'They were reminders; both good and bad...'

Twenty White Balloons

"Happy birthday!"

The room erupted with a loud cry and suddenly my vision was distorted with bright coloured confetti and streamers. The large patio outside our house was decorated with bright colours and a large 'Happy Birthday Aurora' banner hung from the side of the house.

"What on Earth?" My laugh bubbled up and over as a pair of strong arms folded around me from behind and I felt as Thanatos' hot lips kissed my head.

He chuckled at my stunned expression; "Surprise!"

My parents rushed forward, their expressions elated and delighted by my astonished, but happy face. My mother was the first one to wrap me up in her arms, her smile bigger than Trita's as I spotted the young brunette jumping around in the background with a large balloon number two.

"Oh, happy birthday, my baby! You're finally twenty!" I laughed and hugged her back, tears coming to my eyes.

My father's hands found my shoulders; "Come on! My turn now!"

My mother giggled and let me father hug me, his familiar scent so comforting; "Happy birthday, Rora. We hope you have a wonderful day!"

"Thank you so much!" I hugged him for long, until he let go and gestured with his chin to the two goofs at the back of the large backyard. Sonya and Trita stood with two massive inflated balloons.

Trita held up a two and Sonya a big zero. I laughed as they danced and jumped up and down. Barrios, Hypnos, Poseidon and Thanatos stood off to the side, each had a beer in their hand and they were laughing their asses off at the two nut jobs I called my best friends.

Sonya and Trita started to sing and everyone burst out laughing, with Poseidon quickly jumping in to make a drumbeat with his empty beer can and the wooden table.

"Happy birthday, Rora! Oooohhhhh! You're one year closer to your death-ooohhhh! You're still not doing meth! That's great! We're so proud of you- oooohhhh! Your favourite colour is blue! Oh! Sing it Thane!"

Thanatos' eyes widened in sudden surprise and he turned his head to me with a sheepish grin; "I love you, but I'm not singing that!"

"Spoilsport!" Persephone shouted from the other side as she sat next to Amphitrite and Artemis. Thanatos stuck out his tongue at her.

Trita and Sonya finally stopped jumping around; the balloons very close to popping from all the friction. Sonya gasped for air; "Be glad this is for Aurora, otherwise I would never have agreed to this..."

Trita chuckled evilly; "Ah, whatever! You enjoyed it!"

"Again!" Poseidon shouted and my father chime in; "Yes, another!"

"Nah-ah! No way in hell..." Sonya threw the big balloon towards Apollo, who stood up to come wish me happy birthday. He stumbled back a bit.

Thanatos eyed him across the floor; "Whoever has the balloon sings- Apollo?"

"It's a no from me!" Apollo nearly had a heart-attack, so he quickly threw it over the gap at Hypnos, who unfortunately caught it with his god like reflexes; "What is in this thing? Balloons aren't supposed to be heavy!"

Trita's smile widened as she saw Hypnos with the balloon; "Well, would you look at that! A couple's serenade!"

Hypnos rolled his eyes with a sly smile and pushed the balloon towards Poseidon. "Not today, darling."

The young prince took it easily and joined Trita next to the clear, blue pool. They interlocked their arms and started swinging around, singing some or other old nursery rhyme, but adding my name to it.

Thanatos and the rest of the men laughed and cheered them on, but the women quickly rushed towards me to wish me a good day. Artemis' hug was quite forceful, her energetic nature shining through; "Congrats, Aurora! I'm so happy I could share this day with you!"

"Happy birthday, dear! You deserve a special day!" Amphitrite said as she held me close and rubbed my back.

Persephone smiled at me with a wink. She pulled me in for a hug. I was careful not to hold her too tightly, her stomach wasn't too big yet, but I was still watchful around her.

"I hope you have a wonderful day, dear! You are so special and I'm so happy I could be here with you to celebrate."

"Thank you, guys!" I hugged them all close, my smile big and happy. I couldn't quite remember when last I was this content.

Apollo walked up, his smile wide and behind his hand he held a small packet. I smirked up at him, our relationship a bit changed since the whole ordeal about two months ago. I was now his royal advisor and a trusted friend.

"Happy birthday, Rora." He handed me the gift and watched as I twirled it around in my hand; "A small token of my appreciation."

