Hey my pretties! I'm back!
Omg! Thank you for the great reviews! You guys made my day!
And this chapter is like 7,000 words. Wow. I've never written that much before. My hands hurt from typing though, so imma make this quick!
Warning: This story contains strong LBGT themes, mild sexual stuff (but nothing past PG 13), and hopefully something you've never read before. I'm not kidding I really think I over did this one. So beware major plot twists are coming. And please no flames, although I do accept constructive critisim.
Disclaimer: I am not Rick Riordan, and I do not own PJO or HoO.
I knew I was screwed the moment I stepped foot on Olympus.
"I wonder why."
"Apollo. Shut. Up."
"Sorry Artie."
"Don't call me that!"
Walking through the courtyard that leads to my palace, I looked around. Graceful trees, blooming pomegranate plants,
Demeter scowled.
rose bushes and dozens of other flowers.
Persephone smiled.
In a small meadow off to the side my beloved peacocks, Lysanders' immortal offspring,
"The bird has kids?"
"Thats what it said Connor!"
and calfs frolicked about; playfully chasing the nymphs who lived within my palace.
The male gods all sighed.
Lysander squawked at his children, before bounding towards them. Once he arrived they all surrounded their father as he affectionately rubbed his head against theirs.
"Aww! Thats adorable." Lacy squealed; looking like a mini-me of her mother for a split second.
My heart clenched painfully at that.
Hera's' children all looked up.
Gods I missed when mine were younger. When they freely ran up to me, demanding a hug or a kiss goodnight; when they would cry about something that upset them or gloat about what they accomplished today.
Hebe and Eileithyia smiled, while Ares and Enyo remembered when they used to brag to mother about the latest punk they'd beaten up.
Hestia poked the hearth, the flames warmed those near it.
Vaguely my thoughts drifted to Hephaestus.
Said god leaned forward; wanting to know what his mother had to say, while his children all looked up.
I really do love him just as much as my other children,
Hephaestus blinked unbelieving at the book in his half-sisters' hands.
Leo snorted, "Nothing says love like throwing your son of a mountain."
and I hate remembering the night he fell.
Thalia sneered, "Why? Does it make her feel guilty?"
Jason shifted, "Enough Thalia."
Thalia stared at her little brother.
Every time I even think about it I want to break down.
Hephaestus looked down.
Gods I wish I could explain everything to him, I wish I could tell him what had happened.
He looked up again, "What does she mean? I already know what happened! She threw me off Olympus!"
Aphrodite winced. She knew the full story.
But I knew better, he hated me.
"Yep," Nyssa said.
And in order to keep my family safe, that was the way it had to be.
"How does keeping your family safe relate to making your son hate you?" Eris asked.
"It relates to things you don't understand Eris," Aphrodite answered; holding the strife goddess's gaze.
"What do you mean mom?" Piper said.
Aphrodite smiled at her daughter, "Oh its' nothing dear. Old age must be getting to me, thats all!"
Piper shared a look with Hazel and Annabeth. They didn't buy it.
My thoughts abruptly ended once I reached the entrance to my palace, and instead a feeling of doom overwhelmed me when I saw who was standing in the doorway; waiting for me, "Aphrodite."
Everyone burst out laughing. Artemis being the loudest.
Aphrodite glared at everyone; pouting in her pink throne. Ares and Hephaestus both put an comforting hand on her arm, before glaring at eachother.
As always, the love goddess was wearing an beautiful gown/dress thing, her hair was pulled back in an elegant up do, and she wore just enough makeup to accentuate her natural beauty.
"She really is beautiful," a son of Nike stated; staring at the goddess.
Aphrodite winked. Piper gagged. And Ares glared.
She smiled before rushing towards me, and engulfing me in one of her girly bear hugs.
"I really hate those."
"Athena!"
"I'm not sorry."
"Oh Hera! Its been so long!" She pulled away and beamed at me, "I was beginning to think we would never see eachother!"
Hades rolled his eyes, "You probably just saw her in the morning."
Athena smirked.
"We just saw eachother this morning," I deadpanned.
The gods burst out laughing. Hades brothers actually fell out of their thrones.
Hestia smiled at her little brother, "I can see the family resemblance."
"Well she is my sister."
"A lot can happen in twelve hours Hera! Surely you know this!
"Why of course! You can do alot of things!"
"You can run a mile.'
"You can fight monsters," Percy grinned.
"And die."
"Why do we always end up here?"
Why you could be caught cheating!
Zeus winced.
You could win a contest,
Athena glared.
or even meet someone who interests you!"
"True dat."
"I will kill you if you say one more word Stoll," Lou Ellen warned.
Hecate cracked a smile.
I narrowed my eyes and scowled, "What do you want Aphrodite?"
Annabeth looked at said goddess, "That is a very good question."
"Well maybe if you let your mother read we can find out."
A mischievous smile graced her face, "A few weeks ago I felt a spark of interest inside an Olympian. Since then, it has become a full on fire. But of course I'm positive you already know about this."
"Really?" Apollo grinned, "I wonder if I met a hottie."
Artemis contemplated murder.
