Disclaimer: All Marvel and PJO/HoO characters belong to respective owners.

Chapter 9

Andromeda ran straight into the Minotaur, swiftly dodging another swinging arm. She ducked underneath the hairy arm and promptly impaled the monster on the side. It howled out in pain, so loud that it shook her bones. Nonetheless, she smirked and quickly moved away from its grasping hand. In light and swift steps, Andromeda moved to the other side and stabbed it again.

Another howled rippled from its mouth, and Andromeda removed the trident, already planning her next move. Just as she predicted, the Minotaur reached for her. She was about to move away when a voice turned her into stone.

"Watch out!"

A voice that was engraved in her mind, heart, and bones. She'd recognize it anywhere.

And all it took for the Minotaur to grab her by the neck and swung her to a parked car before falling to the ground. The air left her lungs, she cried out in excruciating pain. And she thought being thrown through a window was bad. This was much worse. Why is everything spinning?

She was breathing heavily, gasping for air as her body cried out in pain. Her hand went to her throat. That's going to leave a bruise.

The strong pounding on the floor vibrated underneath her palm, Andromeda shakily glanced over to Minotaur. It was on all four, pawing on its hooves on the floor getting ready to charge at her. The monster huffed and puffed, lowering its head, his blazing eyes locked to hers.

It was so sudden and out of the blue when the motorcycle hit the Minotaur in the face. Andromeda had to cover her mouth to stop laughing.

The Minotaur stood still, processing what had just happened. Once it got over the shock, the Minotaur wildly shook its head, roared furiously, and then concentrated on its new target.

"Great! You pissed it off! Now what?" Bucky yelled while the monster got ready to charge at them.

For once, Steve didn't know what to do. "I-I don't know."

"Well, you better think of something!" Howard shouted.

It headed straight towards them, if she didn't anything they could all be dead. Ignoring the pain, she quickly picked up her trident and ran behind it. She pushed on, grunting with each movement she made. Desperation became the fuel that drove her to run faster. It was Bucky's, Howard's, and Steve's terror-filled faces that urged her to go faster.

Reaching the torso of the Minotaur, Andromeda leaped and landed right in its back. She brought the trident in front of its thick neck, grabbing tightly from ends, Andromeda pulled as tightly as she could. She grunted, tightly clenching her teeth, and groaned; her body ached as she held back the Minotaur. The trident heavily pressed up against his throat as she kept pulling. It screeched loudly as it was roughly forced to stand on its hind legs.

Andromeda flinched at the sound but never lessen her hold on the trident. Carefully yet quickly, Andromeda maneuvered the monster backward. Stretching her legs on its back, Andromeda leaned back, tugging harder until the Minotaur lost its balance and began to fall, just as she had hoped. As gravity took them to the ground, Andromeda released one side of the trident and let herself fall. Held up the trident and watched with satisfaction as the Minotaur fell straight onto the prongs.

She shoved the trident deeper into its back, grunting under its heavyweight but she persisted. The loud shrieks of the Minotaur faded away after a minute, its head hanged over her head. Its tongue slipping out, dangling right in front of her face. The smell was horrendous. Andromeda gagged at the sight and smell and ruthlessly took out the trident whilst also jumping out of the way.

With nothing to hold it up, the dead Minotaur flopped down, exploding into a pile of sand.

A second later Andromeda followed, but not dead. Well, not this time. She fell to her hands and knees, the trident clashing next to her. Prongs heavily tainted with blood. Every bone in her body was crying out in agony, the pain was overwhelming. Her vision shook, arms gave out and so the hero slumped to the ground.

Consumed in her pain, she didn't hear Howard calling out until he was right next to her. She groaned loudly despite his feather-like touch. He gently maneuvering her onto his lap and held up her head with his arm as he began to push her hair away. Struggling to keep her eyes open, Andromeda weakly lookup to a Howard.

"Hey, hey," Howard murmured, voice trembling as he was on the brink of tears. "Stay with me."

Andromeda smiled despite the pain, touched by Howard's concern. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Good," Howard said with watering eyes. "Don't know where I could find another drinking buddy like you."

Andromeda chuckled which she later regret a sharp pain erupted from her stomach. "Owe, don't make me laugh."

She inhaled slowly, closing her eyes and when she opened them, it wasn't just them two anymore.

"Oh, hi," She said dumbly to Steve and Bucky. They were stood rigidly, faces nearly unreadable. She could only imagine what was going on inside their heads.

Bucky scoffed, "Hi? You killed…whatever that was! Nearly died! And all you can say is hi?"

"How do you feel?" Steve asked a bit more calmly with narrow eyes. He has never seen her like this, so beaten up. He had seen her fight up to seven soldiers at a time and walk away without a single scratch. Whatever she fought, he knew that was not an ordinary gorilla.

