"For someone who did not wish to be Queen, you do spend a lot of time in that chair." Athena mused, slowly coming up the steps to stand before the throne.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, offering her a smile.

I could imagine how it looked. I was curled up on the throne because it really was the comfiest place to sit, my sword at my side and the old map of these lands spread out on my lap; maybe this was how it could have been.

"I was looking for Kara, you?"

"Same, she's around. I decided to wait here." She's staring at my sword, and it's like a part of my brain that had been sleeping suddenly woke up. "Do you recognize this?"

I pick it up, resting the weapon over my lap and her eyes are glued to it. Athena gives a little cough, as she struggles to swallow and her face loses its colour.

"No." She lied. "It's an impressive weapon."

If that's how she wanted to do this, that was fine but I was waiting for Kara and we had things to do today.  "Medusa gave it to me."

Wide fearful eyes shot up to meet mine before she stepped closer.

"That creature is a mere legend." The laugh that follows is fake and awkward. I merely stare at her as if I knew better - which I do. Athena did a terrible job at hiding her fear, the anger only masking it as she dared to glare at me now. "You know nothing."

"Oh, I feel I know a few things actually. So why have you been so quiet about the Furies, after all, aren't you all to thank for Medusa's change of destiny?" I look at her expectantly, not put off by the trembling of her hands that she shoves behind her back or the look on her face that makes me wonder if she was wishing I had been cursed like the other woman instead.

"She fills your head with lies." She spat, sounding very paranoid - and guilty.

"Right. So you and Tisiphone had nothing to do with the snake perm or serpent sisters?" I tap the sword. "And you didn't form this blade to try and make it up to her?"

Athena swallowed, the whole motion looking awkward and difficult before she clenched her jaw so tightly I could practically hear her teeth grinding.

"And what if I did?"

"Nothing. I was just asking a question." I shrug, and I can tell she isn't believing me. "I've had a few revelations lately, and the fact I don't really know any of you, like at all, is one of them so relax, I'm not about to put on a Team Medusa t-shirt and demand you right every wrong of your past. She's more than happy for it to stay that way, and so am I."

Her eyebrow arched slightly as she seemed to process this. "Fine. So let me tell my side of the story then."

"If you feel you need to, I'm listening."

"I was young, my powers were still developing, and I was high on the power. We claimed your world as ours and were free to do whatever we wanted. Your mortals were so unlike the Others that lived here back then, it did little to tame our egos."

"I've heard the history."

That makes her smirk, and slowly her hands fall back to her side.

"I met Tisiphone at one of my temples. It was just before they rebelled against Cronus, and she was disguised as an Other, who needed help. I obliged, and she revealed herself to me. She said I was worthy, of true and noble heart and deserving of all that my followers claimed me to be." She hesitated. "In hindsight, it was merely one of many acts they put in place to build up their own following for when the fight came to overthrow the Eldest ones."

Going quiet I let Athena slip back into another time, her eyes losing their focus as they stared beyond this hall, before slowly coming back to me.

"Medusa was beautiful. All who met her could see her beauty came from within as well as her appearance. She'd been homeless, an orphan with her sisters. She suffered more than any should and I gave her a home. A purpose. The others refused, but Her loyalty was sworn to me, and she grew to become one of my most favoured Priestesses." She smiled before losing it. "We'd made it a competition, we all had favourites. Heroes. We constantly tested them, setting them up to fail as a way to belittle each other. We were raised to be competitive, and the mortals became the new pawns in our games."

Athena took a breath, before she rocked from side to side, slowly pacing back and forth in front of me.

"Artemis had her huntresses, and I had my warriors. I taught them all to be strong, educated women, to think with their brains and not their hearts. It's how I survived, became respected and earned my place among the Powers. I loved her like a sister, and all she did in return was fall in love with the first man that touched her with his lips instead of his fists. Medusa was weak and allowed her heart to rule."

