Well, hello there readers!
It is I, Czechus, with another chapter of Out of Reach!
And just like always, before the chapter - it is time for your comments!
StellarEngine – Well, I am glad that you liked it. And more interactions between Six, Artemis, and Apollo in the future chapters!
Spyash2 – I am not going to lie, this would be like perfect revenge. The entire pantheon paying for Artemis mistake… And I am not going to say anything else. Spoilers are not allowed.
Janny092 – Oh yeah, this is just the beginning of the mother-son drama…
SlateAgate547 – Well, it is very easy to forget about it today, with movies such as "Pirates of the Caribbean" or many cartoons with Pirates, where some of them are even painted as just people wanting adventures…
Crazzytony – Well, all I can say right now is this – wait for the future chapters.
CryKen - ...XDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
DOOT76 - Well, it's not like Apollo can give a straight answer to his sister. And there definitely will be some tension between Six and Artemis. As to Six motivation – hard to expect anything else from an ONI agent or from a Spartan.
ShadowofAxios – It will be. But that is all I am allowed to say.
Samuel Warshaw – I know that my English is very far from perfect, but I am always trying to improve my language skills, so I hope that this story will also look better in the future.
VGBlackwing – Pretty much. Nothing can stay on Wolf's way!
CryKen (2) – Yeah, he could do that. Tho, the number of actual believers of Zeus and other greek gods is very small. Gods in PJO are only alive because of the demigods, legacies, Nymphs, and Satyrs. Kill them and the Gods are just myths… As they should… And it would seem that you really want Six to actually do it…
Mirrors Cracked And Broken – Why would it be dead? Who told you it is dead?!
LunaAnt – Glad that you liked it. And I also cannot wait to write about their future meeting.
SSJ Lone Wolf – Well, what can I say, someone had to make this story, right? That and I am glad that you like this story – tho, obviously, I will not able to say too much here, because of spoilers. As to Six not being a demigod – Do not worry, I will explain everything in the future chapters. About other pantheons… Yes, they exist (at least in the twenty-first century), and might even appear later in the story… Covenant creating gods… I have to think about it…
Guest – Yes, other characters from PJO will appear in this story. Other Spartans or UNSC personnel… I cannot deny or confirm, because I really don't know if I should bring some of them into this story or not. And you would be surprised, but according to Greek mythology, Gods actually are not immune to mortal weapons. And that gives Six more than just a few options on how to deal with them…
Guest - …It can look pretty much like this, not gonna lie.
Guest – Well, I am glad that I was able to make Six looks just like I wanted – and that is exactly how you have described.
Guest – That.. is a pretty nice description there. I might even use it in the future. And one of the reasons why he will not have any magical items is exactly what you have said – because he will figure out his enemies' weaknesses, he will turn them against each other, outsmart them and etc.
Lonewolf439 – Thanks. I am glad you like the story.
Thenumbersmason – Who does not like it whenever humans defeat gods? It's awesome! But I cannot confirm or deny anything yet.
Lordbrrt - …He looks like… Himself? I will describe how he looks but in the future chapters.
connormce10 – Never I have claimed that my grammar and spelling are perfect. I know they are far from perfect. But if you say that they shatter the immersion… Well, I can only apologize for it.
Cpl.A Shepard – I must think about the idea of them ever learning about the future. But yeah, if they'd ever find out what happened, they will most likely try to prevent it. Sadly, as history shows, the Greek gods are incapable of preventing anything.
ThatGuy – I… I still must decide if I will bring back anyone from the Halo verse to this story. But, yeah, bringing back Emile and Jorge is an interesting concept. And I am glad that you like my version of Dot… And, man, that would be like a shot through the heart if Six would ever say that to Artemis. He would break her heart!
Krumpte (3) – I mean, Phoebe would have a point there XDDDDD.
Goldberg01 – As I have previously said, if I decide to add a romance part with Six involved it will not happen soon – most likely in chapters in the very far future.
Bigbrain956 – Yeah, "Wolves that walk alone" is a perfect example of how Noble Six should look and behave, that is true… But I cannot say anything more, because of spoilers.
Mythic Imagination – Thanks!
And now, time for the chapter! Have fun!
Out of Reach
Chapter 8
The trail begins
Daedalus was afraid. For the first time in his very long life, he was that afraid. He felt fear he could comprehend, fear of a silver-black automaton.
