New Beginnings

I was alone again. Always alone. I have walked this world on my own for so long. I missed my brother and my friends, but there was not time for that. I had some work to do. Soon, my life would change forever but it was not this day. I sat in my office, trying to perfect my craft. I didn't know why I tried to impress her, she obviously didn't care...she never really cared about me but I still tried. Maybe one day we would have a relationship, I hope, but not this day.

Another craft fail. I threw it in the garbage. A knock at the door startled me.

"Enter."

"Excuse me, but your mother is wondering when the invitations will be sent out for the Panathenaea Festival, we must get the invitations ready and delivered."

"Yes, I have created a first draft. I feel it fair that the winner would get a free semester at our craft school, would that be acceptable to you?"

With a wave of her hand, a large pile of invitations appeared on the floor next to her desk. Hermes stood by the pile..."

"Whoa! That is a lot of deliveries. You'll owe me," said Hermes jokingly.

"Yes, I know. Thank you Hermes. I really appreciate it."

Hermes winked and disappeared with the pile of invitations. Alone again, trying to impress the Goddess of Wisdom and Strategy with crafts. This is my new life in Greco. It used to be filled with adventure and danger. Now it was all paperwork and official duties. I was not meant for this...I was meant to be out there, in the world, making a difference, using my gifts. I stopped trying, I would never achieve greatness in crafts. Absently, I started working on a small statue. As I sat at my desk and looked at the stack of papers that needed my signature, I sighed and laid my bored head down on my desk. When I closed my eyes, I felt an odd tingle in my head. I remembered that feeling from my mortal days. I was getting a headache. I haven't had a headache in a long time. I closed my eyes. That is when the weirdest thing happened.

I decided to go out for a walk and clear my mind. I was surprised to run into an acquaintance. Potatocis was in the middle of the square waiting. I walked up to him and said hi!

"Mia? Can I ask you something?

"Sure, what would you like to know?"

"Why did you free Ps?"

"I did no such thing."

I never understood why he kept blaming me for freeing Ps. I did not even know Ps when he was mysteriously released from his cell in Potatocis' sword.

"I can restore your memory. I want to know why you did it."

Potatocis looked anguished, which was odd for the Emperor. He always looked confident and steady. I told him he could try to restore my memory but I was pretty sure it was intact and that he was mistaken. Sure enough, he was right.

The tingling sensation increased as memories, ancient memories rolled through my mind. Memories of betrayal. These were my memories from my first meeting with Ps.

I remembered everything, even the original plan and how I was counting on a son of Hermes to be my last resort. I remembered the secret meetings and planning session with my brother. I remembered wanting to let Ender know about Mark but him saying it was a bad idea. I remembered making Greek Fire and feigning allegiance with Ps. Even sacrificing cookies to Ps as a distraction. I also remember how important the timing was, the planning, how I had to loose the fight...the only way I could pass the Greek Fire and Physician's cure to Ender and finally freeing Ps.

We were unsuccessful in our attempt to destroy Ps but we still had an ace in our hand. No one realized that I was feigning the allegiance with him so we could try again later.

I explained all this to Potatocis, he deserved to know why. Ps was dead, I did not need to hold this secret anymore. We were naive to think that we could destroy Ps if Potatocis could not do so, but we did not know of this Universe and Potatocis and Ps' powers. As most demigods, we were cocky and thought we could succeed where others had failed.

After my explanation of my motives, the Emperor seemed both angry and disappointed. He was right, I know but it all ended well. Ps was gone now and the Republic was peaceful. We all got what we wanted. We had obviously made a mistake and underestimated Ps but a part of me felt that, if I hadn't gained his favour in the very beginning, then I probably would not have been able to play my cards right later on...

Before Potatocis left with his answer to the question he had asked many times and I got scolded like a child, he asked me if I would mind if he created a portal on Greco. I didn't see why not so I told him to go ahead. I decided to just keep walking, my head hurt and I was annoyed that my memories had been altered. As I walked, I came upon a visitor. She seemed lost. Might as well introduce myself and find out how I could help.

" Hello, welcome to Greco. I am Mia . You seem lost, can I help you with anything?"

After we exchanged pleasantries, I found out her name  was Aelin and that she did not come from the Republic. She came from a locked planet and she could not return home. I decided to show her around a little then took her to the City centre where we ran into Yasmine, who was also a daughter of Athena. She had come to Greco for the festival. I returned to my office. I had a lot of work to do to prepare for the festival and I had to reflect on the issue of the naiads disappearances. I will need to investigate. I let my assistant work on the festival while I sneaked to the newly created portal and left for Brooklyn house.

I didn't make there as Carter Kane and Felix were waiting for me on the other side of the portal. I guess we would have a training session the next time I came by. I was greeted by penguins waddling around. I had been visiting Brooklyn House fairly regularly trying to learn Egyptian magic. I learned a long time ago that sometimes, being yourself is dangerous and I had learned of the Egyptian magicians could create near perfect copies of people and that could be useful, plus, my thirst for knowledge was insatiable. This time, it was going to be a simple pick up, a refresher of divine words and a quick practice in storing and accessing magical items in the duat. It went well. I picked up my clay, the ribbons and practiced the activation words for the shabtis. I was good with storing things in the duat. I quickly returned to my world and returned to Greco.

Rumours of a traveller, Yasmine, daughter of Athena, having a seizure in the city centre came to me. Apparently, it lasted quite a while. She was with the other traveller I had met earlier and there appeared to be a creature that kept her company. The seizure did not concern me. It was possibly some sort of vision but the creature...there hadn't been any abnormal activity since the destruction of Ps. I needed to know more.

There was also the issue of the missing naiads and the tainted waters. I needed to get to the bottom of these two mysteries. I decided to go to the city centre to find out if I could talk to Yasmine. Instead of Yasmine, I found the traveller from a different planet that I had come upon during my previous walk. She was sitting alone at a table outside a Bistro. I decided to join her.

"Hello Aelin, can I join you?"

"Yes"

"Are you enjoying Greco?"

"Yes"

"I heard about an incident here with Yasmine yesterday. I was told you were with her. Would you mind describing to me what happened exactly and that creature...what was it? Did it seem...dangerous?"

Aelin described the events as follows: She was speaking to Yasmine having pizza for the first time when Yasmine fell to the ground and appeared to have a seizure. An insect like creature appeared and seemed to be comforting Yasmine because the seizure seemed to diminish, although she did not recover completely.

"Thank you Aelin."

I realized I was going to be here for a while and I still needed to find out what exactly happened to Yasmine and the naiads. I tried to separate discreetly. I kept talking with Aelin as the naiad part of me left the conversation and headed for the tainted River. When I got there, the River felt dangerous, I was not sure I wanted to touch it but I needed to investigate, too many naiads had gone missing. For some unknown reason, Potatocis was still keeping tabs on me and he put up a shield around the river so no more naiads would be lost. I took a sample of the water and  headed back. I still had no idea what had happened but the sample would help. I would need to call a meeting with the naiads and tell them to avoid the area at all costs. I took the vial of water from Lake Triton and broke it, which immediately sent me back to my closest life source which was at the Bistro in the city centre.

Yasmine and I had not crossed paths very often, I knew of her but I didn't really know her. All I knew was that she lived in Yasville and had come here as a traveller with no intention of living in Greco. I knew that she was also a daughter of Athena so she was my half sister, I suppose. I needed to know exactly what happened and if it was in fact a vision. To my surprise, I received a letter from Yasmine asking me to meet her at her home. The very next morning, I leave for Yasmine's Palace. I announce my arrival at the gates and meet with her. She informs me of the events of the previous day. She tells me that her people will come here to kill her and that she is Queen of a place called Pratsinia. She also alludes to the fact that she grew up with our mother for some time. I try to push my jealousy down. Athena has never stayed with any of her children, what made Yasmine and Ender so special? She tells me about the creature at the Bistro when I ask. She informs me that the creature was helping her through the vision.

Something is not right here. I couldn't put my finger on it but things just didn't add up. There had been no odd creatures since the destruction of Ps. Why would there be one now and who had created it, or perhaps, it had been roaming Greco in the wake of Ps' death and had just not shown itself. I made a mental note to ask the Emperor about it. Now that I understood that Yasmine was going to be murdered, I owed it to my sister to try and help. She said that it was fine, she had a plan but a back up plan is always good to have also. I gave Yasmine my Raptor's cap so she could disappear if need be. I was surprised when she gifted a beautiful leather bound book to me. She told me it was Athena's book of knowledge. It would answer any question after I answered a riddle. The book would only work for Athena's children. Again, jealousy crept up but again, I pushed it down. This book would be very, very useful. It may even help with the situation with the River. It seemed that, every time I got something crossed off my list, a new task was added. I better get to work.

I thanked Yasmine and although I wanted to return to Greco, I knew that this book had to be kept in a safe place so I took it to my cottage on Mount Olympus. I sat at my cherry wood desk and opened the book. Immediately a riddle appeared:

Penny has 5 children,

''1st child is January, 2nd kid is February, 3rd is named March, 4th is called April. What is the name of the 5th child. ''

" The answer is What."

I asked my question mostly just to see if the book of Wisdom actually worked and if it did, then maybe I could cross one more item off my to do list. It couldn't hurt.

"Where is the creature that spoke to Yasmine during her vision?"

I guess I was expecting the book to answer clearly and, most likely use words but I guess it wanted to be cryptic. It showed images of the dark, corrupted River that had taken so many naiad recently. I decided to go back to the River and search. I then created a shabti of myself knowing there was no way I was not going to investigate. I grabbed some supplies and stuffed them in a bag which I then stored in the duat for further use, including the one of myself. I did not want some tainted water to destroy me after so many have tried. That would be the worst insult. I teleported back to the River and was surprised when Potatocis joined me but I hid my surprise. He appeared broken and hurt. I did not comment on his appearance. He already knew he was broken and there must have been a reason for his appearance. He had an air of sadness about him. I told him about my meeting with Yasmine and the creature but I withheld the gift of the book of Wisdom. I told Potatocis about the missing naiads, the corrupted River and my intention to investigate. When he heard of the creature, he told me a very important secret. Something that changed my life forever.

