Child of the Huntress Master of Heroes

by Weirdo03

An anomaly. An unexpected entity. That's what he was. He didn't like what was happening in the world. So he sets out to change it. His birth mother didn't want him but that's fine. The one that raised him. That's who he consideres his mother. And with the heroes of every age at his side as his allies, he has nothing to fear. I only own my OC's.

6. Chapter 5

They've been running for three days. Barely stopping for any rest. Their pursuers were relentless. They didn't expect it to be easy. It never was. But this was ridiculous. The four of them knew, that at this point it was hopeless.

They wouldn't be able to outrun Lupa and her pack. It certainly didn't help that they ran into a pack of Cyclops earlier and one of them was having to be carried because of that. But even so, they persisted.

"Hurry! They're right behind us!" Called out a young boy, around thirteen years old. With bright blonde hair and blue eyes. A large tree branch in his hand acting as a makeshift club.

Slightly behind him were his three companions. Two girls and a boy. The smallest of the group was a girl around eleven years old with light brown hair and bright green eyes. She was being carried by a large boy. With dark skin, dark hair and equally dark eyes.

The last girl, the tallest and seemingly oldest, probably around fifteen years old. With golden hair and sharp blue eyes, much like the leading boy.

A howl echoed throughout the forest behind them. Rapidly approaching footsteps, like that of running dogs, closing in on them. Barks and snarls biting at their ears.

No one spoke, all their efforts concentrated on running. They weren't going to make it. They knew they weren't. But they couldn't give up. If they took one thing from that horrible place, it's to not go down without a fight.

A dark beast suddenly jumped out from behind a tree, jaws opened wide and ready to snap at the leading boy. The beast was knocked aside a mere moment before it could tear the boys head off. The beast tumbled, but quickly got back up on all four legs.

"Damn it all! They're already here!" Cursed the blue-eyed girl. Taking out a short sword that was fitted to her back and hidden by her long hair. The beast snarled as it stood on front of them, the stench coming out of its maw almost made the children want to vomit, but they had enough self-control to avoid it.

They were brought to a standstill, the wolf-like beast blocking their path. Evil yellow eyes glowed at them from the darkness. A choir of barks, howls and snarls sounded from around them. The semi-conscious girl whimpered pitifully.

"I must say, I'm very disappointed. Seems that my judgement was inadequate when I let you live. But no matter." Spoke a cold voice. From among the pack of beasts, a giant she-wolf appeared, as large as a man is tall. With dark grey hair and glowing white eyes, her teeth bared, and lips curled into a snarl. "Trevor Anderson son of Venus, Jasmin Anderson Daughter of Venus, Daisy Bloom legacy of Ceres, David Steel legacy of Mars. For your betrayal against Camp Jupiter, you are sentenced to death."

"Betrayal?" Yelled the blonde Jasmin, her blade pointed at the beast. "We didn't betray anyone! What's wrong with us wanting to live a normal life? We don't want to be a part of the legion anymore, it's not for us. So let us go Lupa!"

The gave out a bark of mocking laughter. "Is that childish response all you have in your defence? Live a normal life? Not a part of the legion? You will never have normal lives, as descendants of gods, you will forever live in constant challenge. Monsters of all kinds will search for you. You will never rest. It is your duty to the gods. And if you did not wish to be a part of the army, why not settle in New Rome? Surely, you'd find something to make yourself useful there. Well, it's not like it matters anymore. For your treason, you have become my prey. And my hunt is now finished." Cruelly stated the wolf goddess.

Jasmin picked up a rock that laid at her feet and threw it at the she-wolf with all her strength. Lupa moved to the side and the rock sailed just passed her right ear.

"That! That is exactly why we're leaving! It's always Rome this! Gods that! Duty this! We owe nothing to no one. Not to the gods! Not to new Rome! And not to you! You who murdered my youngest brother!" A small tear travelled down her cheek, her eyes were scorching, mad, and raging.

The forest became silent. Even the surrounding wolves became silent. The previously brave Trevor was on the verge of tears himself.

Lupa huffed, disappointment clear in her beady eyes. "Is this what it's all about? Truly? I never thought you were so shallow Jasmin."

"Shallow? You dare call my rightful fury at you shallow?" Snarled the blonde, her teeth gnashing against each other.

The mother of Rome seemed to be unbothered by this and gave the girl a blank stare.
"Do you think you're special, legacy of Venus? Do you think you're sibling is the only me and my pack has devoured? There have been many. But you must be wondering why? Is that right? Your youngest brother was simply too weak. He was simply not worthy of keeping his life."

This was the straw that broke the camel's back. The blonde legacy of Venus charged like a mad bull, quickly closing the distance between herself and the Roman wolf goddess. She swung her sword in a wide arc, aiming for the neck.

Lupa backpaddled and avoided the swing, but quickly leapt back at the girl with an angry snarl, her claws extended and paw swinging.

Jasmin raised her sword in an attempt to deflect the blow, but a growl from behind her and the panicked scream of her younger brother broke her concentration.

She paid the price. He sword arm got hit, claws tore through unprotected skin and flesh, tearing out chunks of meat. Four deep gashes were left in Jasmins' forearm. She wailed in pain and dropped her sword, applying pressure to the wound to slow down the bleeding.

Lupa stood over the kneeling girl. Licking the blood off of her paw.
"A most disappointing display Jasmin. I thought I taught you better than that. At least there will be some use of you. Your blood is quite refreshing, almost as good as your brothers." Wickedly said Lupa. Baring her teeth.

The blue-eyed girl suddenly shot up and hit the she-wolf on its lower jaw, causing Lupa to back off slightly. Jasmin quickly picked her sword back up and moved back to her group.

"The hell gives you the right if someone is worthy to live or not? Adam was three years old for fuck's sake! How is a three-year-old supposed to prove himself of his 'worthiness'? Tell me!" The legacy of Venus yelled; her pretty face contorted into a snarl much like that of the surrounding beasts.

Lupa only scoffed. "Your brother would not grow up to achieve anything. He would not even reach adulthood. It was best for him to die now rather than be a burden later on. As for what gives me the right? I have judged every godling and legacy since the times of Romulus and Remus. My judgement has never once failed me child. You and your brother living is a sign of that. I knew you would be strong. A strong pain in the back". Growled the wolf goddess, her pack of beast drawing closer.

The children all huddled together back-to-back. The children of Venus readied their weapons and the large legacy of Mars raised one of his fists threateningly.

"Worry not, you still get to be of use to your family. Now die, heroes." Commanded the she-wolf howling into the sky.

The beast pack attacked at once. Five beasts pouncing up into the air and descending on the children like bloodthirsty demons. The children of Venus flinched and swung wildly, almost hitting each other. The legacy of mars stood firm, preparing to smack down at least one of the beasts, and the little legacy of Ceres shivered and tucked herself into a ball, far too unused to combat.

It all happened in an instant.

The five leaping beasts were all split apart. Bisected. Vivisected. Their bodies crashed down onto the earth in a bloodied heap. The forest became silent. Only to be broken by the voice of a rabid beast.

"Oy, oy. Where do you think you get off hunting on my turf? And child sacrifices? That's a bit out of fashion don't you think?" Drawled out a bored voice. Deep, but most definitely belonging to a woman.

Between the group of children and the wolf goddess, stood a relatively petite woman of Asian origin.

With honey brown hair, cut into a bob cut. Her eyes were blood red and seemingly fixed into a permanent glare. She had pale skin that seemed to shine in the moonlight. She was scowling, though it was hard to tell from the children's position. And yet the most distinctive physical feature on the woman were two cat like ears on top of her head.

She wore a dark striped shirt. The buttons undone and exposing much of her bosom. She wore equally dark pants and a large thick black overcoat with fluffy white accents. Her attire looking eerily similar to a mafia get-up.

Gripped in her right hand and resting on her right shoulder, was a long naginata. The blade gleaming dangerously in the moonlight.

"Well? Gonna answer me?" Asked the woman. Her head tilting to the side, much like a cat. Yet the sheer bloodlust pouring out of the woman contradicted the innocent action.

Lupa stood firm and low to the ground. Her teeth bared and legs ready to pounce.
"What are you doing here?" Demanded the Roman goddess. The hairs upon her neck standing stiff.

The woman smirked, showing her unnaturally sharp teeth, more like a jaguars' fangs.
"Why I'm just heading home after a long day of work nya. And all a sudden I hear shouting and thought to investigate. Only to see children getting attacked by some mutt and her pack of mongrels."

Lupa growled savagely and started to circle the woman.
"You shouldn't be here. Once Jupiter hears about this…"

"He'll do what? I ain't exactly trespassing. The Americas are my territory. Nya" Coolly replied the woman, following the she-wolf with her eyes. "And I suggest you leave before you lose any more of your pack."

With that warning, the red eyed woman changed her posture, leaning back on her left leg and putting her non-occupied hand into her pocket.

Lupa snarled and turned to the woman, face to face. White glowing eyes boring into blood red.

Some of the beasts started to whimper, and the children were shivering. The younger of the Venus sibling started to tightly clutch onto his sister who, although tried to put up a brave front, was starting to hyperventilate. The dark boy seemingly fainted standing up and the uncurious Daisy started to shiver and thrash around,

The sheer amount of bloodlust wafting off the red eyed woman was suffocating. Not to mention the divine aura that started to surround her.

