**Zeus' POV:**
As the Oracle's prophecy had warned us, a priestess of Apollo...
"The happiness of the god of death brings about the end of all life on this earth. The gods above cannot contradict or prevent this future, for another god - the god of birth - will ensure it comes to pass."
It still didn't frighten me, as I trusted Athena's plan to work in perfect harmony. She then asked me to wait until the time was ripe to put her scheme into motion.
**Zeus:** What do you mean, now is not the right time? Athena?
**Athena:** When the time is ripe, O Zeus.
So when? When would the right time be?
Days passed, and Athena still did not push her plans into action, as if she had forgotten her promise to help me soften Hades' heart.
Persisting, I confronted Athena, who grew irritated and told me...
**Athena:** After Hera cursed Leto out of jealousy for your betrayal of loyalty, the twins Apollo and Artemis sought Nemesis's help to avenge Leto against Hera. The curse states: "Zeus will never again bear a child with a god's features as Hera's child."
So, after the birth of Hebe came the birth of Hephaestus.
Because of his appearance, I questioned Hera if Hephaestus was truly my son. In her disgrace, Hera hurled Hephaestus down to Earth, where his repulsive features would be hidden from view.
But Hephaestus returned, proving his worth as my son, and I eventually accepted him, granting him a position here on Mount Olympus.
I then vowed never to have another child with Hera.
**Athena:** Why not try? To conceive a child with another goddess who is revered for her ability to give birth?
I pondered her suggestion, suspecting she meant Demeter. Being the goddess of harvest and fertility, Demeter, as an Olympian deity, would make it difficult for Hera to enforce a curse against her.
"So be it," I declared. I seduced Demeter, promising that her child would garner more worship than my offspring with Hera.
And so, Persephone was born...
Due to my promise to Demeter, Persephone blossomed into a beautiful young goddess, embodying both her mother and nature.
Because of her beauty, Hermes and Apollo sought to court her, presenting gifts. Unfortunately for them, Demeter rejected all offerings and kept Persephone secluded from the companionship of Olympian deities.
Demeter now hailed her daughter as the goddess of maidenhood, forbidding her from associating with any male figure.
**Zeus:** So tell me, Athena? What are we to do next?
**Athena:** Patience, Zeus; my plan will never fail you...
---
**Athena's POV:**
**Zeus:** So tell me, Athena? What are we to do next?
**Athena:** Patience, Zeus; my plan will never fail you...
I began to set my plot in motion, as Zeus had insisted.
After Persephone's birth, I secretly informed Hera of Zeus' betrayal. To fortify my plans, I had to harness Hera's wrath against Zeus.
Hera was furious that Zeus had made Persephone more worthy of worship than any of her own children.
In her anger, she cast a curse upon Demeter and Persephone, separating them.
