Regret

The arena was deafeningly silent, despite being filled with the most powerful beings in existence. Every god, every deity from every corner of the cosmos, held up their signs. Each one bore the same answer: yes to humanity's annihilation. The decision was unanimous—or so it seemed.

You stood frozen, the weight of betrayal crushing your chest. The wooden sign in your hands trembled. The side marked "no" gleamed faintly in the dim light, the only refusal among a sea of condemnation. Your heart, however, felt heavier than the universe itself. All eyes were on you, the god of humanity, the last defender of the fragile species.

But what broke you wasn't the scorn of the gods. It wasn't even the hatred etched into the eyes of beings you'd once called allies. It was Poseidon.

His strong arm, draped casually around your waist, felt like a shackle now. He stood by your side, towering and serene, his expression unreadable. He had just raised his sign to seal humanity's fate. To seal your fate.

"Poseidon," your voice wavered, quieter than a whisper, though you knew he could hear you. "You voted to destroy them."

His sea-green eyes turned to you, calm as the surface of a still ocean, betraying no turmoil or regret. "I did," he said simply, as though the matter were trivial.

A sharp pang shot through your chest. "Do you understand what you've done? If they die, I die."

For a moment, his expression softened, confusion flickering across his face. "Why would you die?" "We're tied, Poseidon," you said, struggling to keep your voice steady. "You know this. My existence is interwoven with humanity. If they perish, I crumble with them. And our child—"

He cut you off, his tone firm. "Our child will survive. We are gods, immortal and eternal. You don't need humanity. Stay by my side and we can create a new world, free from their flaws."

You look up at him before sadly shaking your head in denial."We cannot simply replace them, Poseidon. Humanity is not just another creation we can abandon. They are souls, each with dreams and fears and potential." You turned to face him fully, your gaze unflinching. "We are gods, yes. But our duty is to protect and nurture, not to destroy."

Around you, the other gods were beginning to notice your private quarrel, some casting curious, others disdainful, glances in your direction. But you paid them no heed. Your focus was solely on Poseidon.

"and since I'm the goddess of humanity I'll crumble along side them if they are destroyed...."

Poseidon's eyes narrowed, a flash of something akin to frustration crossing his features. His grip on your waist tightened, whether in an attempt to comfort you or restrain you, you weren't sure.

"Y/n," he began, his voice edged with a hint of impatience, "I am the God of the Seas. My decisions are made in accordance with the greater scheme of the universe. I cannot let sentiment blind me. Humanity's destruction is necessary."

"I won't stand for this, Poseidon," you hissed, wrenching yourself free from his grip. The arena became silent as a graveyard, every deity's gaze now fixed on the confrontation between the two of you. "I can't just idly stand by while an entire species is obliterated."

Poseidon's expression darkened. "You tread on dangerous ground," he warned, his eyes glowing an unnatural blue. "Going against the will of the gods could have consequences. Even for you, my love."

Your heart skipped a beat, the threat not lost on you. But the defiance in your eyes only burned brighter. "Then so be it," you replied, your voice firm and unyielding.

As the confrontation lingered, the tension in the air was cut through by a voice that had, until then, remained silent. Zeus, the king of the gods, stepped forward, his piercing gaze locked on you and Poseidon.

"Interesting turn of events," he mused, his tone filled with a hint of amusement. "It seems our dearest Fiona has a rebellious streak."His words hung heavy in the air. You knew the implications; going against the collective will of the gods was a grave offense. But, looking at Poseidon, you saw something in his eyes that made your heart ache - a flicker of conflict, a hint that he was questioning his decision more than he let on.

"I won't apologize, Zeus," you declared, your gaze never leaving Poseidon's. "My allegiance is to humanity, and my vote stands."Your defiance didn't go over well. The faces around you bore varying degrees of disapproval, a silent condemnation of your audacity. For a moment, it felt like the whole room held its breath, waiting to see what would happen next.

And then Zeus laughed - a booming, hearty laugh.

"You never fail to surprise, Y/n," he said, his voice still tinged with amusement. "And I dare say, neither does Poseidon." He gave you a knowing look, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Perhaps there's more to this than meets the eye."

The tension in the air eased up ever so slightly.

"But," Poseidon interjected, his tone stern yet measured, "A vote has been taken, and the decision stands." His ocean-blue eyes met yours, and there was a certain finality in his gaze. "You need to accept this, Y/n."

But your resolve was unshaken. You shook your head, your expression solemn. "I can't accept the extinction of an entire species, Poseidon. They are as much a part of me as the ocean's depths are part of you.""if they are obliterated I'll die along side them."you said in a pleading tone eyes never leaving Poseidon's trying to crack through his head.