"So you cursed her?"  Her side of the story was sounding so much better than what I'd learnt from Medusa. Not.

"Within my own temple, she broke her oath of celibacy. She intended to leave, for love and I refused to let it be. We argued, and she defied me further, fleeing with Poisedon and his promises of a new life." Her cheeks blushed, yet her tone was filled with anger.

"I am never going to understand you all. You punished her for finding love?"

"It was never about love. His mortals failed their quests time and time again and all of this was a move against me in revenge, as my followers continued to highlight his own incompetencies. Until he found Medusa." Clearly, she still held a grudge as she stopped moving, her anger growing around her. "Then Tisiphone came, offering to repay the debt she owed me and blinded by my anger and Medusa's betrayal, I agreed to her help in seeking my vengeance."

"You didn't think to go after Poisedon instead?"  I couldn't stop myself from getting defensive over Medusa. Apparently, no one else was ever going to be. "It was his game and yours! She was innocent in all of this."

"It's just how things were done. If any other servant had done what she did, breaking an oath and servitude, because someone called them pretty, I guarantee the defector would have just been killed. Instead, I gave her immortality. I made her a legend." Athena defended, even though it didn't sound like she completely believed it. "We didn't have to wait long, Poisedon betrayed her barely weeks later. When he no longer sought her company to warm his bed, he abandoned her. Soon after I delivered my revenge, and it was then discovered the monster was with child. Hecate found me. She made me see the error of my ways, and so we crafted a weapon she could use to protect herself with, beyond her new powers. Knowing it was his babe she carried, Poseidon offered a truce, and helped us."

"Well, that was mighty kind of him." I don't hide my sarcasm and she ignores it anyway.

"I never saw Tisiphone or any of the Furies until the final battle. Their earlier plans had failed and they stood only as three, against the world. Not that it mattered, I don't truly know or understand their power. They have strength unlike any I have ever met. They're weaker now, I pray it stays that way the next time we face them."

"How did they get trapped?" I wonder.

"We distracted them, long enough for the Eldest to break through their shields. We were young, told to stay back and only to step in if there was no other option. Themis had come to me, she spoke of justice and vengeance, of the balance of life and good versus evil. It made no sense at the time, and then someone else came to help us, I'll never forget the golden armour they wore."

"Golden armour?" I leaned closer, desperate to hear more now as all I could think of was what we had seen in Medusa's cave.

Could the fourth have been there?

"They appeared out of nowhere, but everything changed when they did. I felt it. The power was old, like the Eldest but different. I don't know what happened, but there was a blast or a trap, we fell into and I was faced with the Furies." She closed her eyes, her body trembling slightly before she hugged herself. "I asked them to stop. I shared my new wisdom about the wrongs I had committed, including Medusa. I asked them to look beyond their quest for vengeance and punishment and look for justice. Themis words became my own and they considered what I had to say which was the distraction needed to get back control."

"You helped them be defeated by talking it out?" I couldn't hide the fact I didn't believe it.

"They'll not fall for it again. I've had nightmares of that time since their return, how I managed it then is beyond me." This I did believe and her eyes lowered to the sword. "I'm glad she gave you that. She never liked it or wanted it, yet Hecate had seemed so sure of its creation. I can't help but wonder if she knew it would be you who would come to own it. I assume it has accepted you?"

"Yes," I confirm, but I wasn't willing to move on just yet. "Who was in the gold armour?"

"I don't know. Zeus once had the idea it was Gaia, only she never has been involved in anything, good or bad since the Eldest came to be." Athena sighed. "Whoever it was didn't stick around and only a few of us even witnessed it. Cronus denied their existence, it was one of many arguments between him and Zeus that eventually erupted into yet another war."

Another dead end and I leaned back into the chair, tossing the map to the table as I lost interest in it.

"Why do I have a feeling you may know more than you are willing to share?" She pried.

