You asked, I delivered.

Guys, I would like to dedicate this chapter to Google and Chat GPT, who made up for my horrible artistic side. The room designs and clothings are what I got from them.

And obviously, dedicating this chapter to my darling friend, Kitsune. I lost the competition, sadly. Or rather, I won my round, but my school lost overall. It was so close, and we're all very disappointed.

… Fuck. I just went to check the chapters.

Um, okay guys. I don't know how, but I missed an entire chapter. Uh… I don't know what to do… I'm going to just add in the supposed chapter, I guess? This is a warning so you guys don't get confused, the new chapter is called 'Paelen'

How long will the war continue? A decade, some say. I just never expected a decade to go so slow. I have seen Emily on the battlefield. More than one occasion, really. Each time, she tried to avoid me.

It's cute. I know what she is thinking about. That my mind has succumbed to the temptation of sweet insanity and I am no longer the girl she knew as a friend and sister.

Only one is true. I am no longer that girl she knew. I have grown, I have matured, and I have learned from my past. I am no innocent.

On the other hand, my mind is quite intact. I am not insane. I am in control. Emily was wrong, I am responsible for everything, and there are no excuses for me.

Truth be told, I don't want to have an excuse. I want Emily to look me in the eye without surprise, knowing what I am capable of. I want her to see and understand. That's all I want from her.

Unfortunately, each time we meet on the battlefield, sadness and worry is still in her eyes. Not completely accepting of who I have become.

It is the sixth year. Officially, I am 24. My birthday has passed, but I do not know when. I just know I have been fighting this war for six years.

To the Gods and Titans, it is far longer. It is their ninth year. One last year before the war was lost.

My empire is complete. Sure, there are issues I must address, the most important one being my citizens, but I am complete. Kydria is complete.

Never once had I felt such pride for something I did. Something I did completely out of the sphere of influence of the Gods.

I may have gotten teary-eyed at the end with Hazel and Frank which is something a twenty-four year old shouldn't do but hey, we're re-writing all the rules. I'll probably still find a reason to cry when I was like, what, a thousand. Assuming I live that long, that is.

Speaking of Hazel and Frank, Elacia and Myliraki have also been achieved.

You should see Elacia. It is an absolute utopia. Hazel used the Mist to create the world she never had, because of her skin. People, regardless of skin, race or whatnot, are united in her empire of magic. Through the Mist, Hazel knows everything. She has a holographic map of Elacia in her throne room, showing the entire empire in its glory. Should there be any problem, it would pop up and Hazel would be alerted.

Whereas for Frank… it wasn't the most beautiful or an utopia, but it is my favourite. Why? Simply because it was the closest to Earth. Magic is hardly used there, but the people live in harmony, something I don't understand how Frank managed. His charms, most likely. People adore him. They call him the 'Benevolent One' which, to be very honest, I was so proud of him.

His people do not rely on powers, do not rely on him to protect them, they rely on themselves. I love their independence, their strength. Oh, our people have, don't get me wrong, but his people show it in a way that is painfully familiar.

Surrounding his empire was a large river, filled with the most ravenous monsters. Somehow he has them under control, or at least has an understanding with them. The only way to enter is very obvious, but is heavily guarded. The bridge to enter his kingdom is also exposed to the monsters who are allowed to break the bridge in case of an invasion and a 24/7 ready army at the other side. So yeah, safe.

Hazel doesn't even need protection. As far as Earth and Olympus knows, Elacia doesn't exist.

As for me? Bold and brash as always. A shield made of pure lightning that would kill anyone that isn't invited. There's only two openings. One at Kydilla, how Emily entered, and the other at Parigoria and Idissa, overlooked by Aisha, queen of Idissa, and Amey.

We were happy with what we have made, even if it means less time spent together. Still, we can always teleport to the other whenever we miss them. I know Hazel and Frank do it much more often than I do. Not complaining though.

"What are you thinking about?"

I looked up from my bed. I was in my bedroom, having retired for the night. Walls painted pale blue with silver designs shaped mostly in dahlias but there were other flowers. Marble flooring.

Artworks were hung on the wall with the door, portraits of me and my council, and some of me with Hazel and Frank. The paintings we did while on Titus were also hung up here.

A queen-sized bed with a canopy made of satin (I was one person, after all. When Hazel and Frank come over, we go to the other room, specially prepared, or we squeeze in) on the left of the door with a crystal chandelier in the middle, a floral rug under to not scratch up the flooring. My bed had four spiral pillars that made it unmoveable unless you tore down the entire room, the bed's frame made from gold, a gift by Hazel and two hummingbirds engraved on it. (Frank had mad skills)

A study table when I needed to do work at the foot of my bed. Another table in the far right, this one with drawers at the side, meant to keep all of my jewellery and whatnot. It was called an ornate vanity table, according to Hazel, with a hand-carved mirror.

Next to it was a walk-in wardrobe. It was written very clearly in Ancient Greek on the golden plate. Walk-In Wardrobe. No one but me had the key for very good reasons. A chaise lounge on the direct right of the door connecting to the rest of the palace, just below the paintings done by me and a low table with paperworks and other things for me to do stacked upon it. There was a flute. I was trying to learn it. Not making much progress at the moment. There were other intricately designed chairs and couches. Why? I also didn't know. Just scattered around the room.

