Titel: By the gods

Sprache: Deutsch

Summary: Maeve hat Geburtstag und ist auf dem Olymp. Was macht sie bei den griechischen Göttern und wo ist Sindbad?

Category: Crossover mit Hercules

Rating: ohne Altersbeschränkung

Status: Fertig

Maeve was on shore. With a wave of her hand she saw on the mystical waters the thing she wanted to see – the Nomad. There she saw her captain, Sinbad.

“He has longer hair than I remembered him to have. It suited him fine, but he looks different. He doesn’t seem to be my Sinbad anymore.” She thought sadly.

“There you are!” Someone said from behind her. Maeve turned around, and then grinned at whom she saw.

“Aunt Aphrodite!” she said, running to meet the goddess of love halfway.

“Oh, dear, you could not believe how much I’ve missed you.” Aphrodite said, giving her a hug.

“I know, aunt. I’ve missed you too. How was everybody?” Maeve said.

“They’re fine.” Aphrodite said, waving a well–manicured hand.

“You sure haven’t changed a bit.” Maeve observed, taking in her aunt’s dress. Actually it’s more of a bathing suit with lots of hanging threads around.

“Well, you know. We goddesses don’t age. But look at you! You’ve really grown, Maeve. And am I glad you’ve inherited your aunt’s good looks!” Aphrodite exclaimed.

Maeve grinned. “Are you alone? Where’s mom?” she asked, referring to her mother, Artemis.

“She’s helping Penelope. She’s having a baby, you know.”

“So fill me in on the gossip already. What happened after I went down to the mortal realm?” Maeve asked again, once they started walking to Mount Olympus. Since that awful storm where Maeve was taken away from the Nomad, this was where she ended up- on Mount Olympus, where she would celebrate her twentieth birthday, and become an official goddess. Poseidon explained to her that he had to do that because her grandfather, Zeus, wanted to make her birthday as special as he could and that every god and goddess would come to know her.

“Dear, you don’t know how boring it was up here without you running around, wearing nothing but your diaper.” Aphrodite said, smiling at the memory. Maeve chuckled at this.

“Anyway, your uncle Hercules had thrown Hera off her royal throne, so now she’s with Cronus down there.”

“Really? Uncle Hercules did that?” Maeve said, not believing her ears.

“Yup. He did. And, oh. I married Hephaestus last year. I already have a son, Cupid.” Aphrodite said, blushing a little.

“Oh, Aunt Dite! I’m so happy for you!” Maeve exclaimed.

“So, enough about us. I’m dying to know what happened to you while you were at the mortal realm.”

“Well… I… I met this man…” and she explained how she met Dimdim and then the whole crew of the Nomad.

“Sinbad? I’ve heard of him. Isn’t he the greatest swashbuckler today?” Aphrodite asked.

“Yup. He is.” Maeve said, proudly.

Aphrodite gazed at her niece. There was something different about her every time she mentions his name. Her eyes shone like stars while on her lips were the sweetest smile. She smiled herself.

“You love him, don’t you?” Aphrodite bluntly asked.

Maeve blushed profusely. “Honestly, aunt Dite, I… I don’t know what I feel about him.” She said.

“Oh you love him alright. So, does he love you?”

Maeve shook her head. “I don’t know that either. Our relationship was just starting to grow when grandfather Poseidon took me.”

Aphrodite looked at her niece, and then smiled as she recognized a child running like crazy with his father after him. “Come, I must introduce you to my family.” She said. Seizing her hand, they went to a man who now held his son in his arms.

“Hephaestus, I’d like you to meet my niece, Maeve. She’s Artemis’ only daughter.” Aphrodite said.

Hephaestus studied Maeve then took her hand and kissed it. “It’s always a pleasure meeting another lovely goddess.” He said, smiling.

“Oh no. I’m not a goddess yet.” Maeve said. She looked at the child. “Oh, he’s so beautiful! May I hold him?” she asked, looking at Hephaestus then at Aphrodite.

