A.N: It's taken so long to finally complete my chapters; work has been getting in the way! I went from working 2-3 days a week, to a full on 7 day job! But I'm excited, are you excited?

Less action, more planning and conversation in this chapter, but the next one gets juicy =] That's already on the way!

To addictedgeek: Hey nikki! Glad to see you're still here. I'm not saying a single thing about Tim and Graham, you can figure that out yourself ;) lol, the next chapter will be awesome, I promise! (at least I hope it will =P)

To ellehcimj: Dedicated reader! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint, don't stay up too late though, sleep is good, sleep is awesome! I miss sleep!

To Jessica Torres-Robbins: Don't hate on Tim too much! I'm glad you liked the Callie/Arizona scenes, I feel like there's so much to focus on and not enough scenes of each pairing, like Teddy/Addison and Mark/Lexie, they've been mentioned, but there's not enough between them! Hope the wait wasn't too long, and I'll try to get the next one up asap!

To ShuFly: I'm sorry to say that happy times will not be in the near future, not yet anyways =[. There's so much angst and drama that has to happen before any good can come, I've spent too much time away from the main plot, I mean the main villains didn't even come into play until chapter 11! I'll try to include some happier scenes though!

To ryshai: CaseyJr suggested that I have a scene where Callie protects Arizona and she pouts like a baby at that and I fulfilled their request! I do like the idea though, Callie and Arizona need to have an equal partnership, even if Arizona is totally stronger!

2damnpretty2die is still my awesome beta and I love her to bits! Captain is still feeling unwell though =[ hope you get better soon!

Chapter 20: Elizabeth Lewis

Tim p.o.v

"What ever happened to my dear Graham?" Hades' voice was like silk, penetrating my thoughts as I stood in the garden, marvelling the sights of Boston.

"My lord?" was my shocked reply; I hadn't noticed another presence in the garden, let alone directly behind me.

"Graham, I believe Erica told me that he was taken by those two dogs that lie beside Athena. The daughters of Mnemosyne, what were their names again?"

"Clio and Thalia, my Lord." I bristled at the mention of Thalia, and my heart constricted at the thought of having to fight against her.

"Ah yes, them. They took Graham yes?"

"Yes my Lord."

"What became of his fate? My men tell me that they couldn't find him in the remains of the mansion in Miami."

"I-I don't know, my Lord." I winced, prepared for Hades' punishment at my ignorance.

"What a shame, Erica was rather fond of that man." Hades' tone was light and unchanging, almost as if he had no care for his man's fate.

"S-sir?" I was utterly confused, Erica cared for Graham? Really? But she was always so cold and ruthless to him. She constantly punished him for every minor mistake he made, and if that was how she portrayed her love, I would hate to know how she showed her hatred.

"Artemis killed him!" The voice shocked me, and I turned prepared to attack, however, seeing Erica standing at the doorway leading into the house, I relaxed again. Seriously, do these people not make a sound when they walk? Do they not breathe? Why is it that I can never detect their aura?

"Oh?" Hades sounded interested, "how do you know that my dear? My men reported no signs of him anywhere."

"Because," she spat, "the scent of his blood was all over her!"

I knew that the blood was from when Arizona had tortured him, but I never thought that Erica would be able to sense that.

"Is that true Apollo?" Hades' tone was condescending, as if he suspected I knew more than I was letting on.

"I-I-Yes, my Lord, Ari… Artemis had been torturing Graham for information, and as far as I know, Graham was loyal and refused to leak any information." I shivered at the intense stare I was getting from Hades and glanced quickly over to Erica who was stewing in her own anger.

"And then?"

"I don't know, he was taken away by Clio and Thalia. I don't know what happened after, but I do know that he was constantly guarded."

I was caught off guard and knocked to the floor by an infuriated Erica, who loomed over me with bright yellow eyes, fangs snarling in my face, and I braced myself for her attack. But if never came. Opening my previously closed eyes, I saw a deeply amused Hades holding onto her shoulder, pulling her away from me. She shrugged him off and stormed back into the house, killing one of the maids who happened to cross her path. I winced at her nonchalant show of violence and Hades chuckled lightly.

"M-my Lord? I thought Styx hated Graham?" I hated that this man made me stutter like a little child, I absolutely hated it.

