"What did you mean back there?" asked Artie. "You made it sound like I'm not dead."
Leonadas continued leading him forward toward the three waterfalls, "You've been to the Underworld before boy?"
"Yeah," he answered. "Last year. When I helped Annabeth and Percy return the masterbolt."
"And you saw all three levels? The fields of Asphodels, the fields of Punishment, and Elysuim?"
"You forgot the isle of the blest, but yeah I saw all of them."
"And did any of them resemble where we are now? Did you see anything that remotely looked like a rainforest?"
Artie thought about it for a moment, "No. None that I remember."
"Then what would make you think you had passed?"
"But my brother . . . and my mother . . . "
"I hate to rain on your — Who am kidding? I couldn't care less. This isn't the Underworld."
"Alright so where are we?" Artie demanded. "Because this looks like the Amazon Rainforest."
"Looks can be deceiving." Leonidas pointed out.
"What?" He complained. "I spent half my life here! Does a blue macaw need to land a shoulder and sing a song?"
"Then explain your family's presence here, O' wise child." mocked Leonidas
"I . . . uh . . . I mean . . . the only explanation is . . ." Artie stammered.
"Take your time, I have all the time in the world. Though I can't say the same for you."
"Alright fine." Artie relented. "You seem to have the answers. Why don't you tell me?"
"Now how do I put this in a way so your simple mind will understand?" mused Leonidas as he scratched his beard.
Artie threw his hands up "That's it! I've had all I can stand and I can stand no more." Artie began walking back they way they came.
Leonidas grabbed Artie's shoulder and growled, "Get your five dollar behind back here before I make change."
Artie froze and raised an eyebrow, "Since when do you quote New Jack City?"
Leonidas chose to ignore the question and continued leading Artie closer and closer to the waterfalls. For some reason, Artie felt as if they were walking in place, like he could walk for the next thousand years and never be closer than he was now.
He decided to distract himself from the thought, "What did you mean by work to do?"
"I could provide lots of cleaver hints, but I'm not one for pointless dithering." Leonidas said, thinking aloud. "And we are short on time, then again would it be right to just give you the answer . . . ?"
"Where's Morpheus with the red and blue pills?" Artie grumbled to himself.
"Well if your gonna be that way, I'll put it in way you'll understand." said Leonidas. "It is all around us. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth."
"That's from the Matrix." Artie pointed out. "What are you saying? That this is all a dream? That this is all in my head?"
"We're here." announced Leonidas.
Artie looked around and saw they were standing in front of the middle pool, the largest of all three. The animals were still at the pools drinking — the Ceryneian Hind at the left pool and the silvery white panther on the right. Both cautiously watched Artie and Leonidas, curious to the presence of the two new comers. The Hind seemed to be nervous, like it would bound at top speed into the rainforest at slightest hint of danger. To the contrary, the panther simply watched and waited to see if these new comers would or even could pose a threat to him.
"Now don't ask me how, because quite frankly I'm not sure myself." warned Leonidas before pointing to both animals, "But one of these, is the key to waking you up?"
"So this is all a dream?" asked Artie.
"I would use the word comatose, but why split hairs?" Leonidas shrugged.
"Then I'll just wake myself up." Artie held out his hand. "Let me borrow your sword."
Leonidas hid a smug smile and handed it to him, "I feel I should warn you that won't — "
Artie sunk the sword into his leg all the way to the hilt.
He instantly regretted it.
"Aaaaggghhh!" he screamed at the top of his lungs as he fell on the floor and began cursing in Portuguese. "Pelo amor de. . . de todos os idiotas. . . idéias cabeça-dura . . . "
Leonidas rolled Artie onto his back and yanked the sword out of his leg, "I did try to warn you."
"But none . . . of this . . . is real." Artie said through gritted teeth.
Leonidas waved a hand over Artie and his leg began to heal. Muscle and tendons knitted together as the flow of blood and pain ceased. In matter of seconds, the only reminder of Artie's block headed mistake was the blood soaked ground.
Leonidas pulled Artie to his feet, not to gently. "Your mind makes it real."
Artie rubbed his leg, "What with the Matrix quotes? Next thing you know, you'll be telling me to free my mind."
