Part 2: Chapter 7

Artemis

I stood in the midst of crowding refugees, looking around the vicinity under the hood of my long woolen cloak.

Everywhere around me, coming in from all directions, the thick and heavy aura of depression lingered like a restless spirit. It coated the air so much that I could almost taste the bitterness of the pain that lingered in the hearts of these poor mortals. It was such an awful thing to feel, and I cringed internally at the very thought of it.

With small steps, I carefully weaved my way through the multitude of refugees, minding those that were sitting down on the ground of the palace courtyard, and especially those who were lying down on the ground sleeping. But as I passed, nobody bothered to look up at me, too busy in their own heavy thoughts to mind me; too busy thinking off the troubles and burdens that were upon them.

But while I too was thinking over my own thoughts, I was suddenly stopped in my tracks when I felt a sudden small tug at the hem of my cloak. Looking down, my eyes met a pair of teary ones of that of a crying young girl.

The girl, whose height only reached up to just below my knees and who looked to be at the tender age of six mortal years, had tears streaming down her cheeks. Sniffling in a sad voice that was filled with fear and confusion, she said in a whimper, "Please help me find my brother… I lost him and I don't know where he is…"

At the sight of her sad tears, my heart was suddenly so overwhelmed with pity for the child that I did not hesitate to take her into my arms and pick her up, hitching her comfortably onto my hip. As she was a young girl, she was under my patronage, and as her goddess, I will not deny her help when she clearly needed it most.

"There, there, little one. It's alright," I said to her gently as I wiped away the tears on her cheeks with my finger. "Now, tell me what your name is."

She was not afraid to grab handfuls of my cloak, trying to pull herself to me as much as she could, as though she was trying to find solace in me. With her head resting on my shoulder, she quietly replied with a sniffle, "Lysandra."

I willed myself to smile, to give her some sort of comfort. "Well then, Lysandra. I would be more than willing to help you find your brother," I said to her.

And so I went with the little girl, Lysandra, in my arms, keeping my eyes sharp while still looking all around me from under the hood of my cloak. I listened as the child called out for her brother's name, while also looking out for a young boy who would look as equally lost as she had been. This drew the attention of the others who had previously been so deep in thought to notice the presence of anyone else.

Now, they looked, but only at me. They looked at me with a sort of curiosity and anxiety, probably at wondering why there was a mysterious cloaked figure walking these parts. But despite the looks of suspicion they directed at me, I could tell very well that they had no idea that I was a goddess in disguise.

But then, my discrete attentions on them were suddenly interrupted when Lysandra suddenly shouted out, "Lysander!"

I immediately looked up ahead and saw a young boy, looking to be the age of four, who was also shouting her name from across a small distance. The boy was being carried in the arms of a cloaked figure as well; someone I knew very well who.

At the same time, the children were both let down to the ground, and they instantaneously ran towards each other. Lysandra was the one to put her arms around her younger sibling first, pulling him into a big embrace as she smiled and giggled in happiness and relief. Lysander was crying, although he still smiled widely.

I was still watching the embracing reunited siblings in amusement, when the voice of my own brother sounded in my head.

Fancy seeing you doing the same thing, Artemis.

I looked up at the cloak figure that stood across me, immediately making contact with the bright blue eyes of Apollo, who was also looking at me from under the hood of his own woolen cloak. He was smirking, and so did I at that moment.

It must be Fate. I replied to him back in my mind with amusement.

Just then, our attentions were suddenly on a calling voice of a man, who was calling out in utter relief, "Lysandra! Lysander! There you are! I have been looking all over the place for you!"

"Papa!" Both Lysandra and Lysander cried out at the same time, immediately rushing towards the middle-aged man who was approaching them with open, waiting arms. Upon contact, they threw themselves into their father's arms, embracing him as he did them.

With a pointing finger directed towards me and Apollo, Lysander exclaimed, "They helped us find each other, Papa! They were so very kind and helpful!"

Looking up at us, I could see the flicker of curiosity within the man's eyes, with a hint of wariness at the sight of us donning cloaks. Somewhere deep within his thoughts, I could deduce that he was wondering who we strange figures were.

