Chapter 6
A/N: I had a hard time figuring out how to put everything in this chapter to end it where I wanted to so it's a long one but I hope it will make up for the wait. It was hell to write so some feedback would be super welcome, thanks.
Kassandra docked the Adestria on Mykonos and left her friends on the ship while she went looking for someone.
As Sam and Lara waited for the mercenary to come back, they started interrogating Odessa who had a knowing smile on her face.
"Why are we in Mykonos? Is it the safest place right now?" Lara questioned.
"I think it has more to do with the woman ruling over the island than the place itself."
The archaeologist frowned. "What's so special about her?"
Sam noticed the smirk on Odessa's face and instantly connected the dots. "Wait, is she the one who stole our Kassie's heart?"
"Kyra, yes." Odessa chuckled. "Kassandra must really care about you if she's willing to put everything aside and ask for her help."
The producer smiled. "Or maybe we have a good influence on her."
Odessa shrugged. "No matter the reason, nothing should happen to you here."
Kassandra came back an hour later with Kyra at her side. After a quick introduction, the mercenary bid them goodbye, clearly aware that if she stayed longer, it would be harder to leave.
"I didn't expect my reunion with Kassandra to go that way…" Kyra said after watching the mercenary sail away. "But after what she did for us, I'm more than happy to help. You'll be safe here."
Lara smiled in grateful appreciation. "Thank you, it's very kind of you."
"Soooo Kyra, you're Kassandra's mystery woman, right?" Sam asked, unable to hide her curiosity any longer as she followed the leader toward her house. "It's nice to finally meet you."
"Sam!" The Englishwoman chastised.
"What?"
"We barely know her." Lara looked at her disapprovingly. "Couldn't you wait?"
"Honestly? No, it's killing me!"
"You…" Lara stared at her wife before laughing at her antics. "You're bloody unbelievable, you know that?" She shook her head fondly.
"It's okay, I don't mind," Kyra reassured with a chuckle. "Is that what the mighty misthios told you?"
"She didn't say much but we're not blind." The filmmaker paused before adding. "Well, I'm not. My wife can be a bit oblivious about these kinds of things."
"Hey!"
The leader laughed. "You make a cute couple."
"Thank you." Sam smiled kindly at her. "So, you and Kassandra?"
Kyra smiled back sadly. "We… It's complicated…"
"Yeah, that's what I've gathered." Sam patted the leader's arm. "But if she's the one, you'll find a way."
"May the Gods hear you…"
Sam and Lara spent most of the next day visiting Mykonos. Before the sunset, Lara decided to surprise her wife with a picnic and led her to a nice spot on a hill.
"What do you think?" The archaeologist questioned once they arrived.
Sam looked around, her smile slowly growing when she saw what her wife had prepared for her. There was a rug on the ground with flower petals scattered all over it. It was covered with plates full of fruits and different type of food. The view of the island was also breathtaking. "Oh, sweetie…"
"Is that a yes?"
"Yes but." The filmmaker frowned. "You were with me all day, when did you find the time to do all this?"
Lara smiled. "Kyra helped…" She cleared her throat. "I did this because I wanted to apologize."
Sam arched an eyebrow. "For what?"
"Being an arse…" The Englishwoman said sheepishly.
"You're gonna have to be more specific."
"Who's being an arse now?"
Sam chuckled but quickly turned serious when she realized something was really bothering her wife. "Tell me what's on your mind."
"I wasn't the nicest to Kassandra at first, and I made a few passive aggressive comments to you…"
"And why?" The producer prodded gently despite knowing the answer.
Lara let out a long sigh. "Because I was jealous."
"Yeah, I figured but I didn't do anything wrong. I mean, yes, Kassandra is hot but that doesn't mean I'm gonna jump her bones as soon as you're not looking. She's just a friend."
"No, no, it's not you." The archaeologist shook her head. "It's, it's me. She's… She's lovely and you were just trying to be her friend. You're affectionate, it's in your nature and I love that about you… I was just… insecure."
"About my love for you?"
"No, about how you could do better." Lara sighed. "I know we've been over this before, but some fears are harder to die than others." She took Sam's hands in hers. "I love you, so, so much, and I feel so lucky to have you in my life but a part of me still thinks that I don't deserve you, that you should just run away and have a more peaceful life."
