I cannot believe him. "You're building the ************* weapon?!" I shouted. "Even when we said not to?"
Saturn calmly turned to me, never leaving where the Shadow Titans were tinkering away. I could see a connection between him and the object hidden from view, taking on his powers. That was how it worked.
It took me moments to figure out how the weapon would work, but it went faster with Vesta's explanation. Saturn was transferring his own powers to the stone to enhance the ageing process. He made it so it would affect the Gods and all those who share their blood. It would've revealed us, however we are the children of the Gods not from this world. Our blood is different, we weren't affected. Nonetheless, it was sapping my strength, stopping the weapon from affecting Vesta. I did not understand how I could, but I suspected it had something to do with Allagi strengthening me. (I swear, Frank got the long stick. What's the point of having many powers when you don't have full control over them? He knows how to perfect every skill and has me to help with his water powers, not that he likes them. Like I said, he got the long stick.)
The Goddess has proven her trustworthiness. Enough so that Hazel and Frank were willing to reveal their faces in her presence. I could still remember her reaction, even from two weeks later.
Vesta cupped her hand on Hazel's cheek. "But you are so young." She whispered. "All of you are. How can you bear to kill?"
Frank snorted. "This is only a physical form. We stopped ageing long ago, Vesta. We're much older than we seem."
"Only by two years. I am seventeen now." Hazel said, holding her hands in front of her, gently pushing Vesta away. "But we have slain others even earlier than that. Forced to kill comrades and friends…" her voice drifted off and I shuddered. I was lucky not to have been there, but I heard the tales. Those six months, I have had to wake up because Hazel or Frank dreamt of the undeads they killed.
"Why? Why would you kill?" Vesta's eyes scanned all of us, imploring us, begging us to make her understand.
Frank patted the empty spot next to him on one of the lower branches. "You might want to sit down if you want to know." He advised.
Afterwards, she made little comments when we devised our plans in front of her. She no longer cared when I casted lightning bolts over her wrist for image.
She seemed to grow distant to outsiders, but behind the doors to our floral room, she was the most active. Vesta has never really acted like she despised us, but I had no doubt a part of her did. For opening her eyes, taking away the small hope she held for this world, and showing her the hidden side of Gods.
It didn't really matter that we were of different worlds, the Jupiters were more or less the same. This I knew.
We told her everything after about a week. Well, not everything, but enough. We told her we came from a different mythological world, where the tales told by humans were all true. We told her of the River Styx, of the unbreakable vows. We told her the deeds the Gods have done. And we told her the final push that led us here.
She swore on the River Styx, and I was relieved to hear thunder roar. It seemed like the vows were still active, but I didn't bother asking how. Really gives me a headache if I ask. For example, if I asked "how many siblings do I have?" My head couldn't take it.
I am glad she swore though. I have come to see Vesta as… someone worth fighting for. She isn't innocent, but she certainly isn't as cryptic as Hestia had been. Whenever we come back, she would fuss over us, ignoring our missions. I know she hates it, but the fact that she can overlook it is amazing as it is.
"The Flame has been winning the war for them, Prodosia." Saturn's stern voice brought me back to the present.
I shook my head, wondering if I could just go back to our room. Hazel and Frank were waiting for me. We intended to one day tell Vesta our real names but for now, we wanted to show her how to paint and see if she is better than Frank. "She is not. You are just prioritising her because you Titans are also drawn to her. Saturn, the only reason why you are losing ground is because you focus your attacks on her. Well, go ahead if you want to lose completely. The weapon won't help. It will only bring Emily here. That is not what we intended for. Titus is not supposed to bear the effects of the war."
"The Flame can try. But even she cannot defeat us in our territory."
Would anyone miss him if I just killed him now? Probably. "Do not grow arrogant, Saturn." I warned, pointing an accusing finger at him. "Arrogance will be the death of you, and the reason you lose. Do not underestimate Emily."
