Coduss: Will there be a sequel?

Right now, no, I have no plans to make a sequel, but if someone wants to make a one-shot ot two about this story, then feel free so long as you credit me and give me a link so I can check out the story. If I do write a sequel, I'll attack a Sequel Notice to the end of this story.

Smut Warning

The Forgotten One

Chapter Sixteen: Reunions

He would have laughed, had he not been so nervous. All the gods, major and minor (since when do the minor gods have thrones on Olympus?) looked down at him, save Apollo, who was still on his knees.

Artemis was there, her eyes wide and hands covering her mouth, shaking. Hebe looked absolutely floored, her mouth hanging open. Zeus was mostly composed, though he was a little paler than usual. Hera looked pissed, her eyes dancing with flames. Everyone else looked either surprised, amused, or bored. Hecate was there too, her eyes so wide they seemed to take up her entire face. Aita looked away to avoid gasping.

Zeus cleared his throat. "My son, how is this—"

"You can thank Hemera here for that," he said easily, smiling.

"Oh, stop," Hemera said, waving a hand. "I didn't do that much. With Thanatos chained and the Doors of Death open, it was easy enough for my sisters the Fates to restore his string. After that I had Aita here work from the shadows to disrupt Gaea and her minions."

"I killed—I'm sorry, just, one sec." He looked down at Apollo. "You really should get up, dude; you look ridiculous. He helped Apollo—looking shocked and confused—to his feet, brushing some dirt off his shoulder. "There we go, much better. Anyway, where was I? Oh, yeah! I killed Nero, Commodus and Caligula, the three Roman emperors who called themselves gods."

There was silence, then, "How? How can you kill a god, even one as minor as them?"

"I'll tell you, Athena. I used this." He summoned his spear. "Recognize it, Aphrodite?"

The goddess of love took a long look at it and rubbed her wrist. "Oh, that."

Aita nodded. "Mm-hmm. The Spear of Diomedes, capable of hurting and killing gods. I pierced the black hearts of the false gods, destroyed their warehouses, killed their operatives, and stopped them once and for all. I killed the crazed Octavian, who would've destroyed the Greeks if given the chance. I slew Python, freeing Delphi from his foul grasp."

"Wait," Apollo said, "you—"

Aita took a piece of the snake skin from his pocket. "Recognize this, brother?"

Apollo took the skin and ran a thumb over it. "No way," he said, eyes wide. "You actually…"

"I did. Python will never plague the mortal world again."

"He also killed Gaea," Hemera said. There were many gasps. "What? He did. Shot her with a Fate Arrow, scattered her consciousness all throughout the cosmos. She's never be able to form a cohesive thought, much less a plan for revenge. You're welcome!" She gave a bow.

Zeus blinked twice and said, "Then, Olympus indeed—"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, you're grateful and all that, yada, yada, yada." Hemera turned to her partner in crime. "Come on, Aita, let's leave them to their council meetings. You know how much they love those."

He sent one last glance toward his brother and sister, then smiled and said, "Coming," and walked out, leaving the council hall silent.

-o-

Hemera led him into Olympus's hedge garden, which turned out to be a glorified labyrinth. They took so many turns he doubted he'd remember the way out, and Hemera stopped suddenly.

"Well," she said slowly, turning, "this is it."

She held out a hand, but Aita pulled her to him, giving her a big hug. "Will I ever see you again?"

She smiled against him. "I don't doubt it, though it might not be for a few more years."

"You'd be worth it."

"Flatterer," she said, stepping back and swatting him with the back of her hand. Then she stepped forward and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Goodbye." She looked over his shoulder and grinned. "I'd better go; someone else wants to see you." Then she was gone.

"Who—" He turned around and saw what she meant. Artemis was barreling toward him, a streak of silver and auburn hair.

"Hey, Arte—umph!"

Artemis had let out a loud shriek (or was it a sob?) and flung herself into him, wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. Aita found himself ten steps back, with a goddess crying into his neck, sobbing softly.

Aita let out a sigh. "Hey, sis."

Artemis's crying got louder, and she tightened her hold on him, so he just held her more and laid a kiss on her head. "I'm sorry," he mumbled. "I'm so, so sorry."

The sound of pounding footsteps alerted him to someone else. Apollo appeared a second later, golden hair flowing. "Artemis, have you—" He stopped suddenly, taking in the sight before him.

"Hey, Apollo," Aita managed, aware of a few tears threatening to spill.

"Dude," Apollo breathed, enveloping his little brother in a hug. Artemis refused to budge, so Apollo had to maneuver himself around her; though it was awkward, they made it work. Only then did Aita let his tears fall, because gods be damned, it felt so good to be back with them, to be home again, with his family.

