Sea of Monsters Chapter 4:
The Bull of King Minos
Prologue
The sound of footsteps filled the corridor as two girls ran as if their very lives depended on it. Both of them were nearly identical in appearance, petite in stature with purple hair done in pigtails, and with beautiful white dresses. The one main difference is how their dresses looked. One was long with merely a black flower as its decoration. The other's dress was shorter, but had a large black bow wrapped around her waist. They had been running for hours at this point, trying to navigate through the white halls. However they came at a junction, with two pathways before them, but they did not take either yet. Instead, they stopped to catch their breath.
"Ugh, no good." The girl in the short dress said.. "So tired, can't move, can't run."
"How troublesome." The girl with the long dress replied. "A pity our loser sister isn't here, isn't that right, other me?"
"Oh who needs her?" The girl in the shorter dress asked. "We're fine on our own!"
The girl in the longer dress smiled and nodded. "You're right, we'll be just fine. Now, we just need to figure out where we are going."
The girl in the shorter dress nodded. They both looked at the two split paths and furrowed their eyes.
"Say, other me," The girl in the longer dress said. "Does this look familiar to you?"
The girl in the shorter dress groaned. "I can't believe it! We went in a circle!"
The girl in the longer dress chuckled. "Now, now. Just relax. We only went through one path before, so that means there is only one way we have not checked."
The girl in the shorter dress smiled. "You're right! Okay let's go down that way."
The girl in the longer dress nodded. The two of them took the path on the left, slowly making their way through the corridors. "I must say, this place really is hard to navigate without some string."
"Well this is THE labyrinth, right?" The girl in the shorter dress asked. "That means there is almost no…..way….out of here….."
The girl stopped in her tracks, causing the girl in the longer dress to look at her curiously. "What's wrong, other me?"
"If we're stuck here…then that means….HE is here." The girl in the shorter dress answered.
The girl with the longer dress widened her eyes. "Then that means as long as this labyrinth is here, he will be too."
The two girls heard a rumbling behind them. It was getting closer. The two girls looked at each other and nodded. They had to go deeper into the corridor. They didn't even look back as a large figure started to follow them.
Day 9
"How much farther?" Medusa asked.
"Not long." Drake answered. Five days had passed since the encounter with Gunnhild and Eric Bloodaxe over the chest that was found. After the wounded were healed enough, Mashu handed the chest over to Drake, who opened it up to see just what it was those two Servants were after. After some rummaging, the captain found a map with a marker pointing at an island northwest of their location. It would take them days to reach it, which gave everyone ample time to rest and heal from the fight. Ever since then, they have been making their way towards this mysterious island to check it out. However, they did run into some opposition in the form of numerous familiars that took on the form of pirates. After the last encounter yesterday from those familiars, everyone was on edge.
The Rider and Drake stared out at the sea when the monkey that Ritsuka helped came up to the captain, and gently grabbed her hand and chirped. Drake couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, alright, I'll feed you."
Drake reached into her pocket and pulled out a sliced orange. The monkey chirped and opened his mouth as Drake fed him the orange. The monkey cooed in satisfaction as Drake smiled at him. As the monkey ate his fruit, Tatsuko came up and smiled as she walked up to them.
"How are Ritsuka and Mashu doing?" Drake asked.
"They're fully recovered." Tatsuko answered. "They're just talking to everyone else below deck regarding the destination."
"Okay, can you get everyone up here?" Drake asked. "I'd like for us to discuss how we're going to do this."
Tatsuko nodded and ran back below deck.
"You worried about any potential enemies?" Medusa asked.
Drake shook her head. "If my suspicions are correct, then those two Vikings we faced were wanting the map hidden in the chest. Whatever this island holds, we should discuss how we should handle it."
"Regardless, we should be prepared for potential competition."
Drake and Medusa looked to see Medea coming up from below deck and walking up to their location. The rest of the Chaldeans came up and walked towards them as well.
"Okay, who has the map?" Drake asked.
