All of the candidates tiredly waited for the instructors in the seats of the arena. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Anna walked behind the podium.
“I have good news,” she began. “Pila was impressed. To pass a test of this magnitude so quickly, she nearly squealed with excitement. Our winning classes are Dragon and Neptune. Each of you took the same test, and one of you saved your teammates. If you see those people carrying the Coin of Excellence, thank them. That’s it for tonight; you are dismissed.”
Midnight, Jonas crawled out of bed and headed to the balcony. Medusa was there, sitting at its edge, peering into the darkness below. Jonas sat nearby.
“I never really asked, but why do you come out here every night?” he asked.
“Not every night. Every night that bears no rain, I have trouble sleeping. It is the night sky with its moons that soothes my pain, my troubles, and calms me down.”
“Sounds like you’re dealing with night terrors,” Jonas said.
“Maybe.” Medusa leapt from the balcony’s edge to Jonas’s side. “I’ve heard about your brilliance at the test. I hate to admit it, but you’re a bigger threat than you make out.”
Jonas laughed, knowing that was probably the best compliment he’d pull from Medusa. She sat next to him. “Remember when I said we’ll save the Abaddon discussion for next time?”
“Yes.”
“The only thing you probably know is that he’s the former lord of death, or the Grim Reaper as you mortals called him. You already know that he’s behind the attack on the palace.” Medusa made eye contact with Jonas. Her gaze made him flush. She smirked. “Human expressions are easy to read. Teasing aside, ask me whatever you want to know about Abaddon.”
“Fine,” Jonas said. “Do you have any idea why he could be after this sword?” Jonas felt that question slip from his mouth faster than he could speak it.
“Let’s see. Abaddon was cursed by the Twelve as a punishment. That curse seals his vast power, and, well, your sword may be the key to breaking it.”
Jonas nodded knowing very well that Fragment could produce miracles. He didn’t feel very surprised that Abaddon knew everything about the sword.
“He must’ve done something pretty big to be punished like that,” Jonas said.
“I wish I could say for sure,” Medusa said, “but many of us don’t know what he did. One large rumor states that he was feared, falsely accused of plotting treason, and an authority sent the Twelve to deal with him.”
“Who are the Twelve?” Jonas asked.
“You’re better off not knowing who the Twelve are,” Medusa said. “Just know that they’re the ones capable of sealing even immortals as powerful as death itself, and leave it at that.”
“Why?” Jonas pushed.
“I dislike everything about the Twelve. Their methods, their reason, their logic. If you stay out of trouble, you won’t have to worry about them.”
Medusa stood up. “Since we’re friends, let’s meet again tomorrow. No more questions like this.”
Jonas stood too. “Very well. You’ve pretty much filled me in on what I need to know. I’d like to know more about you, if you don’t mind.”
Medusa laughed. “Natural ladies’ man and don’t know it. We’ll see. Pleasant dreams.” She headed downstairs ahead of Jonas.
Chapter 26
“Nitwit! Wake up or you’re going to be late.” Jonas jumped as he felt the sting of an electrical shock slap against his cheek. “You’ve got less than fifteen minutes to wash up, get dressed, and eat your breakfast.” Lare turned to the door and sighed. “Can you get that?”
Jonas snickered. “Here you go, little one,” he said as he opened the door for Lare.
“Oh hush!” The lemming took off faster than Jonas could blink his eyes. Jonas wondered why he couldn’t just teleport out of the room.
After Jonas dressed and finished his pre-morning routine, he hurried to breakfast. Luckily the servants still provided; however, most of his class had already left, thus he ate alone but quickly.
***
Larius didn’t appear to be angry when Jonas walked into the class, so he assumed he had made it on time.
“Jonas, over here.” Venus waved. Seated nearby were Bacchus and Sif.
“So according to the rumors, the new candidate was the other person to solve that puzzle,” Venus said after Jonas sat.
“I sort of discovered it by accident and frustration,” Jonas said. “How did the new person do it?”
