Pain and apologies

“James it’s over...” Athena spoke trying to calm her father but James almost pleading to her spoke, “But Athena!” “I said it is over, we were never going to be together and we knew it. Why torture yourself over me?” James’ head sank and trying to offer some comfort to him Athena was interrupted by, “Get away from my family!” Zeus yelled throwing him across the the air until he landed head first into the muddy floor hitting hard against the rocks, eyes closing when the trickles of blood started to on the floor around me.

James’ eyes opened and sitting up in sweat, James groaned smelling the food being cooked from below. “It was just an dream” he mumbled before clutching his head but feeling the dried up wound the lump which had been sealed realised the truth. He lowered his legs over the side of his bunk and sighing spoke, “It wasn’t an dream” his head lowered to his own comforting hands and recalling the event of the previous day unable to hear the calling of his mother for him to come and get breakfast. He let go of his head and staring into space was unaware of his mother walking in to check he was alright, “Come here son!” Cersei hurriedly rushed hugging the man who simply didn’t break his stare, “I know, I know. I’ll have a word with Hermes and see what he thinks but for now let’s get you some breakfast, your father has come to visit.”

“Hello son!” Zantano spoke expecting some sort of welcoming or embrace but nodding James sat down facing opposite where Zantano would sit, James looked at his plate before pushing it away he spoke, “I’m not hungry” “Son you must eat!” Cersei pleaded before shrugging James replied, “It doesn’t matter, I don’t matter anymore. Athena doesn’t want me and Zantano is back to do his job and will just make more children with the human there” “James... I know you are hurting” Zantano’s lover spoke but not looking up he simply replied, “Doesn’t matter, I’m just an insignificant human, that’s what Zeus thinks and evidently what Athena thinks” “James... it’s not easy, Zeus is the supreme ruler and what he says goes; Athena... well she is special; Zeus knows this and won’t let anyone touch her. He even made an cock and bull story claiming she would lose her abilities if she lost her virginity” Hermes explained and sighing James spoke, “So what? Our feelings, my feelings don’t matter?” “No, you are only a hybrid” Zantano explained so nodding James spat, “So what? I’m meant to marry a human and be considered nothing, just like the merchant in the street?” “You are an hybrid, a Demi-god with an high concentration of Isu blood. You matter, you just picked the wrong woman to love and you have admirers; Aphrodite has offered herself to you” Hermes explained but not taking any comfort from it James grumbled, “So what now?” Zantano shifted uneasily trying to explain what was next but it was Hermes taking his fathers role more easily began to list the choices, “Zeus given the circumstances has let you off any responsibilities, you will be free to roam and act how you please providing you don’t go near Athena unless required to do so. When you are ready you will obtain an military rank or be given an role like the rest of the Isu” “So the fact I was doing Zantano’s job for all this time means nothing?” “You can come and work alongside me if that’s what you wish, but I feel that you need...” Zantano began, “No, no, no. You listen to me all of you! When you were stuck with Sansa, probably fucking her all this time; I did your job and actually well. You came back and fucked it all up. Yeah I got my father back but I lost everything else and all of you just stood there and bent over for that tyrannical bastard because he said so. Not one of you stood up for me apart for those weak please of ‘please don’t do it’” “Son that isn’t fair. There’s a hierarchy that must be followed, even on earth” Cersei pleaded and shaking his head James snapped, “Fuck you. If you won’t do anything about it then I’ll just do it myself!” “Don’t do anything stupid, you aren’t strong enough to even try!” Zantano spoke trying to comfort his son but pushing his hands away James spoke, “I thought you would have understood but you are just like the rest, a little bitch!” *Smack* “I’m not like them and don’t forget it!” *Thud* “Get out of my way!”

