A/N -

This is the third chapter of MMA (I'm gonna call it that from now). Read and enjoy!

Chapter 3 – Blood oath

Miss Minerva's Academy

Athena smiled at Hera's words and turned to the screen. After a few taps from her deft fingers, a 3-D model appeared on it.

After careful examination, one could see that it was the model of a building. It was designed to look like a large school but the inside was full of secret pathways and underground dungeons, and it was full of technologies that none of the other leaders had seen before.

Seeing the confusion on the faces of her comrades, Athena rolled her eyes and decided to explain what it was.

"If we aspire to make women warriors, then we need to teach them how to be warriors. This is one of my most difficult designs. It uses gadgets that even scientists from Olympia cannot identify. It is an academy to teach girls military skills, subterfuge and things no other academy can teach them."

Surprised, Hera asked, "How did you get hold of these gadgets, Athena?"

"Athens is not called the center of learning for nothing, Lady Hera. We may not look like it, but we have the best technology in the empire."

Hera was still not satisfied, "But Zeus and Ares will attack Athens if they realize that we are training women to be warriors. This is too dangerous."

Aphrodite had a cunning smirk on her face. Slowly, she turned to Hera and whispered, "They will never know."

The five women sat in the council room all day, coming up with a plan. Their main challenge was to hide the true nature of the academy.

Aphrodite, who was an expert in matters of subterfuge, explained that it is always easier to hide things in plain sight and make them look as if they were something else entirely. She suggested that the academy be shown as a finishing school for female socialites and heiresses. This would make it unapproachable for men and the rulers would not be suspicious of it.

The next challenge was choosing the teachers. It would be impossible to find people who were well-versed in combat but were willing to teach women. Such an act would be deemed treason by the empire.

Each of the female rulers were capable of teaching, but they would not be able to find time from their royal duties.

When nobody could come up with a solution, Athena sat down on her throne disappointed. She felt as if their plan would fail before it even began.

Seeing the depressed expressions on her comrades, Demeter slowly stood up from her seat. Her golden hair seemed to spread light in the gloomy atmosphere of the council room.

She spoke hesitantly– "I have a solution."

Athena looked up curiously, "What is it Baroness Demeter? Please tell us."

"Before I speak any further, I must ask you all to swear on your blood that whatever you hear in this chamber will be solely for your ears. You must never repeat what I reveal to you here."

The other women were shocked. A blood oath was the most serious oath one could give. If it broken, not only the culprit but their whole family would burn to ashes.

As expected, Artemis was the most suspicious of this request. Her nature as a huntress made her more cautious and did not let her trust easily.

"Is your secret so important that we have to swear a blood oath just to hear it? That is not a comforting thought, Baroness."

Demeter looked at Artemis with hardened eyes. Her voice was rigid and determined.

"I will not speak a single word till all of you swear to secrecy, Princess Artemis. It is your decision, not mine."

For a few moments, not a single sound could be heard in the council room. With a calculating look on her face, Athena stood up.

"I am determined to achieve what I want. I am ready to swear even a blood oath if necessary."

She took her dagger and slashed it on her palm. Drops of blood started to drip from the wound.

"I Athena, Duchess of Athens, daughter of Metis, swear on my name and those who share my blood that the words of Baroness Demeter will not be repeated unless she permits me do so."

After a few moments of contemplation, Aphrodite stood up.

"We gathered here to undo the injustice done to us. It is important that no secrets remain between us. I am ready to swear the oath as well."

She reached up to her hair and pulled out the pin that held her curls together. While the pin may look like a harmless ornament, it was actually a small but extremely sharp diamond blade that could cut through anything. She lightly priced her finger.

"I Aphrodite, ruler of Cnidus, daughter of the Ocean, swear on my blood that I will not repeat the words of Baroness Demeter unless she permits me to do so."

Hera stood up and drew a small sword from the folds of her gown. She repeated the words, sealing the blood oath. Artemis followed after her, using her arrow to make a small cut on her hand.

Demeter, satisfied that the oaths were sworn, stepped into the center of the room and spoke loudly.

"For centuries, my ancestors have been masters of agriculture. We have continued to produce the highest quality of produce and I have kept that tradition going. But the royal house of Crete has a big secret."

"Deep in the forests of Crete, there is a temple dedicated to the goddess of magic, Hecate. One of my ancestors had served the goddess so she gave him a gift. The leader of the city of Crete has the power to summon Hecate once in their lifetime. If we make a request for the benefit of the people, Hecate will grant us whatever we wish for. I have not yet used my chance, so I can summon Hecate."

This information surprised the others. They had not expected something sp significant. This could be just the thing they were waiting for. If Demeter's plan worked out, their problem would be solved.

Hera placed a hand on Demeter's shoulder and asked her softly, "Will you really use your chance to summon Hecate it for our sake?"

Demeter smiled at Hera," Of all the rulers, I am neither the strongest, nor the smartest. If this power of mine can be useful to our plan, it would make me very happy. The gift of Hecate is not meant to be used for selfish reasons anyway."

She turned around and looked at each of her comrades." Come forward, ladies and join hands with me. Summoning a goddess is not an easy task."

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