"How come youalwaysfind me?" Adam grumbled, his tone a mixture of frustration and childish wonder as he glared at his mentor, Atlante. They had been playing a stealth game, where Adam tried his best to remain hidden. At the same time, Atlante, with ease that seemed almost supernatural, would always spot him in minutes. He had tried every trick he could think of—hiding behind rocks, crouching in tall grass, even holding his breath for what felt like an eternity. Yet, each time, Atlante would find him with little more than a glance.
Atlante, perched on a low branch above, leaped down gracefully, her feline ears twitching with amusement. She ruffled Adam's already messy hair, her hidden smirk barely visible—except perhaps to Artemis, who stood watching from a distance. The goddess could see through Atlante's cool exterior, noticing the slight upturn of her lips and the mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
"Because, kid," Atlante said, her voice smooth and calm, "I've been doing this for years—decades, even—while you've only started a few hours ago. You can't expect to master the art of stealth in one day."
"But I was holding my breath! And I was quiet!" Adam protested, puffing out his chest to appear more grown-up than his age. His cheeks, however, betrayed him by flushing pink with childish embarrassment. He'd been so sure he was improving.
Atlante chuckled softly. "Oh, holding your breath, huh? That's great... if you were trying to sneak up on a turtle. But out here, in the wild, stealth is about more than just being quiet. It's about blending in, becoming part of the environment, and knowing how to read the terrain. The forest is alive, and it knows when someone doesn't belong." She paused, her tail flicking playfully as she crouched to Adam's level. "And kid, I can promise you, it knows whenyou'restomping through."
Adam pouted, folding his arms across his chest. "I wasn't stomping... I was walking... carefully."
Atlante raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Uh-huh. And those twigs you snapped along the way? They didn't break on their own."
"Maybe the twigs aretooloud," Adam muttered under his breath.
At that, Atlante let out a genuine laugh, one that caught even Artemis by surprise. She ruffled Adam's hair again, more affectionately this time. "Nice try, kid. But you're still too loud for a huntress." She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper as if sharing a grand secret. "But I'll let you in on a little tip. Stealth isn't about staying still or silent. It's about becomingunnoticeable. You need to move with the forest, let its rhythm guide you. Be patient, and let your surroundings mask you."
Adam's brow furrowed in thought. "But how do I do that?"
Atlante stood up, her lithe form moving with the grace of a panther. "It's something that comes with time, and experience. You're quick to learn, but these things can't be rushed. However..." She let her words hang in the air, watching Adam's expression shift from frustration to hopefulness. "If you're truly determined to get better, I can teach you a few more advanced techniques. Something a little more...challenging."
Adam's eyes lit up with excitement. "Like what?"
Atlante took a step back, crossing her arms as she surveyed him. "Camouflage," she said, her tone serious. "It's not just about hiding behind rocks or bushes. You need to understand how to becomeinvisibleto the world around you. The way predators blend in with their surroundings, the way the wind hides the scent of prey—are things you need to learn."
Adam's mouth dropped open. "You mean, like...disappear?"
"In a way," Atlante replied, a sly smile returning to her face. "But it's more than just a magic trick. It's about reading the natural world and letting it cloak you. I've spent years perfecting it. I can spot you so easily—because you haven't learned to blend in yet. But with time, you'll get there."
Adam's excitement bubbled over. "Can you teach me? Please? I want to be able to hide as well as you can!"
Atlante chuckled again, her tail swishing behind her. "It's not something that happens overnight, but I'll teach you what I can. Just don't expect to be perfect at it right away."
"I won't!" Adam exclaimed, his energy renewed by the idea of learning such a cool ability. He practically bounced on his feet, eager to start right away.
"Good," Atlante said with a nod. "Because by the time we're done, you'll be able to move like a shadow through the forest."
From a distance, Artemis watched the exchange with an amused smile. She had seen Atlante take on many young protégés, but none quite as determined—or as endearing—as Adam. She knew the boy had potential, and under Atlante's guidance, he just might become something truly remarkable. But for now, there was still much to learn, and many adventures yet to come.
After a grueling training session with Atalante, Adam's muscles ached in that satisfying way that only comes after a hard-earned victory. He trotted back to the picnic spot, wiping sweat off his brow, feeling accomplished. The air was thick with the lingering scent of pine and fresh earth, and the clearing where his family had set up earlier still basked in the warm afternoon sun. Adam was eager to share his newfound skills, imagining his parents' reactions.
As they entered the clearing, David Kilter was adjusting his glasses, carefully wiping away a smudge with the hem of his shirt. He gave them a quick polish before putting them back on, only to reveal a sight that almost made Adam blink twice in confusion. His father's normally pristine clothes were slightly ruffled and wrinkled, his shirt untucked, and his hair slightly out of place. A rosy blush tinged his cheeks, which was...odd, to say the least. He looked like he'd been through his battle, though not the physical kind Adam had just been through.