"Perhaps, but he had been around for a very long time. Ever since she was a baby in fact, he was responsible for caring for her and catering to her every need. I guess that she needed to assert her authority by constantly punishing him whenever possible, but she actually looked up to him as an older brother of sorts. He showed her how to make her very first kill, and she was so very proud of that. And after losing Trevor, Graham was the only 'sibling' she had left. I'm not surprised that she's so angry over his death." Hades actually sounded upset, and I was slowly getting more and more baffled. "Never fear, the anger makes her oh so wonderful, don't you agree?" His tone suddenly changed into a jovial and happy one and I could only stare at him wide eyed.

"…My Lord?"

"It makes her kill more ruthlessly, faster, messier, as if she's trying to take out her anger on her prey. It makes for such wonderful entertainment don't you think?" He became more and more gleeful at the thought and I shivered at the sadistic display of happiness. "Besides, it means I have more soldiers at my command."

"Y-yes my Lord, of course." I bowed my head, no longer wanting to see his wide smile and bright eyes at the thought of slaughtering innocent humans for entertainment.

He sobered moments after, "Come now, Apollo, we must prepare."

"Prepare?" His abrupt change in moods and thoughts had me reeling. I swear if I didn't know him as a sadistic, vicious, demonic vampire, I would swear that he had ADHD.

"Oh yes, the Princess is coming soon. I can feel it in my bones." He teased me, giving a slight shiver to exaggerate his speech, "she coming."

Arizona p.o.v

We arrived in Boston shortly after Calliope and I had defeated Artemis, thanks to Calliope and Terri's access to private jets. I had never questioned as to how Terri had access to one, it made sense for Calliope to have one, seeing as her father was a businessman and a multi-millionaire, but Terri was a puzzle. I guess a part of me never really wanted to know, I was worried that the answer would be something horrifying, and besides, it always made life easier when Zeus would send us all over the world on missions.

Stepping onto the grounds of the mansion I grew up in, it actually felt like coming home. As the cars that we were in pulled through the large gates, the wide doors of the main house burst open as people came running out, all dressed in formal black trousers, crisp white shirts, golden ties that all bore the symbol of Zeus on, and high collared black jackets with golden silk lining the ends of the sleeves, around the collars and on the insides of the jackets. They were formed into two rows, with approximately ten men on each side, and when we stepped out of the cars, they all dropped to one knee and bowed deeply, heads almost touching the floors, with their right hands placed over their hearts, where it was embroidered with the symbol of Zeus.

"Welcome home Lord Athena, Lord Artemis." They barked out in unison. I felt the eyes of our friends on Terri and I, and could feel the confusion and wonder emanating from them. Terri simply nodded and I smiled lightly at them. I'm home.

From the open doors, two people emerged, one male and one female, both dressed in long white robes, a simple golden belt was around their waists with swords with golden handles and pure white scabbards hanging from them. They hurried down the centre of the bowed men towards us and bowed their heads in respect.

"Princess Athena, Princess Artemis, we've been awaiting your return." The male spoke.

"Elder Green, Elder Johnson, it's been a while." Terri replied warmly. They raised their heads and when their eyes landed on the forgotten group behind us, they gasped.

"E-Elder Webber, High Advisor Mnemosyne, it's been a long time." They slowly moved their gaze to the rest of the group and approached them swiftly. "Lady Ariadne, Lady Calliope, it's an honor to finally meet you." They once again bowed their heads and I could see Calliope and Aria's look of confusion.

Chuckling lightly to myself, I decided to aid in their helplessness. "Aria, you're the Crown's Bride, and Calliope, you're my mate, your statuses are slightly different here." I giggled seeing that their wide-eyed, deer in headlights, look was deepening.

"Let me introduce, this is Elder Lincoln Green," Terri said, pointing to the male, "and Elder Katherine Johnson, they're part of the court and have been handling any issues that arise in Boston. They're also caring for the mansion here too, as you can see." She gestured to the lands around us covered with grass, flowers and trees that were all blooming healthily and standing strong against the light breeze blowing across.

"So, you said that Hades has returned?" She jumped straight into the main topic, wanting to settle this as much as anyone else; and I straightened up at the mention of his name.

