I feel so bad… how the hell did I miss this chapter for so long?

It was three days later. I got quite a lot done, if I do say so myself. Juno was successfully moved to a much comfier room. Vesta was by her side and while I do miss her, she did calm Juno's fiery temper which I appreciated.

Charí had invaded a nearby fishing village and I went down to help Cecelia deal with the damages and expand the barrier, not to mention all the paperwork. She has become more confident rather than the doormat I rescued from almost being raped.

Elpis is growing up finely. Amey has stepped up as regent and she is doing wonderfully.

Phase three was in action and it was going so well, naturally I expected something to go wrong. Nothing yet. Maybe because Tyche is not in the picture yet.

On the third day, I decided to do some cleaning up. See, the three of us have offices, or rather just empty rooms for us to do whatever business. Official business. Paperwork and all that. My room is filled with cupboards and shelves and boxes and files. Basically I never go in there unless to find something or file something.

I was cleaning up all the papers on Parigoria, organising them in a neat pile when a nymph burst into my office. I barely held back as the papers I spent hours categorising flew into the air and onto the floor. "What. Is. It."

"My lady, I am so sorry." Her skin turns pale green. Usually I would feel bad, but I don't. Unlike other times, she did something to piss me off. "But the Lord has summoned you. He says it is urgent. Lord Ekdikó and Lady Góissa are already there." I pursed my lips, ushering her out before putting back the lock. "Next time, just knock. I will hear you."

"Of course my lady." She immediately said, standing straight. Like a little soldier, ready for their mission.

"Begone." With a tiny whimper, she vanished in sparks of green. I brought two fingers to my temple, rubbing in small circles. My poor office…

When I vapor-travelled to the war room, everyone was already seated. Hazel had a cup of herbal tea in her hand which she offered to me as I took my seat next to her. "Many thanks, adelfí."

"We have gotten word from our spies." Saturn said without the usual reprimands. Something is really happening. "They say Vulcan has somehow made a sword that can kill Shadow Titans."

"No." Frank said from Hazel's other side. His fist was tightly clenched, looking ever the war consultant. "That should be impossible."

I groaned. My headache wasn't getting any better. Herbal tea was losing its effects.

Saturn shook his head. "Góissa, share with us your findings."

Hazel stood up, hands planted firmly on the table. She drew something and at the centre of the table, large enough for all the Titans to see, a holographic sword appeared. "From what I have gathered, this is the sword's blueprint." She declared. It was a very good drawing but then again, she was able to draw Calypso to perfection with only Leo's description. "For the past few months, they haven't gotten any close to making the right prototype so we left them be. It was a mistake. Vulcan has crafted it with the help of the mortal girl." Frank's expression twisted. "Somehow, the swords are designed to hold the Flame's power." Hazel continued. "The power of light, which is the sole weapon in destroying the Shadow Titans."

Frank stood up as well. I watch my two friends with pride. The praetors of the Twelfth Fulminate certainly didn't disappoint, not that I thought they would. "We may have millions of Shadow Titans and can produce more, but we must not undermine this." He warned the listening Titans. "Vulcan is the God of blacksmith for a reason. He could craft enough of this for all of the Olympians. With a single touch, the Shadow Titan would be utterly destroyed before it could even get close to do harm. Our numbers would severely go down."

"Bah!" One Titan, I wasn't sure who, said. "Use the humans then! Do not tell us you invaded so many towns, took over so many humans, just to let them be?"

Frank shook his head, still in business mode. "So far, the humans have their use. Góissa?"

The sword image changed to a map of Olympus. Frank pointed to a patch of area on the north-east of the land that was red. "That is where the humans are positioned so far. No Olympians dare go close. They can sense Prodosia's touch on them. Slowly, they close in, but that's barely anything and they don't have the proper equipment."

"I have given them enough." Hazel declared. "But most are not suited for the likes of war. Lazy, unathletic, foolish. Brainless. If not for Prodosia's control over them, I'm afraid we would've already lost."

"In other words, we cannot trust them." I finished.

The Titan fell quiet as Saturn nodded approvingly.

Frank wasn't done. "The most important priority right now is to steal the sword from them. The sooner the better."

I sighed. I didn't want to contradict his words, but there was another factor to this. "Ekdikó." Frank immediately quieted down, looking back at me, questioningly. I also stood up. "That would have been the priority if Saturn had not started creating the age-increasing weapon." Cue the glare aimed at him. "However, since he has, we might as well use it to our advantage. We stage an attack on the forges of Vulcan and let them think the swords were our motive. We buy our side time for Saturn to finish crafting the weapon. From there, we can easily finish off the Olympians."

