I was expecting myself to get through a day without nearly dying. I really was. I was expecting that I don't have to fight or at least hide from enemies or monsters. I was expecting that living here in a simple town will help me live a simple life.

Really. I have a lot of expectations after coming here.

What I didn't expect is that by the end of this week is that I will be killed. By something that I didn't even understand.

It was Friday. The last day of my first week after living here. I almost screamed out loud when I knew I that survived the week. I was about to call Lady Hestia to celebrate my surviving self. I got through the week here in Kuoh town when in Manhattan I would have been monster chow the first day I'm out of camp.

This week was fun. I got to know the class and found out that the girls would not try and capture me to ask their insane questions. Rather, they tried to befriend me. Though they are all awfully clingy and it is a tad bit uncomfortable. The boys are fine. Well, some of them.

There are some guys that will be turned into a jackalope and end up with an arrow between their eyes by Lady Artemis if she ever met them. There's even these three who are seriously dedicated their life for oppai. I'm actually classmates with them. Oh, help me. May the gods bless them. Well, actually the goddesses will just kill them.

At least, the girls aren't interrogating me anymore and some boys don't want me dead so I think I'm good. Meanwhile, Rias-sempai and Akeno-sempai have been good to me. But there a lot of people that question me and asked how did I knew them.

I couldn't actually tell them what happened so I just blushed and said that I passed them by chance. During the times that I get to hang out with the sempais, I got to meet Kiba-san who is also said to be the guy that girls dream of. I also met Toujo-san, a kohai of mine who was labeled as the school mascot. I don't blame them. She has this cuteness charm surrounding her.

Anyway, it was the end of classes and I was already planning to go out and celebrate. Which is kinda lonely considering the fact that I'm going to eat at a restaurant all by myself. So, instead, I went shopping down the market.

By the time I was done, the sun had fallen down the horizon. I shrugged. Guess I'm still not used to Japan's time. I made my way back to the house when I heard a growl.

I froze. No… That can't be.

I scanned the area and heightened my senses. My hand crept into my pocket and clutched my dad's sword. He left it with me when they left for their quest. My parents knew that their quest was dangerous and it was their first quest after the end of the Giant War. They said they'll come back. That's what they said but they still left their treasures with me to keep me safe.

That's why I have Riptide. Dad transferred the ownership to me and Mom gave me her invisibility hat. They gave them to me to protect me.

My hand gripped the ballpoint pen. It's the only comfort that I have a weapon to fight whatever it is that's in the shadow. Powers wear me out easily. I don't like to use them when I don't have to. I continue to walk forward.

My instincts were tingling. There is something hiding somewhere here. The problem is that I don't know what it is. Or if it intends on killing me.

A scream ripped through the silent night and I dropped whatever grocery I was holding. I dashed off to where the sound came from. I turned into an alley nearby. I didn't process the fact that it was a dark alley and something might attack me here but I carefully trudged towards a possible victim.

I took out Riptide but kept it in pen form. I would love to have my mom's cap right now. I don't bring it much as anyone who gets a hand on it can discover that it can turn anyone invisible. I'm not going to take that risk.

I can't see a thing. But, if I uncap Riptide and a monster is nearby, it diminishes my element of surprise.

Well, I don't exactly have the advantage in this dark alley.

I gritted my teeth. This isn't going anywhere. Then, I heard whispers, "Please…please don't eat me. Someone…h-help me."

Found you.

I went towards the sound and hid behind a dumpster. I uncapped Riptide and dashed to the enemy. The glow of Riptide was enough for me to determine the monster. They were hellhounds, three of them. Easy enough… I think.

They sensed the Celestial Bronze that I was holding and they charged me. I parried the incoming claw at me and ducked as one jumped at me. I slashed at the following hellhound but it dodged to the right.

I can't really make a good strategy at this state. I was in a very narrow alley. The only light that I have was Riptide and the moon. My flaming eyes weren't really helping. Two hellhounds are behind me while one is in front me as it guards a young lady. She was sitting on the ground looking at me in desperation.

I glared at the hound in front of me. My guess is that she's their next meal. I ran towards the hellhound guarding the girl. I have to get to her first before anything else. I slashed at it and again it dodged but it immediately jumped at me, a claw out to get me. I rolled to the side and ran to the girl.

I stood in front of her. "You okay?"

"Y-yes…" She murmured quietly.

I nodded. "Good. Stay put. I'm going to finish these guys off."

She nodded and showed me a small smile. I grinned right back. Tough girl.

So… What am I going to do to monsters that can see in the dark and are agile to claw me? I sighed. I have to resort to Lady Hestia's powers.