Apollo disentangled himself and Artemis slid down, each stepping back and looking their baby brother in the whole for the first time in three millennia.

Aita swallowed. "Hey, guys," he said, voice shaking.

They were both quiet for a second, then Apollo said, "You're a fucking asshole."

"I know," Aita said.

"And a bastard," Artemis said.

"I know."

Apollo seemed to struggle with his words, running both hands through his hair. "How long—why would you—how come—you fucking—"

"I'm sorry," Aita said again.

"Sorry?" Artemis said, incredulous. "Sorry? Are you freaking kidding me? You think sorry's just—you think—you—" Then she was crying again.

Aita surged forward and captured them in a tight embrace. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so, so, so sorry." They wrapped their arms around him and pulled him to the floor, where they sat, sobbing into each other.

Aita saw a flicker of movement, and when he looked up, he saw someone who he'd dreaded facing.

"Hecate."

She was dressed in a dark gown with swirling black hair and light blue eyes. Her face was unreadable, and her stance was neutral.

"Can we…have some time alone, please?" he asked his siblings, who looked ready to protest, but reluctantly agreed when he said, "Please."

They left a moment later, promising to see him again for the party tonight. And then he was alone with Hecate…

"Babe, look I know you're—"

She slapped him.

"You don't know what I feel," she said hoarsely. "You faded. You were torn away from me and I couldn't do anything about it. I was in so much pain…"

"I'm sorry," he said for the millionth time that day.

"You're alive?" she asked quietly.

"Mm-hmm."

She pulled him to her, crying loudly. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, because even after all that had happened, no matter how bad, he was her husband, and he still loved her more than anything.

-o-

Time is difficult for a god, so he could not say how long they wept together, but now they were leaning against the wall of hedges, hands held tightly together. Hecate had both her hands holding his, while her head rested on his shoulder.

He didn't want to disturb this moment, but he knew he had to address what had been plaguing him for months, so he said those three simple words he hated:

"You have kids." It wasn't a question.

She stiffened against him, her breath suddenly stopped. She was quiet for a long time, then said, "Yes."

"…How many?"

She shook her head. "I don't know—but—"

He silenced her with a gesture. "Please, wife, just…listen to me." She nodded and closed her mouth. "I wasn't happy when I found out," he confessed. "I was angry, and hurt, and sad, and a million other things. I hated you, for so long. I did…stupid things. I was with other women. Well, woman. Hemera, from the throne room. We were…together…when I was away." He didn't know why he was saying so much, but he couldn't stop now. "I wanted to despise you, to cast you aside and take others to spite you, but…gods curse me…I love you, Hecate, and I can't stop loving you. Gods, so much has changed. I can barely understand it all. I just…can we…"

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you too," she whispered. "I'm so sorry. I really am. I—I promise, no more children, no more lovers, no more cheating. I promise."

He closed his eyes to stop more tears. "Are we going to be okay?"

"I don't know," she confessed. "But…let's go one day at a time. We'll start over, maybe see a therapist, a marriage counselor, etc."

"What's a marriage counselor?"

She laughed. "Someone who makes marriage a little less fucked up."

He smiled at that. "Maybe now my dad will stop having more affairs."

She laughed again. "Maybe." She stood up and held out a hand. "Come on, let's go home."

He looked about to take it, then shook his hand. "I can't. I need to see one more person I need to see." He stood up.

"See you tonight?"

"I promise." Then he grabbed her cheeks and kissed her. A sweet kiss, with anger, resentment, hope, joy, sadness, misery, amusement, elation, and relief all mixed in. "See you tonight," he whispered, then flashed away.

-o-

The bright Miami sun beat down on the marble-white condo duplex. The ocean lapped contently against the beach, and mortals swam, walked, and played along the coast, completely unaware of how close they had come to dying.

Aita stood in the hallway, hand frozen in mid-knock. On the other side of that door, he knew, was his mother, the Titan Leto. Steeling his nerves, he knocked once, twice, thrice.

"Come in," came a muffled voice.

Aita opened the door and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Leto had her back to him, pouring water from a ceramic vase onto a pot of bright yellow flowers.

"Yes," the Titan said, turning, "how can I—" She dropped the vase.

"Hi, Mom," Aita said, holding a hand up.

Leto crossed the room slowly, never taking her eyes off of him. She lifted her hands up to his face and cupped his cheeks. "Aita?"

"Mm-hmm," he said, smiling. "I'm back."

