This is a continuation of chapter 4. Was supposed to be one chapter but as someone who can barely focus after 10,000 words in a chapter, I couldn't do the same to my readers. Enjoy!
Thyia was leading two dozens of children to Ethearos. They were spellbound by the stories she was telling them, hanging on to every word.
This was why she adored them so much. Even as her little Aura grew up to be royalty, Thyia remained in the village, choosing to look after the children.
After Yuna got used to her position as Parigoria's ruler, Thyia had returned to her job as the children's caretaker. Most of the parents were so grateful of her but Thyia always insisted that they were doing her a favour by trusting her to take care of their children.
"Our goddess saved us?" An impish, freckled little girl, with her hair tied up in two braids asked. "Did she defeat the gods?"
Thyia loved this question so much. "In the end, no. They were not hers to defeat."
"Aww!" The children all complained.
A boy, tall and lean, a year older than his companions, piped up. "Then how did she save us?"
"She gave us a home." Thyia explained. "She hid us from the Gods' vision and she made sure we prospered. Laws were put in place and we became a united empire."
Someone from the back called out, "So the Gods are still out there?"
"Yes, dear. But we are keeping an eye out for them. Once the time comes, they will be defeated and we will gain peace."
The children whooped and cheered in all their youthful enthusiasm.
The freckled girl tugged Thyia's hand. "Can we go see her?" She begged, eyes wide and doleful. "I want to see our goddess!"
Thyia frowned, losing her smile.
She hated visiting her goddess, and hated seeing what the Gods and Fates had taken from them. But the children wanted to see. Wanted to know who their saviour was. "Of course."
They continued to chatter cheerfully as Thyia made a left turn. The crystals of Aiónia's coffin sparkled in the light, a warm welcome to all who visited her.
As much as it hurt Thyia, she couldn't help smiling the closer she got.
Aiónia had a smile etched on her face, her arms crossed in front of her chest. With her eyes shut, it was almost like she was sleeping.
"Don't get too close now, children." Thyia warned. "We do not want to interrupt her sleep."
"The Gods killed her, did they not?" The tall boy asked mournfully. At age 8, he was much more knowledgeable in this aspect. "They killed her."
"Yes." Thyia did not deny it.
Instantly, the smiles of the children were swapped with frowns and tearful faces.
"It was why we will destroy the gods." She continued. "They will pay for taking our goddess. Our lord and lady, Frank and Hazel, work tirelessly. They have started gathering allies. The minor Gods and Goddesses, and the more peaceful Titans. Soon, our numbers will exceed even the gods. From wherever Aiónia is at, she is looking after us. She is never too far from our hearts, children."
Another girl, auburn hair and a birthmark on her exposed shoulder, stepped forward, kneeling in Aiónia's direction.
She bowed her head, crossing one arm in front of her chest, her fist close to her heart. Everyone followed her actions as they paid respect to their goddess. Thyia watched them, before doing the same.
Suddenly, a high-pitched scream interrupted the silent environment.
A small girl, the youngest of the group, shot to her feet, face ashen-white. She was staring in Aiónia's direction.
Thyia frowned, following her gaze. To her shock, Aiónia stared back. Sea-green orbs peeked out from her half-opened lids.
Her mouth fell open. Aiónia uncrossed her arms, pressing her palm against the surface of the coffin. The movement was slow and graceful, like she was underwater.
The children started shrieking. Some burst into tears.
"Quiet!" Thyia commanded. "Everyone behind me, now!"
No one complained. Everyone scrambled backwards.
Thyia stared at Aiónia. The goddess blinked. Aiónia's eyes were hazy and clouded over. Every action she did—which wasn't much—was slow and sluggish. Her ruby lips slightly curled upwards. "Thyia," She whispered, her head lolling sideways. "Be a dear and help me out, won't you?"
—
After Thyia removed the coffin's cover, Aiónia gracefully climbed out of it like she was climbing out of her bed.
Her eyes never truly lost the haziness Thyia noticed at first glance, and she looked around Ethearos like it was her first time here. Seeing but not really comprehending.
Then, it turned bad when she tried to take her first step.
Thyia cried out as Aiónia's ankle suddenly twisted sideways, and she crumbled to the ground. She moved to help Aiónia but the goddess simply stared at the ground in confusion.
"I haven't touched grass in so long." She muttered to herself, running a hand through the blades of grass. "Then again, I haven't touched anything for a long time."
"Vasilissa…" Thyia inched closer. "If I may…"
Aiónia shot her a bemused glance. "When have you ever been so polite, Thyia? Although if you do not mind, I could use some help getting up. I'm afraid my feet have fallen asleep and I have conveniently forgotten how to walk."
"How do you forget to walk?" A short, pouty boy couldn't help but ask. Immediately, he blushed and stammered out, "I- I- I mean, no offence my goddess- I mean my lady! I mean- Oh, by Chaos."
Aiónia smiled sleepily at the boy. All her sharp edges, the way her smile usually had a threatening edge to it, was gone. Her voice came out soft and gentle. Thyia ached to hear it. "I suppose when you get stuck in the middle of nowhere, where you cannot walk, run, move, speak, or do anything, you tend to forget some things, boy." She angled her head towards Thyia. "What year is it?"
"50 years since the Gods tried to attack Earth, Vasilissa." Thyia reported, kneeling down. She took one of Aiónia's arm—far too thin for her liking—and moved it around her shoulder, hoisting Aiónia up, her entire weight on Thyia.
Aiónia bowed her head, losing her smile. "Oh." She didn't sound confused or angry. She simply stated a fact. No emotions. Nothing.
"My goddess," Thyia started. "Should I call your court?"
"My court?" She hummed.
"My daughter, Aura." Thyia said, desperate for Aiónia to feel something. Anything. "Cecelia, do you remember? Her descendant, Marcus, is king of Charí."
"He married someone didn't he? Olivia, yes? Pretty girl." Aiónia mumbled, eyes drooping.
Her arms went slack. Aiónia stumbled a little before Thyia got her upright again. How did she know that? "I- yes. Well, not yet, Marcus has asked for her hand in marriage but they have been waiting for the right timing. He will be so pleased to know you are awake."
"I did not think I would wake up." Aiónia said, staring off in the distance, nodding thoughtfully. "I thought it was the end of my reign. But some things have changed. Call my court, Thyia. I will wait for them in my palace."
"Can you-"
"Do not worry about me."
The children, silent until this point, broke out in excited whispers. The tall boy stepped forward. "So…" He said slowly with apprehension. "You are our goddess? Prodosia?"
Aiónia lolled her head in his direction. Her eyes dropped at the memories that came with the name. "Who told you that name?"