"Go on then, try your luck." She taunted, voice low, teeth showing smirk upon her face. "Do you really think a wolf stands a chance against a Jaguar?"

Lupa didn't reply. The mother of Rome simply stood there. Teeth bared, ears flattened backwards, body low to the ground.

She suddenly yelped and ran, her pack of beasts following. In just a moment, there were only the children and the red eyed eastern woman.

It would only be ten minutes after that any of them moved an inch.

The children's unknown saviour turned to face them. Her expression unreadable. Her eyes scanned over them, like a predator, like a Jaguar. The woman didn't move closer to them. Keeping a respectable distance. The children appreciated that, but the silence was starting to get unbearable.

The woman frowned, her eyes closing and cat ears flattening on top of her head.
"Honestly." She sighed. "What to do with you cubs now?"

She started to approach them casually. No taking her eyes off of any one of them for even a second. The pungent bloodlust that cascaded from her in tsunami waves was gone. Replaced by a carefree and uninterested stance.

As she approached, Jasmin lifted up her blade, albeit barely. Her breathing was slightly erratic and her still bleeding left arm was starting to take its toll. Her bother didn't raise his weapon.

Seeing this the woman quirked an eyebrow, an amused expression made its way to her face.

"Oh? What's wrong girl? Don't trust me even after I saved your life?" Asked the woman, no real bite to her words. "Good. You got your head on straight. It would be foolish to trust a stranger, even one who seemingly helped you without good reason."

She stopped approaching them just outside the range of her weapon. Her smirk vanished and was replaced by an uninterested frown, which seemed to be the woman's default expression.

She looked over them again. The girl was standing her ground, poorly, but still standing. Her younger brother hid behind her slightly, not she or his sister blamed him. The large dark boy stood firm, but his twitching lower lip gave away his nervousness.

"So, what now?" Asked the woman, directing the question to the Anderson siblings.

The children looked at her in confusion. Their postures skittish, eyes frantically locking onto every little movement the woman made.

"Cause to me, you have three options." Continued the woman after realising that none of the children would answer her. "You can either, go off on your own to wherever you were going. Go back to where you came from and get yourself killed. Or you could come with me."

The children stared at the odd woman, speechless, though it was probably from exhaustion rather than the woman's statement, or maybe perhaps both.

"There's a safe place I know. Just right for your type." Continued the woman. Her stance becoming lax. "Can take you there myself if you want. Or I could drop you off. I think Kuku is in charge of bringing in the next batch. What's four more?"

"And how can we trust you?" Asked the daughter of Venus, glaring at the beast in human skin. "We don't even know who you are. Why should we follow you anywhere?" Her vision was hazy, she wouldn't last much longer. But she needed to stay conscious.

The woman didn't respond, instead pressed the blade of her naginata to the blonde's neck.
"If I wanted you dead, you would be." She said, taking away the weapon from the girl's bare neck. She sighed and picked her up, as if a mother cat carrying its kitten. "I guess I'll just take you to Kuku and see what to do from there."

The younger of the Anderson cried out in alarm, wildly swinging his metal pipe at the woman. He missed, the woman side stepped, her weapon seemingly dissolved, and grabbed the boy by the back of his shirt and tucked him under arm.

"My name is Jaguar Man by the way youngling." Said the woman, an uncaring at the weak protests of the squirming boy and the hard glare of his sister.

"You're a Woman." Pointed out the girl, her consciouse almost completely fading.

"Your point?" Was the only response the now named Jaguar man gave before the girl in her grasp passed out, from blood loss and exhaustion.

The woman rolled her eyes and started to walk south, glancing passingly at the large dark-skinned boy. "Since you can still walk just follow me, will you? I'll be easier and faster this way."

The legacy of Mars didn't respond but followed anyways. The legacy of Ceres asleep soundly on his broad back.

---

I felt my muscles relax as I entered the water of a Japanese outdoor Onsen. After much demand, mainly from Okita, Ushiwakamaru and Chacha, Circe put one into her spa resort, located in the Bermuda triangle.

Apparently, it was that I offhandedly mentioned that I'd like to experience a Japanese Onsen again, without having to go to Japan again, was the straw that caused Circe to put one in as soon as she heard it. I somehow doubt that though.

"Is everything to your liking, master?"

Ah, I almost forgot I'm not alone. I never am to be honest. There's always someone watching over me. Be they one of the Hassan, looking over me from the shadows, or be they a berserker, such as Frankenstein, Asterios or Morgan.

But no, this time it wasn't any of my family watching over me. It was a daughter of Bellona that came under Circe's employment and protection quite recently along with her younger sister. Hylla, if I remember correctly.

She was standing right behind the shoji doors a few meters away, but I could still hear her clearly.

"Yes, thank you. It really feels like in Japan again." I sink a bit further into the water, my chin touching the water surface.

"I'm sure lady Circe will be happy to hear that, master."

I turn my head slightly in the direction of the shoji doors. I faintly saw her shadow behind the paper-thin doors, her back almost touching the surface.

"I've been meaning to ask, why do you call me Master?"

There was a short pause before the daughter of Bellona gave her response.

"Lady Circe told us to treat you as we treat herself. She told us that you were important to her and Lady Circe herself calls you 'little master'. So how could we not call you anything but Master?"

I paused for a second, I turn my head back to the view deeper into the Sargasso Sea.
"If you say so." For a second, I thought that I heard a sigh of relief, but I quickly ignore it. "However, I was given the name Mihaly, and I'd like to be called that please. 'Master' is far too…I don't know how to put it. So please, call me by my given name."

"I can't do that." Was the immediate response. "It is far too disrespectful." I could hear the apprehension and some fear in her voice as it wavered slightly. As if somehow disrespecting me would end in death for her.

"Is that so?" I ask, more to myself really. But I'm sure she still heard it. "In that case, it's an order." I smile to myself, leaning back slightly, satisfied.

"Pardon?" I heard her stutter out. The slightly shuffling of her clothes alerted me slightly of her movements.

"Circe said that you need to treat me as you treat her, right? That means that you need to follow my orders as you follow hers, right?" I asked.

"But that's…" I heard her start, as if she was going to try to argue or protest. "Very well."

"And if it does not trouble you, please pass it on to the others. It's rather uncomfortable to be called 'Master'" I laugh to myself. Still to this day, many of my family keep calling me 'Master' no matter how many times I keep telling them to stop. But I feel like some do it on purpose.

"It's no problem at all." Was her quick reply.

After that, a comfortable silence set in. The only noise being the gently crashing of the ocean waves and the distant chirping and parting of birds.

The sound of a door opening outside caught my attention.

"Hylla, do you have a moment?" A woman's voice. Not surprising, even after the shift, most 'employees' are still women.

A slight shuffling behind me and a suddenly tense atmosphere.
"Please, excuse me Mihaly."

"Of course, don't worry about me." I reply, before fully submerging myself for a moment. The water heating up my face and massaging my scalp. I resubmerge from the water. I can hear a faint conversation going on. But I don't listen in. Instead, I look back out towards the ocean. Now that I think about it, it's probably around that time.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience Master." Came the woman's voice, slightly rigid. "But I'm afraid that Hylla had to attend to other duties as per the request of Lady Circe. I shall momentarily take over her duties of taking care of you."

I stand up from the water. "It's fine, I don't mind. I was thinking about getting out now anyway. Oh, and by the way, did Hylla tell you to call me by name?" I ask as I start to wrap a soft towel around myself.

There was a short pause. "Yes. I'm sorry, Hylla is usually not one to have such lax and unprofessional attitude. I'll tell Lady Circe of your displeasure at earliest convenience."

I laugh to myself. "There's no need for that. You see, I was asking because I told her to call me by name and to tell the other workers to call me by name also. Instead of calling me master all the time."

I slide the doors open. Kneeling in front of the door was a tall, middle-aged woman. The moment she saw me her eyes widened, and her month went slightly agape.

"Is there something wrong?" Genuine confusion was in my head, and most likely on my face and in my voice as the woman quickly composed herself.

"My apologies ma…Mihaly. I was simply surprised that the man who held such high regards with lady Circe was so…young." She said slowly, standing up straight. "Would you like me to help you change?"

I shook my head. "No thank you. But could you please wait outside while I get changed?"
Then woman only gave a nod and small bow before exiting the changing room.

I didn't waste any time getting changed. Light clothing consisting of a white Hawaiian shirt decorated with palm trees and slightly baggy shorts. I put on a pair of sandals and opened the door leading deeper into the resort, where I found the woman waiting for me.

"Have you finished changing?" She asked. Straightening her back slightly. I only nod in acknowledgement. "Very well. Is there anywhere you'd like to visit specifically?"

I think for a second. "I was thinking about simply going to the beach for now, a more secluded spot if possible."

"Very well." She immediately responded, taking off in a moderate pace. "Follow me please."
I do so without question.

As we walk through the halls of the resort, I look around. It's instantly noticeable. The tension that suddenly settles over the various women of the resort. Shifting gazes, a subtle twitch, mischievous laughs that were quickly stifled, sometimes open glares.