"Yet you do the same." He chuckled lightly, mockingly.
"I do not underestimate her. I merely know her. Emily cannot defeat me, but I know she can defeat you. How this world split its power evenly is truly a mystery." Sighing, I continued. "Leave Emily and her friends to me. I can handle them."
"You have other responsibilities, Prodosia." He glared at me.
"Like what?"
"Taking care of our prisoners? Guarding Titus? Conquering Greece? I can let you pick." He sounded so gracious I almost barfed.
"You refuse to let me near Juno." I reminded him. "And Vesta has been the epitome of good behaviour. What's there to take care of?"
"If one day I lose my mind, you are to be blamed." He growled. "Fine. Leave me to my work. Tell my brother to bring you to Tartarus if you are so eager."
My smile never faltered even as the word Tartarus felt like a knife in my gut. "This conversation does not end here."
After convincing Iapetus to bring me to Tartarus, I can say I'm either relieved or unimpressed. Luckily, the air wasn't poisonous, deadly or made me want to give up. On the other hand though, it just looked depressing. The sky above was dark, filled with thunder at random intervals that made me want to shut it up. It was cooling, which made me pleasantly surprised. Hey, at least I won't have to worry about blisters. Cold, wet, and miserable. Suits me perfectly fine.
Beside me, Vesta trembled. Her breathing came out in puffs and her hands wrapped around herself. I clapped her shoulder, summoning a cocoon of warm air to surround us. She smiled weakly. "Thank you."
"You wouldn't have to experience this if I didn't ask you to come. It's the bare minimum." I shrugged, following Iapetus who kindly ignored our conversation and obvious signs of friendships.
"But you asked me to come for Juno. You want to convince our father to let her go, or move her someplace better. Thank you." She stuck close to me. I was put out that she was a few centimetres taller. Now I'm depressed. *sigh*
"It is cruel for Saturn to place your sister here. I wouldn't want to return to my childhood nightmare either." In return, when we were tired beyond care, Vesta would share with us her stories as she helped us heal our injuries. More than what we could ask for. She left no scars.
"Our father would not have earned his name if he was kind." I could hear the sadness in her voice. In a way, us talking kept the horrors of this place out of Vesta's mind. I'm just surprised we haven't been attacked yet. Then again, the creatures of this Greece don't regenerate. Lucky bastards. I would like to see the Olympians try to survive one day in my world. See if they are still as hopeful.
"Do not worry, Vesta. My father was cruel and manipulative as well." I cracked a smile. "We could form a no-fathers' club."
"A club?" Despite knowing English, they don't exactly know future stuff.
"A group of sorts with a common interest." I vaguely described. "Góissa and Ekdikó can also join. I have met their fathers. None of them are father material. One is my uncle. The other, my cousin."
"That sounds nice." Her breathing was getting shallower, I noticed. Waving a hand, I thickened the cocoon around us, blocking our view but making sure Iapetus was still visible. He glanced back occasionally, but never bothered to talk. He knows I get pissed with eavesdroppers.
"One day, Vesta. You'll know more about us than the Titans." I casually remarked. "Maybe one day, we'll learn to trust you without the oaths." It's two by now. One by her name, one on the River Styx. Both are more or less the same. No saying anything she finds out in our room or in Titus while the deal holds. No trying to escape (not that she does anyways). No communicating with her siblings besides Ceres and soon to be Juno. Speaking of Ceres, she hasn't been that interested in me, only wishing to talk to Vesta. I haven't heard her mention anything about growing closer to me, just reassuring her sister she was alright, which was a relief to me. She knows she can tell Ceres but she doesn't, and I can't help like her even more.
"We're here." Iapetus rumbled in Greek. I looked up from Vesta, and into the prison, separated from us by steel bars.
I looked around. "Where is Kampê?"
