A.N: I have another chapter for you all! Are you excited? Hope ya'll aren't hating on Terri too much. She's important to this story, just as much as Arizona, so she's gonna be around for a loooooooong time!
To Guest: I'm aware that there's been a lot of Terri lately, but you need to understand that firstly, Athena plays a big part in the war. She's Zeus' biggest asset and Hades' greatest enemy (not including Zeus of course). Other than Zeus, she's the strongest one around right now, and she's been the one to foil most of Hades' plan since Zeus' disappearance. And secondly, even though Arizona is technically older, Terri/Athena has been in this world longer. Arizona has been fighting her nature since she found out her true identity and refuses to take part in it, so Terri/Athena has built up all these connections to all these people and has taken the full responsibility of their clans' fate. She's the one who's been trying to give Arizona time to adjust to their world and in result, a lot has happened to her. Now that Hades' is making a move on taking out Athena, naturally there will be a lot on her. Also, because of Terri's position in their clan, she has a lot to take into account, so she has to plan for all possible situations and has to always remain one step ahead of Hades.
There was a reason I'd named Terri 'Athena', and you're getting to see why, considering the precautions she had, but at the same time, you're getting to see the thing that a lot of her peers keep forgetting. And that is that she's really just a child. She hasn't had the opportunity to 'act out' or be immature or inconsiderate, like Arizona has many times before in the past. Terri has always been required to remain calm and cool and level headed as their leader, but now you're getting a chance to see her heart overruling her head, being completely controlled by her emotions and losing the façade she puts up in front of the others. She gets a chance to be 'human'.
But I completely understand what you're saying and considering Athena/Terri is out of play for the moment, rest assured that Terri will not be dominating the next few chapters. I appreciate the feedback though, thanks!
P.S - sorry for the huge lecture I just gave you about it.
2damnpretty2die is a star! Many thanks to the Captain! She has a new story too! It's called 'The Last Alma Guarda'. Have you read it yet? You should totally read it, she sent me a few chapters a while ago and I can wholeheartedly say, without a doubt, that it is brilliant! I literally squealed with excitement when she told me she was posting it on this site =].
Chapter 28: The Wrath of Athena
Arizona p.o.v
"Is Caleb around?" Terri asked, whilst playing with her daughter.
"Not at the moment, he'll be returning soon though." Lauren replied, smiling lovingly at her daughter.
"Can someone explain this to us?" Addison asked impatiently. Lauren tilted her head in question, and when she saw our confused and shocked faces, she smiled.
"You didn't tell them?" She asked Terri, who looked back and smirked.
"You know I love being all mysterious and secretive."
"Teresa." She scolded playfully. "Right, I should explain. Lindsey is the biological child of Caleb and myself. And five years ago, when I was pregnant with her, I was attacked." Beside her, David growled at the memory. "And before you ask, Caleb and Teresa have already taken care of them. They were a stray pack of wolves that had taken advantage of my weakened state. I was 8 months pregnant at the time, and nowhere near as strong or agile as I usually am. But I was attacked and was pretty much dying by the time my brother, David, found me. He didn't know that the wolves hadn't left yet, so when he arrived, they attacked again. He fought valiantly, to the best of his ability, but there were too many of them and his constant worry of me distracted him greatly. He shouldn't have survived, but out of nowhere, this one here," she pointed towards Terri, "came into the fold and saved us both. To be fair, it was probably my fault. I had gotten into an argument with Caleb over him leaving whilst I was so heavily pregnant, and had wandered too far away from the pack and too near the lands of the vampires."
"What difference does that make?" Teddy asked.
"There's a point between our lands that we call 'Limbo', where there are no rules, and it's where those who have been banished reside in. I had unknowingly wandered into that area and paid for it with my life. When David realised that Teresa was a vampire, he tried to attack her, but she took it in stride and look him dead in the eyes and asked: "Are you done yet? Because I don't think that woman is going to make it if you don't let go." It was pretty hilarious at that point, because there was David is his wolf form, hanging off her shoulder with his teeth sunk in deeply, blood was pouring everywhere and she makes a comment like that as if she was talking about the weather."
"So that's where that scars from." Aria added, "The one on your left shoulder, the one with all the teeth marks. You never would tell me the story behind that." She pouted slightly and Terri winked at her.
"So David released her, but refused to let Teresa help us. Not until he tried to move me and realised how bad my wounds really were. She approached us and covered me with her energy, temporarily sealing my wounds and prolonging my life, but as I said, it was temporary. She then brought us back to this cabin further into the forest, nearer to the vampires, and tried to heal me. Two days later, after exhausting every method possible, they ran out of options. My body wasn't healing because it was focusing everything on trying to keep my unborn child alive, and I was too weak to do anything else. David was practically on his knees begging her to keep on trying. And that's when she offered a method that was unheard of..."
"Her blood" I added, Lauren's eyes snapped to mine. "She shared her blood with you, didn't she?"
"Yes. It's usually unheard of because of the inherent hatred between vampires and Lycans, but here was the daughter of the King of vampires offering her blood to save a Lycan. She hadn't offered it at first because no one has ever tried and so we were unaware of whether there'd be any adverse side effects. But we were out of options. When David finally told her who I was, she refused to continue without Caleb's permission, and she had him rush back to the pack to bring Caleb back to the cabin. Caleb was wary of Teresa at first, but after David explained how she had saved us and had kept me alive for so long, he gave in. We signed a blood pact, Caleb giving her permission and promising not to hold her responsible if it failed and I died, and Teresa's side was that she was doing this of free will and they both agreed that this would not affect our peace treaty in any way. The next three days was spent with Teresa feeding me her blood, and by the end I was alive and well, but she was so weak and tired… And then Caleb cornered her and threatened to kill her." There were gasps as Lauren revealed what Caleb had done, even after Terri had given her everything to protect his wife.