"I'll never judge you for having those fears. I know you have them, just like I have mine. I am terrified of losing you. I am scared that one day you'll realize I'm a burden keeping you away from all your treasure hunts. Sometimes, I'm also afraid to see you go on an expedition and never come back to me because you died there, alone." Sam confessed. "But when the dark thoughts come, we need to talk to each other, not shut down like a clam."
"I know, it's my thing," The Englishwoman admitted. "I'm doing better though."
"You're doing great."
Lara kissed her wife's hand. "Thank you."
"Of all the things you should fear, losing me shouldn't be one of them." The filmmaker cupped Lara's cheeks tenderly. "I love you, Lara Croft. You are amazing and I married you for a reason, hundreds of them actually. We complete each other and I'm planning on spending the rest of my life with you, by your side as we travel the world, one adventure at the time." She smiled. "Next time, maybe not one with a machine that sends our soul into the past, but you know…"
Lara chuckled. "Yeah."
"Stop worrying that pretty head of yours."
"I wouldn't resent you, if one day, you've had enough of this life."
"I won't," Sam affirmed.
The archaeologist removed Sam's hands from her face. "How can you be so sure?"
"I have a shitload of baggage too," The producer reminded her. "But you still thought I was worth the fight when I felt like I was nothing."
"You're everything and you are not a burden, you're a blessing, a light."
"And you're my light too, so rest easy, sweetie, I'm not going anywhere and as great as Kassandra is, I'm not planning on leaving you for her."
"Okay, good." Lara nodded, trying to rein in her anxious thoughts.
"Do I need to say it again?"
"No."
"Good!" Sam smiled. "I love you, butthead."
"I love you too, darling." Lara leaned in and kissed her wife softly.
"Now, I hope you found us some good wine because I can't drink any more of the shit Kassandra keeps offering us."
The Englishwoman laughed. "Yes, Kyra gave me a nice one."
"Great." Sam settled on the rug and patted the spot next to her. "Let's watch the sunset while you woo me."
"Yes, dear."
The next couple of days, Sam and Lara went over everything they knew so far, about the artifact, about Kassandra and her family. They even borrowed a little fishing boat to visit Delos and explore the tomb of Brizo Kassandra had told them about. There, they studied the stele and tried to decipher its meaning.
On the third day, the couple caught sight of the Adestria as it approached the island. They made their way to the dock to welcome the crew. Barnabas was the first to greet them before handing them a letter from Kassandra who was still in Athens.
Lara quickly read it. 'Lara, Sam, I hope this letter finds you well. The plague is spreading in Athens and a few of our leaders died because of the cult. I need to stay here a little longer but I am sure Herodotos will keep you company and explain the situation in more details. Since chaos reigns in the streets, I was afraid for the safety of one of my friends and sent her away so you could keep her safe. Please protect her. May Artemis guide you in these dark times. Kassandra.'
Sam frowned and asked Barnabas. "Who's her friend?"
"That would be me." A little girl appeared at Barnabas's side.
"But." Lara looked at the captain in confusion. "She's a child."
"No, I'm not," The girl puffed her chest out and lifted her chin proudly. "I am a soon to be me misthios."
The producer laughed. "Is that so?"
"Yes."
"What's your name, sweetie?" Sam asked gently.
"Phoibe"
"Nice to meet you Phoibe, I'm Sam and this is Lara."
Phoibe looked at the archaeologist. "You're pretty."
The Englishwoman chuckled. "Thank you."
Another man joined them on the dock, smiling at Lara. "You must be Lara." The man offered his hand. "I am Herodotos. Kassandra told me you were looking forward to meeting me."
Lara's eyes widened. "I… You… Yes…"
"Don't mind her," Sam jumped in as she tried not to laugh at her wife's reaction. "I think she is just impressed by you. I'm Sam, it's nice to meet you."
Once Lara got over her little freaking out moment, the group made its way toward Kyra's house as Herodotos explained the situation in Athens.
Lara and Sam spent the next hour talking with Herodotos about the ancient forge he had found in hope that it could help them figure out what was the artifact they were looking for.