Despite Circe changing her policy's regarding men, that didn't mean all of her employees were happy or compliant, especially the older ones, in the beginning at least. But after a few years she managed to pull through, mostly anyways.

"Oi, Shrimpy!" Came a rather rambunctious call. Turning to the voice I see a woman of average height, with long, crimson-pink hair tied into a braid that went over her right shoulder, eyes the colour of the azure sea, and a prominent scar on her face.
She quickly advanced towards us; her red captains overcoat slung lazily over her shoulder.

The woman who was 'escorting' me visibly slumped. I can only guess that she had to spend some time interacting with the jovial 'pirate' captain.
"Hello Drake, how are you?" I ask, turning fully to greet her.

She stops just a few steps away from us, flicking her braided hair behind her.
"Well-enough. Charybdis and Scylla have been acting up again though. I'm having to go and shut em' up. The greedy rascals were fed yesterday, and yet Scylla has been spotted harassing some ship earlier, and Charybdis started sucking in the Ocean again."
She took a swing from her hip flask; the stench of strong alcohol immediately assaulted my nose and I cringed slightly.
"I can't exactly make the trip to Florida to drop off and pick up the guests if those two-keep making that noise."

I nod along.
"But I thought Hecate gave us unrestricted access to the Mist layer surrounding the sea of monsters? You could just enter or exit from whichever direction could you not?"

She turned away slightly.
"Ah yes…well, I could but…" Her cheeks flushed slightly. "It's a bit hard to enjoy a drink with those two screaming their yaps off harder than Elizabeth trying to sing properly."

I stifle a small laugh.
"Elizabeth would be quite upset if she heard that." She shrugged uncaringly, taking another swing of her Hip flask before storing it away.
"But I agree. Please do see what agitated Scylla and Charybdis, it will do no good if ships suddenly start disappearing again. Even without the sea of monsters placed here by the Greek pantheon, the Bermuda Triangle is on its way at becoming an independent Marble Phantasm. If the process is complete, many beings would surely be upset, to put it lightly."

She nodded, slipping on her Captains overcoat, and straightening it slightly.
"Well, I'll be off then. I'll probably be back in around an hour if all goes well. I can take you on the voyage if you want, we'll be giving a tour around some of the Island chains anyway, a nice way to relax on your Holiday, wouldn't you say Catherin?" Her smirk grew devious as she turned to the employee.

Siad woman visibly bristled, her brow twitched, and face soured.
"I believe I have told you many times ma'am, my name is Katelin. And Drinking is forbidden within the hallways." She sounded like a strict teacher reminding a rowdy student of the rules for the unaccountable time.
Drake simply laughed it off and started walking away, most likely in the direction of the port.

Said Direction was also where I saw three familiar faces.

Hylla was in front, looking like a flight attendant, perfect make-up and all. Behind her was a pair of familiar demigods, looking as if they were caught out at sea during a severe storm. Pale, the daughter of Athena had her clothes almost completely wet through, while the son of Poseidon looked to have some of his hair slightly seared.

I waved to them. Hylla waved back, the son of Poseidon awkwardly put his arm up and the daughter of Athena squinted at me with suspicion. I smiled, a bit uncomfortable. The daughter of Athena suddenly blushed and waved shyly as she walked by.
I felt my head tilt on instinct. Before shaking my head and looking at them a bit longer. Watching As Hylla led to Circe's room.

"Shall we continue, Master? Ah, I apologies. Mihaly?" Asked the woman, saying my name with uncertainty.
I nodded immediately.
"Yes. Sorry for taking so long. And thank you for calling me by name."

She nodded and immediately started to lead me further away from the main chain of buildings.

If those two are here, then the second phase is well on its way. Only a few more steps till I have to directly involve myself. I think I'll visit mother one more time before that happens.
I take a deep breath to calm my nerves.
One more year. So little time. So much to do.

My left hand suddenly heats up. The pleasant warmth spreading throughout my entire body.
Looking down, the three command seals glow a dull red.
I don't know which of my family was reassuring me, but it helped exponentially.

I renewed my stride, slightly more confident. There was still time. For now, I just need to rest.

---

Ever since I heard of a new Amazon Queen being appointed, I have attempted to gain an audience with her. And I have been rejected for two months. The sheer gall already made her incompetent in my eyes. Being given excuses like a problem political instability, business reforms and as a messenger relayed 'more important priorities than entertaining a goddess.'

I was positively livid, and half tempted to simply appear and curse the new Queen into becoming an animal and send my hunters after her. However, we are forbidden by ancient laws. So I was forced to make camp just outside of Seattle and hunt whatever monster happened to be around, which unfortunately was not much, a few hellhounds, an odd Cyclops or two. That is, unless an Amazon didn't get to them first.

That was another detail that we all almost noticed. The number of Amazons in the city, as well as some of the nearby towns, was exponential. Police officers, makeup salons, street food vendors, even simple street walkers. It was as if the entirety Themiscyra suddenly moved into Seattle and surrounding towns and villages.

And finally, after two months, an amazon in a Police officer's uniform, approached my encampment and said that the Queen will grant us an audience. Only me and one other, however, was allowed to go. The absolute disrespect shown towards me, trying to order me around, saying what I can and can't do, making make for an audience as if we were equals, no, as if she was above me.
It seems that the new Queen needs lessons in humility and respect. She needs to be reminded that she is just a mortal.

I took Zoe along with me. My lieutenant was oddly eager to come along. Perhaps she had high expectations for this new Queen like I once had. I didn't mull over it much.
The Amazon leading us has not spoken since giving us our…invitation. Her posture was straight and rigid, her hands constantly brushing across her weapons, a short sword and dagger. Was she expecting trouble on the way? Or was she expecting for us to attack her?
A good policy to have, and it speaks of her skill, as I only noticed it halfway into the journey.

When she said that we we're going to meet the Queen, I thought she was going to bring us to a hidden base of operation. Instead, we were brought into a regular Amazon store.
"What is the meaning of this?"

The Amazon turns to me with a baffled expression.
"Is there a problem?" She asks.
I look around the place. There were mortals everywhere, browsing wares, talking to the employees.
There were a few Amazons behind the counters, attending to the mortals running back and forth between the warehouse section and the front collecting items and giving them to the mortals.

There were a few boys were also behind counters and fetching pieces of merchandise. Most likely the Amazon's Pets.

"You were supposed to bring us to your Queen, not into one of your Stores."
The Amazons face remained unchanged, neither did her disrespectful tone.
"This is currently our main headquarters, and where our Queen currently spends the most time. Please follow me."

She turned around and started to once again walk off without waiting for any kind of response.
I managed to calm my nerves. This situation is still salvageable.
The new Queen obviously has been too lenient on her subordinates. Perhaps I can show her the way Otreta did it.

We entered a large office near the top back end of the building. There were two long windows on either side of the room. One looking out towards the outside, and the other looking deeper inside the workhouse, where there were several boys and Amazons going from isle to isle. Lifting heavy crates and packages. What caught my attention, was that a male was standing atop an elevated platform, seemingly shouting orders towards those below him.

An Amazon walks up to him. I fully expected for him to either have his throat slit or get beaten to the ground until near death. But instead, the male presented the clipboard that he was holding, pointed and underlined a few things with his pen, gestured around a few isles and then proceeded to give the Amazon a piece of paper and a pat on the shoulder before moving on.

What a baffling situation. The last time I was here men wore orange jumpsuits and had collars around their necks. None dared to speak or try to look in the wrong direction.

Another thing to bring to the Queen's attention. The men have too much freedom.
Speaking off the Queen.

At the far end of the room was a young woman, probably not even an adult, sitting on an office style chair. Her platinum hair was tied into a bun, with her bangs framing her face. Her skin was tanned, and her eyes were golden. She wore a business suit and an oval set of reading glasses. An almost typical appearance for an Amazon.

She was speaking into an old fashioned dial phone, and her eyes were practically glued to the pieces of Paper before her, singing them and placing them on different piles with one hand.
"FedEx is unable to deliver? All of their aircraft have been confirmed unsafe? Then contact DHL and have them deliver it; we can easily cover the costs. We can't. We are still waiting for the orders from both Boeing and Airbus. Tupolev have delivered theirs, but we can't get them airborne yet. We can get them airborne by next week. If Boeing delivered on time, then we wouldn't be having this problem. Just get it done."

She set the phone down and immediately it started to ring.

"Yes, what is it? Section 4? Have her come to my office in an hour. I'll deal with it."

And again.

"I thought I made it clear that I wanted those ready and sent two weeks ago. Any more delays and expect yourself to become a new toy for the Stymphalian birds and hellhounds that were captured last week."

And again.

"I know that he's on vacation, I still want a detailed status report on his condition. Fail me in this regard and you will find that I have been a very merciful Queen up until that point."

In the short time it took for us to reach the table she sat at, the Woman answered a total of five phone calls and singed off seventeen pieces of paper.

"Your Majesty. I have brought Lady Artemis, accompanying her is the Lieutenant of her Hunters." Introduced the Amazon escorting us.

The young woman didn't seem to register what was said. Signing a few more pieces of paper. The phone rang, but instead of picking it up, the woman pressed a button on the side, silencing the device.

