Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I never knew why I was even part of this mess.

I had no clue where I was, when I was, or how the hell I am surviving.

My day started like any other, getting up and going to work like always. I was just wanting an evening of relaxation afterward, hoping that my shift would go by fast, and I would be able to go home and sleep with a couple of beers.

But…no.

Instead, I woke up in a green forest with nothing but a plain tunic and itchy trousers. I had no clue where I was nor how I got here in the first place. My phone was gone, my clothes were nowhere to be found, and I wasn’t in my bed.

Then, I get to a very messy and shattered town, and I get put in chains and yanked onto a ship by tan men with nothing but robes on. The ones who caught me, or more accurately yanked me into the ground, wore some bronze armor with swords.

And to top it all off, when I tried to ask for information, they spat at me and pushed me into the cell of the ship, some looking at me with a look I wouldn’t put on a woman. It made me self-aware of how small and weak I was compared to them, and I decided to keep my mouth shut.

As I sat in odd-smelling hay, I looked around. I saw barrels with moss covering their sides, a couple of frail men, and two women who looked less than pleased to see me in the same cell as me. One of them looked at me with pity while the other was glaring at me.

Compared to my palish skin tone, they all were tan as if they lived many months in the summer. The men spoke in hushed tones and none of them were pleasant. I pushed my knees up to my chest, looking around away from the people within the cell.

All of us were chained and I was a little bored, taking a stand to circulate the blood in my legs. I couldn’t move around the cell, seeing I was chained to the hull of the ship.

At my standing, one of the women looked up at me, the pissed-off one. She began speaking, but whatever words came out of her mouth were foreign to my ears.

“How about this, can you tell me where the hell I am,” I asked, trying not to show my frustration. “I need to get home.”

Not really, but still. At my words, the whole cell looked at me with surprise and suddenly, the women seemed less than pleased to look at me. I sat back down with a huff, hoping I didn’t just piss them off enough to choke me in my sleep. I wasn’t trying to be rude.

But their language only made me more confused. Where the hell was I?

Suddenly, as soon as I sat down, the ship lurched to a stop, causing me to stumble at the sudden movement. The door leading up to the deck opened and the same men who threw me to the ground came in, shouting out in a different language I couldn’t decipher.

One of the turned to me as I stood up, coming over to pull off the chain to the ship’s hull and grabbing my forearm in the process. And shit, his grip hurt. After a few minutes of standing and listening to the two bronze-armored men talking in their language, they pulled me up to the deck.

The sun shone brightly on my face, and I scrunched my eyes, trying not to blind myself to the hot rays. For once, I was happy not to be wearing my sweater now. But the last time I remembered, it was December, the coldest month of the year. Wherever I was, it had to be July.

On the deck, I saw we were in a port, on a ship with a sail of a shield and lion roaring on it, red strips raking through the fabric. The men pulled me along, switching with more bronze-armored men to what I assume retrieve the others from under the deck. I was basically forced to keep walking, my feet bare as we went down a plank towards a makeshift stage. I nearly gagged at the rancid stench of rotting fish and body odor as we moved.

It took a moment for me to realize what the stage was and the crowd that was in front of it, shouting from a man in green robes I recognized as the man who took me to the ship with the men holding me. I saw what I assumed was money being handed to him as he gestured to the ship and held fingers up as if to count.

Shit, was I going to be sold as a slave?

Where the hell was I?! What the hell kind of place was I in?!

I was too in shock to fight or struggle as I was put on the stage, the shouting reduced to only the man taking money. He was shouting with fingers pointed up, from one, then two, then three. I was scared out of my fucking mind.

I wanted to go home.

I didn’t want to be here. I felt like I was going to cry, being stared at like a caged animal. But I held in hope. The chains were only on my wrists, I guess because they thought I wouldn’t run.

Well, fuck them. I was going to take my chances because I’m NOT going to be sold as a slave in whatever country I was in. The man kept shouting, his fingers counting as the people I was within the cell came up on the stage.

I looked around, seeing that the bronze-armored men were only lining the front of the stage. And a chance to run.

To my left, away from the port and towards the deeper part of the port’s town, I saw barrels lining up with crates towards the roof of a house connected to more houses. If I could run fast enough…

An eagle’s call caught my attention and I looked up, seeing an eagle flying in circles above the crowd. I didn’t know why, but I felt a familiar pull to it. Before I could dwell on it though, a man in the crowd raised his hand with what looked to be a bag of coins. And he pointed at me.

Shit. Shit, shit, shit! Fuck that.

I waited until the two men in bronze armor in front of me were going around to the other side of the stage to retrieve me before I bolted. I turned my back and ran as fast as I could towards the stack of barrels and crates. I heaved myself onto each barrel, the chains weighing me down on my wrists.

I heard shouting and heard the men giving chase, but as soon as I got to the roof of the house, I turned, kicking the crate I had just gotten off enough to leave it dropping. It must have not been piled as stable as it was because I heard crashing as I turned and continued running, the heat of the sun baring down on me as I ran on the roof tiling.

I didn’t know where I was going but damnit I was going somewhere! I wasn’t going to be a slave of some sort. As I reached the last house attached, I stopped, looking around for another way out. Again, the eagle called over me, but I ignored it, seeing the carriage being pulled by a donkey with a farmer leading it.

Internally apologizing to the donkey for the added weight, I jumped, landing on the pile of straw and soft hay. The landing was hardly noticed by the donkey and farmer as from their lack of reaction, unaware of the chaos happening in the town.

I was surrounded by soft hay, the fall burying me in its soft embrace as I gained my breath. I didn’t know what to think.

Where the hell was I? I couldn’t be in some random country or abducted. I would have remembered. Come on, think Jade! Think!

I went to bed having a few beers on a Friday. So, how the hell did I get black-out drunk to go somewhere remote enough for me to search for people? I was in the middle of Boston for fuck’s sake!

I lay there, gaining my breath in the hole created by my breathing into the air. We must be heading somewhere away from the port as I smelled the soft sea air and how fresh the air was compared to the rank smell of the port. I calmed for a moment, staying in the hay until the carriage stopped after what seemed like an eternity.

I stayed quiet as I heard horses come walking by, stopping for a moment to talk to the farmer before continuing. I heard the farmer walk around to the back of the carriage and my heart clutched as I waited. The farmer mumbled something before walking back over to the front and I let out a soft sigh of relief.

The carriage moved and I waited until it stopped again after what seemed like forever of waiting. I waited until the footsteps of the farmer walked away, leaving me alone with the donkey. Slowly, I shifted, testing how loud the pile would move just in case.

I dared a peak, only peeking out of the haystack to see where I was. I must be on a farm somewhere because there was a stable not far, with horses as pristine as they could be as they grazed in their pasture. If I could sneak into the lofts and stay a night, I could form a plan in the morning.

Yeah, that sounded like a good idea.

I tried my best to get out of the haystack while still being cuffed in chains. I kept the link tight to keep it quiet, sneaking over to the stables as I heard voices approach. I scrambled up the ladder to the loft, hearing the voices approach the stables.

Whoever that farmer was, they had someone with them.

And I didn’t want to stick around and find out.

I kept quiet in the loft, hearing footsteps come and go throughout the hot day. And hot indeed. I wish I had some water, but that would risk me getting caught again.

Instead, I settled into the stacks of hay, getting comfortable as the sun set outside. I wondered what I would be able to do.

I had no money, no clothes, no food, or water, and I was being chased. This went from a normal, shitty day to a batshit, crazy day. I wondered if I needed to do something to warrant any resurrection in memory. To find out where I was and why I was here.

But first, I was tired and needed sleep.

I would find out more in the morning.

Chapter Text

The first thing I woke up to be the heat of the coming day. The sun beating down in the loft was heating up the lofts and I was on hay, so I knew I would get hot enough to wake up.

The second thing I woke up to be some whispering.

I opened my eyes slowly, wondering if it was just me or if I was hearing whispering. And to my surprise, I was hearing whispering.

Right behind me.

I sat up, groaning at the pain in my body from having slept roughly and in a sweat. As I sat up, the whispering stopped, and I looked over. To my surprise and fear, two children were looking at me. One was a boy, and the other was a girl, both staring at me with wide eyes and shocked faces.

I stared at them, slowly pushing myself away from them. I didn’t want them to see me, nor get in trouble if they saw me. They saw this and the girl turned to the boy, saying something in the same language as the men at the port. I froze, scrambling back but falling as a reminder I had chains on.

The girl walked onto the lofts, the boy disappearing down below as the girl held up her hands. As if cooing a cornered animal. And I felt like one. I didn’t want to be found. I didn’t want to go back to that port.

I was scared.

The boy came back not a moment later, carrying a bowl of sorts with a pouch. Taking the bowl, the girl let the boy pour the pouch’s contents into the bowl. I saw clean, glistening water and I was made aware that my lips and mouth were parched.

Slowly, the girl walked forward, setting the bowel down before putting a finger to her lips, whispering something I couldn’t understand. I smiled, nodding my thanks before taking the bowl and drinking its contents slowly. This water was as delicious as a strawberry banana smoothie at the end of a hard, Sunday shift.

As I finished, I looked and saw the children gone.

Leaving me all alone. In a way, I didn’t mind it. I needed the alone time to plan my next course of action.

All I needed was time and information.

As I waited, thinking in the heat of the lofts, I heard the approaching footsteps of someone much taller than the children based on the heaviness. I made sure to hide within the haystacks, hearing someone tending to the horses below. Relief flooded over me when the someone stayed down below as the day wore on.

I was so hot that I thought about going down but ended up staying in fear of my discovery. Shit, I was acting like a child, sitting here, and fearing being discovered by other adults. But I was in some strange lands, and I didn’t want to go back to the port. I didn’t want to be someone’s slave.

I sat and waited once more as the person left, leaving me alone with horses that huffed and puffed, eating their food of grain and oats. As I sat and waited for the children to return, I wondered why they hadn’t told their parents yet of me. Maybe they knew from the chains that I didn’t want to be found.

And from their gestures, they knew I was foreign. I never believed the notion that children knew more than they let on, but now I was believing it.

When night came again, the children returned, bringing me an apple and more water. They spoke to me in hushed tones, but when they pointed to themselves and then pointed to me, I could only stare. I had no clue what they were saying, but I bowed my head in thanks before drinking and eating.

I guess they tried to talk to me as they spoke in low tones, and I knew they were frustrated from the strain on their faces. So, to give them the hint I didn’t understand them, I asked, “Why keep me hidden? What are your names?”

The children paused, looking at me as if I had just killed their dog. Which I didn’t. If they even had one. They began speaking in a rushed tone, gesturing to me to come down from the lofts I assume. I shook my head, preferring to sneak back into the loft and away from them.

I needed more time. And they were all strangers. The children were willing to help, but the adults... I had little trust in since, you know, I was just about to be sold as a slave. As I sat there, the children visibly sighed before leaving the loft, leaving me alone.

Another day went by, and I was becoming ill. I could tell it was from the heat as I felt achy, and my body was shivering involuntarily. It had to be the heat because what else would I get sick from?

I stayed as far into the loft as I could, hearing people moving about on the farm I was hiding at. Damn, I felt like a fugitive on the run.

In the distance, I heard an eagle call out, like the one at the port. It was dull to my ringing ears, only being muted by someone coming up into the lofts. I shot up, wobbly as I hit my head on the roof, wincing. I looked to see who had come into the lofts, seeing the two children and a third child.

They spoke in rushed tones and the new child walked up to me. I don’t know why, but my fumbled brain rushed back, my back hitting the wall with the chains heavy on my wrists. The third child stepped back, clearly surprised at my reaction before turning and shouting down from the lofts.

My body froze, fear gripping me as I heard the clink of armor as footsteps, sandals I presume, walk into the stables. I shrunk, fearing it was one of the people from the port who captured me when I heard a feminine voice speak in a foreign language. It only slightly loosened my posture, but I was still highly alert.

Or as highly alert as my mind could be in its ill state.

The three children all turned to me as the ladder to the lofts groaned as someone put their weight on it. No matter if this person was nice or not, I instantly hid behind the haystack I had slept on for the past few days, curling up to be as small as possible.

I heard whispering, then a sigh. Then, to my surprise, I heard a click of a tongue right in front of me. I shot my head up to see who and I nearly shrieked if my mouth wasn’t parched.

In front of me, on her knees, was a woman in light bronze armor, a red cloak around her shoulders and sandals that had straps all the way to her upper calves. Her braid was skewed to her left side, held by a leather string. She was staring at me with surprise, hazel eyes striking and observant.

We stared at each other for a few moments before she moved her hand forward, palm up. Slowly, I sat up, seeing what was in her palm and my heart nearly skipped a beat. It was a key.

Shit! This was one of those people! I looked around for an exit but there was no way out. This woman in front of me looked like she went to the gym regularly and the children I didn’t want to push in fear of them falling.

I was trapped.

I felt sick to my stomach, only pressing my back to the furthest wall I could. At this, the woman let out another sigh, gesturing to my chains. No, I didn’t want her touching me. Nor could I trust her.

After a standoff, the new child approached, sliding onto her knees next to me. The woman looked at the new child, looking to push her away when the child shook her head to her. I was confused. What did this child want?

Slowly, the child reached a hand to me, and I tried not to freak out at the gesture. The child put her hand on my hand, squeezing it in comfort. She spoke softly, but in words I couldn’t understand.

I let the girl lift my hands to the woman, keeping our eyes connected with a soft tone I was distracted by. The next thing I knew, I heard the chains fall and a weight lifted off my wrists. I pulled my arms back, rubbing my wrists that had become sore from the weight and scratch of metal.

I looked at the woman, surprised at the gesture. Now I felt like a dumbass. She was trying to help me, and I pushed her away. I bowed my head, “Thank you. Sorry I didn’t realize you were trying to help.”

Like the two children, the new child and woman both jerked their head at my voice, looking at each other in confusion. They must know each other then. They looked to the two children, the woman asking something and the two children shrugging. Whatever they were asking, I was free of my chains, looking at my pale wrists to see the bruising.

They didn’t feel that tight, but the weight did put some black bruises there. As I sat, staring at my wrists, I heard another click of the tongue and I looked up at the woman, seeing her hand reached out to help me up. I hesitated, but in the end, I couldn’t resist.

I gently grabbed her hand and she helped me up on my wobbly legs. The new child smiles, gesturing to the ladder once more. I followed down the three children to the stables flow where the woman jumped down, landing softly on the sand of the floor. I could only follow, the third child coming over to take my hand gently and pull me along.

I felt like a scared animal, seeing the farmer and what I assume his wife looking at me in terror. I felt guilty at that moment, having used this family’s stables as a home, an escape from whatever reality I was in. The woman held up the chains to the couple, speaking in the foreign language, and the couple turned to me with crossed arms.

I knew I was in trouble, and I shrunk visibly. The three children stepped forward in front of me, as if to shield me from any harm the couple might bring. After a while of speaking, the couple looked at each other before turning to the woman, who sheepishly scratched the back of her head.

Did I get any of them in trouble? That’s the last thing I want.

After a while more, the woman grabbed my wrist and pulled me along. I froze up, wanting to pull away but the third child patted my arm being held, smiling up at me with a kindness that made my heart melt.

We walked away, me waving to the two children and couple in a gesture of thanks, going down a path of sand and dirt through the trees. I kept my eyes on the woman in high alert, making sure to note my surroundings in case this was a ruse. The third child began talking, looking up at me but I only stared at her.

I got to say, the woman in front of me leading was tall. Taller than some of those bronze-armored men. For the fourth time, I heard an eagle’s call. I looked up, seeing the eagle flying around us. Was it following us?

We arrived after a full day of walking, my legs wobbly and my skin hot. I was going to feel the burn. Real bad tomorrow. We arrived at a building that was clay-built, standing tall on a hill. Honestly, it was a nice place. The third child ran ahead, scaring the chickens, and the woman turned to me, crossing her arms. I shrunk under her gaze, but instead of being sharp and glaring, the woman looked at me with pity.

I stayed where I was until she gestured to me to follow, and I did as she said. She led me inside, where I was surrounded by bare walls with some tapestries, a kitchen attached to a dining room with a low table, and a couple of dividers. She led me to a corner of the room where there was a divider and a bedroll.

I gave her a confused look and she shrugged, gesturing to the bedroll before speaking to me. I couldn’t understand a single word, but I understood one word when she pointed to herself, “Kassandra.”

Names were universal so I wasn’t surprised at her words. She gestured to the divider where the child disappeared, “Phoibe.”

Okay, now I was understanding somewhat. I pointed to myself, smiling, “Jade.”

Kassandra looked at me with confusion before she repeated, “Jade?”

I nodded, slipping into the bedroll and waved her a goodnight. She smiled and I couldn’t help but feel welcomed in this home.

Despite the odd circumstances, I slept pretty soundly that night.

Chapter Text

“Chicken?”

This was ridiculous.

A week had gone by since I was taken in by the warrior woman and her child companion. Since I came here, I spent most of my time exploring the house while I recovered from some burns on my skin and illness caused by the heat. It was a little cluttered, especially with trinkets scattered everywhere and unkept clothes. Being the clean freak I was, I took it upon myself to clean.

The child watched me curiously. From washing clothes in a bucket I found and hanging them to me dusting every bit of the house with a bunch of chicken feathers from a chicken dinner. It was the least I could do since I was freeloading here.

Now, she was pointing to the chickens and repeating the same foreign word. I kept looking between her and the chickens, trying to repeat the word on my tongue. The child’s smile reassured me I was right, pointing to another area of the house. I assume the rug on the ground.

“Rug?” I pointed to the rug, and she looked at me, confused. Okay, this was going to be quite the time.

The language barrier was enough to put me in an awkward position. There have been times that I sat there and stared when the child and the woman kept trying to talk to me. Because I had not a damn clue what they were saying. Karma decided to give me a break and allow the pair to gesture a lot.

If they didn’t gesture, I would be entirely lost.

After a while of pointing and repeating words, the child sat me down and pointed to herself, “Phoibe.”

I stared. She repeated, patting her chest, “Phoibe.”

Oh! Was that her name? I had heard it before. Dumbly, I remembered the conversation with Kassandra a week ago but I still pointed to her, “Phoibe?”

The child smiled, beaming. “Phoibe! Phoibe!”

Okay. I smiled. Now we were getting somewhere. I patted my chest, “Jade. Ja-de.”

The child tilted her head at me, testing my name, “J-a-d-e?”

I nodded. “Jade!”

“Jade!”

I began to laugh, my chest light as I twirled around the girl. She began to laugh, probably from how ridiculous I sounded, but I didn’t care. Suddenly, she smiled to my right, and I turned, seeing the woman who owned the property. Her name was Kassandra, right? That was how she introduced herself. She was carrying a basket of what looked to be vegetables and other items of interest.

The child, Phoibe, waved to the woman and turned back to me, pointing at the woman with excitement. “Kassandra! Kassandra!”

I looked at the woman with a raised eyebrow and I could see the smirk she tried to hide as she turned to grab something from the far side of the yard. I turned to Phoibe, repeating the words, “Kass-an-dra?”

Phoibe nodded enthusiastically. I turned to the woman, nodding a greeting, “Kassandra.”

The woman stopped, looking at me for a long moment before smiling. She began to say something when Phoibe stopped her, saying something to the woman. Kassandra nodded to Phoibe, turning to me, and saying more slowly, pointing as she did.

She held the basket, and I took it, wondering what was in as I investigated the basket. Looks like an assortment. A meal maybe? Maybe they wanted me to prepare a meal?

She pointed to it and said something before I got what she said. Cook. She wanted me to cook? For a moment, I was confused. But then, I realized that maybe this was a test of trust.

Okay.

I began to unbag everything, seeing that a lot of stuff I was seeing, I dealt with. There were grapes, fish meat of a sea bass, lemons, spices, and even olive oil in a bottle. Okay, I can work with this!

With a smile, I began to prepare the veggies with a knife that Kassandra gladly gave me. Phoibe took her place at the counter on one side of me while Kassandra took the other side, watching as I began to prep a meal. It was a little nerve-wracking to have them hanging over my shoulders, but I continued, not wanting to disappoint.

In my spare time, between multiple jobs and school, I did cook and experimented with food a lot. Seafood was one of those experiments. How bad could bass be?

As soon as the veggies were cut on the wooden counter, I turned to the outside where the fire pit lay. A couple of chickens were around as I carried the fish out. Lucky for me, there was a spit ready for the fish to go on and the fire was easy to make in this heat. Let’s hope I didn’t burn both my skin and the fish.

Kassandra and Phoibe followed, watching with curiosity as I put some spices on the cooking fish. I was a little weirded out by it, but that only made me pay more attention. When the fish was done, I took the stick off and carried the steaming fish back into the house, all the while Kassandra and Phoibe followed like cats.

Inside, I readied the fish by prying it off the bone and making sure no bone remained in the pulled fresh. As soon as I prepped the three plates and laid them on the table, Kassandra and Phoibe both clapped softly. I guess to congratulate me?

I blushed, sitting down with them to eat. I knew I had to get up and do the dishes, but in the moment I sat down, I was glad to be here and not somewhere in a cage. The fish was good, though a little too cooked. Before me, Kassandra and Phoibe were too busy eating to the point I was afraid they would choke.

Did they like my cooking that much?

In the end, they ate MUCH faster than me. Phoibe went off to what I assume bed, saying something while going to her bedroll in the other room. Kassandra stayed, preferring to drink some of the wine still sitting on the counter from the day before. I didn’t dare touch that wine, as I would rather keep my hands, thank you very much.

I cleaned the dishes and set to work on some of the evening chores. As I did, I saw Kassandra go upstairs to where I know there was a balcony. She always went up there to drink. I didn’t question it, going along with my chores as much as I could.

The next day, Kassandra left the same time as always and Phoibe left for town, leaving me alone. I was surprised but I assume Kassandra knew that I had nowhere to go. So, I busied myself with chores that included laundry, gardening, brushing, and maintain the property. I didn’t know the extent of it yet, but the coop needed much fixing.

I walked up to the coop, which was mainly a crate with a door and open top. Slowly, I opened it, the chickens flying out as soon as I did so. I huffed and puffed, spitting the feathers out and sneezing. It smelled like chicken shit. Barely maintained.

I huffed, “Well, guess if nobody here is going to protest…I might as well do some improving while I’m alone.”

Going back into the house, a couple of hens following closely behind, I grabbed a parchment from one section of the house that I assumed was an office-like space. Then, with a coal, I began to make a list. Chicken coop needed fixing, I needed a washing space, the garden needed a fake owl or something to fend off the critters, and I needed a space to put all the blankets. The ground was an invitation to mice.

And I set to work after making some designs. Thanks art, design, and construction class from high school.

There was a couple of unused crates I could use. And with an ax from the firewood area, I began to deconstruct. By the afternoon, I was beginning to build the new coop on four legs. By the evening, near dinner, I had finished it with fresh hay from a pile.

The chickens clucked happily as they took in their new place. I leaned on the box, looking at the hens as they roosted. The rooster, however, kept giving me a leery look. Were roosters meant to look so menacing?

I shrugged, closing the new coop for the night before setting to prep dinner. Phoibe was the one who arrived first, and she came running in, eyes wide. She began to gesture and talk. I caught the word ‘chicken’ in her language well. I simply smiled and finished dinner.

Kassandra came in, looking a little rattled from the way she stumbled in. Phoibe paid her no heed as I put the plates in front of them with their dinner. I was about to sit down when I saw Kassandra staring at her plate. I blinked once in silence before I spotted something.

On her cheek, there was a bright blue bruise. Like she’d been hit in the face.

Instead of questioning the injury, I let them both eating, and I finished my meal, thinking what I could do. Obviously it was hurting Kassandra from the way she ate slowly. It may be soft fish flesh I prepped, but I’ve been hit in the face before. It hurts like hell.

I took their plates once they were done and went outside to the well. The water here was really cold, being ground water. Hauling the bucket up, I put it all in a pouch and descended the bucket again. When I walked back inside, Kassandra was reaching for the wine pitcher again.

Quickly, I grabbed the wine pitcher before she could take it. She glared at me, and for a second, I thought she was going to attack me for taking her wine. I glared back instead, setting the pitcher behind me on the counter and giving her the pouch of water.

The glare disappeared, replaced by confusion as Kassandra stared down at the pouch. When she looked up at me, I pointed to my cheek where her bruise was, “Water will help. Put it on there and leave it before you drink it.”

I turned back, taking the wine pitcher and putting it under the counter. With that, I raised my chin and walked back to clean the dishes.

All I got was a shocked expression and confusion at my action.

Chapter Text

I’m not going to lie.

But I think I’m being a damn good housemaid.

After some getting used to it, I managed to get chores done much earlier and spent much of my free time trying to learn the language here. Kassandra’s bruise gradually healed, but I still made sure to check her in a quiet way. Phoibe noticed this but didn’t say anything, though she also would check herself.

With the new coop, the chickens seemed to stay out of the house more, with not even a feather found on the floor of the house. After some time, I began to slowly pick at the old ways of the house. I even made a little game for Kassandra.

By hiding her favorite wine.

She had gotten mad at first and, for the first time, I was afraid for my life as she grabbed my tunic and lifted me against the wall. But after much frantic talking from Phoibe, Kassandra let me go. I was shaken at first, but I realized that she didn’t mean it as a threat.

In the back of my mind, I wonder if she was an alcoholic, using alcohol as a way to numb the pain. I grimaced at this that day and I continued the game. In a way, it was fun, watching as Kassandra run around before giving up and coming to me. I would only nod and give her water. Wine would only be used for dinners under my rules.

I felt bad, overall. I didn’t want to do this to Kassandra, but when the word alcoholism kept popping up in my mind, I no longer felt bad. I had lost friends to the disease and I wouldn’t have the only people here taking care of me be taken too.

The new chicken coop was built, the hens and rooster happily clucking along with their new home. Kassandra expressed awe at the finish product and I felt a surge of pride at that feeling. It was morning when I went to tend to the coop, making sure it was working and balanced. With the coop being off the ground, there was no foul smell to be found as I approached.

I lifted the lid off and began to take eggs from under the hens, much to the disapproval of the rooster. But before he could even peck at me, I glared, “Peck me and I’ll take one of your hens for dinner.”

That stopped the old rooster from trying anything. Thanks, Old McDonald.

As I continued to take eggs, I heard shouting and could make out Phoibe’s words. I missed some words, but I could make out, “JADE! Jade! There are something coming something the hill. We need to something.”

I turned to see Phoibe running up to me, followed by two children who carried rocks. Immediately, I was on the defense and grabbed Phoibe before the two children came within a foot of her. I snapped in the best way I could in the same tongue, “Hey! What are you doing?”

My heavy accent made me wince at how bad the syllables were. The two children froze, staring at me with wide eyes. It took me a moment to realize that I recognized one of them from the barn I hid in. I paused and Phoibe tugged on my tunic and pointing behind the two children. “Jade! There!”

I looked up, perking up at seeing three men running up the hill to the house. Immediately, I pulled the two children in front of me to go behind me, standing my ground. The three men stopped and I growled, “What are you doing here?”

The three men stopped, staring at me as if I was a Hydra. They looked rough looking and scarred up. From their gleaming swords, they meant business. They also wore the same leather armor that Kassandra wore, though it was for men.

Out of the corner of my eye, one of Kassandra’s training spears lay against the house. She would practice them at night sometimes and they were sturdy enough to take a hit. But I couldn’t be sure with the sharp swords in their hands.

They began to speak too fast for me and Phoibe started to tug me as one of the men began to approach. The hairs raised on the back of my head and I pushed all three children out of the way before I tackled the man approaching me. I heard Phoibe shouting and I turned around in my tumble to yell in my tongue, “GO!”

I don’t know if she got the hint, but I heard running as I wrestled the man, his sword having fallen when I tackled him. But unfortunately, a quick upper cut into my jaw sent me to my back and the two men who had stayed back were now grabbing my arms and hoisting me up.

I struggled, only to look up and receive another hit in the face. Shit, my vision was swimming. The men began to laugh, watching as I struggled to get out of their hold. The man I tackled disappeared, only to reappear with a bucket of something.

I didn’t know what it was, but my hair was yanked back and I yelped at the pain. Who were these people? What did they want?

They began to speak too fast for my hearing to catch, but I did hear Kassandra’s name. My heart seized. Did those people hurt Kassandra? I remembered the bruise and I struggled once more, gritting my teeth. The bucket was set down in front of me and both men holding me pushed my head down.

I…I can’t breathe!

They were water boarding me!

I struggled, my lungs on fire as I tried to breath whenever my head was above the surface. But each time, they pushed me back down. I could barely muster a scream as I was dunked once more, “KASSANDRA!”

I could hear the men laughing and I could see the black tendrils in my vision as my lungs were about to give. I had no strength at the point and almost, almost gave up. Suddenly, the laughing stopped and the bucket fell as I heard a struggle. For a moment, all I saw was the cool darkness of the bucket and my lungs struggling in shock.

Just as I was about to black out, a bright light was shone in my face. For a split second, I thought I woke up in a hospital.

But the slap across my face wasn’t something a nurse would do.

My eyes snapped open and I coughed hard, my lungs slowly recovering from the shock and lack of air. The sudden light was actually the bucket being move as Phoibe standing over me, Kassandra next to her. As I coughed, Kassandra pounded my back while an open hand.

“Jade,” Phoibe spoke. “Are you okay?”

My ears were somewhat ringing, both from near drowning and the slap across the face. I managed to mumble, “What?”

As I regained myself, I slowly sat up, looking over behind Kassandra and freezing.

Dead animals were one thing.

But people?

The men who had held my head underwater were now limp on the ground, bleeding profusely. I couldn’t look away. I couldn’t-

“Jade.”

A hand was on my cheek, forcibly turning me to Kassandra. With the gentlest voice, Kassandra whispered, “Breath.”

I couldn’t stop staring at her before sucking in a breath, coughing, and repeat. My body shook as the sun bore down into my skin and Kassandra helped me up. I turned to Phoibe, making sure to not look at the dead men behind Kassandra. I asked, “Friends?”

“Gone,” Phoibe said with a nod. “They are back home.”

“Good, good,” I sighed, leaning against Kassandra as she helped me inside the house.

Inside, I sat against the cushions that accompanied the corner of the house. It was kind of like a living room, but Greek styled. Kassandra sat next to me and Phoibe seemed to have gone somewhere else for the time being. Silence reigned, but I didn’t allow that as I turned to Kassandra, suddenly very tired.

“Who were they?”

Kassandra gave me a side look before she looked away. It took her a moment to answer. “Those were…um…bandits of someone I know. Something.”

“Bandits, huh,” I huffed, coughing into my elbow. If I laid down, I didn’t know I trusted myself to wake up. I knew about secondary drowning.

“I’m sorry.”

I looked up at Kassandra and shook my head at my somber expression. “Not your fault.”

Kassandra crossed her arms at this, making a point to look away from me. I know I didn’t piss her off from the way her eyes became distant. I dropped the subject, taking a scroll from the shelf above and opening it. When Kassandra looked over, I shrugged, “Please?”

After a few minutes, I elaborated at her confusion. “Can’t sleep. Won’t wake up.”

It clicked for Kassandra and she nodded, coming up to peer over my shoulder. For some reason, my skin flushed at this, but she chose to ignore that fact as she began to point at letters and say them as slowly as she could.

And that’s where she was for the rest of the day.

Later joined by Phoibe, all three of us sat and I kept trying. That was all I had to do was keep trying to learn the language and the way everything worked. By nightfall, Phoibe had fallen asleep on my shoulder and I must have done the same thing as the next thing I know, the scroll was being taken out of my tired hands and a blanket was set on top of both me and Phoibe.

I could only lift my head for a second and say, “Thank you, Kassandra.”

I didn’t hear any response and the day with the bandits was never mentioned again.

Chapter Text

“DAMN IT!”

I couldn’t believe it! After all that hard work I put into that damn coop, it had to be destroyed by some of the resident bandits! The fuckers!

Since the attack on me and Kassandra’s killing of the three bandits, the surrounding area of bandits seems to be attracted to the trouble. Though they never tried to attack me, or Phoibe, again, they were destroying anything I tried to make!

The new coop?

Smashed.

My clothesline?

Smashed!

The beautiful pond I spent an entire week on for the garden?

Fucking destroyed.

At least they didn’t do anything to the house itself. Everything inside was untouched. But the chickens needed their own coop and I wasn’t about to let them in the house. Cleaning chicken feathers after dinner was hard enough.

Phoibe and Kassandra were in town and I was alone once more with no supplies or money.

Money.

Supplies.

I hummed, no longer thinking about beating the shit out of whoever destroyed the coop. I turned to the chickens, hands on my hips as I said, “Stay here or you’re all dinner."

There was a silence before the chickens all went to stand at the wall of the house. Damn chickens were smart.

I went inside, wondering what I should do for money and supplies. Maybe I could go to town? No, too dangerous.

I looked out the window and I stopped. Far out, near the port but far enough away to be comfortable, was a vineyard. I could see the workers in the field and I perked up. Money. I could work…I already got all the chores done…

Renewed with determination, I grabbed clothes to cover my head and face as well as some long-sleeved tunics. Don’t know why they exist in the house but whatever. Putting that on, I grabbed a dagger from the chest in Kassandra’s room. She left it there for use, right?

And out into the sun, I went!

The vineyard was not that far away from the house. Maybe a five-minute walk and I made sure to walk as calmly as possible. Despite the bandits in the area, Kassandra was well known, to my knowledge, as the alpha. And who wants to piss off an apex predator by hurting the ones the alpha protects. I’m sure what happened to me would have resulted in those men dead if Phoibe was in my place.

Maybe worse considering both females’ relationships.

When I made my way up to what I assumed was the vineyard’s house, I stopped and looked around. There were some horses in stalls, all of the beautiful coats. As I stared at them, I heard someone say something and I turned.

There was a man approaching me, a cheeky smile on his dark-bearded face. He greeted me warmly, the weeks of learning Greek now rising to the surface as he said, “Morning, stranger! What brings you to my vineyard?”