His new "guest" behaved in a way Daedalus could not explain. He has built countless automatons, and all of them at least acted similarly to humans. But this thing before him was different. It was a predator, unclaimed by a human soul.
In other words, it was unnatural. And it was created for one purpose – to kill.
Daedalus could not understand why someone would build such a monster. It was against all of his reasoning. Automatons could be perfect servants, with almost – if not altogether – human-like personality. And yet, as if someone was mocking everything he stood for as a creator before him stood the perfect killing machine. Emotionless, without consciousness or morality.
The silver-black automaton was ruthless, was not afraid to use brutal ways to get what it wanted. And it demanded many things – in exchange for Daedalus life.
It was still a fresh wound in his pride that he – a few thousand years old demigod in a machine body, was defeated by an automaton. It was the worst blow to his pride. This thing was fast and strong. It predicted every one of his moves, not giving him a chance to do anything.
From that moment, Daedalus knew that if he wanted to live, he would have to cooperate with this abnormality.
First, he obliged with the way to create a way to contain Circe. He didn't know why this automaton wants the wretched sorceress. Still, he created chains and collars made out of Celestial Bronze and a few other magical metals.
When the chains and collars were ready, the automaton took him throughout the Maze to a dark and cold room. Even with his enchanted eyes, Daedalus could barely see anything. But before he could even start complaining, the automaton before him just switched on the lights on his head.
The lights were small, and yet they seem to only boost the already powerful presence of the being before him. It made it look even more intimidating than before.
Then Daedalus observed as the automaton takes the chains from him and starts to lock up Circe. When she was entirely in chains, he just hanged her on the wall, right next to…
At that moment, Daedalus wanted to run. Similarly, Circe, before him, hanged Lycaon, the first werewolf in existence. Someone who would love to tear him to shreds and maybe even eat him. And yet now, Lycaon was there, hanging on the wall like a trophy.
The werewolf looked like he had been in hell. His all limbs were twisted, with blood constantly flowing down from them. Daedalus could see that Lycaon was left in a state barely allowing him to stay alive.
Why this automation didn't just kill him? What was the point in keeping this cursed abomination alive? Such an action would only make Lycaon angrier – and if he had something similar to gods, then it was his god-like anger.
Then, after hanging the goddess on the wall, the automaton suddenly took Lycaon and moved him to the opposite end of the hall. Just to hang him there, without any explanation.
Daedalus might have a problem understanding why this automaton didn't just kill both werewolf and sorceress. He had more than just an idea about what this thing was trying to do. This automaton was using this room as its interrogation room. It was torturing them here. In the pitch-black room, without the possibility to see anyone, just to hear your torturer and other victims.
In Daedalus's mind, it was beyond understanding. He still could not understand what the point of this torture was. After all, making your enemies angrier was pure stupidity.
When Circe was hanging on the wall, with Celestial Bronze chains around her, the automaton turned around to face Daedalus. If not for the flashlights coming from the lower part of the automatons' "mouth," the old architect would not be able to detect any move or sound at all.
"How much time we have until she wakes up?" Once again, Daedalus was taken back by the lack of emotions in the automaton's harsh voice. It was one of the most terrifying things in this construct. Just his pure voice.
The old architect only cleared his mouth, obviously trying to gather his thoughts. The whole thing was much more challenging since the black and silver thing was constantly looking at him without even a small pause.
"Well…" Daedalus damned himself for the stuttering in his voice. "At least a few hours. Circe was already very wounded from her fight with that demigod of Ares. And since she is not able to regenerate with full speed thanks to those chains… And the fact that you killed all of her followers… I would say we have some time."
"Good. Now it's your turn."
For a second, Daedalus could not move or even breathe – which was ironic since his original body was now nothing more than a skeleton. But he just could not help it – the black and silver being could affect the very mind and soul of everyone near it.
And so the ancient android could not help but dreadfully wonder – what this thing meant by 'your turn'? Was he about to be tortured just like Lycaon and soon Circe?
Thousands, if not a million thoughts went through Daedalus's mind. He already tried to find a way to run away from this thing before it could hurt him in any way.
"Don't do anything stupid." As if sensing his inner turmoil, the being interrupted the storm inside his mind with his emotionless voice. "As I told before – cooperate, and nothing will happen to you."