Frank was already nodding. With his mind, he had already pieced together what I was implying. "We send as many Shadow Titans at them as possible and let them destroy them. Well they get to enjoy their 'victory', the weapon will be finished and they will be under our control."

Saturn clapped politely as the three of us took our seats. Telepathically, we congratulated each other on a job well done. "So this is what we shall do." Since Hazel hadn't kept the map yet, Saturn pointed to a marked spot. Where Vulcan resides. "This afternoon, Prodosia will lead two dragons to attack the forges. Meanwhile, I want Hyperion and Helios to attack north. Ekdikó will stay here as the lead strategist and I will need Góissa for communications." Frank and Hazel nodded, pleased that they will get to stay together. I was somewhat happy as well. With Neptune, I was honour bound. Now there's nothing stopping me from attacking a god. I could go full out.

Saturn handed out all the assignments as Frank laid out all the information I needed. "Vulcan is fire-proof more or less but he is disfigured. Although he is brilliant at crafting, he can't really do anything without his forge."

I nodded thoughtfully. "Like his counterpart then." I said in Latin.

"More or less." Frank agreed. "But this Vulcan is still a warrior. More awkward than his fellow Gods, but he is still an enemy you don't want to take lightly."

"Be careful, Sia." Hazel took my hands in hers. "Don't do anything stupid without us."

I laughed. "Never." A plan was already forming. I just hope I can convince the dragons. I know exactly who to take. "I'll be going first. Help me inform Saturn."

I took my leave.

They almost rejected me, the dragons. But they didn't. What happened to Enigma, Jaz and Cop was because of Emily, not me, and they acknowledge that. It is the only reason they let me ride on their backs as I led them to Vulcn's forge. We had to hurry if we wanted to make it believable.

Upon closing in, I used the shard of Omichli to summon up tens of thousands Shadow Titans to completely wreck the forges. I also summoned illusions of dragons, real enough to harm, but not real enough to fool other dragons. So instead of two, there were five. I refused to let another dragon die because of my mission. The Gods must die, not those who stand between. (My morals are really conflicted right now, you don't need to say anything, I know)

There was Vulcan, proud and disfigured as always. Two nymphs, twin centaurs. A monster Frank told me about. A wizened man, and a young girl, who barely looked any older than Emily. My heart ached for her—I didn't think she asked to be pulled into the mess of our worlds. If I must… I will do the same thing I did with Vesta. A man is one thing, they rape, steal, kill without guilt. But a young girl. A disabled girl is a completely different story.

"Go down." I whisper to Leila. She let out a burst of smoke, but dived. Almost, I could almost imagine her being Blackjack. I miss my sarcastic, loyal Pegasus. I just want to hear his snarky comments again, hear him call me 'boss'.

As I approached, I could hear them scream in english. The monster snarled at us. The man on her back drew a sword. I almost pitied him. Paelen, I recall his name. Vesta told me about him, how he was a little thief who stole Pegasus's bridal to try to fit in. I know that feeling. Maybe I'll get Vesta a plaything. Besides, at this rate, he will die. Might as well avoid that. Also… a friend of Emily means he is valuable to me. I will preserve Paelen. For Emily. For the happiness we knew so long ago.

The monster's two heads thrashed the air, snarling and biting at us. Paelen exchanged a few words to the young one, tossing her something—an object that glittered in the sunlight—before focusing on us.

I commanded one of the illusioned dragons to entertain the two, while commanding Leila and her mate to destroy the forge. They obeyed, scorching everything in sight. I unleashed a light rain barrier, ensuring that the fire didn't spread to the rest of the forests.

The young one was screaming at the two. For Paelen to get away from there. But it was too late. He stabbed his sword deep into the dragon's lower leg. The monster's two heads attacked higher up, tearing huge chunks from the dragon and bringing the illusion down. Almost. It was almost impressive.

But there must be retribution.

I let out an oceanic howl. The sound that would even deafen the greatest sea monster. To those below, they were almost knocked off their feet by an 'invisible force'.

The other illusions were drawn to it. When they arrived at the fallen dragon, they drew in tremendous breaths. I also landed, facing them with Kósmina drawn. "Hello, old man." I whispered in Greek, quite smoothly considering I screamed just three seconds ago.

"Paelen, get out of there!" The young one shrieked. I should stop calling her 'the young one'…

Too late though. With a telepathic thought, the dragons started shooting deadly streams of fires, all avoiding the three of us. I calmly waved my hand. To Paelen's utter shock, there was an illusion of them. Slowly being incinerated.

"Prodosia…" Paelen spat in anger. I smiled, swinging Kósmina.

"Hello, old man. Or should I call you Paelen? Which do you prefer?"

"I thought you'd rather kill the nameless?" He retorted.