I made my sword flame a bit and charged the three hounds. Two of the hounds attacked me at the same time. I used the hilt of my sword to hit the one that's closer to me and kicked it to the side, banging him against the wall. I turned to dodge the jaw of the other one and parried the claw that followed. I moved forward, swinging my sword in a wide arc, cutting the hellhound.

I exhaled, loudly. Even in such a short time, using my power is starting to kick in. I gripped my sword tighter and watch the two, circling around each other. I kept myself in front of the girl who isn't even making a sound so I guess that's okay.

Next problem: two hellhounds pounced at me. I ducked and roll, standing up after I stopped. I turned to them and attack before they could. I slashed at the hound and it dodged my attack. The other one jumped on my back. I fell to the ground as I tried to stab the hound which is squishing me. But then, it bit my left shoulder.

I yelled and cursed, "Shit!" I could feel its teeth sinking in. It wanted to eat me. I growled and gritted my teeth through the pain. No way, I am not lunch.

I let my body burst into flames. I'm going to deal with burnt and nearly disappearing clothing later. I have to get this thing off of me. Its jaws let me go as it howled in pain. I elbowed it to the gut and pushed it off. I stood up and parried the incoming hellhound claw. I kicked it and sent a fireball to it, smashing it against the wall while I yelped and winced at the pain that shot through my left shoulder. I drove a sword to the hellhound beside me and it burst into golden dust.

One hellhound to go. But I was tired and my swings are getting weaker. I let out a heavy breathe. This is dangerous. I could feel the blood leaking out. Along with that, my body continues wearing itself out as I keep the fire glowing on my sword. But I need it. More light, more sight. I need that sight.

Last one. The hound was back to its paws and it tried to attack me. I dodged to the right and fired another fireball at it. It crouched down and let the fireball burn what's behind it. Then, it jumped at me, trying to get me into its claws. I leaped back hitting my back against the alley wall. I used my sword to block it claws that are near me. I let my sword ignite brighter and hotter flames. I kicked the monster the down while keeping it on the ground and drove the sword through it.

I breathe out a sigh of relief. I diminished the flame and I could feel a bit of the burden leave my body. I lightly touched my wound, "Argh…"

I glanced at my ripped uniform which is covered in blood. I could see the teeth marks the hellhound made and I silently cursed it in Ancient Greek. I took a handkerchief out of my pocket and wrapped my shoulder.

I looked at the girl with a tired smile as I wrap my injured shoulder. "Hey, how are you holding up there?"

"I-" She stopped. "You're bleeding."

"Yeah… that's not good." I crouched down to her and asked, "I know you saw a bunch of weird stuff today but can you tie it up for me?"

I gestured at the covered wound that is already starting to leak but she nodded. I looked at her as she distractedly tied my wound. I eyed her carefully. But, her accepting everything that just happened was out of nature. She's calm and collected. She finished tying it and I stood up.

My instincts are still pounding. Is it adrenaline? It's not. There's still something that I can't cipher. My whole body is still tense but the battle is over. I sighed and shook it off.

I transferred my sword to my left but gritted my teeth through the pain. I held a hand out for the lady and help her stand. I decided to comment on her eerie silence. "You're awfully qui-"

"Thanks you for saving me." She cut me off while looking at the ground. "I couldn't have lasted very long if you hadn't come."

"I-yeah…" I nodded. Maybe I should put off the questions for later. I should take her home. She needs it. Besides, the faster we get her home, the faster I can properly bandage this wound. "We should go. It's been rough. Let me take you home."

She bowed her head. "Thank you."

We walked using a secluded path to get to her home so that nobody can see a guy bleeding to death while escorting a young lady. She quietly told me the directions on where she lives. We were walking through a path between a forest, I presume. Far ahead, I saw a park with a fountain. I breathe out a sigh of relief. Water. Sweet, sweet water.

Maybe we should stop by there for a rest. Frankly, I would love a rest so that I could at least close up this wound with the water. I looked at the girl walking beside me. "Hey, I know it's late but can we just make a quick pit stop?"

She looked at me with those innocent eyes and nodded. I turned my attention up front and frowned. Is it me or is there something behind that look?

After a few moments and a few ragged breathes later, we made it to the fountain. I asked the girl to sit on one of the benches there as I dipped my hand in the water. I exhaled a bit and groaned as the pain subsides a bit. Water climbed up my arm and it is slowly making its way up my shoulder to heal.

The girl was a few paces to my right but I could feel her stare at me. Was it because of this? I was expecting her to react to this or anything else. I was expecting questions. But, no – she's there, all quiet and not even bother making a sound. Unconsciously, I could feel my guard rising up again. I dug my right hand in my pocket and clutch Riptide.

