Shadows in the Mist

The dust finally settled, revealing the imposing figure of the goddess. Her red hair glowed under the golden light, and her eyes, like golden blades, carried wisdom that transcended ages. The air seemed to vibrate around her, so heavy that Theos could barely breathe, yet at the same time so pure and calming that it made him want to kneel. Kael held a firm posture, but his gaze betrayed the tension.
“You’ve changed a little since the last time we met,” said the goddess.
“What do you want?” Kael replied, his tone serious.
“Is that how you greet me? You’re just like my brother.”
“I’m not here for games, Athena. How did you find me?”
“How? I always know where you are. There’s no point in hiding from me. So… you’ve become a teacher now, have you? I’m truly glad for you.”
Athena turned to Theos and walked toward him.
“So you’re Sophia’s best friend. She never stops talking about you. I can see why— you’re actually kind of cute.”
Theos simply stared at the goddess, who crouched down and ran her hand through his hair. He didn’t know what to say—this was his first time face to face with a goddess, and not just any goddess, but Athena herself. Then he looked down and muttered:
“Big boobs…”
“Theos!!” Kael barked, snapping his attention.
“What? Did I do something wrong?” the boy replied.
“Do you even need to ask?! You must never comment on a woman’s chest, especially when that woman is a goddess.”
“Wait… it’s wrong to say that?”
“OF COURSE IT’S WRONG, THEOS!!”
“Oh… I didn’t know. I’m sorry, goddess Athena. You don’t have big boobs.”
“THEOS! It’s also wrong to lie. Y–you see what you made me say?! Five thousand push-ups, now!!”
“Yes, sir!!”
“My apologies,” Kael said, bowing slightly. “And forgive him too. As you can see, he doesn’t really understand things. He’s… a bit innocent.”
Athena chuckled softly and told Kael there was no need to worry. She already knew Theos was like this thanks to Sophia, who had mentioned it before. In fact, Athena found Theos’ innocence rather endearing.
“So… what brings you here? What do you want?” Kael asked her.
“The reason I came… is because I need a favor.”
“A favor?”
“Yes. This year, the Tournament of Demigods will be held in my city. Have you heard of it?”
“A little. But what about it? Do you want me to participate? If so, the answer is no.”
“No, not that. The real reason I’m here is because I have a bad feeling about this tournament. I want you to come to my city and help reinforce the guard. After all, you’re practically an army on your own, aren’t you? I know your strength, Kael… and I know about your fight against Hercules years ago. You’re a great warrior, experienced, and as I said, I know your power.”
Kael was silent for a moment, staring at the horizon before replying.
“How do you know about my fight against Hercules?”
“As I said, I always know where you are. Besides, that battle is still famous, still spoken of to this day. After all, not just anyone can defeat mighty Hercules, right? So… will you do this favor for me?”
“A Spartan… in the city of Athens? Are you sure about that? And your men—don’t you trust them for this?”
“Of course I trust them. But they don’t have the strength and experience you do. That’s why I want you there. It will put me at ease. And as for you being in my city, don’t worry. No one will question it—my orders are absolute.”
Kael paused again before asking:
“And what kind of bad feeling is this?”
“I don’t know… but I sense my city will be targeted by something. It worries me. I even spoke to Zeus about holding the tournament again in Apollo’s city, Apolis. But he refused… So I ordered my men to stand guard at every corner, just in case. Now… what do you say?”
Another moment of silence passed before Kael asked:
“How long do you want me to stay?”
“Until the tournament ends. About a month. I’ll arrange a place for you to stay. If you want, you can even bring Theos along. I’m sure he’d be happy—Sophia will get to see him again.”
“…Fine. When do I leave?”
“I’ll send for you. The ship will arrive in two days. Thank you, Kael. I’m glad you accepted my request. Take this.”
Athena handed him a golden coin, engraved with an owl on both sides.
“If anyone questions you, just show this and say you’re under my service. I must go now. Your lodgings will be ready when you arrive. And Kael… thank you again.”
At that moment, Helena arrived, coming to check on Theos. She froze as she came face to face with the goddess.
“Look, mother! It’s goddess Athena herself. She came to speak with Master Kael!”
“Th—the goddess… goddess Athena. Forgive me. I was caught completely off guard. I only came to check on them… I didn’t expect to meet you here.”
But Athena’s reaction was unusual—she fell silent, staring at Helena. There was something strange about her… something Athena couldn’t ignore.
“I-it’s fine,” Athena finally said. “You have a wonderful boy. No wonder Sophia speaks so much about him.”
“Thank you,” Helena replied with a smile. “And please give Sophia my regards. She’s a wonderful girl—surely she takes after her mother.”
With that, Helena turned and left for home.
“Is there a problem?” Kael asked.
“No… nothing. I must go now. Don’t forget—the ship will be here in two days. And thank you once again.”
Athena departed in the same way she came, vanishing in a golden light.
“What did she want from you?” Theos asked Kael.
Kael looked up at the sky and answered:
“Theos… we’re going to the city of Athens.”
Far away, in a place filled with ruins where sunlight could not reach, a heavy mist blanketed the air. Inside a cavern lit only by fire, footsteps echoed, approaching from outside. Suddenly, a deep and commanding voice thundered from within.
“WHO GOES THERE?!”
The footsteps grew closer, and a woman’s voice replied:
“My poor brother Menoetius… confined to this place where no sunlight touches, while your hatred festers and grows.”
“Ceto… what are you doing here?”
“I came so that you would join forces with me, my brother. My hatred for the gods, like yours, only grows stronger. Tell me… will you fight at my side?”
“…I will.”
Ceto, her body like living water flowing across her skin, her hair shifting like liquid strands with tentacle-like tips, smiled.
“Perfect… and I know exactly where we should begin…”