"I do Cap'n." One of the crew members answered. The pirate took out the map and ran as fast as he could towards the others, before tripping over his feet. Everyone's eyes widened as the map flew from his hands. However, the monkey saw this, and leapt into the air, catching the map and bringing it to Drake. The pirate captain smiled as she took the map, not even reacting as the monkey sat upon her shoulder.
"Thank you, Jack." Drake said.
"Well, I almost lost it, but yer welcome, Cap'n." The pirate named Jack said.
Drake raised an eyebrow. "Not you, I named the monkey Jack."
The monkey smiled at the pirate named Jack, who simply rolled his eyes playfully and gave a mock glare at the monkey. As that was happening, Drake unfurled the map and laid it upon her table.
"Okay, so I'm thinking we should have the ship closer to shore in the event we need to make a quick getaway." Drake said.
"It might be the wisest move." Medea said. "However, we should also take into account how far the best place to anchor the ship as well."
"Do you have an idea where we should do that?" Ritsuka asked.d
Medea walked towards Drake and stared at the map. The Caster saw the layout, and raised an eyebrow. This island looked very familiar, but something felt off. It looked like a large island, but it looked like it was supposed to be larger. It looked like half of the island was cut off. The Caster saw a little alcove near a cliff that had a beach, however that area would not be suitable for landfall due to how small the beach was. Something was odd about all this, and it was bothering her. Medea pushed those thoughts from her mind, and pointed at the beach on the opposite end.
"There. It should suffice."
"Is there anything else of note?" Medusa asked.
"Yes. There are some features of this island that are familiar to me. However, I can't place my finger on it."
"So it looks like an island you've seen before." Ushiwakamaru muttered. "Can you tell us which one?"
"It looks like a smaller version of Crete for some reason." Medea answered.
"Are you sure?" Tatsuko asked.
"It has some parts that look similar, but it is probably just a coincidence." Medea replied.
"Okay so with that out of the way, we should discuss the team layout." Okita suggested.
"I nominate Medea." Ritsuka said.
"I'm not going to be some glorified guide." Medea said harshly.
"That wasn't what I was implying." Ritsuka said. "It's just that I remembered something you said last night about hoping to walk on land soon. I was just wanting to make sure you're happy and satisfied."
Medea sighed. "Your compassion is not needed. However, if you feel so strongly about this, then I will come."
"Okay so Medea has agreed to come, and Mashu was coming regardless," Tatsuko replied. "I think Ushiwakamaru should come as well."
"I appreciate the vote of confidence, Lady Tatsuko."
"Okay, then we should-" Drake and Medea's eyes widened as they sniffed the air. They looked at each other and gave a small nod.
"What's wrong?" Alexander asked.
"We're getting even closer." Drake answered.
"How can you tell?" Ritsuka asked.
"Because the air smells different." Medea said.
"The air?" Mashu asked.
"Aye, the air." Drake said. "Each region has a different scent to it."
Roman appeared on the communicator with a smile. "Well there's some good news as well. There's a powerful Leyline on this island, so try … Su….. Cir…and…."
"Doctor Roman?" Tatsuko asked. "Doctor?!"
"Shit, we lost communications." Ritsuka muttered.
"Well, looks like we won't be getting any advice back in Chaldea…" Okita muttered.
"LAND HO!"
Everyone looked up to Bombe as he pointed straight ahead. The moment they saw the island, their eyes widened significantly. It was a huge island, with large swaths of beautiful trees and hills like the last island. However, a sense of foreboding sent a chill up everyone's spines. As they drew closer and closer, the Chaldean's felt something was off.
That was when they felt the ship rumble. Everyone immediately braced themselves from the impact. The rumbling stopped, allowing everyone to regain their bearings for a few brief seconds.
"Was that an earthquake?" Drake asked.
"No, I don't think so." Medea answered.
The ship started to rumble again, forcing everyone to brace themselves once again. Drake turned to look at her crew to see if there were any injured. Thankfully none showed any signs of that, and she looked to see one of her crew members trying to turn the wheel.
"What's wrong, Robert?" Drake asked.
"It's the wheel, Captain." Robert said. "It won't move."
"Here let me try." Drake said.