Soon they both came back to the Daedalus workshop. The old architect decided to use one of the chairs to sit down. At the same time, the automaton stood still, altogether avoiding any chairs. Daedalus deducted that perhaps the being was aware of its weight, that is why he was not trying to use anything to sit on.
That once again intrigued him. To build an automaton without using any magical metals. Without any implemented personality.
And yet, it was more deadly and efficient than any battle automaton he had ever created. It was bugging Daedalus. After all, being a child of Athena, he was destined to have his mother's hubris. He wanted to know the reason for the creation of this thing. He wanted to do it better… And yet, there was also more than a hint of jealousy in him.
As they have sat in complete silence, Daedalus could not help but feel uncomfortable. The black and silver automaton was just staring at him, without saying anything, not even moving an inch. Was it turned off? Was, is this some kind of form of replenishing energy?
"The maze." Suddenly, the automaton's deep voice smashed the silence, filling the air with uneasiness. "Explain the maze."
Daedalus gazed upon the automaton for a few seconds. He wanted to know why this automaton would ask such a trivial question – after all, he already knew who he was. So he should have the basic knowledge of the Maze, right?
"Well… If you know who I am, then you should already know the basics, right?" Daedalus tried to start with a joke but seeing how his guest did not give any sign of laughing nor could he see him smile, he decided to continue. "It is an old story, you know? I bet you already know about the creation and its purpose."
"Maze. Explain. Now."
Daedalus was interrupted by the gigantic automaton. It would seem that he would be forced to explain without the sweet talks… or even without assuming that this thing knows anything.
"I am sorry… I thought that your maker would implement basic knowledge of the world," If the automaton registered the apparent hint that Daedalus was calling him stupid. He did not know, with that things uncomfortable starring at Daedalus.
And so, Daedalus was forced to start his tail from the beginning, to go back to the old times where he still was… relatively young and he still… Had a son.
And so, he started his tale… He was forced to serve under King Minos, building the Maze just to hide Asterion. Pasiphae's son (The Minotaur), how he was later imprisoned inside his own creation… His last escape.
Daedalus told the story of his life, and yet the automaton did not even flinch. It was as if it didn't care about the whole story. And so, with a heavy sigh, the old demigod decided to drop the secret for his new 'friend.'
"The Maze can lead you anywhere you want. All you have to do is just concentrate enough, focus your thoughts and desires on one specific place, and the way through the labyrinth will be clear. Normally I'd say to be careful because this place was designed to make people confused and even insane… But since you are just an automaton… I guess you don't have to be afraid of that even happening..."
The black and silver automaton once again did not even flinch. Noticing this, Daedalus wanted to sigh once more, but then, the being before him decided to speak for the first time since the beginning of this conversation.
"More. Tell me everything you know. Assume I do not know anything about the Greek world."
Once more, Daedalus was taken back. Under normal circumstances, he would decline such a ridiculous request immediately. But he already knew that he has no choice – unless he wanted to end up in the same way as Lycaon and Circe.
It took him a few hours to tell him everything he knew. About the gods, heroes, myths…And the automaton before him listened patiently, without even moving. For the entire time, Daedalus felt like he was being interrogated.
And now he realized. This automaton… He wasn't trying to just learn. It really was an interrogation. He was comparing everything he knew and learned from Lycaon with what he was only receiving.
Daedalus was forced to admit – it was very creative. This being wasn't just a murderer – this automaton was intelligent, systematic, continually learning, adapting, and ever-evolving.
Now Daedalus was forced to admit – whoever created this thing was a bloody genius. An automaton that perfected one of the most important human traits is the skill to adapt to the ever-changing situation.
With this knowledge, Daedalus became eager to tell this thing everything. Now he wanted to know what this automaton will do with his knowledge.
He was so excited that he almost forgot that this thing almost sent him to Hades. But it would seem that it did not matter to Daedalus for now.
After many hours, Dedalus told him everything he knew about the greek world. For many, it would feel like eons have just passed. But the automaton for the entire few hours just sat there and listened. Without moving or giving any signs of life… That is until Daedalus stopped with his lecture. Almost as if assuring him that he was still here with the old architect.
When the lecture ended, the automaton decided to do something unexpected.
"Can you build this?" As he asked, he moved closer to Daedalus and showed him something on his wrist.