I left the centre of the room empty so that I was free to do whatever I wanted. Spar. Dance. Or simply run wild. Anything. I left enough space. Sometimes, it would be taken up by a dining table. Only when my girls visit. We had this tradition to share the first meal they have upon setting foot in Ethearos to be in my room. A door leading to the bathroom. Actual flames flickered on the chandelier, enchanted to ensure my room didn't catch on fire.

Rosewood shelves lined up, separating my bed from the wall, with tapestries and textiles for me to enjoy. Statues as well. I had a miniature one made of Annabeth, and another of my mother holding Estelle. Whenever I want some peace and sit down and read, I just need to turn and select a book.

I have a bowl of green grapes sitting on my bedside cabinet. Only two things rested on the surface. An oil lamp and my pouch. You know, with Riptide and Hali.

I had no idea what to do with Riptide. I hated her, but I loved her. All my memories are in my sword, we've gone through so much and she is still by my side through everything even if I don't use her. I don't know, I'm not ready to part with her.

The one who spoke was leaning against one of the tall, spiral pillars, glancing outside the enormous window. Technically it was a door to my balcony, but I prefer to call it my window. There was a sofa set, should I ever want to relax with a view. Outside on my balcony were hundreds of different flower species just peacefully growing, courtesy of Hazel and tiny animals who like to visit. That was Frank's fault. He had summoned them, as a prank, but now they stay. Still, I like my housemates.

Golden railings with greenery just weaving through them. It's quite a sight, as my girls like to say whenever they visit Ethearos. So magnificent yet the plants just make it look real.

I smiled, closing my book. So many times I contemplated keeping a diary but now with the photographic memory one of my jewels granted me, there was no need. It makes the pain of grief tenfold, but it was worth it. It was all worth it. "Frankenstein."

He wrinkled his nose. "I hate that name."

Laughing, I beckoned him closer. "That's what you get for coming without knocking. I could have been changing for all you know."

"You wouldn't change without at least three helpers." He said, popping a grape in his mouth. "Tastes great. Good harvest this season?"

"Only the best. You're right though. Why are Ancient Time clothings so ever complicated to wear? It will take me at least a century to get used to it." I scowled at the peplos I was colour starts at black at the bottom but gradually becomes a darker shade of blue once it reaches my hip. There were over a million tiny stitches at the bottom hem to make a contrast of black and shimmering white to appear like stars in the night sky. A delicate-looking but surprisingly sturdy silver belt covered my hip and the peplos ended up thrown over my left shoulder while my right was exposed and secured with a silver clasp. Nice and stunning, but really, it looked ridiculous on me. Unfortunately, I was the only one who had that opinion because anyone and everyone who spotted me gushed about how 'insanely beautiful' I looked. One fainted. I'm not even kidding. Aura squealed, acting like a child upon seeing me. Aristorine burst out laughing and almost got stitches because of how hard she was laughing.

"Oh, we'll get there. Is Hazie here yet? I thought she would be faster than me."

"Hazie is caught up with a last minute message from Saturn. She'll be here soon, Frank." We stopped participating actively in the war about a year ago, deciding to take a back row seat. Saturn was surprisingly understanding, but probably because we still sent men to him. Just the worst ones. The people in our kingdom who decide to take advantage of what we have created. It was fun watching them die by Olympians' hands, knowing perfectly well I led them to it. Then, Frank would resurrect them (they were fallen soldiers, it was in his sphere of control after all) and their torture would begin anew until we decide they had enough and Hazel would open a portal to the Underworld for them to fall to the Fields of Punishment. Crime rates went down after that. It wasn't all the crimes. Just the most serious, the people we thought were irredeemable. Most were men. There were a few women. Not many.

Frank sat down and I tossed him a pillow to put under his head. "Thank Chaos that name was temporary. You know it sounds weird."

"I love it. Hazel loves it. You're overruled." I said archly. "Don't think I don't know the names you have given me."

He raised his head by a centimetre. "Oh? Such as?"

I counted off my fingers. "Let's see. Water Girl? Siren? Aethra? Aiónia? Accalia? Really, why are there so many A!"

"The Greek language loves A." Frank muttered. "All the gods and Titans and primordials. Apollo. Artemis. Amphitrite. Athena. Ares. Aphrodite. Asclepius. Ananke. Aether. Aglaea. Arete. Astraea. Astoria. Atlas. Alcyoneus. There were heroes too. Achilles. Adonis. Well, I could go on forever, but we're not here to talk about that."

"About right." Hazel said dryly, entering from the balcony. Her frizzy hair was flattened and she was trying to revive it. "Can we just agree that the number of names that start with A will forever exceed other alphabets to not waste time? I didn't come for this, love, I came to have fun and unwind."

I was too lazy to get up (a new one from me. Don't get used to it, it's only for Frank and Hazel) so I motioned for Hazel to come closer to give her a welcome hug. She let her spatha rest against the cabinet, sitting down beside me. "How was your day, Aiónia?"

I gave Frank a see? look before smiling warmly at Hazel. "Better now that you're here, Hazie. How is Elacia? You were working to get everyone a job, did I remember correctly?"

