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VARIANTS AND UNEXPECTED SURPRISES

"I'd like to be my old self again
but I'm still trying to find it."
—Taylor Swift
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"WHY don't you take a seat and we can start from the beginning?" Morbius offered as he extended his hand, signaling at the empty chair placed opposite of him. The goddess who was silent the entire time arriving here, couldn't help but wonder why she was there. Athena continued to stand as her eyes stared into his if it was some elaborate trick yet all she saw was sincerity and seriousness. Contemplating her next move, she gradually stepped forward and sat on it before getting comfortable. Observing her surroundings, she placed her hand on the table, leaning towards the agent with a confused expression.

"Alright... So let me get this right. Is the TVA somewhat different from SHIELD? I know both try to maintain the balance of the universe while SHIELD does national and global security, what do you do?" Athena questioned, seeing some similarities between the two organizations. After all, she was an agent herself for over a decade while completing a mission. He leaned forward as he gave a soft smile, something the goddess thought was to calm her nerves.

"Prevent nexus events that could lead to a theoretical multiverse which causes a collapse of reality as we know it." He explained thoroughly, placing her file on the table. Noticing a picture clipped of herself, with some information that she couldn't read the words upside down. The peculiar thing was some lines were marked with dark ink to hide whatever it was.

"Theoretical? You mean it can happen if variants— such as myself, are not contained and reset. Sounds reasonable but skeptical why I've never heard of it before." Athena voiced her thoughts, deciding to focus on the man who watched her face. A chuckle erupted from his throat, recognizing she was the perceptive one in the relationship.

"That's because once we reset someone they don't remember. You know something, you're the first who's not responded sarcastically. No tricks, riddles, lies, just the truth." The agent commented, receiving an earnest expression on her facial features. She couldn't pinpoint what he was referring to, instead of taking the suggestion seriously.

"That's because I learned to have manners and know when it's appropriate to do so. However, may I ask for a small request?" She insisted, emphasizing the request part. The goddess remained tranquil to avoid stirring more trouble than necessary, even if she wished to return back to her baby daughter, Aurora.

"I don't see why not." Morbius insisted, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly at the question. She relaxed upon hearing his reply, leaning against the chair as she subconsciously touched the neck collar.

"Frankly this collar is rather tight and I was hoping—." Athena started to ask but the agent finally realized what she was referring to.

"To take it off." Morbius cut her off, she innocently nodded and patiently awaited his feedback. A short sigh was heard under his breath as he said, "Considering your track record and right now you have cooperated without resorting to violence, I suppose it's reasonable. You're just gonna have to promise you won't try to escape."

"After you just saved me from being reset, you have my word," She smiled brightly in gratitude, Morbius took out the small remote. He pressed a button that activated the collar to be disarmed, her hand wrapped around the neck to gently message it. Athena gave him her respects as she showed appreciation, "That's much better, thank you, darling."

"Right... so you like to charm your way to get whatever you want, always getting anything and everything at the palm of your hand," Morbius observed solemnly, placing his hands on the table and settled the remote there. His odd clarification was almost an accusation in her perspective, eyes slightly narrowing to keep close attention to his words.

"You mean an enchantress? I believe that would be my sister Aphrodite's forte." She retaliated honestly, dropping the collar on the surface to emphasize the sudden change in the conversation.

"Of course, but being the King's favorite daughter, I assume everybody worshipped your wisdom and intelligence." The agent justified however, she wholeheartedly disagreed with his statement.

"Respected. What are you trying to apply, Morbius? That I'm some silly Princess who gets everything without consequences? Because I can assure you that you're sorely mistaken." Athena answered in a low tone, her face becoming stern and body posture suddenly became stiffer.

"You see, that's the thing. You're a rather special case, every decision you made has both a positive and negative outcome. You create something otherwise known as the Butterfly Effect." Morbius explained, intriguing the goddess for a moment at what he was referring to. In theory, it's more complicated than just mere coincidences of how fatal her actions will be.

"I am well aware of what it means but why does it apply to me?" She replied in a composed manner, noticing his hand on the spindle of some type of projector. He didn't answer swiftly as she hoped for, seeing images flashing of herself from the past. Her only question was— has her future always been orchestrated by the Time Keepers themselves?

"Why don't we start here? It was the night of your coronation ceremony, a special day for you— well how about we just observe." The man pointed out, clicking a button that activated the screen to play along with a scene. This was supposed to happen in three days, crossing her arms above the chest as she stared ahead.

Laughter echoed throughout the grand hall, many dancing or chatting amongst themselves, as they celebrated for their Princess becoming the new Queen soon. Visitors from other Kingdoms rejoiced at the honor to be welcomed by the so-called Warrior Princess. The royal Olympian family sat alongside a long narrow table, drinking from their cups filled to the brim with champagne and wine. Many came forward to give the goddess presents and others some advice, however, there was one that didn't seem to be in a joyous mood. Athena just finished dancing with the mysterious stranger who never once wavered his eyes from her, both intrigued by each other.

