"Monster!" That's what everyone calls me-the girl so hideous that one look at her face will turn you to stone; the creature. You'll never hear anyone calling me "human." Yet, that's what I used to be. I wasn't always a gorgon, it wasn't even my fault.

 I loved Athena more than anything; more than myself. She was everything to me and I worshiped her with greater passion then Eros himself could ever dream to feel. I would do anything for a taste of her glorious wisdom- or even to get one look at her. I didn't expect much in return. I didn't expect her to reward me with gifts. I didn't know if she'd ever appear to me and I didn't think it was possible for her to love me half as much as I loved her. But protection and maybe even sympathy- I suppose a part of me did expect to get those. 

 When Poseidon himself attacked me- stealing my chastity, hope, and dignity away with one cruel and venomous act, in Athena's very own temple of all things; I expected her to protect me, to save me. I was scared and lost, but the thought of her rescue brought me some peace. When she did come down from Olympus and finally show herself to me, I was beyond relieved. I was overjoyed and she was every bit as incredible as I imagined her to be. But she was outraged. We both knew the situation wasn't my fault; I think she was angry with Poseidon. However, it is forbidden for the gods to punish one another; she couldn't break the rules. I suppose I was foolish to think she would for a lowly mortal like myself. So, me being the only other option, I received the punishment.

 The sound of hundreds of snakes slithering by my ears became overwhelming, I could feel my skin grow stiff and tight as she had deformed it. My hands were much lighter in color than they were supposed to be. I called out to her, begging Athena for mercy and reason, but she refused to give me either. 

 Feeling betrayed by the one I loved, I fled to a hidden garden, so I could be alone; protecting others and myself. Still, my garden has been filled with statues over the years, fallen self proclaimed "heroes" set out to defeat me, the monster. I don't even have it in me to be angry with Athena. I'm hurt yes, but, as foolish as it is, despite everything, a part of me still cares about her. Maybe I'm too stubborn to admit I was wrong about her or maybe some part of me hopes that if I love her enough she'll take pity on me and remove the curse so life can go back to normal. One thing I know for sure is, I need to survive, I need to protect myself. If the world is only going to see me as a monster- maybe that's what I have to become.