Leonidas smacked the back of Artie's head. "It seems to be the only way to make you understand. Now listen! As I was saying before, one of these animals has the key to releasing you from the spell and by extension from this world."
"What spell?"
Leonidas rolled his eyes, "That spa you arrived at was once known as Circe's Isle. I assume your familar with the story of Circe?"
Artie nodded. "She transformed her enemies, or those who offended her, into animals through the use of magical potions." then it hit Artie. "Oh deuses! That wasn't . . . ?"
Leonidas shook his head, "No. The woman whom you were with was not Circe. She was merely an apprentice, which was fortunate for you."
"How so?"
"I'm not certain, but she made a mistake. Not a grave one, but large enough to give you a chance to turn the tide."
"Which is?" Artie made an impatient ' go on' gesture.
Leonidas frowned. "I just said I'm not certain how. All I can for certain the answer lie with these two animals."
"The deer and the panther." said Artie. "What am I suppose to do?"
"Try talking with them." Leonidas suggested. "But make sure you do not take to much time, otherwise you'll be too late."
"Too late for what?"
"The apprentice may have made a slight error," Leonidas warned. "But Circe has had endless centuries to learn from her mistakes. And I'm sure your friend Percy is learning that the hard way."
With that, the Hero King of Sparta faded from sight — leaving Artie alone with the animals.
Artie looked to his left and then to his right. He wasn't sure how these two animals were suppose to help him. He could easily ride either one of them, but he fairly sure that was not the answer. He considered that he might have to kill one of them, but that also sounded absurd. Leonidas hadn't given him much to work with, then again it seemed even he didn't have all the answers. Artie decided to take the only lead he really had, ask the animals themselves. At very least, they might give him a hint and at the very most, they could give him a straight answer.
He walked to the deer. He figured if the panther attacked for whatever reason, it would scare off the deer — and he had no desire to waste hours tracking it through the rainforest. He walked carefully so not to scare it off. As he did, he saw it was without a doubt a Ceryneian Hind. It had golden antlers like a stag and hooves of 's coat seemed to gleam like polished silver. Artie knew it's speed was also legendary. It was said that it could outrun an arrow in flight, which even he couldn't do. He also knew the capture of the hind was one of The Twelve Labors of Hercules. As he got closer, it began to shy away.
No closer! Stay there!, cried the deer. It did not speak to Artie directly, it's voice echoed in his head. And as it spoke, its eyes never stopped darting from Artie to the forest as if measuring and calculating the distance.
Artie held out a hand and said gently, "I'm not going to hurt you. I just wanna talk. Relax a little."
Relax?, it snorted. That is how they get you. When you relax. Just when you think it's safe . . . no place is safe. No place is safe!
Artie stopped and held up both hands, "Look I'll stand here and I won't move unless you want me to. I'll even swear on the Styx not to hurt you, if you want. Like I said, I just wanna talk, nothing else."
The deer stop fidgeting, but it clearly still had fear in it's eyes. Alright . . . but no closer! And no tricks!
"Let's start off slow." suggested Artie.
The deer took a step back, Slow? What do you mean slow?
"Like, you could tell me your name." He explained.
I have been called many thing. said the deer. The Greeks named me Delios. The Romans, Fuga. But no matter whom, the meaning is always constant. In your tongue you may call me, Vôo.
"Your name is flight?" asked Artie.
Yes, nodded Vôo. And it is an honor to meet you at last master.
"Master?"
Vôo nodded again. I have protecting you for many years now master.
"Protecting me?" he asked. "How? I've been alone for almost all my life. This is the first time I met you."
Vôo pointed with its snout. Look into the pool and you will see.
Artie poked his head over the edge. The water began to gently swirl and shift. Images began to speed by, like movie on fast forward. Artie saw he was seeing pieces of his life. He saw himself running through the streets of Rio on a dark night as the monster that killed his family chased after him. He also saw himself outrunning other monsters he met during his four years in south America. There were even flashes of more recent events. He saw himself pushing Percy off the St. Louis arch before sliding down the arch himself to escape the Chimera and Echidna. The image then skipped to when he escaped an army of monsters that Apollonia had unknowingly summoned when they had first met. The image then stopped swirling and was still once more.
