It's funny how quickly things can change. One minute we're taking a break from the ridiculous of the hike Toyo seemed to set us up for since her zapping skills leave little to be desired, then the next minute we're being attacked by bees. They fly silently, void of the tell tale buzzing the garden variety of these insects seem to possess. Not that it matters, they're not exactly hard to miss since their size range from something like a basketball to a motorbike, but it's the smaller ones who seem to be on the attack.

"Elise!" Jordan shouts, rushing to my side as a stinger that is a perfect replica of the dagger I'm holding, barely misses my shoulder.

Pulling out his gun, my brother fires four shots at the bug which instead of seeming to hurt it, makes its black eyes turn red and its attacks become more frenzied. Instantly I remember what Cain had mentioned about swords.

"No guns!" I scream, hoping everyone can hear me.

Sure enough, the gunshots end and as I take a swipe at our attacker, Sobek's sword slices through the armored body with the same kind of ease it would have cutting bread. I fight back to back with my brother, Logan and Drew soon joining us as we keep a tight circle of defense. Arrows are coming from a nearby tree, taking out the bugs as they fly in which helps us since they come down already injured, while Toyo comes and goes all over the place taking them out in her demon form.

"What the hell are these things?" Drew manages to ask.

"You're the brains of our group! You tell me!" He manages to roll his eyes at me before one clever little bee dodges the air support and knocks him down. "Drew!"

Without thinking I kick the creature off him, finally earning a buzz from it as it rolls on the ground. It's mouth opens revealing more teeth than a shark before I'm being charged at instead of Drew. I raise my sword ready, and just like the bee, was not expecting Logan's blade to appear out of no where to behead it.

"That works." He shrugs, offering his hand to Drew to help him up.

As quickly as they came, the swarm disappears. Looking around, the lumps of the dead all start to deflate with little more than a wisp of smoke covering the space they had once occupied. I hadn't seen that before, so I guess you really do learn something new everyday.

"Where did they go?" Drew asks dumbly.

Sam, Nigel, Chris and Tom come running out of the trees with Tom and Sam having their bows ready at their sides. Nigel keeps his eyes up as Toyo walks over to stand beside me still in her Kasha form.

"They just, left." Sam answers.

"So, what do we do now then?" Tom looks my way.

"Keep moving. They might be back, so we'll stick to the trees." I tell them. "No guns, keep to your swords and arrows."

"Yeah, guns just seemed to piss them off." Jordan agrees.

"And then what?" Tom pushes and I look at him expectantly. "That's it? Just stick to the trees? No plan?"

Plan; that four letter, pain in my ass of a word. "Yeah. That is the plan until I decide otherwise."

He snorts, clearly unimpressed.

"Let's go." Nigel urges, and starts back to the treeline with the rest of us falling into line behind him.

"You okay?" Logan asks from behind me.

"Yeah. You?"

"Well, this wasn't how I saw our little trip to Mexico going."

"Me either." I agree.

Conversation drops off and I start to think of a plan. I'm more of a take it as it comes kind of gal and I hate to admit, Tom might have a point. We didn't know what we may find; giant killer bees hadn't even made it into my top twenty of possible things that might happen. I had people depending on me, and I couldn't let them down.

A shadow flickers over us and instantly I stop and look up, causing Logan to bump into me. "What?"

"I ah, give me a boost." I decide, moving towards the closest tree.

Logan obliges, and then I'm pulling myself up the tree until I can't see the ground anymore. Finally I manage to get onto a branch that gives me a view of the area around us. I can see the dark, triangle peak of the temple we're going towards in the distance, a lot more trees and turning slightly, I freeze. The bees haven't gone. Instead they move up and down over the tree tops as if they were simply floating around a garden looking for some pollen or what ever the hell it is that bees do.

"I've never seen creatures like that before." Toyo's sudden appearance nearly has me falling to a probably painful death, but luckily she catches my arm and pulls me back up. "They're looking for something."

"How do you know?"

"They stopped attacking us and went looking for something else." She nods back to the swarm and now she's said that, I have to agree.

"So what do they want?" I ask though it's more just me thinking out loud.