For a moment, I wondered what I should tell myself but all I could think was to say, “Work?”

“Work?” The man was shocked by the look on his face. “You want to work?”

I nodded, pointing to the vineyard, “Work to collect? Yes?”

The man looked confused but otherwise didn’t seem to want to refuse me. Instead, he smiled, “Isn’t every day I find a willing worker! Get a basket. Each basket, I will give you twenty drachmae.”

“Drachmae?” I was confused. What was that? Shit, did I make a mistake… I rubbed my fingers together and he nodded.

“Per basket and they must be fresh grapes!”

I was confused, but before I knew it, a basket was thrust into my hands and I was pushed by the man, “Go down the main aisle and you will go to your right. Hope you know what you are doing!”

With my face covered, he probably didn’t see my deadpanned look. I was raised picking blueberries, sir. I kept walking, wondering how much twenty drachmae would give me.

Turns out, a lot.

By the late afternoon, I had picked a total of four baskets and a hundred drachmae in my pocket. The man, who I learned was Markos from one of the other workers, didn’t question who I was. Only that he did find it strange how pale my skin was.

I came back to the house and started dinner before Phoibe and Kassandra came home for the evening. I hid my work clothes, washed my hands, and made sure dinner and chores were ready by the time Kassandra and Phoibe sat down and ate. After dinner, I learned more and was beginning to get a hold of sentences as long as it was slow.

They never questioned my origin and that was maybe because of the balance of the house.

Maybe.

Days go by and I fell into a new routine. Get up, see Kassandra and Phoibe off, do chores, go to the vineyard and harvest grapes, come back and finish any remaining chores, cook dinner, have language lessons, then bed.

Whenever I had free time, I found myself thinking little of my life in modern times and I found myself less inclined to find a way back.

To be honest, I didn’t have much of a life. Sure, I drank after work and worked as a bartender, living that mediocre life. But…I found that I was actually happy.

Sure, my skin was now a constant red from the sun, being forced to tan slowly. Sure, I almost got killed by bandits and now couldn’t go out without much guidance. Sure, I was a housemaid to a woman and her child.

But overall, I found myself happy with how things were going. I was beginning to find that this type of life was somewhat different than modern times. I’m not saying it’s perfect, but there was a survival tactic to everything.

Anyways, with the money I now obtained, I could get some supplies. Luckily, there was a wondering merchant who came by and I could buy supplies from him and he delivered it in a timely manner.

The supplies?

Well, with the surrounding bandits, I decided to trap the surroundings of the house. Not only did it make me safe, but it’ll teach everyone not to mess with me. This took a long while and I almost got caught by Phoibe in what I was doing. Luckily, she just thought I was chasing one of the hens that I managed to grab and show her high over my head.

Embarrassing but it had Phoibe laughing.

Later that night, after dinner, we were doing the usual lessons when Kassandra suddenly changed the subject, a smile on her face, “Jade, have you thought of training with a sword?”

I looked at her confused. “No, why?”

Phoibe looked at Kassandra and then at me, tugging on my tunic, “So you can be like Kassandra!”

I was confused. Why would I need to be like Kassandra? “But the house…”

“Oh, don’t worry about the house,” Kassandra scuffed, but in a playful manner. “You need to learn how to defend yourself in case the bandits get too comfortable.”

Okay, that made more sense. Never mind the traps I just made hidden all around the property. I nodded, “Sounds good to me. When should we start?”

Kassandra smirked at me.

“Tomorrow morning. Right when the sun begins to peak.”

Oh dear.

Chapter Text

Kassandra had to give it to Jade.

For a foreigner, she ran for a good two miles before she started showing signs of exhaustion.

On the last leg of their journey, Jade tripped and landed flat on her face. It was a laughable moment, but instead of complaining or whining, Jade just shook herself off and kept going. By the time they got back to the house, Jade was struggling to stay standing, especially with the light clothes she wore to prevent herself from burning up like tinder.

Phoibe was ready with water for them both and Jade thanked Phoibe kindly. She had gotten much better at speaking, though with a heavy accent. Jade turned to Kassandra, her face tired as she spoke, “Will this be every morning?”

“If it has to be,” Kassandra smirked, though she didn’t want to seem cocky to Jade. Jade was trying her best, it seems. “Now, I’ll have to get to town. Be careful while we’re gone, Jade.”

Jade waved goodbye to Kassandra and Phoibe before going back into the house. As they both left, Phoibe turned to Kassandra, a confused expression on her face, “Why is Jade’s skin so red nowadays?”

Kassandra raised an eyebrow at this, looking at Phoibe as she explained, “I’ve noticed her skin is red as a tomato. As if she’s been out in the sun all day. Or at least a good portion. Should we get her something to cool her skin, at least?”

It would be a nice gesture. Jade never asked for anything, oddly enough. She did as she was told and nothing more. Even after the incident with the bandits, Jade never asked for Phoibe or Kassandra to stay behind with her. Everyone in town knew that someone else has been housed under Kassandra, but since that incident, the gossip had been quiet.

There would come a time when Jade is able to go to town by herself, or at least with Phoibe. But Kassandra would be more comfortable if Jade knew how to defend herself, even if her language barrier had deteriorated. It wasn’t that she was afraid of Jade getting taken by slavers since she did pay Jade’s bounty anonymously. But she stuck out like a sore thumb with her really pale skin and youthful features.

Kassandra and Phoibe parted ways in town and Kassandra was walking through the market. She didn’t want to take a job at the moment, but she needed drachmae and she wasn’t going to go to Markos to beat the drachmae he owes her. He practically raised her, though as a rascal.

There was one stand Kassandra knew there would be something for Jade’s skin. The old man looked up at Kassandra from his seated position, “Ah, good morning, misthios. How may I help you today?”

Kassandra smiled back, “I’m looking for something to soothe irritated skin from the sun. Lotion, perhaps?”

The old man thought for a moment before he nodded, “Of course. But why would you need it if I may ask?”

“It’s for someone,” Kassandra replied.

The old man nodded and got a container of wood, “This will be forty drachmae.”

Kassandra blinked before she narrowed her eyes. “Forty? Why not twenty?”

The old man clicked his tongue, “Oh, misthios. The forty is half the price and another half for silence.”

Ah. He knew something was up. Kassandra pushed through, “How about thirty?”

“Thirty-five.”

“Thirty-two.”

“Thirty-three.”

Kassandra sighed, “Fine. Thirty-three.”

The old man nodded, “Of course, misthios. Just to warn you, a couple of people are looking for you. They were here earlier, talking of a woman they were trying to find. With pale skin.”

Kassandra nodded, taking the container before leaning close, “If you believe them, you might get yourself in more trouble. Just so you are aware.”

“Hence my price.”

With that, Kassandra left, going down the market and being more mindful of her surroundings.

This meant listening in on nearby conversations.

As Kassandra passed a bunch of women talking, she thought she caught a word that stopped her. She listened in as she busied herself looking at some fruits as the group nearby spoke.

“Don’t you think it’s odd for someone to wear a lot of clothes in this heat?” A woman spoke. “I was just at the vineyard today and that same person was there, picking grapes.”

“Who in their right mind would cover their skin from the Gods?” Another asked.

“Not only that, but I caught a glimpse of their hands. Pale as death. I think I saw Hades!”

Pale? Lots of clothes?

She remembered Phoibe’s words from earlier and she paused before going about her day.

Later, she came home a little earlier than usual, seeing the house ahead. Kassandra took a peek at the garden. No one.

Inside the kitchen. No one.

Inside the living space. No one.

Inside the sleeping areas. No one.

Laundry area. No one.

The floors were clean, the laundry is all done, some food was prepped for dinner, clean dishes, a plucked garden, and happy chickens. Where in Hades was Jade?

Going to the common room chest, Kassandra opened it and began to dig into the piles of clothes and blankets inside. A nagging feeling turned into shock as Kassandra’s hand felt a bag and she pulled it out. It was heavy.

How long had Jade been working?

Kassandra took a peek inside before shutting it. Drachmae. Lots of it.

Kassandra slowly put the bag back and waited in the kitchen. How long had Jade been working in a vineyard? Without her or Phoibe knowing? One thought raced through Kassandra’s mind and that was the potential of Jade leaving. Would Jade leave? Was that why she was working?

Suddenly, the chickens clucked happily and a sigh came from outside. Kassandra leaned on the counter, watching the hallway and seeing the light stream in as the door opened.

Jade soon came into view, wrapped in a lot of clothing for the hot weather and in the process of removing her outer layers. She hadn’t noticed Kassandra as a chicken followed her, clucking in its jerky movements.

Jade set her outer layers on a table, taking out a pocketful of drachmae from one of the outer layers. With a flowy tunic that showed a little too much, Jade waved her tunic to create a coolness to her reddish skin. She looked down at the chicken, a sheen of sweat now visible on her face, “You know, why do I do this?”

Jade stared at the chicken and the chicken happily clucked, tilting its head at her before proceeding to peck at the floor. Jade sighed, “Yeah. I know. Impossible.”

Finally, Jade looked into the kitchen.

“HOLY FUCK!” Jade stumbled back slightly, a hand on her chest as she huffed in a heavy accent. “What the hell, Kassandra? What are you doing early?”

Kassandra stayed silent, arms crossed as she watched Jade stare back at her. Slowly, Kassandra raised a hand, showing between two fingers a piece of drachmae, shining in the light. “How long?”

Jade paled if that was even possible. The blood drained from her face as she looked at her outer clothes and then at Kassandra’s hand. She knew that she was found out. She quickly deflated, mumbling, “You found out…”

“How long?” Kassandra repeated, serious as she could be to Jade. Jade shrunk even more, somewhat becoming smaller as if she was ready for punishment.

“Um…I was going to tell you…at some point,” Jade tried to explain, her hands clasping together. “I…look, it’s not what it looks like. I’m not planning to run away or anything, okay? I just thought with you working so much, you would appreciate the help. I mean, I feel like I’m invading your space sometimes because…you know…”

Jade trailed off, looking anyway but Kassandra’s face. She lowly mumbled, her head bowed, “Am I in trouble?”

Gods, Jade sounded like a kicked puppy right now. Usually, Kassandra would demand why Jade was risking herself by working outside of the house. But, for some reason, Kassandra couldn’t bring herself to be mad at Jade. She was only helping and hadn’t made any packing arrangements in her time here.

Kassandra sighed, flicking the drachmae to Jade, who caught it with fumbling hands. Wide eyes stared at Kassandra, golden in the light. Kassandra spoke, arms still crossed, “I’m more upset that you’ve been hiding this fact from us, Jade. But as for you being in trouble? This is more of a lecture than a punishment.”

Jade blinked at Kassandra before she asked, “So…you aren’t mad at me? For leaving the house temporarily?”

“Gods, no.” Kassandra approached Jade slowly, putting both hands on Jade’s shoulders. “Jade, you are doing more than enough. I wouldn’t punish you for working hard, but at least tell us. What if bandits took you? I wouldn’t know where you are. And I don’t want to put you through what they have in mind.”

Jade looked at the ground then and something struck Kassandra. The look Jade had was that of painful memories. Kassandra sighed, pulling Jade into an embrace. Jade froze for a moment but then relaxed. Kassandra didn’t know why she was hugging Jade, but she felt it necessary.

Firmly, she whispered in Jade’s hair, “Let me handle dinner tonight. You rest. I brought you lotion for your skin. Phoibe said your skin was turning red.”

Jade pulled away slowly, surprise on her face. Kassandra shrugged, digging into her pocket to grab the container. She handed it to Jade and said softly, “Please take better care of yourself.”

Then, Kassandra pulled away, leaving Jade to stare after her with a container in one hand and a piece of drachmae in the other.

Chapter Text

Well…

Fuck.

It was all my mind could reel from the moment Kassandra turned away, walking away as if she didn’t just confront me on working behind her back. I looked down at the lotion and my skin seemed to heat up at the thought of relief. I had been hurting as of late.

Putting away the drachmae with the rest, I sat in the canopy of the porch and opened the container. The smell that reached my nose wasn’t too bad, a hint of grape covering the overwise bad smell of the stuff. Slowly, I dipped my hands into the contents and began to put it on my skin. The relief was instant and I shivered.

Once I put it on my legs, arms, and face, I sat in silence, the container at my side. I wondered what to do next. When there was nothing to do, I couldn’t help but notice that my mind didn’t even bother to remember home.

Gosh, when did I remember home?

It had been a few weeks and life here was pretty good. Better than my life as a bartender, I guess.

I began to pick at a chicken feather before I heard Phoibe call a greeting. I smiled in her direction, nodding as she passed. She looked chippy, which wasn’t suspicious until she stopped in front of me, hands behind her back. She looked nervous and I couldn’t help but chuckle, asking, “What is it, Phoibe?”

Phoibe flushed, fiddling with something behind her back until she brought it out. To my surprise, it was a small figure of a shark. I blinked at it as Phoibe said, “I didn’t know what to make you in town but I wanted to thank you.”

“Oh…Phoibe,” I said softly, taking the statue. It was beautiful and crafted by wood chipped away by a knife. “Thank you. This is wonderful!”

“You like it?”

“Of course!” I replied excitedly. I haven’t received many gifts but today must be my birthday. Kassandra and Phoibe both gave me something to use and cherish. I felt the realistic scales of the shark before embracing Phoibe. I temporarily switched to English. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

Phoibe laughed, “Your language is so weird! But I miss it sometimes.”

I chuckled. I was missing it too.

Suddenly, Phoibe looked confused, “What’s for dinner?”

Oh, I almost forgot, “Oh, yes. Kassandra is cooking for us!”

Phoibe’s face twitched and I sighed, “It’s a long story. I can help Kassandra if you want me to.”

“Would you? She’s not the…greatest cook.”

“Got it. Duly noted.” Now that I thought about it, where did Kassandra go?

I went into the house, looking around and spotting Kassandra in the kitchen in a lighter tunic and wet hair. Looks like she was cooking something after freshening up. I looked around, spotting some vegetables on the side. I reached for them, only for Kassandra to speak sharply, “Jade…no. Sit.”

Okay. I sat at the table, watching Kassandra closely as Phoibe began to tell tales of what happened in town. It was a lot of simple stuff and I could tell it was what any child would do. Chasing chickens, playing tag, delivering something for drachmae. Pretty simple stuff.

Dinner was served and it honestly wasn’t that bad. Kassandra did a simple dish that had a stew flavor. I ate quietly with Phoibe and Kassandra. Once dinner was done, Phoibe excused herself, saying she was tired. As she stood up, she turned to Kassandra, asking, “Would Jade be able to go with us to the festival in town?”

I raised an eyebrow as Kassandra nearly spit her stew out. I turned to Kassandra for an explanation. I hadn’t been outside of the vineyard and the house. As much as it was scary to go somewhere at this time, the thought of going somewhere to have fun seemed to excite me at the same time.

Kassandra thought for a moment before shrugging, “If Jade wants to go.”

Phoibe took that to turn to me, “Will you come with us?”

“When is it?”

“Next week.”

I blinked for a moment before nodding. “Sure. What should we dress in?”

“Just normal stuff. No fancy chitons. Okay, goodnight!”

Phoibe then left us alone and I turned to Kassandra, who seemed to be thinking about something. I picked up Phoibe and I’s bowels and stood up, leaving Kassandra alone to finish. As I cleaned, I thought of what kind of festival it could be. I didn’t know much about festivals in Ancient Greece.

As I was deep in thought, there was a loud call from outside that had me frozen.

“KASSANDRA! Where are you?!”

To my horror and surprise, the guy who was in charge of the vineyard I worked at came walking into the house. Kassandra simply looked at him, annoyed, “What is it, Markos? It’s late.”

“Oh?” Markos looked to Kassandra and I made sure to turn right back around to cleaning the dishes. If he saw me, he would probably recognize me. “Did you forget to make me dinner? I thought I told you that I was going to come over at one point.”

“At one point,” Kassandra pointed out sharply. “Or did you truly want the wine?”

“Oh, Kassandra, you know me too well,” Markos replied loudly. I wanted to turn around and shush him, since Phoibe had just gone to bed, but I didn’t have to as Phoibe turned the corner from her room, running to Markos with arms spread. “Ah! Little eagle, there you are.”

Phoibe chuckled, “Markos! I thought you were coming after the festival?”

“Nah, I decided to come in early.”

Kassandra sighed behind me, reaching around to put her bowl with the rest. I didn’t mind. This meant I could wash the dishes longer without having to turn around. But I guess I wouldn’t be excluded for long as Markos asked, “And who is that?”

Phoibe responded gleefully, “That’s Jade. She helps us around the house.”

“Really?” Markos didn’t seem to want to approach me, but he did snap his fingers. “Can she not hear?”

“She can hear fine,” Kassandra replied, leaning on the counter next to me and turning her eyes to me. “Jade, this is Markos.”

I turned to her and smiled, nodding with a firm line on my face. Kassandra crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. Shit, shit, shit. Markos laughed behind me.

“Is she shy? She doesn’t need to be shy! Hey, Jade, lovely to meet you.” Okay…I took a deep breath and turned after drying my hands, our eyes meeting for the first time. Without my outer layers.

He seemed surprised, looking at me for a long while.

For a few moments, I thought he was going to tell Kassandra straight up that I worked in his vineyard.

But to my surprise, he simply regained his smile and raised a hand to me. I took it, confused as he said, "Nice to meet you, Jade.”

Okay, now I was entirely confused because we have met each other before. Kassandra sighed, waving Markos’s hand away, “Jade has done a lot of work today and needs rest. Phoibe, would you mind having Jade read you a story?”

“Okay, Kassandra,” Phoibe chuckled, waving to Markos as she skipped to grab my hand. “Bye, Markos!”

Markos waved, now tight-lipped as Phoibe pulled me with her to the other room. It is true that I would read her a story at times, but that was every third night, to see if I can read Greek. It wasn’t hard, per say, but it was a different language with syllables.

With Kassandra and Markos now in the kitchen, I sat, Phoibe curling up to my side with a parchment in her hand. I grabbed the parchment with a smile and began to read. It was about Apollo, I believe.

I read it fairly quickly and by the end, Phoibe raised her head and looked at me, a curious expression on her face, “Jade, do you miss home?”

At this, I looked at Phoibe, confused, “What do you mean?”

Phoibe shrugged into me, “You never talk about your home. Don’t you miss it?”

I thought for a moment. I was just having that thought earlier. But my heart no longer felt heavy if it had been in the first place. I smiled, reaching my arm around Phoibe so that I could stroke her hair softly in reassurance, “Phoibe, I am happy here. My home…is gone. It doesn’t exist anymore. But this is my home now. With you and Kassandra.”

Phoibe smiled at this, curling up even more into my side. “Then, can you tell me about a tale from your homeland?”

I stopped stroking her hair in thought. Then, with a soft smile, I laid the parchment to the side to get more comfortable. “I can. Would you like to hear about the jungle boy?”

“Jungle boy?” Phoibe’s eyes sparkled with wonder. “I’d like to hear it.”

“Okay,” I said, thinking about to when I first watched the cartoon version of the jungle book. “There once was a village in the middle of the jungle. Every day, the village would open their gates and the women with their children would go out and gather herbs and spices for supper. They did this so often and without fear, for there was only monkeys, elephants, gazelle, deer, and all sorts of rare creatures.”

“But one day, a tiger appeared. Large with orange and with black stripes all over its body. It was sick, terrified of humans, but also vengeful. No one knew why, but he took it upon himself to attack the village. That one day, the village opened its wooden gates, the women gathering with children running and on their backs. This time, a man was with his wife, spear in hand as they had gone the furthest. Suddenly, the tiger struck and the man and his wife fell victim to its teeth. Their basket dropped and the villagers ran for safety inside their wooden walls. The tiger accidently pushed the basket into a river that flowed deeper into the jungle as it attacked more villagers.”

Phoibe listened intently, staying silent as I continued. “Inside this forgotten basket was a baby. And at the end of the river, a black panther by the name of Bagheera would find the basket and the baby within. Knowing it needed help, Bagheera took him to a wolf mother named Raksha, and her and her mate, Rama, raised the boy with their pups.”

“The boy grew under the guidance of the wolf pack and Bagheera would sometimes visit. As much as the jungle loved the boy, Bagheera worried of his reintroduction to his own kind. Time went on and soon the tiger, named Shere Khan, would return to that part of the jungle, sensing the boy who was now named Mowgli. With Shere Khan wanting Mowgli, the wolf pack asked Bagheera to take Mowgli back to his family, to a man-village. Bagheera tried, but Mowgli wanted to stay in the jungle.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Kassandra leaning on the doorframe, listening as I spoke softly, Phoibe’s eyes beginning to drop, but I could tell she was fighting it. I continued without missing a beat, shortening the story so that Phoibe could hear of the ending, “But things didn’t go as planned and Bagheera left Mowgli alone out of frustration. And that is when Mowgli meets a sloth bear named Baloo, who promises not to take Mowgli to a man-village ever. But again, the jungle had other plans. Shere Khan soon found Mowgli and tried to kill him. As they faced each other, lightning came from the sky and turned a branch into a fire.”

“With haste, Mowgli grabs the branch and ties it to the tiger’s tail. Shere Khan was terrified of fire, the reason why he feared humans, and he runs away, far off into the night with the fire streaming after him like a wolf pack nipping at the bottom of a deer’s hind legs. With Shere Khan gone, both Baloo and Bagheera escort Mowgli to the man-village which his family had lived in when he was a little babe. He was scared at first, but his attention was caught when a beautiful young girl from the village comes down to the river to fetch water, the same river that carried him to Bagheera.”

“And he made his mind then that he did not belong to the jungle. He would forever be part of it, but his place was with his kind. With a silent goodbye to Baloo and Bagheera, he went after the young girl, smitten enough to draw him into the village. The panther and the bear walked off back into the jungle, happy that Mowgli was happy with his own kind and ready to start a new chapter of his life.”

I stopped slowly, trailing off at the end of the story to see Phoibe fast asleep against me. I smiled. She looked cute like this.

I looked to see Kassandra still standing there, smiling as well. When she noticed me staring at her with a tired smile, she also smiled back before retreating back into the kitchen, leaving me and Phoibe alone in the silence.

Chapter Text

The day after, I didn’t go to work since I woke late, much to my annoyance. Kassandra left me a note to tell me that I needed to run three miles, an additional one mile for sleeping in. I huffed, doing as she told me and coming back to the house after three laps. I checked my traps, finding they weren’t triggered, and had me realize I still hadn’t told Phoibe or Kassandra about my traps.

Whatever.

It didn’t need to come up, though I did warn Phoibe and Kassandra not to stray off their usual path, with the excuse that there were ‘poisonous’ snakes that I found in the brush. They didn’t question it nor did they go beyond the pathway they usually used.

As the festival approached, Phoibe would have me tell her more stories from my homeland. It was nice to tell them. And I noticed Kassandra would listen too in replacement of her nightly drinking, which had decreased throughout the weeks I stayed at their house.

And when I got back to work, Markos acted like he didn’t meet me in Kassandra’s house officially. He did stare at me a tad bit too much and I couldn’t help but wonder why he didn’t say to Kassandra that I worked in his vineyard.

And what was their relationship to have him suddenly appear at the house?

Whatever it was, I made no mention nor asked in the days leading up to the festival. Two days before, after dinner, Kassandra finally spoke up about the festival, a little excitement in her tone, “So, Jade. Are you excited about the festival?”

I nodded, taking their plates off the table to wash with my own, “Of course. When should it be?”

“How about we go there early this year,” Phoibe asked. “Jade’s skin is tanner so she’ll be able to be out in the sun longer.”

I don’t know about that, but now that she mentioned it. I looked at my arms, noticing that they did indeed tan. As I observed my skin for a fair bit, Kassandra spoke, “Seems fair to me. Do we need new clothes?”

Phoibe’s voice squeaked as she said, “YES! We need to get new clothes this year! Jade, want to come with us tomorrow morning?”

I put the bowels into the place I dubbed a sink, turning my head to Phoibe. “Sure. Could you help me find something?”

Phoibe nodded excitedly, “Yes! Yes! Kassandra, do you think blue will fit Jade?”

Kassandra gave me a look up and down before she nodded, “I think so.”

I was a little nervous about the concept of going out but going with Kassandra and Phoibe calmed my nerves. The next day, after running with Kassandra on her normal run, Phoibe was practically dragging me along to the town. I had not gone into town, even when I was out working at the vineyard. So, it was quite a sight when we arrived at the edge of the town.

Nearby, there was a marble white temple with a statue in the front, overlooking the many wooden and clay houses going into the port. The port had a massive ship that had its sail gone, meaning it probably was being built or being retired. Either way, it was an impressive ship at a distance.

Kassandra stopped Phoibe from pulling me further, putting a hand on my shoulder in comfort. “Are you comfortable going in? Last chance.”

I hesitated, looking out at the town. Phoibe’s face fell slightly at my hesitation and I finally sighed, exhaling shaky, “Sure. Let’s go and get us all an outfit.”

Phoibe cheered, leading us into a market that seemed to be getting busier with each step. I fiddled with my hands, looking around. I wish I brought some more cloth over my skin, feeling the sun warm under my skin. A cool hand was on the middle of my back and I jolted, looking up to see Kassandra.

She seemed concerned before I quickly tried to reassure her, “It’s okay, Kassandra. I just need to adjust.”

Kassandra nodded silently as we kept walking. Phoibe was skipping around at some point, singing out loud. At some point, in the middle of the market, there was a stand with many beautiful silk dresses and hand-sewn tapestries hanging on wooden stands. This is where Phoibe and Kassandra stopped me, Phoibe’s eyes wide.

“Kassandra, look! Here it is!”

“Yes, Phoibe,” Kassandra agreed. “It is the market we’re looking for.”

I smiled at Phoibe’s face. It was like taking a kid to Disneyworld. Immediately, Phoibe began looking through a rack of clothes and I began to look on another rack. So many fine clothes. I had to ask Kassandra, “How many people make these?”

Before Kassandra could answer, a man’s voice spoke up proudly, “I made all these myself! Well, with my wife and two daughters.”

I turned, seeing a man dressed in purple coming around from behind the racks. I was a little shocked at first until Kassandra greeted the man, “Oz! Welcome back from the mainland!”

“I try,” the man, Oz, shrugged. “And how may I help you today?”

“New clothes,” Kassandra replied, her hand slapping on my shoulder. “For all three of us.”

“Oh?” Oz looked me up and down, something in his gaze causing me to relax instead of tense. He looked and gave off the impression that he was a nice man. “What a beauty! Are you looking for a specific color?”

“We were thinking blue for Jade, emerald for me, and purple for Kassandra,” Phoibe replied next to me, holding out a piece of cloth that was a beautiful green. “This is Jade’s first festival!”

Not my first, but those were music festivals.

Oz clapped his hands, “I think I have just the thing! Here!”

He disappeared for only a moment, coming back to bring us some chitons that looked to be new. “Try these!”

Phoibe took the emerald green with a gleeful smile and Kassandra took a sparkling purple chiton. When he turned to me, he gave me a beautiful ocean blue clothing that had my eyes wide. It looked so nice!

“Go ahead, try it.”

I took it with hesitation, “You sure?”

“Of course!” With that, the man directed me to a room separated by a curtain from the public eye. “If it makes you comfortable, go in and change.”

“Thank you.” I slipped in, getting rid of my layers and putting on the chiton. It felt…nice. Nicer than I expected. I felt the fabric as it hugged by chest and ribs. It was like a tight dress but somehow, it was just the right size. And despite my red, agitated skin from the day’s sun, the chiton was soft against my skin and cool to the touch.

“Jade, how is it?” Phoibe’s voice drew me back and I pulled back the curtain, seeing Phoibe with her chiton on her arm. Was she waiting for me to finish? Her jaw dropped upon seeing me before she exclaimed loudly, “YOU LOOK SO PRETTY!”

I smiled, “Thank you, Phoibe.”

“Kassandra! Come look at Jade!” Phoibe called out but when I looked up, I already saw Kassandra standing there, staring at me with a look I’d never seen on her before. She wasn’t just surprised nor shocked. She looked like she was seeing an angel or something similar.

I could feel the heat on my cheeks as I stroked the wrinkles out of my new chiton, asking Kassandra with a small, shy smile, “How do I look?”

It took Kassandra a moment, her mouth opening and closing like a fish. Then, with a slight pink in her cheeks - or was that my imagination? – She replied, “You look like the ocean during the brightest day of the year.”

“And I would have to agree,” Oz added, coming out from the side next to Kassandra, looking me up and down at the craft of the chiton. “And it fits!”

I could see Phoibe looking at Kassandra with confusion but also something knowing. I smiled in Oz’s direction, “How much will this chiton cost?”

“About 4,000 drachmae.”

I paled at that. Did I even have enough money for that? I tapped my bottom lip, looking down at the chiton I wore. Then I remembered something important.

“How about 2,000?”

Bargaining.

“Halfway of the price? Care to explain?” Oz frowned at this and I shrugged, Kassandra and Phoibe looking at me with confusion.

“You don’t have to modify it to fit my figure, so no expense there. There are no jewels, no shoes to go along with it, and it seems to have less accessories than one of greater fabrics. With that, I will pay 2,000 of the original.”

Oz thought this over. “And what if I said it was from the capital of Sparta?”

“With a war going on? Doubt it.”

Oz grabbed his chin in thought. Kassandra gave me a small smirk while Phoibe kept looking between me and Oz. I think Kassandra knew what I was after. After several moments, Oz crossed his arms, “Still 4,000.”

I put my hands on my hips, “Okay…I can pay the 4,000 if I get to have their chitons.”

Oz sputtered, “What?! Those chitons cost 4,000 each?”

“For those common colors, I expected a lot less. It is known that green and purple are common attires.” I didn’t know for certain but maybe it could work to my advantage. “Besides, I will pay 5,000 for all three.”

Oz glared at me, “7,000.”

“6,500.”

“6,800 and that is my final offer.”

I thought for a moment, Oz and I staring each other down. Then, with a small smile forming on my face, I reached my hand out, “You, Oz, have a deal.”

We shook on it. And despite his slightly sour mood of the haggled price, he waved us good luck and a good day.

As we walked away in our original clothes, chitons in a basket under my arm, Kassandra wrapped an arm around my shoulders, smiling wide. “Never had I seen such haggling from you, Lady Jade.”

“Lady? Who are you calling Lady?” I questioned. Kassandra let out a laugh as Phoibe began to skip in front of us. “I just haggled the best I could. But that is most of my drachmae down the cliff.”

“Oh, with the rate you work, you’ll be fine.” True. I smiled as Phoibe began to skip excitedly in front of us. “How about we pick up some lunch and then walk around for a bit.”

The mention of food rumbled my stomach and I nodded with glee. We walked back up the market where venders were already shouting their fresh goods, previously unavailable earlier in the morning. The smells were divine and Phoibe was jumping around us as she asked, “What should we eat? What should we eat?!”

“Whatever you want, Phoibe,” I said with a soft smile. “Though Kassandra is paying.”

“Hey, when was that established?”

“When I bought those expensive chitons.” I bit back playfully. “Now, what are you in the mood for?”

“HAM!”

Pork sounded good. I hadn’t had it in a long while. I nodded, “I wouldn’t mind some ham. Kassandra?”

Kassandra nodded, “I know just the place.”

She led us both to a booth that had a man with a stick holding meat around the wooden object. The smell was similar to bacon and my mouth began to water. “Oh! That smells divine!”

Phoibe nodded and Kassandra asked for a meal for us. The man nodded, taking some drachmae and giving us portions of the sticks and a few small strips of jerky. Not much of a lunch, but I wasn’t complaining. An idea occurred to me and I asked Kassandra while we ate as we walked, “Could we by chance stop by and order some meat for breakfast?”

“Breakfast? What are you talking about?”

“You’ll see. One of my Western dishes.”

Kassandra and Phoibe seemed to perk up at this. “Really?”

I laughed, taking another bite of the meat on the stick before continuing, “You’ll see. It’s a surprise.”

Phoibe smiled brightly at this, “I can’t wait!”

We kept walking and I was surprised how clean the town was. For the only city in all of the island, according to Kassandra, I expected it to be more of a mess. But for some reason, the markets weren’t in disarray and the growing crowd wasn’t suffocating.

It was peaceful.

We stopped at a well to rest and drink some of the water. While there, Phoibe came over with some other children, two I recognized as from the farm I had stashed myself in. I was confused, looking over at Phoibe from my view of the vast ocean ahead. Kassandra smiled, leaning against the well as Phoibe asked, “Jade, would you mind telling a story? For me and my friends? I tell some to them but they aren’t as good from me.”

“A story?” I flushed at that. I had only shared stories with Phoibe and partially Kassandra. “What kind of story do you want to hear?”

“I don’t know. Sisi, Hugo, Marvin, what do you want to hear?” Phoibe looked back at her three friends. The three children all looked a little nervous at me and shrugged. Phoibe turned back to me, already sitting down and pulling her other friends down. “Whatever you think, Jade.”

“Oh my,” I gasped, thinking. “Hm…I have a couple in mind. Do you want to hear of White Fang? The Legend of Fenrir? Or about the caveman? Or about the mammoth and his legendary mission?”

“Mammoth?” One of the children asked. “What is that?”

I smiled, thinking fondly of Ice Age. I’d only ever watched the first one. And probably for the best based on some of my friends’ opinions. “A mammoth is a giant mammal, a creature with thick fur to brave the lands of ice and snow.”

Kassandra leaned a little closer to me, as if to listen and I kept my attention to the children as I spoke. “The legend I talk of is what men and women from the north speak of. Those who lived with such beasts. They still are around, I believe. Many had large tusks that were sometimes as tall as them, heavy and within was their written age. Their history.”

“Long ago, there was a mammoth, who recently lost his mate and child to humans, unknowing of human kind’s survival tactics. At first, he hated them, even despised them, but never swore revenge. He was simply grieving and the sight of humans made him think of his loss. One day, a ground sloth, creatures who walk on four legs with long claws, named Sid got in trouble with some animals of a herd heading south, to escape the upcoming cold.”