"Yes, my Lord. It was perhaps 3 to 4 days ago, when we felt the aura of Hades, along with Styx and…" Elder Green hesitated, glancing at me briefly before returning his attention to Terri, "Apollo."

I felt my entire body stiffen. Tim's here? He returned with Hades and Erica, why Tim?

I could feel a warm presence expanding from within and glanced up to see Calliope looking at me with worry in her golden eyes. Calliope…

"Are you okay?" I could hear her voice in my head and I smiled

"I'm fine, I just can't believe Tim's here, with Hades as well."

"I'm here for you Ari. If you need anything, anything at all, just come to me. Talk to me." She insisted, and I inwardly chuckled.

"I know Calliope, I promised, remember? No more running, no more hiding." She smiled lovingly at me and nodded, and we both returned our attention to Terri and the Elders.

"Hades has been gathering his strength, and we fear that if we do not attack now, we may not have another chance." Elder Johnson stated.

"I see…" Terri contemplated her options.

"We can't afford to lose any more humans to him and our men are already prepared to fight, my Lord." Elder Green insisted and Terri sighed, knowing that there was only one option to take.

"Very well, allow us to settle in first, and then gather the Generals. We shall meet tonight at 7, and tomorrow night, we shall be celebrating Poseidon and Aphrodite's return." She commanded, and the two Elders ran off to prepare.

"Thalia, Clio, meet with the Generals and relay to them what happened in Miami." They nodded and disappeared from sight immediately.

"Richard, Lucia, perhaps you could see what the other Elders already know?" They smiled and walked into the mansion, following the footsteps of the two Elders before them.

"Peters, Matthews!" She barked, and two men from the front of the still bowed group stood to attention straight away. "Lead my friends to their rooms for the night." She ordered, and then turned to face us. "My aura will flare up tonight; just follow it to the meeting room. Until then, enjoy the sights and rest up, because tomorrow, we enter hell." She glanced at Aria, and then me before walking into the mansion with Aria trailing behind.

Peters and Matthews watched us anxiously, waiting for our next move. I smiled at them gently before addressing the group. "T's right, you guys should get some sleep or something. It's been a hectic few days and it's going to get even messier tomorrow. There's blood in the fridges of each room, and if you need anything else there are always soldiers lining every hallway, so don't be afraid to ask them for anything, anytime okay?" They nodded and followed the two soldiers into the mansion leaving Calliope and myself standing in the driveway.

I held my hand out to her, and when I felt her soft hand in mine, I led her down the side of the mansion.

"Where are we going Ari?" her voice was soft and questioning.

"You'll see" I replied cryptically, and heard her huff at my less than helpful answer.

Callie's p.o.v

After walking for about ten minutes through the forest that surrounded the land, I decided to break the silence.

"Ari, where are you taking me?"

"Somewhere special." Her answer was just as cryptic and it frustrated me slightly. I was in a city I had never visited, in a huge land that was mainly surrounded by trees that were so tall, the sunlight barely made it through and I had absolutely no idea how far away from the house we were know. In short, I was completely lost.

"Ari…" I warned, but was pulled to an abrupt halt.

"We're here!" Arizona exclaimed happily. I looked around to see where 'here' was, and saw a small clearing with a huge fallen tree. Other than that, there was nothing special about the area; it was woody and dark, just like the rest of the area.

"And what exactly is 'here'?" I arched a brow at her expectantly. She was inspecting the area with so much happiness and joy that I could feel it invading my senses.

"This is where I was born again." She explained with a childlike expression.

"Born again?"

"Yup, it's where Terri found me, and where your mother had dropped me off after I was bitten." I noticed that there was no more malice or resentment in her voice when she spoke of my mother and her turning, and it warmed my heart knowing that she had finally let go of the hatred.

"So this is where it all started huh?" I asked her softly, taking in the scenery more seriously.

"Yup." She walked over to the fallen tree and sat down, leaning against it. "This is the exact spot I was found." She patted the floor beside her and I sat down. "And this is how Terri said she found me." She closed her eyes and dropped her head backwards immediately, rolling it slightly to the right towards me and stuck her tongue out to the side playfully. I giggled at her childish antics and laid my head on her shoulder, feeling her arm around my waist instantly.