"He used her weakened state to his advantage to test her. But she refused to submit. She said that until I had safely reached home, back in Randall territory, I was still in danger of being attacked again, and if she died, there'd be no one to save me anymore. She escorted us all the way back here, but the guards didn't see us, and had attacked her. She collapsed in exhaustion and was unconscious for 3 weeks."
"So that's what happened." I blurted out, drawing attention to myself. Calliope looked at me curiously and I hurried to finish. "Five years ago. That's when you disappeared randomly. The court went crazy when they discovered that you hadn't returned from your weekend training in the forest. They sent scouts everywhere, but they couldn't catch your scent. I'm guessing that the Lycans hid it."
"It scared the hell out of me, and we had discovered that Teresa and I had formed a bond through sharing her blood, and later found out that her blood had even affected my unborn child. She was stronger and I felt stronger, more energised. It was an unbelievable feeling. And when Teresa was in pain, the baby would become distressed. It turns out that I wasn't the only one to form the bond. I went into labour early and the pain was unbearable. I was giving birth to a child so strong my body couldn't handle it and had begun to shut down. She was a child born from pure Lycans, but also possessed the blood from a pure blooded vampire Royal. But it would seem that my child had called out to Teresa, as she suddenly awakened and appeared beside Caleb and I to aid with the birth. Her presence had calmed my child and her blood kept me going. When Lindsey was born, the first thing we noticed were her eyes, not only did she have the yellow eyes of a Lycan, but she also possessed the red eyes from Teresa. We had inadvertently created a hybrid, half-Lycan and half-Vampire, possessing bloodlines from the most powerful clans on both sides."
She paused to take in the shocked looks around her. Smirking internally at their reactions, it never failed to amuse her when people heard the story behind Terri, Lindsey and her.
"And after a discussion, we decided that Teresa was a part of this child and we were prepared to make it official, that's why Lindsey calls her 'mommy', me: 'mama' and Caleb: 'daddy'; because we all had a part in her making. Teresa used to come every month to see her, but suddenly, a year ago, she stopped coming. She had sent us a letter saying she would be unavailable, but we never understood, and Lindsey wouldn't stop asking where her Mommy was. It broke my heart."
"I'm so sorry baby." Terri spoke to Lindsey, who had fallen asleep in her arms, in a soft voice. She looked up to Lauren, "I didn't want to leave, but I had to go to Seattle."
"Because of Hades." Lauren answered.
"Because of Hades." Terri agreed.
"And Caleb and I understood, but it still broke our heart every time Lindsey would wait out, perched on top of the stone throne waiting for you to arrive."
"I'm sorry." Terri replied, voice full of guilt and hurt.
"Athena." Lauren's stern voice was unexpected and Terri snapped her head up instantly. "I don't blame her, and I don't blame you. So don't."
It was at that moment that realisation dawned upon me. I finally understood what Terri and Elizabeth had been trying to say to me.
"Terri would never tell you, because she loves you, even if she gets hurt in the process, she will always protect you"
"You're wrong you know. Terri was the one who didn't have a choice. Athena was the one to do it"
I always found it weird that they put so much emphasise on 'Athena' and 'Terri', why they would put so much effort in distinguishing the two of them. I had never realised until now.
"Athena…" I whispered, as Terri's, no Athena's eyes turned to me immediately. "W-why didn't you tell me?" I forced out as I felt the tears building.
"Tell you what, Ari?" Calliope asked.
"I tried. But you should have known." Athena replied, voice hoarse.
"Ari?" Calliope prompted me again.
"Calliope," Aria answered. "Terri's been locked away since her revival. Her soul was far too damaged to take a hold of her body and so," Aria choked on a sob, "Athena's been in control since she woke up." There were gasps as our friends realised what we were trying to say. "Even now, Athena is in control. Terri is still recovering, but Athena said that she's coming back soon. She's almost healed."
"They didn't know?" Lauren asked in shock, "you didn't know… How?" She asked us.
"I-I don't know." I stuttered as shame and guilt overcame my body. "Athena, I'm so sorry."
"How could you not know?" Lauren asked again, anger filtering into her tone, "Terri and Athena are very different, how could you not sense that?"
"You can't blame them completely Lauren. We broke our bond; there was a… misunderstanding of sorts, and my bond with Art… Arizona got broken in the process." Athena defended.
"That's not an excuse! The two of you act differently, the way you hold yourselves are different, even the way you fight is different! How could they not know?" Lauren shouted. Disbelief reflected on her face.
"You can't notice what you're not looking for." Athena replied calmly.
"Mama?" A sleepy Lindsey awoke at the commotion and Athena hurried to soothe her.
"Shh, it's okay baby, just go back to sleep."
"You'll stay?" Lindsey asked.
"Of course, I'll still be here when you wake up. I promise." She placed a kiss on her forehead and the child was satisfied, nuzzling her head further into Athena's embrace, she fell asleep once again.
"Lauren, calm down. It's okay. I can take it." Athena addressed Lauren.
"That's not the point! You might be able to take it, but it's unfair on Teresa. She doesn't deserve their hatred, you don't deserve their hatred." Lauren protested albeit in a much lower voice.
"That is a non-issue. We can discuss that later. The important thing now is trying to find out why your spear was launched at Arizona and my wife. The Elders and Generals are itching to fight, and I for one do not wish to see the two of us go to war."
