Oh my, it’s been a while hasn’t it?

But, my dear readers, our heroes’ journeys are far but over.

Allow me to introduce to you,  a reincarnation of the goddess Athena herself.

Our modern day warrioress; Alessandra Zolav.

Athena was quite taken with her. And why wouldn’t she be? Afterall she possesses the goddess’ finest qualities; ferocity, devotion and wisdom.

Now enough of my babbling, let’s get into the story, shall we.

[...]

As he moved to protect himself from the feigned attack, Alessandra made her move. She lunged in for the kill, leaving herself dangerously open for a second. However, she’s fast enough to pull it off, catching him off balance. She locked her leg around his and pulled, sending him crashing to the ground. Without pausing, she followed him down, trapping him underneath her weight.

The knife was poised at his neck before he could blink.

“Great work, Agent 101.” He grunted with a glint of respect in his eye.

A razor shaped grin surfaced across her face and she stood up, brushing at her pants. She outstretched her hand and pulled Agent 219 onto his feet. “Be grateful I took it easy on you.”

He chuckled. “If this is you going easy on me, I don’t want to see when you’re not.”

“Don’t test me and you won’t.”

He raised his hand in surrender, laughing quietly under his breath. “I won't. I won’t.”

Alessandra nodded and took quick strides across the room. She wiped the sheen of sweat across her forehead with her towel and glanced around the spacious room. All around her, trained individuals like herself were caught in one on one fights.

No one knew the other name, background or lives. They only referred to one another as their given ranks.

And Alessandra liked it that way. 

She was packing her duffel bag when a paper fluttered to the ground. She bent over to pick it up and a soft smile tugged at the corners of her mouth- something she never did. It was an old photograph of a little girl with a russet complexion and a large mouth of crooked teeth. A burst of warmth filled her and she remembered why she was here.

It was all for her.

Her Celeste.

“Agent 101 sorry to disturb but the higher up wishes to speak with you.” A meek looking boy stood before her, twiddling his fingers.

The higher ups? No one knew who controlled the entire operation. Alessandra was curious to know what the higher ups want something to do with her. “Thank you.”

She grabbed her things and knew where to go. The first floor. The most forbidden floor.

The elevator door dinged open and a long hallway greeted her. It led to a single door at the end. Swallowing her nerves, she walked towards the door. Her footsteps echoing throughout the corridor.

She stood behind the door and took a deep breath. She politely knocked and waited. It was several seconds until a powerful voice said, “You may enter.”

When she entered, her eyes adjusted to the bright light until it came to focus on a woman with silvery blonde hair and unwavering, emerald green eyes. She was wearing a suit and sat with crossed legs.

“Are you truly the one in charge?”

“Perhaps. Perhaps not.” Leaning forward, she stroked imaginary patterns on the desk surface. “I know everything about you Alessandra Petrona Zolav. Daughter of Luie Zolav; a Russian Intelligence Agent and Martha Bhatt, a Raw Agent-”

Her jaw clenched at the mention of her name.

“- They crossed paths mid mission and fell in love with the other fake persona. How romantic, no?”

Alessandra couldn’t tell if she was being sarcastic or not.

“How do you know all this?”

“I know everything, Alessandra. Shall I keep going?”

“No, I believe that will be enough. I,of course, know how the story ends.”

“I do too. But I do love a good story.” She gestured for her to go on.

Alessandra sat across the strange woman who exerted nothing but sheer power. She wanted to sink further into the chair but her pride forbade her from doing so. “When they found out about one another, they were elated. She neglected her duties for him, but he couldn’t do the same for her. You see, my father loved his job, he couldn’t abandon his passion. It was his final mission and also the day she found out she was pregnant.” Alessandra shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She never talked about her father before. Her mother refused to utter his name.

“Then you spent your entire life being ruthlessly trained by her until blood and sweat was all that you knew,” The strange woman stated.

“She didn’t know how to raise and nurture a kid.” Her body was covered in bloody lessons left behind by her mother. She clenched her hands into fists, and said quietly, “She trained me my entire life until one day she grew sick, her bones grew weak and strands of hair pool at her feet. We found out she was dying.”

