Fate(Iris) (side/optional)

Door 4: Fate.

“KAYN!” Iris jolted awake, her body tense as she sprang up from the ground, gasping for breath. Memories of the group’s harrowing ordeal on the Styx flooded back, of the eerie smoke magic that had enveloped them, whisking them away into thin air. Her heart pounded as she frantically scanned her surroundings, only to realize she was no longer in the underworld. The oppressive darkness had been replaced by a vibrant forest alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and birdsong. Shafts of sunlight pierced through the dense canopy, dappling the ground with patches of gold.

“Right… not ominous at all,” she muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she dusted herself off and tried to get her bearings. The lush, green surroundings were no illusion, this place was real, but how had she ended up here? And more importantly, where were the others?

Her stomach churned with a mix of frustration and dread. “Great. Now I have to figure out where the hell I am and find everyone else. This just keeps getting better and better. When I found you Kayn I swear I’m gonna-” She clenched her fists, anger simmering beneath her confusion. But as quickly as her frustration flared, it ebbed away, replaced by an ache of worry. Her voice softened as she whispered to herself, “…Just be safe, Kayn. Please.”

She took a deep breath to steady herself and began scanning the area, her hunter’s instincts kicking in. The forest seemed peaceful on the surface, but she knew better than to let her guard down. Her hand instinctively brushed against the hilt of the knife sheathed at her belt.

A flicker of movement caught her eye, and she turned to see a small white rabbit hopping toward her. It paused a few feet away, its bright eyes fixed on her with an intelligence that seemed almost unsettling.

“Hey there, little fella,” she said softly, crouching down to appear less threatening. She extended a hand, palm up, a gesture of trust and peace. Years of hunting had taught her how to move and act in ways that didn’t alarm animals.

The rabbit tilted its head, its gaze sharp and calculating, as if it were sizing her up. For a moment, Iris had the strange impression that the creature wasn’t just observing her, it was evaluating her. Then, with a cautious twitch of its nose, it hopped closer and nudged her hand.

“There you go, see? No harm here.” A small smile played on her lips as she gently stroked its soft fur.
The rabbit pulled back after a moment, its nose twitching as it turned and hopped a short distance away, then stopped. It looked back at her expectantly.

“You want me to follow you?” Iris arched an eyebrow. “Alright, lead the way.”

Despite her calm tone, she remained wary, unsheathing one of her hunting knives as a precaution. She followed the rabbit through the forest, its small paws moving swiftly over the moss-covered ground. As they walked, the soft hum of a melody reached her ears, carried on the breeze.

“Humming? Someone’s here…” Her grip on the knife tightened as she pressed forward, her steps careful and silent.

The rabbit led her to a clearing, and Iris’s breath was caught at the sight before her. In the center of the glade sat a woman on a large stone, humming a gentle tune. Animals surrounded her, a circle of creatures that included not just rabbits and birds but also wolves, bears, and other formidable predators. They watched the woman with rapt attention, as if enthralled by her presence.
The woman herself was stunningly beautiful, with a serene yet commanding air. She wore a flowing white robe, and a laurel wreath adorned her head, complementing her chestnut hair, which was tied back in a long, elegant ponytail. Beside her rested a bow and a quiver of arrows, both clearly masterpieces of craftsmanship.

Iris’s eyes widened as recognition struck her. The woman’s features were strikingly similar to those of a certain goddess. “...Athena?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

The woman turned her head, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “Every single time,” she said with a soft chuckle as she rose gracefully from the stone. “Not exactly, but it’s a good thing you know her it will make things easier"

Iris took a cautious step back, her posture defensive. One hand extended in a halting gesture, while the other hovered near her knife. “Sorry... should I know you?”

The woman stopped a few paces away, her expression warm and disarming. “Not unless you’re a seer,” she replied, her tone light and teasing.
Despite her resemblance to Athena, there was something distinctly different about this woman. She carried herself with a playful energy, her demeanor free-spirited and unburdened, in stark contrast to Athena’s composed and serious nature. Even her features seemed younger, while Athena looked like someone in her late to mid-20s this woman looked more like Noor being in her early 20s.