“But the mammoth, now Manny, saved him from such trouble and migrated north, the opposite of everybody else. Despite the opposition, the sloth followed. As they traveled together, whether by free will or survival, a pack of giants cats with large front teeth like a snake were hunting the same humans that killed the mammoth’s family. The leader, Soto, wants revenge as the humans killed half of his pack. So, he and the other big cats found them and attacked the human village.”

The children were very much interested and I could see some other children beginning to crowd around, their parents watching with both curiosity and suspicion. I continued, “During the attack, the leader of the human village told his wife to run, who held his only son in her arms, barely an infant. She ran while the other giant cats tried to kill any humans who crossed them and one cat saw her. Diego was his name and he followed her, trying to get her to come back by flanking her. Instead, he saw her jump from the height of the waterfall and down into his rushing depths, her infant son in hand. Soto believed them alive and ordered Diego to go after them and bring the son to Soto, to deliver the revenge.”

“At the bottom of the waterfall, Manny and Sid find the mother and her infant son, now Roshan. She was dying, the fatal fall being her doom, and she handed Roshan to Manny. For the first time in Manny’s life, he did not have any anger towards either individual. He only saw a respect of survival, to help those who struggle and to keep going as best as you can burden yourself with. He took the child and he and Sid got back to the human village, now deserted from the attack. And there, they meet Diego.”

“Diego offers to help them, to find the humans, but Manny was suspicious, continuing to lead the way despite Diego’s strange tracking abilities. Unknowingly, Diego led them slowly to where his pack was waiting. Time went on and with time came attachment.” I watched as Phoibe and the children seemed to have all sorts of questions but stayed silent as I continued. “Soon, Manny’s past was revealed to Sid and Diego, as well as little Roshan when they came across a cave with many paintings left by the humans. One of which depicted Manny’s family’s demise. Sad, but with burden lifted, the four continued on, becoming stronger as a herd and as friends.”

“Roshan grew and after a few close calls with death, the four took a break. And it was during that where Roshan took his first steps away from Manny’s side and to Diego’s. Even if his big teeth showed he was a predator, the small child did not see that. Only an animal helping another in a rare show of purity. The newfound respect for Manny and Sid began to eat at Diego after that night and before they reached the place his pack was hiding, Diego revealed the truth. Despite the fury Manny and Sid felt, now Diego’s pack converged on them. A brutal fight ensured and Manny did his best to protect the small child from the big cats. To him, it was like he was in his mate’s position, looming over their child while facing the human hunters. He wondered for a split second if this was his end.”

The children all shrunk, mouths covering at the implication and I frowned, keeping them in the dark. “As he watched Soto’s claws shine in the light, ready to kill Manny and finish the child, the pack readied itself for a feast. A mammoth was a kill any predator would only dream of. As those claws came down, Manny closed his eyes.”

I stopped for a moment, looking up at the sky, “He felt nothing. But he still felt the sharp wind of the cold north. He wasn’t dead. When he opened his eyes, he saw Diego on the ground in front of him, injured and bleeding. Soto was shocked at his best hunter’s show of defiance towards him and the respect shown to Manny. Quickly, Manny used this to his advantage. He thrust his tusks into Soto, sending him into the rock wall where icicles, sharp spears of ice, fell. Those spikes impaled him, killing him and causing the pack to scatter at their leader dead. Manny and Sid watched, Sid taking the child as they went to check on Diego. When he did not move, they thought him dead and continued. And to their luck, within only a short distance away, Manny and Sid find Roshan’s family. At first, the hunters thought Manny was there to take revenge, like Soto.”

“Sid remained hidden behind Manny and the child hidden behind Manny’s head to avoid the cold winds. Even as these spears pointed at Manny, he was slow and careful, lifting his long trunk of a snout to grab the child. And the moment Roshan was shone, one of the hunter’s eyes sparkled with instant tears. It was his father, the leader, among the hunters. Slowly Manny let down the child, allowing Roshan to walk slowly to his father. There were tears of happiness and tears of joy from the humans, ignoring Manny and Sid for the moment.”

“As much as Roshan was happy, he still looked at his caretakers with longing. Wanting to be with them. But his place was with his own kind, with his living family. And with a small wave and the humans’ slow pace, the child waved goodbye. Manny and Sid could only hope he’d live and remember the times he spent among animals. Just before they disappeared, Diego appeared between Sid and Manny, waving Roshan goodbye with a paw. His injuries were not fatal, though they seemed to. Soon, the humans disappeared, going with the remaining villagers to a new home, somewhere warmer and somewhere Roshan will grow to be just as strong as his father. Manny, Sid, and Diego, three of the unlikeliest animals to be around each other in the north, migrated south to warmer places, together like a herd.”

I looked at the children with a hand pointing up, “A lesson to be gained here is that you have the decision to help others, to burden yourself to help those around you to the best of your abilities. Sometimes, you have to set aside your pain, grief, and anger, to help those who need you.”

Phoibe smiled, beginning to clap which was followed by the other children. And just like that, they got up, one of them shouting, “Let’s play a new game then! Who wants to be the big Manny?!”

Phoibe disappeared with the other children, smiles adorning their faces. I looked over, seeing Kassandra smiling fondly at me. I raised an eyebrow. “See something you like?”

Kassandra seemed to snap out of her thoughts, shaking her head, “Just listening. Want to pick up that pig meat?”

I nodded but I began to notice some odd things that were perking up from Kassandra. Or maybe it was imagination.

Either way, at least everyone was happy in the end.

Chapter Text

When morning came on the day of the festival, I woke up early enough to get cooking. With the meat from the pork, I began to cut strips as bacon pieces, putting them on the pan over the fire right outside the house. By the time Kassandra and Phoibe woke up, there was already bacon being piled on a plate. I called to them from outside, seeing them through the kitchen window, “Breakfast out here! Bring plates!”

Phoibe shot out from the house, a plate already in her hands as she breathed deeply, “Jade, what is that? It smells great!”

“I can agree,” Kassandra stated just as she walked out, holding two plates. One I assumed was for me. “What is it?”

“It’s called bacon,” I replied, putting some on Phoibe’s plate. “They’re a little crispy and hot so wait for it to cool before eating it.”

Once we had our portions, I poured water over the fire with the bucket and sat with them, basking in the morning sun. I watched as Phoibe and Kassandra took a bite of the bacon, their expressions sparkling and pleasing hums echoing from both. I smiled at this, beginning to eat my own pieces of bacon as Phoibe and Kassandra began to fawn over their food.

“This is divine! A blessing from the Gods!”

“It’s really good! And so greasy!”

They cleaned their plates in seconds, laying back on the ground to pat their stomachs. I couldn’t help but ask, “Was it good?”

“Amazing,” Kassandra replied. “You should make more of that.”

“I’m leaving the rest to make jerky, Kassandra,” I reminded her. I had told her last night at dinner that the pork would be used for jerky, though I didn’t tell her about the bacon part. “But maybe on another occasion.”

“Fair,” Phoibe half-whined. “But that tasted great.”

“I’m glad you both like it.” I smiled, taking their plates to wash. “Now, both of you go clean up. We’ve got a long day ahead of us.”

The festivities would start at around midday and carry throughout to the highest moon, according to Kassandra. Once they were done cleaning at the nearby river, I went down alone, leaving them at the house. As I made my way down to the banks, I couldn’t help but think of what tonight would bring. It may not have loud music, but I could only imagine the drinks…

I stopped.

Drinks!

Holy shit, why didn’t I think of that?

As I washed, I thought it over. I knew wine was something really important, but I hadn’t seen anyone selling beers or flavored beers for that matter. Maybe, if the vineyard didn’t work out, I could make my own drinks. Maybe even have a business here. A steady flow of drachmae.

Now I was thinking of money.

Greedy bitch I am apparently.

I finished and got back, walking up to the door only to stop. Phoibe and Kassandra were talking in the kitchen and as I was about to enter, I heard my name. I stopped, listening despite my mind screaming at me to keep going and interrupt them in case I heard something I didn’t want to hear.

But I listened anyways.

“Is Jade staying with us permanently?” Phoibe’s question had me frozen. Why would she ask such a question?

“If she decides, Phoibe. But I want her to have that choice and you will have to ask Jade yourself. Why do you ask?” Why, indeed.

“Because she’s awesome! I want her to stay. I love her cooking, I love her stories, and I like her!” Phoibe sounded slightly upset and I wondered why. Why would she think I didn’t want to stay?

“Phoibe, what happened yesterday? I could see you were trying to be happy around Jade last night, but something happened.”

There was silence. I didn’t notice anything strange from Phoibe yesterday.

But her reply explained it as she told Kassandra with a shy tone, “You remember Rodney, right?”

“The boy from the docks?”

“Yeah…He said that Jade will leave just like my parents did. That she’s only being nice to get your drachmae.” She stopped for a second. “He also said that…Jade is a spirit from Hades, sent to punish us, especially you for our wrongdoings.”

There was a shocked silence. My fists clutched. Who would the hell say that to Phoibe? And whoever this Rodney was, I didn’t care if he was a little shit. I wanted to go and yell at him, put him in his place. But I stopped myself as Kassandra replied, “Don’t listen to Rodney, Phoibe. If you want, ask Jade when she comes back from her bathing.”

I heard a snuffle. “Okay…”

I took that as my moment to walk in. I walked into the house like I didn’t hear the conversation. When I walked in, I saw Kassandra sitting next to Phoibe, a hand on her shoulder. Phoibe looked like she was going to cry at any moment.

I stopped, looking between the two before settling on Phoibe, “Honey, is everything okay?”

And the floodgates broke.

Phoibe ran up to me, wrapping her arms around my waist and crying into my tunic. I slowly set down my stuff next to me, looking at Kassandra with a knowing look. Her eyes widened slightly before she sighed, crossing her arms. She knew I heard.

I looked down at Phoibe, a hand on her back while another was in her hair. “Phoibe, what’s wrong? Why are you crying all of a sudden? Did Kassandra say something she wasn’t supposed to?”

I earned a shake of Phoibe’s head into my abdomen at that last question. She pulled away just enough for me to get on my knees, grabbing her hands as she snuffled. I lifted a hand to wipe some of the tears from her eyes. “Phoibe? You’ve got to talk to me, little babe.”

It took Phoibe a moment to snuffle, using one arm to wipe her face. Slowly, she asked me in a little voice, “Are you going to stay with us? Permanently?”

I looked at Kassandra before looking at Phoibe, squeezing her hands, “Of course, Phoibe. I’m going to stay with you guys until you either kick me out or I die in my sleep. Did something happen? What gave you the implication of me leaving you two?”

“Just someone from the docks saying things.”

“Using words?” Phoibe nodded and I sighed. “Words can only do so much. If they are not in a leadership role or influential, their words are meaningless. Do you understand that?”

Phoibe thought for a moment before nodding. I smiled, pulling her in for an embrace. As I hugged her, I continued, “Whatever is said to you remains untrue. I’ve grown an attachment to you both.”

“Like Manny, Sid, and Diego?”

“Yes, like Manny, Sid, and Diego,” I replied. I pulled away, getting up to get a bucket and cloth before taking Phoibe’s face and wiping it gingerly with a cloth. “Now, we mustn’t worry when there’s a festival to attend, right?”

Phoibe nodded as I wiped her face of tears. Kassandra watched all this with crossed arms. When I finished, I stood up, patting Phoibe’s shoulder, “Go take a nap and I’ll wake you up to get ready, okay?”

Phoibe nodded, turning to walk to her room. But before she did, she stopped, turning to me, “Thank you, Jade.”

“No worries, Phoibe,” I said softly and she left. When Kassandra and I were sure she was upstairs to nap, Kassandra turned to me.

“You heard.”

“Only some. Guess this Rodney needs his ass kicked?”

Kassandra seemed to bite back a laugh as she shrugged, “Would really want to, but as you said, we’ve got a festival to go to.”

The rest of the morning was spent cleaning and preparing until it was time to dress. I woke Phoibe up and helped her to dress while I and Kassandra were already dressed in our chitons. Phoibe seemed a little clingier to me, something I noticed last night but thought it was just a new thing. Turns out, she was afraid of me going away.

Which was not happening any time soon.

To top ourselves off for the festivities, I did Phoibe’s and Kassandra’s hair. For Phoibe’s, I twisted and twirled her hair into a braid that curled around into a tight bun on the back of her head. Adorning the back and around the bun, I put some small flowers from the garden. For Kassandra, I cleaned up her usual braid and added a couple of small flowers across her braid. Kassandra cleaned up my hair and braided it down my back.

We got to the town, where there were already music playing and excited vendors selling goods like wildfire. Much to their ‘cheaper’ prices. The weather was nice and the chiton fit well on me. And on Kassandra, I noticed. It took hugged some of her curves and I tried my best not to stare too much.

The moment Phoibe saw her friends, she rang them and she was back to her normal self. This left me and Kassandra alone together to walk around and listen to music. We stayed in comfortable silence, only disrupting it to talk about a food item or merchandise I hadn’t seen yesterday.

As we walked, my eyes caught something flash and I stopped. I looked at where there was a silver necklace on display, hanging in the sunlight. I walked closer to it, seeing the shine morph into a beautiful necklace charm.

It was the size of my thumb, a staff being surrounded by two snakes with the tip of the staff spreading out wings. Much like a lot of medical schools have symbolized. I went to touch it before I stopped, seeing a woman watching me with a glare from the corner of my eye.

The other woman, younger than the first, behind the vendor hit the other one in the ribs, hushing her, “Let the girl feel it. It’s not going to peel off like that necklace you got in Sparta. Old hag.”

Kassandra came up next to me, leaning over my shoulder to look at the necklace. “The staff of Hermes? Good craft.”

“Yes, it sure is!” The young woman replied. “Interested?”

“A little,” I replied. In fact, I couldn’t take my eyes off it. It was so beautiful and I felt drawn to it. “How much for it?”

“20,000.”

I jolted my hand back at the price. That was a lot more than our chitons combined. The young woman seemed to deflate at that, “Sorry, hun. Maybe next year?”

“Thank you. Maybe next year,” I simply said. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of hurt and longing. I really liked the necklace. And I probably won’t see it next year. And I didn’t know much about jewelry as I did clothes. I couldn’t bargain below 15,000.

I sighed, pulling Kassandra with me. She hadn’t said a word during the exchange, though she did look at me sadly, “Jade, if you really wanted that necklace…”

I shook my head, “It’s okay, Kassandra. I don’t need it. It might break anyway with my work. Don’t want to lose it or anything.”

It was a lame excuse, but it made me feel better as I tried to change the subject. “Want some of those roasted lizards? I haven’t tried those yet.”

Kassandra seemed hesitant but soon nodded. I didn’t notice the sparkle in her eye as she nodded, “Of course. Roasted lizards sound like a good snack.”

We continued on and the festival got rowdy after the sun was traveling back toward the earth. We didn’t see much of Phoibe and I began to worry about her. But upon my searching gaze, Kassandra wrapped an arm around my shoulders, “Don’t worry, Jade. She’s fine.”

“You sure?”

“Of course. She’s been by herself for a while. She knows where we live.” It was a soft reassurance and one I took as more dancing and music became apparent. We kept walking around, enjoying the smells and music. It was lively.

The necklace was far from my mind as I drank a mug of some light wine. Kassandra was by my side the whole time, a comfortable presence among all sorts of strangers. I had noticed some stares, but none I wondered about. As we walked back to the well, I heard some gasps and somebody call out, “There she is!”

I looked in the direction of the call and saw a pair of women approaching me. From the vineyard I worked at, they looked different with dark green chitons on. I smiled in greeting as they approached, their eyes sparkling as their cheeks were a tinge of pink. “Hey. Enjoying yourselves?”

“Of course! Glad you could make it!” One of them said excitedly. “It’s nice to see you without all those layers! You truly are a beauty!”

“Oh, thank you,” I replied, flushing slightly at the compliment. They were drunk sure to make such comments. “You guys as well.”

“And whose your friend? The local misthios,” the other commented, now focused on Kassandra. Kassandra smiled kindly in return, though I noticed she was a bit closer to me than before. “What a fine thing you are.”

“I know, but I’m with Jade for today, ladies,” Kassandra seemed to reply back with a slight snap. The two women seemed to take the hint, especially as Kassandra’s arm slithered around my waist and pulled me close. Wait, what?!

I stared at Kassandra with confusion and shock as the two women retreated with silence. After a few moments, Kassandra let go of me, apologizing quickly, “Sorry about that, Jade. I didn’t feel comfortable with their company.”

I was confused, “Do you know them?”

Kassandra stayed silent, looking to the side and refusing to answer. I took that as my answer, though now that I thought about it, I wondered if Kassandra has slept with those women. This was Ancient Greece where everyone fucked whatever. That sent a shiver down my spine.

As I looked away, I saw Phoibe at that moment, approaching me with a wide smile. She had something behind her back as she approached and I wondered why she was smiling at me. Stopping in front of us, Phoibe leaned forward, “Hey, Jade, I got you something.”

“Oh?” I crouched down. “And what did you get me?”

Phoibe drew something from behind her and my eyes widened. It was flowers. Beautiful light blue flowers bundled with a white string of yarn. They smelled nice and Phoibe was handing it to me with a wide smile.

“Phoibe,” I cooed, taking the flowers from her gently. “These are beautiful! Where did you get them?”

“A lady gave them to me,” Phoibe replied. “I wanted to give them to you.”

“Thank you so much, Phoibe,” I replied with a gasp. I twisted the flowers around, the petals soft under my fingertips. “I really like these.”

Phoibe smiled, embracing me tightly. It reminded me of this morning and I embraced her back. When she pulled away, she skipped back to her friends and they went back to playing. I stood up, eyes on the flowers that seemed to fit my chiton.

I turned to Kassandra, who was staring at me and I smiled at her. “Isn’t that sweet?”

“It is.” Kassandra replied. She seemed to have relaxed since Phoibe approached. “Phoibe is a really sweet girl. You know…Jade…”

I fully turned to Kassandra, noticing she was a little nervous. She continued, walking a step closer to me. “You have become an essential part of our family. And I wanted to ask you personally. What are your plans now? You’ve got enough skill to defend yourself and enough money to get you to the mainland. Are you sure you want to stay here? With us?”

I thought about it as I had done during the many times I was alone at the house. I sighed, smiling as I did so, “Kassandra, I was serious when I replied to Phoibe earlier. I…quite like it here. And I wouldn’t mind staying here with you and Phoibe. You’ve…become like my family.”

Kassandra stared at me for a long moment, as if surprised by my answer. But I shrugged in her place of response. “Now, shouldn’t we get back to the festivities?”

Kassandra seemed to shake her head from the shock, nodding once she rid herself of the shock from my answer. “Let’s.”

The festivities were as amazing and better than I thought. Kassandra took one flower and twisted it into my hair. I smiled, maybe blushing somewhat. The music was grand and every activity that was available was fun to watch. Though the fistfights were not what I expected at such a festival.

At the end of the night, when the moon was highest and the festivities were at its peak, Kassandra and I gathered at the center of the city to the square, in front of a tall statue that loomed over the city. There, a poet was speaking proudly over a crowd. I didn’t know exactly what he was talking about, but I was intrigued enough to not notice Kassandra had slipped from my side for the moment.

When I did, she was coming back, an arm curling around my back. Behind her, Phoibe was walking back to us and the festivities ended as the poet ended his story. On the way back, Phoibe was skipping ahead of us as we walked, the wine warm in our stomachs on a cold night.

And I couldn’t help but notice that along the way, Kassandra wrapped an arm around my waist. And I also noticed how warm my chest felt and I knew it wasn’t the wine.

I was right.

I felt like I was part of their family.

Chapter Text

The festivities caused most duties to be paused for the next day. So, I got to sleep in. When I woke up, it was maybe midday and I found that Phoibe was curled into me. Kassandra was nowhere to be found nearby and I assumed she had gone off to do whatever she does.

Slowly, I got up, stretching as I did so before going off to do my daily chores.

As I did laundry, Phoibe came out, confused. It only took a moment to blink and shrug before calling out, “I’m going to hang out with my friends, Jade!”

“Okay,” I called back, turning while folding a linen cloth to Phoibe’s back. “Be careful!”

Phoibe didn’t respond but I didn’t expect her to. I continued doing laundry until my basket was empty, leaving me with no chores. An idea hit me and I walked into the house to get an empty scroll. Maybe I could write today.

I sat out on the porch, against a feather-filled pillow, with a scroll opened in front of them. I grabbed a feather and an inkwell, placed the inkwell aside and began to write. The first thing that popped into my head was Phoibe smile as she gave me those beautiful flowers.

“Small little girl gives me beauty.

And I give her strength and courage.

There is nothing in this world,

That can challenge a family’s love.

Love, as fragile as it is,

Will never break.

For I found my true family.”

I stopped writing. Did I really write that? My hand had frozen and I couldn’t help but think. Was it wrong of me to think of this as my true family? I had been going through the motions, hoping for something to catch. But I was missing something.

Something that I didn’t know if I could admit.

“Jade!”

My head shot up, spotting Phoibe running up the hill, followed by her two friends. I was confused at why she sounded scared, frightened even. I set down my scroll and feather, beginning to get up as Phoibe ran to me, fear on her face, “What is wrong, Phoibe?”

Before she could respond, breathless as she was, one of her friends replied, “Scary men! They’re coming here!”

“Scary men?” My first thought was bandits. “What happened?”

“We didn’t do anything!” Phoibe’s other friend nearly cried out. “We were playing when they came at us.”

“Jade, we need to run,” Phoibe begged, grabbing my chiton harshly, and pulling on it. “If they see you…!”

I looked up as she turned, hearing horses. I had a dark feeling settle in the pit of my stomach. Suddenly, through the trees and into the open yard, a dozen horses came galloping in, stopping a few meters away. I quickly pulled Phoibe and hissed out, “Into the house, all of you!”

Phoibe shook her head, “You can’t fight them, Jade! You can’t!”

“Do as I say, Phoibe! Go!” I turned away from them, ignoring Phoibe’s protests as she was pulled by her other two friends into the house. I began to walk forward just as a black steed stepped out of the group. The rider was a man in leather armor, covered in jewels and trinkets in the form of bones.

These were not simple bandits.

“What business do you have here?” I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rising as the man chuckled. “You are trespassing!”

“Ha! Hear that, boys? The little lady wants us to leave,” the rider exclaimed, a murmur of chuckles echoing through the group. He cracked a wicked smile, taking a hold of the spear from behind his back. “What’s your name, pretty lady?”

“None of your business,” I replied harshly. I had no weapons, but if I were to run, I could lead them into the traps. “Now, why are you chasing my children?”

It was all an act, but the words rolled off my tongue before I could stop myself. My heart hammered as the man frowned, “You are their mother?”

“Doesn’t matter. Now, leave.”

The man frowned even deeper. “Your accent is odd. Your skin is paler than any I’ve seen. Ah! You are the one who ran, right? The slave.”

My wrists burned at the title. I was no slave. Not anymore and never in the first place. I stayed silent as the man seemed to think. I noticed the others were beginning to shift in their places, even if they haven’t been here long. I stared them down, daring them to approach or even attack. In any case, I would run into the trees as they seemed to be interested in me now.

The man chuckled, “I wonder if the Cyclops would appreciate the payment. In the form of a woman.”

Okay, fuck no.

“You’re going to have to catch me first!” I bolted, hearing the horses galloping after me. “PHOIBE, RUN!”

I didn’t look back. I didn’t dare look back. I know my traps well, but I wasn’t going to play the fool. I ran and ran, faster than before I came here thanks to Kassandra’s training. I saw the first trap, a hole in the ground covered by thick leaves. I jumped over, stumbling slightly as I continued running.

I continued running, ignoring the shrills of horses and screaming men. I could still hear hooves behind me. I kept running. Trees whipped by and the wind blew as I saw the ocean. If I needed to-

Pain shot through my leg and I nearly tripped if I didn’t catch myself on a log. I don’t know how many of my traps got them, as surely they would have tried to cut me off, but I hope it was enough. Kassandra should be here soon.

Phoibe will get her.

There was a small enclave, one I found back when I first came to this island, that I needed to find. It should be up ahead, towards the rocky shoreline nearby. I looked around with only my eyes, not wanting to give away to whoever was behind me that I was looking for a way out.

But just as I was about to swiftly turn around a tree towards the enclave, something hit me hard in the back of the head. I fell forward, my vision swimming but not blacking out. I knew my head was bleeding, but I managed to slide around the tree I was looking for and towards the rocky shoreline.

“GET HER!”

I was close!

The ocean was just ahead of me. I just needed to jump and I could swim away.

That was until I slipped.

I fell, the pain in my leg worse than before as I hit rock after rock until I hit the water. The sun was bright above me as I descended into the darkness of the ocean, the clearness stunning to the point that I wanted to look around.

But I guess my pain tolerance had been reached.

I hope Phoibe managed to escape. And I hope Kassandra can forgive me for not informing her of the traps, or who I really am.

“It doesn’t have to end this way.”

What? Who was that?

“You can be something more.”

Who are you? Who is this?

“You are nature’s greatest weapon.”

And suddenly, I was breathing. I was confused. Why could I breathe underwater? Above, I could see the horses of the people chasing me. Waiting.

“You are stronger than those weaklings.”

I felt a rumble in my chest and I seemed to swim up and out into the air, my lungs fuller than ever. I saw my shadow and was horrified as water dripped down and onto the rocks. I wasn’t myself anymore. I could feel it. What was this? What happened to me?

“Watch.”

No! I didn’t want to watch it! It was like my body wasn’t mine. I surged forward, my mouth opening before the iron taste flooded my senses. I felt sick. Sick to my stomach. And yet, all I could do was watch as my vision swam and shifted, the horses and men chasing me now scattered parts across the rocky shoreline.

When there was nothing left, all I could do was sit there.

What…just happened...

I looked down into the water, seeing something waving on the surface. I looked…like a monster. Now I knew I was no longer myself. Scales of grey and blue shined in the sunlight, golden eyes narrowed on an elongated head. I looked like a sea monster, a leviathan from some pirate’s fever dream.

I felt something bite my leg, where I was injured and I looked down, seeing a shark had decided to clamp on a flipper, which I can only assume was my own from the pain. My reaction was immediate, surging downward and grabbing the shark.

What was this?

“You are something more. Something that should be feared.”

WHO ARE YOU?

“Watch and learn, child. In time, you will understand.”

I looked up and I saw a ship with large sails of a nation unknown to me. I couldn’t take the time to know what it was.

But my body was moving without my control.

Chapter Text

It took Kassandra a lot longer to get home than usual.

It was starting to piss her off with how the Cyclops was becoming more and more of a nuisance, especially with his minions. Taking off the now-ruined gauntlet, which Kassandra just got much to her annoyance, she approached the house. It was quiet, the chickens clucking in the coop as she approached.

As she approached, she heard a shout, “Kassandra!”

Looking up, Kassandra saw Phoibe coming out of the house, running to her full sprint. At first, she was confused, seeing some of Phoibe’s friends behind her staring off into the woods, looking for something. When Phoibe got to Kassandra, she could see tears dripping down the girl’s cheeks.

“Phoibe! What’s going on?” Instant worry came as Jade didn’t pop out of the house. She would always make sure Kassandra was reassured if something happened to Phoibe. “Where’s Jade?”

“They took her! She…she ran!” Phoibe’s shoulders were shaking as her words choked up. “She hasn’t returned, nor has those men that came! We have to find her, Kassandra!”

Now Kassandra was more worried, “Who took Jade?”

“The Cyclops’ men. They were after me but I managed to get to Jade before they did. We hid in the house when she ran. But she hasn’t returned!”

“Phoibe,” Kassandra reassured, dropping down to Phoibe’s level. “Which direction did she go?”

Phoibe was almost inconsolable, but she managed to point in the direction where Jade ran…and where many hoof prints were trailing after. There was no way Jade ran far from horses. Turning back to Phoibe, Kassandra spoke softly, “I will go find her. Stay here and do not leave until we come back.”

And with that, Kassandra got up and ran in that direction. As she ran, she noticed how eerily silent it was and how the trail seemed to dart in different directions while Jade’s footprints seemed to go straight. What was her goal? How could she…

Kassandra stopped, having stumbled across a gruesome scene.

In a pit, impaled by spikes and old spears, were a couple of horses and their riders. From the riders’ clothes, they were definitely Cyclops’s men. But no Jade. She must have jumped.

Kassandra went around and kept going. At some point, speckles of blood appeared sprayed, as if hit. Kassandra couldn’t help but wonder how Jade kept running. It must have been pure adrenaline going through her. Kassandra kept going, but much faster now.

If Jade was injured, she was more likely to be captured. And Kassandra feared the worst when it came to the Cyclops.

She kept running until she got to the rocky shoreline, where she stumbled upon another, surprising, gruesome scene.

Men tore to shreds and laid in pieces across the ground with their horses. None were alive, the rock and soil stained with their blood. There was no way Jade did this. Something else had to have happened. Looking ahead, Kassandra could see nothing in the water’s distance.

There was no sign of Jade.

Cyclops’s men were dead.

But the Cyclops was smart in some ways, especially when it came to capturing.

Kassandra frowned, worried but also angry. What plans did the Cyclops have with Jade? What reason did he have to steal Jade? Take her away from Kassandra and Phoibe like that?

Kassandra turned around and raced back to the house, where Phoibe and her friends were still there. Only, Markos was there as well. He looked really worried until he saw Kassandra. “Kassandra! Where’s Jade?”

“Taken,” Kassandra replied bitterly, walking past Markos and into the house, leaving Phoibe and her friends to watch from Markos’s side. “The Cyclops took her.”

“We need to get to her as quickly as possible,” Phoibe replied, her tone filled with worry. “I think I might know where they could have taken her.”

“How would you know,” Markos questioned and Phoibe shrunk a little.

“We might have stumbled across their camp a little away from the city.”

“WHAT?!” Kassandra came out, plastered in her leather armor along with her sword and spear. She wanted to say more, but she was more concerned with Jade’s safety. “We will talk about this after we get Jade. Just…lead the way and I’ll take care of it.”

Markos looked concerned, fiddling with his hands, “Kassandra, you need to think a little more-”

“We don’t have time, Markos,” Kassandra snapped, Phoibe and her friends leading them away from the house and back on the path. “We need to get Jade before the Cyclops decides to sell her off as a slave.”

That seemed to shut Markos up as he nodded. The sun will be setting soon, but there would be enough light to talk to the Cyclops before night came. It was night that Kassandra was most worried.

And to add to that worry, the camp was fairly close to the house. Hidden in an enclave of the rocky shoreline that Kassandra was just at, only further away, was a camp that could only have been built by the Cyclops. They approached the entrance, but Kassandra stopped them all from going further, stating firmly, “Stay here and let me go talk to them.”

Markos and Phoibe seemed to protest, but Kassandra’s glare stopped them. She looked back ahead at the entrance before sighing, keeping her blades close for her to handle quickly. The entrance was a wooden gate between two boulders, open at the moment before night would come. Meaning they were still expecting a party to come back.

Most likely the ones slaughtered not far from here.

As she walked inside, she noticed that there were no guards. This would be her chance to sneak in, picking up her pace through the trail down towards the lower rocky shoreline. As she got out of the trail’s somewhat tight space, she saw the rocks open out into the ocean and towards what seemed to be an entire dock line. Cautious, she got closer, keeping her blades sheathed in case there were guards ahead. She needed to be flexible if they were to attack and she needed to dodge.

But just as she got past the last two boulders of the remaining trail, she could hear shouting and wood splintering. Kassandra bolted, racing out into the open, only to freeze.

What. In. Hades. Was. That?

Jaws snapped closed on a watchtower of wood, taking down the archers that were shooting at something only Hades would produce. A creature similar to the Hydra, but with one, narrow head, and scales shining from the ocean’s waves. A tail whipped into the last watchtower, the wood unmatched by the power of whatever spirit had broken out of Hades’ domain.

The creature roared once more, its forelegs gripping the sand, claws on the end of a flipper. Despite the bright blue and white scales, Kassandra could see several wounds on it, whether from sharks or from harpoons. It was hurt and angry, its roar echoing as it swerved its head toward another group of the Cyclops’ men.

As it grappled with the remaining group, Kassandra had to dodge multiple bodies and debris. Unfortunately, as soon as the group of the Cyclops’ men was dealt with, the creature had a good time looking around and Kassandra noticed its golden eyes as she remained behind a fallen pillar. They were bright and tinged with red. Bloodshot, afraid, and fueled with rage.

It roared one more time before seeming to calm down for a moment, looking around at its destruction. It puffed up once, letting a rumbling echo before it turned to the ocean. It stayed there for a moment and Kassandra was about to go towards the remaining buildings, to see if Jade might be there.

But then, as she moved, the pillar shifted, knocking over a teetering barrel pile. The sound was loud and Kassandra ran, seeing the creature whip around, roaring in the sound’s direction. She somehow managed to avoid being spotted as she went into the first stable house. Slowly, she closed the door, looking around as she whispered, “Jade. Jade, are you here?”

The house was empty. No Jade in sight.

Kassandra knew the next house was nearby. That was one of three.

Kassandra saw an open window, peeking out to see the creature rummaging through the pile Kassandra was just at, sniffing. Her time was going to be cut short soon. Kassandra waited for only a split second before going through the window and through the window of the next building.

Nothing. No Jade.

Why were there a bunch of empty buildings?

Questions later. Kassandra had to find Jade.

Kassandra looked out the next window, but the last house was a good several meter. If only Ikaros had come back from his breeding season sooner…Kassandra gritted her teeth, slowly peeking her head out of the window.

She saw that the creature was sniffing the house she had last been in, bursting through the roof and seeming to rage into it. It must still be angry. Kassandra used that moment to get out of the house and run to the last house. She prayed to the Gods that the creature didn’t see her.

As she got into the last house, she opened the door quickly and got inside. As she shut the door as softly as she could, she turned around, seeing…

Nothing.

Except for a single desk.

