"There is no decision that we can make that doesn't come with some sort of balance or sacrifice." – Simon Sinek

The sun was delightfully warm on her skin, and her cheeks were flushed red from the crisp wind.

What a marvelous day, Iris thought. Her golden wings fluttered as she flew on top of a rainbow and admired its beautiful blend of colors. Giggling, Iris twirled in midair before diving towards the earth below her.

Soon, the green grass and vibrant flowers that Demeter and her lovely daughter, Persephone, created came into view. Smiling, Iris trailed her hand along the crystal-clear blue lake, the water cool against her fingertips. Leave it to the mother and daughter duo to create such wonderful land.

Iris' form shimmered as she stepped onto the ground. Vividly red poppies decorated the vast, lush fields, splashes of white and yellow daisies also scattered amongst them. Tuscany transformed into a marvel—earth itself transformed into a wonder.

No fires scorched the land, no ichor dripped profusely from the heavens, no boulders flew over her head—everything was finally at peace. It had been years since Iris had known nothing but war, sprinting across the battlefields unseen and delivering messages amongst the gods, now the newly-appointed Olympians. She was a peaceful goddess and being their messenger had been enough.

When the Titan War finally ended, Iris had been overjoyed at the prospect of peace, but became terribly distraught when she watched her sister, Arke, thrown into Tartarus with the Titans. Her sister's beautiful, iridescent wings had been also been torn by Zeus, and to this day, Iris could never forget Arke's screams while she plummeted into the abyss.

Iris clutched her caduceus tightly. There was no point thinking about that now. She had to look forward, to the better future, and hope for the best.

Faint laughter sounded from the distance, carried easily by the gentle wind. Smiling, Iris followed Persephone's melodious voice on foot, foregoing to travel through her rainbows. The grass tickled her feet but she didn't mind. Soon, she saw Persephone's blonde head bobbing through the flower fields. Demeter was not too far as she obliged to the child's small games.

Iris watched the two dance and laugh across the meadows, accompanied by some dryads who were Demeter's attendants. She almost sighed contently. If she could live in this moment forever, she would be happy for all eternity.

The older goddess soon noticed her presence and nodded slightly in acknowledgment. She whispered in Persephone's ear before gently pushing her towards the dryads, giving them a stern look as if daring them to hurt or lose sight of her precious daughter. The dryads merely grinned and took off with Persephone, who squealed at the prospect of playing another game.

"Iris," Demeter said, approaching her, "what brings you here?"

She was beautiful, with long, wheat-blonde hair and warm brown eyes. She wore green robes and a crown of woven corn leaves and poppies around her head. Though Demeter was kind, she was an Olympian, a being superior to Iris who was only a minor goddess.

Iris bowed. "Lady Demeter, I bring a message from Lord Zeus."

Demeter sighed. "What does he want now?"

"He requests you bring Persephone up to Olympus."

Demeter's eyes hardened. "Does he take me for a fool? I have been very specific with my demands. I won't bring her there."

Iris nodded, though her stomach churned at the possibility of Zeus' anger. She had spent too many times calming his raging storms, but was still quite proud that she was the only one who could. "I will notify Lord Zeus of your answer, my lady."

"Thank you, Iris." Demeter's face softened. "And how have you been doing? I see that they are working you to the bone again, like always."

Iris smiled. "It is nothing I cannot handle. Hermes has taken some of my workload and has been very efficient so far. I mostly deliver messages for Lord Zeus and Lady Hera now."

"Ah yes, Hermes is a clever boy." Demeter pursed her lips. "If only Zeus had any of his work ethic, we would not have to deal with such trivial conflicts. How many children does he have now?"

It was meant to be a sarcastic comment, but Iris laughed anyways. "I have already lost count, my lady. I'm sure it has risen significantly. The abundance of mortals is simply a feast for Lord Zeus." Her caduceus hummed lowly and quivered in her hand. "I am sorry, my lady, but I must continue with my other duties."

"Of course. Travel safely, dear. And if Zeus gives you a hard time, come to me. I will deal with him personally."

"Thank you. I wish you and your daughter well. I am certain she will grow to be a beautiful woman, just like her mother."

Demeter smiled fondly. "Thank you."

Iris bowed in farewell before summoning a rainbow and quickly taking flight, her wings unfurling behind her and lifting her to the skies. The sound of Persephone's and the dryads' laughter grew gradually softer behind her until there was nothing but her and the wind.

This call was certainly different.

It was not from an Olympian, Lord Zeus, or Lady Hera, but a mortal—Iris' favorite mortal to be exact.

