#I THOUGHT YOU WILL GO WITH ALL OF THE SERVANTS INTO OLYMPUS

[kcciny]

AWESOME I can finally go cry in peace

[blueberrypancakesworld]

Hiii! Could you write a one shot with both Caracalla and Geta? The idea is that the reader is their favorite concubine (or legit their wife idk if that's how it works lmfaooo) but she's a witch? Like she's an oracle or something, they keep her around because she brings them luck and what not (they also kinda love her but they're both insane so...)

No worries if you don't want to write this!

The oracle of the emperors

Geta/Caracalla x witch!reader

warning : hurt/comfort, power inequality, kissing, mention of smut (light smutish), family issues

Summary : In times of war, one had to resort to everything, be it rationing, ambushes, burning or fetching the walking omniscient shadow from the alleys of Rome. An oracle surrounded the two emperors and was so much more to them than just a surrogate for the gods.

info : I love the idea, almost an au in Gladiator (maybe more someday) thanks for the request and have fun reading :)

masterlist

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rome was a world city, an empire for decades no for centuries, it would outlast all time. Everything would fall to make way for the glorious holy roman empire and no one would stop it, no country, no army, you just had to keep conquering and conquering.

An idea, a thought, a dream that had burned itself into the minds of the two emperors - they wanted more, had to and needed more. The reign of Geta and Caracalla was to be glorious, but the body cannot bear what the mind dreams of, especially not when its own warlord threatens to withdraw.

You can't keep a man from dying for a lifetime without risking his downfall, a fact that the two also saw...but if the fighting force failed, what could be done to win more easily and quickly?

Gods, oracles and witches, the supernatural, that which could see more than only man could see.

Since the conquests, the oracles had only predicted victories, but why did more and more bases go under, why did the harvests come to an end and why did the emperor's gold seem to dwindle?

Wrong answers were punished with death and the temples remained mostly empty, the only thing that was known to help was the shadow of Rome, the woman who was found before she was even looked for.

Her figure emerged from the streets wrapped in the dark fabric, the rustling of the small bones in her pouch accompanying her as the people looked at her in awe, as much as she was feared she was revered, ,,The sound of water will bring you a poet, just as these bones of death brought me to you...my honorable emperors” she greeted them as she came up the stairs to the palace and saw the golden gods in human form.

Of one she had dreamed his gold would cover the Senate like blood that would not stop flowing and the other she had seen an agonizing spirit that would perish along with all of Rome.

,,You will be placed in our service, no harm shall come to you as long as your words are of use to us,” Geta assured her as he showed her a bedchamber larger than anything she had ever had and still needed some work, for as much as she saw and heard them all, she knew how to interpret the looks in their eyes.

And the looks of the brothers were full of desire.

After a very short time she was surrounded only by the two of them, hardly any other servants or concubines, the campaign was victorious as she had predicted, but her warning also came true.

It only took a full moon for the “poet” to arrive inside the palace and she saw the amused look on Caracalla's face as he grabbed her hand, ,,You predicted it!” he said, and his brother looked at her, a look she took as respect.

When they were with the brothers during the day, she was with Geta, his hand at her side, the human god who wanted to be closer to Olympus through her, ,,You belong to me, here, in the Senate and out there,” he reminded her whenever they took up political matters.

Dark eyes with make-up looked at her whenever she moved the figures on the map, whenever she whispered her proposal to him in the senate and when he drew her to his bedchamber.

Why should she say no? Even a fool would have slept with the most powerful man whose voice was almost as intoxicating as his body, his kiss intense he wanted this power she had, his gold soon adorning her too, gifts in the hope that she would stay with him, touches of lust, he desired her power and beauty until the day she asked the question.

The fire turned bluish and she heard the cry of a monkey asking him, ,,You speak of belonging but this mine, is it none of your brother the Emperor Caracalla's concern?" a question that drove him from her, his face became incredulous and she saw the disbelief in his eyes.

He felt betrayed.

A betrayal she thought he would spear away, but her last prediction that this mine would mean his end must have frightened him, frightened and almost more God-given.

The gifts of gem and gold he made sure she wore, as much as he tried to hold it back she belonged to one god and not two at the same time.

Geta would spend hours in the temples, making people feel at ease and being addressed as a god. it was during these days and weeks that the monkey Dundus would often run up to her and she would see the uncertain look on Caracalla's face.

As much as he was fascinated, he was also afraid of her, ,,Witches are a bad omen...but you helped us,” the younger one said as he ventured into her room and watched, curious about what she was doing there.

Instead of luring him with physical devotion like his brother, she put a motherly smile on her lips, ,,Look even I can make fruit dance” she lured him and he sat down on her chair while she instructed him to close his eyes, she mixed a few simple tinctures and dripped them on the grapes.

A simple reaction of plants, but for Caracalla, who clapped his hands in delight, it was worth almost as much as the whole of Rome, ,,You see, I can't be angry at all, my sweet king,” she murmured to him and hugged him carefully, an embrace he wanted more and more from then on. during the day she belonged to Geta, who soon ignored her warning.

Why listen to a witch when he was a god? The jewelry covered her body, his love visible on her body and at night she took care of the younger one, so much pain and suffering as she held him like a child who would soon take advantage of her when his madness took over, ,,His gold, his jewelry but you're mine, aren't you? I need you alone, not shared,” he ordered, fingers clutching hers helplessly.

A question she answered with a kiss and the game between the two emperors continued to grow daily. The bones in her bowl became more and more when she made new predictions and she went from a god to a delusional one whenever one of them needed her.

Gold and make-up adorned her body and whenever Geta and Caracalla met it seemed as if Rome was on the verge of collapse.

In the midst of this they stood, the most influential authority taking on the two emperors while Rome changed around them, brothers not seeing that the shadow had closed in around them when the first thought had fallen upon them.

She felt at home in the madness of the two and the threads that held everything together, because no one could separate such a love. Yet to everyone else outside the palace she was nothing more than the concubine of the brothers Emperor Geta and Caracalla.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[idontknowwhatimdoinglol]

Yandere Olympus x human reader (headcanons)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

you were a mortal girl who had been taken in by the gods as a child. in return for this you lived amongst them working as a servant, since there were so many nymphs already there wasn't much for you to do but you always kept busy. one of the goddesses who had cared for you since childhood, aphrodite, had kept you close to her at all times rarely letting you go far from her gaze. you would help her with small tasks such as picking her jewelry for the day or helping her make new clothes, that was a more painful task. "i will never get this stitch done if you dont hold still!" the goddess complains trying to stick the needle through the fabric. "it hurts, you keep poking me" you complain trying to move away but she grabs your arm and holds you still. "i just need to make a few more stitches and-" she starts before getting cut off by the new presence in the room. "aphrodite may i speak with you" the commanding voice of hera calls from the entrance of the room. "why of course." she answers pinning the fabric together. "dont move my darling, you wouldn't want to ruin my flawless stitch work now would you?" she smirks before walking to hera, both far enough away for you to not hear what they were saying. one of hera's loyal crows had landed on a stool next to you cawing, you bent down and let it jump onto your finger petting its head. "hello pretty bird" you smile as it ruffles its feathers, nuzzling its head against your hand. "may i ask what you are doing?" hera's voice comes into the room. the bird flys from your hand onto her shoulder instead. "i-im sorry my goddess, i was simply petting your bird. they're lovely" you complement earning a nod. aphrodite comes back in and takes the fabric she had been sowing off of you. "oh dear you have so many scratches from the pins, you should see apollo he would be happy to heal them for you." she suggests hiding a smile behind you. you nod walking from her room. you were greeted by a few gods on your way to find apollo with smiles and waves, before you reached apollos temple you were stopped by the queen of the gods herself. "come with me mortal" she says waiting for you to follow. though your scratches stung you feared hera's reaction more if you disobeyed her "yes my goddess" you say following behind her. she leads you to her private room before sitting on a chair. "pour me some tea" she commands with a smirk, enjoying having you to herself. you hand her a cup of hot tea and stand near her "is there anything else you need my goddess?" you ask tilting your head. she thinks for a moment before using her powers to bring you to her lap, with a surprised gasp you are put on her lap like a child. she takes your arm that had scratches and small pin pricks from the sowing pins. "she really should be more careful with such a fragile thing such as you." the goddess mumbles. she grabs a piece of fabric from the table near her and wraps it around your arm. the two of you are interrupted by aphrodite clearing her throat from the entrance of the room. "i was worried that my little mortal had run away when apollo had not seen them yet. but i should've known they would be here, you always have liked to steal them away for yourself." aphrodite laughs with hints of jealousy. "then why dont you join us for some tea?" hera suggests. gesturing to a chair across from her. "well if you insist, only if i get a turn with our darling to" she smirks sitting down. this was your normal on olympus, being fought over by the gods. you had thought it was simply because they liked your company or help, if only you knew how much they truly loved you.

your usual day on olympus consists of at least 2 or more gods trying to steal your attention, whether its the hermes giving you flowers or other gifts he finds in the mortal realm or one of his brothers trying to one up him or if aphrodite demands a beauty day with her and artemis.

above all their fighting they still follow rules, giving an angry gglare or pouty face when another god that is more powerful steals you away. hera is famous for this, stealing you to help with the most minor tasks just so others cannot have you. only sharing with one of her friends or children.

when heron is brought to olympus things do shift. hera of course is horribly angry but doesn't start the war in this world because she knows that you would most likely end up hurt or she would be banished from olympus never to see you again. so instead she glares from afar.

you are not let anywhere near heron at first, being kept away by hera or ares. eventually though you manage to meet him and he was very kind to you, taking after the rest of his family and quickly becoming a yandere for you aswell.

of course he quickly is told that you are simply to be seen as a sibling not anything more. the gods dont want you dating because that may lead to them not getting as much of you or worse, you leaving them.

they refuse to let you grow old. once you turn a certain age they will turn you imortal whether you agree or not. youre theirs for eternity and no one or nothing will stop that.

- - - - - . o 0 O 0 o . - - - - -

[o3o-lapd-o3o]

okay! part 4 is here! still no dinner scene but hey, who doesn't like a telemachus and athena moment? huh? huh?

the post/thread that started this whole au

dinner scene: part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8

there's a masterlist now!

*later that day* *telemachus walking around the palace ground and speaking with athena about poseidon & also tomorrows family dinner*

telemachus: so, you said lord poseidon is your uncle, right?

athena: *under her breath to herself* unfortunately

athena: *to telemachus this time* he is indeed my father’s brother.

telemachus: what does he like? what’s his favourite food? does eat with you and the other gods on olympus?

athena: *not expecting to play 40 questions about poseidon*

athena: HU- *coughs* why do you want to know? i thought you studied the gods when you were younger?

telemachus: i mean yeah, but those are other people’s words. what better way than to ask his actual family?

athena: *regretting this conversation, but answers because it is telemachus asking*

athena: if you are looking to strike a conversation with him, i can say for certain he will be interested in anything about his kingdom, the sea.

athena: as for food, i’m sure you know we gods, do not require mortal food for sustenance.

telemachus: *confused and stops walking*

telemachus: *turns and looks up at athena* but you ate breakfast this morning with us? and other meals?

athena: *stops walking also and laughs a little at his confused face*

athena: *ruffles telemachus’ hair* yes i did. we can find it enjoyable, whether it be an offering, during a feast or with…

athena: *stops ruffling his hair & smiles warmly at telemachus* family.

telemachus: *smiles*

telemachus: *continues walking*

athena: *continues with him*

telemachus: so, you still never said what his favourite food was?

athena: *shrugs* i don’t know, fish?

telemachus: *laughs* well we certainly have plenty of that!

