Petals on The Moon || Reyna Ramirez-Arellano x Fem!OC

LXXXII

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Dear Diary,

"So, what exactly is this supposed to be?" Jason asked curiously. The building was large, with massive columns and intricate carvings in the stone. "I understand it's a replica of some sort-"

"It's a replica of the Parthenon," Suki explained, "which was the most famous temple the Greeks had to Athena- technically Minerva in her earlier form."

Seb nodded deeply, studying the architecture. "Naturally, Rome destroyed it when they took over the Mediterranean. So, they rebuilt it here... in Nashville... the music capital of Tennessee." He shrugged. "You'd think they'd put a temple to Apollo here."

"Whatever the case," Suki quickly added, "we need to get in and out. Minerva hates this temple, because it isn't in her name. Bellona hates it too. Basically, all of the gods hate it." She sighed. "But it's rich with imperial gold."

"Pause," I said. "If the gods hate the temple, why is it loaded with imperial gold?"

"Because of that very reason," Sebastian said. "Nobody would think to sack this place since... well, nobody actually likes it. It's probably not even on the radar of the Titans because nothing about this is very Roman at all."

Suki blinked. "It is also apparently a 'fuck you' to the Greeks."

Jason pulled out a piece of paper. "When we get in there, let's make a list of all the imperial gold we see and report back to Soledad. It's no wonder this place wasn't even on her list." He hesitated. "But, if the gods hate it so much... should we really even be here?"

"Do we have a choice?" I questioned. "It's better we get the gold before the Titans do."

Sebastian rooted through his bag. "Admission fees... Eight bucks for you guys, ten for me." He grimaced. "This eighteen thing is bullshit." He counted through his money, which was mostly small bills, but he scrounged together enough for the four of us. "Alright, in and out. Let's make this quick."

Inside, I was almost dazzled by how impressive the structure was for something so modern. Most of it was a museum or some sort, with very little to comment about, but the second floor held the statue. It could be seen from a mile away- a massive interpretation of the earliest form of Minerva; Athena, a war goddess. Her golden dress spilled onto the floor. She had a spear and a giant shield, and in her hand she held another goddess.

"Victoria," Suki told me, noticing my confused face. "The Greeks thought she was more of a victory goddess in their Olympic games. She became more of a war goddess in our time." She looked around uncomfortably. "This place gives me the creeps."

"Guys!" Sebastian's face lit up. "That shield and spear and the winged thing are all imperial gold. The rest is fake, obviously."

"Her helmet is imperial gold, too," Jason whispered, quickly writing all of this down. "My gods, that would be a huge leg-up in the war."

"Are we sure we should just leave it?" asked Sebastian, sniffling slightly. "I feel like we should at least keep watch until someone else is close enough to take everything home." He looked around. "Though... Suki's right. Something is off about this place."