Samantha Kilter, sitting on the blanket nearby, was no better off. Her once-tidy appearance had given way to a relaxed disarray; her sundress was crinkled, a few strands of her hair messily framing her face, and a similarly rosy hue spread across her cheeks. The air around them was thick with an unspoken warmth like they shared some secret that Adam wasn't privy to.
"Hey, Mom! Dad!" Adam called out, his voice cheerful, but there was an obliviousness to his tone. He jogged over to them, eager to tell them about his exploits with the legendary hind and the grueling training Atalante had put him through.
David cleared his throat awkwardly, pushing his glasses up his nose as he tried to regain some semblance of composure. "Oh, Adam. Uh...back already?" His voice was casual but carried a hint of something beneath the surface.
Samantha smiled warmly, though her eyes flicked ever so briefly to David's, sharing an unspoken exchange. "How was your adventure, sweetheart?"
Adam was far too excited about his newfound knowledge to notice the slight awkwardness. "It was amazing! You won't believe it, but I managed to catch the Ceryneian Hind—well, sort of!" he said, waving his hands in animated gestures. "And then Atlante trained me in camouflage! I'm unstoppable now!"
Behind him, Atlante and Artemis walked into the clearing, and while Adam rambled on, the goddess and her huntress shared a knowing look. There was something in their expressions—amusement, perhaps?—as they regarded Adam's parents. Artemis's moonlit eyes gleamed with a mischievous sparkle. Atlante's lips curled into a smirk as if they understood exactly what had transpired between the Kilters during their absence.
Atalante leaned closer to Artemis and whispered, her feline ears twitching with amusement, "It seems they've had their own...adventure while we were away."
Artemis let out a soft chuckle, her voice like the rustling of leaves in a gentle breeze. "Indeed. It appears the boy isn't the only one busy today."
As Adam continued recounting his escapades, still blissfully unaware of the undercurrent of knowing glances exchanged behind him, his parents tried their best to maintain their composure. The radiant blush on their faces, however, betrayed them. Even if Adam didn't quite understand, the subtle tension in the air was hard to miss for those attuned to it.
"So, what did you guys do while I was gone?" Adam finally asked, his eyes bright with curiosity, completely oblivious to the context of his question.
David and Samantha shared another glance, and David let out a small, nervous laugh. "Oh, you know...just relaxed and enjoyed the peace," he said, his voice a little too forced.
Samantha stifled a giggle, brushing a hand through her messy hair. "Yeah, nothing too exciting," she added, though the faint blush still lingered.
Atlante crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow at Artemis, who winked. The huntress and goddess exchanged a knowing smile, content to leave the Kilter family to their innocent charade.
Adam, of course, remained blissfully unaware. "Well, next time you have to see me catch the hind! It was epic!" he said, already planning his next big adventure.
David chuckled, still adjusting his glasses, while Samantha smiled warmly, her eyes soft and affectionate. "We'll be there, Adam," she promised. And with that, the family settled back into the warmth of the afternoon, the earlier tension melting away like the fading sunlight through the trees.
David Kilter raised an eyebrow as he glanced between his son and the two women beside him. His mind was already racing with a hundred questions. "Who are these two ladies with you, Adam?" he asked, his voice cautious but curious.
Adam beamed as if the answer were no big deal. "Oh, this is Artemis! And this is Atlante, one of her huntresses. She's been teaching me some cool tricks!"
David blinked, his mind stalling for a moment as he processed what he just heard. Samantha, standing beside him, had a similar expression of frozen surprise, her eyes widening at the realization.Another god?they both thought in unison. Not only that but one who notoriously didn't get along well with men, according to the old myths.
Artemis stepped forward, her aura serene and commanding. Despite her ethereal beauty and the softness in her voice, there was a regal authority that accompanied every movement she made. "Well met, David Kilter," she said, inclining her head slightly, a gesture that felt less like formality and more like a small concession of respect. "I am Artemis, goddess of animals, the moon, and the hunt. Atlante, one of my finest huntresses, has shared some of her knowledge with your son. He has proven to be... quite resourceful."
Atlante, who stood beside Artemis with easy grace, nodded in David's direction but remained silent. Her piercing eyes watched the family with quiet curiosity.
David's expression remained frozen for a moment longer, his thoughts racing back to the stories. Artemis—theArtemis, who had a less-than-stellar history with men? His son had managed to catch the attention of one of the most notorious goddesses of Greek myth. And she wasn't evenangry? He glanced at Samantha, whose face reflected the same stunned concern.
It was Samantha who finally broke the silence. "Artemis... the Artemis," she murmured, her voice a mixture of awe and trepidation. Her hands tightened around the picnic blanket they had been sitting on earlier. "And... you're not angry? Our son hasn't... offended you, has he?"