Kassandra’s hopes rose. If Jade wasn’t here, she had to be somewhere else. Walking over, Kassandra quickly shifted through the parchments. A lot of them were about ships coming in and all the usual shit. But then, Kassandra saw her name on the last parchment.

Kassandra lifted the parchment to see it better. But before she could read it, she heard Markos yell, “Kassandra! What’s going on?!”

Kassandra turned at this, taking off in a sprint and out of the building with the parchment thrust into her pocket. At the entrance of the enclave, Markos and Phoibe had somehow come in, looking around for her. The creature pulled its head out of the first building, turning to them. It growled, gaining Markos and Phoibe’s attention and causing both to scramble back in fear into the tight space of the entrance’s trail. The creature seemed to want to go after the pair, but Kassandra would NOT allow that.

She shouted instead, “HEY!”

The creature stopped, whipping around and seeing Kassandra standing there. It bared its teeth, golden eyes shining as it roared at her. Now that it was mostly out of the water, Kassandra could see its serpentine body and its seven other appendages. The tail had a sharp end to it, serrated like two blades on a spike.

It charged, jaws open and straight after Kassandra.

Alone and by herself, Kassandra had no choice but to grab her sword and shield.

And pray to the Gods that she survived this fight.

Chapter Text

Kassandra barely had time to dodge as the creature whirled in a circle, letting its tail fly low. It broke all three houses down as it came to face Kassandra again, steam blowing from its nostrils. Without missing a beat, the creature opened its jaws, spitting out hot, scalding water.

Kassandra once again dodged, avoiding the water as the creature gave chase. It seemed to be getting angrier, its slimy quills beginning to rise out its dorsal side. She needed to be careful as she dodged again, avoiding its lurch and watching as it slammed into the ground, jaws snapping. She took that chance to dive her sword into one flipper, causing the creature to yowl and twist.

This was hard enough to throw Kassandra into the beach. But she got up fast as the creature charged once more. She got one hit and she needed to get more in to weaken the beast. She charged this time, twisting out of the way as it dived for her, slamming into the sand. She drove the sword into its slippery underbelly as it was exposed from the dive.

The creature roared, twisting back and almost crushing Kassandra into the process. Scarlet blood was now sinking into the sand and bleeding into the water. The creature slithered down into the ocean, sticking its head underwater. From Kassandra’s point of view, she could see several veins glow like several shards of glass in reflection of the sun along the creature’s dorsal and flanks.

She needed to get this thing away from water. If it dried itself out, it wouldn’t be able to spit scalding water. Might clear out a few trees, but Kassandra had no choice.

She began to run to the very end of the camp, knowing that this rocky shoreline would fade into a thick forest. The creature followed, raising its head to go after Kassandra. There was an abandoned mining shaft nearby. Overgrown but with tools for Kassandra to use.

Getting her sword sheathed, she spent all her energy running, hearing the creature behind her. It wouldn’t be long until it caught up with her. And it won’t waste any time laying waste to her as it did with the men at the enclave.

It wasn’t long before the shaft came into view, a cave in the forest. There was still a lot of old mining stuff there. Including an iron crane that could at least subdue the creature. As Kassandra went to jump into the mining shaft, she felt something grab her back. She didn’t feel any pain as she fell, and from the rumbling and massive amounts of dust falling, the creature had slipped. The grip was gone and Kassandra was free-falling. She expected an impact, but she didn’t expect how soft it was until she landed. The ground shook and the shaft echoed as the place Kassandra had fallen vibrated enough to separate into pieces. She landed in a wagon of abandoned hay.

Shit, she must be lucky.

Kassandra heard a loud whine and she looked up, seeing the creature struggling to get up. It seemed to have landed harshly enough to shock it. Kassandra looked around, seeing the iron crane nearby, near the entrance. If she could run and throw her sword far enough to hit the crane’s rope, she could trap the creature.

Or kill it.

She got up as the creature turned to her, roaring in the tiny space that shook. It already looked like it was drying up as the dust stayed on, sucking the moisture out. The creature charged and Kassandra dodged to the side, nearly hitting barrels as she did so. At this, the creature hit the wall, whining loudly at the impact.

But it wasn’t long before it looked back at Kassandra’s retreating back. She didn’t dare look back. She ran. The entrance was still light. She could-

Pain echoed as something hit her arm and when she turned, her skin was a bright red. Scalding water! Kassandra ran faster, ignoring the burn as she did so. The creature was still chasing her as she got to her goal, turning and using her sword. She threw as far as she could and turned back to run. She’ll get her sword later.

There was a snap.

There was a roar.

And then, something heavy fell and hit the creature, causing it to let out a cry of pain. Kassandra turned at this point, the ground swaying from her adrenaline rush. The creature had been hit in the head, hard. There was a visible wound on its crest and it let out a long whine of pain.

It slowly slithered out, eyes trained on her. But it was different this time.

Did it feel…familiar?

It let out another long whine before falling forward, nearly crushing Kassandra as she dived to the side. It fell heavily, its quills vibrating as it let out another whine. Kassandra stayed still for a moment in case it lurched at her again.

But it remained on the ground, dust clinging to its once moist skin. It took a moment before Kassandra got up…only, the creature was now glowing with a golden shine before particles drifted away. The creature became smaller until the golden glow broke apart, leaving…

“Jade?”

Kassandra was quick to Jade’s side but didn’t touch Jade and instead hovered her hands over the unconscious woman. How was this possible? She had…tried to kill Jade. That creature was Jade.

By the Gods, Kassandra had no clue what to make of this sudden situation. Only the creature she had tried to kill with that crane was Jade.

Slowly, Kassandra turned Jade over, seeing that the injuries were still there, just minor cuts except for a wound on her calf and her head injury, a cut across her scalp. Kassandra shook Jade, “Jade! Jade! Wake up!”

Jade mumbled but she didn’t open her eyes. Despite the turmoil in Kassandra’s mind, she picked up Jade and headed back to the house. At the house, Markos and Phoibe were waiting, Phoibe pacing while Markos sat on the porch. Upon seeing Kassandra, Phoibe looked like she was about to cry when Markos stood up and asked, “Is she all right?”

“Can you get a healer here? Please,” Kassandra asked, weaving past Markos and to the inside of the house. Markos nodded and disappeared, Phoibe following with a worried look. “Phoibe, go get me water.”

Phoibe hesitated, but soon left as Kassandra laid Jade down on a bedroll. Her head was still bleeding but the cuts had stopped as well as the open wounds. Quickly, Kassandra found anything to wrap or help seal the cuts and prevent infection of the head wound.

Everything happened so fast that Kassandra had no time to think of what she just witnessed. Jade had been with them for months. If Jade knew about this, she would have told Kassandra and Phoibe. In the best-case scenario, she had no clue.

But what if she did?

What was she?

A runaway slave turning out to be a monster?

No…not a monster. Jade wouldn’t have done this on purpose. There had to be a reason.

“Kassandra,” Markos called out and Kassandra replied quickly.

“In here!”

Markos came around the corner, the local healer with him, and the old man began to examine an unconscious Jade. Kassandra got up to be out of the way but remained in sight to view Jade for her own safety. When this happened, Markos asked, “Kassandra, what happened? That beast…it followed you to the old mining shaft.”

“It did, but I managed to kill it,” Kassandra replied. She hated lying to Markos, but the fact that she didn’t have the full story, and this was Jade they are talking about, she didn’t feel comfortable with the revelation being public. “I found Jade tucked away in there. She got injured on her way out of the shaft.”

“Bless the Gods she lives. And you as well, only a burn I see. Would you like to harvest the creature’s parts?” Kassandra shook her head. The burn on her arm didn't break the skin, but it would be a bruise for a while.

“No, my concern is Jade. Once Jade is in the clear, we can harvest it.” A good lie and one to explain the creature’s disappearance. It wasn’t long before the healer was done, stating Jade was clear but ran a high fever. At the same time, Phoibe came back, a bucket in hand.

“Is she okay?” Phoibe must have seen the healer leave. “Is Jade…”

She trailed off and Kassandra sighed, crouching down to Phoibe’s level. “Jade is alive, but she needs rest. Okay?”

Phoibe nodded, though her eyes were more on where Jade was lying down. Kassandra watched as Phoibe pulled away, sitting down next to Jade with a far-off look. In the meantime, Kassandra turned to Markos, “Thank you, Markos. You are welcome to stay but I think we just need to let Jade recover.”

“Understandable,” Markos nodded. “If you need my assistance I’ll stop by every other evening.”

And with that, Markos left. This left Kassandra and Phoibe with an unconscious Jade to look after. While Phoibe slept, ate, and read next to Jade, Kassandra decided to take a few days off in case Jade woke up, spending her time listening to Phoibe and taking Jade's place, albeit not as good as Jade's handiwork. Jade slept without moving for the first two days, but on the third day, Phoibe ran outside to find Kassandra practicing with her wooden sword and shield.

“Kassandra! Jade’s awake!”

Kassandra dropped her gear, uncaring of its condition as she bolted into the house, following Phoibe to where Jade had been for the past few days. Jade wasn’t sitting upright, but she seemed to be trying to wake up, her eyes blinking rapidly and then staring up at the ceiling.

Phoibe ran to Jade’s side, grabbing Jade’s hand softly through swiftly. “Jade! You’re awake!”

Jade seemed to wince at the height of Phoibe’s voice and the girl quickly mumbled, “Sorry. Was I too loud?”

Jade shook her head, her free hand coming up to rub her temple before turning her head to Phoibe and Kassandra, who loomed over Phoibe to watch Jade’s behavior. To see if there were any changes. The golden eyes Jade always had was back, not the wild kind the leviathan had. Despite sleeping for so long, Jade still seemed tired.

“What…happened?” Jade’s voice was cracked and withered, no doubt tired and hurting. Kassandra turned to Phoibe.

“Can you go get Jade some honey and water?” Phoibe nodded, leaving without question. As Phoibe left, Kassandra turned back to Jade, taking Phoibe’s place at her side. “How do you feel, Jade?”

Jade seemed to think for a minute before shaking her head slowly, “Tired. How’s Phoibe? What happened after…”

Jade suddenly shot up as if realizing something but instantly yelped, grabbing her leg where the wound was still healing. Kassandra stopped Jade, clinging tight to her as Jade began to cry. “Jade, you’re hurt. You need to rest. Lay down.”

Jade shook her head, looking around wildly as all pain was forgotten, “Where are those men on horses? Did you kill them? Did they stay here and go after Phoibe? She should be careful! Those woods aren’t safe!”

She was becoming frantic and Kassandra could feel the heat radiating off Jade’s body. Fever. She was becoming feverish. Kassandra moved Jade so that the woman was facing the misthios. “Jade, you need to calm down. We’re safe. Phoibe’s safe. Those men are gone.”

Jade stared at Kassandra for a long moment before Phoibe came in, seeing Jade sitting up. Immediately, the little girl snapped, “Jade! You shouldn’t be up!”

Kassandra turned back to Jade after glancing at Phoibe, “See? She’s safe.”

Jade beckoned Phoibe over, no words spoken. Kassandra let Jade go to watch the interaction, watching as Phoibe came closer with a water bowl and jar of honey. The moment Kassandra took those objects from Phoibe, Jade pulled the little girl into a tight embrace, whispering in her language.

Whatever she was saying, she stopped as Phoibe began to pet her hair, whispering, “I’m here, Jade. I’m safe.”

It seemed to calm Jade as she pulled away, checking Phoibe once more before letting Phoibe go. “Good. Good.”

Phoibe smiled, “I’m glad you’re better, Jade. How do you feel?”

Jade shrugged, “I’m awake. But I still feel tired.”

“It’s okay, Jade!” Phoibe beamed at Jade and Kassandra’s heart warmed at the sight.

Even though it was still a mystery what happened to Jade, seeing Phoibe gazing at Jade the way she was brought something to realization. Since Jade had come here, she had slowly become part of the family and this solidified it. Jade comforted Phoibe in the face of a difficult situation and took the violence away from Phoibe in her own way.

It made Kassandra feel that weird feeling again. A feeling that would come and go but always show up when Jade did something like comfort Phoibe or tell stories.

But Kassandra was brought out of her thinking as Jade turned to Kassandra. It was then that Kassandra noticed how tired Jade was despite having just woken up. She turned to Phoibe, “Phoibe, let’s go to bed and leave Jade to rest. Jade, do you need anything before we go?”

Jade looked nervous and then, with a soft voice, “Could you both stay with me? I…I don’t want to be alone.”

Kassandra and Phoibe looked at each other before both nodded. Jade smiled, lying down and getting comfortable before Phoibe slid next to her. Kassandra hesitated, noticing that the only remaining spot was right behind Jade.

Jade mumbled, “Kassandra, aren’t you tired?”

Kassandra tried not to flush but calmed herself from thinking dirty thoughts. Instead of further questioning it herself, she settled behind Jade, the pillows against her back while Jade was in front of her.

But Kassandra wasn’t tired just yet. Holding her head up with one arm, Kassandra watched as Phoibe practically cuddled against Jade, Jade had already fallen asleep. Watching the pair sleep, that strange feeling came back, stirring in Kassandra’s stomach.

With a gentle hand, Kassandra moved Jade’s messy hair behind her ear, the woman mumbled in her sleep but didn’t wake up.

Kassandra didn’t intend to stay on the island for long, but if this was her future…

She didn’t mind if she stayed on the island.

Chapter Text

Blood.

It was everywhere.

In my mouth. On my skin. In my eyes. It was a nightmare. A fucking nightmare.

I wanted to scream. I wanted to cry. I wanted…

“To kill?”

The dark voice echoed and I turned, seeing a beast curled up like a snake. It was an aquatic leviathan and we were in the middle of what seemed to be a small sand island. Fear instantly gripped me at seeing the massive beast staring down at me, water dripping from its slimy scales.

It opened its mouth, words coming out with ease, “Are you afraid?”

I took a step back and my fear turned into anger, “WHO ARE YOU?!”

The leviathan lifted its head, letting out a loud laugh. “You humans are quite easy to put fear in, hm?”

I took another step back, only to fall into the water. The leviathan sighed, uncurling as it slithered around the island, intentionally blocking me from entering further into the water. With another sigh, the leviathan growled, “Clumsy too. You are lucky. If you had fallen any further, the others would have a feast.”

Now I grew confused, continuing to sit in the water. Strangely enough, the water didn’t soak my clothes or my skin, just a pressure on my body. The leviathan turned back to me, eyes of gold piercing, “Confused, child?”

“Hey! I’m not a child! And where the hell am I?” I didn’t want to stand up, or else I would have hit the leviathan’s chin. “Are you going to eat me or something?”

The leviathan was taken aback before sighing, “I do apologize. This was not the meeting I intended. If Jor were around, they would have given me a lecture.”

What the hell? What was this leviathan talking about? “Okay, if you want a formal introduction as a first meeting, who the fuck are you?”

The leviathan was silent for a moment before replying, “Sally is my name.”

I blinked. Certainly didn’t sound feminine. The leviathan huffed, voice still deep and heavy, “Some things did not matter back then for Jor. She gave us names for no reason unlike you humans. But away from that, do you have any idea what you have done?”

“No and I was hoping to find out in case you were nice…which you are kind of right now, Sally,” I replied. “I don’t remember after you went after that ship.”

“When I am in control, this tends to happen. But I have not felt pain in a few millennia and so much energy that I couldn’t help myself.” Sally seemed proud at the intention and I felt a shiver down my spine. “Don’t worry, it will not happen again…unless you lose control.”

“Lose control?”

The leviathan opened his mouth to say something when suddenly, a roar echoed. The leviathan lifted its head, baring his teeth, “Time’s up, child. We can talk later. For now-”

Suddenly, just as he was about to finish, Sally’s face was hit by something massive. Large and angry. I could feel the anger, feel the rage. I tried to get up, but just as I was, the sand opened up, engulfing me in a choking hold.

And that’s how I woke up.

My eyes snapped open, shooting up in a flash in shock. My skin felt hot and I felt my throat parched. As I got my bearings in the room I was in before, I felt a cool hand on my back. I whipped around, seeing Kassandra sitting there, looking at me with a worried expression.

All she greeted with me was a small voice, “Nightmare?”

Before I could think of an answer, I was already nodding. Whatever the fuck happened in that dream, it seemed real. I let out a long exhale, bringing my face to my hand to rub my eyes. Damn, how long had I been asleep.

“Are you hungry?” At Kassandra’s question, I shook my head. “Water?” I nodded.

She left and quickly came back, giving me a cup with liquid in it. As I sipped, Kassandra observed me quietly, searching for something. To break the silence, I asked after feeling slightly less parched, “Where’s Phoibe?”

“She’s out and about, doing some stuff for Markos,” Kassandra replied. Silence reigned once more, but I felt that Kassandra wanted to say something. I looked up at her, wondering what was on her mind.

Looks like I needed to talk it out of her, “What’s wrong, Kassandra? Something on your mind?”

At this, Kassandra seemed to still, eyes looking out into the other parts of the house. Once no one came or answered, Kassandra turned back to me, hesitate and…afraid? Why was she afraid? “What’s the last thing you remembered?”

What? I drank as I thought of my answer. Did I want to answer honestly? After spending a few moments thinking, I finally shrugged, “I remember running. I ran and slipped on the rocky shoreline. When I fell into the water…some voice was speaking to me. Like it was responding to my thoughts. And then, I remember blood and a ship, but that’s about it.”

“A ship? What kind?”

I shrugged, “I don’t know. Kassandra, what happened? Are you…afraid of me?”

“Afraid?” Kassandra shook her head furiously. “No! I’m not afraid of you, Jade. What happened to you…I can’t explain. It was like you were a beast. Not as you, but as an actual beast.”

My thoughts immediately went to the leviathan. “I turned into a monster?”

Kassandra nodded, “You…weren’t yourself. Did you know you could do that?”

I stared at her with surprise before she shook her head. “Don’t worry. I figured you didn’t know. But as long as you are safe, it doesn’t matter.”

I opened my mouth before closing it. I was shocked. I expected her to fear me, but that didn’t happen. She saw my reaction and grabbed my hand gently, squeezing it. “Jade, we will deal with this. Together. All right?”

“What?” It was all I can say. It was all I could let out. The confusion led to guilt and the guilt led to me breaking down in front of Kassandra, sobbing out of fear. Did I just put both Kassandra and Phoebe in danger? What was happening to me? What was wrong with me?

But Kassandra didn’t let up. She grabbed my shoulders, making me look at her through blurry vision. She spoke calmly, “Jade, we will work this out, okay?”

I knew we could. But how do we work this out when I don’t even know how this situation was occurring. I didn’t know how long I was crying, but I know I fell asleep against Kassandra. I wasn’t embarrassed in the slightest.

This time, I didn’t dream of the leviathan nor the sandy island. Instead, it was empty until I woke up, the room dark. I sat up, feeling better but still a little pain in my leg. I heard light snoring next to me and I looked over, my eyes adjusting to the dark. Kassandra was lying next to me, her arm a pillow.

This allowed me the opportunity to take in her features.

And damn, how did it take me this long to admire her?

I felt my face heat up as I cursed myself internally, but I couldn’t look away. Her sharp features, tan skin, and sleek hair were traits I thought I admired in men. Granted I didn’t date a lot of people growing up nor as a bartender.

But she was too good for me, I knew deep down.

I laid down, still observing Kassandra’s sleeping face. A strand of hair was in the way and I unconsciously pushed it to behind her ear. She mumbled in her sleep but didn’t wake up. I pulled my hand slowly away before turning around to face away from her. She wasn’t even awake and my heart was beating so much in my chest that it might burst out. I breathed in and out, willing myself to calm down enough to sleep more.

But let’s just say, my mind now had other ideas to sleep on.

Chapter Text

Time went on and I recovered.

I went back to Markos’s vineyard within the next week and Kassandra went back to her misthios work. Phoibe was playing with her friends more often now that I was recovered, leaving me at home by myself before and after work. The dream with the leviathan never came back and I didn’t know whether to be glad or worried of what will come next.

Whatever happens next, I probably am more prepared for it.

As I did the laundry, my thoughts drifted to Kassandra once more. She had been so kind to me. Accepting for who this person was or could be. Any sane person would send me away, leave me to a place I couldn’t crawl out of.

But since that night, she’d been everything.

I didn’t notice much about the butterflies in my stomach until now, every time she came home and hugged me. Every time she looks at me, I admire her expressions and smiles, no matter how small. I look forward to story time with Phoibe because I knew Kassandra would be there too, smiling at what family we’ve grown.

In some ways, I felt more complete than ever. Just missing one piece.

Kassandra.

Now, I’ve never been one big on romance, but I knew the thing that would catch Kassandra’s attention was her favorite wine. It was a weird flavor in Greek that I could barely pronounce. But with the help of Markos, I managed to buy a bottle coming into one of his shipments.

I smiled unconsciously at the thought. Putting the final blanket on the rack I made weeks ago, I went inside the house to prepare to head to Markos’s vineyard. As I did, Phoibe came running in, giggling like mad as her friends came running in as well. I chuckled, seeing the children play with little care in the world.

It was a scene I’ve grown to love.

I knew deep down I was becoming a mother indirectly and I was fine with that.

The crash of pottery outside and a whole bunch of hushing had me pause. Ah, the side effects of rough housing.

“Phoibe,” I sang, innocent enough to where I didn’t show anger. It was probably one of those old potteries that Markos likes to gift Kassandra, which she doesn’t use them at all. “What was that?”

“Nothing!” It was too quick to be innocent. I chuckled, shaking my head as I grabbed my clothes and walked out of the house. I turned, seeing Phoibe and her friends freeze while picking up the pottery they broke. It was one of those old vases, one I knew was from before Kassandra moved in.

They looked scared at first until I said, “Pick it up and don’t break another please. Are you guys coming over for dinner?”

The friends looked at each other before nodding at me, Phoibe’s face becoming a beaming smile. I left them to pick up the pieces and went on with my day. After the vineyard, and a surprise hug from Markos, I went down to the market to pick up some food items.

The town seemed lively as I walked through the markets, fresh drachmae in my pocket. Once I picked up the food I was looking for, I went back home, finding that Phoibe and her friends were gone.

Now alone again, I decided to do something with my time.

Because I wanted to figure out more of what happened to me.

With only a tunic and trousers on, I set off to the sea. There was one spot that not many people went to. I knew because I’d asked Phoibe and she said so herself. It was relatively hidden, given how open it was. It was like a hidden corner few saw.

I approached the edge, taking a seat on the rock and looking down at the water below. From up here, I could see some sharks swimming around, looking for their next prey. They were pretty big for regular sharks, but I guess in this timeline, bigger animals were more common than in my time.

Now, I wonder how I can will myself to change rather than be in danger. It would help in the long run. Maybe even help protect the island if things got bad around here. I knew the Athenians and Spartans would be fighting soon, but I didn’t know when. Unless it was happening now.

I would rather protect my newfound home and family from danger.

As I thought, I looked up, seeing the ocean move ahead of me. I had lived in the city for most of my life and had only seen the ocean a few times. It only strengthened my resolve to protect this island.

Deep inside, something sang to me. Home. This was my home, my family…my territory.

I didn’t realize until I slammed into the ocean that I had changed into Sally’s form. The ledge must have given out. I raised my head from the clear water, water crusading down my newly transformed scales as I looked across the ocean’s surface. The sharks took notice, coming towards me and I could feel my lips curl, showing my sharpened teeth.

But I stopped myself. If my first instinct was to kill, what would that make me? A monster. A freak of nature that only kills.

These sharks weren’t going after me, I realized. They did swim to me, but realized I was too big. They chose life instead of death. If I were to use this new thing for good, I can’t just kill everything I see.

My lips lowered, hiding my teeth as I dived into the water. Away from the bird calls and away from the sound of trees, I was surrounded by the music of water. In a way, it soothed the protective side of me as I began to swim, along the edge of the reef in large circles.

Beneath the water was something out of a dream. Beautiful corals and colorful fish decorated the surface and the sand was pearl white. Where else could I find that in my own world in the future?

The slower I swam, the more I noticed some of the colorful fish gliding with me in groups. So, I swam. Swam as slow as I could until I felt like a whale swimming leisurely through the waves. With each breath I took, seagulls waited to perch on my back before I dived back down.

I felt freer by the second.

Slowly, I glided down into the pearl white sand, letting the heavy weight settle on my flippers. In front of me, the island was there, small coral decorating into larger the further out from the shore.

It was amazing.

I closed my eyes, feeling the fish nimble and glide across my scales. Some sharks began swimming around me, I could feel their heartbeat. I felt…like them.

“This is how I felt long ago.”

I didn’t open my eyes. Instead, I heard Sally chuckle as I felt their spirit glide under the sand near my flippers. They continued. “When the ocean was young and the air as fresh as the night sky, I would do the same thing you do.”

Is this how I should be?

“If you wish. Keeping calm is something you should consider if you do want to take the role of guardian.”

If I have this gift, shouldn’t I be using it for some destiny?

Sally chuckled at that and I could feel a little nuzzle on the top of my head. “For us, destiny does not speak. We of the Golden Eyes do not want or need anything. We write what we want. If you want to protect this island, your home, then you shall.”

I hummed, the sound vibrating in the water that sent some fish shooting away. Suddenly, the urge to breath caught me off guard, sending me swimming back up to the surface. As I did, Sally’s voice carried after me, tinged with concern, “But beware that others have plans for you.”

I had no time to decipher those words as I broke the surface, taking in a gulp of air before shaking the water from the top of my head. To the side, I heard someone gasp, “Malàka!”

I jolted to the side, nearly hitting a boat that was right next to my head. I looked down, only to see Kassandra sitting there, worry on her face. I was surprised. Why was she here?

Kassandra slowly stood, hand on the hilt of her sword, “Am I talking to Jade?”

I snorted, sending water spraying onto Kassandra, whose hair shielded her eyes while glistening from said water.

I began to laugh, the sound deep and heavy but holding humor. Kassandra sighed, wiping the hair from her face as she grumbled, “Yeah, yeah. Very funny. I was looking for you and I suddenly see your shadow underneath. And…how is this happening now?”

I looked away before looking back at her, deciding it would be best to help her get back to land. We were pretty far out and I didn’t want to leave her. I lowered my head, opening my jaws and ignoring as Kassandra dropped to lay flat on the boat.

I grabbed the boat gently enough to surprisingly not crack the boat’s wood, making sure it was secure before I swam back to shore. At the broken ledge, and after much cursing from Kassandra as she gripped onto the boat as if her life depended on it, I set the boat down onto the rock. I let Kassandra get out after a little nudging before grabbing the boat again and setting it on the shoreline next to us.

As I turned back to Kassandra, she crossed her arms and playfully sighed, “You could have just pushed me to that shoreline…show off.”

I was surprised by her lack of shock but I wouldn’t be surprised if she mentally prepared herself for this moment.

I transformed while surging forward, landing haphazardly on the rock in front of Kassandra. She watched as I stood before her, shaking myself of as much water as I could. After looking me over a couple of times, she asked, “What were you doing here?”

I shrugged, “Practicing. I figured if I could transform when I’m in danger, why can’t I do it to defend this island?”

Kassandra put her hands on her hips, raising an eyebrow, “Why? You would be just as good without that beast form you go into.”

“Not unless I became proficient at whatever this is.” I began to walk back to the house, Kassandra following beside me. “Think about it. I want to help you defend this island from whatever war happens.”

Kassandra stopped, raising an eyebrow at me again, “Jade, there is no need. We are far enough away from whatever is going on with Athenians and Spartans.”

“But what if the war pushes here? We could be at risk.” I turned fully to her, making sure she paid attention to what I was about to say. “I’m not going to sit around and play housemaid all day. I want to do something. Protect this island. Protect Phoibe. Protect you.”

Something about what I said on the last part made Kassandra look away from me. I shrunk. Did I hit a sour spot?

It dawned on me then that as much as I was here, I learned little of Kassandra’s past. Were people after her? Was something going on that she’s trying to hide from me?

Kassandra’s gaze lifted, but they never reached my face. Instead, they were staring at my chest. I wondered why until Kassandra turned back to the house, a far off look on her face. “I’m going to continue talking about anything serious with your tits out.”

Confused, I asked, “What do you mean?”

She didn’t answer my question, continuing on and leaving me while saying, “Let’s get home before Phoibe sees you!”

It didn’t hit me until Sally spoke, “You wear thin clothes and you just came out of the water, sweet child.”

Cue my face heating up beat red and my arms crossed the rest of the walk home. It might as well be the Greek version of the walk of shame.

Though, at least, and thank whatever deity was out there, that no one except Kassandra was around to see.

Chapter Text

By the time Phoibe’s friends arrived, I was in new clothes and prepping dinner. Kassandra was handling some of the chickens and the garden and Phoibe came rushing in with her friends. As I was readying the dinner for setting out, I turned to Phoibe who was watching me cook.

“Phoibe, can you set up the table?”

Phoibe nodded, grabbing the plates and setting off to the table. As I readied the final part of dinner, Kassandra came in, taking a big whiff of what was about to be consumed. “Sea Bass? Smells good!”

I turned, smiling as I did so, “It’ll be ready in a few moments. Can you call the rest of the kids?”

Kassandra nodded, turning to outside where the children had run off to, “Dinner!”

I could hear them cheering for food, running in like a pack of puppies to dinner time. I grabbed the finished dinner and headed to the table. For the dinner guests, I made them another sea bass that was just as good. As they all sat down, I was the last to sit, making sure dinner was truly ready to consume.

I felt an odd sense surge through me as I looked around, seeing all the smiles and joyous laughter as everyone took their piece. It reminded me of a Christmas dinner, with a family gathered around the table to eat the turkey and ham prepped for many hungry mouths.

It was Kassandra who brought me back, putting a hand on my shoulder, “Jade? Are you okay?”

I snapped out of it, shaking myself of my frozen state. I turned to Kassandra with a smile, “I’m fine.”

Kassandra smiled, turning back to the table to see that all the children had stopped and stared. She waved them off, “What do we say to Jade?”

The response was immediate, “Thank you!”

My chest warmed as we ate in a comfortable silence. Dinner went faster than I anticipated, the children already gathering their plates and putting them up into the bin I used to wash the dishes. To my surprise, Phoibe turned to me and asked, “Jade, can you go over to their house tonight? We’re going to watch the stars under the statue!”

I knew what statue she was talking about. I chuckled, nodding, “Yes, you can. Just be back by tomorrow evening, okay?”

Phoibe nodded, giving me a quick embrace before running out with her friends, all giggles and smiles. Kassandra chuckled at the scene, turning to me with a bright smile, “She asked you permission.”

“I’m glad she did,” I replied, getting up to put away dinner. Kassandra got up to help me, each of us doing our part in cleaning. As I cleaned the dishes, Kassandra came to lean next to me, watching me with observant eyes.

I turned to her just as I finished the last dish, noting how she watched my every movement. “Thank you for today. I’m sorry if I scared you.”

“It’s no worries,” Kassandra replied, crossing her arms. “You seemed to enjoy yourself out there.”

“I was going to absolutely slaughter those sharks, but…” I leaned next to her, hands on the side of the bin. “If my first instinct when I turn is to slaughter everything…how would I fare every time I turn? Would I end up slaughtering more than invaders? Accidently kill someone as collateral damage?”

I turned away and looked at the ground, feeling some shame as I admitted to what happened today. But Kassandra held no judgement in her voice as I felt her hand slide on my back. “You won’t. What happened today is a big step. You are learning, like I do with a blade. It takes time. Maybe I could come with you, you know?”

I turned to her in shock, “You’re not afraid I might eat you?”

Kassandra laughed, a hearty laugh, as she replied, “No. You have a lot more self-control than I.”

“Now, I don’t know about that.”

Kassandra smiled at this, her hand pulling away. For some reason, I didn’t want her hand to go away. I wanted it to stay.

And the weird feeling came again once more.

Kassandra slide from the counter, walking towards the stairs that led to the roof of the house. “Well, we have the whole night to ourselves.”

I blinked. And my face began to heat up. That’s right. I was alone with Kassandra. It was getting closer to the night time. I chuckled nervously, “You’re right. So…what do you want to do?”

Kassandra gestured to the stairs, “Come on. Let me show you.”

She went before I did and I couldn’t help but follow her. Whatever she had planned, I had no idea what it was. She was gone for a while before dinner. As we walked up the stairs, I felt anticipation build inside me.

Once at the top of the stairs, Kassandra turned back to me, a bright smile on her face. She raised a hand to help me up the last few steps, though it was not necessary. In fact, it was a nice gesture that made my chest warm.

When I looked away from Kassandra towards the roof top, my breath left me.

The roof top was decorated with tapestries I haven’t ever seen, the roof refurbished and no longer supporting holes. There was even a platter of fruits waiting, dripping fresh from sparkling water. The sun was getting closer to setting and Kassandra walked past me, gesturing me to follow her.

I had no words.

This was beautiful.

“Surprised?”

I looked at Kassandra, wide-eyed and still in shock. Kassandra chuckled, sitting down on the tapestries and patting the ground, “Come and sit. You’ve been working so hard, I thought I’d treat you to a sunset.”

Okay, this was some romantic shit here.

Finally, the words seem to come out, “You did all this…for me?”

Kassandra laughed at this, “Of course! Come and sit. Watch the sunset with no worries.”

She kept her eyes on me as I slowly came over and sat down. When I finally sat down, she looked over at the sunset. And we sat there, staring at the sun as it slowly descended to let the moon shine. I couldn’t deal with the silence long though since this was too much of a romance to be a quiet time.

“The sunset is pretty.”

Kassandra looked at me and I mentally hit myself. Good job, Jade.

Instead of commenting on my blushing face, Kassandra turned back to the sunset, “It is. It always is on this island. Sometimes, I wonder why I want to leave.”

I gave her a confused look, “What do you mean?”

Kassandra smiled, turning back to me as I sat with my legs crossed under me. “There was a time I wanted to leave this island. To go my own path.”

“Does this have to do with earlier?”

“With what?”

“What happened on our way back to the cove.”