Robert nodded and moved aside for Drake to try and take the wheel. The pink haired woman tried her best to turn it, but it wasn't going to budge. It was as if it was stuck in place. After giving up, she looked around and noticed something odd.
The ship wasn't moving either.
"What the hell is going on here?" Drake said. "Can you guys tell me what happened?"
"It's as I thought." Medea said. "It seems we came upon a Bounded Field."
"Yes, it would seem so." Mashu said. "However, it does seem to be weak enough for Servants and Demi-Servants to pass through, it would seem that the ship will be stuck here."
"Then what do we need to do to get moving?" Drake asked.
"Simple." Ritsuka said. "Find whoever created it, and either convince them to take it down, or defeat them."
"So we just need to get to the island then." Drake said. "Well we're a little farther from the beach than we wanted, so what do we do?"
"No need to worry." Medusa said. "We can simply take one of the lifeboats and row over there."
Drake nodded and looked at her crew. "Get a lifeboat ready! We're going a'shore!"
The crew nodded and immediately went to work getting a lifeboat prepared. Drake then felt a tap on her shoulder and saw Ritsuka's concerned gaze.
"I know you're not going to like what I'm about to say, but we're probably going to need two lifeboats."
"Why?" Drake asked.
"Because we're going to bring the entire Chaldean team along this time."
"What do you think we'll find?" Alexander asked.
"Hopefully a way to destroy the Bounded Field on arrival." Okita said. The two Servants turned to look at the other lifeboat to see Drake, and saw the confliction on her face. When Ritsuka asked her to leave her crew behind on the ship, to say she was furious with him would be an understatement. It wasn't until Ritsuka made the observation that if the Golden Hind could not move, then the Bounded Field would do the same to other potential ships, and would probably keep the Hind safe from enemies. It was only then did Drake agree to do so, albeit reluctantly.
"Hey Ritsuka, how did you know that this Bounded Field would possibly stop other ships?" Alexander asked.
"It was an educated guess based on how the ship suddenly stopped in its tracks." Ritsuka answered. "When Drake couldn't turn the wheel and after Medea revealed the Bounded Field, I suspected that this would happen to any other ship."
"If that is the case, where are these other ships to support this claim?" Mashu asked.
"I don't know." Ritsuka said. "But my gut is telling me that this is the most likely cause."
Okita's eyes widened. "You never listen to your gut."
"Okay everyone, we're about to land." Medusa said. Everyone nodded and prepared to hit the sandy beaches. As soon as the boats started to hit the sand, everyone got out and dragged the boats out of the water and onto the beach. With Medusa taking the front, the group followed the Rider into the woods. Two hours later, Tatsuko could only sigh and groan.
"Ugh this humidity is just the worst." Tatsuko muttered.
"I know what you mean." Medea said. "It always is a nuisance for my beauty regimen."
"I know right?!" Tatsuko shouted. "How can anyone stand this?"
"You learn to get used to it when you travel the world." Drake countered.
"Well I for one am starting to have difficulty breathing." Tatsuko said. "So I'm just going to unzip the suit for a bit."
The female Master unzipped her Mystic Code slightly and breathed a sigh of relief as the air hit a part of her cleavage. "Oh that feels so much better. The girls can finally breathe a bit!"
"Careful now." Medusa said. "One wrong move and you could hurt your chest."
"True. But to be perfectly fair, I almost forgot what they look like considering I always have this Mystic Code covering them up." Tatsuko said.
"Well it's not like we're going to be seeing much anyways." Ritsuka replied.
Everyone looked at the male Master in shock. They could not believe the male Master went there.
"Ritsuka, I thought you were adamant on sticking to your no-killing rule." Okita said.
"Why are you bringing it up?" Ritsuka asked.
"Because you just murdered Tatsuko." Okita answered.
"Self-esteem doesn't count." Alexander countered.
"Okay, enough of attacking Tatsuko's lackluster chest." Medusa said. "We need to focus."
As everyone returned to silence, Tatsuko leaned in close to Ritsuka with a grin on her face.