“Sure, dear.” Aphrodite said. Hephaestus gave her the child. “So your name’s Cupid? You’re so cute!” Maeve said, taking in the child’s blond hair and blue eyes. Blue, like Sinbad’s, she thought.

The child gave her his toothless smile, then touched her face and laughed. The three adults laughed in delight. Suddenly Cupid squirmed, leaving Maeve no choice but to put the baby down, therefore causing him to run away again. With a groan, Hephaestus went to see if he could catch his baby.

Maeve turned to her aunt, who seemed to be transfixed at her husband and offspring. “You’re so lucky, Aunt Dite. You have a lovely family. I wish I could have someone like that in my life.” She said.

Aphrodite smiled at her niece then patted her hand. “I’m sure you’ll have someone too, my dear. After all, no one is immune to our charms.” She said. Maeve laughed then went along with her aunt for another walk.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sinbad was on the tiller, watching as the sun set on the horizon. It was a beautiful sight, and he wished that someone as beautiful were there with him to see it. He sighed, sadness surrounding him like a cloud.

“Little brother, you need your rest. I’ll handle everything from here.” Doubar said.

Sinbad smiled at his brother. “Thanks. But I don’t think I can sleep tonight, Doubar.” He said.

“You remembered.”

“Remembered what?”

“That tomorrow is Maeve’s birthday.” Doubar said.

“Yeah, I did. It’s weird. This was supposed to be her second birthday aboard my ship. But after that storm…”

“Sinbad, stop it. You’re just making it worse for both of us.” Doubar said; for his eyes were beginning to glaze with unshed tears. He also misses that red haired sorceress, but he guessed no one among them missed her more than Sinbad.

“Sorry, brother. I often forget that you miss her too. But sometimes, sometimes when I recall all the memories we had together, it eases the pain a little bit.” Sinbad said.

Doubar stepped closer to Sinbad and patted his shoulder. “Don’t give up hope, brother. We would find her one day.”

“I hope so.” Sinbad said.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Rise and shine, honey! Today’s your birthday!”

Maeve squinted her eyes at the figure at her door. “Mother?” she said.

Artemis smiled. “You got that right, sweetie.” She said, walking to her daughter’s bed and kissing her on the cheek.

Maeve hugged her mother fiercely. “I’ve missed you, Mom. The last time I saw you was… was…”

“I know, dear. When your father took you down there to be with him.”

“Do you forgive him already for taking me? I know I did.” Maeve said softly.

Artemis sighed, and then grinned at her daughter. “I’m seeing you here, Maeve, and that’s all that is important to me.”

She reached behind her back and made something appear at her back. “I’ve got something for you.” she said, and then brought a box to Maeve. Her daughter looked at her. “Open it.” She chided.

Maeve smiled at her mother, and eagerly opened the box. Inside she found a heart-shaped locket. She opened it, and there she saw a portrait of her, Artemis and her deceased father, Milo.

“Thank you, mother. It’s beautiful.” She said, tears sparkling in her eyes.

“Don’t cry yet, dear. Expect to have more gifts from your uncles and aunts soon.” Artemis said.

“I have to get dressed now!” Maeve said, leaving her bed.

“Don’t worry, dear. I’ve got everything covered.” Aphrodite suddenly said. With a wave of her hand, Maeve’s nightgown turned to a beautiful gown that has a v-shaped neckline that reveals a hint of cleavage, short sleeves and short hemline.

Artemis gazed critically at her daughter. “I don’t know, Dite. The dress seemed a little… well… you.” she said to her younger sister.

“Don’t be silly, Artemis. The dress is perfect on her! Isn’t it, Maeve?” Aphrodite said.

Maeve looked at her mother then at her aunt, who were both watching her intently. “Um… whatever you say would fit on me would be fine.” She answered, playing safe.