"You really shouldn't have." I smiled and opened it, careful not to tear the paper.

It was a thin, long golden case. I gently opened it to reveal a beautiful, engraved feather pen. It was old and mesmeric! I gasped and looked up to Apollo's smiling eyes; "It was my father's. I figured as an advisor you'd need the right equipment."

"Thank you, Apollo! Really, this is beautiful!"

He slanted his eyes and watched as I ran a finger over the soft hairs; "Then it matches its owner."

"That it does..." Thanatos' large hand wrapped around my waist and I felt his strong body press up against mine from the back. "Happy birthday, my angel."

Apollo rolled his eyes, but I saw a small smile play at his lips. He nodded his head and without a word left us in private. Thanatos eyed his back with a smirk.

"Is someone jealous?" I teased him and wiggled the feather pen in front of his eyes. Thanatos flicked his tongue and pushed the feather away; "As if. My present is far better."

"Oh?" I smiled up at him with all my love. Thanatos leaned down to place a soft kiss on my lips, not caring that everyone could see us. "Definitely. For you I'd spare no expense."

"Was this all your idea?" I looked around the room. Everyone was having a great time. I never expected to see all of them here, at my house in Caneyville of all places.

Thanatos smiled; "You like it?"

My eyes shifted to the loud commotion behind us. Poseidon had found the music and turned it up loud. He'd grabbed Amphitrite by the hand and was now dancing her across the large manicured lawn. Hypnos was chasing Trita across the gardens, trying to steal the other balloon, while Sonya, my mother and Persephone were seated in the shade under the umbrella by the swimming pool, sipping on cocktails. Persephone, however, drank a cool iced-tea.

Barrios, Apollo and Artemis had jumped into the pool and were playing volleyball in the deep end, much to Artemis' annoyance. She wasn't as tall as her male counterparts. My father stood off to the side with Conrad, each a beer in hand, discussing some or other topic.

"I love it."

Thanatos kissed my hand, his red eyes changed to a golden brown. "I love you, Aurora."

"I love you so much." I leaned in and kissed him deeply; "Thank you for everything."

"Of course." He smiled down at me with care and adoration; "You really deserve to be treated like a queen. I know I've asked this countless times, but..." He fiddled with the engagement ring on my finger; "Can't we move up the wedding?"

I chuckled, but shot him an apologetic look; "You know I want to, but I need to tell my parents about all of this first. I want them to know." I touched his cheek; "You can wait another four months, can't you? Two have already passed."

Thanatos groaned playfully and pulled me in; "And they were hell! I want to make you my wife." He rubbed my hands with his, a new habit he'd formed after the confrontation with Ares at the river Styx. I still had scars on my palms from the sickle. They would never heal, just like the cut across his shoulder. They were reminders; both good and bad.

"Soon, I promise." My giggle was cut short by his hungry lips.

"Hey!" Barrios called from the pool, his hand raised high as he tried to get our attention. "I need a teammate! These twins are cheats!"

"You're just a sore-loser!" Artemis yelled and splashed a wave onto Barrios' face. Apollo laughed and leaned back to stretch his arms over the rim of the pool.

"On my way!" Thanatos shouted and I saw Artemis and Apollo gulp and share a nervous look. Barrios chuckled evilly, knowing he was about to have the advantage soon.

These last few weeks, Barrios and Thanatos had gotten rather close as friends and now the six men- Thanatos, Poseidon, Apollo, Barrios, Hypnos and Hades- had become a close-knit group.

Wait- speaking of Hades, where is the god of the Underworld?

Persephone burst out laughing as a darkly dressed figure walked up from the house and onto the patio, a big bowl of ice in his hands. Hades' eyes widened at the events around him; young gods and mortals laughing and chatting around him.

He looked pissed; "Pers!"

Persephone shrugged up her shoulders and covered her mouth with her hand to hide her laughter. "I'm sorry, pookie! I thought Aurora was going to still be a while!"

Hades sighed lamely and put the ice bucket down on the table, "Sorry, Aurora. I was busy getting ice for my wife..." He looked rather angry at having missed the big moment, but he quickly walked over to give me a tight hug.

One thing I'd learned about Hades over the past few months was that he gave the best big-brother hugs. He really was just a big bear- fluffy and sweet, but he looked like he might skin you alive.