Poseidon sighed, his grip on your waist not slackening. "Y/n," he began, his tone firm yet tinged with a hint of pleading. "You are a goddess in your own right, and our child is a gift from the heavens. You won't disappear. You belong by my side."

A part of you wished to believe his words, to trust that your existence wasn't bound to humanity's. But the other part, the part that had nurtured and protected them for eons, knew better."you don't understand...they are apart of me if something happens to them I'll be..."

Poseidon's expression hardened. "They aren't a part of you, Y/n! They are humans, mortal and flawed," he retorted, his tone harsh. "You're letting sentiment cloud your judgment. You're a goddess, not a mortal, and your duty is not to them, but to us!"

You pulled back, his words hitting you like a tidal wave. His dismissal of humanity, his refusal to see the value of life beneath the surface, left a bitter taste in your mouth."I am. I'm their goddess of humanity, their the whole existence is why I'm made for ...Don't you understand? I'm tied to them."

Poseidon let out a deep, exasperated breath, releasing his hold on you. His eyes, usually calm as the sea, now stormed with irritation. He ran a hand through his platinum blonde hair, trying to quell his rising frustration.

"Y/n, your role is not to become attached, but to guide. You're to be their symbol of divinity, not their shield," he said sternly. He towered over you, his presence imposing, his expression hardened into an unyielding expression. "They're a species, and like millions before them, they will be replaced by another. That's the cycle."

You stepped back from him, the distance between you now palpable not just physically, but emotionally as well. You'd always known Poseidon was detached, but this... this coldness towards the fate of humanity was too much to bear.

"Replaced?" you echoed, your voice low. "Replaced like some discarded trinket? Is that all they mean to you?"

Poseidon's jaw clenched, but he remained calm, his voice edged with an icy firmness. "It's the way of things, Y/n. Mortals come and go, but we are eternal."

His words cut deep. You knew he was right, in a way. Gods like you held dominion over mortals, their lives fleeting compared to eternal divinity. But to see Poseidon, who you loved, ready to discard so many lives as if they were mere playthings...

"And what of their potential?" you whispered, voice trembling. "What of their dreams, Poseidon? Are those meaningless too?....what about me..?"Poseidon hesitated, a faint flicker of what might have been regret crossing his face. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by his usual calm façade.

"You're a goddess, Y/n," he repeated, but this time, there was a note of pleading in his voice. "You're more than their protector. There's so much more to your existence than just humanity. I've seen the worlds beyond this one, the ones we could create together."

He reached out to you, his hand brushing gently against your cheek. His touch was cold, his eyes piercing, his gaze betraying nothing of his inneremotions. "I love you, Y/n," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the cacophony of conflicted feelings that echoed in the vast hall. "Don't let your attachment to mortals blind your vision for what we can craft together, our world, a world where our love can flourish without restraint."

You looked at him, really looked at him. You saw the god that you had married, the father of your unborn child. You loved him, yes. But now, you also saw the man willing to sacrifice an entire race - your race - for an ideal.

Poseidon's gaze was unwavering, his hand still resting gently against your cheek. He seemed to be waiting for your response, some sign of acceptance, some indication that you would agree with his world view. You stepped away from his touch, your voice barely above a whisper as you spoke. "No, Poseidon...we can't..."

The disappointment in Poseidon's eyes was palpable, a brief flash of vulnerability quickly hidden behind his cold, unyielding facade. He took a step back, creating a chasm between the two of you, both physical and emotional. His voice was stern as he spoke, his tone unyielding and resolute.

"Then this is your decision."

With that, Poseidon retreated, leaving you alone in the vast hall, the weight of your disagreement hanging heavy in the air. You watched as the gods around you began to leave, their whispered voices echoing around the chamber.

As you stood there, the solitude was almost overwhelming. You, the goddess of humanity, had just stood up against the decision to annihilate the very race you governed. You were now at odds with Poseidon, the father of your unborn child. The gravity of the situation was like a weight crushing your chest, your vision blurring with unshed tears.

Your thoughts drifted to humanity, the beings you had watched grow, learn, survive, and thrive. You had guided them, protected them, and loved them, even when they made mistakes. And now, they were facing the gravest trial of all.

A gentle touch on your shoulder jolted you back to reality. You turned to see Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, standing beside you. Her stunning features were etched with concern, her eyes reflecting a compassion you sorely needed at that moment.

"What have I done, Aphrodite?" you asked, your voice shaking.

