Artemis Volume 7

**Bloodstains**

Started October 17th

Finished November 17th

Line Count:

Terra - 359

Millie - 92

Delta - 93

Themis - 99

Amelia - 60

Tempest - 114

Lobo - 135

## Issue 1 - Back In The Game

Terra was in the workout room in her apartment complex. She was doing the bench press. She sat down the dumbbell with a crash. She sat up. Sweating. She looked at the time. She got to her room and quickly changed clothes. She was wearing A grey crop-top and jeans under a brown fur coat. She wore black warm-up pants. And Her hair was completely let down. She had socks and sandals on. She made her way to the dojo Millie went to. She opened the door. Millie’s sensei, Hazel smiled at her.

Hazel: Hey Terra! Nice to see you. Hey Millie. Terra’s here.

Millie: Hey Terra!

Terra: What’s up?

Millie: Not much. How about you?

Terra: That’s for Bibble and Sip.

Millie: Right.

Hazel: Hey, you’re lucky you made it in when you did.

Hazel pointed outside. It was thundering and raining outside.

Terra: Lucky me, I guess.

Hazel: Everyone line up!

All of Hazel’s students, including Millie lined up. He had about ten students.

Hazel: Everyone, meet Terra. She’ll be showing up here on occasion.

Terra: Yeah. Nice to meet you all.

Hazel: Alright! We’re going to do some light sparring! Everyone throw on some gear!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra and Millie ran through the rain. They got to Bibble and Sip and rushed in. They ordered their normals and sat down.

Terra: Remember that spinning back? You could’ve nailed me with that. But you were telegraphing with your foot. Try to make the turn fluid.

Millie: Yeah, thanks.

Terra: See? Like this.

Terra threw a slow spinning back kick in the middle of the restaurant.

Millie: Not in the middle of the restaurant!

Terra: Ha. Right.

Terra sat down.

Terra: But it does look like that. How do you keep focused when training?

Millie: Whenever I go there I train like I’m depending on my life. Because I am. That night I could get into a fight where I misplace a move. And it could be all over.

Terra: Oh yeah, how's all that going?

Millie: Still new meta and mutant crimes are going up. But it would be worse if it wasn’t for the people working to stop it. Plus, it’s more than a service now. It’s a job.

Terra: Really?

Millie: I got hired by B.L.A.D.E. I’m still waiting for a position. But I’m excited. The benefits are so awesome.

Terra: Yeah, that’s what I thought when I joined the Chaste. Well, I guess I didn’t really have a choice in the matter.

Millie: I don’t think their anything like the Chaste. They are much bigger. Besides, the benefits are more financial. It’s almost like being a vetran.

Terra: I hope it works out good for you.

Millie: Oh yeah, you went MIA for a couple days. What happened?

Terra: I had to take care of some old stuff. I met a guy named Kai.

Millie: You met a guy?

Terra: Why would you say it like that? He’s like a big brother if anything. Kind of an asshole. But he means well.

Millie: That’s nice. Hey, I fought him one day. He was being an asshole to Amelia.

Terra: I doubt he meant it! Like I said. He means well.

Millie: I guess I kind of feel bad for smashing him through the roof of a building.

Terra: You what?

Millie: We fought. And I smashed him through some glass and into a building. He probably walked it off.

Terra: Either way, we took out a crime syndicate of villains. And we took care of the Chaste.

Millie: You saw the Chaste?

Terra: Don’t say their name too loud. I feel like Stick could hear me even if he was across the world.

Millie: Right.

Terra: How’s Amelia?

Millie: She’s doing a little better. Since the incident with Phobos. She started taking meds.

Terra: I mean, Amelia really shouldn’t be your problem. She deserves a good life. But should you have to sacrifice so much of yours for hers?

Millie: We protect. Both of us do. Why wouldn’t I want to protect a friend?

Terra: I know you think of Amelia as more than a friend.

Millie: Is it really that obvious?

Terra: Just, hope it’s a good investment.

Millie: I hope.

They finished up their drinks. And bid farewell. Terra made her way to T.H.O.R.N headquarters.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra walked into their headquarters. She realized the place was renovated. With computers, newer looking tech, and a training room. Tempest walked out of the training room.

Terra: Uh, hi.

Tempest: I thought we were done with you.

Terra: I got a call from your boss.

Tempest: The president?

Terra: Yeah. He told me to meet you here.

Tempest: Probably because he wanted you out of our way, T.H.O.R.N is under new management.

Terra: By who?

A man with circular glasses and a full beard walked into the room. He had an open tuxedo shirt with a tie that had an american flag pattern on it. He had black hair, and his beard came down just a little under his chin.

???: Me. You, young lady, can call me Simon.

Terra: Nice to meet you.

Simon paced around the room while talking.

Simon: Where’s the rest of the crew, Temp?

Tempest: Don’t call me that, they’re on their way.

Simon: In that case, Terra. We’ve been down a member since Sae went missing. You wouldn’t happen to know where she is?

Terra thought about Stick.

Terra: Have no idea. I fought and beat her. And she left. Haven’t seen her since.

Simon: Such a shame, I liked her.

Terra became a little uneasy from this statement. How could anyone like Sae after seeing what she did?

Simon: We have lots of work to do. And I was wondering if you wanted to join the team. T.H.O.R.N needs you.

Terra: I-I’m good, honestly.

Simon: Why? We could be making history.

Terra: I’d rather do things my way. I would be happy to take meta jobs. Plus, last time I joined a team…Things didn’t work out great.

Simon: If you’ll at least be on standby, that’d be great.

Terra: My phone lines always open.

Simon: Delightful.

Terra left. On the way out she saw Lobo.