"Good. You are dismissed Algera. Take three days off. You mentioned your husband has fallen ill, spend some time with him. No doubt your presence will be beneficial for both him and you." Not once did she look up form the stack of papers.

Our escorts expression visibly brightened. She bowed to the hip and whispered: "Thank you, your majesty."

She swiftly left the office, an obvious spring in her step.

Husband? That was certainly odd. Never in their history did Amazons take husbands. Merely kidnapped and raped men until they became pregnant. After they either killed off the men or ran them out of Themiscyra. And if the child turned out to be a male, they either killed it, put it to use in the form of slave labour, or tracked down the father and gave him the child to raise.

So the notion of an Amazon having a Husband, and looking forward to seeing him, was quite surprising and concerning. Hopefully it was not too late to end this foolish notion and have the men back in their place by the end of today.

The young Queen still didn't look at us, focusing instead on the slowly decreasing stack of papers.

My patience had worn thin enough.

"So, what is it you want." Her tone was harsh, militaristic.

"Is that any way to address a goddess? You seem to be forgetting you place Amazon." I felt my divine energy stir. Zoe was oddly quiet, but I would worry about it later.

The young Queen stopped scribbling on the pieces of paper. Her eyes narrowed. The seemingly permanent scowl on her face deepened.
"Has it ever occurred to you, that perhaps, you misplace yours?" She looked up, her fierce gaze meeting my own.

She stood up, her posture straight. And even though I was in my child form, she did not stand that much taller than me. The business suit she wore did not seem to restrict any of her movement. Her posture was remarkable. Ready for conflict at a moment's notice. Her arms hanging at her sides, hands loosely closed, as if grasping something.
She would have made a remarkable hunter. But she'd need to learn her place first.

"Unless you have something of avid interest or benefit for me, I suggest you leave. As I said previously. I have better things to do than entertaining you, Goddess of the Hunt." She said, looking out of the office window, deeper into the warehouse.

My head suddenly ached. Was it perhaps the anger that steadily bubbled inside? Or was it the face that the sile glow of my energy started to reflect off of the walls.

"My lady." Came Zoe's voice next to me. Her speaking for the first time since leaving the camp managed to bring my back to my senses. "If I may speak freely…" I nodded. "Mayhap it is better if we move onto why we are here and start negotiations?"
I heard the Queen give out a satisfied huff.

I ponder on what she said. My temper has been far too short as of late. I take a calming breath.
"My apologies." I say towards the Queen, who gave no outward reaction. "It seems that I temporarily forgot my manners and temper."
To think that a goddess like me would have to be apologising, to a mortal no less.

The young Queen turned her head sideways, her expression unchanging. Taking this as a good sign, I continue.
"I am the Goddess Artemis. What be thy name, young queen of Amazons?"

She turned around fully. Her chest puffed out in pride. Her fierce golden eyes almost burning with pride and passion.
"My name is Penthesilea. The current Queen of Amazons"

I was immediately intrigued.
"Oh? Named after the sister of Hippolyta no doubt. She was a fine warrior. A shame she died the way she did."
The glare she sent me was scathing. Her frown deepened and her forehead creased. My eyes must have been playing tricks on me too. Because I could swear upon my mother that some sort of black pigment started to overtake the whites of her eyes.

She didn't say anything, it seems she was not a girl of many words. She sat back down in her chair next to her desk. She gestured opposite herself, towards three chairs.
"You said that you wanted to negotiate."
Finally, we can start…fixing this mess. I took the middle seat; Zoe took the one to my right.

The young Queen opened one of the draws on her side of the desk, taking out a few sheets of paper.
"So, what can you provide and what can we provide?" She asked, adjusting her glasses, she started filling out a few parts of the papers, not noticing my obviously perplexed expression. As such, she continued speaking.
"As you are hunters, I'd assume you wish to with provide items such as exotic hunting trophies, quality meat, the hides of animals or hunting equipment. While we do already have partners and sub-contractors that provide such objects, the growing demand is becoming quite troublesome, so an additional provider would be quite welcome."

"That is not what we wanted to negotiate." I quickly cut off the Queen form her rambling.

She paused for merely a second. Her expression perplexed; eyes slightly wide.
"Is that so?" She asked unperturbed. "That is fine. So, you wish to use our services to sell your products yourselves? That can be arranged. We will be taking a small percentage off any product you sell."

"We are not interested in your company or any business opportunities girl!" I cut off again, my temper quickly lost and the headache only becoming stronger.

The Amazon queen's business-like expression dulled, her eyes hardening, a frow once again upon her face.
"Then what is it you want?" Her tone was no longer passive.

"I believe milady wanted to discuss and negotiate an alliance and form a working bond between us Hunters of Artemis and you Amazons."
I do not know when Zoe became so diplomatic, but it quite possible saved this…negotiation. If you could call it that.

The Amazon queen didn't give a response. And instead of passively frowning, a pointed glare directed at me took place on her face.
"Is that so." Her statement was slow, as she picked up the pieces of paper and put them under her desk, from where a mechanical whirl sounded as well as the sound of rapidly shredded paper.
"And what exactly would this…'alliance' entail?"

I felt myself grin, seems like we are finally on the correct page.
"It would be mutually beneficial. Information that you have regarding certain matters would be beneficial. My hunters could help in eliminating troublesome beasts and the like, complete assignments and provide hunting trophies if you so wish. And I'm sure that some of your Amazons would like to join my hunters. And of course, In a show of good will, I can correct several of the mistakes you have made. Do not worry they are easy to fix."

The girl in front of me did not move, not even a twitch. Taking this as a sign to continue, I do so.
"Of course, in the nature of quid pro quo, providing us with certain equipment would possibly be beneficial, as well as allowing us to use some of your-"

The desk was suddenly split in half by the Amazon queen's fist. Splinters flew in all directions as the two sides of the table violently bounced off the floor flew onto the opposite sides of the room.

Me and Zoe immediately leaped back and out of our chairs, I summoned my bow and nocked an arrow, pointing it at the girl.
"What is the meaning of this." My demand was well justifiable, from my point of view she suddenly became mad and attacked.

I didn't receive a response immediately. She merely looked at the now shattered table fragments and muttered something under her breath.

"Answer me girl!" I launched the arrow, it was not supposed to hit, merely a warning of my lost patience towards her disrespect.

What I did not expect, was for her to effortlessly catch arrow and snap it in half. I quickly look at Zoe, who held two silver daggers and stood slightly in front of me.
"You have overstepped your boundaries goddess." Seethed the girl, popping her neck and taking off her glasses.

"It is you who is overstepping the boundaries. Mortal." My response didn't seem to affect her.

She ripped off her undershirt. Under the heavy business-like clothing, small metal chest piece, a thin layer of metal on animal fur, and barely covering her crotch was a metal piece that barely passed as a loincloth.
Her body was covered by powerful muscle, it was impressive even by amazon standards. Her bronze skin glistened in the sunlight as her muscles grew visible tensed.

Her arms were brought up, elbows close to her body.
"You dare to enter here and slander me. You dare to question my right to rule. You question my choices as the monarch of Amazons. You dare to insinuate that my Amazons would be better off being one of your little girl scouts rather that the proud warriors that I have made them. You'd dare to try and corrupt them with your biased views."

She launched herself at us faster than I could have ever anticipated and was subsequently knocked into a wall. It felt as if a Warhammer struck my stomach. I felt the golden ichor of the gods building up in my mouth.

I quickly get myself in check, looking up and seeing Zoe trying to hit the Amazon with one of her daggers, yet the Queen proved to be rather nimble.
I shot two more arrows at her, yet she again caught both arrows and snapped them in half.
"Is this all you and your lieutenant can do Artemis? Pathetic. I expected more, especially from you, Nightshade."

I didn't let my anger cloud my judgement. She was obviously strong. But she was still a mortal. Their arrogance would catch up to them.

But why did she single out Zoe?

Zoe managed to kick the Amazon's left side, but it seemingly had no effect. Zoe was forced to back away again to avoid a wild swing to her head.
Her back turned, I lunged, knife in hand and poised to strike at her arm. I managed to land my strike, blood quickly oozed from the wound, but the Amazon remained unbothered. She didn't even seem to register the blood that dripped from her fingertips onto the floor.

Zoe was kicked away, the amazon's shin landing on the right side of my lieutenant's face, where the prominent claw mark scars were etched.
My friend screamed out in pain, the lingering poison still in her wound becoming agitated.

I struck again, aiming for the elbow, my dagger went straight through the girl's arm, she knocked me away snarling while doing so.
I managed to flip into a more stable position, re-summoning my bow and pointing it at the girl.
"I suggest you surrender."

The Amazon scoffed, bringing up her injured arm.
"You clearly don't know about us amazons." I watched in slight fascination as she reached for the knife and yanked it out without hesitation. Not even flinching at the undoubtable spike of pain, and her profusely bleeding wound.
"Even if our limbs are crushed or even ripped off. We Amazons continue fighting."

She tossed the knife aside, the weapon cluttering softly.

"You are strong girl. I can see now how you were able to defeat Eleanora but explain why is it that you attacked me." I didn't let my arrow fly yet, I needed to let Zoe recover, and I want answers.

"I think that I have said It loud and clear. I shall warn you now, leave and do not return. You are not welcome here as long as I reign and for the crime you have committed against me."