"I have a theory there may have once been a Fourth with the Fates," I admit.

"There have always been three," Athena responded as if I hadn't heard that a million times before.

"Elise, are you- oh Athena. Hello." Kara greeted us. "Am I interrupting?"

"Not at all, your highness." Athena dropped her head slightly, finding the floor a lot more interesting than she had a minute ago. "I was looking for you, and instead found Elise."

"It's a comfy chair." I shrug.

"What is it?" Kara ignored me, moving closer to Athena.

"I've been speaking with Keeya, one of the Valkyrie Frigg had watching Vidar. He's gone." She says simply.

"Gone," Kara repeats uncertainly.

"He had help. It is also rumoured Thor has returned." Athena finally looks up at Kara, right as I stand up quickly.

"You're kidding! Thor?"

"Shit." Kara frowned. "Calm down Elise, Thor is not Chris Hemsworth."

"Obviously." I roll my eyes. "But is he even just a little-"

"No." She answers quickly while Athena just looks confused. "Makes sense. He and Odin fell out some time ago, but news of his death was bound to find him eventually. I wonder if that was Vidar's plan all along?"

"She did wonder the same thing. I came to seek permission to join them in their search."

Kara looked doubtful for a second. "Of course. Come back in three days. Take two of yours with you as well."

Athena nodded and left us only I could tell this news had really gotten under Kara's skin. As she turned back to me, her eyes dipped to where my sword was resting against the throne before finding me.

"Everything okay here?"

"We just had some girl talk, that's all." Her eyes moved to the map, her frown increasing as she picked it up. "Are we good to go find the real Valkyrie?"

"What were you up to?"

"Why do you think I'm up to something? I was waiting here for you as we discussed, simply being my usual delightful self."

"Sure. And the map?"

"I was just looking at it. Athena came here looking for you and we got talking." I smile as I hold my sword, instantly feeling stronger and more myself now we are connected. "I asked her about Medusa and the Furies."

"Why?"

"She made this, with Hecate and Poseidon. Medusa is how she is because Tisiphone helped her. Who better to ask about the Furies than Athena?" I point out. "Plus, she also wondered if Hecate knew what she was doing when they were commissioned to make this as Medusa instantly rejected it, and never wanted it. Do you think Hecate knew I'd end up with it?"

"How did I forget this? Elise, you shouldn't have questioned her on your own. It could have gone very badly." Kara seemed determined to make those frown lines on her forehead permanent as she looked at me now. "But yes, I do. It does have Hecate written all over it."

"So, is it time to go?"

"I'm not sure. If Vidar is gone now," She hesitates as Cain appears

"Can we take down Vidar if it comes to it?" I ask him.

He looked between us slowly as if that alone could tell him what was going on before shrugging.

"With our eyes closed and hands tied behind our back." He answers rather smugly.

"Thor?" Kara smirks.

"Without the blindfold, I'd need to see the lightning but I could probably manage either way." Cain winks at me, which makes Kara roll her eyes.

"Wow, how's that ego of yours?" She teases. "Guess we're going now then?"

"We were waiting, I got concerned with how long you two were taking." He's clearly looking for an explanation.

"Athena was with her, and she told me Frigg's people lost Vidar. They think Thor was behind it." Kara explains before I could.

"Maybe we'll get lucky and our paths will cross?" Cain sounds a little too hopeful.

I'm suddenly away from the throne room and standing near Deimos who is sitting on a boulder looking bored. He doesn't move as we all arrive and I look around the forest we're now standing in.

"We can't use our powers near the Valkyrie. It'll spook them, and probably end with them killing us." Kara explains quickly. "We walk from here."

"They can try," Deimos smirked, making Kara glare at him.

"How's his ego?" I whisper to Kara as she passes me.

"Come on, you're not going to like this part but I'm going to enjoy it." She starts off down a narrow path, and I follow after her with Cain right behind me and Deimos at the back. "I really mean, no powers."

