Olympian Complex

Athena looked up as the door opened, hugging her knees. It wasn’t yet time for food and long past time to start on the tests – Jared shouldn’t be here now. Furthermore, his face was unreadable stone, his footsteps heavy. Nervously, she drew her notebook to her chest, guarding her mathematics work fearfully. What was going on?

“Is… is something wrong?”

Athena didn’t like the look in Jared’s eyes as he responded, softly, “Go lay down. I need to give you a.. a shot.”

Athena obediently walked over to the bed, still on edge. Something wasn’t right here. She lay down, holding out her arm for him to tie a tourniquet to as he held up a small syringe of liquid.

“Am I behind on my vaccinations?” she asked, nervously. Jared twitched slightly, shaking his head just a little. Why wasn’t he saying anything, smiling, reassuring her, engaging in light conversation? He must be very disappointed in her progress. Athena began to cry a little.

“Please.. I’ll do better, I swear, only please, just don’t be mad at me…”

Jared startled a little, pausing his probing of her arm to find the vein.

“Mad?” he asked, confused. “I’m not mad…”

Athena looked up at him through her tears as Jared reached with his thumb to gently brush them away.

“Shh, Athena… sweetie, I’m not mad. Don’t cry.”

Athena nodded a little, sniffling. “..okay,” she said softly, lying still. Jared found her vein, taking the pulse with two fingers. He flicked the syringe twice, then bent over, kissing her forehead.

“Lie very still and do not move,” he whispered, as she felt a slight pinch. She closed her eyes, going limp. A moment later, she felt him lift her, carrying her out of her chambers.

What was going on?