In the past few months I have been able to look upon the success of my first story, Blood Is Thicker than Water, and compare its popularity with this sequel. I`ve noticed that though this story is quite a different approach than it`s prequel, and I know for a fact that this story will probably never be able to stand up against it in popularity, but this story has been so much fun to write. And I know why it`s so much fun; the reason that compels me to continue on even though some days I feel as if it`s a chore, and other days where my brain refuses to give me a scrap of intelligent thought to type out. It`s because of the support of my fans and the continual positive feedback I get. As a writer, knowing there are people from all over the world reading your work, it`s an unbelievable feeling! Thus, I want to take this moment to thank all my readers, those who are new to me and my stories, and those who have been with me throughout this whole process. You all rock, and I am eternally grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you!

Disclaimer: I own no part of COTT, except for those characters created by myself, nor any lyrics that appear in this story. I write purely for pleasure, not profit.

Chapter Ten

Walking out of that locker room was the single most nerve wracking moment I have ever experienced. Though I am, by no means whatsoever a shy person, I still worry about what people think of me. Funny huh? Me, who was once called the most extroverted individual anyone had ever met, is self conscious as all hell! All I could think about was what the others must think of me now after that conversation with Hera. They all probably think I`m mentally unstable. Lock him up, Johnny! And don`t forget to throw away the key! Make sure the room is padded so I can beat my head against the wall. I`m sure Atlanta is worried, and it just makes me feel worse. Steeling myself, I head towards the statue of Zeus. Even though my mind is made up, that when all is said and done they`ll never have to worry about me and my apparent unhealthy mind, it`s still hard to go back and face them after our last talk. I made sure to clean my stuff off the floor of the locker room so they wouldn`t have to add `violent outbursts` to my mental health checklist. I`m pretty sure it's already on there, though, now that I think about it.

Finding them right where I knew they would be, I look at all of them in turn. They`re dead quiet as I walk, still as the statue which shadows them from above. Though, to my utter surprise, none have the look of pity I`ve seen so many times before in the last week. They`re either grinning at me, waving or, in Neil`s case, completely ignoring me as he scrutinizes his reflection in his ever present mirror. Smiling I wave back. In only shorts, my white t-shirt and bandages, I must look like something the cat just dragged in. Adjusting the sling keeping my injured arm immobilized, I sit on the fountains edge and look over at Jay, waiting for word on what the final decision is. It`s like waiting for a court verdict.

"So," Jay starts off a bit slowly, "even though Hera`s words do hold merit, and I`m a hundred percent sure she`s right, Gaia is the only option we have left."

The look I`m giving him must be one of blank confusion, cause he gives a short laugh. "What I mean is, we`re helping you locate your sister, no matter what the consequences. We`ll just deal with whatever comes our way when it happens. Also, again, I want to apologize-"

"Stop right there, buddy." I halt him with a raised hand. "I know when we had our little blow out that you were only thinking about the team. We`ve been over this already, remember?" When it comes to holding onto things, this guy is worse than a woman! And the mood swing! Don`t even get me started. Sheesh! A smile from me reaffirms my words. "It`s good." After all, we could probably fill a novel with the amount of apologies the two of us have passed each other.

Jay nods his thanks the crosses his arms over his chest and looks at the team. "Family is everything, and I`m embarrassed to even think I had once forgotten that. Not just our own families, but each other. We`ve been through so much, I consider you all my family just as much as my own mother. When one of us hurts, we all do. Besides," his wolfish smile finally confirms that we do, in fact, have the old Jay back again and not the general with a stick up his ass, "When we find Angela, we`ll also find Cronus. Let`s finally end this, once in for all."

A cheer goes out amongst the ranks, and it feels like things are finally back to normal. A hand is laid gently on my shoulder, and I turn to stare into the most beautiful eyes in the world. Atlanta gives me a warm smile, and I find myself stumbling over the words in my mind. "`Lanta, I`m sorry-"

"No more apologies. I`m sick of `em." Her finger gently touches my lips, silencing me. "The Archie I know apologises for nothing. When did he get replaced with this brooding, angsty individual?"

"I might as well just dye my hair black, huh?"

"Do it and I`ll shave off your eyebrows."

"Ooh. Woman, you hurt me so bad, you know?" I try and act serious, but laugh as she takes a swing at me. "Hey, injured remember?"

