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𝕋ℍ𝔼 ℂ𝕆𝕃𝔻 𝔹ℝ𝔼𝔼ℤ𝔼 feasts on my skin, though that's the last thing on my mind. My growling stomach dares to overpower my ability to think. I doubt I can last another night at this rate. I press down onto the roars of my stomach in a poor attempt to suppress the pain and noise. Maybe if I pretend I don't feel it, it'll go away. I keep moving, pushing, through the dark alleys of this town. My small hands found twisted comfort in the exposed skin betrayed by the shirt that once covered it. My eyes were glued to the jagged-edged concrete blocks below me until I noticed a shadow outlining the ground.

A huff of exasperation...no, inconvenience? Escapes the person in front of me. My eyes slowly work their way up. A long, dark cloak with a brown satchel hanging loosely off their shoulder softly ruffles in the cold, unwelcoming wind. Long black hair decorated the cloak's plain front. Pale fingers with clean nails and...bright red shoes...? Regardless, everything about this screamed dangerous.

"You wear your pain as royalty wears a crown." Her voice echoes throughout the alleyway, soft but assertive. "However, there is no act that can be performed forever." I want to run. I need to run. I need to get out of here. My legs won't move.

"I have seen this story too many times. Another shadow of glowing potential left and discarded. Fret not, little one, for the night has room for everybody." Her eyes bored into mine, dark, but not lacking light. Like stars ever so slightly buried in the night sky. "Follow me."

If I wasn't in it before, I definitely am now. The sword of Damocles is dancing around my heart, yet raw, ugly, desperation can influence a person more than it should. The soft tips and taps of her boots lingered in my ears as I watched her walk away. I hesitate, but ultimately follow her. My weak legs stumble and wobble in laughable attempts to keep up. She doesn't utter a word. After what feels like eternity, we eventually come to a stop. She turns to me and slowly backs up, her hands reaching behind her. Am I gonna die? What's she grabbing? Was this a mistake? Where will I go? Am I even deserving of an afterlife? Will anyone remember m-

"Here, kid." She kneels to meet my height, a soft smile on her lips. I look down at the offering in her hand. A...lollipop? I look back up at her in mild confusion. Her face morphs as if she's eaten something distasteful. "You don't want it?"

I quickly snatch it from her hands. "Thank- ...thank you..." My voice hoarse from dehydration and lack of even needing to speak. She pats my head before standing up and guiding me in front of her to walk towards a tent I have never seen in this area. It's...massive. My neck aches just trying to look at the top. What the hell was happening? I walk through the black curtains of the entrance with her hands resting on my shoulders.

The vibrant color mix of red and white almost hurt to look at. I squint as I try to take in the scene before me. So, so many bright lights. Colorful rings, bowling pins, is that a tiger? Where did they even get that?

"Welcome," I jump at the first words of the lady behind me. I forgot she was there. "...to 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐬𝐚 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐬."

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𝕋ℍ𝔼 ℂ𝕀ℝℂ𝕌𝕊 𝕎𝔸𝕊...comfortable, to say the least. Shortly after, the mysterious lady introduced herself as Nyx. I remember it clear as day. I owe her my life. She taught me everything I need to know. I learned quickly that if I borrowed their smiles, their words, their gestures, people would forget I didn't belong. I don't remember anything about my parents. Family was a word that didn't sound right coming out of my mouth. That being said, the circus was enough of a home for me.

My attention quickly turned to the creak of my door. Nyx peeks in slightly before fully emerging into my room. Playing cards are scattered, and a few die lie still on my table. I forgot I promised her I'd come around to tidying up my place...

"Come down, we're heading to the circus for rehearsal. Make sure you eat too." She ends with a sigh, "And get around to cleaning in here, please?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'll do it today. Promise." I rub the back of my neck. Embarrassment wasn't something that came easily to me. Except for that one time I accidentally called Nyx mom. She wouldn't let it go for the next 2 months. The door shuts softly, and I take it as my cue to start getting ready. Every day felt the same, and it couldn't be better. I quickly slipped into my regular performing attire and brushed some light makeup on my face.

(You guys can find circus attire/makeup ideas on Pinterest for a better imagination. I didn't put any descriptions in there so you guys could pick what you want!)

I go downstairs and find a cup of coffee lying on the table, to which I steal a quick sip. My mouth turns downwards in mild disgust. So bitter. Who likes this stuff?

"You done leeching off my food?" I whip my head around to find Nyx pulling a chair back to take a seat.

"Ahaha... I was just making sure it wasn't tea...?" A poor attempt to save my skin, but hey, whatever gets me out of trouble.

"Sure...You're lucky you've got a good eye for things- otherwise, you would've been chewed out a long time ago." She brings the rim of the cup to her slightly upward-curved lips. "How are the earnings from your last show?"

"Urgh...earnings, steady work, rent... It's fine, I guess. Not the best, but enough to get by comfortably. The kids really like the card tricks." I take a bite of one of the many Cretan biscuits resting on a plate in a decorative circle. "Where's the travel team off to next? Any word?"

"Yes, in fact, there is. I'm surprised you actually remembered." Her eyes flicked from staring at the reflection in her cup up to my face, fairly unamused. I can't blame her, honestly. Being the one to inform the travel team when and where they're headed is kinda my job. Though it slips my mind sometimes and ends in the travel team frantically packing and losing sleep. Oops.

