I'm back with another chapter! Hope you all are enjoying the first few chapters published thus far! For this chapter, I made it a little more age appropriate. In history it is sad that Achilles had a son roughly around the age of 8. However, I changed the age to 15. I have changed aspects of the story and you will see the changes if you are familiar with Greek mythology. So, Please, Enjoy! Please leave reviews! Constructive reviews are welcomed but any negative ones will be deleted. Thanks again and review!

Skyros.

One of the most beautiful islands on Earth. An island full of beautiful white sand beaches, lush greenery and full of kind people. The waters were always crystal blue and the weather was mostly sunny and warm. Skyros island was ruled by King Lycomedes. The people of the island respected Lycomedes and his family greatly. The royal family kept the islands peace and the lands resources plentiful. Lycomedes had 5 daughters. Each daughter was radiant and had a beauty like no other. The eldest daughters name was Eunos. The second eldest daughters name was Eimia. The middle daughters name was Narosis. The second to youngest daughter's name was Deidamia and the youngest daughters name was Arosa. Lycomedes was very protective over his daughters. He cared for each of them deeply. He would do anything to protect his children like most parents would. Thetis, Achilles's mother one day appeared on the island of Skyros. She emerged from the crystal blue waters. King Lycomedes had no clue why the sea nymph came to Skyros. Thetis made her way to King Lycomedes's abode. When she reached his abode, she didn't waste time to hesitate to ask the king for an important favor. She sat with the king in his garden. She played with her white hair as she spoke:

"Oh, dear king of Syros, I have been shown a prophecy. A prophecy that shows my dearest son, Achilles, being hurt severely. I'm not sure when or how or what, but, I need to keep my boy safe. To do so, I need to remove him from society for a while. He has already lived with the centaur, Chiron, but, I fear that it wasn't enough. I beg of you King Lycomedes, please take in my boy. For payment, I will bless you with an abundant amount of gold." King Lycomedes couldn't refuse Thetis's offer. He accepted the task of taking Achilles into his care. The day that Achilles arrived at Skyros island at the age of 13, the youngest two daughters of Lycomedes was smitten by Achilles's good looks. Even at 13, Achilles was a dashing young man. Achilles spent his time studying and helping King Lycomedes's family with chores. King Lycomedes thought Achilles was a fine young lad. Achilles laid in the grass sleeping with his arms behind his head. He had just fallen asleep from a long day of studying. He was hoping soon he could return home to Phthia. Although the island was breathtaking, Achilles preferred to be home. Just when Achilles was going into a deeper sleep, he felt someone throw a hard object at him. It felt like a ball. He sat up rubbing his forehead. The culprit was standing right in front of him.

"Hey! What the hell was that for?" He yelled at the young girl. He gazed up at her. She was eating an apple from a basket full of apples she was carrying.

"You were supposed to help me pick apples. Mother said she would make an apple pie for dinner. You're not supposed to be here sleeping. Lazy." The young princess said placing her hands on her hips. Princess Deidamia was quite bossy. Beautiful she was, but she was the bossiest out of the 5 sisters.

"You could've just called for help. You didn't have to throw an apple at me!" Achilles yelled. Deidamia stuck her nose in the air.

"You know, you should be more thankful my father let you stay here. Stop being a freeloader."

"A freeloader?" Achilles asked. "I do my share." He stood up and took the basket from Deidamia. "I'll help you pick the rest of the stupid apples, so I could get back to my nap and I don't have to hear your mouth." Deidamia gasped.

"How rude!" She said following behind Achilles. Achilles finished picking apples for Deidamia. She was impressed how fast he was. She watched as he jumped from tree to tree. She blushed. Her freckled cheeks were stained a bright crimson. Achilles jumped out of the apple tree. He handed the basket to Deidamia. He looked at her face and saw her stained cheeks. She was kind of cute, despite her attitude, Achilles thought.