"Absolute crap," Andromeda hissed sitting up, despite Howard's protest. "But I'll live." She struggled to stay up, her breathing growing more erratic. "I need water."

"Hang on. There should be some-" Bucky began to say but Howard knew that's not what she meant.

"No," Howard shook his head, looked down at his friend. Hair clung around her pale, sweating face, her eyes once again closed. "She needs more." He gently shook her, she whined but still slowly opened her eyes. "Come on, get your trident."

Wordlessly, she grasped it and brought it to her chest. It took a couple few movements and adjustments, but eventually, Howard carried Andromeda to Roger's and Barnes' car. They settle in as quickly as possible, Andromeda slouched down in the passenger seat. Howard threw the other two to the back while got behind the wheel. It was difficult to drive through the small city streets. But once they hit the open road Howard drove like a maniac. Not giving a damn who he cut off. All he could think about was their destination and the quickest way to get there.

No one was in the mood to say a word, everyone deep in their thoughts. Bucky trying to make sense of what he just saw. His mind was a hurricane of theories; just trying to piece it all together like a puzzle. All while still worrying about the nearly unconscious woman in the front seat. Wherever they were going, she became more lucid as they raced forward.

Steve was in a similar situation, deep down he had known that she was different. Yet he had ignored it because he knew who she was. Or at least thought that he did. She never mentioned Howard to him yet they were close friends. Or more than friends. Is that how she knew about every mission? Was Howard her informative?

A hard brake drew Steve away from his thoughts, and his eyes widen when he saw the vast ocean ahead. The sea was at least an hour's drive away from the city, and it certainly didn't feel like they've been in the care for an hour. Howard turned off the car and quickly got out, running to the other side to help Andromeda. But Steve beat him to it, already lending a hand to help her.

"What are we doing here? Shouldn't we take you to a hospital?" Bucky asked her as she limped forward, using her trident as a cane, tightly wincing with each step.

"No, this is perfect." She answered weakly. Nodding to him and Steve, Andromeda reached out to Howard to lean on. Throwing an arm around his neck as Howard grabbed her by the waist. Steve and Bucky stayed behind and watch the two slowly walk to the water. "Well, I'm screwed."

Howard huffed. "Did you really think they would never find out?"

"Will you think I'm stupid and naïve if I said yes?" Andromeda asked with a smirk, a small trickle of blood down her face. "I'll need some time in the water. Maybe ten to fifteen, keep them occupied." She closed her eyes and exhaled in relief when she took her first in the water. "I need time to think. Everything is gonna change." She unlatched her arm and clumsy took a few steps, already feeling the effects of water in her body. When she was waist deep, Andromeda turned back to Howard. "Thank you."

Then she disappeared into the water in a small splash.

Howard patiently waited for Andromeda to come back, sitting on the warm sand and eyes straight ahead for anything. He could hear the hushed and angry whispered bouncing between the Rogers and Barnes, but he didn't pay any attention to them. The last time he checked his watch it's only been eight minutes, Howard was about to look down when something happened.

The gentle waves that crashed into shore slowed down to almost nothing, then a small section of water parted. As if it was inviting them in. Howard jumped to his feet, his sudden movements silencing Bucky and Steve.

"Let's go," Howard instructed them loudly and headed to the water.

"Hold up! We need answers, we deserve answers!" Bucky demanded in a sharp tone, running up to catch Howard. He had enough of this, off all the secrets and lies. "She's been gone for twelve minutes, probably drowned herself. And now you want us to go into the water? No! I need to know what the hell is going on between you two!"

"Bucky's right," Steve back up his friend, his face stern yet calm. "This has gone on for too long. How do you know each other? Is she even alive? We just let her walk straight into the water, she could have died from her injuries. Why should we follow her or you?"

Howard's angered spike. She got injured because she was protecting them. She put her life at risk because of them. All she's ever done is fight with them, helped them, save their asses countless times, trained Steve and this is what she gets. Doubt, distrust, skepticism.

"Don't do that. Don't act as if she hasn't helped you." Howard argued with rage. "She saved both your asses multiple times on missions. Trained you!" He furiously pointed at Steve. "So, the least you can do is, shut up and follow. You want answers, come and get them!"

Howard threw them one more angry look before turning around. He marched to the water, not bothering to check if they were following him. The closer he got to the water, the more it parted. He looked around to see if any civilians nearby notice, but they were all oblivious. The Mist was working.

"Fine," Steve sighed heavily walking over to stand next to Stark. He nodded at Howard then looked to the water.