I couldn't take it anymore. How dare she order me around. She dares to say that I committed a crime against her. Such arrogance. Too much like Ares, too much like Zeus, too much like a man.

I fired my arrow, then fired two more. At such speeds that even my divine brethren would have trouble keeping up, and it showed, because my arrows hit when she attempted to evade, one impaling her left bicep and another her left shoulder. She snarled again and punched the floor, her fist going straight through the wooden planks, quickly bringing it back up and dragging out a chain.

She yanked it hard, and the wood splintered beneath and behind me. I jumped to the side, but a sharp pain tore through my calf.
I looked down; golden ichor leaked from a freshly opened wound.

Looking back up, the Amazon wielding an unorthodox weapon. It was a long chain with two spiked balls on both ends. The cores coloured a dark orange.

I shot but one of the ends of the morning star chain was thrown at me, making me dodge and miss my shot.
When I reposition myself, once again I was met with an end of the morning star chain.

We were reduced to an exaggerated game of Cat and mouse, the ferocity of her attacks only building as time went on. I could feel the sweat dripping off my brow. When was the last time I was pushed like this?

My archery was limited to the confined area, anywhere I went, the chain had the reach to strike me before I could properly position myself.
She must have traded off short distance for long.

Coming to that conclusion. I charged forward, still with my bow in hand, an arrow on the string. I managed to get past the flailing chains and in front of the Amazon.
I took the arrow in my grasp, intending stab it into her leg to disable her.

Instead, a great force struck into my gut, winding me momentarily. I felt myself be lifted off of the ground.
I manage not to double over, but the force behind the following kick sent me away.

"Did you truly think that I was defenceless simply because I extended my range? Foolish."

I didn't understand. Even if she was strong, why was I smuggling against her? She was just a mortal. She was not blessed by any deity. None of my hunters had ever pushed me this far.

How was it that this arrogant, man-like girl was pushing me so far?

Unacceptable.

Unacceptable.

"What's wrong Artemis? Are you too tired to continue or do you just like laying on my floor?" Came the Amazon's voice, the onslaught stopping momentarily.

I had enough.

I gathered power. All that I could as the room was starting to be flooded by a silver glow of divine energy.

"Milady!" I ignored Zoe's call. This mortal had to be punished for her transgression.

"That's quite enough now."
I felt something wrap around my wrist, and my power suddenly dissipated, returning me to my previous, teenage form.
I suddenly felt drained, as if all my divine energy had been sealed away by chains that once held my father.

"That goes for you too Penthesilea." The all too cheerful voice above me said. Definitely a woman, and although their grip on my wrist was loose, I couldn't break myself free.

I only managed to move my head to look up. The small action causing me to want to split my head open because of the migraine it induced.

The woman who was effortlessly holding me down was tall and young, her skin was pale, eyes large and bright blue, long hair almost an unnatural white. A smile tad too wide was on her face, a plush bear toy resting on top of her head, a barely modest dress covering her chest and reached just barely to her ankles.

Yet the divine energy, eerily similar to mine, was what surprised me the most.

"You really made a mess. What would he think if he was here?"

I stop attempting to struggle and take a moment to look around the office. The once tidy space was racked with broken floorboards, shattered windows, and indented walls. My silver arrows were impaled in a few walls and several sheets of paper littered the floor.

The Amazon only huffs in response.
"You're early. The package will not be ready for at least two more days."

The woman didn't seem to be offended, if her red cheeks and sheepish smile were anything to go by.
"Ah, I might have gotten a bit exited and forgot what day it is! But I got lost in though of giving it to my little sweetie that I couldn't help myself!"

The Amazon turned to look at Zoe, my lieutenant frozen in place and staring at a strange woman in disbelief.
She turned back to me and sneered.
"Leave. You are not welcome here and neither are your followers."

Had it not been for the lack of strength, I would have cursed the insolent girl. But I couldn't. This overwhelming feeling of weakness was excruciating. I didn't know who this woman was, why she felt so familiar, but I know that she is perhaps the greatest threat to my very existence.

Zoe rushed over to me; the woman lets go of me. I could feel my limbs again, and my headache subsided by a small margin.
I still couldn't think straight. My vision was blurry, and no matter how I tried to use my divinity to heal myself, it wouldn't work.

I managed to get up on my feet, my friend supported my right side.
"I apologise for the poor display Queen Penthesilea."

It was another thing I noticed, Zoe and the new Amazon queen seemed to know each other.

"I'm afraid that milady has not been herself lately. Please forgive me." For whatever reason, Zoe bowed her head, and started to drag me towards the exit.
The further away I got from the white-haired woman, the more power I felt return to me.

When I was at the door, I had enough strength collected to walk on my own. We swiftly exited the warehouse and made our way towards camp. Through the whole way Zoe had a thoughtful expression and would look back a few times.

"Thank you, Zoe." I started, now a safe distance away form any Amazons. "I do not know what came over me."

"It is no problem milady." Her reply was quick, yet slightly distracted.

"It was not meant to go like that. Ever since our encounter with echidna twenty-nine years ago, my patience is eternally thin. I mayhap need to visit Athena or, dreadfully, Apollo."

I did not get a response. Glancing to the right, Zoe seemed to be lost in though. Her brows knit together, her frown prominent. With the addition of her scars, her expression was quite frightening.

"It seems that I'll have another report to make as well. Father won't be pleased. That's certain. Not only open hostility towards an Olympian, but a mysterious woman who seemed to be able to seal my powers."
Again no response.

I stop just short of the perimeter of our encampment and turn towards my friend. Although she stops, her expression is still unfocused. How unusual for her.
"Is there something bothering you, Zoe?"

My question seemed to rouse her from her unfocused state. Her back straightening.

"No milady. Its just…" She looked towards the city. "I was considering setting of to search for thy child once again."

I sigh and shake my head. Of course, it's this again.
"Zoe. I already told you. Do not blame yourself. I have already told you that it is not your fault. Besides, the whole hunt has been searching for an entire year and we found nothing. Besides, he would already be an adult, he would not need my protection, guidance, or anything of that sort."

"Then why are we still searching?"

Her question made me pause. Why was I still searching?

"To make sure he is not a threat to Olympus." I do not know whether I was trying to convince her or myself.

I noticed her to be slightly crestfallen. Her shoulder sagged and she muttered something under her breath.

"Speak up Zoe. It is unbecoming for one of my oldest hunters to mutter under her breath like a little girl." A bit harsh I suppose. But it usually was enough to pick up her spirits.

"Regardless milady." Seems her spirits were back up, but her motivation seemed to be set in the wrong direction. "I know I was close to finding him. And Raven's help proved to be invaluable."

"Raven, the friend you made during your search?" I asked, unfamiliar with that name.

She nodded; her eyes slightly ecstatic.
"Indeed milady. I was contemplating going back and asking Queen Penthesilea for information about their whereabouts."

I felt myself frown.
"Why would that woman know about your friend's location? And 'their'? Do you not know whether they are a male or a girl?"

"To my embarrassment, I do not know milady. They often wore a mask, and even when they didn't. Their face could belong to either a man or a woman. I do not even know their true name. 'Raven' is just what I began to call them because of the two ravens that are constantly around them. I admit, when we first met, I was incredibly rude. A situation occurred where we were bound together by powerful magic, I assumed they were a man and didn't show…acceptable behaviour for a time."

Her head was slightly downcast in what was most likely shame.

"But I befriended them eventually. They helped me in my search, even after the spell binding us was broken. In truth, I do miss their presence."

I haven't heard Zoe speak about anyone so fondly for a long time. Especially about someone outside of the hunt.
This 'Raven' might be an interesting character. I might add them to my hunters if they prove to be useful.

"And how does the Amazon Queen fit into this?"

She suddenly looked uncertain; her lips pursed.
"I do not know their relationship per say. But I know they are quite familiar with each other. We were both there to witness when Penthesilea conquered Eleanora."

So that's how the new Queen seemed to know Zoe.
"So you met the new Queen before she even rose to the position. Did you not think that would have been useful information Lieutenant?"

Her eyes became unfocused once again.
"I apologise milady. I'm afraid that I've been quite distracted as of late and forgot to mention it. The growing monster organization, the theft of the symbols of power, the poisoning of the Half-bloods defences. It has me at unrest milady."

I reeled in the divine energy I unconsciously was releasing. I couldn't stay angry at her.
"I understand Zoe."

The silence that was set between us slowly started to become uncomfortable.
"Go. Try to contact your friend. But be cautious. The new Queen doesn't seem to be quite welcoming at the moment."

She nodded and ran off. Presumable to her tent to most likely get something for the negotiation.

I looked up to the sky. Why was it that I sensed a dreadful foreboding feeling?

My child, the sudden change within the Amazons, Aphrodite's behaviour, that mysterious woman, the strings of fate.

Truly, a perilous time is upon us.

---

I can't help but laugh as I stare into the distance, where Blackbeard is yelling about things that I cannot comprehend. His ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, was quickly disappearing over the horizon. Honestly, how did that ever happen?

"It seems that Drake got one over that pervert once again."