*both continue talking and walking together*

*a short while later*

telemachus: ok so even though he does have a place to live on olympus, he doesn’t live there? how come?

athena: the sea is his domain, i would expect he feels more comfortable being always part of it. he knows everything that is happening on and in it then.

athena: also, i’m sure that having my father be king of the gods while also being his younger brother, is not something he would personally want to be around all the time.

athena: i think if it were my younger brother…

athena: *imagines ares as king of the gods* *shakes the thought immediately away*

athena: *waves hand in front of her in dismissal* never mind that thought.

telemachus: *eyebrow raised in confusion* uh ok.

athena: as i was saying, my father, while he is a great & wise king of us gods, occasionally having to sometimes deal with his...

athena: *thinks to the lighting shaped scars on her face and body*

athena: …games, does not always end up good for those who play them.

telemachus:

telemachus: so, he just prefers living in his palace under the sea basically?

athena: pretty much, yeah.

athena: maybe you could save some more of your questions for my uncle at dinner tomorrow?

athena: trust me, i’m sure he’d love to talk about himself.

telemachus: yeah, i’ve got so much to ask him!

telemachus: not just about himself, but how he and my father came to be such good friends!

athena: *laughing to herself as she knows the truth of said friendship*

athena: oh i too would like to know…

athena: *has a thought* little wolf, you’re helping your mother and the palace servants plan everything for tomorrow, correct?

telemachus: yeah i am!

telemachus: actually, i probably should go and find mother to discuss things.

athena: *gently holds his arm before he can run off* before you go, i believe it would be best if we sat your father and my uncle right next to each other don’t you think?

athena: i normally know your mother and father would sit together as king and queen, but this is a family dinner, is it not?

athena: *grins* friends should be with friends.

telemachus: *holds hand up for a high five* that sounds like a great idea athena! that means you’re next to me, right?

athena: *hive fives and then smiles at telemachus* of course.

telemachus: *smiling back* okay, i’ll go and let mother know!

telemachus: *waves before heading into the palace* bye ‘thena!

athena: *waves back* goodbye telemachus.

athena: *now to herself* oh tomorrow will be fun indeed.

[gotstabbedbyapen]

Might be a bit obscure but I was wondering if you have any HCs about Harmonia?

Harmonia, goddess of harmony!

I started with a couple of random ideas but ended up with a whole story for her lmao

When Harmonia was born, Ares would hold her in his arms and cry the whole night for how adorable she was.

As the only daughter of Ares and Aphrodite, Harmonia grew up with four bothers (Eros, Anteros, Phobos, Deimos) and a bunch of adoptive brothers (the Erotes). She was rarely seen without at least one brother accompanying her.

Harmonia and Hebe had a complicated relationship. Not in a bad way but in a "I'm your brother's daughter but I was born around the same time as you so uh..." way.

Harmonia was the referee/peace-keeper in the house. She was the one settling disputes among her siblings and make them hug each other out after their fights.

But don't mistake Harmonia's preference for peace for her being weak. Peace isn't always achieved in a peaceful way, and with a father who is a war god and siblings being literal embodiments of fear and terror, Harmonia can and will throw hands if you were to disrespect her. Even her siblings don't get it easy.

And you know the rule: when the most pacifist person got pissed, things will get ugly fast.

Harmonia and Eris don't interact much due to their domains being literal opposites. But they absolutely have the "Are you tired of being nice? Don't you wanna go ape shit?" dynamic.

When Cadmus came to serve Ares as atonement for slaying his serpent, Harmonia took one look at this mortal hero and got a big fat crush. But she only quietly admire Cadmus from afar and never dared to come close.

Why? Well in the godly society, apparently it's fine for gods to sleep with mortal women, but goddesses sleeping with mortal men is considered shameful (e.g. Clio chided Aphrodite for sleeping with Adonis and Merope hid in shame for marrying Sisyphus)

Ares knew about his daughter crushing on his servant but was too shy to approach him, so being the awesome father that he is, he became her wingman (or wing-dad)

Ares ordered Cadmus to run errands at places where Harmonia was often around so they would "accidentally" bump into each other. He'd nudged Cadmus like, "Hey, my little girl thought highly of you so I'll make this servitude easier for you. Also, what do you think about Harmonia?"

Aphrodite was also supportive of her daughter getting it on with Cadmus, giving her tips and tricks to win over the guy. "Goddesses being with mortal man is shameful my ass, you go get your man, dear daughter!"

Harmonia aso ried to flirt and court Cadmus with advices from Eros. Sometimes it works pretty well, other times... well, Eros got his ass beaten by his sister.

When Cadmus was done with his servitude and married Harmonia, you can imagine Ares being a shotgun father and the Erotes being shotgun brothers at the wedding.

As one of the beloved-by-all figure on Olympus, Harmonia received a lot of wedding gifts from the other gods. However, unbeknownst to all, Harmonia was given a cursed robe and necklace from Hephaestus (as revenge for her parents cheating when Aphrodite was married to Hephaestus)

It was believed that these cursed gifts were the reason why almost all children of Cadmus and Harmonia were doomed.

On an unrelated but also related note, because Hephaestus' gifts had caused Harmonia misery, Ares grew even more bitter and distant from his brother.

I'm not gonna go through all the things that happened with the House of Thebes. Let's just say all the horrors that took her children away take a toll on Harmonia. She fell into depression, beginning to doubt her own divinity and dreading over the fact that as a goddess herself, she couldn't protect all of her children from their demises.

But after everything, Harmonia held strong. She had her father's bravery and her mother's fierce love, and those two traits was what carried her through the darkest moments and made her the ever-faithful anchor for her husband.

Harmonia was the one advised Cadmus to leave the royalty life and settle for a more simpler but more peaceful one. She wouldn't mind having to live as a peasant if it meant this new life could bring peace of mind to her husband.

When Cadmus was turned into a snake, Harmonia was offered by her family to a choice to leave Cadmus and return to Olympus. She chose to stay with him, even let herself be turned into a snake to join her beloved. He was all the she had left, and she decided: if they had to go, they will go together.

And when Cadmus finally died, even if she couldn't die herself, Harmonia followed him to Elysium.

But since Harmonia is still a goddess with duties, time and time again she would have to go back to the living world to fulfill them or visit her godly family. Those parting trips weren't as long as Persephone's because Harmonia is still a minor goddess.

Anyways, it was an overall happy ending for them.

[plentiful-pushes]

Wisdom's Price

Tw: 18+, Minors DNI.

(Read it before you like the story, though it may suck for you.)

In a brewing conflict between Olympians, Giant's and Titans, there was a prophecy from an oracle's dreams that in one of the goddesses of Olympus was a child that would create an everlasting peace between man, god and titan.

This child would be born of wisdom and war, her armor was golden and her helm was clad with red feathers and she had spear that would always pierce through armor, a shield with the face of a gorgon beheaded by a man named Perseus.

In this woman will the fates decide victory or loss, at this time they we're skeptical that it would be Athena's as she never would be betrothed with a husband and by Greek standards is a virgin goddess, a celibacous one too.

Yet, they hadn't considered one thing the yearning for love that burns in her heart as it's compassion releases a intense ravenous lust that needed to quench in great desperation, she also secretly went to a follower of hers, Keras.

Her beauty grabbed Athena's attention, in her obssessions she began to ungracefully touch her sensistive parts and dipped in further with her teeth clenched she had a time filled with ecstacy and pleasure, laid behind bushes as she revelled in anxiety and disdain in her realisation.

But there was no going back, she revealed herself to Keras who was shocked at the appearance of her patron no more an elemental, she dropped to her knees as Athena gave an extremely erotic visual for the very fertile Keras.

"I yearn for your body.... it's taste and touches" she begins to strip down revealing all of her succulence to a mortal woman who was frozen in absolute adoration over her figure, Athena then states "Act whatever desire you have on me, I wish it" a flabergasted Keras does what she is asked and caresses her.

She gasps, she pulls in Keras and embraces her groping onto her parts as she strips her down with a fire spell that burns off her dress, she then feels Keras rub against her body and they get in the act, no shame or relent just mindless lust.

Their acts reach into midnight, both share moans and kisses as she lovingly dominates Athena who submits into her arms and is graced with loud gasps and groans before she inhales and then loudly squeals in glee as she's filled ingloriously.

Athena then promots Keras to be her personal servant and that she'd be leaving her home to be with her for however long she asks, if she wants to leave it's up to her but at any cost she must return to her master who seeks her affection.

Keras, silently thought it over and nodded to be with her as they cuddled into a tight embrace slumbering in the night.

(----------------------------------------

Once she returns to her chambers on Olympus, she begins to show signs of sickness and Keras caters her in worry to her patron who she'd never thought could be inflicted by a simple fever, once she began to viciously puke.

They both knew, Keras was instantly anxious and collapsed onto her knees as she begged to be forgiven by any means, Athena then lowered to Keras and kissed her lips, saying in such a gentle and soothing tone "Do not fear, it is a child of ours. I yearned to be a better mother for you and this one."

Keras calmed herself and apologized in her shock, she was not ready to be a mother especially to a half-blood child of mortal and immortal tethers beyond her comprehension & understanding of the mysteries lying beyond death.

Athena kissed her cheek, holding up her chin as she smirks cheerfully speaking to her with calm tones "You do not need to apologise to me, dear." as she holds her flat stomach in anticipation for the child to be born in months time.

Under the nine months, the child had grown quite large, active and healthy with hints of great strength belonging from the baby's strong kicks and a combination of aches, few contractions and back cramps from the sheer heft.

A horn is blown at the gates, the Horai have alerted the palace of incoming attacks from outsiders or enemies, Athena then clads on her armor which didn't fit but she forced it down on her round stomach.

She felt the tight squeeze push the baby against her cervix and very uncomfortably, she grabs her shield & spear then kisses Keras and darts her way into the battle nearing the gates and the stables of Olympus.

Steadfast in position as she prepares for battle and defense for the foundations of olympus & the safety of the inoccent, then there a sudden burst of powerful magic that drilled in the defenses of the olympians.

Their a physical silhouette came closer in the smoke, Athena was backed into a wall as she peered behind her shield, what was across her as the shock in realization on what breached olympus' borders, a titan who was against the olympian and one far more dangerous, Typhon and Gaea's Giants.

This would be the hardest battle they would have yet, they all rushed in with raging war cries to be heard afar and not.

Athena rushed in and swung her spear whilst she chants, and casted a spell that summoned a torrent of wind that moved with the strength of her swing and flung the titan she'd been facing as she hears cracking from behind.