"This is where it all began for Terri and you…" It wasn't a question so much as a statement. I knew what happened next, I had seen it. Terri had showed me everything and I still remember the confusion, the fear, the helplessness and the loneliness she felt when she woke up in an unfamiliar environment.

"I felt like I needed to go back where we had started before we reached the end." Her voice was filled with nostalgia and I felt my heart clench.

"Ari…"

"I know, I'm being pessimistic right?" she cut me off before I could say anything more. "But, it's just… I don't know what tomorrow will bring; all I know is that I'm afraid. I trust in Terri 100 per cent, and I believe that she is a great leader, but I can't help this anxiousness that's building in my heart. A sense of foreboding, it's like I know that something bad is going to happen. I feel like I'm going to lose something and I don't know what. I wouldn't be able to bear it if anything happened to you or any of our friends, even Tim. Even though he's betrayed us, if anything happened to Tim, it would kill me." There were tears in her eyes and I felt my own falling down my cheeks at her moment of vulnerability.

"Nothing's going to happen Ari." I managed out from the lump that had suddenly formed in my throat.

"You don't know that Calliope." Her voice was stern, but I could hear the underlying dismay.

"So maybe it is. If this really is our last night, do you really want to spend it in fear and so distraught over what may come?"

She was silent, and so very still as she contemplated my words. She shook her head suddenly and stared at me with bright purple eyes. "No, this is not how I want to spend my last day with you. I want to spend it feeling loved and complete."

And with that she crashed her lips onto mine and pushed me onto the surprisingly soft ground beneath us.

I love you… You complete me.

Aria p.o.v

I followed her apprehensively as she stormed through the hallways. There was an aura of distress surrounding her and I wanted to soothe away the thoughts.

"Terri…" I started hesitantly, but my words seemed to go unheard. I jogged forward to catch up with her hurried strides and grabbed onto her arm, turning her around to face me. "Baby, look at me." When she finally made eye contact, I could see the furrowed eyebrows and the mixed emotions swirling in her eyes. "What's going on in that head of yours?" I asked softly.

She let out a deep sigh and relaxed her body. "I'm worried about what tomorrow will bring."

"I know you are, but there's something else isn't there?" She didn't reply, so I placed a hand on her chest. "I can feel it, there's something hiding away in there. What's the matter?"

She looked away avoiding eye contact, and when she spoke her voice was so low and soft, I barely caught what she said. "Would you stand by me?"

"What?"

She took a deep breath and spoke louder. "No matter what happens tomorrow, whatever secrets or truths that are revealed tomorrow, would you still stand by me?"

I was confused by her cryptic question, but I knew without a doubt that I would always stand by her side. "Yes."

The silence was deafening, and for the first time, she initiated intimacy with me without being asked or expected as she pulled me into a fierce embrace. "Thank you." She murmured into my ear before pulling back just as unexpected. "But I fear after tomorrow, you won't feel the same. You won't even be able to look at me anymore." She started to walk away from me again, but not before I caught the pain in her eyes.

I wrapped my arms tightly around her waist as my front collided with her back. "I don't care what happens, my feelings for you will never change." Her back was stiff and her breathing was shallow, and it broke my heart to see her so insecure, so distraught and so… so lost. I didn't know how to help her and that hurt me more than I could ever say, and I prayed that my unwavering determination could soothe her fears, whatever they were.

Her hands gripped mine tightly and I could feel her shaking in my arms. "Do you trust me, Ariadne?" It was strained and I could hear the tears in her voice.

"Implicitly" I answered, with no hesitation whatsoever.

"And would you do whatever I asked of you without question?"

"Yes."

She turned around in my arms and grabbed onto my head, leaning her forehead against mine, eyes closed. "Then there is something I need you to do."

I closed my eyes, breathing in her scent. "Whatever your command, I will fulfil."

Silence surrounded us as her command echoed through my head. I gasped at her request, "Terri…" and when my eyes shot open, I was met with fierce brown ones, shining with determination. "Y-you want me to…?" the determination was unwavering, but I could see the underlying fear and apprehension. My arms tightened around her waist and I nodded, feeling the tears building.

Her thumb trailed under my eyes, catching the tears before they could fall and she pulled me in to a soft kiss.