"We're off to a kingdom named Ithaca." She says, her eyes scanning my face for some sort of reaction.

My eyebrows furrow slightly. "Ithaca? I can't say I've heard of it..."

"You say that for every place we travel to. Though this time, we aren't doing things regularly." Nyx starts, placing her cup down with a sigh while taking in the pleasure of watching my face contort into soft confusion. Not doing things regularly? I gulp in anticipation.

"...You're coming with us this time." She finishes.

My jaw drops slightly.

"Truly? Am I really going this time? You promise?" I can't help the smile that grows on my face. I have been stuck in this kingdom for years! I need to get out, to see what's beyond these cruel streets. The very streets that had kept me encompassed in its cold, harsh winds. The very ones that had me trapped on my loneliest nights and hungriest walks.

...

Yeesh. Don't go all sentimental on me now, focus! You're gonna be leaving this place. Temporarily, but leaving nonetheless.

"...Now, are you ready to go? We need to head to the circus. We leave for Ithaca sometime this week, so grab everything you think will come in handy." She stands up, grabbing a few of her daily necessities before heading out. I follow with a little pep in my step, checking the lock on the front door before trailing behind Nyx.

This kingdom hasn't changed a bit. From a distance, it looks lively. Up close, you tend to notice who it forgets. Stone buildings stand tall, a few cobblestone bricks lie ever so slightly out of place, and windows are cracked open just enough for the afternoon breeze to slip in. Vendors shout out their new products or latest deals to passersby, buyers hold their groceries in a paper bag to their chest, and children dart up and down the street barefoot, sharp laughter reverberating in their lungs while the absent parents perspicuously don't care enough to keep an eye on them. The air held a soft scent of bread and biscuits.

Soon enough, we reach the circus. I blink harshly to try to take in the radiant setting. You really think you'd get used to it after a few years. I face Nyx, quickly signalling to her that I was heading to my rehearsal team. Judging from her stern nod and turning to the other attributes of the circus, that was my cue to go. Performers were already tossing props, shouting out instructions, and practicing unnatural poses. The familiarity of the scene is one I knew all too well. Time to get my game face on, I guess. Kind greetings, half smiles, some grumpy looks, but comfortable nonetheless.

The next few hours were a blur. Flashing colors, acrobats, cards, the whole shabang. I finally get to retreat to my backstage room, letting the memory foam of my plush chair swallow me whole as I sink into it.

Boy was rehearsing exhausting. I hinge and unhinge my jaw, trying to relax my sore cheeks from all the practiced smiles and entertaining expressions. I doze, staring at some random corner for 20 minutes. Okay, one last trick, then I'll call it a night. The soft suction of the cushion from the foam almost begs me to stay. Reluctantly, I push myself off the warm, comfortable chair, with my knuckles pressing against the armrests for support. I take a few steps before ultimately halting in front of my mirror with the deck of cards lying firm in my clutch. Breathe. You got this. With a skilled hand, I spring the cards back and forth, shuffling and turning them.

"They say luck favors the bold." The words dance off my tongue, "I say luck favors those who choose quickly~ So, pick a card! Don't leave the night waiting." I finish rehearsing my words with a polished smile and feigned enthusiasm. The cards are spread in a circle with the back design up, resting in a pinch between my thumb and my pointer finger. Not bad. If I didn't know any better, I'd think this is my first time doing it with natural charisma. Well, that should be all.

"Hmm...I think I'll pick this one!"

A voice echoes from nowhere, and my head snaps towards the sound. Before I can even register what's happened, a slender finger grabs one of the cards in my hand. What the fuck.

I jump and sharply turn, staggering one defensive foot back and keeping my arms slightly bent. I was alone, wasn't I? I mean, I think I was? I should've been. My eyes darted around the room before resting on a man before me. My ears ring with adrenaline. I force the tension in my shoulders down, and my furrowed eyebrows relax slightly.

Don't come off as so on-edge. I take a soft, deep breath and put on a practiced smile.

"Hi! So sorry I didn't notice you! How'd you end up backstage? Are you lost?" There are no showings today... Who is this guy? His eyes study me intently. If I were just a little less focused, I would've missed it completely from how relaxed he carries himself.

His smile wavers at the edges, slipping me a silent note that he's caught the way I recoiled. Great! Now he thinks I'm ready to pounce on him at the slightest twitch of his hand.

"Lost? No, darling. In fact, I think I'm right where I need to be." He takes a step closer. "So, I've picked a card. What happens next?"

What the hell is wrong with this guy? I watch him take in the surroundings of my room. Some clothes hang on the dress rack quite messily, other decorative playing cards sit neatly on my shelf, and some more scattered items lie around.

"Who are you?" My voice is stern, but my face still holds a soft smile. My gaze doesn't leave his eyes, gleaming with wonder as he drinks up my reaction.

"Who am I?" His arms settle across his chest as he barely leans in. "I'm just a purveyor dropping off some of the newly requested illusion wares! You know, all the little secrets that keep your audience gasping."

I scan his face for any falter, hesitation, anything. He doesn't seem to be lying, but... something's off.

"How long have you been traveling?"

"6 days now"

"How many boxes?"

"5"

"Where to next?"

