Kore glanced down at the water, blinking at her reflection.

Eventually, she thought, I will have to ask Mother.

She felt a cool touch on her sun-kissed shoulder. Turning to look, she smiled at Athena, her sister, who was visiting for the week.

"Your mother requests your presence," The goddess of Wisdom rolled her eyes.

Kore nodded softly, trailing behind Athena's tall figure as they head up the hill, towards the place Kore called home for seventeen years.

Athena raised her fine eyebrow at Kore. Intelligence sparkled in Athena's grey eyes, as she analyzed Kore's every move. The younger goddess wilted under the scrutiny like an aging flower would.

"I feel a shift in your person" The elder goddess murmured as Kore made it over the hillside.

If the young spring goddess had heard Athena, Kore made no recollection.

Opening her mouth to speak, Athena was struck silent by the crackle of lightning; a loud voice boomed over her thoughts, causing the goddess of Wisdom to grasp for her younger sibling.

Kore stilled, her pale jade eyes wide, turning to look at Athena's scowling face.

Athena could feel the anger boiling inside the stone walls, and thought it wise to keep Kore out of it.

"You brought Father along?" Kore's young face hardened. Athena sighed.

The screams of Demeter triggered the young girl into action. Kore raced past her sister, and searched for her mother.

Kore spotted her parents' quarrel in the lounging area. Afraid of punishment, Kore decided to remain behind the wall to peek. Covertly stealing a glance, Kore spotted them; Her mother stood strong, even when her father trapped mother with his body like a serpent would its prey.

Demeter would bow down to no one, especially him. Zeus should know by now that Demeter would rather cut off her own breasts than submit herself to him; she would never fall for his charms again. She had to protect her daughter from the treachery of men. Kore was the only gift that came from the evil of men. That's why she had to keep her isolated and protected.

Zeus glared down at Demeter's beautiful face, reminiscing the difference ways that face looked when pleasuring her. A strong sensation had spread beyond his navel; his mind started to fog with fantasies of the past.

Demeter knew the look that Zeus was giving her, his clear azure gaze now reflected that of a storm. Zeus was desire-filled fool, constantly craving a woman's touch at his beck and call. He had fooled Demeter once into his bed, and it had only ended in her tears. Because he chose Hera, her beloved sister, for his Queen, leaving Demeter alone and bitter. Demeter ran to her mother, Rhea, sobbing until Demeter realized that Zeus' betrayal gifted her with a child. As her womb swelled, Demeter promised herself that her child would never endure the pain of love like she did. His firm grip under her chin took her took her out of her thoughts. She let out a shaky breath.

"Mother?" Kore whimpered, her tiny figure shaking slightly.

Zeus abruptly released his hold on Demeter. The said goddess reached for her child, sobbing when Kore became locked in her embrace. Demeter had let Zeus take many things from her in the past-like her innocence, and heart-but Demeter would never allow Zeus totake Kore from her. All knew that Demeter controlled the Earth, and all that lives on it-including Zeus' worshippers-but they both knew that she could take his worshippers away with the flick of the wrist. Zeus' reign of power depended on her happiness.

Demeter was elated that her Kore was safe and in her arms. Demeter rained her daughter's hair with kisses.

Zeus felt Athena's presence before words were exchanged.

"She's ready." Zeus shifted on the balls of his feet, balancing the concept.

"That is if the Fates' will allow it," Athena smirked at her father.

Zeus raised his palm to the Heavens, and with a crackling snap, he vanished.

"Men, so typically. . .leaving the woman to clean up the mess," Athena said, leaving the dramatic scene.

Kore simpered against her mother's breast at her sister's bold words.