A.N: So, I lied about this being two parts, I had to split it off into a third part because I had managed a total of 13000+ words! The Captain, 2damnpretty2die, is a saint for reading through it all in one go before I split it up. So in turn, double update for ya'll!

Chapter 32: Things Are Happening Behind Our Backs part 3

Callie p.o.v

Arizona had launched herself at the Hybrids without a second thought and I was left with two more that were so focused on Arizona's appearance, they had yet to notice me. They both held severed limbs in their bloodied hands and I cringed at the rest of the 'person' that remained on the ground, if it could be called that. There was nothing but parts of the torso left and I wanted to gag.

The anger and sadness that invaded my senses was so sudden that I had appeared before one of the Hybrids before I could blink and a second later, it was launched into the air and I spun around to meet the second one. The wide, but blank eyes I was met with was enough to force me into action as flame covered my fist and I punched out with everything I had, sending it to the ground with a heavy thud.

There was a howl from behind me as the first Hybrid landed and I noticed that he had partially shifted, eyes narrowed and claws extended.

Is that a wolf?

He lunged at me and I barely managed to avoid his sharp claws. I gasped as I saw a tree come flying at me from behind the wolf and raised my hands to form a barrier.

Since when could inanimate objects fly? Vampires and Lycans can't do that. What the hell is she?

The female Hybrid began to float up as more debris started to surround her, her eyes gleamed as she smirked at me, revealing her blood coated fangs. I focused all of my concentration on avoiding the things that came flying at me, jumping from side to side, backwards and forwards, ducking and weaving; occasionally forming a barrier when the debris got a tad too close for my comfort. I was so fixated on avoiding being squished that I stupidly forgot about the second Hybrid.

I screamed out in pain as a sharp rush of wind knocked me into the ground, the razor sharp air cutting into my skin. I cursed myself for my carelessness as the Hybrid landed on top of me, his weight taking away any air left in my body. I heard Arizona's cry of my name before I closed my eyes, refusing to stare into the dark pools of death that hovered above me. I waited for the pain that never came.

There was a sharp cry of "Leo, go!" before I felt the weight disappear from me completely. I opened my eyes to see a large beast tackling the Hybrid to the floor, spinning quickly to land back on its feet, hackles raised as energy crackled around its taut form.

I-is that… Is that a Tiger?

It was white in colour, with black stripes running along its body. I didn't have much time to appreciate my saviour as I felt hands pulling me backwards, away from the danger.

A flash of blonde and black rushed passed me and I saw a chain of thorns shoot up from the ground to the floating Hybrid and drag her struggling form down forcibly with a slam as the ground cracked around her.

I quickly found Arizona with her feet frozen to the floor and a large gash across her front. There were two women around her, one melting the ice around her feet and the other healing her wound. My eyes went wide as I recognised the women.

Thalia…Clio…

I inhaled sharply when I realised that the two Hybrids were approaching, quickly, but before I could cry out a warning, two more figures leapt out and launched at them with a loud roar.

Both were large wolves, one pure white in colour with a golden streak and the other jet black also with a golden streak. They both crackled with incredible power and their presence commanded power.

Once free, Arizona rushed to my side and held onto me tightly.

"Are you okay Calliope?" The fear was evident in her voice and I forced my shaking hands to still long enough for me to send a calming wave to her.

"I'm fine, but who are they?" I pointed towards the blonde and dark haired women that had saved me, and her eyes went wide at the sight of the tiger.

There was a flash as a barrier, which was slowly enclosing in on her, surrounded the female Hybrid, and before she could summon any energy, a large mass of thorns shot out from the ground piercing through the Hybrid and lightning crackled wildly. Before we knew what was happening, blood and guts splattered all over the barrier causing Arizona and I to gasp in horror and awe. When the barrier disappeared, there was nothing left but smoke.

The dark haired woman took a glance towards the wolves before her eyes grew bright red and a large amount of energy shot out from her outstretched arm, shooting upwards before expanding and forming a large barrier around the area.

"It's a glamour shield." Arizona commented with wide eyes, "it prevents people outside of the shield to see what's going on inside."

"That's amazing, I didn't know vampires could do that. And that thing with the thorns? It's really amazing." I said completely bewildered.

"They can't." I turned to her in shock. "She's a sorcerer."

"B-but I can sense the vampire in her!" I replied with disbelief. She merely stared at me with raised brows and I understood instantly. "She's a Hybrid isn't she?"