"Here. Now leave me alone. I'm going back to sleep." Achilles said walking back to his spot underneath the shaded tree. As time passed, Achilles and Deidamia became close. They often spent time together fishing in the ocean, playing in the sand, studying or climbing trees. The two became so close that Deidamia became Achilles's first love. One night while the moon was full, and the stars were bright, the two shared their first kiss with each other. Achilles knew better than to engage in romance with one of King Lycomedes's daughter's but, he couldn't help it. His heart fluttered for her and Deidamia's heart fluttered for him. King Lycomedes decided to go on a business trip to Naxos island. During that time, both Achilles and Deidamia were only 14 years of age. While King Lycomedes was away, the two decided to exchange their virginity. When King Lycomedes returned home and discovered what was going on between Achilles and his daughter, he grew furious. Not only was he furious because Achilles was romantically involved with his child, he was furious since Deidamia was pregnant. King Lycomedes called for Achilles's parents; Thetis and Peleus, to come to the island of Skyros.

"Thetis. I took your son in at your request. I took him in as one of my own. I treated him like a son."

"I know." Thetis said facing the floor.

"NO!" King Lycomedes yelled at the top of his lungs. "YOU DON'T!" The anger that King Lycomedes displayed was unreal. He was even scaring Peleus. "Your son engaged in an affair with my daughter, Deidamia and now she is pregnant with your son's child!" Thetis's and Peleus's eyes widened. They gazed at Achilles who was kneeling before King Lycomedes who was sitting at his thrown besides his wife, Queen Elena. She too, looked upset. Peleus faced his son.

"Is this true, Achilles?" Achilles knew he was in trouble. He wasn't going to lie about it.

"Yes father. It is." Peleus stood up and grabbed Achilles by his chiton.

"What were you thinking?! You're only 14 years of age Achilles!"

"I'm sorry father. I didn't mean for it to happen. Honest to the Gods." Achilles said holding on to his father's wrist.

"Not only is it shameful for a woman to have a baby out of wedlock, it is shameful to my family. Deidamia isn't even married yet. How will I explain this to our people? I demand you take your son back to wherever he came from. I'm sorry Thetis. Our deal is off." King Lycomedes said.

"Please forgive me and my son for any trouble that was caused." Thetis said bowing. "That was never or intentions dear king." Thetis grabbed the turquoise pendant around her neck. Peleus put Achilles down. Achilles ran in front of Lycomedes's throne. He bowed down to the king.

"Forgive me, King Lycomedes for the hurt and pain I've caused you. I am truly sorry. But, that baby inside of Deidamia, it is my child. I helped bring that life into this world. Will I be able to see it?" Achilles asked. Queen Elena and King Lycomedes looked at one another.

"I'm afraid not my boy. We will have someone else marry Deidamia and claim the child as his own." King Lycomedes replied.

"But, it's my child! It is a piece of me! You can't take that away from me!" Achilles yelled.

"I believe I can!" King Lycomedes yelled back rising from his throne.

"No, you can't father!" Peleus, Thetis, Queen Elena, King Lycomedes and Achilles all faced the young princess who was now a month pregnant.

"Deidamia. How dare you?! The nerve of you speaking to me in such a manner!"

"Father. If Achilles is to become a great man, you need to allow him to own up to his wrong doings. Neither of us intended on this happening. Although we may not have every answer right now, we are trying the best to own up to this mistake." She said holding her stomach. "It's not a mistake. It's a blessing. I want my child to know who his father is. Don't shut him out from his child's life." Achilles stared at Deidamia. The room grew silent. King Lycomedes knew that his daughter was right. Although young and bossy, she was very wise. He sighed.

"Fine. For now, take Achilles back home. When the child is born, Achilles is welcomed back to Skyros. Until then, I don't want to look at him. By that time, I will have forgiven the boy. Hopefully." Peleus and Thetis did what King Lycomedes asked of them. They took Achilles home. Achilles could keep in contact with Deidamia through mail. She often wrote him updating him on the progress of their child. By the 8th month, Achilles was welcomed back to Skyros island. The following month, Achilles and Deidamia welcomed their child into the world. They decided to name him Neoptolemus. To keep the family name from being tarnished, Deidamia was forced to marry a prince from a neighboring island. This diminished any romantic feelings Achilles had for the princess. Deidamia, heartbroken, didn't want to marry the prince but, she knew she needed to protect her family. The world would think of the prince as Neoptolemus's father. When King Lycomedes saw what a blessing Neoptolemus was to him and his family, he forgave Achilles granting him access to see his son whenever. Neoptolemus lived on Skyros with his grandfather, grandmother, aunts, step father and mother. Deidamia never hid from Neoptolemus who his real father was. Neoptolemus often looked forward to seeing his father and hearing tales about his father's adventures. Neoptolemus loved his father deeply. He admired him as a warrior and took pride of Achilles being his father. Often when Neoptolemus told other children that Achilles was his biological dad, the children would laugh in his face and say he was lying. Deidamia explained to her son that he needed to keep quiet about being Achilles's son. She promised she would explain the situation to him when he got older. Since Neoptolemus adored his mother, he did as he was told. Unless it was disclosed, he wouldn't say to anyone that he was Achilles's child.