"Thank you"

General p.o.v

The conference room was abuzz with excitement and fear all at the same time. The Elders and the Generals were all stood talking over each other, trying to get Terri, who was sat at the head of the table with her head in her hands, to take their side. Arizona was sat to her right, as per usual, and looked around frantically from person to person with complete confusion and bafflement on her face. She was just as lost as everyone else was. Callie, Aria and the rest of their team sat of the other side of the table, completely bewildered by the events happening before their eyes, whilst Lucia, who was to the left of Terri, and Richard, who was to the right of Arizona, sat in silence.

"Enough!" Terri's booming voice silenced everyone. "All I'm hearing so far is that you, General Howard." She pointed to an older vampire beside Richard, "are expecting to me send in a hundred men to 'distract' Hades' attention whilst my friends and I sneak in behind to rescue Poseidon and Aphrodite. Whereas you, General Reynard," she pointed to a muscular African vampire, "expect me to lead my men in a full frontal, head on charge because Hades 'would not be expecting me to be in the lead'. And you, General Chase," she pointed to a Caucasian female, standing beside General Reynard, "expect my friends and I to charge at the frontline, leaving the rescuing up to the soldiers, again because it will not be what Hades is 'expecting'. Whilst you, General Espinosa," she pointed to a Latina woman standing beside General Howard, "expect me to go in by myself to 'try' and 'lure out' Hades and Styx into a trap?" She leaned back in her seat, rubbing her temples gently. "You are all doing nothing but causing me a great headache. What plans do you really have? Ones that do not include me sending in my friends and my men to their imminent death immediately? Or perhaps ones that don't include me flying in solo, because I really can't take on everyone plus Hades and Styx" Nobody dared to answer, no one even moved.

She sighed deeply, troubled by the turn of events. "Has anybody actually looked into Hades' fort? Sent in espionages? Do you know how many men he has? How many of them are purely strays and how many are marked? Where Poseidon and Aphrodite are being held?" There were no replies; there were barely sounds of breathing. "Anything? What do you know then, other than the fact that he's here?" More silence reigned and Terri let out a sigh of frustration. "What the hell have you been doing then, I mean other than pissing matches? Have you all just been waiting for me to arrive and take hold?" The Generals and Elders all avoided eye contact with the now enraged Princess, and Callie and her friends actually felt a bit sorry for them.

Terri slammed her fist onto the metal table so hard it reverberated down to the other side, the suddenness and loudness of the noise shocking everyone at the table. "How the fuck did you all survive all those years ago?" She growled out.

There was chuckling by the door as a gentle voice echoed through the silence. "That's because they all relied too much on Cronus, and then Zeus to take the lead. They're nothing but wild animals trying to prove their mightiness in front of the young leader. They just want the recognition for winning this battle, and they think that you do not know any better or know of their tactics, Athena."

The Generals and Elders all turned in anger and outrage, but deflated immediately when then saw who had spoken. A tall, slim woman with pale skin, hazel eyes and long blonde hair was leaning against the doorframe. She too wore a long white robe with a golden belt and a sword hanging by her waist, like all the elders, but she also possessed an amulet that hung around her neck and dangled down in front of her chest; it was filled deep red energy and swirled with gold every now and again. Her eyes were lit with amusement and her lips curled into a smirk, they noticed that despite her relaxed stance, she had a powerful aura surrounding her.

"Elizabeth." Terri's relieved voice cut through any further inspections from the woman. "Where the hell have you been?"

Elizabeth glided into the room with a warm smile and bowed mockingly at her. "Oh the great and mighty Athena has summoned me and I have arrived, but it does take time to return from where I was, my dear. You can't just expect me to appear out of thin air." She teased lightly and from the other side of the table, her friends looked on in wonder at the relaxed attitude of the woman in the presence of the interim Queen. Aria looked between Terri and Elizabeth and felt unexpected jealously surge through her as Terri watched her with soft eyes and Elizabeth studied the young vampire with gentle and loving eyes.

Elizabeth took her place to the left of Terri as Lucia moved over, practically forcing General Reynard to move down a seat. She bowed her head quickly at Arizona and Richard and turned to the other side of the table. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Elizabeth Lewis and I'm the Elder known as Zeus' left hand."

They gasped as the woman's identity was revealed and Aria let out a breath of relief.

"You're more than just his left hand" came a murmured insult from General Howard, who was still seething from her insult.

