Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chiron turns to Luke. "Get him inside. Now." He orders, grimacing.

The son of Hermes obeys without question, moving to pick up the small, soaked, and injured demigod as he and Chiron move to the Big House. Located right in the center of Camp Half Blood. But before he leaves, Chiron moves to address the crowd of curious and worried Demigods gathering behind them. Watching the scene unfold with expressions that are both curious, but wary.

"Everyone inside." Chiron orders, "Lights out is now in full effect for all Cabins. Cabin Leaders, headcount all of your brothers and sisters before the Harpies move to guard in a few minutes, and you will do well to save any and all questions for the morning. And if anyone disturbs me before the morning sun is in the sky, I will send Mr. D to personally be in charge of activities until the winter solstice. Now move!"

Immediately all resident Demigods scramble to their Cabins as a large, beautiful white owl watches perched on a thick branch nearby. With her large grey eyes encompassing all. She watches keenly as Chiron, the son of Hermes, and the satyr supposedly responsible for the new demigod make way for the Big House. Following them is one of her daughters, concealed underneath the veil of the cap she gave her for her birthday. But she doesn't mind this, trusting her daughter to be careful. Because the owl can only seem to focus on the unconscious boy being carried so effortlessly in the son of Hermes' arms.

Examining him, he was smaller than most demigods she’s seen, making him look more younger by comparison. And even smaller now as he is carried by that son of Hermes, gently cradled in his arms. If she could make an educated guess, she would assume that the boy was an inch or so smaller than her own daughter who follows them. He was also quite thin, though that didn’t stop some muscle from developing on his calves or arms that were essential in evading the Minotaur. Even at the cost of his mother and his own bruised body. 

The boy’s olive skin was blemished with dirt and mud, smeared on his face and torso. His wild black hair was damp and sticking to his face from the rain, that made it even more pitiful to see him in such a state as this.

And most poignant of all, she remembers how brightly his blue-green eyes shined when facing the Minotaur, with an infamously livid expression she had seen only on one other God.

Poseidon.

Of course, it had only been a matter of time before her foolish uncle broke his vows too, right in tandum with Zeus' slip up a few years ago. Back to back demigods in a few short years of each other? Such an irritation for all the fuss it made from both her father and uncles. But despite how much they would bicker and fight, it seems the two would never know how truly similar they were. In a way, it was both amusing and sad. She pitied faithful Hades.

But unlike the last one, this demigod seemed different. Not because of his parentage, but because of his mind, his way of thinking if you will. Any other child of Poseidon would have fought-any other child of Poseidon would have either beat the Minotaur using force, or die trying. But this one didn't seem to have the taste for death like his other half syblings did. No, this one stood his ground, and planned.

Using what little knowledge he had of this world, the boy was able to negate the Minotaur, yes he made an enemy out of her father. But father would have him killed regardless, but to just use Zeus for his plan and get away with it was such a bold and impossibly gutsy move. One that could have easily gone the other way had circumstances been different. But the fact that the boy had managed to claim such a victory by the skin of his teeth, or even thought such an audacious move in the first place. It felt painfully familiar.

“A horse?” Athena questioned, blankly staring at her warrior.

Odysseus grinned. “A wooden horse! Let me explain-”

“Wait.” Athena’s thin eyebrows furrowed. “What makes you think that the Trojans would allow such a gaudy thing into their walls?”

The Ithacan King gave her sly look. “What makes you think that they won’t?”

Athena had grimaced, such a small chance to succeed yet he moved on with it anyway with a slippery, confident smile on his face. The Goddess very much had her doubts, but she trusted him, and if the Trojans were just as shallow as Paris was. Then this might be the year Troy burns. 

Athena gave a small smile. “Alright then, let’s hear it.”

Odysseus beamed.

And it had worked somehow. First the horse, and now with the Minotaur.

Athena began to burrow those memories into her mind before they spilled out again. There was no use comparing a small olive to a grand olive tree. The boy’s plan was more haphazard unlike her late warrior’s, but with some adjustments, maybe he could learn how to plan more efficiently with less detrimental side effects to his body or his life. Though it would take some investigating to see if he could even learn to strategize at all, and this wasn’t just some one time occurrence.

Before she can get any closer to examine, a large strike of thunder rings out, and the owl's feathers begin to ruffle tensely before she smooths them down again with her sharp beak. Unfortunately, this would have to be enough for now. The white owl readies her wings before she soars into the stormy sky. Her wide wings fly further into the storm until she reaches a familiar mountain top. She glides into town with ease where the streets are emptied and dull. Not what Olympus was usually like weeks before the Summer Soltice. But she continues until she reaches the grand palace of Olympus, where she transforms back into her regular form.

Athena walks briskly through the doors and into the rumbling palace, the silence was all consuming except for the small noise of her heels clicking on the marble floor, and the sounds of thunder that became ever clearer. It was never wise to be near a thundering storm, but father would most likely be asking for their opinions, her’s especially. The circumstances that had brought them all together had been an unusual, but not a recent event. 

She makes her way towards the doors of the throne room, full stride and her posture tall, only to stop and stare blankly when she sees the group of her fellow Olympians seeking refuge with warm Hestia and her hearth, they all are crowded behind the halfways open doors that lead into the throne room. Her father’s enraged voice rang through the chambers like an echo, making Athena’s shoulders tense.

“THAT CONNIVING LITTLE-"

Pale armed Hera shuts the doors readily before more darkness or curses could spill through the threshold. And the graceful God Queen leans her head against the grand doors, seeking a moment of respite before a wry chuckle leaves her smooth lips. She is continually surprised by her husband, no small feat might she add, despite the many millennias of infidelity and audacity. She should have known better by now.

"All this fuss for some half blood child..” Hera laughs, though it treads a fine line between amusement or pity. She turns to see the rest of the Olympians, before her gaze follows the appearance of the infamous grey eyed goddess who was just now joining the scene. Grasping at her scarred arm.

"Ah, Athena." Hera welcomes with a stiff smile, "You have finally returned to us. Though It seems you've arrived far too late, for my dear husband is in no mood for any more visitors today."

Athena shuffles in place, eyeing the shaking walls warily, "I had thought we would be holding a meeting to discuss the boy's suspected involvement with the missing Lightning bolt. However it seems I have underestimated the effect the boy's words had on father."

At this, Hera hums noncommittally, "My husband never was one for criticism. We will discuss this whole situation later when he is sound of mind again."

She looks to the rest of the Olympians, "As for the rest of you, you are free to leave. Go, and tend to your duties or your burdens. As his wife, I must go to soothe my dear husband's ever fragile ego."