"So…" If she won't talk then I'll just pry information out of her. "I never did caught your name."

Right, identities first. Then, try to make your way up and to the things you want to know. But, always keep in mind to be careful.

I learned a long time ago that if you want to know something, you have to tread off carefully else you'll just crash and burn. One would never figure out his answer to the question.

"Yuuma. Amano Yuuma." She said after a long silence that followed my question.

I turned to her as she stood up from her seat. I retracted my arm from the water but I knew my wound is still not healed. I could still feel some blood leaking out. But instincts were killing me. Something is going on. Something is about to happen.

I took a step back and gripped my pen even tighter. "Amano-san, then."

She nodded as she closed her eyes. Her posture turned into something entirely different. She doesn't have the same vulnerable aura surrounding her. Instead, it turned into strength and confidence. It's as if she found the answer and is ready to take it.

-Thud.

"I have a question for you, Theseus Luke Jackson." She opened her eyes. Her look was far from innocent – she has a sultry look on her face and it made me back up.

Who is she? A demigod, goddess? No, she's an enemy.

I didn't answer her back. I didn't even asked how she knew my full name. But, she is an enemy. I readied myself while she doesn't even do anything.

Well, until black wings sprouted from her back.

"Would you die for me?"

-Thud.

My eyes widen and I suddenly feel my body slack. Her clothing was ripped off of her as it was replaced by a new outfit. Kinda like an outfit from prostitutes, if you ask me.

She floated up to the air as she looks down at me. I was trying to make out the creature that was in front of me but my mind was jumbled. I had no idea what to do.

She summoned some sort of spear. It was glowing brightly as if generating some kind of plasma. Then, she threw it at me. I went by instincts and dived to the side, dodging the attack. I groaned as my shoulder hit the pavement while I roll back to my feet. Blood marked the cement and poured a bit.

That seems to wake me up. I took Riptide out and readied myself. I tried to form everything that I need to do in my head despite the throbbing of my shoulder. First, know your enemy.

I observed every inch of her. Apart from looking like an evil slut who went out loose, she has black wings that are as wide as her height. Despite looking heavy, she looks agile enough to dodge attacks. I can't attack with a sword. I can only defend.

I went through all the monsters that I know in Greek and Roman mythology. The only monsters that I know that has black wings are the Furies. That's impossible in this situation. So, okay – I don't know my opponent. Except that, she fires light spears.

Second, know your surroundings.

I'm in a secluded park with no witnesses. I don't know this part of town so I don't know the route. A bit wide in space. Trees surround the park so it's impossible to be seen by those outside. In front of me is the black-winged creature and behind her is the fountain.

Third, use what you have and your surroundings to your advantage or to your opponent's disadvantage.

My advantages: the fountain behind her, my fire power, my speed that is enough to dodge her spears. My disadvantages: I can't use my sword without getting close; I'm tired due to my last fight; and, my bleeding shoulder. I hate my disadvantages. The longer I fight, the more my cons can pull down my pros.

All of these thoughts entered my mind as she summons another light spear and threw it at me. I jumped back and willed the water to strike her. She was thrown over me and crashed to the ground. I ran out breathe all of a sudden. I still haven't recovered my stamina from keeping that flame up.

"Why you-?!" She growled as she flew back up in the air, making another light spear.

Oh, she's mad.

She threw it at me. I was about to dodge when the spear whizzed faster than I expected. It pierced through my right leg, making me fall down. I cried out. The light spear vanished and blood stream out of my leg.

-Thud.

My chest starts to hurt. I can't die here. I can't. I won't let myself die here. I could feel flames circle me as she created another light spear. This time it was bigger than her other spears.

"How many light spears have I wasted on you?" She laughed. "It's time to end this."

Vaguely, I could see the spear go through the air. My instincts started screaming. I gripped my sword. I don't know if this will work but-

I swung my sword just in time to deflect it. I stood up but fall on my bad leg as I howled in pain again. I shook my head, trying to rid of the pain but I was going blank. I could feel myself getting unconscious. My shoulder and leg are bleeding. My only chance is the fountain behind me. But it's too far from me.

"Why won't you die?" Her voice is sounding so soft to me. I'm losing. I don't even have the strength to give back a witty remark.

This isn't how I imagined living here.

I growled. I muster up enough strength to conjure up a fireball. I waited for the right time. If I can throw this to her at the exact spot that I have to then I can beat her. I should attack when she takes aim at me but I have to dodge or deflect the incoming spear that'll sure to aim and hit me for a sure kill. This is the riskiest plan I have ever made in my whole life. I can't believe I'm doing this.

Those thoughts entered me as Amano threw the spear to my direction. Simultaneously, I threw my own fireball.

