Chapter Text
Athena strode into the throne room of Olympus. She immediately garnered everyone's attention, coming directly to the king of the gods on her own volition. but she ignored the prying eyes. Athena had to get her father to help Odysseus. She had to.
Zeus was reclining on his throne, looking bored. He lit up when Athena walked inside, smiling at her. That was good. If he was in a happy mood, then it would be easier to get him to agree.
"Father, god king, rarely do I ask for favors," Athena called. "But I must ask for your help. My friend, Odysseus, is trapped on the island of Ogygia. I wish to help him return home."
"You seek divine intervention, my daughter?" Zeus raised an eyebrow. "For that mortal? Odysseus has risked the ire of the gods for his actions."
Athena's heart sank. Of course her father would be obstinate.
But then, Zeus yawned and seemed to consider it.
"However, I am in a forgiving mood today. If you truly wish to help that mortal, why not make it a game?"
Athena gritted her teeth but hid it well. Of course her father would turn it into a game. But she had to play along if she was to have any hope of helping Odysseus.
"Very well, father. You are very merciful." Athena complimented. Zeus preened and Athena vanished. She would come back later, once Zeus' game was ready.
Hang on, Odysseus. I'll get you off that island.
It was not long before Athena heard summons from the king of the gods. She returned only to find herself in a giant arena. The surrounding stands were already full of spectators, whom Athena noted to be minor gods and lesser deities.
In the center of the arena were twelve artificial floating islands. Each was more different from the last, embellished with what Athena recognized to be symbols of the twelve Olympians.
But I am here, and I do not see Poseidon.
"Welcome, Athena." Zeus called. Again he was on his throne, which took up most of the space on the last floating island. "You have arrived just in time for our game."
"What are the rules?" Athena asked, cutting straight to the point.
"The rules are simple. Convince each of them that Odysseus ought to be released, and I'll release them." Zeus smiled.
That should be easy. Athena was the goddess of wisdom after all. But she mustn't get cocky. Odysseus had given into his hubris and look where that had gotten him.
"Who's them?"
"Apollo, Hephaestus, Dionysus, Hermes, Aphrodite, Ares, Hades, Artemis, Demeter, Hestia, Hera, and me. What do you say?"
So it was the remaining twelve Olympians with Hades and Hestia. Athena wasn't that surprised that her dramatic father had summoned Hades from the Underworld simply to take part in this game of his. Athena didn't understand why Poseidon wasn't here, but she decided to not look a gift horse in the mouth. It was a good thing he was absent. Poseidon would never agree to letting Odysseus go.
"Bring it." She spoke, and flew to the first island.