James walked out storming passed his mother who being upset by his attitude called out to try and get him to take an breath but freezing stopped to see Athena with her guards standing there she looked to him and signalling for them to leave her side Hermes wasn’t convinced by her action, “Hermes please! Zeus knows that I’m saying goodbye to James so no harm will come to him” Hermes glared at her for a few moments before nodding walked back to the house leaving the two to just look at each waiting for each other to speak, “James... you won’t understand it but what I did was the right thing, this way you will be able to live your life free from Zeus and the others trying to ruin it or tell you what to do; I had to be hard so you would understand we couldn’t be together” James looked down hearing this and nodding spat still hurting from the event, “I feel betrayed and lied to. I loved you and would do anything for you, I thought me standing up to Zeus showed you this; no I must have looked like a fool to all you Isu; someone to laugh at” “James stop it, no one was mocking you. People respect that you had the bottle to stand up to him but also their sympathy knowing the situation” James shook his head before snapping, “You didn’t seem to care, daddy’s perfect little daughter. ‘We can’t be together, daddy says so’ what next, going to ask him to read you a bedtime story?” “Don’t be immature” “He is an whore, Athena he only wants you for himself. It’s him or no one. Oh that’s is what you want” “*Slap* don’t you ever include me in the same group as his other whores. I will not be touched by him in any way. Your problem is you just don’t know you place” he nodded before agreeing shrugged, “Yeah, what am I? A filthy hybrid; lower than an human. My father is fucking another human and mother is just Hermes’ latest lover. I should just shut up and do whatever mindless and pointless task he assigns me to get me out the way and hide your peoples embarrassment.” he shook his head and walking away heard Athena plead, “I didn’t mean that... and you aren’t just an filthy hybrid. You’re smart when you want to be, charming, caring and from what I can see a decent fighter. You are petty but funny and... attractive. You just don’t understand what I have done for you; I have returned your freedom from this foolish quest to win my hand so you can focus on something much more rewarding” he shook his head before snapping, “I don’t want to and I will slay the bastard himself if I must” “You won’t even get near him James. Please don’t do anything stupid, please. I won’t do anything else or ask anything of you again, just don’t do something stupid” he sighed looking into her puppy eyes and nodding walked away seeing Hermes return, “James... we can’t be together but take this; the text reminds me of us, seek comfort from it as I once did; it’s ancient but still speaks wisdom and take this owl to watch over you. My symbol is your symbol and yours will be mine. It’s all I can offer even if it isn’t much” he held the parchment and burning it to her cry in grief at the fact he was burning the only copy of her favourite text as she then watched him hand the owl to Hermes, “Why did you do that for?! Do you know what you have just done?! No... the owl is still yours, it’s fine!” he shook his head before stating, “No and I don’t care. I’m done; I’m done with all this fucking bullshit. Go back to playing happy families; I will know what my feelings and heart says and that’s nothing he or any of you can take from me” he wiped a tear from his face and fighting to hold back more tears spoke, “And it’s going to hurt like a knife in my chest not being able to act on them.”

“Hermes, I couldn’t offer anything else. You have to believe me” Athena pleaded and nodding he replied, “No, I fully aware of your situation; combining both symbols together is the equivalent of consorts and makes an statement to the other Isu but I still feel for him. He’s young and this will take a lot of time, drinks and other people to get him over this” “But he refused it, Zeus has won” “No, the Owl. Your primary symbol is here; take a Raven and put it in your Temple. They’ll get the message even if it means Jack shit to any of them or him” she looked back to the impatient guards before nodding disheartened replied, “Just tell him, I feel the same pain he does and it’s unbearable. I better go before Zeus pulls me away” “Stay safe Athena” “Look after Hermes, for my sake” “I can’t promise that but I’ll try.”