Panic crashed into my mind.
"I would panic too."
I mean sure I've been dating Susan about a month now;
Aphrodite and her children squealed, bouncing up and down in their seats.
Zeus glared murderously at the book in the wisdom goddesses' hands, but strangely kept quiet. Although, lightning and thunder were raging in the clouds.
Demigods stared at the book in shock. I mean sure she might've been a little flirty in the last chapter, but still the marriage goddess wasn't suppose to stray.
Hera's siblings exchanged looks. They'd never seen their sister pull a stunt like this. While her children were a bit uneasy about their mother stepping out on their father, since it was usually the other way around.
even though I wasn't suppose to.
"I'll say." Hermes said, "She's not allowed to stray."
Yet, there was something about her; I just couldn't stay away.
"I know how you feel," Percy said, looking at his girlfriend.
Aphrodite bit her nails.
Still, I'd kept our relationship under lock and key.
Zeus grumbled and lightning flashed across the sky.
There was no way Aphrodite or anyone else could of found out.
"It's kinda hard to hide anything even remotely romantic from the love goddess." Hazel shrugged.
Percy remember his talk with Aphrodite when he was searching for Artemis and Annabeth.
But, looking at the other goddess I knew she was aware. I am not going to be intimidated by her. My panic dissolved and confidence formed in its' stead, "What of it?"
"Someones sure of herself."
Her smirk didn't waiver. Instead a hint of smugness appeared; as if I just confirmed her suspicions.
Poseidon shrugged, "Knowing Aphrodite you probably did."
"I'm right here you know! You could just ask me!"
"But wheres the fun in that?"
Inwardly I cursed myself. Out of all the immortals on Mount Olympus, Aphrodite was the only person to not feel a hint of fear towards me whatsoever.
Ares snorted, "Like I'm afraid of my mother."
"Actually," Dionysus rolled his eyes. "You go running for cover if she even looks at you wrong."
Ares glared at the wine god, while others failed to hide their snickers.
"You know Hera. I don't think I've ever seen you look so defensive. Even against Zeus. Your eyes are shifty, as if constantly looking for an escape route. Your posture is stiff,
"Well, I don't think she wants you to find out about her girlfriend."
and your aura screams violence. I'm beginning to see the family resemblance."
Ares looked thoughtful.
I glared, but still I relaxed. All the fight left my body, and my shoulders melted from their stiff position. I probably looked weary and tired, not at all like a queen, but I didn't care. She knew. There's no point hiding the truth from her anyway. Anything I said, any excuses wouldn't work. She was after all, the goddess of love. "Just cut to the case already. Are you going to tell Zeus? Are you blackmailing me?"
"Yeah, are you-"
Lou Ellen gave him the evil eye.
Connor shut up.
Percy and Annabeth shared a look.
She waved her hand dismissively, " Quite the opposite really, you see I plan on helping you!"
Artemis raised a eyebrow, "Your going to help her?'
"Well I could always help you instead," Aphrodite winked.
It took Athena, Demeter, and Enyo to stop Artemis from killing the love goddess.
"Help me?"
She nodded, absently picking a flower from a nearby bush and twirling its' stem with her fingers, "I of all people understand the tortures love can put you through. And I do believe its' time Zeus got a taste of his own medicine.
All the females nodded in agreement, while Zeus shifted uncomfortably.
Plus, its been so long since I've seen a good love story!
Percy and Annabeth stiffened.
The mighty Queen of the Heavens falling in love with a mortal! And a woman at that! Why it has all the makings of an epic romance!"
"It is pretty unbelievable," Eros said. "Gods, could you imagine if this happened during ancient times? It would probably be all anyone talks about."
Gods and demigods nodded in agreement.
I rolled my eyes and pushed past her, strolling into my palace. "Funny. Since I distinctly remember you gushing about your beautiful girlfriend at the Winter Solstice."
Some turned and looked at Aphrodite. Piper stared at her mother, "You had a girlfriend?"
Aphrodite raised her delicate eyebrow, "Yes. Does that bother you?"
Piper quickly shook her head, "No, I just didn't know you liked girls too."
"Well I am the love goddess honey. Who am I to deny the females of earth my beauty?!"
Aphrodite followed me inside, heading into the living room and sitting down, "Why of course! It would be an absolute shame for me to deprave the female population of my beauty!"
Reyna looked at said goddess, "You don't change much do you?"
"No, I really don't."
Shaking my head I went into the kitchen, "And they call me vain."
"I HEARD THAT!"
Everyone laughed.
Laughing, I headed back into my living room with a small plate of ambrosia. Sitting down next to Aphrodite, I offered her some before setting the plate down on the ground. She was flipping through channels on my TV.
"Wait! What time does the story take place?" Frank asked.
"The late 80's." Aphrodite replied. "That was around the time we had this talk."
Smirking I snatched the remote from her hands.
"Rude~"
"I'm warning you Stoll..."
"Hey!" She complained.
Now grinning, I turned off the TV and faced her. "Hey now, this is my palace. And I don't remember inviting you inside."
"Gods do what they want," Percy shook his head. "They are all powerful so they don't have anything to lose."