The rest of the Olympians eye the rumbling walls nervously, before Ares steps in, his worn metal clanking as he speaks.

"Tread carefully mother." He warns, ever the dutiful son, "Father has not been this wrathful for some time, I fear you might get caught in the crossfire of his anger should you stray too close."

"Yes sister." Demeter chips in, her hands raking through her golden brown locks in thought. "I worry for his sanity this time, to be deceived and used by a mere child. I fear this and the threats of war might just be his tipping point."

At this, Hera gives them a lamentful smile, "It's not like what the child was saying was not true. And do not worry for me. For I have learned long ago the lengths of Zeus’ rage. Now, you are all dismissed."

The Queen of the Gods officially lets them go as she fiddles with her smooth sable hair, sighing before returning back into the throne room. Only opening the doors wide enough for her slender form to slip in before she closes them again, the sounds of lightning are loud and the walls barely cover the noise. Damping the mood by a wide margin.

Demeter huffs silently. Her thick eyebrows are upturned as she stares a hole into the palace doors with an unreadable expression, before she sighs finally. "I fear I must go as well, everyone. For my daughter waits for me in the mortal world." She looks back at the rest of them with sharp brown eyes, "And do not idle for long here, remember you can still be striked by idle thunder."

The Goddess of the Harvest then looks to her older sister sitting in the hearth that is placed just outside of the throne room, and they give eachother a small nod before Demeter disappears in a flash, the smell of fresh grass emanating throughout the hallway, leaving just seven Olympians and the Goddess of the Hearth in morose, stormy silence.

"So.." Hestia begins, smiling warmly, "How was the meeting?"

Hermes splits into the grin. "Oh dear Hestia- it was amazing!"

The rest of the Olympians, mainly Apollo, groan and sigh heavily.

"Hermes.." Ares warns, the only sign of his annoyance was the white pupils appearing underneath his shadowed face narrowing.

Athena steps closer to the group, examining the scene with calculating eyes, "How did it go? The meeting? Before the.. interruption?"

The God of thieves chuckles with a sharp smile, his wings lightly fluttering with glee as he croons. "Oh, Athena darling you should have seen it! I mean- you did see it. But you should have seen the look on father's face! I mean it! When do you ever get to see anything like that in your entire Immortal existence!? The boy throughly insulted father and managed to get away with it! Oh how mad father was! To be knocked down by such a peg.. That son of Poseidon, such a slippery little eel!"

So Hermes knows too.. Athena sighs, noting her half brother’s sharpness. Nothing could really escape him, for he was just as cunning as her- despite their different views on Wisdom. But as much as she did not want to handle another child illegally born from the Three Kings. It seemed neither her father nor her Uncle gave her much respite. But at least this one was somewhat more interesting.

"Brother, do you truly feel that child is Poseidon'?" Artemis' soft voice questions, nobelieving as she stands next to Apollo, tense is her hold on her beautifully carved silver bow. "Because if so, you know what that means for the boy, he is not meant to exist. And because of that stunt of his, Father will do everything in his power to kill him, just as Hades did to his own daughter."

Apollo groans, "What my downer little sister meant to say." Artemis glares at him with a fierce scowl as he continues. "Are you sure that child isn't your’s little brother? Wouldn't it be more up your alley for a child of yours to have pulled off such a stunt successfully?" Apollo says with a goading smile.

Hermes sighs dramatically, "Oh darling if only I had a child like that! So bold! So insane! Speaking of-" He looks at a grumbling Dionysus. "Dear Dio, are you sure the boy isn't yours? With how little resistance it took for him to commit such an inane act, are you sure you haven't misplaced one? Are you certain that all of your children made it to camp?" Hermes says with a widening, teasing grin.

Poisonous fruit blooms in Dionysus' curly raven hair as he glares at Hermes. "Leave my children out of this brother." Dionysus gruffs, irritated. "I don't know what stunt you're aching to pull, but I'm not trying to earn father's ire by being framed for siring that.. thing. The boy is too unstable, and mine are at least sane enough that they would have ran to camp instead of pursuing the titan damned Minotaur of Crete. And even if that mother of his did seem like my type. None of my children are even remotely that psychotic or ballsy, so no."

Hermes pouts, dissapointed. "It seems your forced period of sobriety has made you less fun- how sad." Moped Hermes with a false frown, before he perks up a moment later. "Well, your loss. Hades, if he was mine then I'd consider breaking ancient laws just to give him a high five!" He laughs, "I mean, the boy is cunning isn't he? To think of such a plan to kill two birds with one thunder strike? I mean, what a trick!"

"-A trick that could have easily cost him his life, Hermes." Aphrodite’s silky voice points out, thoroughly unimpressed. "Surely the boy has some sense to preserve his own life instead of diving head first into revenge doesn't he?" She muses.

"But- the boy only did that to avenge his mother." Says Hephaestus, thinking, "Chased and bruised, yet even when he lost her. The child did not bend, nor did he run. He merely sought vengeance against the monster father sent, and even father himself. He had a quick wit about him when it came to his mother. It's admirable.."

"Yes, what a deep shame on what happened to his mother." Apollo interrupts with a melodic chuckle. "But back to the topic. I could see that it would be justified to assume that the boy could be Hermes. It definitely seems on brand given our slippery little brother's track record." Hermes makes an indignant sound as Apollo continues, "However I can admit that the demigod is 100% Poseidon's. I mean just look at him! It's almost scary how identical the two are."

Aphrodite hums, "It would seem so, not a speck of his mistress's features on that child. And now there is just a younger carbon copy of Poseidon roaming around our children's camp now.” She laughs, “I do hope he didn’t inheirt his father’s insatiable appetite. He could definitely break some hearts with those sea green eyes of his.." She giggles girlishly, imagining the possibilities.

Artemis shudders, "Absolutely mortifying isn't it? To have been sired by our uncle of all gods. Not only has he given his son a death warrant. But he has destined the boy to become a monster.. if he hasn't become one already given everything.."

This makes Dionysus groan irritably, moving to grab a coca cola from the back of his pocket before chugging it with prejudice. "And now I gotta deal with that little suicidal bastard at camp now. If our father doesn't kill him first. I can already see the little cretin is gonna be a pain in my behind."

"Athena?" Hermes prompts, and the rest quit their chattering to look towards the scarred grey eyed goddess, who has been eerily silent. She now faces away from them, and her ginger hair flows with the wind as she stares in the direction of camp. Thinking.