Kassandra seemed to reflect on it for a moment before she nodded, “I never told you my background, have I?”

“I haven’t either.”

Kassandra shrugged, “Are you even interested in knowing? About my past?”

“Not unless you want me to know.” I pulled my knees up to my chest. “I knew plenty of people who have horrid pasts. I’ve had people who’d been abused, broken, and became bad because of those raising them.”

“Knew?”

I shrugged, looking away for a moment, “I don’t…think I’ll ever see them again. They weren’t a good crowd. Lot of them drank so much that some killed themselves just by consuming so much.”

Kassandra seemed to perk up at this, “Was this why you hid the wine so much?”

I didn’t look at her as I responded softly, “Yeah…it worked a lot of the time for some who I managed to keep living longer. Didn’t help that I used to make drinks for them when we were younger.”

“Wait…you made alcohol?”

I looked back at her, shrugging, “Sort of. Did combinations of multiple drinks to make a blend people would enjoy…or hate. I met a lot of good people making drinks for them, but I didn’t try to make friends after I lost so many. I’ve got to admit that I do miss them dearly, but like I said. I didn’t hang out with a good crowd.”

Kassandra stared at me with shock for a few moments before sighing, “I guess we are similar, though you are more social than I was. I tended to stay close to home when I was younger. My father, who was a Spartan, trained me so much I didn’t have time to make friends. It wasn’t until I came here that I met Markos and got myself connections.”

“So you’re from Sparta?”

She nodded, “Once. My father and mother. And my brother. I don’t know where my mother is nor my father. But…I know my brother is dead.”

I didn’t say anything, staring at Kassandra as she took a deep breath, “I came here years ago, when I was young. Shortly after my brother was born…an elder was supposed to throw him over a cliff. But I couldn’t handle it even when my father told me to stay put. I pushed the elder, and therefore my brother, off the cliff when I tried to save him. And my father…he threw me over the cliff.”

I had no words. I put a hand on her back and she looked at me, her eyes watery. After some silence, I asked, “What happened that day is not your fault, Kassandra. Things happen and all you can do now is live.”

Kassandra stared at me for a long time but then she smiled, “Well, I can live now. Here on this island.”

She wiped her eyes for a moment before recomposing herself. I removed my hand, only for my hand to be grabbed by Kassandra. I couldn’t help but shiver at the contact. She smirked at this, “Am I making you nervous?”

“No,” I squeaked out. My gosh, what is wrong with me?

Kassandra chuckled, “Well, I think this will make you blush. The reason I want to stay on this island is because of you.”

I think my heart stopped. There’s no way that’s the main reason. There’s no way that she said such a thing! She doesn’t…like like me…does she?

I had no words. Instead, I leaned forward.

And kissed her.

I didn’t stop and she returned it. She returned it big time. The sunset was gone by now, the night illuminated by the moon as it shone down on us. My body flushed and I couldn’t help but lean back all the way until my back was on the tapestries. Kassandra didn’t let me go. Instead, she followed me down, her body keeping mine down.

It was a moment I would never forget.

This…this was something I didn’t expect today out of all days. Did she plan this?

Whatever today is, I love it.

But my lungs heaved for air and Kassandra’s seemed to as well when she pulled away. We both panted, looking at each other with half-lidded eyes. I couldn’t look away. I actually wanted to kiss her again.

But Kassandra huffed a chuckle, a hand being brought to my cheek as she spoke softly, “We can take this as slow as you want. We don’t need to do anything besides this.”

I smiled, “That’s fine with me. Now, can I get another kiss?”

Kassandra smirked and, without another word, leaned forward to take my lips once more, her scent surrounding me like a blanket. It was intoxicating and I knew I wouldn’t get enough.

But for tonight, just her being in my arms was enough.

Chapter Text

When I woke up, I woke up with my head on a pillow with Kassandra’s face inches from mine. She was sleeping soundly next to me and I couldn’t help but stare at her, admiring her features as she laid asleep next to me.

How did I get so lucky?

Slowly, I lifted a hand to soothe her hair out of her face, letting my hand rest on her cheek. Kassandra let out a soft sigh, her eyes opening to see me staring at her. And I didn’t look away. She chuckled, a hand coming from her side to my side, soothing over my tunic.

“Good morning.” Shit, her voice was like honey to my ears.

“Good morning.” I spoke softly, keeping my hand on her cheek. We couldn’t stop staring at each other. Slowly, I leaned over, taking her lips softly in a short kiss. I hovered after pulling away, closing my eyes and taking in Kassandra’s scent.

Kassandra chuckled, causing me to chuckle as we both laid there, the rising sun beating down on us in promise of high heat. I wanted to lay here forever, but as we kissed once more, with more passion I had to admit, a shout came from below.

“Kassandra! Jade! Where are you?”

Why did Phoibe have to return now? We pulled apart quickly, though I whined quietly.

“I think we got to go downstairs,” Kassandra whispered, giving me a peck on the cheek before getting up. I sighed, getting up as well. Now I knew how my parents could have felt when I was an infuriating toddler. And the reason I didn’t have siblings.

Kassandra went downstairs first before I did and Phoibe was already talking to Kassandra excitedly about the stars they saw last night. It was nice to listen to before Phoibe asked, “So, how was your night?”

Before I could answer her, Kassandra replied, “It was good. We had a lot of reflecting last night.”

For a moment, I feared Phoibe would ask what that meant but instead, she said, “Oh.”

And that was it.

Breakfast was had and as soon as Phoibe left, it was just me and Kassandra again. As I washed dishes, Kassandra came up behind me, her arms wrapping around me as her chin settled on my shoulder. She said nothing as I cleaned, humming as I did so.

It was a comfort moment. Domestic in nature. Something I looked forward to having more in the future. After a moment of standing, Kassandra whispered in my ear, “Maybe we should have a late morning, hm?”

“And what does that mean?” I purposefully leaned against her, tempting her in my own way.

Kassandra hissed out, “I thought you wanted to take this slow?”

“I do, but teasing you is very much something I want to do.” I knew I was being a bitch, but I didn’t care. Kassandra sighed.

“You are tempting as a siren.”

I laughed at that, “Okay, okay. Joking aside, we can just cuddle. Tell each other stories. Get to know each other more.”

Kassandra hummed, pressing her lips along my neck and I couldn’t help but gasp when her teeth grazed a spot I didn’t know I had. Before I could chide her for the teasing, she whispered in my ear, “I think cuddling will do.”

I chuckled, watching as Kassandra walked away. I was going to like teasing her.

When I finished up, I walked back upstairs to see that Kassandra had moved everything under the canopy on the roof to shield us from the sun. She laid there with a couple of pillows behind her, a scroll in hand. I slipped into her side, taking a long, exaggerated sigh for her to notice me.

She chuckled, putting down the scroll to put an arm around me. “Finally come to join me?”

“I did.” I replied honestly. “What were you reading?”

“It’s a small literature piece I found from one of my jobs,” Kassandra replied, giving me the scroll to look over. “Some poem.”

I read the scroll once over before looking at Kassandra, “What do you do? For your job? You’re gone for most of the day and from the injuries you used to come home with, I still wonder.”

“I never told you, did I? I’m a mercenary.” I gave Kassandra a raised eyebrow and she scuffed. “Are you going to worry like a mother hen?”

“No,” I replied with a pout. “Is there a lot of work around here on this small island?”

“For sure. Lots of bandits tend to settle along the shores, waiting for the next cargo ship. I’m hired to take care of them, keep the island clean. Though you might drive me out of business.”

I rolled my eyes. “Uh huh. Any other work you do?”

“Nothing really. Runaway chickens, rowdy children, petty thieves, defeating slavers, the sort. It gets tiring after a while but I make good drachmae from it.”

“You do?”

Kassandra nodded. “Keeps this place to ourselves. I pay someone to make sure no one comes here thinking this property is open to all. At this point, everybody knows that this is my home and my home only.”

“Wait, people can just come in and take stuff?”

That made Kassandra laugh, “No. But I don’t have the full rights to this place because I do not have a cock between my legs. A guy used to settle here named the Cyclops, but he abandoned this place for another and the guy who was forced to house Cyclops didn’t want to stay here. So, I pay him.”

“Who’s the Cyclops exactly? I hear his name, but I’m not sure who he is.”

Kassandra paused, looking at me with shock. Then, she face palmed. “I see I have neglected to keep you informed since you began speaking our language. The Cyclops is some Malàka that doesn’t know his place. I try to keep out of his way, but he’s been pissing me off lately.”

“How so?”

She gestured to me with her free hand, “He keeps dragging you into his business. Don’t worry. I told that man to keep away from here if he wants a peaceful island. Hades knows that I wouldn’t allow him to have you.”

“So, all these people who’ve been coming to our home were with the Cyclops?”

Kassandra nodded. “Though the first time you encountered bandits was a subdivision of another bigger group back in the mainland. You don’t have to worry about them though.”

“I see,” I hummed, putting the scroll aside. “Well, now that we have some time, mind explaining whatever needs to be informed to me now that I speak your language?”

Kassandra smirked, “Not really. Tell me, do you think you can transform into other creatures. Aside from that sea creature?”

I shrugged, “Don’t know. I only just figured out I could do this. Why? Scared of what might come next?”

Kassandra let out a puff, “Not really. I trust you enough. Though, I wonder sometimes.”

I rolled my eyes with a smile, curling against Kassandra’s side as the sun beamed down on the canopy. And in that moment, she began to hum. The sound vibrated from her skin to mine and I couldn’t help but listen with half-lidded eyes. She only ever seemed to hum in a good mood, but this was the first time I heard this sort of humming.

And to make things more soothing, her fingers began to glide into my hair, which had grown a little since coming here. The combination of her fingers and humming had me lulled to sleep. I dreamed of that humming, of her body curled into mine. Maybe that was true.

When I woke up alone, it was probably midday. No doubt Kassandra had gone to do her work. I sat up and stretched. When I looked down, I saw that Kassandra had replaced herself with a pillow. Damn, no wonder I thought her body was curled into me. I was hugging a pillow.

And on that pillow was a note, hastily scrolled out. I picked it up, reading it internally, “Jade, I had to go on a job and will be back late. Don’t wait up on dinner for me. Sleep well, little one.”

Little one, huh?

I smiled, folding the note and stuffing it into my trousers as I got up for the day.

Chapter Text

When Kassandra wrote that she would be back late, I didn’t expect the moon to have fully risen before she returned. Phoibe had gone to bed and I stayed up cleaning with a lantern, having skipped on chores recently.

I was just reading a scroll when I heard someone sigh and leather armor being put down softly.

I put the scroll down, watching the door to the kitchen as Kassandra came around, stopping upon seeing me. I smiled in greeting, only for it to fade when Kassandra came into the light of a lantern.

There was blood on half of her face.

I was up in an instant, grabbing her face gently as I looked her over in the light. “What the hell happened to you? Who did this to you?”

“Jade, Jade,” Kassandra said softly, grabbing my hands with hers. “I am fine. It’s just a few scratches.”

“A few scratches?!” The gash I found above her eye said otherwise. “You need stitches! Come over here and sit while I get something for that.”

Kassandra didn’t protest. In fact, she looked tired. She sat down heavily on a chair in the kitchen while I got the necessary supplies to treat her wounds. When I returned, she was leaning on the table, her hand holding the uninjured side of her face with her eyes closed.

“Kassandra, this is going to hurt, okay?” I sat in front of her, holding a towel that was soaked with cool water. “I know you’re tired, but we got to treat this.”

Kassandra let out a long sigh as she righted herself up, eyes still closed as I began to wipe the blood from the gash and clean the wound itself. Slowly, I took the needle and began to sew, seeing Kassandra grimace with each thread. At one point, she opened her eyes and stared at me as I worked.

It was quiet and the crickets sang outside. I had to be honest. The worry was slowly giving way to calm. Just like with the cuddling, this moment of care was something I wasn’t used to. Sure, I’ve treated people, but with Kassandra, it was different.

“I’m sorry.”

I looked down at Kassandra as I tied the thread, putting down the needle to pick up the towel. “Why are you sorry?”

Kassandra shrugged, “I didn’t mean to get hurt on the job. It was…an accident.”

I stopped wiping and stared at her with confusion. She sighed as she elaborated, “By that I mean I was jumped. I was trying to help out some people by retrieving an item for a poor woman. But while I snuck out, someone had to have seen me since I felt a shield slam in my face. Don’t worry. That Malàka isn’t alive and the job is done.”

“You call that an accident?”

“Usually when it involves sneaking, I’m very good at it.”

I narrowed my eyes at this, “Are there any other injuries I need to be aware of?”

“No.” Kassandra looked at me for a long moment. “But I wish I did have some more.”

I jolted at that, “Why?”

Kassandra smirked as she responded, “Because then I can stare at you while you work.”

I slapped her shoulder on the uninjured side. “Seriously?! You can stare at me all you want, but don’t get hurt for my attention.”

“So uptight tonight, aren’t we?” Kassandra leaned closer, the smirk still there.

I flushed at how close she was, “I’m just worried. You don’t have any more injuries?”

Kassandra shook her head, “No. It was a joke.”

I playfully slapped her shoulder and she smirked. Then, we just stared at each other. We didn’t really say anything. Instead of words, we leaned into each other and kissed. My gosh, despite the blood I just wiped off, she still tasted sweet with a tinge of iron.

Suddenly, I was hauled up and on the table, Kassandra towering over me. My breath stopped as I lay on my back staring up at Kassandra. She only smirked in response to my shocked expression. “Did that scare you?”

I smirked, “Not really. Didn’t you say we can take this slow?”

She pouted, “Now I’m regretting those words.”

“Shut up and kiss me,” I growled playfully and Kassandra happily took my lips into her own. My arms wrapped around Kassandra’s neck as our lips mingled, our hearts basically singing as one.

Never in my life had I wanted someone so bad. This relationship is so new, so…exotic. Kassandra made butterflies fly around in my stomach, even now. I was actually beginning to shake slightly. Kassandra noticed this, pulling away to ask, “Is everything okay?”

I flushed bright red as I hesitated to admit it. But communication is key and I sighed, “It’s just…I’ve never had a serious relationship like this.”

“Like what?” Kassandra perked up at this, curious as to what I meant.

“I’ve never been with a woman. Is there a difference?” I felt it was a stupid question, but Kassandra only smiled.

“I can’t get you pregnant. That’s the difference.”

I hummed and she leaned down, taking my lips once more. I kept my arms wrapped around her neck as I opened my mouth, letting our tongues meet. Eyes closed and tongues mingling, we lay there on the table. The heat increased between us and I had the urge to just take my clothes off.

But just as I felt the courage to slide my hands over Kassandra’s body, Kassandra winced, getting up. I got off the table, hands-on Kassandra’s shoulders to make sure she didn’t accidentally fall. “Is everything okay?”

Kassandra put a reassuring hand on my shoulder, “I’m fine. I just felt really sick just now.”

“Kassandra, let’s go to bed. Let me get you some water.”

Kassandra nodded, turning to where she slept to go lay down while I got some water. Phoibe was asleep nearby when I joined Kassandra, giving her water. She thanked me before lying down, and quickly going to sleep.

I slept as well on my bedroll, though my sleep came less quickly.

The next day, I woke up on time and did my regular routine, Kassandra and Phoibe were gone as soon as breakfast was cleaned up. Life pretty much went back to normal. With the exception of Kassandra and I being together and Phoibe still being somewhat my child.

I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face for a whole week, to be honest.

I still practiced with my form in the same area, making sure no one followed me as I walked there. It was nice to do since some days, Markos wouldn’t need me to harvest grapes. In his words, “You work too much and you’re harvesting all the grapes!”

It was a joke and I laughed at his comment.

As I swam this time, almost two weeks after Kassandra and I got officially together, the sharks had begun to follow me. Basically swarming me in packs. They never got too close or bit, so I didn’t mind. Fish swarmed around me as well, colors overshadowing my dark shape.

I began to swim off the shore more and more, feeling the water soothe my scales. The island was getting smaller the more I transformed. Maybe it was because my scale of size made my perspective change.

What my perspective did not change were ships.

As I swam, I heard the heaving and hoeing of men above me and I looked up. Above me, a ship was approaching the island. But not on the dockside. They were coming into my cove.

With interest, I swam back to shore, making sure to be deep enough to not cause alarm. The ship stopped inches away from the shore, a boat being dropped into the water. Out of curiosity, I surfaced behind the ship, just the top of my head sticking out.

From what I can see, these people were rowing into the shore with ropes. If they climbed this cove, they would be heading straight for home.

I growled, the water vibrating as I dived back down. I needed them to know that this was my territory. As I dived, my body hit the ship, causing it to sway and go further away from the shore. I could hear the shouts of alarm as I swam under the boat, surfacing in front of the boat.

I roared, the sound a screech as the men on the boat suddenly attempted to row back to their ship. But they were strange. These men wore strange masks. And their scent was…wrong.

I looked at the ship’s flag, seeing a blue flag with an owl on it. I would have to question Kassandra about it later.

The ship lurched back as my tail came up out of the water. The men on the ship cried out and the men on the boat shouted for help. If I could just turn them around, maybe they wouldn’t bother coming back because they knew I was here. And I was ten times bigger than them combined.

I leaned down, pushing the boat back towards the ship until it was by its side. As I pulled away, the men on the boat threw down their oars and climbed up the ship, getting on before oars appeared from the sides of the ship, rowing back and away from me.

It was sort of comical that I couldn’t help but laugh heartily at their misplaced fear. They didn’t need to fear me unless they drew weapons on me or the island’s residents. I didn’t move until they rowed out of sight, letting their sail fly to go away faster.

I got back home safely and changed before Kassandra and Phoibe came back home, which was earlier than expected as I put on my fresh tunic. Phoibe rushed in, holding a piece of cloth while Kassandra came in with a bag.

“Jade! We’re home,” Kassandra called out and I felt my heart skip a beat.

I turned and met them halfway, hugging Phoibe before looking at Kassandra. She looked like she’d been through a hard day and I asked, “Do you wish to bathe before dinner?”

Kassandra nodded as Phoibe ran outside to play with the chickens. The moment Phoibe walked away, I leaned forward and gave Kassandra a peck on the cheek. She was shocked at first before smirking, “Oh? Why don’t you join me?”

I flushed at that, “But Phoibe-”

“She’s playing with the chickens,” Kassandra spoke. “She’ll think we’re both bathing.”

I thought about it. And as much as I want to join Kassandra, I didn’t feel comfortable with it. Like my body and heart didn’t think it was the right time. I smiled, pulling at Kassandra’s tunic with a soft touch, “As I much I would like to join you, I need to cook dinner.”

Kassandra’s face fell for only a moment and she kissed my lips softly, “I see. Maybe another time, perhaps?”

“Yes, another time.” I lifted some of her hair from her face to see the gash that I stitched. It looked like it needed some good cleaning. “When you bathe, please cleanse the wound softly.”

“Will do, my love,” Kassandra said, giving me a swift kiss before leaving me alone, her hand lingering on mine for more than necessary. As she left, I smiled to myself as I went to go prep for dinner.

It would be a long while until I would be comfortable letting Phoibe see us together. But in the meantime, the teasing would be just good enough for me.

Chapter Text

It was another day.

But today was different.

It was what I called my lazy day.

I decided that once a week, I would do nothing. I would read, write, or go for walks.

No going to the vineyard to help Markos. No going to the sea to scare more intruders. No chores except dinner will be done.

Kassandra and Phoibe went about their usual day while I sat on the roof top soaking up the sun. The lotion Kassandra gets me works well to the point I could actually be in the sun without pain. I looked over at the pillows, seeing Kassandra’s wine hidden in the pillows.

Tonight, I was going to give it to her.

I had waited weeks for it to finally arrive in Marko’s shipments and it did.

As much as I loved to lay around, I do miss going into the water. Maybe I can go and ignore any intruders this time. But I knew myself. I was going to go look for trouble.

So, I tried to sleep, going into the shade and careful not to accidently break the bottle as I laid on the pillows that it wasn’t hidden under. Just lying there was nice.

That is until I heard horses approaching the house.

I sat up, crawling to the edge of the roof to look down. It was bandits again. I groaned, knowing that either they were newcomers or the Cyclops trying his game again. This time, I wasn’t going to get caught and I wasn’t going to run away.

There were five in total and all of them had different weapons than the Cyclops men. They were smart enough to use the path too so I knew these were new comings. The leader spoke to the others, “Search the place! That mercenary has to be here somewhere!”

Ah, so they were looking for Kassandra.

I sighed, knowing what I must do. It was a risk, but these people still didn’t seem smart as I. Slowly, I stood up, leaning on the roof as I whistled. This caught all of their attention while they were still on their horses.

The leader shouted out to me, “You the mercenary?”

I shook my head, “No. But I did see your mercenary go that way.”

I pointed to where I knew the traps were in the forest, but they didn’t know that. The leader glared at me for a few moments before he grumbled, “Guess the mercenary likes harlots.”

If I was anybody else, I would have been offended.

Hopefully tonight though, maybe Kassandra could make me her harlot. Oh the thought got me shivering.

And to my udder disbelief, the group went in the direction I pointed. Cue pained screaming. I sighed, going back to lie back in the shade. Another day, another successful, half-assed lying.

The day went by without a hitch and I napped pretty much the entire time. At least until Phoibe got home. I could hear her run up the steps to the roof, skipping around and basically being an energetic child.

“Jade! You cannot believe what I heard in town!” I opened my eyes.

“What happened?” I sat up, watching as Phoibe jumped from tile to tile.

“Some of the ships docked at the pier and I heard a lot of them talking about a sea monster!” I couldn’t help but smile. “That it was as large as a whole ship!”

“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms as Phoibe nodded. “Are you afraid of this sea monster?”

“I think they lie,” Phoibe replied, jumping in front of me and crouching. “It hasn’t hurt anyone! It’s just a scary-looking monster. I think it’s the one that Kassandra fought against.”

I perked up at this, eyes blinking at Phoibe. “She fought a monster! When you were captured by the Cyclops.”

Oh boy. “You’re not afraid of it?”

Phoibe shook her head, “Kassandra said she killed it.”

My memory was still muddled from that time but that maybe that would explain the splitting headache I got when I woke up after I first transformed. I simply nodded, “Our brave mercenary saves the day once more.”

Phoibe laughed at my half-assed joke before she suddenly gave me a look. I wondered why until she pointed, “You going to give that to Kassandra?”

I tried not to flush as I replied while putting another pillow to hide it., “I was planning on it. Why?”

“It’s her favorite.”

I narrowed my eyes at her, “Yes. I know that.”

Phoibe looked between me and the newly placed pillow, “What are you guys celebrating?”

I shrugged, “Sometimes I like to give gifts, like you gave me that shark.”

Phoibe smiled at that. “That’s great! Also, did you see some people come by?”

“Don’t worry about them,” I said with a sly smirk. “I took care of them.”

Phoibe smiled. I can never get tired of that smile. I patted the ground next to me on the opposite side from the wine. “Want to come and relax with me?”

Phoibe nodded, skipping over to sit down next to me. As she sat down, she turned to me, “Jade, do you have another story?”

“Right now,” I asked. At Phoibe’s nod, I thought. “Hm…did I ever tell you the story of a man who turned into a bear?”

Phoibe’s eyes shined with excitement as she shook her head. I think she’s grown to love my stories. Even though I felt like I was summarizing movies I saw in my childhood.

But no matter, I would do anything for Phoibe.

“Okay. Long ago, there were tribes of people in the West, settling in the cold winter of the North.” Before I could go on, Phoibe interrupted.

“Will we be talking about the mammoth from before?”

“No, but something a little later and a different place,” I spoke softly. She leaned into my side, basically hugging me as I continued. “In this land, mammoths weren’t alone. There were moose and grizzly bears. Grizzly bears were the predators of the mountains where this story takes place. They were massive and stronger than a thousand men, armed with teeth and claws.”

Phoibe kept silent, listening to me as I spoke the tale. “These tribes believed that all creatures were created by beings called the Great Spirits. Similar to the Gods but take the form of a Northern light called the aurora. There was a tradition where boys who are ready to become men will receive a totem, necklaces in the shapes of animals and represents what they must achieve to call themselves men. There was one tribe that had a trio of brothers.”

“There was the eldest, Sitka, the middle brother, Denahi, and the youngest, Kenai. Sitka received the eagle, a symbol of guidance. Denahi received the wolf, a symbol of wisdom. But Kenai got a bear, a symbol of love. Kenai was not happy because he had a negative view on bears, stating they were thieves. One day, a bear steals a basket of fresh salmon and the three brothers go after it to retrieve their basket.”

“Unfortunately, the bear catches them off guard when they are eating berries and a fight begins. The fight drug on and the three brothers only had wooden spears with sharp stones to defend and fight the bear. Unfortunately, the bear was still stronger. In an effort to save his brothers, Sitka breaks the ground of ice, causing both he and the bear to fall to their doom. The fall took Sitka, but the bear survived. Kenai was so angry and went after the bear shortly after his eldest brother’s funeral.”

“He hunts down the bear, chasing it to a rocky cliff where he fought and slayed the bear. In that moment of realizing he had killed the bear, the aurora came to light, bursting from above the bear and throughout the sky. The Great Spirits were displeased with Kenai and turned him into a bear, taking the dead bear’s spirit with them as they blink out of existence. Confused in a bear form, Kenai walks away. And in that moment, Denahi came over the mountain after seeing the aurora, seeing Kenai’s bloody spear and discarded clothes. He vowed revenge, thinking the same bear killed both of his brothers.”

I couldn’t help but notice Phoibe looking confused, but I only continued. “Kenai, now a bear, regains focus and finds out all the wildlife can talk to him and that his shaman, Tanana, had healed him. Tanana tells him that he must go to the mountains to Sitka, to transform back into a human, but only if he atones for his actions. Kenai, confused and alone, begins his journey towards the mountains. But he was confused. Where was he and what mountain did she speak of?”

“He found a pair of moose brothers named Rutt and Tuke, who both tell him that he needs to find another way as they were too scared to show him. And so, he walks aimlessly. Unfortunately, being confused as a bear, he did not see a trap. Trapped and alone, Kenai wonders why the Great Spirits punished him. That is, until a bear cub appears. His name was Koda.”

“The pair make a deal after Kenai was freed. Kenai takes Koda to an annual salmon run and Koda will lead Kenai to the mountain. Kenai agrees. They go to where the salmon run would take place. On the way, Kenai and Koda form a brother-like friendship. At first, Kenai did not realize who Koda really was. Just a bear cub whose mother was missing. When they reached the salmon run, Kenai meets many more bears and sees that they are just one big family. A family who love each other very much under the leadership of a bear named Tug. It takes Kenai a while and Kenai soon becomes comfortable with the bears, feeling like he was with his tribe again.”

“At one point after all the bears have caught their salmon, Koda tells a story of his mother recently fighting human hunters on a glacier. It was then that Kenai realized that the entire time he was fighting the bear who stole the basket of salmon and killed his brother Sitka, was Koda’s mother. The bear he killed. The whole time, he had been fighting Koda’s mother, who just wanted to protect him and the reason she attacked him and his brothers.”

Phoibe gasped at this and I was surprised when she looked up at me with a sad look. I stopped my story, looking down at her, “What is wrong, Phoibe?”

Phoibe didn’t say anything, just hugged me tightly and looking away. I asked again, “Phoibe, are you not comfortable with the story?”

Phoibe shook her head but still did not speak. I asked softly, “Would you like me to continue?”

Phoibe nodded, so I continued, my hand beginning to stroke her hair. “Horrified by what he has done, Kenai runs away and Koda follows him. With a heavy heart, Kenai reveals the truth to Koda, that he was the one who killed his mother. Grief-stricken, Koda runs away. This left Kenai alone to continue to the mountain, so close to where the salmon run was. While Koda cried, he overheard Rutt and Tuke apologizing to each other over a falling out. Koda realized that he could forgive Kenai, as it was a misunderstanding that Kenai deeply regretted.”

“Kenai reached the mountain, but he is not alone. Denahi corners him, not realizing that the bear was Kenai. As they fought, Koda comes in and steals Denahi’s fallen spear. Kenai defends Koda from Denahi, sacrificing himself for Koda, out of love. This prompted the Great Spirits, especially Sitka, to turn him back to a human. This surprises Denahi and Koda. Despite being turned back into a man, Kenai knew Koda still needed him, because of his own mistake of killing Koda’s mother. Sitka and Denahi both support Kenai in this, turning Kenai back into a bear.”

“Before the Great Spirits left them, Koda sees his mother once more, one last time. Then, with a light heart, both Sitka and the mother go back to the Great Spirits, leaving Kenai and Denahi with the title of a man, though for Kenai it was through being a bear. Denahi went on to be the shaman of their tribe and Kenai and Koda go off into the woods to live together as brothers.”

“The moral of the story is that empathy is something that is needed. Empathy is the ability to put yourself in the shoes of another being.” I turned back to Phoibe. “It is something that is important to learn, especially as you grow older and know more people.”

I noticed Phoibe was very quiet and I thought she was asleep before she spoke in a hushed voice. “Nobody is going to take you away, right?”

I raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean, Phoibe?”

Phoibe sat up, looking at me with wide eyes that had some tears. “Nobody is going to kill you, right?”

I was shocked for a moment before I pulled her into a hug. “What makes you think that? Nobody is going to kill me.”

Phoibe embraced me tightly. She sounded on the verge of tears as she replied, “I don’t want to lose you like mother and father. I don’t want to lose another mother.”

I froze. Did I hear her say that correctly?

Did she just refer to me as mother?!

I didn’t pull away. I didn’t want to. I wanted to cry. This wonderful girl wants me as her mom. I couldn’t help but ask, “Phoibe, do you see me as a mother?”

Phoibe pulled away first, nodding as she cried. “I want you as my mother. Can I call you that? Please?”

I couldn’t help it. Who knew a somber story of a cub losing their mother would prompt Phoibe to ask me to be her mother. I couldn’t stop some of the tears falling as I said, “Yes, Phoibe. You can call me whatever you want.”

We cried together, hugging each other at the revelation. The bottle of wine was forgotten for the moment as I comforted Phoibe and myself. Later that night, after dinner had been served, Kassandra and I were discussing what would be next for this week with the upcoming festival. As Phoibe went to bed, she gave me a hug and said, “Goodnight, mother.”

Kassandra’s face went blank at that, turning to me as Phoibe left us both behind. I turned to Kassandra, smiling. "She asked if she could call me that and I said yes.”

Kassandra didn’t say anything. She opened her mouth. Then closed it. At first, I thought she would disapprove of it. That I messed up. That I went too fast and far.

Instead though, Kassandra reached across the table and grabbed my hand, her face changing into one that was content. She didn’t say anything as her thumb slid over the top of my hand. Then, she gave me a look that spoke volumes even before she spoke. “You just keep digging into my heart, don’t you?”

I began to laugh at that and she laughed with me.

This was perfect.

Perfect for us.

Our little family.

Chapter Text

“See you later Mother! See you later Kass!”

I watched as Phoibe skipped away, yesterday’s events a beacon of light and hope for the future. And to be honest, being called a mother was something that struck a vibing cord with me in a good way. I felt proud. Proud that this little family of mine was so considerate, so sweet.

Including a mercenary whose arms wrapped around my abdomen, their lips kissing my neck softly. I chuckled, leaning my head back against Kassandra’s shoulder, “You going after her?”

“I want to take a day off,” Kassandra whispered, continuing to kiss my neck lovingly. “You know, so I can get to know my little one more.”

I sighed through my nose, smiling, “We tell each other stories every night. We practically know our family lines by now.”

“You think I mean that kind of getting to know?” Kassandra’s tone took on a silky, yet flirty turn. Her arms tightened around me. “We have all day. Phoibe is planning on spending the night over at her friends again.”

“You really want to have sex, don’t you,” I asked and I heard her chuckle, the vibration in my neck causing me to shiver.

“I may love sex,” Kassandra whispered, lifting her head so that our cheeks were touching. “But I would match rather go your pace. Watch you and imagine what we could do.”

I laughed at that, patting her arms with both hands, “Uh huh. Well, how about we take a walk? If we’re going to take the day off, I would much rather do something rather than sit around. I did that yesterday.”

Kassandra let me go, only until it was her arm around my waist. “I know the perfect path.”

“Oh? Then led on.”

Kassandra smirked and I truly wondered if by the end of today, we could combine our souls in the way that would surpass even the most passionate of lovers. Jeez, did I just think that?

Kassandra and I began to walk, hand in hand, along the dirt path leading away from the house. It was a path I had only walked once, long before I knew about my monster forms. It was a nice memory, the trees tall above us and the wind gentle. My skin was glowing warm and all I could sense was a nice breeze carrying bird song.

In the silence, I felt staring and I peeked to see Kassandra staring at me with a loving expression. Gosh, how lovesick was she? Or was it the lustful sparkle in her eye that gave way the sexual tension she felt?

“Have something to say?”

At my question, Kassandra smiled, “I am just admiring the view of a sun-kissed woman.”

I flushed at that, patting her arm with my free hand while leaning into her, “Well, you can keep admiring then.”

We laughed and the sound was heavenly. As we walked, I spoke once more, “You know, I am quite happy here.”

“So am I.”

I smiled at Kassandra, “Do you think this will last?”

“As long as I can control it to be,” Kassandra replied immediately. “You know, for a long time, I didn’t know if I could love another person.”

I perked up at this, pulling off her a little to look at her fully. She had a thoughtful look on her face and I asked, “Does this have to do with your family?”

Kassandra nodded, smiling slightly fading, “When I came here, I only had Markos. And you know how he is, considering you work for him. Then as I grew older, I took in Phoibe. She was most like a sister to me. And now, I took in you and you made me see things I never thought I could ever imagine with another.”

“Those are big words of affirmation coming from you, Kassandra,” I replied. She chuckled.

“I suppose so. But it is all true. I wanted for years to get off this island, but now…” She trailed off, looking into the distance with her smiling coming back. “I don’t want to leave.”

