She's The Scary One

20251110

Prompt from DailyPrompt.com

It was supposed to bring peace and order! Well, probably. Nobody involved in the ritual ever stepped forward to explain. Or apologise.
Regardless of who did it, and why, the spirits of ancient Roman gods reasserted themselves, each choosing one of their distant descendants to act as a spokesperson, and laid claim to the planet which had been named after them.
Which was not, itself, a serious issue.
The problem was that nobody came forward to claim Earth… and all factions quickly realised that, being the only habitable planet, it was the primest of real estates.
All the newly awoken followers rushed to claim territory for their deity - with the exception of Pluto’s descendants, who were dismissive of the power grab in favour of petitioning astronomy bodies to grant Pluto special status as a planet, on grounds of “cultural importance”.
“It doesn’t do to call our father’s throne a ‘dwarf planet’, a designation shared with hundreds of unnamed and unimportant bodies in the solar system.” Pluto’s newly anointed high priestess told the assembled crowd. Many of whom had simply taken shelter from the supernatural powers being thrown around outside, but listening ears were listening ears.
She clasped her hands in earnest appeal. “I understand this wasn’t your intention, but it’s disrespectful. We think correcting the record is the least you can do. And, really, it just means updating a few databases, right?”
One of the scientific spokespersons, with painful care, said “Ah, if these… requests… are complied with, will Pluto remain neutral in the… ongoing negotiations?”
“He’ll stay neutral regardless.” The priestess assured them, her tone casual and faintly bemused. “Father says that Earth belongs to Gaia, and since all living things are her descendants nobody has rightful claim to it.”
Silence fell, broken by sharp gasps.
“…Did you not know that?” The priestess’s brow furrowed. “Oh. Well, father was quite clear. Every claim made to Earth is a false one. It belongs to us all.”
She was disheartened by the number of people who raced out of the room or started making phone calls. But cheered by scientists rushing the stage to shake her hand and promise to get Pluto’s designation sorted out-
“As soon as this unrest is resolved.” One interjected quickly. “Sorry, I’m sure you understand. Can’t ask everyone to come into work with divine powers being brandied about like this. And people keep moving celestial bodies, so all staff we have available are caught up in that…”
Every eye turned to her. Most hopeful.
The scientist coughed. “I, er, don’t suppose Pluto could help… calm things down? He’s, uh, the other gods are meant to take him seriously…”
“Oh. Um.” The priestess rested her hands on her hips and stared into space.
She hummed to herself. Nodded a few times. The corner of her mouth twitched.
“Father says mediating family squabbles isn’t his thing…”
Soft disappointed exhales swept the room.
She quirked an eyebrow and grinned. “But Proserpina is on it.”
Outside, complete silence sprouted.

Prompt was “Descendants of the ancient gods rule each planet in the solar system. Except Earth is up for grabs, since it has no namesake…”