Aphrodite frowned at Artemis, knowing exactly what’s on her mind. “Oh no, you don’t, sis. You are not going to let her wear your hunting suit!” she warned.

Artemis grinned. “Why? What’s wrong with that? I think it’s perfect. That way, everyone will know she’s my daughter.”

“And let her look like an Amazon on her day? I don’t think so!” Aphrodite argued.

“At least I won’t make her look like you.” Artemis shot back.

“Um, mom, aunt? I think I’d be the one to decide what to wear today.” Maeve said to avoid further confrontation.

“Oh, okay.” The sisters said in unison.

Maeve smiled, and then made a suit appear magically on her body. It was the sleeveless blue gown she got from Vincenzo, the one she wore that shocked Sinbad and made him drop his bread.

“That’s more like it.” Artemis said, approving of her daughter’s selection. She looked at Aphrodite.

“It’s perfect.” Aphrodite said, approving as well.

“Come on, dear. Everyone’s waiting downstairs.” Artemis said. Maeve smiled, and then walked out of the room with the two goddesses in her heels.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sinbad held some beautiful flowers in his arms. It was a little after dawn. He gazed at the beautiful sky above him. He looked at the bouquet, and then muttered something that only he can hear.

“Happy birthday, Maeve. I love you.”

Sinbad then threw the flowers to sea, where it disappeared immediately. He strained to see where the flowers could have gone to, but he saw nothing.

Sighing, he walked away.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Happy birthday, my dear.” Athena greeted Maeve as she descended down the stairs.

Maeve looked at her aunt, wide-eyed. “Oh, aunt Athena. I thought you’ve forgotten.” She said.

Athena smiled at her niece. “I may be busy studying, sweetie, but I won’t forget an event like this.” she said, and then gave her a book.

“Thank you, aunt.” Maeve whispered, instantly loving the book. It was Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the one where she and Sinbad played the lead parts. She looked at her aunt again, and recognized a gleam in her eyes. “I know about him, my dear.” She whispered in her ear. Maeve couldn’t say a word.

Next to greet her was her uncle Apollo. “You look like your mother.” He said to her, placing on her head a crown of stars. It was his gift to her.

“And you look exactly like my mom.” Maeve retorted, and then kissed Apollo on the cheek. Apollo laughed.

Poseidon nudged his way to his grandniece. He presented her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. “Beautiful flowers for a beautiful woman.” He said, smiling as he handed her the flowers. Maeve looked at it and then at the god of the waters. “Thank you.” she said, smiling.

“Actually, to be honest, it’s not from me.” Poseidon said, grinning.

“What?” Maeve gave Poseidon a quizzical stare.

But before he could say anything more, she was engulfed in greetings from the other gods.

Maeve felt happy with the celebration the gods were throwing for her, but in her heart she knew something was missing.

This knowledge was not hidden from Zeus, the god of the gods, and suddenly he knew exactly what to give to his granddaughter.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The crew was on their way to Mirion. “Why are we going there, again?” Firouz asked his captain. But before Sinbad could respond, a bright light engulfed the whole Nomad.

“What on earth…” Doubar muttered.

On the center of the light stood a man clothed in gold.

“Who are you?” Sinbad asked the newcomer.

“I am Zeus, the god of Olympus.” He said.

The whole crew of the Nomad bow down before the god. “We are sorry, my lord. We have not recognized you.” Sinbad said apologetically, looking at him.

Zeus shook his head. “Apology accepted, captain.”

They stood up at Zeus’ command. “What brings you to my ship, my lord?” Sinbad asked again.

“I have come to take you, Sinbad to Mount Olympus.” Zeus said.

The crew all stared at the god in shock. “Why, my lord?” Doubar had summoned the courage to ask.

“It’s for my granddaughter. She wanted you as a gift for her birthday.” Zeus answered.

“Your granddaughter? I’m sorry, my lord, but I do not know her.” Sinbad said.