"I-" He stuttered, looking for help. No one looked him in the eye. "Well, our history teacher told us to address you by that name. Queen Prodosia. He said those closer to you call you-"
"Aiónia." She recalled. A smile broke the surface. A true, genuine smile, that held the slightest hint of mischief at the corner. The one that all those who were close to Aiónia have learned to associate with their friend. "No, that is not my name."
Slowly, she pushed herself away from Thyia's arms. Thyia reached out, but Aio2nia shook her head.
She swayed in her place, her legs shaking. It was not hard to believe that she hadn't been walking for half a century.
Then, she stood up straight, looking Thyia in the eye. "Prodosia is not my name." She repeated. "It is the name of the masked princess, the commander of Saturn. That is not who I am. Help me tell them, will you? Change the history books."
"Then… what is your name?" The boy asked more daringly, seeing as he wasn't punished for his outburst the first time.
Thyia couldn't blame them for not knowing how to talk to her. When they were born, Aiónia was gone. They weren't taught to talk in front of their goddess.
On the other hand, they will be so happy for years to come, being the first few people to see Aiónia resurrected.
Aiónia hummed thoughtfully. Her eyes lit up, like she suddenly remembered something. "Adira." She said in a fit of giggles. "That was the name she called me by before… Oh, Annie was always so smart. That is my name. Adira."
Her laughter stopped as abruptly as it started. The spark of life faded as quickly as it came. "I have been many people." She said seriously. "I have been Persephone Jackson, daughter of Poseidon, heroine of Olympus. I have been Sephie, cousin of Hazel Levesque, a sibling of Frank Zhang, a friend of the demigods. I have been Prodosia, masked princess and commander of Saturn."
She raised her arms dramatically, as if about to decree a new order. "Now I will wear a new mask. Everyone I have been, they are unfit. Persephone is too dark, too wrapped around revenge. If she led Kydria, she would lead the kingdom to their doom. No one would follow her. Prodosia is heartless and uncaring. A shell of me as I grieved for my friends. Let me begin anew. With the death of one, comes the birth of another. I am not Prodosia. I am not Seph. Call me Queen Adira, reborn goddess of Kydria."
Let it be known that Aura loves her mother. So very much.
If it was required of her, Aura would gladly die for her mother.
However, she was probably crossed with her.
Of all days to request for her presence… Aiónia's death date no less.
She knew her mother never did something without reason, so she was really curious to know what could have been so urgent that she needed to summon the entire council. She knew that the council was summoned because the letter was short. Brief. Abrupt.
Also, Marcus was waiting for her where the borders of Kydilla and Charí end. For a guy who says he was 'too wise to get into petty arguments', he sure spends a lot of time arousing her anger.
At least Olivia was here this time. She helped him get over his grief and he had inevitably fallen in love with her over the span of a decade.
Then, of course, all the drama kicks in. Olivia panicked and told him she "can't love him" while she actually meant she "didn't love him yet".
(It was Aura who had to comfort Marcus through the times of heartbreak and it was Aura who had to deal with his love sickness when Olivia started seeking him out again. But they weren't friends. Aura could not like the descendant of a 'deserter'.)
Aura also had to handle Marcus' fretting as he planned his goddamned engagement. His constant mood swings from "she will definitely say yes" to "oh Chaos, she would never accept me".
But all's well that ends well, because he got the girl and Aura finally got her peace and quiet.
Now, Olivia was Marcus's official head advisor and she managed to keep him in check. Aura never did thank her for that. Too late now.
Upon seeing her, Olivia's eyes lit up. She instantly let go of Marcus and ran over to Aura, tackling her with a ferocious hug that Aura instantly reciprocated.
"I have not seen you in so long!" Olivia squealed, going on her tip-toes to kiss Aura's cheek. "Dear, dear Aura, how have you been?"
"So well." Aura replied, grinning. "Are you going to Ethearos as well?"
Olivia released her with a slight pout. "No. Thyia requested for royals only."
By then, Marcus had reached her side. He wrapped his arm around Olivia's waist, kissing her. "You will be royalty soon, love."
She shoved her fiancé jokingly. "I told you, Marc, I will not be your queen! I refuse to be queen. I shall stay as I am. I love my job."
Marcus nodded. They had this argument many times, so it seems. "Of course, love." Then, to Aura he said, "shall we go, then?"
Aura disregarded him, giving Olivia a hug one more time before going in the direction of the palace.
Marcus quickly caught up to her. "I sense you still hate me. Surely you cannot hold a grudge for that long, Aura? It has been many years."
"Time does not matter to us. We are all immortal now." Aura said, annoyed. "Besides, no one said I hated you, Marcus."
"It is because of Cecelia." Marcus nodded. "I am not my ancestor, Aura, surely you know that. I love Kydria. It is my home."
"Cecelia once said that as well." Aura sneered. "She still left when we needed her. Selfish and blinded with curiosity, she left for the outside world, abandoning the state she promised to govern."
Yes, her anger was misdirected. Yes, she was holding a grudge against a dead person. Yes, it has been many centuries.
It did not stop her from feeling betrayed. The years had been young. They were all getting used to ruling a world after being treated like doormats all their life. They promised to be there for each other.
Okina left. So did Mimira. They stayed for as long as they could and at a point where their states were in a period of peace, they stepped down to live their own lives.
Aura still saw them from time to time. Every decade, from the day Percy had founded Kydilla to the day she founded Parigoria, the proélefsi would reunite. It was a time of happiness for them, and they would catch up. No matter what their responsibilities were, they had never broken their promise. Everyone was still around. Everyone was still happy.
Except for Cecelia, who left them during the time they needed each other the most. So yes, Aura did hate Cecelia a little, and she still had this nagging voice telling her that Marcus was going to leave as well.
Marcus retreated a little, his eyes fogging up in that defensive way Aura had learned he does when he felt especially hurt. "I would never leave Aiónia."
"You do not even recognise her as your queen when she was alive." Aura said spitefully. When Aiónia was alive, she would have never said such cruel words. But ever since she died, Aura had lost her anchor. She was rude, and her filter for her words was gone. She said whatever she wanted, and no one ever stepped up to tell her to stop. Not even her mother.
Sometimes she wished they did. It was what Aiónia would have done. But they were all too afraid of her to say anything.
She hated it, but they wouldn't do anything.
Even now, Marcus sets a contemplating gaze on her, but his mouth remains closed. They do not say anything else as they travel.
—
When Ethearos was first made, Percy had made it her life goal to make it the best home she could ever live in.
She had called in the best artists and architects and designers and whatnot. She called her council, and for every little detail, she asked for their opinion.
It took years to begin the foundation of Ethearos, and taken even longer—centuries to be exact—to finish Ethearos.
Still, it was worth it. No matter how many times Aura stepped into the palace's halls, she was still spellbound each time.
She really couldn't decide which was her favourite part of the palace. Never.
It could be the library, that was the size of an average citizen's home. With its seemingly endless books and the perfect place to study.
