The group gathered their things and stepped outside, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the villa's courtyard. The air was crisp, carrying the distant hum of Atlantis as the city awakened to another day.
Athena led the way, walking with a purposeful stride. "We'll take the main streets. It'll be easier to blend in that way."
Aphrodite, strolling beside her, smiled. "You say that, but with this group, blending in is impossible."
Allen glanced at them. "She's got a point. We stand out no matter where we go."
Athena didn't argue. It was true. Between Tiamat's otherworldly beauty, Aphrodite's irresistible charm, and Raviel's presence, there was no chance of going unnoticed. Not to mention Allen himself—his presence alone was enough to turn heads.
As they moved through the city, the people of Atlantis took notice, whispers and curious glances following them. Some recognized Athena and Aphrodite immediately, bowing their heads in respect. Others simply stared, clearly wondering what a group like this was doing walking the streets so casually.
Tiamat walked closer to Allen. "It's different from the last time we explored. There are more people watching."
Raviel chuckled. "Word must be spreading about someone's recent company."
Athena ignored the comment, instead focusing ahead. "We're close. The temple district is just beyond this plaza."
As they stepped into the open space, the grand temples of the Olympians came into view. Massive structures of gleaming stone stood proudly, each dedicated to a different god. Gold and bronze statues adorned the entrances, depicting the divine figures in all their majesty. The air felt heavier here, charged with divine authority.
Aphrodite slowed her pace slightly, looking up at her own temple with a thoughtful expression. "I wonder… Should I be offended or flattered that I have one of the largest shrines?"
Athena glanced at her. "You would see it that way."
Aphrodite just smiled.
Allen took in the sight of the temples. "So, what exactly are we looking for here?"
Athena crossed her arms. "For now, just observation. This district is important—understanding how it operates might be useful later."
Raviel smile. "And if we happen to run into an Olympian or two?"
Athena hesitated. "Then we'll deal with it as necessary."
Aphrodite grinned. "Oh, I hope we do. That'll make things more interesting."
With that, they continued forward, stepping deeper into the heart of the gods' domain.
....
As they moved further into the temple district, the presence of divine authority became more pronounced. The air itself felt thick with power, as if the Olympians were constantly watching over their domain.
Tiamat glanced around, her gaze lingering on the towering statues. "It feels…strange here."
Allen looked at her. "Strange how?"
Tiamat hesitated. "Like I'm being watched. Not just by people, but…something else."
Athena nodded. "That's normal. This district is heavily linked to the Machine Gods. Their influence lingers even when they aren't physically present."
Aphrodite stretched her arms. "Yes, yes. Divine authority and all that. But the real question is… Who's going to show up first?"
Before anyone could respond, a low hum filled the air, vibrating through the ground beneath them. A moment later, a golden light flickered at the entrance of one of the temples.
A woman stepped out.
Tall and imposing, she carried herself with effortless grace, her brown eyes scanning the plaza with sharp awareness. Her long, flowing hair shimmered under the sunlight, and her attire—a blend of armor and ceremonial robes—marked her as someone of importance.
Demeter.
Athena immediately straightened. "Demeter. What are you doing here."
Aphrodite smirked. "Since when did you care about that Athena."
Demeter's gaze landed on them, and for a moment, there was only silence. Then, she walked forward, each step deliberate.
When she finally stopped before them, her gaze settled on Allen. "Gaia told me to keep an eye on him too, Do you mind if I'm here Athena?"
"Yes... because today I am watching him"
But Demeter ignored her words.
Demeter studied him for a long moment. Then, without warning, she reached out and placed a hand on his chest.
Tiamat tensed. Athena's expression darkened. Even Aphrodite looked slightly surprised.
But Demeter didn't attack. Instead, she murmured, " It's strange, how your body can accompany the five true magic—simultaneously and it seems that you still don't go crazy because of that power. "
Allen remained still, waiting to see what she would do next.
Demeter's eyes narrowed slightly before she finally withdrew her hand. "Interesting."
Athena finally spoke. "Demeter. What are you doing here?"
Demeter glanced at her. "I am one of the Twelve. Do I need a reason to be in my own domain?"
Aphrodite chuckled. "No, but it's very convenient that you show up just as we arrive."
Demeter ignored her, turning back to Allen. "I will be watching you."
Then, without another word, she turned and walked away, disappearing back into the temple.
As soon as she was gone, Raviel grinned. "Well, that was dramatic."
Aphrodite sighed. "She could have at least stayed to chat."
Allen exhaled. "Looks like I've caught another god's attention."
Athena nodded. "That was inevitable. They won't ignore you for long."
Tiamat looked up at him. "Are you worried?"
Allen shook his head. "Not really. Just curious about what happens next."
Aphrodite smiled. "Oh, I know what happens next."
Athena gave her a warning look, but Aphrodite just laughed.
With the encounter lingering in their minds, they continued deeper into the temple district, knowing that more encounters were sure to come.
As they continued through the temple district, the atmosphere remained charged with the weight of divine presence. Even though Demeter had left, her brief interaction with Allen had stirred something—whether curiosity or concern, it was too soon to tell.
Athena walked slightly ahead, keeping her eyes on the path. "We should avoid unnecessary interactions for now. We've already drawn enough attention."
Aphrodite, walking beside Allen, chuckled. "But isn't that part of the fun? Who knows which other Olympian might drop by next?"