"More or less. There is some work that needs to be done. I'm trying to get enough information to show them what technology works, but there are limited details. I reckon you'll be better than me at this. Or maybe Frank? I just know I'm a hopeless case at this."

"We'll draw up something for you and have it done by next month." Frank promised, holding out an arm. Hazel obliged, and the couple kissed. I smiled wistfully. Nothing was left but an ache that I was positive would never leave me. I think that was best, really. Either stay in the past or progress to the future. With Hazel and Frank's help, I'm choosing the latter. Some nights, I wasn't so lucky, but I live. Annabeth will always be my first love, and I will forever love her. I will forever love all my friends, but until the right time, I will mourn for them, for all those who were lost.

One of the less successful ways they tried to get me to move on was to convince me to date someone else. I killed the person. Sorry not sorry. That was the last episode of Persephone Dates. I may be moving on but it didn't mean I was ready to go back to the dating market.

"Seph." Hazel snapped her fingers in my face. I blinked back to the present. She gave a mocking pout. "Are you ignoring us now?"

"When Hades wears pink." I answered casually, leaping to my feet. "You wanna stay here or go to our room? Frank? It's your turn to choose."

He was nibbling Hazel's right ear but pointed down. I took that he wanted to stay and summoned a cushion to lie down on the floor. My legs kicked the air as I laid on my stomach, hands propping my chin. I was careful not to kick too high though. Hazel waved one finger and a sugary candy in the form of a pink and white heart appeared. I swiped it from the air. "Gimme."

The candy floated down to my waiting mouth and I took it between my teeth, moaning at the sweetness. The most feared in this Greek world, moaning because of candy. I regret nothin'.

"Have you seen our gods?" Hazel murmured softly.

"I am starting to see their impacts on the world." Frank said, equally soft but with hatred and venom. "There are reports of girls committing suicide by jumping. The creatures of Myliraki bring them to me. All young, beautiful girls, but none were maidens. Bruises littered their skin, they were smiling when I saw them. It was not a mistake falling into the ocean, that I know. I hoped we could have more time before our past catches up, but it was too much to hope for."

They were our ancestors, we are responsible for them. We must kill them. Once, it filled me with joy and elation. Not a very long time ago, in fact. Now I am just tired. It is like a chore. The Olympians don't even deserve to be the cause of my rage. They don't deserve to be anything.

I know not all gods are like that. Iris is certainly not. Hestia isn't. Hephaestus… is debatable but worth considering.

Some don't even make the list of consideration. Hercules, Zeus, Dionysus, Ares, Poseidon and Hera. They are the ones who will certainly die, no questions asked. As for Hades, we never found out his role in everything. He will be under inspection.

The other Olympians will be punished. They will see the error of their ways. Still, there is hope for them. They will never return to their former glory, of course, but they might learn something.

"How can we help?" Hazel pondered, tapping Frank's palm absent-mindedly. "How can we help the victims without attracting attention? Steal them before the gods can?"

"For now." I agreed. "Send out undercover soldiers to make deals. It might be a little hard considering their faith in the gods but we have to try. Get whoever is willing to come and protect them. Don't send out word. That would attract the Gods."

"That's all we can do." Frank sighed. "Before we are absolutely ready, they cannot know of our presence. It's going to be hard."

Hazel slipped her hand into his. "We'll do it." She said, offering a hand to me. I reached out to take it. "We must. We are the Last; the only ones left. We will do it, and we will succeed. Whether in revenge or justice, the Gods will fall."

Emily POV

Now I understand why people went insane or committed suicide. Trapped within their minds, unable to break free, forced to relive every horrid memory.

I wanted to cry, to sob, to scream, to do something. My lips remain shut, my limbs feel too heavy. I'm too drowsy half the time.

This is the last year of the Titanomachy according to Percy. The last time we met felt like an eternity. I still remember how that went.

"Alright! I'll distract Prodosia, you guys deal with the humans. If possible, we're going to capture them. Better than kill." I announced. "Agent B? Will you lead them?"

He gave a firm nod. "Come on, people! Emily, be careful."

I don't have to be, Percy wasn't going to kill me. "Always."

We went our separate ways.

Percy was waiting for me. "Hey, cutie." She smiled. "Here I thought you decided to pay a visit to Ekdikó instead."

"That was once and he attacked Earth." I said. "Stop holding a goddamn grudge."

"My little girl's cursing now. I'm so proud." She snarked, wiping an imaginary tear. "We have met in battle time after time. Why are you still here?"

"The same reason you're here." I replied, readying my sword. "We both have no choice."

She pretended to think about it. "You have a choice."

"You won't tell me where the box is!"

"Perhaps I like your company." She laughed. "Or maybe I'm waiting. I'm a busy woman, Emily, there is this war, my war, and my empire to take care of and believe me when I say with each problem there are other tiny problems and issues. It's a full time job! I can't guess what you want, and I certainly can't do it for nothing." She stopped for a second. "Although, soon you might get your wish."

"Oh?" I asked suspiciously.

Percy spread her hands. "A few more months. Just a few more. 15? 17? The war will end. The most classic strategy, Zeus will strike Kronos where the Titan King expects least."