Since Toyo is with me, I get her to zap me back to ground level and work out the new direction we need to go. If these things were behind the deaths of the Slayers, maybe there was a clue to be found and it could be to do with what ever they are looking for. Now I just had to convince everyone else of this.

"The bees are looking for something, so I think we should try to find it first."

Tom laughs, and not out of amusement. "Sure, why not!"

Nigel hits him across the chest and nods, as everyone else murmurs in agreement. Without another word we start off in their direction, and barely five minutes later, a round of gunshots breaks the calm that had settled over the forest. Instantly we start to run and a sense of dread takes over as the hum of buzzing grows louder and one by one the guns fall silent.

"Elise!" Jordan screams my name, and tackles me to the ground as a bee charges from above.

I barely get to take a breath before he's dragged off me and lifted up. Rolling onto my side, I struggle to stand, but it's good that I stayed down as another bee torpedo shoots over me.

"You okay?" Nigel calls out from somewhere behind me.

"Yes!" I answer, pulling out my sword as Sam shoots an arrow right over my shoulder and into the thing holding Jordan.

He isn't making his capture easy as he keeps trying to fight for his freedom and as the arrow meets its target, one of his arms is let go. The bee is bigger than the others and starts to move higher. If it got any further away, we could lose Jordan and grabbing Toyo's arm I point to a branch just above it. Instantly I am there and as she starts to fight another one of those over sized insects, I take a second to think of my options. I don't exactly have many and from this angle, I start to get an idea. I hold my breath and jump.

Instantly Jordan is dropped, a tiny shout leaving him as he hits the ground. I can't see if he's okay, and ramming the blade of my sword into the neck while trying to hold onto the fuzzy body, I'm pretty sure I'll be joining him soon. Yet once again what I wanted to happen didn't, and one of those steel like wings slice my arm, I have no choice other than leaving the sword wedged in bee flesh and out of reach. All I can do now is hold on, or give up and follow my brother. I dare a look down, my stomach flipping as I can't exactly see the ground anymore - jumping off isn't an option now.

Keeping low to avoid the wings, I manage to get a good grip on my new ride. More of the bees surround us as we break through the treetops, a few swooping by us as if inspecting this bugs new accessory. Looking behind, they are all coming now so at least the others will be okay and as the last rays of the sun disappear on the horizon, I realise we're heading towards one of those pyramid temples I caught sight of with Toyo.

We're surrounded by forest, miles from the tourist hot spots and as we start to go down, a runway of flaming torches light the way for landing as the larger bees all line up as they prepare to enter what I'm thinking is their hive. The second we get inside my ride flips, and in order to save myself from its wings, I let go and the hard, damp surface of the tunnel doesn't offer much of a welcome. Pain shoots down my arm from shoulder, as I barely manage to try and land with some kind of professionalism. Instead of rolling to an easy stop and standing to meet my foe on guard, I'm left in a slump, cradling my head to stop it from smashing into the wall. Zane would be proud. Not.

"Rise." A voice commands, and groaning I barely manage to look up before I'm being dragged to my feet.

"You forgot the please." I mumble, blinking a few times as the people in front of me start to come into focus.

Three men the size of the Hulk stand before me, their togas resembling a similar pattern to that of the bee fuzz I had just been holding onto. The orange light of the torches that line the corridor have their dark skin looking more golden and red eyes meet mine before I have to look away as another monster bee comes flying in. It flips, just like the one I had been riding had only after it rolls, it does what I couldn't and a man now stands in its place before stalking towards us.

"Bee-shifters? You're kidding me!" I gasp.

"Silence!" The same voice demands, and the trio step aside as another joins our party. I think I know who this one is too; the fact he has my sword in his hands, is hunched over in obvious pain and has blood all over his shoulders kind of gives it away.

"Thanks for the ride, and I'll be having that back!"

He holds the sword in both hands as if feeling the weight of it and smiles as he looks my way again. "Someone like you, should not have a weapon like this."

"I could say the same thing." Offering him a smile, he doesn't look impressed. "Now, let me go!"