Artemis, sensing the tension, softened her expression slightly. Her silvery eyes, reminiscent of the pale glow of the moon, gleamed with a calm reassurance. "Do not fear," she said, her voice smooth and deliberate, like the flowing of a quiet stream. "Your son has impressed me. He possesses courage and creativity not unlike those who have earned my favor in the past."
David and Samantha exchanged a look, relief mingling with a hint of disbelief. The Kilter patriarch's shoulders finally relaxed, though the wariness in his eyes didn't entirely vanish. He had read enough mythology to know that gods, particularly Greek ones, could be unpredictable at the best of times.
Artemis continued, her tone more understanding now, still carrying that ancient wisdom and power that came naturally to her. "The Greeks have changed since the old days. We've grown older, and, I like to think, a bit wiser," she said with a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "We no longer cling to the same mistakes of our youth. Your son is safe under my watch, and I bear no ill will toward him."
The tension in the air began to lift as Artemis's words sank in. Samantha let out a small, relieved sigh, though the blush still hadn't fully faded from her cheeks. "Thank you, Lady Artemis," she said, bowing her head in deference. "We appreciate your... understanding."
David, ever the skeptic, couldn't help but ask, "So... what exactly did Adam do to impress you? I'm assuming it wasn't just his usual... energy."
Artemis smiled, a soft, almost amused look crossing her face. "He managed to outwit my sacred hind—a feat that not even Heracles could accomplish easily," she said, her gaze shifting toward Adam, who was practically beaming with pride. "He set a trap, enlisted the help of the forest's creatures, and caught her without resorting to violence. It was... clever."
"Clever," David echoed, Looking at his son, 'I need a drink' he thought bitterly after all the excitement they had found themselves in. Don't get him wrong he loves the chance to study mythical creatures but the stress that comes with your son being a trouble magnet was not mentioned anywhere.
Adam, still basking in the praise, grinned from ear to ear. "I mean, it wasn't that hard," he said with a shrug. "Fenrir's lessons about hunting in a pack helped." "Anyway, Atlante's been showing me how to blend in with my surroundings—like, really blend in," he said, eager to show off his new skills. "She's teaching me camouflage techniques! Mom, Dad, it's awesome! I can practically disappear in the forest now."
Samantha blinked, still trying to keep up with the whirlwind that was her son's new life. "Camouflage...?" she echoed, the sheer absurdity of it making her head spin.
Atlante, standing quietly beside Artemis, finally spoke, her voice calm but confident. "The boy has potential," she said, her feline ears twitching slightly as she looked at Adam. "With time, he could learn to move as one with nature, to be unseen and unheard when he chooses."
Artemis nodded in agreement. "He has a unique spirit, your son. It's not often I take an interest in mortals—let alone men—but there's something about him that reminds me of the heroes of old."
David, still somewhat stunned by everything, nodded. "Right... well, as long as he's not in trouble, I guess we can breathe easy."
Adam, ever the optimist, smiled brightly at his parents, completely unaware of how close they'd come to yet another divine incident. He was just happy to have learned something new and to have made two new friends—though perhaps "friends" wasn't the right word for a goddess and her huntress.
Artemis gave one last nod to the Kilter family, a serene and knowing smile on her face. "Your son has a bright future ahead of him," she said before turning to Adam. "Remember what you've learned today, child. The forest has many secrets to reveal to those who respect it."
With that, the goddess and her huntress began to retreat into the forest, their forms soon blending into the trees until they were little more than shadows in the distance.
David and Samantha watched them go, still processing the fact that their son had just casually interacted with yet another god—and this time, it wasn't disastrous. David sighed and finally sat down on the picnic blanket, rubbing his temples. "I'm getting too old for this."
Samantha smiled softly, patting his hand. "At least it's never boring."
The following morning, the Kilter family found themselves leisurely strolling through the town, enjoying the charm of the bustling streets. The air was filled with the aromas of fresh bread and the sounds of vendors calling out their daily deals. Despite the lively atmosphere, David and Samantha were slightly on edge—they had learned by now that supernatural incidents tended to steer clear of places densely packed with ordinary people, but with Adam, one could never be too careful.
They stopped at a quaint café, where they enjoyed pastries and coffee while absorbing the serene environment of the town. Samantha's eyes twinkled as she admired the colorful marketplace, while David seemed content, adjusting his glasses and gazing at the architecture with quiet appreciation.
For a moment, it seemed as though this day would remain blissfully calm.
"Do you feel the need for adventure!" A booming voice erupted in the distance, disrupting the peace like a boulder crashing through a window. Adam's head snapped in the direction of the voice, his eyes wide with sudden curiosity.
David and Samantha exchanged a glance, their faces pale with recognition. They knew that gleam in their son's eyes all too well. Adam had just found his next thrill. Before either of them could react, Adam was already rushing through the crowd, his feet pounding the cobblestone streets as he raced toward the source of the shout.
"Adam, wait!" David called out, but it was no use. Their son had a singular focus now, and stopping him was about as likely as stopping a hurricane with a broom.