After a while, Sam left Lara with her new friend to check on Phoibe who was playing outside with a sad look on her face. They talked for a moment until the girl confessed that she had been attacked by the cult and rescued by Kassandra. She was afraid that her friend was now in trouble because of her. Sam asked Phoibe to sit with her on a bench and explained that it wasn't her fault and Kassandra would be okay. She promised the little girl that Lara and she would take care of her until the misthios came back.
At night, when Lara and Sam had settled in one of the guest rooms of the house, they heard some crying coming from the room next to theirs. They stopped talking and listened for a moment.
Sam sighed. "Phoibe is crying…"
"Poor girl, she's stuck in the middle of a war that isn't her own." Lara stared at the wall as if she could see Phoibe. "Should we check up on her?"
"I'll go." The producer pushed the cover away.
"I could go if you want to rest, I mean." The archaeologist scratched her neck. "I think I'm good with children."
"You are and I love that about you." Sam smiled softly. "But we had a little chat earlier and I think I know what this is about." She kissed her wife's cheek before standing up.
"Okay. Perhaps I could teach her how to use a bow, it would keep her mind busy."
"I'm sure she would love that. Be right back." The filmmaker grabbed an oil lamp and left the room. She took a few steps to reach the tiny room Phoibe was staying in and knocked softly before entering. "It's Sam, are you alright, sweetheart?" She saw the girl hastily wipe her tears away.
"Just a nightmare…"
"About what happened in Athens?" When Sam was only met by a small nod, she continued. "Oh sweetie, it's okay, you're safe now." She stepped closer to the bed. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Phoibe shook her head, pulling her knees close to her chest as is she was trying to protect herself.
"Maybe a hug then?" The producer asked gently to show the girl that she wasn't here to hurt her.
Phoibe seemed to hesitate before finally looking at Sam. "Yes, if you don't mind…" She shifted over on the bed to make space.
"Of course not." Sam put the oil lamp on the table in the corner before settling on the bed and wrapping the little girl in a warm hug. "You miss Kassandra, don't you?"
The girl sighed, slowly relaxing in the comforting arms of her new friend. "Yes. After my parents died, she became a sister to me."
"Well, I know it's not the same but Lara and I are here for you. We'll gladly fill the sister's role if you want us to."
"Really? Two more sisters? Cool!"
The filmmaker chuckled. "Why don't you try to get some sleep? I'll stay with you until you fall asleep."
"Thank you, adelfí."
In the other room, Lara was still waiting for her wife to come back. After another thirty minutes, she decided to go check up on her and Phoibe. She smiled softly when she found Sam lying on the bed with the girl holding her for dear life. "Is she okay?" She whispered.
Sam gave her a tired smile. "I think so, yeah."
"Are you coming to bed?"
"I tried to leave but every time I do, her grip tightens and…" The producer looked at her wife apologetically.
"Wait here." Lara left the room and came back two minutes later with a pillow and a blanket under her arms. She settled them on the floor, on top of the rug lying in front of the bed. She studied her makeshift bed and nodded in satisfaction. "That should do the trick."
"Sweetie, you don't have to stay…"
"I want to." Lara leaned in to kiss her wife's forehead. "Get some rest, love." She made sure Sam was comfortable before lying down.
A couple of days later and after a lot of discussions with Herodotos, Lara asked Phoibe if she wanted her to teach her how to use a bow and the girl joyfully agreed.
They were all in the garden. Phoibe was holding Lara's bow as the woman showed her the basics while Sam was talking with Kyra. When the leader left, the producer laid down and enjoyed the sun. She kept her eyes on her wife, a small smile on her face as her heart slowly filled with hope, hope for a future where they could be three, with a child and a happy family. She was torn away from her thoughts when she heard a "Psst!" She frowned and turned around to see where it was coming from. She eventually spotted Kassandra who was gesturing at her and Lara to come inside. When she tried to speak, the mercenary shook her head, nodding in direction of Phoibe. She guessed her friend didn't want to be seen yet and needed to talk to them first. Knowing that the girl wouldn't stay outside if Lara and her were gone, she walked toward her wife and discreetly mouthed. 'Kassie, inside'. She cleared her throat. "Phoibe, why don't you show me what you've learned while Lara gets some rest?"
Once Lara was sure the girl was distracted, she hurried inside the house to meet her friend. She was waiting in a small study. "Hey, are you okay?"