Just as I'm about to start complaining, the trees clear and it's like we just stepped through a portal into another realm as nothing other than red dirt and cliffs greet us. I look back to the lush greenery not quite sure about all of this and as I turn back to Kara, she starts to climb. Looking up, I can't see the top as the sun stares down.

"Hope you're up for the challenge." She calls, scaling the side of the cliff as if she's some kind of rock climbing mountain goat.

"You're so funny!" I call back, swallowing nervously as Deimos takes a deep breath and starts to follow her. "What are you doing?"

"She didn't tell you about this part, did she?" Cain reaches for the same little ledge Deimos just had and holds out his other hand to me. "We have to climb to the top."

"With no powers?"

"With no powers!" Kara shouts down to us.

"Oh fuck, no." I shake my head. "I can't do that."

"I'll be right behind you," Cain promises. "Nothing will happen."

"How high exactly? This is like some kind of Jack and the Beanstalk extreme edition."

"Stop being chicken. Get your ass up here, Elise!" Kara shouts, the chicken noise soon following.

"I am going to find out how to turn her into a fucking chicken when this is over," I mumble, taking Cain's hand as he guides me the first part of the way. Tiny little pebbles skid down towards me thanks to Deimos's misstep and I don't think I've even gone ten meters before I'm sweating, my hands hurt, my shoulders are too tight and dirt covers my face. "I'm done. No Valkyrie for me."

"You can do this, Elle." Cain encourages, more beside me than below now as apparently he has the same freakish goat abilities as Kara.

Looking up, I still can't see the top; or Kara and Deimos I think is the black mark to my left.

"I can't." I lean on the ledge, breathing as if I'd just run twenty marathons while every part of my body is hurting. "Send me a postcard when you get there. I am done."

I risk another lookup, and can't even see Deimos now. Daring to look down, maybe I'm higher than I thought as I feel dizzy, and scramble to keep my grip. Cain comes beside me, his hand on my back as I feel him use his powers, the tingle he sends through my body never feeling as good as it did now.

"No powers." I glare at him, but he only smiles.

"I won't tell you if you don't."

"This is ridiculous." I almost look down again but stop myself just in time and thanks to his little power boost, I think I can go just a little further.

"Don't look down." He warns. "Look for these bits. I have a feeling these are like it for a reason."

I watch him press his head against the rock and copy him as he points out the larger size ledges that randomly jut out from the broken and smooth patches.

"They couldn't have just, I dunno, put in an elevator?"

"You hate elevators."

"Right now, I hate everything so does it matter?"

With a groan, I keep going - somehow. We go up and up, the wind is getting stronger the higher we go and a white mist of cloud hides the ground as we stop for the millionth time as I find another ledge big enough to rest my butt on. My hands are grazed and filthy, all of me is filthy and there is no sign of Deimos or Kara.

"The more we stop, the harder it will be to keep going." Thankfully he looks as much of a mess as I know I am, though where his endless energy and monkey grip comes from is beyond me. "I think we're almost there."

"You said that two stops ago."

I'm about to keep going when something flies past us and reaching out, Cain grabs the rope. Above us, I can hear a voice, but I couldn't be sure and what I am positive is just him showing off - Cain puts his arms out like he's going to hold me.

"Trust me?"

"Well yeah, but I'm pretty sure this just means we're going to die together." I hold onto him as he does something with the rope, and I close my eyes, holding on to him so tight I don't know how he isn't being crushed.

The wind makes us sway sidewards, the rocking motion a hundred times worse with my eyes closed. We bump against the rocks, and daring to look, he's guiding us with a bit more purpose now as we're being pulled up. He steps on each of the little ledges we had been climbing up as if this whole rock climbing abseiling thing was his sole purpose in life and ever so slowly, I start to relax. We were doing this. He was doing this.