Twin roars caused the ground to shake as the wolves lunged at the Hybrids. A barrier was raised to counter them, but Thalia and Clio jumped over the wolves with their swords drawn and smashed through the shield with ease, allowing the wolves to dive again, distracting the Hybrids long enough for the two guardians to severe their heads. The dark haired woman waved her hand in their direction and the ground opened up and swallowed the dead Hybrids, leaving no remains of them behind.

The Tiger and the Lycan Hybrid seemed to be having their very own growl off as they snarled at each other, volume slowly increasing with time. The blonde seemed to tire of the wait and a large amount of energy surrounded her hand, slowly forming into the shape of a sword.

Wait… I know that sword.

The light reflected off the three jewels at the hilt. Black, Blue and White. Arizona's sharp intake of breath confirmed my suspicions.

The Sword of Cronus!

The blonde caught the eye of the Tiger, and after receiving a subtle nod; they both lunged; the Tiger coming in from the front and the blonde from behind. The Tiger feigned a frontal swipe causing the Hybrid to shuffle backwards just as the blonde snapped her hand down, carving through the Hybrid from head to toe. The Tiger's eyes shone a light green as thorns shot from the ground and wrapped around both parts of the Hybrid, tightening and squeezing until dust emerged through the small gaps.

When the blonde turned around, to say that I was shocked would have been an understatement.

Arizona p.o.v

The blonde turned around and I tensed instantly as Calliope gasped. "Styx!" I growled out, stepping forward and pushing Calliope behind me as my eyes flashed dangerously.

In an instant, Thalia and Clio appeared before me holding me back as Erica froze on the spot. The two wolves stood silently nearby, watching the events play out before them as the Tiger and the other woman stood beside Erica. The Tiger sat down and in a puff of smoke transformed into a baby fox.

What the fuck is going on?

"Calm down Artemis." Clio's low voice reached my ears and I felt Calliope's soothing warmth spread through me, calming me down immediately.

"What is she doing here?" I huffed out whilst sending glares in Erica's direction.

"Woah now, it's okay. We're all friends here." The dark haired woman spoke out.

"And who the hell are you?" I spat back at her.

She smiled and waved at me. "Lana Winters, pleasure to meet you Artemis, I've heard so much about you."

"Wait, 'Winters' as in from the Witches Clan in the South?" I asked perplexed by her sudden appearance.

"The one and only." She replied cheerfully.

I studied her form with narrowed eyes. She can't be, I can sense the vampire in her. My eyes widened when it clicked. "You're a Hybrid?"

I swear these Hybrids are just popping up everywhere now.

"As I said to Styx-ie here earlier, my Master has a habit of inadvertently creating Hybrids." She winked at my opened mouth.

Calliope and I shared a bewildered glance as the same thought passed our minds. 'Styx-ie?'

I sobered up quickly when I registered the second half of her sentence. "Your…? Terri?"

The fox yipped at the name drawing attention to itself and I had to hold in the 'awww' that threatened to escape when my eyes landed on its wide child-like eyes and its adorable baby face. Calliope wasn't quite as successful as a quiet squeal escaped causing Lana to chuckle.

"This here is my familiar: Leo. Say hi Leo." Lana commanded and he yipped again.

The peaceful moment was lost as Erica made her way towards us again. "How do we know that we can trust her?" I demanded as I adapted my leader persona again.

Lana and Erica shared a glance before Erica shifted her top revealing a golden mark at her chest.

The Mark of the Crown…

My deer in the headlights look was enough to draw a chuckle from Erica. "You might not trust me, but she does, and that's all that matters right now."

We were interrupted as Teddy's frantic voice filtered into my mind.

"Arizona? Hello? Can you hear me? Houston, we have a problem!"

"Teddy? What's the matter?"

"We're under attack!"

"What?"

"Sort of… Some guy broke out of the dungeons below, I don't know who he is, but he's destroying us. I'm not sure how much longer we can hold him back. He's really strong and he's already torn through a load of our guards. I mean literally torn through them!"

"We're on our way!"

I glanced back at the group who were all looking at me curiously. "There's an attack at the manor and our men are struggling to hold him back."

"A Hybrid?" Erica asked in concern.

"Maybe, I don't know, but they need our help." I eyed her suspiciously.

"I told you, I'm on your side, or at least I'm on Teresa's." I nodded. It was enough for now. Our friends needed us. I glanced at the wolves, which I had to figure out their identities, to see that they were now standing ready for action.