Potatocis' appearance was concerning, he was burned extensively, battered and broken. He looked tired, sad and ashamed. I waited patiently for him to reveal this secret. He informed me that Ps was not dead but that he was chained in some sort of a prison. This whole time, the people believed he was dead, when in reality, he was being held captive where he could do no harm. I was not so sure that was true, the creature proved that he still had some kind of pull in the Republic, I just did not know what his goal was. Potatocis spoke of the guilt and embarrassment he felt for not being ready to kill Ps because that meant his own death and he did not want to die. He told me that part of Ps was trapped into his body and that he had come from visiting him. Ps had been bidding his time. Apparently, Ps had just escaped his bonds and had left the Republic. Although I was alarmed and confused by the news, I knew that the guilt and shamed weighed heavily on the Emperor. I immediately told him that there must be a way to destroy Ps without Potatocis having to die. I started thinking of ways...then I thought of my old plan, back in the day, I could still do that and possibly save the Emperor also. Potatocis was adamant, he needed to die to kill Ps because part of Ps was inside him...this made things harder but still not impossible. Let's start by killing the creature then take care of the second problem.

At the sullied river and Potatocis told me that the problem with the issue may have been a multidimensional portal that is leaking. This seemed odd to me but we needed to figure out where this portal led to, seeing as water nymphs went missing recently in these areas, I poured some water from Lake Triton to clear the River long enough to enter it, which we did. Well, technically, I didn't but he did. I had made a shabti ( clay statue that contained all my memories and powers that was activated by divine words. Yes, I used Egyptian magic.) Back in the day, when my alliances were iffy, I had decided to have a back up plan, in case Ps went back on his word so I made a deal with the Egyptian magicians at Brooklyn house. I would teach the initiates battle strategies and they would teach me Egyptian magic. Anyway, I digress. The shabti went with Potatocis. When we arrived in Erilea, we appeared in a small River. There were no water nymphs that I could sense but we needed to explore. Potatocis sensed that Ps had escaped to this new unexplored world.

This created a problem. I was informed that Potatocis had met with Aelin who is a Fae and Queen in this world. They had gotten off to quite the rough start. Potatocis wanted to expand his Empire and include Aelin's world but Aelin was firmly against it. They had words and, long story short, there was no love lost between the two. So here we were, inadvertently teleported to her world in search of Ps. What to do? Go the diplomatic route and announce our arrival here or just go straight for the threat. The problem was that, if we went the diplomatic route, Ps could do so much damage and odds were in the favor of Potatocis getting kicked out. By this point in my life, I am completely aware that there was no one other than Potatocis who could destroy Ps but Aelin would not believe that so I advised against the diplomatic route because it would be a waste of precious time that we just did not have.

I followed Potatocis North as we discussed possible strategies in order to defeat Ps without Potatocis having to forfeit his life. I did not understand why he felt so guilty about not dying in the latest Ps battle. This time he wanted to make sure he destroyed any trace of PS. I tried to find solutions, I guess Potatocis humored me because he accepted the use of Shabtis of him. When we approached Ps' land, I stopped and pulled my bag out of the duat and set to work creating near perfect replicas of him with clay that I had gathered previously to use at the sculpting contest on Greco. The Egyptian magic that I had recently acquired was going to be put to good use:destroying all traces of Ps and saving the Emperor's life. We talked as I fashioned the shabtis to his likeness. I tried to convince him that he did not need to die. He said it was his duty, that, because he was too weak to die last time, this world was in danger. His sole purpose was to protect the people and die in the service of the Republic, if needed. He seemed to think that the time to fulfill this duty had come. I understood that there wasn't much I could do but stand by and watch as he fell. The shabtis still had a purpose. A diversion, a strategy to weaken PS so Potatocis could gather his strength while Ps crushed the clay statues.

And so it began, the end. The end of an Emperor, the end of the Ps creature. Once the clay statues were ready, I used my newly learned Egyptian magic and spoke the divine word. The statue grew to a full size Potatocis which was then imbued with Potatocis' power and the first attack began. Potatocis controlled the shatbi and sent it to its destruction trying to weaken Ps without weakening himself. I started to hope that we could fool Ps and save Potatocis all together. I have known the Emperor for so long, although it had seemed, at times, that I plotted against him, I had always truly been on his side, the Republic's side. All I could do now is hope that he knew this. I put in all my concentration on making more shabtis of Emperor Potatocis in hopes I could hold many at once,, hoping against hope to overwhelmed Ps.

"I think I can get you 7 or 8 more."

I set to work and activated 5 more. I was being drained, I could feel it but I had to continue, I could not fail the Emperor, my friend, Potatocis. One after the other, the shabtis were returned to dust and were destroyed. Somehow, suddenly,I was sent back to the portal from from whence we had come. On the other side of the portal, my real self was holding the power though the portal trough the touch of the water. I had 4 shabtis still out there, in Erilea. I was exhausted and I couldn't fail. All of a sudden Yasmine arrived and helped me hold the portal and tried to share her power. I could no longer see what was going on on the other side because my concentration was faltering. The only solution was to go through myself. When we crossed into Erilea, we found Aelin there. I tried to explain the situation as best I could; she had to understand that the only way to save her world was to help Potatocis defeat Ps. I told her that she needed to join the fight, not for the Emperor, whom she despised, but for her Kingdom, her people, her whole world, She decided to follow Yasmine and I, into battle and join Potatocis against PS. When we returned to Potatocis, I asked what we could do to help. The shabtis were almost all gone. He looked at me with resolve in his eyes.

"Hold a shield, protect the planet. I will take him far above the planet and destroy him. The explosion could destroy the whole Kingdom"

Although I was filled with sadness and regret for my past actions and Aelin was still angry at Potatocis, Yasmine was eager to help.I asked for their elements, trying to see how best to organize but there was no time.

Potatocis turned and ran at Ps and tackled the giant creature. Both of them sustained damage as they fought. Potatocis showed resolve in his face as he sustained some damaging blows and delivered some also to his enemy. I knew that Ps had to be ended but I could not muster enough energy to create more shabtis and hold a shield the size that would be required. I did not know how much power my two new friends could wield. I needed to protect the people, this may not be the Republic but we cared for the people and the land as if it were. Potatocis struck Ps very hard with his sword which sent him flying in the air and he charged after the creature He caught it mid air and they started flying into the air where they fought. Potatocis sustained a lot of damage. We took our positions and raised a large shield hoping to protect the living things in the area. We had never worked together before. I feared they would not have enough power to sustain the shield. I summoned my spear and struck it to the ground pouring most of my power into the shield. Ps attacked as he sent thoughts to Yasmine and tendrils rose up her legs as she held her part of the shield. Ps spoke in her mind at first, then his voice was heard by the three of us. He spoke of my past actions, calling me a traitor! I knew he was referencing the pact we had made many moons ago and Aelin listened while Yasmine was attacked. She asked me if it was true. Deep inside me, I regretted that deal but, I had not interfered, as was part of the deal. Turn a blind eye, do not tell Potatocis what Ps was doing. I did not tell him. I did not break my word.

I told Aelin that he was messing with her mind and that these were lies.To this day, I had not spoken a word to Potatocis about our deal. I did not directly interfered with Ps' creatures. I had not betrayed anyone. I had found a loophole. Ps also said that I had been his ally. Aelin looked to me and when I told her it was lies, she attacked the remanent of the Ps creature, the shield was less powerful but Ps had to be stopped. Then Yasmine fell, she had fainted from of exerting herself and the wounds the tendrils had inflicted. There was only one thing to do. I quickly separated. Pallas holding the spear and my part of the shield as I appeared near Yasmine and did my best to hold her part of the shield.It was going to have to end quickly, I couldn't hold it for very long, Pallas was fading while Yasmine was regaining her strength. I returned to my place as Pallas fainted, I touched her and we came one again. I looked up for a moment and saw Potatocis, in his golden armor still rising and Ps gave a shrill cry as Potatocis began absorbing Ps' essence while holding on to the creature in his arms. He kept rising and rising and as the last of the creature was absorbed Ps into him as I collapsed. My new friends Aelin and Yasmine told me that the great explosion happened as I fell to the ground completely spent and my spear crashed to the ground. I heard Potatocis' voice crying from the heaven's above as he poured water onto me to revive me:

"Don't die on me now Pallas."

Potatocis and Ps were destroyed in a large flash of golden light. The body fell to the ground and created a large crater and all that was left, after the fire died, were shards of golden armor.

Those were his last words to me." Don't die on me know, Pallas."

When I regained consciousness, a large shadow stood in front of me. I was certain, the person standing there was Potatocis and that he had miraculously survived. I looked up and realized quickly that it was not him. I looked back down quickly, guilt and sadness filling me. I should have done more. There was surely another way but I was not enough. Not smart, enough, not fast enough, not strong enough to save him. Before me, stood his son, the new Emperor. Behind him was a large crater. My heart broke but I held it together because, if his own son could do it, I had to be able to do it too. He extended his hand and I took it but I did not meet his gaze. I had failed his father...again and this time, there were no more chances to right the wrong.

I stood and looked at the crater. The new Emperor invited me to go to Potatocis' funeral. I had no place there, I was not worthy. Potatocis had apparently not told his son about me. When he insisted, I agreed. He took us to a grave yard filled by tombstones. Empress Samirah joined us. There was a ceremony. It was hard, so soon after the death. The new Emperor stood strong and silent. When it was over. He asked me what happened. I had to redeem myself and be honest instead of keeping it to myself. All the progress Potatocis and I had made, it was all gone but I wanted to do better. I looked Frankus in the eyes and told him to read my mind. He seemed a little startled by my willingness to show him all. I told him that words could not do justice to what had happened and that he deserved to see how his father had fallen. I showed him everything. Hoping he wouldn't go too far because Potatocis asked me to keep his secret and I intended to do so.

Luckily, he stopped before he learned of his father visiting a chained Ps. When it was over, I saw him...really saw him for the first time. The man behind the title. The boy I had heard of long ago that I thought had perished at the hands of Ps.

Frankus was so much like his father. Strong, tall, confident, a leader but he was also different. He was untouched by the corruption on Ps, he was more sensitive. Nothing in his appearance or stance let it on. He was wearing his father's broken armor. Some would say it was to honor him, but I felt that it was a deep love and feeling of loos that encouraging him to do what Potatocis would do. When the funeral was over, he took me back to the Republic. He wanted to show me something. In Greco, a giant golden statue of me was erected. I felt so, overwhelmed. For someone who does not like too much attention, this was far past too much. There was also the issue with the guilt. I had failed, failed to help, failed to keep Potatocis alive, failed to double cross Ps, a long time ago and I was now immortalized in gold in the city I govern. A reminder of my failures.

"I-I don't know what to say. It's too much. I don't deserve this."

"Of course you do, Pallas. I want to show you something."