It could be the gardens, with flowers and trees of all sorts. The beautiful floral cheered Aura up, regardless of how bad her day had been. Even to this day, the gardeners kept it in tip top shape.
Or the Hall of the Lost, where Aura could appreciate Percy's friends. They were the ones who stayed by Percy's side when she needed them. Aura couldn't do much, but she did enjoy walking down the hall with Percy as Percy told stories of her friends to Aura.
It could also be the throne room, where they often gathered for meetings. With the beautiful sapphire throne in the middle of a dias, with five thrones on each side, facing each other.
The entire throne, made with blue gems, reflecting in the light that came from the arch windows.
Every gem was carefully picked out and provided by Hazel.
Aura remembered how insistent Percy had been. How she did not need a throne nor did she want one that was so eye-catching. But they wore her down.
Her throne was specially made to not only look powerful, but also comfortable.
The throne room itself was designed to appear awe-inspiring. With tall pillars that reached the high ceiling, a crystal chandelier with actual fire lit up.
Artworks were hung on the wall. Each depicted Percy. Whether it was addressing a crowd, or crowning a new ruler, or in battle.
Her throne sat at the end of the throne room, on a dias. Its throne had a high backrest. It wasn't too high nor too short, slightly higher than Percy when she stood. It was adorned with intricate carvings, and small, white, round sapphires, like twinkling stars in a night sky.
The armrests were designed in a similar manner, with the sapphires placed in a flower formation.
Placed at the top of the backrest, like a crown, was a pure blue teardrop. It was perfectly positioned so that once the sun reached its highest point, it shone on the teardrop and it would create a light display right at the foot of the dias.
At the foot of the dias, there were five thrones on her left, and another five on the right. Each was golden, with blue seat cushions.
There was a separate meeting room, with a table and eleven tables, but they usually met in the throne room for formal discussions.
Like now, as Marcus and Aura finally turned the last corner to find the rest of the council waiting for them. The doors of the throne room were closed, and everyone was sitting around restlessly, throwing the closed doors weird looks.
"There you are!" Aisha threw her arms out upon seeing the duo. "Honestly, Aura, we would have expected you to be the first to reach seeing as you are Thyia's daughter yet you are one of the last. Care to explain yourself?"
From the wall, half-hidden in the shadows, Yuna laughed kindly, her soft voice soothing the balm. "It has only been a few minutes, Aisha. No one would have died in this time. Do not blame them, I am sure they came as soon as they could."
Before Aisha could retort, the throne doors cracked open. A head popped out.
Marcus instantly recognised him. "Cassius? Why are you here?"
A little backtrack.
When Cecelia went into the mortal realm, she made a name for herself and became a famous artist using a different name, Timarete.
She went on to have a family. Since Percy hadn't taken Hali back from her, Cecelia had passed the shard to her children. Who then passed it on to their children.
Her entire bloodline knew of Kydria, but none ever left their country in search of this place. After a while, it was dismissed as nothing but a 'fairytale' but they still passed it on to fulfil Cecelia's dying wish.
Until Marcus, that is, who grew up with a single father and two younger siblings.
Meet Cassius and his sweet twin sister, Cassidy.
Cassidy wasn't here. Must still be in Charí, studying hard to be the Head of War. Olivia had been the Head of War before her. After she was upgraded to advisor, Charí has been looking for a new Head of War. A tomboy at heart, but she always longed to do something. After fooling around for more than a century, she's finally settled down and begun working on her future.
Cassius is Marcus's lieutenant, meaning he took over Marcus when he was busy. It was the position Olivia could have gotten but Cassius took it first.
It just made them question why Cassius was even here.
Cassius was a pretty little boy. (Aura has the right to call him little. She has the right to call Marcus little considering that chronically, she was indeed older than them) With jagged, unruly brown hair he got from his father, he already swooned so many girls. Just a wink with his dark chocolate eyes, and they would wait for him hand and foot. Too bad for them, most royals and their council had sworn off love.
Most. Not all.
"Miss Thyia called me." Cassius said, his face set in a firm line. Aura knew Cassius as a boy who, in the most dire situation, always had a smile on his face. What could have possibly triggered this? "She, um, she needed someone and I was in the area."
"Is something wrong?" asked Iphianna.
Cassius hesitated. "I think it will be best for you to see for yourselves."
The council exchanged wary glances, all suspicious of the exact reason why Thyia had called them there. There were some guesses, but none hit the mark.
His head popped back inside. The door swung open an inch more.
For a moment, the council just stared motionlessly at the door. Then, Regina sighed, stepping forward. She pushed the doors, and went in.
Everyone waited with bated breaths.
Regina screamed like she saw a ghost.
Aura flung the doors open and ran in.
The throne was surprisingly comfy. It was quite a high praise, all things considered.
It has been around twenty hours since Thyia helped Adira out of her crystal prison. (Yes, she is calling it a prison) In those twenty hours, Adira has already vomited three times, tripped over her feet five times, and accidentally swung her arm too hard countless times.
Her stomach was upset after spending fifty years with nothing to sustain it. She was dry-heaving by the second time.
Walking was a new concept to her, because she didn't know what she was doing apparently. It felt like she was constantly wearing high-heels and trying to walk on ice. Needless to say, it was impressive as it is that she only tripped five times.
Not to mention, because she spent fifty years in nowhere, gravity also didn't exist. Hence, she got a bit more wary of the strength she was using and three quarters of the time, she applied far more force than she needed.
Nothing felt right to her anymore. Everything she touched, it was like she was touching it with plastic wrapped everywhere.
Many times, people had to remind her to breathe because she forgot it was necessary.
She felt like a newborn baby.
Adira was just thankful that because of the memories, she hadn't forgotten how to move her mouth. Although, to be frank, her mouth was constantly dry and she hated it. She's already drunk thirty litres of water. Which, to her knowledge, wasn't healthy.
Forget about writing, or eating, or anything else.
Her head was always spinning. Her brain was trying to get used to the atmospheric change, but it's been really slow.
What she really wanted was Hazel and Frank, but Thyia informed her that they were not in the empires.
It turns out that Persephone's death had caught the attention of Hecate, who was recruited.
With Hecate changing sides, many minor gods and Titans wanted to change as well, hence Hazel and Frank got busy with testing them.
It was selfish, but Adira didn't care about revenge right now.
She didn't care about the Gods, the Titans, the Primordials, or any other immortals. They've ruined her life not once, but twice, and she couldn't be bothered with them.
She just wanted to lead a life where she can forget about them. Forget what they have done, forget they even exist.
After dying, after losing the love of her life again, she just wanted to be with her family. Was it truly too much to ask for? Apparently so.
Hence, she asked for the next best thing—her council.
Thyia immediately sent out letters.