"May I steal a moment with my... daughter." Hera stepped forward, placing a firm hold on the young goddess' shoulder. There was a certain distaste on her lips at the word daughter, almost as if it was forced out for formalities. The nameless guest simply bowed before nodding his head, Athena stared with an unrecognizable expression as she was dragged away from the crowd. The sudden shift of atmosphere made the situation dense as she was finally pushed inside a hidden room.

"Do you really think you could just charade around and pretend to gain favors from other Kingdoms behind my back? Especially that Prince?" The Queen of the Gods accused her, forcing the young maiden to look directly in the eyes. Nonetheless, she maintained her dignity, head held high as she moved closer to the Queen. Both challenging the other to make the slightest mistake, and it wasn't going to be Athena this time.

"I wasn't pretending nor was I doing this out of disrespect, Stepmother," Athena answered, not once letting her voice waver under the accusations. Wanting to return to the celebration, Hera blocked her way as she wasn't satisfied with the response given.

"You honestly believe you can fool me? This may be your special day but always remember your place, Athena. You're a disgrace to this family!" Hera clamored in fury, tugging the young goddess' wrist and pressing her against the door with a loud thud. Despite the unexpected turn of events, she hid the initial shock with a harsh glance.

"I will remember... like I hope you remember yours. Just because you're the Queen doesn't mean you can dictate my life forever. I will take my place as the rightful Queen when the time comes, but in the meantime, I'm still the King's daughter. So if anyone dares strike against me— they will suffer severely. And that includes you...." The Goddess of Wisdom proclaimed fiercely, jolting forward to escape from being confined.

"You think your words will threaten me?" The older goddess sneered, still grabbing onto the wrist even if it began to turn white from lack of blood flow. The pair were natural rivals ever since Athena began to gain favor from Zeus and became a worthy candidate for the crown. Everyone from outside the walls couldn't tell the fake facade they parade around to avoid suspicions.

"Not my words. You already feel threatened by the mere presence of me. So I hope you realize that I'll never be like you. A Queen that does nothing for her Kingdom... rather I'll be the one to fight and die along with them." Athena promptly declared firmly, tugging her wrist harshly to be set free from Hera's clutch. "I will decide my own fate from now on. And you'll do nothing to change it."

"Your fate was already sealed." She hissed menacingly, however, Athena could only chuckle at the statement. She once believed in that too, but she realized now it was preventing her from unlocking her truest potential.

"By you. And I'll rewrite history if I have to." The young goddess glared into her stepmother's eyes, knowing well that she could do nothing to her. Everyone knew it would be a fate worse than death to strike against the King's favorite daughter. Athena gracefully came forward towards her, practically her lips near Hera's ear as she muttered clearly, "Now if you excuse me— this is my celebration."

"Again, why is this relevant?" The maiden questioned, flickering her glance somewhere else as she was slightly embarrassed at how she reacted. Morbius on the other hand seemed pleased with what he saw as it was evident by the large smile.

"One, I was quite impressed by how you always maintained your dignity even when she insulted you." The agent demonstrated rather excitedly, extremely pleased but she went with a different approach.

"Didn't find you quite the teasing type." Athena playfully jokes, seeing him rolling his eyes displeased with the statement.

"Humor me. And two, this is what caused a devastating war on Olympus between you and Hera." Morbius declared, her eyes widening after comprehending what he was implying. No— she refused to believe that, it's just a mere coincidence.

"But... that hasn't happened." She insisted, almost lying to herself that it wasn't true. But in her mind, she knew it was the truth.

"Yet, hasn't happened yet. Maybe I should tell you a story, huh? Your father once had a prophecy revealed to him, he would have two heirs from your mother, Metis. One born with greatness and wisdom but the other would grow so powerful that he would overthrow Zeus. And while he did avoid it for himself... the prophecy went to you." He revealed as she stood up from the seat in shock. She strolled around the room, pacing in disbelief hoping this was just a nightmare and she needed to wake up.

"What...?" Athena uttered softly, voice quivering as she can't handle anymore the emotions desperately wanting to overpower her.

"Your daughter will grow up to fulfill a prophecy of her own and be the next Queen of Olympus. But you'll also give birth to a son that will challenge for the throne, bring upon destruction to Olympus. War will follow until your daughter, Aurora, will be the one to slay him." Morbius stated clearly without missing a beat, observing the shock unfolding before him.

"No— that's impossible!" She shrieked at the profound information, tears threatening to fall down her face. She stubbornly wiped them away, facing the man who apparently seemed to know everything about her. Head spinning as she became lightheaded from hearing this, feeling the knees begin to unbuckle. Morbius helped her sit back down, once she controlled her breath the goddess uttered, "There must be something to prevent this from happening...."

