It was party time the next day for our beloved duo.
Donald, who usually hated suits, was doing his best to look presentable. Athena on the other hand, wore a casual dress like she couldn't care less. Contrary to what the old lady had told them, the venue was packed - couples everywhere.
The lady greeted them warmly at the entrance. "Welcome! I'm Martha and this is my husband, Harold Griffin."
The atmosphere was light. Music played, laughter echoed and there was plenty to eat and drink. Donald eased into the party quickly, Athena though, stayed alert. Her eyes scanned the crowd, suspecting everybody. My Griffin gave a heartfelt speech.
"I never wanted to marry or have
children. Then I saw Martha at a bar.
She smiled, I smiled back - and I thought
She'd be just another fling. Fifty years
later I haven't let her go
It was the simple things that made me
fall for her. The simple things that led to
marriage. And the simple things that
have kept us together for fifty beautiful
years - and hopefully, more to come.
As he finished, Martha spoke softly but firmly:
"My husband was my knight in shining
armour. That may sound like a cliché
now, but I'm a simple woman, ours is a
tale of two opposite worlds coming
together…and somehow, the complex
became simple."
They kissed - deeply, passionately. Applause erupted. Some guests even cried. Athena didn't move! She started blankly, emotionless.
Their eldest son later announced an after -party for the younger couples. Donald and Athena, pretending to be one themselves, decided to go along.
The After - Party
It was held at a bar - a loud, Vibrant place, Heavy music, strong drinks, flirtatious dancing. Donald and Athena sat at the side, observing.
"My spear is cool," Athena said suddenly, "but your retractable rod, really impressive."
Donald chuckled. "Thanks. I get that a lot - even from my enemies."
He turned to her, more serious now. "If you don't want to return to Olympus, why fight so hard for your relics?"
Donald looked away, thoughtful. "Because even if I don't want to be active again, I don't want anyone thinking, they can mess with me and every time I use my powers, it drains me, it makes me feel weak and sick. I'm not what I used to be. So I need them back for stability. She looked at him."The priest was right about you," Athena said.
"Huh?"
"You're a great warrior."
"I don't feel like one." Donald muttered "Not after what happened nine months ago…"
"It's not just your fighting skills. It's your humanity. Your connection with the kids. Your heart. Your mind."
They both laughed, the tension melting - for a second.
Then temptation walked in - in the form of a drunk, arrogant man, he made Vulgar Comments about Athena. Donald warned her not to engage, but when the man reached out to touch her, she stood up.
Leave me alone. I'm with him," she said, pointing at Donald.
"I don't see any man with you," he scoffed.
Donald stood. "I'm right here."
The man pushed him and he pushed the man back.
The man slapped Donald and chaos broke loose. Mr Griffin's son tried to step in but was punched to the floor. One of his goons grabbed Athena because she slapped the harasser and he moved to retaliate.
Donald pushed him.
"You'll watch your man get beaten for touching me! His goons surrounded Donald and began punching him mercilessly. The man laughed as Donald took hit after hit.
Athena's eyes widened. Something snapped.
She grabbed the nearest thug and threw him across the room; Sending him through the bar's entrance - and three blocks away
Martial arts was second nature to her. Her divine strength still flickered inside her. She didn't just fight the rest - She destroyed them. Not a single blow touched her.
She pinned the harasser to the floor. She first raised, trembling with fury - but she stopped.
"I have a better idea," she said coldly
"How many people here has this man harassed? She asked the crowd. Dozens of women raised their hands.
"You're going to apologize to each of them. One by one."
He nodded, terrified. Everyone clapped, Women approached her with thanks in their eyes
Later, Donald was rushed to the hospital. His cheek still purple, Donald managed a crooked thumbs-up.
The Wind, the Window, the Moment
That night, the breeze blew softly. Donald sat by his bedroom window, bandaged and thoughtful. Athena sat across from him.
"You're a warrior," she said, "why let yourself get beaten up?"
Donald looked down. "When I'm outside as DonGold, I don't wear a mask. People see my face, I change part of my hair and eye color but it's not enough, I can't risk being linked to DonGold - so I don't show my martial arts skills.
"Why didn't you sneak off like you always do? So I heard!
"There wasn't time. I just… couldn't stand there and let that man touch you.
She stared at him longer than usual, He leaned in. She did too. His breathing rate increased and so did hers, their eyes both closed, Donald's right hand was already rooted on her waist as they slowly drew closer to each other,Their lips inches away -
"No, no…." Athena pulled back. "We can't do this."
Donald stood abruptly. "Y- Yeah, sorry I-I shouldn't have -"
He ran out of the room embarrassed
Why did I lean in to kiss a mortal? She thought. Am I falling for a human?
Before she could get lost in her thoughts. Wendy brought a phone to her.
"Someone's asking for you."
"Hello?" Athena said cautiously
It was the priest.
"Peace be unto you," he said cheerfully
"What's going on with you Oh Mother of wisdom?"
Athena's fingers tightened around the phone, her mind running in circles
"This is a phone, you know. A modern mortal communication device?'
"I know what a phone is," she said dryly. "I've been on earth. But how did you get this number?"
He laughed "goddess or not, I'm still here to help you avoid catastrophe and get back your glory."
Athena confided in him. The challenges. The emotions. The choices. The priest offered encouragement, and perhaps more wisdom than she expected.
Later, she stood atop the tallest building in Stamford, gazing down at the city - just like she once looked down on earth from Olympus. Was it the same? Not quite. But something about it stirred her
Meanwhile, Donald sat at the window, his head full of regrets
Was it really worth it? He asked himself
Wendy popped into Athena's room when she returned.
I'm having a girls' night soon," she said. "You should join us. I know you may not be into that kind of thing, but I think you'll like it."
Athena smiled faintly. "I'll love to join " Wendy left excited
Why did I almost kiss a mortal? She thought again.
Am I still a celibate goddess?