A giant cracks the ground and hurls towards her a rock, instinctually she blocks and dashes forwards and stabs through the giant's chest as it crushes her with it's full immense size and strength, she persists through and in aching, injured form she slices her opponent's chest.

Their was a loud roar as Typhon blasted fires that hurled Athena through walls and into an ancient cavern, injured she'd stay hidden as a gush of fluids accompanied by the consistent contractions seized her down on her back.

She hissed through gritting teeth, casting a healing spell whilst she straightens up and waddles still quite injured & hurt but there was a war to fight and she wouldn't give up.

So with whatever endurance she had left, shuffling back to the battlefield and rose out of the ground as she screams & stabs her spear into the ground and casts a spell of storms, tornadoes and fiery spears rained upon their enemies.

Athena hissed as she felt a tremendous pain signal through her entire abdomen, her bump was visibly contracting and she clutched her spear as she resisted the raging urges of labor, though it seems she may not resist much longer.

She hissed at the pain feeling the child descend downward as more opponents faced her, three we're taken by Apollo & his sister Artemis as she faced two enemies, alone in labor as they rushed towards her in aggression & conquest.

As they ran in from both sides, she spun her shield and flung them back as one began to try and pounce as she rushed in and stabbed his gut, chanting a spell and summoning a hot flame that struck through his body and roasted him and the surrouding area, once she took him down she gripped into her thighs, grunting in pain from the contractions and the burning mass that reached below through her hips.

(--------------------------------------

They charged and grappled her into the ground shoving a fist into her womb, she wails in pain and arches her back whilst the mass shot to close her labia and begins to form the crown, headbutting the opponent, decapitating them with her spear and sprawling into broken debris.

She bites into her forearm, bearing down as the crown spreads slowly as she huffs in air through her nose and grabbed the lower curves of her round bump & weakly steadying onto her feet and charges into battle, shield ramming into the debris and casting a spell into their eyeballs, a crystal form from the inside and bursts out.

The enemy is blinded and flayed open with the spear, incapacitating and killing the giant as she's seized in consuming pains, she tried to hold back but succumbs towards the urge, spreading her thighs fully bearing in extreme aches down her back.

Knelt against the wall of debris, she pressed her fists inwards and forced the progression further, she wails horrendously and deafens everyone nearby and feels exshaustion, the crown formed into a wide circle.

No longer having the strength to push, she begins to firmly squeeze into her bump and wails louder and pops out the full enormous head, tearing her with a spill of blood, spilling alot of clear fluid into a small puddle beneath her knees.

Once she gathers her bearings, she begins to push down the broad shoulders, screaming into the marble and inching the shoulder forward where it jammed into her canal's insides.

Panicked with the rebounding pain, she bore repeatedly and without rest sapping her out instantaniously as she feels the stuck shoulders trying to budge and burning her insides out.

A powerful blast of fire sent each olympian flying out and Athena landed into the stables, waddling into the hay and knelt down in her burnt clothes her lower half revealing an enormous bump, visibly aching as she plants her spears in the ground and held onto it for support as she tugs onto a tight shoulder and squeals through the pain.

Freeing the shoulders, she bore down in one whole push & sputtered with fluids as the child dangled from her vagina, she pulled it out tearing off the rest of her clothing & clad armor to let the child feed and rest for the battle ahead.

Clutching onto her lower side once more, she screamed whilst she bore another child instantly, sapping her full strength down to nothing, barely moving a finger with remaining strength, her regenaration couldn't catch up.

Chanting a heal spell with a strained voice, she regains a remainder of vitality and uses her profound strength on barely able to cradle the twin, leaning back into the hay.

She laid in the hay until her strength was restored, taking the night and day from the time of the birth to finally able into returning to battle with her twins close to her chest.

Roaring once more in nude form, she leapt into the sky fighting for honor and the survival of olympus' rule over mankind and their home with one more battle raging on.

[cerseimikaelson]

Episode 2: Wakeup Call [AO3]

Athena wasn't just a morning person.

She was the morning person.

While the passage of time wasn't technically important to immortals, not even they could afford to entirely dismiss the importance of a structured routine.

Athena had that down to the T.

Wake up at dawn. Exercise. Bathe. Get ready. Eat protein and drink fluids. Check on the news. Read her to do list again to make sure she didn't forget to write anything down.

The goddess of wisdom loved the quiet atmosphere of the morning, particularly those rare times the palace wasn't filled with the sound of steps and shouts from her fellow deities. It was the best time to work peacefully, and Athena took advantage of it to the fullest.

Out of all the challenges Athena considered would come with having a roommate (even if said roommate was her wayward daughter) a clash of routines just hadn't occurred to her.

Her first mistake. 

There. Athena admitted it. 

Viola just. Wouldn't. Wake. Up. 

Athena was seriously starting to think the girl was physically incapable of getting up before 8AM. 

Even though such a thing was impossible.

Living with Viola was a test to her sanity. 

Now, the first time it had happened, Athena had honestly thought the girl was ill. What other reasons would a person have for staying in bed this late? 

When the clock had struck 10AM, Athena had walked into the girl's room. Not to check on her, mind you, but she supposed ensuring Viola was breathing and hadn't chocked or something fell under the whole "rebuilding the relationships between Olympus and Faerie" thing.

Or whatever the terms of the treaty that they still wouldn't let her read were. The audacity of some people.

The Fair Folk were serious about their contracts. Athena was almost impressed.

Back to the demon.

So imagine her surprise when Athena had walked in to find Viola sprawled on the four poster like a star fish, dead to the world and not even stirring when Athena had cleared her throat.

Thrice!!

Eventually, she had to resort to more drastic measures.

Apologies to the startled servants that her furious yelling might have unsettled a bit.

"Wow, wow, easy!" Ares had walked in just as Athena was preparing to refill the bucket of water. 

Viola, who looked like a drowned cat with strands of auburn hair plastered on her face, bristled.

"What are you doing here?" Athena asked disdainfully, mind still focused on the task at hand.

"You do realize they can hear you on the other side of Olympus, right?" Ares raised a brow. "Zeus sent me to make sure you weren't murdering the girl. Apparently the Fae will be less than pleased. Try not to start a war over a wakeup call, will ya?"

His shit eating grin told Athena he was enjoying this. 

Athena tossed the bucket at this head (he caught it) and stalked out of the room, ignoring the girl's furious protests about her wet nightclothes. 

Which brought us to today. Three full weeks after that mortifying incident.

Things were... gradually improving. 

The same way snails gradually moved.

Athena had woken up at 5AM as per usual, gone for a run because there was absolutely no one on the streets of Olympus except a trio of bleary-eyed partygoers that didn't even notice her, gone through three chapters of her book and eaten breakfast in the community hall of the pantheon.

Enough was enough.

With a determined set to her jaw, Athena dabbed her lips, straightened her posture and got up from the table. 

"Where are you going in such a hurry?" Hermes asked Athena as she stalked past him. The messenger god was looking rather windswept already, as if he had spent several hours cloud hopping in his winged sandals- or just skipped his morning Starbucks.

"I have to go wake up my demon." Athena responded briskly without even bothering to slow down. 

Hermes, to his credit, didn't even blink. Then again, of all the animals in the cosmos he could have chosen as his pets, Hermes had chosen the talking, sentient, perpetually hungry snakes. He had seen some shit.

"Good luck with that." He didn't outright scoff, but it was a close thing. "Try to tone the yelling down this time, okay? We don't need the sentries thinking we're being attacked and raising another alarm."

No, they really didn't. It had taken forever for Athena to explain there was no need for evacuation, surrender or a strike back against whoever imaginary foe.

"I'll do my best."

"Don't pour another bucket of icy water on her either."

"Well, so far she's stayed true to her name. I might exorcise her."

If it got the demon child out of bed, Athena was willing to forgo the minor detail about it being a Christian technique. 

Gods above, her life was unravelling.

Predictably, when Athena got to her own private palace, it was silent as a tomb.

"Have you heard anything from the Lady Viola this morning?" Athena asked a servant who was dutifully dusting the bookshelves.

The nymph glanced at the clock and turned to her with a raised brow as if the question was utterly ridiculous.

"I am afraid not, my Lady." 

The nymph wasn't quite smiling, but her cornflower blue eyes twinkled with a hint of amusement.

"Of course not." Athena muttered under her breath. "Thank you, you may go back to work now." 

If the nymph put on a pair of earplugs as Athena was leaving the room, it was discreet enough that the goddess could pretend not to notice. 

Steeling herself, she gave an experimental knock on the girl's door, just in case she was awake and still getting dressed. 

No such luck.

Athena walked in. The room was pitch black and smelled faintly of the cookie dough aroma that seemed to follow the girl everywhere. Viola was buried underneath a veritable mountain of blankets, wrapped like a burrito or a homeless kitten.

Athena took a deep breath, preparing her vocal cords.

She should invest in a honk.

"Get your hide out of bed lazybones, it's already 9AM!" she shouted.

Viola reached blindly for the nearest pillow and threw it in the general direction of her voice. Athena avoided the projectile with ease. 

"Viola!" she barked. "Get up this instant!" 

The motionless lump on the bed then proceeded to tug the covers above a mass of tangled auburn hair. 

Athena felt her eye twitch. 

"You have duties and studies to attend to! If you think you can laze about in bed languishing the day away under my roof you are very much mistaken!" she shouted.

"Geez, you woke up today and chose violence, huh?" Viola's groggy voice reached her ears, still rough with sleep. 

Athena mentally counted to five.

"I have little time or patience for your theatrics. It's bad enough I have to waste precious time to get you out of bed every morning."

"Then go away and leave me be. Problem solved." Viola finally cracked a grey eye open, glaring at Athena.

"I don't think so. I expect you to adhere by my rules while staying under my roof."

Viola huffed at that grumbling something akin to "as if I want to be under your roof".

One, two, three, four, five.

"If you don't get up this instant-"

"Jesus Christ, don't get your feathers in a twist!" Viola shouted, rubbing her eyes and finally tossing the covers off her. "I am up, okay?" 

Athena watched with an unreadable expression as the girl attempted to collect herself. She didn't bother with a robe or slippers (if those feathery heeled things could even be called that) but made a beeline for the fancy coffee machine stashed in the corner of the room, jumping over a pile of clothes on the way.

"First item on the agenda is to clean up in here. You've turned this room into a battlefield." Athena wrinkled her nose.

"Your closets are fucking tiny. They only fit about half my stuff!" Viola protested as she punched buttons on the machine.

That actually made Athena pause.

The closet was the same size as the one she had in her own room, and Athena was pretty sure some of her own selves were empty despite putting all her garments in the same closet regardless of season.

"Are you serious?" she asked incredulously. "How many clothes do you own?"

Viola shook her head at her. 

"Not all of us are content to go out in 1730s fashion. When was the last time you went shopping?" 

Athena opened her mouth to deliver a scratching retort (something about at least not dressing like she belonged in a Moulin Rouge production) but it suddenly felt too loaded. 

Viola, evidently pleased that she had gotten the last word, (or so she thought) poured herself a generous cup of coffee, reaching for the packaged sugar.