Marcus's little brother, who was in Ethearos to meet with someone—whom Adira could not be bothered to learn who—had taken to caring for Adira's every need.
He never batted an eye, no matter how strange her request was. Everything she wanted, he got it. The first thing was to visit the Hall of the Lost, where she spent three hours just talking to Annabeth.
It was strange, she knew, to know that Annabeth was out there, looking over her. It was strange that Annabeth could listen to her, but she couldn't see her. It was strange that they love each other so much, the world paled in comparison, but they could never be together ever again.
Because the next time they ever touch, it would be in the twentieth century, and that Annabeth wouldn't be her Annabeth. Her Annabeth would be gone forever.
So no matter how much Adira missed Annabeth, it was over between them. Adira will always love Annabeth, and she will always have a special place in Adira's heart, but she had to move on.
Once, every thought of Annabeth brought her happiness and joy. If she continued to go on like she had before, every thought would just be poisoned with hatred and anger.
She was so tired of feeling those two emotions on repeat. The Gods had taken everything as it is. Adira may want revenge, but it won't dictate her life anymore. She won't let the Gods influence her every move, not like they had before, not like what she had unconsciously doing.
Hatred had been another word for obsession. Adira could see it very clearly, she had been obsessed with the idea of taking the Gods down. So much that she did the one thing she promised herself she would never do again.
She let them dictate her life.
Maybe it hadn't been obvious, but everything she did, it was to spite them. And that itself was allowing the Gods power over her life, the one thing she did not want.
Now she has been resurrected. Reborn. She won't let this chance go.
Persephone Jackson and Prodosia were beings that were overshadowed by the Gods.
Let Adira be free of their influence. The first step was to let Annabeth go completely, no matter how much it hurt.
Let the past stay in the past, and not look back like she had done for the past six centuries. It was time to live her own life. It was time to live.
—
When Cassius pushed the door open, Adira instantly knew that her council was waiting. That was the only acceptable reason why Cassius hesitated to open the door and let them in, instead choosing to remain in the awkward position with his body in the room and his head poking out.
She didn't move, choosing to let him finish talking.
She didn't move, even as he pulled back, leaving the door wide open.
She didn't move as Regina came storming in, fed up with the secrets.
She only stood up when everyone else came running in, attracted by Regina's screams. Regina never screamed. She was the most poised out of them all.
Aura skidded to a stop, eyes growing wider by the second. Time seemed to freeze, everyone else vanished. It was just her and Aura.
Adira didn't claim to love one more than the other. She didn't need to. Her council knew that she would never choose one over the other. But they also knew that when they were all in a room, Adira would seek Aura out first. Always.
They stared at each other, Aura with tears slowly brimming in her eyes, Adira with her smile growing. She opened her arms, and tilted her head by a fraction. "Hello, Aura."
Aura flew at her. Even before they hugged, Aura was already crying.
Adira let out a gentle "oof" as Aura collided with her chest, stumbling back a step. Aura clung to her like a koala, crying and whimpering, grasping at Adira's neck like she would vanish any moment.
She laughed quietly, disregarding the tears that fell from her own eyes. She wrapped her arms around the trembling girl, one on her shoulder while the other combed through her matted hair. She picked at the locks, reveling at it. It's grown longer. Aura's grown. She wasn't here to see it.
"How could you?" Aura whispered as soon as she regained her speech. "You promised, Seph! You promised! You said you would never leave, but you did. You abandoned us! You abandoned me." Her voice cracked at the end, and she buried her face in Adira's chest.
"Oh, sweetie." Adira sighed, smiling down at the girl she's known far longer than the rest. "You know that's not true. I'm sorry I left, but I came back, didn't I? I came back."
"You nearly did not." Regina said, gaining back her composure. Her eyes were grass green, a shade darker than normal as she concealed her anger. Her grief. All pouring out at once, but she tried to avoid it. "You died, Vasilissa."
Adira winced at the accusatory tone. "I know. I am sorry."
They were insignificant words. Three words. Eight letters. Somehow it was enough to make Regina tear up. Adira untangled herself from Aura to give Regina a hug.
Then, everyone started closing in.
Adira started to smile and laugh as the people she called family squeezed in for a group hug. None were truly dry-eyed.
From her peripheral vision, she could see Aura dragging Marcus into the group. He was protesting, but didn't make an effort to move away, even as she let his hand go.
After a while, they had to separate.
In those moments, it was a flurry of chaotic activities.
Of senseless chatters as they tried to set aside the grief and catch up.
Like Adira hadn't died and instead, gone away for fifty years.
They talked about the changes to Kydria. The Minor Gods who wanted to join their cause. Not just Gods, Titans as well. They talked about their families. Yuna shyly told her about her daughters, Wyr and Symna.
Qilin was the happiest, telling Adira how she never doubted her. "I knew you would not just leave us." She spoke, her voice layered with sincerity. "I knew, and I held on to hope. I- oh! I must inform Isadora at once. Excuse me, Vasilissa."
She had dearly missed the strong-headed girl, so Adira didn't say anything as Qilin ran out of the throne room, Regina quickly following to send the news to Aristorine as well.
Iphianna proudly showed Adira her new hairstyle.
Torn between shock and amazement, Adira smiled and said, "I adored your hair. But you look absolutely radiant like this, sweet Iphi."
"That is a compliment, yes?"
"The best. Only the best for you."
The smile she got in return was worth it. Worth the little tear in her heart knowing that Iphianna would have never done this if she hadn't left.
After a while, Adira looked around, frowning. She should have realised this sooner, but she got caught up in everything. "Wherever is Melissa?"
An awkward silence descended.
It was Aura who answered her question. "Melissa gave up her throne shortly after your death. She lives in Chalárosi still, but her cousin Lysander is the state's lord."
Adira recalled a time when Lysander was but a little boy, with a noticeable gap when he smiled. "He was meant to be an advisor."
"Someone had to take the throne." She answered with a shrug. Her hand was scratching her wrist, showing her true feelings about the matter. Feelings she did not deign important enough to say out loud. It pained Adira to see that she regained the habit. "Lysander… is a fast learner. He is suited for the throne. We have been there to help him the entire way." She turned to Marcus, who had remained quiet this whole time. "Isn't that right, Marc?"
Adira didn't bother to continue that conversation, turning to Marcus, her hand outstretched. "You've been oddly quiet, Marc. Taking care of my empire?"
Marcus shook her hand, a small smile on his lip. "The Gods killed you. Are you embarrassed yet, Sia?"
Oh, this sweet, precious boy. Adira grinned, cocking her head. "Fate killed me for messing up the timeline, you really think the wittle Gods could even lay a scratch on me? Also, it's Adira now."
He narrowed his eyes, taking a step back. A moment of silence as he examined her from head to toe. Aura, in her arms, stiffened, her head angling in a territorial way. The first sign of danger, she'll attack. Adira squeezed her arm. There's no need for it. Then, "it suits you, Vasilissa."
