I don't own the Wardstone chronicles or Percy Jacksin& the Olympians. Hope you enjoy!
Lamia stared at Zeus, memories flooding her mind. The rest of the world seemed to disappear, leaving the two of them alone. She remembered everything. It was almost like she was back in that room, when they met for the first time. When they made love for the first time. It had certainly felt like love to her. She had been head over heels in love in no time.
By the time they had met for the third time, she belonged to him. It had been a new experience, frightening and wonderful at the same time. It hadn't just been the sex, which had felt really good. She had lied about that. With all his experience, it had felt amazing. She had been a virgin at the time, but when he took her virginity, he had been so careful and tender , it hadn't hurt that much. They both had been insatiable, making love that entire night. Every time they had been together, Lamia had felt incredibly happy. And she had mistaken it for love. Maybe because sleeping with her wasn't the only thing he did. He had taken her on dates, shown her incredible things. Made dinner for her, and feeded her. Laughed with her and given her presents. There had even been a time he had written a song and sung it for her. She remembered how she had flung at him, kissing him until they were both breathless. They had been at a lawn and had made love at the grass.
Lamia closed her eyes for a second when the rest of her memories flew through her. When she had discovered she was pregnant. The fear of rejection. And the happiness of becoming a mother, of having something of her own. How he had been happy too, laughing and hugging her. How she had seen the happiness in his eyes and believed she had found true love. One afternoon, all had been perfect. She had expected him the next morning, and he been there. But he had told her he couldn't see her for some time. She had practically begged him to stay, fearing it would be the last time she saw him, and he had done that. Stayed for one last, magical night. And never came back. Not even when she was crying, forced to watch Hera's rage. She had tried to stop Hera, but she hadn't been able to. Not alone. She opened her eyes and looked at him. The man she had believed was her true love and had broken her. Not just her heart, but her entire person.
She swallowed. " Why?" she asked him, looking into his eyes. She knew what she asked him. Why he hadn't helped. Not for her, but for their children. And he knew too. She even thought she saw regret in his eyes. Her eyes drifted to the person next to him. A person who was embedded into Lamia's brain. " Hera" she hissed, rage overwhelming her. Hera smiled coldly. " Lamia. How.. great to see you're well. And young again" Hera said, her perfect face ruined by an evil smirk.
Lamia narrowed her eyes, determined not to lose control. Or show too muich anger. Be cold and restrained, like Hera. She took a deep breath, relaxing a little. When she relaxed her hands, so they were no longer fists, she realized her nails had changed into talons and she had placed them so deep into her own flesh she was bleeding. She ignored the pain and blood and smiled at Hera. Not exactly a friendly smile, but a smile nonetheless. " Hera. Great to see you to. I hope everything is going well? No more problems with your husband?" she asked, her eyes drifting to Zeus for a moment.
Hera smiled, but her eyes revealed her true emotions. Anger, hate and.. jealousy? Lamia smirked. She could use that against Hera if she ever needed to. Not that she planned to, because it would mean she would have to seduce Zeus. Lamia didn't doubt she would be able to, but she wanted nothing to do with Zeus. Her love had quickly changed into hate when she realized he had let her down and allowed their children to be killed. If he would ever approach her again, her only reaction would be anger. And she would never approach him herself. But she had no trouble with letting Hera believe she would, if that hurt Hera.
Hera clenched her fist, but didn't show any other sign of her anger. " We're doing rather well, thank you". Lamia took a step forward, nodding. " No need to kill any more innocent children?'. Hera smirked. " No, that was always your job, I recall. And not just innocent children. A lot of innocent men, too".
Lamia smiled, even when she felt the urge to ran forward and strangle Hera. The last time she had tried that, Hera hadn't been affected. The only thing she had done when Lamia tried to save her children was smirk. And enjoy her pain and cries for help. " He won't come. Give up, little slut" she had whispered, a crazy look in her eyes. And Lamia knew everything about crazy. Hera looked pretty crazy at this moment, with that look in her eyes. The same look Lamia had seen when she killed them.