"Prodosia? Who is Kampê?" Vesta worriedly placed her hand on my forearm as I realised another thing. No guard for Tartarus. That's just ridiculous. I always thought Vesta didn't mention Kampê because it was too hard to remember when all this time, there was no monster. That makes their life simple then. No torture, just imprisonment. Gah, another difference.
"Nothing. Just from… you know where."
Vesta nodded, showing she knew what I was talking about. Her eyes drifted away from me. Her breath hitched. "This is Briareos." She whispered in awe, pointing to the first hundred-hander. "That is Cottus," she moved her finger to the next cell, "and Gyges."
They were really beautiful, I couldn't help but admit. It wasn't the human-like big guy who cried because of Kampê, this was the true height of the Hundred-handers. (Although I always found my Briares cute)
His fifty pairs of eyes landed on us, shrieking so loudly, my hair flew back. Vesta ducked instinctively as Iapetus sighed in annoyance.
"Monsters!" Briareos bellowed. "Imprison!"
"Shut up!" I yelled back, patience frayed. They cowered as I purposely flared my aura. Show them their position. "I did not come here for this."
Turning to Iapetus, I said calmly, "your presence here isn't helping. Thanks for bringing us here. Leave the rest to me. I can handle it." On the inside, I could barely keep it in. Did I have the time for such accusations? Not really. I could be planning the next attack, or even be pondering over what I will do when I meet Emily.
As Iapetus left, Vesta walked towards Briareos. "Briareos." She said, voice soft, in Greek. Somehow, she made it sound like a lullaby. "Do you remember me? I am Vesta. I was imprisoned here with you decades ago."
Briareos stared down at her but to her credit, Vesta did not flinch. I mean, I know she can fight, but she hates it. She is naturally peaceful and hates conflict. Which is how I got her to stay. This is impressive as it is.
"Ves-ta?"
"Yes." She nodded energetically.
"You side with the Titans." With each word, his sense of speech comes back, not as awkward and lilted as before.
"No. Dear Briareos, I don't." To prove herself, she raises her wrists to show the lightning bonds. She knew what she was doing, so I didn't interfere. Although she was painting me in a bad light. "I may have more freedom than you, but we are quite similar."
"They caught you again." He sighed deeply, putting a hand on his knee. "I remember you, Vesta. You were the first to come. You were so young, just a child."
"I know." Vesta replied sorrowfully, letting her hands fall to her side.
"How did you convince them to let you go alone?" Cottus asked from the next cell. His voice was just like Briareos, if not deeper.
"I have a friend." She announced. Oh? I'm a friend? Good to know our feelings were mutual. When she waved me over, I stepped beside her.
Briareos had a strange look on all his faces. "You… smell weird." He muttered, sniffing like a dog. I wrinkled my nose but his next words stunned me. "Of a cool breeze next to the ocean. Of lightning when it strikes the surface of water. Your soul… is different too." It truly sounds quite beautiful when spoken in Ancient Greek.
"They are more sensitive." Vesta explained at my dumbfounded expression. "They know your auras, your powers."
"Green." Cottus said to his brother, getting our attention back. His eyes were on me. "Green. Your soul is green. But not all good green. There is envy, regret, sorrow, grief, bitterness, anger, cruelty. And death."
"You can sense death?" They've literally been stuck in Tartarus. How the heck do they know these stuff? Or did they develop it over time because of how bored they are? In my time, they were kept busy making weapons they could never complete. I'm not actually sure if that would be better for me or not.
"Not death." Briareos shook his head. "Not normal death. But something in you is gone. I do not know that word."
"You have companions." Cottus agreed. "Like I have my brothers. But you doubt they will stay. You think they will abandon you just like everyone else did. That's why there is dying hope."
My face flushed and my eye ticked as Vesta turned to me. She knows what they mean by them abandoning me. "I didn't come for a soul examination. I came to make a deal with you. But you can continue wasting time if you like."
"You hate the Gods." Briareos speculated, deciding to ignore me. "But you cannot help loving them."
"What?" Vesta gasped.