"What is going on in that head of yours, dearest sister?" Hermes says with a smiling but unreadable face. He moves to stand closer to the silent goddess. "Surely that boy has also caught your interest? If not a little? Do you not feel intrigued by his way of thinking?"

Unfortunately Hermes was also quite astute as well, which makes Athena exhale silently, looking back towards her flighty half brother with pinched brows. Yet Hermes remains smiling underneath the shadow of his metal helm, leading to the grey eyed goddess mumbling a resigning “I suppose.” To the direction of Camp Half Blood.

Ares looks to Hermes then Athena as he huffs, "-A futile way of thinking little brother." The God of War chastises before he moves to come inbetween Hermes and Athena, he turns to face his sister, whose back is to him as she continues to stare in the direction of Chiron's camp.

"That boy is unworthy of any of our time, and that trick of his was a coward's way out. If he truly did wish to avenge his mother's death. He should have faced the Minotaur head on instead of deceiving our father to do his dirty work for him." Ares huffs, "Do not indulge Hermes, and think nothing of him, sister, he will not be of any use."

"But he could be." Athena mutters, a little more forceful now, and Ares steps closer, moving to speak with a gentler tone.

"Sister." Ares says quietly. "I know what you are thinking. And I advise you to stray from any similar thought. This attempt at redemption will run you to the ground. For this boy cannot replace the one you lost-"

"Ares." Athena hisses out. Her sleek skin moves to ruffle like the feathers of an owl. She moves a fraction to glare at Ares with narrow, piercing grey eyes. "Curb your thoughts, and silence your tongue. For I do not wish to hear whatever drivel you have made up in your head. Not when it comes to him.."

Ares steps back, his hands raised in a pleading stance. "I am only saying Athena, even with the boy's quick thinking. He will not measure up to your high standards, not like he did. It is futile to assume, or to hope.."

Athena glares at him for a moment longer before any and all rage disappears from her flushed face, she exhales cooly, "I am well aware Ares, you need not remind me.." She looks back to where camp was, her face scrunched like she was looking at a puzzle she could not solve, "I am just.. curious is all. Just like the rest of you."

Ares hesitates for a moment before continuing, "Even if it is simple curiosity- Athena. That boy can only bring nothing but trouble. So drop whatever cunning plans you think of. For he is unworthy of any effort or time. Just let father or Chiron deal with him, whatever they may decide. Just do not get yourself involved with loose cannons such as him. Sister, I do not wish to see you unjustly punished for your actions-"

"You do not know what I think brother." Athena curtly replies, "And It is nothing of your concern, I am merely observing. Like I always do, like I will continue to do. Children of the Ocean have always appeared to tilt the scales in the most unpredictable of ways. And we have not seen one of our own in quite some time. I just wonder how this new child will shake up our lives given the threats of war.."

Ares and the rest of the remaining Olympians can only look on with shut mouths and worried stares. Most who werent actively involved with Athena's past warrior are just as in the dark as any mortal who had heard of the shortened myth. Due to both it's tragic ending and the wills of both Zeus and Poseidon. But the ones who remember are bound to say nothing, not unless they wish to encure the grieving wrath of Athena. But Ares knows despite her anger, she mourns for him everyday.

Since the incident and it's bitter ending, the Goddess of Wisdom had closed herself off from her fellow Gods. And with time, she had become much more guarded, ruthless, and involved with her planning. She had sharpened her cunning like a predator sharpening its claws. And waiting to pounce at the right opprotunity, with this recent development about the mysterious demigod’s parentage. It would be a toss up to see if she would meddle in this situation or not. 

Ares sighs, conflicted, "Athena-"

"-Keep your prideful schemes away from my son." A cold voice cuts in. Athena and the rest look to see Poseidon, in all of his refined and oceanic glory. No longer does he indulge in simple mortal clothing or pauper's hats. He stands clutching his tainted trident with flowing torquouise robes and golden armor fit for a King in conflict.

"Poseidon.." Athena says lowly, glaring.

"Ah uncle!" Greets Hermes, "Lovely to see you back on the mountain! Care for a drink? I'm sure you truly need it after today’s events.."

Poseidon scowls, "I have no time to entertain you nephew." He looks to the grand door from which the rest of the Olympians hid from.

He huffs, "I assume my brother is still in there yes? I can practically taste the smell of smoke coming from it."

"Mother Hera is with him." Ares chimes in, "I would also advise caution when entering uncle. Father was not happy with the slight your son has inflicted on him."

“Bah.” Poseidon gruffs, waving a dismissive hand towards Ares.

"So that boy.." Athena questions, "He truly is yours then?"

At this, Poseidon turns to her while raising a sharp eyebrow, "I thought it was rather obvious, niece. But I do hope with that being said it will be enough to curb your hushed whispers and gossip.” He looks to the rest of the Olympians, “As I am far from deaf, and Olympus is anything but discreet.” His ocean colored gaze moves to Athena, who tenses under his gaze. “And I'm sure it will make a clear incentive for you to stay away from him. Athena, I do not know what slippery plans you think of. But this will be the only time I say this, he is mine.”

Athena huffs, refuses to buckle under Poseidon’s scrutiny, “It is only a minor interest I carry Uncle, I do not have any plans of getting involved with your illegitimate son anytime soon.”

He scowls, “He does not need your curiosity- nor any of your interference. This conflict is between me and your father. You stay in your corner of Olympus like you always have, mourning, and keep your half baked schemes to yourself. Oh so "wise" daughter of Zeus. If you know what is best for you.”

Athena tsked, raising a questioning brow, "It is amusing to see how paternal you are, in contrast to how you had done nothing to aid the boy when my father and Hades attempted to hunt him down.”

The Sea God huffs, “I had sent the storm in the hope of protecting him. And it did, shielding my brother’s view so he could escape. But I did not think he would be audacious enough to spite Zeus himself, but it is merely a familial trait, and what my son has done can easily be rectified with a simple apology. Yet your father denies me even that. With so quickly accusing me of stealing his damned bolt. Like I'd want it." He mutters irritably.

Athena hums, "It is a strange situation that has befallen us, but looking at the big picture. Father's bolt is stolen and your forbidden son makes it to camp. But not before he scorns the God King and tricks him into killing the very monster he sent to kill the boy with. With everything that has happened. You will not get an apology from my father, not even a simple sorry.”

Poseidon’s eyes narrow, “Are you accusing me of such a disgraceful theft?”

“Sister-” Ares tries to mediate before Athena ignores him. Continuing.