"If you can be such a smartass it must not hurt that badly." Hands on hips she smiles as though victorious.

"Guys, focus. We have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time." Jay brakes in with his sobering tone. I`m grateful but still, the banter was fun. Giving a small wave, he urges the group to follow him down the corridor towards Hermes` offices. The walk is short and as we push the large gilded doors open the messenger God is there to greet us in a flash. His smile is warm but I can read the worry in his eyes.

"Hera`s already told me what you kids are up to." I smirk since the guy doesn`t look older than eighteen himself. "I`m sceptical, but I`ll help any way I can."

"Thanks Hermes." Jay sighs. "We need to find out where Gaia is and I`m hoping you can help us. Being in charge of monitoring the gods' global networks and communication systems, I figured you`re the best man for the job. "

"Then you have indeed come to the right place, though this may take a while." Taking flight on his winged sandals he zips over to the large indentation in the center of his massive office. Knocking on the floor twice, he explains as the floor begins to rise with a hiss of steam and grinding of gears. "Tracking a God or a demigod is one thing, but if higher beings such as Gaia wish to remain hidden then none of the technology at my disposal can help locate them. If it were that easy, Cronus would be back in Tartarus by now."

"Whatever you can do to help is still appreciated Hermes." Odie walked over to join his mentor as the central console came fully into view, revealing the Techno-Greeks Optus, Phonus, and Logus. None seemed to be aware of their environment, too busy watching their screens as they appeared to be in a heated Halo battle.

"Dude, watch it! He`s got a hammer!"

"I can see that! That being said, where are you? You have all the grenades!"

"I`m out of ammo!"

"So? Grab a new gun!"

"Crap! Wraith!"

None of the games sounds could be heard as they all wore headsets. It`s also why they missed Hermes clear his throat in impatience. After an awkward moment of Hermes glaring holes into each of their skulls, one finally noticed us. Ripping off his headset, flushed red with embarrassment, Logus sheepishly waved at us. "Heya boss. What`s up?"

"Your resume`s on the internet if you continue playing games on my expensive equipment." Hermes muses. I never thought the guy could come off as harsh, but he managed.

The other two were now in the loop and also managed to appear sheepish. Phonus decided to try and break some of the tension now in the air. "What can we do for you?"

Odie quickly jumped in before Hermes could reply. "We need you guys to find Gaia for us."

The three of them blanched. This idea seemed to be getting worse and worse. "Gaia? As in the primordial being Gaia?" Logus stuttered.

"Is there another Gaia?" Neil asks sincerely, obviously confused. Herry just pats his shoulder and shakes his head.

"The one and only." Jay glances at Neil then back to the techs. "It`s a matter of life and death here." As soon as the words leave his mouth he shoots me a look of apology. I just shrug. To me it always had been.

Optus, who had yet to speak up, turned back to his computer screen in full-on research mode. "Gaia has such an immense amount of power that sometimes she can unconsciously set off chain events that can have devastating consequences."

"The Butterfly Effect?" I remember the term from the brief talk we had on chaos theory one day in math class. Probably the only class I didn`t sleep through. It was where a small change at one place in a nonlinear system could result in large differences to a later state in a secondary place.

"Precisely, but instead of a butterfly flapping its wings it`s an immortal being who can rend the planet in half with the snap of her fingers." I think I like the thought of the butterfly better. Optus continues, "Of course the key word in there was sometimes. If she`s aware of herself, which is practically all the time, then there may be no way to triangulate her position."

"What we`re talking about here are minute changes in global natural phenomena." Logus comments, dividing our attention. "If Gaia is unaware of what she`s doing, or distracted, and she`s distracted doing or thinking about something, her very aura can create such things as minor tectonic shifts, reactivating long dead volcanoes, that sort of thing."

"Sounds like the life of the party." Neil drawls, and I can`t tell if he`s being sarcastic or not with that grin on his face.

"I`m guessing she`s been to Iceland lately." I grin, earning another elbow to the ribs from Atlanta.

No one see`s the humour in my comment, as the Techno-Greeks have already turned back to their monitors, replacing their game with lines of information and dozens of pictures popping up then disappearing. Regardless of the information being on the screen for maybe a second, it`s all taken in and computed in the minds of the three Greeks. Even Odie and Hermes, who are watching the screens with just as much intensity, seem to be keeping up. It`s making my brain hurt.