Lobo: You meet the new boss?

Terra: Yeah.

Lobo: Keep an eye on him. There’s something about him I don’t like.

Terra: That’s kinda mysterious.

Lobo: It’s because he is. Plus, he thinks he has privilege over us, you know.

Terra: What?

Lobo: Us women. I can see it in his eye.

Terra: Riiight. Hey, I forgot to thank you for saving my life after that whole thing last year.

Lobo: Has it really been that long?

Terra: Yeah, feels like 2021 flew by.

Terra went back home. She opened her closet. Her armor hung there. It was fully finished. She took it off its stand and put it on. She had melded her breastplate into one piece, and she had shoulder pads, shin guards, her waist belt was raised a bit so it protected her lower stomach. It fit her perfectly. She also had the same gauntlets she had already made. The armor was made so it fit nicely over her clothes. And she had also created a new spear. It was retractable, with a lock. It had a small mode, and a long mode. She had made the blade thinner as opposed to wider. When shortened, it looked like a sort of knife, and in long mode it took the form of a normal spear. She had a holder for it on her waist belt. From her waist fell three wide, short brown pteruges to her side and behind her.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tempest opened the door to his small apartment room. His room was very small, almost smaller than Terra’s. He had a kitchen, and a couch with a TV in front of it. In said living room there were swords hanging all around. He took out his sword. It was bloody. He took out a cloth. And cleaned his sword. He sat it down next to himself on a night table. He laid down on his couch. And drifted off to sleep.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

He opened his eyes. He looked outside of some sort of testing tube. It was cold in the water. He saw a bubble float past himself. A figure walked in front of the tank. It took out a syringe. There was a chair in front of the testing tube. With someone on it. He banged on the glass for some reason. The figure looked up at the testing tube. And took out a gun and shot the person in a chair. They took out the syringe and flicked it.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tempest was startled awake. He was sweating.

Tempest: That again…

Tempest got up, and picked up his sword. He strapped the sheath to his armor. And walked out of his apartment. Outside there were crappy streets. With a group of people protesting. They were walking down the street. They had signs with the phrase “No more metas!” Tempest rolled his eyes.

Tempest: Animals. I suppose we have lots in common.

## Issue 2 - Prelude to Anguish

Delta was walking down the street. She was walking along a desert. She pulled out a map. There was a location circled. She was without her armor. Wearing a black unitard cut off at her knees and going up to her neck. Over it she wore a white top and over that was her blue, white patterned sweatshirt. It was tattered, dirty, and had bullet holes in it. Her hair had grown out. Long hair on one side, and the other side her hair was shorter. She was holding a bag of food. All vegetables and fruits. As she stepped, thoughts ran through her head.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Apollo stood in front of the group of girls, with Delta in front. She looked up at him. The sun shined on him, he was holding his bow.

Apollo: This place is for the divine only! And you let her die…

Apollo grew quiet. He started mumbling.

Apollo: Leave this place.

Woman: Wha-

Apollo: Leave now! Or die!

Delta’s mind shifted again. To her fight with Terra. She felt her throat tightening as before. Her mind wandered over to the aftermath of her and Terra’s fight.

Artemis: You are a failure! You spent your entire life to die to a zero!

Delta: I-I can explain mom. Let me kill her! I’ll do anything! I just got this armor! This power. I deserve it!

Artemis slapped Delta across the face.

Artemis: When I’m finished with Empyrean, you’ll get what you deserve. Actually, come with me. We’re leaving in five minutes.

Artemis stepped out to prepare. Delta broke down. She screamed and cried. Slamming her hand on the ground. She grabbed a picture on the wall with her and Artemis in the frame and threw it across the room. She heard a crash. And her heart sank. She shouldn’t have done that.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Delta stumbled upon a run-down hotel. She walked over. A couple potheads at a room cat-called her.

Man: Look what the cat dragged in!

Delta kept walking.

Another man: Come on! Don’t be shy! You think you're too good for us.

Delta turned. And started walking towards them. She dropped her food.

Man: Yeah. That’s it!

Delta jumped on a guy and started making out with him. They moved inside. A couple seconds passed. And the same guy she made out with screamed. She let him fall to his knees. And she ripped his head off. Two other guys ran out of the room.

Drunk man: Holy shit! Grab the fucking car! Quick!

Another man: She just ripped his dick off!

Drunk man: Yeah? You wanna be next?

They jumped in the car and sped off. Delta walked into the street and picked up a rock. She threw it as hard as she could. The car’s tire popped and it smashed into a rock. Delta heard the smashing of glass. She walked towards the car as the men dragged themselves out.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Delta walked into a motel room with her groceries. She was covered with blood.

About twenty-five girls stood around the room. There was barely any room for Delta to move.

Delta: I have brought food!

Delta dropped it on the bed. The hungry ones of the crowd came over and took food quickly. A girl saw the blood on Delta. Her name was Hannah.

Hannah: Delta. Where’d that blood come from?

Hannah had some heavy duty armor on. It covered her torso, arms, shoulders and waist. Her legs were open. She wore a black unitard from her feet up to her neck. She had blonde hair in a ponytail.

Delta: I killed a pack of guys. There are some things I like about the real world.

Hannah: You all hear that!? Delta slayed a pack of men!

Everyone cheered and beat their hands on their chests and held them out for a second.

Delta: Thank you Hannah. They actually listen to you.

Hannah: Just because I got some shiny armor doesn’t make me that big of a deal.

Delta: Here it does. And that’s all that matters.

```
The TV turned on. Delta pushed some people out of the way and looked at it.