Frankus took me to a large palace and told me that I was now adviser to the Emperor and this palace was mine. So many emotions ran through me. That is all I had ever wanted, someone to listen to me, to have some value in someone's eyes. My mom didn't care, Potatocis just wouldn't listen. No one ever listened. Ender tried but it went against his personality to actually heed my advice and here I was...a failure...a rewarded failure? It felt so wrong. Frankus excused himself, after I thanked him profusely and a servant named Yarl appeared to explain how things worked and where things are. I would not have a servant do I decided he would be my friend instead.

The palace was absolutely incredible. It was too big, too grand. It even had an indoor pool of massive proportions. The library...it was the most beautiful library i had ever seen. It was three stories high with beautiful wooden bookcases and stairs. Wooden ladders against every wall. The sheer amount of knowledge was inspiring and exciting at the same time. There were comfortable leather chairs everywhere, a large couch, worktables everywhere a worktable was needed. In the middle was a grand waterfall. He beauty was breathtaking. Yarl then introduced me to a secret hologram of Potatocis. Yarl left the room.

It was odd but Potatocis explained how things worked in the palace. When he said that he was here to serve me, it made things terribly uncomfortable. I didn't deserve any of this and I knew it. The hologram apparently could read feelings, maybe even thoughts because it tried to comfort me and tell me that I did in fact deserve it. It was a lie but to get over with it, I accepted his efforts to try to make me feel better. I couldn't very well leave or refuse the Emperor so I decided I would stay and do my job. The job I always wanted. If only I hadn't made that deal with Ps. If only I could have found another way. I needed time, there was none. That was just an excuse. My big mouth and stupid brain brought me here, to all these things I didn't want and Potatocis was gone, lost forever, because of me. Frankus was so kind and generous. I needed to find a way to thank him. When I apologized to the hologram Potatocis, I dismissed him...again, very uncomfortable. I couldn't imagine myself dismissing the real version of the Emperor.

I sat at my worktable and summoned Athena's book of Knowledge. I still didn't know where the nymphs had gone or if they had simply disappeared. I answered the riddle and asked where the nymphs had gone. I was shown the same area as where the creature had disappeared to. This made me wonder if the book was ever wrong or if it showed the future. I decided to visit Yasmine in Yasville and ask her. When I got there, she explained that the book was never wrong. It usually answered questions but sometimes, it would show the future. This was an interesting development. Yasmine also informed me that she was an outcast from her home planet, where she had lived with Athena for many years and she was going to be queen then she was going to be assassinated. I told her that I would help but she refused and decided to come investigate the river in Aelin's world in search of the missing nymphs.

When we arrived near the River, Yasmine and I were met by Aelin. We searched the River bank and the stream and found no sign of the missing nymphs. They must have simply faded back into nature. I sat on a large rock,upset about the loss of so many of my sisters, when someone literally dropped out of the sky. Aelin went to investigate. I was about to join her when some eccentric man carrying a cup tripped and splashed me with the contents of his cup. He apologized profusely. Said it was some sort of purple soda and he was heading to his son's birthday party when he was distracted by the falling boy and spilled his soda. I was nice enough about it and he went about his day. Aelin returned to investigate what had happened and to ask for advice in the boy. I cleaned myself off in the River and walked back to the boy but he was simply gone.

Aelin informed me that this type of occurrence is not unheard of. I had never even heard of anything remotely similar to this, apart for some fallen angel lore. I wondered for a moment if this boy was in fact, an angel. Only time would tell. I started feeling a little groggy. I knew I was tired. Passing out did not equate rest and I had not slept in a very long time and expended a large amount of energy. Aelin questioned me on the things Ps said. The broken promise, the betrayal, being on Ps' side. I claimed innocence and returned to my rock where I passed out, once again.

When I came too, a familiar vision awaited me. A large man in golden armor was standing in front of me. We have to stop meeting like this, I thought to myself. Behind him, I could hear Yasmine defending me and excusing herself to Aelin. She had some business to attend to in Yasville.

"Pallas," he said, "are you ok?"

For a moment, I thought it was Potatocis. I was quite confused. Why would he call me by my last name? No one, absolutely no one called me by my last name. It was always Mia. Oh, Potatocis spoke of me to his son. This wasn't good. I gave myself a mental shake. Why would I care? Anyway, I answered.

"Yes, i think so. How did you know I was here?" I asked as I brushed myself off and stood slowly.

"I keep tabs on you." he replied.

I wasn't sure how I should feel about that...thankful or a little concerned. Perhaps he didn't trust me. That would make sense if his father spoke to him about me. I promptly decided to ignore my concern. I explained what had happened. He had also met the man who had dropped the purple soda on me. Well, there was nothing more I could do here. Aelin walked up to us. She seemed weary of Frankus, like she mistrusted him only because he was Potatocis' son. While they shared a word, I stood by uncomfortable and exhausted. I just wanted to lean on him but I held myself up. I should probably help Yasmine but she said she had a plan so I had to trust in her. I thought of the conversation we had as I held the shabtis in the River, Yasmine had lived with Athena and her family for years...years. They were close, she spoke to her sometimes. Yasmine had also told me that Athena was proud of my accomplishments and spoke of me highly. I started wondering why? Mother had never even paid me any attention. She was always disappointed in me, only helped me once, when I was thrown into space. She was always cruel and uncaring, yet, she lived with one of her daughters for years. It did not make any sense to me. My head was starting to hurt. Frankus pulled me from my thoughts when he announced he was taking me home. I was thankful that he had come because I was unsure I could even teleport back without falling  asleep. When I got home, Frankus encouraged me to have some rest and I went to my room and immediately fell asleep.

When I awoke,the next morning, a giant spider was standing at the foot of my bed. Normally, the smallest spider can make me feel faint but this one was the most terrifying creature I had ever seen and my entire life. It clicked and hissed as it approached me with it's menacing eyes. I couldn't help myself. A scream escaped me as I started trembling. Fight or flight...there was no time, no exit...I was trapped so I summoned my spear and stood next to my bed. I could felt nauseous but this thing would not best me. I dodged the legs of the spider as it tried to skewer me and it's large, disgusting mandibles tried to snatch me up but I thrust my spear into it's mouth and the beast, who was wounded, snapped it. I then summoned a sword and ran underneath it's disgusting belly and ripped the giant insect open. It turned into purple dust and vanished. I was still catching my breath when Yarl knocked at the door.

I opened the door and he asked what happened because he had heard my scream. Embarrassed, I did not tell him about the spider and blamed it on a nightmare. I went to the library to research giant spiders and Frankus appeared shortly thereafter. He wanted to show me something and asked if I was busy. Together, we went to his lab. I knew of this lab because Ender had broken in once and had a look around. Of course, Potatocis was not aware that I knew about the GK24 and I was not ready to mention it yet. I did not understand why he was bringing me here. If I were him, and I knew my back story, I would definitely not trust me so fast. Apparently Potatocis had not filled Frankus in on my mind games because he handed me a "key" to the laboratory. The place was impressive, so many weapons I hadn't seen and the top notch equipment. I was impressed. There were artifacts that were considered lost to the general population. I tried to take everything in, memorize it, in case Frankus came to his senses and banned me from the lab. I sat at a counter and looked into a microscope. I saw an actual person in stasis, a clone. Ender had mentioned this clone but it was just so unreal to be here. Then the whole place kinda unfolded and Frankus brought me to a museum wing and showed me more. I was in heaven. I had almost forgotten about the vial of purple goo I had in my pocket. I asked if I could use the equipment to figure out what it was and I got to work. He watched for a little while and then he told me of a project of his, which caught my attention. He wanted to retrieve the essence of the chaos gods. He asked me if I was willing to help.

My hesitation was evident. I had no concern over Nurgle, Slannesh or even Khorn but if I was asked to come close to Tzeentch, I knew I was doomed. He is a sly one and I know that I love the thrill of trying to outsmart the game master. I decided to ask exactly what would be asked of me before I made a decision. Frankus told me that all I had to do was to walk up to the chained chaos god and extricate some of its essence and trap it into an amulet. This was an interesting challenge but still, what if I came to face off with Tzeentch. I quickly decided to step on my pride and tell him of my concern.

"I would never ask you to go to see Tzeentch. I only want you to get Khorn's. I cannot trust myself not to be influenced by him as you don't trust yourself around Tzeentch."

I thought to myself, Khorn...yeah, I don't really see a problem...bloodlust...not at all, therefore I agreed and offered to go to Slannesh also...it's not like I would be affected by lust and debauchery but Frankus was confident he could do the three other chaos gods.

I walked into a portal, I was surrounded by rivers of blood and images of disgusting murder and corpses. I felt him try to sway me but it was useless. I was far too sad to see these horrible images and to imagine these poor souls dying for the pleasure of Khorn. As I approached his throne, where he was chained and broken, I felt him reach deeper into my conscience but there was nothing to feed him, nothing for him to hang on to. I opened the amulet and his essence come flowing into it. I closed it and turned my back on him and walked back through the portal, unfazed.

At my return, Frankus had already gotten the essence from Tzeentch and returned shortly from collecting Nurgle's essence. The poor Emperor was covered kn welts but it cleared up rapidly. I told him that, if he preferred, I could get Slaneesh's essence. I was not concerned about her. I had spent centuries all by myself so a god of debauchery and excess was not an issue for me. Frankus insisted on going. I stayed behind, at the lab, and waiting for him to returned. I looked around but did not touch anything, really. I inspected the shards of swords, interested by its history. When he returned through the portal, I burst out laughing. He seemed indignant as I tried to control my laughter. His face was covered in lipstick and his cheeks were getting redder by the second.

"So...how did it go?" I asked playfully.

"He scrunched up his face a little and said:" Well, it was Slaneesh so..." and he gestured to his face and chuckled a little and turned serious quickly. His cheeks were still red when he told me that he had work to do. I was unsure of what it was that he had planned to do with the essence of the chaos gods. Perhaps extract he demon souls from the broken sword of Fulgrim. I squashed my curiosity and wished him good night and returned to my far too large and very lonely Palace.

I was nervous about the events of the previous morning and had yet to do proper research so instead of going to bed, I went to the library to read up on the giant spider. I hate spiders not in a violent way, it is an ingrained fear passed down from my Mother. If only she had given me the good gifts. Some kids got to control water or air or even the earth and I was here with War Strategy and a crippling fear of Spiders. If you thought about it, it made absolutely no sense that my mom would turn Arachne into a spider for being extremely talented at weaving. Unless of course it was because she was terrified at loosing the title of best weaver o she turned her into something terrifying. I should mull that over but I digress. There was a possibility that the giant spider, which dissolved into a purple smoke was created by the purple potion. I went to the library and started taking notes.

