The first thing Jon noticed in Athena's dream was the cold. The room was frigid. He could see his breath.
The second thing he noticed was the throne.
He was standing in the shadows near a pillar in a big room with a throne at one end. The throne was ornate, beautiful even, solid gold, jewel encrusted. On it sat a woman he couldn't quite make out due to his distance to her, so he approached.
As he got closer he realized the woman was Athena. She looked older, more refined, but it was definitely her. Men and women started appearing around her to serve. Some brought her food and drink, some sang and danced, still others just fell prone before her. When she noticed Jon approaching her she stood in rage.
"How dare you approach my throne, infidel! Guards!"
Men with spears appeared on either side of her and approached him. He decided to act fast.
"You're sitting in my throne," he told her, looking nervously at the sharp end of the spears.
A brief look of confusion crossed her face, and then resolved into a look of satisfaction. "Of course, your highness, I was just keeping it warm for you."
The guards vanished, and, Jon noticed, the men and women worshiping her had changed their positions to be worshiping him. He smiled.
Athena had stepped aside of the throne, waiting for him to sit. Before he did, however, the world shimmered.
The noise in the coffee shop he now found himself in was deafening. The lineups were out the door, people were talking, laughing, ordering. Behind the counter there was one noise above all. Athena was in trouble.
She was dressed in her usual gothic garb except for the green apron she had on. She was cowering before a tall angry man who seemed to be her manager.
"What the hell is wrong with you, DeVries? Is this what you call a Venti 1 pump caramel, 1 pump white mocha, 2 scoops vanilla bean powder, extra ice frappuchino with 2 shots poured over the top (apagotto style) with caramel drizzle under and on top of the whipped cream, double cupped? How many times do I have to go over these orders with you? They are simple!"
A look of panic was crossing her face. Jon thought he'd take pity on her. He approached the counter and interrupted the rant.
"I think she should serve me until she gets it right."
"Yes," the manager replied, noticing Jon, "Athena, this customer is your number one priority. You serve him until you learn your lesson."
Athena looked up at Jon, recognized him and rolled her eyes. "Great, serving my friend's stupid big brother."
This pissed him off. He had just helped her out, stopping the stress dream, and now she insults him?
"Well, missy, if you want to get it right, the first thing you need to change is your attitude. You need to be happy to serve me! I'm not Zoe's stupid big brother; I'm her awesome big brother!"
A smile crept onto her face. A look of awe quickly followed it. She looked like it was Christmas morning. "Jon! I'm so happy I get to serve you. What can I get for you?"
Just when Jon was about to order, he woke up.
