An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
Have you read Five Minutes Older?
Yes
It's in my bookmarks/saved for later/I intend to now
No
No, and I don't read Gravity Falls fics
Voting ended onJun 29
Summary:
Mabel ends up trapped in 1979, without her brother and with a broken time machine that she can't fix herself. Luckily, her Grunkle Stan is there. Of course, he's a lot younger now…he has a mullet, he's living out of his car and he doesn't know he's her Grunkle. But he's not planning to let this weird, sparkly little girl end up alone on the streets.
So. Who hasn’t ever imagined the Greek gods as mortals in a domestic modern setting?
...Well, okay, there’s actually quite a bit of existing art and fanfiction related to the concept. But I’ve had this “AU,” of sorts, developing in my head off and on for a while now, and wanted to share it, just for any other mythology geeks out there who might be interested.
To that end: courtesy of artwork by the amazing @thesnadger, meet the children of the Olympios family! (Well, the ones from the main twelve at least - there are six more siblings/half-siblings among Zeus’s kids, plus all the cousins and honorary family members and so forth. It’s a big family.)
Brief character blurbs under the cut. I don’t really have any specific plans for this AU to go anywhere – it’s mostly just a casual, self-indulgent thing – but if, by chance, this piques any interest and anyone would like to know more about these kids (or any other characters not included here – I’ve thought a lot about this crazy extended family), I would absolutely love the excuse to talk more about them, so any questions are welcome!
(Note: I keep going back and forth on whether they should have more modern-sounding names or just stick with the originals, so I’ve included both, or at least ones I’m considering but haven’t settled on.)
(Note 2: Just for the record, given that this is meant to be set in the modern day, for the purposes of the AU I have taken the liberty of… editing the Olympian family tree a tad, in the interest of toning down the, y’know, incest. So, no sibling marriage or anything going on, Zeus and Hera are unrelated here.)
Athena (Tiena)
Age – 17
The wise-beyond-her-years, overachieving valedictorian who makes it look easy. Seemingly popped up out of nowhere to join the family when she was 9. Rather intimidating, but in a charismatic way; often the “leader” of the kids (much to Ares’ chagrin). Already taking several college courses (started planning her sociology/political science double major before she hit high school), she balances that with a host of extracurriculars (she slays in debate club just as much she does martial arts) while still making time for her weaving, pottery, and industrial arts hobbies. Also grows miniature olive trees.
Ares (Reece)
Age – 15
The eldest son, and rebellious “problem child.” Prideful, temperamental and petty, but very insecure beneath it all; secretly hurt by his parents’ lack of pride in and low expectations of him (a state of things that is… not entirely his own fault). Talks a big game, but tends to fold easily against anyone who isn’t cowed by his tough-guy act. Forever bitter toward Athena for “stealing” his position as the oldest sibling. Idolizes the U.S. military; fully intends to enlist the second he turns eighteen and for all the wrong reasons. Due for some harsh (but hopefully constructive) reality checks.
Hephaestus (Fess? Jeff? Eustace? Seriously, nothing sounds like this one)
Age – 14
The socially awkward, geeky tech wiz. Diligent and hardworking, has a strong passion for metalwork and mechanical engineering (huge fan of shows like Man at Arms). Always busy with some project or other, when not participating in as many robotics competitions as he can manage. Machines are easier for him than people. Generally a kindhearted boy, dislikes conflict and often tries (with limited success) to play peacemaker among the family; however, he can also fall into bouts of self-pity, and on the rare occasions he gets pushed too far, shows a rather unpleasant vindictive streak.
Artemis (Artemia? Artie? Temmie?)
Age – 11
Nature-loving wild child and shameless daddy’s girl. Concluded at age 5 that marriage is stupid and she’ll be taking no part in it. Rarely indoors if she can help it; most likely to be seen running around the yard or local parks with her dogs and gang of girlfriends (her Girl Scout troop nominally has an adult in charge, but everyone knows who the real leader is). Has a significant soft spot for baby animals (humans included). Perpetually vying with Apollo over the top spot in their junior archery team. Treats any sort of “hunting” game – from hide-and-seek to Pokémon Go – very seriously.
Apollo (Paulo)
Age – 11
The popular, artsy preteen heartthrob. Along with the archery talent shared with his twin, he is a musical prodigy (favoring string and voice), and not too humble about either. Writes a lot of original lyrics, and has a passion for poetry in general. Surprisingly superstitious – knows a lot about omens and divination methods, and his intuitions are often scarily accurate. Has a reputation for honesty and helpfulness, always stepping up if someone is hurt (has all the relevant Boy Scout badges). Sense of justice is rather black-and-white, though, and he can hold long grudges.
Hermes (Jeremias)
Age – 8
The mischievous little scamp who everyone can’t help but like. Whether sneaking extra snacks before dinner or running an elementary school gambling ring, he consistently escapes punishment by being just so gosh-darn charmingly precocious. (And that’s only if he gets caught.) Eloquent and possessing a large vocabulary for his age, he’s a natural diplomat and salesman. Equally at home in the city or on his mom’s sheep farm. Loves travelling and interacting with new people. A sporty kid, enjoys running and gymnastics. Often serves as his dad’s unofficial spokesman, a role he delights in.
Dionysus (Dennis)
Age – 4
The goofy, lovable baby of the family. A preemie, and a bit developmentally delayed. Loud and boisterous, his emotions are never a secret – which, combined with his wild mood swings, can make him a major handful. Throws violent tantrums at the drop of a hat, and snaps out of them just as suddenly. Loves acting out stories; a definite theater kid-in-the-making. Doesn’t know the terms yet, but is fully on board with being a boy and/or a girl, whatever suits his fancy. Enjoys playing in the dirt, and shows an interest in gardening – can name all the fruit crops. Always leaving juice stains everywhere.
It's the future. Mabel's older, possibly wiser and away at college when she gets an assignment that sends her back to the summer of 2012. Story by: thesnadger
I’ve been reading a bunch of angsty Stan fanfics, and so I figured I’d hit two birds with one stone and practice doodling my favorite old man while honoring probably my favorite Stangst fic “Fear of the Dark” as well. I might try to do tiny comic based on it sometime, but for now have a sad grunk.
I was looking for a specific Ghost Stan AU story, thought I found it, DID NOT and now I’m invested in this different Ghost Stan story that’s so SAD but I want to know how it ends.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Ford wants to test his new teleporter and he needs Stan to be his guinea pig . . . ah, "assistant." Mabel is bored and plotting to tackle-hug her relatives; who cares about that boring nerd stuff Grunkle Ford was going on about? What could possibly go wrong?
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Many people have heard that black dogs are harbingers of death. Stan hasn’t. And if you call his new best friend a harbinger of anything, he’ll knock your teeth out.
Inspired by thesnadger’s comments on this post (which I LOVE) about the bit with the grappling hook in the finale credits and how Stan finally feels secure in his relationship with Ford again.