An idea popped into my mind. I now had access to top of the line scientific equipment, I should go and test the residue on my spear to confirm my theory. I returned to the lab and started running tests. Eventually, Frankus returned. We were discussing some of the secrets that this lab held and the conversation turned to Potatocis. I felt guilty for not being able to save him. Given more time, I was sure I could have done something, made a difference. Frankus was opening up, which was surprising to me because, only in the end, did Potatocis open up. This made me feel all the more guilty for keeping Potatocis' secret from him. I came closer, wanting to comfort him when a stranger appeared in the lab. It should have been impossible. What did he want? He clearly knew of Frankus because he called him by his name. I took a few steps back and cocked my head. He seemed slightly familiar. Frankus was angry, outraged even. He barked at him:

" Who are you and what are you doing here? There is no teleportation without authorization. Get out of my lab!"

"I am Caleb, son of Thanatos. I did not teleport and you cannot stop me."

A son of Thanatos? In the Republic, in this lab no less? I was curious. I watched wondering what would happen. Even if he was a son of Thanatos, How could he possibly be here? Apparently this Caleb person had heard of the Republic and Potatocis and Frankus and he disagreed with the way the Republic was run. He felt that Frankus was not right for the job and he wanted to make sure Frankus was a fair and just with the people. Frankus seemed to be trying to reign in his outrage. Perhaps, if I wasn't here, there would have been a real fight but as it were, I was watching two alpha males trying to establish dominance in a laboratory. I did not smile, although I did want to. Eventually, Frankus demanded that Caleb depart and Caleb informed us that he wasn't really there, then he disappeared.

I was wondering how he broke through the magic keeping this place protected from any unwanted incursion. Perhaps a new kind of magic. I was informed that anyone wanting to enter the lab needed the key and permission to enter the laboratory. I was curious but Frankus had to return to his Palace because paperwork does not do itself. I returned to my room and thought about sleeping but I was far too worried to sleep so I went to the library to spend the night reading and researching. I felt like I could possibly get an answer from the book of Wisdom. It knew everything. It would have known how Caleb got through Frankus' defense. It would also know what happened to the nymphs and I had so many more questions I wanted to ask. It would be so easy to get my answers...where did the giant spider come from? What did it want? Was it related to the purple goo that had fallen on me? What should I do? Why does my mother hate me? As the sun started to rise, I fell asleep, at my worktable, in the library. I awoke with a start when Yasmine appeared in my library. She came by to thank me for trying to help her with her issue on her home planet. She also wanted to know if I had any problems with the book of Wisdom. I did tell her that I thought about it quite a bit but that I appreciated the fact that she had gifted it to me. She reiterated that Mother talked a lot to her about my accomplishments when she was growing up. I could hardly believe it. I did feel a twinge of anger and jealousy. Why would she always bring up the 6 years she spent WITH Mother? Every time, it was like twisting a blade in a very deep wound. I was slightly irritated by her showing up in my library, unannounced. I was informed that the library held many secrets and they were for me to learn and I was not to share them. This was going to be harder than I thought.

Well, since I was awake and I wasn't very likely to fall back to sleep, I decided to put the book of Wisdom away. I teleported to my cottage and hid the book there in hopes that if it was far away, it wouldn't bother me so much. I then returned to my Palace and sat back down at my work table. Frankus entered and asked me if he should go meet Aelin in Erilea. She had sent a summons. I told him it would probably be a good thing if he did go for a diplomatic visit. Then he asked me to accompany him, which I did since I had no other plan. When we arrived, Frankus was in a sour mood because the statue of his father had been torn down. When he entered the throne room for the meeting, I tried to convey the message that this was a diplomatic mission but unfortunately, I quickly realized that both sides were very angry. I was afraid Aelin may try to kill us. This was not going well. Apparently, Aelin blamed Potatocis for the creatures that were lurking in the Kingdom of Erilea. She wanted Frankus to rid her of all the creatures that roamed her kingdom. Frankus wanted the statue back up. Both refused and Frankus thought it would be a good idea to inform Aelin that a monarchy is doomed to fail and Aelin was keen on blaming Frankus for all her problem. We left without any kind of agreement. Back at the Palace, we had a debrief session. It went swiftly. Frankus excused himself and disappeared. I summoned Potatocis when I was sure I was alone. We talked, I told him how very sorry I was, I asked if he thought my plans would have worked given more time. i also asked why he was so intent on dying. He said it was his duty, his purpose. This made me sad. When I brought it up, he seemed confused.When I dismissed him, he said he was happy to serve. This did not sit well with me but I said nothing and thanked him.

Maybe that was the difference between born gods and made gods. I did not expect anyone to want to help me or serve me. I could do almost anything on my own. It would be so boring just sending poor people to do my bidding. No, if I wanted something done I would do it myself. I had been my Mother's tool before and I did not enjoy it at all, although it was better than being vaporized. I would never have a servant, I would do what needed to be done and if I needed help, I would ask for it, not threaten people into helping me. So Potatocis saying:" Happy to serve." Bothered me on 2 levels. I did not want a servant and he was an Emperor, I should have been happy to serve. On the matter of Yarl, I hoped we could be friends but I did feel like I sometimes needed his help in this enormous Palace that I did not deserve. I did not consider him a servant but more of a...Chiron. Yes, that seemed fair, someone who knew the ropes and was willing to teach me.

As I sat by the pool with my feet in the water, thinking about how life has changed. I couldn't help thinking about how I didn't deserve this place, it was too big and I probably could never go back to Greco again without seeing a giant version of me standing there looking fierce, when, in fact, I had made no difference. I couldn't save him. I returned to the library feeling down. All of a sudden, Caleb son of Thanatos, appeared. On the inside, I cringed. This was not working out. People came and left as they pleased. He glanced at my journal and the open books and started talking about how bad for the Republic Frankus was and how awful Potaocis was. This angered me but I did not let it show. I informed him that Potatocis had the Republic's interest at heart. He then started talking about how Frankus needed to take care of his people more and not be a tyrant and that he had to create balance to achieve peace. Now, I did not know what exactly had prompted this visit but I knew one thing.I needed to keep a look out for this guy. He really didn't like Frankus and this could possibly end very poorly. I decided not to inquire and just try to get as much information as I could. I also wanted Peace for the Republic and I told Caleb. I also told Caleb that Frankus could be trusted.

"I hope you are right," he said, " it looks like we both have the same goal in mind."

"Yes, it appears so. Is there anything I can help you with?" I asked.

He answered no and fetched a crystal out of his pocket, he turned it and disappeared.

I was about to go see Frankus when Aelin appeared. Ugh...do these people knock? I wondered. Instead, I greeted her kindly. She came to tell me that she may have reconsidered the negotiations that had been underway as the number of creatures increased and she needed help. I let her know that I would discuss it with Frankus and send word. She also took her leave. I was very tired now and very irritated by all these unannounced visits. Which is when I heard a knock at the door. The door opened and Frankus walked in.

"Hello, Emperor. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"You seem...upset Pallas. What is going on?" I had forgot for a moment, who was in front of me. Of course he would sense my mood and my concerns.

"I...um...have had many visitors. Maybe we should talk elsewhere. I feel like the walls have ears."

He raised and eyebrow and teleported us to a room with two chairs.

"You can speak freely here. This is a pocket reality, no one can come here or hear us. I created it just for you and I."

I was impressed. I was tired but I did not want to sleep. I explained to him about all the visits. He sat there and listened. He told me he could take care of my issue and stop any unwanted teleportation near me. He asked if I wanted him to do it. I thought for a moment and agreed. I also let him know that Aelin wanted to meet    with him again. He nodded and added,

"What else?"

That was enough to get me going. I couldn't believe I was going to open up to him so completely. I really wanted to tell him about what I believed the purple goo was but suddenly, I felt exhausted. I couldn't bring myself to speak, my mind was tired and so was my body.

"What is it?"

"I-I'm tired," I replied.

"Do you want to go back?"

"Not yet. It is nice here. Knowing no one can just show up. It's quiet." I heard myself saying. Apparently I had chosen this moment to separate but I did not remember doing it. I watched as Pallas looked at me meaningfully.

"Pallas?"

"Yes"

"How? How are you doing this? A copy?"

"No, it's still me. I'm the daughter of Pallas part and she is the daughter of Athena.

"Twins?"

"No, you should see it as two parts of one person. She is the brains, I'm just the pretty one," I laughed as Mia dozed.

"Pallas?" He asked woefully.

"Yes?" I asked slightly concerned.

"I don't think that my Father destroyed all of the PS essence. I-I think there is some in me." For a moment, Frankus looked terrified. My mind raced to understand the implications. I didn't want him to die. There had to be another way. I came closer to him and I tentatively hugged him.

I felt something odd..something I had never felt before but I assumed that was concerned and the way the nymph part processed it. When he admitted to being scared, I felt so broken. I didn't want him to be scared and I thought about Potatocis, when he told me about not killing Ps, having him chained and needing to destroy him and himself in order to save the Republic. My fear was that he would think he needed to destroy himself to get rid of the last bit of Ps. I couldn't think of anything to say so I said the same as I had said to Potatocis.

"I will find a way, I promise." I whispered as I stepped away and returned to Mia, reuniting as one. I saw him standing there, exhausted and lost.

"You should go to bed Frankus."

"OK." He teleported us to his room. I was so surprised to be there. I was nervous and in awe of the grandeur of the room. There were books on the nightstand and a very large bed. A with a work desk, lamp and chair sat in the corner of the room. There was also a couch and a book shelf and a few windows. He lay down on his bed and summoned a plush space marine, which he held close. I pulled the covers over him and said good night.

"I can stay and watch over you tonight, if you want," I added.

"Would you mind?"

"I would be happy to.I will stay with you until the morning."

I turned the chair to face the bed and summoned some books and my journal from the library.He thanked me and I sat on the chair watching him sleep. He seemed peaceful. I looked around the room and noticed a blood stained journal which had likely fallen off the dresser as it was half hidden under the desk. I went to the corner to retrieve it. When I picked it up, it felt wrong to read it so I just placed it back on the dresser gently. I assumed it was Potatocis' journal. When I turned to look around. I felt like something was missing from this room. Something nice...I started thinking of those pretty little purple flowers. The ones I always forgot the names too and Demeter would laugh at me.For some reason, I wanted to give something beautiful to Frankus, something to remind him that there is always hope. As I focused on the spot where I had picked up the journal, beautiful purple flowers started growing from the wooden floor. I had never done anything like this before. I smiled and bent down to touch them. They were real, not just my imagination.I returned to the chair and started writing and documenting this in my journal. My thoughts, my movements, the results. I would probably never come here again so I figured I should try and create more flowers in a different place but I had promised to stay so I did. I wondered how Frankus could trust me at his most vulnerable. If his father had told him anything about me, it was likely that I could not be trusted and that I had a dangerous mind...Apparently my mind could do more than I thought possible. I had no intention of hurting him in any way but it just felt odd that he would let me be here, in his bedroom. I walked to the window and looked down at the garden. It was so beautiful. I was feeling very tired now but I was also very frightened of sleeping, so I stayed awake, as long as I could. When the sky started turning to purple, I dozed off. Minutes later, I heard Frankus stir. My body craved sleep but my mind was happy for the distraction.