Bucky groaned and rolled his eyes. Typical Steve, but despite it all, he knew he would still follow Steve. "Damn it. Fine, I'll go too. But only because I want answers."

And maybe, just maybe, it was because he wanted to make sure Andromeda was still alive. He didn't want to worry yet he did. Among all his confusion and frustrations from what he saw, his thoughts were still on her.

Howard inhaled and nodded sharply. "Keep your eyes and mind open. Things are going to get…weird."

The three walked deeper into the sea, the water moving around them. Parted in front of them only to regroup behind, creating a perfect circle. Steve noticed something was off it first, looking down he saw the water was around his torso. Yet he didn't feel the water, didn't feel the pressure when going against the current. It felt as if he was walking on land.

He frowned at the water, eyeing it intently until his vision began to blur. That's when he saw something, it was brief but he saw it. A small brief second of clarity. There wasn't any water around him. Steve tightly clenched his eyes close, rubbing them harshly. His heart was pumping radically. Steve recalled what Stark said, and forced himself to open his eyes.

Everything came to an abrupt halt, his breathing, his heart, and even his brain. He couldn't begin to understand what was happening. The water encircled in a wall of water around them. Clear enough to spot small fishes swimming around them. He edged closer to the water wall and slowly put his hand through it. Steve wiggled his fingers in the water, finally released a gush of air he was holding. As it should be, his hand was wet when he pulled it out.

"Steve?" Bucky called out to his friend when he noticed that he had fallen behind. "What's wrong?"

Steve tore his gaze from his hand to Bucky. "You don't see it?"

Bucky furrowed his eyebrows. "See what?"

Steve gestured to the tall wall of water around them. They weren't moving anymore but the water continued to grow. "This. Look at the water."

"Yeah, it's called the sea," Bucky stated bluntly, arching an eyebrow. "Are you okay? Did you hit your head or something?"

"No, he's fine," Andromeda answered walking through the water, dry as a bone. In nearly perfect condition, any scratches or bruises she had disappeared. Had it not been for her torn and blood-covered clothes, no one would believe that she was on the brink of death. Color returned to her face, looking radiant and powerful. And her eyes were a beautiful sea-green.

"What's going on?" Steve dazedly asked her.

Andromeda inhaled slowly and deeply. "Maybe something I've should have done a while back. I'm sorry for keeping this from you. But I had my orders, just like you."

"What orders?" Bucky questioned her, ignoring his racing heart. Where the hell did she come from? She just popped out of nowhere. And not a scratch on site. Howard was right, things have gotten weird.

Andromeda's eyes glowed brightly, a deep ocean blue as the water rumble as if it was alive. Growing around them higher and higher over their heads. Steve looked up as the water began to close above them like a dome.

"Holy shit! Holy shit!" Bucky shouted in panic, not knowing where to look at. The water just kept rising around them, the sea mist hitting him in the face. "Are you seeing this? What the hell is going on!"

"Let's find a place where we can seat. I still feel banged up." Andromeda's eyes dimmed once they were enclosed by the sea in a large dome.

Howard grinned at her, jogged up to and swinging his arm around her neck. He brought down her head to his chest, using his free hand to ruffle her hair. Andromeda laughed alongside Howard.

"You had me worried there for a second," Howard teased her.

"I'm sure I did! I saw that way you almost cried," Andromeda remarked causing Howard to scoffed.

"Me?" Howard shook his head. "No, nope, I don't cry. You did hit your head pretty hard, so I'm sure you were just seeing things."

Andromeda hummed with smirked, narrowing her eyes. "No, I'm pretty sure I saw a couple of tears."

Howard jokingly rolled his eyes, released her, and gently pushed her away. He was walking away when Andromeda jumped on him from behind.

"You men and your awful pride," Andromeda joked and returned the favor of messing up his hair. They both laughed freely, almost forgetting they weren't alone.

Steve and Bucky observed the two, it was clear that this was nothing more than a friendship. A close friendship. They were obviously very comfortable with each other, they must have known each other for years. They remained quiet just watching two friends joking around in a travel dome underwater. Completely normal.

It wasn't long before Andromeda spotted the prefect place to sit. While the time in the sea has healed her significantly, she was still tired. And besides, seating would force her to stay in one place. She knew that she wouldn't stop pacing and it would be easier to avoid eye contact. If she was going to tell them the truth, she will need to face them. Andromeda sat down on the ledge of a large boulder, leaning her back as the rest settle around her. Bucky and Steve remain on their feet, with their arms crossed.

"Okay," Andromeda blew out. "Where to start."

"How about the beginning?" Bucky commented drily.