Lamia took a deep breath, keeping herself from strangling the ' queen of gods'. " I did, for decades. And why again? Oh , wait I remember. Some heartless, hypocrite bitch killed my children in front of my eyes". Hera narrowed her eyes, her nails digging in the arms of her chair. " Oh really? I would stop the insults Lamia, unless you want me to think of a fitting punishment". Lamia smiled. " But it wasn't an insult. It was just the truth. Do you have anything against the truth, queen Hera. Like the truth you aren't pretty enough to keep your husband from searching pleasure elsewhere?".
Lamia knew she went too far, but she couldn't stop the words from leaving her mouth. She might not attack Hera physically, but she did emotionally. She wanted her to feel pain, just like she had felt. Or at least be embaressed. Hera got up. " You little.. " she hissed. Her eyes were glowing , her form trembling when she got ready to pulverize Lamia. Lamia didn't even blink. " Ooooh, scary. Serious Hera, I'm disappointed. I thought you would come up with something better. After decades of madness and the guilt that followed, this is more a treat than a threat" she said, smiling.
Hera's expression was one of hate now, her form and body trembling with rage. Lamia opened her mouth, ready to make the situation even worse no doubt , when she felt an hand on her shoulder. She spinned to face the person who was touching her. She immediately recognized the person who was smiling at her, empathy in her normally cold and calculating eyes. " It's not wise to continue this Lamia. Don't think about the pain. Listen to your brain instead of heart, otherwise this will end very bad. I know you're a smart woman and you're better than this" she told Lamia.
Lamia stared at the pair of stormy grey eyes. " You're right, like always, Athena" she said. Athena nodded, taking her hand of Lamia's arm. Lamia took a deep breath, calming herself, and faced the other gods. She looked at Hera, who was calmed down by Zeus, who lay his hand on her arm. " I shouldn't have said that. It was wrong to say, even if it is how I feel. But it would also be wrong of you to kill me in your rage, queen Hera. Like you all know, we are in a very complicated situation".
Athena, still next to her, nodded. She gave Lamia a quick smile, as to compliment her, before she spoke. " Lamia meticulous. This situation is very convoluted and we need to be vigilant if we-". " Yo Athena! Speak English, will you. I can't understand a word of what you're saying" Ares yelled, looking annoyed. Athena sighed. " Stop using the word yo Ares ,it's not proper English". " At least people know what I mean when I talk" Ares retorded. Athena raised her eyebrows. " Maybe delinguents know what you mean, but developed people won't understand poor replacement of English" Athena said, sending him a look filled with contempt. Ares got up, always ready to fight, only to be stopped by Zeus who send him a warning look. " The old man never let me do anything" Lamia heard him say. She almost smiled when she heard him call Zeus an old man, but she managed to keep a blank expression.
Zeus cleared his throat. " I don't agree with Ares, but it would be easier if you used another vocubulary Athena, so we can all understand what you are saying". Athena sighed. " All right father, if you wish me to do so". Zeus nodded. " I would appreciate that". Lamia saw he was looking her way, taking in her appearance. She hadn't really focused on him, but she almost groaned when she saw his look. He looked fascinated, but the emotion that struck her most was the raw lust in her eyes. She had seen that look the first time, and all the times after, when they met and it hadn't changed much. Except he looked even more determined and eager.
She cursed in her mind. Just my luck. The man that ruined my life with his desires and used me, wants me again. I had expected him to have enough of me by now she thought. Try to avoid trepidation Lamia, I will help you Lamia suddenly heard in her head. She looked at Athena, who was talking in her head. Thank you, but I don't get why you are helping me. As goddess of wisdom, don't you think I'm asinine and don't deserve any help? Lamia send back. One of her abilities was telepathy. Athena didn't move, but did send her another message. Perhaps, but all people make aberrations. And I believe you deserve a second chance. You can't help it you fell in love.
Lamia smiled a little. She was really glad Athena was at her side. She hesitated, but send another message. I have met your children. They are tremendous. You must be very proud. I am. You must have been suprised when you found out I had any children. Lamia almost laughed, but stopped herself. The other gods didn't know what Athena and she were doing and she had every intention to keep it that way. I was. For a moment, I even believed you had broken your vow, but I know you would never do that, so I wondered how that had happened.