It took me a couple seconds to follow what she was saying. The different names are kind of hard to follow immediately. "It's been a decade?!"

"For them. For you, it's been two years. My little sweet girl, a teenager! Time goes by so fast. I'm going to cry." To my horror, she did sound sentimental. It's the kind of embarrassment you feel when a parent does something in public.

My mind scrambled to say something, but Percy didn't give me the time. With a yell, she sent a stream of water in my direction.

I never know what to expect from her but now at least I know the end is coming soon. Which is honestly great because I didn't know how much longer I could stand this.

They tell me we should attack Titus again. Day by day, Jupiter brings me to a corner, and urges me that we should make a plan.

To do what? What can I do?

Riza has tried to help but it hasn't gone that well.

They want to find the weapon. Occasionally, the Olympians have a spurn of weakness. The weapon. Paelen has gotten so weak, he could barely do anything. Brue has always been by his side. He would stare blankly at absolutely nothing. On the better days, he would hobble around and talk to us. On the worst days, he couldn't even get up.

"Em?" That was Joel.

I snapped back to the present. Stella, Joel, Agent B, Seren, Jasmine, Vulcan and Paelen were staring at me worriedly. "You alright?" Asked Joel.

Had to stay on task. Lightly shaking my head, I forced a smile. "Sorry. I was thinking about something else. What were we talking about?"

"The weapon." Seren said nervously. "Some centaurs patrolling the south of Titus's borders mentioned something about feeling headaches and power loss. Jupiter says we should try there."

Like I said.

"We need your input before we give him the final answer." Agent B said, crossing his fingers in front of his nose. "What do you think?"

"I don't know." I said tiredly. "Look, is the weapon really that important? We're closing in on Saturn day by day. They can't open the box. Isn't that good enough?"

"Except we're still in the past which means the future isn't fixed." Stella sighed. "The box was opened in the future. Maybe the lock weakened through time? That might be possible. If we left things as it is, the Gods would die, Emily. The Titans would win. This would be for nothing."

Right. The whole reason we came back in time. "I don't know, okay?" I sighed. "I don't know!"

It wasn't even a big outburst and yet everyone stared at me as if I grew a second head like Brue. Agent B stood up. "Maybe it's time for a break. We could all use one." He told everyone. "Emily? Can I talk to you? Alone?"

Great. What now?

I nodded numbly, watching as everyone filled out.

Agent B closed the door before kneeling in front of me. "Alright." He said seriously. "What are you not telling us? Where did you go when Prodosia freed Paelen?"

I froze. Did he suspect something? Was I really that bad at concealing secrets?

"I know you, Emily. We've been allies and friends for two years. You can trust me. What's going on? Does it have to do with the war?"

Tears blurred my vision. "I don't know what to do anymore." I croaked out. "Everyone expects me to be strong but we're killing. We're killing and we're not stopping and the war hasn't even progressed much. I just want to go home, Agent B, I want my father."

"It's okay, Emily." Agent B held my shoulders as I stood frozen, tears leaking from the corner of my eyes. "I understand how hard it must be for you, but we're so close to the end of the war. You just have to hold on for a little longer."

"I know."

A pause. "You don't seem very surprised the war is about to end?"

Oh. I rubbed my forehead. "Just tired. That's all."

There was a moment of silence. "I know."

I glanced up in alarm. "Know what, exactly?" Was it really that hard for me to hide a secret?

"I think I've known for a long time," He said gravely. "Tell me what happened, Emily, the day Persephone Jackson decided to seek you out."

Like a dam being broken, everything just came gushing out from my mouth.

Third POV

"My king!"

Frank looked up from the map of Myliraki and acknowledged the soldier kneeling at the dias. He was one of the newest to the army, as shown by the bronze badge pinned. Frank pursed his lips, sinking back on his throne. Made of gold and royal blue cushion. Truth be told, it wasn't as comfortable as it looked, but it was a seat. "What happened?" Next to the bronze badge was a green pin. Border patrol then. What could be so important? Intruders were to be eaten. Visitors were meant to be escorted to the nearest captain of the guards to be checked out. What was so important that they had to bring the matter to him?

"A visitor from the Gods, my lord." That perked Frank's interest. Someone who sided with the gods would come to see him? Who would have such a death wish.

Motioning for the soldier to stand, Frank ordered everyone to clear out of his throne room. The repairs for the tornado in Oriki could wait. (A slight mistake in one of the machines being built for hot water. Luckily no one died although some were injured) "Bring whoever it is to me and then tell everyone to stay away. Any issues will be brought to Maera. She's here today, right?" Maera is the queen of Anagénnisi. Although his court tends to stay in their own states in case of problems and issues, they do visit Frank sometimes to give reports or just to be sweethearts. Maera liked to visit him the most in Akámas.

It was hard to pick a favourite in their empire, how can they choose? So instead, in the centre of their empire, the most protected land, they decided to have a home. Percy's was Ethearos, Hazel's was Kyklos, his was Akámas, which meant indomitable. A place to call home. A neutral ground. A place where his people could find him.

"Yes, my king." He bowed once more and left.