Andromeda scoffed and rolled her eyes. "If only it was that easy." She briefly made eye contact with Howard, who nodded at her in encouragement. "So, um, I guess I'll start by explaining more about myself. What I've said about myself so far, is true. I just haven't told you the whole thing."

Steve's stare trapped her in, after a second she had to look away. Andromeda focuses on her fingers, mindlessly wiggling them.

"I'm not entirely mortal," Andromeda muttered. "I'm a…demigod. It's a-"

"Half-god, half-human," Bucky cut her off in a mumble, Steve turned to his friend in confusion. At that moment, all the pieces came together, the way she fought, the trident. Bucky looked to the glowing trident in her hand. "Poseidon. Your father is Poseidon."

Steve whipped to Andromeda. Half of a god? Steve's head was on the verge of exploding. Growing up in the Roman Catholic Church, Steve instinctively wanted to dismiss it at once. While they believed in many saints, there was only one God. That's what he was taught, what he believed in.

But his world has changed since then he left Brooklyn, he's changed. More than just his physical appearance. The things he saw had changed him; his transformation was one, Schmidt's Red Skull, this war, and her.

"He's real?" Steve asked. "Poseidon, um…" Steve had to rack his brain for the other ones Bucky told him about. "Zeus? And… Hades?"

Andromeda inhaled sharply. "Yes, yes, and yes. Along with the rest of Olympian Greek Gods and almost all the gods have children roaming the earth."

"No, no, this has to be some kind of joke," Bucky stated, running his hand through his hair. "Greek Gods are just stories. Myths. You do know what that means right? Not really!"

Howard felt slightly sympathetic towards the soldier. He remembered the confusion when he found out. How lost he felt. Frightened.

"She's telling the truth. Look around you," Howard told him slowly, looking him dead in the eye. "How do you think she's doing this. She is a daughter of Poseidon."

Bucky let out a shaky exhaled, his eyes wandered around. The water moved around them, but the shape remained strong. Colorful fishes of various sizes and shape swan above them. Despite seeing it, his mind still couldn't wrap his head around it. Greek Gods were the only stories he read about. Legends of the powerful Gods that defeated their father, Kronos, and the Titans. If the Gods were real, so were the Titans.

And so all the monsters were real too.

"You didn't a wild gorilla," Bucky stated numbly.

"No, it was the Minotaur," Andromeda responded calmly.

Steve steadily watched his friend pace around the dome. He was worried that Bucky wasn't handling this well. Not that he was, but it was easier to digest the information. He remembered that first time they met, how he smelled the sea. Her sword, the shield, and the armor she wore. Then he remembered something else. Schmidt's words.

"Schmidt called you cousin," Steve spoke up, drawing everyone's attention. But he only looked to Andromeda. Already knowing the answer before he asked. "He's a demigod too, isn't he?"

"Yes, son of Hades."

Bucky chuckled without humor, full of bitterness and anger. "Great! Another one. And the head of Hydra, no less. At least the name makes sense now, right? Who else is one?" Andromeda stayed silent, understand his rage. "Stark, are you one? Is that how you know each other?"

"No, but you need to calm down." Howard took a stand. "I get what you're going through. But you need to take it down."

"How long have you known then," Steve asked in the hope to distract Bucky from picking an unnecessary fight with the rich and famous inventor.

"Over a year now," Howard answered truthfully, throwing a glance to Andromeda.

"You've known each other for over a year…Wait, that was you! In the elevator," Steve suddenly exclaimed, recollected when he and Bucky ran into Howard coming back from the bar. It was her drunkenly slouch over Howard's shoulder.

"You were in a secure government building, drinking? How-" Bucky didn't know how much more he can take.

"Okay, this going nowhere! We are just going around in circles," Andromeda finally stood up, annoyed by how this conversation was going. If they were going to act like children, she will treat them like children. "Both you," she pointed to Steve and Bucky. "Sit your asses down. This is how it is going to happen, you will shut up and listen." Andromeda glared at Bucky when he opened his mouth. "Not a damn word. I don't want to hear it."

Andromeda stared at them, then grumbled when they didn't move. "Sit. Down." The earth trembled furiously, the water reacted in returned as her voice turned deadly. "That's an order."

Steve and Bucky were taken back by the authority in her voice, her icy gaze held them in a tight bind. Their instincts telling them not to cross her or dare face her wrath. Such fear she invoke in them just by a look. Without another option, they dumbly sat down on a cold rock. Andromeda inhaled, swallowing the bundle of nerves, and proceeded to tell them everything. Starting from how this war truly broke out among the children of Poseidon and Zeus against the children of Hades.