Lamia had been really suprised. She knew how Athena had been born, of course. But Zeus did have sex before that occasion. After all, Athena had been borned when Zeus had swallowed her pregnant mother. I'm still suprised Athena isn't mad at her father for swallowing her mother. Anger would only destroy things Athena said. Lamia frowned; she hadn't realized Athena could read her thought, not just the messages she sent her. I didn't mean to offend you or anything, I just wondered why you weren't mad. I would be. You are a very loyal person. And I'm not mad, because it wouldn't be wise. Besides, my anger wouldn't change the situation. That's true. Would you have been a different person if Zeus hadn't swallowed her?
She heard Athena laugh softly in her head, which kind of hurt. I don't presume that. It's unlikely, but it is possible. But why would I waste time pondering about something that will never happen? Lamia smiled. You wouldn't. You're too smart to do so. Still, I can't help, but ponder about that kind of things. It can be useful to ponder about things that might never happen, so you will be prepared when they happen, but you shouldn't ponder about the past. I wish I was able to. The past is engraved in my mind, bothering me. Especially now I see your father again. I understand. I suppose you have a lot of bad memories? I have and they are threatening to make me forget the good ones. When I stopped being a monster, I have gathered a lot of good memories. And I also have some good memories from my time with your father, but I really don't want to think about those. Please don't. I see pieces of them and I am opposed to giving in to those desires. I don't really mind my father doing it, but he shouldn't cheat.
That's the understatement of the year. It brought me a lot of grief and I can imagine it didn't bring him only happiness. It didn't. Hera was furious when she discovered he had cheated again. He really should stop it and I keep telling him that, but he simply isn't able to stop. Every time he sees a beautiful woman, he forgets my advise and cheats again. That's a big problem. He really needs help to stop it. It's just wrong. He hurts all the women he sleeps with, including his own wife. True. I always wondered.. How long have you known? Known what? His identity and that he was married. Oh. That. Well, at first I didn't know. When I met him for the first time, he was just an handsome stranger. He told me his name was Jupiter. He told me his true identity when I saw him for the third time. Well, I believe it was the third time.
You should have stopped it. I couldn't. I was in love. Logic didn't exist anymore. That is horrible, because logic would have saved you. Maybe I didn't want to be saved. I didn't want to lose him. Still, meeting him was a grave mistake. I know, but I didn't want to see it. I was foolish. Love does that to you. It makes you forget all your values and makes your common sense disappear. Being the goddess of wisdom, that is impossible for me. I hope it. It isn't really pleasant, if you look at the consequences. And is it really impossible? It is. Common sense is part of my entire being. Hmm. So you have never been in love? No, not really. I felt something for the fathers of my children, but I'm not entirely convinced you can call it love. Aphrodite keeps trying though.
I have a feeling she plays a part in my love life. Don't like it. Remind me I have to talk to her. I strongly advise you not to. Before you know it, she makes you fall in love with dad again. I won't let that happen. Whatever it was between me and your dad, it is over. He doesn't think so. Judging from the look in his eyes, he wants you.
For the goddess of wisdom, you know a lot about lust. Because I'm the goddess of wisdom, I know. Part of my job is knowing. Even if it is something I have nothing to do with. Hmm. I just hope he will leave me alone. Don't count on it. He is very stubborn. When he wants something, he has to have it. Believe me, I know. Not that he had to try hard to get me, I melted in his arms. I really didn't want to know that.
My apologies. I understand you don't want to know. If I was in your position, I didn't want to know either. Funny though. The goddess of wisdom, of knowledge, doesn't want to know something. I rather leave those things to Aphrodite. Roger that. Roger that? It appeared in my mind. I don't even know what it means. This time is doing strange things to me. Tell me about it. It is imperative we gather as much information as possible. There is not much to tell. My vocubulary is changing, I'm a little dizzy and I feel weird. Weird? Define weird and- Shoot, my father looks impatient. We have to stop this conversation before my siblings notice something. They might be obtuse, but even they will notice. I will talk to you later, all right? Sure.