“I am merely looking at the bigger picture, something it seems you cannot possibly do given that you felt scorned enough to hide behind a pitiful storm instead of helping your only son. Even with ancient laws restricting us, could you not find time to send out a guide, or a faster way to camp? Though even with your lack of help. Your child has managed to surpass you in more than just strength. He had managed by the scrape of his teeth to avenge his own mother, someone you had left for dirt. And despite his thirst for vengeance, at least he had been successful in his conquest.”

Athena knows when she’s irritated him enough when a dark and ancient shift appears in Poseidon’s colorful blue eyes, and the atmosphere quickly shifts into a colder temperature as Poseidon glares darkly at Athena with predjudice, his wild, black hair begins to spread like the tentacles of a sea monster. The rest of the Olympians can only quickly back up from the growing confrontation. But Athena stands her ground, feeling her feather ruffle with irritation.

“After all these years, you still refuse to just shut up and move on? I have to admit Im somewhat impressed. For you seem to carry a longer grudge than me, little niece, still blaming me for your pet’s disappearance?" He laughs, baring his sharp teeth, "Or should I say anti climatic death? It's a shame really, but I had nothing to do with it, no matter how many excuses you make up in your head.”

“It seems like a probable cause doesn’t it?” She hisses lowly, “The ocean has always been known to take everything and leave nothing behind, though even if your son might be innocent. That doesn’t mean he is absolved of the crime of being your spawn.”

Poseidon glares before he sees the goddess’s clenched hand tighten, which makes him chuckle lowly, "You deem yourself very high and mighty to judge me about my own child- little niece. Yet at least I know where he is, and the one you speak of, the one who you consider so dearly as family. What has become of him?"

At such a disrespectful probe to her grieving soul, Athena feels her mind slip into a tearful rage she cannot escape from, feathers begin to puff underneath slick skin, and she grips her palm tightly as Poseidon continues. Egging her on.

He laughs cruelly, "He had succeeded, on his way to his homeland. Fought against me despite using that blasted windbag. Left to sail back. But he never made it home did he? Neither his boat nor his body ever found. Twenty years of laboring to get home, the bodies he buried, the lives he doomed. Yet, it was all for nothing. There has been no sign of what happened for the past three thousand years. And not even my brother so comfortable in his underworld has been able to locate him. In all of your infamous wisdom, tell me. Why havent you found him yet?”

Athena sneers, “You damned-” A sharp sword appears in the space from her tightened palm as Poseidon whirls his weapon in the attempt to stab her with his Trident. The two forces move to collide, spear and trident aiming at eachother with the intent to maim before quick hands move to stop them before the throne room doors open, and out comes the God King and Queen. Hera had successfully managed to calm Zeus down.

Hera looks surprised at the crowd while the God King hums, “Ah everyone, you’ve waited.”

The Olympians are quick to look at each other in confusion as they watch the once brewing fight end up with both Poseidon and Athena trapped on either side of Hermes’ staged embrace.

“Ah father!” Hermes calls with a sweet tone, “We were all just so horribly worried about you. So much so that Uncle and Athena have been actually getting along! Who knew that’s all it took for them to finally see eye to eye?”

Zeus narrows his eyes, “Right.” Before he sobers and looks towards Poseidon with a silent stormy gaze. In response, Poseidon wretches out of Hermes’ hold, and Hermes is all but willing. Yet he keeps Athena tightly at his side.

“Brother-” The Sea God begins before Zeus’ hand stops him.

“No.” Zeus chastises, like one would do to a misbehaving pet, “Who am I?” 

Poseidon scoffs, “Are you serious?”

Zeus retorts mildly, “Your spawn has committed a grave offense towards me, and as I still suspect that you and your bastard are the cause of my missing bolt. We are not brothers at the moment, Poseidon. But Kings in conflict”

Poseidon clicks his tongue, “You're so damn dramatic- All right then. Zeus. I have come to make my own terms of peace. As you have demanded your forsaken bolt on the Summer Soltice -which I did not take- I demand an apology on the same date. Should you continue with your blasted narrative of me stealing your bolt, my realm will be prepared to strike back against Olympus for such an offense.” 

Athena grimaces as Hermes' tense hold tightens around her, and the atmosphere begins to darken as the other Olympians look amongst themselves, seeing who would support who. But the last time a civil war among the Gods had occurred..

“This is something you cannot avoid.” Athena delivers as she helps Odysseus put on proper armor for war, both of them secluded in his private room in Ithaca’s mighty warship. The metal is so pristine and carved with such details and silk padding befit a warring King, armor that will no doubt be soon stained with blood and grime, and weathered down with time.

“I had been intially trained to stop claims of war, not fight in it. What if I'm not fit for this?” Odyssesus mumbles, his face is deceptively blank, his sharp eyes now dulled a blurred brown and the only sign that worry and anxiety that seems to plauge him.

Athena hesitates before she finally puts on his helmet, with it, a long feather plume in the shade of her own likeness and armor. “Nonsense. I will be with you every step of the way to guide you and lead you to victory. This is what we have been training for afterall.”

“And if I die?” He chuckles ruefully, now looking to stare at her through the shiny mirrior where he sees himself. No longer the daring boy that amused and surprised her, but now a young King having to reap what he sowed when he convinced the other king’s to make that pact for his own benefit. His wavering eyes stuttered with dread at what could happen in Troy.

Athena pauses, and a vague, unfamiliar feeling begins to well up in her chest. One that makes her hold on Odyssesus become tighter, and encompassing. She had helped other heroes before of course, but none were ever truly hers, and none before gave her this deep dark feeling that stutters in her flesh when they mention death. She had known the practices of having champions, and how protective their patron Gods and Goddesses did to keep them safe. But did having to raise a mortal from a young age and make it fight for you ever give you such a possessive curl that wraps around your throat. So stubborn and determined to keep them safe?

Finally, she speaks, resolute and clear. “You won’t. I swear it.”

I won’t allow it.

At this, Odysseus gives her a small smile. Why should he have been worried? A goddess always kept her word.

“We accept your terms uncle.” Ares says, dragging Athena out of her thoughts, and before she can speak up to deny, a squeeze to her arm from Hermes renders her silent. She looks at her little brother with a piercing gaze, but Hermes refuses to budge.

Poseidon’s eyes narrow, looking towards Zeus. “So be it. By the solstice it is.”

Zeus huffs, “I do hope you're prepared to reap what you sow brother. For this can only end in you paying the price in the end. Though.. it’s not like you don’t know the taste of defeat already.” Zeus’ blue-grey eyes shift down to his brother’s tainted trident. It was Poseidon’ symbol of power, and yet. Only he and one other infamous being wielded it. And despite his brother asking- almost begging at one point, Zeus had never allowed him to wash the mortal scent off in the waters of Lemnos.