Instead of answering, he nods and starts to limp down the corridor with his little worker bees following. My arms are tied behind my back and I'm shoved forward after them. A few tries of the rope and I know I'm not just going to be able to pull free.

"So, is this your hive?" I ask the guy behind me, who doesn't answer. "Do you make honey? Is their a Queen Bee? Is she a bitch? Where did your wings go? Do you like Winnie The Pooh?"

"Silence her." The order doesn't take too long to come through after that and a quick look behind me reveals only the one bee man.

I smile at that one as he stops me and moves to stand before me as the others keep going. "Don't do that."

He doesn't answer, producing a dagger that resembles the stinger the bees had and cuts away a small piece of the cloth from his outfit. It's while he is doing this; distracted for a second, that I move. Putting all my energy into it, I ram him and cause him stumble. He drops his weapon and before he can react I kick him in the groin. I really am fighting like a girl and as he falls to his knees, I bring my knee up under his chin and his head slams back into the wall behind us. With a groan, he falls to his side and doesn't move.

"You guys suck at fighting, guess those muscles are just for show." I muse, managing to pick up his weapon to start trying to cut my hands free.

We're alone, the others vanished around the corner and with no one coming behind us, I'm torn between getting out and going after my sword. I guess it's better to know your enemies so keeping the dagger, I try to get enough rope to return the favour and tie up Bee Mans hands. It's a weak knot, but it'll have to do and I start to run down the passage. It feels like it's actually getting warmer the further in I go, the smell of mould disappears to something sweeter and I use the dagger to mark each corner so I don't get completely lost - if I'm not already.

It's not long until a steady hum starts to guide me on, the hum giving away to a crowd of voices and the light gets brighter at the end of this tunnel. Creeping closer, I peer out to find what can only be described as a hive. A honeycomb pattern lines the stone walls, and above us, numerous openings have the smaller monster bees coming and going. The bee men are gathered on the ground level, around a golden throne that's currently unoccupied.

Honey coloured water pours behind it and into a two large bowls either side, creating a fountain effect. It's rather impressive and before I can admire the architecture of their lair, the group that 'captured' me get my attention. One points towards where I am standing and those already gathered simply move out of their way as they approach the throne. It was then my sword was set down on the step up to the throne and everyone turned to kneel down.

"Ah Muzencab." The humming turned to words as the bees stopped their flying and either attached themselves to the wall or disappeared down a tunnel.

Nothing happens.

Taking my chances, I keep close to the wall and start to sneak around towards the throne. No one seemed to notice me, their eyes kept down as the chanting didn't stop. Making it to the ledge, I could smell the sweetness of the water and deciding it was too late to back off now, I stepped down and took back what is mine.

Again, nothing happens.

I wasn't stupid enough to stick around now and tip-toeing around to the way I came in, I climbed onto the ledge that would take me near the stairs to get out. I barely made it three steps in when my thoughts of this being too easy were proved right.

"Where do you think you're going with that?"

I didn't answer, starting off at a sprint down the passage. Instantly my feet are knocked out from beneath me and this time, I manage to fall with a little more grace -spinning around and facing the bee mans of all bee mans. He's just as big as the others, only judging by his taste in gold jewelry that cover his arms, neck piece and toga - this guy is someone important. Instantly I take a swipe at him with the sword, not missing the way he shied away from it. That gives me a chance to cut the rope that he had lassoed around my ankles and as I stand, he laughs.

"Nice try, honey. Now give me that sword." He casually demands, holding out his hand. The voice is out of place, distinctly English and almost like my Dads. Weird.

"Oh I see what you did there!"

All I get is a chuckle in response before he has moved behind me in that annoying way so many gods and demons seem to posses, and I'm trapped against his chest. It's like being hugged by a bear and going dead weight, force him to hold me upright - which he does; easily.

"Would you believe me if I said I wasn't going to hurt you?" He whispers softly into my ear.

"Would you believe me?"Adjusting the position of my hand, I end up digging the tip of the blade into his thigh and push a little harder."Let me go, now."

Obediently he does as I say and turning, I'm ready to fight my way out of here.

"That, is mine." He points at it. "I have an army down there, don't make this harder than it has to be."