-Thud.

There it is – my miscalculation. I didn't have the strength to aim right at my opponent. I end up hitting her wing. Though it did made her fall, it didn't beat her or disabled her. Along with that, there wasn't even enough firepower to hurt her; it just burnt her wing. Apart from that, I didn't have the power to push myself in dodging the attack.

There. It ended. I'm done.

I could feel the spear through my gut. I choked on my own blood and the light spear disappears.

I fell to the ground. I feel numb all over my body as a pool of blood formed underneath me. I could indistinctly here the creature talking to me and I tried my best to listen that perhaps she'll make some sense to these things that I experienced.

"…mad at the person who put that hideous thing in you." Her voice is like a mile away . "…Sacred ge… -eat to us. Farewell, Theseus Luke Jack-…"

I couldn't hear anything anymore. My eyes stared right above to the stars. I remember my dad's stories about the star and how he has a friend up there. I tried to look for the constellation of the Huntress but black spots are filling my vision

At least, I'll be with them now. That is, if I got to Elysium as well. I've done so many mistakes. I'm starting to think I deserve this death.

I'm falling to a black pit. I'm losing consciousness. But before I did, I saw a red light flash. I fought to keep myself alive for a couple more. Is it help?

-Thud.

I've felt that thud throughout the fight. It's as if something is trying to reach out to me. I wanted to laugh. No, I'm dying. Whatever this is, it can't help me anymore. Nor can that red flash. I'm surprise I am still conscious. Is it my will to live? Do I want to live?

Live your life.

Stay safe.

That's what they say. Is that the reason why I want to fight to survive?

Yes, I don't want to die. I just wanted a simple life. Away from these things. I don't need this. This is what took my parents away from me. I guess it's better to just die, right?

-Thud.

No. Not yet, boy. You are still needed.

I woke up with a start. What the Hades happened?

Then, I remembered. I was dead. I was killed by some kind of human or creature – whatever that was, that had wings. I looked around and found myself in my room. I frowned and blinked twice.

I'm supposed to be dead.

Was it a dream? I shook my head. No – that's impossible. The pain was so real. My hand went up to my shoulder. I didn't feel anything. I stood up from my bed.

Okay… Still nothing. Why…?

I went to the mirror and took of my shirt. Nothing – no scar, no wound, not even a bruise on my stomach nor my shoulder. I stared at my reflection. That can't be right. Was all that really supposed to be a dream?

Flames appeared behind me and out came Lady Hestia in her early thirties. I turned to her and gave her a surprised look, "My patron… You're-"

Before I can finish my sentence, she tackled me into a hug. I stood there dumbfounded as she hugs me. What is going on? I assume they just finished their regular council meeting. Lady Hestia never gets in this form except when there's a meeting on Olympus. Did she dash over here just after that?

"Milady, w-what is-? Why are you hugging me?" I asked trying to keep myself from asking that one question.

Did I die?

Lady Hestia buried her face into my neck. She's in her older form but I'm still taller than her. I would have been amused if it weren't for this weird situation. Other than that, I am still very confused

The goddess just ignores my question as she murmured against me, "You're okay… I'm glad. My champion is okay."

After a few moments, she lets go of me and checks every inch of my body. I just stared at her. She's like my mom when she checks on me after I made it through the climbing wall. Lady Hestia checked every muscle on my face and body to see if I'm anywhere near hurt.

"Uh…" I stared at her, bewildered at her. "Did something happen?"

She frowned; her flaming orange eyes flashed a lot more. "You don't know what happened?"

I shook my head. So, something did happen? "Milady, I don't- Why-? What happened?"

She looked at me intently. I think she's trying to figure out if something is wrong with me. Well, I would never lie to her without a good reason so I just stared right back at her.

She sighed, worriedly and ran her hand through my hair. She kept her eyes on mine and told me in her most serious voice, "You died."

A huge breakfast was out for me again. Normally, I would be happy and eat the food right away. In this case though, I just stared at it. I wasn't in the mood for anything right now. My mind was off wondering about the things that I haven't got any explanation of.

"Theo, eat." Lady Hestia said in a worried voice. She only uses Theo if she's worried, angry or serious. I looked up to her and asked, "How did I die and came back?"

She sighed. "I don't have the exact answer for that, Theo. Frankly, I don't know what happened as well. I just noticed that I lost your presence during the council meeting and I can't get my connection back to you. It's as if I almost lost the blessing I placed on you."

"So, something really did happen." I murmured. "I died."

"Technically, you weren't dead yet, Theo." She stated. "Your soul was about to leave your body and go to the Underworld. The problem was something wasn't letting your soul leave. That's why despite losing your consciousness or every sense and feeling of your body, you can't be dead."