“That’s a good question,” Sif said. “Class Neptune nor Fire will tell.”
Jonas felt annoyed underneath. He wanted to ask Medusa, but they agreed to no longer question each other. He had no choice but to respect her request.
“Did any of you find out who the new person is?” Jonas asked.
“That is also a mystery,” Venus said with a chuckle. “It’s like Class Neptune were sworn to secrecy. All I keep hearing is how powerful he is.”
“Are you done with your little chit-chat?” Jonas, Venus, Sif, and Bacchus looked up to see a scowling Larius, arms folded, standing right over them. “Good. Class is about to start, and I don’t need new candidate rumors interrupting it.”
“We apologize,” Jonas said.
“Good,” Larius said as he headed back to the front of the class.
“Just curious, but do you know who the new person is?” Jonas asked.
“Ah, human curiosity.” Larius shook his head. “Of course I do, but I can’t tell you that for safety reasons. Now focus. It’s time for lesson two.”
After class, Jonas waved off the others and started toward his room. Across the hall, he spotted Athena. She joined him.
“I see you’re adjusting well,” she said.
“Kind of,” Jonas replied.
“Hmm. Okay, let’s go.” Athena grabbed Jonas’s hand and pulled him toward the opposite direction.
“Where are we going?” he asked.
“Out in town,” Athena replied. “You need to learn and adapt to the culture.”
“Really now?” Jonas laughed lightly. “Sounds like an excuse for the princess to leave the palace.”
Athena smirked. “Maybe so.”
***
The city bloomed with life just as Jonas remembered. He didn’t feel too excited to deal with the crowds, but the city’s appeal and allure interested him. All around were many colors gleaming from the silks and robes and clothes of the citizens. The afternoon sun felt perfect, not too hot. Athena took Jonas to visit many popular areas, from music spots to famous shops, street magic performances, and her favorite eating establishment. Finally, the sun began to set with the evening approaching. The duo sat on the park’s bench.
“So what’d you think of today?” Athena asked.
“Incredible,” Jonas replied.
“That’s good,” Athena said.
“Didn’t know Olympus was such a fun place.”
“Olympus is the name of this realm. This city is called Des Lyn.”
“Oh right—I forgot about other realms,” Jonas said. “I know there’s Asgard, the land of the dead, and here.”
“You’re missing four more, not counting the human realm,” Athena said, smiling.
“Uhh . . . I’m not sure,” Jonas said. “Never heard of any others.”
“The underworld; Celestial; Demonia which is the land of desires; and the Unknown.”
“Unknown, what a name,” Jonas said sarcastically. “Why is it called that?”
“Not sure, but that’s why it’s called the Unknown,” Athena said with a laugh. “Not even Father can get to it.”
Jonas shook his head. “That doesn’t make any sense, but if it is believed that this place exists, who am I to say anything?”
“The Unknown is believed to be protected by the creator of the universe.”
“Why is he—?”
“It’s getting late,” Athena interrupted. “Let’s go back.”
Jonas took one las
t look at the sunset and then stood. “You’re right. Today was something new to me, and I’ll always remember it.” He offered Athena a hand.
“As will I.” She accepted it, allowing Jonas to help her stand. Jonas couldn’t help but gaze into her warm blue eyes. They seem to captivate him along with her beauty. He felt himself being drawn in closer and closer until they were face-to-face, able to feel each other’s breath. Jonas moved in for the kiss but stopped when a familiar voice shouted.
“Princess, Jonas, what are you two lovebirds doing in town?” Bacchus said.
“Just having fun,” Jonas said as he quickly pulled away from Athena. He felt disappointed but also realized again that she was the princess. He’d be asking for trouble if he just did what he wanted. Athena shot Bacchus a deathly glare and then walked past him.
“We’re heading back to the palace,” she said, irritation in her voice. “You should too, or you’ll be punished.”
“Why? We don’t have a curfew.” Bacchus laughed.