With a flash, we all disappeared, headed straight for the manor.

When we arrived at the manor, the sight was horrifying. There were bodies everywhere, some alive and some bordering on death. Blood covered the walls and we followed the trail into the throne room where we found Addison, Teddy, Mark, Alex and the Generals laid out on the floor heavily wounded and unconscious. The scent of blood was overpowering and I heard the twin growls that escaped the wolves behind me.

Tim and Lexie were currently engaged in battle with the attacker; Tim's eyes were blazing whereas Lexie had fully transformed. The creature blasted both of them away and turned to reveal his partially shifted form and bright yellow eyes.

The growling from the wolves became louder and I felt the anger pouring off of them in waves. Erica stepped forward from beside me, form tensed in anger and eyes blazing yellow.

"Lucas Randall," she revealed and I shifted my gaze back to the Lycan in shock.

Thorns emerged from the ground binding him on the spot as Lana stepped forward, head tilted as she studied the form.

"There's something wrong here. His aura keeps rising." She swept her glance over the room. "There's someone else here. Someone that's providing him with power."

Erica roared as she suddenly shot forward with her blade drawn towards the throne. She halted just as she reached the steps before the throne and stabbed at an invisible source. The air before her rippled, before it finally shattered, revealing a hooded figure sat upon the throne.

"I thought I recognised your scent." She hissed at him, "you're the one who's been working with my father."

"My Lord will be very disappointed to learn that you've sided with the enemy, Styx." The dark voice replied, shock evident in his voice at the sight of Erica.

He stood up and waved his hand, dark eyes becoming ablaze and Lucas roared as the binds shattered.

A sudden increase in pressure made us all drop to our knees as the doors slammed shut behind us and new presences appeared in the room.

My parents and Helios had appeared, the latter having formed a barrier around the room.

"We've been waiting for you..." My father's booming voice echoed with power. His hand came up as energy shot out from his hands, hitting the hooded figure straight on. "Martin Francis!"

Elder Francis looked up in shock as his identity was revealed. "H-how?" He scurried backwards in fear and a glowing hand came up, aimed at Lucas. "Randall! I command you, destroy them! Destroy them all!"

Lucas' roar was wild and powerful as energy surrounded his body making him glow brightly. Wind whipped around the room as his energy grew and my father responded in kind; energy flaring up to meet his, the air slowly becoming too thick to breath. He lunged at my father but was intercepted by the jet black wolf who had leapt without our noticing. His roar was filled with rage as he took on the feral Lucas Randall. Lucas threw two powerful lightning powered orbs at the wolf, knocking him down and causing him to whimper in pain. He charged another bolt at the wolf and in a move that shocked us all, Erica launched forward, wings outstretched, and intercepted the attack.

My father appeared behind Lucas and grabbed at his arm. Lucas fought back and the push and pull caused his arm to completely separate from his body. The wound not only failed to distract him, but it seemed to urge him on even more as his other hand came up and clawed at my father. Erica charged up and took off his other arm; Lucas roared in pain, but he refused to back down, rocking his armless torso from side to side as his energy levels raised up to terrifying levels.

"Destroy them!" Martin Francis' voice cut through the commotion and Lucas charged.

Lana appeared and symbols appeared along her arms before a barrier appeared around Lucas. He halted in his steps at the sudden intrusion and began to charge at it, trying to break it down with his shoulder. Lana gritted her teeth as the barrier took hit after hit and she struggled to contain him. Helios came up beside her, eyes shining and the barrier was reinforced by a second wave of power.

My father and Erica shared a glance and entered the fray. She distracted him as my father swung his sword at his neck. It was halted by a faint wave of energy, which acted as armour, surrounding Lucas. With a mighty roar, my father's aura grew and forced through the barrier detaching Lucas' head from his torso. Erica reacted quickly and stabbed her lightning infused blade down onto the rolling head, turning it to dust instantly.

The energy died out as the dust settled and Martin Francis stared at us utter malice in his eyes as he snarled at us.

"Surrender." My father commanded, to which Martin scoffed at. "You're outnumbered and you really don't stand a chance."

There was a flash as Theia, Lucia and Elizabeth appeared behind him. He stumbled away forcing himself into the centre of the room as we surrounded him.

"Stand down, Martin." Theia's voice was soft but stern, as she watched him sadly. "It doesn't have to be this way."

"I don't have to listen to you! Hades will be to one to rule. He will be the one to change the world." He screamed.