The rainbow goddess had grown upset over the years ever since mankind started worshipping the gods. Though she was acknowledged in a few tales, her godhood was demeaned into nothing but a messenger. Hermes was much more revered than she was (although she harbored no ill-will towards the younger god).

She may not have outsmarted a deity when she was a child or tricked a powerful being to sleep, but she was relevant too, thank you very much. The rainbow was the bridge between Olympus and the mortal realm, a link between two worlds—and she was the one who controlled it. She just liked some credit where credit was due. Was that too much to ask for?

That was why she grew fond of the Giglio Nero Famiglia, one of the very few who worshipped her. Since she had no sacred shrines herself, the small family went out of their way to create one for her and she had never been so delighted. Though she was not powerful like the Olympians, she was still a goddess. She had blessed the family with the power to control their life-force as a high-density energy form, taking on the seven forms of the rainbow. Nonetheless, she was very pleased with the result. Its name was also quite amusing—Dying Will Flames, was it?

When her feet touched the carpet of Sepira's bedroom, Iris hid her presence and curiously watched the woman sitting by the empty fireplace. Sepira was a mysterious mortal, but not dangerous. Her prayers were always kind and well-meaning. She never asked for anything in return from the goddess and sacrificed frequently, which always delighted Iris. Sepira also had the ability to see the future, which was astonishing since she was neither associated with the Oracle of Delphi nor any of Apollo's temples.

Iris had always been intrigued by Sepira, but never revealed herself to ask her any questions. She would simply accept her prayers and move on.

However, this time her prayer was urgent, almost a request. Iris had thought of revealing herself but went against it. It wouldn't be right. She would have to wait.

Iris froze when Sepira's cloudy blue eyes looked directly at her. That was impossible. Could she see through the Mist? Very few mortals could, but it was a possibility. Iris hoped it was that instead of Sepira being an unknown enemy. She didn't think she'd have the heart to smite her, but that would be better than Zeus hurling one of his thunderbolts at the woman.

Sepira smiled gently. "Iris, thank you for receiving my call."

Iris shifted on her feet. Should she reveal herself or just leave? Yet, her curiosity got the best of her and she stepped forward, her form shimmering as she transformed into her mortal form. Her wings disappeared and her caduceus vanished, making her feel naked and vulnerable.

"Sepira," she said, nodding in greeting, "you have called for me."

"Yes. Please, sit."

Iris moved gracefully towards the chair across the other woman and sat down, perusing the room for anything amiss. Nothing so far. She couldn't fathom what was going on or why the mortal called for her, but she was too curious to leave.

"Would you like some tea?" Sepira poured a cup. "It's quite delicious."

Iris didn't touch it. "Thank you." She tilted her head. "Why have you called for me?"

The blind woman smiled, suddenly appearing older than she seemed. Iris tensed. Was Sepira an enemy? A threat to the gods? Iris cursed. Had she been tricked? Her hand twitched, tempted to call her caduceus back. If anything, she could destroy Sepira right now, although her heart felt heavy at the prospect.

"Relax, young one. I do not harbor any ill intentions nor do I wish to harm you."

Sepira's form then flickered, briefly transforming into a blindfolded woman with lovely cheeks and blue robes, before reverting to her current disguise.

Iris gasped. She immediately fell to her knees and bowed. "Lady Themis, forgive me. I did not know it was you."

Themis patted Iris' head. "Rise, child. There is no need for that."

Iris reluctantly looked up. "What are you doing here, Lady Themis? Have you been Sepira this whole time?"

"Yes, and I will explain. Now please, do sit up. I would like to face you while speaking." Themis' face—No, Sepira's face was gentle as she helped Iris up.

"You disappeared for some time, my lady," Iris said quietly. "Lord Zeus was very upset. It took days to calm his storms."

Themis looked at her sympathetically. "Yes, I know. I apologize that you had to go through that, child. Zeus can be a handful and you controlled him admirably."

Iris flushed, suddenly finding the carpet interesting. It was thick, red, and soft underneath her feet. "It is nothing, my lady. I am used to his temper now."

"You are so much more, child. It's a pity you cannot see that."

Iris blinked. "You…believe so, my lady?"

Themis nodded. "Yes, and that is why I called for you. I request your help."

Iris perked up. "My help? If you ask for it, I will most certainly help to the best of my capabilities."

Themis smiled. "Thank you, child, but I do not wish to force you. It is your choice."

"And we both know what she will choose," another voice said.

Iris jumped when a door suddenly appeared beside her. A tall, two-faced man walked out while the door vanished in a swirl behind him. He glanced at Iris, who found it hard to look at both his faces at once, before bowing towards Themis. Iris couldn't tell if he was smiling or sneering at her.