She pouted, then smiled apologetically. "Sorry. I just thought we could talk or something. You don't really socialize with the other gods or mortals. You just play the part."
Hestia looked down sadly, "Thats true. She's become more withdrawn over the years."
Inwardly, I flinched. 'Thats because most of them hate me.' I thought miserably, 'Including my own siblings.'
Demeter and Hestia shared a look, while Hera's brothers looked down.
However, I pushed aside the negative thoughts swimming around in my head.
"Good."
"Alright. What do you want to talk about?"
"Probably everything having to do with romance." Drew sighed, reapplying her lipgloss.
"Your new flame, whats her name?"
"I believe its Susan."
"Travis!"
"Susan," I replied; loving the way her name rolled of my tongue.
"I bet thats not all you like." Connor waggled his eyebrows.
The boys all snickered.
Aphrodite squealed at the loving tone I used, "Have you taken her on any dates?"
I nodded, "Yes. Usually I take her to a fancy restaurant, but I've also taken her to Rome, Greece, and Paris."
"Romantic."
"How romantic," Aphrodite gushed. "Do tell me. Has she adjusted well to being the lover of an immortal?"
"Wait! How did you guys act with our parents?" Butch asked.
The gods looked thoughtful. Apollo spoke up, "I liked to take them to concerts and art shows. Sometimes I would let them ride in the Sun Chariot with me."
Poseidon looked at Percy, "I wanted to build Sally a grand palace, I offered to stop the tide for her."
Percy smiled at his father.
Iris sighed, "All gods spoil their mortal consorts. Being our lover means we took care of you, at least until we had to leave.
Everyone looked down. They knew the gods hated being separated from their children and lovers.
I sighed, "She was hesitant at first,
"Anyone would be."
but of course once I summoned Argus as proof she had no reason to doubt.
"Wait!" Clarisse exclaimed. "Argus knew about her?!"
Zeus grumbled, "Doesn't surprise me."
Chiron spoke up, "Argus is a creation of Lady Hera. He is one of her most trusted servents."
After all, she was able to see him without the Mist affecting her."
"Oh. She's clear-sighted?"
"Yep," Jason said.
"Yep."
Jason blushed, while Leo snickered. "You think like your step-mother."
Jason glared. "You know she's your grandmother."
Leos' smirk disappeared. The cabins who had one of Hera's children as their godly parent all paled. They never thought of that.
Aphrodite giggled, "Argus must've been a sight for her to see."
Everyone groaned, Hermes and his children actually covered their faces with their hands.
I groaned. "Bad pun."
Aphrodite pouted.
She smacked my arm, "Whatever. So, have you two... you know."
Demigods blushed.
"Moooom!" Piper complained.
"Sorry not sorry!"
My face felt hot, and I quickly shook my head. "No, no, no, no, no. I'm not going to rush her. I'm perfectly happy taking it slow."
"Thats good." Demeter said. "At least my sister respects her." She glared at the male gods, "Most of your consorts would be with child by then."
"Not true!" Apollo protested.
"Oh shut it Apollo!" Artemis snapped. "Your the worst when it comes to patience."
Apollo looked embarrassed; his children on the other hand could have gone their whole life without learning that.
Aphrodite narrowed her eyes, "Is that the only reason?"
"Is it?"
"We'll find out."
I gulped, "Well, I don't want her to get pregnant."
"Hold up!" Malcolm exclaimed. "How could Susan get pregnant? They're both females!"
Athena answered her son, "Yes. Goddesses have the ability to impregnate other women, although most rarely do."
"So," Gwen spoke up. "Some of us can have two female parents?"
The immortal women nodded.
"My mortal parent is female," Lacy squeaked.
"So is mine," Butch supplied.
People turned to look at Iris and Aphrodite, who respectively blushed.
"Yes, yes." Nemesis yawned. "Most goddesses have sire children at least once. Now can we continue?"
Approval arose with the male gods, who already were aware of this.
Aphrodite clapped her hands together, "But why not? Everyone knows goddesses can get other women pregnant! Heck! My girlfriend, the one we were just talking about, is nearly due herself!"
"Is that my mother?" Lacy asked.
Aphrodite shook her head, "No. It was Taylor's mortal parent."
Percy leaned over to Annabeth, "Do you know who Taylor is?"
"He was the councilor of Cabin Ten before Silena."
"Oh."
"Well good for you," I said sarcastically. "Another demigod to add to your cabin. Yay!"
A few people scowled.
Aphrodite smacked me upside the head, "Demigods are not a problem. In fact, they are a blessing! So, whats gotten into you?"
"Thats what we want to know," Half-bloods grumbled.
I hung my head, "Its a long story."
"We got time." Piper said.
"I got time."
Piper didn't look happy.
I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose, "I can't lose control with Susan."
"What does she mean 'Lose Control?"
"Lose control?"
I stood up and walked to the window, "I am the patron and goddess of women Aphrodite,
"Wait." Annabeth scratched her head, "I though she was only the patron of women."
"No, she's also the goddess of women too." Zeus answered.
because of this all female objectives for life are something I naturally excel at.