Another moment of silence. A smile split across her face, far larger than the first one. He finally called her Vasilissa.
Pushing forward, Marcus let out a high-pitched squeak as Adira enveloped him with a hug.
Aura and Aisha looked at each other. "That is new."
Not everything was miraculously fixed. The Gods were still out there. They gained a new enemy.
But whatever they do now, they do it together.
To tell the truth, when Hazel received Thyia's message, she hadn't thought much of it. Over five decades, she's gotten hundreds of little messages like this, asking for her presence for a matter. So she pushed the envelope under all her paperwork, and got back to work. Actë wanted to abdicate her throne. So did Vettias. They wanted their children to take up the thrones while the loving couple set up a life somewhere more calmer. Of course Hazel was going to be more focused on that instead of Thyia's message.
Then, she promptly forgot about it until the sun was setting, and she accidentally threw it into the fire.
"Oops." She muttered, dousing the fire. The letter was charred but with a wave of her hand, it was just like how she remembered it.
Finally, after twelve hours, she opened it.
Queen Hazel,
I request for your presence in Ethearos immediately. Someone is here.
It wasn't even signed. Was Thyia sick or something? She looked ready to faint whenever someone didn't show the 'proper' respect to the Τελευταία.
Hazel decided, then and there, she really should have opened the letter sooner. "And I'm gone."
—
On the other hand, Frank was blissfully unaware of such letter, for he was in Africa, having decided to give Aristorine a surprise visit.
"So we have one safe house here," Aristorine pointed it out on the map. Every house was marked with a silver bird. A shadow of Percy's symbol, the phoenix. "No inhabitants so far. The last one left with me. The one we are currently in is my latest one. Mel is somewhere collecting wood so they will not be here until nightfall, I believe."
Frank hummed, mulling over the map. The silver birds were everywhere, existing wherever there was a forest. Some were in villages as well. There was one high in the mountains. "Impressive work, Ari."
She preened at the praise, fluffing her hair. "Well, I do believe that a few centuries' worth of experience should be equivalent to something." She paused. "I got a letter from Regina. Arrived just this morning."
"Oh?"
It wasn't uncommon for Aristorine to get messages from her fellow royals.
Risky as it was, for a proélefsi to personally go out and build their safe houses, risking her life and safety. Aristorine had been adamant to do it. She insisted that she needed to feel like she was helping.
When she heard of what Aristorine was doing, Aura had wanted to help. They put their foot down. Only one could go.
From the council and her kingdom, Aristorine had received plenty of good wishes and support. Even centuries later, she still continued to get letters from the council, cheering her on.
So for Aristorine to point that out, it must not be a normal letter of encouragement.
Frank stood up. "What about it?"
"She is asking me to come home." Aristorine swallowed, a visible bob in her throat. "You know Gina. She is so perfect and regal and despite being so much younger than us, she always has her composure in check. But in the letter, I thought she was almost… excited? I am not sure. Always preaching about our duties but now she is asking me to abandon it."
His mind was made up. "Let's go then."
"No!" Aristorine burst out, shocked that he even suggested it. "I cannot just leave! Melody will be wondering where I am."
He doubted that. Melody was a sensible person. She wouldn't mind. "I could send Anastasia in your steed, if that is what you prefer. I'm sure Marpessa wouldn't mind and it will give the little one some outside experience. Go back to Kydria with me."
It hardly took any more convincing. Aristorine looked for an excuse to go back and Frank quite readily handed it to her on a silver platter.
Wearing a thin smile, Aristorine took Frank's outstretched hand. "Thank you."
—
When they reached the Ethearos Palace, two arguing figures greeted them. A girl and a boy in a heated discussion as always.
Genuinely, if it was not for the fact they would kill anyone who threatened the other, Frank would have compared Aura and Marcus to Athena and Poseidon.
Alas, Aura is in denial, confused between Cecelia and Marcus. The bitterness she could not express to Cecelia, she unleashed it all on Marcus. Whereas Marcus enjoys such banters with the proélefsi he thinks is his favourite. He adores arousing her anger.
Two confusing people. Frank could not wait for the day they finally made up. The world would rue that day but Frank could finally have a day of peace.
That day, unfortunately, was not today.
Aristorine was less patient than him, already storming across the floral gardens—all neatly kept thanks to the gardeners—and forcibly separating the two.
Shaking his head, Frank teleported over.
Once he solidified again, Aristorine was telling the two off. "What are you arguing about now?! I just got back, for Aiónia's sake!"
He hid his flinch. Luckily no one was paying attention.
Aura shook Aristorine's hand off her shoulder, huffing in indignation. She turned her nose towards the sky. "Marcus just said I would never find love."
"It is true!" Marcus protested. "I am younger than you by centuries, yet I already have a lover I am about to make my wife. No man has even approached you!"
"That is because I tell them to stay away!" She shrieked, an octave higher. "I do not want a partner, that does not mean I will never find love! Get your facts right before you come with this stupid accusation!"
Frank cleared his throat, smoothly cutting into the conversation. "Aura. Marcus. I am sure you can find another time to finish this… discussion. As for now, do you know why Regina requested for Aristorine's presence?"
"I would like to know that as well." Hazel spoke up from behind him.
When Frank turned to look, Hazel was walking up to them, her hair blowing in the wind as she grinned upon seeing him. "Hey, Frank."
The three Kydrian Royalties waited patiently as the lovers met in an embrace, murmuring words of affection, how happy they were to see each other.
Fifty years, and they were able to pull themselves together before things became irreparable. Nothing is truly fixed. Hazel will forever carry the guilt of Percy's death, Frank will never be able to let his sister go. But they were getting better. Barely. Some days were harder than others but they made a consistent effort. They talked things out, spent time alone together. Held each other, went on dates. Until it was natural once more to be around each other.
It was what Percy would have wanted.
Aura only spoke up once they were done. "Well, you see…" She trailed off, looking helplessly at Marcus who shrugged as well. They were at a loss for words, which was so consideringly rare for Aura. "I think it is best for you to find out for yourself." She finished meekly. "To the throne room, shall we?"
Seeing as no one was going to say anything else, the three followed Marcus and Aura into the palace, wondering what in the world could render the rulers speechless.
—
Strange. The doors were closed. They have never been closed. Before Percy's death, she always wanted the doors opened. If it was a private matter, they would simply go to the meeting room. They have never been closed. It was one of the many things they continued when she died.
Rage filled Frank, and he stormed forward, ready to find the person responsible for this, when Aura darted in front of him, forcing him to stop.
She held her hands out, wary of his hot-tempered nature. "My king," she murmured. "Please do not be hasty. There is a good reason for all of this."