Daedalus was now just as amazed as confused. He noticed a tiny computer on the automaton's wrist, showing him a small device's blueprint. He was not able yet fully what would be the purpose of the future device. Still, it could already tell it was more advanced than anything else he has ever seen.
Daedalus could not help but wonder – what would be the purpose of the device? And why someone attached a computer to the automaton's wrist? Why not do this inside the automaton's head?
And yet, the old architect was still forced to admit. The small computer on the wrist was also very sophisticated and looked like a wonderful device. Nothing like anything he had seen in the mortal world.
The same thing for the blueprint, Daedalus, could partially understand the purpose of the device from the blueprint. Worked in a similar way to an adapter, but judging by the sophistication of the adapting part… Daedalus had a hard time understanding anything.
Whenever the old architect tried to ask for more details as to what this thing will be the adapter, the only answer he got from the automaton was:
"Don't be worry about it. Follow the blueprint."
And so Daedalus did. And to be fair, he felt as if this was one of the hardest things he was asked to create. Even the raw material needed to create this device was either hard to get or to create. To make it worse, it did not resemble anything from modern times. Daedalus could not help but laugh at himself when a ridiculous idea came to his head about this automaton being sent from the future.
While working, Daedalus also wanted to add some magical metals into the device. He noticed one flaw in the device that it could not connect to other automatons made from celestial bronze.
When he asked, the automat remained silent in his endless gaze. It would not be that different if not for the fact that Daedalus, for the first time, did not feel anything intimidating from this machine. It almost looked as if this thing was thinking about this idea.
And after what seemed to be one eternity later – at least for Daedalus – the automaton has finally spoken.
"The modification should not alter the purpose or the functioning of the device. Unknown metal might react negatively and alter the result." Automaton's words were emotionless, but they were often not intimidating. At least for the first part, because a second later automaton came close to Daedalus and continued. "If this device does not work because of those modifications, you will be forced to make another one. This time – point by point copied from the blueprint."
And so, Daedalus continued his work.
Meanwhile, the old architect noticed that after revealing the Maze's secrets, the automaton began to actively use the labyrinth, clearly looking for something. Always going out with at least one of his riffles – something that Daedalus could not understand.
Daedalus often tried to convince this automaton that celestial bronze weapons are better, that the mortal weapons will not do anything against the greek monsters… Only to be welcomed by the never-changing emotionless gaze of the visor.
And yet, whenever he returned, he would often return with some small stains of monster's blood and ashes on his armor. Always to Daedalus's astonishment.
But at least now, the old architect knew what this thing was doing. It was hunting monsters, but not in the same matter as Artemis and her hunters, no. It was looking for something, and the hunt was just a way to find it.
There was also something else… And Daedalus paled at the pure thought about it.
That automaton… It was testing and experimenting on those monsters. Searching for something was just one of its goals. He was also using those monsters like genuine pigs. But for what purpose? He could not see even a hint of satisfaction in this automaton, so what was his reason.
At that moment, Daedalus could not help but hate even more the creator of this thing. Daedalus knew that whoever created this abomination. He or she was insulting all the automaton's creators. Even Hephaistus himself would be enraged!
Sadly, just like many children of Athena, Daedalus was also a victim of Athena's hubris. Like all creatures of the Greek pantheon, he was limited by his own mythology, not able to think outside of the box.
And soon, Daedalus would also learn how badly he was mistaken about the "automaton" and the entire world.
And like for Lycaon, the change might be too much of a shock for him to handle…
Monster after monster, Six was hunting everything he could. He had to. After all, if anything he had heard from Lycaon was true, then something big was coming. Something capable of destroying the entire world.
Six would visit the werewolf king often, asking for details about the incoming war. He learned that Kronos, the Titan of time and harvests, was coming. That he was slowly regenerating in the depths of the Tartarus. And that he was recruiting monsters to his army.
But that was not it – there were rumors about demigods also joining the Kronos' forces. At first, Six could not understand how it was possible. According to his knowledge, the monsters were supposed to be obsessed with killing demigods – so how was it possible that so many of them could just walk casually near demigods?
Was Kronos somehow manipulating monsters? Was he capable of fully controlling them, with just his will?
Another important question – why would demigods join the evil Titan? According to the myths, Kronos wanted to eat his own children, so why would he want to have to do anything with his children's offsprings?