"They are her family." Cottus said gently. "She cannot help love family."
"How is it possible for you to speak like I'm not here?" I complained. "Can you just shut up?!"
"You want the Gods gone." The last hecatoncheires, Gyges said. "So that your confusion can go away. So that the humans will be left alone from the chaos the Gods will bring them as humanity grows."
"But you side with the Titans." I could hear the undeniable growth of Cottus's anger. "Not because you think they are good but because you hate them too."
"I shouldn't have brought you." I mutter to Vesta darkly. She was whispering things under her breath, too fast for me to hear.
"You are stuck in your past, but you are moving on." Gyges said. His voice was far away, but somehow I could hear. "Is that good?"
"Please. Can we put aside the soul reading for now? You can continue your speculations later after I'm gone!" So lost in my frustration, I let a single lightning bolt escape, barely an inch away from Vesta.
Finally, they shut up. I sighed in relief. "Okay, I don't have much time left, so let's make the most of now. From what you have said, you know I'm from the future and I can tell you now, you won't like my future."
"There is a monster in your mind." Briareos murmured. "She's ugly."
"Mind readers now." I muttered. "Just stick to blacksmith!"
"That's who you remind me of." Cottus nodded, pleased. Like he finished a super difficult puzzle piece. "Vesta's brother. Neptune. You have his eyes. And his impatience. And his unpredictability."
"Is it any wonder why she is a direct child of the first six?" Gyges asked. Vesta's eyes widened. "You are a child of the Gods?" She asked me.
"No wonder Uranus left Kampê in charge of them," I huffed, "leave them alone for too long and they become like this. It was a mistake coming here."
"Who is Kampê?" They asked in unison. I think it's best I don't answer that.
"We are related?" Vesta said again, still stuck on that. Curse them. I mean, it's honestly not that surprising that Vesta would be the first to know, she already knows more than even what Saturn does, but seriously? So soon? It's only been a few weeks. Three at most, really.
"That isn't something you should care about, Vesta." I mutter in English before converting back to Greek. "Hecatoncheires, I come to you with a request. Please. When the Gods come, do not side with them. You will regret it."
"When the Gods come." Briareos repeated. "Not if."
"We remember them." Cottus said. "They were kind. Jupiter wanted to free us, but there was not enough time."
"And why should we trust you? Someone who we just met and do not even know." Gyges said. "You side with the Titans, the ones who imprison us in the first place."
"Perhaps because I know better than you." I shook my head. I could still remember Braires' pain-filled voice as he spoke of his faded brothers. Was I going to tell them that? No. "Right now, at least you have each other. Imprisonment is barely anything compared to other forms of punishment. Better than what I have gone through. You know why I go through that? Because I sided with the Gods. If you go on and side with the ones who have treated you with kindness but others with cruelty, do not blame me for what will happen."
They stayed silent. Briareos stared oddly at me. "You speak the truth. Your feelings tell me that."
"I know you, Briareos." For a second, I almost called him by the name I knew him by. "Which is the reason I come to you now. In another world, we were friends. I helped you. I saved you, and you repaid the favour. I do not want you to go through what you will."
"Will." He repeated. "Not might. You are certain of what my brothers and I will go through. You know the future."
"The future is not set in stone, especially if I am here. Your future, however, will be if you side with the Gods."
Vesta sucked in a sharp breath. I didn't want to know what she figured out. I forged on. "I cannot force you to choose. I will never force a friend to choose. But I implore you. Do not just judge someone based on their actions towards you. That is how manipulators work."
Stepping back, I grasped Vesta's hand. As usual, she was warm. "We should go find Juno before Iapetus comes back." I didn't look back at the hecatoncheires as we walked away. I doubted they would listen, the Gods were good at manipulating others, but I hoped they would at least consider it.