Frank sighed. He hated these things. Sure, he liked leading people and being able to help them, but sometimes there were too many details in every single thing. Oh, and the paperwork. Did he mention the paperwork? There's a reason he always left that for Hazel. He was always more interested in the physical side of leading. Not the paperwork. Those were horrible and will always be horrible.

There was a knock on the door. Did time really go that fast? "Come in!"

The person that came in was one of the last people Frank expected to enter. He smiled. This was interesting. "How curious. I don't remember telling you who I was, Ben."

"Frank Zhang." The CRU agent said curtly. "When Emily told me, a part of me already knew it was true. Especially since Stella figured out you were also a time-traveller."

"Oh?" His intrigue pricked. "So Emily did spill the gut. Looks like Prodosia owes me ten drachmas and the little teen is about to get a visit from us-"

"You will not touch her." Ben bit. "Stay away from Emily, Frank, I mean it. You have no idea how the past two years have done to her."

"You did that to her. Or rather Stella did." Frank snapped. He fisted his hand, leaning closer to Ben but not leaving his seat. "Tell me, how did you find me?"

"Yours was the easiest. As well guarded as it is, you do not hide under illusions or in another dimensions like Persephone. The closest to the human world where they are already detached."

Detached. What an interesting choice of word. While they chose to hide, yes, they were still very much connected to Earth. People of Kydria and Elacia come and go all the time. "You sought with your eyes then. Funny enough."

Ben glanced around. "You're a king now? Felt like just yesterday when you were threatening to kill me. How you have changed."

"I developed. Change came so much earlier on." The awkward Frank Zhang was just a bittersweet memory that can never return. "Be careful of your words, Ben. Two years. It doesn't mean I have lost my touch. Only pure curiosity is saving you right now, Ben, so I suggest you watch your mouth."

Ben smiled. "You sound just like the Gods I used to read about."

"I am nothing like them!" Frank immediately roared, enraged. How dare he insinuate such a thing. His hand fisted. Out of the three of them, everyone considered Frank the most level-headed. Hazel was the most likely to express her rage. Percy was the unpredictable one. Yet he wasn't feeling so placid at the moment. If it were his girlfriend or his sister, they would have lashed out, shown him fear through the most physical way, but Frank restrained himself.

"Your words are proving differently right now."

Frank forced himself to calm down. "I am nothing like them." His gaze wandered to the nearest window. Barely, just barely, he could see his people. Living their lives peacefully. Serenely. "They destroyed so much. They did whatever they wanted. They destroyed everything that said one word out of line. They would destroy cities for something one person said. They… never cared about anyone but themselves. They didn't even care about their family. They don't even deserve to be called family."

"That may be true," Ben acknowledged, "but aren't you doing the same? Siding with the Titans, destroying human cities for no reason, and killing the Olympians for how the Gods treated you? How can you hate them when you act exactly the same?"

"We are human." Frank said almost distantly. "We know what the Gods do not, what Zeus does not. We know what it's like to suffer, to have to fight for our lives. To live in absolute terror, always on the edge, never sure if our death is coming. We do not act like the Gods, because they will never understand what we have gone through. They do every action with no consideration of how it will affect someone else. Do you know how many times we pondered about things? Each and every action we know we're going to do, we think it through a million times to try and reduce the amount of damage done. We kill only when we have to. You don't understand, because you're not in our position. It's true we kill the allies of gods but what do you want? They are the enemies. It's not like we want to, but it is war. It's not like you have not killed the people we care about before." He fixed Ben with a hard look. "The dragons. We- Prodosia loved them. She was heartbroken when they died, yet she put it aside because Emily was the one who killed them. She has had nightmares because of that. Cried. Mourned, grieved. They were constantly on her mind for years to come. How do you excuse that, Ben? How will you excuse Emily's actions? You can't, so there's no need to waste time trying."

Ben glowered. "Once. That was once. How about what you have done to us? How many have died by your hand, Frank, how many? You did not know their name, you laughed as they died. Don't talk about me excusing Emily when you yourself cannot excuse your actions."

"I won't excuse my actions. I take full responsibility for what I have done in the past. I take responsibility for the past six years. However, I will not apologise. I would do everything all over again. My only regret was not being able to battle against a god like Prodosia and Góissa were able to with Neptune and Pluto." He rose from his seat. Ben tensed, hand reaching to his empty sheath. Good. At least the guards knew to extract each and every weapon from him.

To play with him a bit, Frank summoned the same valari he had used to threaten Ben's life. Ben paled. Good. Fear was good. He wouldn't exploit anything of it of course, but it ensured a line was drawn between them and he knew where he stood.

"We thought ahead." Frank said conversationally. "After this war, we're not going to let the Gods or the Titans go free. We know first hand what they will do once given absolute power, and we will prevent that. The Fates forbid us from changing the big events, but nothing was said about the smaller events. Granted, we went a bit overshot, but still. We have the numbers. Our armies are growing. Soon, we will be able to control the less willing gods." He shot Ben a disdainful look. "Be grateful we're not as active as before. Ever since you guys took back the shard of the Xan, Saturn barely has any soldiers left. This war will end one way or another."

"The Titans cannot win." Ben said sharply. "This world will end if that happens."