I turn my head towards the source of the voice. Next to me stood a petite girl, not possibly older than twenty appearances wise. She had long dark red hair that was neatly gathered at the back of her head in a bun and peach coloured skin. She was wearing a two-piece red swimsuit and carrying a beach lounging chair under her right arm.

"Is this spot taken?" She asked, a smile on her face, her golden eyes seemingly glowing in the sunlight.

I knew that even if I said it was, she wouldn't care and simply make herself comfortable, not that I minded her company.

"No. Please, go ahead." I sit up slightly, adjusting my position to a more comfortable one.

She set her chair up barely a meter away from mine. Not taking her long to make herself comfortable. She merely stared out into the ocean for a while. The silence was nice.

"So," She started, not turning her gaze away from the ocean and the still visible, if barely, Queen Anne's Revenge. "Are you not supposed to be on vacation?"

I turn my head slightly.
"Am I not?" I feign ignorance.

She turns her head to look at, her face blank yet energetic at the same time.
"You are far too young to try to fool me. We both know that you're still working from here. While you may not personally complete any tasks at the moment, you still give out orders and keep an eye on all branches."

I paled slightly. And she noticed "Don't worry, I won't tell Lady Persephone, or your mother. But I want something in return."

The meaning behind her words and smirk were lost to me as my mind suddenly blanked. I came back to my senses not long after, only to see the girl frowning, she was annoyed at something.

"Sorry Hippolyta, did I do something wrong." I ask, still slightly lightheaded.

She clicked her tongue against her teeth and turned away. I flinched slightly.

"No. It's not your fault. Don't worry about it." Her expression softened and she turned back to me smiling again.

I soon realize what happened and rub my brow in small frustration, damn my origin.

I leaned back in my seat, looking up to the sky. It was clear, not a single little cloud.

"Have you visited Penthesilea yet?" I asked. Rubbing my temples to ease the effects of the headache.

The former queen of Amazons stayed silent for a while. I unconsciously licked my lips, perhaps that wasn't the correct question to ask.

"No, not yet." She said. "I've been quite busy with all the assignments you've given me over the past few years. Maybe I'll go visit her next week or so. Besides, I am your bodyguard for now."

I turned my head back towards her.
"I know that this has been going on for a while now, but Is it really necessary? At this point, I doubt that there are many legitimate threats for me that I couldn't deal with myself. And even then, I could always just summon one of you."

She stopped smiling; her face went stoic.
"Even so, it is never detrimental for added protection." She stretched her arm out and clenched her fist. "Thanks to you, Medea, as well as the incarnation of the grail. We have been reincarnated. We have true bodies now. We don't need to possess anyone, and we don't need to rely on you to maintain our existence. You did not just give us life again. It's not that we are just fragments of who we were in life. Somehow, you managed to pull our full selves from both the throne and Akasha. What you have done could not be anything less than True Magic. Thanks to that, we attained complete freedom. A true second chance at life in earnest."

In one swift motion she got out of her seat and leaned over me, her arms clasping onto my shoulders.
"But that does not mean that your existence is any less important to us Mihaly. Do remember that."

She sat back down in her seat. Leaving me slightly stunned. A sudden shortness of breath brough me back to reality. It seems that I momentarily forgot how to breath.

"I will. Thank you, Hippolyta."

I didn't get a response. Not that I was expecting one. A sudden scream tore through the entire island, followed by a seemingly human figure being launched far into the sea.
"That was Blackbeard, wasn't it?" While I could stop myself from laughing at the scene in front of me, I didn't manage to stop myself from smiling.

"Indeed, it was." Was her response. Grinning, she placed her hands behind her head and crossed one leg over the other. "I'm on lifeguard duty in about two hours. If he's somewhere around the island by then and not dead, I might pick him up…after I break both his arms and dislocate the joints of his fingers."

I decide not to respond to that, instead choosing to sit up and place my feet onto the warm sand.

"You've changed her, you know?" Her tone was sombre, and I immediately turned my head to look at her. She wasn't looking at me, she was no longer smiling, and her eyes were slightly unfocused. "You changed all of us, but the change in my sister is one that I can notice the most. Had it not been for you, things would have turned out differently when she successfully took the mantle of queen back. She would not have helped the oppressed. Instead, she's pick out the strong ones to become breeding slaves and most likely have the rest killed off."

She scrunched her nose up in what appeared to be shame. Her brow was creased, and the chair suddenly started to creek.
"I really want to believe that my sister would be more merciful, especially to young children, but I know I would only be deluding myself."

I knew that of course. I wasn't so ignorant that to think everyone sees or feels the same way as I do. They come from a bygone era, and Penthesilea especially has a mindset that I dislike, but I cannot and will not blame any of them for that, not when they showed a willingness to change.

"But she hasn't." Her eyes suddenly lit up, her voice somewhat giddier, yet her expression remind the same.
"She helped them. Going as far as having them re-united with their families, making herself the head of the company, improving working conditions, increasing wages, even sparing her adversary for the throne in our traditional death match. All because of you."

"I don't understand how this relates to me." I tell her, turning my head away slightly.

She finally turned to me. I don't know when she moved, but she was suddenly in front of me. After their 'reincarnation' their parameters have returned to their prime. Meaning that once again, I had to catch up to them. She placed both hands firmly on my shoulders. Gripping them almost painfully.

"I understand that it may be hard to understand because of your condition, so I'll just say it in a way to bypass it." Her tone was strict, like the time she taught me in my youth.
"Mihaly. We have known you since your earliest of days. We have trained you to be strong. We have taught you to be wise. We have helped you grow, not out of obligation, but out of care for you."

She hooked her arms underneath mine, wrapping them around my torse, I'd call it a hug, but there was so much strength behind it that it seemed like she wanted to break my spine. She didn't break eye contact, her golden orbs staring right into my origin.
"To Penthesilea and to myself, you are our brother. The reason for Penthesilea's vehement behaviour of obliterating the slave trade was not only for regain her honour as well as the honour of our Amazons, but because it caused you such pain and discomfort, even if you did not show it."

I was completely dumbfounded, I didn't know what to say, my eyes started to sting for some reason. I felt something start trailing down and tickling my left cheek.

Hippolyta suddenly smiled, wiling away the fresh tears from my face.
"And it is our duty, as your sisters, as your family to support you. Never forget, that we will always answer your call."

The Amazon queen gave me a final squeeze, one which I returned. I had never seen or heard her be so…vulnerable? No, the only one who was vulnerable right now was me. Soft-hearted? Perhaps that was a better way of describing it.
"Thank you."

She made a noise that sounded like a satisfied sigh. Letting me go shortly after but still staying close.
"You do understand that if you tell anyone of what happened here, I'll break your spine?" She said, a teasing, a wide smile on her face. I enjoyed It when my family smiled. "And if you tell Penthesilea, well, you did say you were going to ask her to train you again, I'm sure she will be most accommodating in that regard." Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

I suddenly felt slightly lightheaded, the described scenario was most likely worse than stealing Gilgamesh's wine right in front of him, it would guarantee death, but at least It would be a quick one.

The thought of an enraged and embarrassed Penthesilea 'training' me in that scenario, my death would not be slow, of course, she wouldn't actually kill me. But I would get hurt. A lot.

"I'm only jesting Mihaly, no need to pay an early Visit to Hades, you are on vacation after all." Laughed the former amazon Queen. Her expression becoming somewhat softer. "You must stop dulling your emotions, express yourself more, holding it in yourself will simply make you erupt one day, or you'll lose them completely, and no brother of mine shall be a plain doll."

She picked up her lounging chair and ruffled my hair as she walked by.
"I'm going to get something to eat before I take over for Caensis as a lifeguard. Honestly, some people just don't listen."

I nod, getting up myself and stretching out.
"I think I'll do the same. Drake is taking some of the guests on a short cruise aboard the Golden Hind in about two hours. I think I'll go with them."

She turned to me and gave me a knowing look, her quirked eyebrow and smirk clearly insinuating that I have something in mind.
"Really now? I guess that's fine. And remember, you are not to work for at least two more days. Else there will be a lot of 'mothers' that will be quite upset with you." She said, waving her hand in a 'see-you-later' manner as she left.

---

It was long past sunset when they appeared, two cloaked figures, neither particularly tall nor distinguishable. The few features one could make out to tell them apart were their barely distinguishable faces.

From under one of the cloaks, two golden serpentine eyes seemingly glowed in the darkness, accompanied to the ethereal pale skin and sharp facial features, a few strands of long brown locks defiantly or maybe even purposefully, cascaded down the woman's face, came over the sides of her chest and nearly touched the ground.

The second figure had green eyes and black hair that slightly poked out from under the hood. In their hand a twin torch provided light that showed their way towards a large, dying pine tree. Its base littered with dead yellow needles. A puncture mark the size of a bullet hole in the centre of the tree's trunk, about a meter from the ground, was oozing a sticky green sap, the bark was bulging in some places, as if growing tumours.

"The symptoms alone are quite revealing. It's surprising that the sun god didn't at least make some educated guesses. As usual, one cannot rely on the gods for anything." Said the yellow eyed woman, taking some of the green sap onto her finger and bringing it up to her face.

The torch bearing figure bristled slightly.
"I suggest you remember whose presence you are in girl. Hurry and do what your master has told you, I have a limited time till others take notice of the disturbance."