Themis nodded towards the Roman god. "Impeccable timing as always, Janus."

"Anything for you, Lady Themis!" his right face said. "You call, I come."

"Thank you. Please, make yourself comfortable. Would you like some tea?"

"Yes, please!" and "No" were said at the same time. Themis took it all in stride, pouring another cup for him.

"Now that we are all here, I will explain. Janus already knows the situation." Themis looked towards Iris, who shivered from the intensity in her blue eyes. "After the Titan War and being spared by Zeus, I came here to check on the Tri-ni-set. You may not know of it, child, but it is what keeps the world, our universe, in balance. Janus and I had created it long before the world was created and have protected it all this time."

Iris widened her eyes. Tri-ni-set—Judging from what Themis told her, it was certainly powerful, maybe even more powerful than the gods. "I understand, my lady, but how can I possibly help? Not that I am doubting your power, but it seems like it is in good hands."

Themis sighed wearily. "Janus and I had others who helped us protect it, but they were killed during the war. The two of us cannot protect it on our own. We have already discussed this beforehand but we need your help in order to secure its power. If the Tri-ni-set falls into the wrong hands, it will bring utter destruction and leave this world in ruins. It will make any war seem like nothing but child's play."

Iris paled. A calamity worse than any war? She doubted she could stand the chaos if the world's balance disrupted. Straightening herself, Iris nodded determinedly. "Of course, my lady. I will offer any assistance you need."

Themis smiled. "Thank you. You will forever be in my debt."

"Oh no, my lady. I couldn't possibly. I am more than happy to assist you. There is no need to pay me back. How can I help? Do you need to hide it somewhere else more secure? There are some places I know that can be suitable."

Themis shook her head. "No, I cannot risk hiding them. Things hidden will eventually be found."

"We have already chosen what we will do with them," Janus said. "You'll just help carry them out."

Iris pursed her lips. "And what exactly is the Tri-ni-set, my lord?"

Themis waved her hand before a simple wooden box appeared on the table. She unclasped it, revealing seven different-colored stones. "This is the Tri-ni-set. Each attains its own power." She held up a Carnelian, a lustrous orange mineral. A rush of warmth surged through Iris' body—it felt undeniably like home. "This is the most important one. It binds the other stones together."

"Like the sky," Iris said, admiring the stone's brilliant orange sheen. The color reminded her of the fire of a sunset.

Themis smiled. "Yes." She gestured at the other stones. "And they are also like the sky's elements, don't you think?"

"Rain, Cloud, Sun, Mist, Lightening, and Storm," Iris muttered, ghosting her hand amongst the stone rings. "They are…like the rainbow."

Themis nodded. "Yes. That is why I called you here, child. You are the goddess of the rainbow; the sky, clouds, sea, and wind are all within your domain. I have not forgotten what you blessed the Giglio Nero Famiglia with—I am grateful for that—and I know that they will prove useful for the bearers of these rings."

Iris' smile grew wider when the Titaness acknowledged her godhood before she tilted her head. "The bearers? Are you planning on giving them to some of the Olympians, my lady?"

Janus' left face sneered. "Humans—she wants to give them to mortals."

"They are quite the interesting specimen," his right face said. "I've grown quite fond of the eastern world. Their deities are peculiar but fascinating."

"Stop blabbering."

"Janus," Themis said, "we have already discussed this. We have also seen what will happen if we do not entrust these to their rightful owners."

Iris shivered. The Titaness' visions were always true and all the gods took them seriously. She had built the Oracle of Delphi herself before Apollo became her guardian. Iris had a feeling that she would not like the plan as she was much fonder of the mortals than the Olympians were.

Themis placed a comforting hand on Iris' hand. "It is alright, child. All I ask is that you help us gather the seven bearers when the time comes for it. That is all. You do not need to get involved any further."

Iris chewed her lip despite herself. By accepting this task, she would seal seven mortals to a cursed fate. Even though she did not know who they were, she couldn't help but pity them.

"Small sacrifices are necessary to prevent greater ones," Janus said, eerily calm.

Iris could not tell which face spoke and she didn't want to know.

"Janus," Themis said, giving the god a small look.

Iris played with a strand of her pale blonde hair, a nervous habit that Lady Hera gently scolded her for. If she did not do it, the balance of the world would be in danger and she absolutely did not want that. She didn't even want to think about the repercussions if it did happen.

"Why me, my lady?" she said quietly. "Certainly Lord Hermes or another Olympian would be more suited for this task."