Zeus smiled at this. “Oh, you know her alright, Captain. Maeve is the one I’m talking about.”

The crew once again was in a state of shock.

“Maeve?” Firouz said, dumbfounded.

“Yes, Maeve is my granddaughter. She is the offspring of my daughter, Artemis. Today is her twentieth birthday, and the official day where she herself will become a goddess.” Zeus explained.

“Maeve… a goddess?” Sinbad repeated, unable to cope from his shock.

“So, Sinbad. Would you grant her wish to see you on her birthday?” Zeus asked.

Sinbad wasted no time thinking. “Yes. Yes I will go with you, my lord.” He answered.

“Very well.” Zeus said. With a wave of his hand they disappeared from the Nomad.

“Goodbye, brother.” Doubar whispered.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Thank you, everyone, for all your gifts. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday.” Maeve said to all the gods and goddesses that greeted her.

Aphrodite nudged Artemis. “Where’s father? Isn’t this the proper time to induct her as one of us?” she whispered.

“I don’t know where father is, Dite. And stop poking me! It hurts!” she whispered back.

Suddenly a voice boomed from the door. The gods parted ways, revealing Zeus. “Happy birthday, my dear granddaughter.” He said, smiling lovingly.

Maeve smiled as well. “Thank you, grandfather.” She said as she received a kiss in the cheek.

“My dear, I have a surprise for you.” Zeus said. He raised his arm, and out of the blue came Sinbad, wearing a golden vest and breeches.

“Wow, talk about gorgeous.” Aphrodite whispered. This time, it was Artemis who poked her in the ribs,

“Owww!”

“Shhh!”

Maeve felt her heart skip a beat as she stared at Sinbad. Was it really him?

Sinbad felt the air in his lungs desert him as he gazed at Maeve. She looked gorgeous.

Suddenly the two ran to each other, and then met halfway. Sinbad lifted Maeve and swung her around in a circle.

“I can’t believe I’m seeing you again!” Sinbad said, grinning.

“You sailor! Put me down!” Maeve said, laughing.

Sinbad did put her back on her feet, but did not release her. Instead he drew her closer to him, and then kissed her on the lips.

The gods erupted in cheers.

Artemis stared at her daughter in shock, and then turned her head to see Aphrodite beaming. “You knew this all along and you never told me she was already in love?” she said.

Aphrodite smiled at her sister. “You didn’t ask.” She said.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sinbad and Maeve stopped kissing, but they were still locked in an embrace.

“Happy birthday, Maeve.” Sinbad said.

Maeve felt tears in her eyes. “Thank you.” she whispered.

Sinbad traced her jaw line. “I love you.” he finally said.

Maeve felt her heart leap with joy. He loves me! She thought. “I thought you’ll never tell me that, captain. I love you too.”

They kissed again

.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Zeus cleared his throat, and guiltily the two lovers separated. He smiled at them.

“Now is the time to formally introduce my granddaughter as a goddess.” He said.

Maeve smiled at him, and then looked at Sinbad who was smiling as well.

Zeus turned to the sailor. “Sinbad, Maeve is now a goddess. Would you like to join her and be a god too?” he asked.

Sinbad stared at Zeus, and then looked at his beloved who smiled encouragingly at him. “I’d be honored.” He said.

The gods of Mount Olympus clapped their hands.

“And now, may I present to you, the god and goddess of sailing and adventures, Sinbad and Maeve!”

A bright light surrounded both Sinbad and Maeve. They felt an energy going inside of them, and later realized that it was ambrosia.

“Welcome, my dear, to the family of the gods.” Artemis said to her daughter. She looked at Sinbad then smiled. “My daughter had chosen well. I trust you, Sinbad, to take care of her.” She said.

Sinbad nodded. “I will.” He then looked at Maeve, and with a wave of his hand, they disappeared to tell their friends the good news.

The End