"This might take a few minutes, at least." Logus suddenly speaks. The sudden noise almost makes me jump. Only then I notice how quiet it had gotten, as though everyone were holding their breath.

"Hey, take your time." Herry states. "I wouldn`t be able to do what you guys are doing."

"No kidding!" Theresa`s staring at the screens as if hypnotized.

Figuring this would be more than just a few minutes, I turn to Jay. "Hey, I`m going to run down and speak with Ares about getting an extra weapon. Throwing stars alone isn`t going to cut it in this fight."

Jay nods, patting my good arm. "No problem. Just make sure he gives you something you can easily use, what with your am still out of commission. How is your stomach doing?"

I give it a light pat, grinning when I receive no pain from it. "Chiron is a miracle worker I tell you! It`s good."

Giving me a nod and another pat, he turns back to the others who stand fascinated by the computer screens. Slipping out behind them I close the door softly and head down the hall. Without the voices of my friends I am amazed just how quiet this place can be, considering the size of the place. Passing the golden statue of Zeus, the library and the gym, I turn a corner towards Ares` offices and nearly run into the brute of a God. He gives me a questioning look.

"What`s this now? You should have heard me coming a mile away."

"Sorry Ares." That sounded lame. Fact was I wasn`t paying attention. "I needed to talk to you about getting a temporary replacement weapon."

"Yeah, I heard you let Cronus take it from you" Turning his back to me he turns around, heading for a small door left of the hallway.

I wince. "Well, it`s not like I let him..." A glare from the God shuts me up. "Either way I will get it back from him!"

"Yeah, sure sure." He mumbles. I can tell he`s angry with me. Opening the door he leads the way down a winding staircase into the basement. The narrow walkway opens up suddenly into an expansive room. The weapons containers shine silver in the dull light. Walking over, Ares punches in the security code on each cylinder container. They slowly open with a hiss of hydraulics revealing every weapon you could imagine.

"Take your pick, then get out of my sight." Ares gruff voice is full of disappointment and hidden rage.

"Ares-"

"Don`t start with me!" Ares roars. He stalks towards me like a lion and I stiffen. The guy scares the shit out of me most days. "I had hopes you wouldn`t become like your ancestor, arrogant, self righteous, and prideful! I see now I was wrong; you`re just like him and worse!" Getting right in my face, I`m reminded why he`s the God of War. "Anyone who tosses his comrades aside when he truly needs them most is just despicable!"

My anger starts to get the best of me as his words hit home. "Look! I did what I had to do in order to protect my family! My friends didn`t need to get involved!"

Ares takes a step back, shaking his head. "You still think that huh?"

I gesture to myself, eyes wide. "Look at me! I now know it was stupid, but how was I supposed to know Cronus would show up? We hadn`t heard anything from him in months!"

"You never let your guard down! That`s one of the first rules of war, and believe me, this is war!" Ares grabs me by the front of my shirt. "What have I been teaching you all this time? Just because you can`t see the enemy doesn`t mean he isn`t there! You let your guard down and nearly got yourself killed! How would the prophesy have come to pass then?"

It seems the entirety of Olympia`s divinity hates me right now. Maybe that`s why Hera chewed us out. "You kids are our only chance to beat Cronus. Now is not the time to be thinking about yourself!"

He drops me roughly and stalks away. I have nothing to say and remain silent until I hear the door upstairs slam shut. Once again, the silence of the place is deafening. I can understand where the Gods are coming from, but can`t they understand me? Their sense of family is a constant battle of jealousy and backstabbing. What would they know?

"He has a point though..." I mumble, walking over to the weapons containers. It's too bad Heph didn`t keep Achilles armour. It was said to be impenetrable...Looking through the huge array Ares` words play over in my head. It`s one thing to piss off the God of War, but I seriously respect the guy. He`s taught me so much and I hate to make him angry or disappointed. I guess humans and the Gods will never truly understand each other.