"Oh come on, really? You're carrying her?" Kara doesn't hide her amusement as we stop near the top. The rope goes up higher, a pulley system in place that made that last however far it was, go by that much quicker.

Cain swings us as close to the edge as possible before Deimos and Kara help us that last little bit and even once I know I'm standing, I keep my arms around Cain's neck.

"You can let go now, Elle." He whispers.

"I don't want to. If I turn around and there's another fucking cliff, I'm going to throw myself off this one."

"So dramatic." Kara teases, and slowly I let Cain go just so I can glare at her.

Instead, I'm wishing I had worn sunglasses. It's as if we just climbed all the way to the sun itself. Everything is hot, dusty, and too bright. A gust of wind sends the rope spinning towards us and we move across the bare surface towards the mound in the distance.

"It's hot." Deimos frowns.

"No shit," I groan.

"Not too far to go." Kara sighs, sounding as tired as I feel. "No powers remember."

The mound starts to take on more of a shape as we get closer and as the sun begins to ease, another large wall of rock comes into view.

"Oh hell no." I stop.

"When you said there was a climb, I didn't expect this, Kara," Deimos grumbles.

Something moves above us, a shadow that gives us two seconds of peace from the sun and looking up, whatever it was is gone. The sensation that we were being watched grows stronger and Cain steps closer, clearly sensing it too as we all look around cautiously.

We'll all of us except Kara who keeps walking up to the rock and from her back pocket she pulls out a small switchblade. She winces as she slices her palm, and then pushes her hand into the dip of the wall. Instantly the ground trembles and the wall slowly parts in two, like an oversized, Hollywood prop that you know is going to take you into another world or Jurassic Park.

"Are we here for Valkyrie or giants?" I wonder, hesitantly following Deimos and Kara as they go in while gripping Cain's hand in mine.

"Surely you know that giants are only found at the top of beanstalks." He answers though I'm positive he's trying to be funny.

"Clearly I don't." I snap, too hot and tired to care.

I'm not expecting to walk into an oasis, the world here is even lusher than the jungle we had passed through earlier. The air is humid, and a cool breeze rushes over us as the doors close. A shadow passes over us again, and instantly I look up to see some kind of giant bird circling above. Kara stops, her hands raising as if this was a hold-up, and Deimos follows her. Cain does the same as we seem to step into a little square, or backs together and as I do what they're doing, from the darkness under the trees, shadows are moving towards our way as another flies over us.

"I am Kara of the Valkyrie. We come in peace." Kara calls out.

I look up again, trying to get a better look at the birds with no luck. Cain tenses beside me and peeking around Deimos side, I can't stop myself as I gasp.

"They have wings!" I instantly look back up and the bird shapes aren't birds at all.

"Greetings to you, Kara of the Valkyrie. I do believe God Killer, Queen of the West seems more appropriate. Welcome back." The tallest woman greets, separating herself from the others as she nods her head towards Kara who slowly puts her hands down. We all do. "And greetings to you, Deimos, God of Terror. What is it they call you these days, Cain?"

"The Fallen One?" He answers, but he doesn't sound sure of himself.

I know I'm openly staring, but just like commenting on their wings, I couldn't help myself. She was beautiful. Her wings were beautiful; brown and gold like an eagle's. Her hair was a rich auburn, braided with feathers and trinkets that jingled slightly as she moved her head. The gown she wore fell like water over her body and I didn't miss the dagger that was attached to the leather belt strapped around her waist, before wrapping around her chest.

"No, that is not who you are, just as you are no longer the Dark King." She seems to think about this for a second. "And you, child. You go by nearly as many names, yet who are you now?"

"Elise is fine." I smile nervously, and one by one the shadows come to life as other winged warriors.

Their skin, hair and wings are a mixture of earthy tones, with no two looking alike. Copper and gold shimmered through their wings, yet their dress and weapons were all identical. I couldn't take my eyes off them, and the urge to touch their wings made my hands itch.