```

Newswoman: Popular celebrity and progressive entrepreneur Jilaya Springer has pleaded guilty to multiple crimes. Including human trafficking, unlawful imprisonment and other crimes. She has been arrested and labelled a terrorist after the attack on San Francisco that was caused by her. Here we have the video conference of her pleading to her multiple crimes.

Jilaya sat in front of a camera in an empty room.

Jilaya: I, Jilaya Springer plead guilty to unlawful imprisonment, Lying to the government, destruction of U.S soil and landmarks, possible genocide against metas and mutants, unlawful experimenting with humans without their consent.

Jilaya kept going. The newswoman came back and put on the president,

Newswoman: ...we have president Jayden Borden in a press conference.

President: This is a tragedy. I can’t believe I let this slip under my nose.

Delta stepped away from the TV. She envisioned Terra’s face in her head. And her smashing it to bits. Some more of the day passed. The girls laid the beds in the motel out longways across the room and they turned on a movie. Delta was laying in the middle of two random girls. One of them had been snacking on some candy.

Delta: Don’t eat so much sugar. Everyone here has to stay in pristine form.

Girl: I get you care. But I didn’t ask.

Other girl: Don’t act like you're above us. You walk five miles to get food everyday just like we all do.

Delta took a breath and kept watching. And it ran into the night. Everyone was asleep, Delta was close to the door. She snuck out. She stood in the middle of the parking lot. And started shadow boxing. Starting slow and ramping it up with punches and kicks, throwing in elbows, knees, flying kicks and punches. Delta started running, and running until she made it into the middle of the desert. She screamed into the darkness. And heard wolves howling back at her.

Delta: Terra…

Delta took out her map from earlier. She circled New York City. But it was across the country. She thought about Hannah. She had the armor. And a gigantic axe.

Delta: I could bash her head in with that axe…

Delta thought about Terra. Her defeat against her. Artemis’s death. All of Terra’s wins. And all of Delta’s losses. She remembered when she saw Apollo.

Delta: Hey! I thought I was going to be the next Artemis! It was supposed to be me!

Apollo: Ha! We have a better candidate. Do you remember Terra Lorenz?

Delta flashed back into the present.

Delta: She caused this...I already have so many bodies on my hands. What’s a little more?

She thought about Hannah, leading everyone to victory. And getting new armor from Apollo.

Delta: That should be me...

Delta stood up and ran across the desert and back to the motel. Delta saw a man who got out of his car.

Delta: Hey!

The man looked at her,

Man: Hello? Isn’t it sleeping hours.

Delta: I’ll give you ten thousand dollars if you kill five people for me.

Man: What? You think I’m fucking insane?

Delta: I know men like you who come here are scum. You all are…

Man: Look. I’m not killing anyone for you.

Delta: Do it. Or I’ll kill you!

Man: Look, I don’t want any trouble.

Delta pushed the man against the car and held his chin with one hand.

Delta: I could snap your neck with one hand.

Delta squeezed his neck and pushed his head against the car.

Delta: Do you believe me?!

Man: Yesyesyes! Just stop! I’ll fucking do it! Just leave me alone! Never talk to me again!

Delta: Good.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Delta: Go.

The man went in with a knife. He had to make it real. So he slit the throat of the four first girls, and then he got to Hannah, he swiftly killed her. Delta quietly grabbed Hannah’s axe. She picked it up and let out a war cry as she swung it. The man tried to move. But fell over on one of the girls. The axe stabbed straight through him. Cutting him in half like butter. All the girls awoke.

Girl: Delta?! What happened?

Delta: He killed Hannah, and four other warriors. So I took justice.

Most of the girls prayed for the dead and then they all stood up.

The girl from earlier Delta yelled and stood up.

Girl: I guess we were wrong about you Delta.

Some of the other girls agreed.

Another girl: In favor of Delta as our new leader, and taking after Hannah?!

Everyone bowed to Delta and beat their hands on their chests and held them out for a second.

Delta: For Hannah!

Everyone: For Hannah!

Delta smiled to herself.

## Issue 3 - Undying Rage

Terra had her armor on. She knocked on Millie’s apartment door. Kris opened the door.

Kris: Uh...Millie. Y-your friend is here.

Terra walked in.

Terra: I wouldn’t want to stand out there for too long. How are you Kris?

Kris: Eh, I’m alright.

Millie: Terra. You missed halloween.

Terra: I could say the same. I’ve seen the new suit.

Millie: Admit it. It’s awesome!

Terra: Well, what do you think?

Millie: Looks stellar. How long did it take you to make?

Terra: Who knows. It was a long time. Probably nine months. Minus the gauntlets.

Millie: Can’t wait to see you kick ass with it.

Terra: Yeah, it looks pretty. But I don’t have any Artemis-related powers.

Millie: You don’t need olympians! Their assholes!

Terra: Tell me about it. I met one up close.

Millie: Are you going to help with the metas and mutants?

Terra: Of course! That’s why I made this.

Millie: Good. Because I’ve been busting my balls recently. There was nearly a prison break last week! I think they're starting to form gangs.

Terra: Maybe they did deserve to be in those camps…

Millie: I wouldn’t go that far. For every crime I see, I see a happy reunited family. The school Kris goes to, a meta school is booming. And there’s tons of new kids. That means tons of reunited family members. You’re kinda a dumbass for not expecting the blowback.

Terra: I’ve heard that hundreds of times at this point. I am a little bit of a dumbass. But now I’m fully prepared to keep the peace. Or, make peace to keep.

Millie: Well, before you do that. Do you wanna say hi to Amelia?

Terra: Uh, sure. Is she...safe to see?

Someone walked through the door, holding a soda in her hand.

Terra: What the...Amelia?