At the fourth one, Athena raised an inquisitive eyebrow. 

The girl seemed to sense it. 

"Say something about my caffeine intake and I will test your immortality." she growled, hackles raised. 

The eyebrow went higher, but Athena wisely refrained from commenting. 

"Duly noted." she said drily. "How do you expect to be a productive member of this household if you can't set a manageable sleeping schedule?" 

"A: Who said I have to be productive? B: Some people are night owls." Viola cackled at the pun.

"A: I did. B: Hilarious." Athena said, unimpressed to a fault.

"Whatever, Feathers." Viola rolled her eyes. Athena's own (and they were bloody identical, damn it all to the Fields of Punishment) twitched again. This insolent child would be the reason she developed anger issues.

Viola took another sip of coffee that must have scalded her throat. 

"So, is there a particular reason you dragged me out of bed first thing in the morning? Have special tortures planned for me?"

"You're acting as though I am a slave driver." Athena rolled her own eyes at the dramatics. "Wash up, get dressed, then join me for training." 

Viola looked up at that.

"I am training with you?" 

"Did you think I was going to let you frolic about the entire year?" 

"Frolic." Viola mouthed to herself, then shook her head. "But you seriously want to train with me?" 

"What did I just say?" 

"No, I heard. What happens when I win?"

Athena actually laughed out loud at that.

"The Underworld freezes over. Because you won't win."

The girl's eyes flashed with a competitive glimmer Athena knew all too well. 

"You do realize I trained with the Court's knights back in Faerie, right? The elite squads that protect the royals. Those guys' whole brand is that they can kick anyone's ass." Viola said. 

"You do realize I am the goddess of wisdom, war tactics and strategical thinking, right?" Athena retorted in the same tone. 

"You can still go down." Viola looked definitely awake now. "As long as someone finds your weak spot."

"Even if that were the case, that someone won't be you."

Viola smirked, slow and devilish.

"Game on, Feathers." 

See you for next week's Episode 3: Period Cravings

Tagging so nobody gets left behind: @sarnai4, @firinniee, @greekmythstan, @rhmis-user-2020,

@i-ship-bullshit-2020, @mushroom-the-trauma, @saint-michael-the-archangel

[fishymom-art]

BOOM!!!!! SUDDEN OC REF SHEET DROP!!!!!!!!!

Say hi to my beloveds!! Some of them were created around uuuhhh 2012/13 maybe, but they went through drastic redesigns throughout the years (specifically Rose, Polen, Amelie, and Raff + Milo, who didn't change a bit), and some of them are brand new (Eru was my D&D character and Tim was created out of nowhere inspired by my husk redesign lol)

Details under the cut!

EDIT: A SHIT TON OF THIS STUFF WILL BE CHANGED!!! (F.e. their ages, because they DON'T make sense AT ALL and tbh I thought most of them were older + designs of some of the characters are just shit)

So if you see this, consider those old XDDD

They exist in The End Realm - the prison of all the other realms, where all criminals and whatnot go. There were so many people, that The End Realm developed it's own communities, politics, etc. It homes many many different people from every part of the multiverse - Human Realm, Ether Realm, Occult Realm, etc. The leader of The End Realm is Raff (or Armel Howl, as he used to be called), an emotionless demon who controls his subjects with their every step. His servants - Shadows - watch everyone and everything around his isolated castle and the rest of the Realm. He tricks people into making a deal with him and they own him their lives. They get a golden jewel with a red ruby in it that is unbreakable and a swirly tattoo is carved into their skin to showcase, that they belong to him. If a person tries to break the pact, they become one of the Shadows. Tim Baccarat - The only human out of the whole bunch - He/They - Demisexual - 28 y.o - Used to own a casino, now works as Raff's butler, coz he owns him. - Was exiled from the Human Realm for Soul Gambling. - (Inspired by Tim Wright from Marble Hornets, Husk from Hazbin Hotel, and Jeeves from Jeeves and Wooster) ((what a combination)) - Voice Claim: Husk from Hazbin Hotel (Keith David)

Rose Seed - Dark Fae, pretending to be a Love Fae - He/She - Gay - 26 yo - Native to The End Realm. A singer and a performer in general, Raff's assistant. Was found by Raff with a missing wing and made a deal. - (Currently inspired by 10th Doctor from Doctor Who, Angel Dust from Hazbin Hotel, Francœur from Monster in Paris) - Voice Claim (for noooow): Angel Dust from Hazbin Hotel (Blake Roman)

Eru - Aasimar (at least originally) - They/them - Aroace - 38 yo - Used to be a part of a high religious power/church in the Ether Realm, but was exiled due to going against some of their beliefs. Leads a rebellion against Raff. Had a son. - (Inspired by Odysseus and Athena (specifically from EPIC: The Musical), and Queen Angella from She-Ra) - Voice Claim: Odysseus from EPIC: The Musical (Jorge Rivera-Herrans)

Polen - Forest Fae - She/Her - Pansexual, Polyamorous - 35 yo - Native to The End Realm. Eru's right hand in the rebellion. Used to be best friends with Rose, but they stopped talking after he made a deal with Raff. - (Currently inspired by Daisy from The Magnus Archives, Hecate (specifically from Lore Olympus)), ZombieCleo (any Life Series, mostly Last Life though) - Voice Claim (might change): Lizzo, lol

Amelie Fairchild - Succubus - She/They - Lesbian - 32 yo - Raff’s maid. She used to be a high overlord but Raff took over and she signed an unbreakable contract so he doesn’t kill her. Is very in love with Polen. Wants to be a part of the rebellion. Was exiled from the Occult Realm for being weak. - (Currently inspired by The Beast from Beauty and the Beast (I am a horrible person lol), c!Captain Puffy (Dream SMP), and Pearl (Double Life)) - Voice Claim: The Crane Wives (specifically "Curses")

Raff (Previously: Armel Howl) - Demon, used to be a human - He/It - Bisexual - 29 yo (looks like that at least) - Highest overlord of The Realm. Leads an army of shadows, that look over each and every person in his realm. He has eyes everywhere. Was exiled from The Human Realm many many years ago for practicing Dark Magic (creating Shadows). - Voice Claim: MISSIO (Matthew Brue)

Milo Howl - Unknown - He/Him - Unknown - 9 yo - Raff’s son. Powerful being. - Voice Claim: Sushi Saucy

[toasecretsanta]

(2 of 2 fics)

MERRY CHRISTMAS PART 2! :D

Another fic [by @firealder2005] based off of the prompt list by @literallyjusttoa :3 This one is Apollo/Admetus, be it in older times or the modern day!

I will have this posted on Ao3 once the submission is up! :D

Warnings: I have this rated Teen & Up. Only warning is Apollo being rather depressed.

Also fluff alert! :3 This is Admetus/Apollo we’re talking about haha

ENJOY!

Nothing Else To Give But Love…

A soft nose grazed his hand. He shifted and absently began stroking the poofy wool on top of the sheep’s head.

Apollo hummed as the sheep’s baa echoed through the sleepy, spring-green field. Despite the mild warmth, he shivered, one hand nearly strangling the cords wrapped around his hand, the rest of the twine cinched about his waist.

The field was quiet. Simple. Nothing like Olympus had been during, or even before…before…

Before it had happened…

His son’s young face, blue eyes wide and startled as a clap of thunder rolled through the sky and electricity shattered the world around them leaving —

Apollo took in a shuddering breath and squeezed his eyes shut, fighting back the tears welling in them.

Oh, Asclepius… He inwardly whispered. I’m so, so sorry, my sweet, sweet son.

He hadn’t deserved such a wonderful child — frankly, all of his children were marvelous and he couldn’t fathom what he’d done to deserve such bright kids. Apollo didn’t deserve them. He didn’t deserve Asclepius — hadn’t deserved him…

Apollo’s grasp on the cord loosened, letting the rough cords fall from his fingers. He raked a hand through his hair, the locks empty without the laurel wreath usually nestled in them. He hadn’t been casted down to Earth with it the first time, and it was no different now.

He shamefully missed the weight of the crown in his hair. The guilt he made himself carry day in and out. Never letting himself forget her.

Her. Another person he hadn’t deserved…

Did he deserve anything? He, the most glorious of gods…but now nothing more than a mere servant. A shepherd. 

(Not that there was anything wrong with shepherds, mind you. He was the god of them, and had dated a few. Branchus had been a beloved lover, and the person who made Miletus one of Apollo’s favorite cities.)

And what made it worse…he was here because of his own actions. His father’s enraged expression was still fresh in his mind, though the memories were tinted red by his own fiery, destructive fury.

Actions have consequences, my son, Zeus’s voice winded its way through his head. Even you are not above the law.

So here Apollo was. Laying in a field, dressed like a servant. Deprived of even more divinity than he’d had the first time he’d been casted down to Earth to work for Laomedon (the name made him shudder). He thought he felt mortal during his time in Ilion — or Troy, as it was now called. For the first time, his hands had ached. He experienced fatigue and thirst.

Last time was nothing compared to now. By the end of the day, he was exhausted. It was harder to access his divine power to keep himself awake at night, even if dear Admetus attempted to get him to go to sleep, insisting it was natural to need rest after a long day.

But he couldn’t — Apollo didn’t need to rest. He was a god, he could go centuries without rest.

It was only temporary, after all.

(He ignored the yawn that tugged at his lips. The heaviness of his eyes.)

(Temporary. All temporary.)

Footsteps made his head turn. Apollo subconsciously brought a hand up to his hair and played with a strand as he caught sight of Admetus coming closer. Handsome face, dark, soulful eyes and equally dark hair. Stubble grew on his perfect jaw.

Apollo felt his heart flutter when the king softly smiled at him.

He straightened when Admetus slid down beside him, patting the sheep lazing on his other side on the head as he looped an arm around Apollo. The god leaned against him and rested his head on his shoulder, humming happily when Admetus placed a kiss on his hair.

“Slow day?” the king murmured against his hair.

Apollo shrugged, fighting back a yawn. “Pretty much. I think the wolves and bears have decided to go elsewhere.”

“They bow before their lord,” Admetus grinned. Apollo giggled into his shoulder. “As they should.”

The god chuckled again, though a slight sigh shivered through his body. “Not now, though,” he murmured. “I’m not their lord now.”

Admetus stroked his hair. Apollo could almost imagine the concerned tilt of his head, the slightly raised right eyebrow as he looked at him.

The king hummed, resting his head on Apollo’s. “They seem to think so,” he softly observed. “They still listen and obey you.”

Apollo shuffled his legs and buried his face further into Admetus’s robes. A hand ran through his hair again, gently working at small knots, before it was removed and Admetus shuffled around himself.

Peering up, Apollo blinked as the king slid off his light cloak, shook it out, then swung it around Apollo’s shoulders and gently fastened the clasp. Apollo raised his hands to Admetus’s, protesting; “You don’t have too—”

“I insist.”

“Really, I’m fine.”

Admetus kissed his forehead and pulled Apollo into a warm, firm hug. The god gratefully sank into it, eyelids fluttering as sleep tugged on his consciousness. He squeezed his eyes shut and mentally shook himself awake. No sleeping, he ordered himself. Especially not when a handsome king is hugging you!