Perhaps it had to do something with the psychological warfare – one of the most devastating parts of the war is that it often tears apart many families. To turn one against the other was basic psychological warfare. After all, nothing decreases your morale than the fact that you are fighting against someone from your family.
And so, Six was forced to admit – using god's children against them, turning them against their own parents was a brilliant tactic. Such a thing often worked brilliantly when it comes to dealing with humans and when dealing with insurrection.
But Six did not have all the puzzles. He knew that something was missing in his theory. He needed to know everything to decide what to do.
In theory, he could ask Circe about the Crooked one – as some monsters and demigods called Kronos – but he had different plans for the immortal – and immoral – sorceress. He knew that she will be very hard to deal with. People like her are often fanatics, blindly believing in their own words, convinced that their way to repair the world is the only one correct.
He could, of course, try to break her, just like he did to Lycaon. But such an idea had too many leaks. While Lycaon was straightforward to contain, he could not say the same about Circe. The werewolf king could regenerate enough to survive, and the silver rods in his body were making sure that he will never have enough energy to escape.
But with Circe, it was different. He could not know how far he could push Circe. Even if she was a goddess, she spent most of her days living her own paradise and studying magic. Without magic, she was just a little stronger than the average woman. Something that Blackbeard had proved without problems.
Another problem – if Six would push too far, then Circe would die. And there was the bigger problem – just like monsters, Gods could reform in Tartarus. And Six could not merely let Circe do that. It would cause too many problems.
But there were other methods of breaking people.
And so, he left her there, hanging on the wall, blindfolded and without the ability to move. For safety reasons, her mouth was also sealed away. After all, Six had to make sure that she had no way of using magic.
The only thing Circe really could do was to listen. She was forced to listen to how Lycaon was begging from his cell to be liberated and left free. Then she would be again forced to listen to how Lycaon behaved like a good dog whenever a "mysterious person" came to talk to him.
Six wanted to leave her on the verge of insanity. To make her still remember who she was, but to also make her throw her past away just to save her own life. Then, she would be very easy to cooperate with.
But for now, Six had different things to do. He had another monster to find.
Scythian Dracaena. There were large groups spread out through the entire United States, serving as either scouts or guards. And Six knew that if he was able to find at least one group, he would find his missing piece. He will know why demigods are joining Kronos. Perhaps even he will learn about the Titan's future plans.
And so, Six started to prepare. He would always check all his weapons, the state of ammunition, his armor, everything that was part of his equipment. He worked very fast and efficient, almost like a machine.
Perhaps, weirdly, Daedalus was right about calling him automaton.
Perhaps all the people who called him machine were right. After all, Spartans were supposed to be machine-like soldiers.
[I do not appreciate those thoughts Noble Six.] Six was suddenly interrupted in his work by his AI companion. Six could notice some form of worry in Auntie Dot's voice. Worry and… Disapproval. [I'd advise to not Daedalus' words too serious. He is not aware of anything about you.]
For some reason, Auntie Dot was worried about how Six was reacting to someone calling him a machine. Six could not understand her worry – it was not something new to him. He had been called much worse in the past, and he did not mind. He was a Spartan, not some moody and emotional teenager.
But it didn't stop Dot.
[I know that you might not admit it, Six, but everyone would feel hurt a little from such words. I just want to say that for me, you are much more than just military hardware.]
"I don't care nor feel anything from the way Daedalus calls me. It is irrelevant." As always, Six voice was like a void without emotions. Unhuman almost. Almost as if he really was created for just one purpose. "Is there a reason for such conversation, Auntie Dot?"
For a while, there was no response from the AI. Almost as if she did not know what to say, which was weird for any AI. Six has noticed this a while ago. Auntie Dot would sometimes be lost in her thoughts, almost as if she was unsure what to do.
Six wondered if it had anything to do with the fact that she went through an evolution. From a dumb logistic AI, created for one purpose only, to a multipurpose Smart AI, created in a human's image based on scans of their brains. Was she having a problem with a full transition?
Meanwhile, Auntie Dot was feeling increasing turmoil inside her mind. She was still learning… life. The pure feeling of being alive, she was not sure how to handle it.
Everything in her past, her memories came to her with a new twist. What was once nothing more than a statistic now was either a memory of happiness or sadness and despair. What was once just a pure fact or statement, a pure cold calculation, now was given a new rang and meaning.