The golden eyed woman seemingly ignored her companions' words, and brought her sap covered finger to her lips. Lightly tasting it. Her eyes seemed to suddenly sparkle in amusement as she licked the rest of the sap from her finger.
"Truly, that god is quite incompetent."

The torch bearers clocked fluttered slightly, turning to her companion in a quick turn.
"What do you mean? Have you found what it is?"

"Elder Python venom, most likely from the depths of Tartarus, Xiang Yu recently killed it if I remember correctly. Truly, to not recognise the poison of the beast from his own legend." Laughed the woman, taking out a small vile and collecting some sap.

"And the antidote? How fast can you make it?" Impatiently asked the green-eyed woman, looking around briefly.

"At the break of dawn. And we're only going to use it in the direst situation. That is of course, if my student does not decide to use it immediately after its manufacture." The golden eyed woman filled up two more vials with the green sap.
"We may leave now; I have all that I need."

Her companion sniffled, obviously annoyed.

"Do you have something to say to me, goddess of magic?"

"Your disrespect is quite vexing. Normally I'd turn you into an animal or throw some curse, but since you are an ally, and important to little Mihaly, I am at quite an impasse." Slowly said the green-eyed Woman. The twin torch she was carrying dimmed. The air shimmering slightly around her.

At the tips of the golden-eyed woman's fingernails, a purple liquid gathered and fell to the ground, a sizzling sound followed, as if raw meat thrown onto a heated, over oiled frying pan.
"I dislike the gods. Including you. I merely tolerate your presence because my student has use for you. If accomplishing his dream means having to stand you then so be it. But make no mistake, Goddess of Magic." She stretched out her arm, her fingers hanging limply and dripping with the thick, purple liquid. "Should you become a liability or threat, I possess poison that can fell even the divine."

The air grew cold, the torch went out, leaving two pairs of glowing eyes.

---

The bear-men twins herded us aboard the Princess Andromeda. They threw us down onto the aft deck in front of the swimming pool with sparkling fountains that sprayed into the air. A dozen of Luke's goons – snake people. Laistygonians and a few demigods in battle armour – had gathered to watch us get some 'hospitality'.

"And so, the fleece." Luke Mused. "Where is it?"
He looked over us, prodding my shirt with the tip of his sword, poking Grover's jeans.
"Hey!" Grover yelled. "That's real goat fur under there!"
"Sorry, old friend." Luke smiled. "Just give me the Fleece and I'll leave you to return to your, ah, little nature quest."
"Blaa-ha-ha!" Grover protested. "Some old friend!"
"Maybe you didn't hear me." Luke's voice was dangerously calm. "Where—is—the—
Fleece?"

"Not here," I said. I probably shouldn't have told him anything, but it felt good to throw the truth in his face. "We sent it on ahead of us. You messed up."
Luke's eyes narrowed. "You're lying. You couldn't have..." His face reddened as a horrible possibility occurred to him. "Clarisse?"
I nodded.

"You trusted...you gave..."
"Yeah."
"Agrius!"
The bear giant flinched. "Y-yes?"
"Get below and prepare my steed. Bring it to the deck. I need to fly to the Miami Airport, fast!"
"But, boss—"
"Do it!" Luke screamed. "Or I'll feed you to the drakon!"
The bear-man gulped and lumbered down the stairs. Luke paced in front of the swimming pool, cursing in Ancient Greek, gripping his sword so tight his knuckles turned white.
The rest of Luke's crew looked uneasy. Maybe they'd never seen their boss so unhinged before.

I started thinking...If I could use Luke's anger, get him to talk so everybody could hear how crazy his plans were...I looked at the swimming pool, at the fountains spraying mist into the air, making a rainbow in the sunset. And suddenly I had an idea.
"You've been toying with us all along," I said. "You wanted us to bring you the Fleece and save you the trouble of getting it."

Luke scowled. "Of course, you idiot! And you've messed everything up!"
"Traitor!" I dug my last gold drachma out of my pocket and threw it at Luke. As I expected, he dodged it easily. The coin sailed into the spray of rainbow-colored water.
I hoped my prayer would be accepted in silence. I thought with all my heart: O goddess, accept my offering.
"You tricked all of us!" I yelled at Luke. "Even DIONYSUS at CAMP HALF-BLOOD!"
Behind Luke, the fountain began to shimmer, but I needed everyone's attention on me, so I uncapped Riptide.

Luke just sneered. "This is no time for heroics, Percy. Drop your puny little sword, or I'll have you killed sooner rather than later."
"Who poisoned Thalia's tree, Luke?"
"I did, of course," he snarled. "I already told you that. I used elder python venom, straight from the depths of Tartarus."
"Chiron had nothing to do with it?"

"Ha! You know he would never do that. The old fool wouldn't have the guts."
"You call it guts? Betraying your friends? Endangering the whole camp?"
Luke raised his sword. "You don't understand the half of it. I was going to let you take the Fleece...once I was done with it."
That made me hesitate. Why would he let me take the Fleece? He must've been lying. But I couldn't afford to lose his attention. "You were going to heal Kronos," I said.

"Yes! The Fleece's magic would've sped his mending process by tenfold. But you haven't stopped us, Percy. You've only slowed us down a little."
"And so you poisoned the tree, you betrayed Thalia, you set us up—all to help Kronos destroy the gods."
Luke gritted his teeth. "You know that! Why do you keep asking me?"
"Because I want everybody in the audience to hear you."
"What audience?"

Then his eyes narrowed. He looked behind him and his goons did the same. They gasped and stumbled back. Above the pool, shimmering in the rainbow mist, was an Iris-message vision of Dionysus, Tantalus, and the whole camp in the dining pavilion. They sat in stunned silence, watching us.
"Well," said Dionysus dryly, "some unplanned dinner entertainment."
"Mr. D, you heard him," I said. "You all heard Luke. The poisoning of the tree wasn't Chiron's fault."
Mr. D sighed. "I suppose not."
"The Iris-message could be a trick," Tantalus suggested, but his attention was mostly on his cheeseburger, which he was trying to corner with both hands.
"I fear not," Mr. D said, looking with distaste at Tantalus. "It appears I shall have to reinstate Chiron as activities director. I suppose I do miss the old horse's pinochle games."
Tantalus grabbed the cheeseburger. It didn't bolt away from him. He lifted it from the plate and stared at it in amazement, as if it were the largest diamond in the world.
"I got it!" he cackled.
"We are no longer in need of your services, Tantalus," Mr. D announced.
Tantalus looked stunned. "What? But—"
"You may return to the Underworld. You are dismissed."

"No! But—Nooooooooooo!"

As he dissolved into mist, his fingers clutched at the cheeseburger, trying to bring it to his mouth. But it was too late. He disappeared and the cheeseburger fell back onto its plate. The campers exploded into cheering.

Luke bellowed with rage. He slashed his sword through the fountain and the Iris-message dissolved, but the deed was done.I was feeling pretty good about myself, until Luke turned and gave me a murderous look.

"Kronos was right, Percy. You're an unreliable weapon. You need to be replaced."
I wasn't sure what he meant, but I didn't have time to think about it. One of his men blew a brass whistle, and the deck doors flew open. A dozen more warriors poured out, making a circle around us, the brass tips of their spears bristling.
Luke smiled at me. "You'll never leave this boat alive."

A sudden boom in the distance and the Princess Andromeda was rocked by a huge explosion. Sending almost everyone to the floor.

"What?" I heard Luke yell, seemingly as surprised as the rest of us.

Another boom, and the ship rocked again. I looked overboard, around ten gaping holes were in the Princess Andromedas port side. Water quickly seeping in. We were sinking.

Another volley of cannonballs hit the ship, so far from the coast and exhausted, I might make it, but Tyson, Annabeth and Grover wont.

Then there was a wild chorus of war cries and hooves thundering against metal. A dozen centaurs charged up the side of the ship and onto the aft deck.
"Ponies!" Tyson cried with delight.

My mind had trouble processing everything I saw. Chiron was among the crowd, but his relatives were almost nothing like him. There were centaurs with black Arabian stallion bodies, others with gold palomino coats, others with orange-and-white spots like paint horses. Some wore brightly coloured T-shirts with Day-Glo letters that said PARTY PONIES: SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER.

Some were armed with bows, some with baseball bats, some with paintball guns. One had his face painted like a Comanche warrior and was waving a large orange Styrofoam hand making a big Number 1.

Another was bare-chested and painted entirely green. A third had googly-eyeglasses with the eyeballs bouncing around on Slinky coils, and one of those baseball
caps with soda-can-and-straw attachments on either side. They exploded onto the deck with such ferocity and colour that for a moment even Luke was stunned. I couldn't tell whether they had come to celebrate or attack.
Apparently both.

As Luke was raising his sword to rally his troops, a centaur shot a custom-made arrow with a leather boxing glove on the end. It smacked Luke in the face and sent him
crashing into the swimming pool.

His warriors scattered. I couldn't blame them. Facing the hooves of a rearing stallion is scary enough, but when it's a centaur, armed with a bow and whooping it up in a soda-drinking hat, even the bravest warrior would retreat.
"Come get some!" yelled one of the party ponies. They let loose with their paintball guns. A wave of blue and yellow exploded against Luke's warriors, blinding them and splattering them from head to toe. They tried to run, only to slip and fall.