"You only have two options— you help us keep the order of the sacred timeline and I might just help you see Aurora one last time or refusing to cooperate will result in being reset." He stated as he sat back down in his chair. For once in her life, Athena wasn't sure what to do next now. Everything seemed placed out back home but this was different... it was something bigger than herself.

"There is no other choice... is there? I-I'll help, even if I can't return from my timeline. I want to be sure that my daughter stays in hers." Athena sighed through her nose, arms wrapping tightly towards the chest to give off some warmth. Morbius shook his head in disagreement, nodding gently at what she must do now. She was certain of one thing, the goddess must fix the mistake she's caused.

"Good, thought you might. And take it easy, alright? I'll send someone to get you settled in, go through some training before maybe handling some missions with my partner and me." Morbius persisted, standing up to give her a small pat on the shoulder before silently walking away.

"Alright...." She said to no one in particular, once again left alone in the room, feeling its lack of comfort. Tears finally shed at the pain she has yet to inflict on her daughter— and now son, vowing that she will do everything to prevent that. The small device on the table tempted her to investigate but before she could, agents came and grabbed her to temporarily place the goddess somewhere else.

As Morbius once mentioned, time worked differently at the TVA. Athena couldn't tell the difference anymore as she steadily grew accustomed to the change, like how she did with SHIELD. He would occasionally visit to check up on her process, after all, since Ravonna Renslayer wanted to keep taps on the Olympian Princess. Studying became a habit when she wanted to investigate clues on being able to return to the past but to no avail. There was something else missing, yet she couldn't pinpoint who or what it was.

Each waking moment was another wasted for Athena as she wanted to utilize herself for anything. Sitting around reading may have been her favorite pastime then but now, she needed to help with anything or anyone. Miss Minutes would appear to review some vital information but the goddess was a fast learner— a natural gift if she said so herself. Hearing rumors of missing Watchmen being captured during their missions stirred curiosity as she tried to question Morbius about it. And every time he would deny her the chance to explain and interject that it wasn't the time to discuss.

Visiting the library every day brought a sense of longing nostalgia, trying to fill the void at the lack of familiar faces she took for granted. Even if she stayed here for a while, Athena still hasn't gained an inch learning about the origins of the Time Keepers, TVA, or anything to do with the organization. Everything was restricted from sight except some recent events including her own. Not everyone took a liking to the goddess but she understood it wasn't her intention to please everyone. She kept to herself whenever necessary, avoiding trouble and doing what needs to be done.

"Athena... there you are. Been looking everywhere for you." Morbius declared as he rushed forward to obtain her attention. This was the first time Athena saw him in days(?), or along the lines so it was surprising to see him. She sent him a kind smile until noticing his sudden worry crossing on his features.

"What's going on, Morbius?" The maiden questioned promptly, him not wasting another second at the doubt she had.

"There's been another attack and you're coming with me. Here's something to change in, once done you'll know where to find me." He declared as he guided towards one direction, swiftly following behind until she went to a changing room. A comfortable black jumpsuit, a beige jacket, and ankle boots to give a more modest look, doing a quick hairstyle she left to find the group on the search for the missing Watchmen.

Voices could be heard, discussing from a distance as she was unclear who was talking. No one noticed her appearance at first, taking their mission seriously as the Variant in question was capturing hostages. The leader of the group communicated as she announced, "C-20 and her team went dark shortly after they jumped into the 1985 branch. All signs point to another ambush. We've grabbed enough temporal aura to know it's our Loki Variant."

Loki? What's Loki, Athena wondered as she decided to make herself known. Stepping forward and mentally preparing for the mission beforehand, she apologized profusely to them. Hunter B-15 briefly stared at her judgingly, nonetheless, continued with the details of the time and place it occurred. The other male besides Morbius glanced over towards her direction, nearly losing his balance at the sight of her. The goddess firmly said, "Sorry I'm late, I had to—."

"Athena...." Loki breathed in shock, eyes meeting for the first time. The goddess observed the man carefully, pondering why he knew her name? On the other note, he was relieved beyond measure that she was alright, granted if it was in a different situation but she was safe.

However, her eyes remained calm and lifeless as she only stared silently at him. No reaction nor recognition, the god took a step forward as he couldn't believe it was her. But it wasn't Athena, and Loki didn't know it... moments later he realized this wasn't the woman he fell in love with. Swallowing his saliva harshly, he asked one question the trickster never thought he would ever utter.

"You have no idea who I am, do you?"

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Jess speaking!!

Okay so this chapter might not be the best but I was motivated to write so there, lol. My babes finally see each other again but I'm gonna make them suffer... yes, because we love angst. Anyway, please comment and vote and tell me if you're excited as much as I am. Until then everyone and take care!