"Yeah? Well, from what I hear, you've been killing my kind already so" I pause and one slightly bushy eyebrow raises as he waits to hear whats next.

"So?" He asks impatiently.

"So, um, bee prepared to die!" I finish.

"That was, terrible." Shaking his head, he doesn't at all seemed phased by what's going on right now.

"Who are you?"

"How rude of me! I, Hunter, am Ah Muzencab." The guy bows slightly.

"Right. Of course. Well, I best be going!"

I don't get very far. Nothing alters on Muz's calm exterior as I charge past him, but then again why would it when he is twice my size and clearly at more of an advantage than I am as he zaps himself to block me again. And like he said, he does have an army back there.

"Leave the sword. You may go."

"We're kind of a two for one deal Muz."

"So I am discovering." He smirks.

With a sigh, I decide to play along. "Fine. Why do you want it?"

"It kills gods, am I right?"

"Maybe."

"There is a god I want to, kill." Muz sneers, his eyes flashing red as he cracks his knuckles. Guess there is a bit of a tough guy in there.

"So is that why you decided to kill off a few of my kind?"

"We did nothing of the sort. In fact, I only recently returned home." He smiles. "There is much worse out there than my followers."

I instantly think of Logan and the others and my stomach sinks. If Muz notices, he doesn't show it and simply waits for me to continue.

"You're a god, right? Why not make your own?"

"I am not that powerful of a god."

"At least you can admit it." I slowly lower my arm, but not my guard. "My team are-"

"Safe. The others really shouldn't fire their guns so readily. It makes too much noise, draws too much attention and bullets don't always work. As I'm sure you discovered?"

"I was given a heads up by a friend, a very powerful friend, that you better not want this sword to you know, kill. So if you're, friendly, why the attack?"

"I've been searching for a long time for a weapon like that. When I sensed it so close to home, I had my drones fetch it." He frowned.

"So you're like the, bee king? Where have you been if you've just come back?" My gut instincts seemed to be taking a break so I had no idea what to make of this guy. So far, gods, even the not so powerful ones didn't equal anything good.

"Bee King, yes. Let's go with that. Tell me, have you heard of Busy Bees Honey?" He asked proudly.

"No."

"Oh. We're the most reconised brand of honey in all of Europe. In fact, you could say bee keeping has been in my family for centuries." Muz winked. "I was once a god, though times change and the best of us must if we are not only going to survive, but thrive. I live as you do I supposed, a civilian. Making a decent living and working hard to pay the bills."

"That's kind of, unbee-lievable." In an instant his form altered to that of a man barely an inch taller than I am, in a smart navy suit. Gone was the bronzed skin and bald head, instead a blonde haired prep-boy now stood before me. "Neat trick."

"It helps me blend in. This era is just, filled with endless possibilities. I wonder where man-kind will go next!" He sounded genuinely excited.

"Who do you want to kill?" I have a feeling I just ruined our moment as the ancient toga wearing man reappears.

"The hierarchy of the gods is very similar to that of my hive. There are the ones at the top, you may call them the King and Queens. Then you have the ones that can fall into my category, workers, before the lowest of us all, the drones."

"But, you're a king?"

"Yes, of my kind. I come under another ruler. You may be more familiar with her name of Demeter or Ceres. I once heard her called Bhumidevi, though her name to me was Colel Cab. It is not uncommon for them to change with each visit to this realm." Folding his arms, Muz seems to get lost in thought for a moment too long.

"I'm learning that." I sigh. "Thanks for the history lesson, but who are you after?"

"A hive must have a queen. My Queen-"

He stops as shouting sounds from the centre room and grabbing my arm, Muz takes us to the steps in front on his throne. It's then I notice it's wide enough for two and I actually want to hear the rest of his story. That is once I get Logan to lower his weapons and stop Sam from shooting the bee guy who brought me here.

"Elise?" Jordan calls out, looking completely confused. There are three others I notice with them and instantly groan.

"Stop, everyone calm down! Bee-have!" I glance back at Muz who only shakes his head. Who knew a guy related to those pesky little bees could be so calm?

Drew pulls me back into the group as everyone prepares to face off against the bees; clearly not listening to me.