The mercenary had quite a few new cuts and bruises on her face and body. "I am, don't worry. Are you?"
"We are." Lara could see the woman was in pain but decided not to mention it. "Did you see Kyra?"
"Yes, we talked for a while but I wanted to talk to you as well before I see Phoibe."
"Sam is trying to keep her busy. Phoibe, she's…" The archaeologist stopped. Maybe it wasn't the right time to mention the girl's psychological state. "What happened in Athens?"
Kassandra let out a painful sigh. "I found a real lead on my mother but I lost friends. I almost lost Phoibe too…"
"The cultists…"
"Yes… and my brother. He wasn't part of the group who tried to kill Phoibe but he was around. It could have been one of his orders..." The Spartan woman leaned against the desk. "I don't think I've mentioned it before but he's one of them. He was raised by a crazy woman who let my mother think her child was dead."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Did you talk to him?"
"I tried to make him see reason but…"
"But?" Lara prodded.
Kassandra sighed once again. "At what point is it too late?"
"Beg your pardon?"
"I was so relieved when I found Phoibe just in time and yet so angry..." The mercenary balled her fists as the memory flashed into her mind. "I was ready to kill whoever was standing in my way and then I stumbled into Alexios, just before he sliced Pericles's throat."
"But…" Lara frowned. She remembered that part of history quite well. "But Pericles died from the plague!"
"No, I was there, I saw him." Kassandra insisted, her eyes lost in the distance. "And I was… I think I could have killed him." She locked eyes with her friend. "So my question is, when is it too much? He's my family but…"
The Englishwoman paused before answering, trying to process everything and find the right words. "I can't tell you what to do, it's up to you to decide where to draw the line. Family is… complicated. I just know that, no matter how much you want to help someone, some people can't be saved and, some things can't be forgiven, no matter how much you love them. Do what you can but, for your own good, prepare yourself for the worst and accept that, at some point, you might have to stop him…"
"You are right."
They stayed in comfortable silence until Lara said. "You are allowed to be angry, you know, upset and sad. Everything that you are feeling right now is valid."
The mercenary chuckled, grateful and self-deprecating. "Am I so transparent?"
"No." Lara smiled kindly. "I'm just, a lot like you, I suppose…"
"So what do you do in those moments?"
"I talk to Sam. Well, no." Lara chuckled to herself. "To be honest, I sulk in my office, alone, then she comes and finds me after a while, when she thinks it's enough and just… put my mind at ease..."
"What would she say?" Kassandra asked, the hint of a smile on her face.
"You can talk to her if you want but, I guess, she would tell you, you don't have to be Superman."
The Spartan woman frowned in confusion. "Who is this super man?"
The archaeologist laughed. "He's our modern Heracles. It just means, we are only human. It's okay to be tired and put your weapons down for a moment to rest, to heal before going back into battle."
Kassandra hummed in agreement. "It's a wise piece of advice. I just wish I could do more."
"I know it's not much comfort but, we are here," Lara said in a show of support. "We'll be happy to help you, and I'm not saying that just because we were sent here to find an artifact but because we appreciate you."
"Thank you."
"Lara, come!" They heard Phoibe called from outside and laughed.
"I better join her or she's going to rush in here." Lara declared with amusement in her voice. "Are you coming?"
"In a minute." Kassandra waited for Lara to leave the room before slouching further against the desk. She buried her head into her hands and sighed wearily. She didn't know how long she stayed like that but when she looked up, Sam was standing at the door. "Did Lara send you?"
"She said you could use some cheer up."
The mercenary moved away from the desk. "She is a great listener."
"She is." Sam smiled.
"Did she tell you what happened?"
"Briefly, we didn't want Phoibe to hear us." The filmmaker looked at her bruised and battered friend. "What do you want to do now?"
"I came here to make sure you were all okay but now that I know my Mater is in Naxos, I have to go there." The Spartan woman informed her.
"It's great." Sam noticed the lack of excitement on the mercenary's face. "Wait, you don't look happy about it."
