"W-What if he notices us?"

It was the fifth time Isra had asked as the group climbed up towards the Acropolis at the top of the hillside; the Kwami were resting inside Larisse's backpack until they found their target. She glanced back at her, fixing her blonde wig. "I know it's scary, Isra, but there's no way he'd notice us through all these others tourists."

There were dozens of people walking around her, explaining the low numbers at National Gardens. "Those costumes are going to work," Tani nudged Neo, "good thing you had them sitting around down in the B.U.R.P…don't know why, but they're convenient."

"Uncle Macario bought them as disguises against the reptilian politicians."

Would we have ever made it this far if Neo's Uncle hadn't be so rich and insane?

"This is way beyond amazing," Stephan peeked into Larisse's backpack, "have any of you guys ever been to the Acropolis before, Gemme?"

Gemme and Luunar poked their heads out as the group clung to the hillside on the stairs. "Are you kidding?" The latter giggled. "We were here when it was as pristine as Gemme's scales. It was an amazing sight back in the day."

"Back in the day? This place was completed in the fifth century BC. You've been around that long?"

"Centuries, Stephan, centuries."

"History can wait," Tani closed the backpack, "we're almost there, so stay out of sight in case Peri is scouring the site for you guys and Isra."

Larisse could make out the cracks along the stone of the ruins as they took to the last uphill path. "We're coming upon the Temple of Athena Nike…say," she leaned towards the backpack, "were the gods real, Sunne?"

"Can't say for sure. We never met them, though one of the previous Foinix's I had was named Artemis."

"Wow," Isra's eyes widened as they approached the temple, "I've read about this place, but I never dreamed I'd see it in person."

"It wasn't part of your vision?"

She thought for a moment. "…Now that you mention it, I do remember the image of ancient stone. Never thought it'd bring us here."

"Welcome to Greece."

"Hey, Neo," Stephan asked as they finally reached the top of the hill, "what exactly did that articles say about Yilmaz?"

"I found it on a university site. It said that he's here on a mission to help with further restoration of the Acropolis."

"Oh, sure," Tani rolled her eyes, "and Mr. Leva is actually sane enough to drive."

"Alright, we'll take a taxi next time."

"Let's split up," Larisse held her phone out, "Tani and Stephan, take the Sanctuary of Pandion and around there. Isra, you and Neo take the Old Temple of Athena. The Kwami and I will search the Parthenon. Text if you find anything."

The group took off in different directions. Larisse followed a crowd of folks heading her way, keeping close to the center so not to be accidentally spotted.

I know Yilmaz and Peri don't know who I am, but I can't risk acting suspicious. They're bound to be on the lookout for a carrot head like me. Curse this gorgeous hair colour!

The Parthenon looked as magnificent as it had the last time her mom had brought her for a visit, standing tall over the tourists that were making ridiculous poses in front of the columns. She'd have to remember to bring Isra back for pictures of their own.

I wonder, she thought as her gaze flew from face to face, stranger to stranger, what happens to Isra once all this is over? I've gotten away with adopting one too many stray puppies in my time, but…how on earth could I ever convince mom to adopt an out of nowhere Turkish orphan?

The group was splitting up now, separating into duos and trios and leaving her in the open. Larisse took to the columns, peeking around people in an attempt to see any signs of the professor or Peri. There was still construction being done on the west side, but that left plenty of room for her to look around without bumping into the construction crew. "Alright, Yilmaz," she spoke quietly so not to grab any tourist's attention, "come on out of hiding."

At the front of the Parthenon sat a large group of tourists with their snacks. "Hey, Larisse," Snowyy asked from the backpack, "can we have some of these apple slices? I'm starving, and I cannot work on an empty stomach."

"Just do it quietly, and leave some for us."

"Please, gluttony is so last century."

She climbed up the steps and entered the interior of the Parthenon. "As breathtaking as always," she had to admit, "and once all this construction equipment is taken out and the restoration is finally finished, it'll look even better!"

"I'm glad you agree, young lady."

That voice, she slowly turned to find someone standing behind her, it's…eep!

Professor Yilmaz looked down at her with approving eyes. "It's good to see students your age taking time to admire such historical wonders. Professor Hakan Yilmaz," he held his hand out for her to shake, "it's a pleasure."

Play it cool, Larisse. I can't let on that we've met before.

"The pleasure's all mine, professor," she grinned, putting on a thick Canadian accent, "I'm…Laura. Laura Pug."

I love pugs.

"So tell me," he continued their conversation as they watched people pass by, busy with their phones, "what lengths would you go to restore such an important part of our history?"

"Um…start a petition…eh?"

"There are so much easier ways to get what we want," he had a hand on her shoulder now as they viewed Greece through the columns, "and it's only a matter of time before we succeed."

So this is what he wants, then. To use the miraculous to restore these historical sites. But how can he do that? What would their powers accomplish here?

"Urp," a tiny burp came from her backpack, catching Yilmaz's attention, "excuse me."

"…Did something in your backpack just speak?" He was cocking an eyebrow now, right at her.

Uh oh…

Uh oh is right. Darn those delicious apple slices! But hey, they've found Professor Yilmaz, so that's a good thing, right? Now if only Larisse can find a way out of this. And if only she can figure out what he wants with the miraculous. I hope you're all enjoying this prequel, and yes, I'm starting to work on the third Quantic Squad story, but lucky you for being able to read up backstory on these guys :D

Until the next chapter!