Lamia looked at Zeus from under her eyelashes. He looked suspicious, staring at the two of them. He seemed to relax when Athena smiled at him. Now only Hera was looking a bit suspicious. But she looked mainly angry. The other gods didn't look particulary interested. Lamia didn't even know what to think of them.
She looked at the different thrones. She saw some of the gods were glancing at her. Dionysos was. He looked annoyed, but also intigued. Lamia just hoped he wouldn't try anything. She really didn't want another god courting her.
She looked at the rest of the gods. Poseidon looked at her with interest, taking in her appearance. She saw apprecation in his eyes. He didn't seem like the kind of person to force any woman, so she wasn't too worried. Ares looked at Aphrodite, his mistress she knew. Lamia didn't really like Aphrodite, considering her past love life and the fact Aphrodite cheated. She saw Aphrodite look at her, a smirk on her face. She has some little plan again. I just know. And I'm not going to like it.
Lamia sighed. She couldn't do anything about it. At least, not now. She would ask Athena to help her. She knew Athena wasn't a fan of Aphrodite either.
She decided to ignore Aphrodite for now and looked at the next god. Demeter. Demeter was just listening to Athena, seeming only vagualy interested. She muttered something about cereal. I wonder what cereal is. Lamia hesitated. She was curious. Should I ask? Maybe she will be mad I dare to send her a message. But Demeter had never shown any hostility towards her, so Lamia decided to take the risk. What is cereal? she asked Demeter before she could change her mind.
She saw Demeter's eyes widen and she looked around until she focused on Lamia. Lamia smiled. It's me, Lamia. I heard you say something about cereal and I just wondered.. what is it? All the new things in this age fascinate me. Lamia saw Demeter's eyes lit up. She smiled. It is food and it tastes great. Want to try it? Of course. As long as it isn't poisonous, of course. Or only for gods. Demeter smiled. It isn't. A lot of humans eat it. I'm the only god who enjoys it, actually. The others prefer ambrosia and nectar. The spoiled brats. Well, I would love to try it. Great! I will give you some later. We might chat a little. Hades and Persephone will be on Olympus for a few days, so I will be here too. Great, thank you. No need to thank me. I hope you will like it, just like me. We should focus on Athena now. You're right. Just remind me later we agreed to this. I will.
Now her chat with Demeter was over, Lamia looked at the other gods. The next one was Hades, who looked annoyed. He raised his eyebrows when she saw he looked at her. Lamia blushed a little, immediately feeling embaressed. She looked away from him, but could still feel his gaze on her. She dared to look at him after some uncomfortable seconds. He was studying her, a small smile on his face.
Lamia decided to ignore him, knowing all too well why he was looking like that. She knew she was beautiful, and on moments like this she hated it.
She focused on the next god. Hephaestus, Lamia knew. He wasn't hansome, like the rest of the gods. But she had seen some of the things he made and knew how talented he was. He was one of the gods she actually liked. He was fuddling with something while listening to Athena, probably making another masterpiece.
When he noticed she was looking at him, he sent her a smile. She smiled back, looking at the object in his hands. New invention? she asked. Just something little. I didn't even notice I was making it. Knowing you, it will be a masterpiece nonetheless. You're really talented.
Thank you. Most people ignore me, because of my appearence. It would be weird if I did that. I wasn't really beautiful during the time I was Lamia. You're still Lamia and really beautiful. I get why Zeus fell for you. I always hoped it had something to do with my brains, but I know it was because of my beauty. There is nothing wrong with your brains, but he always falls for beautiful women. I know. Sweet you don't judge me though. Why would I? I know how my wife is. She loves playing with people's hearts.
Well, tell her to keep her hands of mine. I really don't need that again. I will. You know if you really like my inventions, why don't you visit me? I can show you some things. Really? That would be great, but won't you mind. I thought you didn't like people that much. I like you. Come to my workshop if you're interested. I will. I would love to see your inventions. Great. And don't worry , I'm not like Zeus. I will leave you alone. I appreciate that. Bye! Lamia smiled. She really liked Hephaestus. She imagined they could be friends.
I know it's a weird moment to stop the story, but I just don't have the inspiration to continue writing. Maybe after some reviews. Any ideas how to continue this?