Poseidon darkens, and with one last glare directed at Athena. He disappears in a flash of blue, the smell of saltwater corrupts the fresh air.

Zeus sighs, face scurnching at the salty smell, before he looks towards the remaining Olympians and Hestia. “You are all dismissed.”

That’s when Hermes finally let her go, and Athena transformed into a pure white owl. She flies off in a huff, not noticing the conflicted look Ares gives her.

°•°

Athena had made it to Los Angeles in no time due to her ivory wings. While some would argue that she could have just teleported, the busied Goddess had needed some time to think before she entered the DOA Recording Studios, one of the only well maintained passages to the Underworld.

Transforming back into her human form. Athena shakes off whatever lingering nerves she has and enters the building. A deep scowl engraved on her graceful features.

Stepping into the lobby, the silence that lingers weighs heavy like a dark cloud, it is so prevalent that she could hear the small clicks of her shoes that tapped on the much too sterile floor, and the bright lights of the building gave the environment a sickly scent, but it wasn’t a too far off feeling when it housed an abundance of losts souls miserably waiting their turn for the boat ride. With the loss of the tradition of placing a Drachma into the deceased’s mouth. They were doomed to wait. 

Athena scoured the wide land full of souls bitterly waiting their turn, they were all ordered not to address the shakened goddess unless she called their name. Their heads hung with shame and longing. Waiting, always waiting.

"Odysseus?" She called out, desperate. "Odysseus where are you!? I am here my friend- please just say something! Odysseus!?"

In the end, she could not find him. Even when it took a whole year of searching the island full of millions of shades. It was Hades himself who stopped her. Steadying her shaking shoulders with his cold hands.

"Niece, he isn't here." He said gravely, "But do not despair, he will come eventually. He must."

"Ah Athena." A brown skinned man greets at the front desk, shuffling in his smooth black suit, "I haven't seen you in a while. And here I thought you almost gave up on your hunt. The usual?"

"Charon." Athena greets curtly, she begins to rummage through her silk robe pocket, biting into her lip for a moment before replying with a semi hopeful tone. "Anything?" 

The man shakes his head and Athena sighs, playing with the small pile of drachma absentmindedly by letting it fall into her hands. "Apologies Charon, I just had to ask.."

Charon chuckles, "You always do, but I get it, don't worry." He moves to speak into his earpiece. "The Owl has returned, alert Cerberus."

"Thank you Charon." Athena says sincerely, as she places the coins on the front service desk.

Charon sniffs, "Don't mention it goddess, it's a strange case. But I know you'll find him eventually."

She nods stiffly as Charon moves to open the gate with his keycard, before her gaze wanders to the shades nearby who sit somberly. Her keen grey eyes zero in on a nearby shade. A boy with dark brown hair, he looks to be in his twenty’s, college aged. A pity. He sniffles as he holds onto his chest with bloody hands, and on his chest is a large gaping wound. There are still shards of glass in his hair. A car crash.

"Mom, I'm so sorry.." He whimpers, trying to wipe away ever flowing tears. "I tried to get home."

Athena grips at her skin with trembling hands, where crimson blood starts to overflow from her pale skin. It seemed like today was just out to get her. Constantly reminding her of things she wished she could forget.

"Alright goddess." Charon says, coming back. "You're free to go."

Athena stiffly nods, and with one last glance. The goddess swiftly leaves for the Underworld ignoring the small pleas of the deceased boy.

°•°

A white owl flies across the River Styx, not minding the looks of awe it receives from the undead waiting for Charon on his boat. As she flies, her reflection is fiantly shown through the river in all of its currupted, trashed glory from the many centuries of careless human pollution. Flying a few moments longer is when she spots the shoreline. Where others wait for the undead. Presumably family members waiting for their other kin to make it across the river.

They don't mind as Athena transforms back into her original form. She dusts off any soot and dust from her clothes before walking towards the three securely guarded entrances, with no Cerbeus in sight. The three headed guard dog was presumably on his break with Hades for now. Leaving the gates more easily accessible, each gateway leads to a different realm for mortals to either pay for their crimes, contemplate their choices, or relax. The Fields of Punishment, Asphodel and Elysium.

Athena walks to the gateway in the middle, ahead of the long lines, and the mortals who wait for their judgements don't protest as the dark robed ghouls take one look at her and allow her in with little fuss through the large stoned gates, leading to Elysium. With lovely sunlight showing through the cracked walls. A small form of hope for the shades that long to get in.

Athena is not surprised when she enters. Elysium is still beautiful and peaceful as it has been before. Men, women, pets and children play just outside of the walls, which are decorated wall to wall with colorful murals and portraits. And like the people on the shoreline. They all wait for their other loved ones to arrive patiently.

They greet Athena with small smiles or big toothy grins. She hears children oogle at her as she begins to walk a familiarly traveled road, which leads to more buildings and small cities from different time periods, containing even more people who had won their peace.

She grimaces, You would have loved it here my friend..

Athena walks for what seems like a long time. And the deeper she goes into Elysium, the more it becomes familiar to the goddess. Other shades continue to greet her warmly as she goes farther in. They had seen her before many times, and they have long concluded they will see her again soon.

It's not until she's finally passed the Romans in which she finally feels at ease. Now surrounded by Greek architecture and familiar faces, she begins her search through the grassy fields and warm sun.

Noting keen Daedalus was nearby as he shows Icarus another invention, the small family is at peace, with his small grin widening as his son brightens at the intricate contraption. Walking more, she soon spots Orpheus who is nearby, as he sings the loveliest songs to his beloved Eurydice, always keeping her at arms length as she laughs into his chest. And lastly, Athena gives a small wave to her first success, Perseus and his bride Andromeda who lay together under the sun's rays. The couple greet Athena with big smiles as they lay together.

The grey eyed goddess sees all of her successes and the many legendary heroes in myth, and while she can feel pride in herself. She shuns the thought of one more hero that has yet to grace Elysium. Athena stores the thought away while looking around, while a pleasant sight, none of them were who she was looking for.

Athena's eyes narrow, looking through the crowd. Had she finally begun to get rusty with age?

"Athena!" Someone calls, and immediately after the goddess feels a body slam into her as he traps Athena tightly in his loving embrace, while his familiar voice tugs her lips into a small smile.

"Little wolf.." She greets warmly as she looks at her small prince. Telemachus moves his burrowed head from her silk robes to give his biggest smile.

"Your back!" Telemachus exclaims excitedly. “It’s been a while hasn’t it?”