Overlooking a few Xiphos and an Oxybeles – I would need two hands for that thing! –, a makhaira and quickly realize how much I miss my whip. That thing is so easy to use, and so badass! I have to give credit where it's due though because Ares has one serious collection! I had to study them as part of my training so I can name most off by heart. And not all the weapons here are Greek either. There`s Egyptian Khopesh, a Macedonian Kestros, Indian chakram`s – which are so awesome! – and even a friggin` tepoztopilli! Those were used by the Aztecs! I`m scared to even touch the thing in case it turns to dust in my hand.

It`s hard to choose, as I can use both long range and short range weapons thanks to Ares, and they`re all pretty sweet. Testing my shoulder I`m disappointed to find it still hurts like a bitch when I move it. Which means one handed weapons it is...walking back to the swords, which I usually steer clear of as I kind of suck with them, I give them a once over. I grab an estoc, which is a light long sword from the European middle ages. The sword is silver with a simple hilt and black grip. Usually the estoc is simply pointed with no sharp edge to it. Looking closer though, this one had been modified by Ares to be not only pointed but double edged. Feeling the weapons weight and balance I slice the air a few times to test it. Satisfied, I slide the weapon into its scabbard and take it back upstairs. It wouldn`t have been my first choice but I`ll have to make due. With the modified estoc I`ll be able to drive it through Cronus` black heart.

Making my way back upstairs it`s dead quiet. Not even the sound of Hera`s birds can be heard and those things are annoying as all hell! I stare at the statue of Zeus as I pass, feeling almost like the golden deity is watching my every move. I stop and give it a good long look. "Sorry I keep screwing up. I`ll make things right again."

Opening the door to Hermes` offices, I`m met by the excited whispers of my friends. They seem happy, which bolsters my confidence. I knew the Techno-Greeks could do it. To confirm my suspicions Atlanta spots me first and bounds over, delivering a quick kiss to my cheek. "They did it! They`ve found Gaia!"

"Awesome!" walking the rest of the way to the computers with Atlanta next to me, I glance at the screens. The others are all crowded around to see the search results. Even Galenthias is peering at the computers. "Where did you find her? I thought it would take a lot longer."

It`s Odie who answers first. "She`s in Jakarta. We managed to pinpoint her thanks to an unusual amount of fissures that appeared outside the city." He shrugs. "I thought it would take days myself."

"We`re just that good." Logus throws a salute our way.

The name of the city sounds so familiar but the nation isn`t coming to mind. "Sorry, where?"

"Jakarta." Jay explains. "It`s the largest city in Indonesia, which is a republic of islands in Southeast Asia. Jakarta is on the island of Java."

"Sounds delicious." I quip. I glance at the group. "Is everyone ready to go?"

Herry pounds a fist into his palm. "I`m always ready. The question is are you ready?"

The question takes me by surprise, especially from Herry. He`s usually thinking with his stomach. To answer his question, I unsheathe my temporary weapon. The sound of the blade coming free from the scabbard gives me goose bumps, and I can hear a few intakes of breath. Tapping the tip against the tile floor I nod. "I`m ready to finish this once and for all. When I`m done there won`t be much left to toss into Tartarus."

Jay nods in appreciation of the blade. "Nice choice. Alright, everyone prepare yourselves. Remember, this just isn`t a fight against Cronus. It`s also a rescue mission. I want everyone sharp! Do not let your guard down at any time, not even around Gaia! Remember what Hera said; she`s a Primordial and devious when she wants to be."

The group give a simultaneous nod and the room erupts into a pale blue light as Hermes enters the coordinates and the portals double doors slide open. It feels like forever ago I drove my bike through these same doors. This time instead of wet German countryside I can see the orange light of a rising sun over palm trees.

Curious, I grab my PMR from my pocket and check the time. "So it`s about dinner time here, so..."

"So, it`s just a little past seven in the morning there." Hermes grins from his computer console. "You`re technically travelling forward in time to tomorrow! Isn`t globetrotting fun?"

I smile at his enthusiasm. "Thanks for everything you guys. This means a lot to me."

"Anytime! It was fun." Phonus grows serious. "Just be careful. When you find out where Cronus is, just call and we`ll open the portal back up."

Our leader gives a nod then gestures us forward when Galenthias suddenly pulls the hood up on her brown robes. "I am coming with you."

"Gal..." Jay starts but he`s quickly cut off.

"I owe you all a debt for your kindness to me, especially considering my past actions. Plus Archie has become a good friend. I will offer my power."