"Meaning she belongs in the kitchen." Ares snorted.
Immediately all females present glared at him.
"Sorry?"
But I am also a fighter, a dreamer, and a liaison when need be."
The female gender nodded approvingly.
"Girls can be just as strong as boys," Nike said.
She nodded.
I stared at the ground, pushing myself to continue.
"I have a feeling we're about to hear a story," Chris mumbled.
"What I am about to tell you stays a secret okay?
"Why?" Thalia looked at Aphrodite, "What was so important it had to be kept a secret?"
"You'll find out," she giggled.
"I hate those words."
Nothing spoken here tonight can be repeated in any shape, way, or form."
Travis and Connor whistled, "Big secret."
Hermes leaned towards Apollo, "Blackmail~"
Artemis whacked them both upside the head.
Her eyes fixed on me,
"Oh did they now?"
"SHUT UP!"
"I will keep everything a secret. I swear it on the River Styx."
Everyone looked surprised. "You swore on the River Styx?"
"Well I wanted her to trust me."
Thunder rolled throughout the sky,
Much like it did now.
and I looked out the window; watching a calf trot alongside the beautiful garden Demeter had made me.
Demeter smiled, "It was a birthday present."
"Years ago after my youngest daughter Hebe was born,
"Hold on," Percy raised his hand. "If Hebe is the youngest, then who's the oldest?"
Ares glared, "I am punk."
"I meant birth order."
Eileithyia sighed. "Ares is Enyo's older twin brother. Then Hephaestus, me, and Hebe."
Zeus decided he wished me to give him no more children.
People glanced at the King of the Gods. He stared at the ground.
Hades looked at his brother, "Why?"
"There were to many at the time."
"But you only had five kids with her. You had servants and nannies to look after them. No way there were too many." Hades retorted.
Or at least until the others were old enough to live on their own.
"See!"
He wanted me to put a temporary seal on my womb that would prevent me from conceiving.
Demeter snarled at Zeus, "You wanted to seal the Goddess of Motherhoods' womb?! Are you insane?! That could drive her crazy!"
Other goddesses began voicing their agreement, glaring at the sky god. They would hate it if someone took away their ability to have children.
The demigods stayed quiet; looking wide-eyed at eachother. This was something they didn't know about.
Hestia gave Zeus a sad look, "Thats not a smart idea brother."
He looked down.
Needless to say, I refused.
Hera's daughters nodded, "Good."
But Zeus would not take no for an answer,
"That doesn't surprise me," Apollo whispered to his twin.
Meanwhile, Zeus was once again glared at by his family.
and one night he slipped a tonic into my nectar.
"Father!" Hebe cried.
Zeus looked away; he couldn't bear to see his daughter upset.
Thalia and Jason shared shocked looks, while Zeus's brothers boiled in anger.
Poseidon grabbed his trident, "You drugged her?!"
"...Yes."
The sea god fired a beam of energy from his weapon, directed straight at his little brother.
Zeus braced for impact, but suddenly the energy scattered a foot in front of him. It was as if he had a force field protecting him.
A note appeared in Poseidon's lap. He read it before cursing and turning to his brother, "Your lucky no fightings allowed."
The other gods relaxed, except Zeus. He felt the guilt eating him alive.
I fell unconscious minutes later.
Cue growls and glares.
When I woke up I discovered he had placed the seal himself,
"Dad!" Apollo protested. "Those seals are dangerous! You can damage the uterus if your not careful!"
Zeus shook his head, "I knew what I was doing!"
"Doesn't justify your actions though," Jason muttered softly.
leaving me to heal hidden away in his palace.
"Only so no one found out," Miranda whispered to Katie.
By the time I recovered from the procedure; he was, as usual, back to his womanizing ways.
Athena looked unbelievably at her father, "You forced your wife to become barren, yet you still chase after other women?"
Zeus fidgeted uncomfortably, but did not answer his daughters' burning question.
All the females scowled at him.
As the years went on, I grew restless.
"Anyone would," Persephone said.
My husbands mistresses bore children,
"I just can't believe you still fathered illegitimate children while Hera was barren," Eris hissed.
"Thats a low blow Zeus," Hecate scolded. "Its insult after insult. Your lucky she didn't leave you."
Zeus sighed and looked at his hands, "I know."
while I was forced to remain barren. I ached for children,
"Not surprising," Hestia murmured; checking up on her sister in the infirmary though images in the hearth.
and the mother inside me would not be denied.
"You go girl," Travis snapped his fingers sassily, hoping to cheer people up.
It worked.
This went on and on, until I cracked.
"What does she mean cracked?" Leo asked; looking at his step-mother, "What did she do?"
"You'll see," she giggled.
"I'm really starting to hate those words."
You see, the seal prevented me from carrying children,
"We know."
but I could still sire them.
Apollo looked confused for a moment, before realization dawned on him. "Oh! Shes a liking the ladies!"
"Well she does have a girlfriend idiot," Artemis said. "We already know shes bi stupid."
"Oh," Apollo grinned. "Must've forgot."
This time it wasn't just Artemis who contemplated murder.