“You don’t have to,” I replied. “We can help Phoibe grow and just live here. Though we might have to deal with the Cyclops at some point.”

“I think as soon as he realizes who has the biggest balls on the island, he’ll go running off to the mainland to bother someone else.”

“Would that someone be you?”

Kassandra gave me a look and I laughed, patting her shoulder. “I know, I know. I’m joking.”

“Uh-huh.”

As we walked, I saw a glitter out of the corner of my eye and a grin was on my face. Kassandra saw this and raised an eyebrow, “What do you see?”

I didn’t even look at her as I began to run and she ran after me. When I stopped, I was staring at a spring. I didn’t even know it was here! And the water looked really nice. Kassandra got to my side, looking out over the spring. We stood in silence for a moment before I bumped into Kassandra playfully.

“Want to wash up for a long day of nothing?”

Kassandra was confused, probably still caught off guard from me running here. I didn’t wait for her answer. I began to strip, taking off my tunic and trousers until I was only in my undergarments. Kassandra stared at me as I sent her a warm smile. “Care to join me?”

Kassandra was still shocked, watching me like a hawk as I ran. At the edge of the spring, I jumped, landing in the spring feet first. The spring was warmer than I thought and I wondered if this was the only hot spring on the island. Either way, my muscles relaxed and I surfaced, shaking my head before turning to where Kassandra was still staring at me.

I could have laughed out loud, but instead, my shyness showed and I thought for a moment if what I was doing was right. And for a moment, maybe I was making the wrong decision.

But that quickly evaporated when Kassandra grinned, undressing to her undergarments before following after me. And geez, I forget sometimes how ripped Kassandra was. Much stronger than me in my human form. I let out a burst of laughter as she jumped in, the water splashing to me.

When she came up to the surface, it was in front of me, eyes sparkling. I could tell my face flushed as she stared at me in the only way she could truly express her love for me. I don't know what went through her mind, but I knew that she felt the same as I. I smiled, "Enjoying the view?"

Kassandra seemed startled for a moment when I spoke, her hair clinging to her face as her eyes widened. But just as soon as they did, she calmed, smiling back lovingly. "I am very much enjoying the view. This is probably the most naked I've seen you since I saw your wet shirt."

The heat on my face increased tenfold as I splashed into her face in retaliation. "Kass!"

"Going to pet names now, Ja?"

I made a face and Kassandra bellowed a laugh, diving to avoid another one of my splashes. I looked around, seeing no bubbles. For a moment, I panicked.

Did she get sucked into a hole of sorts? Did she slip and hit her head? Where-

I turned around to look for Kassandra, only to be splashed in the face by her grinning. I coughed for a moment, the spring water getting into my mouth and causing my hair to cover and cling to my face.

It took me a moment to get my bearings before I felt a hand slid my hair out of the way. I saw Kassandra's concern and my relief turned to a thirst for revenge. Now it was on!

I lurched forward, Kassandra caught off guard by me surging forward. I called out, "Think you caught me off guard, huh?"

Kassandra and I flew into a laughing fit as we wrestled in the water. The sun burned down on us, the water becoming reflective and allowing the steam to show. This added a nice shine to it that reflected on our skin.

It added a more enlightening tone to the atmosphere and I suddenly found myself pushed into a rock face, Kassandra hovering over me with a victorious smirk.

I don't know if it was the heat of the spring or the sun, but something similar shot through my body. I couldn't help but smile at Kassandra, noting how her hair clung to her skin, the braid messy yet still managing to stay entangled. Her eyes shined in the sunlight and I could see the fun Kassandra ebb away.

I think she felt the same way I felt.

She leaned in, eyes closing and taking my lips gently. And I responded the same, closing my eyes and enjoying the feel of her lips on mine. It was amazing how her roughness could give way to such gentleness.

We parted for breath for only a moment before our lips connected once more. The heat rose between the both of us and I felt my heart rate increase the longer we stayed together.

To my surprise, she was the one who stopped and I opened my eyes to stare at her confused. She had a thoughtful look on her face and I couldn't help but ask, "Is everything okay? Too fast?"

Kassandra replied with a shake of her head, "Not at all too fast. But are you sure of this?"

She sounded a little shy, but I guess that's her just being considerate of my request. Of us taking it slow.

Damn, I should have thought about that more.

I smiled, "I think I'll get a heat stroke if we remain like this."

Kassandra hummed. "You're right. We should continue our walk to dry."

I nodded, something deep within my mind deflating in disappointment. I don't know if it was from the fact we were about to do my first time with a woman in a hot spring or my request to take it slow. Either way, I actually didn't want to get a heat stroke while having sex in a hot spring.

Would that be quite the tale, hm?

Chapter Text

The sun was still up by the time I and Kassandra came back to the house. We hung out in our usual spot on the roof, the pillows gathered in the shade to allow our skin some rest. We were at a standstill on how to ease into things.

I couldn’t lie. I was nervous. And I think Kassandra was nervous too.

But at least our topic of discussion could help, so I asked to start a conversation off. “Kass, how many lovers did you have in the past?”

Kassandra opened her eyes from where she leaned against the pillows, relaxing while my head was on her stomach. I twirled a flower she gifted me after the hot springs. Which was ironic considering I wanted her to deflower me today out of all days.

Ouch, too soon?

Kassandra thought for a moment. Then, she replied, “I had a couple. Mostly women and even a man. Didn’t last long as they were travelers.”

“You slept with a man? How was that?”

“Boring,” Kassandra replied with a smirk. “They couldn’t last two seconds.”

No shit they didn’t last long. Kassandra was a beauty to behold. “Okay…how often did you do the deed with these lovers?”

“I tried not to do so much with the men. But the women…well, it depends. Especially after the gift the man left me.”

I perked up at this. “What kind of gift are we talking about?”

I could see Kassandra’s cheeks tinge pink and I gasped, “Kass! He gave you a penis?”

Kassandra threw her hands up in the air for innocence. “Hey! He may not last but he did have an impressive dick. I may love women more, but I need a little winding down every once in a while. Besides, it’s useful when lovemaking to a woman.”

Shit, I didn’t realize they had that sort of thing here. I mean, I’ve heard of wooden, which didn’t sound pleasant. But shit. Hopefully, we didn’t use it this time because I was already too nervous. Maybe in the future, but just not right now.

It was Kassandra’s turn, “Have you had lovers?”

“Considering I’ve never had sex before, no.” At Kassandra’s confusion, I shrugged. “I may be pretty but that didn’t mean I had women and men thrown at me. I mean, yes, a few friends have offered but I never took it. I just…well…it didn’t feel right. I was raised to think of sharing my first time with the most important person I’d meet.”

“And have you found that person?”

I looked at Kassandra with a smirk. “What do you think?”

Kassandra chuckled. “I suppose that would be me, huh?”

“Hey, you were the one who came out to me that you loved me.”

Another chuckle, this time lowered and a little raspy. “That’s because you are the shyest person I ever met when it came to sex.”

“Can’t blame me.”

Something crossed Kassandra’s face and she became interested in something. “Jade, you do know how sex works, right?”

I shrugged, “I sort of know how it works. Some people use it for stress relief. Some use it to show their love for the other. And then there are some who use it to forget things. Where I’m from, you could watch people do it.”

“Like a brothel?”

“No. Like a story…in real life? A show of sorts.”

“So, an orgy?”

“NO!” I flushed at the image of multiple people doing the act together. “A lot of the time you just watch. You don’t participate.”

“So, if I took you to town and had sex with you, would that count?”

At Kassandra’s smug grin, I slapped her playfully on the shoulder. “I would scream bloody murder.”

Kassandra laughed out loud and I couldn’t help but smile at her. At least when it came to talking, it came naturally. We settled back into silence and I finally decided to get up. Kassandra watched me as I went over to a certain set of pillows where her favorite wine was.

The moment I revealed it, Kassandra gasped, gaping at me for a moment before smirking with a raised eyebrow, “You little rascal. When?”

“I got it through Markos.” I walked over, but instead of resuming my usual spot, I sat on Kassandra’s lap, my legs around her sides. She sucked in a breath at this but I resumed my ignorance. “He told me your favorite and I thought I’d gift it to you. For a…special occasion.”

“Special, huh,” Kassandra hummed, her hands on my waist. She was getting awfully close to my face, her eyes boring into mine. The air seemed to lighten up and I sucked in a breath at how close she was. Weeks of dancing around each other led to this. “And what makes this special?”

My heart thrummed against my chest at how quickly it was beating and I could only smile as I spoke in a soft whisper, “Because someone who’s become very special to me is about to lay with me.”

It was like something snapped.

Kassandra surged forward, taking my lips in hers with fierce intent. I gasped, nearly dropping the wine bottle in surprise. The sun shone down on the canopy as Kassandra and I switched positions, never once parting.

The bottle of wine was put to the side by Kassandra but even then, she didn’t part from me. She tasted the flavor of berries. I remembered we ate berries before this. They tasted so sweet with a tinge of a bitter aftertaste. But on Kassandra’s lips, they were forever sweet.

Kassandra’s hands were busy holding her up, so I took that moment to slide my hands down her sides, feeling the muscle all the way. It was odd to feel how strong a woman was, but I wasn’t complaining.

It seemed like forever we were kissing, caught up in our own world.

That is until Kassandra squeezed one of my breasts. I gasped into her mouth and she took advantage of that, her tongue sliding through. Oh jeez, she tasted even sweeter.

My body was ready and I reached down to take my tunic off.

“SWEUAK!”

I jumped into Kassandra’s face and Kassandra fell back, holding her nose. I was dizzy for a moment before grabbing Kassandra’s shoulder to prevent her from falling back. “Kassandra! Are you okay?!”

“I’m fine,” Kassandra reassured me, dropping her hand from her face. To my relief, her nose wasn’t bleeding. “Are you?”

“Yeah,” I replied, looking around. “What the hell was that?”

Kassandra pulled a face before she sighed, “Of all the times…”

I looked back at Kassandra and she stood up, looking around. Then, she whistled. She lifted her arm and a beautiful eagle landed on her arm, talons mindful of her skin. I stared.

That eagle looked really familiar.

Meanwhile, Kassandra was pretty much glaring at the bird, who looked completely calm, turning to stare at me with wide eyes. “You bird! Of all the times to come swooping in, why now?”

“Kass,” I spoke up, getting up to reach a hand out towards the eagle. “It’s okay. Don’t get mad at the bird. They’re probably just really happy to be back.”

“But-”

I shook my head, taking her free hand, “There are plenty of opportunities for us to have our private times. Let’s deal with this wonderful bird before I show you something special.”

I winked and she stared at me in awe. I leaned down, grabbing the wine, and gestured downstairs. “How about some wine? To welcome our friend instead.”

I turned, walking down the stairs. Behind me, Kassandra turned to the bird, whispering, “I’m going to get that ass tonight, whether you are here or not.”

I flushed at the dirty implication, walking down the stairs with a skip in my step. As much as I didn’t like we were interrupted in a heated moment, it gave me an idea. We were already past the step and maybe I can surprise Kassandra tonight with a show.

Oh boy.

Chapter Text

I let Kassandra have some time with the bird, taking cups to pour the wine in. I wondered what I could possibly do to impress Kassandra. I felt like I wanted to impress her.

Okay, Jade…remember all those porn videos.

Shit, they were no help.

Those weren’t even real!

I sighed, pouring the wine while keeping an eye out for Kassandra. As I finished pouring the wine, I took my cup and walked into my ‘room’ in the house. As much as I loved Phoibe, I don’t want her walking in on something so maybe I should work on making some weaves or tapestries to hang. Leaning back, I stared up at the ceiling, wondering how long Kassandra was going to take with the bird.

No offense to the bird. It didn’t realize what we were doing.

I smiled, beginning to sip from the wine and closing my eyes to let the alcohol wash over me. Well…while I waited, my body was already crying out. Slowly, I closed my eyes, letting one of my hands drift down my body over my clothes. Gosh, it had been months since I last touched myself, actually.

The moment my hand found its way to my nether regions, my face heated up ten times more than normal. I was already wet down there. I mean, would Kassandra even be offended if I just played with myself until she came down?

I was thinking about putting on a show for her…

With my face still a blushing mess, I began to move my fingers up and down, letting them soak before teasing my nub. My body shivered at this, not used to the touching. Letting out a shaky breath, I laid back against the pillows, repeating the movement and letting the heat coil in my stomach.

I tried to keep my body relaxed, but I couldn’t help sucking in a breath. The shockwave of pleasure sent shivers down my spine, almost making me drop my wine. I forced myself to stop, opening my eyes to put my wine glass down when I saw something out of the corner of my eye.

Kassandra was at the corner, staring at me with wide eyes. I couldn’t help but flush even more than I ever had, my legs pressed together. I couldn’t even speak. The embarrassment was about to claim me when Kassandra let a smirk take over her face. “Starting the fun without me?”

I was startled as she walked over and descended over me, caging me into the pillows. I couldn’t look her in the eyes. My heart pounded even as she spoke to me in a low tone, one she’d only use if she was in the mood, “Nervous now? You seemed so eager earlier…”

She trailed off and I still couldn’t look her in the eyes until her hand lifted my chin so I could face her. She purred, “Maybe I can guide you?”

I felt her other hand slide up my leg, stopping on my knee as if asking permission. I was so eager earlier. I almost took Kassandra in the spring. And my body was yearning for Kassandra, even though I never had sex before.

Our eyes connected, hers warm and welcoming. A decision was made and I spread my legs a little, whispering, “Just be gentle.”

My voice was so low, I thought Kassandra didn’t hear me. But from her warm smile, she heard. Kassandra leaned forward, taking my lips into her own and her hand on my knee slid up my thigh. But to my surprise, and annoyance, her hand didn’t go past the middle of my thigh.

The kiss grew heated and before I knew it, I was practically lying down with Kassandra above me. Our mouths opened, letting ourselves explore with one of my hands hiking up her tunic from below, feeling her muscular back. The ripples of muscles shivered at my touch and Kassandra’s hand moved from my chin down my neck.

I couldn’t help but shiver as Kassandra’s fingers traced along my neck and over my shoulder, slipping underneath my tunic. I had no time to react when she gripped my tunic and ripped it.

For a moment, a spark of anger rose, but it was quickly replaced by a spark of pleasure when Kassandra grabbed my breast with a firm grip. My face heated up and I lifted my chest up, my back curving towards Kassandra.

Begging for more.

Kassandra smirked in victory, speaking in a low tone, “Something you like?”

She answered her own question by squeezing again and I squealed in surprise. Her smirk remained the same, though now with warmth as she leaned down to whisper, “If you ever feel uncomfortable or want to stop, just say the word.”

I looked at her as if she was crazy before I reached forward, whispering back, “Don’t you dare stop.”

It was like a barrier had been broken. Tunics were shredded off, heated kisses exchanged. Soaking in the excitement. Breast bands were thrown off haphazardly and undergarments were slipped off.

There was no need to indulge in looks. No need to stop the lust from taking each other apart like pieces of a puzzle. The moment Kassandra’s hand reached between my legs, I was already panting and moaning Kassandra’s name through heated kisses. Her fingers slipped between my lips, her thumb teasing the nub at the top.

She slid one finger in and I was gripping it hungrily, our kisses never ceasing as that finger curled and slid deeper into me than I ever could. Kassandra hovered over me, whispering in between kisses. “Such a sweet girl. Taking me in so well. The gods must have blessed me, to bless the part between your legs that weeps for more.”

She added another finger and I winced by the lace of pain that followed. But it quickly passes, Kassandra kissing down my neck to my chest. With her free hand, her thumb teased my left nipple. I whined, my head leaning back. Her fingers remained delving into me, never ceasing and building that delightful curl in my belly.

She seemed to enjoy herself, and for a moment between her gestures, I asked while staring down at her, “What about you?”

“Forget about me. All I want is you,” she hushed. She continued her journey down to my legs, spreading my legs more open for her to settle between. Her lips never left my body for more than an moment. She made sure to keep her hand moving, further curling me closer and closer to my end.

I shivered and grabbed Kassandra’s hair, mumbling praise and begging for release.

And I got it when I felt her lips on my nub. It was just one suck and I was gone, shaking and shivering so much that I didn’t realize how long it went. She drove me through and through. All the way until I was a panting mess. I couldn’t breath.

Next thing I know, Kassandra was back up to my face, whispering words I couldn’t understand it. She kissed my temple and my cheek, embracing me with strong arms and holding me tight.

All I could whisper to her was thank you and I love you, my breath slowly coming back. For so long, I wanted a connection. And I felt it. I felt it with Kassandra. Something I yearned for.

I was bristling with glee, happiness. I actually began to laugh with tears and I turned to Kassandra, kissing her with so much force that she was the one on the ground, the both of us falling into laughter.

Let’s just say, the porn videos were never going to top this.

Never.

Chapter Text

The new routine I made with my newfound family was something I only dreamed about. Phoebe was completely oblivious with me and Kassandra’s newfound relationship. I made sure she wasn’t home when me and Kassandra went at it. And if she was home and Kassandra felt horny, she would drag me to the spring to have some quiet sex.

My routine started early in the morning with a kiss from Kassandra, I would make breakfast for both Kassandra and Phoibe, the pair would leave for the day and I would go to Marko’s vineyard before doing the chores upon returning home, and finally a nice dinner. Every once and a while I’d take a swim in my spirit form, but not going beyond the shores.

A balance I enjoyed.

Things were calm and life went on as per usual. I didn’t see the Cyclops, his henchmen, or the masked people who tried to visit. Merchant ships kept coming, but no warships.

Though one day, I cannot say the same.

It was a cloudy day and I shook my head above the water after taking a deep dive into the cove. Looking up at the sky, I bathed in the sunlight, wondering how life could get any better than this.

And then, something rammed into me, sending me forward. It didn’t hurt, but it sure surprised me. I dived down, looking up towards the surface. A warship. I still had difficulty knowing which ship belonged to what, but I decided to play instead of acting aggressively.

I rose from the water in a spy hop before slamming my bottom jaw into the water, sending a spray and tidal wave into the warship. Cue battle cries. I dived down, but as I began to surface again to bump the warship, something hit the left side of my neck and a small tinge of pain caught me off my guard.

Looking down, I saw the harpoon lodged in that spot and I growled, turning to the warship with flashing teeth. I lurched forward, spinning the warship from the island towards the open ocean. I dived down, deep enough so that another harpoon wouldn’t get me.

I watched as the warship sailed off away from the island and back towards the backland. I found it odd that after months of no warships, one suddenly appears. The last ship I had a bad interaction with was the people with masks, but these people didn’t have masks from what I saw.

I went back home with something stirring deep in my stomach, but I ignored it, favoring the prep of dinner to do so. Kassandra didn’t seem to notice anything as she came home to give me a sweet kiss before Phoibe would come following in.

The next day, I went to the market with Kassandra to get some shopping done, gathering the food needed. Above, the eagle let out a cry, watching over me and Kassandra as we walked.

Halfway through the trip, an elderly woman from the temple requests Kassandra’s help and Kassandra reassured me that she’ll be back in no time. When she left, I went down to the docks to see if there was fresh fish. When I got down there, a merchant ship was docked, carrying goods and receiving their rewards in fish.

There was a murmur going through and I could pick out only snippets of conversation. That is until I found myself staring at some fish on a stand when two men strode up next to me. They both glanced at me, and I knew they weren’t from the island because Kassandra made sure the town didn’t turn its back on me. In the past several months, Kassandra did her best to reassure the town that I wasn’t dangerous and was more of a housemaid.

Though I would prefer to be called a housewife by now.

The two men shrugged and began to speak. One of them started the conversation with a grimace, “It seems a warship met that leviathan down the rocky shores here.”

The other man nodded in agreement, “Seems so from the fact I saw it. Rumors say that the leviathan doesn’t attack unless provoked, and I saw it with my own eyes. At this rate, either the navy will bring their best warships or no army of either side will post here.”

“You think it’s good?”

“It’s a leviathan! It has no thoughts.” I cringed internally, pointing to a mackerel. The salesperson grabbed the fish and began to wrap it. “I say that the army should do something about it.”

“And if the army doesn’t?”

“Merchants such as I am safe so the island won’t suffer if the army goes away.” The man’s voice suddenly dropped. “If the war gets difficult…I think the army will be forced to sacrifice a portion of their army to defeat the leviathan so they can recruit people here.”

I tried not to snap my head in that direction, instead thanking the person handing me the perfectly wrapped fish. My mind was reeling. The feelings that swelled in my chest hurt now, having been buried deep since yesterday.

This was my home. My family was here. And I knew that if things were pushed, Kassandra would be dragged into that mess because the army would offer her money. A lot of it, damned spoils of war. And Markos? He’ll be forced in. All the men here would be drafted and the Cyclops might hide until it's clear and…shit.

“Jade.”

A hand was on my shoulder and I whirled around, seeing Kassandra with a look of concern on her face. It took me a minute to realize I was on my way out of town. I sighed, rubbing two fingers to my temple. “I’m sorry, Kassandra. I overheard something and freaked out.”

Kassandra’s look of concern turned to worry. “What did you hear?”

I shook my head, “When we’re home, we’ll talk.”

The look never eased off Kassandra’s face but she nodded and replied, “Okay. I need to go complete this request and I’ll be right back.”

Kassandra took off and I waited, Sally piping up, “Are you worried that this pitiful army can take you?”

I was going to voice my concern, but kept my mouth closed, thinking instead, “No. I am more worried what happens if something happens to me. And if Kassandra is dragged away? What if either army takes slaves and makes Phoibe a slave? Markos? The children? The elderly people?”

“You are worried for a small island?”

“It’s my home. I need to worry about it. My family is here and I need to protect them.”

Sally didn’t say anything and I saw Kassandra return. In a familiar gesture, yet a different meaning, Kassandra put an arm over my shoulders and smiled reassuringly. I smiled back, leaning into her as we walked back home. Phoibe was off playing with her friends, so I was more comfortable to tell Kassandra once we got home.

As soon as the food was put away, I turned to Kassandra. Her look of concern was back. I crossed my arms and looked out the kitchen window. “I went down to the docks, to get a fish. But I also went down there to see what was happening.”

“Does it explain the bandage on your collarbone?”

I nodded, “The harpoon didn’t go too deep, but there was a warship that rammed into me. It surprised me more than it hurt me. At the docks, some merchants were talking about my leviathan form.”

“So? You’ve known people talk about that form a lot. Making stories up like all other places do when they see a new creature.”

I turned to Kassandra, “But this was different. They were talking about the whole war. How Sparta and Athens were going at each other but if worse came to worse, they might send their army here. To get rid of me.”

Kassandra looked surprised, “They rarely go out to sea anyways. Why fear?”

“Because this is my home!” I felt my anger rise unreasonably, but I couldn’t calm my voice as I snapped. “My family is here! I don’t think I can bear you seeing me die by their hands. Or how Phoibe might become a slave. Or they take you away! And if they take everyone away and I’m alive, how could I live with myself?!”

Kassandra approached me, taking my face in her hands as she soothed, “Jade. Jade. Jade. It’s going to be okay. They won’t take me. Not from you and not from Phoibe. I know that if push comes to shove, you can beat them. We. Are. Safe.”

I didn’t realize it, but I was crying. I guess the fear of what could happen was making me react the way I did, but Kassandra was reassuring and held me tightly as I cried. I knew Kassandra was telling the truth, but something told me to keep alert.

If more warships come here, I needed to show them to stay away. I could easily destroy them, but I’ve held back my strength.

But I knew deep down that my protectiveness of the island will lead to many deaths, even if I wasn’t attacked by these warships. I needed to protect my home.

Because if I lost my home, I would lose my second chance. I would lose the love of my life, a child I love, and friends I care about. Kassandra was holding a crying me, not knowing that deep down, I was seething.

No warship will dare come to these shores again.

Because I will show them no mercy.

None so that I could protect my island, my home, and my family.

Chapter Text

I had once made a promise only to attack when I needed to.

But after hearing the possibility of my home being in danger of being dragged into war, I indeed showed no mercy. And I would show none.

A warship ended up sailing towards the docks, the Athens flag adding to its character. I usually never swam near the docks, but I wanted to show merchants to warn others that this island only allowed merchants. Warships were a no-no.

Kassandra hesitated when I told her my plan a week after hearing about the two men. This was the one display she would allow. For all other displays I’ve used my form, it's been away from the island’s inhabitants. But this was to show others and spread the word. That way, I don’t have to go on a bloody rampage.

The ship was sailing towards the island, a merchant ship had passed it a day before. I made sure the merchant ship saw me swim past, even surfacing to let a blast of air into the crisp evening. Scared the merchants into the docks, but otherwise no curses or screaming.

The merchant ship was about to leave when the warship appeared. The thing about the merchant ship was that, according to Kassandra, they were from Sparta, transporting Spartan goods. The Athenians knew this because the merchants were talking of needing to leave quickly before the Athenians could get here to arrest them or stop them.

Well, today is their lucky day.

I started by surfacing. There was a commotion at the docks, the merchant ship having no time to go back as it sailed out towards the warship. The warship ignored me, focusing on the merchant ship. I saw this as a good thing.

I surfaced, this time coming between the two ships and turning to the merchant ships in a curious gesture. The warship had no time to stop, ramming into my side. It didn’t hurt, but Sally was angry. I turned and growled, the sound vibrating as the warship’s lead shouted commands.

Harpoons flew and I twisted back into the water, my tail hitting along the way behind me. The warship went off course, completely away from the merchant ship as the merchant ship got away. More space for me.

I surfaced at the flank of the ship, landing on its bow with two front flippers. There was shouting and I spat scalding water into the bow, avoiding the soldiers. I only stopped when a harpoon caught my front right flipper and I hissed, diving back down.

When I came up on the other side and spat more scalding water, I saw something in the distance and I stopped.

Another warship. This time with a Spartan flag. Perfect.

I growled, crawling further past the middle of the bow and back into the water. My body followed, wood splitting under my weight and causing the ship to tilt toward where my body was going. I kept my focus on the Athenian warship until the Spartan warship tried to flank the Athenian warship.

I made sure to barrel roll, my tail smacking into the Spartan warship that then rammed into the Athenian warship. I kept at it, beginning to circle them until I was basically whirlpooling them off the island, in a different direction from the merchant ship.

And that was it.

The two warships had enough.

I saw them retreat as I dived deeper into the ocean waves, disappearing from onlookers’ sight and back towards the back shore. It was there that I saw Kassandra waiting for me. I jumped out of the water, shaking myself off before turning back into a person. Before I could even breathe a greeting, Kassandra embraced me in a bear hug.

“MALAKA! That was by far a grand performance!”

I laughed, “You aren’t at all mad?”

“By Hades’ no!”

We both were a laughing mess and just hugged each other close. I was just glad that Kassandra approved our succession plan. We went home after a passionate kiss and we saw Phoibe and her friends running around. I assume looking for us.

When she saw me, her eyes sparkled, “Mama! You should have seen it!”

I played dumb, kneeling down with a smile, “Should have seen what?”

She ran into my arms, hugging me tightly as she replied, “You should have seen the Leviathan! It was so big! It spat out water at some warships!”

“Really?” I breathed out in surprise and she nodded. “Nobody got hurt, right?”

“Nope! It was just after those warships!”

I smiled, looking at Kassandra who gave me a wink. Success.

Later that night, Phoibe decided to go spend the night with her friends, leaving me and Kassandra alone in the house. I was lying on my back, my head in her lap as she leaned back against the pillows on the roof of our home. The night sky was clear and I could see the silhouette of an eagle flying above.

Her hand glided through my hair, which had gotten longer since I’d been here. So I spoke, “I need to cut my hair at some point.”

Kassandra lifted her head up. “Huh? Why?”

“It’s getting too long.”

“Not if I braid it correctly.”

“Really? I don’t do it well enough?”

“Not by yourself,” she teased and I slapped her arm closest to me. She chuckled at my action and wiggled a finger in front of my face. “Careful little one.”

“Uh-huh.” I folded my hands on my abdomen and looked back up at the sky. “You know, it seems to me that the island is safe for now. But I can’t help but feel that something will happen.”

“We dealt with it,” Kassandra replied confidently. “Besides, you protect this place more than me.”

“Not really. Give yourself some credit, Kass,” I said with a sigh. “You’ve been protecting this island from those bandits for a long time.”

Kassandra didn’t say anything, but she wouldn’t look away from me as she swiped a hand through my hair. I sighed, closing my eyes to relish the feeling. I felt like a pampered cat. Weird feeling, isn’t it?

But I enjoyed this time with Kassandra.

It wasn’t all about sex. Just being close was enough. I hoped this last forever really. I must have fallen asleep because when I woke up, the sun was rising. I got up and saw Kassandra on the roof’s edge, gingerly holding a spear I had seen occasionally. She had told me it was from a relative of hers. Who, she didn’t say. She was also singing a medley she had hummed to me before.

I stood up and walked over to her, embracing her from behind. She smiled at this, her humming continuing. It was so nice. Sounding so sweet and the vibration sent a good feeling straight to my chest.

We stayed like that for a while, enjoying each other’s company.

Until, “Hey, shit-face! Get down here!”

I let go of Kassandra and I could tell she was annoyed by the way she tensed up. We went to the other side and I could see two men waiting at the base of our home. I scowled at them, crossing my arms as Kassandra came up next to me, setting a reassuring hand on my back.

“Cyclops’s got a message for you!”

Kassandra, to my surprise, jumped down before I could say anything, landing on the ground with what I assumed was a pissed-off look. “Tell your boss he can stick it-”

She didn’t get to finish, as one of the men approached her and threw a punch. I was shocked. “Kassandra!”

“That’s for last week!”

I raised an eyebrow as I ran down the stairs. What was last week? I came downstairs to stand at her side, seeing her nose already running red. She cursed, “Maláka!”

“Stop! What is the meaning of this?!” I turned to the two men. “Please take this elsewhere, this is not the place to do so!”

“Oh? Guess I forgot about the fuck toy this mercenary has!”

“Excuse me?!” I couldn’t help myself, beginning to approach when Kassandra put an arm out to stop me. She didn’t speak a word to me, but she did growl at the two men.

“You leave her out of this. Your problem is with me. Jade, step back.”

I listened. As much as I would like to show these men a lesson, questions would be raised. So, I let her fight the two men while I stayed in the background. I could admire her fighting style. But it was short-lived unfortunately as Kassandra was much quicker than the two men combined.

She grabbed her nose with a hiss, “Last week? This shit happens every week.”

I gave her a confused look and she cursed herself. “You did not have to see that.”

“What is going on?” I couldn’t help but feel hurt. What was happening behind my back? Kassandra would come home with bruises and cuts here and there, but…shit. Was this happening every week?

“Jade, don’t worry about it. Nothing you have to deal with.”

“Oh no! You are NOT sweeping this under the rug! What happened? How long has this been going on?”

“I help people, Jade. That means facing the Cyclops a lot. Especially his disgusting men.” Kassandra sat at a well that we built a while back. It was holding well. When Phoibe was gone one day we decided it was high time to have our own water source and I helped, in my own ways.

“All this? Behind my back? Is that why you keep coming home with bruises and cuts?” Kassandra looked at me guiltily and I couldn’t help but sigh heavily in frustration. “Kassandra, what happened last week? When we went to town?”

“I retrieved something for someone from the Cyclops because it was a family heirloom.”

I stared at her and she seemed to be guilty of not telling me about it. Not shit, Sherlock. She probably didn’t want me upset. “Is that all?”

“Yes, Jade.” I could tell from her shift in tone that she wanted to change the conversation but I kept at it. If this was coming to our home, I would have something to do about it.

“This needs to end, Kass.” I declared. “We can’t live in constant fear.”

“And what about the money?”

“I earn enough from working in the vineyard.”

Kassandra gave me a look and I elaborated, knelting down to her level. “I think its high time you took a break. I can support us for the time being. Maybe I can make something up with Markos-”

I stopped abruptly. Shit. Kassandra gave me a confused look and I backtracked, “Well, Markos may have some answers, yes?”

As if something above heard my plea, Kassandra’s eagle, Ikaros, landed up on a wooden pillar and cried out. Kassandra let a small smile form as she waved to the bird, “Thanks for the warning.”

For a moment, Kassandra and I stared at each other, then she grabbed her nose and raised her head up. I went and got a rag for her and gave her the piece of cloth just as Phoibe skipped up to the house.

Upon seeing Kassandra, she stopped skipping, totally ignoring the dead bodies laying just feet away. At this point, I too was desensitized to such things. I mean, I tore people to pieces. Phoibe spoke, “What happened to you?”

“What do you think,” I grumbled. Phoibe looked at me and then at Kassandra.

And all Phoibe said was, “She found out, didn’t she?”

Kassandra nodded and I gaped at Phoibe, “You knew too?”

“Kassandra told me not to tell you, Mama. She’s got it all handled.” She went towards the house. “The Cyclops hasn’t learned his lesson yet, has he? I thought he was staying away from here.”

“I thought so too. Apparently not,” Kassandra sighed. I glared at Kassandra and she sighed, taking the rag off to show that her nose was no longer bleeding. “I’ll explain later.”

I grabbed her by the ear, causing her to yelp. “Oh no you don’t! Explain yourself right now. Just telling me that you’ve been dealing with the Cyclops this entire time would have sufficed!”

Just then, Phoibe came out with a plate of fruit and mice meat. She sat and watched as I basically scolded Kassandra for keeping such a secret from me, though I already had a feeling she’d been doing this the entire time. It still hurt that it had gotten so bad they’d come back to the house again.

Ikaros landed next to Phoibe and Phoibe whispered to Ikaros, “You think Jade will forgive Kassandra for this?”

The eagle bobbed its head and she smiled, “Yeah, I thought so too.”

Phoibe gave the eagle some meat while I continued to question Kassandra. Once I was done, Kassandra was still guilt-stricken but now less with my new knowledge. Course, by the end of my scolding, I felt a little guilty myself because I was working for Markos without Kassandra knowing.

“Hypocrite.”

Shut it, Sally! I am the queen of this house and I must send an example.