Jay says nothing, knowing it`s fruitless to argue with her. Believe me, she`s as hard headed as they come.

"Good luck." Hermes looks nervous.

"With me around they have all the luck they need." Neil grins, grabbing his mirror for one last hair check before we depart. Gripping my new weapon I turn to the portal. With a nod from our leader, we all leap through the portal.

"Holy shit!" I swear loudly, reacting quickly to jump out of the way of a speeding rickshaw. The driver stares at us; a group of foreign teens leaping out of thin air would give anyone a heart attack. I shake my sword at him. "Watch where you`re going, damnit!"

"Archie, calm down buddy." Herry advises, looking around at our new surroundings. We`re on a long pier overlooking the most beautiful blue water I`ve ever seen, and I`ve never in my life called water beautiful. The palm trees swayed in a slight breeze and people from all walks of life are beginning to crowd the area in the early morning light. No one gives us a second look, even with our sudden arrival; they`re all in their own little world.

"So, where exactly did we time warp to?" I ask, wiping seat from my forehead. Even now I can tell the day is going to be incredibly hot.

Theresa copies my action then starts fanning herself with one hand. "If we`re near the ocean, then this must be the north part of town."

"How are we supposed to find her in this crowd?" Neil asks, dodging a pair of running children. "There has to be a thousand people here!"

I`m starting to get really uncomfortable in my hoodie thanks to this heat. Chiron had been nice enough to wash the mangled thing before I woke up and got the blood out, but it still looks like I walked through a war zone. Plus with one arm in a sling and the other hand occupied carrying this stupid sword, I can`t fan myself. I stare at Theresa in jealousy. "Let`s do this quick before one of us gets heat stroke." Namely me.

The area we happen to be in looks like the quintessential tourist trap. Tacky souvenir shops, flea markets, and restaurants litter the area. Walking away from the ocean, we begin our search of the place, glancing in every shop we pass. The crowd slowly grows and the heat steadily rises with the sun as we walk around for what feels like hours. I`m about ready to throw in the towel when suddenly Neil shouts, "Hey I think that`s her!"

Of course the lucky bugger would find her. He`s pointing towards an outdoor patio a few buildings down from us. Sitting under an umbrella in front of a classy looking cafe, cup in hand, Gaia looks every part a queen. Her dainty hands grasp the small porcelain glass as she takes a sip of...whatever. You know what? I don`t care. I am covered in sweat and just want to find Cronus. Screw this.

Barging through the crowd, my friends close behind, I stop and stand directly in front of the Goddess, prepared to confront her. She barely bats an eyelash as she glances up at me. She must remember me as she smiles a bright warm smile in recognition, though her eyes remain cold. Setting down her cup on her table, she stands. "My dear, how are you? It`s been too long!"

Catching me completely by surprise, she wraps me up in a strong hug. I wince and gasp as my injury flares with pain. Gaia seems taken aback and releases me almost immediately. "You poor dear, let me see that!" Tapping my injury lightly with her index finger, the pain is suddenly gone. I mean, completely and utterly. Eyes wide, I move my arm ever so slightly and when nothing happens I take my arm from the sling. Whatever she did, my wound is gone. My friends are watching me closely.

"Th-thank you!" rolling my shoulder, I stretch the muscles and work out a few kinks. It`s nice to have two working arms again! "How did you do that? I didn`t think you had healing powers."

"I have all sorts of strengths, my dear boy." She replies, sitting back down and taking up her cup. "Those powers skipped a generation and were passed onto Apollo." She sighs heavily. "I wonder how my great-grandson is doing..." she took another sip of her drink, which I can see now is coffee.

She must have seen me looking at her cup, as she gestures to the empty seats round her. "Why don`t you children sit and have a rest? You all look quite tired. This place has excellent coffee. They have the best Kopi Luwak in all of Asia!"

"What`s Kopi Luwak?" Herry asks, also looking at her drink.

"It`s a brand of coffee special to this area. It is made from the beans of coffee berries which have been eaten by a Civet, a type of jungle cat, then passed through its digestive tract and –"

"Whoa, whoa, stop." Theresa holds up her hands. "You mean it`s made from cat poop?"

Oh my God, it`s amazing how fast these people can get off track. "Who cares? Cat shit coffee or not, Gaia, there`s something I need to ask of you."

