Disclaimer: I do not own anything 'cept my OC's

Chapter II: My Titanic Fitness Instructor.

After a quick breakfast, I made my way to the top floor for my first day of training. I had dressed lightly in some shorts, an old Metallica shirt that I used for gym class and some sneakers. As I entered the floor, Hyperion was already there. He was wearing golden armour and to be completely honest, I was kind of intimidated. Remembering some of the things Riana had said while she was giving me the tour, I bowed as the Titan saw me.
'Lord Hyperion.', I said as I bowed.
'Greetings, child.', the Titan spoke after he had inspected me, 'Before we begin, you should run a lap around the running track to get warmed up.'
I nodded and started jogging. At the end of the lap, I was a bit winded. I wasn't lazy, but I wasn't the best in gym class.
'Good, now stretch.', Hyperion ordered.
I did I was told and stretched all my muscles and winced a bit at the pop I heard in my neck.
My instructor nodded in approval as he continued, 'We shall begin with archery. Go to the armoury and pick out a bow that feels comfortable to you.'
I went to the armoury and started looking through several bows, but none of them felt comfortable. I finally found a black bow, that felt perfect in my hands. I returned to Hyperion and he looked a bit surprised at the bow I had picked out.
'That bow has a history, young one.', he said, sounding a bit impressed.
I looked at the bow in my hands. It was sleek, with the ends curved lightly and the deepest shade of black I've ever seen. If I lifted it, it would come to my waist.
'It does?', I asked as I ran my hands over the wood, which felt very smooth.
'It was the bow used to kill the hero Achilles.'
'This bow is more than 2000 years old?', I asked flabbergasted.
'Indeed it is, young one.' He said, looking amused at my ignorance.
He conjured a quiver filled with arrows and gave it to me. I slung the quiver around my back and looked at Hyperion.
'Very well. Nock an arrow.'
I did.
'Hold it to eyelevel.'
I did.
'Hold the arrow between the first knuckle of your index and middle finger.'
'Okay.'
'Pull back, until you hand is next to your ear.'
I did and as I pulled back, he adjusted my elbow so it stood slightly above my shoulder.
'Take a deep breath and as you release it, let the arrow fly.'
I took a deep breath and as I released it, the arrow flew from my bow. To my surprise it hit the outer circle of the target.
'Not bad for your first time, but you need to focus, child.'
I kept firing, until I had one arrow left. I hadn't gotten a bulls eye yet, but I had gotten closer.
'Make this a bulls-eye and you get a break, if not we'll continue right on with sword-training.'
My arms were sore as hell and I needed that break. I nodded and nocked my arrow. I then got an idea. I took the arrow and stuck it in the dirt. When I pulled it out, it was covered in earth. I nocked the arrow, pulled back and let loose. I then concentrated on the earth on the tip. I felt a stirring in my gut as the arrows flight path shifted slightly and flew straight into the centre of the target.
'You cheated.', he said as I looked triumphant.
'You never stated any rules, milord.', I rebuked grinning.
'True.', he said, 'you get your break, but next time, no powers.'
I nodded, still elated with my small victory. My arms were sore as hell and I didn't know how I would fight with pain like that. I sat on the ground and as I played a bit with the earth, I could feel the pain in my fingers diminish. I looked surprised at the earth on my fingers and as an experiment, I took some more and rubbed it all over my hands. The pain disappeared from my hands and I started rubbing the earth all over my arms. I looked filthy, but man did I feel good.
'Our second lesson today begins.' Hyperion said a few minutes later.
I cleaned up my hands a bit and stood back up.
'Do you already have a weapon?', he asked as he drew his sword and I nodded.
I pulled on my amulet and it shifted into Rockslide.
'That's a type of weapon I haven't seen in a while.', he said as we made our way to the arena.
We moved to the middle, as he adapted his blade to match mine.
'The best style of fighting used when handling such a sword, is to use speed and agility to handle both blades.', He explained, 'It isn't used for defence, only to attack. If forced to defend, use one blade to guide the opponent's sword away and attack with the other one. I'll show you. Attack!'
I slashed horizontally and with a speed faster than I could imagine, he used one blade to deflect my attack and point the other one at my throat while my sword hung useless in my hands.
'Wow.', I breathed as the tip of his sword stood against my throat.
'I'll do it again slowly this time.', the Titan said.
We did it again and he showed me how he did it.
'Now it's your turn.'
He attacked me and I guided his blade away, while using the momentum to swing the other blade around and point it at his throat.
'Good.', he approved. 'Again, faster.'
We did it again and again, faster and faster each time.
'I think you've got this.', he said as I panted a bit. 'Now you need to learn to view your blade as an extension of your body. It is no different than your arm or your leg.'
He then showed me a sequence of moves where he used his entire body to flourish and agilely move his sword. Holy shit. I didn't even know if those moves where physically possible. If I learned to move like that, I'd be nigh impossible to defeat.
He showed me some more moves and I was glad it was lunch, because I was exhausted.