"It has been 17 years, I don't really know what to tell her, especially about her son…"
"When you'll stand in front of her, I'm sure you'll know. Just speak from the heart. And regarding your brother, we all do bad things…"
Kassandra chuckled dejectedly. "It goes beyond that…"
"Blood doesn't mean family, you know?" Sam knew that more than anyone. Most of her life, her parents had been distant, absent, one of them too pushover and the other too controlling. But once she was old enough, she built her own family, with Lara and their friends. Even if her parents had changed in the past couple of years, trying to be more present for her, at the end of the day, her chosen family was what mattered to her the most. "Phoibe is like a little sister to you and it's important. What if she had been killed? Would you have forgiven him, just for the illusion of a happy family?"
"Probably not."
"Maybe it's not too late yet but if he's beyond saving..."
"I'll have to stop him, I know."
"I'm sorry," Sam said sympathetically.
"It's not your fault." Kassandra waved the apology away.
"I wish we could help you."
"You do," The mercenary assured her. "You helped me several times in the past. You even took care of Phoibe when I couldn't, even though you didn't have to. It means something to me."
"She's a feisty one."
"She is." Kassandra agreed with a small smile before it dropped. "I can't believe I almost lost her."
"Hey, she's safe, that's what matters." The producer reminded her. "I can see you need a hug, come here." She didn't give her friend time to react before hugging her.
Lara stepped inside the room, ready to speak but stopped when she saw the scene. All her jealousy was gone, she just felt bad for the woman, knowing how painful some choices could be. Yes, she knew all so well about loss and sacrifices.
Kassandra saw her and tensed but when Lara smiled at her kindly and nodded, she relaxed and nodded back. She broke the embrace. "Maybe the Gods have sent you my way for a reason."
"I don't know about the Gods, but I'm glad I met you." Sam declared just before Phoibe barged in.
"Kassandra, you're back!" The girl rushed toward her and hugged her tightly. "I need to show you something, Lara taught me how to use a bow!"
The mercenary ruffled her hair affectionately. "Go ahead, I'll be there in a minute". Once it was just the three of them, she looked at Sam and Lara. "Thank you, both of you." She smiled before walking toward the door.
Lara squeezed the woman's arm as she came closer. "Are you gonna be okay?"
"Yes." Kassandra quickly changed the subject as she made her way outside, followed by her friends. "So you taught the kid how to use a bow?"
"I did, I hope it's okay?" Lara asked.
"Well, I guess it's time she learns how to defend herself, I've sheltered her long enough… Anyway, how about a friendly competition?"
Lara laughed. "Do you really want to lose in front of Phoibe?" She raised an eyebrow.
Kassandra laughed with her. "Let's see who Artemis's favorite is then."
Sam shook her head, amused. "Does everything have to be a competition with you two?"
When Kassandra and Lara realized it was a tie, they ended up letting Phoibe win. Soon it was lunch time and they all settled together with Kyra to eat.
Sam watched Kassandra and Kyra interact with a small smile on her face. They were sitting really close to each other and kept laughing. It was nice to see her friend so carefree for once.
Lara was also paying attention to the exchange. After the leader made a particular comment to make the mercenary laugh, she leaned closer to her wife and whispered. "Did Kassandra just…"
"Giggle?" Sam finished with laughter in her eyes. "Definitely."
Later, Kyra excused herself to go back to her office and kissed Kassandra's cheek. Before the mercenary could leave the table, Sam decided to tease her. "Someone is smitten."
Kassandra gasped. "I am not."
"You so are!" The producer smirked.
"No! I'm, she …" The Spartan woman spluttered, flustered. She stood up abruptly.
Sam moved next to her and started singing. "Who'd'ya think you're kiddin'. She's the Earth and heaven to you, try to keep it hidden. Honey, we can see right through you. Girl, ya can't conceal it, we know how ya feel and, who you're thinking of…"
"What is she singing?" The mercenary looked surprised and confused.
"It's a tale for kids about Heracles and Megara." The archaeologist explained to her.
The filmmaker turned to her wife. "Lara, back me up!"
"Oh no," Lara shook her head vehemently. "I won't sing."
"Come on, at least speak the words!" Sam insisted with a pleading smile.
"No…" Lara saw her wife's pouty face and rolled her eyes. "Chance, no way." She continued the song, speaking the words with no convention. "I won't say it, no, no."
Sam grinned brightly and kept singing. "You swoon, you sigh why deny it, uh-oh…"
"By the Gods." Kassandra groaned. "You two are crazy."