"Good morning Pallas."

"Good morning."

"I didn't think you would stay all night," he said.

"I promised I would. I should probably leave you"' I smiled and stood to leave the room.

"Pallas, what are does?" He pointed to the patch of flowers in the corner.

"Forget-me-nots",I answered.

"How did they get here?"

"I accidentally made them?"

"What?"

"I was thinking that the place needed some flowers, pretty ones and I guess I just created them."

"You're a Psyker?",he asked surprised.

"You should undergo Psyker training."

"I-I don't know. I've never done this before. Maybe. I will think about it." I was slightly nervous so I turned to leave.

"Thank you Pallas, for the flowers and for staying."

He summoned a tray of food for breakfast. It looked delicious. I realized I hadn't eaten for a very long time. He asked me if I was hungry. I nodded and he invited me to eat. I thought he would eat too,, there was enough food for three people but he said he doesn't eat. Of course my mind immediately started working. I wondered why. I ate quietly and quickly, seeing as he wasn't going to eat. When I was done. I thanked him and he thanked me again for keeping watch over him all night.

"You're welcome. Don't forget to water the flowers," I added quickly and returned to my room in my own, too big and lonely Palace.

I sat on my bed, a little frightened of awaking with some sort of creature attacking me when I woke up. I considered getting the book again but I was not feeling very well so I lay down and summoned my spear and went to sleep. As soon as I felt myself get heavy, I startled awake too afraid to sleep. I might as well go to the library again. When I got there, Caleb was already there. How does he do this I wondered. Well, there was no harm in asking. He explained that he cuts his own crystals, like the elves do and he turns them, which bends light and sends him where he wants to go. It is similar to teleportation but elven. We talked for a while and then, all of a sudden, we heard a noise in the book shelves. Yarl had just happened to come in to the library when we saw the flashing light and heard the sound. Out of the shelves a familiar book popped out.

"No, no,no...don't touch it!"I warned. The eye on the book blinked at me and the book spoke. "Mistress."

Everyone looked from the book to myself. A sense of fear and apprehension engulfed me and as I tried to explain..

"The book, this book was gifted to me by Ps a very long time ago...when I let him out of Potatocis' sword. I never opened it, I barely even touched it."

I added hurriedly.

The book watched me with that one eye and sprouted long spider like legs and crawled toward me. A quiet whimper escaped me.

"Mistress, so you remember me. My master gave me to you and you just threw me away? How about your promise?" it said, it's eye peering into my soul. I was genuinely confused.

"What promise?"

With a flash of light, we were teleported to some sort of a bubbling swamp. When I looked around, I saw that Caleb and Yarl were also teleported with me. The book waited by some rocks next to the bubbling swamp.I quickly told everyone to get to dry land. Whenever we were in an odd looking environment, it was better to watch our surroundings and stay on the normal looking paths and not touch anything or let anything touch us. As we came out, the book started, how can I describe it? Skittering away is the best word for it. I was sweating and cold...Gods do I hate spiders, it's not natural. Too many legs, eyes and the mandibles. This one had only one eye and that was even more disconcerting. As it creeped, it explained that this was a recreation of Ps' home environment called "The Oasis." He explained what I had been told centuries ago about Potatocis destroying the ecosystem because he did not like what he saw and said that this attack was unprovoked. I did not know if this was the truth, I never asked but I kept an open mind. Caleb walked a step behind me and Yarl brought up the rear. I needed to talk to him without the book realizing I had dropped back. I looked at Caleb and started dropping back slowly, Caleb took my place and asked questions to the book. When I fell back to Yarl, I told him that we needed to contact Frankus and tell him what had happened. Yarl spoke softly in his time piece and then told me that he had been communicating with the Emperor the whole time.

"Good" I said.

The book turned to see me at the back and blinked with his scary eye. I stopped and crouched and I concentrated, wondering if I could distract the book from realizing I was talking to Yarl. He was the weakest link here and I really didn't want him to be in danger. Beside the path we had been walking, a small sapling started to grow from the gooey earth. The book scuttled over and I stepped back quickly and it started staring at the sapling.

"Thank you, Mistress, for the gift."

I quickly backed away and decided we had gone far enough. We should probably head back the way we had come. Perhaps we had missed a portal. The hairs on he back on my neck stood on end. The implications of what he was saying to me, standing by my sapling, that he was created by Ps, that he had secrets he wanted to share with me, if I would only open the book and read.I panicked and almost ran for the swamp we had arrived in. Instead, I took a step back and announced that I had forgotten something at the swamped. It must have fallen out of my pocket. In my mind, I could hear Frankus ask if we needed an exit. I said not now but he really wanted to pull us out, apparently, I was far too scared and that worried him. I said No again and ignored the message. Yarl was mumbling quickly into his watch. We walked back. The book announced that we should hurry up, scary things would wake up during night fall and it was best to be home inside by then. I had no intention of sleeping here.When we arrived at the swamp, I looked around. The book told me to hurry up. It wanted to see what I had dropped so I pulled an empty vial from my pocket and filled it with swamp water. The book scuttled forward again. He came entirely too close. In the swamp, a large bubble popped and a sickly smell filled the air and tentacles came out of the swamp. I summoned my spear and whimpered and that is when we were teleported back to the Palace.

When I realized we were back at the library, I put my spear down and saw Frankus standing there.

"Explain to me what happened?" I sat on the couch and tried to relax as I told him everything from the moment I heard the first scraping sound in the library. Frankus was not very happy to see Caleb and started arguing with him, wanting to know how he got in the library after he had blocked unwanted teleportation. I stopped paying attention and leaned my head back and closed my eyes. As was about to fall asleep when I startled awake. The men turned toward me looking worried. Frankus must have read my mind.

"Pallas! Why didn't you say something?"

I was confused as to what he meant. He probably only knew that I was very tired.

"I wanted to be sure...I ran some tests. I guess that potion that got spilled on me back in Erilea was some sort of potion to induce nightmares. I guess with a daughter of Athena, I create them, which explains the giant Spiders the other morning."

"Giant Spider? when is the last time you slept?"

"5 maybe 6 days ago? I don't remember."

"Go to sleep Pallas."

"Not before I find an antidote."

"You need to sleep." He came near me. " May I?"

I wasn't sure what he was going to do but I trusted him so I let him do whatever magic he thought would help. When he was done, he told me to go to sleep again. Caleb voiced his opinion. He thought that I needed Elvin potions to fix the problem. I, myself had no idea but I was scared and I was too tired to fight sleep anymore. I lay down on the couch.

"What if I create something horrible and it is let loose in the Palace?"

"I'll keep watch, Pallas." Frankus said. Caleb said he would also stay. At this point, I didn't care if I had an audience. I drifted off as Frankus summoned a blanket and covered me.

The dreams came rushing in angrily wanting to be released. I dreamt of Khorne chained on his throne as I had seen him when I got his essence a while ago, I dreamt of Ps being chained and weakened as Potatocis had described him to be. Then the spiders came and Pallas grabbed her spear and destroyed them as fast as they were created. I watched as all this horror unfolded, unable to help at all. Just too tired to function. Then monsters from my world started attacking. Empousai, some maenads, fire breathing lizard-like beast, then Kampê. They all attacked at one and Pallas was overwhelmed. She was injured in her side. The blood started dripping. I felt terrible pain in my side. Frankus appeared in my dream and started fighting the monsters until non were left. Pallas sat on the floor, Frankus approached and started healing the wound.

"Good job Pallas"

"I couldn't stop them all, some got away, I'm sorry."

"It's okay, Caleb and I got them..you can rest now."

"Thank you."

I slept for a few more hours with minimal monster fighting. When I awoke, both Frankus and Caleb were still with me in the library. They were ignoring each other. I tried to sit up, my side was still tender but I managed. I didn't feel well rested but my mind was clearer, sharper. I was incredibly embarrassed.

"I'm sorry about that." I muttered.

Caleb smiled and came closer. "It's alright, it was kinda fun."

I looked at him incredulous. he kinda chuckled. "So what are we going to do about this?"

I shrugged: "I don't know."

I looked at Frankus. He looked at me for a moment than said that I should take a dip in the River Styx to erase my memory, myself essentially and perhaps this potion's effects will subside by this cleanse. Caleb was against this idea. He said it would not work and he was concerned about the lasting effects on my personality and my memory. Frankus reassured us that he would return them to me promptly. I wondered how and why he had stored my memories new and old but I trusted him. This was dangerous and risky, I should have said no but I felt it was worth a try. Caleb angrily turned his crystal and disappeared. I painfully stood and Frankus came closer an cocked his head.

"What is wrong?"

"It still kinda hurts..."

"It does? I thought only the nymph got hurt."

"I am the nymph...I am also the daughter of Athena. Two parts of a whole. Whatever happens to one part, happens to the other."

"Oh.." he quickly busied himself healing my side.

I looked at him and smiled softly. "Thank you."

He then took my hand. His touch made my stomach tingle. likely all that power, I told myself. He asked if I was ready. I nodded and he teleported us to the Underworld next to the River Lethe. I had been here before. Potatocis had returned my memory of being there. I was dreading the vulnerability. the possible embarrassment of what I could do as my memory was erased. I did not voice my concerns, I looked at Frankus and stepped into the River. I stood there for a moment, confusion increasing, turning into panic and fear. I looked around as the water ran around me. This very large man in damaged golden armor stood on the River bank looking at me, I did not know who he was or what he wanted but I was scared. He extended his hand toward me.

"Pallas, take my hand. It is time to come out."

I shook my head. I liked water. Water is nice, always in motion. It as a story to tell.

"Please Pallas, just take my hand and come out."

"Why?I like the water."

He smiled a little. " I know but I want to restore your memories."

"My memories are missing?" I asked. I started thinking trying to remember anything other than liking water. Perhaps my name, where I came from, how I got here? Anything really. When I came up empty, I panicked and grabbed his hand and jumped out of the River. Immediately my memories started flooding back to me. The fear was replaced with the memories,the confusion, the loneliness, the pain. I let go of his hand and thanked him for restoring me.