She let out a cross between a sob and a laugh and crushed him to her in a bear hug. "Oh, my sweet baby," she said, crying. She peppered his face with kisses and rocked him slightly from side to side. "How are you—why—how is…"

He explained everything to her slowly, and she listened, soaking in the story. When it was done, she was quiet, her head resting on his shoulder, golden hair falling down his chest.

"You're really home?" she asked after a while.

"I am," he said. "And I promise, I'm not going anywhere."

"That's good." She shot back, eyes wide. "Do Artemis and Apollo know?"

"I already saw them. There's this big party on Olympus tonight to celebrate the victory over the giants; we're all meeting there. You should come, Mom."

Leto laughed. "Baby, you're supposed to take a special lady to those kinds of things, not your mother."

He smiled. "You'll always be my special lady, Mom."

She laughed, though it sounded almost like a sob. "You always did know how to manipulate me. Alright then." She linked her arm around his. "Let's go to this party."

He laughed and led her out of the condo, smiling all the way.

-o-

Olympian Mardi Gras was in full effect—loud music, delicious food, wonderful sights, beautiful women.

It was a good time.

The Muses were playing in the center of Olympus on a large wooden stage, flooded with lights from stage lights. Nymphs and satyrs danced to the sound of tweed pipes and lyres, hopping from one foot to the other.

Aphrodite danced with Ares and Hermes and Dionysus, while Hephaestus looked on with crossed arms. Demeter was tending to the floral processions, while Hestia stood vigil over the hearth, looking happy despite the lack of attention she was receiving.

Aita laughed, goblet of wine in hand, as Apollo recounted several stories about what he had missed. Artemis faced away from them, though she would reach out every few minutes, as though to make sure he was still there; Aita would give her fingers a tight squeeze and tell her to relax. She would scoff and take a sip of wine, though the edges of her mouth would twitch.

Leto sat nearby, watching her children—all of them, back together—with a thinly-veiled smile, perfectly content to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere. Hecate was there too, her hand firmly grasping her husband's, knuckles turning white. Aita would wince every once in a while and give her a peck on the cheek, and she would get red as Aphrodite's lipstick and loosen her death grip.

Apollo was in the middle of explaining the Trojan War when someone cleared their throat. Turning, Aita saw that the king of Olympus himself was standing there in a navy-blue suit and striped tie.

He slid off the small wall he had been using as a seat and slipped his hand out of Hecate's grip. "Hey, Dad."

"Aita," the king said. He was quiet for a minute, then: "It has been a long time."

"Yeah," Aita said with a snort, "I know."

Zeus cleared his throat. "I am…unsure of how to say this, my son, but"—he put a hand on Aita's shoulder—"I am glad you are well."

Aita smiled and wrapped his arms around Zeus. "I missed you too," he said, stepping back.

Zeus cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Yes, now, I…"

Leto strode forward gracefully and placed a hand on Zeus's shoulder. "Come, my lord. Let's give the children some time to themselves."

Zeus looked much more comfortable now. "Yes, that sounds fine."

Leto led Zeus away after giving her children a wink and saying, "Bye, babies." All three of them blushed while Hecate laughed.

"Wait," Apollo said a few minutes later, "you and Hemera…you two…?"

Aita glanced at Hecate, who just nodded once. "We…laid together, several times—completely casual, of course—while I was working to destroy the emperors. She is a valued friend, and I would not be here without her."

"Yeah, yeah," Apollo said, waving a hand, "but you two had sex?"

Aita swallowed. "…We did, yes, but—"

Apollo suddenly laughed and scooped up Aita in a hug. "YES!" he said, laughing. "This is great! Dude, you got with a primordial. I don't think even Dad's done that!"

"Apollo," Artemis snapped. "Try to have some tact."

"I was just—"

Hecate cleared her throat. "Can I please have a moment alone with my husband?"

Apollo had the grace to look abashed. "Look, I didn't mean—"

"Just do it," Aita said, not looking forward to what was coming. When Artemis looked about to protest, he took hold of her fingers and gave a squeeze. "Hey, relax. I'll be right back. Not like I'm gonna disappear again or anything."

It was the wrong thing to say, and he knew it. Apollo and Artemis's eyes welled with tears, and the latter glared at him hard enough to crack stone. "Five minutes," he promised, softly. "Five minutes, then I'll come back, and we can sing and dance and hunt and do whatever you two want, I promise."

Apollo gave a small smile while Artemis just said, "Five minutes," and walked away, Apollo trailing after her. Hecate took Aita's hand in hers and began to drag him away from the party, down past the gardens, and toward the palaces. She stopped suddenly and whirled around.

"Look," Aita began, "Apollo didn't really—mmph!" He didn't get the chance to finish, as Hecate rushed forward quickly and slammed her lips into his. It only took him a minute to gather his wits and kiss her back, putting his arms around her back, their tongues battling.