"I should hope so." Hazel snapped before Frank could respond. Her fists were clenched. The shadows casted by portraits and themselves started to writhe around, displaying her anger. "Where is Thyia? She was the one who sent me the message."
"Breeze." Aristorine stepped forward, grasping Aura's hands in hers. "Tell me you did not ask for the doors to be shut." She commanded softly. "Tell me it is not you."
She shook her head. Aristorine exhaled, a smile etched on her face. "Thank Chaos."
Marcus cleared his throat. As they talked, he had gone and eased the doors slightly open. "Does Isa know?" He asked, directed at Aura, who nodded her head.
"I believe she is coming now." Aura said. "I told her the truth. Qilin and Aisha went to get her personally, I am sure she will be arriving by tomorrow at the latest."
Frank and Hazel exchanged slightly impatient looks. "Are you done?" The only reason they did not barge in was because these were their friends.
"Please," Aura waved her hands in the air fretfully. "Do not… just listen, okay? Do not react rashly, I beg of you."
After giving her reassurance, Marcus pushed the doors wider.
And after everything that just took place, Frank was ready for something.
It could have been good or bad. He just knew it was something because if it was insignificant, Aura would not have sounded like that, and Marcus wouldn't have acted so sombre.
As it is, they both acted strangely and Frank prepared himself for some kind of event that would definitely shock him.
It turns out that he was right.
He wasn't sure what he was expecting.
He just knew it wasn't this.
Throughout these five decades, Frank had entered and left the throne room of Ethearos. Each time he entered, he left as quickly as he could. He avoided the stunning throne in the middle, the sapphire seat that belonged to his sister, whom he missed very much.
This time was different. The seat was occupied.
The concept itself angered Frank. How dare someone take up Percy's seat? How dare they disrespect her like this?
However as quickly as the anger came, it dissipated even faster.
Frank stood there, dumbfounded, as the figure got up, stepping down from the dias, wearing a smile he had longed to see again for fifty years.
Percy walked towards him in all her glory. Her eyes twinkled brightly, alive, and she had her arms outstretched, waiting for him.
She wore a white chiton that flowed to her bare feet. A silver pin, shaped in a phoenix, was pinned onto her chiton. She wore no crown, her hair loose and swaying against her back as she moved.
She could have been wearing a sack for Frank care. What matters was that she was there. She was moving towards him, not lying still in her coffin.
From beside him, he could feel Hazel's breath hitch, her hand in his stiffening until it felt like he was holding a statue.
They didn't move, not even as Percy threw her arms around them.
He could feel the heat pulsating from her body, the tiny tremors that ran through her as Percy talked, her words lost to him.
It was like the world existed in black and white. Sound was lost to him, everything existing in a gentle buzz that occasionally grew louder but didn't change. He could barely focus on anything, the touch of his sister foreign to him.
He only reacted when Percy pulled away. His hand reached up, cupping her cheek. Even that wasn't a conscious move.
Percy's eyes fluttered closed and she hummed in content. Then, her eyes flicked open again. "Frank," she whispered. Frank made a noncommittal noise, attempting to pay attention to her words. "Please say something," she was saying, "please before I lose my mind."
"You're not real." He managed to choke out. "This is some kind of sick prank, isn't it? You're not real. You're- you're dead. I was there."
She sniffed, eyes turning glassy. "No, no Frank." Her hand wrapped around his. "Not a prank. I'm sorry I left. I didn't mean to. I never thought that I would- you know. Frank, I'm here. I'm alive. I'm right here."
Hazel let out a choking gasp. She stepped in front of Frank, cradling Percy's face. "You look real." Hazel murmured. "Or it could always be a dream Frank and I share. Been a long time since we got those."
"Not a dream." Percy leaned into Hazel's touch, the tension leaving with every second. "I'm right here. Hazie, Frank, I'm here. I left, and I'm so sorry, but I came back. It's not a dream. I escaped the Fates. They stole me, but I came back. I'm here."
Frank wasn't sure what it was—could be her tone, or the way she said his name, he wasn't sure—but it was like a rubber band was just snapped back into place. The room came back into focus, and suddenly, he was looking.
Percy stared back at him, uncertain and lost. Her hand grabbed at her chiton, bundling it up in a little ball. Hazel still had her hands on her cousin, but Frank could see the apprehension oozing out of Percy.
He lunged forward. A sharp breath escaped Percy as he collided with her, wrapping the two in a fierce hug. Hazel sniffled, returning the hug with equal fervour.
No words were needed. For a moment, in the four walls, they existed.
The world was lost to them. The Gods didn't matter. It was just them.
Hazel, Frank and Adira.
—
When Aristorine saw Aiónia, she wanted nothing more than to run across the room like she was seventeen again, and give her a hug. Hold her and let herself be held. Let go of the grief that has been haunting her for all these years.
But Aiónia barely noticed Aristorine. She only had eyes for Hazel and Frank, not that Aristorine could blame her.
Still, she made a protesting sound as Aura pulled her out of the throne room. She protested as Marcus shut the doors behind them, leaving only the Τελευταία in the room. She protested as they led her outside and sat her down on the garden swing. (She was the one who suggested them. When Percy explained her childhood, Aristorine was fascinated with these things. She loves the feeling of being in the sky. It was the most calming sensation she ever had)
Marcus was the first to go, needing to find his wife, but Aura sat down next to Aristorine. Their hips touched and Aristorine mourned for the fact that Isadora was not with them. She needed both her friends right now. As she spiralled out of control, unsure what to do.
She hated not knowing what to do.
It was like Aura knew what she was thinking of, because the shard of Hali on her neck started to glow.
The next thing Aristorine knew, the winds picked up. The swing creaked and suddenly, her feet were lifted off the ground.
The girl couldn't help but smile. For a moment, it was just Aura and Aristorine, swinging in the gardens of Ethearos like they were children again.
They were never children per say, even before Prodosia came to their village.
But on days when no one cared about what they did, they could put aside their responsibilities, put aside the fact that time has passed and they were no longer innocent, and just have fun. Act like they were at the peak of their childhood and do innocent things they never got to do as women of Greece.
Before she knew it, they were laughing like Aiónia had never died. Chatting like time hadn't affected them. Aristorine missed this feeling. Being in the outlands was a necessity but she has missed being able to just hang out with her friends with nothing looming over them.
Eventually, someone called Aura back in. She left with a quick kiss on Aristorine's temple, promising to return as soon as she could.
Silence descended as Aristorine was left alone in the gardens.
She sighed, sinking back down on the seat, covering her eyes from the glaring sun. The whole day has been filled with one big event after the other. She had been desperate for a break, a moment of silence. She is given that moment but now she's confused as to what she should do.
I was never good at spending time alone. She acknowledged. Even when she was in the outlands, she had to have some kind of human interaction every day.
It hasn't even been ten minutes, and she's itching for someone to talk to. Anyone.