Dodging pedestrians with surprising agility, Adam made his way to the center of the marketplace where a man stood on a makeshift stage, arms raised high and voice echoing through the square. "Do you wish to become a great legend, like those of Heracles or Perseus?" the man bellowed, his tone grandiose as if he were narrating an epic saga. "Then look no further than the Massif brothers' magnificent Mount Parnitha tour!" He gestured dramatically toward a large banner behind him depicting the towering peak of Mount Parnitha, crowned by thick clouds that hinted at its divine association with Zeus.
The crowd of shoppers, however, remained indifferent, too preoccupied with their daily errands to pay attention to yet another boastful salesman. They offered little more than glances of mild curiosity before returning to their stalls, uninterested in the pitch.
The announcer's confidence faltered for a brief moment as he scanned the crowd for any potential adventurers. His expression was a mixture of hope and desperation. But then, as his gaze swept over the indifferent faces, it landed on one figure—a young boy with wide, sparkling eyes filled with excitement and wonder.
"You there, young lad," the announcer said, pointing directly at Adam, who had pushed his way to the front of the crowd, practically vibrating with eagerness. "Do you wish to carve your name into legend by climbing Mount Parnitha, a place dedicated to Zeus himself? To follow in the footsteps of the gods and heroes?"
Adam's heart raced as visions of ancient adventures filled his mind. He could almost see himself scaling the rocky cliffs of Mount Parnitha, battling mythical beasts, and standing tall under the watchful gaze of Zeus, the king of the gods. His smile stretched from ear to ear, and he opened his mouth to shout an enthusiastic "Yes!"
But just as he was about to answer, two familiar figures burst through the crowd like a pair of determined—albeit somewhat flustered—parents.
"Adam, stop right there!" Samantha shouted, her voice carrying a mixture of exasperation and parental concern.
David, out of breath from the chase, reached out to grab his son's shoulder. "We... just... finished... one... adventure," he panted, his glasses slightly askew and his shirt rumpled from the sudden sprint through the market. "Can't we have one day where youdon'tsign us up for some mythical quest?"
The announcer, recognizing the protective instincts of the parents, gave them a sheepish grin. "Ah, apologies, sir, madam. I didn't mean to cause any trouble. We're merely offering a guided tour of the famous mountain, which is full of history and legend. Completely safe!" he added quickly, sensing their hesitation.
Samantha crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Safe? You're offering a 'legendary' adventure, and you expect us to believe it's safe?"
The announcer chuckled nervously, clearly caught off guard by the stern motherly gaze. "Well, it's... mostly safe," he said, trying to maintain his enthusiasm. "Mount Parnitha is rich in mythological significance! Surely, a young adventurer like your boy would relish exploring a site where heroes once walked!"
Adam's eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked up at his parents, pleading silently with them. "Please, Mom, Dad! This is Zeus' mountain! It's not every day you get to climb a mountain dedicated to a god!"
David, still catching his breath, glanced at Samantha. "Zeus' mountain or not, we've had enough encounters with gods to last a lifetime."
Samantha sighed, her hands resting on her hips as she looked down at Adam. Despite her stern expression, it was clear she couldn't help but be swayed by her son's excitement. "One condition," she said finally, and Adam's face lit up. "We go as a family. No running off on your own. We stick together, and if anything—anything—starts to seem suspicious, we turn around and come right back down."
Adam nodded eagerly. "Deal!"
The announcer's face brightened as well, sensing he had just secured a participant. "Excellent choice, my young adventurer! You won't regret it. The Massif brothers' tour is renowned for its—"
David raised a hand, cutting him off. "No sales pitch necessary. ... lead the way."
As the Kilter family prepared to embark on yet another unexpected journey, David and Samantha exchanged one last glance. Though they'd hoped for a peaceful day of relaxation, they both knew by now that with Adam, adventure was never far behind.
The next morning, the Kilter family found themselves at the base of Mount Parnitha, the towering peak looming above them, its rugged paths winding up through ancient forests and rocky cliffs. The crisp mountain air filled their lungs, energizing them for the day ahead. As they approached the meeting point, they spotted their two guides—though "spotted" might not have been the right word. It was more like the guides announced their presence with the sheer size of their hulking frames.
The first guide was a massive man, his biceps rippling with muscle as if he were carved from the very stones of the mountain itself. His thick brown hair was matched by a wild, bushy goatee that looked as though it could withstand a mountain breeze. His counterpart was equally imposing, though his head was mostly bald save for a single, absurdly long lock of blond hair that trailed down the back of his head like some ancient warrior's symbol of pride. He sported a matching blonde mustache that twisted slightly at the ends.
Both men were locked in some sort of strange, muscle-flexing competition when the Kilters arrived. It was almost comical, the way their biceps bulged and veins popped out of their arms as they silently tried to outdo one another until they finally noticed their approaching clients.
