Long time no see! Life is busy as always. Anyways, enjoy!

Thus the girl chooses

A week had passed since my first meeting with Atlanta. I could've left a lot earlier since I could shadow travel, but...

I stuffed my honey-roasted duck into my mouth, trying my best not to moan out in bliss. My taste buds screamed in delight as I thanked my sweet mother in heaven (technically, she was in the underworld right now and my grandma is the one who is up there in Olympus and told me the recipe, so I guess the term sweet grandmother might've been more accurate), and reached for another slice, only to find my plate empty.

Rolling my eyes, I glanced up at the tree branch to see my companion perched right above my head with her honey-coated fingers still in her mouth. At least, she looked away in embarrassment when I coughed. With a chuckle, I reached into my shadow and took out a few berries I plucked along the way and flung them into the air.

In the blink of an eye, a green blur flew past me with an audible chomp. The hungry girl licked her lips while humming, only to promptly freeze on the spot once she realized what she had done. Her cheeks were now a bright shade of red. I couldn't help but pinch her cheeks.

"Eh, er...I-I-Ow!"

Having realized that I had dared taint her Artemis-blessed skin, she proceeded to pout at me with a bashful glare. Her glare soon dissipated once I fished a handful of roasted nuts and dried berries from my shadow and waved my palm under her nose. Her bright green eyes followed the treats with a hungry gleam. She seemed to be fighting against her appetite, and we both knew she was fighting a losing battle.

Finally, with a cute growl, she dug her face into my palm. I pretended not to notice the not-so-subtle way she adorably nudged her cheek into my hand. I had to admit, it was absolutely heart-warming to see a lonely girl who longed for a human family to get something that, at least, resembled it.

Yes, this was the reason I was still here. I scratched my head with a small sigh. I just couldn't bring myself to leave this pure, lonely girl behind. She was the little sister I never had, one of the countless lost souls I see every single night.

Souls with regret, souls with yearning, souls filled with longing.

I shook my head, trying to get rid of the heart-wrenching memory while knowing it was a futile attempt. It was too raw, always bleeding. I tell myself that I will change the world, that I'll make it a better place, all to stop my conscience from reminding the endless suffering of humankind.

A coward with a gorgeous mask.

To think I would be so fortunate...it was almost funny.

This was one of the reasons I couldn't bring myself to hate Hera. She was lost, for she was more mortal than an immortal should be. A goddess that was torn between duty, contradiction, and...love.

For what is the salvation of others if not an act of self-love? It is not because I want to save them, but because I can't bear that I chose to ignore them.

"Korecres?"

I looked down to meet Atlanta's worry-filled eyes.

"Nothing. Just...being a tad sentimental."

I patted her head and stood up. With a crack, I loosened the joints in my shoulder and neck. Angst and other self-deprecating stuff can wait for later. Right now, I have a decision to make.

A glance down told me all I needed to know. Emerald eyes filled with worry and longing met mine. I slowly massaged her scalp, eliciting a satisfying purr from her. She really is sometimes too cute for her own good.

I hesitated for a few seconds, then steeled my heart. We needed to get this done. I couldn't stay here, nor could I indulge in my selfish desires. I have a mission.

"...Hey, Atlanta?", I asked softly.

"...No.", she answered.

"..."

Silence filled the gap. As I thought, Atlanta was far more perceptive than normal. A wild instinct, if you will.

Sighing, I attempted to start the conversation once more.

"Atl-"

"NO!"

Atlanta violently shook her head and clung on to me with surprising strength, as if terrified that I would disappear from her very eyes.

"Don't leave me...don't leave me...I don't want to be alone...not...anymore..."

Warm liquid seeped through my clothes and splattered against the ground. The sound of sniffling and soft, heartbreaking whimpering filled the air. I would've liked nothing more than to hug her and assure her that I would never leave her side while whispering sweet promises into her ear.

However, I couldn't. Not like this. Not to a girl abandoned by her own father because of some stupid prophecy. Not to her, a girl I came to love as my sister, despite the short time that had transpired.

"Atlanta. You have two choices before you."

I lifted one finger.

"The first choice; You stay here on this mountain, with your mother bear and brother bears. I will meet you occasionally, but not frequently."

I lifted a second finger.

"The second choice; You and your family come with me. If you do, I will swear upon my name, blood, and honor, that I shall protect you with everything I have."

Our eyes met as our gazes deeply intertwined. She flinched as if burnt, and tried to look away but I held her shoulder and forced her to look at me, trying my very best to convey my feelings to her from the depths of my soul. Sincerity, friendship, and love.

Above all-

"Whichever you choose, remember this.", I said.

"You are already my family, Atlanta."

A strangled gasp escaped her throat. She shivered like a newborn lamb as she looked up at me, searching for any possible signs of deceit, anything to hint at an ulterior motive. She found none.

So vulnerable yet so brave.

I saw resolve harden within her glittering eyes.

Her lips muttered a choice.

I smiled.

Atlanta is best girl. Review if you please.

X-kalibuuuur, over and out!