Suddenly, Phoibe spoke up, “Do you think Zeus would bless me with an eagle? Like he blessed you, Kassandra?”

I looked over at Phoibe, seeing her hopeful expression and I smiled. I walked over to her, stroking Ikaros’s feathers gently. “Maybe when you are older, Phoibe.”

Her eyes brightened at me, “Really?”

“Yes, and Kassandra over there can ask Zeus for you.” I looked over at Kassandra, who rolled her eyes but smiled anyways. She stood up and turned to us.

“I’ll try to put in a good word for you.”

Phoibe cheered and began to stroke Ikaros’s head while I stopped. Then, a thought occurred to me, “Phoibe, I thought you were going to go into town with your friends.”

Phoibe nodded, “I was, but Markos is looking for Kassandra.”

Kassandra cringed visibly, “What does that weasel want now?”

“Don’t know. He wants you to meet him at his new house. On his vineyard.”

Instantly, Kassandra’s eyes went to me and I stared back at her. It was like a lightbulb went through her head. In moments, she had my ear as well, which I allowed because it was deserved, “YOU’VE BEEN WORKING FOR MARKOS THIS ENTIRE TIME!”

“YES!” No point in circling around the truth. “I was going to tell you at some point! Why?! Something else you’re hiding about Markos?!”

Phoibe and Kassandra both looked at each other and I realized that there was something else he was hiding. As she let go of my ear, I looked at Kassandra and puffed, “I guess we have a slimy weasel to approach, don’t we, Kassandra?”

I think it was then that the both of us realized…Markos played both of us.

Chapter Text

As Kassandra and I walked away from the house, leaving Phoibe with Ikaros, I turned to her, “I’m sorry about saying nothing earlier.”

“About you working for Markos?”

“Yeah.” Kassandra gave me a side glance before shrugging.

“Basically, you were getting my drachmae.”

“How much does he owe you?”

“A lot.”

“How much?”

Kassandra glared at me, but not in a threatening way. Instead, she responded, “I don’t think you’d like the answer. Because then you’ll pay for Markos.”

“And? I could just pay you the drachmae. The only reason I’m going with you is that I’m pissed he never told me of the debt he was in with you.” It was true. If I had known about the debt, or the more complex relationship Kassandra and Markos had, we wouldn’t have a problem with the Cyclops.

Though I am a little pissed Kassandra didn’t inform me the whole situation. I’ve been living in her house for months and had no clue of all the stuff going on under the surface. Sure, I’ve faced Cyclops’s men before, but this was different.

It felt…final.

I guess with the war looming on the shores, with only I to keep it at bay, the Cyclops felt threatened. No matter. He wouldn’t win against either of us.

We made our way to Markos’s vineyard, which I led because it is technically my place of work. And oh man, Markos had no clue was about to get in on as we approached him. He turned to us and smiled, acting as if I wasn’t his worker and Kassandra didn’t have a debt to settle.

“Ah.” I guess he was only excited to see me because his face fell as soon as he saw Kassandra. “Um…hello, Kassandra. Jade.”

“You have a lot to explain to us,” I practically growled, crossing my arms. Kassandra, even though angry, did not cross her arms like I did. Markos’s head began to show sweat as he realized that the jig was up.

“What do you mean?”

I gestured with my head to Kassandra, “How about you tell us about this debt you’ve been hiding from me and her.”

“Now, now, Jade. Let’s be wise now. I thought that if I paid you enough, I could repay Kassandra since you live with her.” My glare hardened and Markos flinched. “No?...”

“Markos, it’s the least you can do is inform me of all these debts going on. If you had told me, I could have spoken to Kassandra and we wouldn’t be standing here angry,” I huffed. “If you can’t do that, it would be a shame if something happened to your vineyard.”

I leaned in and narrowed my eyes to put emphasis on what I was to say next. “Now. Explain.”

Markos smiled nervously, shrinking under my glare. After some moments, Markos finally nodded, “Yes, yes. I will explain.”

I looked to Kassandra, “Explain it to her.” I turned back to Markos. “Whatever other business you have, Kassandra is who you should pay. I will not be involved. I already got my answers and we both kept secrets. Right, Kassandra?”

Kassandra nodded, folding her arms and practically burning Markos in his spot. I turned and walked away, sighing. As I walked, I couldn’t help but feel that something wasn’t right. Just then, as if fate was testing my patience, a woman came running up to me and I recognized her as one of Markos’ workers. When she spotted me, her eyes widened and her face paled. I didn’t even have to ask what was going on when she spoke, “Cyclops’s men! They’ve snatched Phoibe!”

At the mention of Phoibe, I was on high alert. What the hell was the Cyclops thinking? Did he want to really piss me off? “Where is she?”

“They snatched her and went in the direction of Ktimene Beach!”

I didn’t even wait for Kassandra. I took off and man was I angry. First, they come to my home and hit Kassandra and now they’ve taken Phoibe? I was beyond angry actually. This day was going horribly.

I couldn’t transform into the Leviathan form here. Too much mainland. But if it was at Ktimene Beach…oh boy. I didn’t like transforming in front of Phoibe, but I didn’t want to even touch the fact that those people could do anything to Phoibe. And that made me even more angry.

“Keep your emotions in control, Jade,” Sully reminded casually. I jumped but kept running. “You lose control, things go bad.”

“When I’m done with that brute, yeah. Shit will hit the fan,” I grumbled. “No one messes with my family. I’m at the end of my rope with the Cyclops.”

Nothing could prepare me for what I arrived at. I realized quickly that these were not the same thugs that Cyclops usually had. They were new. They built a small camp with a few shelters and guards posted with long spears. They bear no symbol so I knew that these people were probably from a merchant ship.

That would be a problem too.

As much as I didn’t like the Cyclops, he was the apex predator and made sure others were driven away. Like a male lion with a large territory. But over time, all creatures become weak and they tend to be defeated by others. Think of it like an ecosystem where the Cyclops is at the top of the food chain. If he’s dethroned or taken out of the pictures, others will fight in his place.

That would be chaos.

And the war didn’t help either.

This was an example. War drove these people to the island and threatened Cyclops’ power. Might be the reason why Kassandra is being torn to a new one. I slipped into the water, readying myself. Sully hummed within my mind and I could feel it as I dove deeper into the beach.

I lifted out of the water, puffing air from my snout to announce my presence. After some moments, panic was seen. The guards all came forward to point their spears at me and I could only narrow my eyes. This was starting to get old.

With a roar, I charged.

The guards tried their best to stand tall against me. But the moment I snapped one of them in half, they began to scatter. I twisted, my tail hitting several into the air. I roared again, snapping my jaws left and right. I heard a shout from Phoibe and I looked back, seeing her being grabbed by two people. Neither were any I recognized.

I roared, angry that these two humans decided to handle MY daughter!

I charged, making sure to let my tail whip around behind me to get rid of any stranglers. The two people looked up, both of them staring at me with fear in their eyes. I stopped just feet away, trying to intimidate them. The two people didn’t move, and one of them even gripped Phoibe’s hair.

Phoibe screamed out, “MAMA!”

I bared my teeth. A cry for help. For me. Phoibe’s scream was not only a cry for help, but it reminded me of a kitten calling for its mother. That warm motherly instinct I had reared into an inferno as I grew angry.

I launched myself forward, the person holding Phoibe yanking her out of the way as I consumed the second person in one stroke of my jaws. I felt the warm blood in my jaws as I clamped down, silencing the screaming man. I reared up, throwing the mangled body behind me before turning to the person holding Phoibe.

Phoibe was crying, sobbing even. The person didn’t let her go!

I roared again. The person grabbed a knife and held it out towards me, a glare on their face. “May Zeus curse you!”

I took that as my chance. I just hope Phoibe wasn’t looking. That her eyes were closed. I grabbed the offending arm and tossed the person out towards the ocean, hearing them scream until they landed in the ocean behind me.

I huffed.

Turning back, I saw Phoibe shaking, staring up at me with wide eyes. Fear. She was scared. I didn’t turn back immediately, not in front of Phoibe. She was too young to know her new mother was a monster.

“Show kindness,” Sully echoed my thought.

I leaned down, Phoibe dragging herself back but not by much with her bound hands. She began to weep, calling out, “MAMA! KASSANDRA!”

My heart broke and for a moment, I wanted to pull back.

But if I did, she would assume I got scared off by her screaming.

Slowly, I lowered my head enough to where I was basically lying on the beach. Phoibe’s screams died down and she was now looking at me as if I was going to eat her.

I whined. It wasn’t loud, but it sounded like a dog whining.

Slowly, Phoibe relaxed, but only a little.

“Phoibe!”

My eyes snapped to Kassandra, coming over the hill on a horse. Possibly an apology from Markos. Phoibe shouted, “Kassandra! You need to leave! It might attack you too!”

Kassandra rode her horse closer, but not too close as the horse began to panic slightly in my presence. Kassandra dismounted quickly, hands out, “It’s okay, Phoibe! It’s not going to hurt you!”

It? Really?

Kassandra gave me a glare of silence at the slight lift of my head. She walked up, releasing Phoibe’s bounds with her back turned to me. Phoibe was shaking like a leaf in Kassandra’s arms, but at least she was no longer crying.

“Why is it not attacking us, Kassandra?” Phoibe’s question was my cue to leave. Reluctantly, I lifted myself up and slithered back into the ocean, leaving Kassandra to explain whatever she wished. Today was enough action.

With Phoibe safe, I no longer felt so protective over her. So, I decided to take a little swim. Just a relaxing swim. Nothing much out on this clear day. All the ships were in port around this time to collect their rewards and merchandise.

I lazily swam, making sure to surface every once in a while. I was about to go just around the island.

Well, until I surfaced at Kleptous Bay.

I don’t come here much. The Cyclops loves to hang around there. I love diving off the cliff. One time I did it with Kassandra in the dead of night, but we didn’t go into the actual bay.

I was about to dive back down when I smelled something odd. I lifted my head and sniffed. Something was off. Something that wasn’t supposed to be here.

My eyes narrowed as I felt the territorial feeling urge me forward to investigate. There was a ship docked, covered in damages I hadn’t seen before. By something large. But it wasn’t from me. The ship was still floating and it bore an unknown flag.

I looked around the ship, trying to get a feel of what the smell was. But no matter, I found the scent faint. So it wasn’t around the island.

With a sigh, I swam back out.

When I got home, I was cleaning some fish when Phoibe came running in, followed by Kassandra. I wondered if they had come from where I rescued Phoibe. Yet when I looked at Kassandra, I could see her face. It was like she was…hesitant. Like she didn’t want to have a conversation.

It will be a conversation for later tonight.

Phoibe came skipping up to me, a smile on her face, “Mama! You cannot guess what I saw today?”

“Oh?” I glanced at Kassandra, whose expression didn’t change as she went outside. Huh, odd. “What happened today?”

Phoibe raised her arms and spread them out, “The leviathan saved me! It literally saved me from these bandits!”

“Really? Do you know why,” I gasped in fake shock, though when I knelt down to check her face, I was really looking for any bruises or injuries. “Are you hurt? Are you okay?”

Phoibe nodded, a smile still gracing her face, “Yeah! I’m okay! I was scared, but the creature of the ocean saved me!”

I sighed in relief, “Good. Good. Now how about you go clean up? I’ll have dinner ready soon.”

“Okay!” Phoibe then took off, leaving me to look out the window to see Kassandra tending to the garden. She didn’t really do that unless something heavy weighed on her mind.

Dinner came and went and I was just cleaning up when I saw Phoibe talking to Kassandra quietly. Kassandra shook her head and patted Phoibe’s head. Then, with a louder voice, Kassandra told Phoibe, “Off to bed, you. But what do you do?”

I heard footsteps and I looked back, seeing Phoibe with her arms raised. I gave her a big hug, adding a kiss to her head, “Goodnight, baby girl.”

“Goodnight, Mama!” Phoibe pulled away, turning to Kassandra. “Goodnight, Kassandra!”

Kassandra smiled, but I could tell it was strained. Phoibe left quickly, disappearing into her room. This left me and Kassandra alone. I turned back to finish cleaning, and within seconds, I felt arms wrap around me, Kassandra’s chin lying on my shoulder.

We stood like that for a couple of seconds before I sighed, wiping my hands dry. “Kassandra, something’s bothering you.”

She didn’t reply, but she did hold me tighter. I couldn’t help but wonder what was going through her mind. I pried quietly enough for only her to hear, “Did something happen after I left you with Markos? After you rescued Phoibe?”

This time, Kassandra pulled away, clearly not wanting the conversation. I turned sharply on her, eyes narrowing. She was about to go upstairs when I hissed, “Kassandra…”

Kassandra stopped, one hand on the wall while the other hand was clutched. I raised an eyebrow at this. I further pried at what was going on, “Was it the Cyclops again?”

Kassandra didn’t reply, but she did look back at me. I could see the guilt and uncertainty in her eyes. I grew concerned, “Kass, talk to me, please.”

Kassandra closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before looking away, as if what she was about to say next would make me angry or upset. Then, slowly, she replied, “I was going to kill the Cyclops, so that Markos wouldn't be in debt. Instead, I found a man. He…offered me a job.”

I tilted my head, “Um…okay? What about it? Will it be a hard job?”

Kassandra didn’t answer right then. I waited. It only took a minute for Kassandra to finally answer once more. “It would take me away from the island. He offered a lot of drachmae. And I mean a lot.”

“How much are we talking?”

This time, Kassandra looked at me directly. “Enough for me to retire, essentially.”

My eyes widened. What? That much? What was she doing? “What does the job entail?”

“I will have to leave the island.”

“You’ve already said that.” I crossed my arms. “What will you need to do for the job, Kassandra?”

She hesitated, but she knew I would find out one way or another, “To assassinate a person.”

“Assassinate? Like kill? Intentionally?”

Kassandra nodded. “A general called the Wolf. The man said I had what it took to take the job.”

“I hear a but…”

Kassandra nodded again, “I will have to leave the island. Tomorrow, I will need to go to Kleptous Bay to talk Cyclops into giving me a ship. I know you have a good handle on things if the Cyclops decides to get rowdy.”

I stared at her. “How long will you be gone?”

“I don’t know. I’m looking for a few weeks, once I have a ship ready.”

She sounded so uncertain about it and I couldn’t help but ask, “Do you feel like you shouldn’t have taken the job?”

“I didn’t know how you would take it, seeing as how you were worried about those ships,” Kassandra replied, approaching me slowly. “I will be swift, like I was never there.”

“This assassination…if you kill this person, will people hunt you?”

“Not those associated with the person,” Kassandra replied, now standing in front of me. I couldn’t help but appreciate her closeness, especially with the news that she will be leaving soon. “There are mercenaries I have heard that will hunt me, simply because I could harm their business, but they will not stray from their territories. They won’t even go after me here.”

“Good, because I honestly would beat your ass.”

Kassandra chuckled, for the first time it seemed since this morning. “I know you could.”

She leaned in and kissed me and I couldn’t help but kiss her back. Slowly, she pushed me into I bumped into the counter, lips never disconnecting. I could taste the dinner on her tongue, with the sweet taste of her. Slowly, I felt her hands reach to slip my tunic off my shoulder, exposing more of my collarbone.

As she began to lightly bite the skin there, I put both hands on her chest, pushing her off lightly. She conceded, pulling back to watch my face. I could see the pain there. I knew she didn’t want to do this. Leave me and Phoibe to the mainland.

I held her face with both hands, “Kass, all I ask is that you come back safe. Send letters even. I don't think your old friend would mind visiting me every once in a while.”

Kassandra gave me a surprised look before she smiled, nodding, “Of course, love. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to do so.”

She gave me a kiss on the nose before pulling me into an embrace. I didn’t see it as I embraced her back, but Kassandra’s face did not relax.

Because whatever came next could affect their lives more than a whole bunch of drachmae.

Chapter Text

Things got worse on the island to my misfortune.

In a week, I would be alone in this new chaos.

I roared, curling around a small boat full of new bandits, crushing the boat and the occupants in it with an echoing crunch of scales against wood. Leaving the screaming bandits in the ocean, I dived, swimming away from the scene.

All I could think was how Kassandra would leave soon.

She had told me after her return that she found someone with a ship that would take her. Since then, she has been staying home more. Along with her return, she also brought news that Cyclops was dead. Meaning that most of the island was free from bandit control.

But that left more bandit groups to come to the island.

Leaving me busier than usual.

Phoibe had been taking up the chores with me gone so much. She always assumes I’m with Markos, never asking as if knowing my supposed answer. Kassandra knew, but never let it change her welcome home to me, which I have to admit, I will dearly miss.

I know Kassandra will keep her promise of letters, but that doesn’t make me feel any better about her safety. I was growing more worried the closer we were to her departure. In a way, I was beginning to regret letting her go.

As I walked into our home, I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. I walked into the kitchen and began to decide what was for dinner. Would it be fish? Lamb? Maybe stew?

Sigh…soon, I wouldn’t need this much food…Maybe Markos could come over for dinner more often? He eats less than Kassandra, but at least food wasn’t wasted. Besides, it was paid for by his dime. His debt money to Kassandra.

As I thought, I heard a small chuckle and I whipped around, seeing a man sitting at the table. I literally jumped, grabbing the counter to keep myself from slipping. I stared at him, eyes wide as I tried to recognize the person.

But I don’t.

I grew defensive, angry. I nearly shouted, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY HOME?”

The man startled, one eye blind while the other stared at me with a hint of fear. I grabbed the knife from the counter, cleaned from last night’s dinner. I pointed it at him, ready to fight to defend myself and my home, “WHO ARE YOU?! WHY ARE YOU HERE?!”

He opened his mouth but did not speak. For a moment, I waited for an answer. He started to get up and I lurched forward. Before I could even reach him, I felt a hand grab my hand holding the knife while another arm reached around my waist. Then I felt two hands wrap around my legs.

“Jade! Stop!” I heard Kassandra’s voice echo behind me and I snapped my head in her direction. “He’s a friend!”

I stared at her for a long moment. Then, slowly, I looked down to see Phoibe, seeing her wide eyes on me. Slowly, I lowered the knife and asked, “Who is this?”

“This is the man who's going to take me to where I need to go.” Kassandra still had a tight grip on me. “Are you going to relax?”

“Uh…yeah,” I say hesitantly. Slowly, Phoibe took the knife from me gently to walk it back to the counter. Kassandra released her grip, turning to the man, “Sorry about her. Jade is quite protective of our home.”

“I-I can see that,” the man replied, turning to Kassandra. “I assume this is Jade, then?”

“It is,” Kassandra replied. She turned to me, “I forgot to tell you he was coming by for dinner.”

I stared at her, then at the man, then at Phoibe, before coming back to Kassandra. “Oh, so you’re the one taking Kassandra to the mainland?”

“That I am!” The man bowed to me, which made me cross my arms. “Barnabas, at your service.”

“I see,” I sigh. Kassandra put a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

“Don’t worry, Jade. I’m in good hands.”

I could only nod at her, knowing that she could handle herself. But I knew it would still pain me for her to leave. No matter who she went with. I turned back to start prepping for dinner, earning confused looks from all three. It was quiet and dinner was had quietly.

As I cleaned dinner, I heard Kassandra pull Barnabas into the next room. I think she keeps forgetting that I could hear much more sharply than before I unlocked Sully’s form. As I cleaned, I listened.

“Sorry about her. She’s having a rough time,” Kassandra reassures Barnabas.

Barnabas replied, “I assume you two are…?”

“Yes. We are very close. She’s…always worried for me and Phoibe. With me going away, she’s taking it hard.”

I heard a small chuckle from Barnabas, “I understand, Kassandra. You have quite the wife.”

I heard Kassandra bulk at this before she quickly whispered, “Um…no. We are not at that stage.”

Why did I hear a yet somewhere in the end of that statement?

Barnabas left and Phoibe quietly went to bed after hugging me goodnight. This left me on the roof, looking up at the starry night sky. As I sat there, wondering what would happen next, I heard footsteps and turned. Kassandra was coming up, her eyes on me. For a good long moment, we didn’t speak.

She lifted her hand, revealing a wine bottle. “I figured you’d want this tonight.”

I scuffed, looking out over the woodland of the island, with the light of the city illuminating on the other side of the island. Kassandra sat down next to me, seeing my knees drawn up to my chest and my arms wrapping around my legs.

At this, she sighed, “Barnabas understands, you know. How hard it is for you to watch me leave.”

I hummed, but didn’t say anything more.

Kassandra looked down at the bottle, thinking of her next words.

There was an uncomfortable silence. The first we ever had since starting our relationship. It was like a foreshadow of the struggles that would come along. So, I finally broke it with a sigh.

“It’s okay, Kassandra. I hope that after this, you no longer work as a mercenary,” I finally speak. She looked over at me and I looked at her. “And I hope it is worth the months you are away.”

Kassandra nodded, “That is what I am also hoping. For all this to be worth it so that I can spend the rest of my days drinking and having lovely sex with you.”

I couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped me at her words, especially when she emphasized this by leaning close to me like she was going to kiss me. I couldn’t stop the flush that stained my cheeks from how close she was getting. But she didn’t stop there.

She whispered in my ear, “And on the mainland, there’s something they make for women to use for pleasure when their man is off to war.”

My flush increased and I asked, turning my face to her. “And what would that be?”

Kassandra smirked, placing a gentle kiss on my temple as she spoke, “Can you imagine? Me fucking you in a way a man would?”

The image was there and I quickly mumbled, “Sometimes…sometimes I imagine things beyond that, you know.”

“Oh? Like what?”

As much as my hormones began to rage, my logical brain stopped me and I looked away. “Phoibe is downstairs, Kassandra. The last thing I want her to hear is my screaming your name.”

Kassandra pouted, but accepted the refusal. “Fair. We should tell her at some point.”

“We should. Should we…tell her tomorrow? You will be leaving for months and I don’t want her to be confused as to why I’m upset about it all.”

Kassandra nodded, “Logically, yes. We should tell her. We’ve hid it from her long enough.”

She then turned her head to give me a wide smirk, “After that, can I plow you?”

“Kassandra,” I hissed. “She’s still too young for that kind of stuff. If we keep this up, and after YOU explain the birds and the bees, then yes. You can plow me, as long as she is not a witness. I have known more than enough people who have seen their parents have sex and it is traumatizing enough.”

Kassandra bellowed a laugh and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Slowly, the laughing died away and something seemed to tint the air. The romance died away as reality set in. After a moment, I said, “I will miss you though. For real. After all these months together, how can I handle being apart from you for so long?”

“I know what you mean,” Kassandra replied, wrapping an arm around me in a soft gesture. “And I feel the same. I was torn, taking that contract. I didn’t want to, but I want us to be able to live however we want. Maybe move somewhere else. You, Phoibe, and I.”

I looked at her in thought. The island had become my home. But that was only because Kassandra and Phoibe were here. If either of them weren’t here, what was I protecting the island for?

Well, there was Markos, but he didn’t count at the moment considering he still has a lot to make up for lying to us.

“If we found another island, then maybe. For now, I only wish for Phoibe to be happy and us to be free of the Cyclops.”

“We’ve only done the second part.”

“And what of the war?”

“We will see about that. For now, my only focus is getting the contract done and to be here as soon as possible.”

I nodded, “Just remember to take your time when it comes to these contracts, Kassandra. Do not lose focus on what is next.”

“I know,” Kassandra said softly, kissing my temple softly. “Even now, it hurts. Knowing I will have to be away for a long time.”

I hummed but said nothing more as I let her hold me. It gave her comfort and I felt protected in her arms. The night went on and we slept under the stars, Kassandra’s arms rarely leaving their place around me.

A week seems to go by fast as I spend my time doing chores and helping Kassandra with her packing whilst still protecting the island from intruders.

Barnabas would visit every once in a while, but would always greet me nicely as if the first time we met I wasn’t trying to kill him with a knife. He also did his best to reassure me that he would make sure Kassandra was safe. He kept at it until Phoibe gently warned him that he was only making me mad if he kept reminding me.

Which is correct but I said nothing.

Phoibe began to cry every night with the thought of Kassandra leaving. And honestly, it made me want to cry. Kassandra would hold her on those nights and reassure her that everything would be fine. And I would watch from the door, a sadness gripping my heart like a vice.

The final night came before Kassandra’s departure.

Too fast in my opinion, but I was too tired to argue with how fate is.

Markos and Barnabas came over for the final dinner, a feast Kassandra and I spent the day making. It had some of Kassandra’s favorites with fire smoked fish and her wine, which Markos got for me earlier that week for the feast.

There was a happy air in the room as we all sat down on the roof and ate. Phoibe invited some friends over, the same two children that had shielded me from their parents when I was a slave. I sat next to Kassandra, wanting to be as near to her as possible since the coming weeks we’ll be a sea apart.

I didn’t talk much as Barnabas seemed to take the conversation by storm. He told all sorts of wacky stories that I knew were probably from the many weeks at sea as he claimed. I listened with a small smile, temporarily forgetting that tomorrow Kassandra would depart. Markos and Barnabas were getting along great, to which I commented to Kassandra, “Looks like he’s a second Markos.”

Kassandra pouted, pinching the middle of my back in a small gesture to shut up. I simply giggled.

And all too soon, the dinner ended.

Phoibe went to take her friends back whilst Barnabas and Markos drunkenly helped themselves to the downstairs to sleep it off. This left Kassandra and I alone on the rooftop, looking up at the stars that seemed to shine so much brighter. With her back against pillows and I curled up against her, it was comfortable and one of domestic bliss.

It was silent, as it has been every night. Kassandra and I had our moments in private, but we decided to ‘hold ourselves’ until Kassandra came back. As a way to keep us anticipating the other. I thought it was a good thing, though for some reason, I felt that it might bite me big time when Kassandra comes back.

After some time, Kassandra sighed, “The stars are bright tonight, don’t you think?”

“I do. They must be weeping that they will have to keep track of you.”

Kassandra chuckled, deep and vibrating against my side. “Don’t worry, love. They won’t have much of a hard time.”

I smiled, snuggling up closer to her. We stayed like that for a few moments before she suddenly perked up, “Oh! I forgot! There’s something I wanted to give you. Before I left.”

I turned to her, confused as she sat up. She dug somewhere on the other side as I sat up to see what she was getting. When she finally got what she was looking for, she cupped it in both hands, hiding it from me as she turned to me. “I know you don’t wear much jewelry, but I saw how much you liked this.”

I raised an eyebrow and looked down at her hands. Slowly, she lifted one of her hands, revealing a shining necklace.

And not just any necklace.

It was the one I saw at the market when we went to that one festival. Jeez, it seemed like so long ago. I covered my mouth in surprise before looking up at her in shock. Kassandra smiled, knowing that my surprise and shock was more out of happiness than sadness.

I couldn’t help but feel a tear slide down as I pulled my hand away so Kassandra could put the necklace of the staff around my neck. After making sure it was on, Kassandra embraced me, causing me to embrace her back. The embrace was long, and once we pulled away from each other, I still had no words.

Kassandra explained, “I bargained for it when you were distracted. I just saw the way you were looking at it and thought that this was something I could give you. It isn’t a ring, but I know you won’t wear that. These past few years have been, well, the best I’ve ever had. I’ve been thinking about it and I would regret not asking before I left. I wanted to make sure you were taken care of and I see you as…well, what other way to put it?”

Sheepishly, Kassandra scratched the back of her head with a flush. For a moment she was silent as she stared off away from me. Then, with a long shaky exhale, she turned back to me. “I know it’s weird. It’s not exactly normal, but I don’t care. I love you. All of you. And I wanted to show you how much I love you. I was planning a good getaway for us, just us, and that fell through with the Cyclops causing trouble and I was going to give you something to symbolize how I feel about you. Again, I know you don’t want a ring or any other jewelry. But I wanted to give you something to symbolize this. Us. And…oh geez, I’m rambling now…”

She trailed off and I couldn’t believe what she was getting at. But I did have something to say about that.

“Yes.”

Kassandra jolted at the reply, her eyes wide, “What did you say?”

“Yes, Kass!”

I embraced her tightly, both thrilled and overjoyed. She embraced me back, shocked. For a moment, she didn’t say anything. Then, with a soft voice, she asked, “You don’t mind being my wife? We’ve only known each other for a few years but…”

“Kassandra,” I chidded cheekily, pulling away to give her my happy smile. “You don’t have to explain! I’m so happy you’d even consider this! This is…amazing!”

For a moment, Kassandra stared at me. “You don’t think it's shitty of me to do this before I leave?”

I shrugged, “Like you said. You don’t want to regret NOT telling me. If you told me after you left by letter, I would probably chase after you in complete rage.”

Kassandra sheepishly sighed, “Yeah, I knew that would be a possibility. You would scare Barnabas. He was actually the one to encourage me to ask you in the first place.”

“Really,” I said in surprise. “How long have you been thinking about this?”

“Hm,” Kassandra hummed, tapping her chin in thought. “Well, to put it frankly, I was going to get us a getaway trip but then the war got worse and the Cyclops got to be more of an asshole. And I was going to propose then, but then Barnabas told me that he never got the chance to marry his love, and he regrets it. Also, you being married to me allows you to live here without much hassle.”

I knew a little about marriage in the Greek world. But the Greeks here were different from the Greeks I knew. So maybe marriage was different. But this way, Kassandra was making sure I was taken care of. And that made me happy.

But there was a part of me that feared she was preparing me for the moment I found out she died. I pushed that side away, too happy in the moment to really think about the bad things.

I could only kiss Kassandra, passionately I might add. Embracing her tightly, my heart pounded in my chest, reaching for Kassandra.

For the first time, I felt us being truly whole.

Despite the circumstances, I was still in love with Kassandra. No matter what she did to propose to me, I would have accepted anyway.

At this moment, I was the happiest in the world, despite what the next few months will bring.

Chapter Text

Morning came all too soon, but at least I spent it in the arms of Kassandra rather than not. We walked with her. All of us including me, Barnabas, Markos, and Phoibe. It was a somber yet proud moment. After coming to the island, Kassandra was finally leaving the island for the mainland. It had been a goal of hers before I came along.

I guess that fate always has a plan. Sometimes, the original goal survives.

I was sad, yes, but I was also happy for Kassandra. Not only was she leaving for the mainland, but she showed me last night how much she loved me. To the point of marriage! That alone made me blush and wish for a Greek-styled honeymoon.

Phoibe commented on my necklace and I could only smile and say it was a parting gift from Kassandra. It flew over Phoibe’s head, but it didn’t for Barnabas and Markos, who both congratulated us right before Phoibe became part of the conversation again. I would hope to explain to Phoibe more so she can share in the miracle that happened, but she didn’t even know we were together.

Which I know might seem wrong. It feels wrong. But there wasn’t a good time to explain. Maybe I could explain to Phoibe about Kassandra and I’s relationship. I think she would be more ecstatic at the thought, but I wasn’t sure.

After some time, we finally got to the docks and Barnabas left us for our goodbyes. Kassandra turned to us with a sad smile and I know that deep down, she was wanting to cry. But she wanted to leave strong. Phoibe was the first to speak, her voice low.

“Why can’t I go with you?”

I could see Kassandra’s eyes glitter, but no tears formed. Instead, she smiled, patting Phoibe’s head lovingly, “Kephallonia’s the only place you’ve ever known, Phoibe. You’d leave your home? Leave Jade here alone?”

Phoibe looked at me and I just gave her a look. Kassandra gave a look that practically said ‘You’re not helping making this any easier for me.’ Phoibe turned back to Kassandra, “I would if it meant staying with you. Mama knows I can handle myself!”

I sighed, “Phoibe. Kassandra will come back. She needs to do this alone.”

“But who’s going to keep her company, Ma?”

“Phoibe,” Kassandra sighed, kneeling down. “I’ll be fine. While I’m gone, I need you to watch over your mother. She needs someone here for her. And I know you’ll take great care of Jade.”

Phoibe looked crestfallen, but regardless sighed as she dug into her pocket. “If I can’t come, then take Chara.”

“Chara?” At Kassandra’s questioning, I watched as Phoibe pulled out the wooden eagle that I have seen around the house. I never questioned it as Phoibe seemed to care for it a lot. I knew it had some sentimental value.

“My pet eagle. She’s my friend. Mater gave her to me.”

Phoibe’s mother.

A pang of sadness hit me at Phoibe’s gesture. Phoibe continued, “But she’ll be your friend now, and it’ll be like I’m there with you. You know, to remind you of me.”

Kassandra was hesitant and I put a hand on Phoibe’s shoulder, “Are you certain, honey?”

Phoibe shot me a sad smile and nodded, “Yes, I’m certain.”

Kassandra smiled at the gesture, “Thanks, Phoibe.”

Softly, Kassandra grabbed the statue and put it in her pack that I gifted her the week before. Phoibe smiled, “Promise me you’ll come back!”

Kassandra smiled, “I promise. You haven’t seen the last of me. Just stay out of trouble until then. Don’t make Jade’s hair grow gray too early.”

The pair laughed and I rolled my eyes playfully. Phoibe replied, “I will! I won’t for you and Jade.”

Kassandra slowly got up, turning to Markos, “Goodbye, Markos.”

It was playful and Markos acted hurt as he replied, “All these years as a dynamic duo. I’ll never replace you! Well, aside from Jade as she works for me. It won’t be easy without you here. Come on! Bring it in for a hug!”

He spread his arms and Kassandra seemed hesitant. But in the end, she smiled. “All right, come here!”

Both embraced and I could see his proud smile. Markos remarked, “Yes, bring it in! Oh, will I ever miss you, Kassandra.”

The two parted and Kassandra smiled at his remark, “Thanks, Markos. I’ll miss you too. What does the future hold for you, I wonder?”

“Wine, of course! Though, you never know when the vines will wither. I’m always ready for another adventure!” Markos turned to Phoibe and knelt down to her level. “Speaking of adventure, I have a task for you, dear Phoibe.”

“An adventure? YES!”

I couldn’t help but glare at Markos and growl, “Better be a safe one, Markos. You may be a friend, but just because Kassandra is leaving doesn’t mean Phoibe will pick up her work.”