"Brother! Are these the people who will venture up the mountain with us today?" the brown-haired brother asked, his deep voice booming as he flexed one more time for good measure.
"Indeed, brother!" the blond one responded, equally as loud, flexing his chest in turn. "These fine folk have hired us to lead them on a glorious trek up the mountain andsolidifytheir legend!"
David Kilter, already feeling slightly out of place next to these walking statues of muscle, glanced nervously at Samantha, who raised an eyebrow, trying to stifle a chuckle. Adam, on the other hand, was positively glowing with excitement. His eyes widened in awe as the two towering guides approached.
The brown-haired guide, Milo Massif, was the first to stride over to them, his heavy footsteps thudding against the ground. "Well met, fellow adventurers!" he boomed, extending a hand the size of a dinner plate towards David, who shook it cautiously, feeling his fingers nearly crushed in the process. "I am Milo Massif, and this here is my brother, Kyriakos Massif!" He gestured towards his blond sibling, who gave a respectful nod, though his flexing hadn't quite stopped.
"We shall be yourguideson this treacherous journey up Mount Parnitha!" Kyriakos added, puffing out his chest. "And by the time we're done, your names shall be spoken in the same breath asHeracleshimself!"
David managed a weak smile, still reeling from the handshake, while Samantha, with her ever-present grace, smiled warmly at the two brothers. "We're looking forward to it. We've heard this mountain is full of history and legend."
"Indeed it is, madam!" Milo exclaimed, clearly delighted by the interest. "Every boulder, every tree has its own story. The very earth beneath your feet has been touched by the gods themselves!"
"Zeus watched over this mountain," Kyriakos added dramatically, his arms spread wide as if he were welcoming the heavens to rain down upon them. "And today, you shall follow in the footsteps of the great legends of old."
Adam's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Are there any monsters on the mountain? Like, real ones?"
Milo chuckled heartily. "Monsters? Well, young one, while you may not find a hydra or a gorgon up there, the mountain is not without its challenges. Wild creatures, dangerous paths, and the spirits of old sometimes whisper through the trees. But fear not! With the Massif brothers by your side, no danger will be too great!"
Kyriakos stepped forward, dropping into a crouch so he was at eye level with Adam. "Tell me, young adventurer," he said in a serious tone that contrasted with his previously larger-than-life bravado. "Do you have the heart of a lion? The courage to face what lies ahead?"
Adam nodded furiously, his heart racing with anticipation. "I do! I'm ready for anything!"
Kyriakos grinned and clapped a massive hand on Adam's shoulder, nearly knocking him over. "Good lad! Then you're ready to carve your name into legend!"
Samantha and David exchanged amused glances, their earlier apprehension fading as they saw how much joy this was bringing Adam. The Massif brothers might have been eccentric, but they had a passion for what they did—and for bringing adventure into people's lives.
"Shall we begin our ascent?" Milo asked, his booming voice carrying over the early morning breeze.
"Indeed, brother!" Kyriakos echoed. "The mountain awaits!"
And with that, the group set off, following the massive forms of Milo and Kyriakos as they led the way up the rocky path. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting golden rays across the peaks and valleys. The wind rustled through the trees, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and the sense of something ancient, something timeless.
As they climbed, Milo regaled the Kilters with stories of the gods, of heroic deeds and legendary battles fought on the slopes of Mount Parnitha. Kyriakos, ever the showman, would stop now and then to demonstrate a "heroic pose," much to Adam's delight and David's bemusement.
By midday, the group reached the halfway point of the mountain. The peak loomed in the distance, shrouded in a haze of mystery as if it were teasing them with how close yet impossibly far it still was. The sun shone brightly, casting golden rays over the rocky plateau where the family and their guides decided to take a break. From this height, the world below seemed like a distant dream, the city far away, and the vast landscape stretching out in every direction like an endless tapestry.
The group unpacked their lunches, settling onto a few smooth rocks that offered a perfect vantage point of the breathtaking view. The wind was crisp but gentle, and the sense of adventure was thick in the air.
"I must say, madam," Kyriakos said, turning to Samantha as he bit into a piece of bread, "your son has the most spirit I've seen in all my years of guiding. He's practically bursting with excitement. I haven't seen such enthusiasm in a long time."
Samantha smiled, glancing over at Adam, who was perched on the edge of the plateau, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the scenery. "You quite literally had him hooked the moment you said 'adventure,'" she said with a soft laugh. Her voice then softened as she looked down, her fingers tracing the edge of her water bottle. "It's been hard for him. Back home, he doesn't fit in with the other kids. He's... different. There's not much 'adventure' where we live, and he's been so down lately. But here..." She paused, her gaze lifting to Adam, who looked happier than she had seen him in weeks. "Thank you. You've given him something to be excited about again."
Kyriakos, his normally loud and boisterous demeanor softening, nodded in understanding. "Adventure isn't just in the wild lands or the high peaks. It's in the heart. And your boy has a heart full of it. It's a pleasure to guide someone like him."
