Mercury's Trails

Chapter 8: Iris

"Who am I? Who am I? I am your daughter and I searched day and night for you. Where did you go?" "I remember you, yes, your my baby's step-sister that is a know-it-all. You are a potential threat to my daughter, yes I remember now." "No, I am your daughter, and I've missed you. Why did you leave me!?" "Oh my baby I am so sorry, I heard you wrong! I've missed you too, but I had to leave. Zeus was warning me that danger was approaching you because of me. I didn't want you to get hurt." She stepped out of the fountain, and hugged me. I gripped her, I didn't want to let her go, ever. We sat down on the floor, and we began to talk. As we talked, I wondered where Meghan was. I looked around and Meghan was in the back, away from Iris. She was pale and she looked mad. I felt bad, she wanted to hug Iris because she knows her as mom, not Iris. Iris looked around, and she seen who I was looking at. Meghan grew restless as Iris watched her for a few moments. Iris flicked her hand, and Meghan scooted closer to us. Iris looked Meghan in the eyes, and she bear hugged both of us. "I'm sorry that I said that about you, it was very immature of me." Iris said. Meghan replied, "it's OK, I know you were trying to protect Decana." Iris held Meghan hands, and looked her right in the eyes. "I really missed you guys, but I'm afraid our time is running out." I'll have to leave shortly to go back. Maybe I can take you there one day. Have a picnic or something." I sniffled, I didn't want her to go, but I knew she had to. "That would be nice." I responded. We gave her a hug and then she gave me a gift. It was a necklace, it was shaped like a rainbow and a cloud. She stepped into the fountain, and as she disappeared, I noticed a tear slip down her cheek. "Bye Mama!" I said as she left us in the dark. I put on the necklace and I turned to Meghan. I hugged her and said, "it's your turn, have fun." She threw her coin and there she was. In all her glory, there was Athena.