“You have a lot on your mind,” Admetus murmured. “Don’t you?”

Apollo sighed. “Yes,” he admitted. “I do.”

Admetus stroked the back of his neck, which felt really nice. “Anything I can do to help lighten your load?”

The god softly laughed and rubbed at his heavy eyes. “I don’t know,” he said, pulling away slightly and looping his arms around the king’s neck. Their noses brushed against each other. “Not now, anyway.”

The king cupped his cheek and rested his forehead against Apollo’s. Apollo hummed with contentment at the gesture.

“I have something for you,” Admetus bashfully whispered. Apollo stroked the stubble on the king’s chin and blinked slowly at him, a small smile pulling on his lips at Admetus’s flustered expression.

Admetus reached into his exposed robes and withdrew a circlet.

The first thing that caught Apollo’s attention was the color. A thick, lush green. Shining in the soft, sleepy sunlight.

Bay laurels.

A laurel wreath.

Hesitantly, Apollo allowed his fingers to brush over the delicate leaves before withdrawing. “I…I can’t. I’m not —”

“A prince?” Admetus quietly supplied. He used his free hand to gently pull Apollo to his feet, adjusting the cloak around him, before placing the wreath in his long, unfurled hair, fingers tracing the skin of his cheek.

“Admetus —”

“Keep them on, my prince,” Admetus whispered, placing a light, loving kiss to Apollo’s forehead. “You’re just as royal as I am.”

Apollo gazed up at him, blinking rapidly as his blue eyes got suspiciously wet. He didn’t deserve this gift, especially from Admetus. He wasn’t worthy of it, of a crown made from the leaves of a woman as great as she had been.

But…Admetus seemed to think he did. A corner of his lips curved into a shy smile. Oh, Admetus… he wistfully thought. You somehow see something good in me.

Before he could stop himself, Apollo surged up and kissed Admetus on the lips. His hands trailed up into the king’s dark hair as Admetus drew him close. Apollo felt his heavy eyes flutter shut, relying on his other senses to navigate the wonderful kiss —

Before he blinked back into awareness, staring bewilderedly into Admetus’s perplexed eyes.

“Um. Hi,” he squeaked. Admetus had caught him in a dip, holding him over the ground below them. Apollo had to admit, it felt quite nice. Though how did he end up in this lovely position?

“Hi,” Admetus chuckled. “You…passed out there, for a moment.”

Apollo felt his face burn. Oh dear, sweet Ouranos…how embarrassing. Did he really just pass out while kissing? His breath stuttered as he avoided meeting the king’s mirthful eyes.

“Did I steal too much air?” Admetus grinned. “Or did you just fall for me?”

Apollo slapped his chest and burst into laughter. “That was so bad,” he snorted, smiling brightly from ear to ear.

“I know,” Admetus’s grin was still beaming. “But it’s worth it to see you smile.”

Apollo bashfully ducked his head, laughing once more when Admetus scooped him into his arms and grin brightly.

“Now, however,” Admetus began. “You should rest. You’ve barely been sleeping.”

Apollo looped his hands around his neck and laid his head on Admetus’s shoulder. “I’m fine,” he murmured, eyes fluttering. He snapped himself awake. “I’m a god, Admetus. I don’t need sleep.”

Admetus hummed in disagreement, beginning to walk back to Pherae’s palace with Apollo still nestled comfortably in his arms. “But you’re deprived of much more divinity this time,” he wisely pointed out. “And that means, you do need sleep.” The king paused and rested his forehead against Apollo’s, adding quietly; “I would never make you do something you don’t want to, but please,” he implored. “Go to sleep. You need it.”

The god huffed before sheepishly smiling. “What about the flocks?”

“I have a feeling they’ll be fine,” Admetus assured him with a grin. “The message that the god of flocks is protecting this place should have gotten around by now.”

They both shared a light chuckle before Admetus softly kissed Apollo. He leaned into the feeling, feeling a soft thrill of contentment ripple through his being, before murmuring; “Alright. But only if you join me.”

Admetus softly laughed. “If that is what you wish, my prince.”

----------

Admetus glanced at where Apollo laid sprawled beside him beneath the covers. The blanket had slipped off him, and Admetus carefully pulled it back up, brushing Apollo’s golden hair out of his face as he did.

Finally, he was getting some rest.

Apollo was a stubborn god, and seemed convinced he didn’t need the necessities mortals did — food, water, sleep — and Admetus had used every trick in the book to get him to pay attention to the very human needs he now had.

Well. Almost every trick.

He absolutely refused to use the control Zeus gave him over Apollo. Absolutely not. It horrified him that the wise and just king of the gods he’d spent his life honoring would just give a complete stranger the ability to manipulate his own son any way they liked.

Admetus had always carefully crafted his words to leave Apollo the opportunity to refuse an order if he so chose — a loophole, if you will. Ironically, he never did except for when Admetus wanted him to listen, like actually sleeping instead of making cheese in the dead of the night.

Sighing fondly, he gently ran his fingers through Apollo’s hair, mindful of the laurels now nestled in them. It felt like the soft silk that came from the East.

It scared him, sometimes. This temporary bond between them. Admetus found himself second-guessing his words before speaking, fretting over the possibility of accidentally using it against Apollo…

He had no desire to force this beautiful being into anything — especially since they became lovers.

Admetus wasn’t a fool. He was very well-aware of the power dynamic between them, and did his damndest to even the field as much as possible. He had never used the control he had against Apollo, and he never would.

And for that matter, why should he? Yes, Apollo was technically in his service and therefore legally and divinely bound to obey him, but he was his own person too. He had his own personality and quirks.

Like making cheese in the dead of the night, Admetus bit back a chuff at the memory, a smile stretching across his face as he tucked his chin over Apollo’s hair. He remembered that moment well. Apollo with jugs of fresh sheep milk, carefully taking the curdled bits and brining them, letting the cheese soak in the liquid.

His face had been pinched, a slight frown on his lips, but his movements had been precise and smooth, as if he’d been making cheese his whole life.

And well. Considering Apollo was the father of Aristaeus, Admetus could believe that.

Apollo had sheepishly admitted to not being able to sleep that night, smile strained as thunder rolled outside, lightning and a simple beeswax candle their only source of light in the darkness. Instead of urging his beloved back to bed, Admetus had dropped down beside him and gently unpinned his hair, letting the frayed, golden locks free and began to braid them.

They had sat there the rest of the night, in quiet, comfortable silence, though it was occasionally interrupted by a thunderclap or flash of lightning. Apollo flinched a few times at these, prompting Admetus to twine their hands together once he finished the Athenian hairstyle.

In response, the divine herdsman glanced at him, a soft smile lighting up his beautiful features, before it curved into a mischievous look.

“What are you—?”

Apollo looped his arms around his neck and slid onto his lap, eyes sparkling with mirth. “Care for a bite?” He impishly asked, freeing one hand to scoop up a platter of freshly-made cheese.

Admetus raised a brow, lips twitching, as he asked; “Did you slip something in it?”

Apollo scoffed. “Of course not,” he placed his unoccupied hand to his chest, as if offended. “Only the finest of cheese for my favorite king.”

“And only the finest of the gods could ever make it,” Admetus teased, accepting the offered cheese platter, only to pause when Apollo clucked his tongue and nimbly plucked a piece up himself.

“Allow me,” his smile softened from teasing to genuine. “Least I can do for your kindness.”

Admetus chuckled awkwardly. “It’s nothing,” he shook his head. “I do think this world could use a little more kindness.”

Apollo hummed. “I suppose you’re right,” he softly said, offering his hand with the cheese out. “Taste?”

Admetus didn’t break eye contact as he ate the cheese from Apollo’s fingers, cupping the god’s hand as he did. The tangy, rich flavor bathed his tongue and he licked his lips.

“Delicious,” the king proclaimed, snagging another off the platter. “You truly make the best cheese I’ve ever tasted.”

Apollo laughed as he ate a bite of cheese himself. “Ah, then you truly have yet to live,” his eyes danced in the darkness. “Remind me to get you some of Aristaeus’s — he is the true master of cheese-making.”

Admetus smiled and kissed Apollo’s cheek, comfortably wrapping his arms around his waist. “I shall await this marvelous cheese,” he whispered against his beloved’s ear. “But for now, I’m very much content with yours.”

Apollo’s bashful duck of the head sent flutters of warmth through him.

Sighing fondly at the memory, Admetus nosed into Apollo’s warm body beside him, breathing in the scent of laurels, glancing momentarily at the wreath still laying in Apollo’s hair. It sat crookedly, the leaves unused to being crushed under the head of a human.

Delicately, Admetus adjusted the wreath until it sat mostly straight, though there wasn’t much he could do about the crumpled leaves. Some golden strands had fallen back into Apollo’s closed eyes.

Even without a crown, he silently thought to himself as he brushed those strands away. He’ll always be royal to me.

 —

My ramblings on ancient greek CHEESE can be found on Ao3 :3

[lee-hakhyun]

Since you have no means of escape, let me tell you about my Merlin AU for ORV :D I haven't watched Merlin past some clips, making it clear, i just leveraged a very fun setting. Merlin spoilers ahead though.

Kim Dokja is the warlock servant who gets unceremoniously tied to Prince Yoo Joonghyuk by the whims of fate, meant to help guide him to become the Once and Future King. KDJ must keep this sunfish safe from perilous situations while hiding his magic, because magic is outlawed in the *flips notes* N'gai Kingdom.

Among this cast is fellow servant Yoo Sangah (Gwen), the king's ward Han Sooyoung (Morgana), a dragon in the basement (either Abyssal Black Flame Dragon or the Fourth Wall) the knights Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon, and on and on it goes.

In my head things would probably run similar enough to the show with the exception that every once in a while KDJ sees some strange cloaked figure that he can just feel the magic brimming off of, helping him in subtle ways when things get really tough. Who is that secretive figure helping him out?

KDJ kind of lets his guard down, able to trust this seemingly friendly (if extremely gruff) man with his magic in a way he can't with YJH. They don't have the same camaraderie, but it's still a comfortable companionship regardless.

And then this mysterious person kidnaps KDJ.

YJH and friends chase the evident sorcerer that kidnapped KDJ all the way to the ends of the Earth, having to combat power unlike any they'd seen before - until at a rift in space, this man finally uncloaks himself to reveal someone sharing YJH's face. It has to be a trick. It has to be.

But the man not a perfect reflection; he looks aged, older and wiser and with an undercurrent of grief that keeps him clutching KDJ to his side. KDJ is a warlock, the man claims. One that would, despite what YJH believes of magic practitioners, would give his heart and his life for over and over an ungrateful spoiled prince until he had nothing left to give.

And then he jumps into the portal. Into a parallel timeline/potential future.

This is where we get into spoiler territory for Merlin; in the series, Morgana betrays Merlin and Arthur, and Arthur kind of dies. In this AU, HSY and YJH were prophesied to experience the same thing, except KDJ gave all of his magic to abort said prophecy because it sucked and died, so now everyone in that particular future is in mourning.