"Why, Martin, why?" Theia asked.

"Because you're all fools. Hades is the only one who deserves the throne!" He became frantic as he spat and cursed at us. "He can offer power to anyone, and Zeus? He's selfish and arrogant, that will be what destroys him! Athena will be the one to destroy him."

I stared dumbfounded at his revelation. Why would Terri be the one to kill her dad?

"When she finally tires of his treatment, she will understand that Hades is the only one who truly understands her. They're one of a kind and she belongs with us."

His eyes grew brighter and brighter and suddenly we were engulfed in darkness. When the darkness faded, we were met with dozens of shadows that stood protectively around the traitor.

"What is that?" Calliope asked in wonder.

"My powers magnified, with thanks to my Lord, Hades." Martin replied smugly, all traces of fear and panic long since disappeared.

"He's managed to create shadow counterparts of each one of us. A copy taken directly from our minds with an exact replication of our powers." Theia explained as she watched on in sorrow. "The full extent of his powers were originally locked by Zeus because of his unstable nature. It was decided that he couldn't be trusted with the power, and you can see why."

"I won't allow my powers to be limited anymore!" The group of shadows separated, each aiming for their original counterpart as Martin aimed for the exit.

The doors suddenly flew open and a blur shot through, taking Martin by surprise as he flew back further into the room. There was a howl of pain as the shadows all disappeared and Martin was left on the floor in the centre of the room clutching his head in agony.

Movement by the open door caught my attention as two figures walked through. My jaw dropped when I realised who they were.

"Terri…" I exclaimed in surprise.

Her head was held high, eyes burning as Aria followed behind, eyes just as bright. Lana and Lexie dropped down to one knee with a low proclaim of 'Master', as Erica, Leo and the two wolves bowed their heads in respect.

"A-Athena!" Martin seemed equally surprised to see her, "that's impossible. You were supposed to be away. You shouldn't be active! The death of those mutts should've destroyed your will!"

Her eyes narrowed in his direction and he screamed out, the pain overloading his senses. "No!" He yelled before he dropped unconscious.

She approached him with the intent to kill, but as her hand reached his prone form, smoke started to billow around him and he disappeared. Terri reached her hand through the smoke as her head tilted, allowing it to pour through her fingers.

My father started to give chase, but the doors slammed shut as Terri faced Theia.

"Why?" Her voice was deadly calm and a sense of foreboding overcame me.

There was silence before a low groan made its appearance as my friends slowly began to regain consciousness. Tim stumbled and limped his way to my side and we watched as Terri stared coldly at Theia.

"I didn't have a choice." Theia's voice was pained as Lucia and Elizabeth watched on sadly with guilt in their eyes.

"You charmed me." She stated simply. "That night when you called to me. The flames that were lit in your room, they were dancing, and waving and so mesmerising. You intruded my mind." Her voice remained calm and it was starting to worry me.

"I didn't have a choice." Theia insisted.

"That day, in the throne room, when the Generals reported about the culling of the Randall clan, all I felt was heat. White hot blinding rage." She started to pace slowly around the room as her eyes trailed over each and every one of us. "And when Aria entered my memories, she was struck by burning flame of your barrier." I shifted my gaze to see Aria watching on unimpressed. "She lived through my memories and my pain and anger, she hit the flaming wall and heard a voice telling me that my partner and daughter were dead. It was you wasn't it?"

Theia fell silent and refused to hold any eye contact. A mistake on her behalf because she failed to see Terri's next move. Her speed was incredible as she appeared before Theia, lifting her up by her throat.

"My father sent his very own Aunt to her death because of his need to flush out a rat."

"Y-you knew?" Theia forced out as Terri's grip slowly increased pressure. Lexie and Lana had appeared next to her, halting the movements of Lucia and Elizabeth.

"How long have you been watching my movements?"

"S-since your meeting with Styx."

"You've been in my head for a long time then, huh?" Terri chuckled, but the sound was so cold and bitter.

"The prophecy-"

"I don't give two fucks about the fucking prophecy!" Terri roared.

"You…?"

"I'm smarter than you give me credit for, and faster as a matter of fact. I even know that the moment my father discovered Lindsey, he'd figured out my part in the prophecy." Theia's silence confirmed Terri's theory. "You've all been giving me hints about the prophecy. There's a reason that none of you have ever raised any objections on my different treatment to Tim and Arizona, and there's a reason why Tim hasn't been able to unlock his true form yet. You wanted Arizona to keep the kindness and innocence that dwells from deep within. Just as depicted in the prophecy, no?"