"Pallas, are you alright?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Do you think it worked?"

"I don't know."

"Okay, well, we should head back. You should rest so we can see if it worked."

I nodded and he teleported us back to my room. I was kinda scared of going to sleep. I guess Frankus sensed it, he offered to stay the night.

"I couldn't keep you...you ave so much work to do..."

"It's fine Pallas, I'll just copy myself so I can do both."

"I didn't know you could do that," I knew I was mumbling but I was too nervous to sleep, or so I thought. As my head touched the pillow, I fell asleep.

When I awoke the next morning, Frankus was sitting in his chair with a pile of paperwork next to him. I had a dull ache in my head, probably from sleeping too much or a side effect of the River Lethe, or even getting my memory restored. I assumed it was normal. Frankus looked up.

" Um, it went well, right?" I asked cautiously.

He smiled at me. " All good Pallas. How are you feeling?"

"I'm good."

"If you'll excuse me, I need to get back to work."

I stood and walked over to him. "Of course, thank you Emperor for staying the night."

"Please Pallas, call me Frankus and you're welcome."

With that, he disappeared. I sighed and returned to sit on my bed. I cautiously called for Potatocis, hoping I could speak to his hologram. When he appeared, I asked him if there were recordings of our conversations or of events that transpired in the palace. He said that it was stored in his memory banks. I thanked him for the information. Before he could leave, I decided I should apologize, even though he was not the real Potatocis.

"Potatocis, I am sorry."

"What for Pallas?"

"I couldn't save you, I was not strong enough. I tried and I couldn't do it."

"My maker was born to do this, to die to protect the Republic from Chaos. He accomplished his purpose."

I was a little embarrassed and a little sad that I felt the need to apologize to a hologram but I continue.

"I'm sorry that you thought I had betrayed you, I would have thought the same thing. I was naive and cocky and I almost ruined everything. I am very sorry."

In his usual manner, he looked at me and went with the blunt and direct answer. "Yes, you were foolish and you almost caused chaos to take over but you are repentant so my maker and myself forgive you."

I was slightly hurt and irritated by his answer but what did I expect. I answered with the same tone and bluntness as he had forgiven me.

"That will be all."

And he also disappeared, leaving me alone in my room. Well, perhaps it was time for a dip. I went to the pool and sat with my feet in the water. Minutes later, Caleb appeared by the pool and sat with me. He asked me about my little dip in the River Lethe. He wanted to know if I was okay, if all my memories have returned and if Frankus's solution had worked. I told him that I had an uneventful night and from what I know, I all my memories were restored. We started talking about the things we had in common. We were both demigods. I was a daughter of Athena, he was a son of Thanatos. He asked me why I did not have demigod children. I was taken aback by that question. It had never occurred to me that it would be an option. My mother was a virgin goddess and I was simply too busy, for hundreds of years, trying to outsmart the greatest mastermind the worlds have ever seen. I just assumed I would be alone forever. I never desired a relationship, I had no time for the messiness that was dating. Humans were too self important and gods were even worse. I did get along well with Hermes but I never saw him like that. I wondered why Caleb asked me this question. I also wondered why he made it his business to supervise Frankus and the Republic. The Gods had no idea this place even existed. We had nothing to do with his Universe. Why the constant interest? Then it came to me. Yeah, I probably should have picked up on it earlier but my mind is usually busy analysing tactical scenarios, it had never occurred to me that, perhaps, he wanted to get to know me, for some reason.

With that realisation, I started relaxing a little and I spoke more openly, as if I was speaking to Hermes. I smiled and got more comfortable as my headache started changing from dull to throbbing but I could still handle it. Caleb told me that he was also half elf and that the elves had shunned him because he was different, a demigod. Most people feared him because of his godly parentage but there was nothing to bear. Even death had his reasons and apparently was capable of love because his son sat next to me.That seemed ridiculous to me and I told him so. I had noticed that he was a handsome young man with pointy ears, his social skills were impressive and he was a very kind half blood. He had been on great many quests. I told him that that was another reason I didn't want any demigod children. I had been there, mother's tool, do what she want or suffer the consequences. Most quests were basically a meeting with death that some were able to avoid. I could never do that to my children, use them as tools. I did my own quests and suffered the consequences.

My headache was still increasing when Frankus appeared near us.

"How did you get here?"

"Shadow travel," Caleb answered. Great, more of the fighting, I thought to myself. I wasn't in the mood for fighting so I tried to divert their attention.

"Can I help you with anything, Emperor?

"Umm, no,"he said as he watched Caleb.

Caleb nonchalantly added,"Your plan, the dip in the River Lethe, that was dangerous and a dumb plan, Franky. I had a better, much less dangerous way to take care of the problem."

When Caleb called the Emperor Franky, I could see anger flash in his eye. Before anyone got hurt, I quickly asked Caleb to leave. He was not very happy about my request but he left without another word. Once he was gone, Frankus brought his arm out from behind him and asked what I thought of his new golden hand.

He transported us to the pocket reality again and our two chairs were still there. I sat, still a bit surprised at the sight, assuming it was a glove, I just said very nice. He then explained that this was, in fact, his "new hand." This golden appendage gave him power of reality, not a glove. He could shape it and mold it as he desired. This was concerning to me because I thought that no one should have power over reality. It felt like too much but he seemed so happy and expectant that I repeated that it was very nice. My head was absolutely throbbing but again, I tried to ignore it and the Emperor made an odd request.

"Pallas? Can I see the nymph again?"

I hesitated uncertain he understood that he was actually talking to me, no matter how many bodies I separated into so I explained once again.

"Okay," he replied. "Can I see you once again?" He asked again.

At this point, the noise in my head was almost unbearable. The Emperor wished to speak to the nymph part of me for some reason so I pushed all the pain and noise into Mia and separated. Pallas smiled as she stepped out. Mia's eyes closed against the pain.I tried to listen over the noise.

"Hello Pallas."

"Hi. What can I do for you?"

"You're a little bluish, aren't you?"

"I guess so. Did you just want to see me like this, I asked?"

"Yes and no. You seem a little different than the daughter of Athena part of you."

"I have the qualities of a half naiad and she, I, let's call me Mia, has the qualities of the daughter of Athena. That one is the brains, she keeps me around cause I'm pretty." I kidded

"Hmmm, interesting." Mia's head plopped onto his shoulder as she fainted from the pain.

"Pallas? Everything alright?" I hesitated not wanting to go against my own wishes but I remembered the pain and I did not want o go back to it.I can berate myself

later.

"Mia doesn't want me to say anything but I don't want to go back. She took the pain and the loud whispers upon herself so that we could talk."

"What do you mean Pallas?" A look of concern and perhaps a small spark of anger crossed his face.

"This morning, I had a dull headache, I thought that it was a side effect of the River Lethe. Then the headache got worse and the whispers began. I think I need help." I aid looking a little sad."I should go back, it is not fair that she takes all this upon herself."

I walked over to Mia and placed a hand on my shoulder and returned to being one. I stirred lightly but my strength was not enough to rouse myself. Frankus shifted and touched me with his golden hand and the noise and pain started quieting slowly. I woke up and realised I was leaning against Frankus' shoulder pad. I was a little embarrassed but I was not quite ready to move so I stayed there for a moment. When I lifted my head from his shoulder, I was feeling much better. I tried for a shy smile.

"I'm sorry about that."

"You should tell me when you are not feeling well, I an help."

"I know, I just don't want to be a burden. I'm sorry. I can't understand why you are so kind to me after everything I have done...Your father, I wish I could have showed him how sorry I am. He probably told you about everything I have done. And yet, you still are kind to me and help me?"

"Pallas, my father trusted you. He forgave you. Yes, I know what happened but if he forgave you and you are repentant, I forgive you."

"Thank you." I looked at my hands a little embarrassed.

We were silent for a while, just sitting there quiet.

"I miss my father Pallas." He said mournfully.

I looked over at him, he seemed so small, hurt. I reached over and hugged him and whispered: "I know, I'm sorry. I couldn't save him. I wish I could have brought him home to you."

He accepted my hug and hugged me back. The familiar tingle rose up in me:"It's not your fault Pallas. You did everything you could."

"I could have done more. I can do more." I thought of the hologram of Potatocis. " I may be able to get a message to him. Hermes can deliver the message. Tell me what you would want to tell him and what questions you would like to ask. I will send the message to your father and get you an answer. I promise."

We sat back down, side by side and he told me that he wanted to ask his father if he was proud of him. "Tell him that I miss him, that I don't know how to do this. I'm not ready. I wish he was still here. I'm sorry I am so weak," he finished.

"Frankus, you are not weak. You are strong. I believe in you. I will send your message and hopefully have an answer by tomorrow."

"Thank you, Pallas. You should rest."

I smiled and he teleported me back to my room. The night had fallen. I sat on my bed and summoned Potatocis. He answered and I wrote down the answer as he spoke. He was just as awkward as the real Potatocis would have been when faced with this discussion. When I was done writing, I placed the envelop by my bed. I looked out the window at the garden.It was getting late. I was tired but I had to do something. I returned to the laboratory and sat at a chair. There wasn't much I could do but maybe I could make him smile the next time he came to the laboratory to work. I created 3 tulips, one white and one blue. I set the golden one between the 2. I placed them in a beaker and left them on the worktable. I returned to my room to try to sleep but was unsuccessful. I grabbed my spear and teleported to the garden and practised with my spear for a while. I hadn't trained in a while. It was nice just letting go and moving quickly. I often felt like I was stuck in slow motion but I knew I could do more, be more. Training always helped me focus.

I sat on a bench and watched the full moon rise. I was lonely and sad today. A little company could help. I started thinking of a low maintenance friend that I could pass my alone time with. Soon, a cat jumped up on my lap and laid down. I had created a cat. I smiled as I pet it. Cuddles would be it's name. A beautiful orange cat. I loved him already. Cuddles and I returned to my room and we finally went to sleep.The next morning, I awoke and smiled. My feet were warm and when I moved, the cat purr. I smiled. Well, it was time to get going. I stretched and adjusted my height. I started doing that long ago with Potatocis. I didn't want him to look down on me...I already felt inferior so I would adjust my height every morning, since I became a goddess, so we could me more like equals. I continued to do so with Frankus. When I would see different people, I would adjust to their approximate height. I barely even thought about it anymore, it just kinda happened.