'You did good today, young one.', he said, 'I'll make a warrior out of you yet.'
I nodded in gratitude and left the training floor. I made my way downstairs and nearly dragged myself into my room. Penny was already waiting for me and she had a glass filled with golden liquid in her hands.
'What's that?', I asked as I took the glass.
'Ambrosia.', she answered, 'It'll make you feel better.'
I shrugged and drank the liquid. I nearly spit it back out, not because it was horrible, but because it tasted like my favourite meal as my dad made it.
'How do you feel?', she asked, looking me over.
'Like I could topple the Gods of Olympus by myself.', I said.
'So,… good?', she asked.
I nodded smiling.
'What does it taste like?', she asked curiously.
'Like my favourite food.', I said wistfully, my smile fading a bit, 'I'm sorry, I should've left some for you.'
Penny quickly shook her head, 'It'd burn me alive. That's the food of the Gods, milady.'
'Oh.', I said.
'But thank you for the offer.', she quickly assured me.
We sat in silence for a few minutes and I checked my watch. I still had a half an hour and made a sandwich as I talked to the Oread.
'So, how come you've sworn loyalty to my mom?', I asked curiously.
An expression of utter rage crossed Penny's face. It took me by surprise, and I noted absently that even when she was pissed, she was beautiful.
'Do you know the legend of Echo?', she spat.
I cocked my head, 'The nymph that could only repeat what others said, yeah?'
The enraged nymph nodded.
'She was my…companion.', she answered, stuttering a bit over the word companion, 'And she was cursed by Hera because she did Zeus' bidding. I refused to serve them after I had to watch her waste away.'
The nymph was crying by now and I quickly hugged her. She was sobbing onto my shoulder and I softly rocked her.
'Shhhh, shhh, it's okay.', I murmured.
Penny's sobs subsided after a while and I looked into her red-rimmed eyes.
'You okay?'
She sniffed and then nodded shakily. I checked my watch and saw I had a few minutes to get to the training floor.
'I gotta go.' I said softly, 'I'll be back in a few hours, you're gonna be okay?'
'Yes, milady.', she said quietly.
For a reason I'll never understand, I gave her a quick kiss on the forehead and began jogging to the elevator.
'You're late, child.', Hyperion said strictly as I entered.
'Sorry, milord.', I apologised, 'I had to comfort Penny.'
'You asked why she was loyal to Gaia, didn't you?', he asked.
I nodded and he sighed.
'Don't be late again.', he simply said and I nodded.
'Now we'll start to build your endurance.', he said. 'I want you to do 10 laps. First walk and then go faster and faster.'
I stretched a bit and started my first lap. That went fine, so did the second and the third one. By the fourth, I was jogging. By the sixth I was running and by the eighth I was sprinting. It was in the middle of the eighth lap however, that the cramp began setting in. I kept running and my leg gave out as I began my ninth lap.
'AARGH.', I yelled as I fell to the ground.
Hyperion came towards me.
'You passed the test.', he said smiling.
'Test?', I groaned as I massaged my cramped muscle.
'You didn't complain and only stopped when you were unable to. That, young one, is the makings of a great warrior.', he explained.
'Right.', I said scowling a bit.
'Rub some earth over that, it'll help.', the Titan said.
I limped towards the nearest patch of earth I could see and quickly rubbed some on my leg. I sighed in relief as the pain lessened. It wasn't completely gone, but now it was a dull ache instead of a sharp pain.
'Why the hell does that even work?', I asked flabbergasted.
'Because the earth is the source of your strength.', Hyperion answered like he was talking to a 2-year old.
I rolled my eyes and began stretching again.
'We'll end with working on your abs, arms and back in the gym.', he said after I was done stretching.
We walked towards the gym and he pointed towards the weightlifting stand.
'Start with 15 kg. Do that 100 times.'
I did as I was told and started lifting. It was bearable until I hit 60. My muscles began burning and on 90 lifts, it was nearly unbearable. I completed my 100 lifts and my arms hung limply at my sides.
'What's your highest number sit-ups?', he asked me.
'100.'
'Do 150.', he ordered.
I sighed and began my exercising. My stomach was burning at 100 and began screaming in protest at 120 and I couldn't make it past 128. Hyperion tapped me on the side with a stick (Where the hell did he get that?) and scowled at me. I continued and when I reached 150 , I let myself fall on the ground. I was completely exhausted.
'No more.', I begged.
Hyperion scowled, 'Weakling.'
I didn't respond to the insult and just continued to pant.
'Fine.' the Titan sighed, 'People these days have no endurance.'
I began dragging myself to the elevator.
'Oh for the love of…', I heard my instructor say before I heard him snap his fingers. I was suddenly on my own bed.
'Thank you.', I said, not knowing if he could hear me.
Penny materialised at my side immediately.
'You're back.', she said smiling.
'No shit.', I grouched.
She looked a bit hurt and guilt quickly settled.
'Sorry, I'm just exhausted.', I apologised.
The Oread's face grew sympathetic.
'Hyperion can be a strict teacher.'
She rolled me over until I was facedown and began massaging my shoulders. I groaned in relief. Her hands moved down my back and to my legs.
'Thank you. That feels really good.', I sighed in contentment.
'It isn't a problem, milady.', I heard her say quietly as she continued to massage my overworked muscles. Under her skilful hands, I fell asleep.