Tiamat, staying close to Allen, glanced around warily. "I still feel eyes on us."
Raviel grinned. "That's because they are watching. The gods aren't subtle when they're interested in something."
Allen kept his pace steady, unfazed by the idea of divine scrutiny. "Then let them watch. If they have something to say, they'll show up sooner or later."
Athena sighed but didn't argue. She knew he was right.
As they approached another temple—one of the grander structures in the district—the atmosphere shifted again. The faint hum of divine energy became more distinct, like a presence waiting just beyond the threshold.
And then, a voice called out.
"You certainly have a habit of drawing attention. What's more, your words seem to taunt the gods".
The group turned.
Standing near the temple's entrance, her expression composed but piercing, was Persephone.
Unlike Demeter's imposing presence, Persephone carried an air of quiet authority. Her long, dark hair framed a face that was both gentle and unreadable. Her deep violet eyes locked onto Allen with a mixture of curiosity and something deeper—an unreadable emotion lingering beneath her composed exterior.
Athena stiffened slightly. "Persephone."
Persephone nodded at her before turning her attention back to Allen. "I've heard whispers about you."
Allen met her gaze. "All good things, I hope."
Persephone didn't react to the remark. Instead, she took a slow step forward, observing him carefully. "The gods don't take interest in mortals lightly. And yet, here you are, surrounded by them."
Aphrodite smiled. "Jealous, Persephone?"
Persephone gave her a sidelong glance but ignored the comment. Instead, she addressed Allen directly. "You are…different. More than you appear."
Tiamat shifted closer to him. "He is himself," she said simply.
Persephone studied Tiamat briefly before looking back at Allen. "Perhaps. But that alone does not explain why you draw gods to your side."
Athena crossed her arms. "If you came to interrogate him, you'll be disappointed. Allen isn't hiding anything."
Persephone was silent for a moment before speaking again. "Perhaps not. But I will be watching."
Without another word, she turned, walking back toward the temple's entrance. But before stepping inside, she glanced over her shoulder at Allen. "Do not let your presence disturb the balance of this city."
Then she was gone.
Aphrodite sighed dramatically. "Another goddess intrigued. You really do have a way with us, don't you?"
Allen glanced at her. "That's not exactly my goal."
Raviel smirked. "Maybe not, but it's happening anyway."
Athena exhaled sharply. "This is going to get more complicated."
Allen glanced toward the temple where Persephone had disappeared. It was clear that his presence in Atlantis wasn't going unnoticed. And from the looks of it, more Olympians would be taking an interest soon enough.
For now, though, they continued forward, deeper into the heart of the gods' domain.
As they continued walking through the temple district, Allen glanced at Athena and Aphrodite, a question forming in his mind. Given what he knew about the Olympians and their origins, something about Persephone didn't quite add up.
He finally spoke. "So… Persephone. Is She's Demeter's daughter ?"
Athena gave him a brief look. "Yes."
Allen nodded. "And her father?"
Aphrodite smirked. "Oh? Curious about divine genealogy now?"
Allen shrugged. "Just wondering how she came to be. Most of the Olympians have a clear parentage, but Demeter… well, she doesn't exactly seem the type to share."
Allen asked this because he was curious whether she was really the daughter of Zeus.
Athena exhaled. "You're asking how Persephone could be born when Demeter has no known consort in this era."
Allen nodded. "Pretty much."
Aphrodite chuckled. "A reasonable question. But you should know by now—Olympians don't always follow human logic when it comes to birth."
Athena crossed her arms. "Persephone is considered Zeus' daughter in human story, but here, things are… different."
Allen raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"
Aphrodite leaned closer, eyes glinting with amusement. "She was created without a father. A pure-born goddess, shaped entirely from Demeter's divine essence."
Allen blinked. "You're telling me Demeter just… made her?"
Athena nodded. "In a sense. She willed Persephone into existence using her own divine authority. It's not common, but among high-ranking gods, such acts are possible."
Allen considered that. "So, she's entirely Demeter's? No father involved at all?"
Aphrodite laughed softly. "Exactly~ And that's what makes her so unique among us."
Tiamat, who had been quietly listening, tilted her head. "It's not that strange. I was also born without a father."
Allen glanced at her, then back at Athena. "So, divine beings can just… create life on their own?"
Athena's gaze was steady. "If they are powerful enough, yes."
Allen absorbed that information, glancing back toward the temple where Persephone had vanished. A goddess without a father, shaped entirely by her mother's will. That certainly explained why she carried herself differently from the others.
Aphrodite smiled knowingly. "Are you planning to ask her about it?"
Allen shook his head. "Just wanted to understand. Though, it does make me wonder…"
Athena raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
Allen glanced at Athena and Aphrodite, a lingering curiosity still tugging at his mind.
"So," he started, breaking the comfortable silence, "we talked about Persephone, but what about the rest of you? How did you all become gods in this era?"
Athena gave him a measured look, while Aphrodite merely smirked. "That's quite the question," the goddess of love said. "What brought this on, dear?"
Allen shrugged. "Just trying to get a clearer picture. You all exist as gods now, but were you always like this? Or was there a time when you weren't… well, divine?"
*****
I need coffee here, do you want to buy it for me?.
👉 suport me to buy me a ☕ link at: Patreon.com/RRam784
You can also support this FF by throwing your power stone at me.
Every bit of support means so much and helps me keep creating consistently. ❤️