Artie looked at Vôo. "I'm not sure I understand."
Whenever you were in danger master, I would keep you alive by nudging your mind to run. Vôo explained. It is the only way my kin know how to survive.
"Not that I want to sound ungrateful," said Artie. "But I'm in a little bit of rush. Can you get me out of here?"
Yes, said Vôo. I can release you from this world. All you need to do is ask master.
Artie was about to tell Vôo to get on with it, but something nagged at him. He looked over at the panther that was still watching him patiently, his tail flicking back and forth. Artie may have not been a child of Athena, but he still knew it would be bad idea not to consult the panther. For all he knew, the deer was lying and he was about to walk into a trap. At the very least, the panther could confirm that the deer was the key to releasing him.
"Hold that thought Vôo" said Artie as began walking to the panther.
What are you doing master? cried Vôo.
"Getting a second opinion." he called back.
He's dangerous!, warned Vôo. He cannot be trusted.
Sorry Vôo, Artie thought to himself, but he might say the same about you.
As he made his way to it, Artie examined the panther. Its limbs were short and stocky that made it adept at climbing, crawling and swimming. While he knew like all the large cats of the world, it had razor sharp claws, it was the panther's bite he was more concerned about. They had an incredibly strong jaw. And while it was no where near as powerful as a crocodile, it could still pierce turtle shells with minimal effort. If was even killed by one, he could take solace it would be quick. They preferred one quick bite to the head, using its large thick canine teeth to pierce directly through the skull, piercing the brain. He would be seeing Charon before he even registered the change of scenery.
Not. One. Step. Closer. warned the Panther. Like Vôo, the panther spoke in Artie's mind. But his voice was much deeper and rougher. More commanding in a way.
Artie froze in place. "I promise I won't hurt you."
The panther's eye twitched. It was the only warning Artie registered as the panther's left paw blurred past his face. It was only then when it was directly in front of face that Artie saw the panther's claw slash hairbreadth from his noes. He was sure that even if he had seen the strike coming, he would have a hard time getting out of the way in time.
That wasn't for my benefit, explained the panther.
Artie's heart pounded in his ears. "Thanks."
The panther laid down and began licking a paw, I see you've spoken with that pathetic excuse for an animal.
"You mean Vôo?" he asked. "Yeah, he warned about you. He said something about not trusting you. Said you were dangerous."
The panther yawned, showing off his rows of teeth. He would say that. As for being dangerous. I am what I should be. It is only right my prey should fear me. Don't you agree?
Don't trust him master, called Vôo from across the pools. He will say anything to get what he desires.
The panther quickly stood up and roared in anger. It was so loud Artie had to cover his ears. Several birds scattered from the trees along with several small animals, scared of panther's declaration. Vôo wheeled back on his hind legs and kicked his front hooves in terror, but he did not run.
Say that again, I dare you to come here and say that again. growled the panther. You may call yourself Vôo, but will always be prey to me. Remember that before you speak again.
The master is under my protection, cried Vôo.
I will rip you from neck to groin and feed on your heart. The panther snapped his jaws in anger, This boy is no more a master than you are a guardian. You would do well to stop deluding yourself. He has been under my protection since he was barely a cub.
"Wait," said Artie. "So both of you are my protectors?"
No, The panther snarled as it turned to face him. That is only what he thinks to be true. I am your true protector.
"And who are you?"
I have gone by many names. The panther bared his teeth. The Greeks named me dynamis. The Romans, Macto. But in your native tongue, you may know me as Lutar.
So its fight and flight, Artie thought to himself before asking Lutar. "And how have you protected me? Like I told Vôo, I've been alone for most of my life."
Lutar motioned to the pool to his right. See for yourself.