I leaned back to my chair. I noticed that I was fiddling with the ring on my camp necklace. I stared at it for a while. "Something wasn't letting me die… What is that something? And why doesn't it want me dead?"

Lady Hestia stayed silent and turned away from me. I raised my eyebrows at this. "…My Lady?"

"You know as much as I do that I don't like lying to you, Theo." She said after a while. "I can't tell you what I know about you. Like plenty have already said: you're special. You have so much within you that it can't be grasped by our world."

I shook my head and looked at my patron. "What are you talking about, milady? You mean-"

A sudden shock went through my body as my chest throbs so hard. I tried to clutch my chest and groaned. "Argh…"

Pain was starting to shoot through my body and I don't even know why. My chest is flaring and aching. Lady Hestia made her way towards me and tried to steady me. "Theo…?"

Now, I'm gasping for air. I gripped the table in front of me as my chest kept shooting streaks of pain throughout my body. I shouted out when I felt the same shock within me. I feel like there is someone trying to rip me from the inside. It's as if something is trying to separate itself from me.

"Theo…! Theo!" I could feel my patron shaking me. Her flames are glazing over my body but I couldn't sense her healing flame. Everything is hurting and I think I'm going to black out. Vaguely, I could see my hands shaking and my skin pouring out cold sweat.

Someone was gripping my hands and whispered in my ear some kind of Greek spell and before I knew it blackness consumed me.

It was dark and I couldn't see anything. I couldn't see or even feel my own body. I don't know if I was standing or floating. It wasn't dark. It was pitch black. It's like every light that is to be generated will just get eaten up by this black space.

I think I was walking. I think I'm moving. But, I can't see a thing. I didn't know what I was trying to find either. I just kept going despite not knowing where in Hades I am.

It felt like forever. It felt like I was sauntering around for hours with no end. I was so tired and I was getting irritated. But then, I heard clangs of chains. I turned to where it was coming from but everything is still black. Every direction just meets up with nothing.

The clangs were getting louder. Somehow, my instincts are warning me about something. I just don't know what. Then, a sharp metal object pierced me through my chest.

I wasn't bleeding. Not even a speck of blood dripped out of me. Yet, unimaginable pain hit my chest and coursed through my body. I grip the metal piercing my chest, trying to get it out but it was no good.

I think I'm screaming but I can't hear my voice. The only things I hear were the clinking of the chains and I feel them wrapping around my body, lifting me up. Finally, I saw something from a far.

In some way, the pain lessened and the sounds of the chain dulled. Now, all I hear is screaming – no, growling. I narrowed my eyes and looked at the only spot that was lit.

There was a creature. I couldn't make it out because there was a thick and dense black fog that surrounds the thing. Eight, glowing pillars encircled the growling being. But every time the pillars glow brighter, it stops midway as the being release an astonishing white lava-like flame. It littered the ground and it doesn't seem to disappear.

Restrictions… It said. I can say the same can be said to you ...Crimson Dragon. Why is it that everything that surrounds me restricts me from getting to the boy?

[What are you?] A deep voice said. Far ahead there was another one that is chained. I couldn't make out who it was but black fog covered him as well.

My, my… Even one of the most fearsome dragons cannot judge or guess my identity.It chuckled. I could see the chains tighten at the other end and the one tied by it, groaned and growled. Hm… I could kill your conscience now. It will be easy. It won't even kill the boy. But, he's powerful. No, not powerful… Rather, strong-willed. He must have gotten it from his detested father. He's keeping a barrier between us, subconsciously. I guess he has that much talent. With the help of these…things, I won't get access to the boy anytime soon.

[I think it's better that way. Whatever you are. I think you're someone who I cannot allow into my partner's mind.] The guy in chains growled.

It laughed. He doesn't even know you exist. Foolish, Crimson Dragon. You also fail to notice that the reason you are still here is because of me. It's because I kept this boy alive.

[Yet, you have your reasons for keeping him alive.]

True, true. But, alas I have much to do before I get to the boy.

[I'll make sure you won't get to him]

This time, the creature was laughing way too much, it was almost as if it was turning insane. I think you're forgetting that I'm inside him too. I'll reach him. No… Actually, the boy will reach me first. He will be the one to release me and my power. It only takes a little push, you know? Like his pain, his sadness, his anger…Any of those could trigger that deep, harsh thing which is…Hm, oh, right. Me.

The pain was back and for some reason it hurts a lot more than before. Chains clanged. Through my blurred visions, I could see the other one binded it chains was being released. The fog cleared away from him a bit. So did the thing that it surrounded by the pillars. I sensed that he knows that I'm here. I could hear him chuckle.