A warm, colorful sky greeted them as they walked back to the shore. Andromeda numbly walked ahead of everyone. Things didn't go as great as she had hope, or good, or even okay. It all turned into a disaster the second she told them she was Colonel Phillips. Bucky had a similar reaction as when she told Howard. Steve handled it differently, a stoic expression while he listened to her explanation of the Mist. How much it a play in her role as Colonel Phillip. That Howard only found out the truth so quickly because he was clear-sighted.

But she could see it in his eyes; the betrayal, confusion, and hurt. It was hard to look him in the eye after for the remainder of the conversation. She wondered if he would even speak to her again. Treat her as a friend again. She couldn't exactly blame him if he did stop talking to her. She hasn't been a good friend to him. If she was in his shoes, Andromeda wouldn't want to be friends with someone that lied for over a year.

Andromeda wondered if she made a mistake in telling them everything. But they had too much already, saw how she and Howard interact. One of them could have reported that Howard was leaking classified information to her. This was always bound to come out. And while it could be stupid and naïve to think that she could have hidden it from them forever, she didn't care. Now everything has changed.

No one gave them a second look while they all came from the sea. They all somberly climbed back into the vehicle, in the same spots as before. Howard drove more calmly on the way back to base, sneaking a peak to Andromeda every once in a while. She faced out the window, furiously bouncing her leg as her mind ran wild.

Howard tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his jaw locking up. It was easily concluded what she was thinking about. Her grim expression and anxiously biting her fingernails displayed a clear idea of her thoughts. She may regret telling them, Howard was relieved they knew. He had grown resentment that anything she did to win this war, the credit when to a man that did exist. Howard had seen her disappointment when soldiers would cheer at "Colonel Phillips". No matter how hard she tried to hide it, he saw how her smile dropped for a fraction of a second. And each time, Howard grew angrier at how unfair it all was.

It was nighttime when they turned onto the dirt road that led directly to the base. Andromeda thank the gods that this car ride was finally ending. The tense silence was driving her insane. A few miles before reaching the gate, Howard stopped the car.

"Why are we stopping?" Steve asked no one in particular, watching only Andromeda get off.

Howard slightly turned his head back to them. "She has a hard time controlling the Mist in a moving car. Hard to concentrate."

Andromeda took a slow and steady inhale, closing her eyes to block out the world. More specifically the three pairs of eyes that she had no doubt were starring at her. Pleaded to her heart to slow down. Lifting her right arm and sharply snapped her fingers, the sound echoed followed by a light breeze swirling around her. Her eyes opened to the dark forest, its dark shadows inviting her in. While it was tempting, she knew she couldn't run away from her problems.

But wouldn't that be nice? Andromeda thought wistfully.

After slightly fixing her hair and re-tucking in her shirt, Andromeda returned to the car.

"That's it? Just snap your fingers?" Bucky leaned forward, his head next to Howard's, narrowing his eyes. "Nothing happened, you're still…you."

"Of course, you won't see it now." Were you even paying attention? "You're clear-sighted. Well, now you are." Andromeda huffed and turned around in the seat to face them. "You have to swear on the River Styx that you will tell no other mortal of what happened today. Everything we talk about today stays between us. Understood?"

Steve and Bucky share a look, and after a moment nodded to her. But that wasn't enough.

"No," she shook her head fervently. "I need you to say it. Swear on the River Styx that you won't discuss anything with anyone."

Steve wasn't quite sure why it was so important to say it but knew that it was important to her. Underneath all the anger and resentment, there was still a friendship between them. So, with confidence, he spoke the words.

"I swear on the River Styx."

Thunder boomed as soon as the words escaped his mouth. Andromeda gave him a look of gratitude before focusing on Barnes.

"Now you," she said.

Bucky was taken back by the proximity of her face, flinched slightly from her intense stare. The entire ocean roared inside those irises, consuming him entirely leaving him breathless.

"I swear on the River Styx." He mumbled as the thunder roar overhead.

Andromeda nodded tensely before facing the front again. Howard put the car in motion, the sound of the wheels crushing the dirt filled in the silence. Steve held his breath as inched closer to the base. Clenching his jaw when night guards appeared in front of the gate. One of them moving even before the car stopped. Howard rolled down the window as the soldier bent down to peer inside. All flinching when he turned on a flashlight at them.

"C-colonel Phillips," Private Luis stated nervously while Steve and Bucky study him. Aside from being nervous, there was no indication that he was speaking to a woman.

With a face void of any emotion, Andromeda nodded at the man. "Private Luis." The light traveled from her to Steve. "Is there a problem, son?"

"N-no, no. No, sir. No problem at-"

"Just open the gate." She ordered him stiffly, a tone not to be cross with.

"Right away, sir."