Like before, Artie gazed into the pool. The water and foam began to swirl rapidly until images blurred and he caught flashes of his life. But these were different from the glimpses Vôo had shown him. Artie saw himself in the everglades when he was cornered by the monster that killed his family. He saw himself go into a state of pure feral rage. His nails sprouted into claws for the first time as his canine teeth grew slightly into sharp fangs. He did not rise to his feet, but rather crouched low on all fours. If he didn't know better, he would have sworn he was about to do push - ups. But Artie could not look away from those eyes. It was before Artemis had given him his new eyes, so he could see his irises shift from hazel to glowing red with rage. He was literally seeing red.
The image shifted — now he was at Camp Half Blood, and he was still in danger.
Clarisse and two of her siblings had him backing up against a large tree. They had him surrounded, not all the speed in world could help him if he couldn't find an opening. He dropped his shield and swung his sword like a madmen in a desperate attempt to defend himself. The boy to Clarisse's right easily disarmed him with a flick of his own sword and kicked Artie hard in the stomach. He fell to his knees as the air escape from his lungs. Clarisse and her siblings laughed as they advanced. Like before, he grew claws and fangs. Artie continued watching the pool as he saw himself break spear shafts, splinter wooden shield, and even pierce armor — all with his bare hands and teeth.
The pool stopped swirling before Artie could see himself gouging faces, breaking bones, and slashing throats in his rage.
As you see, said Lutar, it was me who truly protected you. I granted strength and power when you needed it the most. Unlike him, I know fleeing is not always an option.
"So that's where that came from," said Artie. "And when I growled at Clarisse, that was you?"
Yes, said Lutar sounding smug, That little runt needed to be taught and reminded of who not to trifle with.
"O que lhe dá o direito!" demanded Artie, so mad he slipped back to his native language.
Lutar cocked his head, What?
"Don't pretend you don't understand!," Artie snapped. "Because of your 'protection', I nearly killed three innocent kids! Are you insane?"
Do not insult me! Lutar snapped his jaws loudly. If not for my intervention, you would not be here to question my actions.
I warned you about him master!, cried Vôo.
"Stay out of this !", Artie and Lutar shouted together.
Artie looked at Lutar, "Next time, think before decide to 'protect' me."
Think?, snarled Lutar. If I had stopped —
"I wouldn't have nearly killed three people!", Artie pointed a finger at Lutar. "From now on, you obey me. Not the other way around. I'm not a toy for an overgrown conceited house cat."
Artie turned to face and shouted, "Vôo! Get me out of here. I'm done here."
As you wish master, squeaked Vôo with excitement. but you must come to me, I cannot go beyond my pool.
"Be right there," Artie then looked at Lutar who had yet to respond to his order. "That's more like it."
Artie turned and began making his way back to Vôo. He barely took three steps when Vôo shouted, Behind you! Run master.
Artie turned enough to see a flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye, but that was all he saw — a flicker. Before he knew it, he was one his back with two large paws on his chest. Lutar had pounced and pined Artie to the ground. Artie began to struggle, but stopped when Lutar flexed his paws and dug in his claws. Artie grunted as the claws pierced his skin and small drops of blood slowly ran down his skin to the ground. Lutar was inches from his face, teeth bared and growling.
"Most would avoid insulting an animal that could tear them to piece," said a familiar voice. "But then again, you never were like most."
Artie turned his head just enough to see Leonidas sitting on a rock. "What are you doing?"
What you were too frightened to do, said Lutar.
"Help me!" he shouted. "Before he — "
"He won't hurt you," assured Leonidas. "Lutar may not like it, but he has to obey my orders."
"Well, tell him to let me go. Vôo can wake me up!"
"I'm afraid I can't do that. "
"This isn't the time to be quoting 2001: A Space Odessy!"
Leonidas squatted by Artie's head, "You still haven't figured out it, have you?"
Artie struggled but stopped when Lutar dug his claws a little deeper, "I did. Vôo said he can wake me up."
"Do you remember the first night you spent in the wild?" asked Leonidas. "Do you remember crying yourself to sleep? All alone in a dark damp cave with the realization that your mother and brother were dead because of you. Killed for protecting you."
"What does that have to do with — "
Lutar silenced him by pushing on his chest. Listen child, this is important.
"Do you remember what wished for before you finally fell asleep?" Leonidas asked.
Artie looked away, fighting back tears — that was all the answer Leonidas answered.