I woke up to Riana shaking me.
'You awake, Daph'?', she asked me.
'Wazzit?', I said sleepily.
'How was your first day?', she said as she sat down on my bed.
I yawned and rubbed my eyes.
'Painful.', I said honestly.
The blonde chuckled.
'It'll get better, I promise you. Soon, you'll be breezing through the training.'
'I really hope so, Riana, 'cause I'm gonna die otherwise.', I complained.
The blonde rolled her eyes and stood back up. 'Go to sleep, Rocky.'
'Sure, Memorychick.', I said as I closed my eyes again.
Within 5 minutes I was fast asleep again.

My dreams were very weird. I looked around and saw only grass and forests. There wasn't a single sign of humanity. This must be in the Third Age. The one before the Titans ruled.
A man with golden eyes, a bright armour and a scythe was talking to me.
'Mother, father has reigned for too long and it is my time to rule.'
'Do not speak treason, Kronos.', I said angrily and I didn't know where the words came from.
'I have talked to my brothers and they agree, your kinds reign has come to an end mother.'
I snarled, 'Heed my words, Kronos, and heed them well. Just as you overthrew your father, so will you be overthrown by your son.'
After making my ominous statement, I travelled elsewhere. It took years, but finally my daughter had enough
'Protect my child, mother Gaia, for I cannot do it.', I heard Rhea's voice in my mind, 'I beg of you, please protect my child.'
I felt a smile cross my face.
'It is time.', I said to myself as I sent an eagle to bring the child towards me.
I then watched the child grow into a powerful god, hell-bent on freeing his brothers and sisters. I watched him go to war against my children, who were calling themselves the Titans and I saw him victorious. And then I watched as he betrayed ME.
'You are a threat to my rule, Gaia.', Zeus spat, 'and I hereby banish you to Tartarus.'
'YOU WOULD BETRAY THE ONE WHO RAISED YOU?!', I bellowed.
A sinister smirk covered the young god's face, 'Yes.'
Hestia, Hades, Hera, Demeter, Poseidon and Zeus then began chanting. I couldn't move and I could only rage and scream as they put me to sleep.