I'd found a loophole."
"Yes you did," Zeus sighed.
I sighed, "When Zeus discovered his mistake, he did not believe I would stray.
"Well," Hephaestus grunted. "Mother is the marriage goddess."
"Yes, but everyone has a breaking point dad." Leo spoke up, smiling sadly at his father.
I am the goddess of marriage, so he thought I would be able to deal with it.
"Well," Thalia said. "You did stay with him even though he constantly cheated on you."
"Most women wouldn't be able to stay with someone like that," Annabeth put in; reluctantly adding to the conversation.
However, I refused to put up with him,
"Good," Demeter said. "You should rip him a new one."
"Yeah!"
and I seduced a maiden princess;
"WHAAAAAAT!?"
Everyone turned to look at Aphrodite, "Is this true?"
She nodded. "Every word."
They accepted that.
effectively siring a half-blood.
"But who was it?" Frank asked. "This was in ancient times right? Was her demigod famous? Is he in the myths?"
Zeus nodded. "Yes boy. Her child was a great hero."
"And you knew about him?"
Zeus hesitated, "I did."
Zeus soon discover my betrayal,
"See?"
and demanded I hand over my child's' life in payment.
Jason blinked, "Like how you handed me over to Juno?"
His father nodded.
Jason sighed.
I did not at first,
"At least she hesitated." Piper whispered to her boyfriend.
Jason looked at her, "She cared."
"Seems like it Sparky."
but the Fates warned me that my son would live a life of despair and agony if I did not comply with Zeus's demands.
"Uh oh." Hypnos yawned, "My sisters must of had plans for the boy."
Left with no choice, I accepted his terms.
Jason sighed once more. He knew what it was like.
Thalia hugged her brother.
He took my place as the child's' sire,
"Thats horrible!" Athena gasped. "Father!"
Zeus avoided everyones' glares.
He felt bad.
and told the world my son was actually his.
"That probably killed her brother," Hades gave Zeus the evil eye. "The only reason she did this was because you denied her children."
Once again the sky god looked down.
He basked in the glory my son brought him, while I was forced to watch from the shadows."
A lot of people sadly gazed at Hera's empty throne.
That must had been tough to go through.
Aphrodite covered her mouth with her hands, eyes wide as she spoke,
"It was shocking to hear."
"But the princess, who was the boys' mother? Surely she would be able to tell the difference between you and your husband!"
"Yeah, you would think whoever she was; she would be able to tell the difference between a man and a woman." Percy stated thoughtfully.
"Unless Hera changed into an animal or something," Hermes responded.
"...Kinky."
"CONNER STOLL!"
I shook my head sadly, "The princess was Danae.
"Danae!? Perseus's mother!?" Dakota exclaimed.
"Yep," Aphrodite answered.
"Oh my gods," Percy muttered dramatically.
Annabeth looked at her boyfriend, "What?"
"I'm named after the son of Hera."
"...Oh."
I came to her as a golden shower, so that hopefully no peeping toms would recognize me.
"Thats' smart." Athena nodded. "She took precautions."
I did not give any indication as to which immortal I was; only that I was an Olympian who fell in love with her.
"At least the princess knew her child was a demigod." Clovis mumbled sleepily.
I planned to reveal my identity once Dictys pulled her to shore,
"That would be ideal."
but by then I had given Perseus's life to my husband. By then, Danae believed Zeus to be the sire of her child."
Again people glared at Zeus.
"Even if you gave your sons' life to Juno at least she didn't pretend to be his sire!" Demeter snapped at her childish sibling.
Aphrodite stared at me; shock and disbelief covering her face.
"Like I said, it was shocking." Aphrodite spoke, reapplying her makeup.
"But how do I know your not lying about all this."
"Thats true," Octavian stated snootily. "She could be making this up."
A lot of people glared at him.
I replied softly, "Because I have proof."
"What proof?" Piper demanded.
"What proof?"
Leo laughed.
Piper smacked him.
Grimacing I answered, "Most immortals are able to hide their scars really well. But I'm afraid mine never quite went away."
"Kinda like Ares," Malcolm observed.
"Well I am the God of War punk."
"What do you mean?"
"When I fought the Giant Phoitios in the Giant War,
"You know," Hecate leaned forward. "Hera was the only god to kill a giant without a half-bloods' help."
"Cool."
he stabbed me directly through the seal.
Everyone gasped. That wasn't good.
The celestial bronze contorted the seals' magic, and made it so it could never be removed."
Some looked down sadly.
Hestia shook her head, "No wonder she has become so hostile. She lost one of her most sacred elements. I'm surprised it didn't cause her to fade."
"She can fade from that?" Katie asked.
"Yes, but luckily she had more domains than just motherhood. Or else she might've lost the will to continue. You saw what happened to Pan."
Hermes flinched, and everyone else looked horrified. Sure they might not of thought the highest of the Queen, but this book was opening their eyes to things they did not know. She didn't deserve to fade.
If you look closely you could see some had tears in their eyes.
I lifted my shirt to expose my abdomen.
Travis and Connor waggled their eyebrows suggestively.
Thalia shocked them.