Like Chaos himself had heard her longing, a shadow fell on Aristorine.
Slowly, she cracked open her eyelids just a little.
A boy was standing over her.
He didn't look too bad, Aristorine supposed. Reminds her of Melissa a little. Last she heard, Melissa had stepped down and was now living with her older sister because she couldn't stay as Chalárosi's royal. Couldn't stay when Aiónia was no longer here. She gave it to her cousin, who was a little boy when she abdicated the throne. Not that Aristorine knew her cousin, for she was gone by the time he was born and didn't return until now.
They had matching amber eyes, a warm golden that was like the sun. They seem to have the same sharp features, his jawline was more profound than hers, but while Melissa had golden brown hair that she had cut to shoulder-length the last time Aristorine saw her, this guy had short, white hair.
From first glance, he was probably half a head taller than her. Aristorine disliked him immediately. She didn't say anything, not having the energy to even hate on someone.
The guy took her silence as an invitation to sit down. "My name is Lysander." He said in English. Aristorine hated how he could sound just like the Τελευταία when he spoke their language. She, like most of the people, detested speaking English because there was always an accent that set them aside from the Τελευταία. "And you are?"
"None of your business." Aristorine responded in Greek, mainly because she wanted this conversation to be over. Ignore her previous words, she wants to be alone.
"I could not help noticing you with Lady Aura just now." Lysander continued, unperturbed. "Are you a close friend of hers?"
"The closest." Aristorine said smugly. "Forgive the abruptness, Lysander, I should be off now."
"No, please." Lysander stood up immediately, as if ready to follow her if she left. Too bad Aristorine was comfortable and unwilling to leave. This is good though, maybe he would leave instead and let her mourn the loss of her friends' presence. "I was merely curious. I have never seen you with Lady Aura before. If I have misstepped, I apologise."
She may not like him, but at least he has manners.
Aristorine sighed, patting the area Lysander had occupied a minute ago. Even though Kydria has done its best to rid them of obnoxious men, it is still rare to find such a tolerant male. Aristorine may not like him, but he does appeal to her. She'll keep him for a while longer then.
Lysander brightened, his smile reminding her of an eager puppy, and quickly sat down. Starra had given Aristorine a puppy a decade ago, not that Aristorine had seen the pup. Busy busy. Still, Starra had given her a photo of Hiccup. He reminds her of Lysander now.
"Forgive me if I offend you, miss, but are you a friend of Aura's? I consider myself part of her inner circle, but I have never seen you in my life. You seemed quite comfortable with Aura just now."
"Perhaps you just forgot about me." Aristorine drawled, unable to keep the smile off her face. This guy speaks as if he was afraid of her. Good. A little fear won't hurt anyone and it'll keep them on their toes. "I come and go quite easily, perhaps you and I have met, you just forgot me."
"No." He denied with a shake of his head. "Impossible. I would remember having seen such a beauty like you, miss."
Aristorine blinked. Then, she looked away in embarrassment as colour filled her cheeks.
Years of being surrounded by hard-headed, idiotic men, and she has forgotten how to act in front of a well mannered stranger. Sue her.
"I- well-" she cleared her throat. "Aura and I have been friends since the beginning of Kydria. Before you were born, Lysander, I am sure. Which state are you from?"
"Chalárosi." Came his immediate answer. "My family were originally from Athens. After my cousin Melissa was crowned queen by Adira, my father, her uncle, moved us to Chalárosi. She stepped down a few decades ago, you see, following the death of her beloved queen. I took her seat."
Oh. Aristorine's eyes widened. "You are the ruler of Chalárosi." She said in disbelief.
This guy? He is Melissa's cousin?
Actually, that was believable. No villager would be wandering around Ethearos in daylight and stop to chat with a stranger.
Ethearos was for the most hardworking people, those who work directly under Aiónia. The Council, for instance. Or maybe servants to keep the palace in shape. Gardeners.
Warriors, handpicked by Aiónia to train under her before being sent to Myliraki. That was what happened with Isadora. Well, she started the tradition after asking Aiónia to personally train her.
Wait…
"Adira?"
"Ah, she must not have told you." Lysander said, unaware of her inner turmoil. "After she was brought back to life, our queen decided to forgo the name Prodosia. It is a name she used with the Titans, you see. And Aiónia is only for the people close to her. Her name is now officially changed to Adira."
Of course. Aristorine would have to hear about this from a complete stranger. She didn't blame Aiónia, not really. It was the first time she saw Hazel and Frank after she died, she was going to be excusably distracted.
It would have been nice if Aura or even Marcus told her though.
"The name suits her." Aristorine grudgingly admitted. "I can see it."
"Truly so." Lysander nodded. A pause. "If you would be inclined to, may I ask for your name, miss?"
Oh yeah. She's called him a stranger so many times, but Aristorine still hasn't told him her name.
She just thought that he would know, seeing as she has been the only ruler of Ephicca. Minus Starra, since she never wanted to rule and was only there to substitute Aristorine.
Then again, Aristorine has changed plenty over the years. Used the Mist so many times that she has grown comfortable holding up the illusion. She forgot to change back.
Standing up, Aristorine turned to face Lysander. Their eyes met. Aristorine let the Mist go.
Slowly, Lysander's eyes grew large, pupils dilated. His mouth fell open in shock and he got up so hastily he almost fell back down.
"My name is Aristorine." She smiled sweetly at the speechless lord. "My friends call me Ari or Tori. You are not allowed to call me that."
"Lady of Ephicca." He breathed, spellbound. Then, immediately, he bowed, waist-length. "Forgive me, Milady. Had I known it was you-"
"It does not matter." She waved for him to stand again. "You proved yourself to be quite the company, Lysander." The side of her lip twitched. "Go for a walk with me?"
Up at the top of Mount Lycabettus, it felt wrong to be back there again. The spot where Percy had died.
Adira could still imagine the sound of thunder in her ear. The suffocation. The pain in her gut as she tried to fight against the Fates but failed.
They were going to come one day. Might as well be today.
Hazel had made a picnic mat appear and she and Frank were already seated, Hazel hugging Frank tight as he tried not to let the memories invade him.
It was a place filled with harsh memories but now they could fill it with better memories. Erase the pain and tears that have taken place fifty years ago.
Adira went and sat on Frank's other side. She joined hands with Hazel, leaning on Frank's shoulder. They watched silently, sitting together, as the sun began to set.
She wanted to speak. Wanted to know what the two were thinking of. She kept quiet.
Back in Ethearos, Adira had said enough. She told them everything, holding nothing back as they listened to her. Now she will listen.
Hazel broke the silence first. "Why is she still around?"
"They all are. Souls exist beyond time, I think. But we will never see them again unless we die. I don't believe we'll see them anyway, they will hate us if we die."
Frank snorted. "Understatement of the century."