Which is why, when the broken prophecy causes a rip in dimensions and into the past, YJH and HSY teamed up to nab KDJ from that other timeline. The people who MADE that prophecy though (either Olympus or the King Arthur legends from the universe of ORV's Main Story who are unhappy they didn't get the spotlight there, I'm not sure yet) are mad at KDJ for not following the prophecy and want to gank them. The future YJH (who will be referred to as SP for now) and future HSY have apparently become terrifyingly adept at fending off actual gods, but for how long? And how will KDJ get back to his original dimension?

Meanwhile, Prince YJH and friends desperately try to find a way to where SP had taken KDJ, as the rift had closed with their departure. Swallowing his pride and the biases that had started to form, he looks to powers he would never have trusted before...

(And somewhere in the future timeline, with the arrival of a reader to the world once more, a struggling writer finds himself startled to see a half-dead, malnourished young boy at his doorstep. To this boy that now rests in his home, he tells bedtime stories and fairy tales that he has no idea are now set to become another prince's adventure.)

This was very much abbreviated from the original thoughts I had, but I feel like I figured out a bit more of the details that I couldn't before (like what's going on with OD). Sorry for making your submission box my unwilling sandbox, but I hope you found some enjoyment out of it :>

[tea-dragonz]

Since my last LO/KO comparison post was getting attention, thought I'd make this meme as well. Mors x Korina pulls of the whole "sweet girl x edgy guy" trope way better than Hades x Persephone (long analysis below if you want to read)

I've noticed how these two relationships share a foundation similar tropes, and I wanted to break down why one is a ship I absolutely adore and the other is just "meh" for me. For Morina, I'm mainly going to be focusing on Korina's Origin, mainly because Origins of Olympus gave them less time to develop as a couple properly, plus KO gives us more to work with timeline-wise. For LO Hades x Persephone I'm going to be sticking with S1 and S2 because I haven't seen a lot of S3 for myself (and based on what I've heard, I don't plan to).

Now, I'm not gonna go ahead and say that Morina is the pinnacle of ship writing or whatever, I have some issues with its development and pacing (especially in OoO), plus Mors is unfortunately an asshole no matter what series he's in. But despite its flaws, Morina as a ship feels flawed in a very human sort of way while LO Hades x Persephone feels perfect in the artificial way, if that makes sense?

In LO, the narrative is constantly trying to convince you that Hades x Persephone is the perfect couple and that it's them against the world. It doesn't matter what criticism other characters have of their relationship, because they're all jerks anyway, and any actions taken against them are all thusly justified. Meanwhile, KO acknowledges that while there are external forces preventing them from being together, there are issues that lie within the characters themselves: Mors' anger issues and lack of emotional intelligence, and Korina's insecurities that prevent her from standing up for herself.

Persephone and Korina are both portrayed as kind, altruistic, and naive by the narrative. They show kindness and forgiveness to people who may or may not deserve it, and others may take advantage of this kind nature. Korina takes this in an interesting direction: she is a people pleaser due to her abandonment, and she will constantly sweep things under the rug and play nice even around people who don't deserve it. When she has the choice of announcing her relationship with Mors and invoking the ire of the gods, or playing along with their matchmaking plans for her, she chooses the latter despite it not being what she wants. She is dedicated to maintaining peace and good relationships with everyone, to the point that it ends up putting a strain on her relationship with Mors. She is typically patient and content to go along with what others want of her, and when she does finally snap and lash out at people it's used sparingly, such as when other people reduce her to being nothing more than a servant rather than being a fellow god/demigod. These are character strengths and flaws that go hand in hand with each other, and it builds on the "sweet girl" half of the ship trope in a reasonable way that affects her within the relationship and in other aspects of her life.

And Persephone? Uhhhh... she spends most of her time acting like an excited child (that definitely means she's nice, right???), she showed sympathy for the shades, told off Hades for mutilating a guy and got angry that her nymph friends were killed. Except it wasn't actually her fault that she was righteously angry over the death of her friends, Persephone can't get angry guys, anger is a bad thing and Persephone is good!!!1!1 In all seriousness, Persephone's Act of Wrath was the peak of her character for me. Here I though that we would be seeing her have emotions that humanize her, but nope. I guess the only character traits and emotions she's allowed to have are smol bean uwu, sad from trauma (but only sometimes), and Girlboss™. Still though, do we actually get anything of substance from her personality outside of those traits? Does she have anything about her character that meaningfully builds on the aforementioned “sweet girl” trope? Do we ever truly see her have a moment of agency with a lasting impact? Do we ever see her really struggle with having emotions that she's not fully in control of outside of her Act of Wrath? Is she ever allowed to have feelings that the viewer might disagree with, even if it would make more sense for her character and story? (Honestly these questions apply to Mors as well so I'll just use this as a segue into the next section).

Hades and Mors are both the edgy antisocial guys who have been shunned for one reason or another. They put up a tough front and lash out at the world, but drop the mask around those they care about (though if anything threatens their lover, they go straight back to being the dominating machismo guy). Hades' beef with other characters tends to mostly be framed as petty drama, but do any of them actually dislike Hades for the legitimately bad things he does? Because he’s invaded Persephone’s privacy without her knowledge, neglected his adopted son, put his partner in a financially abusive situation, allows the shades to live miserable afterlives despite being their king, took out a tabloid reporter’s eye for doing his job, and that’s only what I can name off the top of my head. Does Hades have any actual motivation for the way he treats others aside from pettiness and simping over Persephone? Is any of what he does truly framed as bad by the narrative? Why, then, are we supposed to believe that he’s a misunderstood edgy bad boy if the narrative barely even acknowledges how and why he has this reputation in the first place?

Mors, on the other hand, is shunned by many because he is the descendant of the personification of violent death, and thus has an aggressive personality and the capability for mass destruction. Thing is, he spends most of his life not knowing that, so to him people are just weird about him for no reason (other than Korina, who also doesn't know until later). Whether or not the treatment of Mors is truly justified in the viewers’ eyes, I’m sure many can agree that it is still a reasonable motivation to lash out. And let’s take a look at the bad things he has done to compare to Hades, shall we? Killing in self-defense (or Korina’s defense), verbally and physically lashing out at his father for not telling him about his mother, using violence/threats to solve problems that range from "this person is kind of annoying" to "this person is a threat", verbally berating people who get on his bad side (which sometimes does include Korina). Some of these are understandable in context, some aren't, but the point is that the narrative and the characters acknowledge that these actions are bad. Sometimes he even (gasp) faces consequences for his actions! And on top of that, he struggles with his morality and whether he can truly become a better person because of his nature. (Plus he gets bonus points for being a low-empathy person who a) is still capable of showing strong emotions b) is not completely demonized for something out of his control.) Again, Mors' story and character builds on the "edgy guy" trope in an understandable way that makes him feel human rather than trying to make him into a misunderstood paragon like Hades.

(Also, to me Mors is coded as being neurodivergent and/or having a personality disorder, but I feel like that's straying too far into headcanon territory. I know that it doesn't excuse Mors' behavior, all I'm saying is that as an nd person myself, I can at least get why he does what he does even if I don't agree with it. I have no such understanding with Hades and Persephone's actions. For them, the viewers are expected to just roll with everything they do and not question it.)

And now that we've fully established the characters, what about their dynamics and interactions? Hades saw Persephone and immediately began lusting after her, to which she seems mostly oblivious early on. He also goes behind her back to find out more about her, such as the thing with the memory tapes and Hecate's letter. But it's fine, because any breaking of boundaries is made up for when Hades love bombs her with gifts. And even though he's only known her for a few days/weeks within S1, he chooses to trauma dump to her rather than his therapist that only comes up like once. In fact, the two of them become each other's entire world within this short time frame. Any friendships or familial relationships they have (Hecate, Eros, Artemis, Hermes, Thanatos, Demeter, etc.) seem to be thrown to the wayside in favor of the main couple. Ironically enough, I feel like I would like Hades and Persephone's relationship more if they had more going on outside of it (and if they didn't have the age gap but that's a whole different thing). It felt like they were written specifically to fit that trope and everything else about their characters, like Hades’ fear of becoming like Kronos and Persephone’s act of wrath, were added as afterthoughts. As a result, rather than feeling like characters that were shaped and developed by their experiences, we have overblown caricatures based on their ship tropes.

Mors and Korina start out as childhood friends and develop their relationship over many years. As they grow up they start drifting apart due to their different roles (Mors being the heir of death and Korina being a household servant) but Korina offers a non-judgmental outlet for Mors' anger issues, and Mors still consistently treats her as a peer despite their differences in status. When they finally do get together, Mors, in spite of how hypersexual he typically is, actually respects her boundaries for both sexual and non-sexual things. While it's all sunshine and rainbows for a while, Mors takes a jab at Korina’s past trauma during an argument, and she actually (rightfully) calls for the two of them to take a break in their relationship over it. However they still remain friends and support each other in their own separate endeavors. Korina chooses to stick with Mors even after learning of his violent nature, Mors supports Korina's search for her mother and proves time and time again that he would go through hell and back to protect her. The two of them love each other and still do, but the story makes it clear that love on its own is not enough, and that’s okay. Korina herself acknowledges that the two of them need to work on themselves before they can try again. Their argument and breakup wasn't the end of the world, it was the catalyst for them to realize that they needed to do better, and that is why I'm able to feel for them and root for them despite all of their issues.

Plus Mors and Korina at least have the excuse of being an inexperienced 20 something year olds. Hades has had thousands of years to get his act together. Oh, I forgot to mention. Despite crushing on each other since their younger years, Morina only officially got together when Mors was 25 and Korina was 23, which means that it avoids the dubious morality of a 19 year old getting with a 3000+ year old.

In conclusion: Although Mors x Korina by no means a perfect rendition of the "sweet girl x edgy guy" ship, the narrative at least doesn't try to present it that way and gives us a much more nuanced view on their relationship compares with Hades and Persephone. While it wants us to root for Korina and Mors to get back together eventually, it also tells us to our faces that the two of them need to work out their own issues first. Lore Olympus, on the other hand, wants us to look at Hades and Persephone and immediately see them as perfect people in a perfect relationship that the world wrongfully wants to tear apart, despite the obvious problems in their characters and relationship.

Apologies for how long and disjointed this is! I'm literally typing the first thoughts that pop into my head and I have too many thoughts about this lol

[x1702x]

TIME TO RANT!! YAYIPEE!

Alectryon as a whole character is just a guy trying to grow dependent after many years of serving a god at his fullest and being overshadowed by him. He had no other will but to serve Ares and move his chariot around, being his little butler at times but it was all just loyalty and servitude.

Which brings in the very implied lover situation thats talked about in mythology. The thing is, Alectryon in mythology was super toots with Ares, hell they even drank together and they had the best relationship, but if we take in account how dark the GOW rendition of Ares is, this is kinda shady. The power dynamic is horrible, not only to count Alectryon was taken by Ares pretty young (Around the same age as Deimos did, which I will get onto later but you get it) which at first he was trained as a soldier would, he was already in training but well, Ares was like yeah hes the one and took him away.

