Chapter Text
Olympus in the past
Athena looked up at her brother in disbelief over what he had just said.
“No. . .” she shook her head, “That can’t be right.”
“Athena, I am so sorry,” Hermes frowned. He loved delivering messages but having to inform his sister of her own betrothal was something that he didn’t enjoy. “Believe me, I understand. I wouldn’t want to marry Ares either.” Although the messenger god offered a weak smile, he couldn’t bring himself to do anything more to make light of the situation.
Although it had already been 900 years since Olympus won against the sea. It felt like it happened only yesterday. No one was allowed to speak of Poseidon but it was still taking time for everyone to adjust to having only 11 Olympians. Hermes looked down as he remembered the night of the trial. As shocked as he felt, he hadn’t felt as affected as his sister who currently stood before him. Hermes thought about the tears his sister shed that night and the way she holed herself up at home for the days to come. It was reasonable considering her history with Poseidon. Athena claimed to be completely over him and while most of Olympus believed that, Hermes had trouble doing so. Now here he hovered, giving news that he personally considered to be as atrocious as the man it regarded. The messenger couldn’t help but feel slightly guilty which was odd because he rarely felt that way. Although the green-haired god wasn’t particularly close to Athena, the two still had a good relationship. Perhaps that was why the news bothered him so much.
“Does Ares know?” the goddess whispered, her voice refusing to come out.
“Not yet. I chose to tell you before Ares so you could have some time to process.”
It was also true that Hermes appreciated mischief; however, there was absolutely nothing to gain from telling a good woman that she’d been chosen as Ares’ bride to be. Although he liked making fun of Ares, he wasn’t truly all too fond of him.
“Thank you Hermes. I . . . I need to go talk to Zeus. I have some questions to ask him.” Athena sighed. Hermes nodded and flew away. He pondered going to Ares immediately or waiting a while to give his sister time. Although he could get it out of the way if he went immediately, Hermes dreaded approaching Ares with the news. The messenger shuddered as he imagined his brother’s reaction. It was no secret that Ares was obsessed with fighting Athena but many didn’t know that the obsession didn’t end there. Not even Aphrodite, if she had . . . Hermes sighed at the thought. Aphrodite would hear about the engagement soon enough and although he’d have much fun observing and gossiping, he felt a heavy amount of pity for his sister. As he flew by, he passed Apollo’s palace. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to stop by and say hello to his favorite brother. Or he could use Apollo as an excuse to leave as soon as possible after telling Ares. He could say Apollo was waiting for him and then he could speed off. That sounded much more appealing.
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.
.
Athena looked miserable as stepped out of her father’s office. After making sure she was far enough away, she stopped to lean back onto a pillar and squeezed her eyes shut as she pinched the bridge of her nose. She just couldn’t believe it. According to the conversation she just had, the reason Zeus was so adamant on the relationship was because Ares had been acting out too much and needed a wife to lock him down. The wife in question just so happened to be Athena as she was one who had easily defeated him on multiple occasions. Of course it made sense that she’d be able to keep Ares in check. The issue was that she didn’t want to. It was such a ridiculous reason to force her into marriage. The goddess shook her head at the absurdity of it. From the look on her father’s face, she could tell that that wasn’t the whole truth but it was clear that it was part of it. She wondered if it was a way to keep her in line due to the fact that she was questioning Poseidon’s rebellion, but she’d been careful to cover her tracks so as to not let him find out and grow concerned over her loyalty. Athena considered the Fates only for a moment before remembering that they were banished from Olympus after Poseidon’s rebellion. Perhaps it was best to talk to Iolo and know his thoughts.
Letting out a sigh, the goddess of wisdom once again started on her way out. This time, she was stopped by a deep voice calling her name.
“Ares,” Athena greeted as she turned around to face him.
“It seems I got here just in time. Hermes said I might find you here.”
“So you’ve heard the news. Listen, I know things have been rough between us, especially since the Trojan War, but if we work together then maybe we can convince Zeus to change his mind on us. Or we could go to Hera and-”
“I don’t want to.”
Athena’s eyebrows furrowed upon hearing that. “What? Why not?”
Ares stepped closer as his counterpart continued to stare at him in confusion.
“I have you in my grasp right now. What makes you think I would let you go?”
“Well, you already have Aphrodite and you’ve been with several mortal women, what could you possibly want from me? We’ve already fought several times in the past already so I don’t understand what you could possibly gain from this marriage that you don’t have thus far.” The goddess looked away in frustration.
Ares reached his hand forward to grab Athena’s chin, angling her face toward his.
“What I get out of our marriage is you. I desire to face the strongest warrior and win. It just so happens that you hold that title, and now, I don’t just want to defeat you, I want to conquer you. In every way.”
The war goddess removed the war god’s hand from her face.
“In every way? I’m afraid I don’t follow.” she flashed a disgusted smile praying to herself that he wasn’t implying what she thought he was while she backed away. This was done much to Ares’ annoyance.
“You’re smarter than this Athena, you’re my other half, my goddess. I know you know exactly what I mean. It may take time to pound you in battle but it won’t be that way in bed. After all, that’s one thing you don’t have experience in.”
The silver-haired goddess continued to move away from him. Despite his gentle tone, his words made her sick to her stomach.
“Ares, say you’re joking and I’m willing to forget this ever happened.” Athena warned, despite her trying to keep her composure, she couldn’t hide the anger in her eyes. Even though Ares had shown how much of a stalker he could be, she always assumed it was related to fighting. Never had she guessed he’d feel such a way for her.
The two gods locked eyes, Athena’s bright eyes glaring into Ares’ dull eyes. The red-headed god scoffed.
“It’s only a matter of time before we begin waking up together, there shouldn’t be an issue talking about what we do in our bed!”
“You’re sick Ares! That’s not happening any time soon!”
“Do you expect me to believe you’ll really defy Zeus!?”
“He only said we have to get married, he never said when !”
Upon hearing that, Ares’ eyes narrowed. He stalked closer whereas Athena stood firm refusing to back away anymore.
“We’ll see about that.” the war god growled. With that, he disappeared, leaving the war goddess alone. Athena released the fists she hadn’t even realized she had curled. She hadn’t expected him to act like that but then again, the day had been proving to be full of surprises. The bright-eyed goddess let out a sigh and returned to her palace. If she was to stall her wedding for as long as possible, she had many things to prepare.