"Agreed." Lauren consented. "However, I should mention that I haven't seen that spear in years. Not since the last Rebellion."
I perked up at the mention of a rebellion. "Rebellion? What Rebellion."
David sighed, a strong look of sadness overcoming his face. "Three years ago, there was an uprising against Caleb. They tried to kidnap Lindsey in order to get Caleb to surrender his position as the Alpha." Athena tensed at the mention of using her daughter as hostage and tightened her arms around Lindsey, a fact that was not lost on David. "I know Athena, but Lauren and I protected her, and she was unharmed. As Lauren mentioned, her spear was lost during the fight after she launched it at Colin, who was leading the uprising."
"Well I can see that you obviously emerged victorious. What happened to them?" Athena asked.
"They were banished from our pack and we haven't seen them ever since."
There was silence as the attack on our territory became more and more complicated.
Erica p.o.v
The figure lurking in the shadows caught me off guard.
"What are you doing here?" She barked at the intruder.
"You called for me." Came the simple reply.
"I know, but what are you doing here." She gestured to the space around her.
"It's the safest place to meet right now. And you seemed to need me pretty urgently. What's up?"
Erica narrowed her eyes at the other woman, before sighing and relaxing. "I thought you'd like to know that there's a rat."
"Oh?" Came the amused reply. "And where would one find this rat?"
"Try Zeus' court." Erica answered dryly, focusing her gaze upon the other woman's face, watching for a reaction.
"Hmmm?" There was no change in her tone, as if she had been expecting this. "How do you know that?"
"It was brief, very brief, but I sensed a familiar aura earlier on. Familiar in the sense that it's new to the underworld, but one that I'd encountered 20 years ago when I went-"
"To kill Tobias and Teresa." The woman finished for Erica, cause her to pause abruptly.
"Uh… Yeah." Erica stuttered, unsure of how to react to such nonchalance coming from the other woman.
"So this rat is part of the court. How interesting." The amused tone returned, "but there's more isn't there?"
Erica froze in disbelief. "This woman knows me so well. How?"
The woman chuckled, "Your eyes give you away Erica, and might I remind you where we are?"
"I'm not sure what I'd heard, but it I think my father and the unknown person are trying to stir up war between Zeus and the Lycans." Erica paused, shifting her eyes to meet the deep dark brown eyes staring back. "And I think he's starting with the Randall Clan."
"Hm…" The woman's tone was filled with disinterest. "I'm not surprised. The Randall Clan are one of the oldest clans around, and one of the most respected clans around. Attacking them will definitely spark the interest of the other clans."
"What are you going to do about it?" Erica inquired.
"Not much. I don't need to do anything." Erica was stunned at the reply. Was this woman really going to stand by idly whilst they went to war? On seeing Erica's reaction, the woman sighed deeply. "Let me rephrase that. There's nothing I can do."
"What does that mean?" Erica asked in puzzlement.
"It means fate has a funny way of directing our lives. I mean, it led you to me didn't it?" Erica didn't answer, she couldn't answer. She had no idea why she kept calling the other woman, but she couldn't stop. "Regardless, I'm in the middle of something right now. I'll come find you again later Erica." Before the other woman left, she stared at Erica with soft eyes. "Thanks Erica."
A strong burst of wind blew across Erica's face and with a jolt, her eyes snapped open. She looked around to see that she had apparently fallen asleep in her office, in the large leather chair behind her desk. With a groan, she rubbed a hand over her tired eyes. "What am I doing?"
Terri p.o.v
I looked down on the face of my sleeping daughter and felt my heart clench. It had been so long since I'd seen her and she had grown so much. I'd missed sleeping beside her, feeling her small hands gripping onto mine so tightly. She was so beautiful, just like her other mother and so strong, just like her father. The words of Ariolus were still echoing in my head.
*Flashback*
"Athena." A knock, followed by a familiar warm voice called to me from behind the closed doors of my bedroom.
"Elizabeth?" I thought to myself. I started to get out of the warm confines of my bed, but sleepy moans brought my attention to my companion.
"Baby? What's the matter?" Aria groaned out, clearly unhappy with being woken up so late at night.
"It's okay, go back to sleep Aria. Its just Elizabeth." I soothed, placing a kiss on her forehead and softly stroking her head.
She lifted her head briefly to glance at the clock on the bedside table, before dropping her head back to the pillow in defeat. "But it's 3am! It's so late, what could she possibly want?" She whined.
"I'm not sure, but it must be important. Elizabeth knows better than to disturb me at night without good reason." I replied softly.
"But who am I going to cuddle now?" Her voice became muffled as she buried her head deeper into her pillow, drawing a chuckle from me.
"I'll try to be back as soon as possible. Get some rest." With a final kiss to the top of her head, I walked out the door, closing it as softly as possible behind me.
"Athena, I'm sorry to disturb you so late at night. But Lady Theia has called for you." Elizabeth whispered, a look of conflict displayed over her face.
"Ariolus? Is everything okay?" I asked quickly, concern taking over me. It was not often that Theia would call for me so late and so urgently. Perhaps she had had another vision?
"I hope so, but she would not tell me." I nodded and hurriedly made my way to her office, Elizabeth trailing behind me.
I knocked softly on the door before slowly opening it. "Ariolus?" I called out, and quickly spotting the woman standing before the fireplace in her office. "You called for me?"
"Athena, come here my child." She reached out a hand for me and I quickly complied, taking her outstretched hand into mine and placing a kiss upon the back of it. She guided me to sit next to her upon the couch that was placed in front of the fireplace, the flames flickering before my eyes in a mesmerising dance.