Merina gazed at the lavish spread that was displayed across the long dining tables. Everything looked exquisite. There were all sorts of cheeses; feta, mozzarella, swiss, and cheddar cheese. There were fruits, olives, grapes, sliced roasted pig, sliced roasted lamb, soup, salad, and gallons of wine. Merina didn't know where to start. The food was slightly different from her homeland. The Greeks ate more dairy products than the Egyptians. Merina followed Achilles to their seats. The dining hall was beautiful. There were paintings of the Gods and Goddesses of Greece. There was a white pillar in each corner of the room. The hundreds of candle lights lit up the room perfectly. The table cloths were stitched with gold stitching that shined brightly. The grails were even gold and silver. Merina couldn't tell if it was real gold or fake gold. Either way, everything was beautiful. Patroclus's home was beautiful. Merina gazed across the room and saw Patroclus sitting next to his father and his mother. She could tell Menoetius was Patroclus's father because they looked exactly alike. Menoetius glared at Merina from across the room. He leaned over to his son.

"Is that the girl you were telling me about?" He asked. Patroclus nodded his head yes.

"Yes father. It is." Menoetius leaned back in his chair.

"Pretty. Very pretty." He cocked his head to the side. "There's no way Achilles will be able to keep his hands off her." Patroclus laughed.

"She's a strong one. She isn't smitten by Achilles's charm like all the other women he has bedded."

"That's good. Well, introduce me to her later. She looks lovely." Achilles saw a familiar face as he approached his seat. Merina squinted her eyes. Achilles resembled the man greatly. They had the same eye and hair color. She assumed it was his father. He was tall like Achilles. He had a nicely trimmed beard. He wore a long white chiton with the same orange wrapping Achilles always wore. He was muscular and very fit for his age. His eyes were sharper than Achilles's. Upon meeting him, any one would be intimidated. Besides him was a woman. She had long white hair. Her hair was as white as snow. Her skin was very fair. She was astonishing, Merina thought. She wore a sea green long chiton with a silver shawl. She had a head chain on her head with a turquoise gem in the center. Didn't Achilles say that deities wore head chains? Merina thought to herself. Was she a Goddess? The woman and man looked in Achilles direction and made their way towards him.

"My boy!" Peleus said extending his arms out to greet his son. He kissed Achilles on each of his cheeks.

"Father. It has been a while." Achilles said hugging his father back.

"It has. Hasn't it?" Peleus laughed. Thetis looked to Achilles's left. She saw Merina wearing her shawl.

"Achilles dear, do you mind introducing us to your friend." She said softly.

"Oh yes. Mother, father, this is Merina." Peleus took Merina's hand and kissed it.

"It's a pleasure to meet you dear." He said.

"Likewise." Merina replied. Merina bowed to Achilles's mother making sure not to make eye contact.

"There's no need to bow dear. Hugs are acceptable." Thetis said extending her arms out to Merina. Merina was flabbergasted. She accepted Thetis's hug. "Are you keeping Achilles out of trouble?" Thetis asked.

"I hope so." Merina laughed. "How much trouble does Achilles get himself in to?" Thetis laughed.

"You don't even want to know."

"So, son, how did you two get acquainted? How long have you been together?" Peleus asked.

"Oh sir. You have it mistaken. Achilles and I we are just friends. We are not together."

"Really? Well, the way you two go hand in hand, anyone would think you're a couple." Achilles grinned.

"I'm sorry sir. We aren't."

"Pity." Peleus said. "So, tell us, how did you meet?"

"It's a peculiar story father." Achilles began.