While the parents were engrossed in their conversation with the guides, Adam remained transfixed by the sprawling beauty of the view before him. He had never seen anything like it—the way the valleys stretched out below, the rolling hills blending into the horizon, and the distant hum of life that felt both so close and yet so far away. A massive smile was plastered on his face, his eyes sparkling with wonder.
Suddenly—scratch! crack!
Adam's ears perked up. His enhanced hearing caught a faint sound, barely noticeable, but distinct enough to grab his attention. He turned his head, scanning the area until his eyes landed on a small cliff to the side of the plateau, just out of sight from where the others were seated.
Scratch, crack...
It was coming from behind the cliff.
Curiosity overtaking him, Adam glanced back at his parents. They were still deep in conversation, distracted by the guides. Perfect.
He stealthily made his way over to the edge of the plateau, shimmying across a narrow ledge until he was out of view. Once safely around the corner, he found the source of the sound—a small creature struggling to move. Adam's eyes widened in surprise and excitement. The creature had the front half of an eagle, with piercing golden eyes and a sharp beak, while the back half resembled a horse with sleek legs and a tail. But it was small—tiny, in fact, for a creature like this. He could tell it was just a child.
"Oh, come on!" the creature's voice echoed, clearly frustrated.
Adam approached cautiously but excitedly. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, startling the creature.
The hippogriff jumped, feathers bristling. "GAH!" it exclaimed, spinning around to face Adam with wide, startled eyes. "Who are you? And how did you find me here?"
Adam giggled at the creature's reaction. "I'm Adam. I heard you from over there." He pointed back toward the cliff where his family was. "What's your name?"
The creature blinked, still wary, but Adam's calm and friendly demeanor seemed to ease its tension. "I'm Thalric," it replied cautiously. "I'm a hippogriff. But wait—how can you understand me?"
Adam shrugged nonchalantly. "Sacred gear, I guess. No biggie." He crouched down to be on eye level with Thalric, his natural curiosity taking over. "So, what are you doing out here?"
Thalric huffed in frustration, his small wings flapping uselessly at his sides. "It's... it's a rite of passage. I'm supposed to learn to fly up the mountain, but no matter how hard I try, my wings won't work. And if I can't do it... if I can't make it up there... I'll be shunned for the rest of my life."
Tears welled up in Thalric's large, golden eyes, and Adam's heart sank. He couldn't stand seeing anyone—especially a creature as cool as this—feeling so defeated. Without hesitation, Adam smiled wide and said, "Hey, how about I help you?"
Thalric sniffled, looking confused. "But you don't have wings. How are you supposed to help me?"
Adam laughed and waved off the concern. "Who needs wings to help a friend? We'll figure it out together!"
Thalric blinked again. "Friend?" he asked, genuinely baffled. "We just met a few minutes ago."
"Yup!" Adam said brightly as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "And that's why I'm gonna help you. Friends help each other."
Thalric stared at him for a moment, unsure how to respond. This human—this strange, bold, and kind human—was offering help without expecting anything in return. Slowly, the hippogriff nodded, a tiny glimmer of hope sparking in his eyes.
"All right," Thalric said quietly. "We'll try it together."
Adam grinned his infectious energy lighting up the moment. "That's the spirit! Now let's see what those wings can do!"
Adam's first idea for helping a winged creature learn to fly was simple—just throw him into the air and hope for the best. He figured it was basic physics: wings, air, flapping... it should work, right?
"Are yousurethis is a good idea, Adam?" Thalric asked nervously, his small wings twitching with uncertainty. His golden eyes were wide, clearly doubtful about the plan.
Adam grinned, shrugging. "Nope! But that's the fun part. Sometimes you just gotta dive in—or, in this case, fly!" He crouched down, getting a good grip on Thalric. "Now, get ready! FLY!"
With a triumphant shout, Adam hurled the young hippogriff into the air like a quarterback throwing a football. Thalric flailed in the air, his wings snapping open as instinct took over.
"W-WOAH!" Thalric yelped, eyes widening as the ground quickly disappeared beneath him. For a moment, it looked like the plan might actually work. His wings flapped madly, and for a few precious seconds, he was gaining height. Adam's face lit up with excitement—was this actually working?
But then, reality kicked in. Thalric's frantic flapping wasn't enough. He started to lose altitude—rapidly. His legs flailed as gravity reminded him who was boss, and before long, the poor creature plummeted toward the ground.
Thud!
Thalric crashed into the rocky ground with a soft grunt, feathers askew and looking utterly dazed. He blinked up at the sky, his eyes spinning in comical little circles.
Adam winced but couldn't help the small laugh that escaped him. "Well… at least you got a little air!"
Thalric groaned, shaking his head to clear the dizziness. "That wasnotthe kind of flight I had in mind," he muttered, his voice tinged with frustration. "I'm a hippogriff, not a rock."