"I'm not even offended." She whispered. "That was actually a really good comeback."
"I know." Ritsuka said playfully. The two Masters then bumped into Medea's back. The two of them turned to look at what caused her to stop, only to see Medusa kneeling on the ground. The Rider stared at the earth with curiosity. There were footprints on the ground, and it was as if the people were running from something. Medusa took a closer look, and saw something odd. Four sets of foot prints, and they looked exactly alike.
Medusa's eyes widened. "I know these footprints."
The Rider got up and looked around. "Stheno? Euryale?"
Ritsuka's eyes widened. "You're sisters are here?"
Medusa ignored his comment and cupped her hands over her mouth. "Stheno?! Euryale?! Are you here?!"
No voice was heard. Ushiwakamaru put a hand upon the purple haired woman's shoulder in concern. "Are you alright?"
Medusa shook her head. "No, my sisters could be in danger."
"Wait, you have sisters?" Tatsuko asked.
"I do."
Ritsuka leaned in close to Tatsukos ear. "Stheno and Euryale are Medusa's older sisters."
Tatsuko nodded and looked at Medusa. "Are you worried about them?"
"I am." Medusa said.
"Then we'll just look for them." Ritsuka said.
"Senpai is right." Mashu said. "It would be cruel to just leave them to fend for themselves when we can help them."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves here." Medea said. "We can't just run in blind to look for two Servants on an island this big."
Medusa scowled. "Are you seriously telling me to abandon my sisters?!"
"No, in fact I agree with Fujimaru for once." Medea said. "We should find them."
Everyone looked at Medea with shock and awe. The Caster cocked an eyebrow and stared at them in confusion. "What is it now?"
"No offense Medea, but you RARELY agree with Ritsuka." Tatsuko said. "You usually only go along with his suggestions because everyone else does."
"I'm just being practical here, nothing more." Medea countered. "Medusa's sisters could have information on what is going on with this island."
"She's got a point." Drake said. "If they've been here long enough, then they're bound to know what's happening."
"However, we shouldn't get our hopes up." Medea countered. "For all we know, they could be the reason for this Bounded Field in the first place."
"No, I refuse to believe that." Medusa said. "Stheno might try it, but Euryale would never agree to this without reason."
"I'm just speculating." Medea said.
"Okay, I think that'll be enough." Ushiwakamaru said. "We should just try to find them, and then solve the problem."
Medusa nodded and returned her gaze back to the footprints. They seemed to be going only forward. So far there wasn't a sign of them turning, so that would mean they were in a hurry, or that they got lost.
"Follow me." Medusa said. The Rider carefully walked forward, with everyone else following suit. A few minutes later, the footprints seemed to have taken a turn to the right, so the Chaldeans followed Medusa as she followed the footprints. Another turn was made, and they turned to the left to continue their journey. Soon, they finally stopped as the trail finally ended. The entire team looked at the hole at the base of the mountain in front of them.
"Well that's strange." Alexander said. "That hole looks like it could fit a door."
"That's no hole." Medea said. "That's an entrance."
"How can you tell?" Drake asked.
"See the way it's shaped? If it was a hole, then it would be more jagged and rough. This is smooth and deliberate."
"Well, it seems that they went inside there." Ushiwakamaru said. "So let's check it out."
Everyone nodded and made their way to the entrance of the mountain. The group then went inside, and after a few minutes they noted something strange. The ground was once hard and rough, but now it was smooth as if made of marble. The area was now also well lit. Another entrance could be seen at the end of the room, which they walked towards and noticed there were two pathways to take. One on the left, and one on the right.
"Well this isn't ominous at all." Tatsuko said sarcastically.
"It would seem we only have two options ahead of us." Mashu said. "Shall we split up and check both sides?"
"No." Medusa said. "Let us take one path and see where it leads."
"Are you sure?" Alexander asked.
"We don't know what's down here." Ritsuka said. "So we should stay together to be safe."
"So which path should we decide on?" Okita asked.
"I'll handle that." Drake said. The pink haired pirate stepped forward into the new entrance and looked around. "Okay, we're going left."