"It has, but I promised to be here, didn't I?" She says quietly with a fond gaze, running a hand through his light brown hair. “Apologies for not coming sooner my friend, Olympus has been quite hectic.”

Telemachus laughs, and Athena’s smile widens.

"Telemachus!" Another voice yells. And both Athena and Telemachus look to see Diomedes run up to them with haste.

The great King of Argos laughs at the scene, half amused, half mortified. Hands up halfway in the air, trying to figure out how to detach the Ithacan prince from the Olympian. "By the Gods Telemachus, do not sneak up on Lady Athena like that! Do remember she is a goddess!" 

"Sorry Uncle Diomedes!" Telemachus chirps out, but from what Athena could tell, despite his apology, Telemachus doesn't look very remorseful, looking at King with a sly smile.

Diomedes sighs mournfully, mumbling into his hand. "Just like your bloody father.." 

"Do not fret Diomedes." Athena reassures, "I have known him long enough to see that he has nothing but the best intentions."

"Uh huh, that's what he wants you to think." He quips back before greeting her, bowing lowly. "A pleasure to see you again Lady Athena."

She nods, "Likewise great King of Argos. What are you all doing today?"

Diomedes groans irritably, "Well I was with Patroclus who was just teaching Telemachus here how to properly wrestle-You remember how great he was at it- but the damned lovesick fool snuck off while I was giving Telemachus directions! He's probably off canoodling with Achilles- that possessive tool. So now I was just playing with what the more modern folk call "Frisbee" with him and Argos."

Telemachus detaches himself from Athena, “Speaking of- ah Argos! Spit that out!”

The prince of Ithaca runs to a nearby field to stop the loyal dog Argos as he begins to tear at the plastic toy. And the two warriors watch nearby in a sort of comfortable silence. But it’s not until the silence is broken as Athena gazes at Diomedes’ tense grimace. Staring at Telemachus with a far away look.

"And the rest?" Athena questions after a while.

"You know them. " Diomedes dismisses, "Their lazy asses are probably lounging around, really. Doesn’t one get sick of laying about after a couple of centuries? But Menelaus is going to fish with Telemachus soon, then it's Polites and Eurylochus' turn to teach the boy how to properly spar. Not that you haven’t taught him well enough Lady Athena.”

She hums, her smile widening a fraction, "You all have been ever keen on keeping Telemachus company haven't you?"

Diomedes huffs, "It's the only thing we can do, goddess. His father was integral to our victory and without him.” He chuckles bitterly, “We wouldn't have ended when we did, let alone won it. And with him gone without a trace and Penelope grieving for him everyday. Who's there to look after the boy?"

Athena remains silent as he continues, "But Telemachus believes, despite everything. That he will eventually come home." Diomedes laughs ruefully, "It's funny in a way, the boy hasn't even met his own damn father but still he believes in him.. We've all tried to fill that gap he left behind as best we could.. Y'know, to ease the pain, to lessen Penelope's burden, but there are so many centuries that can go by before we all start to lose hope.”

He huffs, “It’s a sorry fate the three have been handed if you ask me. Penelope and Telemachus can only wait for a sign that never seems to come. And while Penelope is right to mourn, since she hasn’t seen her husband in many millennias. Telemachus..”

His voice fades as they watch Argos tackle Telemachus to the ground, but the prince continues to smile, wide and bright as the sun itself.

Diomedes sighs "He's a good kid, that one.. But he needs his father. Us just isn't enough. " He looks at Athena. "Any luck with finding him?”

Athena regretfully shakes her head, and Diomedes can only scowl. “Of course.. It just had to be Odysseus..”

The use of his name fills the quiet silence for both parties as memories begin to flood. Despite Athena’s attempts to push it all down, she sours. Before looking down at Diomedes. "How is Penelope?"

"Enduring." Diomedes says with a clipped tone. “Like she always has been. Odysseus really did pick a strong one. But I do suggest you go and visit her regardless. She'd ring my head if she knew you were here and I didn't at least implore you to visit her." He says with a half joking tone.

Athena chuckles ruefully, "As if I do any less for the great Queen of Ithaca.” 

Athena knows where Penelope is, she has both walked and flown through the trail before, and she will most likely do both again until she finds Odysseus. But before she can transform, Diomedes stops her.

“Goddess-” He hesitates, “Athena. Please, for everyone’s sake. Don’t give up on finding him. I knew Odysseus before he left for that accursed journey back to Ithaca. And I know he wouldn't stop at nothing till he got back to them, so find him. Alright? You are our last hope.”

Athena’s grey eyes widen a fraction before steeling themselves with an ancient kind of resilience and determination. “Never Diomedes, I will search the whole world to find him, and even If I must have to tread through the deep depths of Tartarus? Then so be it. Mark my words, Odysseus will return to us.”

She gives him a hard nod before flying towards Ithaca’s castle, leaving Diomedes alone. He sighs heavily, blinking any frustrated tears away from his eyes, before returning to Telemachus, his smile is grand, and mesmerizing. Though it’s too much like his father’s, and it inflicts a painful ache in his chest. But then again, for Odysseus, he would do this for eternity until he returns.

Sighing, he looks towards the way to the entrance of Elysium. A sour grimace on his face. “Where are you, Ody? “ He asks silently to himself. But the only answer he receives is a small brush of the wind. Leaving him alone, cold and yearning. Just like all those years ago.

°•°

Athena flies through the trail towards a familiar looking castle, one she remembered clearly from over three thousand years ago. Elysium really knew how to get down to the exact details when it came to preserving History. But she can’t help but shake off the nerves that weigh on her chest as she gets closer.

Finding a familiar window, Athena flies to sit on the ledge. Where inside she spots a graceful looking woman sitting, she is younger now, no more grey hairs or wrinkled stress lines. She is allowed to be in the prime of her youth for the rest of eternity. Full of strength and vigor, yet even still. Her tanned cheeks are tinted with red around her eyes, swollen and full of tears to spare.

She sniffs as she’s stuck threading a tapestry, a beautiful one. She was always so good at threading, and in her masterpiece is where she depicts a youthful looking man with a wide, charming smile.

Athena fidgets in place. Out of the three of the Ithican royal family. It was Penelope she had the least interactions with, and it was far more different than Athena’s relationships with either man. In the past, talking with Odysseus was as easy as breathing. And when she had begun to mentor Telemachus- who was full of life, easy to admire and gently redirect when needed. Penelope always preferred to stay in the background, going unnoticed. Her energy now sullen due to the years of waiting.