Amelia: Sup.

Millie: She’s moving in with me for a little while. Until I can find a new place.

Terra: You’re moving? Didn’t we literally just talk yesterday?

Millie: I needed to find a good time to tell you about this. I’m still going to be in the city. We’re just getting a bigger place. Thanks to B.L.A.D.E.

Terra: Really? That’s awesome!

Amelia: Yeah. I’m starting to get tired of staying in these same apartments.

Terra: How are you Amelia?

Amelia took a sip of her drink.

Amelia: I’m feeling better, well. Better than the last time you saw me. No more therapy, no more time travel, no more olympian fire gods. Just me and Millie.

Terra: How fast can you go?

Amelia: I slowed down.

Millie: Didn’t you just go for a run?

Amelia: Yeah. Top speed was mach 5

Terra let out a sigh of relief.

Amelia: What? Do you seriously think I’m going to go running into oblivion again?!

Terra: That’s not what I was-

Amelia: The past is the past.

Terra: Then what about that necklace? The one you left at Donny’s grave.

Amelia: ...What about it?

Terra: If the past is that past. That necklace would be around your neck.

Amelia: Do you think I’m that philosophical? I don’t need sentimental objects.

Millie: What is this then?

Millie pointed out a necklace around her neck. It was a half of a handcuff. Millie showed Terra Amelia’s matching necklace.

Terra: Seriously Millie? A pair of handcuffs?

Amelia blushed.

Amelia: Their friend handcuffs!

Kris butted in.

Kris: Surrre.

Terra: Well. Like we discussed Millie. I’m going to see what I can do about the meta problem.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra called Simon.

Simon: Hey Terra!

Terra: Do you think you have any jobs for me?

Simon: I think I have one you’ll like. It’s fifteen hundred if you complete it.

Terra: Really? What is it?

Simon: There is one of Integer’s old soldiers going rouge. Her name is Four. Or, that’s what I have on her. She was protecting metas and mutants.

Terra: Metas and mutants that were committing a crime or something?

Simon: Yeah. Take her out. I figured you’d like this one.

Terra: Right. Send me the place you last saw her.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra was taking a cab to a beach. That was where Four was last seen. Odd. Terra got dropped off. She got into a porta-potty and took her duffle bag with her. She got on her armor and walked onto the beach. It was closed. She went to walk in. But thought about Sae and Kai’s strategies. She got into the tall grass next to her, and sure enough. She saw Four, just laying there in the sand on a beach chair.

Four: Come out.

Terra stayed quiet.

Four: I said come out Artemis!

Terra stood up, and walked through the grass. Four got up off her beach chair. She was wearing a beach gown over her bathing suit. Which was a one piece.

Four: Don’t hide from me. Who sent you? Or did you come yourself to put me out of my misery?

Terra: I get it, your mad about Integer. But move on. You’re free.

Four: What if I didn’t want to be free?! I loved it there! It was MY HOME! Who are you to decide if I’m free or not?!

Terra: I...Listen. I didn-

Four: Die.

Terra got smacked over the head by one of Four’s wings. Which this time around were smaller and more compact. She dodged the second one. They combined into one and mounted on a device on Four’s back. She flew into the air.

Four: I’m happy you came. I figured someone else would kill you. Or you’d be pinned for the terrorist you are. But I had no idea I’d be the one to do the deed. My last wings were obsolete. So much so that I lost to your little magic friend.

One wing lit on fire, and the other was covered in a case of ice.

Four: I get you. You helped millions. Look at you, you made a name for yourself. It probably rips you apart; you aren’t a hometown hero. If anything you’re still a terrorist. Moving undercover, to take me down. I’ve done nothing.

Terra: I was told you protected groups of meta gangs.

Four stopped rising above Terra. She started laughing.

Four: You really believe that?! Hahaha! Your stupider than I expected. Don’t believe everything you’re told. I bet it feels good though, I’m the bad guy. To me, you destroyed my family.

Four put her hands together and fired off an energy blast. Terra’s first instinct was to dodge. But she decided to push her luck. She shot an energy blast and blasted through Four’s aforementioned blast. She spun around and kicked Four in the head. She fell back. She flew higher, so she was out of the way of Terra. She shot a fire blast, Terra let it hit her. She felt the burn. But her body lit up with a red aura. The same color as her armor.

Terra: Watch this, Amala.

Terra jumped up at Four. Four shot an ice blast. Terra punched it apart. She shortened her spear. And blitzed past Four. She cut off one of her wings. Four was shocked. She had her ice wing cut off. She grabbed it as it fell, and it was still lit up. She hit Terra to the ground with the wing. Terra fell backwards into the sand. Four landed on top of her, with her feet on her stomach and the other and her face. She went to stab the wing through Terra. She bent up and let four hit her chestplate. She threw four off of her and sliced her across the stomach with her spear.

Four: I get a million people, but there were a thousand of us. I don’t think all of us wanted to be saved. You collapsed a part of the government. None of it’s pretty. I promise you.

Terra: It was an unjust part! I’ve heard it a million times! “You’re an utter dumbass Terra! You collapsed the government and weren’t ready for the blowback!” I was stupid. And the blowback didn’t knock me down. I’ll put the metas and mutants where they need to be. And I’ll put humans where they need to be too. And I’ll get all the help I can get. If any self righteous asshole like Integer gets in my way, I’ll smash them too.

Four: Doesn’t that make you a self righteous asshole?

Terra: I want justice. Not money, not fame. I want a world where a meta can shake a human’s hand and smile in their face.

Four: I highly doubt that. Power corrupts.

Terra: Let’s see if I get corrupted or not.