Juno didn't look too different. I mean, I've seen her in dreams, and a close up when Frank brought her to Titus. However, to see her right now, right here, awake, was different. I've gotten used to her impassiveness and hatred. Her hatred for Annabeth and I, but because of our 'disrespect'. This time, I have really crossed her. It's really refreshing from all the previous scorn.
Her hands were shackled to the ground, leaving hardly any space for her to move. Harsh, black eyes glared at me, although softened when they caught sight of Vesta. "Prodosia." She gritted out. Wow, showing restraint now.
I remained indifferent. "Juno."
"Jupiter and the Flame will destroy you. Give up!" She smirked as if she knew something I didn't. But for once, it was the total opposite.
"Jupiter and the Flame!" I mocked. "Oh, a hundred days and already, and you regard your Flame in the same manner you consider your brother? Gives any girl a big head, no wonder the young one remains ensnared in your games."
Vesta pats my shoulder. "Please, Prodosia," Juno jolts in shock, as if she couldn't fathom why Vesta could even bear to talk to me. Hurt and betrayal showed in her irises and her hands fell, like the fight had left her. "We are not here to argue with my sister."
"I would love to leave her here." I mulled, rubbing my chin. She would deserve it. She meddled and ruined my life, I should get to do the same, shouldn't I? "I would not have to listen to her constant disapproval. Honestly, you'd think that they would get tired of it after a while but noooo. Of course, they never learn and it is a torture itself."
"Prodosia, she is my sister." Vesta's hand slackened. "Please."
"I'm toying with you Vesta. By the Fates, you Gods need to know the difference between literal and joking." I made a figure eight near the lock of the doors, separating us from Juno. By command, it immediately breaks open, dropping to my feet with a dull thud.
I should leave her here, but when have I done anything that is expected of me? This isn't from the goodness of my blackened heart, for those who think I have changed, this is payment for the kindness Vesta has granted us.
Juno tensed up as I pushed the bars away. They made way for me and Vesta, swinging with an annoying creak. Vesta ran to her sister, checking for any injuries. This is when I see that not all Gods are bad, just the Olympians. Those who were exposed to too much power would never see anything beyond their own way. Power is dangerous, for both the Gods and the Titans. I looked away as the two sisters talked rapidly. I had no interest in their conversations.
They remind me of Emily and I, when life was simpler. Those early two years, before my heritage caught up. You have no idea how simple those times were. Emily gave me a distraction from Gabe. When Mum was out, I had the excuse to play with Emily and he never could say anything because the one time he did forbid me, Emily came knocking at my door with her dad. Too innocent to know anything and too stubborn to let anything go any way other than her way.
It was bliss. She is my oldest friend and the one person I could trust, if only because she didn't know about secrets. So wrapped up in her own life, taking everything for granted. I found myself not caring. For once, I could stop having to care about my problems, my pain, and my past. I could focus on someone else who I cared about and whose life I could change.
It changed when I found out I was a demigod. I started to resent her pestering ways. I wanted to protect her, shield her from the monsters who craved my death, but she refused to make it easy for me. She would never let the matter go, never stop asking me what's wrong. It started off as a concerning habit, but it became unrelenting. I come home and I just want to push the matters away but she won't let me and I despise her for that. I love her, but sometimes I can't help it. I just can't. She used to be someone I cared about, someone I love and could wash away my problems. Then, she was someone I had to protect, someone I had to keep from my world. And she was so lost in her perfect life, she never once considered what was going on when I was gone, only when I was gone longer than she anticipated. It was so wrong. But I didn't want to be the person to break her innocence, not when I have done nearly everything to save it.
… it seems like in the end, I might be the one to do so, if only to finally let her see the Gods for what they truly are. She, like Vesta, might hate me, but she'll eventually come to terms with it.
"Prodosia?" Vesta's voice cut through my inner monologue.
"Yes, Vesta?" I let my arms fall to my side, turning back to face the sisters. Vesta gripped one of the chains imprisoning Juno, her knuckles turning white. As if she was trying to use her powers but couldn't. It was kinda sad. That was a plus-point for my Tartarus. At least our powers could be used. Although… I'm not exactly sure that's all good considering all the bad points.