"This was our last stop."

His smile grows, his eyes unwavering like it's glued to my face. My eyebrow twitches slightly. I place the cards I was holding onto my vanity table.

"Six days?" I hum, "and 5 boxes? No scratches on your person, your clothes aren't travel-worn, nor are there any calluses on your hands. Must be some top-notch delivery service, hm?"

His eyes widen slightly, his hands dropping in mild shock. Suddenly, he lets out a delighted laugh, clapping his hands together.

"Wonderful, darling! Clever and observant!" He pauses, letting his words marinate in the air like fine wine. "Alright, I'll bite. I... am Hermes."

Suddenly, a gust of wind sweeps through the room- though the windows are shut fast- ruffling his hair back perfectly. He tilts his chin upward with closed eyes and plants his hands firmly onto his waist, striking a pose like trumpets would soon start blaring and a red carpet would roll out in front of him, awaiting his stride of confidence.

Silence.

"...Who..?" I tilt my head slightly, my question cutting through the silence like a knife. He freezes, his smile faltering as his eyes snap open. His eyes search my face, as if he had misheard me. Slowly and stiffly, his hands return to his sides. The stillness stretches agonizingly long, his expression almost pained.

"I... I'm Hermes..?" He repeats his previous words, weak jazz hands dance beside him, sputtering like a sparkler that has long finished its flashy show. Still, quiet. No applause. Not even a polite gasp.

Nothing.

His jaw tightens. He huffs through his nose with rose-tinted cheeks.

Seriously, what the hell is going on?

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𝕊𝕌ℕ𝕃𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋 fills the temple. The gold accents of the doorframes and decorative leaves dance and glisten. Long columns and sleek marble walls are finely polished. A relaxing sight, one that makes you want to take a deep breath and-

"You would not believe the insult I just endured!" Hermes barked, storming inside. Surely shattering any tranquility left at the peaceful scene.

A certain god furrows his eyebrows as he lounges lazily on his expensive couch. Fine velvet fabric covers the soft sofa with, of course, more gold accents.

"If this is another one of your mortal affairs, Hermes, I swear-"

"She didn't even know my name!" He huffs, pacing around the spacious room like a child throwing a tantrum.

"Who is it this time?" The man says less from curiosity and more to get the conversation over with. "Did another mortal take half a nanosecond too long to swoon, again?"

"Oh for the love of moly!" Hermes rubs his temples. "You're the one whose ego shatters so much as if a sparrow does not bow to the air you breathe, Apollo!"

The god of light, music, and most things graceful, squints- not bothering to look up from his lyre. His eyes bore into the vibrating strings of the heavenly instrument, a sigh escaping him.

"And what do you want me to do about your little problem?" His tone was feather-light and slightly irritated, "Compose you a ballad of egotistical sorrows for you to weep along with? I don't waste my golden notes of grace on trivial matters such as yours, Hermes."

"I.. I haven't the faintest clue. I just-" Hermes' arms begin to rise to his head in choppy motions, before eventually dropping in defeat.

Apollo stops for a moment, staring at Hermes' faltering movements. He exhales heavily through his nose as his fingers slow down on plucking the strings of his lyre. He scans Hermes. Scrutinizing. Searching. He repositions himself on his couch, this time facing his brother directly.

"So, she's bruised your pride," Apollo discerns, languidly beginning to strum his lyre again. "And instead of dismissing this diminutive complication, you barge in here to whine? I figured you would thrive on this sort of game."

Hermes stutters. "Wha- Game? After I introduce myself, with flair, might I add. Pizzazz, if you will, she looks me dead in the eye and says, 'Who?' Do you know how belittling-!"

"No, brother. I don't know how belittling that is." Apollo swats away Hermes' complaints with a smile that's never known rejection. "Mortals fawn over me without a word, but not everyone can be Apollo, I suppose. Though, answer me this. What kind of messenger of the gods runs and whines about a mortal's apathy instead of winning her admiration?"

Hermes pauses- opening his mouth to say something, but quickly closing it again.

Apollo's lips curve into a smug smirk, eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Are you truly the god of wit and trickery if you're sulking over a mortal's indifference? She's wounded your dignity, so prove to her why your name is worth remembering. Isn't this a perfect opportunity for you to show her who you really are?" Apollo's lyre hums throughout the temple room, filling the silence that stood still for a moment.

Hermes stops, a finger on his chin, brows furrowed in thought. The storm in his eyes dissipates into a mischievous glint. Then, just like that, a toothy grin spreads wide onto his face.

"Hahahaha!" Hermes's chuckle reverberates, bouncing off the temple walls. "Quite a pragmatic one you are, brother! How delightfully sensible! Very well- I shall make sure she never forgets the name Hermes again."

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The morning light shines bright on my eyes, softly illuminating my room and awakening me from my sleep. I rub my face as I stretch with a yawn, before crashing back down onto the comfort of my bed. Ugh. I'm beat. My schedule is pretty much clear today. I should probably start packing. Ithaca... My travel team seemed to know a lot about it. So many stories about their bustling streets and "friendly community". I only hope it's as great as they say.

I swing my legs over my bed and plant my feet onto the floor, grabbing the water bottle next to my bedside table and taking a swig. My hands find the deck of cards right beside it. A quick morning warm-up never hurt anyone. Shuffling, springing, organizing them, counting them- keeps the hands sharp.