She abruptly ended the kiss and grabbed hold of his jerkin, ripping it down the middle with a territorial growl. She began to kiss and lick and bite his chest and stomach, lighting a fire deep within him.

"Babe, wait," he said, forcing his eyes open. "We can't do that…here…" They were no longer outside, but in the middle of their shared bedroom, nearly untouched by time. "How did you do that?" he asked stupidly.

"Do you really care?" she asked, getting down on her knees and reaching into his pants with her thumbs.

"Not really," he confessed. "Wait." He grabbed her wrists, making her look up at him, eyes shining. "I love you."

She smiled seductively up at him and wrenched his pants down, taking the underwear with it. His cock was exposed for nearly a second before it disappeared down her throat, drawing out a surprised gasp from him. She bobbed up and down in rapid succession, running her lips and tongue over his sensitive skin. The room was soon filled with the sound of moans and slurps, the god putting both his hands on his lover's head to make her go faster.

Hecate reached around Aita and gave one of his butt cheeks a playful squeeze before placing both hands on his legs and using them to increase her momentum. "Babe," Aita gasped, "I'm gonna…" She pulled free from him, strings of saliva still connecting them. "What the fuck?" he growled, angry at having his orgasm cut short.

She stood up and gave his chest a hard shove, pushing him down onto the bed. She was on him a moment later, kissing him with enough passion to bruise his lips. She tore away his ripped jerkin and shuffled his breeches off, leaving him buck naked. He reached around her and tore away her gown, noticing she wasn't wearing anything else.

"No panties?" he asked, smiling.

"What's the point?" she asked back, gripping his hair and turning his head up. "Now kiss me, pretty boy." He did so vehemently, running his hands up and down her sides, as he did oh so long ago.

"Fuck me," she said, laying heated kisses along his jawline. "Hurry up and put it in."

He flipped her over and positioned himself at her entrance. "My pleasure," he said, slamming into her. She cried out and a tear leaked from her eye. "Hecate?" Aita asked, halting. "Are you okay? Did I hurt you?"

She smiled up at him, more tears coming now. "No, my love," she said, shaking her head. "I've missed you so much."

He swallowed and leaned down to her. "I missed you too," he said, "and I'm sorry."

"You can be sorry later. For now, just keep going."

"With pleasure, my lady," he said, picking back up. He thrust into her again and again, the sound of their skin slapping together reverberating around the room. Hecate wrapped her arms around Aita's waist, keeping him close. He savagely attacked her breasts, licking and biting at them. After a few more pumps, he felt her walls squeeze him of his seed, and he collapsed onto her, resting his head on her shoulder, giving it a light kiss.

"I love you," she said quietly, wrapping her arms around his body, afraid to let go.

"I love you too," he said, nuzzling her pale skin. "And I can go one more round, how about you?"

She laughed and pulled him in for a kiss. "As long as it's with you."

"You won't have to worry about that ever again." He readjusted himself slowly, pushing into her, their stomachs brushing as his chest rubbed against her sensitive nipples. He made love to her slowly, pulling nearly all the way out of her before gently gliding back inside, their lips gently brushing together.

"Aita…" she moaned as he moved to kiss her collarbone, "…so…good."

He smiled and moved back to kiss her lips, moaning softly. After a few more minutes of lovemaking, both stiffened as they rode out one of their most intense orgasms to date. When it was over, Aita rolled off of her, looking deep into her eyes, deep purple on light blue.

"I love you," he said.

She smiled and replied, "I love you too." She snuggled into his chest. "I think it's been more than five minutes," she mumbled.

He laughed. "Good. Otherwise I'd be getting rusty."

She smiled and moved up to kiss him. "Promise you'll never leave me again."

"I promise," he said, giving her a light kiss; and he meant it. He would never leave again, never abandon her, or anyone, ever again. He'd keep his promise.

And he wouldn't be forgotten again.

A/N: Well, everyone, it's been a long and wonderful road, but all things must come to an end. Words can't describe how thankful I am to each and every one of you who followed, favorited, reviewed, and read this intended one-shot that bloomed into my most popular fanfic to date. Y'all are wonderful. I had intended one last scene to show Hemera having a baby with purple eyes, but I decided to cut it (Though, in my mind anyway, she's totally pregers by the time of the last time we see her. What do you guys think about that?).

Please, every one of you, take a minute and leave a review telling me what you thought, not only of this chapter, but of the whole story. Guest reviewers are always welcome, and don't be afraid to criticize, just so long as you aren't insulting.

It's been fun, everyone.

Bye.