"Because it cannot be carried out by anyone else but you," the Titaness said. "You have extraordinary gifts, child, and a kind heart. I would think of no one else more fitting. Do not worry. I will give you a week's time to think. You know where to find me."

Iris took a shaky breath. "I…will do it, my lady. I may not like it, but I do not want to see the world in danger."

Themis nearly beamed. "Thank you. When the time comes, I will call for you."

Iris nodded. "Of course."

"Swear on it," Janus's right face said. "This is something you cannot go back on."

Iris hesitated before summoning her pitcher filled with water from the River Styx. She raised her hand. "I solemnly swear on the River Styx that I will protect the Tri-ni-set to the best of my capabilities and do whatever I can to ensure its protection."

A low hum reverberated in the air, signaling the acknowledgment of her oath. Iris had never felt much colder than she did now.

Themis smiled. "You are doing the right thing, Iris. Do not fret."

Iris took a deep breath as her pitcher vanished. "I know, my lady. Thank you for trusting me. I am deeply honored."

"Of course, child." Themis patted Iris' hand. "You may go now. I do not want to take too much of your time from your duties."

"Thank you, my lady. I will wait for your call."

Summoning her caduceus, Iris shifted back into her godly form. Her golden wings expanded behind her as she summoned a faint rainbow by the windows. She bowed towards Themis and Janus.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Lord Janus."

"It was a pleasure as well, Lady Iris" and "Just leave" were said at the same time. Iris didn't know whether to be amused or annoyed. The Roman god was an enigma but she hoped they wouldn't meet again. She wasn't too fond of the Roman gods.

"Iris," Themis said, "please do not tell anyone else of our meeting. I do not wish to burden them or Zeus."

Ah, yes—Themis had been Zeus' second wife and his counsel before she disappeared. Iris didn't know how he would react to her place on earth. She nodded. "As you wish, my lady. Though I do hope you come back soon. Lord Zeus would be very happy."

"In due time, child. Travel safely."

"Thank you, my lady."

With that, Iris took off, the wind tousling her hair and the sun warm on her back. The rainbow's beautiful colors shimmered around her, as if reminding her what a wonderful thing she possessed, as if to pacify her doubts.

She couldn't help but smile.

Important Figures

Iris: Greek goddess of the rainbow, sky, clouds, sea, weather, and air

Demeter: Greek goddess of Agriculture

Persephone: Greek goddess of springtime, flowers, fertility, and young life

Themis: Ancient Greek Titaness of divine order, fairness, law, natural law, and custom

Janus: Minor Roman god of choices, doorways, beginnings, and endings

Zeus: Greek god of the sky, weather, air, lightening, honor, and justice

Hera: Greek goddess of marriage, motherhood, women, and familial love

Oracle of Delphi: A speaker of the prophecies of Apollo

A/N … :^)

I couldn't help it, peeps. This idea kept bugging me in one of my classes (which is coincidentally about magic in ancient Rome) and I just had to write it. KHR just has some amazing things to play with. It really does.

To clarify on a couple of things: Iris is Luce. Luce is Iris. They are the same person, which I find fitting since "luce" also means "light" in Italian and Iris is the goddess of the rainbow. No more explanation there. She will also be the temporary Sky Arcobaleno until Tsuna comes later in the picture, hehe. The other details will be presented in the next couple of chapters, as I plan to show how she gathered the Arcobaleno and their dynamics prior to them taking the Tri-ni-set. This arc of the story is pre-Percy Jackson itself and the story might take off around The Lightening Thief arc. I thought it would be fun to see how different PJO would be when the Arcobaleno is involved, hehe. Plus, guess who Janus will be later.

Since the KHR canon didn't really get into the Giglio Nero Famiglia's background or Sepira, I thought it was actually perfect to have Greek mythology thrown in there to fill in some of the holes. I hope it worked out fine.

Also, it's been a while since I've read the books. I didn't go too far in The Heroes of Olympus series, but I was a huge fan of the first series when it first came out. Greek/Roman mythology is just fascinating and I look forward to incorporating it with KHR! I haven't thought too much about the Vongola or Mare Rings since I'm still trying to think if the mafia aspect would be too much for the story, but let me know if you'd like to see them, too! If not, I'm going to be strictly revolving it around the Arcobaleno (and Tsuna). I already have some ideas for the Tenth Generation and how they'll be integrated in the story. Just throwing it out there that Greek mythology won't be the only things in play. ;^)

There will definitely be interactions between KHR and PJO and I'm just extremely excited to get to them! I hope you're just as excited as I am!

I hope to see you in the next chapter soon! Leave a thought or two if you can. Thank you for reading!

Have a lovely day~

Little Miss Bunny

Revised: 5/3/2018