Narrator (0:01)

Hello.

Amanda Weldon (0:02)

Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is a throwback episode. Tune in to hear one of our classic stories from the archive that you might have missed the first time around. We have Stories Podcast merch, available@storiespodcast.com shop. We're also on cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast if you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now here's a word from our sponsors.

Nanimals Advertiser (0:35)

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Amanda Weldon (1:32)

As parents with kids, I think we've all had those times when everyone in the family is off on their own personal devices. Wouldn't it be great if you could find an activity that everyone will agree on? Something that's both active and fun at the same time? Imagine that. I think we would all love this. We've found an amazing new solution called NEX Playground. It's an active game system for families where your body powers the play. It's 100% motion driven gaming. No controllers or wearables needed. Just play naturally. And the games are so great. Get immersed in adventures like how to Train youn Dragon, Dance with Barbie, Pop Bubbles in Gabby's Dollhouse, or Master some moves with Kung Fu Panda. Even better. Playground is kid safe. With no ads in app purchases or mature content, Playground is your feel good solution to bring the family together this fall. Want to learn more? Visit nextplayground.com that's n-e xplayground.com to explore active family gaming today. Thanks. Enjoy the episode.

Narrator (2:35)

The Cat Bride Once upon a time, on the distant starry peak of Mount Olympus, two gods were having an argument. Of course, when people argue, they might shout or scream. They might stomp their feet and wag their fingers. They might even throw up their arms and leave the room in a huff. When the gods argued, though, it was something else entirely. The mountain shook like pudding. The clouds swirled darkly. The sky was slashed with thunder and lightning. Zeus could never help that last one. I don't need to be reasonable, the old God said, slamming down his goblet and splashing a burgundy puddle over the stone tabletop. You don't need to be reasonable when you're right. Across the table, Aphrodite sighed, calmly shifting the flowing fabric of her dress away from the spreading spill. She was used to his bad behavior, Zeus, even you aren't all powerful. Changing how something looks doesn't change what's inside. You can't change a heart like you can change a shirt. Pah. Spat Zeus, refilling his cup. With a wag of my finger. I can turn a horse into a man and make him lecture philosophy with a blink of my eye. I can make a wolf a woman and set her dancing. How is that not changing the heart of the thing? Aphrodite sat back in her chair, an idea beginning to brew behind her beautiful, heavy lidded eyes. Yes, she said, her words nearly a purr. You are quite talented. So you admit I'm right. I can change how something looks, which means I change how it acts. Possibly, agreed Aphrodite. Still, there's only one way to know for sure. Zeus grunted, emptying his goblet in one long gulp. Fingers of red liquid ran down his chin and stained his snowy beard. What are you getting at? Speak plainly, child. How about a bet? She said. I'll pick the creature, you perform the change, and we'll see in the end if your changes are more than skin deep. Loser has to fetch drinks to the winner. Yes. Roared Zeus, who always loved a good bet. Yes, let's do it now. Pick something. He stood up from the table and rolled up his sleeves. The air around him began to prickle and spit and lightning leapt when he clapped his hands together. Tell me, Aphrodite, tell me who to change. Aphrodite gazed down at the countryside. From the top of Mount Olympus, she could see clear across all of Greece, and it didn't take her long to find the perfect candidate. In the heart of the country, in a small farming town, there was a young man who was praying to Aphrodite at that very moment. She was the goddess of love, after all. And that's what the young man wanted. A love to be his bride. And near the young man, snacking on a field mouse, was a scruffy black cat. A cat who loved the young man because he always had a scrap or a pat to spare. Perfect, whispered Aphrodite. She stood then, pointing across the hundreds of miles. There that boy. He is praying to me for a bride. And nearby is that black cat. What do you say we answer his prayers together? What say we do? Zeus roared again. He rubbed his hands together and they crackled with power. A cat into a bride. Nothing. When you have the might of Zeus, you'll be fetching my drinks in no time. Now watch Aphrodite as I make this bride a beauty and win our bet. He gestured, and the power leapt from him with a thunderous crack. A tail swish later, the cat was gone. In her place stood a woman, tall and dark and beautiful. She looked down at her new body in wonder. And now for a little push, Aphrodite said, extending her powers of love to the young couple, drawing them together without knowing why. They felt familiar already, without knowing how. Their hands clasped together, the young man looked around. This is strange I feel, I feel.