"It's rather late, Ariolus. Is everything okay?" I was getting anxious at the deep look of concern etched into her face. I had never seen her like this before.
"I'm afraid not. Something is going to happen soon, and it will affect you the most, my child." She replied cryptically and I knew instantly that she had indeed had a vision.
"Is there anything I can do to prevent it?" I furrowed my brows, how was this going to affect me?
"I'm not sure." She replied sadly, and my brows rose.
"Not sure? But Ariolus, what did you see?" I was surprised to hear her so uncertain, as the most powerful Seer in our clan, she had to power to change the world, yet she seemed to be stumped by this event. She stared off into the flames and I followed her line of sight, watching as the fire crackled.
"The visions were not clear, nor were they complete. I was only able to see parts, very small parts. But I can tell for certain that there will be death."
I blanched. No, I couldn't afford to lose any more. "W-who?" I forced out through my suddenly dry throat.
Her eyes suddenly become golden, as if she was lost in her visions again. "The one you hold dear to your heart. The one who holds your blood, your power and you heart." I heard Elizabeth's gasp from the doorway and turned to see her with wide eyes, hand covering her mouth that was opened wide in shock.
My blood, power and heart? "A-Ariadne?" I turned back to Theia, "Ariolus tell me. Am I going to lose my wife?"
She blinked away rapidly; golden eyes dimming and slowly returning back to brown. "No, it's not Ariadne." Her reply was sad and filled with remorse.
I tilted my head in confusion, 'my blood, power and heart'. If not Aria, who could it… No. My eyes widened as realisation dawned upon me. It couldn't be. "L-" My mouth was so dry and I coughed to clear my throat. "Lindsey?"
Theia averted her eyes and I received my answer. I was suddenly consumed with rage as I stood up, eyes blazing red. "No!" I growled out. "Tell me what I need to do Ariolus, I will not lose my daughter!" Elizabeth was behind me instantly, wrapping her arms around me, holding me tightly. "It's not true, tell me it's not true Ariolus! She will not be harmed. I know it. Caleb will not let it happen, Lauren will not let it happen. They will protect her."
Theia glanced up at me, eyes shining with such sadness and I froze. "No." I shook my head, refusing to believe what she was implying. "A-are you telling me… That all of them… T-that…" I swallowed hard, almost choking. "They will all die?" The silence that answered me chilled my blood. "H-how?"
I received no reply, but Theia's gaze set upon my hands and I began to shake. "My hands? They will die at my hands!" I shouted incredulously. "I would never! It can't be because of me. It can't be my fault!" I screamed out in frustration as tears made its way down my face. My knees suddenly lost all strength and buckle under me. Elizabeth fell to the floor with me, arms still tightly wrapped around me. Theia dropped to her knees in front of me and pulled my head to her shoulder.
"I'm so sorry, my child. It is what I was shown, but as I have said before, the visions were not clear nor complete, there must be a reason for this." She stared off into the distant as I continued to cry into her shoulder. "There has to be."
I sat there helplessly in their arms as the scorching flames burned brightly and the heat intensified for a brief second before dying out completely, burning away my hopes with it.
*End flashback*
I tightened my grasp on the sheet of my daughter's bed as I sat beside her. Was this the beginning of the end? Could my recognition of Lauren's spear be the catalyst for their death? I could still recall the day I felt a disturbance on our lands, and when I realised that Aria was at the exact point of the disturbance, my blood froze. I couldn't bear to lose both Aria and my daughter. I had rushed onto the scene immediately, and when I approached the spear, my heart stopped. The second I recognised Lauren's spear I felt my world begin to collapse. Why was this happening now? Tear started to well up in my eyes and I choked on a sob.
"Mommy?" A sleepy voice brought me out of my thoughts, and I looked down at my daughter who was looking back at me through sleepy eyes. "You're still here." The relief in her voice and the way she grabbed at me to make sure I was really there broke my heart.
"Of course baby, I promised didn't I?" I leaned down and placed a kiss on her head and she smiled at me displaying all of her childish innocence. The sudden appearance of another presence made me tense instantly, and I turned to see Lauren standing in the doorway. "Lauren." I called out, relaxing slightly.
"Sorry, but there's someone here to see you." She stepped aside and I immediately noticed Elizabeth standing behind her, making me tense up once again.
"Athena." The sadness and regret on her face filled me with fear. "The King has called for the court."
"What happened?" I asked, bracing myself for the worse.
"There's been a…change in the situation." She replied cryptically.
"What happened?" I asked again.
"The bodies of several guards have been found in the forest." I could see Lauren stiffen beside her. "Artemis and you have been called back to the court." Seeing that I had yet to move, Elizabeth prompted me again. "Now."
It had been a few hours since we had returned to the court, and my father had yet to appear. The longer it took him, the more anxious and restless I became. I had blocked out the angry and nervous murmurs of the court, trying to focus on the warmth and support coming from the hand that Aria was holding tightly onto. The moment I had entered, I had immediately noticed the absence of Generals James Howard and Anthony Reynard.
"Mommy!" Lindsey's voice suddenly echoed in my head as my heart clenched. "Where are you Mommy? Help!" I found it hard to take in air as the breaths became uneven.
The appearance of a strong and deadly aura silenced everyone as my father made his way to the throne. Poseidon and Aphrodite trailed behind him, followed by Helios and Theia. The look on Theia's face made me stiffen. It was filled with shame and guilt and I felt my heart pounding in my ears. I looked around and saw Poseidon, Aphrodite and Helios giving me similar looks.
No… No! The pain in my heart double, no multiplied tenfold.