"Any reason?" Medea asked.
"Aye. Air is flowing in that direction, and the air on the right isn't as strong, so it leads to a dead end."
Everyone raised an eyebrow at that statement. If there were two pathways, why did one of them seem to lead to a dead end? Medea rubbed her chin in deep thought. Could it be….?
The Caster shook her head. This was merely a coincidence. It had to be.
"Hey, you okay there?"
Medea looked to see Drake and Alexander staring at her curiously. The Caster nodded. "Yes, now let's go left. With any luck we will find who we're looking for."
"Sounds great." Drake said. "Okay everyone, follow me."
Everyone nodded and followed Drake through the entrance and to the left. The torches on the wall proved to give them ample lighting so they didn't have to worry about fumbling in the dark, but it still unnerved them. Another turn came upon them, but this time it only turned right. The group followed the turn and headed straight from the corner. Soon, they found another corner turning left, and took it. Soon they found another fork in the road, and with Drake's urging, they decided on a right turn this time. So far, this seemed to be suspicious, but easy to navigate.
However, that would soon change.
After turning right, the group found out that after a while, it reached a dead end. They had to turn back around, only for them to reach a dead end on the left side. They eventually had to return back to the last fork in the road, and think for a moment.
"Okay, just what in the hell is going on?!" Drake shouted. "How could we reach two dead ends and get lost when it was so straightforward?"
"You have a point." Ushiwakamaru said. "That was not something that should have happened normally."
"Maybe we should go back to the left side and see if there was anything we missed." Medusa said.
The group nodded and went back to the fork and turned left. They were now half way through that corridor when they found another pathway they had missed. After mentally kicking themselves for having missed it, the group went through the pathway, only to see another fork in the path.
After discussing what their next move should be, Medusa suggested that they split up into two groups, and go through both paths at the same time. If one was a dead end, then the other group can simply make their way back to the fork and try to find the other. Medusa suggested she would go alone while the others form the other group, and while reluctant, everyone decided to agree with her since they knew she would just do it anyway. And with their decisions made, Medusa went left, while the rest of the group went right. The Chaldeans and Drake then decided to take their stress away by chatting away.
"Miss Medea, I have a question, if you do not mind." Mashu said.
Medea smiled. "Ask away. I do not mind."
"Can you tell me a bit about your aunts and uncles?" Mashu asked. "I was wondering what they were like from someone who might have met them."
Medea shivered. "Well there is King Minos. Let's just say that his cruelty in the tales wasn't far off the mark."
"Is there a….specific example?" Mashu asked.
"Unfortunately yes." Medea said. "It's not well known because of the other atrocities he committed, butI remember hearing he had one prisoner be flayed and butchered alive, and then have him dunked into an acidic liquid to die. And he did so he was quoted to have said 'I will make sure you feel every little thing I'll do to you. And then, when you're on your knees, agonizing from the strongest pain, begging to be put out of your misery, will I grant you rest.'"
"That is just barbaric!" Mashu said.
"I hated hearing about it as well." Medea said. "However, this is my uncle we are talking about. Remember, he did order Daedalus to construct…..the…"
Medea stopped in her tracks and widened her eyes. The Caster reached into her robes and pulled out the map of the island. She stared at it further, and surveyed the size. It was then that the gears in her head started to turn. Half of the island was destroyed, but after her conversation with Mashu, she was absolutely certain of what was going on.
This island didn't merely look like Crete. It WAS Crete!
"We have to turn around!" Medea shouted.
"Why?" Tatsuko asked.
Ritsuka stared directly into Medea's eyes, and saw the fear within them. The black haired teen's own eyes started to widen in realization. "Shit, we need to do as she says!"
"Can someone tell us what's happening?" Okita asked.
Medea took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "If we don't, then someone is going to end up getting killed."
Medusa walked through the corridors with a silent tread. The Rider looked around to see any clues that could have been made by her older sisters, but found none. She then reached an intersection in a wide room, when she heard something behind her. The Rider looked around, only to see nothing in view. The purple haired woman narrowed her eyes for a moment, before ignoring it and moving forward.
