Migina-Luna: Lunar New Year

Artemis watched the young human couple: one man, one woman.  The woman was small but not fragile for she was able to perform tasks as easily as the male did; her black hair was cut short: her eyes were a deep, chocolate brown: she was well built in her chest and her hips.  The male was tending to the fire; he too had black hair and the same color skin as his mate.  
As the man worked the flames, the lady tended to more important matters.  Cradled in her arms was a babe, less a year old.  She cooed, reaching up to her mother: her curls were as dark as the night, her skin the same as her parents.  Lovingly, the mother caressed her child’s face.  The babe smiled, her eyes reflective of pure innocence.
Years had passed since Artemis had observed mortals.  Newest ages of humanity came and passed without much change.  The acts, the ideas they were capable of sickened the council.  She too was revolted by such acts: hate crimes, rape, molestation, murder, pornography, drugs, sex.  Yet she did realize that all humans were different; there were many people who stood up to these horrors in hopes of putting a stop to them.  Yes, many failed but few succeeded, giving humanity hope and a chance for redemption.
It was time for the council to try once more.
“Mother Rigel, please assist me with my plans.”
By her side was a tall, lean female wolf.  With her glistening eyes of sapphire, she headed towards the human’s grounds.  
“You do know what you’re doing, right?”
Bastet of Egypt emerged from the shadows, her gray tail swishing behind her as she joined her fellow lunar member.  They watched as the wolf slinked through the trees towards the oblivious couple with remarkable dexterity.
“Yes, I do,” Artemis glanced at her comrade.  “But I know you didn’t want to come here to chat.  The council no doubt wishes to speak to me.”
“Indeed.  I hope you have a good explanation for all this.” Bastet told her.
“I do.”

Beams of pure moonlight illuminated the grounds of the council hearing place.  The trees managed to hide them from the outside world.  Centuries had flown by and not a single human had stepped on their lands.  
The trees opened up, making some type of door way for Bastet and Artemis to enter.  Bastet took her seat in the council circle, leaving her comrade to stand trial alone.
“Artemis, I find it odd asking you such a question,” Xochiquetzal grinned.  “But we cannot behind the rules even for you.”
“Mother Xochiquetzal,” Artemis bowed.  “You must hear my idea.  Its time we trained a new moon.”
“Insanity!” Scoffed Ixchel.  “We have seen the way humanity has deteriorated over the years.  Why should we give them another chance?”
“Maybe that’s why we should listen to Sister Artemis,” Soft spoken Chang'e stood up. “For years, we have stood by, doing nothing to help those who cry out for us!  Aren’t we the ones who are to help women?  Was it not our job to aid childbirth and protect the young?”
The council was quiet for they knew what she said was true. Each goddesses had been given specific tasks by their cultural leader but most of their jobs were the same; to protect children, to watch over women, to defend the weak. Artists depicted them in stone, jade and other forms.  Their names had been placed in songs, poems and more.  But gradually, the hearts of humans turned black.  Atrocious, ghastly ideas began to appear in their minds.  Ordinary mortals rose into power, giving their people false hopes and dreams.  These many types of propaganda altered human thinking: these thoughts lead to war, one of man kind’s most hated creations.
Soon, to became too much for the lunar queens to bear.  After their last moon had passed on, they hide themselves from the mortals.
Artemis decided it was enough.
“Sister Chang’e is right!” Artemis declared.  “For too long we have neglected our duties as the lunar queens.  We cannot stand by any longer.”
“You raise a compelling argument but it will take more than words to persuade us.” Ixchel’s eyes of jade glowered.
From the silence erupted a cry; the cry of a child.  The trees moved aside, letting Mother Rigel enter.  Clenched between her teeth was a snag of a bundle in cloth.  Once she set down, the baby was shown.  Instantly, the other members gasped.
What was Artemis thinking?
“You kidnapped a child?” Ixchel growled.
“Sister Ixchel, I beg you to calm yourself,” Artemis sighed heavily.  Getting on her knee, she scooped up child with great care. The baby blinked, looking up at the goddess.  Then, she smiled.  “I know this seems irresponsible but I have my reasons.  We shall take care of the baby for three days.  Her parents have been placed in a special trance where they think their child is still with them.  Later, when she’s returned, Mother Rigel will do the job.  We will then see how the parents react.”
Mutter arose between the members, the most audible from Ixchel.  Rigel growled slightly.  
But then, the baby giggled, she cooed.  Such perfect innocence from a human who was apart of the race they forsaken years ago.  Maybe they could train a new moon who would not fail them.
Risky, yes.
And goddesses love to take risks.
“Three days as requested.  I am anxious to see how this all turns out Daughter Artemis.” Mother Xochiquetzal eyed the baby.