"It has been brought to my attention." My father's booming voice rang across the floor. "That we have encountered many fatalities as of last night." His eyes met mine and he held my gaze. "I have personally gone over the remains and have confirmed the deaths to be caused by Lycans." Outrage burst forth from the Elders and Generals immediately, my father held up with hand and commanded silence. "I have been to the scene with Poseidon, Aphrodite, Helios and Theia, and we have all confirmed that the scent and aura left behind to be from those of the Randall Clan."
I couldn't move, I couldn't speak, and my father's gaze had yet to move from mine. I was in fear of his next words. "It is with my deepest regret that I declare that the treaty between the Randall Clan and us void."
Aria's hand tightened in mine and I could feel the stares of Artemis, Apollo and our friends upon me. Yet, I could not bring myself to think or feel, I was stuck in a void. Lindsey's painful cries of help echoing in my head. No, no, no!
The doors to the room slammed open and Generals Howard and Reynard entered in full armour that was covered in blood.
Blood.
They kneeled before my father and the scent of the blood hit my nostrils.
Lauren's blood… Lindsey's blood!
"My Lord, it was with my greatest pleasure and honour, that I announce that the annihilation of the Randall Clan as a success." General Howard announced loudly and proudly.
The gasps from my friends and the cry from Aria didn't register in my ears, and all I could feel was heat. Blazing, burning heat coming from the inside, and then I heard a great roar of despair and anger echoed in my ears. It took the look of fear from Aria for me to realise that it had come from me.
The court froze in fear as I appeared before General Howard, eyes blazing white with golden streaks, and with a quick burst of light from around me, my wings emerged as my true form appeared.
"You!" I growled out as I grabbed General Howard by the throat and lifted him clear off the floor. An impressive feat for all to observe, as he was a clear foot taller than me. "How dare you!"
"Athena!" Came my father's warning tone, but I ignored it as the rage had clouded all of my senses.
My hand tightened itself around his throat as my claws began to dig in, drawing blood. General Reynard stood immediately, eyes glowing blue and fangs emerging and he attempted to help his colleague. My free hand came up, palm facing his face as a bright golden circle surrounded by symbols appeared around my hand. Energy gathered into the palm and was released directly into his face, sending him flying into the Elders.
"Congratulations! It's a girl!" Lindsey's innocent smiling face appeared in my mind and I could feel the tears falling rapidly down my face.
"Come chase me Mommy!" My pure and innocent Lindsey. Memories of her were playing in my head repeatedly against my will.
Lindsey… Lauren… Caleb… David…
The guards poured in through the doors, but were easily blown away by a blast of my aura.
I let out a loud roar and before anyone could act, my sword had materialized itself in my hands and penetrated through the abdomen of the still struggling General Howard.
There were loud gasps as the other Generals finally mobilised and came at me.
Lindsey… Lindsey… Lindsey…
Generals Emily Chase and Valerie Espinosa were the first to reach me as I threw James' still body to the floor. Their approach was halted as Lexie appeared before them, blade made purely of a deadly black and red shimmering in her hands. I was dimly aware of my rage channelling itself through Lexie as the aura radiating off of her winged form was nothing but deadly and filled with fury.
Generals Franklin Jones, Rachel White, Gavin Kensington and Bethany Douglas all came at me from different directions, trying to surround me, but I took flight and dived back down instantly at Franklin, sword abandoned within the body of James Howard. I summoned my own energy blade, the same deadly colour as Lexie's: black and red, and easily sliced through Franklin, finishing with a powerful bolt of fire to his back.
Lindsey… Lindsey… Lindsey…
Lexie had easily taken care of Emily and Valerie, and had moved on to Rachel White. I turned to see Lucia Torres holding back Aria, whose eyes were burning a bright red. I growled and straightened my wings, sending a powerful wave of energy, forcing Gavin and Bethany backwards. I headed straight for Lucia, slicing my blade at her, forcing her to let go of Aria, or be sliced. Pulling Aria to me, I snarled at Lucia.
"Do not touch my Bride!"
"Artemis! Apollo!" Poseidon's commanding voice filtered into my mind as I took a step towards Lucia. They appeared instantly before me, and behind them Calliope had appeared, taking stance in front of her mother. Artemis and Apollo's eyes were burning golden purple and navy respectively, and Calliope's were a bright purple. There was so much sadness and pain in their eyes, the understanding of my own pain clearly reflected in their eyes. I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes at them, baring my teeth before turning away to encounter Gavin and Bethany who had just recovered. I blocked Bethany's sword with my own, and in the corner of my eye I saw Gavin swing sword at my exposed side. Without missing a beat, I summoned another energy blade into my other hand and easily blocked it. I growled as my aura spiked and fire poured from my body, making the two Generals retreat to a safer distance. So much heat… burning. The burning of the rage, the anger… building. It's so hot, so much heat!
"Athena, stop. Please!" Theia's panicked voice rang through the air, causing me to pause in my steps.
"Mommy, I love you!"
Lindsey… Lindsey… Lindsey!
The tears were uncontrollable, blurring my vision and my heart hurt so much, it was as if someone had torn it out and was stomping repeatedly on it.
Poseidon and Aphrodite had entered the fray, much to the disappointment of Artemis and Apollo. Lexie appeared before me, facing the two Royals with energy fuelled blades in both hands.
"Lexie, stand down. Please! We don't want to hurt you." Aphrodite pleaded with my subordinate, but she tensed and charged at her. Aphrodite sighed sadly before she was surrounded by a powerful red aura, eyes turning bright silver red and released a powerful orb at Lexie, taking her down. She followed with the movements and placed a quick and powerful lightning fuelled attack to Lexie's neck, paralysing her system, gesturing to Mark and Alex to hold her down. She struggled in their grasp, but the lingering effects of Aphrodite's attack rendered her helpless.