“You don’t appear to be downhearted,” She observed.

“Why should I be?”

“I sense some animosity.” She narrowed her gaze on her face.  Alessandra met them steely.

“So how did conceiving a daughter fall into this?” She leaned back onto her chair, her eyes still trained on her.

“How am I not surprised you know that valuable information?” Alessandra sighed.

She did wonder how she knew everything it is to know about her. Things you were unable to find on her personal record, but she placed that thought aside for later interrogation.

“Let’s just say, Celeste came at a very vulnerable point in my life and let’s just leave it as that.”

“Very well.” She stood up and immediately towered over her. “I believe I’ve seen and heard enough.”

“Where are you going?” Alessandra shot forward, alarmed. The woman walked slowly around the room, tracing her fingers along the walls.

“Alessandra, what if I can make your wildest dreams come true? Whatever you desire will soon be yours in the time to come.”
 
“Why should I believe anything you say?”

“Allow me to prove to you.”

And soon as those words were uttered, heat erupted across her skin like a fire licking up at her flesh. Time fell apart. Every inch of the reality she was once familiar with fell away into the unseen dimension of an entirely different world.

With one blink, she found herself standing in a meadow. “What is this?” She said in amazement.

“For many centuries, I marveled at humans. Such careless and peculiar creatures yet so brilliant and full of innovation.” A voice spoke out.

Alessandra took a step back, almost falling to her feet.

What the fuck?

Ahead of her, an achromatic light blanketed a feminne figure walking towards her. “Though I was marveled by them, I’ve found no interest in any,” The voice continued. “Until, I’ve stumbled upon you: Alessandra Petrona Zolav. Headstrong, devoted and so full of life. You’ll be the perfect competitor. And my best bet.”

Alessandra’s mouth slackened. How did she end up in this situation? Why was an orb of light speaking to her? Then, her mind flashed to the strange woman. Did she perhaps drug her?

“Oh heavens. I’ve forgotten you mortals are unable to see the beyond. Therefore, you're unable to perceive my true being.” Then, the light slowly diminished until a woman was standing before her.

She had soft round features but with a hardened body donning an armor suit with a spear poised and ready in her hand. She stepped closer to her and Alessandra took a cautious step back.

Her flight and fight instinct kicking in. “Is this your idea of a sick joke?”

“Joke?” She gave a soft laugh. “Jest is only a fool’s tool.”

“Okay,” Alessandra said slowly. “So can you care to explain this madness?”

“Years of misery and anguish will soon fade away. Entrust your faith in me and I’ll make a way.” She placed a slender finger upon my forehead. The familiar heat enveloped her until the feeling was numbed. A sense of calmness washed over her.

“You might have heard of me. You might not. I’m in tales upon tales. The personification of purity and victory. I’ve lived through many centuries and fought countless battles. I’m divine femininity in all its glory. I’m Athena. The goddess of wisdom and war.”

“A-and what do you want with me?” Alessandra struggled to wrap her head around it.

She took her hands into her own, calloused fingers rubbing her palm. “I want to win.”

Together, they sat in the meadow, and Athena told her tales upon tales, the beginning and the end. She sat in silence and soaked in everything.

“What do you say  Alessandra Petrona Zolav? Do you wish to reign victor?”

She thought of the toothy, little girl waiting for her back home. “I vow to .”

Athena nodded, her emerald green eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “Very well.”

An invisible slit appeared on her wrist, droplets of blood seeping into the earth. “And so it is done.”

So it is.

[....]

Athena’s instructions led her to an abandoned bar. She was the only one here. Alessandra walked through the streets of New York City and never stumbled upon this bar before. It seemingly sprang up from the earth.

She decided to believe the goddess’ word, afterall she did make a pact. The wound on her wrist stung, almost reminding her. She took a deep breath and entered the dingy bar.

“Great. Another one of you.” A sarcastic voice snarked.

The voice belonged to a tall, young man with startling grey eyes. They reminded Alessandra of thunderstorm clouds. He held a glass of bourbon in his hand and lodged between his fingers was an unlit cigarette.