I bared my teeth. "Nameless men, yes. They are below me, and do not deserve to be remembered. Just like they will never, ever remember the crimes they have done."

"So why do you wait?" He countered. "Kill me. I dare you, Prodosia, kill me."

He shouldn't have said that. I'm not known to back down from a challenge.

The monster snarled at me. I flicked my eyes to it. Instantly, water muzzles appeared, wrapping around her mouths and freezing into ice.

I approached them. The monster was hysterical. Around us, the fires roared. The dragons were gone now, going to attack. I could hear their screams. Paelen looked back worriedly.

I blew a kiss to him. "The giant must die, I'm afraid. I have never liked that race. It brings out… unfavourable memories."

"You would never leave out anyone. You're heartless!" He screamed. Same old. Same old. I moved my finger to my lips. "Hush now, old man. Or I won't hesitate to kill you. You're only alive because I have plans for you."

"I will never, ever betray my friends."

I shrugged. I would never ask someone to do that. "Never asked you to. By the Fates, you Olympus people are so dramatic and assuming."

His expression never softened. I commanded the wind to blow away the smoke. "You are my prisoner." I announced, albeit gleefully. "Who knows? Maybe you will be able to say hello to Vesta and Juno."

He snarled. "Release the Goddesses!"

Save yourself first, old man.

"I don't know, I'm doing them a favour, don't you think so?" I waved my hand again, forcing the creature to move back. "You do not have a choice, Paelen." I dropped any and every pretence, losing my smile. "Die or go with me. Either way, you will die soon. Saturn has started mass production for Shadow Titans. Your sword cannot kill all. The weapon is almost finished, you will die soon either way. I can protect you from that."

"Right. And I'll believe that." He snorted sarcastically. He's right, he shouldn't believe that.

"Oh, but I have my own reasons." I crooned. "After all, Paelen, I respect you. Anyone who steals from the King of Olympus has my respect. You can escape any prison, can you not? I will test that."

He lost the scornful look, looking downright scared. "How do you know?"

"Dreams are a gateway to the future, good or bad." I spread my hands. "And blood is everything. Do not resist, Paelen. Juno tried to. But it actually isn't so bad if you don't resist." He and the monster dropped to the ground, unconscious. I snorted. Almost too easy. No one ever notices that I am attacking them internally until it's too late.

"Don't kill the young one." I commanded Leila who was about to turn the giant to char and attack the unconscious girl. "She will not be harmed. Bring the two back to Titus. Góissa will take care of them."

I extinguished the fire and the two dragons immediately snatched up their unconscious form. As they left, I checked for any survivors. The young one was still alive, which I already knew. Vulcan had fled with serious burns and injuries. So had the two nymphs. There was no one left. I knelt down next to the girl, flicking the giant away. She had been crushed by his weight. Half-dead.

I pressed a feather-light kiss on her brows. Bruises and injuries started to heal. Old scars faded. If only I could heal her paralysis, that would be better. One day. I will be strong enough that I can do so with ease.

I pushed back her hair, moving away the scraps of metal from her wheelchair with a quick flick of my wrist. "You're too young for this." I said simply. "But I can tell you from personal experience, I cannot convince you otherwise. So all I can do is to make sure you're as safe as can be, young one."

I healed the rest of her injuries, using my shard to make sure she still looked somewhat hurt. Then I left. Nothing was left for me here. Besides, I could sense someone coming.

Before anyone saw me, I was gone. When Vulcan came back, this time with more reinforcements, all that was left was an unconscious girl, and the smell of fresh sea breeze.

Paelen glared at me. As an old man, he didn't really strike me as an opponent to be wary of, although I had to admit he had spunk. Vesta stood next to him, hovering protectively, although I wasn't sure if she was being genuine or putting up an act. She knew very well if I wanted to kill him, I wouldn't have brought him here, risking my position. Should any Titan find out I have a friend of Emily here… it won't end well.

"Prodosia, perhaps you should stop staring at the young one like you want to eat him." Frank said with a bemused smile. I nodded absent-mindedly, tracing the wrinkles on his face with my eyes.

Brue—whose name Vesta had informed us—snarled in anger, trying to buck out of Frank's grip. There was a reason we chose him to control her. Without powers, he is the strongest of us all. I don't want to let Paelen have more information than needed. So powers are a big no-no. Frank didn't even seemed fazed, tugging at her jagged collar to shut her up. Oh yes. No powers except to restrain them.

"Tell your beast to shut up or else I will finish what the dragons were doing before." I said with a careless wave.

Paelen, very reluctantly, called Brue to stand down. Vesta had her hands on his shoulders, calming him with her touch, lest he broke his hip trying to get free. "Prodosia, why?"