I straightened up facing my Uncle and Aunt, the rage was overpowering, causing me to shake, and my breaths to come out uneven. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't think or feel anything but pain and anger.
There was anger and disappointment in Poseidon's face.
"What are you so angry about? Your children are safe. I made sure of that. I've protected them over and over again, and I died for you, because of you. You don't get to judge me." I growled out at him. "He" I pointed at my father, "killed my daughter!"
"I know, and I can't even pretend to understand what you're going through, but this isn't the answer." He replied calmly.
"He killed her! He knows how much I loved her; he knew what she meant to me. He didn't even give them a chance; he didn't give me a chance. He has never given me any choices in my life. This was one of the only things in my life that I had control over and he's taken it away from me! He told me I had time to sort this out! He promised me!" I cried.
"Athena, don't do this. You're making a mistake. You don't want to do this." Aphrodite's desperate voice came from beside her husband.
"Do not talk to me about what I want. I've never had the option to 'want' anything. It's all about what he wants, what he needs! I want my daughter back! I want my mother back! What I don't want is him controlling my every action, I don't want to be the Crown and I sure as hell don't want to be his daughter anymore!" I screamed in frustration.
"You don't mean that! He's your father and he loves you." Aphrodite cried in reply
"If he loved me, then he wouldn't have tortured me. He wouldn't have forced me into the Crown position when I wasn't ready, he wouldn't have lied to me about Toby and my mother, and he sure as hell wouldn't have killed his only granddaughter!"
My father had not moved an inch since my outburst and that irked me more than I could put into words. I didn't have the time to react when Poseidon suddenly came at me.
"Daddy, no!" Artemis' frantic voice cried.
"You choose your King over the person who has protected your children? Why am I not surprised? You're just as bad as them!" I screamed, and the burning rage took over once again. I was temporarily blinded as Poseidon and Aphrodite both revealed their true forms, but recovered quickly to block his attack, raising both my blade in a 'x' to block his mighty blade; the jewels shining proudly on the hilt, as if mocking me.
The blade of Cronus, of course. I thought sarcastically.
With all of my strength, I pushed upwards, and when his arm was raised, I pulled both of my arms back, slicing through his right arm. He pulled his arm back immediately, momentarily confused as to why there was no wound or blood, before his eyes widened, realising what I had done. It was too late however, as the blade dropped from his now useless arm. He stared at me in disbelief, but was stunned as I had already moved passed him to Aphrodite. He reached out his left arm, but was burned as he made contact with my scorching skin. Aphrodite tried approaching me, but was warned off.
"Don't touch her! Her skin is burning, it's like she's on fire!" Poseidon forced out through clenched teeth, and the room froze. Never before had they witnessed something like this and they were fearful for their lives.
"Get out of my way." I growled lowly at the woman who was standing in the way between my father and I.
"I can't do that, I won't let you do something you'll regret!" She cried.
"I can assure you that I won't regret this. On the contrary, I'll enjoy it quite a lot." I smirked.
I was distracted as Elizabeth approached me. Aphrodite grabbed her shoulder as she walked passed.
"What are you doing?"
Elizabeth smiled sadly at her, "just trust me. Athena is in pain and she needs a gateway to expel it." She gently removed her hand from her shoulder and turned to me. "You want to hurt your father just has much as he has hurt you right?"
I narrowed my eyes at her. "You know that your father cares about me the most, not including you of course. So here I am." She spread her arms apart and opened herself to me, completely defenceless.
"Elizabeth, stand down!" My father finally spoke up and I smirked at him, charging at Elizabeth. My blades went through her, but the relief and satisfaction I was expecting didn't come. With my head next to hers, she whispered into my ear.
"It's okay, I forgive you." Her arms came around me, the scent of burning flesh rising in the air and she came in contact with my blazing skin.
So much heat. It's so hot. It's burning, burning, burning…
Her arms felt like icicles around me, like water in the desert, as I felt my flaming skin cool. The burning rage dying away, replaced with misery and despair and the cold, hollow and empty feeling of heartache and loss.
"Mama said you were like a superhero. You saved her and Uncle David. You'll always save me won't you Mommy?"
Tears fell rapidly as I buried my head into her neck, crying for my pain, my loss and my failure.
I'm so sorry Lindsey.
The blades faded away as my aura died and I collapsed in Elizabeth's arms.
The next thing I knew… darkness.
Arizona p.o.v
I was absolutely horrified that Zeus had ordered the massacre of the Randall Clan. My heart broke at Terri's loss. The innocent child that I had just met, the child that was so full of life and innocence, killed in what could possibly be just a misunderstanding. Not to mention the shock of seeing the carnage Terri had created in the throne room. I was currently sitting outside the healers' ward waiting for information on my father's arm, I still couldn't believe that my father had confronted her and more so, I couldn't believe what she did to him.
"Are you okay?" Calliope asked from beside me. I looked up to see the sadness and concern in her eyes and found myself mesmerised.
"I'm just…" I didn't know how to put my feelings into words. "I can't believe what's happened."
"I know baby, I know." She drew me into her arms and I relished in her calming and soothing scent.
I looked at my mother across me, sitting in Tim's arms, and felt guilty for the anger that welled up inside me.
"Mom? Why did you attack Terri?" She looked up in shock, and I could see the tears in her eyes.
"I didn't want to. She was right, she had protected Timothy and you for so long, and I owe her so much. But at the same time, I couldn't let her commit such a crime. If she had attacked Zeus, then she would be banished from our Clan. She would lose everything, and I couldn't let her do that. Your father and I love her so much, we owe her everything, and we both know what it feels like to lose a child." I tilted my head in confusion.