The Rider took a left, and walked through the corridor, noticing a faint presence behind her. The Rider suspected something was wrong, but she had to wait until finding suitable ground in order to be sure. Thankfully, she came upon a large room, but it smelled of blood. The Rider felt a chill run through her spine, forcing her to prepare for the worst. The moment she stepped inside, her eyes widened a bit in shock.
Blood was splattered all across the room. The Rider felt her body run cold in fear, but buried it in order to figure out who it belonged to. The purple haired woman sniffed the air, and took note of the scent of the blood on the walls. It was all dried, meaning that this must have happened days ago. Medusa's eyes widened as she let out a sigh of relief.
None of the blood splattered here belonged to either of her sisters.
A loud roar broke her out of her trance. Medusa looked behind her for a moment as a large figure attacked from behind. The Rider dodged the strike and conjured her Nameless Daggers. She then looked at her opponent, and noted its appearance.
Standing before her was an incredibly tall man. His skin was tanned, and incredibly muscular. He was almost shirtless except for his iron armor, which looked more like a corset, over his bulky and scarred body, and ron rings around his arms. A red piece of cloth was worn around his waist that went to his feet, split into two sections. Around each ankle was an iron ring with an attached chain, linking heavy, metal orbs. He carried a pair of labrys split in two, one half for each hand. His long mane was white, and completely wild. His eyes were red, and his sclera black. However, the most distinguishing thing about him were the large, thick red horns upon his head.
"Well, it looks like I know where I am now." Medusa said. "But that's not important. I have a question for you."
The man roared and swung one of his labrys at her. Medusa jumped out of the way and balanced herself on one of the platforms. The creature was strong, but it didn't matter to her. Medusa could only take a deep breath as she readied her daggers. She was going to get answers from him, whether he liked it or not.
Medusa lunged at the bull-man, but he saw her coming, and blocked her attack. The man then used her momentum and his strength to throw Medusa to the ground. The Rider grunted for a moment before having to roll out of the way as he struck the ground with the labrys in his right hand. The man-bull swung the labrys in his left hand down, but Medusa deflected it with her dagger, and kicked her opponent's shin. The man-bull fell to one knee, allowing Medusa to retreat a bit. The purple haired Rider lunged at her opponent, and cut into his side. The man grunted in pain as Medusa came back towards him, and cut into his back. The man-bull growled as Medusa cut into his shoulders, but she left herself open. The man-bull swung his labrys at Medusa, forcing her to fall back a safe distance.
The man-bull got up and charged at Medusa. The purple haired woman was ready for him, however, and ducked under one of his axes. The Rider proceeded to cut into her opponent's legs, bringing him down to his knees. The man-bull did not relent as he swung himself around and swiped at her with his labrys. Medusa leapt out of the way before charging back at him. The man-bull swung one of his labrys down upon her, but Medusa jumped to her right as it hit the ground, jumped onto the haft, used it as a springboard, and jumped into the air. The Rider readied her Nameless Daggers as she used her momentum to fall close to her opponent. She then sliced deep cuts into his arms, forcing her opponent to drop his labrys.
The man-bull howled in pain as Medusa pointed a dagger at him. "It looks like I won. Now, tell me what I want to know."
"Medusa, stop!"
The Rider turned her attention from her opponent, and looked at the entryway opposite from where she came. She widened her eyes as she saw two familiar girls running towards the man-bull.
"Stheno….Euryale.." Medusa muttered. "You're okay?"
"Of course we are!" The girl with the large black bow said. "He's been protecting us!"
"Now now, Euryale, our sister never even bothered trying to reason with him." The girl in the longer dress said. "So therefore, how could she have known?"
"I apologize for my brazeness here, but can you please tell me what's going on?" Medusa asked.
"Oh thank god we made it in time!"
The four of them turned around to see the Chaldeans and Drake running to them. Medea and Ritsuka rushed towards the man-bull, but Euryale stopped them. "Don't get any closer."
"Don't take that tone with me!" Medea shouted. "We're here because of you!"