Terra flipped out her spear, and got into a fighting stance. Four’s wing powered up. She flew at Terra. Terra swung her spear up. Four started flying faster and faster, all around Terra. Terra had lost the spark of power she had gotten from the fire previously. Four came around to hit Terra. Terra ducked under her hit and stabbed her spear behind herself. Right through Four’s stomach. She started bleeding, and fell on the ground.

Terra: You’ll live.

Terra took her blade out of Four. Four grabbed Terra’s blade with her hand.

Four: If I can’t beat you here, then why should I continue on living?

Terra: You can turn this streak of violence into something better. You’re talented, you just used it in a misguided way.

Four: If you’re so noble, show me real mercy. Kill me here and now.

Terra: What? No. You don’t deserve to die.

Four: What if I want to die? Do you know how painful it will be to heal from this wound? I predict thousands of scars, hell. They’ll probably kill me there.

Terra: I’m not killing you, this is some kind of trick.

Four: End my suffering! END IT!

Terra couldn’t do it. She shortened her spear and strapped it to her side. She turned around and walked away. While Four screamed at her.

Four: THIS IS HOW NOBLE YOU ARE?! You loved killing Beck! But me, no! I’m worthy of killing! End my life! KILL ME!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Amelia and Millie were laying down on their stomachs. They were playing cards along with Kris. They were eating snacks while they played.

Amelia: We should do this more, a night where we’re completely disconnected from technology. I never realized how much I miss.

Millie: There could be people out there, in trouble.

Amelia: Come on! Be Millie for a night! There’s so many people out there protecting it still. The Crimson Dragon guy, and Terra can have it for the night.

Kris: She’s right. I was stuck here like a month last year. We haven’t spent enough time together. I’ve had to hangout with this one.

Amelia: Hey, what’s wrong with me?

Kris: Moody. Not a normal girl moody. You’re just moody.

Amelia: I’m not moody!

Millie: I can vouch for him. You are pretty moody.

Amelia: Well shit, guess I’ll just up and leave then.

Millie: Don’t be-

Amelia: Sike! Ace of spades! I win!

Millie: You bastard!

Kris: Millie? Remember the bet?

Millie: Ugh...Yep.

Amelia: If I win, I get to take Kris around the block! Don’t worry, I’ll go slow.

Amelia scooped up Kris and fired out the door. Leaving a streak on the rug, it almost looked like fire. She was back in a minute. Kris’s hair was forced back from the wind. He was in shock and laughing from the speed.

Kris: Holy shit! I wish I had your power!

Amelia: Hah, right.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kris had gone to sleep. Amelia and Millie were doing shots on the balcony of the apartment.

Amelia: I bet Terra’s under lots of pressure. You did say she was working with B.L.A.D.E right?

Millie: She does yeah, but didn’t join. I think she’s still hurt from the Chaste.

Amelia: Well, I hope she makes it through this shit alright. I totally caused a bunch of excess stress.

Millie: For all of us.

Amelia: You know I’m sorry about that right? I just see red…

Millie: It was the way you brutalized them. You blew through Raphael like paper. It was scary. I don’t want to see you like that again.

Amelia: I don’t want to hurt anyone anymore. I don’t even want this power anymore.

Millie: I don’t know if it works like that.

Amelia: I don’t want to be mad anymore, about anything, about Donny. I said I moved on. I can’t. He’s my brother!

Millie put her hand on Amelia’s cheek, and brushed her tears away. They both got close to each other. Foreheads touching. They both inched closer. But Millie embraced Amelia. They were both blushing.

Millie: I’m not going to leave you. You’re never going to have to suffer by yourself again, I promise.

## Issue 4 - Calm Before The Storm

One week later

A bunch of racket was heard in a building. Terra was smashed through the glass of a penthouse building. She landed with a backroll. A group of metas all blitzed her. One shot a beam from his eyes. Terra did a cartwheel into a flip and dodged it. Terra kicked one of the metas down with a kick from her flip. She was restrained by a big guy. He got her in a chokehold. She put her chin down. He spat acid on her head. She put her hand above her head and let it fall on her hand. She put her hand on his face. And his face was boiled. The meta with laser eyes shot his eyes at a mirror. Terra got hit head on and fell down.

Laser eyes: Did we get her?

Another meta came over and kicked her.

Meta: Looks like it.

Laser eyes: Crazy bitch.

Terra quietly got to her feet as they walked away.

Terra: Hey! I like you to face me when we fight. I want a fair fight.

Meta: Oh! So she was just playing!

The meta shot ice on the ground. And slid towards Terra. She flipped out her spear and spun it around. As the meta slid towards her she knocked him out. The laser eyes meta shot his beam at Terra. He hit her clean on the chestplate. It did nothing. He lowered his eyes to her stomach. Which was open. Terra covered the gap with her gauntlet. She took off one of her gauntlets and bounced it off a wall, and knocked the guy out. Terra jumped on the roof of the penthouse. Shortly cops came, they saw a note over the guys. “Your welcome!”

Cop: Who are they to think they can do our jobs for us.

Other cop: Yeah, I’m starting to get tired of these new vigilantes. They think they're all that!

Terra jumped across multiple buildings. She laid against the edge of a building. She took out her phone and sent a message to Simon. He sent a happy face emoji and “Good Job! You’re done for the night! Get some Rest!” Terra leaned her head against the wall. She took a deep breath. She stood up and dragged herself home. She sat down on her bed. She had the bag her grandfather, Carl had given her all those years back hung up on the wall. Next to a worn picture of her old family.