“Excuse me?”

“Excuse me?" He repeated, mocking her albeit with an exaggerated, high pitched tone. "My God. Are you slow?"

This motherfu-

Atticus disappeared behind the bar before she could punch his pretty face to shut the fuck up.

“Dude. Relax.” Another boy said. He had smudged eyeliner and wore a worn out leather jacket. “I’m Malakai Parker, but you can call me Kai.” He placed his hand out.

“Zolav. Alessandra.” She shook his hand, quirking a brow at his clammy palms.

He laughed nervously. “Sorry, I have anxiety. Anyway, the prissy white guy is Atticus Hawthorne.”

Hawthorne? Why did that name sound familiar?

“Hawthorne? As in Hawthorne enterprise I presume?” Alessandra watched as he poured himself another drink.

“The one and fucking only.” He gave a cruel smile behind the glass.

“And this over here-” Kai pulled her away from thoughts of the boy with peculiar hair, the color of the moon. “Is Xavier. He refused to give his last name though.”

Alessandra looked in the direction of where he was pointing and was surprised she missed the other presence in the room. He sat in the darkest corner, shoulders hunched over. He met her gaze for a brief moment and looked away,  dismissing her in a disinterested manner.
 
“He’s not much of a talker,” Kai said.

His eyes were blank. Unreadable.

“Is that everyone?”

As soon as those words left her mouth, the bell above the door jingled and in walked the most beautiful girl Alessandra has ever laid eyes on. The dress she wore, fit like she'd been poured into it, clinging to every perfect curve.

“Oh hello! Sorry I’m so late.” Her voice chimed. “I’m Cosmia.”

Atticus appeared behind the counter. “And how did a pretty girl like you end up here. Do tell.” He leaned forward, intrigued.

Alessandra rolled her eyes. Typical Men.

He noticed her reaction and shot her a wink. “Jealous, tiny?”

“Tiny? Am I supposed to feel insulted?” She cocked a brow.  Alessandra was nowhere near short, she considered herself average height but, next to him, she might as well be a dwarf. “Okay snowflake.”

“Snowflake?” Realization dawned on him. “How cute,” he curled his lips in disgust.

“Adorable. You must be lovers,” Cosmia laughed.

Alessandra stepped away from Atticus. “No. We’ve only just met.”

Kai waved. “I’m Kai. She’s Alessandra. This is Atticus and that’s Xavier.” He gestured towards them.

“We’re all here for the same thing?” Cosmia wondered. She toyed with an evil eye pendant that hung loosely at her neck. “We all encountered the gods?” She whispered the last part, dramatically.

In the corner of her eyes, Alesandra saw Xavier’s head tilted slightly towards them. It was a swift reaction she almost missed if she wasn’t silently observing him.                   
Atticus sighed. “The other day, this guy tried to kill me in an alleyway, then the next thing I know he’s promising me eternal life and told me to come here.  So here I am.”

“I was brought here by apparently, the god of the underworld himself, Hades." Then Kai grinned, stupidly. “He was actually kinda hot.”

“I was approached by Athena,” Alessandra said, walking up to a bar stool. She sat on it and scanned everyone in the room. “I would assume Aphrodite picked you. Zeus chose snowflake over there-”

Atticus shot her the middle finger.

“And him, I’m not exactly sure.” She gestured towards Xavier in the corner.

“Interesting,”Cosmia mused. “And how did you guess so accurately.”

“It’s quite simple really. It would seem that we were chosen for our distinguishing qualities that closely resemble each god. What exactly this entire game is about, I have no clue.”

“Ah, lovely! I’m so elated you all could make it.”

A man appeared beside Kai with hands clasped, like he was there the entire time. Kai squeaked and flinched away. “What the-”

“What a clever analysis you made, my dear warrioress. It was no wonder Athena chose you.”

“Who are you?” Atticus demanded.

He reminded Alessandra of a cherub with flushed cheeks and hair spun of gold. “I am the master storyteller, of course. Welcome my tragic heroes to your beginnings or your end.” His last word trailed loosely in the air and hovered ominously  over their heads.