And when they all had to accept that Odysseus was never going to return home, after Athena and Telemachus had eliminated all the suitors, it had all culminated into a very bitter victory. Despite Hermes' messages saying that he had encountered Odysseus merely a few weeks ago. He would have been home by now. By he wasn't. And the weight of it all had shakened Penelope to her core. Even when she had managed to endure for one more year, waiting for Athena to send any word of news of development. The years of solitude and depression had become too much for her, and the Queen died of a broken heart, alone in her bed like for the past couple of years. Yearning for her love to come home.

That day had been another reminder of Athena's failure. And despite her efforts, forcing Hades to immediately guide Penelope to Elsiyum, ordering Hermes and Thanatos to search all around Greece, almost threatening war with Poseidon when she had accused him of taking Odysseus. Penelope’s death had been one the goddess would never forgive herself for, failing to keep another integral piece of her family safe as she desperately tried to find her stolen hero.

She doesn't know if Odysseus would hate her when she finally found him, blaming her for all the things that occurred since the fateful day when she chose him after the boar, like when she brought him and his men to a war she could not prevent, then leaving him to deal with his demons alone when he truly needed her. Athena wouldn’t blame the mortal if he did. But that wouldn’t deter the goddess from giving up, she would rather have the Ithcan royal family reunited and together, even if that meant she couldn’t be a part of their afterlives anymore. All that mattered was their happiness.

Athena chirps, not forgetting her manners, after all this was still Penelope’s home, and it was important to let the tearful woman know she had arrived.

“Athena?” Penelope says, surprised, and wiping away her tears. “Oh come in, come in! Forgive me, I didn’t see you, but you didn’t have to wait on me.” She beckons the owl inside with a hurried hand.

With Penelope's permission, she reforms into her natural state, brushing off any nonexistent dust. “Do not fret, I was just merely passing through. Checking up on the others, Diomedes, Telemachus. You're just my last stop dear Queen."

The Ithacan Queen laughs somberly, trying to wipe the remaining tears from her flushed face. "Like usual, yes? But you do not have to keep worrying for me. I am not the one who is lost."

Athena frowns, "Yet you weep, and you continue to weep with each passing day. And I could not in good conscience leave you to rot in your overwhelming sorrow. I do not think Odysseus would ever forgive me if I did."

Penelope smiles gratefully, "He wouldn't, wouldn't he?" She says before looking at the tapestry thoughtfully, "I have just been using my weavings to help clear my thoughts. Some might say it's just in my nature, but years laboring to make a single shroud have increased my skills by a wide margin. But the more I seem to weave, the more desperate I become."

She begins to trace over the threads of Odysseus, they are fiant and gentle with her touch, as if feeling something highly fragile as she continues. "Trying to hold onto the very image of him. But over three thousand years of weaving his visage. I feel like I'm slowly losing myself. My memories seem to shift. Sometimes I depict the wrong shade of his brown hair, sometimes I mix his features with Telemachus. It frustrates me. Why must I continue to rely on my warped memory when I could have had him sitting next to me. His warmth could have provided all that I would ever need as I traced these very fingers on his face. Imperfections and all."

Her eyes once again welling up with tears. Startling Athena, trying in vain to think of an effective plan to soothe her.

She fidgets, "Penelope-"

Her voice wavers, "It's just I do not understand. Why must he be the one that is forsaken of such a paradise? Here I am, young and swift again. Surrounded by my loved ones and friends, able to live peacefully without any threat of conflict for the rest of eternity. Yet, he is forsaken from me. Not only in my life, but also in my death."

She looks to Athena, and a sharp glint shines in her crying, bright blue eyes. "And I know I am not the only one to think of this. Dear goddess, how long have you tortured yourself with the thought of him? Conflicting thoughts that mock you and taunt you the longer it becomes? Do you also mourn your inability to fix what could have been?"

Athena blinks, at a loss for words. Truly, Odysseus picked a one of a kind woman. And those piercing, knowing eyes of hers make Athena want to spill all of her worries and her frustration. She did not want to tell one lie to this grieving, intelligent woman. They both shared the same pain, what good would it do to shut down any form of budding connection? Especially to someone Odysseus held so dearly to his heart.

"I.. I do. I do know what that feels like." Is all she can force out. But this seems to please Penelope, as she gives a faint smile while she tries to smear away her tears.

"Forgive me." She laughs softly, "I shouldn't have put you on the spot, I think I remember long ago that Odysseus had mentioned you aren't very well versed with emotions."

Athena stayed silent, knowing that it was very much true despite her pride trying to brush it off. She still wasn't fully in tune with her own feelings, and when those same emotions consumed her with strong feelings like injustice or sadness. Athena would become a slave to them before she burnt herself out in either a firey rage or bottomless sorrow.

Athena burst into the throne room, Hermes hurried at her heels in exhausted silence. She had spent a full year looking around the earth for any stagnant souls that could have been Odysseus- or even a mortal lost at sea somewhere, she had even dragged Hermes with her. But yet, nothing, Odysseus was nowhere to be found. Body or no body.

Olympus had already been on edge, given that when word rang out that Odysseus was missing. Not knowing if he could be dead or not. Hades had personally begun his search in the Underworld, intending to turn the whole realm upside down, all the while ringing Zeus' ear with a tone befit an older brother, as he scolded Zeus on his missing soul that never seemed to make it to his throne.

Athena was angry, furious even. Still reeling at the death of Penelope while being deeply frustrated at not finding Odysseus. The anger she felt during that damned wedding felt like a minor huff in the wind compared to this all consuming feeling. Odysseus was hers. And now someone had stolen him from her, from his destiny of making it to Ithaca. Not only was this a slight on him, but a major slight to her as he was one she considered like family. And someone had dared to hurt her family.

In the throne room were the rest of the Olympians, including a certain ocean god who looked briefly surprised at this outburst from the usually calm and composed War goddess, his scars that her warrior had given him still there. Yet it did little to soothe her, she in turn, glared a scowl so fierce it screamed for murder, for blood against such a slight.

"You play a dirty game Uncle" She hissed, "Just when I believe you can no longer go lower, you keep on disappointing me. But you will not get away with this, not as long as I still breathe, you have taken him from me, from his well earned peace and family. And so help me Gaia if you continue this childish ploy- I will be the one stabbing your own trident into your lying throat. Now tell me-"

"WHERE. IS. HE!?"

"I.. am trying." Is what she finally says to Penelope. Fiant exhaustion tingles in her bones from the very memory of her outburst.

"And that's all that matters, I know how much you care, and how deeply this hurts you. But just know that your help and support can never be repaid." The queen says with a proud smile.