Iris looked confused but still kept a cautious and defensive stance, she shrugged her shoulders answering the woman.

The woman chuckled again, clearly amused by Iris’s confusion. “Let’s try this again, shall we?” She offered a friendly smile. “Hello, Iris. I’m Artemis.”

“Right, and I’m the Queen of Greece,” Iris quipped, her voice dripping with disbelief. Her grip on her knife tightened as she scanned the clearing for any sign of danger. This had to be some sort of trick—maybe Hades or one of the underworld's demons playing mind games.

Artemis blinked, then placed a hand on her hip, clearly offended. “You don’t believe me?” she asked, her voice laced with genuine surprise. “Shit, that usually works. I mean, doesn’t my entourage back there confirm it?” She gestured broadly at the assortment of animals watching them from the clearing.

Iris glanced around, her expression skeptical. “You mean your friends, the animals staring at us right now?”

“Yep, those exact friends,” Artemis replied, crouching to scratch behind the ears of the white rabbit that had led Iris to her. “And this guy right here,” she added, her tone affectionate. “I’m glad you didn’t hurt him; it shows how right I was about you.” The rabbit made a soft noise, and Artemis laughed lightly. “Yeah, I know, but don’t tell her that, or she’ll get mad.”

“What are you even talking about?” Iris asked, thoroughly perplexed. “And who are you talking to?!”

“To the rabbit,” Artemis said nonchalantly.

Iris stared at her like she’d grown a second head. “You’re… talking to a rabbit.”

Artemis sighed, rising to her full height. “Right. I forgot you can’t hear them. Let’s fix that, shall we?” Without waiting for an answer, Artemis swept her hands in an intricate motion, green energy flowing from her fingertips and coiling through the air before enveloping Iris in a soft, warm light.

Iris instinctively stumbled back, her knife raised. “What the hell did you just do?!” she demanded.
Before Artemis could answer, voices, new voices flooded Iris’s ears.

“Gods, this girl is slow, isn’t she?” the wolf remarked, its gravelly tone dripping with dry humor.

“I don’t think so,” the deer countered in a gentle voice. “She’s just cautious. Can’t blame her, the underworld is an unforgiving place.”

Iris’s eyes darted from animal to animal, her jaw slack. “What. The. Actual. Fuck.”

“Pretty cool, right?” Artemis said, clearly pleased with herself. She gestured toward the animals. “So, you believe me now?”

“I… I guess?” Iris stammered, her brain struggling to process the surreal scene.

“Oh, come on!” Artemis threw her hands in the air, exasperated. “What else do I need to do? Guys, a little help here?”

The wolf yawned dramatically. “Don’t look at us. You said you wanted her to feel comfortable, so we’re staying out of it.”

“Yeah,” the fox chimed in with a snicker. “You’re the goddess, work your magic.”

“Ugh, fine,” Artemis groaned, muttering something under her breath. “Okay, listen. You know my sister, Athena, right?”

Iris nodded cautiously.

“Well, as you can see, we look very alike,” Artemis said, brushing a hand through her hair. “And if that’s not proof enough, I’m sure you know she and Kayn are super close.” A sly smile played on her lips as she emphasized the last part.

“Wait… how do you know Kayn?” Iris asked, her skepticism starting to waver.

Artemis’s smile softened, her tone turning wistful. “Everyone on Olympus knows him. After all, he’s my sister’s creation, and ours. Of course, I know him.”

Iris slowly lowered her knife and sighed, feeling the heat of embarrassment creep up her neck. “Okay… I guess you really are Artemis. Damn it, now I feel like an asshole. I’m sorry, Goddess. I meant no disrespect.”

Artemis laughed, a light, musical sound. “No need to apologize. I get it, you’ve been through a lot, and showing up out of nowhere with a bunch of talking animals doesn’t exactly scream ‘trustworthy.’” She casted a playful glare at the fox, who smirked back unapologetically.

