The Next Day at Aunt Em's Shop at Dawn.

"... and Poseidon actually helped me, talked to me. We were in love, or so I thought. He was the first god to listen to my prayers, not even Athena cared enough for that." Medusa said, her tone near broken as she told Aaron of the truth of her tale of woe. "Athena spread the idea he defiled me, to make him seem worse. I was unaware of his true nature for a time, too enamored by his light and love. Now I know it, he is as bad as the other gods, but he was the last memory I had of love, of acceptance... without familial obligation I mean."

Aaron patted her hand. "That is truly a vile tale. The more I learn of the gods, the more I loathe them. To be honest, I am glad we put up that spell to mask our conversations from the god-"

Both Aaron and Medusa froze as a powerful, cool essence rushed toward them at blinding speeds. They runed, her armed with her claws, him with his staff. A light, dim but powerful filled the room, soothing them both but also filling them with fear at the realization it was a god or goddess that had come to them. Readying themselves, the light faded and they saw a woman of purest beauty.

She was tall with bright white wings, a rounded heart shaped face with coppery hair and literally red hands. Her face was tired though, she looked ready to drop.

"Hello, my sweets. I am Eos and we have much to discuss." She moved, sitting at the table they were sitting at. "One of you has managed to invoke Helios, intentionally or not and I need to know who and why."

Aaron frowned. "Unintentionally... sort of. I called out, a prayer spell, and a spark flew into me. I made an offering to them, and they seem stronger, their warm essence fills me from time to time."

The goddess sniffed at him, then smiled with weariness. "Humans got many things write. The Sun's power awakens the moon and of course dawn. Apollo and Artemis may drive the sun and moon, but they are not the sun and moon. I am fading as a result. Helios, Selen and I are bound by the most sacred of magics, without them my magic is weakening. My husband, Astraeus the Titan of Dusk, is nearing death as well, since he too is part of their energy.

What you did, connecting to Helios, is healing us ever so slightly. I cannot bless you, it would alert the gods to Helios' rise, and I am far too weak at present. However, what I can do is give you the income to fuel your life here. What is it that you wish to do with Medusa?"

He frowned, then an idea blossomed. One born of the sheer loss Medusa's curse had caused and the depths of agony knowing no demigod tended to last over eighteen... " I want to make a place for Demigods, clear sighted mortals and all are welcome to find common ground. I want this to be a mystically safe place, free of harm. I may not have suffered like Medusa has, or you, but I have read the myths, and I can only imagine the suffering of so many kids never making it to twenty. I have to help." And he meant it, the stories he heard from Medusa, seeing her statue count... it shook his soul, though only now that he was no longer in danger of joining them.

That made Medusa nod. "That would be welcome... I can act as guardian, protector as can he. It is like the Waystation."

"Then so be it." Eos snapped her fingers, and the room shook. "My eyes will forever be on this place, and I will fund it's reconstruction into a safe haven. All i ask is that you help me revive my kin, not just through magic but worship and love and appreciation. Do so, and when the time comes, I will fight for you both, even against the Olympians." She sighed. "We will have to be on our own side, one that wants true change.

I have lost so much over my life, I cannot stand the idea of others suffering this way... as we all have. I want this to be a true freedom from the bullshit of the divine... What shall we call it?"

Medusa spoke first. "Rising Dawn."

They all smiled at that, Eos blushing a lovely red. "You honor me... now remember, until we have more power, this must be hush hush... it is only due to the theft on Olympus that Athena is not smashing your doors down. I will send builders and contractors to make this place all you wish it to be. Now, I must go my loves... know that I am watching you...

And always stay kind."

And then she was gone, leaving Aaron and Medusa to smile at each other. "That worked out well... Aaron, I need a better way to defend my people... any clue how I get started?"

He smirked. "Wanna learn magic or combat first?"

Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was a joy to write.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.