“You foolish boy” Hermes spoke finding James adjusting his training armour, “Going to lecture me as well?” “No, but first of all tell why are you putting your armour on?” “If you must know, Ares has offered to teach me to fight better; he has seen potential and knows I have the anger to currently match his” “What for?” “Because if I can fight at least I can do something useful. Okay?!” “Hey, don’t take that tone with me, I was just worried for you” “Is that why you are here? No. You came to talk to me for a reason, so what is it?” “What Athena did and you did...” “A lame ass apology Hermes, nothing more.” “No it was an sign of an consorted pair. Aphrodite and Ares, Zeus and Hera, all the consorted couples exchange their symbols to show a sign of unifying the pair as one, it also acts as an sign to the others of who loves who. You refused it which is an sign of your rejecting her but the owl remains here just like a Raven has gone back with her. It’s isn’t much but it’s the closest you two will ever get to be together, you can’t expect anymore” “And this is meant to make me go and say; ‘Oh yes, I feel soo much better now?’ Or is this just your way of saying accept it and move on?” “No I don’t want you to. I want you to remember this, learn from it and to constantly oppose that fat bearded bastard. He gets away with too much and others will remember his treatment of you. He is going to throw a lot of shit at your way; you need to accept it and throw it back at him.” “I’ll handle it my own way Hermes, I don’t need or want a pep talk. Now go back to YOUR lover and YOUR job, maybe you’ll bend over for father and have an orgy to honour Zeus and I will go and handle my own problems” Hermes sighed before nodding not willing to sink to James’ level of arguments agreed just so he leave him be, “Do what you want James, I don’t care anymore.”

“There he is, Mr I don’t give a fuck what you say Zeus” Ares bellowed in laughter watching the hybrid approach and slapping him on the back James saw Aphrodite lounge back on her lounger drinking more wine that Ares had fetched her, “You have my deepest sympathies James, I know you two would have been a great couple. I know it isn’t worth much but you have my prayers” “I would almost say thank you if you saying this wasn’t purely to help your own ends” “You know me too well, yes I do want to court you, however Ares wouldn’t allow it” “Is that meant to help?” “No but it will hopefully remind you of the fact that people are interested in you, I’m one but I know Nyx likes you” “Aphrodite this is not the time or the place” Ares spat but offering comfort in James’ situation he stated, “They didn’t like and still don’t like the idea of me and Aphrodite being together but eventually we ended up together; it may not be pretty but if you stay true to your feelings and eventually you will get what you seek” “Or a lot of action whilst trying to move on from her” Aphrodite butted in but shaking his head James snapped, “Can we please focus on my task in hand” “Of course James, we were just trying to help...” Ares replied but shaking his head furiously once again James spoke, “Leave ms to deal with my life. Here, let’s just fight!”

“Good. You do have natural talent and this frenzy; well I suppose you were always going to have this anger. Ever considered joining up? I could use a soon to be great warrior like you” Ares stated sheathing his weapon acknowledging Aphrodite was horny and wanted some fun and if he didn’t soothe it; she’d look elsewhere. “No, I want to do this alone, no more strings to hold me back and NO more Isu to tell me what to do. I will work for myself and when I want to!” Ares nodded before sighing replied, “I wish mine was as simple as yours. Anyway Hades commissioned Hephaestus to make a sword for you and.... well she did to; I would take both to avoid any arguments. You are also going to need new armour so take this to fund it, see it as an gift from us” “Thanks Ares. Your first job is free” and laughing he replied, “I’ll make sure to use it for a big job, more for my money there!” “Don’t worry you will” “Good luck James; you’re going to need it.”