Chiron galloped toward Annabeth and Grover, neatly plucked them off the deck, and deposited them on his back. I tried to get up, but my wounded leg still felt like it was on fire.

I was suddenly picked up by one of the Centaurs. On Chiron's command, they all jumped over the railing and started to run on the water. Back to the mainland.

In the distance, I saw an old antique ship, just like the one docked in the port of CC's spa.

A ship of black, red and gold. A golden Hind imprinted in golden letters.

---

It was easy to see even from such a distance. The Cruise liner steadily sinking into the depths below.

"I think the rascals have had enough. But the crowd is cheering for another salvo." Drake commented, gesturing to the Cheering crowd of passengers aboard the Golden Hind. "Should we send another Volley?"

I never let the ship leave my line of sight. Even as a thick mist suddenly rolled over it and obscured it from view.
"No. It's too late. They managed to get away." I frown. I don't know how they managed it. Perhaps Oceanus helped them in time.

Drake shrugged her shoulders.
"Aw well. They won't be able to get far like that. With any luck Teach will get to them and finish them off."

I nod but I know it was wishful thinking.
"Now. Time to get them to Circes. You mentioned you wanted to be dropped off somewhere after this right?"

I nod again.
"Yes. If its not too much of a problem, could you take me to Kuwait? I need review the state of the Persian Gulf."

She nodded eagerly, laughing as she pats my shoulder.
"Sure thing! But we have to get back to Circe's first. You are still on vacation after all. Unless you want me to tell your mothers that you were still working despite being told not to?"

I suddenly shivered slightly. That was not a pleasant scenario.

"Please don't."

She laughed again. Taking the wheel and spinning it around a few times.
"So, apart from the Persian Gulf, where else are you heading?"

"Scotland and Russia. I intend to see if Scáthach will give me additional lessons, and Anastasia called me over, I don't know what for, but it seemed to be Urgent."

"Is that so?"

We didn't speak anymore past that. I excused myself and started wandering about the ship.

I don't have much time.

Soon everything will be revealed.

---

Deep inside the Princess Andromeda, the golden sarcophagus of Kronos stood tall. The coffin providing the only source of light.

"So…" Came a deep voice, resonating from the coffin. "You failed. Again."

"Only a small set back. I assure you, my lord." Luke's voice was strained. The coffins golden glow casting an ominous shadow onto his burned face.

"It matters not. The daughter of Zeus has been revived. Now its only a matter of time." The voice laughed cruelly.

The echoing of soft footsteps brought curtain of silence.
"You are much too jovial. Had it not been for me, your little operation would have ended with all your planning ending up at the bottom of Poseidon's domain. Then Tartarus would follow shortly after."

The coffins golden glow dulled; a throaty grumble released by crooked one.
"Watch your mouth girl."

The stranger scoffed. Her voice deep and merciless.
"Or what Kronos?"

The figure was shrouded in a dark cloak, her lithe arm holding a slightly longer than average Xiphos. She pressed the tip and dragged it along the sarcophagus, green sparks followed an ear cringing scrapping sound.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but you're not exactly in control here are you."

The titan king growled, though the pain within the noise was easily distinguishable.
"Keep doing your part if you wish to ever hope to achieve your little dream of overthrowing the Olympians. And you."

She turned to Luke. He flinched, his burnt face stinging as the cold metal pressed against his cheek.
"Fail again, and you shall be disposed of."

The presence suddenly vanished, the coffins glow died, and only darkness remained.

---

One would not think traversing the underworld to be a pleasant endeavour, even less so by walking on the surface of the river Styx. But I sound it quite enjoyable. Then again, I'm far from normal.
What could be considered surprising, was the absence of the patron goddess of the river, who usually accompanied me whenever I used her river.
I could feel her presence, there was no doubt in that. But she herself wasn't here. I shrug my shoulders and start humming a happy tune.

The purification of the sacred river had been a great success. Mind you it was yet to be completed. It would take at least seventy-five years. But taking into account of just how long the river has been polluted for, it was an incredible result that it was being cleaned so fast.

I look down at the clear water below, the souls trapped within seemed much calmer now. Their pained wails no longer tormented me as they once did.

It didn't take me long to reach the shores of Hades' castle. The imposing structure created little fear in me.
Alecto and her sisters circled overhead. One of them screeched, dived down and snagged a soul from what I assume was the field of punishment. I say assume, because I cannot see it.
'Too impure for someone like you.' Is what I was told by Styx one time.

I entered the castle without any resistance. The skeletal guards take note of my presence and bow softly, before returning to their duties.
I decided to take a small detour through Persephone's Garden. The faint scent of Pomegranate quickly made itself abundant.

It was a quiet and pleasant place. Perhaps I'll go and see if there are any flowers that could be added to Ereshkigal's garden.
A pair of slender arms suddenly wrapped around my torso, pressing me close the body the one whom I quickly realized was my patron.

"What are you doing sneaking around in my garden little one?"

Her black hair cascaded down onto my face and tickled my nose. Her pale complexion didn't hinder her beauty.
"I'm not sneaking around Lady Persephone; I just took a walk through it while going to the throne room."

She lightly bopped my nose, her smile turning pointed.
"What did I say about that little one? Do I need to tell mother you're misbehaving?"

I looked away, my cheeks heating up.
"Sorry auntie."

Her embrace tightened around me. Her laugh teasing.
"It's alright. Just remember to call my mother how she told you. She was quite upset last time."

I felt myself shiver involuntarily. I would much rather not have to face an upset Demetre any time soon. So, I nod.

She soon let go of me and led me by the shoulder.

"Come now Mihaly. You may be early, but my husband is quite the impatient type. So, the sooner this can be sorted out, the better."

I didn't need to add anything else. The walk through the dreary hallways was short but pleasant. 'Auntie' seemed content with just walking through the palace.

When we got to the chamber, the lord of the underworld was sat in his throne, his black helm on placed on the armrest. Black hair slicked back, and dark eyes focused directly on us. His skin was paler than his wife's, creating an ever-terrifying image, especially in the form of a 15-meter giant.

"Lord Hades." I bowed my head when I came to the foot of the throne. I felt Persephone leave my side and came to her husband's side.

"Peace Mihaly." He raised his hand, his face unchanging. "You have no need to bow to me. Rather, let us get straight to the point."

The shadows around the room lengthened a slight chill crawled up my skin.
"As you know, I have recently released Nico and Bianca from the Lotus Hotel. I want you to retrieve them and bring them to the camp." His voice was, as always, monotone. His pale face betraying no emotion.

"Ok." I didn't really know what to say. I'm still rather socially awkward despite the years I spent traveling.
Hades didn't look impressed. He never did to be honest.

"They are currently in Westover Hall, Bar harbour, Main. I suggest you leave now. It seems that Artemis and her little hunters are on their way there. As well as a…'rescue party' from camp half blood." He sneered in disdain after mentioning the other groups converging on the location.

I couldn't help but cringe slightly at the mention of the moon goddess. Something within my very core stirred painfully, as if pushing my ribs out, my should blades seemingly piercing through my skin.

"I understand. I'll get there as soon as possible." I not to let my discomfort show, but I know that Persephone would have noticed it as soon as it happened.

Hades made some gruff sound and proceeded to dismiss me with a wave of his hand.
I was about to leave when Persephone put her hand on my shoulder to stop me.

"Do you not think you are being harsh, Husband?" Her tone was frigid, her dark lips thin.

Hades didn't seem affected by Persphone's words, his ghostly pale face remaining unchanged.
"No, I do not. I gave him his task; I expect it done."

I felt a something wrap itself around my arm. Looking down I saw a thorny vine wrapped itself around my forearm. The thrones not piercing my skin despite the strength it held my arm at.

"He is not one of you soldiers that you can just order around. You best remember that unless you want to insult me."

I try to make myself as small as possible. Not really wanting to be a part of or the source of another of their arguments.

"The only reason that he even knows about your children is because I sent him to meet them from time to time. And the fact that now they have a friend that can help them get accustomed to our world easier, you order him around like one of your undead slaves!"

The temperature in the room was an off mixture of sweltering heat, like that of a greenhouse, and a frigid cold.

I tap my patron's arm to get her attention. She turned to me, and even though her state was not ideal, she still smiled down at me.
"I'm sorry Mihaly. What is it?"

I took a second to look between her and Hades. The god of the underworld obviously wanted me to go already, but I wanted to at least try and defuse the situation.

"Please, don't be too upset with Lord Hades. He's just worried about his children like any good parent. So please, don't argue."

She paused for a moment, looking momentarily at her husband before turning back to me she sighed but nodded.

I smiled and bowed on my way out. Throwing Cerberus his rubber ball as I walked past him.

It seems that it has begun.

---

AN

That's another chapter done. I apologise for the long wait and thank you for everyone about being patient.
Unfortunately, many things prevented me from updating this sooner.

Also, it was brought to my attention about the spacing Being slightly confusing in some places. Hopefully the newest chapter version is easier to read. If not please notify me.

Anyhow. You know the drill.

Reviews are appreciated, but not mandatory.

Hope you enjoyed.

And stay safe.