Dashing back to the gate, Luis frantically told the rest to lift the bars. There was a collective sigh of relief from the backseat. Andromeda made sure not to chuckle as they pass by the soldiers. Her tough and cool exterior hid her anxiety well. Howard had barely parked the car when Andromeda bolted from the car, slamming the door behind her. The men remained frozen in their seats; their eyes synchronized in following her form walk away.

"They really don't have a clue," Steve said as they all got out.

"Not a clue," Howard stated twirling the keys on his index finger. "It was strange for me too, pal. Strangest day of my life. I've heard stories of Colonel Phillips, a tough guy and all that. Imagine my surprise when I walk into his office and see her." Howard remembered every detail of that day. "After she told me everything, I needed proof. Naturally. I wasn't just gonna take her word for it." Howard chuckled. "So there she goes, walks out in broad daylight, and everyone calling her 'sir' and 'colonel'."

Bucky's head was spinning, his thoughts a scrambled mess. He went back to the first time he met Colonel Phillips, or Andromeda now. He had been going over their interaction again and again since the beach. And every interaction since then. As much as he looked into each memory, nothing stuck out as unusual or strange.

"This is crazy. No, insane." Bucky muttered harshly rubbed his eyes.

"Get used to it," Howard told him, his signature smirk on display. "Life will never be the same again. It's only going to get crazier from here, my friends. Good night."

Howard walked away from the friends, whistling a soft tune. Steve took his word to heart, his life was never the same after Erskine passed him.

Steve tiredly patted Bucky's shoulders "It's late. We should get some sleep."

Bucky scoffed. "As if I could sleep after that bomb."

Steve chuckled while shaking his head, he knew Bucky would be out like a light the second his head touched the pillow. Snoring loudly, no less.

"Sure, you won't," Steve joked making his way to the tent they shared.

"Steve, they're real! Zeus, Poseidon, and every other Greek God are real!" Bucky sharply whispered behind him entering the tent. "And they have kids, that started this damn war! She fought the Minotaur and we only saw a gorilla! I mean, how many other monster attacks have we dismissed as a wild animal."

Steve tentatively listened to Bucky as he got ready for bed. He didn't offer his opinion much or made any comments. There wasn't much to say anyway, Bucky was speaking what was on both of their minds. Even when Bucky's voiced transition into snores, Steve remained wide awake. He didn't even feel an ounce of drowsiness, his mind ran in circles. And Bucky's snores certainly didn't help him. Steve checked the clock on the side table for the fifth time, groaning that it already been an hour.

Steve grumbled as he put back on his pants and shoes. One last glance at his sleeping friend, Steve exited the tent. He wasn't sure where he was going or what he was going to do. But when he caught Andromeda sneaking out from her tent, Steve's body was in motion before he knew it.

It was obvious to Andromeda that sleeping wasn't going to be an option tonight. Even on good days, there was very little chance of getting a decent night of sleep. The events of today replayed in a torturous endless loop. Steve's cold face was all she saw each time she closed her eyes. Hand tightly around the bottle's neck and took the first step into the woods.

"Isn't a little late for a drink?"

Andromeda groaned silently, cursing the Fates. He had to be him. Why did it have to him? Andromeda was positive the Fates were laughing at her misery. Putting up a strong front, for herself mainly, Andromeda slowly turned around.

"What can I say, it's been a shitty day, and I desperately need a drink." She said smirking.

Steve eyed her then the bottle. "You want some company?"

Andromeda was taken back by Steve's questions.

"Really?" Andromeda asked dumbly.

Steve wasn't sure why he asked, the question just slipped from his mouth. He couldn't sleep and evidently, neither could she. He couldn't think of better use of his time. He still had multiple questions that needed to be answered, and she was the only one who could answer. Bucky wasn't here to bombard her. It was now or never.

"As long as you don't mind answering some questions."

Andromeda groaned loudly while rolling her eyes. Of course! There's always a catch. Taking a large swing of the bottle, Andromeda turned around waving at Steve to follow with her free hand.

"Watch how you step. I swear you have the foot of an elephant." Andromeda grumbled at the sound of his heavy stomps.

"What? No, I don't." Steve argued, following deeper into the forest.

Andromeda laughed.

"Oh, yes! You do." She flipped around to face him and began to walk backward. "Just because you're big and tall now, doesn't mean you have to sound like a giant."

Now, she said. It was just a word, but it was enough to catch Steve's attention. Now. As in before the serum, he didn't sound like an elephant. She knew him when he was frail and thin. It made sense naturally since Andromeda and Colonel Phillips were the same person. But for so long, to him at least, they were completely different people. They were some similarities in their behavior, no doubt, but it still hard to envision Andromeda behind the hard exterior of Colonel Phillips.