You really are something, you know that, boy? It asked. To be able to eavesdrop on two beings that are inside of you without being conscious. Power and strength are just leaking out of you. Oh… But you look like you're in so much pain. It must be taking a lot out of you to keep yourself here, huh?

I wanted to ask what he means but I couldn't speak. I heard someone growl. The other one who was covered in fog a while ago was starting to show itself. I could partly make out some red scalesthat covered him. Large wings starts to unfold itself as if it is stretching. Then, it flew right out of the fog and went towards me. It ripped the chain off and I could feel myself slipping.

[Wake up, partner.] He murmured. [Don't ever try to get back to this place within yourself. Don't unlock him. Do not worry. I would look after you.]

Everything was starting to fade. The pain, the creatures, the fog…everything. I waited as I couldn't move. What was that? What were they talking about? They said they were inside me –controlling me, is that it? I had more questions. But light was slowly invading the nothingness and before I knew it, I was out.

I woke up and again I'm in my bed in my room. But this time, people were here. Lady Hestia was sitting beside my bed. She has her hand within mine. I could feel her warm flame enter my body. I smiled at her and she smiled back, "Are you okay now, Theo?"

I nodded as I try to sit up on my bed. "I'm fine, milady."

"You were trashing about in your bed. Did you have a dream?" She asked.

My eyes were adjusting to the light in my room. I felt like I was in that place for an eternity. I looked at Lady Hestia and I couldn't bring myself to tell her what I dreamt about. So, instead, I shook my head. I know she knows that I'm lying. But, when it comes to these kinds of things, she just leaves it alone.

She sighed. "Alright, then."

Then, I noticed a guy in elegant yet weird garment looking at me in interest. I stared at him for a while before gazing at my patron and asked, "Uhh… No offense to the guy that looks important but who is he?"

Lady Hestia smiled a little wider this time and she gave a soft laugh. "Well, Theseus, this person is Ajuka Beelzebub."

I frowned and stared at her for a while. Then, I asked her in a lower voice as I try not to let myself be heard by the man. "Um… Am I supposed to know him, milady?"

"Theseus…" She said in a weary voice. "Sometimes, you really do act like your father."

I cocked my head to the side. "Isn't that supposed to be a good thing?"

Lady Hestia sighed and looked at Sir Beelzebub (French, I assume?). She bowed her head. "Forgive my champion, Ajuka. He's brilliant at times but there are also moments where he is not good with his words."

"I'm not that bad." I grumbled.

She glowered at me for a bit and said, "A bit immature as well."

"Hey!" I protested.

Ajuka (I decided to just call him by his first name) raised his hand and nodded. His face is completely voided of emotion except for his eyes that showed a bit of amusement. "It's fine, Hestia. We are of different stories. I don't think he'll know anything about me."

He faced me and asked, "Are you alright now, Theseus?"

I nodded and said, "I'm fine but can you please call me Theo?"

He raised an eyebrow at Lady Hestia but she just smiled and shrugged. "If you could. Please, Ajuka."

"Okay, then." He said. "Theo, can I talk to you and your guardian in your living room?"

I frowned. "I guess? But, why?"

Lady Hestia placed her hand on my shoulder and explained, "Theo, I asked him to know what happened to you."

"Then why not ask Apollo?" I don't get it. Okay, Beelzebub does ring a bell so I guess he is important. But if something is wrong with me then why not ask someone that I know? It can be Chiron or Apollo. It can even be one of the healers at camp.

My patron looked at me seriously. "I told you this before, Theo. You are different. There are some things that our world is not aware about."

Ajuka entered our conversation. "I'm here to explain everything to you. That is why I ask if you're okay enough to stand and go to the living room to talk."

Well, this is one interesting day. I just died. I came back to life. This morning, I felt like I was tortured. Then, a guy that seems familiar but I really have no idea who he is suddenly wants to talk to me. I am having a very fun time right now. Really,I am.

I stared at him before shrugging. "Sure, why not?"

We were at the living room. Lady Hestia had conjured up tea for both her and Ajuka while I got hot chocolate. I could envision Aunt Rey nodding at me approvingly at my drink. I took a smell of the chocolate and sighed. Perfect.

Ajuka took a sip from his coffee and nodded. "This is fine tea, Hestia."

She smiled. "Thank you, Ajuka."

He placed the tea cup down and looked at me. "First off, I would like you to know what I am."

"What you are?" I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to observe his movement.

"I'm a devil, Theo."

…What now?

I set my hot chocolate down on the table. I have a feeling I'm going to drop it if I keep it in my hands during this conversation. I propped myself comfortably on the sofa and asked, "Could you please repeat that?"

