Reunion

Upon arriving at the coast, Theos noticed the great fleet that the city of Athens possessed. Once they finally disembarked, two white marble statues carved in honor of the goddess Athena stood right at the entrance of the city.
Theos was amazed at the sight. After all, it was his first time seeing such a large city full of people. Athens was beautiful, filled with life and joy. On the highest part of the city, the grand temple of Athena stood tall, made of white marble. It was where people went to pray to the goddess and thank her for all she had done for them. From there, one could also see the city’s great library, where Athena herself often spent her time. The library was a sacred place—only she or those she permitted could enter. Its entrance was always guarded by two sentinels.
Not long after, an Athenian soldier approached Kael and Theos to show them where they would be staying. They followed the soldier to a lodging slightly away from the city center. Along the way, Theos couldn’t contain his curiosity.
— Do you know where Sophia is? — he asked.
— How do you know the daughter of the goddess? — the soldier replied with suspicion.
— She’s my best friend. She lived in the same village as me before coming here… and I really want to see her again.
Though not entirely convinced, the soldier eventually decided to take Theos to where Sophia was likely to be.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, in a small training arena fenced with wooden barriers, soldiers were sparring against a young girl. It was Sophia. Now fifteen, she had become one of the finest in the art of the sword, her skill worthy of a daughter of Athena. After finishing her training, Sophia took a sip of water and stepped out of the arena, resting in a shaded spot.
She held onto a small cloth pendant she wore around her neck—a piece of fabric from Theos’s shirt, torn and given to her before she left. She had made it into a necklace, carrying it always to remember him.
— There you are! — one of Sophia’s friends called out. — Training was rough today, huh?
— You’re telling me. — Sophia sighed. — It was tough.
Her friend noticed the way Sophia kept smiling at the pendant and tilted her head curiously.
— Why do you always look at that thing? Every time I see you, you’re holding it. Is it something special?
— This? — Sophia smiled softly. — It’s just a memory of someone very special to me. Whenever I touch it, I remember him.
— Him? Ohhh, so it’s a boy. You sly girl, hehe. What’s his name? Is he handsome?
— His name is Theos. He was from the same village I lived in before I came here. Even though he wasn’t a demigod like me or Icarus, he was always the bravest of us all. We promised we’d always be together. He even carved our initials on a tree before I left. It’s been almost two years since I last saw him… so whenever I feel afraid or lonely, I hold onto this to give me courage and remind me of him. And I always remember him smiling… Can you believe this is a piece of his clothing he tore off and gave me so I wouldn’t forget him? Theos is the best.
— Ooooh, I think someone’s in love.
— Wh…what? Me? In love? Y…you’re crazy. I’m not in love with anyone!
— Oh, really? Then why are you blushing so much?
— I-It’s just hot, that’s all!
— Uh-huh… sure. But you didn’t answer me—was he handsome or not?
— I… I…
Before Sophia could stammer out a reply, the soldier accompanying Theos approached and addressed her.
— Forgive me, Lady Sophia, but that young man over there says he knows you.
Theos stood a little behind, waiting. Sophia rose to her feet, trying to see him clearly. When she recognized his face, her eyes widened in disbelief. She took a few hesitant steps forward before breaking into a run. Breathless, she stopped before him.
— T…Theos?
— Hey. Long time no—
Before he could finish, Sophia threw her arms around him. Trembling, she touched his face to be sure he was real. When she realized it truly was him standing there, her eyes welled up with tears as she embraced him once more. Theos gently held her close, comforting her.
— I can’t believe it… You’re really here. And… you’ve changed. Look at these arms! Have you been training? You’re even a little taller than me now. — Sophia said, her voice full of emotion.
— Hehe, a lot has happened since you and Icarus left.
— I can see that… Look at you. I can’t believe you’re really here. I missed you so much, Theos…
— I missed you too.