"When Timothy was attacked, we thought he had died and had mourned him. It wasn't until we sensed his awakening that we realised that he was still alive. And when Hades attacked us in Cambridge, we had no idea if you were alive or dead. Trust me when I say that the fear of not knowing is worse than knowing. When you lose a child, you become overcome with rage and fear and sadness, and you lose control, doing anything you can to compensate. That is what Athena was doing, in the heat of the moment, she lost control and I don't want her to be all alone when she finally regains that control. Does that make sense?" My mother asked in a gentle voice, though I could hear the hints of sadness and guilt underlining her statement.
I nodded. It did make sense. I have never seen Terri so out of control. The things she said and the carnage she caused was completely out of character, even for Athena. Athena may be colder and harsher, but everything she does is a reflection on Terri's true motives, it's all done with good intentions, although I haven't quite understood the reasoning for marking me, but I believe that there's a reason for everything. If she had attacked Zeus, then she would become the greatest enemy of the vampires, even more so than Hades, because she had basically destroyed the Generals of the court. But more than that, Lexie, her subordinate was able to easily dispose of the Generals, and that kind of power would cause fear in anyone. I briefly wondered what I would do if I had ever lost Calliope or our child, and felt my heart clench even just at the thought. A sudden thought hit me and I asked Calliope before I even registered myself speaking.
"Hey Calliope, do you want children?" I felt her stiffen under me and cursed myself for asking at a time like this.
"Ari, look at me." I timidly met her eyes, only to be met by loving eyes. "Yes, I want children. Do you?"
I thought about it, did I ever want children? The thought had never crossed my mind, but the idea of having children with Calliope warmed my heart.
"I want everything with you." I replied honestly and was met with a winning smile.
"I love you." She leaned in to kiss me and I felt a strong sense of serenity flow through my body.
The doors at the end of the hallway suddenly opened as Zeus entered with Theia and Helios, just as the Healers came out of the room.
"Ah, my Lord." They bowed deeply.
"How are they?" He asked.
"The Generals are…" The Healers glanced at each other briefly, seemingly lost as to how to finish the sentence. "…Recovering." They finished hesitantly.
"But?" He prompted.
"The damage was quite severe, it will be a few days before they can be deemed fit for action again, my Lord." In the back of my mind, I was in awe of Terri's power, and even Lexie's power, but another part of me was horrified that Terri had been pushed so far, cause her to lose control.
"Poseidon?" He asked gruffly.
"Ah, Lord Poseidon has had the tendons and nerves in his right arm all sliced, and the muscles have been severely damaged as well. We've managed to salvage it, but once again, it will be a few days before he can use his arm again." I gasped, I hadn't realised just how powerful one tiny slice could be. Zeus nodded.
"And Elizabeth?"
"Elder Lewis had been pierced twice, but luckily nothing vital was hit. The wounds will take a little while to close completely and the burn marks are also minor. She'll be fine. She's lucky that the Crown wasn't in complete control, otherwise it would be a different story." We all knew the real reason Elizabeth was barely hurt, and it had nothing to do with being lucky. Athena and Terri both could never hurt Elizabeth, not after everything she's done for her. Elizabeth is practically Terri's mother, and Terri would never hurt her. Zeus nodded once again and finally asked the question we were all waiting on.
"And what of Athena?" The Healers all fumbled at this point. "Speak now!" He commanded.
"The-uh-she…" One of the Healers took a deep breath before continuing, "The Crown Princess is…unresponsive." He finished with a wince.
"What does that mean?" Theia asked gently, trying to calm the now shaking Healer.
"She's awake, but she's unresponsive to any of our questions or prompts. It doesn't look like she's injured, but she just stares blankly into nothing. And since she woke up, Lady Ariadne and Chief Tactician Grey won't let us near her. Although, she seems to somewhat react to Lady Ariadne. She managed to get the Crown to feed after she woke up, but after that, it's been silent."
I could hear Mark's sigh of relief when the Healer mentioned that Lexie was up and moving. Zeus nodded once again and turned to leave.
"Um… My Lord?" The Healer started hesitantly, "do you wish to see the Crown?"
Zeus paused in his steps, but never turned. "It will be unnecessary." Then he left without another word.
"Can we see her?" I heard Calliope ask, "Te…uh-The Crown that is."
"Of course, Lady Calliope, this way if you please." Calliope tightened her hand around mine and pulled me to my feet. I glanced briefly at Tim and my friends, but Tim shooed me away.
"Go Ari, I'll go see Dad with Mom, and then I'll pop along later."
I opened the door and was immediately met with a bright blade made of white energy.
Lexie.
Upon seeing my face, she relaxed, but only very briefly. I felt Calliope bump into my back, curious at my sudden pause.
"Everything okay Ari?" She had yet to see Lexie and I was at a loss of how to proceed. Do I try to placate Lexie first or Calliope?
"Lexie, it's okay. Let them in." Aria's soft voice drifted from further in the room and Lexie retreated immediately.
I silently entered the darkened room, hand holding tightly onto Calliope's leading her in. She was sitting up in bed, leaning against the headboard staring out the window to her right. Aria sat beside her on her left, holding tightly onto her hand. I felt like I was drowning in the dark and depressing aura that surrounding this room, glancing quickly towards Calliope, I could tell that she felt the same.
"Athe-" I started, but the moment I opened my mouth, her head turned to meet mine and I saw it. I let out a gasp as I saw the pain-filled eyes staring back at me. "T-Terri?" I heard Calliope's sharp intake of air from beside me.