"I am a devil."

I leaned back the sofa. "Yeah… That's what I heard."

He took another sip and said, "You're taking this surprisingly well."

"Oh, Believe me. I'm not." I said to him. "I actually think you're crazy right now. Scratch that, I think I'm the one that's crazy."

"Theseus Jackson!" My patron scolded.

I turned my head away from her a little and muttured, "Sorry."

"Now, that was what I was expecting." Ajuka said. "Would you like me to continue or would you like to take it in for a while, Theo?"

I took a deep breath and shook my head. "It's fine. Continue, Ajuka… I can call you that, right?"

He waved his hand. "Yes. It's fine. I have enough people calling me –sama."

"Okay, then." I gestured to him. "I'm sorry. I- Just hit me with everything that you have to say."

His next statement made me regret what I said.

"You are a devil, as well, Theseus Jackson."

I officially declare this day as my weirdest, most confusing, most shocking, and most annoying day of my life.

I jumped out of the couch and banged the table. It's an over-the-top reaction – I admit. But, come on. Who would not be surprised (angry and irritated, as well) when you were told that you were a devil, in the early morning? This isn't even something that I believed in.

I know gods and goddesses, Greeks and Romans, but angels and devils – no, that is out of my understanding.

"WHAT?!"

I felt Lady Hestia put a hand on my shoulder. I turned to her as she said to me in a gentle tone, "You have every right to be confused, Theo. But why don't you let Ajuka explain everything before you ask your questions?"

I wanted to answer back. I want to deny everything and call him ridiculous but I couldn't bring myself to do it. My rational side tells me that it is all wrong. That it is completely different to what I was taught when I was raised by my parents. But, my instincts are screaming that Ajuka was right and that I should listen to my patron.

I ran a hand through my hair and sat back down. "Alright. Go, keep your surprises coming."

Ajuka eyed me for a few minutes before he started talking. "…Yes, you are a devil but you were only reborn as one. You're a Reincarnated Devil. You have been revived by a High-Class devil to serve him or her."

"So, that's how I'm alive."

"Well, yes." He sipped on his tea again. "But, they won't be able to reincarnate you properly if you were dead for a long time. They had to make sure your soul was still intact or else the Evil Pieces won't help you and revive you."

I frowned. New term. "Evil Pieces? What are those?"

He brought out a chess piece. It was a pawn. He placed it on the table and waved at it. It started to glow a bright light but it disappeared again. "That is an Evil Piece."

"A chess piece is an evil piece?"

So chess is evil now?

He nodded. "But it's not only for the pawn pieces. There is also the Queen, the Rooks, the Bishops and the Knights. These Evil Pieces, which I invented, are the ones that revived you.

"Your Master or the King, well… you can say, he or she owns you now. You are revived to serve your King as loyal as possible. You along with the rest of the pieces that was reborn into your King's house."

I felt my hand twitch on my necklace. I didn't even notice that I was fiddling with it. I brought my hand down and glared at the pawn on the table. I don't like being owned. I doubt anybody does. I guess I'm grateful that whoever my Master saved me but I don't think it's right that someone can just get people to serve them.

I shook my head and stared at Ajuka. "I don't think that's…right."

He raised his eyebrows at me and asked, "And, why is that?"

I shrugged. "I… It's just that- Don't the people that are reincarnated have a choice whether or not they want to become a devil? Like, can't they choose if they want to continue living or-?"

"Do you not like your second chance, Theo?" Ajuka asked. "You're here – alive and well. What is wrong?"

The question stopped me for a while. I don't know. At that time, I wanted to give up. When I was injured and battered, I never imagined myself being able to survive. Nobody was around and I almost felt helpless. My elements were in disarray. I didn't understand a thing that was surrounding me. I was completely lost when that happened.

"…I'm grateful to the one that saved me." I said after a few moments. "He or she… kept me alive. And I could never repay that back… It's just…"

To be a servant to someone whom I don't even know… I never imagined my life here in Japan would end up like this. I ran a hand through my hair and leaned back to the couch. Who knows? Maybe I'm a servant to someone who is good. Someone that'll sure to take care of me.

"Most Masters are good people, Theo." Ajuka suddenly said. It's like he knows what I'm thinking.

Do devils receive some kind of mind-reading power?

Ajuka shrugged and shook his teacup a bit before drinking out of it. "Yes, there are some that just abuse their power as Masters but most are good devils. They try to make their peerage, a part of their family. The servants…You could say they become a respected member of their household."

I thought about that for a while. It could happen. If that's how it is then I hope my King is a good person. I turned to Lady Hestia and asked another question. "So… What happened this morning? Does my reincarnatin have anything to do with that sudden shock?"