There just below the bellybutton a circular seal with a thin white scar cutting through it was visible.
"Thats the seal?" Lou Ellen asked.
"Yes Lou." Hecate answered her daughter.
Aphrodite gasped, then stood up and swiftly walked towards me.
Artemis smirked, "Like when she sees new shoes?"
"HEY!"
Athena smiled, "Exactly like that!"
Tentatively she reached out; hesitantly touching the seal and scar.
Travis snickered.
This time Thalia did more than electrocute him.
Abruptly she pulled her hand back, "Its real! You weren't lying!"
"How were you able to tell?" Gwen asked.
"Gods can sense the truth honey."
"Of course I told the truth," I scowled. "I have nothing to gain by lying."
"True."
"Yes, but that explains sooo much!
"It kinda does," Percy noted.
Why you never had anymore children despite being married all these years!
"I must agree," Athena stated. "It was quite odd, that despite your years of marriage another child was never born."
"But, she had the demigod didn't she?" Clarisse asked.
"I meant immortal offspring Daughter of Ares," Athena corrected.
"Oh."
Oh man, thats just unbelievable!
"It is."
But, how could you stay sane all these years?
"Thats a good question," Dionysus drawled.
Poseidon looked at him, "Your actually listening?"
"Yes uncle."
Unless, you had more children. Was... was Perseus the only half-blood you sired?"
People looked at the love goddess, "Did she?"
"My lips are sealed."
"Thats a surprise," Artemis grumbled.
Sighing I shook my head, "No. He wasn't.
"What! Theres more of them?!" Thalia exclaimed.
"Thats what it said."
I slipped up a total of six times.
Leo laughed, "Thats nothing compared to the other gods."
A few said gods glared but did nothing. Well, it was true.
Four times as Hera, and twice as Juno."
"Did Juno have more self-control?" Reyna asked.
Zeus shook his head, "No. She wasn't roman very long. She fell asleep one hundred years before the Empire fell. Didn't wake up until Byzantium had already passed."
I went and sat back down on the couch; Aphrodite sat on my left eager for me to continue.
"I think we all are," Hazel said, leaning into Frank.
Hades scowled.
"The first time was Danae, who bore me Perseus. The second time was Europa.
"So Europa was Hera's mistress instead of yours?" Chris asked Zeus.
Zeus looked embarrassed, "Yes. She gave me all her Greek half-bloods lives. Juno was able to hide her children."
"You didn't hurt them did you?" Hestia asked.
"No."
I had transformed into the bull, not Zeus.
"But why?" Harley asked.
Why I did that; I really don't know.
Harley blushed; burying his head in Nyssa's back, "I think like grandma."
His statement sent a silent shock wave throughout camp.
But since the cow is my sacred animal, it seemed like the best choice.
"Oh."
I took her to Crete, and from our union she became pregnant with Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon."
Demigods blushed at the word union.
Aphrodite wrinkled her nose, "Minos was your son?"
"I agree," Percy, Annabeth, Nico, and Rachel all chorused.
"He was a jerk," Nico grumbled.
"You guys meet Minos?" Reyna looked astonished.
"His ghost."
"Oh."
"Yeah, yeah. The only reason he acted like a brat was because he thought the King of Brats was his daddy."
Zeus blushed beat red, while everyone else cracked up.
Poseidon and Hades actually fell off their thrones.
She laughed, "Yep, now please continue."
"That would be great."
"The third time was the nymph Antiope, who gave birth to the twins Amphion and Zethus.
"The twins who founded Thebes?" An athena camper asked.
"Yep."
The last time I cracked in my Greek form was with Olympias, who had Alexander the Great." I stated, nervously studying her reaction.
Everyone stared at the book in Athena's hands. Shock and awe appeared on their faces.
Annabeth let out a breath, "Alexander the Great was a son of Hera?"
Zeus nodded.
"Wow," Dakota muttered. "Wasn't he a military genius?"
Nike leaned back in her throne, "Dang. He's the one who created the biggest empire of his time. Hera sired a very powerful half-blood."
Octavian sneered, "Wasn't Rome bigger?"
The Greeks glared. Annabeth snorted, "His empire stretched from Greece into Asia Octavian. His military achievements are the same things that inspired Julius Caesar to turn Rome into a empire."
"Those were your sons too!? Amphion and Zethus are one thing, but Alexander the Great!?" She looked at me in amazement. "Wow."
"Wow is correct."
I couldn't help but feel a bit of satisfaction at that.
Thalia laughed, "Smug much?"
"What about the Juno? You said you cracked twice in your roman form." She asked.
The romans looked up.
I vaguely felt my roman instincts stir inside me at the mention of my other persona, but managed to remain Greek. "As Juno, I had two affairs. One with a nymph, and one with a mortal woman.
"Again," Leo spoke. "She is a saint compared to other gods."
The nymph was named Elta; she lived near Pompeii, on the southern slope of Vesuvius.
Dakota looked wide-eyed at the book, "Pompeii? As in the same Pompeii that was buried in ashes?"
"Thats what it says."
"And she lived on Vesuvius?"
"Apparently."