"For now." She smiles, and I feel like I've known her my whole life. Her voice is so calm and soothing, their presence is comforting. It feels like home. "Why are we the ones you seek? I sense no trouble following you."

"We came to where the wild women run in search of the goddess, Hecate." Kara answers.

The passive look on her face gives nothing away, as her wings ruffle slightly. The other women around her look at each other, a soft whisper of their voices barely heard which makes my stomach sink.

"She's not here." I sigh, looking at Kara, who in turn looks completely devastated behind the dirt and sweat all over her face.

"She is not. I have not seen her in some time. Perhaps even longer than the last time we met." She looks at Kara who sucks in a deep breath, nodding slightly.

"We are sorry to have bothered you, Brynhild."

"You came all this way, please, stay awhile. I insist. Prima, take our guests to refresh themselves. We will prepare a special feast for tonight, it has been too long since we had visitors. Kara, you have much to tell me." Brynhild clapped her hands. "Come, your friends will be safe."

Kara looked at me and I nodded, and she practically ran towards the woman who welcomed her with open arms. They hugged before bumping foreheads and then disappeared into the trees as another came towards us.

"I am Prima. It is an honour to meet you, Elise of the Bunting Clan." She hugged me without warning, and after casting a cautious look at Deimos and Cain, she motioned for us to follow her.

I walked closely behind her, obsessed with the black of her wings which were so dark it was almost navy as the light caught it. We didn't get too far down the path when we hit a river and turning we followed it down towards a small hut that extended out over it. Ahead of us, a woman came down from the sky and waved as we approached. Her smile widened as she looked behind me at Deimos and Cain.

"Prima, what have you found?" She asked.

"Guests of Brynhild, Mist." Prima greeted her. "This is Deimos, Cain and Elise. Kara is with Brynhild."

"Do I know Kara?" Mist didn't take her eyes off Deimos, before slowly turning to Cain. "I didn't know Brynhild was expecting guests."

"She is of the other Valkyrie," Prima whispered before turning to us, but the look on Mist's face was like the one I made when I got a whiff of Jordans old socks. "Come, refresh yourselves."

"Enjoy." I didn't think Mist meant that.

Slowly Deimos follows, and as Cain takes a step to go I don't move. I'm not sure what's in that hut but I don't think I want to go in. The fact she knew my name, more than just Elise, didn't help and Cain slows, reaching out to take my hand to then pull me against him, his arm around my waist as we passed Mist. I look up at him and he lowers his head.

"I know. I trust Kara, so let's see how this plays out."

"She made us climb a mountain. Do you really trust her after that?"

"Zane will be proud of you." He smirked, and I rolled my eyes.

"I can live without his approval. Never again." I hesitated at the door, looking behind us to where Mist was still watching. 

Thankfully inside wasn't anything bad. Nothing jumped out to grab us, there was no cage or trap and the water felt warm beside us where it bubbled away between the carefully placed rocks.

"Wash yourselves, there are natural springs all over the river which makes it ideal for bathing. It is a little cooler this time of year, but I am sure you will not mind. I will have Mist bring refreshments, there are towels and clothes over there."

Prima leaves us and looking around, it seems legit. Deimos is apparently fine with everything and is already in the water, disappearing under the surface before letting out a big content sigh.

"This is, wonderful."

"Make yourself at home?" I tease, slipping off my shoes in the time it takes Cain to get down to his underwear and get in too.

"He's right. This is nice."

They settle against the rocks, looking completely relaxed as if this was just any other day and we decided to hit the spa. As soon as I step in, the water feels cold only slowly warming as I go over to Cain.

"You two can stay apart, thank you," Deimos mumbles, moving out further towards the bubbly part. "Oh, it's really hot over here."

"I agree." Mist answers, placing a jug, cups and a platter of food on the table in the middle of the room. "Come out when you're ready. Prima is nearby and will take you back to your friend, though if you'd like a more, private, tour later I'd be more than willing to help either of you with that."