“I am the princess. Respect the order.” Athena walked faster, ahead of the two.
“Is it me, or does she seem angry about something?” Bacchus whispered to Jonas.
“Don’t worry about her,” Jonas said with a light chuckle. “Let’s just get moving before she punishes you.” He grinned. Bacchus frowned.
“Don’t even jest like that,” he laughed.
***
That night, Jonas hurried to the balcony in hopes of arriving before Medusa. She was already there, embracing the two moons and the radiant night sky.
“Welcome,” she said. “Or as you humans say, good evening.”
“Evening,” Jonas said as he sat near Medusa. She studied his face.
“What?”
“Let me give you a little advice,” she said as she turned away. “Don’t get complacent with being here. You will one day face off against your allies.”
“Maybe, maybe not,” Jonas said. “Until it happens, I won’t think much about it.”
Medusa gazed at Jonas, her eyes beautiful but so cold he could’ve sworn he felt a chill. These eyes were the opposite of Athena’s, but Jonas felt that kindness lurked within them. He wanted to ask about her past with Athena but held back.
“Jonas, let me ask you this.” Medusa moved closer to him. “Only your human mind can answer this.”
“Out with it then,” Jonas said with a chuckle.
“What do you expect from this friendship? Do you expect anything?”
Jonas laughed. “And what tickled you, mortal man?”
“Nothing,” he said. He didn’t want to tell her that she was Athena’s polar opposite. “Nothing is my answer to your question.”
“Are you sure?” Medusa pushed.
“Maybe I expect the unexpected,” Jonas said.
Medusa nodded. “I like that answer a lot, much better, and more honest than your first.” She placed a finger on Jonas’s cheek. “Continue to expect the unexpected. You’ll only grow manlier.”
Medusa headed downstairs, leaving Jonas unable to comprehend the meaning behind her words. He had to see her more; maybe the mystery of Medusa could be solved if he did. Maybe he’d find out the truth of what had happened between her and Athena.
Chapter 27
Jonas made sure to get up early to avoid Lare’s morning verbal abuse. Lare blinked, surprised to see Jonas fully dressed, ready for breakfast.
“Taking things seriously I see,” the lemming said. “Keep at it with this routine, and I may actually commend you.”
After breakfast, Jonas headed to class at a normal pace, for once. He noticed Sif, Bacchus, and Thor a few feet ahead and caught up to them.
“Morning,” he said. Sif and Bacchus returned the greeting. Thor didn’t look at Jonas.
“Jonas, have you heard of the latest new guy news?” Bacchus asked.
Jonas shook his head. “It feels like this person doesn’t exist.”
“Oh, he does alright,” Bacchus continued. “He broke Class Neptune’s record for most lightning bolts fired at a time. The previous top was an insane four. The new man unleashed nine.”
Thor chuckled. Jonas, Bacchus, and Sif grew silent and looked at him.
“What? If you’ve got something to say, spit it out,” Thor scolded.
“Well, Prince Thor, I haven’t heard a laugh from you since we arrived at the palace,” Bacchus said.
“I was sure you were incapable of positive emotion,” Jonas said.
“Get off my back,” Thor growled. “I just found a little humor in low numbers setting class records.”
“You don’t count, Thor,” Sif said. “There isn’t a single person here who could touch your record of twenty-one per second.”
“Let’s not forget that if he’s angry and in peak condition, he’ll double or triple that output,” Bacchus said. Jonas stopped. The others stopped too and looked at him.
“What got into you, human?” Thor said.
“Producing just one lightning bolt is pretty damn difficult,” Jonas said. “If the new person can whip out nine, we may be in trouble.”
“You got me there,” Bacchus said. “My record is still one. If we want to control Pila, we’ll have to improve a lot.”
“You mean if we want to triumph the tests,” Sif said. “Pila chooses her carrier, but if we can’t win—”
“If you’re running scared, I suggest you drop out.” Thor’s eyes were set on Jonas.
“No way,” Jonas retorted.