"See!" Andromeda exclaimed. "If I close my eyes, it's as if there a Cyclops in the forest."

"Cyclops? Another monster?" Steve asked with some humor.

"Mm-hmm. A large and hideous," They both chuckled when she pointed that out. "Monster that has only one eye, but they can still be dangerous. They have this annoying trick of mimicking any person's voice. So, beware."

"Have you ever fought one?"

Andromeda nodded while taking another chugged. "Nasty thing, put up a big fight, too. But not big enough." She snickered then somber the next second. "Although, you know what was the strangest thing?"

Steve slowly shook his head. A one-eyed monster that can copy someone's voice isn't strange enough?

"He was my brother," Andromeda admitted quietly. "Half-brother, technically, on my father's side."

"What? How's that possible?"

Andromeda chuckled with a hint of bitterness. "Let's not get into the technicality of my father's private life. We know these weren't the questions you're dying to ask."

Andromeda didn't exactly want to answers those questions either, but it would be easier. She was simply avoiding the topic of her father's sex life. No daughter wanted to talk about that when it came to their parents. Andromeda shivered, remembering how horrified she felt when finally understood where babies came from.

Inhaling sharply, the daughter of Poseidon forced herself to turn away from his breathing taking stare. Taking step after step until the trees parted and into her usual spot. Phillip acknowledged her presence with a soft neigh before returning to sleep. Andromeda's bones shivered when Steve stop behind her, his breath brushing her shoulders most softly. The hairs on the back of her neck rose from his proximity.

"W-wha-"

"He's a pegasi or pegasus, and his name is Phillip," she whispered, swallowing loudly, and looked up to him with a small grin that Steve mirrored.

Slowly and softly, as not to wake Phillip, Andromeda tip-toed over to the small stream, sitting on a rock by the edge. Chortling under her breath when Steve stepped on a twig, its sharp snapped nearly as loud as a bomb. Two pairs of eyes immediately went to the resting pegasi, intensely watching as he cracked open a single eye, snorted, then shut it again. Andromeda chuckled as Steve hissed an apology before joining her.

Once Steve was in the clear, Andromeda offered her a bottle.

"The whole reason we were in town is because I needed a drink, Howard didn't have anything. And I didn't feel like opening the bottle." Andromeda muttered as Steve took a small sip. "Could have saved me a lot of trouble had I just opened."

Bring it down, Steve relished in the flavor as he observed the label. He's seen this label before. It was one Erskine's wanted to share with him the night before the procedure.

"How did-"

"Who do you think gave it to him?" She nodded to the bottle. "I was saving that one until after we won the war."

Steve looked at her, before finally settling on only the bottle. "Did he know about you? The war."

Andromeda's throat clamped up as a deathly cold hand grip her heart. The cut of her friend's premature death still ran deep. He was the first friend she had outside of camp. Her only friend before Howard came along.

"He did," she whispered coarsely then snatched the bottle from his hands. Steve's strong gaze burn away at her skull as she gulped down. "He…was my first mortal friend, my only friend for a while."

Unknown to the other, both of their minds went back today Erskine met his end. Each with their own set of emotions and thoughts. The panic, almost helplessness, as she rushed into the city after that horrible dream. Remembering how helpless she felt when Abraham walked away. The small window of joy and hope when the chamber opened, revealing the new Steve.

And how her world crumbled when Abraham took his last breath.

The coldness that encompassed his once warm flesh, surrounded her heart.

Steve remembered how cold he felt even before he took off his shirt. The combination of fear and determination swirled in his stomach like a powerful hurricane. Yet at the center, he was calm, ready. He remembered looking up to Erskine from where he laid inside the chamber bed, the reassuring smile he gave Steve. Also remembering how it didn't reach his eye.

It looked as of Erskine had a raging hurricane inside him.

"He was a…great man. Took a chance on me when no else would." Steve said gently.

"It's a horrible feeling when you lose someone. Especially when they change your life for the better," Andromeda began in a soft voice. "Before I met Abraham….it was…lonely. As Colonel Phillips, I didn't have any friends. No one I could talk to. You know, freely."

Steve could only listen to her. Could only imagine how hard it must-have for her. Steve knew what it was like to be lonely, but never truly alone. Despite the long hours, he had his mother. And when yellow fever took her, he had Bucky.

"What about your siblings?"

Andromeda scoffed bitterly as she brought her knees up, wrapping her arms around them. "All they talk is about this damn war. I love them, but not exactly the time to have a heart-to-heart conversation. Even my little sister back home, it's all she can think about."

Leaves ruffling in from a chilling breeze, Andromeda forcible pushed away loose strands of hair. The cold rim of the bottle touched her lips, swallowing more of wine. Pooling in her stomach as it warmed her up nicely.