“So… why am I here?” Iris asked, her confusion returning. “My group and I were on the Styx, and then we were just… taken. Was that your doing?”

Artemis shook her head, her expression turning serious. “Not at all. I have no power in the underworld, only one god does. But you’ll meet him soon enough. Right now, I wanted to meet you personally.”

Iris blinked, taken aback. “You… wanted to meet me? Why? I’m just a mortal. I’m not a chosen one like Kayn or a sorceress like Noor.”

“Of course, I wanted to meet you,” Artemis replied warmly. “I spoke with the boss here and asked for a little alone time with you. Originally, I was going to drop by during one of your camp nights, but then you all had to go diving into the underworld and complicate things. So, I called in a favor from my uncle, and here we are.”

“Wait, you kidnapped me?! Where are the others?” Iris demanded, her voice firm as she stepped forward, her grip tightening on the hilt of her knife. Whatever reverence she might have felt for the goddess, her concern for her companions overrode it.

“I didn’t...well, not exactly.” Artemis raised a finger, her tone casual but slightly sheepish. “That smoke that took you wasn’t my doing...it was Uncle’s. Hades thought it’d be fun to give each of you your own... let’s call it a ‘personalized reality check.’ But I called in a favor and asked if I could, ah, intervene. So, here we are.”

“Why here?” Iris asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

“I thought this place might feel familiar to you. Comforting.” Artemis gestured around her.
Iris blinked as recognition dawned. This was Helos Forest, the place she had hunted and explored countless times while living at the farm. The chirping of birds, the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze it all felt achingly familiar.

“So... let me get this straight,” Iris said slowly. “We were taken by Hades, and you somehow plucked me out of that mess so you could talk to me? Alone?”

“Exactly,” Artemis said, her tone warm.

“What for?” Iris crossed her arms but allowed her posture to relax slightly. “You’ve got my attention, it’s the least I can give the goddess I’ve respected and prayed to all my life.”

Artemis smiled, clearly pleased. “I wanted to make sure I was right about you, Iris. Meeting you in person felt... necessary.”

“Right about me?” Iris tilted her head, frowning. “What are you talking about?”

Artemis’s smile widened, and she took a step closer. “I want you to become my chosen.”

Iris’s breath was caught. Her eyes widened, and she stared at the goddess, stunned. “You... want me to what?”

“To be my chosen,” Artemis said gently. “Think of it as being my champion someone who represents me, my ideals, and my power in the mortal realm. Like Kayn is the chosen of all the Olympian gods, I want you to be mine.”

“But... why me?” Iris’s voice faltered, and she shook her head, taking a step back. “I’m just... me. I’m not like Kayn, or Noor, or anyone special. I’m just a hunter.”

Artemis chuckled softly, her expression warm and patient. “You’re more than that, Iris. From the moment you were born, I could feel your connection to nature...your love for the wild, your respect for life, and, of course, your passion for hunting. It’s rare, even among mortals, and you’ve only grown stronger and more skilled with time. You’re extraordinary, Iris. Your potential is unlimited... Seriously you are really good.”

Iris flushed at the praise, her mind racing. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes,” Artemis said simply, her tone light but earnest. “You don’t have to decide right this second, but I won’t lie, the group is going to need all the help it can get if you’re serious about taking on the Erebosians. I want to help you, Iris. I want to give you the strength to protect what matters most to you.”

Iris hesitated, her fingers brushing the handle of her knife as her thoughts churned. She wasn’t sure she was worthy of such an honor, and the weight of the responsibility made her stomach twist. But the sincerity in Artemis’s voice....the warmth in her eyes....quelled some of her doubts.

Finally, she nodded. “What do I need to do?”

“Give me your hand.”

Iris extended her hand, though her movements were hesitant. Artemis grasped it gently, her touch cool and steady.

“This might burn a little,” Artemis warned with a small, apologetic smile.

Iris braced herself as Artemis traced intricate symbols onto her palm, green energy flaring as the goddess worked. The pain was sharp and searing, but Iris gritted her teeth and stood firm, refusing to show weakness.