Terra: You liked the olympians, didn’t you grandpa? I hate to break the news, but their assholes. And I think I like it here. I put on the new armor. And I’m cleaning up my mess. Just like you taught me. I’ve come to enjoy the new armor. And the burdens that come with it. Or, atleast make the best of it. Sometimes I think about that choice Themis gave me. And what would’ve happened if I said yes. I guess I should’ve. But Themis is probably pissed at me. He probably flew back to California.

Terra took off her armor and changed to normal clothes. So she could lay down and sleep. She drifted away to sleep.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra opened her eyes. She was in a chair. She wasn’t restrained. But she couldn’t stand up. She heard banging next to her. She looked up and saw a testing tube ahead of her. There was someone in it. Tempest. A figure walked in front of the tank. It took out a syringe. Tempest banged on the glass harder. The person in front of them. In control of them took out a gun. And pointed it at Terra’s head.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra violently shot up out of her bed. She had her hands on her head. As if the dream happened in real life. But she was okay. She heard someone walk through her door. Amelia walked into her room. She had phased in.

Amelia: Terra! Are you alright?

Terra: Amelia? What the hell are you doing in my room?!

Amelia: I was just checking on you! I heard screaming. Don’t get all defensive.

Terra: I just had a nightmare.

Amelia: You remember what happened in it?

Terra: I got shot, in the head.

Amelia: That sounds pretty anticlimactic for a nightmare.

Terra: Dreams usually aren’t easy to remember. Plus, the death felt too real.

Amelia: I mean, you have died before.

Terra: ...Y-yeah.

Terra quickly buried the thoughts of Ivan and that...thing.

Terra: What time is it?

Amelia: Like 5 am.

Terra: Ugh. Back to sleep.

Amelia: “Thanks Amelia, your welcome Terra”

Amelia left the room.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra was awoken later by a phone call. It was Simon.

Terra: Ugh, I thought we were done for the week.

She picked up her phone.

Terra: Hey Simon.

Simon: Terra! You really worked your tail off this week. So I was going to invite you to a little baquet. It’ll be stress relieving.

Terra: Uh, stress relieving how?

Simon: We have these every year in the summer! There’s a hot tub, a pool, lounging chairs, food, there’s our VR training station! It’s the first year we’re trying that out.

Terra: Well, I don’t know what VR is. But all that other stuff sounds fun I guess. I’ll come.

Simon: I’ll send you the address. Bring a bathing suit, nice clothes, and food if you like to cook!

Terra got off the phone with Simon. She changed into her bathing suit. She put on her bathing suit top and looked behind her in the mirror. She saw the phoenix. She heard Phobos’s words in her head. “She was going to be the phoenix out of the ashes after the raid of Olympus.” That burn was a constant reminder that she was now stuck with the identity of a woman she hated. She thought about getting a one piece or something. The party wasn’t far away. And it didn’t matter that much. The nicest clothes she had were for funerals. So she just went with a normal outfit.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra walked into the party. The place was a huge apartment on the top floor in the rich district of the city. There were tons of people there. Lots of the rich men and hot women who were probably their wives looked at Terra weird. She had a scar across her face, and normal clothes on. Like she was going to a birthday party. Maybe everyone thought she was bad news because she was on the news as a terrorist. She was so stuck inside her own head, that she didn’t hear Simon say hi to her the first time.

Simon: Terra! You made it! This is the host of the party.

???: Name’s Charlie Patrick! Nice to meet you.

Terra: You too. This is your house? It’s huge!

Charlie: You don’t see things like this everyday, huh?

Terra: No. I don’t have any rich friends really.

Charlie: Hahaha! Rich friends can be a benefit. Enjoy the party!

Charlie walked away and started greeting more people.

Simon: You can go and see Lobo and Tempest. They saved a spot for you in the hottub. And now most people are afraid to go in there,

Simon pointed Terra to the hottub.

Tempest was in there with shorts on and Lobo had a two piece bathing suit on. Terra took her clothes off, her bathing suit under them.

Lobo: Hey Terra. How’s it going?

Terra: This place is weird. Everyone looks at me like I’m crazy.

Tempest: These people love the news. And a year and a half ago, you were a terrorist.

Terra: Fair. They should’ve forgotten that.

Tempest: You were a terrorist who allegedly fought for the freedom of metas.

Lobo: Imagine how much money these assholes made from that!

Tempest: They could’ve also lost money.

Terra: It doesn’t matter. I’m just a terrorist. That’s all there is to it.

Lobo: I don’t want to make you uncomfortable Terra. But what is that on your back?

Terra: Oh, this stupid fucking bird? I was tortured and branded with the symbol of a god.

Lobo: Well, it’s just that I know that symbol, and what it means.

Terra: How?

Lobo: Before I joined T.H.O.R.N. I knew Artemis.

Terra: Huh. It’s a small world. Wait, so…

Lobo: I don’t want to rip men’s dicks off all willy-nilly. I...left behind Artemis’s beliefs.

Terra: That’s good.

Lobo: I did hear about her death. I’m not surprised. She was the most likely to die. And so young, too.

Terra: What do you mean young?

Lobo: She was much, much older than us. But for an olympian she was young.

Terra: Damn.

Lobo: What about all those scars? They all must tell a story.

Tempest: You are covered from head to toe in scars, Terra.

Terra: Well, what’s that scar across your chest?

Tempest: I don’t know.

Lobo: He doesn’t like to talk about his past.

Terra: Well, this scar across my face is from a sword. I fought Integer’s husband, Ivan. We both had so much contempt for each other... That fight was probably one of my most intense.

Lobo: What about that burn scar?

Terra had a burn scar from the side of her cheeks and down her neck, and above her chest.

Terra: That was from a laser blast that Integer shot at me, from a gigantic mech she made. That fight was probably the hardest fight I fought. She was so mad...And so was I. That was both of our final chances.