The producer laughed. "Tell us everything!"
"You have a beautiful voice," The Spartan woman complimented, avoiding to answer. "One of a muse."
"Thank you but don't change the subject."
"There is nothing to say. I still have a lot of things to do before…" Kassandra gestured at nothing and everything around.
"There's no hurry." Sam smiled sympathetically. "It doesn't look like she's going anywhere."
"May the Gods hear you…"
Early the next morning, Lara and Sam were woken up by some shouting. Confused, Lara carefully left the room to investigate. She bumped into Phoibe who was standing in the hallway.
"What's happening?" The girl rubbed her eyes tiredly.
"I'm gonna have a look, go back to bed, darling." Lara gently nudged her back inside her room. "I'll call if you if it's important." Once she was sure Phoibe wouldn't follow her, she made her way toward the source of the noise. She stopped in front of the slightly ajar door of Kyra's bedroom and listened.
"So what?" Kyra shouted. "You thought you would just get up early and leave without saying goodbye?!"
"No, I wanted to make sure the crew would be ready to leave as soon as I'm done here." Kassandra barked back.
"Don't lie to me. You knew I wanted to come with you and…"
Lara heard footsteps and turned her head to the side to see Sam. When her wife asked what was going on, she explained the situation to her.
"Seriously!" Without hesitation, the producer pushed the door open, not bothering to knock.
"Sam, no wait!" The archaeologist groaned.
Sam cleared her throat to get the women's attention. "What's going on here?"
"Kassandra tried to leave without us," Kyra told her, crossing her arms.
"I would have said goodbye!" The mercenary defended herself.
"It's not the problem," The leader insisted. "I said I would come with you."
"Count us in too." The filmmaker declared.
The Spartan woman shook her head. "It's my Mater, it's something I have to do alone."
"We can stay on the ship while you meet her but after what happened in Athens, I don't think it's wise to stay apart." Lara finally jumped in. "We are stronger together."
"I've waited long enough," Kassandra stated.
"Then we can pack and leave this morning." The Englishwoman replied quickly. "We couldn't find anything regarding the artifact here anyway."
The mercenary scoffed. "It's all your care about, isn't it?"
"Come on, that's uncalled for." Sam protested.
"No by any means, let's hear what she has to say because apparently, she already forgot what we discussed yesterday." Lara snapped, annoyed by her friend's attitude.
"I have nothing else to say, it's a journey I have to take alone," Kassandra repeated, ignoring the sad look Kyra was sending her to focus on Lara. "I don't have time to protect you while you go on your little treasure hunt."
The archaeologist crossed her arms. She could understand her friend's frustration, she was frustrated too. She was getting restless by the lack of clue on how to leave but it wasn't fair of Kassandra to snap at them. "We can take care of ourselves, we don't need to be coddled."
"Then why are you still here?" The mercenary took a step closer to Lara. "Go find your artifact on your own."
Lara stood her ground, leaning closer to the mercenary's face. "That's bloody rich coming from someone…"
Sam warily glanced at her friend then at her wife. "Lara…" She cut her off.
"Kassandra," Kyra called, trying to diffuse the situation. "Please, let's…"
"No, this conversation is over." Kassandra cut her off before leaving the room.
Sam frowned. "What's gotten into her?"
"We spent the evening together," Kyra explained. She saw Sam arch an eyebrow. "Not like that, we talked. I tried to push her to confide in me but we ended up fighting. When I woke up, I went to see her, to apologize, and she was preparing Phobos as if she couldn't wait to leave."
"What now?" Lara asked to no one in particular.
"I have work to do, if you'll excuse me." The leader announced. She nodded and exited the room.
The producer stepped next to her wife and engulfed her in a hug. "I'm starting to doubt we'll ever leave this place." She mumbled against her neck.
"We will, I promise." Lara pulled Sam closer. "But perhaps it's time to find another the way to leave."
"The emergency switch?"
"Yes. We don't know enough about the artifact Dr. Zuller asked us to find. Do we even want to give him its location without knowing what he could do with it?"
"Good point."
They stayed in each other's arms for a while.
Lara was in the garden, scribbling a few ideas down about how they could wake up from the animus when Kyra approached her.
"Is she gone?" The leader asked, sitting next to her new friend on the bench.