Frank shrugged, not caring. They know the Titans will wreck havoc on the world. They just didn't need to tell him. "If you want the Gods to win… I don't have any arguments about that. This is what will happen, Ben. You gather your people. Whoever, I don't care, as long as they aren't the Gods. And I will get my family. We can have a talk but remember. We don't need you."

"You… just accept that? Just like that?" Ben asked, confused.

"You came to me. There is a good reason you would do that. We'll listen. If you can convince us, we will help you. However, if you cannot, you will never bother us again. Can you accept that?"

"Fine." Ben said determinedly. "We'll play by your rules."

Frank pressed the bell to summon someone. "Three days. Tell Emily to meet us in the same place. She knows what I'm saying."

Ben left and that was that.

Frank sat back in his seat and groaned, resting his head on his propped up arm. His people started filing in once again now that Ben was gone. Maera laughed by his side. He didn't notice that she had even approached him. The shard of ruby glittered against her skin, partially covered by her luscious brown hair. "My king, you look tense," she whispered in his ear. "Would you like me to call Queen Hazel? She could take your mind off these issues."

Frank nodded. "Call Sia as well."

Maera dipped into an elegant bow. "Consider it done. Aiónia is already here, my king. She is waiting in her room. Shall I call her in?"

"No need. I'll see her. Thank you, Maera." She nodded, and glided out the room, two guards following after her.

Why was Percy already here?

There was a knock on my door. I looked up, smiling. "You respect boundaries better in your home than in mine."

He chuckled, strolling in. "Why are you here, Aiónia?"

"That name is really catchy." I remarked, crooking one finger. He obeyed, coming over to sit next to me. "First it started with Hazel, then our empires, and now you."

"What can I say? It fits you perfectly."

I batted his hand. "I'm here because I knew something was up." I told him. "Emily had this guilty look when in her room. I knew something was up."

"Are you spying on her now?"

"You can't blame me if she's going to stay in a place filled with water." I swiped a hand through the air. Little by little, the water vapour changes to water droplets. "Then again, there's not many places she can hide from my view." I collected them all , turning them into a sphere and offering it to Frank.

He accepted it, letting it burst between us. We didn't get drenched, but it was still funny. "So, who came?"

"Benedict." Frank shrugged. "Got a proposition for us. They need to find that rock."

"So much fuss over that one little object." I huffed in annoyance. "That's all Emily can say these days. We need that weapon. Please, tell me where it is. Is it on Titus?"

Frank summoned a bracelet. I held out my hand. Pretty. No one could possibly see that it can turn into a sword. He likes to do this sometimes. "To be fair, they do not wish to stay in this time. Unlike us, they have a choice."

"That's true." I sighed, leaning back on the backrest. "So, when is the meeting?"

"Three days."

Hazel materialised behind me. I sensed her before her entire form solidified. Not sure how water did that, but it was damn useful. "Not much time then." She noted, having heard enough. "Barely enough."

"Plenty of time." I declared. "I'm going, that's for sure. You're not going to miss this, will you, Hazie?"

She scooted closer to me, giving me a side hug, resting her head on my shoulder. "Definitely not. They're not the only ones who want them gone from this war."

"If only they could just leave." I sighed. "I want Emily gone, but I want the Gods dead. She's not making it easy for me to do so."

"Life isn't about the easy choices. If only it was." Hazel rolled her eyes, throwing her arms around me. She was wearing a silk gown, pale pink in colour. A gift from Cythereia, queen of Dymicca. She's an excellent seamstress, an artist before chosen to be queen. I trailed a hand over the fabric. So soft… "Shall we meet then? There's this boy in Elacia that I'm training and I can't leave him alone too long or he might destroy something. He has powerful blood, but chooses to go down a destructive path and I really hate to give my citizens more work to do because he can't control himself."

Frank leaned forward, captured her chin, and pulled her into a kiss. I scoffed, pushing them lightly. Still, I scooted away to give them some room.

A minute or two later, they pulled away with a slight pant. "See you then, Hazie." Frank said gently, kissing her forehead.

Honestly, they were adorable.

Hazel frowned playfully. "I heard that, Sephie."

"I wanted you to." I drew a heart with my index figure. The water vapour around swirled and formed the shape I drew. "Good luck with the boy." It changed to a thumbs-up.

Once she left, it was only Frank and I. "You wanna go for a swim?"

"Surfing?" He said instead.

"You're going to knock me into the water again, you know you will."

He laughed, rising. "That's exactly why you're agreeing."

I huffed indignantly, folding my arms. A sly smile spread. "Not unless I get you first."

"We'll see then." He held out his hand, already changed. With a snap of my fingers, so was I. "Shall we?"

I knocked his hand away. "Save it, dude."

Still laughing, he caught up with me at the doorway and we teleported to the nearest ocean.

Hazel was right when she said three days passed by really quickly. By the afternoon, the three of us were by the doors of the palace of Kydilla, waiting. I had sent Aura ahead of time to wait for Emily and her friends. A bad idea, I know, but she volunteered.

We didn't have to wait long, the group came ten minutes later.

Frank flicked his eyes at Agent B, the only indication he saw them, before returning to write on the piece of parchment he had on the table.