“And where are these so called gods?” Cosmia asked.

“Their presence resides within us. Their presence surrounds us all.” A maniacal giggle erupted from him.

“Listen. I’m a busy man. And you’re wasting my time with this shit.” Atticus crossed his hands, his jaw clenching.

Alessandra decided to speak up to diffuse the tension. “You never did answer truthfully. I won’t be surprised if you knew all about us. It would be fair if we knew all about you too. At least tell us your name.”

“Excuse my mannerless tongue.” He bowed. “I am Hermes. I’ll be the host for these games.”

“Hermes, the god of trade. You were also known as the divine trickster." Cosmia mused. "Tell me, where's your infamous winged sandals and hat? Growing up, my tutor was fond of greek mythology and would often tell me stories of your brothers and sisters."

“Did she tell tales of my prowess and devastating good looks?” He giggled again, his face turning a rosy shade. When no one laughed, he quieted down. “I jest. I jest. Alas this is not my true form. This is one of the many forms I possess.”

“The game. Tell us.” Xavier suddenly grunted out. All eyes swiveled towards him. This was the most he’s ever said. Under the incandescent lights, the tattoos that decorated every inch of his skin looked sinister.

Hermes cleared his throat. “Right. Enough about me. The Gods’ Game is a true test to witness what lengths you’ll go through to truly attain divine status.”

“Divine status?” Cosmia asked the question that circled everyone’s mind.

“A chance to become a demi-god of course! Whoever wins the game will be bestowed with immortality, fame, money.”

“How do we play this so-called game? What’s the catch.” Alessandra demanded.

“You stole the words straight from my mouth, tiny.” She was about to retort but he wasn’t looking at her. Instead, he was watching Hermes closely. He was completely different from the boy she met earlier. He was serious. Alert.

He reminded her almost of herself during missions and she didn't like it one bit.

“Oh my! You’re so eager. Well then, allow me to explain the rules. You are to kill an innocent life-”

“What?” Kai bellowed out. "Excuse me? Why is no one reacting to this?" He looked around wildly, racking his hand through his hair.

"How interesting. What are the lengths one would take to achieve absolute greatness. It all makes sense. Don't you understand, Malakai?" Cosmia gripped his hand, deep in thought. "We're the most selfish creatures on the planet. We'll do anything for power."

Alessandra understood the point she was trying to make. In the corner of her eye, Atticus' reaction did not change.

“What if you’ve already accomplished the first rule?” Xavier quietly asked.

Hermes smiled, coldly. “Then, the more innocent lives you killed, the more points you get and the higher chance you get at winning.”

The room became still.

“What’s the next rule?” Cosmia looked intrigued. Too intrigued.

“You are to kill a family member.”

Malakai squeaked again.

What are these rules? What is this game?

“And the final rule?” Atticus quirked a brow.

Hermes grinned. “That’s for another time.

"Hey! You can't withhold information from us!" Kai jabbed his finger in his face. "That's not fair."

Hermes laughed. "I can and I will. The final rule will be revealed the next time we meet. Accomplish these rules and be in the lead."

"I wonder what's the final rule going to be," Alessandra said softly to herself.

"I can only imagine," Atticus whispered.

"It could only be something horrible. More horrible than the previous rules. After all, why would they choose not to tell us right away?" Alessandra wondered.

"Perhaps to build our trust first." Cosmia walked forward, still deep in thought. "It's the only way."

"How bad could it be?" Alessandra asked.

Whilst they spoke amongst themselves, Hermes stepped forward and said dramatically. "It seems our heroes’ paths have finally aligned. Let’s see what the future has in store for them.”

Malakai looked around and voiced, “Who are you talking to, man?”

He pointed towards us. “To the dear readers of course!"

𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆

now.now. I could have done better for this chapter I know. don't judge please. also it's unedited. I tried though so thoughts?

also happy new year guys!!

and in case y'all didn't know hermes is not a god of storytelling. however, he's the messenger of the gods so I thought he would be a good fit as a narrator idk. my mind just conjure up alot of weird shit. but nyway have a great dayyyy! enjoy this chapter.