Theia seemed to be stunned into silence, as she remained completely speechless.

"It's also the reason you never came forward about my meeting with Erica, the person who is supposedly supposed to be our enemy. You needed her on our side, but you didn't have the ability to do it. So you used me."

"Teresa, stop!" My father commanded. He stepped forward, but a low growl halted him. Leo had transformed into the white Tiger and stood before him defensively.

"W-what about Randall then? H-how did you know of Randall's attack? And Martin's betrayal?" Theia's voice was getting more and more strained as the air failed to reach her lungs.

"Not a single person from the Randall Clan would ever refer to me as 'Athena'. When I went to see Lucas, he was covered in Hades' scent, it was faint, but it was there. He was too shocked by my appearance to even notice that I'd slipped into his head. Though it was kind of pointless since someone had set up a barrier against external intrusions. Now how many people have the ability to create one that strong?" Amusement filled her voice as she counted off on her free hand. "Mnemosyne, Aria, myself, you and finally, Martin Francis."

"But how could you be so sure that it was one from our side? Just because of Styx's word? She could've been lying!"

"Because," she hissed, "Martin Francis is an arrogant and smug little fucker that likes to play mind games with me. And through our constant interaction, I can easily recognise his work anywhere."

She spun around with Theia still in her grasp so that she was now facing us. Her head tilted and a smirk formed on her face. "Now, I don't like being used, Ariolus," She spat out in a mocking manner. "My father knows that very well, we share the same characteristics after all. And yet…" she trailed her eyes over to my father, mouth pursing to a straight line. "He knew I would figure it out, and where is he hiding whilst he sends his family to deal with the aftermath?"

"W-when did you figure it out?"

Terri's eyes narrowed at her, "It's been on the tip of my tongue for days. As I got weaker, it became more obvious that the rage was powered by a secondary source. Kudos to you for taking the initiative to prevent other mind readers from slipping into my mind, however you lose points for not suspecting someone without the Power of Mind to get in."

"What?"

She snorted at her. "I had the theory, but I needed to test it. So Aria got into my mind and found the barrier. All I had to do was go at it with the power that lingered around from when Calliope healed me. You never expected that to happen did you?" Her grip tightened even more and Theia started to choke.

"Terri, don't!" I pleaded.

No response.

"Terri!" Tim tried.

Nothing.

"Teresa, please." My mother begged.

Still nothing.

"Teresa, don't do something you'll regret." Lucia urged.

Wrong thing to say! The smirk returned to her face.

"Teresa, stop." A new voice joined in the fray and the smirk on her face grew into a wide grin.

I watched as the snow white wolf shifted back into their human form and was shocked when I saw the familiar blonde hair and deep brown eyes.

"Lauren." Terri's voice was soft as pleasure shone in her eyes.

"Please." Lauren urged.

Aria appeared beside Terri and placed a hand tenderly onto the one holding Theia. "Baby, its enough now." She rested her head against Terri's, breathing in her scent. "They're home now." She swept her eyes over all of us before landing on Erica. "They're all home now, let go, Baby."

Terri closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, and when she re-opened her eyes, they had returned back to their normal colour. She released her grip on Theia and before she took a step back, she growled out, "The next time this happens… If you ever try something like this again… I will not hesitate. I will destroy you!" The warning was heard loud and clear by everyone.

"How did you know they were still alive?" Elizabeth asked when Terri seemed unfazed by Lauren's appearance.

"After I broke the barrier, it was only a matter of seeking out Lauren and Lindsey's aura, though I wasn't too pleased to find my missing guardians, Thalia and Clio's, signature by their side." She shot a look at Lucia that made her shrink back in guilt. "Once I'd found them, I sent Lana and Erica to retrieve them."

A voice came from the doorway and instantly lightened up the room as Terri reeled in her restraining aura.

"Mommy!" Lindsey appeared holding the hands of Thalia and Clio. They released her hand the instant she spotted Terri and allowed her to run forward into Terri's arms.

Terri lifted her up and held onto her tightly, burying her head into the child's neck as she inhaled deeply.

"Lindsey."

It took only moments before Lauren had joined in the tight embrace, sobbing lightly into Terri's shoulder, one hand held tightly in Aria's.

I looked between Terri and Erica and sighed sadly.

I guess it's time for our counterattack then…