Tears started to drip down her cheeks, but she refused to wipe them away, instead she chose to glance back out the window.
Aria watched her sadly, turning to face us. "She woke up the moment the Generals returned today…" I tensed in fear of the next part of her sentence. "…The scent of L-" she paused, shooting a quick glance towards Terri, "-the scent of the blood woke her up."
"No…" The shock and horror in Calliope's voice echoed itself in my heart. How painful must it have been for her to wake up to her partner's blood, her daughter's blood?
"Terri," I croaked out, forcing down a sob. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." She didn't move and she didn't answer. "What happened in there?" I had to ask. Never before have we ever experienced something like that. It was horrific, yet at the same time magnificent. I knew it was wrong of me to think like this, but the power Terri displayed was awe-inspiring and it took my breath away.
"She doesn't know." Once again, Aria was the one to answer on her behalf.
"What do you mean she doesn't know?" Calliope asked.
"The moment Athena smelled the blood on the Generals' armour, there was this overwhelming rage and anger that just kept building. Terri had forced herself to take over once again, but it just kept building. It was like a fire, burning from the inside. All she could feel was heat, the pain and anguish from the loss and the overwhelming bloodlust for revenge. All three mixed together and she lost control." Aria finished quietly. "Are they going to be okay?" She added, almost as an afterthought.
"They deserve to die." The quiet growl was unexpected as they were the first words Terri had spoken since I had entered, but what was even more shocking, was the seriousness and hatred that laced her voice.
"Baby, don't." Aria warned lightly, and on seeing the flashing sparks in Terri's eyes, she quickly turned to face us. "I'm sorry guys, I know you want to check on her, but could you come back later or something?"
Calliope began to protest, but I understood that Terri was going through something that only her mate could soothe. I started to leave the room with Calliope in tow, but a firm call of my name stopped me.
"Arizona." Terri started, voice almost cracking with the emotions flowing through her. "Don't let him win."
I left the room with more questions that I had to begin with. Him who? Zeus? And what exactly am I supposed to be stopping 'him' from winning?
Hades p.o.v
I watched lazily as the scruffy beast before me paced around angrily.
He ran tense hands through his greasy hair, pulling at the ends slightly. "This!" He stopped and turned pointing an accusing finger at me. "This was not supposed to happen!" He roared out.
I merely raised an eyebrow and stared down at him. "Oh? And what exactly is the 'this' you are referring to?"
"Do not fuck around with me bloodsucker!" He hissed, "Caleb, Lauren and Lindsey are dead! And you're telling me you had nothing to do with it?"
"Oh, but I didn't." His antics were very amusing, a fact that was very obviously reflected in my tone. He didn't quite seem to find the same amusement as I did though.
"You're lying!" He roared. "You knew I had plans for Lindsey and Athena, and we had a deal!" He bared his teeth at me; I could see his canines beginning to lengthen in a brutish display of power.
Urgh, dogs will be dogs.
"You may have had plan and we may have had a deal, but plans change. And besides, I'm just adding extra incentive for Athena." I stated calmly, levelling my shining eyes at him as I forced his shifting to reverse.
"Extra incentive?" He huffed out moodily, "what's that supposed to mean?"
"We both want Athena out of the way. And as you've already mentioned, the cub is important. Her death will obviously affect Athena, and well, now just sit back and watch the show."
Athena is just a child, her emotions and personal feelings are still a crutch to her, and that evidently plays into my advantage. Oh Athena, you thought you could take on someone like me? You have so much to learn.
I chuckled loudly, drawing a curious glance from the shifter before me. "What the hell are you laughing at?"
I shook my head, trying to control my laughter. "Nothing. Nothing." I waved my hand him in a dismissive motion.
"So what do we do now?"
"We?" I asked with a grin. "We don't do anything. You on the other hand…" I trailed off and watched his eyes widen as my fangs emerged. He belatedly registered the cloaked figure that had appeared before him, burying him in a bright orange glow. His painful howls echoed in the large expanse of my room, making me wince at the unnecessary disturbance.
He panted painfully on the ground, blood-covering most of his skin as he stared up at me in bewilderment. "W-what the fuck do you think you're doing?" He managed out between breaths.
I slowly walked up to him in a leisurely pace; head tilted as I mentally catalogued his injuries. "I'm getting you ready to meet with Athena."
"What?" I zero'd in on a part that didn't meet my expectations and sighed in disappointment at the cloaked figure that was still standing behind the shifter.
If you want anything done correctly, you've got to do it yourself.
I ignored the beast's panicked voice as I bared my teeth, aura flaring and claws extended. Swiping at his neck and lightning speed, the beast collapsed in a heap on the floor, unconscious. I lifted my hand to my mouth and licked at the blood covering the tips. Scrunching my nose in disgust as the taste hit my senses.
They always taste so vile, why did I ever think that it'd be different this time?
"Everything is just as planned?" I asked the cloaked figure, who then nodded in affirmation. "Very good. I can't wait for the next act. I do hope you don't disappoint me Athena. I've put a lot of effort into this show." I stated gleefully. How I loved it when plans came around.
The cloaked figure effortlessly lifted the six-foot beast onto his shoulders and turned to leave.
"Oh, Elder?" He paused in the doorway. "Don't make it too obvious. I want Athena to find him herself. And don't forget to give clear instructions to the beast. They aren't always the smartest animals around, and I don't want my plan falling to pieces because of a disobedient mutt."
He nodded quickly and disappeared in a burst of smoke.
The anticipation is killing me. What will you do Athena? What will you do?