When this young lad grew, Ares saw him useful for the tasks ive mentioned. And now the horrible comes in. You know, shits dark. Not only cause we all know Ares has caused so much pain to many, but the fact that if we take the last things in account AND mythology, this makes a very dark rendition of the whole "I hold hands with my charioteer buddy-bro". Was this a good relationship? Fuck no! It was pretty much just a "You owe me many things, I trained you, gave you shelter among the gods, gave you inmortality, I gave you my affections... yadda yadda." Which made Alectryon be pressured to be loyal and obedient to the mighty Ares for the bare minimum.

If we go on a positive side of this Alectryon found comfort around Helios, who was on the kinder side by a lot, comparing him to Ares. He saw a friend and someone to rely on. After all that dark and grim moments with Ares, some light from the sun himself will do good. (This is VERY tied to the fact Helios deadass has roosters as his sacred animal, homies never let homies down, and he had poor Alectryon on a pedestal)

Which gave him some hopes! Yay! But the happyness ends here and we go serious again cause we cant have nice things for too long if we are talking about my ocs (Sorry to yall).

So, with Ares dead, what does he have? What is his purpose? What are his ambitions? None. He was a hollow shell without Ares and that took a while to sink in for him. The god that gave him many misfortunes was somehow what made him, *him*. In the sense of purpose. His purpose was serving Ares, and without him around, what was left?

He couldn't take it and refused to let go of his purpose. Thats where his intervention in the events of the 3rd game come in hand.

With Kratos mid Olympus-destroying and god-slaughtering, Alectryon found himself undecided on what was left to do. He had to do something. He defended the place that became his home unwillingly so long ago he can barely remember, that was his new purpose. And so he tried to intervene Kratos.

Now, Kratos definitely cant see Ares' taskboy as a potential threat considering how he hid under Ares' robes at any minor inconvenience or trouble. Which wasn't a good choice but, what could he do other than hide from the world? So Kratos pretty much brushed him off, not wasting his time until it was finally it.

The encounter. Alectryon was decided to stop Kratos for Ares' sake. He was blinded completely, he was just acting how Ares expected him to, a loyal servant at his will and mercy. Kratos was smart enough to look through this pretty manipulated guy and think how useless killing him would be. But Alectryon was adamant on a fight ocurring and so Kratos complied to his wishes, after a fistfight, Kratos showed him mercy after trying to knock some sense in him (On a literal way). Alectryon was resentful, thinking that Kratos pitied him for being Ares' shadow or even considering him weak, but he was wrong. Kratos thought he was strong for enduring so many years with Ares and atleast having some sense of his own, even though he was uncertain of what he was going to do on an upcoming future that was seemingly dark.

After some thinking, realization and perhaps some crying and traumadumping to the guy thats going to FUCKING destroy Olympus on what can be interpreted as a very "poor little meow meow" way which is kind of just laying on a pile of rubble all bloodied up and wounded, Alectryon just realized how much he lost thanks to Ares. None of the gods guaranteed him a sense of safety except Helios (Who he later found out was dead, he def bawled about it) and saw Kratos as less of an enemy but an equal, which Kratos saw aswell.

And this is more of me going omfg! What if... But consider Kratos and him having a Pandora type part, just them collabing. Yk more gay courtship steps/j It would definitely make them close.

But he canonically lived and made it out of the place alive, where is he? What did he do?

He just tried to find comfort in trying to live the life he was supposed to have, a normal life among other mortals, travelling around, meeting people, actually developing social skills that he couldve never got to while he was under Ares' training and service. He was just a regular guy:tm: until he met Kratos once again.

This would be pretty much in the 2018 GOW, Atreus and Kratos just finding this seemingly normal man that knew about the fall of Olympus, that later on turned out to be the one an only, Alectryon, Ex-Charioteer of Ares. A friend.

Im not decided on his role on the norse part of the lore, but I see him as just a companion, he hangs around, talks about the """good""" old days and just recconects with Kratos and leaves his past away, building a new self just like Kratos did.

And a not very long skip to GOWR, he would have the same thing as above, but hes now a new man and hes just very happy about himself, forgetting all the horrors that haunted him for so many years, leaving behind the trauma Ares left in him, healing all the scars and finding peace.

(Lil shotout to @medievildead for becoming an Alectryon lover 🙏)

[astra-galaxie]

"I'm a hundred-eyed man. I've got eyes all over me, and yes, it is as impossible to take a shower or bath as you think it is." - Evangelos Kontos

Biographical information

Full Name: Evangelos Kontos

Gender: Male

Sexuality: Polysexual

Status: Incarcerated

Age: 29 (season 3)

Birth: 1986

Race: Hundred-eye man

Nationality: Olympian

Origin: Olympus, Mythos System

Residence: Olympus, Mythos System

Profession(s): Artist

Partner(s): Cybele Flores (girlfriend) (deceased)

Profile

Height: 6'1" Age: 29 (season 3) Weight: 195lbs Eyes: blue Blood: E+

Evangelos is a hundred-eyed man with sun-kissed skin, blue eyes and short curly blond hair. Without his disguise, he wears a sleeveless white shirt with an elegant peacock tail design on the front, draping from his shoulder to his hip. He also has a light brown sleeveless coat that reaches the back of his knees, light-washed jeans and dark boots.

As per his suspected appearance in Stonehearted, it is known that Evangelos eats Turkish delights, is superstitious and has watched Battle Star Wars.

Powers and abilities

Superhuman strength and durability

Enhanced vision

He has at least two eyes open at all times; he never closes all of his eyes unless he is actively trying to and, therefore, can constantly monitor his surroundings

Synopsis

Evangelos was the killer of his girlfriend Cybele in Stonehearted. He and Cybele had travelled to Earth on vacation to Greece, stopping first in Turkey at the G.I.A. outpost. The couple had been discussing visiting Greece for a long time to compare it to their home planet and finally decided to do it.

This trip was also a part of Evangelos's plan to propose to Cybele. He wanted to ask her as they stood on Earth's Mount Olympus if she would make him the happiest man by becoming his wife. He knew they were meant to be together and couldn't wait to get down on one knee with the ring in hand and ask her to marry him.

But unknown to Evangelos, Cybele had a different route in mind for their relationship. She planned to make this vacation their farewell trip and break up with Evangelos in Greece. She had fun with him when they first got together, but her love for him had long turned as cold as stone.

Cybele accidentally found the engagement ring when she looked through Evangelos's carry-on bag for something. She was surprised that he wanted to marry her, but not in a good way. She refused to let herself be tied down to one person and laughed in Evangelos's face as she turned the ring to stone and crushed it beneath her foot.

Evangelos felt humiliated by Cybele's ridiculing. He thought she loved him and would want to marry him… But her rejection reminded him how stone-hearted she was. Wanting to shut up her laughter, Evangelos powered on his energy sabre and decapitated her without hesitation.

It wasn't until he saw Cybele's severed head rolling away that reality set in. He quickly took her head to dispose of it and left the body behind in the outpost. He hoped to go back and collect her body, but the Bureau had already discovered it when he returned.

Of course, he was caught for his crimes and taken in by the G.I.A. to get deported to Olympus, where he would face trial and be sentenced for his crime. He knows he shouldn't have let Cybele's mocking get to him, but the rejection made him see red, and he wanted her to shut up. He guesses he got his wish…

Story Information

First appeared: Stonehearted

Trivia

He was inspired by Argus from Greek mythology and the Percy Jackson series

His shirt has a peacock tail on it because, in Greek mythology, Argus was Hera's servant, and the story goes that after Argus was killed, Hera set his eyes on the tail of a bird as a tribute and the new creation became known as a peacock and later Hera’s sacred bird

As an artist, he specialized in painting, pottery, and sculpting

Disclaimer: Character design was created using Rinmarugames Mega Anime Avatar Creator! I have only made minor edits to the design! Background courtesy of CriminalArtist5

Links to my stories:

The Case of the Criminal (Ao3/Wattpad) Killer Bay (Ao3/Wattpad) Where in the World are the Killers? (Ao3/Wattpad)

[smokeybrandreviews]

Viy Viy Viy

It'd been a clean minute since i updated on my FGO account growth and for good reason: I got locked out again! Fortunately, your boy learns lessons and i made sure to keep track of all the sh*t they said i didn't, last time. I've come far enough, and spent enough of my actual dollars, for this sh*t to hurt if i lost my account again, so i stay prepared with that recovery info. Servant Name, Birth date, what device you play on (this is the bit they got frothy about), User ID, Gender, Current Level, Favorite Servant, Current Party, and the last Transfer Code you used. It was super weird, though, because, even after i filled out that retrieval form, cats over yonder at Recovery were trying to say i still f*cked up for playing on an emulator. Like, bro, what? You telling me that i can lose my account permanently, for playing on my big ass laptop screen instead of my big-ass-for-a-phone screen? That sh*t is dumb. Just let us tie our accounts to something like every other competing mobile game, goddamn! Like, seriously, how have you, as a mobile game, been around for nearly a decade, and still don't have that option? Quality of life frustrations aside, I've come pretty goddamn far on part deux, even farther than the first account.

Right now, as we speak, my Master level ticked up to 124. I can't remember what i was on the first account, but I'm pretty sure i was around there when i lost it so, in terms of grind, I'm back to where i was, in roughly a third of the time. I am okay with that. I've powered through the story, cracking Avalon Le Fae literally the other day. The Lostbelts have turned out to be pretty f*cking solid, considering how hit-and-miss the Singularity stories were. Like, I'm not mad, those were fun, especially the last three, but you can tell me you wouldn't want to see an Olympus (and, yes, i am including Atlantis in that) adaption over a Babylon one, any day of the week. I could be bias in that regard, though. Ancient Greek mythology is my sh*t and A LOT of those Greek gods were dope as f*ck. I had a particularly good time with that Zeus fight. Sh*t was mad fun and i loved that interpretation so much. I, for sure, thought these things were going to suck because Anastasia was kind of bunk, but color me surprised as those plots got better as the Lostbelts progressed. I still have a few narratives to go to catch up, The straight up epic of Avalon and that Epilogue, Plus all the Free Quests i haven't done, but that grind has been good for my Roster. And let me tell you, i am okay with the Servants i have summoned.