Adam rushed over, helping the creature back to his feet. "Okay, maybe that wasn't the best plan," Adam admitted, trying to suppress his grin. "But hey, we learned something!"
Thalric shot him a sidelong glance, still wobbling a bit. "And what exactly did we learn?"
Adam scratched his chin, thinking for a moment. "Uh... we learned that maybe throwing you isn't the answer. But you flapped! Youdidget off the ground. That means we're close!"
Thalric frowned, his wings twitching in frustration. "Close to a concussion, maybe."
Adam wasn't discouraged, though. His eyes gleamed with determination. "Nah, this is just the beginning. Every great flyer has to crash a few times before they soar. You just need practice—and a better launch method."
Thalric looked up at him, still skeptical but starting to feel a sliver of hope. Adam's enthusiasm was hard to resist. "You really think I can do it?"
"Absolutely!" Adam beamed, patting Thalric on the back. "We just need to try a different approach. Maybe instead of throwing, we start smaller. Get your wings used to the air slowly. Build up strength and confidence. You've got this, Thalric. We'll figure it out together."
Thalric sighed, a small smile creeping onto his beak. "You're really weird, you know that?"
Adam laughed, standing tall with a playful twinkle in his eye. "Hey, weird is just another word for awesome."
Thalric chuckled, still a bit sore but feeling a little lighter. Maybe, just maybe, with Adam's help, he could fly after all.
"Alright, so if throwing you didn't help, then the issue has to be your wings not flapping hard enough," Adam reasoned aloud, his mind working through what he knew about biology and basic physics. It wasn't a complicated idea, but it seemed logical enough to him.
Thalric, still shaking off the dust from his earlier crash landing, looked at Adam with a raised brow and a half-smile. "Yeah, who would've thoughtchucking me into the skywouldn't get the best results?" His voice dripped with sarcasm, punctuated by a dramatic eye roll, but the small smirk tugging at his beak showed he wasn't actually angry.
Adam grinned back, undeterred by the snark. He opened his mouth to explain his next brilliant plan when his mother's voice rang out from beyond the cliff edge.
"Adam, sweetie, are you over there?" Samantha's concerned tone echoed through the air.
Adam's head shot up like a startled deer. "Yeah, Mom! I'm just helping my new friend Thalric learn to fly!" He stood up, waving his arms enthusiastically, forgetting for a moment that he was standing at the edge of a very precarious cliff.
Suddenly, the ground beneath his feet rumbled.
"ADAM! Stay still! We'll get you out!" David's voice boomed urgently as he rushed toward the rocky ledge, trying to carefully shimmy around the wall to reach his son. His heart raced, fear gripping him as he saw the loose rock crumbling beneath Adam.
CRACK!
A jagged fissure splintered through the ground where Adam stood. In an instant, the earth gave way, and Adam was suddenly plummeting into the void below, rocks tumbling after him.
"ADAM!" The voices of both parents cried out in unison, Samantha's scream raw and terrified. She stood frozen on the edge, her face pale as tears spilled from her eyes. David, always the composed one, looked utterly helpless, his features contorted in agony as he reached out to a son who was now beyond his grasp.
Samantha collapsed to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably, while David clenched his fists, his knuckles white with the frustration and horror of a father unable to save his child. Even the tour guides, usually full of bravado, exchanged a somber glance, sharing the couple's grief in silence.
And then, cutting through the somber silence came an unexpected voice.
"HEY! YOU'RE FLYING!"
Adam's voice, bright and exuberant, echoed up from the depths below. The Kilter parents snapped their heads downward, eyes wide in disbelief. They peered over the cliff, and there, rising from the ravine, was Thalric—flying—with Adam clinging to his back, both of them grinning like it was the greatest thrill of their lives.
Thalric's wings beat powerfully, each flap steady and determined as he ascended. He still looked a little shaky, but he was flying—truly flying—holding Adam securely in his talons as they soared upward.
The Kilter parents could hardly believe their eyes. The raw fear and devastation that had overtaken them just moments ago melted away as Samantha stood up, her hands trembling as she wiped the tears from her face. David's stoic expression broke into a wide, disbelieving grin as he reached out to help them land safely.
Once Thalric touched down, Adam barely had time to breathe before his parents wrapped him in the tightest hug they could manage. Samantha's tears returned, but this time they were tears of overwhelming relief.
"Don't ever do that again, you hear me?" Samantha choked through her sobs, clutching her son so tightly that Adam could barely breathe. "I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you!"
Adam, taken aback by the intensity of his mother's emotions, felt a pang of guilt. He knew she worried about him, but seeing her like this made it all too real. "Okay, mama," he said softly, his voice small and sincere. He hugged her back, patting her gently in an attempt to comfort her, though he was the one who had just dangled between life and death.
David joined the hug, resting a firm hand on Adam's head. "You scared the life out of us, kiddo," he said, his voice rough with lingering fear, though there was a warmth in his eyes that spoke of endless love and relief.