Nonetheless, as he stood before us with his young children hugging his legs, he bowed deeply. "Thank you so very much for helping my children," he said to me and my brother graciously with a smile.

"It is no problem," I replied, feeling a smile play on my lips even if I knew that he might not be able to see it. "We are just glad that we could help."

Beside me, Apollo knelt down to look at the children in the eye, commenting with a smile, "Still quite so active for them to be running around and getting lost. They must be quite a handful for their mother."

The very minute Apollo said that last word, the expression on all three of the mortals' faces changed. Both Lysandra and Lysander looked down at the ground sadly, whereas their father's face was immediately ridden with distraught and grief.

I nudged my brother discretely with my foot in disapproval for his supposed mistake, before I asked in concern, "Please do not mind me if I asked, sir. But, where is their mother?"

The man looked away then, his face suddenly becoming clear with pain and sadness. Even with his eyes shut tightly, I could clear see the beads of tears that were escaping through the slits and slowly sliding down his daunt cheeks. The bump in his throat jumped in discomfort, clearly indicating that he was trying to hold back a sob that was threatening to escape.

I did not expect an answer from him, seeing as how he looked so pained. But I also did not expect an answer from Lysandra and Lysander, which was what had happened.

"Our Mama's outside the palace gates," Lysander told me in a mumble.

"And I don't know if she's still with our baby brother," Lysandra said sadly.

I did not have to ask them to explain what they had meant to conclude what had happened to their mother and their baby brother.

"I am so sorry…" I heard myself breathe out heavily to the man, who was still facing away with shut eyes and a very pained and distraught expression.

The heavy dread in my voice complimented the heaviness that was starting to manifest from deep within the regions of my heart. The pity and sympathy I felt for all the people of Argos started to grow and grow, and I found myself thinking, This has gone too far…

The man said nothing more to us, only remaining in silent pain as his children continued to hug his legs as a soothing gesture. Their attentions were not on me and Apollo, even when my brother took hold of my hand and led me away from the mourning family. I could not tear my eyes away from them as we walked away. It was only until we found a secluded corner and let down our hoods did I finally close my eyes and sucked in a deep breath.

In a voice that was barely a whisper, I heard myself say, "That was awful…"

A pair of strong, lean arms wrapped themselves tenderly around me, enclosing me in a gentle embrace as Apollo hugged me to his chest. My arms promptly wrapped themselves around his neck, trying to find comfort.

"Sshh…" Apollo whispered soothingly into my ear. "It's alright, Artemis… It's going to be alright for them…"

Pressing my face against the curve of his neck, my mind suddenly filled itself up with mental images of just a while ago. Seeing the people of Argos kept in the palace courtyard of refugees, with their faces clear of pain, grief, dismay and anguish, sent a jolt to my heart. The thought that their female loved ones were outside of the barriers, having been rendered maniac by Dionysus' curse, made the feeling worse.

Brothers separated from their sisters. Husbands separated from their wives. Children separated from their mothers.

Such a cruel, painful realization.

"It will all be over soon…" Apollo said in reassurance. "It will all be over soon…"

I could only hope.

Dionysus

The loyalty of my followers astounded me to no end. I had initially wanted to travel to Argos with no one else but Ariadne, but every single one of them insisted that they follow me, stating reason that they wanted to stand by my side to show me their support.

It was indeed a very good thing that I had them.

Even from inside my tent, I could hear them outside, preparing my chariot that I would ride to the gates of Argos. I would help them, but I had decided to be inside in an attempt to get some meditation to prepare myself for my upcoming duel. I was thankful for the noise of my followers, because it gave me the constant reminder of who I would be fighting for.

"Dionysus?"

Upon the call of my name, I opened my eyes, immediately seeing Ariadne entering the tent with some Maenads walking behind her, all who held an item of mine in their hands.

"Your armor is ready," my wife informed me, a hand gesturing to the pieces of bronze armor that were laid out on the table by the Maenads.

I made to stand for her, immediately taking her into my arms just as the Maenads quickly trailed out of the room. When we were alone, I made haste to press my lips to hers, initiating a kiss. Ariadne reciprocated promptly, wrapping her arms around my neck to hold herself to me. She shaped her lips against mine in a sweet and gentle manner.