“That’s what I thought,” Thor said. “You still haven’t convinced me that humans can adapt to anything.” Thor walked ahead. Jonas and the others hurried behind him.
As soon as every candidate was seated, Larius faced the class.
“In two weeks, your next test will commence. Unlike your first test, a select number of you will test one-on-one, individually against the other class. Scores will be based on victories and combined at the end and compared to the other class’s. The higher scores claim victory, of course. Any questions?”
Cupid stood up. “The previous test went surprisingly well, but do you not think this upcoming test is a bit arrogant? People who aren’t selected are guaranteed a free pass from elimination. How is this fair?”
“Quit whining,” Thor said. “Those selected will be honored among their teammates. And besides, you’ve got nothing to worry about. I’m sure only the strong will be selected anyway.”
Cupid walked over to Thor, fists balled. Thor stood up.
“Then I guess you’ll be right here with me, Mr. Ass,” Cupid said darkly. Jonas quickly leapt from his seat and stood between the two.
“Now is not the time for this,” Jonas said. “Save it for when it’s free-for-all or something.”
“You may be a lucky human, but you’re also weak,” Cupid snarled. “So don’t start lecturing me. I’m way ahead of your time, out of your league, and above you.” Sif quickly got up and also stood between Cupid and Thor.
“And I’m the ass?” Thor said with a laugh. “Cupid, the only thing you’re good at is being the pretty boy that bewitched girls take pity on.”
A pink aura outlined Cupid in a fiery manner. “I will kill you, Thor.”
“All of you, have a seat!” Larius yelled.
“Weakling,” Cupid muttered to Jonas. He turned to Sif. “I apologize for letting you see me like that.” Sif returned a blank look before returning to her seat.
“Just so you know, the selection is random,” Larius continued. “Fate may bless this class or curse it, unless you stop acting like children.” Larius folded his arms. As Jonas sat in his seat, a surge of blue goop lurched from the ground and splattered across his face. Loki burst into laughter. Enraged, Jonas questioned himself on whether he should keep holding back his anger or seek vengeance.
“That was really childish, Loki!” Venus snarled. She waved a finger at Jonas. A string of white light raced across his face and dissipated the goop. After his face was clean, it vanished.
/> Loki stopped laughing. “You’ll need more than luck, Jonas, to prove yourself to the titans that are praised by humans.”
That night, Jonas tossed and turned but couldn’t sleep. He took a second bath, but that didn’t help either. Loki’s words ate him into slight confusion. He couldn’t help but wonder how the titans were not impressed with his achievements as a human so far. He had quickly adapted to Olympus, taken down a leader of Abaddon’s Sabers. He had even scored Class Dragon a victory. What more could these people expect from him? Jonas looked at Fragment, perched atop the dresser. The mysterious sword had given him the abilities to do the impossible.
He wanted to learn more about it, but who would give him the answers. He certainly couldn’t ask Medusa. Jonas leapt out of bed and headed to the balcony. Medusa wasn’t there. Of course she wouldn’t be there. Jonas felt stupid. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t hear the rain pound the outside of his window. He turned around and marched down the stairs. He’d have to sort out his thoughts on his own this time. He did feel glad about the rain. If it helped Medusa sleep soundly, he respected it. Too bad his own sleeping might be minimized. He had so many things racing within his mind, from Loki’s words, to the test, to even his own village. He still had to find a way to speed up the competition. He knew in reality that was impossible. Maybe the competition wasn’t as long as everyone implied. If he appealed to Pila each time, she might appear. Jonas sat on his bed, took off his shoes, and lay back. His lemming, Lare, was his only option left that could give him the information he needed.
Chapter 28
The following morning, Lare woke Jonas with another shock on the cheek. Before Jonas moved, the lemming gestured a halt.
“I’m here to let you know that there is no class today.” He pointed at the large box on the dresser. “Orline has taken the liberty of giving you some leisure clothes. While off, you’re free to do whatever you want, but do try to get back on time.”
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