“Done.” Artemis closed Iris’s palm with a tender gesture, her smile approving.

Iris flexed her hand, frowning. “I don’t feel any different.”

“Not yet,” Artemis said. “It’s a process, it’ll take time. But we can start small.”

Before Iris could ask what she meant, a voice echoed in her mind. “Hi.”

Iris stiffened, her eyes darting around. “Did you just...?”

Artemis grinned. “Yep. It’s telepathic communication, just one of the perks of being connected to me. You’ll get used to it.”

Iris hesitated before responding in her thoughts. “This is... strange. Amazing, but strange.”

Artemis’s voice was tinged with amusement. “That’s a fair reaction. But it’ll come in handy, trust me. Just remember, it’s not foolproof. A skilled caster could jam it, so don’t rely on it too much.”

Iris nodded slowly, her awe beginning to settle into cautious acceptance. “Thank you,” she said aloud, her voice steady.

“Will I be able to cast magic like Kayn and Noor?” she asked, her curiosity and excitement shining through.

“Yes,” Artemis replied, her tone thoughtful. “But it will take time. You’ll only be able to cast magic tied to my realm; nature, hunting, the moon, and the wilds. And even then, it’ll require patience and practice. No chosen, however skilled, can match Kayn’s arcane potential. If he ever regains his full power...” Artemis trailed off, her voice tinged with awe. “He’d be unstoppable.”

Iris blinked, absorbing the information. It was hard to imagine Kayn, already so skilled, becoming even more powerful.

“Speaking of which,” Artemis said with a mischievous smile, “I have a gift for you. Consider it the first step in our partnership.”

She raised her hand, and the air around them shimmered with divine energy. A soft glow illuminated the clearing, and slowly, a bow materialized in Artemis’s grasp. It was exquisite, unlike anything Iris had ever seen.

The bow’s body was crafted from a pale white wood that seemed to pulse faintly with an inner light, its surface adorned with intricate carvings of wild creatures and crescent moons. The designs weren’t merely decorative, they shifted subtly, almost as if they were alive, glowing faintly as Iris stared in awe. The string was nearly invisible, a gossamer thread that gleamed faintly in the moonlight, yet when Iris touched it, it felt both supple and unyielding, a paradox of softness and strength.

Artemis turned the bow in her hands, the carvings catching the light, before extending it to Iris. “This is Featherdraw. Forged by Hephaestus himself, imbued with my blessings, and now... it’s yours.”
Iris’s hands trembled slightly as she took the bow. It was impossibly light, as though it were an extension of her own body, yet she could feel its power thrumming beneath her fingertips. Holding it was like holding a piece of the divine, a connection to something far greater than herself.

“It’s... it’s beautiful,” Iris whispered, her voice barely audible. Her eyes traced every curve, every detail, unable to look away.

“It’s not just beautiful, it’s deadly,” Artemis said with a smirk. “Featherdraw is more than a bow. It’s a symbol of our bond and your role as my chosen. With it, every shot you take will carry the precision of the huntress herself. It will adapt to your skill and grow with you, becoming stronger as you do. Use it wisely.”

Iris swallowed hard, her emotions swirling; gratitude, awe, and a faint flicker of fear at the responsibility that came with such a gift. Finally, she looked up at Artemis, her eyes shining. “Thank you, goddess. I... I don’t know how to repay you.”

Artemis’s expression softened, and she placed a hand on Iris’s shoulder. “You already have. You’ve earned this, Iris. All I ask is that you stay true to yourself and fight for what matters most.”

Iris nodded, her grip tightening around the bow as a new sense of determination took root within her. “I won’t let you down.”

Artemis returned the smile. “No problem, just don’t lose it now, would you? Hate to tell Hephaestus his new bow got broken or something.”

Iris chuckled at that. “I’ll take good care of it, promise.”

“Right, now that formalities are out of the way, let’s move on to what’s really important here.” Artemis’s expression shifted to one of playful curiosity, her tone much more casual. “So... are you going to do it with Kayn or not?”

Iris’s cheeks flared crimson. “W-what?!”