Hazel didn't acknowledge them, tangling a thin strand of ivy around her finger. Plants budded around her, nestled in between different gems and metal. A small show of her power.

Since it was clear they weren't going to do it, I took matters into my own hands. Standing up, I wisely chose to leave Kósmina on the table before turning to greet them.

I left my hair in the braid I knew they had come accustomed to seeing on Prodosia, but I didn't wear my armour nor my diadem. Instead, I had Riptide clipped on my hair to keep it from flying (these days, she didn't really come into view as Anaklusmos, only as a hair clip. I never had the heart to turn it back.) and wore a midnight blue peplos, crafted from the finest silk. Intricate, silver patterns danced across the fabric in the shape of constellations, the largest being the Huntress. It covered the entire front part of the gown. Around my waist, I had a zoster, a silver cord adorned with diamonds. I wore sandals, crafted from leather made from the finest shoemaker. I think I had over ten pairs made by him. A token of appreciation, he had said, for helping his mother. It hadn't been much really, I just healed her illness that she's been suffering with for most of his childhood. The last part of my ensemble would be a billowing himation of crystal white drapes over my shoulder that cascades down my back. A symbol of purity and devotion to Kydria.

"Emily." I purred. "And Paelen. You've recovered nicely, my dear."

The wizened man glared half-heartedly at me. The shard of Hali was nowhere on him, I noted. He was afraid of it.

Emily's little group consists of her, her boyfriend, Stella, Paelen, and Ben. No Gods. Good.

Aura smiled demurely at me. "Vasilissa mou." She murmured.

"You did well, my friend." I told her. "I shall see you later."

She got on her tip-toes and kissed my cheek before vanishing into the palace.

Emily watched her disappear with a slight frown on her lips. "Prodosia."

"No need to hide, Ems." I laughed. "Come. Let's talk somewhere private."

"How do we know you won't kill us?" Joel asked bitingly.

Hazel waved her hand in his direction. Joel faltered as a strand of ivy came at him, wrapping his arms and legs. Stella paled, her hands gripping the handles of her wheelchair tightly. The corner of Frank's mouth curved upwards. Fear was tantalising for all of us, but it was delicious to him. "If we wanted to kill you, we would have done that already, dearest." Hazel reasoned. "This is our territory. Our home. No one would bat an eye if you were to die now. However…" her eyes flitted to Ben who remained stoic. "Someone convinced us to give you a chance. We shall listen."

I grabbed Emily's hand, giving her plenty of time to pull away if she wanted to. "I won't take you to that room again, cutie." I said, only for her ears. "Somewhere more civil."

"Sephie, I-"

Not wanting to hear, I interrupted her. "I know Ben. I know why you would tell him. I do not blame you. From what Frank says, he figured things out by himself."

Relief cooled on her face. "Thank you."

I cannot not forgive you, my little one. That is a fatal flaw, but one I don't wish to change.

I wasn't about to tell her that though, so I just looked back at her companions. "Well?"

Hazel vanished into the nearest shadow as Frank leapt to his feet, swinging a hunting knife on the tips of his finger. He walked forward as I watched the hesitant four. "I didn't kill you the first time you were within our grasp." I told Paelen, watching him jolt uncomfortably at the words. Ben glanced sharply at him, concerned. "I won't kill you now. I always keep my word."

"Who are you to tell me so?" He snarled back in Ancient Greek. "Who are you to Emily?"

"Paelen, Paelen, Paelen." I tsked. "Don't ask questions you won't like the answers to."

I tugged at Emily, entering the palace before another word was exchanged.

Emily refused to meet my eye, even as I offered some herbal tea. "It helps soothe the mind." I cajoled. "You look like the time when you came down with the flu, Emily. Relax."

"Easy for you to say." She muttered back, her clenched fists shaking on her knees.

Considering all things, I would say we were treating them alright.

We were in the conference room. Each city had one, since we like to shift around where we wanted to meet once in a while. Last week's meeting was in Parigoria. Little Elpis has grown so much, but her eyes worried me. There was something wrong, but I didn't know what. Hazel nor Frank could identify it. When the three of us knew something was wrong but couldn't tell what it is, that's when you know something is wrong.

The conference room was something else. White marble floor, pristine walls and tall pillars with images depicted on the walls. There was a portrait of each of my girls, a painting I was sure was going to last for millenia.

There was a long table occupying the centre of the room, with eleven chairs. One at the head, five on each side. Each had a name and had the softest cushion. Although, it wasn't like anyone really followed the names. We just sat wherever we wanted.

Much better than the torture chamber I showed Emily before. To be honest, I didn't expect her reaction to be like that. It wasn't really that bad, just the remains of blood which I washed out soon after.

Hazel sat at the right end of the table, further away from me. Frank sat on the third chair on the left. He looked so bored, tossing an apple in the air and catching it again with his other hand. Toss and catch. Toss and catch. And repeat.

Emily sat on my right. Stella sat on the left. Ben sat next to Stella while Joel sat next to Emily and Paelen sat next to Joel.

I offered it to Stella who didn't respond, merely looked at it like it was revolting. I shrugged. Suit themselves. "Well, you're here now." I sat the cup down. "Talk."