Thanatos chuckled softly and tugged Hades along with him to the pool; "Come on, you need a tan."

Hades scoffed in annoyance; "I rather like my complexion, thank you very much."

I laughed as they strolled up to the pool and quickly shook off some clothes. It was so odd seeing all these gods and goddesses here, with ordinary human clothes. They looked so... normal, and yet not normal. They were far too beautiful and manicured to be just ordinary mortals.

What was even stranger to me was seeing how close Hades and Thanatos had become. Usually their relationship varied between a father-son bond or a mentor-student rapport, but lately they'd finally become more comfortable with each other. They looked like brothers; Thanatos still treating Hades as the older, wiser bother though, never faltering in his respect and admiration for him.

I watched as they all played volleyball; Apollo calling to Hypnos for help, now having three players against two. The young god of sleep quickly tugged Trita along and throwing her in the pool and shouting; "I found our umpire!"

After all the events at the river Styx, so much has changed in such a short-period of time.

Ares' and Alexus' revolt was now known as the Granite rebellion.

Right before both Ares and Alexus had died, we'd made them look into the Aegis, turning them both to stone. Their broken and beaten statues were placed in Olympus' vaults, locked away forever- a sorrowful reminder of an old and broken Olympus.

All the bodies of the awful war had been dragged away and burned, some even fed to a happy Cerberus. There were too many deaths on both sides too even properly count. Some of Ares' men and monsters had survived, but were quickly hunted down by Thanatos' elite reapers. They were quickly dealt with and the word treason became a sin to even utter.

But there was no need for treason.

Things had changed drastically. The old ways of the gods had changed slightly, not by too much, but they were altering their thought process little-by-little. Mortals weren't seen as completely useless any more, incest wasn't praised as much and the goddesses were given equal standing in the managing of business and war.

Apollo was king, and Thanatos was right- he was a great king. Even better than his father had been in his prime. Apollo was gifted, but also had a gracious heart. He was still a playboy- enjoying the company of many suitors and living a life of luxury, but he did so much more for the people around him too and especially for the often overlooked masses- the demi-gods, monsters, creatures and general communities of the kingdom.

Hades and Hera kept pestering him to choose a queen, but Apollo was always quick with the evasion. It would be a while before he settled down.

As for Hades and Persephone, their first child was well on its way. She had about three months to go before the little boy was born. Persephone was adamant that it would be a boy. She just had this feeling...

I didn't argue- she was positively glowing. It didn't matter what she had, so long as the baby was healthy and she was happy. Hades spoiled her rotten, showing more of a sweet side. Persephone joked saying she'd just stay pregnant forever if that meant Hades would slave after her every whim. The poor man was ragged with worry for the future- I had the feeling he'd faint at the mere sight of a slight altercation.

Even now, as he stood in the pool, his eyes kept drifting to his lounging wife. I giggled knowing eventually Persephone would get irritated with his doting. She wasn't used to him being so affectionate.

As for Amphitrite and Poseidon- things were wonderful. Poseidon kept pestering his wife for a child too after seeing how happy Hades and Persephone were, but Amphitrite wasn't ready yet. Poseidon agree, but only because he said that he wanted Thanatos and him to have a child at the same time so they could grow up together like they had. It was rather adorable.

But I was unfortunately the one to burst a bit of his bubble. I didn't want children right now. For god's sake; I'm twenty! I wanted to spend at least a few years with Thanatos- alone. He understood of course, but Thanatos was a very broody man, and far older than me. He wanted children- badly. So we agreed that after about five years we'd talk about it again.

I wanted my parents to see their grandchildren too, even if just for a bit. I know my children would take a long time before they would grow, so for my parent's sake I was willing to speed up the time. Thanatos was all too happy to hear this. Five years was nothing to him.

We were both now royal agents to Apollo, the king of Olympus. I was his royal advisor and trusted friend. Thanatos was his army general and handled his rather more delicate affairs. We both chose to take the role as the king's spymasters; serving as a joint unit under Apollo's discretion.

Where better to put the real power than with us?

Apollo had us on either side of him; needless to say, he was much more humble and indulgent than before.

As for the rest of the gods, everything was almost blissful. And soon to be added to the list of goddesses, were none other than Trita and Sonya.