"She's calmed down." Juno was sullen and tight-lipped but she nodded in agreement to Vesta.
"I can see that." I paused, thinking of it. "Tell me honestly, Vesta, what would Jupiter say once he realises how we are treating his wife." The last part was said in English.
Vesta was much too used to this, but Juno hissed, staring wide-eyed at me. "You-"
Her incapability to speak made me move my hand again, this time in the form of English letters.
J. U. N. O.
With each letter, a good likeliness of it forms from water. Where it even came from, I don't know nor do I want to know. Juno stared at them in horror.
"Even the newest spy would know. I mean, you teach the language to all your soldiers. Not a very smart move." I twirled my finger. The letters swirled together until they were a miniature hurricane.
"Y- you can use your powers." Juno stuttered, fixated on the swirling water. "But I-"
"A pity you Gods cannot." I squinted. The water suddenly froze, as if Elsa had passed by. In the light of Tartarus, it really did look pretty. I waved my hand, as if dismissing it. The frozen hurricane shattered, making a sound just like glass breaking. Juno flinched as shards fell at her feet, melting and evaporating instantly. "Time really blurs when you cannot do anything at all."
Vesta hummed in agreement as I knelt down on Juno's other side, drawing an X with the tip of my finger. They slashed through the lock and chain, freeing her.
"Prodosia." Vesta intercepted in english with a worried frown as Juno examined her wrist. "What would Saturn say?"
"He wasn't exactly that happy when I brought you to Titus." I replied. "That did not stop me then."
"But I was…" she drifted off, her eyes going to Juno. We weren't sure how she was going to react.
I jumped in smoothly. "Saturn knew I had you under control. After all, the Gods forbid if Ceres were to, I don't know, run into a bit of trouble running away?"
Juno turned red with anger and I quickly got up before she could react. I know firsthand what happens when you enrage a woman. Kitty suddenly becomes a lioness. "How dare you," she bit out, fingers curling inward into fists, like she was preparing for a fight. "How dare you threaten us Gods with another."
"I dare anything." I declared with a grin she could hardly see. It felt so good to be able to one-up Juno. At last. "I have killed hundreds. I have destroyed thousands and I have injured more than what I can count. Do not forget who you talk to, Juno, for that will be your doom."
"You fight in a war you have no gain from." She hissed. "You fight for a tyrant!"
A tyrant? That's about right. My entire life, it was spent fighting for a tyrant.
Except I'm not fighting for Saturn now, I fight for myself.
"I am Prodosia." Juno grunted, her lip bleeding as I lightly ran Kósmina across her face. I let the blade rest just below her chin, collecting blood as I leaned closer. To see clearly for myself the fear I'm bringing to her. Exhilarating. I wish I had brought Frank with me. He would enjoy seeing the powerless state Juno was in, forced to cower at my feet. "I do not fight for anyone." I whisper in her ear, humming as I felt the tension in her posture. The tension one would usually feel when forcing themselves not to react. "People call me the masked princess and I do not argue, but they do not know another of my titles. I am a siren. People are trapped in my web of sweet promises. I tempt them with their dreams, with a perfect future. They come to me, and I show them the true reality, right before I slay them, one by one. I am no goddess, I am no beautiful maiden, but I am still a temptress. Now, Juno, how do you know I have not ensnared your dear father?"
From the corner of my eye, I could see hers widen in realisation. "You do not fight for him." She said hoarsely. "He fights for you."
Not true. We just have common goals.
"More or less. We both have the same goal in sight, which is why he has not figured it out so far, and I allow him enough control." I shrugged. "I am a commander in title, commander of his armies, and I do not mind that. But when the time comes, I will take over, and things will go my way."
"Prodosia!" Vesta said. "Do not scare her too soon."
I folded my arms, cocking an eyebrow. "I scared you didn't I?"