I wanted her to leave. Maybe let Hazel go with her so that she can explain everything. Anything but let my image get ruined. Was I going to say that now? Nah. "Death or imprisonment. Besides, he can be a great asset to the war."

"Vesta?" Paelen's eyes widened in shock and betrayal. "How could you?"

"I mean, it's not like your side is very good at staying hidden." I shrugged, saving Vesta from having to answer. "It was either her or both her and Ceres. Self-sacrificing seems like a trend on your side, do you not agree, old man?"

His expression changed to anger. Towards me. Anything but let Vesta bear the brunt of it. She made her choice, just like I made mine. She didn't want a war. I protect her from it. As much as she wants to fight by her family, she wants peace more. If it was by my choice, I would remove all and any peaceful gods and Titans. This war wasn't for them, it never was. Just like how they stepped to the side, watching your friends all perish at the hands of a paranoid king?

Okay, it was revenge as well. A little. Not against Vesta, but to the rest. I do not know them, I wouldn't fight for them like I would for her.

Hazel hummed, coming forward to trace the shadows surrounding Paelen. Stopping him from escaping. Believe me, he has tried. Multiple times. Each time, Hazel had casted shadows on him so she could teleport him right back. He has given up. For now. No doubt waiting for Hazel to leave. That's why Frank is here though. Paelen would never leave without his Brue. What about me? I just sit back and enjoy the show. Too bad there wasn't any popcorn. "I must admit, you look far older than I expected you to be. It is no wonder you decided to sacrifice yourself. But if there is one thing I hate, that is sacrificing. Humans sacrifice their best products to the Gods. You sacrifice your life for your friends. Courageous, brave, but foolish. My beloved, this is for you as much as it is for him." She shot a glare at Frank, no doubt recalling when he burned his firewood. He was never going to live it down, between Hazel and me.

Frank chuckled dryly, immediately catching on. "Of course, my love."

Paelen looked utterly disgusted. "You two make a good match. Evil with evil." He mutters in english. We all pretend not to hear him although Vesta looked pained. As much as we have come to care for her, she has also cared for us, I believe I told you. She hates it when people speak ill about us. According to her, "why should they get to speak such things when they do not know you? It is preposterous! They might as well say it to a stranger on the road. The deeds you have committed may cross some lines, but it is barely anything compared to some humans, Gods and Titans. Even so, you restrain yourself to do the bare minimum."

Is anyone else confused why we love her? Please go find Frank and he will (literally) knock some sense into you.

I harshly pulled his face, making him look in my eyes. "Stop speaking in that language, old man. Or I don't care how old you are and kill you right here and now."

"Do it then." He challenged. I removed my finger. He sneered, cocky. Let him believe what he wants, we will get the answers in the end.

Hazel sighed, saving my pride. "This is boring. Beloved, let's bring the beast to Tartarus. Maybe we will get more answers from it."

The smile dropped. Paelen started thrashing. "Don't you dare touch Brue!" He shrieked. Shadows grew in height, physically pulling him down. With such good friends, I don't even have to lift a single finger.

Vesta waved her arm over the boy who instantly calmed. I played with Azure. "Góissa, stay. I'm sure Ekdikó alone can handle it."

The truth is, it was a ploy. Frank could speak to any creature as long as he was the same form as it. So all he was going to do was talk to it, restrain him a little. That's all.

Frank smirked at Paelen before leaving without another word. He breathed heavily. "I swear, Prodosia, if you harm Brue, I- I will-"

"Take care of yourself first, lover boy." I said in boredom, twisting a lock of hair around my index. My hands are restless. "No point making threats if you can't deliver them."

"Vesta, could you be a dear and bring Paelen to your sister? We'll talk about it after." Hazel said after observing Paelen for a while. "If he won't say anything, there's no point wasting my time."

Vesta, knowing we had things to discuss, led Paelen out of there.

"He's Emily's friend?" She said sceptical after they were gone. "Doesn't look like much."

"Self-sacrificing, reminds you of anyone?"

"You." She said without missing a beat. "What are we going to do now?"

She waved her hand. The Mist fell down to reveal our room once more. I deactivated my mask, breathing in the fresh air. "You wanna train?"

"You're going to win me. Powers or no powers." She mutter. "I'm jealous of Frank."

"You mean your beloved?" I snicker as she turned red. "That was for Paelen's sake! You know I'm not into name-calling."

I ruffled her hair, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Yeah, I know. Come on, let's go. And we can complain about how unfair it is that Frank knows how to use every and all weapons later."

Finally satisfied, we went over to the mat to begin warm-up.

I couldn't help wondering though. Paelen is a citizen of Olympus, yet such good friends with Emily. It doesn't actually make sense.

But at least one of us is happy with the mythology world.