Two weeks after the slip up, she informed me she had fallen pregnant. So, I moved Elta to Rome, and put her in the care of my priestesses.
"She tried to hide her," Jason said.
"Well, she was a patron of Rome," Hades shrugged. "She has a lot of enemies because of that. Probably Juno didn't want any of them to find out about the nymph and their unborn child."
They formed a cover story for her, and married her to Gauis Caesar the Second.
Athena, the romans, and Annabeth all stiffened at the name. Their minds whirled like tornadoes.
He was informed of the childs' true parentage, and swore to me he would raise the babe as his own."
Hestia looked up, "Good man."
Aphrodite nodded, "Good man. But, who was your child?"
"Thats what we all want to know," Apollo sighed, running a hand through his model hair.
I smiled, "In July of 100 BC, Elta gave birth to a boy. He was named Julius Caesar."
Everyone stared at the book in shock. Reyna stuttered, "J-Julius Caesar?"
No one answered her, until Zeus caused lightning to flash; making everyone turn his way. "Yes Julius Caesar was a son of Juno."
"And that doesn't bother you?" Himera asked.
"I never said it didn't."
She gasped, "What! Julius Caesar?! The same Caesar who turned Rome into an Empire!?"
"Exactly our reaction," Artemis supplied.
"Yep."
"Wow! I mean everyone knew he was a demigod, but no one ever claimed him. But the Son of Juno?! My gods."
"It is pretty unbelievable."
"Well, he knew his true parentage, but he preferred to keep it a secret.
"Well claiming your the demigod son of the queen of olympus is a bit crazy." Hermes laughed.
"But he was her son," Travis said, obliviously looking at his father.
"Thats not the point son."
And I tried to give away no hints to Jupiter that I had cracked again. Of course he eventually found out, but that was not until years after my son had passed on."
"Oh," Aphrodite gushed. "That does make sense. Caesar was quite the family man!"
"He was." Hestia smiled. "He loved his daughter."
I sighed, "He adored his daughter. I'm afraid he never was the same after her death."
Eos sighed, "Its nearly impossible to get over the death of your child."
The gods nodded in agreement, sadly staring at the ground.
The half-bloods all gazed at their parents.
"Hmm, understandable." She turned to me, "What about the second affair?"
"Of course you want to know," Athena told the love goddess.
"Oh and you wouldn't?"
"Alright you got me there."
"The second time was during the Medieval ages, with a mortal named Isabelle Romée."
The children of Athena all widened their eyes at the name.
I smirked, "My daughter by her was Joan of Arc."
Once again people were awestruck.
"Okay let me get this straight," Piper held up her hands. "Hera or Juno, whatever, sired Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Joan of Arc?"
"It seems so." Annabeth stated.
"Dang."
Aphrodite stared at me. "Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Joan of Arc. You sired some of the greatest military figure to ever exist. Thats... thats incredible!"
Ares's eyes flashed behind his sunglasses. Lets just say he welcomed the news.
I looked down, "Yes, but they also had tragic fates.
All the demigods flinched.
Alexander died of disease at such a young age. Julius was stabbed to death by the very people he made rich, and Joan was burned at the stake when she was only nineteen."
Frank shivered, "She was burned to death?"
Leo smiled at the canadian, "Hey at least you don't have to worry about that anymore."
"Yeah. Thanks for that by the way."
"Your very welcome master panda."
"HEY!"
Aphrodite shook her head, "Think of the positive things Hera. Alexander and Julius both turned their respective countries into empires.
"That is amazing," Gwen whispered.
And Joan saved France from being annihilated by the English. They were all great heroes."
Chiron nodded, "They were fine heroes."
I smiled, "Yes they were."
"Ha!" Hermes laughed, "Chiron almost thinks like Hera!"
"Better than thinking like you," Dionysus sighed.
"I resent that."
Turning back towards the TV, I grabbed the remote and immediately turned it to my favorite channel. I was eager to move on from this topic.
"It was probably hard for her to tell you that mom," Lacy said.
"I think it was honey."
Aphrodite wasn't, "Uh no. Your not out of the woods yet!"
"That seems to be a recurring theme with Aphrodite," Demeter acknowledged.
Said goddess glumped in her throne.
I groaned, "What else do you want to know?"
"Probably romantic stuff."
"Why you seem to refuse to do anything even remotely sexual with Susan!
"I thought she just explained that," Percy scratched his head.
"Well she kinda did."
For an Olympian you sure aren't acting very greek godly."
The half-bloods all cracked up. The gods on the other hand looked really embarressed.
"Because I don't want her to end up like my previous affairs! I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I lost control with her.
A few people smiled at this sadly.
If I damn our children to a life of hardships.
The demigods all looked anywhere but their parents.
Much to the gods dismay.
They would be outcasts,
People flinched. Nico looked down, he knew what it was like.
and generate a demigod aura even stronger than those of my brothers!
The Big Three looked up curiously, "Really?"
Some people shrugged, Athena looked at her father and uncles, "Maybe, Heras' never revealed her powers to anyone. She could easily be just as powerful as you three are."