As the family held onto one another, the sky above seemed brighter, the air clearer. Even the tour guides, still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster, couldn't help but exchange a small smile at the sight of Thalric and Adam, both grinning like fools.
Thalric, still catching his breath, folded his wings in with a sigh of satisfaction. "Guess Icanfly after all," he said, a triumphant sparkle in his eye.
Adam looked at him, the grin still plastered across his face. "Told you we'd figure it out together!"
The Kilter parents pulled away just enough to look down at Thalric, eyes full of gratitude. "Thank you," David said sincerely. "You saved our boy."
Thalric blushed, though it was hard to see beneath his feathers. "It was nothing," he muttered, bashful but proud. "He's my friend."
And with that, the family's terrifying ordeal transformed into something magical—Adam and Thalric, the unlikely duo, bound by a shared adventure and an unforgettable leap of faith.
"By the gods, a real-life hippogriff!" Milo exclaimed, his eyes wide with amazement. "I thought we'd never actually see one in person."
David, still shaken from the cliffside ordeal, glanced between the two hulking brothers. "You two know about the supernatural?" he asked, his voice a mix of disbelief and curiosity.
"Of course!" Kyriakos replied, puffing out his chest with pride. "The god Hermes literally runs our company."
David blinked, completely at a loss for words. He opened his mouth to respond but then paused, shaking his head. "You know what? I'm not even going to dignify that with a response. After everything that just happened, I think I'll just...accept it," he sighed, running a hand through his hair, stress oozing from his every movement.
Samantha, still holding Adam close as if he might disappear again at any moment, shot her husband a weary smile. "Probably for the best, dear. After all, we've got a flying hippogriff now. Why not add gods and mythical corporations to the list?"
With the adrenaline of the near-disaster beginning to fade, the group refocused on their original goal. With all parties accounted for—and Samantha and David absolutely refusing to let Adam out of their sight—the tour continued, winding up the final stretch of the mountain trail. The rocky path grew steeper, but the brothers, Milo and Kyriakos, led the way with steady strides and booming voices that filled the air with stories of ancient gods and heroic exploits.
At last, the summit loomed ahead, the peak of the mountain touching the sky itself. The group crested the final ridge, and Kyriakos, ever the showman, spread his arms wide, his voice echoing like thunder.
"Behold!" he bellowed. "The domain of Zeus, ruler of the skies!"
The view was breathtaking. Endless skies stretched out in every direction, the clouds below looking like soft, pillowy waves. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden glow across the horizon. In the distance, the faint shimmer of the ocean could be seen, blending with the heavens. It was a view that felt otherworldly, a glimpse into something divine.
Adam stood there, taking it all in with wide, awe-filled eyes. His heart raced, not with fear or adrenaline this time, but with excitement, the pure thrill of adventure. He had always felt different like he didn't quite belong in the everyday world, but here, standing at the top of this mountain, gazing out over the landscape, he felt something stir inside him. This wasn't just a family vacation. This wasn't just a hike.
This was the beginning of something bigger. The beginning of his next great journey.
As Adam stood in silent awe, a gentle nudge pulled him from his thoughts. Thalric, standing beside him, gave him a playful nudge with his beak. The young hippogriff still had a few feathers out of place from their earlier adventure, but there was a newfound confidence in his eyes.
"Hey," Thalric said quietly, his voice low but sincere. "Thanks for helping me. Even if it was because you, uh, almost fell to your death." He chuckled awkwardly, but then his tone softened. "But seriously, if you ever need me...don't hesitate to call, okay?"
Adam looked at his new friend, a smile spreading across his face. "I won't forget, Thalric. You saved me too, you know. We're in this together."
The bond between the boy and the hippogriff was unspoken but undeniable. They had gone from strangers to friends to something even deeper—partners in adventure. And though Adam didn't say it aloud, he could feel it in his bones: this wouldn't be the last time they'd need each other.
As the group stood on the summit, the Massif brothers regaled them with more tales of gods and legends. Samantha and David, now more relaxed, laughed and joined in on the stories, their earlier fears fading into the background. Adam, however, stayed quiet, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.
Suddenly, the sky darkened ever so slightly, and the wind picked up. Kyriakos and Milo exchanged a glance, their expressions changing from playful to serious. The air felt charged, as if something ancient and powerful was watching them from the skies.
"Looks like Zeus knows we're here," Milo muttered under his breath, though loud enough for the group to hear. "Best not overstay our welcome."
David furrowed his brow, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I thought you said Hermes ran the company. What's Zeus got to do with it?"
Kyriakos chuckled, though there was a strange tension in his voice. "Ah, brother, the gods have their hands in everything. Hermes may be the one running the show, but Zeus...well, he's never far from his throne."
Looking back one last time at the peak, Adam whispered to himself, "This is just the beginning."
And somehow, he knew it was true.