A few months had passed since Ares had finished teaching him what he knew and failed to try and lure James to his side even willing to offer James the role of Aphrodite’s bodyguard, James insisted on going at it alone as a mercenary. Zeus of course didn’t care providing he didn’t go near Athena and didn’t do a job that acted out against himself. Thanks to Ares James now had a new strong armour that had a Wolfskin jacket and a Tartarus flamed hood and a bow handed to him by Artemis his next job. It was simple, help take down some of Hades’ rampaging hounds and the bow was his; Artemis liked his silence and liked how he didn’t compare himself to her despite his reasonable skill; he even listened to her tips and lessons. She in turn didn’t mention Athena much and he respected that; she also found his new device interesting; a blade hidden in his bracer that triggered by an simple flick of the wrist also doubled as an skinning knife. “How are you James?” “Again? You ask me this every conversation we have” “I know I just want to make sure you are well. I can stop if you want” “No, it’s just I don’t know why you waste your time with it. It never changes” “I know, I know but I just want to show at least one person cares about you” “Thanks Artemis, it’s nice to know someone cares” “I don’t want to push it but what does your family think?” “Hermes sympathises but says I should move on and get sense of where to go next. Cersei is angry at any and everyone but offers comfort where she can; her being my mother means she is overprotective of me. Zantano says I should stop moping, get on with it and find someone in my own class; I clearly aimed too high according to Zantano. Me and Sansa... well we don’t talk much anyway; I think she... well never mind” “What?” “I think she likes me... likes me likes me. I see the way she looks at me, it’s like she is weighing me up for something and is thinking of an answer to her question” “Sizing you up is it? I suppose no one else cares enough to ask...” “Hades is angry, well he always is but he is angry at me, Persephone, Zantano, Zeus and Athena. He is pissed because I never went to him to talk about it, Persephone for not telling him, Zantano for not caring too much, Zeus for being Zeus and blames Athena for causing this. Persephone is mournful of me but only claims to care because she wants to start an relationship with me, she always did. No one else really cares; Hera talks to me a bit more but it’s more doom and stereotypical sympathy lines” “Well then, let’s move on and find the last few. You can get your bow and I can get some peace and quiet.”

A few hours later with an arrow to its chest the last beast fell to the grassed area and retrieving the arrow from the body James muttered, “I thank you for this kill, your sacrifice wasn’t caused by your actions but by the carelessness of those in your environment, rest in your eternal slumber!” Artemis stopped a few metres back and upon hearing this prayer smiled happy that he, at least showed respect to the hunt; her bow now sheathed watched him skin the animal to harvest the parts, leaving very little go to waste, “That’s the last one, Artemis” he stated handing her the bag she took it before staring at him whilst he wiped his hands leaned in to kiss his shocked lips, “What are you doing?” James spat pushing her away, “James... I’m sorry, I... I like you and seeing you do this, the right way; we are perfect for each other. I see this knowing that you would be and will be my only one!” he took his bow and shaking his head calmly spoke, “Thank you but I’m not going to get messed up with another Virgin Isu or any Isu as a matter of fact” she nodded and looking down replied, “Th...en. Then, then I wish you good luck in your search for an purpose. If you ever need me or consider my offer then you know where to find me” “I will and thank you Artemis.”

Persephone found out about Artemis and James’ refusal, so searching for him to find out what happened found him in the most unlikeliest of places, the tavern. He for now at least was sat at the counter quietly drinking but clearly was already showing signs of being under the influence of drink and knowing he was being watched heard the footsteps stop and the sitting in seat next to him waited for him to explain himself, “Want a drink? I’m buying” “Why are you here? You never drink” “Just celebrating a big day” “Are you sure it’s nothing to do with Artemis opening some wounds again?” “No, what are you on about?” “Don’t play dumb with me, I know what happened; what Artemis tried and what you said in response... you holding up okay?” “Why wouldn’t I be?” “You don’t drink usually” “I just fancied a few. It has been an long few days” “I heard, hunting Hades’ hounds. Never fun. Artemis was impressed both by manner and skill” “She also liked me more than that. Are you staying for a drink or going to just sit there?” “Fine. Now explain yourself; Artemis offering such a thing is a first. Never before has she tried such a thing, it’s unheard and you refused her offer... that political advantage” “Not everything is about politics. Yes I refused her, I didn’t want another relationship and let her down lightly.” “I’m not going to get messed up with another Virgin Isu or any Isu as a matter of fact” is not letting someone down lightly. You were her only friend in recent memory and she had feelings for you” “As you kept telling me about Athena... it’s only a passing crush” “James you know I didn’t mean it like that. I said you would eventually move on so stop worrying” “Did you tell Artemis the same?” she stopped and looking down understood where he was coming from, “Oh” “Persephone, what would have even happened if Artemis and me did agree to it? Imagine me going to Zeus claiming that I have gone from one untouchable Virgin Isu to another?” “I think he may actually laugh for once. The thing is... She chose to remain as such where Athena is told she must. Both bull crap but both remain.”