Markos bellowed a laugh, “Don’t you see she’s already following in Kassandra’s footsteps, isn’t she, my friend?”

I crossed my arms and grumbly replied, “I’m watching you two. Don’t go off giving me gray hairs just because Kassandra isn’t here…”

Markos and Phoibe laughed before Markos waved us both goodbye, Phoibe doing the same before they both left. We watched until we saw them disappear into the buildings.

This left me and Kassandra alone.

Kassandra turned to me and I could see the somber look on her face. I sighed, grabbing her face with both hands, “I wish you safe travels, my love. And may you return with the strongest of winds behind you.”

Kassandra closed her eyes and breathed in for a long moment. As if trying to memorize me. I smiled, leaning in to kiss her with her eyes still closed. It was a soft kiss. As soft as the petals of flowers in the forest. Kassandra sighed against my lips, her hands coming up to my waist.

After a long, somber moment, we pulled away, only for our foreheads to come together. It would be a long time until we both could be like this. At peace with who we are.

But Kassandra had somewhere to be. And I had to protect our home.

“Safe travels.” It was the only thing I could say in the face of everything happening now. Kassandra took a deep breath, her eyes opening to show tears. I wiped them away gingerly.

“Thank you, Jade. For everything. Protect everyone here, okay? I’ll write to you. Every day if I have to.”

As if hearing her, Ikaros called above and I chuckled, “Guessing he thinks otherwise.”

Kassandra chuckled lightly, “Yes. It will all depend on him.”

“Will he be able to find you?”

“Yes. He always knows where I am.”

She held her arm out and the eagle landed on her arm, looking for treats. After finding none, Ikaros turned to Kassandra with confusion. Kassandra smiled, “Go to Barnabas’s ship and wait for me there, friend.”

Ikaros understood, taking off and leaving us alone once more. Turning back to me, Kassandra spoke softly, grabbing both of my shoulders. “You take care now, okay? And don’t worry about me. I will update you with what’s going on at least once a week, with Ikaros’s permission. And I expect the same from you.”

“Oh, I will.”

We stared at each other for a long time. Then, Kassandra pulled me into a warm embrace. I returned it in kind, smiling at how vulnerable she was now. It was comforting to know that she was able to relax with me. And I hoped that never went away with her long absence.

Pulling away, I saw Barnabas approach and I said softly, “Please watch her for me. She can be quite a handful.”

Kassandra gave me a pout and I chuckled, pinching her cheek. She huffed and Barnabas chuckled, “Reminds me of my younger days! And sure will, Jade. I’ll make sure to bring her home safe and sound.”

“Thank you, Barnabas. I really appreciate it,” I smiled. Turning to Kassandra, I couldn’t help but give her a peck on the cheek I pinched. “Be safe, Kass. I’ll be here when you return.”

I could see the regret in her eyes. Maybe from leaving the island or just leaving home. Or leaving me. I don’t know. But she replied with a sad smile, “I will. You be safe and make sure not to let the island go in my absence.”

I smiled, walking away to go home. If I turned around, Kassandra could probably see my tears beginning to run down my cheeks. She was leaving.

It was settling in both my chest and mind. Once I got home, I couldn’t help but cry. Phoibe and Markos didn’t come home for a while so I had the house to myself. I cried because Kassandra was going away. For the first time, I felt torn.

Should I follow her? Should I try to help in ways that I won’t be recognized? But what about Phoibe and Markos? The island won’t be safe!

All those questions ran through my mind and Sully remained silent. What could they say? This was a human affair. I was still human.

My crying slowed by the time Markos and Phoibe came back. Phoibe and Markos brought dinner, which I’m glad they did. I don’t think I’d be able to cook dinner. I washed my face before revealing myself to them. Phoibe didn’t notice anything different.

But Markos did.

Whether it was my red eyes or my silence, Markos stared at me with sad eyes. Phoibe cried later that night, the realization that Kassandra was away from the safety of the island settling in. At first, she begged for me to try and convince Kassandra to come back, but I reminded her softly that there was nothing we could do. Kassandra would be away for a long time.

How long?

The world is a strange place outside of the island.

Life went on, as some say.

Sure, there were a few things happening here and there.

But Kassandra was never at the house when I came back from a long day. Whether that be spent patrolling the island or working with Markos. I tried to spend time with Phoibe, but she was hanging out with her friends more and more.

Leaving me alone.

Whenever there was no rain, I slept on the roof of the house. It felt comforting that under the stars, I felt as if Kassandra was also sleeping under the stars. The sky was universal, right?

I had little interest in the affairs of the island, unless it involved Markos and Phoibe. In many cases, I could watch from afar. Like the petty squabbles between the people in the town or the farmers who disputed the lands they had for more. The bandits were easy enough to deal with so no hardships there.

But there were some ships that caught me off guard.

The war ships were large and evident. But these ships I’ve been spotting have no sail symbol. Just a blank, black sail. It made me…uncomfortable. Like something bad was on those ships.

I pushed them away from the island, careful not to destroy them in case it was a merchant ship that had been trying to sneak their goods onto the island. At that point, I was the checkpoint for many ships.

I still felt a heavy sadness. I tried to remain strong the week after Kassandra’s departure, but the reality set in the form of a lack of appetite and being less attentive to the chores. I checked the ships to see if I could see Kassandra’s ship, but I saw no such thing.

Phoibe noticed, despite what I tried to do with hiding my sorrow. She must have told Markos because after two weeks since Kassandra left, he began to come over more and more. Almost every night actually.

As much as I didn’t trust Markos as much as I did before, I appreciated him coming over and helping me with some of the chores. Phoibe also gave me some things to do such as coming with her to her friends’ places or just going to the beach with her. That was nice of her to do and I appreciated it more than she realized. It kind of gave us some mother-daughter bonding time.

After three weeks, I was taking a walk when I heard an eagle cry out above me. My chest soared at the noise, looking up to see Ikaros flying down to me. I could see from my angle that a note was attached to his leg. I raised my arm, letting Ikaros land on my arm.

I smiled, cooing to the bird, “Hello Ikaros. How have things been?”

The eagle began to prune his feathers and I smiled even wider, untying the note from his leg. Slowly, I raised my arm towards a tree branch so that Ikaros could go on it. And he did happily with a little hop.

Slowly, I sat down at the edge of the tree, unrolling the note. I saw Kassandra’s name at the bottom and a smile broke out. So, this must be what women who married military men felt like.

“Jade,

I hope all is well! I cannot believe it's already been three weeks since I left and I miss you and Phoibe every day. I wanted to give you some updates, as there are quite a few I wanted to share and get off my chest.

I found my target. And it turns out my target is my father. And he has a son, Stentor. I have also been dragged into the war in order to get close. I had my chance to kill him, the Wolf. But I couldn’t. That would risk you and Phoibe and I couldn’t have that. There is no honor in vengeance. Besides, I also found out that he wasn’t actually my father. But he remained silent when I asked. I was hoping to come home, but I need answers. I am on my way to find my mother. Once I faced the person who hired me in Phokis.

I am sorry, Jade. Please know that I love you and miss you, my love. Tell Phoibe that I’ll come back, just not on time as expected.

Love,

Kassandra.”

I reread the message again before I felt my heart break. Kassandra was going somewhere else. How long could this take? Couldn’t she just come back?

With a heavy sigh, I ripped up the note and dug the note into the ground so that nobody would find it. Ikaros called to me as I stood up and I smiled, scratching the back of the bird’s head. “Thank you, Ikaros. I need to write a letter to Kassandra.”

Ikaros cried out again, hopping to my shoulder so we could go home together. As soon as we got home, I sat down and wrote a letter back to Kassandra.

“Kassandra,

Thank you for the updates! As much as I am upset with you being apart for longer than anticipated, I’m glad you at least getting answers concerning your family. Please keep me updated and I hope you continue to have safe travels.

With love,

Jade.”

It was short and sweet. I wanted to say more. But I knew nothing I said would bring Kassandra back home so quickly. With a sigh, I tied the note to Ikaros, letting him out of the house so he could fly away. As I watched him fly away, I saw in the distance Phoibe running towards me.

That couldn’t be good.

I walked out of the house to meet Phoibe, seeing her face full of fear and panic. Before I could ask what was going on, Phoibe shouted, “Mama! You need to come help! It’s Kausos!”

Kausos? Ah, that village on the other side of the island from the capital of the island. I ask, “What’s going on?”

“It’s burning! The Priest there says it's a curse! He’s burning it!”

Burning it?! I nodded, looking around to see if I could see any smoke. But from my view, I couldn’t see any smoke trails. I tell Phoibe strictly, “Lead the way, but only to the edge! After that, I will go myself!”

Phoibe nodded, running in the direction where she came from. I followed, asking along the way, “How do you know this?”

“My friends! Some of my friends are from Kausos!”

Shit! I picked up the pace, following closely behind Phoibe all the way to the town. By the time we got there, it was a mere husk of a village, small smoke trails so thin I could barely register them. Phoibe was going to race past me, but I stopped her. “Stay here, Phoibe.”

If it was a curse, more likely than not, it was a sickness.

I entered the town, seeing the skeletons of those burned in the fires. In the back of my mind, I was furious. How could this happen on my island?! All this time, I’d been so concerned with what’s going on outside of the island that I failed to protect these people!

After some time walking around, I spotted a couple of people, soldiers from the city and a priest. In front of them was a family on their knees.

With two very familiar children.

The children who let me stay in their barn.

How did they end up here?!

I approached, shouting, “What is the meaning of this?!”

All of them seemed to jump at my shout, the priest turning to me. For a moment, he didn’t seem to recognize me. Then, his face soured as I got closer. He snapped in my direction, “You should not be here!”

I huffed, hands on my hips when I stopped in front of the priest. “Shouldn’t? What are you doing to this village?!”

“There is a plague! But you wouldn’t know that,” the priest grumbled. As he turned to the soldiers, he grumbled some more. “I won’t stop by the insistence of a whore.”

My eyes sharpened and I growled, “What was that, priest? Want to speak louder so the Gods can hear you?!”

The priest turned to me, seeming frustrated. Before he could speak a word, I asked, “So, what’s going on here that justifies killing these people?”

“They were infected with the plague! And so are these farmers! The children cough.”

I looked at the family behind the priest and I gestured to them, “May I look at them?”

“You cannot touch them! You will get infected!”

“Really,” I growl, crossing my arms. “How so?”

“It is a dangerous plague. A simple cough is a death sentence. The Gods demand I burn this place to the ground to avoid it spreading throughout the island!”

“Please!” We both turned at the farmer, the father of the children, I presume. “It was only a simple cough! Nothing too much!”

“Let me take a look at them,” I demand more lightly. I would not resort to begging. “I will solve this. Humanly.”

“Unfortunately, I cannot allow you,” the priest snapped. One of the soldiers came up, pushing me harshly away.

I snapped, pushing the soldier off me, “Get off me! All I want is to give these people a second chance!”

The children looked a little ill, but I felt that I could help them without resorting to killing them, as the priest wanted. As much as I wanted to show the priest who was the boss, that would mean transforming. And I couldn’t do that with the family that helped me. My secret would be outed.

“You cannot!” Turning to the soldiers, the priest waved a hand. The soldiers turned to the family, unsheathing the swords on their belts.

“STOP!” I roared, going to push past the priest only for him to shove me to the ground. Slowly, I was beginning to get angry. Especially when one of the children shouted out for help. I looked, seeing that one soldier had grabbed the little girl, his sword raised.

I surged forward to my feet, tackling the soldier before his sword could be brought down. A fist flew into my face, but I didn’t care, grabbing the man’s wrist. We wrestled for a bit on the sooty ground, both of us trying to either grab or keep the sword.

Hands were on my back and I was shoved off, my grip slipping from the man’s wrist.

And across his sword.

I yelped, thrown away with a bleeding cut on my arm. I heard shouts and I looked up, ready for a fight despite the new wound.

But it was too late.

The soldiers killed the family with a swift swing of their swords. For a moment, the world seemed to stop and I looked up at the priest. He stared at the scene with an expressionless face.

Like it didn’t matter that he killed the family that saved me.

And that…

Made me angry.

I glared at the priest, feeling the angry bubbling to the surface.

That was until Sally spoke, “It is done. There is nothing you can do. If you turn your teeth to the people of the island, why are you protecting it?”

It gave me pause and I watched as the priest and the soldiers walked away, leaving the bodies freshly burning in front of me. But of course, the priest spat at the ground next to me before he left, but I didn’t react. Sally was right. As much as I wanted to punish these people…

I looked down at the dead family, feeling a weight on my chest. I hadn’t seen them in months. The children I have seen. They were Phoibe’s friends, but they didn’t deserve this. This didn’t deserve to die.

And I failed to protect them.

I kept my eyes down and away from the burning bodies, ignoring the smell of burning flesh as I went to get Phoibe. I guess the look on my face told Phoibe all she needed to know. She cried and I picked her up, holding her tight all the way home. As soon as she fell asleep, I mended my bleeding wound, a clean slice that would scar and fade with time. But there would still be the guilt that I had to swallow and put to the back of my mind.

Brief moments, I wanted to go back and slaughter the priest and his soldiers.

But Sally was right. It would only turn the island I tried to protect against me. And what if Phoibe saw me? Turn into the monster that killed bandits for fun?

She would hate me.

And I wanted to avoid that as much as I could.

Chapter Text

Phoibe noticed how down Jade was.

Her mama didn’t smile as much anymore. She still smiled when she noticed Phoibe and made sure to keep smiling until she thought Phoibe couldn’t see it. But Phoibe couldn’t help but see it.

Since Kassandra left, Jade had gone into a deep sadness, one Markos told her that some people get when they really miss loved ones.

Now, Phoibe somewhat knew what was going on between Kassandra and Jade. It was hard to miss the little smiles and touches here and there that the two would exchange. And every time they came back from their walks, Jade would be smiling wider than when she left, with a tinge of pink on her cheeks. Meanwhile, Kassandra would be more energetic.

Phoibe knew Jade was a very private person. The woman spoke another language, one Phoibe nor Kassandra had ever heard before. Over time, Phoibe grew close to Jade, teaching the woman how to speak their language and in time, grow more accustomed to their lifestyle.

It was evident to Phoibe that even after all the years she’s lived with them, Jade was still a very private person, tending to keep many facts to herself. Even her secret relationship with Kassandra. Phoibe asked Markos if two women could fall in love, and Markos had replied yes.

It was an interesting conversation after that.

“How can two women love one another? They can’t have babies.”

“Oh, but that is not all there is to love, dear Phoibe!”

“What else is there? Aside from hugging and kissing?”

Markos had looked visibly uncomfortable at this point, scratching the back of his head as he replied, “If I told you, I’m sure Jade will skin me alive. Ask her.”

Course, Phoibe hadn’t brought the topic up before Kassandra left. And she didn’t feel it would be appropriate to ask Jade shortly after Kassandra left. Jade was devastated enough. And seeing her moping around hurt Phoibe.

So, Phoibe asked Markos to come over more.

Jade seemed to have noticed, as she seemed to perk up a little more when both of them were around. But Phoibe could tell that it wasn’t the same. Jade’s smile would disappear as soon as she was up those stairs. Even if it was raining, Jade would sleep on the rooftop, as if it wasn’t raining.

Phoibe tried other ways to cheer Jade up.

Helping her with chores, getting Jade to tell stories, hanging around with her in the vineyard, and even going on walks with her.

And sometimes, it would work. Jade would wear a smile on her face, seemingly happier and more cheered up.

But most of the time? It didn’t seem to work. And Jade would end up holding a necklace Phoibe knew Kassandra gave her as a parting gift. Jade would sometimes cry to it, begging for Kassandra to come back.

Phoibe missed Kassandra too, but Jade was feeling it the most. She missed Kassandra the most.

One day, weeks after parting from Kassandra, Phoibe was walking around town. The town had recently been in an uproar about recent war ships disturbing trading routes. And the leviathan was talked about more.

Rumors were spreading that the leviathan’s lair was somewhere along the coastline or on another island nearby. Several ships that used to hunt for whales were trying to hunt the leviathan, but so far, all have failed. The leviathan learned quickly and either evaded them or tipped them over. And tipping over a whaling ship was no easy feat.

Some say that Poesiden sent the leviathan to protect the island. Others, however, don’t believe so.

As Phoibe walked along the streets, searching for some friends of hers, she stumbled past a stall that was selling fish. She almost ran into the two customers, or what she thought were customers, if she didn’t slip behind them when one stepped back.

But what caught her attention about this particular stall was one of the ‘customers’ asking, “So, you have seen a golden-eyed woman.”

Phoibe slipped behind a barrel next to the stall, listening as the stall owner nodded, “Why, yes. We had a mercenary live here for a while, but she’s out right now.”

“The mercenary? She’s the one with golden-eyes?”

“She has a golden eagle. But the one with golden eyes is the woman she took in years ago. I think her name was Jade. Beautiful woman. When she first came here, she was as pale as if she came from Hades. She visits from time to time.”

The two ‘customers’ hummed, then the other spoke, “We have some business with her. Where will we be able to meet her?”

“I know the mercenary has a place on the other side of the island, but I’d be careful. They say the leviathan lives on that side of the island.”

The ‘customers’ both chuckled before they thanked the owner and left. Phoibe had a bad feeling about this. She needed to get home.

And with a sprint, Phoibe did run home, the sun bearing down on her with harsh rays of light. She had to take a shortcut to get there before the strangers. When she arrived, Jade was tending to the garden, examining a carrot upon her approach.

Jade looked up, her eyes surrounded by dark circles. “Phoibe. You are home early. Everything okay?”

Phoibe shrugged, “I don’t know. But some strangers were asking around town for you. They’re on their way here now.”

“Strangers?” Jade seemed confused and Phoibe could see Jade’s alarm bells ringing in her head. With a sigh, Jade got up, putting the carrot into the basket. “Don’t worry, Phoibe. Just act like we don’t know they’re coming, okay? Keep tending to the garden for me while I go get something.”

Getting something usually meant Jade was getting a blade from Kassandra’s stash. Phoibe nodded, uncertain if Jade knew this was going to happen or Jade was just tired of running into trouble.

And soon, those strangers showed up.

Phoibe pretended to pick at the weeds, checking the leaves as Jade had taught her to. As she did, from the corner of her eye she saw the strangers better. People in black cloaks and with white masks. For such attire, it was too hot.

"Little girl, is there a woman by the name of Jade who lives here?" At the question, Phoibe looked up. The two strangers were uncomfortably close to her, almost standing above her.

From the side, Jade's voice cut like a knife, a tone much darker than Phoibe had ever heard from Jade. "What do you want?"

Both strangers turned to look at her and Phoibe could see that the tone Jade used didn't match her expression, straight faced and walking towards the strangers and Phoibe. Jade continued, "I would like for you to step away from her, please. Let her tend to the garden."

The strangers looked at each other before they stepped away from Phoibe and closer to Jade. Whilst Jade tried her best to seem calm in front of Phoibe, her voice didn't, "We weren't expecting anybody. What's your business?"

"We heard that a leviathan has been spotted at this island numerous times. A creature with golden eyes. Happen to know what it is?" One of the strangers turned their head to look at Phoibe as she did her best to ignore the conversation. She couldn't see their face to know what they were thinking, but Jade was on it.

"Don't even try," Jade warned. Then she turned back to the other stranger who spoke. "I have heard. But we have nothing to do with it."

"Strange for you to say so. Considering your eyes are golden like the leviathan."

Jade's mood seemed to darken at the accusation. “I have no clue what you are talking about. But you are no longer welcome here to this house. Now, please leave.”

The two stood silent for a moment before one of them replied darkly, “We are giving you the easy way out, creature of Golden-Eyes. If you change your mind, we will be waiting for you.”

“Please. Leave.”

Phoibe watched as both masked people walked away, leaving Jade alone. Without a word, Jade went back inside, her face dark with anger. It only made Phoibe wonder if there actually was a connection with the leviathan. But Phoibe didn’t ask Jade, seeing the woman uncomfortable.

When morning came after the masked strangers' appearance, Phoibe snuck downstairs to see Jade already up. And to her surprise, at the windowsill, Ikaros perched up. Jade held the letter that was most certainly from Kassandra.

Phoibe saw the shaking shoulders before Jade leaned forward, a sob breaking through. Phoibe hid until Jade left the letter on the table to go outside, trying her best to wipe the tears from her face.

Phoibe snuck over, grabbing the letter from the table to look at it.

“Jade,

I hope you and Phoibe are doing well.

Unfortunately, it seems that I will be gone a lot longer than expected. I found my brother. Alive, but under this Cult. If I am to return home peacefully, I must find my mother before the Cult gets her. And most likely, I will need to go after the Cult. Currently, I am heading to Athens, as that is where my mother could have run to.

There is talk, Jade. Please be careful. I don’t know if the Cult has found you yet or not, but if they do, you must leave. Take Phoibe and find somewhere else. I will find you. I swear to you.

I love you, Jade. I’m doing this for us. For our family. Remember that.

Love,

Kassandra.”

Phoibe blinked, looking at the word, Athens. Phoibe knew a couple of merchant ships that were going there in the next week. Slowly, Phoibe peeked over the corner to the front porch, seeing Jade shrunken at the steps, her shoulders still shaking.

She hated seeing her mama like this.

An idea popped up and Phoibe looked at Ikaros. The bird called out before taking off, most likely back to where Kassandra is. Maybe…

Phoibe looked down at the letter.

Maybe if Phoibe goes to Athens, she could convince Kassandra to come home!

Just imagining Jade’s smile again caused Phoibe to smile as well.

Folding the letter and putting it in her pocket, Phoibe snuck to her room, packing only essentials. If she were to go to Athens, she couldn’t let Jade know. Knowing Jade, the woman would stop Phoibe before she went out the front door.

“Here I come, Kassandra,” Phoibe whispered, checking to see where Jade was. Once she found her on the porch, Phoibe went out the back, waiting for Jade to go back inside.

Looking around the corner, Phoibe saw Jade sitting on the steps, seeming to calm down. After several moments, Jade straightened up, taking a deep breath before getting up. As soon as she entered the house, Phoibe took off down the road.

She felt guilty for not telling Jade. And she couldn’t tell Markos as he would tell Jade most definitely as to not piss the woman off again.

Stopping at the entrance of the town, Phoibe looked back at the place she had considered home. With a sad smile, Phoibe waved to nobody in particular. Just the house where Jade was unaware of Phoibe’s mission, “Sorry, Jade! But I’ll bring Kassandra back! Just you wait!”

And with that, Phoibe ran into the town to catch the earliest ship.

Well, she had to sneak on it before it left port.

Chapter Text

I was devastated.

Just reading the words made me sick to the point I wanted to ball my eyes out. Every time Kassandra sent me a letter to update me on what’s going on, I felt more sadness. And partial anger in truth.

I was only angry at the fact that I wanted to go help Kassandra. Help her fight whatever this cult is! For keeping Kassandra away from me!

But those people yesterday…

Maybe I should heed Kassandra’s warning.

We had to move.

I made breakfast as usual, noting that Phoibe had yet to get up. The girl seemed to be sleeping in and I wondered if yesterday’s scare took a lot out of her. Maybe she had a hard time going to sleep last night.

As I cooked breakfast, I thought of how I should speak to Phoibe. How we need to move as soon as possible. We aren’t safe here in the house anymore. If those people from yesterday were part of the cult that Kassandra mentioned, they now knew where I lived. And in turn, they knew where Phoibe lived.

There was that abandoned mine, but we couldn’t possibly stay there. The cold nights together with the cold of the mine would freeze me and Phoibe. And I couldn’t risk Phoibe with her knowing my secret. She already came close to finding out several times.

With a sigh, I finished breakfast and called out, “Phoibe! Breakfast!”

No response.

I made our plates, seeing that Ikaros had left. And I didn’t even feed him his treats, the poor bird! As I set the table, I called out again, “Phoibe! Breakfast is ready!”

Again, no response.

I sighed, looking over the breakfast of eggs and bacon before turning to where Phoibe’s room was. I walked over, “Phoibe, it’s time to get up, honey-”

I entered and saw an empty bed. I grew confused, looking around to see if she was hiding somewhere. “Phoibe?”

I lifted pillows, opened the barrel in her room with her blankets and other miscellaneous items, and I lifted the tapestry on the wall. No Phoibe. I called out again, “Phoibe? Where did you go?”

Calm down, Jade. She probably left for town already before you woke up. I tried telling myself that, fixing her room up as it was messy. I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. She didn’t own much, to be honest.

I sighed in defeat, going to eat my plate and give Phoibe’s plate to the chickens outside. They were in for a treat.

Once breakfast was cleaned up, I still hadn’t seen Phoibe. I wondered if she was over at a friend’s and didn’t tell me. She’s done it before she started calling me mama.

Throughout the day, I didn’t see Phoibe at all and I was beginning to worry. By dinner, Markos came over, finding me pacing back and forth next to a set table. Upon seeing me, Markos asked, “Hey, there, Jade. What’s got you so worked up?”

I actually didn’t notice he walked in until he spoke and I turned to him, worried as all hell, “Have you seen Phoibe today? I haven’t seen her since last night!”

Markos blinked, shocked at my question before he responded, “I haven’t either…”

“Fuck!” Markos jerked at that, unused to the foul language that escaped, but I didn’t care. “Where is Phoibe?”

Markos watched as I searched up and down the place, even looking in Phoibe’s room. I was frantic now, feeling like a chicken without its head. Markos sat at the table, wondering himself where the girl had gone. As I checked Phoibe’s room for the third time, Markos shouted from the table, “Have you heard anything from Kassandra?”

I stopped. Frozen.

Kassandra’s letter!

I sprinted to the kitchen, looking all around for any sign of the piece of paper. I had totally forgotten about it, frantic to see where Phoibe was. At not finding the paper, I cursed. “Motherfucker!”

Markos stood up again from the table, “Everything okay, Jade?”

“Kassandra sent a letter this morning! It’s gone!” I kneeled down on the floor to try and look under the furniture in the kitchen. As I did, Markos looked around.

“Maybe you misplaced it?”

I shot up from the floor, snapping, “I would NEVER misplace it! It was right here! I swear!”

I still couldn’t believe that the letter was gone. I usually never let a letter out of my sight or out of the house, considering I had the letters previously received under my bedroll. Where would it be? I couldn’t have…

Again, I freeze.

Phoibe.

She took the letter…

“Markos…” Markos jolted from where he stood as he watched my back straighten, my eyes out towards the ocean through the window. “Can you watch the place for me?”

“Um…why is that?”

I turned around, walking to where Kassandra and I slept. As I packed, Markos poked his head through the entrance, giving me a worried look. After some silence, Markos spoke softly, “Jade, I’m sure Phoibe is fine. Maybe she’s over at a friend’s place. Maybe she just wanted to be alone for a while…”

“No, Markos.” I straightened up, bag over my shoulder as I turned to Markos. “In the letter, Kassandra told me she was going to Athens. If Phoibe is doing what I think she is doing, she’s going there.”

“With what money? Besides, no merchant ships have been taking people in due to the war!”

“She’s a little girl, Markos.” I walked past him, beelining towards the outside of the house. “She’s good at sneaking around.”

Just as I was about to go out of the house, Markos grabbed my shoulders, not roughly though. Just to give me pause. Softly, he said, “Please…don’t go alone, Jade. It’s dangerous out there. Besides, Kassandra will come back, especially if she catches Phoibe.”

Suddenly, the image of the people in masks flashed through my vision. Something told me that this couldn’t wait. That this was serious.

A storm was brewing.

And Phoibe was heading right towards it.

“Stay here, Markos. Watch the place for me and Kassandra at least.”

I shrugged Markos off, leaving him standing at the house, eyes wide as I disappeared into the growing dark. As I walked, a dark feeling began to engulf me. It wasn’t anger. Nor was it being upset at Phoibe for leaving.

I suspect those people were still here. If they took her…

I walked to the town, keeping my eyes peeled for the people in masks. If they were still here, I needed to find them. I walked to the docks, where the recent merchant ships sat with their sails folded. A couple of the workers for the dock were drinking around a barrel, pink cheeks against the lantern between them. Upon my approach, one nudged another and I got the entire table’s attention before I stopped just feet from them.

“Any of you know of some masked people who recently came to this island?”

The workers looked at each other, confused about how to answer in their messed up state. Finally, one of them pointed further in the island. “One of them strangers is hiding in that old mine shaft. You’re lucky their ship hasn’t left.”

Ship?

Of fucking course.

The ships with no symbols that I’ve been dealing with.

With a nod, I left the drunken workers to their drinking, walking along the beach away from the town. It would probably be the last time I was going there for a whole, especially since I now have a runaway to catch. And something told me that those masked people were somehow involved, maybe taking Phoibe.

And if they did…nothing would stop me from murdering them.

The mine shaft was the same one Kassandra fought me in back when I discovered my form. It was still damaged from that time, but a good hiding spot. Upon approach, I could see the fire light and in the darkness of the ocean, a shadow of a ship with blank sails.

With a grimace, I approached sneakily, crouched upon hearing whispers. I slowed near the mine’s entrance, hearing the voices more clearly.

From within the shaft, I heard one voice speak, “What did you think of that woman? With the golden eyes? Is that what Deimos wants?”

“He said himself that the leviathan with golden eyes is his weapon for success.” Another voice replied. “Imagine the destruction of such power will make many bow before him!”

“What do we do about the little girl with that woman? Will she also need to be taken to Deimos?”

“In order to unlock the form Deimos wants, yes.”

I lifted an eyebrow at this. Who was this Deimos? And why do they need Phoibe? Sally didn’t reply to the question, remaining silent.

“Why don’t we find the girl and then make the woman come with us? See it as us taking a hostage to get what we want!”

“I don’t know…I don’t want to face that woman again. If she is what Deimos claims, she has the power to kill us all in a single attack.”

The other huffed in amusement, “The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Now, it’s dark enough to sneak in, right?”

“You really want to kidnap the girl?

“We already know where they live. How hard would it be for us to take the girl?”

I gritted my teeth. They want to attack my home? On MY island? I let down my pack, feeling my transformation as I slipped into the water. The ship was small enough for me to wind my body around, tightening it until the ship cracked and splintered beneath my scales.

When I turned and saw the masked people coming out with torches, I did what I never did before.

You see, in order to produce the scalding water, my body heats up enough, creating hot air that is combustible if connected with fire. Instead of water scalding out from my jaws, I simply breathed out the hot air over the group.

And just like that, their torches lit up like a bomb, fire bursting and obliterating the group before they could even run. I ignored their screams, my head dipping down to grab the pack. While I swam, it would have to do with being in my mouth unfortunately.

At least my mouth was dry now after that hot air burst.

As I disappeared into the water, I swam, unknowing where Athens was.

But if Athens was like in the Ancient Rome maps in high school, I think I will find it just fine.

Chapter Text

Deimos sat at his desk, looking over the recent reports of missing Cult members. Members he sent to find the golden-eyed leviathan that was rumored to be around an island. So far, all that have returned had encountered the leviathan, but their reports involved it either pushing their ship away or bothering them until they had to leave or else their ship would be destroyed.

But just a few days ago, things changed.

The latest scouts they sent out were found burned to a crisp at the designated hideout. And the people on the island of Kephallonia have rumored that the leviathan was seen leaving the island and it hadn’t been seen since.

With a sigh, Deimos leaned back, rubbing his face. The light of the candle at his desk flickered as the night sounds took over the silence. Not only did he learn that his mortal sister was still alive, but that the leviathan had slipped from his fingers. The ocean was a vast place. The leviathan could very well be gone.

“You know, it would help if you would help, rather than send us on a chase,” Deimos spoke into the silent room of his office. After a moment, a bird flew to the office desk, its golden feathers matching the golden eyes staring at Deimos with a judgemental stare. For a moment, it didn’t say anything, standing still as a statue once its feathers smoothed.

Then, a dark, feminine voice spoke from the bird, “I cannot. Humans do not deserve MY help. If you want the power of nature, you need to obtain it yourself. Just because I give you important information, doesn’t mean that I am obligated to help YOU.”

Deimos slammed his fist into the ground, “And what do you suggest I do? Trap it? Enslave it?”

“I gave you that formula, didn’t I?”

“I have lost five members to the formula’s result. How am I supposed to make it if anyone who does make it gets killed?”

“Then you are not making it right. And that is for you to figure it out. Until then, I will leave you. When you capture the leviathan, you know where to find me.”

Deimos glared at the bird as the bird turned and flew.

As soon as the bird left, the door to his office opened, a cult member bowing upon their entry. Deimos didn’t turn to look at them, glaring at where the bird disappeared. He asked with a growl, “What?”

“Deimos, we bring news that the leviathan was spotted earlier this evening surfacing.”

Deimos perked up. “Where?”

“We don’t know its exact location or where its heading, but based on recent reports of strange events happening to traveling ships, it is heading to Athens.”

“Athens…” Deimos raised an eyebrow, turning to the cult member. “Are you sure of this?”

“If rumors and reports are true, yes.”

Deimos thought for a long moment, looking back to where the bird had flown off to. The moon was full and bright, shining down on the trees outside. Wherever that bird had gone, Deimos knew where to find it.

With a deep inhale, Deimos got up from his desk, hands clenched as he spoke, “Then we go to Athens. Secretly. We do not want to tip off this beast if it is going towards Athens.”

The cult member nodded, “Excellent, Deimos.”

And with a wave of his hand, the cult member left, leaving Deimos alone.

Looking back out the window, a thought occurred to Deimos.

His mortal sister was heading to Athens to find her mortal mother.

The leviathan is reportedly going to Athens as well.

Could his mortal sister, that pathetic insect, be connected to the beast? Just like he was to the bird that held many mysteries? His mortal sister had come from the same island as the leviathan…

Deimos’s glare hardened, his fists tightening until they were white.

He would make sure to find that connection. There had to be for everything to align. The plan needed to work. He needed that leviathan. And if his mortal sister was in any way connected…

He would use that to his advantage.

Besides, as the bird had told him long ago, emotions are a Golden-Eyed Creature’s most vulnerable weakness.