Memories of the Noble Team were the hardest to digest.
When she was a Dumb AI, losing a team member was just a new calculation. Now she could help but feel a tremendous loss at just a small memory of the Spartan team.
Jorge, a soul sacrifice to achieve nothing,
Catherine, a brilliant mind with so much potential, obliterated by a barbarian,
Carter, a fearless and brilliant leader, sacrificed so that others could end the mission. Not to live, but to finish the task.
Emile, strong and independent, a little brutal and cynical…
Jun, lost somewhere out there, without the possibility to know if he was alive or not.
And Six, left alone to die, to ensure that humanity's last hope could still burn.
When she was just a Dumb AI, she was their advisor. Now, their deaths had a new meaning. She felt responsible. She felt heartbroken. She was supposed to guide them, to protect them. Now she only had Noble Six.
The last survivor. The last living member of the Noble Team. Now he was her full responsibility. Now she was responsible for only him.
She tried to think about the newly growing feelings for him. It was something at. First, she could not understand with not only Six, but with the entire Noble Squad.
Almost as if she was a mother who has lost virtually all of her children.
And so, like every mother, she was worried for her only child. The fact that she was connected to his head did not help with her new situation.
Since becoming his personal AI partner, she was constantly able to see his memories, feel his feelings, and know-how he saw the world. At first, she hoped to find the answer to her new feelings, but instead, it made it all worse.
She could feel the parental love Six received as a child. She could feel the pain from the death of his parents. The agony of his transformation into a Spartan. But there was much more. His deeply buried feelings only boosted her own.
For some reason, she felt anger whenever someone called him a freak or machine. She felt fury whenever he was sent to a suicide-rated mission. She was enraged about how he was treated. And she was barely able to contain it all inside her.
And whenever Daedalus called her Spartan an automaton, she wanted to just snap his neck.
Wait, her Spartan?
Yes, Auntie Dot realized something. Six was now her Spartan, her responsibility. In a way – her child. And she wowed herself that she will do everything to make him safe.
And just like any mother, she would do anything to protect her child.
Six meanwhile continued checking his gear every knife, riffle, and parts of his armor. It was normal for every Spartan to constantly check the state of the weapons and their Mjolnir. It was hardwired into their heads.
After a minute, Six was ready for another hunt. And so, he walked towards the dark corridors of the endless Maze.
He recalled what Daedalus told him about traveling through the Maze. How this entire labyrinth was created to make people insane. How this place kept many traps. But Six never had any problems with traveling through the Maze. This place was effortless to read for him, and the traps could barely be called traps.
But one advice he took from Daedalus straight to his heart – that the Maze can take you anywhere or to whoever you want, as long as you concentrate on your destination. If one's mind is set for one goal, then said person will find what he or she is looking for.
And so, with one target in his mind, he pushed through the darkness. Find Scythian Dracanea's den. Learn everything possible about Kronos' plans. And stop him as fast as possible.
Within a minute, Six found an exit from the Maze. Another hunt was on.
The Scythian Dracanea's den Six was searching for was in New Mexico, somewhere near the Gila River. It was still unknown why those dragon women would take this place as their den, but as of now, it was irrelevant to Six. What was more important that those creatures had crucial information that Six needed.
There was one advantage for Six with this particular den's position – it was in a secluded area mostly without human settlements. Thanks to that, Six would not have to be afraid of the life of civilians… Nor that he will be exposed to human eyes.
Still, there was a danger of being exposed to the other demigod's groups. Six had this gut feeling that he will encounter one of those groups today – and he was taught to always listen to the gut feelings.
The area near the Gila River was mostly deserted, with a small amount of dense vegetation near the river. Trees, bushes, and grass growing in the near proximity of the river. Outside of that area, there was mostly a desert with a lot of burned rock formations.
And those rock formations were what Six was more interested in. Officially, in the area where he found himself, there were no caves or underground formations. Officially – because most people were blinded by the mist. But not Six.
Underground fighting was one of the most terrifying and the most formidable way of fighting, at least according to many UNSC marines and ODSTs. You were always in a tight area, frequently in the dark, with echoes turning you insane.
But it was not something new for Six. B312 was already more than prepared to fight in every environment. The darkness was his ally, and Six knew how to utilize the pitch blackness around him.