I woke up, bathing in sweat.
'What the fuck was that?', I asked panicking.
'What?', I heard Penny say.
I looked at my right and saw the Oread standing there.
'I just dreamt I was my mother. I saw how she was betrayed by the Titans and after they were defeated, again by Zeus.'
'She must be awakening from her slumber then.', Penny said brightly, 'She sent you her memories.'
'How long will it take?', I asked smiling, her enthusiasm contagious.
'It'll take some time, at least 2 years.', she said a little les brightly.
'Oh.', I said, feeling a bit disappointed.
'Anyway, you should get ready.', the nymph said.
I quickly ate some breakfast, took a shower and brushed my teeth. I then made my way to the top floor for my training in my powers. When I arrived there, Mnemosyne wasn't there yet. I went to the arena and just sat down. After a few moments, the Titaness materialised.
'Let's begin.', she said, ' but first take of your shoes and socks.'
I did as I was told and I was standing barefoot in the arena.
'Now focus on the earth, how it feels, smells everything.', she softly instructed.
I noted that the earth didn't feel uncomfortable at all and I liked the smell. I concentrated harder and I could feel a sort of string or rope or whatever it was, connect my mind to the earth. My hearing became sharper and my eyesight became so sharp I could see a fly that was sitting on the other side of the floor. I closed my eyes and I concentrated even harder.
Thump Thump.
Thump Thump.
Thump Thump.
I could hear a heartbeat coming from the floor under us. That was probably Peter's heartbeat I was hearing. My head started pounding from all the information my senses had to absorb and I lost my focus.
'Ow, sensory overload.', I said as I rubbed my pounding head.
'Yes, that is the big drawback. If you hold it too long, your mind won't be able to process all that information.', Mnemosyne explained., 'Now try lift this rock.'
She stomped on the floor and a piece of it broke loose. It was about the size of a basketball.
I focused on the rock and made a motion with my hand, as if to grab the rock and lift it up. It floated in the air and I was elated that it'd worked. The feeling in my gut was becoming painful, so I dropped the rock.
'Very good, Daphne.', Mnemosyne praised me,' Quick question, though.'
'Shoot.', I said.
'Do you know parkour?'
'Free running?', I asked confused.
'Yes.', Mnemosyne confirmed.
'I know about it, but I can't do it.'
'I know that, but it was invented by a grandson of a son of Gaia. I believe his name is David Belle, but anyways, some of Gaia's powers still flow within him and that's why he's so good at it.'
'So, you want to teach me parkour?', I asked surprised.
'Yes, it'll give you many advantages in an urban battlefield and it is a very fast way of getting from point A to point B.'
'I don't have the physique to that, you know.', I said sarcastically.
The Titaness rolled her eyes, 'I know that, but I'm going to build it up and you'll get the endurance from Hyperion's training.'
I shrugged, 'Sure, I'll give it a try.'
'But not now.', Mnemosyne said, 'like you said, you don't have the physique yet. So let's continue your training.'
We continued training my geokinesis and by the end of our lesson I could lift the rock in the air while it took twice as long for me to get tired.
I had a quick lunch and returned upstairs.
'For the afternoon we will be discussing several important points of warfare.', She said as I say down at the table that Mnemosyne had conjured.
'The first thing any good strategist must be able to do, is the ability to plan. Plan for everything that can go wrong and then plan some more.'
She then continued to educate me in several more aspects which were very important in planning warfare. The environment, your army, their army, supplies and several other things were very important into planning a successful attack or defence. The afternoon was over before I knew it.

The rest of the week was quite tiresome and T.G.I.F. dude, I'm serious. I felt like 50 football teams ran over me in their busses, whilst Peter and Riana made it look like a walk in the park. Saturday was a recovery day and I didn't come out of bed. On Sunday I only came out of bed cause it was game night.
'Hey guys, what's tonight?', I asked as I entered Peter's apartment.
'FIFA.', Peter answered.
'Soccer?', I asked and then shrugged, 'Fine.'
'Which team do you want?', Riana asked, 'I've got Germany and Pete's got Brazil.'
'I'll take Spain.', I answered and they nodded.
'Me against Riana and the winner against you?', he asked us.
'Sure.', I said and Riana nodded.
The match ended in a tie, but was ultimately won by Peter in the penalty's.
'And so the queen was dethroned.', he said smugly.
Riana just scowled and handed her controller to me. I quickly changed the settings and started a new match. To my surprise and glee, I was awesome in this game. I wiped the floor with Peter and the match ended with 5-0 in my favour.
'And so the usurper of the throne was cast out.', I said grinning and Riana chuckled.
'Damn.', Peter said, shaking his head.
'I present to thee, 'Riana said dramatically, 'the Queen of Soccer. All hail, Queen Daphne.'
'May thy reign be everlasting, my liege.', Peter said as he and Riana bowed deeply.
'Rise, my subjects.', I said pompously.
We all burst into laughter and it took a few moments to calm back down.
'So what's Pete king of?', I asked Riana.
'Race games. I've never beaten him in that.', said Riana and Peter looked a bit happier.
'That's true.', he said.
After playing a few more matches we all went to bed.

The following months continued in the same pattern, with me working my ass off during the week and relaxing during the weekends. I hit a growth spurt during the third and fourth months and grew until I was 1.65m high. I was small, but I was fast. Mnemosyne taught me parkour and I could pull most of the moves off without falling. When I first started, I broke some bones and dislocated a shoulder because I fell a lot. My control of the earth had also grown exponentially and I was experimenting a lot of the time. With Hyperion, my sword-fighting had become much better and my endurance was out of this world. I could run those 10 laps now with only a light sweat. I was a reasonable archer, but I preferred close combat. Riana had also grown and
was about 1.75m and Peter towered over us all with his 2.00m. I'd become very familiar with their fighting styles. Riana preferred her 2 daggers, while Peter used his length and strength to his advantage with his sword, which came to my chin if set on the ground. Mnemosyne and Hyperion were very pleased with my progress and had decided that I was ready for my first quest.
I just hoped I was ready.

AN: And here's chapter 2. It got finished sooner than I had anticipated, but then again, I had the entire day to write. I want to thank Labyrinth-Designer for being my first reviewer. Thank you for your kind words. Anyhow, you know the drill. R&R. - see what I did there? I underlined review. HINT HINT. ^^

DarkLadyNym