Chapter Three - The Gods Debate My Death
Posted: Thursday November 16th 2023

When I awoke, the pain in my shoulder was gone. I was passed out on a cold marble floor, I pushed myself up and saw what could only possibly be the Olympian throne room. All of the thrones were occupied by giant 30 foot tall gods, and all of them were staring at me.

I fixed Hermes with a look that would wither anyone who wasn't a literal god. He became very interested in his own knees.

"Apollo," said a booming voice which emanated from the man in the chair at the head of the U shape of giant immortals sat on thrones. He could only have been Zeus, "recite the prophecy for the sake of our visitor."

A young blonde man, who almost seemed to be glowing, cleared his throat and spoke.

"A child of night shall see the day,
She will restore the Titan but not all the way.
Through prophecies old and prophecies new,
Daughter of darkness will come through.
The sun and the night will produce,
The one who could destroy even Zeus."

I stared at Apollo, unable to take my eyes off of the sun god. He was dazzling, in an i-don't-care-but-also-really-do way. I had to literally pry my eyes away from him to look back at Zeus when he addressed me.

"Daughter of Nyx," Zeus said. "We are here today, to discuss if you should live or not."

I should have said something really cool and defiant, but all I could do under the intense gaze of all twelve Olympians was let out a squeak.

"My position remains the same," a woman with brown hair spoke up, her grey eyes were so familiar that I had absolutely no doubt about who this goddess was. Athena, my grandmother. Her eyes were exactly the same as my father's had been. "We cannot hope to decipher a prophecy, nor can we fight one. The girl was swayed by the Titan yes, but she poses no threat on her own. Besides. She is my kin." The goodness' eyes settled on me and she gave a very slight smile.

"I agree with Athena," a young girl said. It had to be Artemis, "I will vouch for her. She can join my hunt if she chooses."

"She cannot be allowed to live!" The goddess who was sat directly beside Zeus spoke, "are we ignoring the fact that this girl is prophesied to kill Zeus?"

"Not at all," Apollo objected. My eyes were drawn back to him, "she will produce something that could kill Zeus."

"So you are suggesting that we allow that to happen?" The same goddess demanded, I realised that this must be Hera.

"Don't forget your own part in this Apollo," Zeus rumbled, "you would be wise to hold your tongue."

Apollo didn't speak again. The gods debated the prophecy for what felt like hours.

"The first lines have already come to fruition," Athena said eventually, "Kronos has risen from Tartarus, as has the girl. The wheels of the fates are already in motion. I don't believe we can stop this by killing her, besides, killing her would bring Nyx against us. I believe there is only one wise course of action."

"Which is?" Zeus asked. The god of the skies looked tired, possibly from how long this debate had been going on. I figured that I would be too if I wasn't pumped up on adrenaline wondering if the gods themselves were going to decide to kill me.

"We have her swear not to go against us," Athena said simply.

All of the gods looked at me expectantly.

"Um," I said bravely, "I swear not to go against you?"

"Is that a question girl?" Hera almost spat at me.

"No," I said with more certainty, "I swear on the River Styx not to go against you, or kill Zeus. Is that good enough?"

Zeus seethed, he spoke from between gritted teeth, "Very well. We can release the girl. However, Apollo," Apollo looked towards Zeus, "I forbid you from any and all interactions with her. Is that clear?"

Apollo grinned, "Yes father."

"Athena, as the girl is your blood. See that she leaves Olympus." Zeus said. Athena nodded, and in the next moment she was standing beside me, no longer 30 feet tall, but a more average human size.

"Come Ariadne. Let's walk together," said Athena. She turned and began walking out of the throne room.

I was beyond confused about everything that had just happened. But I cast one last look at the Olympians and then followed Athena out of the room.

"What was that?" I asked the goddess as I fell into step beside her.

"We mercifully decided to let you live," Athena said emotionlessly.

"I meant the prophecy." I replied.

"That was a prophecy that has been around longer than many of the gods. Zeus has feared that prophecy for a very long time, he thinks it will mean his death. He is not thrilled that the fates are beginning to spin with this thread." Athena said.

"I don't want to kill Zeus," I replied, "I only just got here!"

"Zeus will be keeping a close eye on you young one," Athena said, "do not even think of killing him for I do not think our council's decision will stop him from smiting you if you should step out of line."

With those positive words in my ears we walked in silence for a while.

"Where am I supposed to go?" I asked Athena, "I don't know anything about this world, where will I live? I how do I earn money?"

Athena's eyes glinted, "I don't think that will be an issue. You see Zeus has forbidden Apollo from seeing you. He believes that you and Apollo will unite and create the weapon that will destroy him."

"And?"

"Apollo has never been one to heed when father forbids him from doing something," Athena said, "Infact, I think Apollo will take it as a challenge."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I demanded.

"I think you will see," Athena smiled. We came to a stop outside a lift that resembled the doors of death, "this will return you to the mortal world. I think I will see you soon grandaughter. If you should find yourself at camp, tell Chiron you come with my blessing."

The lift doors dinged open, but I continued to stare at Athena. She produced a backpack from the air and handed it to me.

"Some supplies for your travels," Athena said. I took the backpack and slung it over my shoulder. "Now leave Olympus before Zeus changes his mind."

I stepped into the lift.