The conversation dwindled to a painful awkward silence as both of them drank from their beer until she asked, “So what next for you? I heard you were looking for your own place?” “I was, a small villa in the hall of the slain district but it was burnt down in the riots” “With... with... with those humans?!” “Problem?! I’m human” “Yes but you are over three quarters Isu. You are Isu not human!” “The humans see me as one and respect me for who I am, your lot don’t. Anyway, it doesn’t matter it was burnt down in the riots after one of your lot raped a woman” “I heard... we are dealing with the issue” “No, you aren’t. I already heard that he is being let go free because it’s only “humans” that’s why the humans have offered me a small sum to hunt him down, a contract I have agreed to without receiving payment for. So tell that little piggy to start running” she gulped before sliding off her stool called back whilst running away from him, “I need to go” and laughing he simply returning to his next drink.

“Come on James, it’s only a human” Aeacus pleaded fumbling back, “Not going to work on me boy!” “Zeus promised me, no repercussions would happen; that I was free!” James slid over the table to confront his prey who cowering search for an weapon to aid him, “I don’t listen to Zeus!” he looked up and seeing James flick his wrist closed his eyes feeling the blade slide from James bracer and straight through his throat. A flick and retracting from the wound James kicked the body and nodding accepting Aeacus was dead walked away full knowing there would be consequences.

When the news broke out the humans were grateful for the justice but Zeus with the others weren’t. The gore of James to kill an pure Isu for an human cause. Sanctions were issued out against the humans but much to the surprise of the warriors sent by Zeus they were confronted by James who killing them was met by Zeus’ punishment of stripping any privileges that he would have been entitled to as an Isu and the banning of him appearing at festivals and other Isu events; something James didn’t really care about and saw this as an victory. To most however they had heard of his drinking problem. It wasn’t so discrete as him always being in the tavern, instead it was open and obvious with him most of the time passing out on the street, bottle in hand or drunkenly calling out to the sky slandering Zeus and calling Athena a stuck up, daddy’s girl bitch; who without her selfish knowledge is nothing more than a whiny little girl who isn’t special to anyone but him. Zeus laughed it off and simply replied that “This is what James made of his life?” to the slight annoyance of Hera who understood James’ hurt more than the others, understanding what it is like to the thrown to the side for someone or something else, Athena hearing this retreated further into her temple pleading for the others to help sort his head out, she even paid Ares to help him but he was too busy hunting for Aphrodite. Athena tried to contact James but being restricted knew of her terms and returned to work. The difference was her temper. The longer this went on the more impatient and angry she had become, where she used to be open to debate and discussions this was gone, instead it was her way and only her way. Her following size decreased and some of her top followers and fellow intellectuals were dismissed for the smallest of criticisms, banned and told to never return. “But goddess we are just reminding you of the lesson you once taught us!” “I was wrong. Love isn’t the problem, it is the people involved. Some are foolish enough to attempt anything and can’t handle when they have failed or were failed by someone else, others merely use use it as an weapon and some give up on it all to easily. The mere few get what they hope for. Now leave!” “I understand goddess we will be back in a few days when you’ve calmed down!” “No. Go all of you, out. I wish to be alone if I need you I will call! But for now get your books and your texts and get out of here!” Athena screeched causing her guards to rush in forcibly throwing her followers out.

News of Athena’s withdrawal to the temple soon hit the streets and her fellow Isu fell concerned upon seeing her followers flee. Zeus didn’t, he believed she was seeking attention but even he silently admitted it was concerning to see her react in her this way, so much so that he called a meeting to discuss the issue.