Tempest: Are you even telling the truth? Did you really beat Integer? She is supposed to be extremely powerful! Look at you! You’re not even that powerful, Sae could kill you.

Terra: I had armor that made me extremely powerful. Made by the olympians themselves.

Lobo: I mean, those are second degree burns. You must’ve been able to take a lot in that armor.

Terra: I was so powerful in that armor. It was like a drug.

Terra pointed at the scar on her stomach that led up to her lower chest.

Terra: This was another sword,

She pointed out three stab wounds across her stomach.

Terra: These three were stab wounds.

Terra brought up her leg from the water.

Terra: This was a gash from a huge wolf. That was a long time ago.

Terra finally sat all the way down and let herself rest.

Tempest: You are really flexing. I know this one is from a stab wound, this one is from an acid meta. This was a meta dog of some sort. I hated that one.

Lobo: Seriously, you two are comparing scars?

Terra: Hey, it’s not a competition. Scars just make you cooler.

Tempest: You may as well just walk around naked so everyone can see those scars.

Terra: I doubt people would look at my scars.

Lobo: Yeah, you fucking perv!

Lobo smacked Tempest on the head.

Tempest: Hey! I will throw hands in this hot tub!

Terra laughed.

Terra: No throwing hands. Aren’t we supposed to relax?

Tempest: And it’s even better, they're scared of us. The little rich assholes are afraid of us. Them coming in here would be like lambs to the slaughter.

Terra: Jeez. That’s dark.

Tempest: I like to kill people, what’s the problem?

Lobo: He’s edgy.

Terra: Now I see why you and Sae got along so well…

Tempest: She was more of an extra bit of fun.

Lobo: Sae chewed my ear off talking about the times they screwed.

Terra: I didn’t ask for details!

Tempest: We’re all adults here.

Lobo: You are nineteen now, right Terra?

Terra: Oh yeah, I am. I’m still getting used to this whole adulting thing. Even though I’ve technically been at it since I was seventeen.

Lobo: You know you aren’t an adult until you’re eighteen. Right?

Tempest laughed at Terra. She also laughed.

Terra: No, I just got my apartment when I was seventeen. I had to give away part of my armor.

Lobo: Tempest, you haven’t said much about your past. What’s up in that head of yours?

Tempest: I am a weapon. Weapons don’t care about their past.

Terra: Oh, so you’re back to being all broody and serious? I thought you were lightening up to us.

Tempest: I’m not broody! I’m full of life.

Terra: I thought weapons don’t have lives.

Lobo laughed.

Lobo: Here, I’m going to get some drinks. I’ll let you two mingle.

Lobo got out of the hot tub and walked away.

Terra: Well, she is interesting.

Tempest: She’s annoying. A little heckler.

Terra: I don’t think she thinks the same of you. She seems to like you. You seem like brother and sister.

Tempest: That’s a little much. As a matter of fact. That’s very extreme.

Terra: How many friends have you had?

Tempest: I’ve had acquaintances if anything. I don’t recall having any friends.

Terra: What do you mean you don’t recall having any friends?

Tempest: My memory is...fuzzy.

Terra: Will you tell me more?

Tempest: No.

Terra: Figured. Could you tell me what you remember?

Tempest sighed.

Tempest: I have true memories dating back two years ago.

Terra: Are they all with T.H.O.R.N?

Tempest: Yes.

Terra: W-

Tempest: No more questions.

Terra: You don’t like talking about yourself. Well, unless it’s gloating.

Tempest: What does that mean?

Terra: It’s not a competition. But I do have more scars.

Tempest got out of the hot tub. He turned around, showing scars on his back. He also had some along his feet. He got into the hot tub again.

Tempest: Take a look.

Tempest beckoned Terra. He showed a bunch of marks embedded in his neck. They were a bunch of small scars.

Terra: What are those?

Tempest: I don’t know what those are from.

Terra: Hmm.

Tempest: So in counting. I have more scars. Like you said. It isn’t a competition.

Terra: Very funny.

They stood in silence. Looking at each other. Terra was the first to notice it was for too long.

Lobo: Seriously Tempest? Your quiet mysterious hot guy with a six pack act is getting through already?

Tempest: Drink, please.

Lobo handed drinks to the two.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

The party crawled to an end. By the end it had started thundering. Everyone was inside. Terra said farewell to Lobo and Simon.

Simon: Before you go, here’s something that might get you out of a jamn if you need it. It’s always good to have a backup.

Terra: That’s one thing I’ve learned over the years. Thanks.

Simon handed Terra a gun of some sort. Terra was disappointed she couldn’t say goodbye to Tempest. But it was getting late. She started walking out. As she got to the elevator. Tempest came out of the elevator. Terra was startled.

Terra: Oh! Hi Tempest. I’m on my way out, so…

Tempest: Get back in the elevator. I have a question to ask you.

Terra: What? W-what kind of question?

Tempest: Don’t stand there, come on.

The elevator started going to the bottom floor.

Tempest: I just had a simple question, what did you dream about last night?

Terra: Uh...that’s a weird question.

Tempest: Because you were in my dream.

Terra got a little flustered by this, was it a flirting technique?

Terra: Uh...Thanks?

Tempest: What kind of answer is that? I had a dream, I was in a vat. And you were in a chair. I saw you get shot.

Terra: Holy shit…

They noticed they were just standing still in the elevator. And people were waiting to get in. Terra got even more flustered and got out of the elevator with Tempest.

Terra: I did have a nightmare like that, I saw you in a testing tube, and someone shot me in the head.

Tempest: We shared dreams. Interesting.