Deimos goes quiet as he watches her leave and I cover my mouth in an attempt to not laugh but do anyway. "I think she likes you two."

"Not jealous?" Cain looks at me expectantly.

"No, I don't blame her. If the roles were reversed, I think she has better self-control than what I do." I shrug, sliding over to Cain.

"Don't make this weird," Deimos warns, as Cain's hands instantly find my thighs. "Or weirder."

"I'm just saying," I smile at him before turning back to Cain. "And I won't be feeling jealous if so much as one her hands, or wings, or whatever finds its way this close to you."

"No?" The intensity in his gaze makes me curse every damn second that Deimos was here and my lack of willingness to make it weird.

"No. It's gonna be a lot worse."

"A meter apart, now." Deimos orders, moving back over here.

Cain glares at him, as I drift the requested meter away. "Now you're making it weird."

Deimos shakes his head and I get settled in the curved rock before I rub my arms and neck. Going under, I'm happy to wash the dirt, sweat and dust away and we all just go quiet enjoying this random turn of events.

"This was not what I was expecting." Deimos looked around the hut before the food and drinks were in front of us. He helped himself the wine, before passing Cain over a cup too.

"What happened to no powers?" I ask.

"We are here, unharmed, and they know exactly who we are. I think the time for hiding our powers is over." He shrugged.

"He has a point," Cain agreed. "Besides, this would be hardly anything strong enough to set them off. I'm also not wearing a dress once I get out of here."

Deimos laughed, "You don't want to blend in?"

"How did they know who we are?" I ask.

"I doubt they stay oblivious to the world below, and we were being watched the whole way up that damn cliff. Kara's contact would have told them to expect us as well." Deimos pointed out, as I picked at the fruit. "Besides, Hecate is not here now, but who is to say she hasn't been?"

"Brynhild said she hasn't seen her in a long time?"

Cain shook his head. "She was lying."

"I agree."

I look between the two, secretly feeling so many warm and fuzzies I think I might cry, as the pair talk out the issues they had with the Valkyrie as I might have with Kara if she were here. They were friends.

"The wings are a big giveaway. They bristled at the mention of Hecate, and I could sense the rush of fear that went through them." Deimos told us.

"This feast will be interesting." Cain sighed. "Stay close to us. They're not blocking our powers, not yet anyway. I wouldn't put it past them."

"You may be right."

"See Deimos, I get myself into plenty of situations powers aren't always an option." I point out. "That's why I train how I do."

"Do you know how many times I have found myself without my powers throughout my entire life?" He asks flatly.

"Maybe like, ten?" I wonder.

"No. It is none. I have never had this happen to me. Ever." Deimos growls, and now it's Cain who is trying to hide his amusement.

"Well you know what they say, never say never."

He gets up suddenly, sending a rush of water my way before he stomps out of the water. He's dried and dressed in his usual attire a second later and looks at us expectantly.

"Shall we go find out then?"

"Well, that was dramatic, even for you." I taunt him further only to see Cain beside him a second later much the same. "Oh come on!"

"Are you going like that?" Cain raised an eyebrow as I got out, and I purposefully shook my head so my hair flicked water all over them.

"Well this is my good sports bra, so maybe I will." They both glared at me, and I quickly moved over to where they kept the clothes. "On second thought, it wouldn't hurt to blend in."

I dress in seconds, taking a few more to admire the gown. It's like silk, so soft and smooth yet it doesn't feel as delicate. It's more like expensive linen, bamboo cotton or something purely magical; it's amazing. I never want to wear anything else again.

"Take your time, there's no rush." Cain sighs as I keep rubbing my hands over my hips and stomach, as Deimos groans snapping me back into the moment.

"Okay, I get it. I'm ready, let's do this."

———————

So what do we think? Bad Valkyrie or Good Valkyrie?