My patron and Ajuka looked at each other. Lady Hestia placed a hand on my arm and sighed, "Actually, we have no clue. I assumed that Ajuka knows but he couldn't detect anything from your Evil Pieces."

Ajuka drank his tea and continued, "This is just a theory that Hestia and I made but we suppose that it has something to do with the Evil Pieces contradicting Hestia's blessing. Since the Evil Pieces are for devils that reacts to greed or envy, it goes against Hestia's pure and virtuous blessing."

"That's the reason why I got that…sudden shock of pain?" I asked.

"It's just a theory, Theseus." Lady Hestia said. "We're not even sure if it's right because the Evil Pieces aren't designed to do that."

Ajuka nodded, "The Evil Pieces are meant to completely transform a being into a devil. They can retain any blessing or power they have but the Evil Pieces won't mind it. Rather, it will help your body improve. Like one can now manifest magic despite not being able to before."

"Then why consider your theory when it completely rejects the purpose of the Evil Pieces?" I frowned. Knowledge is something that I have fun gaining but this is making my head hurt.

"Greek mythology, you can say, is a different world than Catholic beliefs. So, we think that because it's different that's why it reacts like that." Lady Hestia explained.

"Apart from that, there is no record of Hestia's powers ever in books. Perhaps I wasn't able to make the Evil Pieces to consider everything that is within a user's body." Ajuka added.

I shook my head as I gathered all the facts. "You mean to say that something in my body like my patron's blessing is…rejecting the Evil Pieces? And that the Evil Pieces are not yet complete to accommodate whatever there is that is in my body?"

"The Evil Pieces were never truly completed." Ajuka clarified. "Like every other invention, it continues to evolve. That's the reason why no invention is ever complete or perfect. This is the perfect example of that."

He shrugged and gave a small smile. "Well, this gives me a perfect opportunity to expand my invention."

Lady Hestia smiled. "You remind me Athena when she was still a young goddess."

I raised my eyebrows at that one. That's for sure. Ajuka is like the male counterpart of my grandmother, Athena. Like her, he seeks wisdom and intellect. He looks for a way to improve and to evolve. His eyes glimmer as if everything has an equation. It's the way my mom's eyes gleam when she makes her battle plans or buildings.

Ajuka shook his head. "Perhaps. But I am an inventor, I would say I am more like Hephaestus than Athena."

That's true as well.

"Anyway," Ajuka placed his empty teacup on the table and looked at me. "I've deactivated your Evil Pieces. For now, you will be a free piece. You have the freedom of choice if ever you do or do not want to follow your Master. You don't have to join any game or fight that your Master may get into."

I sighed and nodded, "Got it. So… How 'bout we go to our next surprise?"

"Surprise?" He asked.

"Well, I assume you were going to try and take me to my…King." I raised my eyebrow.

I don't know if I'm looking forward to it or it's just my utmost curiosity as a legacy of Athena. Something is just bugging me that I need to know who my Master is or else I'm going to go insane.

He nodded and said, "Point taken. Let's figure it out, shall we? Give me your hand, Theo."

I gave him my hand. He waved at it and muttered something which I couldn't really recognize. After a few minutes, a bright red circle came out and glowed. It has various symbols inside it as it spins a around a bit.

Ajuka lets go of my hand and shrugged. "Interesting."

I looked at him in question. "What? Do you know who my Master is?"

He nodded and stood up. "Yes. I think you're in good hands if I'm right. Well, I can take you to her. Would you like that, Theo?"

Well, what do I have to lose?

I looked at Lady Hestia and asked, "Are you coming too, my lady?"

She nodded. "I would also like to meet the one who saved my champion and see if Ajuka is right to say that you are in god hands."

"Okay, then." I turned to the devil – Well, the other devil apart from me. "Let's go?"

He nodded. A magic circle glowed on the floor and started to give off different symbols. He directed his attention to my patron and said, "I'm sorry, Hestia but you can't enter this magic circle. It is only for devils. Perhaps you have another form of transport?"

Lady Hestia gave him a small smile. "Of course."

Well, she can freaking teleport so I don't see how she doesn't have a form of "transport."

The something started nagging me and it clicked. "W-wait! I thought I'm not allowed to mix myself with devil stuff?"

"You're a devil already, Theo. So, I doubt you can't mix with devil stuff." Ajuka said to me, amused. "Besides, as long as the circle recognizes you as a devil then it is fine. You'll get to the designated place safely."

I looked at him. Then, at the circle. Then, back at him. I gave out a breath and shrugged. "Aw, Hades, fine. Let's go meet my King."