“Oh, don’t play innocent!” Artemis teased, leaning in conspiratorially. “You two are the biggest gossip around Olympus. Or at least Kayn is, thanks to his... colorful romantic history. Aphrodite can’t stop talking about it.”

“Wait,” Iris said, her embarrassment replaced by disbelief. “The gods were watching when Kayn and I...” she hesitated, lowering her voice, “...when we kissed?”

“Not all the time,” Artemis admitted with a shrug. “Mostly just Aphrodite. She’s got this... fascination with Kayn, especially because teasing Athena about it is her favorite pastime.”

Iris raised an eyebrow. “And what about you? Are you in on this so-called gossip too?”

“Of course, I am!" Artemis laughed, completely unashamed "Good choice by the way Kayn is.... more than appealing to the eye. I mean I get why Athena would get jealous or annoyed she just can't abandon her duties and spend her nights and days with him and well Aphrodite's and Noor's attraction to him are a no brainer. I would do the same If I was in their place" She giggled playfully.

Iris blinked, her confusion growing. “I thought you were the goddess of chastity. Isn’t that, you know, your thing?”

Artemis smirked, crossing her arms. “Oh, that old title? Renounced it ages ago. I’m still the goddess of the hunt, but come on, Iris. Do you really think I don’t enjoy the warmth of another’s company? A goddess has needs too.” She chuckled. “Don’t worry about those priests who cling to the old ideas. Another god’s handling that now, which leaves me freer to live as I wish.”

“Right…” Iris said, not entirely sure how to respond.

“Now, back to the matter at hand,” Artemis pressed, clearly enjoying herself. “Why haven’t you slept with Kayn already? Aphrodite’s losing her mind trying to figure it out. Girl, you’ve got him wrapped around your finger. All it takes is the right moment.” She paused, grinning wickedly. “Take it from me, Athena’s jealousy is worth it.”

Iris sputtered, struggling to form a coherent response. “I-it’s not like I don’t want to,” she admitted finally, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s just... we haven’t found the right moment yet. I thought maybe it’d happen in Sparta, but after the fight... things got complicated.”

“Yeah, bad timing on his part,” Artemis agreed, her teasing tone softening slightly. “But hey, duty calls, right? Just promise me this: when the time comes, don’t overthink it. You’ll thank me later.” She laughed lightly. “And it will shut up Aphrodite for a while also I would like to see my big sis jealous, it's the funniest shit ever."

Despite herself, Iris laughed too, shaking her head. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And you’re starting to warm up to me,” Artemis shot back with a wink.

The two continued talking, their conversation shifting to more personal topics as they grew more comfortable with one another. For Iris, it was strange but comforting to see this more human side of a goddess she had worshipped all her life.

After a while, Artemis sighed, her playful demeanor giving way to something more serious. “I wish we had more time, but I promised him one hour, and I’m sticking to it. The portal will take you back to the others.” She gestured toward the shimmering gateway that materialized behind her. “Don’t worry, I’ll be in touch once you’re out of the Underworld.”

Iris nodded, gratitude and determination shining in her eyes. “Thank you for everything, Artemis. I promise I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t,” Artemis replied warmly. “But before you go, promise me something.”

Iris stilled, sensing the weight in Artemis’s tone. “Anything.”

“No more stupid fights,” Artemis said firmly, her piercing gaze locking onto Iris. “Not just you, all of you. I know Kayn was wrong, but childish outbursts don’t help anyone, especially now. The world hangs in the balance, and the Erebosians are closing in. If you don’t stick together as a family, none of you will survive this.” She let her words sink in before softening her tone. “Understood?”

“Yes,” Iris said, her voice steady with resolve.

“Good.” Artemis smiled again, the warmth returning to her features. “See you around, then.” With a graceful wave, she disappeared in a swirl of leaves and wind, leaving the portal glowing softly in the clearing.

Iris took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. Artemis’s words rang in her mind, a reminder of the responsibility she now carried. With one last look around, she stepped into the portal, ready to face whatever awaited her on the other side.