"I see you do." he said. "You wished to be stronger. Strong enough so one else would have to die for you."
"Why are you bring this up now?" Artie demanded.
So you'll understand, said Lutar.
"Understand what?"
"Tell me boy," Leonidas sat down next to Artie. "Who am I?"
"You're Leonidas," answered Artie. "Hero-King of Sparta. The commander of the Greek land forces at Thermopylae."
The hero-king nodded, "And I died correct?"
"Yes."
"Which means I went to the Underworld, right?"
"Yes. Like everyone else."
"So tell me boy, how does the Hero-King of Sparta, who died hundreds of years before you were born, come to learn of the first child of Artemis?"
"I don't know. You never told me." said Artie.
Leonidas wondered. "Does he sense potential in this child? Is the child somehow a descendant of his?"
"I don't know."
"How does he everything about the child? He can speak the child's native tongue and is even able to recite lines from the child's favorite films, even though films were not invented well after his time."
"I don't know!"
"Actually you do." Leonidas corrected. "You just haven't put it together."
"Will you just give me a straight answer for once!" Artie snapped. "What are you trying to say? That you're my father?"
"No boy!" Leonidas snapped back. "You're mine."
"Now I know you're crazy." Artie chuckled.
"I am not the real Leonidas." said the ex-Leonidas. "I am you. I am what you wished to be every time you cried yourself to sleep over your family. Brave enough to never run from a fight and strong enough to win everyone of them."
"Alright then," Artie said, still not believing a word the crazed spartan said. "Then how did I get that note about Cerberus last year?"
"You've seen enough movies about that kind of thing." remarked the spartan. "You wrote it yourself in your sleep. It was very dark in that truck, I'm not surprise the others didn't see you."
"So what now?" asked Artie. "Make me swear an oath on the Styx or Lutar will kill me?'"
Lutar looked up at Leonidas, That could work.
Leonidas shook his head, "Lets stick with the original plan, shall we?"
"Which is?"
"Quite simple really," said Leonidas. "Rather than have Vôo release you, Lutar is going to do that."
"What difference does it make?" Artie protested. "If both can."
"I'd agree with you, if I didn't already know the answer." Leonidas replied. "I could explain it to you, but we're short on time. You'll figure it soon enough. Lutar if you please."
With pleasure, master. said Lutar.
He began drawing his head closer and closer, all the while opening his massive jaws farther and farther. Artie saw what Lutar was about to do, and he didn't like one bit. He began struggling to get free, causing Lutar's claws to dig deeper and cut him further. He didn't care, it would be a small price compared to what was about to happen. He kicked hard with his legs and bucked his hips, anything to Lutar off.
Artie began to panic as he realized he couldn't get free in time. "No! Stop! Get away! Pare! Pare! Você não pode!"
"He can and he will," assured Leonidas calmly. "Stand still, Artie, it'll all be over in a minute."
Artie probably would've suggested an apt place to stick that quote from My Man Godfrey — but it was then Lutar sank his teeth into Artie's skull.
MEANWHILE, BACK AT CIRCE'S ISLE :
"Now what will Annabeth's makeover be?" mused Circe as blue flames curled around Annabeth. "Some small and ill tempered . . . I know a shrew!"
Annabeth then leaped forward and stuck the point of her knife against Circe's neck. "How about turning me into a pan — "
Annabeth was interrupted by a blood curdling scream and Hylla slipped in. Her clothes were torn and shredded. Like tiger tried to use her as a scratching post. She ignored everyone and began locking the door with trembling fingers. She finished with the locks and slid a large wooden beam across the double doors. Despite all that, she wasn't sure if the door would hold against whatever danger was behind her.
She turned to face Circe, "My lady we have a prob — What's going on?"
Before anyone could answer, A loud BOOM echoed as something large pounded on doors. Hylla began to back up away from the door and looked like cornered mouse.
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, - whatever was on the other side, pounded so hard the door were beginning to splinter.
One of the attendant looked at Hylla, "What did you do?"
"I thought I turned him into a cat." Hylla explained.
"And?"
Suddenly three claws pierced the door and splintered as they dragged across it.
"I was only half right."