Aphrodite didn't offer empty platitudes or try to justify the decision made by the gods. Instead, she offered solace, a comforting presence in the storm of your emotions.

"You've done what you thought was right," she said gently, her voice soothing. "And you made the choice to stand by humanity, despite the consequences."

Her words resonated deep within you, offering a semblance of comfort. But before you could respond, Poseidon's voice boomed across the hall, his announcement echoing around the vast chamber.

"The decision has been made," he declared, his voice carrying an edge of finality. "Humanity will be erased from existence."

The words reverberated around the silent hall, his words sinking in like a death knell. A single tear slipped down your cheek. Poseidon, the god you loved, had just sealed humanity's fate. me and our unborn child's fate. a sob escape your lips trembling intensely as you cried out in despair.

Aphrodite, her heart breaking at your pain, pulled you into an embrace, holding you tightly as your sobs echoed in the silence. But even her comfort couldn't alleviate the deep sense of loss you felt, knowing that you stood against the gods, alone in your defiance.

"It's okay," she whispered, her voice a soothing balm. "You made the choice that felt right for you. And that's all any of us can do."

But you knew, deep down, that this wasn't just about doing what was right. This was about survival. Your existence was tied to humanity, and now, withhumanity's impending doom, so too was yours. The pain of Poseidon's betrayal mingled with your sorrow, your body trembling uncontrollably. Amidst the chaos of your emotions, you felt a faint, rhythmic thumping - the heartbeat of the child inside you, a constant reminder of the life that was growing within.

"I'm so sorry," you choked out, your voice barely louder than a whisper. In your despair, you addressed not just Poseidon, not just the gods, but yourself, the mother of an unborn child doomed to face the same fate as humanity.

A sudden, sharp pain ripped through you, forcing a gasp from your lips. As you instinctively grasped your stomach, you felt a warm, wet liquid seeping through your gown. A sense of dread filled your heart as you looked down to see the crimson stain spreading, knowing what it meant.

"No, no, no," you pleaded, your voice filled with desperation. "Not now, please...not now."

As panic gripped you, Aphrodite held you tighter, her eyes filled with worry and confusion.Aphrodite looked down at your blood-stained gown, her face paling as understanding dawned on her. She quickly called out, her voice ringing with authority and urgency. "Call for Asclepius! Now! Y/n needs help!"

The gods who were still in the hall reacted with shock, hurrying to find the god of healing. Within moments, Asclepius was by your side, his usually calm demeanor replaced with worry and concern.

As Asclepius began tending to you, Aphrodite and the other gods surrounded you, their presence offering comfort, even as the chaos of the situation unfolded. Amidst the flurry of activity, you fought to keep your composure, your hand clutching Aphrodite's as she whispered words of reassurance.

The pain intensified, and you could feel the life force within you slipping away. You looked up at Poseidon, his face a mix of shock, fear, and something else that you couldn't quite place.

"Poseidon," you whimpered, gasping for breath. "Please..."

He didn't say anything. Instead, he stepped closer, his hands trembling as he reached out to you, his gaze filled with a mixture of despair and helplessness. His touch brought a small respite from the pain, but it was fleeting.

Asclepius worked swiftly, but the damage was severe. "I...I don't think I can save the child," he confessed, his voice heavy with regret.

Your figure suddenly froze as a sudden realization pang through you hastily look at the other gods terrified you ask in a shaky traumatized voice.

"Did..you..did all of you just.. erased mankind...?"

The question hung heavy in the air, the silence in the room broken only by the soft whimpers of discomfort from you. The other gods shuffled uncomfortably, none daring to answer, their gazes fixed on anything but you.

Finally, it was Asclepius who broke the silence, his voice gentle but laden with the harsh truth. "Yes... Yes, Y/n. That decision was made. But right now, our priority is to save you."

The implications of his words sank in, but before you could respond, another wave of pain hit you.

"No!...No no no nonono...what have you had done...!?"

Asclepius began to work swiftly, his fingers moving with a practiced efficiency as he tried to stem the flow of blood.

Aphrodite knelt next to you, her hands gently cradling your cheeks as she tried to guide your focus away from the pain. "Y/n, please, focus on me, stay with us," she pleaded.

The rest of the gods stood in a somber semi-circle, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation. Poseidon, however, stood slightly apart, his eyes filled with a deep sense of regret and grief.

Your vision blurred as another wave of pain washed over you. You tried to speak, to express your anger and despair, but the words died in your throat, replaced by a heart-wrenching scream. The pain was overwhelming, a searing agony that robbed you of speech and thought.