For a few minutes, he walked through the corridors of uncharted cave systems, listening for any abnormal activity around him. Soon, he found himself in a massive room, illuminated with torchlights and campfires. And a dozen of Scythian Dracaneas inside.
As of now, Six needed to learn the information first. Exterminating mutants – or how Daedalus preferred to call those creatures – monsters, would be a mistake. Until they tell everything he needs to know in their gossip, he will not move an inch from the dark corridors.
And so, Six stayed in the embrace of darkness and listened.
The first thing he noticed was the weird accent of the snake females. It was almost as if those women have taken the jokes about snakes pronouncing the letter "s" seriously.
Second thing – this den was one of many dens. Now Six knew that to completely annihilate the danger of this specific race of mutants, he will need to search for more dracaena dens.
Third thing – it would seem that someone has taken the role of the general of the entire Titan's army. And perhaps that was the most critical information Six has learned since coming here. Now Six had a specific target.
After all, kill the general, and the rest of the army will go banana.
The General name was Atlas. Auntie Dot quickly informed him that Atlas was a titan of strength and a general in the previous war between the gods and titans according to the Greek myths. And also, he should be imprisoned by being forced to hold the sky.
Six wasn't exactly sure how to interpret all those fairy tales. Holding the sky? What could this mean?
Later Six heard that Atlas was still locked up in the Mont Othyrys, but soon he will be released and take the active duty of a general of Kronos' army.
Spartan now had the priority target. To destroy the threat coming from Kronos, he would need to find this Atlas and then contain him or eliminate him before it was too late. Perhaps if he will be fast enough, he will be able to stop this war completely.
But there was also another thing that drew Six attention. The very last piece of information that could decide the incoming future. Those Scythian Dracanea were trying to ambush someone. A small group of demigods from Camp Half-Blood.
Now Six could play it in many different ways. He could just slaughter the entire den of snake women and save the trouble for the greek demigods. And then simply attach a small bug to learn the location of the Camp Half, Blood, the same way he did with the two sisters from the Circe Island.
He could let the Dracaena do the ambush and see what the greek demigods are capable of. He could lose the chance to see learn the location, but at least he would understand what his enemies are capable of. Then to simply put a bug on Dracaena and learn the current location of the Titan's army.
Of course, he still needs to consider that someone was deceiving the Scythian Dracaena by giving them false information. Perhaps someone tried to lure out the snake women by spreading the false intel that a small group of demigods will be in the area. And then, the Dracaena would be slaughtered by a larger party.
Six's decision could change many things. With a different option, Six could learn other things, His decision could also mean someone's death.
But before he set his mind, he heard a significant thing coming from one of the Scythian Dracaena.
"That damned manticore. He is nothing more than a stupid messenger. And yet he acts as if he was Atlas' right hand."
Manticore. A messenger. Atlas' right hand. Now Six knew who was his next target. And it would seem that this manticore would tell him much about Titans and their plans.
At that moment, the Scythian Dracaena decided to move. Just like ordinary snakes, they moved very fast and quietly. They decided to attack the incoming group of demigods with nothing more than bronze armor on their chests, bronze shields, and spears.
With Six sitting on their tails…
Artemis and her hunt were trailing another group of monsters. This time it was a den of Scythian Draceana. They were following this particular group for weeks, but they finally found a trail that could help them end this hunt.
She and her hunt were currently silently walking very near the shore of Gila River in New Mexico. Thanks to the particular landscape of the Gile River shore, they were able to move silently and invisible to mortals and monsters.
That, and thanks to being near the river, they had the support of local Naiads. Not only would they be able to support them in battle, but they could also hide and heal any huntress that would be harmed in the battle.
As Artemis walked near her closest friends and huntresses – such as Britomartis and Zoe – she could not help but feel happy. She always loved the presence of her huntress, and it was even better with Britomartis. The minor goddess of nets was her closest friend she ever had.
But she could not help but feel a little uneasy, especially with Britomartis around. Artemis knew why she joined this specific hunt. She wanted to hunt down that weird automaton. And after a few weeks, Artemis wanted to do that too.
Artemis and her hunters noticed a few weird things throughout all those weeks when it comes to monsters. They all knew that they were slowly regrouping, thanks to the uprising Titans, but there was also something more, something Artemis could not understand and something that was hurting her pride.