Athena sighs, "Do not say that yet dear Penelope. For I still need to find him, and have yet to give up. I will try, as much as I need to. Not just with my emotions. But with him, no matter how long it takes, I will find him and return him to you. You will not have to spend the rest of your days lost in your weavings." She moves to kneel infront of the Queen of Ithaca. Which worries Penelope, but despite her protests Athena continues.

“As you cannot find peace without Odysseus, he in turn cannot live without you. You will be together again without the threat of seperation, this I swear on the River Styx, and I will not let you down."

A rumble shakes the realm for a brief moment, but Penelope remains unperturbed. Her shaking eyes began to finally cease of mournful tears.

“That’s quite the promise, Lady Athena.” Penelope muses with a strained, faraway look. And Athena fears she might have scarred off the mortal queen with her boldness, but when Penelope looks at her again. It’s with a genuine smile, wide and no longer shaky. She finally looks younger now in spirit, hopeful and excited.

“But when have you ever let us down?”

Despite the heavy feeling in her throat that threatens to unleash all of her failures onto her already fragile mind, Athena can not help but press the noise down to a grateful smile, she could see now why Odysseus was always so fixated on returning home. Who could ever stray from a woman so trusting and dependable?

°•°

Athena returns from the Underworld a bit more lively than when she came in, after nodding to Charon. She places a golden drachma onto the desk before nodding to the bloodied shade, who sits on the side couch as he is now curled into himself while he weeps. At this, Charon raises an eyebrow, but Athena is serious. And after a moment, the ferryman sighs before calling the boy’s name as the goddess leaves.

°•°

“Quite the fight it could have been, right sis?” Hermes says with a flighty grin as he greets Athena just outside of the DOA Recording Studios.

“Hermes.” Athena greets stiffly, “Why have you followed me?”

Hermes huffs like a child, “Can’t I just check up on my darling big sister without the threat of your scrutiny?”

“You stopped me when I tried to fight Poseidon.” She points out. “It’s not like you to cease drama when you could have been enjoying it instead.”

Hermes grimaces, “What would be there to enjoy if you got in trouble again? Father may have let you off the hook before since you and Hades were giving him grief on both ends. But to provoke Poseidon when we’re trying to stop a civil war with him wouldn’t give you any points on the “favorite child” scale, Athena darling.”

“It’s not like I'm trying to earn his favor anyway.” She dismisses, “Besides we both know Artemis is his favorite in the end.”

“Fair.” He concedes, “But Ares isn’t the only one who doesn’t want to see father blast you for a second time. Poseidon? I couldn’t care less, but you and I still have a mission. And I can’t do it alone if you're recovering in Apollo’s blasted infirmary again. Besides, Polly had already threatened to cut off my legs if I sneaked into your room after visiting hours again, and I’d like to keep my legs attached to my body for now. Thank you very much.”

Athena sighs at this. “Right. Of course.” Letting the silence cool her mind from the memory of Poseidon’s distasteful words and sharp taunts.

“Well, speaking of the Underworld.” Hermes muses, “How are Penelope and Telemachus? Could I assume that the rumble from the River Styx was your doing when you were down there?”

The goddess dismisses this, “I merely promised Penelope that she and Odysseus would be reunited, that’s all.”

This makes Hermes pause, “You promised on the River Styx that you would do this, despite the fact that we still cannot find him in the past three thousand years?”

“Do not question me brother.” Athena chastises, “I don’t know why, but I feel that we are close to finding out the truth. Perhaps the fool who stole the Thunder Bolt is also responsible for Odysseus’ disappearance.”

Hermes stiffens, “Athena do not just base the disappearance of my great grandson over a feeling-”

“Hush Hermes, and listen.” She interrupts, “Just think about it, two important figures in Greece' long history, stolen right under our noses! No sign of what might have happened, only the fact that they are missing. Both the King of Ithaca and the Lightning Bolt! Just like that! This cannot be a coincidence brother!”

Hermes hesitates, “So you think that if we figure out who stole father’s bolt, then maybe they can lead us to where Odysseus might be?”

“What other option do we have?” She stresses, “I feel that if civil war were to occur, we will lose any and all chance to find him. I had promised Penelope I would do whatever it took to find him, and if that means conspiring with a son of Poseidon then so be it. Are you with me brother?”

Hermes stays quiet for a moment longer.

“And the boy?” He asks.

“Is merely a pawn." She brushes off, "However, if we are to both stop claims of war and find Odysseus, then that forbidden demigod will be our ticket. We must guide him on his quest to get Father's Bolt back. He is special, I just know it!”

“And if he refuses?” Hermes challenges.

With that, Athena quiets, and then she smiles, one that is wolfish and cunning..

“Then how will he ever save his mother from Hades’ domain?” She asks with a determined grin.

Hermes pauses, before chuckling as he too, grins wolfishly.

"Touche, dear sister."

°•°

In Camp Half Blood, a small boy dreams after the events of a long, terrible day. But his only moment of respite is plauged with sour visions that only serve to haunt him with memories he simply cannot understand or remember.

He thrashes in his sleep, troubled as if he tries to look for something. Sometimes he screams, seeing an event that he cannot fix, and sometimes he cries out, unable to save what he has doomed. But despite this, he cannot wake up. Not until Ḣ̷̝e̵͎̒ says so.

And underneath the veil of sleep, where time stretches and slows due to an unconscious, weakened mind. A scratchy voice confines his fragile mind laughs.

"̸̢̒M̴̬̈y̸̹͑ ̷͖̓d̴̮̑e̷̫͝a̷͍͂r̵̘̓ ̸̗̀d̷͐͜o̷̬͋ŏ̸͇ḿ̷̬ȩ̴̇d̵̳͊ ̸̱̒k̶͓̀i̵̹͊n̴̛̰.̵͖̾ ̴̰̈M̴͖̅y̸̡̓ ̸̺̾m̴͚͒ì̵̝n̴̠̈d̴̖̐l̵̟̚e̸̬͊s̴̰̍s̷̠̎,̸͚̈́ ̷͗͜b̸̡̉ȑ̷͚o̸͈͋ǩ̸̻e̴̖̾n̷̠͝ ̵͊͜ḥ̴̅ê̴̯r̵̻̀o̴̍͜.̵̺̀"̵̛͜

F̷̭̋̃̊̚r̷̲͈̘̕ͅe̶̛͙ͅé̶̻̈́͊ ̷̨͕̻̺́̚m̸̼̟̰͇̾̓͂̕ę̷̗̤͍̈̈́͘