Yes, my two best friends were each given a position of great honour among the gods by Apollo, but only if they chose to.

I wasn't too keen on his decision, mainly because he hadn't informed me nor discussed it with his royal advisor, but after seeing how excited and serious Trita and Sonya actually were about this offer, I softened to the idea.

Of course I wanted them with me here in this magical realm of possibilities, but they would be giving up so much. Their humanity, their mortality and any chance of living a normal life.

Trita wanted to jump at the chance, but Sonya pulled back, being more cautious, and told Apollo they'd have an answer for him by the end of the month. That was last week.

They agreed.

After trying to convince them to see what they'd be giving up, they had made me realise everything they would be gaining instead. I knew then that this wasn't my decision to make. I wanted to keep them safe, but I tend to forget just how often they made better and wiser decisions than I ever could. And so, two new goddesses would be welcomed into the Olympus.

Of course, only in about a year's time, after Trita and Sonya finished their respective degrees at Donata Academy. Conrad was so generous enough to give them free entry and take them under his wing, to teach them the basics and prepare them.

Hypnos and Barrios were all but elated by their decision; the two couples closer than ever.

After Hermes, Ares, Hecate, Zeus and Pan's death, their domains obviously had to be passed on and their positions filled.

Athena was given Ares' deity-ship of war, adding on to her already existing field. Aphrodite was given Hermes' domain of trade and sports, and I was so delighted for her. She fought hard during the battle, determined to prove herself to be more than just Olympus' beauty queen. I knew she'd take her responsibilities seriously and now with Ares' tight grip on her severed; I could already see her bloom and prosper.

Persephone was also given more to do and Hermes' field of thievery fell onto her shoulders. She'd already aligned herself with all his guilds and took it upon herself to look after and train Hermes' innocent and young son, Autolycus. There was no point in hurting the son of a traitor too- he'd been through enough and only wanted to redeem his family name.

Amphitrite also took on a more serious role in Olympus, eager to focus on her combat training and to get out of the water palace once in a while. She took on Hermes' field of communication and was now known as the messenger of the gods. She was quick enough for it and I never had to worry that she'd let any of my secrets slip.

Now as for the rest of us, Barrios was given the role of the leader of the reapers, with Zaul acting as his second in command. Of course, Thanatos was still very much in charge behind the scenes, seeing as he is the general of all the kingdoms' forces, but Barrios acted as his close second. It was a great weight off Thanatos' shoulders, so he could focus on his primary duty of death.

Conrad was given the high-status position of Hades' personal mage and arcane advisor, but he was still a lecturer at the academy. He had two new assistants to help him out in his duties- Trita and Sonya.

Seeing as Apollo's domain and fields expanded too greatly and he was being stretched in all corners of the kingdom, he offered some of his domain to the two knew goddesses.

Trita would take up his field of music, poetry and sculpture; making her the new goddess of all forms of art. Sonya took up his field of medicine and would one day be working closely with Artemis, who was given Pan's domain to manage.

The girls were all too happy with Apollo's choices. Sonya's dream of helping people and being a nurse would be magnified by so much and Trita's goals of living a life of entertaining and creating would be incomparable. They were happy, not only with their future ambitions and aspirations, but also with the men they chose to live their infinite years with.

As for the twins; well, things were finally where they wanted them to be.

Hypnos was given the position of chief justice- once held by the man who had raised him, Zeus. He took his position very seriously and didn't falter when elected as the god of justice and order. It suited him and he wanted to make Zeus proud. It also didn't hurt having the chief of justice on your side every once in a while; not that we'd ever abuse his power as spymasters.

Finally, I was given the role not only as the king's advisor, but also as the new goddess of rebirth.

I managed to regain not only my own immortality after it was stripped away by Ares, but also Thanatos'- the god of death. So it seems fitting that I was now the goddess of rebirth, dawn and life.

Oh, and also, magic. Hecate's full domain of crossroads, necromancy, witchcraft and sorcery was now mine. I was elected as the head of the Archmage council and the magical community was finally, after so long, in order and peaceful.

Trimorphe was more than happy to accompany me everywhere I went and now, as I watched her sunbathe on the table, disguised as an ordinary white housecat and purring ever so softly, she looked far too happy.