"Forty-eight...Forty-nine...Fifty... Fifty-one- ...huh?" I blink down at the cards, shuffling and counting slower this time. "Forty-eight...Forty-nine...Fifty..." My eyebrows knit. Still fifty-one.

"Deep breaths. You're gonna be fine. It... probably just fell." I check the floor, under my blankets, even the sleeve of my shirt to see if it could've slipped away in there. Nothing.

I groan, cupping the side of my head in worry. My eyes peer into the empty deck box. No, not there either.

"When could I have-"

Oh.

Oh.

Of course.

That guy. That absolute weirdo. He has it.

Not just any card, either- no, of course not. If it were some throwaway like the three of clubs, I wouldn't care. But why wouldn't the gods above want everything to go against my favor? It was the ace of spades. The ace of spades from the deck that Nyx gave to me when I first joined the circus. That's like- the most important one! Why wouldn't it be the most important one?

I rub my face and run my fingers through my hair, trying to steady my thoughts as I sink back into my bed. I'd almost convinced myself it was a dream. That I didn't spend last night staring down a stranger who looked completely mortified that I didn't immediately recognize him from his name. Hermes, supposedly. I'll just ask Nyx about it later. For now, I'll... I'll start getting ready.

And maybe find a way to track down my damn card.

I return the cards- well. Most of the cards, back into the deck box. My fingers slide over the empty slit left in the case where the ace should be. My so-called "lucky card".

Lucky. Riiight.

With a heavy sigh, I get up and sit in front of my mirror. Jeez. I look like I haven't slept in days. Time to cover this up. The soft hairs from my brush tickle my nose as I dab powder onto my face. Soon enough, my feet drag over to Nyx's room. A thin knock echoes throughout the hollow wood of the door.

Lo and behold, Nyx awaits in all her 6'1 glory in the doorframe with a not-so-happy expression and her hand resting on the doorknob. It's safe to assume she just woke up.

She sighs, starting with a calming voice. "Come in."

She guides me to sit down on her bed, as she takes a seat on the other side to face me.

"So, what brings you to my room at this hour?" Her eyes blink softly and slowly, her mind surely starting to turn gears for the first time today.

"Well," I sigh, trying to find the right words. "There's... this guy."

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𝕊ℍ𝔼 𝕊ℚ𝕌𝕀ℕ𝕋𝕊 suspiciously at my words, her eyes almost nudging me to continue.

"It happened yesterday. I had finished rehearsing, so I went backstage to my room, and, well... There was... some guy there." I watched Nyx's eyes fly through several different emotions. Confusion, concern, before contorting into anger. Her shoulders tensed, and her nostrils flared by the slightest bit.

"What do you mean a man was in your dressing room? Are you okay? Did he hurt you? Did he touch you." Her hands cup my face as she frantically looks into my eyes, scanning my body for any marks.

"No, Nyx! It's not like that! He didn't touch me. He just... took something." I shake her off of me.

"A man stole from you?" Her voice was stern and strong. I can just tell by the way her eyebrows knit together that she's figuring out how she's going to deal with the situation.

"He didn't, like, steal for himself. He, more so, just happened to take it? Let me finish! I was rehearsing one of my card tricks in the mirror. Y'know, those classic 'pick a card, any card' ones," I explain, gesturing with my hands to ease my nerves. She nods softly, slightly leaning in. "And so when I said the line to pick a card, there was this guy who actually took a card! I didn't even know he was in the room till he took it!"

Nyx watched me for a moment, silent. She seemed deep in thought, muttering something about reinforcing security.

"He um.." I begin. Nyx's attention turns back to me in an instant once I start again. "He took the ace of spades from the deck you gave me...a few years ago... I'm really sorry." Guilt drips from my words. I break eye contact- looking at anything but her.

Suddenly, I feel a hand on my head, softly ruffling my hair.

"Ah, I forgot how fragile mortals are." She starts, "You'll be okay, little one. You wear all your masks so well, it must've slipped my mind how strongly you can feel. Don't worry about the cards, it's just a trivial matter." Her finger taps on my nose for a quick moment.

I exhale a breath I didn't even know I had held in. My shoulders drop, and my eyes work their way up to meet her gentle smile.

"Now, what do you remember of this guy? Any prominent features?" She questions. Now that I think about it... She's right. I do know something.

"Yeah, actually. He was really weird about this. He said his name was...Hermes?"

"......"

"...Are you okay, Ny-"

An exasperated sigh cuts me off. Her smile twitches softly, and her eyes are sharp.

"Hermes..." She begins, "That explains everything...and nothing, at the same time. You'll be fine, I suppose. Just be... wary. That god thrives off attention." Her expression unamused.

"Wha- You know him? And what do you mean...that... god..." My speech slows down as I process the words that came out of Nyx's mouth. Did I mishear?

"A god..." I whisper under my breath, voice cracking. "...That weirdo... is a god?"

I faintly register Nyx lightly chuckling at my comment, and look up to see the back of her hand politely covering her mouth.

"You're not completely wrong. He is... certainly interesting." Nyx's laughter eases into a sigh, "However, do not underestimate him. All gods are dangerously powerful. I won't always be there to protect you."