They would attract the worst of monsters, they wouldn't be able to train at either of the camps, and I won't be able to help them!
The gods sulked in their thrones, a few glared at Zeus. They really hated those stupid laws.
I... I can't go through that again. And I can't ask Susan to either."
Mitched blinked, "She really cares for Susan."
Aphrodite looked at her son, "She really does."
Aphrodite blinked, "You... you really care for her don't you?"
"Of course I do." I answered.
"No, I mean its like you lov-"
Zeus stiffened; thunder and lightning raged.
Others rolled their eyes at the god of theaters' behavior.
I covered her mouth with my hand; effectively silencing her. "Don't say it."
"Why?"
"Why?" She knocked my hand aside, "Whats wrong with admitting you love her?!"
Piper sighed, "Some people have trouble with stuff like that."
'Because,' I thought. 'Everyone I've ever loved left me.'
Hera's family flinched, expecially her siblings. They didn't want her to think that.
I remembered my marriage to Zeus, how he shamed me into accepting his proposal.
People looked at the god of the sky, while he fidgited on his throne.
One thought ran through their minds, 'What did he do?'
How every infidelity broke my heart into a million pieces,
Zeus looked down. His daughters by Hera glared at him.
Demeter smacked his arm.
how he betrayed me and humiliated me.
He closed his eyes, silently berating himself for his past actions.
How he sealed my womb,
Glares, glares, and more glares!
and forced me to remain barren for thousands of years.
"Poor mommy," Hebe cried; leaning into her eldest sister Enyo for comfort.
My siblings, once so caring and supportive,
Said siblings looked up.
now want nothing to do with me.
Their faces fell, and they leaned back in their thrones. Maybe they hadn't been as caring as they should have.
How when I needed them most, they ignored me.
The hearth dimmed, and Hestia buried her face in her hands. Demeter looked away, while her brothers sat there awkwardly.
As if I didn't exist.
Hestia sobbed, and Percy stood up and sat by his aunt.
He didn't want to see her cry.
Everyone else watched sadly.
My extended family too; nieces and nephews, cousins, and my step-children.
Everyone flinched big time.
All of them hate and curse me for things I did not do,
Some people looked guilty, while some looked confused.
'Things she did not do?'
things they do not understand.
Now everyones' eyes widened.
I hate how they call me vindictive, how they call me jealous.
Some blinked. They'd never thought of it from her side before.
Gods, it hurts. Every glare kills me. Every hateful word, and mocking joke.
Cue more guilty looks.
I wish I could explain. I wish they could stop being so stupid and realize who really causes all these problems.
Athena cocked her head to the side, "What does she mean 'Who really causes all these problems?"
No one was able to come up with an answer.
I wish they would realize how she frames me, and then turns them against me. I wish they could understand!
People noted the information. They would remember that. And hopefully figure out whoever this 'she' was."
They never will though.
I stopped my depressing train of thought.
"Good."
Instead, I thought of Susan.
Aphrodite and her children squealed, instantly getting over the bad mood.
Her smile, her curly brown hair that shined in the sunlight, her intoxicating hazel eyes, and her lips.
Travis and Connor waggled their eyebrows.
Needless to say they both got smacked. Hard.
Gods of Olympus, I love kissing her.
Wolf whistles sounded throughout the amphitheater.
Zeus glumped.
Yeah, I got it bad.
"I'll say," a camper giggled.
I looked at Aphrodite, "Every thing about her is perfect. She haunts me. Her eyes are burned into my soul."
People smiled.
Aphrodite nodded eagerly leaning forward, "And what else?"
"You just want her to say it don't you?"
"Why of course!"
"I've fallen in love with Susan Holt."
This time it wasn't just Aphrodite and her children who squealed.
"Awe!" Hazel said. "Thats adorable!" She turned to her boyfriend and pecked him on the cheek, "Just like you."
Frank blushed.
The love goddess squealed, "Oh it's about time!"
Hesitantly, I looked at Aphrodite. "Does Susan... does she...?"
Gwen grinned, "Aww, she wants to know if Susan loves her."
Dakota looked at her. "Your Venus is showing."
"Shut up!"
"Thats better."
"Oh, she's fallen just as hard as you have!" Aphrodite giggled.
Zeus scowled.
"It's adorable actually! Your all she ever thinks about!"
"I know the feeling," Chris said, gazing at Clarisse.
My heart pounded at the information,
More squeals.
"Well." A glass of wine appeared in my hand. "I must say, that just made my day."
Annabeth shrugged, "It would make anyones day."
Athena lifted the book in the air, "Who wants to read?"
Aphrodite grabbed the book from Athena's hands, "I will read the next chapter!"
Artemis gasped, "You can read?"
"Hey!"
Zeus cleared his throat, "Please let Aphrodite read Artemis, and after this chapter we will take a break."
Everyone voiced their agreement, and Aphrodite opened the book. Just as she was about to start, a voice cut through the amphitheater.
"Wait!"
Well, I hope I did good. Review and tell me what you thought! Did I surprise some of you? Cause its not like I was trying to or something...hehe.
Anyway, Imma try to update once a week to keep you guys happy!
Peace~