Perseus and Draco ran into the remaining soldier. The man was sobbing and gasping in shock. Draco took him by the arms and shook him.
"What is it lad? What has happened?"
The soldier coughed and spluttered,
"The- the woman, I left her….. I left her with that, that thing…..it was so strong, and I left her alone" he sobbed.
"Thea? Where is she?" Perseus bellowed, starting towards the direction the soldier had come from.
"Perseus, wait!" Draco called after him, but Perseus was already running through the forest. He saw figures farther up ahead, and could see Thea's crimson armor and blonde hair around a tree. She had her back to him, and was snapping a thick branch off the tree. Suddenly, she moved, but a split second after, he saw Thea fall to the ground. He was about to call out her name, when her attacker moved into sight. Perseus moved to attack as the monster poised its sword over Thea's heart. Just as it was about to hit it's mark, the creatures sword was blocked. Thea blinked through her tears to see Perseus standing over her, looking more godlike than ever, his entire body illuminated in sunlight. She lay on the ground, stunned as she watched the monster and her savior fight, Perseus driving the creature farther back into the forest. Draco hurried to her side, kneeling down to the ground with her.
"Are you hurt?" he asked looking her over. Other than the nasty bruise beginning to form across her check, she looked unharmed. Thea shook off her confusion and grabbed Draco's forearm roughly.
"Captain, that thing is after Perseus. It's to strong for him to take on alone. We have to help him." she said slightly dazed. Draco helped her sit up against a tree.
"Stay here. I will go help him. Soldiers are on there way. You're in no mood to fight." and with that, Draco dashed after Perseus and the monster.
"No….wait." Thea said meekly, standing up, but Draco was gone. She shook herself again, and searched for her blades. She would not let them take on that creature alone. Her blades gleamed against the green forest floor. As she picked them up, the air in front of her shimmered brightly. Thea, in a kneeling position stayed down, recognizing the sight as a god approaching.
"Rise my child." a deep thundering voice ordered Thea. She stood, head still bowed.
"Your time is coming. I can not stay long, but I came to warn you. Thea, daughter of Sparta, your hour of sacrifice is approaching. I can not see all that will come to pass if you should succeed, but remember the consequences if you fail." the god placed his hand on Thea's shoulder supportively.
Thea trembled at the slight touch. The memories of her first kill swarmed her thoughts. Her fear, her rage, her sadness.
"I will do what the gods ask. It is my destiny." Thea said with more courage than she felt.
The war god smiled at her bravery.
"Take this last gift, the strength of Ares. You will have the might of one thousand men in your battle to come, but do not forget your task." the god said as Thea's body glowed red. She could feel raw power consuming her. Ares himself brightened like a supernova, so that Thea had to cover her eyes, and when she turned back, he was gone. Still faintly glowing, Thea ran after Draco and Perseus, ready to meet her fate.