"I knew what I was getting into." She replied.
Sighing, I waved my finger at Juno's other chain, snapping it in half. Before she could react, I enchanted lightning over her. Actually I didn't need to. I could choke her if she dared to try anything. I couldn't be surprised easily but I don't want them to be too wary.
Vesta smiled in delight. "Thank you."
The whole place shook. Juno and Vesta clung to each other as I sighed. Seconds later, moans and screams filled the place. Gods, they were annoying. Why couldn't they just shut up and endure the torture in silence? I was almost tempted to go and free them just to shut them up.
Returning Kósmina to its sheath, I started to walk out. "Saturn will never stop his mass production. Let's go. I hate when my days are ruined by their screams. So bothersome."
"They are being tortured!" Juno protested, face flushed. "How can you not have a heart?"
Look at who's talking. I scoffed, stopping in my steps. "I have done worse, Juno, and I think you know that. Perhaps I would stop that, would that please you? It's too bad I do not care about pleasing you. I'm not a worshipper."
Behind me, I could hear shuffling and Vesta murmuring in low voices. "Stay here or go. Your choice. Vesta?"
"Prodosia, they are innocent." Vesta tried, although I couldn't blame her.
So I decided to educate her now. "Really? Well I can tell you now, the Minotaur was the first to have tried to kill me and nearly succeeded in killing my mother."
She fell silent. "Oh."
Adopting a kinder tone, I continued, "in our worlds, Vesta, there are those who use their tragic backstories as excuses to continue hurting others. The Minotaur was a victim but he has also become an attacker. Do not be fooled by their masks, it will be your end."
"You lie!" Juno cried out. "Sister, do not believe her. Remember Pegasus, our nephew! He has shown us the future, surely you remember seeing the Minotaur? Does he sound anything like what Prodosia is saying? And our Flame. Would you believe the enemy over our own Flame? Prodosia is a murderer, liar and a manipulator. She has said so herself. She admitted it! She feeds you lies in hopes that you will change sides. Do not believe her!"
"You do not have to believe me." Pushing back the layer of fabric, I couldn't help looking back at the ugly scar I got the first time fighting the Minotaur. It was when I snapped off his horn. I never come out unscaffed. Alive, yes, but never unscaffed. "I do not tell you such things for you to sympathise with me. I tell you because in my eyes, they are the truth."
I walked away, and I could hear hurried footsteps and low whispers before one set of footsteps came towards me.
"My sister does not understand." Vesta said, eyes focused on the ground. "I'm sorry."
I glanced back, and found Juno staring at Vesta in disbelief. I will get her. Now that I have been close to her, I know her soul signature. I have to get Vesta out first. Tartarus is waning me. Having to keep her free from Saturn's weapon is too draining in Tartarus. "Your world is different from mine. There are certain things your people would not believe. I am not offended."
She brushed her fingers through her hair, pushing them away from her mouth. The winds grew stronger ever since the production. "Death should not be ridiculed. I am sure at that time, it was not something you would've let go so easily."
"At the moment, no." I snorted. "Who knew that time I was just having a taste of how it would feel to lose my mother? Except this time it was not fake. Real flesh. Dead heartbeat. Three years ago though, it was no longer anyone's problem." Three years ago… Estelle would've been 4 by now. She would've had her firsts by now. First step, first word, first time writing her name, etc. We might've been happy. In that timeline, I could have gotten my first job. I would be able to go partying with Annabeth and the rest. Maybe even planning marriage. Lost opportunities. All gone.
I let out a shaky breath, smiling. Noticing, Vesta took my hand gently. "Talk to me, Sia," she said quietly.
I looked at her. She is my aunt. My favourite aunt. Yet in this time, she acts like a friend, a sister. Either way, she was never an enemy. "I think Góissa and Ekdikó would've heard the news by now." I said quickly. "Góissa… well she has always hated the idea of speeding up age. We should hurry."