"Hmm?" She raised an eyebrow and glanced in his direction. "What was that General Howard?" Her aura flared slightly, increasing the pressure of the room, and he responded in kind.

"You heard what I said. At least I've earned my position, I didn't sleep my way into power." There were gasps all around at his accusation, and their auras kept increasing as they stared at each other intensely.

Mark and Addison started to tense as the pressure reached suffocating levels, they took a quick glance at Bailey, Alex, Lexie, Teddy, Callie and Aria to see that they seemed unaffected, and briefly wondered if it was because of their constant exposure to the two Royals. They glanced at each other, worried that the Elder and the General would break out into a brawl the night before they confronted Hades.

"Hey Addie?"

"What Mark?"

"Should we, you know, say something? I mean it's not going to help if we break out into a civil war before the actual war starts."

"I know what you mean, but their auras are so powerful. And I'm more worried about being killed before we finish our sentences."

"Jesus, these guys are strong aren't they?"

"What did you expect Mark? They're the Elders and Generals that have been supporting the Kings for hundreds of years. I'm pretty sure we're the weakest ones here and that really sucks."

"I know, but the way the pressure keeps increasing, I think we might actually suffocate. Why aren't Terri or Arizona doing anything?"

"I have no clue Mark, I really don't"

Their conversation was disrupted as they felt eyes on them, looking up, they saw Thalia and Clio watching them with amusement from their position behind Terri; they had obviously heard their conversation and Clio was actually trying to hide her grin.

"Stand down General." Terri commanded, but the General was too clouded by anger and jealousy as his eyes shone blue and his fangs emerged, body tensing ready to attack. He suddenly dropped to the floor, convulsing in pain, as Terri stood from her seat, eyes shining red. "I do not want to repeat myself General. Any further insolence from you and I will see to it that you be stripped of your rank and all titles, General." Her eyes flickered dangerously before returning to brown as she sat back down.

The General made his way shakily to his feet, breathing laboured as he stared at her. "Y-you can't do that. You don't have the authority!" he panted, outrage all over his face.

"Try me." She fixated her eyes on him, calm and cold, and he felt himself shiver at the deadliness in her gaze. "Now can we continue with the meeting or are there other issues that need to be addressed?" the room was silent, and Elizabeth took the floor.

"Hades has gathered a large amount of mindless strays to hold the frontline, and I believe that he's using them as… entertainment."

"What do you mean Elder Lewis?" asked Elder Green

"He wants to toy with us, and he doesn't see the strays as anything more than disposable and replaceable playthings. So he's using it to test our strength and our kills as he joyfully watches from his 'throne'. We already know that he's a sadistic psychopath, so it wouldn't surprise me that he's planned for a bloody war tomorrow."

"And how do you know of this, Elder?" asked General Reynard gruffly.

"Because I watched him, and I've been doing so since Zeus disappeared."

The silence was overwhelming as her revelation shocked the Elders and Generals speechless.

"S-since the King's disappearance?"

"Yes, Zeus tasked me with following Hades' movements as he had tasked Richard with watching Athena's."

"So you know where Poseidon and Aphrodite are being held?" Terri asked.

"I do. They are in the dungeons at his manor, two floors below the ground."

"And how are they?"

Elizabeth glanced at Arizona briefly, watching her reactions. "Not good. They have been chained against the walls using spells to restrict their powers. They have not been cared for and their injuries from the battle 20 years ago are still ailing them."

Arizona clenched her fists, and growled. "They are alive though?"

"Very much, Artemis. Hades' has not tortured them… too much since their capture. He mainly taunts them over his success and their defeat, and he has recently brought Apollo in to see them, again to taunt them of his betrayal."

"What is your plan then, Elizabeth?"

"My plan is simple. We know that the strays guarding the front are harmless, so General Howard's plan of sending in the men is viable. We will need a leader for that, so I'm sure General Howard will not mind leading the men in his attack?" The man nodded gruffly, slumping in his chair. "Very good, now our main strength is Athena, Artemis and your friends, am I right?" Arizona nodded and glanced towards the other side. "Now I'm aware of your mate, Artemis, and the Bride of the Crown is here as well, are they going to be participating in the battle?" She glanced at Callie and Aria, and when they nodded, she waited to see if Terri or Arizona would protest. When she received none, she smiled and continued. "Marvellous, now, Artemis, Calliope, Theodora and Alexander will lead to attack for the left wing. Styx is most likely going to be guarding that side, so whilst Theodora and Alexander take care of any disruptions, Artemis and Calliope will be going after Styx."