When we both pulled away for breath, she did not let go of me. Instead, she pressed her face into the curve of my neck, inhaling the scent of my skin.

I could hear her whisper, "I'm scared, Dion… I know I should not be, but I can't help it… I feel scared for you…"

I turned my head to press my face into her sweet-smelling blonde hair, filling my lungs with the scent of her perfume as I did. "Do not be scared, my love," I told her. "I will make sure that nothing happens to me. I will be safe and back in your arms at the end of the day. That I will promise you."

I then pulled away and walked to the table. With slow but careful hands, I began to pick the armor that I was to wear. But then Ariadne approached me to help me put on my armor, like the dutiful and devoted wife she was. I obediently remained still and quiet as she started strapping the different metals in their various places and ensuring that they were secure on my body.

When she finally strapped my breastplate – the last of the armor – above the leather of my tunic, she ran her hands down the cool furbished metal, her grey-green eyes gazing vacantly at her reflection. I could tell very well that she was having troubled thoughts again.

With gentleness in my movements, I cupped her chin, tilting her head up so that she was looking at me. Indeed, I could see worry and concern in her eyes, which were then averted downwards away from mine.

"Ariadne. Look at me."

With slight hesitance, she did. I stroked her cheekbone with my thumb, looking into her eyes as I said, "It will be fine after this. We will still be together when all this is over. Don't worry."

Ariadne heaved a sigh, and nodded her head. "You're right. You're absolutely right. I should not be worrying." She sucked in a deep breath and exhaled, then she looked back at me with a small smile playing on her lips. "I should look as confident as you, my heart. I need to look my part as your wife when we set off on your chariot."

That suddenly reminded me of something that made me pull myself away from her. Ariadne looked at me in confusion, watching me curiously when I moved to pick up a wooden box that had been on the floor and put it on the table.

Opening the box, I told her, "You need not look the part of my wife, Ariadne. You are more than fine the way you look now. However, you do need to look the part of my queen."

Finally, I lifted Ariadne's crown carefully from the cushion it was resting on in the wooden box. My fingers felt the smoothness of the silver-gold metal as my eyes admired its shape of a grapevine wreath. In the faint light of a candle that was burning nearby, the eight diamond stones that were encrusted into Corona shimmered many colors.

Ariadne held my gaze as I placed her crown on atop her blonde hair. Combined with the dress of leopard skins she wore and the green grapevine leaves that still looked healthy even in this very late time of autumn, she truly looked the part of my Queen.

Later, when we both exited the tent, holding each other's hands, my followers sang of praise and of victory. Their voices were loud with energy and gusto, which I believe could be heard even from the highest of mountains. They parted to make a clear pathway for us to reach my chariot, which had the reins attracted to a pair of strong leopards that will act as the power that will pull it into movement.

When we finally reached my ride, I held Ariadne's hand securely as she stepped onto it before getting on it myself. A Maenad approached the chariot, carrying a tray that held two golden chalices of wine. She gave the cups to both me and Ariadne and bowed her head in respect before retreating to re-join the crowd.

With my chalice in hand and Ariadne standing beside me, I allowed my eyes to sweep over the crowding mass of my followers, listening to their chants and songs and praises. As I did, I could feel my heart beating frantically, pumping ichor laced with adrenaline through my veins.

It was then I called for a halt of noise, and it came almost instantly when the thiasus abruptly stopped.

"My loyal followers!" I called out to them, my voice loud and demanding to ensure that their attentions would be solely focused on me. "Today, is the day, that we have all been waiting for!"

A loud cheer in response.

"Today, is the day, I will engage the blasted demigod in combat!"

The cheer turned louder.

"Today, is the day, I will prove my name as a god!"

The cheer became louder.

"Today, is the day, I will punish him for his hubris!"

The cheer gained volume.

"Today, is the day, I will fight for my rights!"

The cheer became so loud that I could feel my own heart started to tremble in tune to the vibrations that their loud voices emanated. Even the wine in my chalice started trembling, as did my chariot that shook ever so lightly.

In the peak of the moment, both Ariadne and I raised our chalices high, as a show of our confidence and determination. The crowd cheered out loud once again, some raising their own glasses to us.