"Yeah... yeah. Thank you for telling me this." I really do owe Nyx everything. She's always looked out for me. "But don't underestimate me! I'm stronger than I seem, y'know. I don't need your protection, Miss 'Goddess of night'"

She lets traces of her giggle fade, still smiling. "Listen to me, little one. You've dealt with people like him before. Treat him like an audience, give him a show. He's clever, but you're not helpless. Show him only what you want him to see. His charms only work with something real."

"Thank you, m- ...Nyx." My back stiffens as the slip escapes me.

Her brow arches, and her tone suddenly featherlight. "What was that? Were you about to say mo-"

"Stop! Don't... say it." I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks.

The sound of her laugh spills out, filling the room like music. "Alright, alright. I'll stop teasing you." She ends, trying to catch her breath. "I'll let you get ready for your day now." The pink on my cheeks calm down as I get up and walk to the door of her bedroom.

She nods at me, and I wave a small goodbye. I retreat to my room, letting the latch softly click behind me as my back rests against the door.

Sigh. So.... he's a god. A messenger for the rest of the divine, at that. I can't imagine him with wings. I plop down on my bed, staring at the ceiling, dragging a hand down my face.

"This is so tedious... How am I even supposed to find a guy who's always on the move?" I mutter to myself, rolling onto my side.

"Morning, darling~"

.

.

.

I am hallucinating.

Delusions. That is the only logical explanation that this could possibly end with. I am 100% convinced that this man has brought me so close to the brink of insanity, I am now seeing him wherever I go.

Soft hair tickles my nose. Hair that isn't mine.

...

This guy is actually in my bed.

I nearly scream. He's right there, inches away from my face. I jerk back so fast I tumble off the mattress and hit the floor with a firm thud. My heart pounds so loudly that the thumps could be mistaken for a drumroll.

"My my, Jester! That's the reaction of someone in the presence of divinity! This is flattering, even for me." His wide eyes gleam with amusement as he peers down from the bed at me.

"You...! What are you doing here? Why are you in my room? Get out of my bed!" He quickly dodges the pillow I chuck at him, levitating out of the tangle of blankets, and sits criss-cross next to me on the floor.

"The pleasure is all yours~ Though, I suppose you're right. The floor is far more ignoble. Such humility, I'm almost touched." He holds his hand to his heart with closed eyes.

Literally, what the fuck is going on.

I take a silent breath and calmly get up. His shimmering eyes stay glued to me-still wide, still curious.

"You seem to take immense joy from sneaking up on others," I say firmly, straightening out any wrinkles that might've developed on my clothes from the fall.

"Sneaking?" He utters in disbelief. "Darling, that was an entrance. Subtlety isn't my style."

"Entrances typically require invitations." I bite back, narrowing my eyes at him.

"A feisty one- you are. I like that." He finishes his sentence with a smirk. I internally cringe. Who does he think he is? Oh, wait, a god. "No problem for me, though, darling. I've dealt with a million you's before."

Oh my gosh. This guy is unbearable.

"I'm just gonna get straight into it. You have something of mine. I'm gonna need you to give it back." My arms cross over my chest.

He turns to face me properly, thinking, before his grin grows bigger. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about." He stands up, leaning inches away from my face. I falter back from the proximity, only for him to take another step forward.

"Your eyes are captivating, darling! Like stars in the cold night sky!" His breath tickles my face softly. I can feel my eyes widen and my eyebrows furrow.

"Back off." I hold eye contact, trying to keep my composure. Of course, he takes this as a challenge.

"And if I don't?" His smirk stretches impossibly wide. Gods, his smile is so infuriating. I take another step away from him. My back hits the wall. He leans in. Closer. Too close.

Suddenly, a voice enters the room. "Hey, are you okay? I thought I heard a crash and came to check on you." My neck snaps towards the door. Nyx!

"Nyx! The guy! He's right-" I turn back to Hermes to find him vanished. "...here"

I glance at the floor where he stood a few seconds ago. No winged shoes, no traces of movement, but something else instead. My jaw tightens.

The ace of spades.

I hate him. I hate him.

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𝕀 𝕊𝕋𝔸ℝ𝔼 𝔸𝕋 Nyx, who is currently wearing a concerned expression on her face. The silence stretches on a beat too long.

"No– I'm... I'm fine. Just knocked something over, that's all." I force a smile. Her eyes linger on my figure. She's not buying it. I am so fried.

"Don't go clumsy on me now. I know too many people who have lost themselves to restlessness." And with that, she shuts the door.

I let out a shaky breath I didn't know I had held in, leaning back against the wall. I glance over at my clock. 9:01 am. It's way too early for all of this. I kneel down to reach the card on the floor, my fingers curling around the edges.

As I stand, a blur of white and gold flashes in front of my eyes. By the time I've registered what I've seen, it's too late. Momentum has already brought me up, and to my absolute helpless horror, all I can do is watch with wide eyes as I am forced face-to-face with this insufferable god yet again.

A second or two of silence passes by before it's broken.

"...Hermes." I narrow my eyes at him with a sharp exhale through my nose, while he has the impudence to stare back with a glare of mischief.

A smug smirk creeps onto his face before he opens his mouth to speak. "Miss me?"

...

Sigh.

"No. I did not miss you." The words land fierce, stabbing his heart. Literally.