Speaking of purring; Shadow was peeking out from the bushes, his red eyes locked on a stack of cupcakes near the pool. I chuckled and rolled my eyes. The poor old thing just wanted some food. I rushed over to the table and took two in my hand, signalling to Conrad to distract my father. I snuck over to the dark entity and it's white fangs gleamed in the darkness; his smile full of delight.

Shadow devoured two cupcakes in one go. I patted its head and winked. I'd grab it a few more cupcakes for later before we'd leave, but by the looks of it, this party was probably only going to wrap up by tomorrow.

No matter, it could sneak around more easily at night. With all the drinks around, no one will even notice a cupcake or four missing by eight tonight.

I walked back to join my father and Conrad by the table, their beers cold and condensation dripping from the side. My throat was dry and a cold beer would be perfect in this weather, but suddenly, a flash of red caught my eyes and I was lifted in the air.

I wasn't fast enough to escape the clutches of Thanatos' ridiculously quick hands and before I knew it, I was being thrown into the air and my face felt the cold water before I had the chance to even scream out.

All I heard when I emerged from the pool was loud laughter, from everyone around, and Thanatos' smirking voice; "Happy birthday, Rora."

"You ass!" I shouted, but my grin was wide.

Thanatos leaned in to softly say; "My apologies; you looked a little too hot. Thought you might need to cool down before we have another civil war on our hands..."

I splashed water onto his face and smirked as he wiped it from his eyes.

"Smooth, Thanatos, smooth..."

He smiled and shrugged, as if to say 'of course, what did I expect'?

I shook my head; "So are you going to get in the water and play some volleyball, or are you scared you'll get shown up your fiancée- again."

Poseidon made a searing sound and Trita burst out laughing; "Ouch!"

Thanatos quickly jumped in, his eyes locked onto mine and shouted; "Okay! Guys against girls!"

"You know we're going to lose?" Hypnos said with a laugh as he cracked his knuckles and moved to go stand next to his brother.

I chuckled and caught the ball Artemis threw towards me, my eyes locked on Thanatos' red ones. "Oh, not just lose. We're about to disprove six-thousand years of patriarchal culture."

Artemis whistled and clapped her hands; "Yeah, baby!"

Apollo rolled his eyes and swam up to Thanatos' side, his blue-green eyes filled with mischief; "Put your money where your mouth is!"

"Okay..." I chuckled evilly and turned to wink at Trita. "Whoever loses this game has to wear aprons the whole night and cater for the opposite sex. No complaining."

"Deal." Thanatos stuck out his hand and I grabbed it in my own. We shook on it, our eyes lit up with fire and competitiveness.

"No magic!" Barrios shouted at us and Sonya nodded, her eyes darting to the twins and Apollo; "Agreed!"

"Let's do this, ladies!" Artemis shouted and we all took up our positions. I hit the ball up into the sky and what ensued was one hell of an afternoon.

The rest of the night was spent getting me drunk, telling old tales and making equally ridiculous new ones. Seeing Apollo and Thanatos do a re-enactment of their first hunting trip, which left most of us in heaps of crying laughter and half of the neighbourhood furious with the noise.

Artemis and Trita bonding over a slice of peppermint crisp tart because they were so drunk they couldn't remember why sugar made them both overly hyper. Sonya being thrown into the pool, over, and over, and over, and over...

Hades and I having a deep, philosophical conversation at three in the morning about the right cape to wear for the season. Persephone babying everyone, because she couldn't drink, but in the end had the most fun when she took photos of us the next morning when were all scrambling for the aspirins.

Hypnos and Barrios making sure everyone had wine at all times and going out of their way to annoy the neighbours with their classic renditions of old 80's rock songs. Thanatos and I having a very heated argument about who had the better hair and then it ending in us making out in the backseat of my convertible, which was parked in the garage. Don't even ask me how we got there...

All I know is that when we got back to the party Conrad and my parents had called it a night and Shadow was openly devouring the remaining cupcakes. Trimorphe was all too happy swimming in the pool, her bright eyes as round as plates and the party was only getting started; Barrios whipping out some Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Duran Duran and of course- the Bee Gees...

And if you're wondering who won the volleyball match? Well, let me just say that Thanatos looks really good in a frilly pink and cupcake-printed apron...