"Amuse me. I'm always in the mood for a good laugh." Thetis and Peleus awaited Achilles's answer.

"Well, while Patroclus and I were training on the beach, um, she drifted ashore in a small wooden boat." Thetis and Peleus looked at each other.

"Come again?" Thetis asked.

"She drifted ashore in a small wooden boat. King Menelaus told me to look after her so, she's been traveling with me ever since. I know, it's slightly hard to believe." Achilles replied.

"No, no son. I'm sure we've heard stranger things. My dear, where are you from?" Thetis asked Merina.

"I'm Kemetian or as your people say, 'Egyptian'." Merina replied. Thetis and Peleus were shocked. How did a girl from Egypt get to Greece in a small wooden boat?

"Well, Merina, you carry yourself with such grace and such poise. May we conversate?" Thetis asked wanting to know more about the girl.

"Yes, we may."

"I'll steal her only for a bit." Thetis said dragging Merina away to talk. Peleus looked at his son.

"Are you sure you two are just 'friends'?" He asked.

"Sadly, we are." Achilles responded.

"It is a pity. It's almost every warrior's dream to have a foreign mistress to cater to his needs."

"Believe me father, I've tried. She's tough."

"Whose tough?" Achilles turned around to see a familiar face. He was older than Achilles. He was in his mid-30's. He had jet black hair that was combed back away from his face and a full-face beard. He was wearing a white chiton too. He wore a golden necklace with a tri-colored wrist band. He had deep dimples and a dashing smile. He was as tall as Achilles and Peleus. He was of a muscular build.

"Odysseus!" Achilles said hugging the man before him.

"It's great to see you again, Achilles." He said hugging the man back. "Peleus." Odysseus said hugging his friend.

"How have you been?" Peleus asked.

"I've been swell. Yourself?" He replied.

"Never better."

"Who were you guys chatting about?" Odysseus asked.

"It seems my son has made a foreign friend." Peleus said pointing in Merina's direction. Odysseus looked at Merina.

"She's pretty Achilles. Where is she from?" Odysseus asked.

"Egypt." Achilles replied.

"Egypt?" Odysseus repeated. He looked at the woman again. "I know a few people from Egypt myself. Actually- "Odysseus paused. "She looks like someone I know. Her eyes."

"Really? Who?" Achilles questioned. Just when Achilles asked his question, the horns were blown by the servants. Everyone scurried to find their seats. Merina took her seat next to Achilles. Menoetius stood up from his chair and spoke in a loud and clear voice.

"Good evening all. I am thankful that everyone made it safely to my abode." Achilles looked across the room and saw some familiar faces. Straight across from him, he saw King Menelaus of Sparta along with his wife Helen. Beside them were his children. Achilles looked to the far right and saw a man on the other end of the table with his wife and daughter. Achilles wasn't familiar with who he was. The man wasn't fat but, he wasn't skinny. He had dark black hair that was combed to the side. His eyes resembled Menelaus's eyes. The man looked very stern. Achilles leant over to his father.

"Father? Who is that?" He asked. Peleus looked in the direction Achilles was facing, ignoring Menoetius's speech.

"Who? Him?" Peleus asked.

"Yes."

"That is King Agamemnon of Atreus. Beside him, is his wife Clytemnestra. I know that's one of his daughter's but, I forget which one of his daughters that is." Achilles heard of Agamemnon. He knew Menelaus had a brother but, he had never laid eyes upon him.

"I see." Achilles gazed down the far end of his table and saw more familiar faces. He saw Ristonda and her two sister's Uenia and Medonia. He saw Menilos sitting with his fellow myrmidons. Menoetius finished his speech when Achilles redirected his attention to him.

"Now, tonight we shall eat and drink until our hearts content. Stin ygeia sas! He yelled.

"Stin ygeia sas!" The Greeks yelled. Soon enough, everyone went to enjoy the feast.