Gaia gave me a look indicating she was curious but not fond of my tone. "Ask away my dear."

I glance at Jay, who gives a small nod. Taking a deep breath, I ask "I need to ask a favour of you."

This seems to grab her attention. Setting the cup down, she turns her full attention onto me. "A favour you say? I hope you know that I am not the kind of individual to simply do things out of the kindness of my heart." Her eyes are sharp as steel as her gaze bores into me. "Depending on the request, I hope you are prepared for the consequences."

"But what about my arm?"

"I decided to repair the damage done as I had harmed you without prior knowledge of your injury. A fair trade, just like all of my deals."

I nod, but the once cheerful atmosphere has now become tense and heavy. "Ok then. I need you to tell me where Cronus is. He has someone who is very dear to me, and I intend to get her back."

What Gaia must have expected certainly wasn`t this. Her eyes wide in surprise and she takes a moment before speaking once again. "You want me to tell you, a prophesized child, where my son is? You, who are destined to defeat him? You must know that, as my child, he is precious to me."

Well, when she says it that way, it does sound a little farfetched. Now that both my arms are back in working order, I cross my arms defiantly. "Yes."

For a long moment she looks like she`s about to tell me to screw right off, but she sighs. "Cronus has been quite the troublemaker ever since he was a child. He must pay for his actions, as we all must. Fine, I will make a deal with you."

"Seriously?"

"Does this surprise you?"

"To be honest I figured you would need more persuading..."

With a swift flick of her wrist a piece of parchment paper appears on the table. The page is full of letters that I recognize instantly as Greek. Even though I cannot read it, it looks very official. I can`t help but think it`s incredibly cheesy. It`s almost as though she reads my thoughts as she states, "What is a deal without a contract?"

My mouth goes suddenly dry. Hera was right about the woman being devious, and I share a look with Jay. He gives me a meaningful look then shakes his head. I don`t like this idea. Don`t do it. Signing a contract I can`t read seems like a horrible idea, but...

"I have to Jay. This could mean the end of everything. We have to save Angela and take him down."

"But at what cost? I don`t like this."

"Butt out, please." Gaia rolls her eyes and waves her hand. It`s suddenly like her and I are in a glass box; I can`t hear my friends voices, nor any of the hustle and bustle of the city. The silence is deafening.

"That`s much better." Gaia crosses her legs and leans back in her chair. She gestures to the paper. "Here is our contract, written out for the world to see. I will tell you where Cronus is once you seal the contract in blood."

"Say what?" If my mouth was dry before, it`s now rivalling the Sahara. "What do you mean in blood? And how do I know this isn`t a trick?" I wave at the paper. "I can`t even read that!"

"Blood seals are much more powerful than you could ever imagine. It is necessary for such a deal, seeing as you are going after one of my children, my own flesh and blood." She lets it sink in. "Seems appropriate, wouldn`t you agree?"

I stare down at the parchment, hoping to make heads or tails of the situation I just landed myself in. But if it`s for Angela, I would do anything. "What would you take or have me do in return?"

"I am unsure of that as of now, thus the contract states that when I come to collect my debt, you will be made aware. It may be tomorrow or ten years from now." She stares at me, all business. The grandmotherly woman a few minutes ago has complete disappeared. She slides the parchment across the table towards me. "So, do we have a deal?"

Remember, this is all for Angela! This is our chance to take Cronus down! With that simple thought, I unsheathe my estoc and slide my thumb down one razor-sharp edge. I pause, letting the blood collect on my fingertip before pressing it down firmly onto the bottom of the page. The sudden rush of noise overwhelms my senses as the invisible barrier lifts and the contract is sealed.

Nothing extraordinary happens as I pull my thumb away, my fingerprint easily recognisable within the smear of blood. I glance at my friends who are looking my way with grim expressions. I can`t look long and turn back to the Goddess. Taking the paper into her hands, Gaia rolls it gently before tucking it away inside her dark robes. She seems very pleased. "Well then, it`s been a while since I`ve sealed a deal. Now to hold up my end."

I hope to the Gods above this has all been worth it.

"Cronus is in Olympia."

Whew, longer chapter this time. Again, took a while due to a crazy work life and a little bit of writers block. Hope you enjoyed it!

`Till next time!

Crystal Marionette