"Did you tell them?" Frank spoke up suddenly, directed at Ben who shrugged. "That's not an answer, agent."

He folded his hands together in a pondering way. "No. It was best if you told them, after all."

Joel sat up straighter. From beneath the table, I could see him reaching for Emily's hand. "Tell us what, Agent B?"

"Nothing much." Hazel answered for him. "It hardly affects you, Joel."

"This is not how I thought I was going to spend today." Stella admitted, shrinking in her wheelchair as we turned to her. "Uh…"

"If you asked me three days ago, I wouldn't have thought I was going to spend today talking to you either, young one." Stella flinched like she was affected by something. I gazed at her with hooded eyes, wanting nothing more than to have a glimpse in her mind, see what she's thinking about. Alas, I restrained myself. Curiosity kills a cat, and I made a rule not to invade one's privacy unless they deserve it or they give their explicit consent. It does happen sometimes, when they're trying to prove their innocence.

Stella wasn't trying to prove anything, so I left her be.

The next ten minutes were spent with awkward conversations. They weren't used to us, and Emily was hesitant to open up. It didn't matter, we had all the time in the world.

Finally, Frank was the one who opened up the conversation about the war. It was picked up by Ben and we eventually got into a somewhat comfortable pace.

Then of course, somewhere in the middle, someone slipped up. Paelen paled considerably. Stella choked on the glass of water she had been drinking. Joel tried to stand up but he tripped, almost falling but Ben caught him.

That was hilarious.

"So that's why you said she…" Paelen couldn't even finish his sentence. Emily, burning red for she was the one who called me Sephie, nodded meekly.

It was a funny conversation and I managed to rile up more than one person in less than thirty minutes, but we eventually agreed on some kind of deal. I leave the details of their shock to you. I'm done with their surprised looks and questions.

Sipping the cup of herbal tea, I remarked to the latest comment Emily made. "Saturn will not be happy, but it is what it is. Our focus was never on the Gods, not after the first year. It was the humans. So we will leave it as it is. Emily, we will help you destroy the weapon once and for all but do not expect us to do all the work. Then, you will leave for your future and let us be."

"Don't forget your part of the deal, and we'll get on perfectly." Hazel reminded. "Not a single word about our alliance. We have spies, spies we won't reveal, and if we hear any mentions of our name outside of 'how do we kill them' then our deal will be terminated."

"It isn't fair." Emily protested. "It's not our credit entirely, you're helping us!"

"I'm only helping to open the damn box, Ems." I tsked. "Had Stella not locked it, we never would have bothered getting to know you, let alone forge an alliance."

"Besides, we're not doing it for the Gods." Frank shrugged from where he was sitting. Sometime ago, he had kicked his feet onto the table, his leather shoes on my pristine white table. He's lucky I know those shoes don't leave a goddamned scratch. He's my brother, we share the same blood, but my table, my rules. "There's no point in what they're going to say, since this is for our selfish wants. Don't try to argue, little Jacobs, you're not going to convince any of us otherwise." He was the only one who called her that. He never called her Emily. Not once. I understood why. If I had known Frank before Emily, I wouldn't have been able to call her by her name either.

Joel placed a hand on Emily's shoulder and she slumped down, her protests dying as soon as Joel stepped in. Adorable.

"Say, Joel." I said, resting my cheek on my palm. "Since we're done now, deal's been dealt with and everything, let us talk. Alone."

"Sephie…" Emily started rising but Joel pushed her back down.

"It's okay, Em." He reassured her. "Your friend isn't going to kill me."

"I don't know about that." I mused. "But I certainly am not going to kill you today. Now, come."

Emily POV

When a mass murderess asks to speak to your boyfriend alone, you do tend to get nervous. I rest my case.

It's not that I believe Percy was going to kill him—I knew she never will—but then again, she didn't kill Paelen either. See how well that turned out.

Frank conversed with Ben as we waited. Hazel sympathised with Stella. The two girls went out for a walk not long after. Stella was sporting a small, comforted smile even. Out of all of them, Hazel was probably the sweetest (and the most harshest) hence, it's not a wonder why people were more relaxed around her.

Paelen was by my side, making sure I didn't lose my head, but I couldn't help myself.

I couldn't relax until Joel returned. Alone.

Jumping up from my seat, I ran to him, squeezing him tightly in a hug. He was pale and I could see sweat on his forehead, but he seemed otherwise alright.

Paelen waited for the two of us to sit down. He had a pained expression and I winced, filled with guilt. After all this time, I still remember his love for me. He said he was fine, but each time, I couldn't help myself. "Where's Persephone?" He rumbled.

"Inside." Joel muttered, waving a hand at the door. Through the cracks, I could see Percy standing by herself, bent over a table, her fists pressed against the surface. Her face was hidden by the curtain of black hair. "She said she wanted to be by herself for a while. I don't know if I should have left or not—her last words were almost worrisome."

I almost laughed out loud. Trust Percy to be able to make Joel feel concern towards her through one single conversation.

"She'll be fine." Frank said, revealing he had been listening to our conversation. He was at the other end of the room, eyes glittering with a hidden emotion. "For now, we need to go through our plan."