The archaeologist shrugged. "I saw her leave toward the dock after talking to Phoibe."
Kyra sighed. "By Hera, she can be stubborn."
"Family can be complicated and she has been through a lot… It's not always easy to look at things with a clear head."
"Trust me, I know." Kyra stayed silent for a moment. "Where is your wife?"
"With Phoibe." Lara answered. "The poor kid was sad to see Kassandra leave again."
"Sam is good with her."
"She is."
"Do you two want children?" I mean, how does it even work in the future?"
Lara scratched her neck and chuckled nervously. "I… We… we never had the talk. And yes, science allows same-sex couples to have children but…" She paused. "With the life we live, I don't think it's a good idea…"
"I think you would make great parents." A voice said from behind them. They turned around to see Kassandra.
"What are you doing here? I thought you left." Kyra stood up and crossed her arms defensively.
"I wanted to but…" The mercenary sighed. "You were right. The cult is everywhere and it would be wiser to stay together. You can all come, if you still want to..."
"Alright, I'll tell the others." The leader went inside without sparing a glance at the mercenary.
"Kyra, I…" The Spartan woman tried but her former lover was already gone. She turned to Lara. "How mad is she?"
"She's quite cross with you…"
"And are you?"
Lara sighed. "I was annoyed at first but then I remembered I did the same thing a few times. It's only when I realized that I was hurting myself and the people I love that I stopped rushing headfirst into danger." She chuckled. "Well, not completely but I've learned to accept my friends' help. Isn't that what you told me after you pushed me out of the way of an arrow?"
"I did say that…"
"We are not trying to prevent you from seeing your mother." The archaeologist assured her. "We just want to travel with you, just in case and we'll stay out of the way until you are ready."
"I apologize for my harsh words. I know the situation isn't easy for you either. I still want to help you…"
"We can wait until things calm down but thank you." Lara moved closer to Kassandra and squeezed her arm. "I better get ready if we want to leave soon. I'll see you in a bit."
They all traveled to Naxos in tense silence, punctuated by failed attempts to start conversations. After docking the ship, Kassandra apologized once again for her behavior. Lara and Sam had moved on from the altercation but Kyra was still clearly upset. Despite the hurt, the leader reassured and encouraged Kassandra before she left to find her mother.
The women kept busy until Kassandra met them, just before nightfall. The mercenary looked shaken but happy. "My mater wants you to join us for dinner."
"Are you okay?" Kyra questioned.
"What happened?" Sam inquired at the same time.
"I'm good. Our meeting went well…" Kassandra trailed off. "When I told her I needed to see my friends, she lectured me on manners and asked me to invite you."
Sam snorted. "Mothers."
"Are you okay with that?" Lara asked to be sure, knowing it was an important moment for her friend. "We don't want to impose."
"I don't mind." The mercenary assured her.
"Can I come too?" Phoibe asked timidly.
"Of course."
"Cool!" Phoibe grabbed Kassandra's hand. "Let's go, I'm starving."
"Okay." The mercenary chuckled and offered her other hand hesitantly for Kyra to take. The leader smiled and accepted it, letting herself be led.
Sam and Lara followed behind them. "They make a cute family." The producer declared.
"They do."
The next day, Kassandra spent her morning with her mother while the rest of the group took a tour of the island. They all gathered for lunch at Myrrine's house and then settled in the garden.
Lara was enjoying the view of the sea when Kassandra approached her. The mercenary smiled. "What do you think of Naxos so far?"
"It's nice. Your mother did a good job." The archaeologist glanced toward the back of the garden where Myrrine was in a deep conversation with Kyra. "It's humbling to see how after everything that happened to her, she can still be kind and fair in her ruling."
Kassandra nodded in agreement. "I think she knows Kyra is special to me."
"It's good. Have you talked to Kyra? She seemed quite sad after your fight."
"Not yet, but I will."
"Kassandra, look!" Phoibe ran toward them excitedly, pointing at her hair. "Sam did my hair. I have a braid like you now."
Kassandra chuckled, lightly touching the girl's braid. "You look good." She smiled gratefully at Sam who was now joining them. "Did you say thank you?"
Phoibe rolled her eyes. "Yes, I did."
Sam lazily snaked her arm around her wife's waist, careful to avoid Lara's bow. "She was well behaved. A perfect lady." She winked at the little girl before smiling at her friend.