"It would be better to replace Alex with Addison, Teddy and her have been partners for a while and they work well together." Terri interrupted.

"Perhaps, but wouldn't Alexander prefer to stay with his master?" she asked, looking at Alex.

"I would, but for the sake of the battle, I go where I'm needed, and I work well with Sloan anyway." Alex replied gruffly.

"Very well, in that case, Alexander and Marcus will follow me as I lead the attack on the right wing. I believe that is where Apollo will be found." Arizona wanted to protest, on the one hand, she wanted to be the one to confront her brother, but on the other, she had personal issues with Erica that she would rather handle.

"I know of your conflict Artemis, but I will be the one to confront Apollo, trust me." Elizabeth had a knowing gaze and Arizona reluctantly relented.

"Moving on, Athena, Ariadne and Alexandra will head for the main room where Hades will be found, and the other Generals will lead-"

"No," Terri cut in. "I will confront Hades alone. Aria and Lexie will go to Poseidon."

Callie p.o.v

I was shocked by Terri's suggestion, and looking at Aria, I was even more alarmed at the fact that she had no protests and had accepted the decision.

"I trust you to protect her, Lexie?" Lexie nodded, eyes shining with determination, and it made me regard her with newfound respect.

"But-" Elizabeth started, but was cut off again.

"There is something I must confirm, but I need to do it alone. Allow me this one selfish act won't you?" Terri's voice was solemn and she had a desperate look in her eyes. I saw Elizabeth stutter in her movements, and I'd assume that she too had never seen Terri like this.

"Of course, my Lord."

"There is one more thing I wish for you do to."

"About what?"

"Tim." I inhaled sharply at his name; "I want you to lure him out to the front gates."

"You wish to capture him alive?" I was horrified to learn that she had planned to kill Tim, and looking at Arizona, I saw that she had the same thoughts.

"I do." She narrowed her eyes at Terri, glancing between her and Arizona, before her eyes hardened.

"There is no place for sympathy and pity, my Lord. Betrayal must be punished, we cannot accept such insolence to the Royal Family, what example would we be setting? Family plays no role in war, otherwise we would not be in this place with Hades now. You cannot allow anything that would bring harm to our people to live."

Terri stiffened at her accusations and anger flashed through her eyes. "Tim is no Hades, and you dare question my loyalty to my family, my clan?"

"It is not your loyalty I question, but your motivation. I question your ability to separate between your best friend and your enemy, your ability to differentiate between real emotions and false sense of security, and your ability to strike down those close to you. Can you really destroy the one man that has been with you since you were young, one who has lured you into a false sense of love and familiarity and then betrayed you by almost killing you?"

"I can and I will, but I will do so under my own terms. Is that understood, Elder Lewis?"

The tension was palpable and I was now worried about a fight breaking out between Terri and Elizabeth. What was it about this woman that seemed to aggravate everyone? First, it was her and General Howard, and now it was Terri and her, who would be next?

They stared at each other for moments before she relented. "Your wish is my command, my Queen." The patronising tone was obvious and I felt my anger build at her blatant disrespect of Terri, but it wasn't my place to do anything.

"Then we are settled? Arizona will head for Styx, you for Apollo, Aria for Poseidon, myself for Hades and the Generals will be responsible for the first wave and then reinforcement?" There were nods all around, "good, Richard, Bailey, if you could stay back for medical aid, and Mnemosyne, if you could gather with our other Seers and guide us?" My mother and Elder Johnson nodded, revealing that Katherine Johnson was a Seer.

"Then eat well and rest up, for tomorrow at dawn, we march for Hades' manor."

She dismissed us all and I saw Terri heading for Lexie. I heard Terri whisper to Lexie. "Whatever happens tomorrow, follow Aria's lead okay?" but I never got to see her reaction or hear any more of the conversation as Arizona came to my side and led me out the door.

What did she mean by 'follow Aria's lead'?

A.N: hmmmmmm, now what did Terri say to Aria?