His pristine white chiton crumples beneath the clutch at his chest in mock devastation.

"Ouch, the brutality! Such coldness, and here I thought we were finally getting along!" The back of his free hand drapes across his brow as his head throws itself away in dramatic tragedy.

"Yeah, yeah. And what gave you that idea?" I walk over to the deck box on my nightstand with the remaining 51 cards. Finally, I return the missing card into the container.

"You sound so unconvinced! Hadn't you wondered where I'd gone? Were you not heartbroken by my sudden absence?" He floats lazily in the air, lying down while propping his chin up with a hand.

"If it helps you sleep at night, then sure. I missed you so much, Hermes." His name rolls off my tongue effortlessly.

He freezes. Not for long, but long enough. His smile falters ever so slightly, gaze lingering on my figure– softening. My eyes remain fixated on the card box in my grip, oblivious. Quickly, as if waking up, his grin returns, snapping his fingers.

"Ah, so you finally admit it! I knew you had it in you, jester." He smiles triumphantly, letting out an exaggerated sigh– planting his feet on the ground while dusting off what seems to be... nothing. What a priss. "Don't worry your little head about this, darling. Your secret is safe with me."

Yeah, right. This guy has no sense of sarcasm.

I empty my deck box and begin springing the cards between my hands. The crisp snap makes his head tilt whilst peering over my shoulder. That seemed to grab his attention.

"Pick one." Turning around to face him, I spread the cards wide in my hands.

His mouth curls into a sly grin. "A gift? For humble little Hermes? I'm moved, jester, truly."

"I'm not a jester, I'm a magician. Now, pick." His fingers slip a card out of the display in my hand. "Good. Memorize it. When you're done, put it back somewhere random in the deck and don't let me see it." I instruct while neatly piling the cards into a stack.

His eyes study the card between his fingers, observing it with knitted eyebrows. I think it's safe to say he's never seen a magic trick before.

He squints his eyes at the stack in my hand, tongue peeking out at the side of his mouth between closed lips. With impeccable concentration, he wedges it back in between the rest of the cards. Took him long enough...

I begin shuffling the deck thoroughly, before finally propping my thumb across the stack of the deck.

"Alright. I'm going to leaf through these, and you're gonna tell me when to stop." I keep my eyes on him, waiting for his reaction. He nods, his gaze still unwavering, absorbed in my hands.

My thumb starts riffling the cards slowly, waiting for his signal.

"Stop." He commands. My thumb freezes the moment he utters the word, and I steadily take out the card he demanded I stop on. I raise my hand in front of his face and present the back design of the card before his eyes. Slowly, I turn the card to reveal its contents.

"Is this your card?" I execute with a bit of flair to my words, a smug smile resting on my face.

"......No." Hermes stares at me blankly.

I blink. "What?" Shocked, I study the card in my hands, as if it'll explain itself. "That's... really odd." My gaze lingers down on my palm where it rests, before my attention turns back up again.

Upon seeing him, my expression changes. He seems to take notice when his eyebrow arches slightly.

"Wait a minute...what's this?" I step forward, fingers brushing past his brown curls to reach behind his ear. His eyes widen as mine lock onto his, our noses nearly grazing. For a fleeting moment, the air between us stills.

Then, I pull back– snapping my hand forward. In just a second, the true card presents itself in front of his eyes, resting between my index and middle fingers.

"Perhaps, this was your card?"

Hermes doesn't answer. His gaze stays on me a fraction too long. His throat bobs– eyes slowly dragging to the card. Shaken from his internal daze, Hermes finally processes my actions. His eyes flick between the card, me, then the card again. He blinks, before finally breaking the silence.

"How in Olympus did you..." His words die out, the card faltering slightly under Hermes' watchful stare. He clears his throat, forcing himself back into rhythm, speaking a bit quicker this time.

"Ahem. Not bad, darling. At least, for a mortal, I suppose. Don't get used to it."

"Uh-huh," I reply flatly, unimpressed. "Says the one who looked like I just parted the sea."

"Did not." He turns his head away from me, arms crossed. "You didn't look at the card when I put it back...did you?"

"No. I didn't see the card at all. You were literally watching me the whole time."

"Then...?"

"Magic~" I turn around, returning the cards to their box– leaving a stunned and contemplating Hermes to his own thoughts.

"And– behind my ear? It doesn't make sense. How did it get there?"

"I already told you. Magic~"

"But you're mortal!" He points at me accusingly, to which I take the pleasure of savoring in his confusion.

"That's the magic of it. Simple trickery is all it is, really."

'Simple trickery'? He couldn't believe it. He is the god of trickery! The god of trickery couldn't wrap his head around ...a trick? This is literally his field of expertise! He lingers on the thought for hardly a heartbeat before his next words blurt out.

"Show me another!!"

I freeze, caught off guard by the utter urgency with which he requested. Slowly, a smile creeps up on my face as I close my deck box.

"One at a time, Hermes." I can see the visible disappointment on his face for a split second before he lights up into a large grin again.

"Perfect!" He walks closer to me, leaning his head into my personal space.

"Perfect...?" I back up slightly, placing the cards down onto my table.

"What I'm hearing is, you owe me another mini-show?" He smirks sharply, waiting for my reaction.

Oh, goodness. I just promised this guy another show for free. Marketing time, I guess.