"And Juno?"
"I'll teleport her out. She can't be happy, but I'm sure she'll at least like your company. I don't trust her to be in our room, and you know what happens when someone we don't trust enters. I'll have Saturn set up a room across ours. Juno will stay there under twenty-four hour surveillance. I'll pass you a key."
Vesta exhaled. "Better than in Tartarus."
We can all agree on that. Even though this Tartarus was different from my Tartarus, my brain won't accept that fact. The image of Tartarus, the humanoid version, keeps popping up and I just want to destroy something.
Back on Titus, in our room, Vesta was exceptionally quiet as I laid my head on Frank's lap. Apparently time in Tartarus was different, just like in our world. I thought Vesta and I were only there for a few hours. For them, it was three days. That was very annoying, but still. Hazel was busy summoning more metal, searching for celestial bronze or imperial gold so I can start work. Not that I like it but between Leo and Tyson, I picked up some things.
"Minerva is leading the harpies." I said idly, watching as Vesta flinch but otherwise did not react. "She is trying to get as many spies to enter Titus as possible. So far, we've intercepted ten."
"What happened to them?" She asked.
"Siren-speak. They didn't have any juicy information on them, so I let them be." I said, raising my head to cover my eyes. "It's not like anyone but the inner circle knows anything about us. They aren't doing any harm."
"Thank you."
Frank smiled, admiring his spear. "No problem. Harpies are cute."
"Speak for yourself, dude." I snorted, nonplussed. "They are evil and cruel and have a tendency of eating first, ask questions later."
Vesta, unable to help herself, laughed. "Our harpies are loud, but they do not eat people."
Hazel scoffed from where she stood. "Lucky."
"It's a good thing yours don't." I replied Vesta. A yawn threatened to escape but I clamped my mouth shut and waited for the moment to pass. "I still have work to do. Amey needs me for some of the… what did she call it? Signing contracts? Signing…. Signing something. I don't know. I put it off for far too long. And after that, Mimira needs me in Eretreucia. Then before nightfall, I need to find Isadora to confirm the last few details for the portals." They were setting up portals so that citizens could come and go as they please. I mean, the ten cities really were far apart, at least for most of them. Slowly losing distance, gaining more land.
Vesta's eyes followed me as I got up and Frank passed me Kósmina before going to the clearing to practise his spear-fighting. It was refreshing even though he didn't need to. Perfect at every weapon he held. "We just returned." She protested. "And you need your rest. This is the downside of having so many growing cities under your control."
"I care for all of them." A fond smile flitted by. "It isn't a chore to me, it is a luxury. I adore the girls, and would do anything for them. Besides, I can handle a few more hours of work."
"You have been working non-stop." She pointed out. "I am a healer, and I know well enough that is not healthy."
"It's how I've been living these past few years since I was 15." I shrugged. "I'm used to it, Vesta."
"That's why we need you." Hazel suddenly popped up from behind me. She slung her arm over my shoulder. "Vesta, you're going to be helping us convince this overworker to rest the next time she returns. Not now of course. But still."
I ducked below her arm. Hazel laughed good-naturedly as her arm fell beside her. "Bye, guys!"
"Keep in touch!" They yelled back. Frank waved from where he was testing out the different spears. We left those mainly for him since Hazel and I don't use spears.
I sighed, metres after walking away. There really was a lot to do, not to mention I haven't talked to Saturn about Juno. I could sense her right now, searching for a way out of Tartarus.
Slowly, I would leave the conquering business to the ten villages to expand their land. That's killing two birds with one stone but that leaves me with more paperwork. You'd think in the Ancient times when their ways weren't so advanced, there won't be so much work but noooooo. It's more complicated. I hate paperwork.
These days, Frank, Hazel and I focus our attention on the cities we have taken over, because there was something we haven't told Saturn. That not everything lasts. I'm spending my time to make sure that they do last. If I live forever, I will make sure that work does too.