I called for Hermes to deliver the letter to Frankus. I hoped it would bring him comfort. I wish there was more I could do to help. I keep falling short and I need him more than he needs me, I thought sadly. I felt inadequate an unworthy of the title of Adviser. I decided to return to the library. I needed to find something productive to do ...the more knowledge I could gain, the better I could advise the Emperor, if need be. I entered the library and went to the water feature in the centre and let the water run over my fingers.I felt more confident, ready for the day. I moved to the third floor of the library and picked up a book on the history of Ps and the war with Potatocis, I also took a book on the history of the Republic. I settled down in a chair and began my research on Ps, hoping to find something about the book. I read for a very long time until Frankus arrived. He seemed...happy. I truly hoped it was because of Potatocis' response to his message. I smiled and came to meet him.

"Good morning Emperor."

"Good morning Pallas...and you can call me Frankus."

I smiled. "Very well. How can I help you Frankus?" I smiled.

"Oh..umm... no. It's ok. I just wanted to tell you that I spoke with my Father. Aelin and an angel summoned him." he smiled.

" They-they did? I mean...you did?" I felt so many emotions all at once, I didn't know which one was appropriate. I felt happiness because Frankus got to see his father, one last time...that was a blessing. I also felt sadness because my gift would be meaningless...again, I have failed. I also felt jealousy and anger. I should be the one to make him happy, to give him what he needs. I also felt confusion. Frankus had met an angel and this angel had accepted to let him see his father. Resentment was quick on the heals of confusion. Why couldn't I get to see Pallas...the one parent who had ever loved me? I pushed all of it back and smile.

"That is wonderful. I am so happy for you." I did not lie, I meant it with all my heart...I just wished I was the one to make him happy. This thought surprised me. Something had changed,I wasn't feeling this familiar loneliness that I had felt since I had left the Lake, my life source. I kinda felt like I belonged and I didn't have to keep searching. Searching for what? I could not say but in that moment, I smiled. An awkward moment passed and he asked me to join him at the lab. We both went there. Once we got there there, he seemed thought full, he then asked me the most curious question I have ever heard in my entire life. I am quite old so that is saying a lot.

"Pallas? Do you think I should make an heir?"

My first thought was: Excuse me? but then I understood that he was worried about the Republic. He wanted someone to take his place if he died. He would create an heir like his father had created him.

"No, I think you should wait."

"What would I be waiting for? I could just go to the lab and make one right now..."

"You should wait, maybe you will find someone, some day, and you can have an heir the traditional way."

"I was not made the traditional way. I don't even know if that is possible."

"Well, if ever you are in a hurry to create an heir, you an make one then but for now, I think you should wait."

"Ok." He seemed very worried again.

"What is it Frankus?" I stepped closer, concerned.

"I-I have some essence of Ps in me..."

"What?!" I exclaimed. "How can this be?" My mind started working on a solution, there had to be some way. He didn't have to die. I went to up to him and hugged him. Then I sat in front of some equipment and starting some analysis trying to figure out how science could help.

"Pallas, what are you doing?"

"I can fix this. I think I know what to do. Don't worry Frankus, I know I can fix this."

I started working on mixing different ingredients until I came up with a purple mixture.

"Mia!! Stop! What are you doing?"

"I can make a smaller weaker version of Ps and move the essence into it. Keep it prisoner until we can dispose of the essence, just so it's not in you. You don't have to die."

"You don't have to do this." He looked sad again. "Please don't do this." I stopped and looked at him.

"You are right. I have a better solution." I put aside my mixture, put it into an empty vial and placed it in the duat, where it would be safe. Then, I pulled out a ball of clay and set to work.

" I will trap the essence into a shabti and then destroy it. Shabti are notoriously easy to destroy. This will work."When I finished creating a miniature version of Ps, I asked Frankus to try to move the essence to the Ps clay statue. When he started moving it, the shabti started to squirm and shriek without any magic used to activate it. Frankus immediately stopped the transfer as I knocked my chair over moving away from the creature and bumped into Frankus. I was terrified when It said:" You promised, you betrayed me."

Frankus destroyed the shabti, which fell to dust on the counter. He then made the dust disappear.

"It's ok. It's gone now."

"I'm so sorry Frankus. Give me a little bit of time. We have some time, right? I will find a solution. I promise."

"I hope so Pallas. Let's get out of here. It is enough for today."

He took us to the swimming pool. I sat with him my feet in the pool. He removed his armour, I had never seen him or his father without their armour off. He was wearing a brown shirt and shorts. I looked away quickly. We talked about his visit with his father, we talked about his father. I asked what it was like to have Potatocis as a father. He told me that his father liked to take him to discover new planets but he was mostly confined to the Palace with Empress Samirah, who he called mom. I remembered the Empress and Potatocis. It felt like they were meant for each other. I smiled as I looked over at him,imagining him as a boy going on a quest with his dad. I started feeling awkward. The silence between us deepened. Pallas wanted to be impulsive, do a stupid thing which would get us in trouble. Impulsively, I said:" Shut up Pallas."

Frankus looked a little surprised, he smirked and asked : "what is it? What is she saying?"

"It's a stupid idea, it's nothing."

"Really? What is it?"

"I- she- she wants to push you into the pool.I would never."

I looked away sheepishly.

"Then let her out...let her do it."

I was so surprised by his words that I lost control and Pallas jumped on the opportunity. Normally, Frankus would be way too heavy to move but I found that he was very light. He wanted this. I pushed him in and he grabbed me around the waist and pulled me in with him. I laughed as we started sinking into the water .When I looked into his eyes again,I felt it. He kissed me and I kissed him back and all was right. My life, every day of my life was leading me to this moment., a moment I would never forget. We stayed in the water for a long time, in each others arms. I kissed him again. He asked:

"which one loves me more?"

"We both love you...but I love you more.Which part of me do you love most?" I asked

"I love all of you Pallas."

We kissed again. Eventually, we fell asleep.

The next morning, we woke up, still in the pool. I adjusted my height again, slightly embarrassed for being so small.

"Good morning Pallas", he smiled.

"Good morning Frankus."

" I have to get to work."

"Of course," I answered.

"Aelin will be dropping by. She needs access to the library. I would like you to supervise and let her look around but don't let her take anything and don't show her the secrets the library contains."

"Okay."

Frankus turned to leave.

"I'll meet you back here tonight."

"I will be here."

He disappeared.

Smiling, I teleported to the library and ran my fingers through the water. I wondered when exactly Aelin would come. I sat on my couch and the cat came to sit on my lap again. I pet him for a little while then stood. I needed books on how to safely remove the essence of a chaos creature from a perpetual. There wasn't much but the little I found, I could probably build on that. I wrote it in my journal trying to piece it together when Yarl announced the arrival of Aelin and Yasmine.

When they entered the library, I asked Aelin what it was she was looking for. She told me that she wasn't sure. I thought to myself that this would be a problem because I was certainly not going to let her just look around at whatever she wanted.

"Then. tell me what brings you here?"

" I heard about the giant spider attack."

"You did?" i asked curious. Only Frankus or Caleb could have told her, unless...unless she was reading my mind.

"Yes. i have been looking for this book, well, it's more than a book, it is a Valg Prince who can change into a powerful book of magic and is associated with spiders seeing as he can create your worst nightmares. When i heard of the giant spiders, I started thinking that this book is hiding in your library."

I did not tell her that I had created those spiders from nightmares. She wanted to find an evil magic book and my orders were to help in any way possible. At this point and time, Caleb also arrived.

" Hello, well, I guess this is a party then. We are looking for a book and we must find it to what? destroy it?"

"Yes," Aelin answered.

"Very well, where do we need to go?"

Caleb cast a scrying spell and found the location to the Valg Prince with the help of Aelin. Aelin opened a portal to another world using blood magic.

"Aelin! What are you doing? Blood magic is not allowed in the Republic!"

She shrugged and jumped through. Yasmine followed then I did and finally Caleb came through. When we were all through, the portal shut down. As soon as it closed, I started feeling weak and unstable. This world was a desert world with barely any water at all. my mouth dried up instantaneously. I felt terrible but I tried to hide it.

"Where is the book? How do we find it?"I said.

" I am the son of Thanatos, I an sense evil and evil is this way." Caleb started walking through the dessert. I fell behind feeling dry and slow. I did not enjoy feeling this weak. The vials from Lake Tritonis were not enough to sustain the naiad in me. Caleb directed Aelin and Yasmine on where to go and he slowed his pace until he walked beside me.

"Everything alright?"

"Sure."

" You don't have to lie to me. I can tell that you are not okay.I'll be fine...it's just...dry. Why are we stopping?"

"Aelin cannot teleport but it would be faster for us to just get to the city because the book is there. You see it right over there. She wants to borrow a dragon."

"Borrow a...oh..."

Caleb looked at me concerned.

" I can just fly her there.."

"You can fly?"

Shadows swirled around him as black leathery wings were revealed. I looked at him, surprised.

"You have wings?"

"Yeah...I don't like to show them, most people are afraid when they see them."

"Afraid? Your wings are amazing Caleb, you should not try to hide them."

He blushed slightly. We had been walking for quite a while and the sun was staring to go down. Frankus appeared next to us.

"Emperor? Is there anything we can help you with?"

I asked slightly self conscious. Caleb harrumphed and hid his wings in shadows. He walked over to Yasmine and Aelin and they found an good area to set up camp for the night. Frankus smiled.

"Actually, I was kinda bored and thought I might join you on your quest. I have not had an adventure such as this in a long time."

We walked over to the others.

Frankus stated:" You want to set up camp here or in the city? I can teleport us all there."

Caleb looked like he was going to refuse but Aelin and Yasmine thought it was a good idea. We were teleported just outside the city. I was trying to hide my issues with the dessert but I didn't want anyone to know my weakness. I sat on the ground. Frankus summoned a chair for me and him and some supplies for each other. Quietly, he asked: " Pallas? Are you oayk?"

"Yes, I'll be fine. It's just...very dry here."

As soon as the words left my lips, a fountain appeared in the middle of our camp. I stood and sat on the stone. I put my hands in the water and felt better immediately but this was not water from the lake Tritonis. We sat quietly as the others fell asleep. Frankus asked:

"Do you want to go on our date?"

"They will know if we leave, they cannot know about..."

"One of you can stay here and the other can come with me, back home."

I looked at him and longed to be with him. The nymph in me would feel so much better if she wan't in the dessert. I proceeded to separate.

"Can you teleport me? I-I can't. "

Frankus created a nice bed for Mia and said good night as she went to bed. He then teleported us to the pool. I instantly felt better. I smiled and wrapped my arms around Frankus' neck.