Aphrodite continued to whisper comforting words to you, her voice a lifeline in the midst of your turmoil. Asclepius worked tirelessly, but the blood didn't seem to stop, the situation worsening by the second.

The tears streaming out of your eyes slowly turned red... crying tears blood...

The sight of your tears turning to blood alarmed the gods, a collective gasp echoing in the chamber. They looked on in shock, their fear for your life palpable.

Aphrodite's grip on you tightened as she tried to calm you. "Y/n, please, you have to stay strong!" she pleaded, her voice trembling.

Asclepius worked with increased urgency, his hands moving faster, trying to counteract the blood loss. The other gods watched, powerless, as you writhed in pain, unable to do anything but bear witness to your suffering.As you continued to cry blood, the room was filled with a sense of dread. The gods were no strangers to pain and death, but seeing you, a fellow goddess, suffer so intensely, was a sight they were ill-prepared to witness.

Your sobs intensified, and you felt yourself slipping away, the pain overwhelming your senses. The sound of your agonized cries echoed in the chamber, intermingling with the desperate pleas of the gods to hold on.

In the midst of your torment, Poseidon stepped forward. Poseidon, the god who had just voted for the destruction of humanity, knelt beside you, his hand gently grasping yours.

"Y/n, please, hold on," he whispered, his voice tight with emotion. "I... I'm so sorry. For everything."

You tried to respond, to tell him that his words meant nothing, that his apology was hollow, but the pain was too great. Your body writhed, and your screams echoed in the hall, drowning out all else.

The other gods, including Aphrodite, stood back, their gazes fixed on you and Poseidon, their eyes filled with concern and helplessness. Poseidon, the mighty god of the seas, now knelt at your side, his grip on your hand tight, as tears streamed down his face. His whispered pleas for you to stay alive filled the room, a stark contrast to the unyielding god who had just voted for the annihilation of a race.

The pain intensified, each moment feeling like an eternity. Your grip on Poseidon's hand tightened, seeking some semblance of comfort in the midst of the agony. His presence, his touch, were the only things that held you tethered to reality.

But even as his voice offered words of comfort, his aura seemed to conflict with his words. His regret, genuine as it may be, felt like a hollow echo, his power a reminder of the ruthless decision he had made.

Slowly feeling your body crumbling to ashes..you let out an agonizing scream your vision seeing flashes of humanity being erase into nothing ness just a while ago...

The gods watched in horror as your body began to crumble into ashes, a sight none of them had expected or prepared for. The room seemed to shake with your agonized scream, the sound reverberating throughout the hall.

Asclepius, in a desperate attempt to save you, called upon every ounce of his divine power, his hands glowing and pulsing with a brilliant light. But even his divine healing seemed ineffective against the power that was consuming you.

The gods, unable to help, watch in silence as your body disintegrates, their expressions a mix of sorrow and disbelief.

Poseidon's grip on you tightens, his voice choked with emotion as he pleads, "Y/n, please... don't leave us... don't leave me." But it's too late. The life force within you, once vibrant and warm, is now cold and still.

With one final, agonized scream, you crumble into ashes, the remnants of your existence scattering in the vast hall. The gods stand in silence, a somber pall hanging over the room as they witness the death of a fellow goddess.

The silence in the hall was broken only by the soft sounds of your ashes settling on the floor. The gods stood there, stunned, their expressions reflecting their shock and grief. A goddess had fallen, not in battle, but by the twisted fate of a misguided decision.

Poseidon, his face lined with despair, reached for the ashes, his hand trembled as he tried to gather the remains of what was once you. But the ashes slipped through his fingers, scattering once more onto the cold, unforgiving floor.

As Poseidon knelt there, tears streaming down his face, he whispered a single word, his voice barely audible, "Y/n..." The other gods, shaken and sorrowful, watched as the mighty Poseidon, once a symbol of power and unyielding arrogance, now knelt in grief, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

The room was silent, the air heavy with despair and regret. The ashes of a goddess lay scattered on the floor, a grim reminder of the price of the gods' decision.

The other gods, their expressions etched with grief and horror, began to slip away, each too shaken to stay. Aphrodite lingered, her gaze fixed on Poseidon, her heart echoing with sorrow and regret. Poseidon, seemingly oblivious to everything else, knelt at the spot where you had disintegrated, his head bowed, his face hidden in his hands.

The silence of the vast hall was now broken by the soft sobs of a god mourning the loss of a beloved goddess - the very goddess whose life had been tied to the very human race he had condemned to oblivion.