"Seriously, they are friends! I think, but you don't need to fight them!" I yell again.

The smaller drone bees linger above us, while half of the bee-shifters are changed and the others stand around looking scary - clearly all waiting for Muz to give the word to attack.

"What?" Amelia snaps, still all blue eyes, white blonde hair and my least favourite part of a team called The Trifecta.

Ridiculously, Jordan steps between us. "What are you talking about? They took you and then abducted us!"

"Trust me, we're okay here." I promise him, hoping I didn't turn around to find Muz hungry for some Hunters. "Come on, hive five all round!"

I hold my hand up and I'm left hanging by the bee and human folk, yet one by one, everyone seems to calm down a notch.

"Now, what were you saying about your Queen?" I ask Muz as Logan shoves past the others to get to my side.

"She was taken from me. I seek vengeance."

"That never ends well Muz." I warn.

"But now I have you and your sword on my side." He grins wickedly.

"He does?" Logan questions and I only shrug.

"Who are you after?" I ask.

"The one who kills your people. Since you are unwilling to release your sword into my custody, and you have a job to do, I think we both win if you go after them. Yes?"

"Maybe. If it's not your kind attacking, what the hell was our welcome about?"

"I already told you, I sent my drones out to find the sword. When they did, my warriors went to retrieve it and in doing that, you all were brought to me." The guy had an answer for everything.

"We weren't being attacked by, bees." The Tracker speaks up, ignoring the death glare from Amelia. "There is something out there, something I have never seen before. Though, when you're involved Hunter, that seems to be a trend."

I can't help but smile; the guy had a point. Giant bugs seemed to be a theme when those three joined up with me and as long as cockroaches the size of cars don't start pouring into this party, I'm sure we'd be fine.

"Just lucky like that!" I tell him.

"His name is Buluc Chabtan. You're group will not stand a chance against him in your current state." Muz joins in the conversation as he takes a seat on his throne. Instantly a drone drops down over the fountain and the goblet he is holding is dropped into the bowl. Muz reaches out and picks it up, now full and offers it in my direction. "Your friends may need this. You, Miss Bunting, will not."

Tom pushes his way to the front. "I'm not taking anything he has to offer!"

"Then you will die like the Hunters before you." Muz tells him simply and Drew boldly steps up before I can stop him. He drinks it all in one gulp and hands the cup back.

"Drew, you okay?" I take his hand as he closes his eyes and for the briefest of seconds his whole body glows the same honey colour as the water.

"Yeah, I feel, amazing." He gushes, looking back to Muz.

"It's an elixir of sorts, the affects aren't long lasting." The bee king tells us. "You will need to have the power of a god if you are to face one."

"But not me?" Alarm bells are already ringing for me.

"You have that sword and I already sense the presence of another all around you, Hunter." He winks and one by one, my friends all take a drink from the fountain too.

Logan is the last one and as the Trifecta take their turn, he pulls me to one side. Toyo sticks close to us, not offering a single thought about what she thinks on our change of events.

"You're not happy about this?"

"No. I never told him my name, he would have heard my first name when you guys talk, but Bunting? I think this is another test by you know who." Nigel and Drew started to spar, moving quicker than either of them ever had before.

"Should I drink it?" Logan asks.

"I think it's legit, to help us. I'm not getting any bad vibes from Muz, but I have a feeling meeting him was not by accident. He's been too calm, in control - you'd be a little surprised by having all of us turn up near your super secret temple hive, right?"

"Right. Cain put him up to it?"

"With the promise of his nemesis being taken care of. All he had to was make sure we were prepared and-"

Nigel let out a scream as Drew's blade found it's way into his side, the brothers instantly dropping their weapons as Drew looked like he was about to pass out. Rolling up his shirt, the wound was a bloody mess yet even as we all watched the area glowed once more until his skin had sealed.

Looking at Logan, he only frowned and I knew I was right. While everyone fussed over Nigel and got excited by their own possible super healing, I went with Logan so he could have his turn.

"We'll get through this Bunny, and what ever he has planned next." Logan promised, taking a gulp, while all I could do was nod in agreement.