"I thought I was going to miss this. I hope no one notices."

"You are not gone...you're attention is divided."

"True." I smiled and kissed him.

" I have something for you," he said happily.

"You do?" I smiled back.

"Yes." A suit of armour appeared and he asked me to try it on. He turned as I changed and explained that it was meant to look as I wished it too, although, when I put it on, it looked like white fitting body armour. I felt slightly self conscious wearing it but when he turned, I could tell that he liked it.

"You just have to umm..." he reached for me and pressed a button. "It looks like the toga you usually wear now...no one will be the wiser and you are well protected."

I thanked him and smiled. He then turned on a function which was the most caring and thoughtful thing I had ever experience, tears threatened to escape my eyes as the feeling of cool water made me sigh of contentment and happiness. He asked me if I wanted to go to the pocket reality for privacy. I did. He then informed me that he had linked the pocket to the pool and if I ever wanted to go there and he wasn't around, I could just jump into the pool and swim to the bottom until I reached the pocket reality. We jumped in together and kissed on the way down. I had never in my hundreds of years, thought that one day, I would find someone who would make me feel this way. I never even thought it was possible for me to feel this way but now that I knew I could, I never wanted it to end.

When we arrived at the pocket reality, it looked different, more like a room with walls than a void with a couple chairs. He created a comfortable couch. We sat and talked for so long, I lost track of time and fell asleep, my head resting on his shoulder. We slept there all night. I was woken by a kiss on my forehead.

"Good morning Pallas."

"Good morning Frankus," I replied groggily. It was the first time I had referred to him by his name without using his tile. I blushed, he smiled. I was not looking forward to returning to the desert. Frankus seemed to read my mind.

"There is no hurry. you are still there and we can spend more time together. What do you want to do?"

"The water was evaporating in the desert heat, We should probably head to the Lake and get more water."

"Okay, Also, I don't think we should tell anyone about...well..us. It would be safer if no one knew."

I felt a little hurt and but I understood. We teleported to the Lake where I took another vial of water and filled it. Frankus stood watching, he seemed a little rigid.

"No need to worry, no one knows you here, we can relax Frankus. It's just you and I and the Lake."

"It is nice here. What do you want to do?"

"I..I'm not sure..."

"We can do whatever you want, love."

My heart skipped a beat at the word. I was feeling like a teenage girl who had just met her idol walking down the streets of New York, and he had actually waved hello.I was so embarrassed, I called for a duel...just for fun. Frankus was a little surprised. I liked to keep him guessing. Mia was so predictable but she was not here to hold me back.

"I don't want to hurt you, Pallas." He answered.

"You won't we'll make it a bit more fair. No magic, just a friendly match. You versus me, sword, vs spear. Perhaps you could make yourself lighter and well, shorter." I smiled.

"Alright." He did as requested. When he became my size, I quickly kissed him and we both backed away. I was grinning. I was likely going to loose but the excitement was overwhelming. I summoned my spear and he drew his sword. It was odd seeing him so small. I was so happy in that moment.

*************************************************

Back in the desert, I awoke and walked up to the fountain. Caleb was sitting there, I sat next to him.

"Go to sleep, I will take watch."

"It's fine, I can stay up."

"I can't sleep. Go ahead."

Caleb walk over to a bed roll provided by Frankus and lay down. he wrapped his black leathery wings around him and fell asleep. When I heard him snoring, I stood and walked away from the camp, searching for this evil book. I walked until the sun rose. I finally saw a darkness surrounding a building. This had to be the place. I walked in and went up to the highest level. When the elevator doors opened, a large, white, shiny room stood there with a wall of glass windows behind it. In the middle of the room, stood a table with a large leather bound book on it. Is started glowing.

*************************************************

He made it clear he wanted me to attack first. I was a little nervous but mostly excited. I smiled broadly and ran toward him. I feigned to the left, he turned slightly and I jumped straight up in the air, he swiped at me, his weapon hitting my spear tip. I landed behind him and held my spear to the back of his head. I was so surprised I had scored a point. He turned and mentioned how fast I was. I felt a little bit of pride. I asked if he wanted to go again, he said yes. This time, we would start closer. we got in position. Our weapons clanged together, neither of us clearly wining, we were just enjoying the training. I got his arm to go wide and snuck in a kiss, knowing his weapon would swing back. I knew I could block him but my weapon suddenly disappeared. His sword hit me in the side. The pain was instantaneous but I was more worried about the whereabouts of my spear. Frankus apologize profusely. He started healing me.

"It's okay Frankus. We have to get back."

"What? Why?"

"I summoned my spear to the desert. It must have been important...I'm the fighter, she would never...she knows better...it must be an emergency."

Frankus teleported us to Mia. We were met with the sight of a glowing book and a two giant spiders attacking Mia. She was fighting them off with my spear. I ran to myself, pain still fresh in my side and took over the fight. I felt Mia cower in fear. Frankus joined the fight and destroyed a giant spider. The book changed into a man who laughed and disappeared. I finally slew the last spider.

When it was over, we returned to the lower level where our small group had gathered. I told them what had happened. Aelin seemed upset that I had gone after him alone. We started walking down the street, Frankus and I talking formally. Caleb watched us...I felt like we were doing a poor job of hiding our recent relationship. In the suddenness of the events, I had omitted to press the button for the water function on my armour. Frankus started the function. I felt a little better but I wasn't ready to explain about the water of Lake Tritonis being my life source. I desperately wanted to crumble in his arms as we walked through the dessert but instead, we spoke of this book.

"Do you think it is a threat to the Republic? That this new book/person will feed the chaos gods?" I asked, concerned.

"Pallas, there are no more chaos gods..."

"What? what do you mean? I saw Khorne with my own eyes, they are restrained but they are still here. " I tried to make it sound like a statement but it came out as a question,

"I destroyed them, we don't have to worry about them anymore. This golden hand, it controls reality, the chaos gods are no longer necessary."

My jaw dropped as my mind raced thinking of all the implications to the destruction of the chaos gods. Fear crept into me.

"How? There needs to be chaos, balance the good and the bad...what happens to the strong negative emotions now? Who will keep the balance? This is dangerous, we knew these gods, what if knew ones are created. How..how do we keep the balance between the good and the bad?"

Frankus frowned. "They weren't necessary anymore, I got what I needed from them and showed them mercy by destroying them instead of rotting on a throne forever. I don't know what happens with that negative energy.I guess..I guess I absorb it."

I stopped walking and looked at him in disbelief. " Oh no..Fr..Emperor...that...that's not...it's not going to work. We need chaos gods to balance the good and the bad."

He stopped beside me as the others kept walking. " Pallas, we can do this together. You, just keep an eye on me and stop me from turning. Or we could be the chaos gods, you and I. It doesn't mean we have to be evil. We can still be good."

His answer ran through my mind. I saw myself. with Frankus, sitting on our thrones, held there in chains, snarling wanting to be free to destroy the Republic. The risk was too great, he couldn't take all this responsibility alone and I didn't want to be a chaos god. I just wanted to be Mia Pallas, daughter of Athena and Pallas, supporting the man she loved. I was both angry and alarmed.

"I don't want to be a chaos god Frankus...there has to be another solution. "

"It'll be alright Pallas, calm down. We'll be okay. We can do this."

I panicked, I had to do something. Caleb had noticed that we had stopped and he started walking back. I would not be a chaos god and I would not let Frankus be one either. There was a solution. I knew there had to be one...then it came to me. I had to be quick. If Frankus or Caleb realized, they would stop me. I stalked off to a nearby dune and found a large rock, I leaned against it and reached into the duat. I pulled out a vial of purple liquid. I would have to concentrate, use the potion and my own creation powers to pull this off. I could hear Frankus and Caleb arguing, this would give me enough time. I took a deep breath and focused, thinking about the image of Khorne on his throne. The sand in front of me started swirling. I poured the purple potion onto myself. My head instantly started aching like never before, the screeching in my head threatened to break my focus. I needed to create this chaos god. Four of them, I thought. The noise ramped up, I almost fainted from the pain. OK two, then two more. Frankus arrived running quickly toward me,he caught me before I fell from the effort. Caleb arrived seconds later as dark shapes started to take form.

Frankus realized what was happening. He held me and created a large, think wall around us. Creatures started forming from my subconscious and being sent out into the world. The enclosure was finally completely sealed. He held me close and hugged me as I struggled to create chaos gods.

"Pallas! No, don't do this, you don't have to do this. We can be the gods, we don't need evil chaos gods."

As I kept working, focusing my energy on creating the gods. I could hear battle outside our enclosure. I could not properly answer and create these chaos gods at the same time. I whispered:" I don't want to be a chaos god, I don't want us to be chaos gods."

In front of us appeared two small gods resembling Khorn but so much smaller. They were chained to small thrones. They seemed a little confused and scared. I did not expect to see fear in chaos gods. I looked at Frankus and said:" I did it, now we can be good..."

And I fainted. Eventually, I drifted into sleep, nightmares began plaguing me. As a demigod, I already had experience with prophetic nightmares but these came so fast and strong...the fear was overpowering. I could not understand half the images that I saw. I was confused and scared. I knew what I had done, I remembered. I was so upset. I had failed in creating four. I had only made two and they were so small, I didn't know if it was enough but what if? What if ? These new creations, they had no souls, or so I hoped. They had no free will...they were created to do my bidding and they had to be replacement chaos gods...but I had not bound them...they were not shatbis...could I even bind them. I was getting very agitated when Frankus appeared in my dream.

I thought for sure something horrific was about to happen. I sobbed and rocked, sitting on the cold concrete ground of my own mental cage. I had done a horrible thing and now I had to pay. I couldn't think straight, I was pure terror. I had to stop, I was feeding the chaos gods...no, there were no chaos gods. Wait, no, I made 2 chaos gods. I MADE CHAOS gods. I rocked faster as tears ran down my face. I was the creator of the chaos gods, their mother. A whimper escaped me. How is this better? I can't undo it? I can't make more but I need to help Frankus, he can't be alone to balance good and evil. I don't want to be a chaos god. I want to be me, Mia Pallas, daughter of Pallas and Athena, goddess of Peace. I just want peace!!

Someone touched my shoulder. It was Frankus...he was really here. I looked into his eyes and saw the same look my mother always gave me. the one that said why would you do such a thing? I thought you were smarter than this. I looked away in shame, head down holding myself as I cried. He sat next to me and wrapped his arms around me. I leaned against him.

"It'll be okay Pallas."

I shook my head. "I created chaos gods. I made chaos gods. I-I'm so sorry."

Written by: Mia Pallas