"Well...If you buy a ticket to one of Dionysa's shows, yes, you will see another trick. And many more fascinating things at that. These cards are just the tip of the iceberg." I hand him a flyer of Dionysa's information as he blankly glances at it for not even a second before dismissing it.

He opens his mouth to speak before closing it again, staying silent for a few seconds before sighing– begrudgingly letting out his next few words. "I will...get back to you on that offer, darling. For now, it seems duty calls."

I wonder what that silence was. Do all the gods have telepathic pigeon carriers in their minds? What does it take to get one? That's not fair. I want one. ...Literally, what am I talking about– I need to respond to Hermes, who...seems to be rambling to himself right now.

"Yes, yes, I know, darling. I will be missed. Try not to pass away from longing, I would hate to transport my only jester to the underworld." His finger lightly taps on my forehead before he turns around.

"Uh-huh," I reply unamusedly. "For the last time, I'm not a jester. And just make sure you don't accidentally fly into anyone on your way."

He sharply inhales before sighing with a tut. "There goes my plans for the day." He walks over to my window, opening it while propping his foot on the windowsill. "Well, I suppose this is where we part, darling~"

And with that, his wings grow big as he slips out my window, gone in a second. I watch him for a few seconds before he's out of sight, turning to see the crumpled flyer that he'd dismissed so easily on the ground. Something told me he'd return soon enough. God's never leave without circling back.

🃜 🃚 🃖 🃁 🂭 🂺

Chapter Text

“On three, okay?!” One of the trapeze artists yells across the circus to their partner. I sit down on one of the nearby benches, sipping on a lemon gazoza. Words begin to merge as I catch my breath, tuning out the noise. 

“THERE SHE IS!” A booming voice storms through, catching the attention of a few flinching jugglers and acrobats nearby. A large hand places itself on my head behind me, ruffling my hair with no remorse. I freeze, back straightening as I watch the performers in front of me slowly cower away. I turn my head, only to be blinded by a cascade of long purple hair and dark skin looming over me. “Who’s my favorite magician? You are!” 

“Ah…Ringmaster.” I relax my apparently tense shoulders, exhaling as I scoot over to the other side of the bench, giving space to sit. “How many times are you gonna talk to me like I’m a dog?”

“And how many times have I told you, now? Just call me Dionysus.” He grunts, planting his hands on his knees as he leans back to take a seat. 

Dionysus was one of the faces I was actually glad to see when I was first joining the circus. He made me feel as if the circus was truly a home. He’d cheer me up if I got cues wrong, and never got angry when I messed up a trick– though that doesn't happen anymore. Dionysus doesn't come to the circus very often, albeit it does belong to him. He spends most of his time in Olympus now that his “new project” has fully flourished. He has no reason to watch over something that can manage well on its own. He does stop by during his free time, though. Rarely does he interrupt his work with the gods above for the mortal realm. However, there was this one exception. I get chills just thinking about it. It was the angriest I’d ever seen him. 

It was a long while back. Undergarments from our female performers had been going missing for months. Either no one realized or no one cared enough to dig deeper into the mystery– I was too young to remember. However, after a year, our travel manager ended up finding most of the missing clothing in someone's bag. Turns out one of our male performers had been stealing the undergarments of girls in our changing room for a long time. The moment Dionysus got word of the incident, it was as if he had never left. He was down in a second, and a roaring yell ripped through all the commotion. The glass echoed sharply in our ears, and sound waves would’ve pushed us back had he been just a bit louder. No one dared utter a word– I don’t think the circus had been any quieter. The god grabbed the man by the collar and walked off. We haven’t seen him since he was “dealt” with. It's not like anyone was gonna miss him, anyway.

Dionysus did end up giving the girls involved paid time off. It's comforting knowing he cares so much, though I can’t say the same for some of my peers. A lot of people have been scared of him since then. “Don't get on his bad side” and all. Other than that, he’s pretty sweet when he wants to be. 

“Look at all my beautiful blooming performers.” My gaze follows him as he leans forward, resting an elbow on his knee to better admire the scene before him. He wipes a non-existent stray tear from his glossy eye. “They grow up so fast.”

“Right…” I turn my attention back to the stage, amused by the gods' antics. He isn't wrong, though. These performers are really good. Most of them have been here well before me. 

“No one beats my only magician, though!” He nudges my rib a bit too hard, to which I wince– and of course to which he also doesn’t bother noticing. 

“Ah, that's right!” He begins abruptly. “I have something for you to see, my little showstopper.” He stands up and motions for me to walk with him to backstage production– stopping when we eventually reach his room. 

I sit down on a chair, taking in the sight of the trinkets that decorated the walls. The room is filled with the sound of shuffling from Dionysus looking around, clearly attempting to find something. 

“So…” I start to break the silence. “How’s Olympus?" I lazily watch him rummage through packages and other costumes in his room.

“Ah, Olympus. It’s been extravagant! Well, I suppose it only is when I’m there. Most of the gods are doing just fine. I heard Hades’ little boy is trying to escape the underworld, though! Gave him some aid, who knows? His father certainly is stuck-up sometimes. No patience for flair.” 

I hum. “That’s nice. I hope he makes it out.” I stare at the ceiling– leaning back in a chair, tipping the balance. “I can’t imagine being able to just go to Olympus– you’re so lucky.”