Yo, i finally popped Anastasia! Netting the last Romanov is what made this account so hard to part with. I've been chasing her icy ghost for years, man. She's been my favorite Caster and top ten all-time Servant, since she was introduced all those years ago. Now, finally, FINALLY, she's mine! Obviously, i immediately maxed her out in terms of level. That is one of the perks of all this story grind, actually. I'm lousy with Hellfire of Wisdoms. Chucking a few dozen at my favorite Caster is nothing. Kind of in the same way i Grail'd up and maxed out Gray. Well, level ninety max, anyway. I was able to unlock everything i needed to perfectly level El-Melloi's assistant during her Rerun event and that effort has paid off considerably. She is a solid f*cking Assassin. Don't misunderstand, it's King Hassan, all day over here, but I'd be lying if i said Gray has left my Party since i solved that last case. Along the way, I've thrown a few Saint Quarts at a couple of Banners and popped me an Archer Ishtar, Lakshmibai, Parvati, Assassin Okita, and both versions of Ibaraki. I even stumbled across a Saber Arturia, which is hilarious because that sh*t eluded me for years on my first account. Sh*t was, like, the fifth, naturally rolled, Five star i got. Unfortunately, Saber Arturia is trash. I'm also missing my Gorgon and Demon Nobunaga really hard lately. They were two of my favorite Servants on the old account. It's a frustration but, overall, a mild one, I don't hit the Banners as hard as i used to so i have a pretty solid war chest of quarts. To be honest, i actually rolled a ton more Four Stars a long the way, but i burned them all for Rare Prisms. My first account was kind of a "Collect them all" situation but i learned that sh*t is unnecessary. "Collect what you want" is the name of the game now and i wanted to be a beast. I am WELL on my way to making that happen.

I can officially say, i am half a Bond level away from leveling Mordred to that perfect ten. Once that happens, I'll have all but matched where she was on my first account. I say "all but" because I'm still two Noble Phantasm levels short of where she was, and three from being maxed out. That sh*t is a bummer because I'm pretty much at the mercy of the Gacha gods for that one but everything else? Yeah, I'm pouring resources into favourite regicide artist. I was able to grail her and level her up to one hundred a while back but, since we are substantially past where i was cut to ff the last time i played, we can keep that level grind going all the way to one hundred and twenty! Guess who is working on one hundred and one right now? I actually looked into what it's going to take to get Mo to the next level cap and it' f*cking egregious. I got a ways to go, my guy. Fortunately, i as able to max out all of her skills, unlock an append and max that out out, as well as program Command Codes to all of her Command Cards, most of which were Five stars. Again, Mordred needs to be a powerhouse. I'm satisfied with my progress o far but I'd be lying if i said i didn't miss my old account. This new one is coming along nicely but, looking back at what was, i still have a long way to go. Oh! Almost forgot, i also unlocked Mordred's Memories of Trifas costume. Because of course I did. Who the f*ck do you think i am?

[smokeybrand]

Viy Viy Viy

It'd been a clean minute since i updated on my FGO account growth and for good reason: I got locked out again! Fortunately, your boy learns lessons and i made sure to keep track of all the sh*t they said i didn't, last time. I've come far enough, and spent enough of my actual dollars, for this sh*t to hurt if i lost my account again, so i stay prepared with that recovery info. Servant Name, Birth date, what device you play on (this is the bit they got frothy about), User ID, Gender, Current Level, Favorite Servant, Current Party, and the last Transfer Code you used. It was super weird, though, because, even after i filled out that retrieval form, cats over yonder at Recovery were trying to say i still f*cked up for playing on an emulator. Like, bro, what? You telling me that i can lose my account permanently, for playing on my big ass laptop screen instead of my big-ass-for-a-phone screen? That sh*t is dumb. Just let us tie our accounts to something like every other competing mobile game, goddamn! Like, seriously, how have you, as a mobile game, been around for nearly a decade, and still don't have that option? Quality of life frustrations aside, I've come pretty goddamn far on part deux, even farther than the first account.

Right now, as we speak, my Master level ticked up to 124. I can't remember what i was on the first account, but I'm pretty sure i was around there when i lost it so, in terms of grind, I'm back to where i was, in roughly a third of the time. I am okay with that. I've powered through the story, cracking Avalon Le Fae literally the other day. The Lostbelts have turned out to be pretty f*cking solid, considering how hit-and-miss the Singularity stories were. Like, I'm not mad, those were fun, especially the last three, but you can tell me you wouldn't want to see an Olympus (and, yes, i am including Atlantis in that) adaption over a Babylon one, any day of the week. I could be bias in that regard, though. Ancient Greek mythology is my sh*t and A LOT of those Greek gods were dope as f*ck. I had a particularly good time with that Zeus fight. Sh*t was mad fun and i loved that interpretation so much. I, for sure, thought these things were going to suck because Anastasia was kind of bunk, but color me surprised as those plots got better as the Lostbelts progressed. I still have a few narratives to go to catch up, The straight up epic of Avalon and that Epilogue, Plus all the Free Quests i haven't done, but that grind has been good for my Roster. And let me tell you, i am okay with the Servants i have summoned.

Yo, i finally popped Anastasia! Netting the last Romanov is what made this account so hard to part with. I've been chasing her icy ghost for years, man. She's been my favorite Caster and top ten all-time Servant, since she was introduced all those years ago. Now, finally, FINALLY, she's mine! Obviously, i immediately maxed her out in terms of level. That is one of the perks of all this story grind, actually. I'm lousy with Hellfire of Wisdoms. Chucking a few dozen at my favorite Caster is nothing. Kind of in the same way i Grail'd up and maxed out Gray. Well, level ninety max, anyway. I was able to unlock everything i needed to perfectly level El-Melloi's assistant during her Rerun event and that effort has paid off considerably. She is a solid f*cking Assassin. Don't misunderstand, it's King Hassan, all day over here, but I'd be lying if i said Gray has left my Party since i solved that last case. Along the way, I've thrown a few Saint Quarts at a couple of Banners and popped me an Archer Ishtar, Lakshmibai, Parvati, Assassin Okita, and both versions of Ibaraki. I even stumbled across a Saber Arturia, which is hilarious because that sh*t eluded me for years on my first account. Sh*t was, like, the fifth, naturally rolled, Five star i got. Unfortunately, Saber Arturia is trash. I'm also missing my Gorgon and Demon Nobunaga really hard lately. They were two of my favorite Servants on the old account. It's a frustration but, overall, a mild one, I don't hit the Banners as hard as i used to so i have a pretty solid war chest of quarts. To be honest, i actually rolled a ton more Four Stars a long the way, but i burned them all for Rare Prisms. My first account was kind of a "Collect them all" situation but i learned that sh*t is unnecessary. "Collect what you want" is the name of the game now and i wanted to be a beast. I am WELL on my way to making that happen.

I can officially say, i am half a Bond level away from leveling Mordred to that perfect ten. Once that happens, I'll have all but matched where she was on my first account. I say "all but" because I'm still two Noble Phantasm levels short of where she was, and three from being maxed out. That sh*t is a bummer because I'm pretty much at the mercy of the Gacha gods for that one but everything else? Yeah, I'm pouring resources into favourite regicide artist. I was able to grail her and level her up to one hundred a while back but, since we are substantially past where i was cut to ff the last time i played, we can keep that level grind going all the way to one hundred and twenty! Guess who is working on one hundred and one right now? I actually looked into what it's going to take to get Mo to the next level cap and it' f*cking egregious. I got a ways to go, my guy. Fortunately, i as able to max out all of her skills, unlock an append and max that out out, as well as program Command Codes to all of her Command Cards, most of which were Five stars. Again, Mordred needs to be a powerhouse. I'm satisfied with my progress o far but I'd be lying if i said i didn't miss my old account. This new one is coming along nicely but, looking back at what was, i still have a long way to go. Oh! Almost forgot, i also unlocked Mordred's Memories of Trifas costume. Because of course I did. Who the f*ck do you think i am?

[bacon-neko]

Nano 2023 Day 21

just like a normal father-daughter conversation just a totally normal conversation

On Olympus’ peak, deep in its administrative bowels, sat Athena, bowed over a pile of scrolls that never seemed to get any less dense no matter how long she worked. Her eyes stung and her head kept drooping, threatening to collapse onto the table at any moment, but she kept digging.

Records from the Titanomachy were sparse and, even in aftermath, it’s clear the early Olympians were more concerned with rebuilding the world than writing down how it happened. She couldn’t blame them. What immortal being would presume the need to keep records on events they had lived through? Moreover, why would a young immortal shy away from asking the direct sources for answers?

She dared not answer that question, even in her own mind, as if the thought alone would spell doom, as if she could forestall tragedy by refusing to admit her actions as treacherous. After all, she was just looking at old documents. Nothing strange about that.

What she couldn’t understand is how her own mother seemed to have despised writing. Head counsel to the King of the Gods and not a single missive, memo, letter or otherwise. Like she’d never existed to begin with.

Maybe it was a Titan thing. Or maybe there was an accident and the records were just gone. Or maybe she hadn’t looked hard enough yet.

Just as she stood to raid another shelf of scrolls, a knock rapped at the door. She called them in, stifling a yawn as she straightened her chiton. A servant entered, head bowed, and informed her that His Majesty requested her presence in the great hall.

For a paranoid second, she flinched and nearly moved to block the desk from view of the door, before offering a thank-you and the polite assurance that she’d be there right away.

The servant left without a word and she pinched her temples between her hand, summoning her strength, before exiting the room.

The sun burned bright and angry overhead, glaring through the windows as she re-entered the palace proper. Still squinting even with her eyes shielded behind her hand, Athena was forced to reckon with just how long it’d been since she last slept. She drew her helmet lower upon her brow, masking her eyes in the shadow, and clasped her hands behind her back. There were people around—guests, servants, family—and although none dared speak ill of her directly, even the slightest slip-up would send them gossiping for months.

When she arrived in the great hall, she found her father on his throne, chin resting on his fist, eyes trained on the open window and the view of the sea. He didn’t even look at her as he asked, “Is Poseidon back from Ethiopia yet?”

“Not that I’m aware of,” Athena replied, falling easily into her role. “Why?”

“Tell him to come back. Where’s Hephaestus?”

“Kythera,” she said. “With Aphrodite. I can—”

“Make sure he stays there,” he said quickly. “And tell the Cyclopes to fire up their forges, I want new armor and a round of thunderbolts before Spring. Have you seen Hera?”

“No, sir.”

Zeus huffed and stroked his beard. “Any guesses?”

After a moment’s thought, she suggested, “South. Possibly as far as Crete, but I’d check Argos first.”

“Send Iris to look, get her back. I’ll go myself if I have to.” Then there was a pause and, for a second, Athena thought he might dismiss her before he continued, “Hermes is gone?”

She swallowed. “Yes, sir.”

“I want an immediate report upon his return.”

“Of course, sir.”

Zeus nodded his approval, tight and shallow, only then looking towards his daughter. Stiff-lipped, he asked, “Where were you this morning?”

She lifted her chest and kept her eyes trained steady. “The library. I lost track of time. My apologies.”

Athena had started to bow, but Zeus waved her off. “That’s fine,” he said. “You can waste your time however you like.”

Pinned beneath his gaze, she resisted the urge to wince. “Thank you, sir.”

He hummed and she tightened her jaw, ready for the next line of questioning, when a familiar laugh carried in from the hallway and drew Father’s attention away. The King stiffened and turned to the doorway, frown deepening, as the interruption showed his face.

The golden son of Leto breezed into the room with arms opened wide and a gaggle of servants dogging at his heels. “Yes, yes, hello,” he said, beaming. “You may hold your applause.”

“Apollo!” said Athena, surprised, nearly smiling despite herself. “You’re here. In winter.”

“Heard someone had a nasty headache,” he said. “Thought I’d help out. By that sour look, I’d say I came just in time, huh Father?”