The rest of the night was full of laughter and fun. Everyone was happy. Glasses of wine and beer were being poured left and right. People were drunk and having a good time. The band played a variety of traditional Greek tunes using instruments like the outi, baglamas, the flute, santouri, daouli, klarinas and karamoudzes. The tunes were so lively and so much fun to dance to. Achilles was drunk. He had drunk a few beers and glasses or wine. His cheeks were flushed red with intoxication. He watched as everyone danced, including Merina. She was dancing with Patroclus then had switched off to some random man, the to Menilos and now to Achilles's father Peleus. She looked like she was enjoying herself. She too was intoxicated. When Peleus went to dance with Thetis, Merina saw Achilles sitting at the table with his wine glass. She saw a group of females attempting to ask Achilles to dance but, all of them were to shy to ask. Merina walked over to Achilles and stood in front of him.

"What's wrong? You don't dance?" She asked.

"Of course, I do." Achilles responded.

"Are you too drunk to dance?" She asked jokingly.

"Not at all."

"Why are you sitting down? It's a party. Have fun."

"Maybe because the person who've I've wanted to dance with the whole night, has been dancing with everyone else, besides me."

"I swear, you are too much sometimes, Achilles." Merina extended her hand to Achilles. He smiled.

"I'd thought you'd never ask." He said as Merina pulled him away to the dance floor. Amongst the group of girls who attempted to ask Achilles to dance was Ristonda. She was going to approach Achilles just when Merina did. She watched as the two laughed and danced to the Grecian instruments. Ristonda assumed that was the Egyptian woman Achilles had mentioned the last time he saw her. A slight jealousy consumed her. Merina was beautiful, she thought. She was exotic and seemed to be a lot of fun. Not only was Ristonda watching, Deidamia was watching as well. She had put Neoptolemus to bed and had rejoined everyone in the banquet hall for the evening festivities. She stood against a pillar watching Achilles dance with Merina. He seemed to be really enjoying himself. He twirled Merina around as if she was his bride. Deidamia scoffed and went to dance with her husband. When the music stopped, the crowd gave the band a round of applause for a job well done. Everyone went to get a drink before the band played the next song. Achilles and Merina went to their table to get the silver grails full of water. Merina's cheeks were flushed red.

"That was so much fun!" She exclaimed before taking a long sip of water.

"It was. You catch on quickly. Not only do you dress like a Greek, you dance like one too." Achilles added. Merina blushed.

"Well, what can I say?" She said. "I am open to cultural diffusion." The two laughed with each other. When Merina took another sip from the grail, she saw a familiar face. She froze. She was walking through the crowd. The same Goddess that appeared in Merina's dream was there. Achilles saw the change in Merina's face.

"What's wrong?" He asked. Merina blinked a few times. The pale goddess was gone.

"Its nothing. I just think I need some fresh air." Merina replied.

"Do you mind if I join you?" Achilles asked.

"Not at all." Achilles and Merina made their way through the crowd and out to the gardens of Menoetius's home. The garden too, was beautiful even in the night time. There was a pool in the center of the garden with white marble tiles around the edges of the pool. The garden was landscaped perfectly. There were vines that traveled up the white pillars with white flowers on them. Achilles and Merina found a bench near the pool. They were the only ones in the garden. Just as the two got comfortable, the fast and upbeat music started again. Merina stared at the stars. The cool night air cooled Achilles and Merina down.

"Do Egyptians party like this?" Achilles asked.

"Actually, we do." Merina replied.

"I see. That explains why you're such a party animal."

"I'm not a party animal. Remember, I am on vacation. Since I'm on this unexpected vacation, I might as well have fun, right?"

"Of course. I'm glad you are enjoying yourself."

"I am. You know, while we were dancing, I forgot about home." Merina said kicking her feet.

"Really?"

"Yes. Briefly. Your people make me feel like I'm at home."

"I'm glad to hear that. When you go back home which is soon, do you mind giving me a tour of Egypt?" Achilles asked leaning back in the chair.

"Of course not. I'd be honored to do so." Achilles looked sad. "Don't be sad. I'm not going home just yet."

"I can't help it. If I think about it, I feel sad."

"Stop being such a baby. Let's just enjoy the moment now. In the present." Achilles smiled.

"You're right." The band started to play the next song. Achilles stood up and bowed before Merina.

"I didn't get to ask you properly the first time, Mimi, since you took that chance from me. Would you care to dance? Again?" Merina accepted Achilles's offer.

"Yes. I accept your offer." Achilles extended his hand to Merina and she accepted. The duo quickly made their way back to the banquet hall to dance the night away. This was truly a memorable vacation for Merina.