He turns to face me, one arm raised in the air, his hand swatting. “Gah, what do you need Olympus for when you have me! The god of wine, theatrics, ferti-” 

A small laugh reverberates out of me. “Yes, yes- I get it, Dionysus.” I sigh into a smile. “Anything else of note?”

“Hmm, other than that, Olympus is dandy.” He returns to looking in his closet. “Minus all of the annoying gods. Especially a certain god of archery.” He grits the words through his teeth. Though his back is turned, something tells me he’s rolling his eyes. I strain my brain with the little information I have of the gods to try to pinpoint who Dionysus could be referring to.

“Apollo…? What did he do?” My head tilts slightly in confusion.

“Oh!” He begins, “Don't even get me started on him. Constantly boasting about how amazing he is. His light, his music, ‘everyone should idolize me!’ kind of thing. It's all so tiresome. He's too smug. No theatrics, just an ego that's taller than he is.” His voice is slightly muffled as he rummages deeper into the pile in his closet.

Finally, he grabs a large box with a different packaging from the rest, placing it on the ground with a grunt. He kneels in front of it as he opens it, my vision blocked by his large back. Slowly, he rises. 

“Drumroll, please!” He turns his head with an expectant look, his body still covering the mystery of the box. I prepare my hands to quickly pat down a table nearby. Dionysus has this habit of demanding a drumroll before presenting… literally anything. I might as well entertain it.

Patpatpatpatpatpatpatpatpatpatpatpatpatpatpatpat. 

Sharply, he turns his whole body around before stepping to the side to display three beautiful –and surely expensive– clothes in front of me. 

He clears his throat, as if beginning a speech before a hearty dinner. “You, my little showstopper, have always owned the stage. It’s time you had a performing outfit that shows it! Now, you get first pick because you may or may not be my favorite, BUT I still love all of my performers equally.” His hands point to the articles of clothing in front of my eyes. I scoff a smile. This has to be nepotism in some way, right?

These are…really nice, though. Gold accents decorated some of them, but red mainly dominated all of them. I look at him for reassurance, to which he nods with a big smile.

I furrow my eyebrows before walking closer towards the three. Finally, my hand reaches out for one of them. 

“I think.. this one calls out to me most.” I was about to start again, until-

“YES!” He erupts in my ear. “I was hoping you'd pick that one! The most extravagant one, of course.” He dons a knowing smirk.

A small laugh escapes me before I exaggeratedly rest my hands on my waist. “Yeah, well, subtlety isn't my style.” I watch his smile stretch wider before he pulls me into a side hug embrace, his arm around my shoulder.

“That's my girl! Try it on, I’ll be in the main room helping the rest of my laboring children with new tricks.” He heads to the exit, winking before shutting the door behind him. 

I exhale, a little tired from all of Dionysus’ energy. Taking advantage of this moment of solitude, I admire the uniform gifted to me. The embroidery is flawless. Time to put it on, I suppose.

“Subtlety isn’t your style, hm? Now, where have I heard that one before? Don't tell me I'm rubbing off on you already~” Out of the blue, this agitating, grating voice buzzes in my ear like a mosquito. I flinch in the opposite direction from which I heard it, snapping my head in alarm before it quickly fades into unamusement. Hermes.

“Aha!” He lets out a delighted laugh, pleased with my reaction. “Getting smarter, are we, darling? We went from falling off beds to just a mere flinch!” 

“What do you want.” I cross my arms across my chest as he wears a playfully offended expression. 

“Is this really how you greet your favorite god? It seems you’ve grown colder.” He scoffs with an infuriating smile. “All I had was a message to deliver to Dionysus, but I figured I’d stop by to see my favorite jester beforehand.” 

“Uh huh.” I drop my arms from being intertwined with each other. “Do you mind? I was gonna change.” I raise the uniform in my hand, further demonstrating my point. 

“Oh, not at all! So sorry, jester,” He apologizes profusely, “I don’t mind. Please, don’t let me stop you!!” He sits criss-cross –levitating in the air– waiting patiently while staring at me.

Huh?

.

.

.

Oh. 

“Wha-? Not with you here, freak!” I throw a clothing hanger at him, to which he effortlessly leans out of the way. His sharp laughter reverberates around the room before he plants his feet on the ground again. 

“Alright, I’ll leave you alone to your mortal tendencies.” Before he exits, he leans in close to my ear, whispering. 

“But be careful, darling. Borrow too many faces and you’ll forget which one is yours~”

Before I get the chance to ask him what he means, he’s gone. Silence encompasses the room again.

“Weirdo…” I mutter to myself, staring down the clothing left limp in my hand. At least I can put this on now.

—--------------------—--------------------—------------------

BONUS!

Achoo! 

A sneeze echoes throughout the halls of the temple.

“Are you okay? Seriously, this is the 5th time you're sneezing in the past 4 minutes.” The god of hunting leans back into her chair, staring at her brother.

“I’m fine, Artemis.” Apollo nasally replies with a short temper, sniffling as he wipes his nose with a nearby cloth. “Must be dusty in here, is all...”

Social Context: According to an old superstition, sneezing is thought to mean that someone is talking or thinking about you. Many Greeks say “Bless you” after someone sneezes to wish them good fortune.