The mercenary opened her mouth to answer but stopped when she heard her mother and Kyra laugh. She turned around wide-eyed before looking back at her friends. "I better make sure my mater doesn't share embarrassing stories." She ignored Sam and Lara's chuckles and made her way toward Myrrine.
"Can we go swimming?" Phoibe asked the couple.
"I don't know, sweetie. We should see what Kassandra wants to do first." The producer answered.
The girl pouted. "Okay…"
"Maybe this evening, we could…" Lara was interrupted by a burning arrow flying through the air, ending its course in the wooden pergola behind them. She heard shouting and looked up to see a group of cultists invading the house.
Sam pushed Phoibe behind her as Lara stepped in front of them, grabbing her bow. Without hesitation, she shot an arrow at the man running toward them before turning her attention to her wife. "Do you still have your dagger?" When Sam nodded, she continued. "Take Phoibe to the rooftop terrace and keep her safe."
The filmmaker took the girl's hand and quickly led her inside the house as Lara aimed at another cultist. Sam pushed Phoibe toward the stairs and told her to go ahead while she grabbed the sword that was on the table. When she turned around, she saw a cultist rush toward the stairs. "Oh no, you won't!" She caught him by the shirt and dragged him backward with force. He landed in the middle of the doorway. As he tried to stand, an arrow hit him right in the head. Sam glanced outside and saw Lara. She nodded in silent thanks before running up the stairs. Phoibe was waiting for her on the first floor. The producer gave the girl her dagger and ordered her to go to the roof. "I'll guard the stairs. Try to lock the trapdoor and don't open it until one of us tell you it's safe." She made sure Phoibe was doing what she had been asked before going back downstairs.
Meanwhile, Lara, Kassandra, Kyra, and Myrrine were all fighting the cultists coming from every side of the property. It was clear that it was a coordinated attack, they were too numerous for it to be random. Suddenly, they heard a high-pitched scream.
"Kassandra!" Phoibe called from the roof.
The mercenary looked up and saw a man climbing the wall to reach the girl. She plunged her sword into the cultist in front of her. "Phoibe!" She scanned around her, she was surrounded and too far to reach the girl in time. She made eye contact with Lara.
Lara realized Kassandra was unable to help. When she glanced inside the house, she saw Sam was busy pushing furniture to block the doors and prevent other cultists from getting in. It was on her. Out of arrow, she unsheathed her sword and made a quick decision. She ran toward the wall, piercing the stomach of a cultist on the way. She tried to pull the weapon out but it was stuck. She decided not to waste any time and left it there before hastily climbing the wall to reach the roof. She hoisted herself to the top and moved next to the little girl. Lara took Phoibe's dagger and threw it at the man's head before he could come closer.
The archaeologist was ready to ask the girl if she was okay but stopped when something flickered in the corner of her eye. She tackled Phoibe to the floor to protect her and hissed in pain when she felt an arrow scratch her arm.
"Lara!" The girl shook in fear, tears in her eyes.
"I'm okay, I'm okay." Lara forced a smile to reassure the girl. "Stay down." She crawled to the side, careful not to be seen before calling for her friend's attention. "Kassandra! Archer, second house on the right when you face the statue."
"On it!" Kassandra punched the cultist to her left and stepped aside so Kyra could kill him with her kopis. She took a few steps toward the front of the house and quickly spotted the archer. She drew her bow and shot, killing him instantly.
The women got rid of the rest of assailants and made sure they were all dead before checking on Lara and Phoibe.
Sam wiped her bloody hand on her cloak and looked toward the roof. "Lara? Are you okay? Phoibe?"
"It's okay, you can come down." Kassandra declared.
Lara stood up carefully and dusted her knees before offering her hand to help Phoibe stand. She scanned the girl's body to make sure she wasn't hurt. She was shaken but otherwise okay. She stepped away and leaned over the edge to look down at her wife and friends. "We're okay." As she finished talking, she heard the faint whistle of an arrow before she felt it pierce through her body. She lowered her eyes to her stomach and saw the blood spread over her linen armor. Her eyes went wide as she stumbled a few steps backward and then fell from the rooftop.
Sam looked in horror and screamed. "Lara!"