wasn't positive of their intentions and Hera has spies everywhere.

Zeus has no spies?

He does, but he trusts Hera enough to monitor them.

I wouldn't trust that goddess with a jug of water.

Neither would I, but I don't care for her trust. I care for yours Owl.

And you have it Barnacle. You've had it since day one.

Same goes for me. I'll see if Hades has any insight on our cow problem tomorrow. Find anything if you can.

I will. The judges are coming towards. You better find a way to communicate with me after this.

I already do. Meet me at our beach tomorrow night.

Will do.

The people were in awe when we presented our offerings. Poseidon had given them a fresh water spring. It was cool and clean as it came from the ground. He told the people if they didn't choose his gift, they got to vote if they wanted it or not. It was a great gesture to show he wouldn't turn bitter and wouldn't want them to feel not loyal to me if I won.I planted my seed and added the potion. It popped up full of fruit and awed people. I quickly explained how the fruit, an olive, could be used as medicine, food, and a way to light homes.

The judges quickly discussed and met us moments later. They had decided that I would be their patron. I smiled at them as children ran up to greet me. I felt pride and success flow through my veins. I looked over to Poseidon. He was smiling at me then made his way over to the spring. I could tell the people had also voted to get rid of the spring. Poseidon changed it to salt water, as a sign of good will.

Poseidon then stood by my side and held my hand as I was paraded. The children guided us to the site of the temple that was to be built. I approved the plans and made a few adjustments but kept the original design. We then proceeded to the palace where men in their twenties stood. The children told me there king had died weeks prior with no heir. These men were the best the city had to offer and I had the honor of selecting him.

They all looked strong and healthy, that's all they looked like. I couldn't sense a spark of intelligence in any of them and I didn't want a man of average knowledge ruling my city. Poseidon's grip on my hand tightened as we passed them and I was looked up and down. If they thought I was going to be here everyday to help them rule, they were wrong. I turned my back to all of them and looked at the crowd.

An older boy who guided, about eleven, caught my eye. I could tell he knew what I knew, the men standing before me were morons. This boy knew what it would take to expand the city and make the citizens thrive. He knew, like I, kings had too much power and would never make the people happy.

I gestured for the boy to come forward and eleven other men of his intellect. I told the people that these men will be your councilors and every two years they would pick new ones among themselves. The young boy would be there king but his power would be limited. Unlike the others, he would not be replaced.

Everyone seemed pleased with this so we decided to make our leave. After all, they had chores and jobs to do and I had my own duties. I waved at my city, which needed a name. I assume everyone else was waiting for that as well. I smile.

"Good bye, but before I go I give you a name. Athens."

People smiled and cheered. That went well. Poseidon took my head and teleported us to Olympus.

"You did great Owl."

A blush finds my cheeks. The fates must have liked us because it all worked out. I kissed his cheek. "You too Barnacle."

I know this is mostly a filler chapter, but at least you know Hera and Zeus are up to something. Once Christmas break hits, I'll be updating a lot more, every other day probably. In the mean time, I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. Review!