The man-bull groaned in pain, causing Medea and Ritsuka to take another step forward. Euryale stepped in front of them again, causing Medea to glare at her. "Step aside."
"And who do you think you are telling me what to do?" Euryale asked.
"I'm his cousin!" Medea shouted. "And if you really want him to get better, then step aside so Fujimaru and I can help him!"
Euryale looked at them for a moment, before turning back to see the man-bull's pained expressions. The purple haired Servant took a deep breath, and stepped aside to allow the blue haired woman and male Master to help him. The man-bull saw them, and growled for a moment before Ritsuka and Medea put up their hands reassuringly.
"It's okay, Asterios." Ritsuka said. "We're here to help."
Asterios, Euryale, and Stheno looked at Ritsuka in shock. The Berserker turned to better see the male Master.
"You…..know…my…..name?"
Ritsuka nodded. "I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru. I'm a Master of Chaldea, and I want to help."
Medea knelt down and proceeded to heal the Berserker's arm, while Ritsuka worked on one of his legs.
"Asterios, you don't know me, but my name is Medea." The Caster said. "You know Circe? She helped deliver you."
"Aunt….Circe…?" Asterios asked.
Medea nodded. "I am Medea. Circe is also my aunt, making you my cousin."
Asterios looked at the Caster with a hint of curiosity. "We…are…family?"
"Yes. Yes we are."
Drake cleared her throat. "Okay, we really need to clear the air here."
(Two hours later)
"That's about the gist of it." Okita said.
"So you…Chaldeans, of whom our sister is a member of, came here to solve this Singularity, and you all came to this island….because it was on a map."
"Pretty much." Drake answered. While the others were talking, Tatsuko stood by Asterios, playing with his hair and talking to him gently. Euryale saw this and grinned. "You know, maybe it would be for the best if we come with you."
Medusa gulped. "A-are you sure?"
"Of course!" Euryale said. "What do you think, other me?"
Stheno grinned. "I do believe that is a good idea, me."
"Of course, Asterios will be coming along." Euryale said. "So, what do you say?"
"I think it's a good idea." Ritsuka said. "Welcome aboard."
"I have a question." Mashu said. "How do we leave?"
"Follow….me." Asterios said. "I….know…every….corner….here."
"Are you sure you're okay to move?" Medea asked.
Asterios nodded. "I…am. Thank…you."
Everyone watched as Asterios walked towards one of the exits, and bade them to follow. The group and their new allies looked at each other and nodded before following him.
With Asterios leading them, it didn't take them long to find their way out, and back outside. With them finally outside of the Labyrinth, Asterios finally took down the Bounded Field. After the comms returned to normal, Roman told them of the Leyline that could summon Servants from Chaldea, or from the Throne of Heroes to them, but after learning of their three new additions, they decided against bringing anymore for now due to the space on the Golden Hind. After that, they simply walked to the lifeboat, causing Asterios to stop when he saw the ocean.
"What's wrong, Asterios?" Tatsuko asked.
"I….do….not…know…how….to…swim." Asterios answered.
"You don't have to worry about that buddy." Ritsuka said. "Medea is just going to teleport us back to the ship."
Asterios looked at Medea curiously, and the Caster flashed a gentle smile and nodded. "It'll be okay. Just take my hand and we'll be on the ship in a flash."
Asterios gave a small nod and took his cousin's hand as everyone entered the boats. Within a split second, a flash of light appeared, and then they were on the Golden Hind. The crew of the Golden Hind looked at the new arrivals with curiosity, but Drake crossed her arms and gave them a calm, yet stern gaze. "Alright men, these are our new guests. Treat them well, especially the big one."
"Aye Cap'n!" The crew said.
"Good, now get back to work!"
The crew nodded and returned to their duties. The Chaldean Trio turned to look at Asterios, and saw him immediately playing with Fou and Jack the monkey, an action that made them smile. In the meantime as the Golden Hind set sail, Medusa, Euryale, and Stheno looked at each other, and smiled. The three of them leaned in, and embraced each other tenderly as the situation dawned on them.
They were reunited at long last.