"Annabeth told me that they are watching us. But as soon as we get back to our time, as soon as they are born again, they will vanish. No two souls can be in the same timeline at once. They will cease to exist. Not even to Elysium."
"It's cruel of the Fates to do this." Hazel laughed. It wasn't a very happy laugh. "So they'll be watching us but we can never see them again."
"Maybe the lines between life and death will blur." Adira said, not very hopefully. She reached down, brushing against the petals of a red flower. She remembers her own sacred flower (yes, she calls it her own) and she misses it. "Maybe we'll see them one last time."
"Probably not." Frank burst their bubbles. "The memories we have of them are the only indication that they ever existed now." He suddenly stood up, causing the two girls to nearly fall onto the ground. "Adira," He said, turning to her. Adira's heart sang, hearing her new name fall from his mouth. "Tell us what Annabeth told you about the Fates again?"
Her good mood soured instantly at the reminder of the Fates' cruelty. "They want the demigods eradicated completely." She said despondently. "Together, we could have overthrown the Gods, the Fates even, and they wanted to change that."
A mirthless laugh escaped Hazel. "We spent years trying to figure out why they did it." She reminisced. "We thought they sent us to heal from our pain. We thought they approved of her plans to overthrow the Gods. It was never about us. We were just nuisances they had to get rid of because Zeus had failed to do so. They needed to execute us to protect their own heads."
"Couldn't have said it better." Frank sighed. "They knew we would one way or another step in and disrupt Zeus's plans. They weren't so wrong."
Knowing exactly what Frank was thinking of, Adira let go of the flower, rising as well. After a while, Hazel joined them.
Adira tipped her head back, narrowing her eyes in the direction of Olympus. "The Fates think we will be their pliant puppets. They forget one thing. One can control our fate, they can't control our choices."
Keeping his eyes on the distance, Frank grabbed Hazel's hand who grabbed Adira's. Lastly, Adira held out her hand and Frank took it. They formed a triangle and Hazel smiled. "Who says we're going to make this easy for them?"
It was a promise.
She hated the Gods, truly she did. But she could not deny that in the midst of their cruelty and stupidity, they sometimes do manage to make some beautiful things. Like when Hermes created the first lyre. Although she felt sympathetic to the poor turtle, the lyre is indeed a magnificent instrument.
As she waited for her sisters to reach, Aura strummed the instrument, adoring the harmonious trills she received. A treat for her ears.
Selene's moon chariot was high up in the sky by the time she saw Isadora's shadow lingering behind a pillar. Seconds later, from the opposite direction, she heard footsteps. Light and quick. Ari.
Aura placed the lyre down, getting to her feet to greet her friends.
Isadora sat down after they had their hellos, her legs stretched out to occupy the entire seat. Aristorine leaned on a pillar, crossing her arms.
Now that they were there, Aura used the time to observe her friends.
To tell the truth, she missed having them here. With Isadora still having close to two centuries left in Myliraki, and Aristorine constantly travelling all the time, they could never really hang out now. She couldn't just casually walk into their homes and say hello. Disappointing, really. She missed Isadora's stoic presence and Aristorine's bubbly, unpredictable nature.
Despite Aura being the one to call them here, Isadora was the one to start talking first. "They killed her." She said blankly, not meeting their eyes. "She is our Aiónia. Our sister. They killed her. Not the Gods. Not the Titans. The Fates."
"We know." Aristorine responded, sharing a look with Aura.
"We cannot allow this to be forgiven so easily."
Aura couldn't help it. She snorted. It was a ridiculous statement after all. "Of course not. They'll pay for this. Ari?"
Somehow, Aristorine's mind was completely filled with another thought. "You know, I am quite envious of the past few centuries' babies, really. They will never have to go through what we have gone through, the humiliation of worshipping the Gods. Lucky."
"Ari!" Isadora and Aura both yelled, bemused in spite of themselves.
Aristorine giggled. "Geez, calm down. It is not like they were not going to pay for their crimes in the first place."
"I want to be able to watch." Aura sulked, crossing her arms. "Obviously, Adira will be the one to kill them. Or maybe one each. But I want to watch."
"You really think Adira will forbid you?" Aristorine smirked. "I heard from a little bird that as soon as the Council entered, you were the first that Adira sought out."
Aura spluttered. "It was Aisha." She gasped out, face inflamed. "Do not lie to me, it was her, was it not? She loves to tease me." She neither denied nor confirmed the assumption.
It was hard not to laugh. Aristorine didn't bother fighting a losing game. "Actually, it was Lysander." She giggled. "After you left to do Aiónia knows what, he came to keep me company. Told me about many fascinating things that happened these few years."
Thinking about the wonderful evening they had, Aristorine's giggles faded, a contented smile resting on her face as she turned away from Isadora and Aura.
Isadora straightened her back to get a better look. Before they even made eye contact, Isadora gasped. "I know this!" She faced Aura giddily. "Mimi had this face when she talked about Delta!"
Hearing this, Aura gasped as well. "You are in love?!" She squealed.
Aristorine jolted, as if she got struck by lightning. "What? No! And keep your voice down, I do not have a crush on a guy I met this day prior!"
Aura didn't claim to be Aristorine's best friend for nothing. "What in Aiónia even happened?" She demanded, unable to keep the joy out of her voice. She knew how much Aristorine had longed for love, ever since the marriage between Hyllus and Genia. She knew of the terrible things Aristorine's mother had faced, how Aristorine struggled with the concept of love.
Besides, she knew Lysander, who was brought up well in Kydria and raised to be a gentleman. He would treat her well.
Aristorine traced the pillar's etching, still refusing to face them. "We talked." She said, something different in her voice. "I- look, it is still fairly new. I promise I will tell you more if something happens. Can we please talk about something else? Like our vengeance?"
They quickly sombered up.
Isadora sat upright, her feet touching the ground. She cleared her throat. "I mean, they will pay for this. We will have some ups and downs but regardless, they will pay. Right?"
Glad that they listened to her, Aristorine spun on her heels. "As long as I live, the Gods will be punished for this. For all their crimes. Just because we do not have their ichor, doesn't mean they can push us around."
Isadora shook her head. "I am not talking about them, Ari."
"Yes. The Fates will pay for their crimes." After what happened? After the Fates did what the Gods could not and took their Vasilissa, their Aiónia away from them? Not a doubt.
Aura sighed, looking up at the moon. She bit her lip, troubled.
In the darkness, Aristorine's hands found hers. They were warm, an anchor to the present. "Talk to us, Breeze."
It didn't take much prompting. "I just- The Giants, the Titans, the Gods, the Fates. Where are the kind immortals? What happened to the stories I once loved? Where are the stories Mama told me about? Our saviours. Our merciful rulers. Where are they?"
A mirthless chuckle. "They do not exist."
"They never existed."