“Hera what news do you have?” “The temple is closed off to everyone apart for her guards who are under order to attack anyone who seek to see her. I think what is happening to James has effected” “Rubbish” Zeus muttered to Persephone’s challenge dispute his claim, “It isn’t rubbish. Athena knows him better than practically all of us. She knows he doesn’t usually drink but acting the way he is has clearly affected her or maybe she misses him. You all seem to forget there was more to their relationship than his unconditional love for her. They talked regularly and debated issues then when use got too worked up in the argument he would say or do something stupid to make her laugh, they also spent a lot of time together doing other things” Hades agreed with his wife as he replied, “She only ever asks about his latest situation and knows when we are lying. What do we tell her? James is a violent drunken mess that passes out in the streets after yelling out to those around him that Zeus is a overcompensating mad man who can only get his leg over his sisters and Athena is a selfish daddy’s girl who only cares about herself it’s funny but serious” “Where is he now?” Poseidon queried, “Well he had a fight with Apollo and strangled him with his Lyre. Apparently Apollo called Athena a bitch in one of his songs and he didn’t like it. He passed out and like majority of the time Nyx took him back to her place; she does it most of the time apparently. I offered to take him back to my temple but Ares wasn’t keen on the idea” Aphrodite stated to Ares’ agreement, “He is a pretty good mercenary though, he will do anything for the right price but I’m not sure if that’s because he has balls of steel or if he is too drunk to think or see straight. Of course Athena finds out about all the mad things he does because she needs to update her records” Ares confessed before returning to Hera she asked, “So what are we going to do about it? We can’t just leave her like that” “You need to drag his unconscious body into Athena’s temple and walk away. Let them either talk it out or have it off” Areas crudely put but understanding the point Persephone replied, “Yes, they are both a mess without each other” “No” Zeus barked back refusing to listen to their ideas as he spoke, “No, it will just lead to an sexual relationship which cannot happen. Athena must remain untouched; I’ll sort it out; tell Athena that James will be happy by the end of this and make it out that he will be treated as king. Persephone tell Nyx that she will marry him since she has taken an interest in him and I expect children as soon as possible in exchange a brand new villa will be there’s if he accepts if not we will be drafted into MY army where like an trained monkey he will fulfil every order I issue, he will listen to every insult I can throw at him and he will never be free. Now go!”

“James! James wake up!” Poseidon snapped pushing James out of the bed and falling to the floor saw the bearded man look down at him and now Nyx who stood there smiling, “Zeus has an solution to both yours and Athena’s problems. Zeus has decreed you will marry Nyx and live in a luxury villa near Elysium with the condition you have children as soon as possible and you move on from Athena. If you refuse you will be part of his army where you will do all the dirty and embarrassing jobs that he tells you to do. It’s pretty straight forward James... marry Nyx and be free from Zeus or refuse and look like an jester!” Nyx took James’ hand smiling as she offered, “I promise to fulfil what is required and then let you choose what happens next. Athena isn’t coming any time soon and I fear what happens if you refuse. You shouldn’t end up alone because you can’t move on from a stuck-up bitch called Athena” James looked at the guards entering the house before leaning unsteadily against the table spoke, “What are they telling Athena?” “Is it any of your business?” “Just interested” Poseidon sighed before remembering what Hera went to tell her fellow Isu said, “That you will be happy by the end of this and will be treated like a king. Zeus’ exact words” James laughed before calling the bullshit out spoke, “The first thing Athena will ask is: what do you mean happy and will expect an in depth answer. Secondly she won’t believe it anyway; you forget she isn’t stupid, she knows I don’t love Nyx or anyone” “Don’t be stupid James. Most of us can’t be with who we want to be with but we make the best of the situation” “Yes by orgies and regular affairs, can I do that with Athena...” Poseidon seeing his point confessed, “No I suppose you are right. You can’t fight your way out; we have been ordered to arrest you” “On what charge?” “Treason against Zeus and his imperial family” James grabbed another bottle of ale and slamming it over Poseidon’s head spat, “There a proper charge; assault against a king” he offered his hands out and sighing Poseidon stated, “Nyx tell Persephone what has happened. This won’t sit well for anyone.”