With ferocity, my wife and I brought our respective chalices to our lips and drank the wine deeply. The sweet, fruity and tart flavor and scent of the rich liquid of dark purple grapes enamored my body into ecstasy, relishing each drop of the delicious and exotic wine that flowed into my mouth and onto my tongue.

We emptied our chalices at the same time, pulling it away from our lips with a partnered gasp of relief. All I could hear now, other than the extreme loudness of my followers, was the frantic pumping of my heart from deep within my chest. The sound echoed loudly in my ears, slightly muffling the sounds of my people.

When our chalices were taken away, I took hold of the reins of my chariot, my knuckles turning slightly white as I gripped the ropes tightly. Ariadne looped her arm around my crooked elbow, placing her other hand on my forearm so that she could have a better hold on me.

Suddenly, for a short fleeting second, I hesitated as my mind plagued me with thoughts on whether or not this was a good idea. Just the very thought that, in less than an hour, I would be engaging in battle with someone I have never met before sent my nerves on an end. Even the wine I had just drunken a few seconds prior did not seem to calm my qualms. I felt a combination of both excitement and anxiety stirring within me.

It was a warm and soft hand that broke me out of my stupor. Ariadne cupped my cheek gently, looking at me with eyes filled with concern. Sighing lightly, I willed myself to smile for her, and she smiled back.

And then, without a moment's hesitation, I snapped the reins, feeling the leopards move off and pulling my chariot in the direction of the city of Argos. Behind me, my followers followed in a marching contingent, watching me with excitement as I stood tall and confident, readying myself.

Perseus

Even though far away, I could feel him approaching, a step closer to my city with each passing second. His foreign aura was becoming more prominent the more I focused solely on it, and I could feel how strong it really was.

Today was the day. No going back on plans now.

"Guards!" I exclaimed in command as I suddenly rose from my throne, startling the guards who stood in attendance and Andromeda who was sitting beside me from her own throne. "Prepare my armor and sword! Take positions at the gate! Heis about to arrive!"

Recalling protocol that I had discussed from just a few days ago, the many guards made haste to heed my commands and headed to their respective positions. I had just strode out of the throne room, on the way to the armory, when I hear the sounds of horns blaring outside; a sign of incoming battle.

As I walked with big strides, a guard rushed to my side. "Sire, it appears that the cursed women had fallen into some sort of spell," he told me urgently, his breathing rapid and deep as he tried to keep up pace with mine. "All of them had fallen into a deep sleep, all at the same time."

"Then it's a good thing," I answered in my rush to the armory. "We would be able to get to the city gates without any of them attacking us. But arm yourself proper when we are to be off."

"Yes, sir," the guard said before rushing off to someplace else. It was at that time I had already stepped foot into the armory, and was immediately donning my armor with the help of the servants who took care of it.

Andromeda came to my side, being mindful of giving enough space for the servants to put on my armor. "Perseus, I worry now," she told me anxiously. "This is all so sudden. What if something goes wrong?"

Hearing the worry and concern in my wife's voice was what made me gesture to the servants – who were, by now, done with strapping my armor ontp my body – to back away for a while to bring her into an embrace. We hugged each other tightly, and I stroked her hair as I said, "Everything will be alright, my queen. I can assure it."

I pressed a kiss to her head and she pressed one to my cheek before she willingly let me go, stepping back to allow further preparation to be done on me.

A guard took this moment to present to me my sword of choice; the one sword that I had used to cut off the head of Medusa and defeat the sea monster Cetus years ago. It had been polished recently, and sharpened greatly to slice effectively. When I took the sword that was still in its bronze scabbard, I then grabbed the guard by his shoulder, pulling him to me until he was close enough for me to whisper.

"Also, prepare my secret weapon."

Author's Note:

Man, I totally sucked on this chapter. This had me experience MAJOR writer's block. I can't believe that I just finished this earlier today! Damn my obsessiveness to keep every chapter at a 3000+ word limit! But nonetheless, it is done, and it is the chapter right before the anticipated duel!

Anyway guys, weather's starting to get better over here, though there are still slight traces of smog in the sky. Ugh, can this ever stop? It's getting all hot again!

So, in a slightly better mood, I shall see you on Friday!

Muse of Fanfiction