"Now that you know, everything," Andromeda said to Steve, offering the bottle. "I want to say sorry."

Steve remained silent, waiting.

"For some things, I've said to, especially after Abraham's death. I was angry…furious at the world, the war, Hydra, Johann. At myself, too. So, I'm sorry for calling you an experiment and saying you weren't enough." She told him awkwardly, purposely avoiding his eyes. "I was wrong."

There, I said it. She thought. Gilt was a powerful thing. The effects lingering like a wound that wouldn't heal. Stubborn. Maybe after enough time, the guilt won't be as strong, a scar. Just enough that it can be ignored but never forgotten.

When she saw Steve again, in that silly costume it was as if the wound reopened.

"Apology accepted but you were right about one thing," Steve said nudging her shoulder with his. "I was an experiment." Andromeda chuckled lightly. "And while we're on the subject, I haven't thanked you."

Andromeda arched an eyebrow at him. "Thank me for what?"

"Erskine wasn't the only one that took a chance on me, you did too. Someone had to approve his choice, and you did. So, thank you." Steve told her, holding up the bottle in a cheer before taking a sip and offered it back.

She smiled at him and took the bottle. "You're welcome. I thought he was crazy and almost got my head bit off by my brother, but it was worth it."

Steve shook his head in disbelief. "Still can't believe Senator Brandt is your brother."

Me neither. She snorted but shook her head when Steve gave her a strange look. Tilting her head to drink more, and when no more slip past her lips, she pouted.

"It's all gone," she stated dejectedly flipping it upside down. "Darn."

Steve chuckled at her behavior, this was Colonel Phillips, the one that tossed them a grenade. The one that kicked Hodge in the chest after he pulled that stunt during training. The frigid and ruthless colonel that many men complained. Feared making any mistake or looking weak. He remembered seeing a few men holding back tears after some drills, including himself.

They were as different as night and day, light and dark. Complete opposite yet one couldn't exist with out the other.

"You were so adamant about me not going to the Hydra base because you already planned ongoing. Why?" Steve asked once she put the bottle to the side.

Andromeda let out a shallow exhale. "I was against sending the infantry into Azzano in the first place. Argued that it was reckless to send men in when we didn't know the extent of their weapons. Reports describing powerful weapons from an unknown power source."

Steve thought back to the weapons he witness Hydra soldiers use, incinerating good men in a split second.

Her jaw clenched, the gentle stream reacted to her emotions, rustling against the edge. "Lost a lot of men. Men that should have never been in Azzano in the first place. All because I didn't stand my ground. So, I was already planning on going in to rescue the captured."

Steve nodded in understanding. She wanted to correct a mistake, but there was something that skill bugged him. "Why didn't you wanted me to go?"

"You had guts, I'll give you that. But still untrained, I've seen better-trained warriors die," Andromeda huffed remembering the toy shield he had. "I was trying to protect you. Of course, I know you were still going to go regardless of what I said."

Steve nodded, she was right. They have a similar discussion before, it what led to his training sessions. Being unprepared almost led to his demise that first night they "met". If hadn't been for her, those hydra soldiers would have gotten him. She lent him her favorite shield so he could be better protected. Agreed to train him.

It seemed he a lot more to be thankful to her than giving him a chance.

"Thank you," Steve said softly, forever grateful to have her friendship.

Andromeda burrowed her head into her knees to hide her blush. "You don't have to thank me. Just after looking after my men. Like any good leader would."

"And friend," he said warmly but it only stung Andromeda's heart.

Right, friend. She should be grateful that he still considered her a friend after everything. It's enough, it had to be. With that in mind, Andromeda stood up and looked down at Steve with a stern face.

"Training is going to change going forward. I won't be going as easy on you."

Easy? She's been going easy on me? The multiple bruises around his body said otherwise. Every Sunday, he'd return to base, sore with every muscle in pain. Skin splattered with deep purple splotches, arms, torso, back, etc. Each mistake displayed on his body. Experiencing more pain during training than missions.

So why did he kept hold back his punches?

It wasn't because he thought she was weak. He knew she wasn't, that's been proved enough. His arms were still reeling the after-effects of her punches. Perhaps it was from years of being told by his mother that a gentleman never hits a woman. A lesson etched to his soul.

Yet Andromeda was not an ordinary woman. She was a demi-god, a daughter of Poseidon. It was as clear as day, Andromeda was capable of extraordinary things.

Inhaling deeply, Steve rose as well.

"I'm ready," he said confidently with a smile.

Andromeda gave him a large smile, one that had a spark of mischief. "This is going to be fun."

Thank you for reading and hoped you enjoy it. Let me know what you think.