Monsters were afraid of something.
They were not only gathering and regrouping. Many of them were also running away from something. And whenever they were forced to stay, the monsters were always fully on guard, constantly afraid that something will attack them. Almost as if they had paranoia.
The Goddess of the hunt could not help but feel a little angry about this. She was the goddess all monsters and mortals should be scared of. And yet, many times, they mocked her, cursing at her, and even laughing at her. And now, this new thing was awakening the primal fear in those monsters – something only gods should be able to do.
In other words, it was getting personal for Artemis. She was jealous, and she did not like the competition.
The moon goddess could only smirk whenever she thought about what she would do to this rogue automaton when she finally got her hands on it. It will pay for mocking her status as the goddess of the hunt, and it will also pay for mocking her friend.
But her revenge would have to wait. Now she got Scythian Dracaenas to hunt.
As she and her twenty hunters were slowly walking near the shore, a sudden sound got their attention. It was a similar sound to a snake crawling in the grass. Then there was also a sound of scraping metal. Now Artemis was more than sure – they've reached the den.
She also realized something else – those snake women were marching in their direction. They were trying to ambush someone here. Sadly – Artemis was the hunter. In every situation. And those monsters were just about to learn that.
"Spread out. Fire at my command." She said as she moved her right hand to give the sign to her huntress. Her voice now was cold, utterly different from the one she would often use in the everyday conversation with her hunters.
Soon she and her hunt were hidden within the trees and bushes of the river shore. All of her hunters were patiently waiting for the signal from their goddess.
As the snake women came close, Artemis silently moved her hand and reached the pulled the string. The arrow just magically appeared, ready to be unleashed and fly with the speed of the wind and deliver the deadly blow. One second later, the first arrow was piercing the throat of one of the Scythian Dracaena.
And then, a rain of arrows, incoming from every direction, was soon falling on the rest of the snake women. Without mercy, delivering killing blows to all who dared to stand in goddess way.
Some snake women tried to protect themselves with bronze shields. Others were just trying to run back to their den. It was just a matter of time before they were dead. Because Artemis and her huntress were never the ones to leave any of her prey alive.
And yet, three of the Dracaenas were able to escape back to the entrance of the cave. Artemis wanted to give a signal to send arrows with greek fire, to burn the rest of Dracaenas alive, but something made her stop.
It was the sound of thunder.
Or preferably something very similar to thunder. Something she already knew what it was. It was the sound of a mortal rifle.
And with the sound came bullets. Piercing through the snake women like paper.
And then, against all logic (at least greek logic), the snake women dropped dead, with bullet wounds piercing their bodies, all in vital places such as heart, stomach, and head. And what seemed to be even weirder – with no signs of them turning into dust and returning to Tartarus.
Artemis did not know what to think about it – a mortal weapon capable of killing monsters permanently? She only knew about a few weapons capable of such a thing, but they were all rare, and none of them was a rifle. It was something new.
Before she could say anything, Britomartis went ahead towards the cave. It was apparent she wanted to catch whoever killed their prey. And she also wanted to know if that was the same rogue automaton that took Lycaon captive.
As she reached her friend inside her cave, she found herself in an entrance to a giant room. There was just one problem everything was on fire. Now Artemis knew – whoever the shooter was, he or she was trying to cover all the tracks. This new hunter was trying to hide the evidence of him ever being here and make any pursuit impossible.
Sadly, such tricks would not work on her or Britomartis. They were goddesses. They could move past that flame and even extinguish it whenever they wanted.
As all the flames died out, she ordered her hunters to search the entire cave. It was a very hard task since most of the cave systems were uncharted and thus – unknown. It was very easy to get lost or to get trapped in what seemed to be the endless Maze of natural tunnels.
When all of her hunters returned, there was just one thing they could say to their goddess they had found nothing. No matter how impossible that sounded, how ridiculous the claim was, they could not find a single trace of the mysterious shooter.
What none of them knew, that while they could not find any trace of the one who killed all the Dracaena. The mysterious shooter now had very valuable intel about them. Information that could lead to the downfall of the hunting goddess and her nymphs…
Well, that is it for now. I hope that you have enjoyed this chapter.
A quick reminder about my Discord server where you can be notified about all the updates for my projects (link: discord . gg/ pghekDe )
And I guess this is it. See ya next time!