Terra: What does that mean?

Tempest: I have no idea. Either way, it’s my problem.

Terra: It’s mine too if I’m getting shot in the head in your dreams! Tell me if you see me in one of your dreams again!

Tempest: Affirmative. Goodbye.

Tempest stepped in the elevator.

Terra: See ya later.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra stepped into her apartment. She saw that a bunch of her belongings were trashed all throughout the room. Her various drawers were opened, and she saw her closet was opened. She realized her armor was gone. And her heart sank. She looked out her window. No sign of someone who could be the culprit. She heard one step in her bathroom. She kicked down the door. And got shot in the stomach by an arrow. She looked ahead, two woman in red, expensive, stylish dresses. They both held Artemis’s bows. They started shooting arrow after arrow at Terra. She reacted quickly and sniped arrows out of the air as they came at her and threw them back at the woman. They dodged. And arrows collided. Until there were no more arrows in their quivers. Terra was holding two.

Terra: Explain yourselves! Before I gouge your eyes out with these arrows!

Terra was enraged. How did they get here?

One of the women stepped back and signaled for the other to lower her bow. She stepped forward.

Woman: I am Elizabeth. Our leader. Delta, wants to speak with you.

## Issue 5 - Rising Phoenix

Terra stood in front of the two women.

Terra: Don’t independent women not need a leader?

Elizabeth: She saved us from doom. The highest honor a member can achieve is being the rising phoenix.

Terra: Ugh, rising phoenix.

Elizabeth: She wants to talk to you.

Terra: I heard you the first time. I’m guessing she wants to kill me. Let’s get this over with. Tell her we’ll meet up in a place of her choosing. I don’t care. She wants a fight, I’ll bring it.

Elizabeth: That’s just what she wants.

Terra: Or tell her we can stop this. And we can go on with our lives as normal.

Elizabeth: That’s not how it works. You…

The woman behind Elizabeth lashed out.

Woman: You were the cause of Artemis’s death! Burn in hell! The next best thing to me killing you is the rising phoenix killing you herself. In front of all of us. In fact. That may be better.

Terra: Yes! Rejoice in my death. Give me my armor back, and I’ll be wherever she wants me to be.

Elizabeth: You’ll get it back when you fight her.

Terra: I’ll take it over now.

Elizabeth: You’ll get it when we say so.

Terra blitzed Elizabeth. She threw a punch, Terra dodged, grabbed her arm and got it behind her. She slammed Elizabeth into her sink. It was cracked a little.

Terra: That was just being light. Hand it over.

Elizabeth nodded to the woman. She picked up a duffle bag with Terra’s armor in it and handed it to her.

Terra: Get out. Tell Delta we’ll meet at the abandoned factory on 45th. At 7 pm tomorrow.

Terra let Elizabeth go. And both of the women left Terra’s apartment. Terra saw her picture of her family was cracked. Her heart sunk. She took it out of the frame. The picture was untouched. She put it in one of her dressers. She picked up the empty frame, screamed in anger and whipped it across the room. It shattered into pieces.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra was at a security store. She was looking around at safes. Terra saw a safe that looked like it could fit her armor. A worker came over to her.

Worker: In the market for a safe?

Terra: Yeah, a safe that’s about my height. Taller.

Worker: Ah, you’ll like this baby. It’s got five active locking bolts and three fixed. It’s waterproof and fireproof.

Terra: Awesome! I’ll take it!

Worker: Let me get something to move-

Terra: I got it!

Terra picked up the safe with both hands. She brought it over to a register. The worker’s mouth fell to the floor. She paid for the safe and went to leave. The worker came to Terra.

Worker: Would you be, perhaps looking for a job? We need someone to work security, you clearly have the muscle for it. Whoever you are.

Terra: I appreciate the compliment. But I have a job that I could be called for anytime. Why don’t you already have one?

Worker: Since metas and mutants were let out of those prisons, stores have been getting robbed all over. It’s been like a battlefield.

Terra: I wish I could do more. I’ll ask one of my friends if they’d like to take the position. I think I have someone who needs a job.

Worker: Bless your soul! What’s your name?

Terra: I’m Terra.

Worker: You can call me Reggie. It’s nice to meet you.

Terra made it home with the safe. And stuck it in her closet. She got her armor stand and stuck her armor on it. She closed it and opened it. She closed it again and punched it. Leaving a dent.

Terra: if I’m not breaking in, there aren’t many others who could.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

A man was inside a store talking to his boss. They were at the register.

Man: So, how’s the wife?

Boss: You start with that? She’s fine. She’s scared of all these meta and mutant riots. She told me not to go to work today.

Man: Heh, what'd you say back?

Boss: I’m the only one making money in the damn house! She cooks and cleans. Feeds the kids. Can you believe she wanted to get a job? I had to put her in her place.

Man: Yeah. I bet you showed her.

Delta came into the store. She started walking the aisles. She had changed her clothes. She had an all black armor. The armor she had from hannah. She had fit it so it went around her body perfectly. She wore a coat with a rising phoenix on her back. It was short, only going down to her sides, a little past her chest. She wore a dress over black pants that went down to her knees. She wore big boots. Her hair was more groomed this time, still short. It was a pixie cut. Cut all the way on one side, and her hair was slicked over.

Man: Anything we can do for you, miss?

Delta: Oh, yes there is in fact.

Delta walked up to the register. She put down a candy bar.

Delta: What was that you said about your wife?

Boss: Our conversation shouldn’t be your problem.

Delta grabbed the man by the scruff and pulled him over the desk and threw him behind her. The boss took out a gun and shot Delta in the chest. But the bullet ricochet off of her and hit the wall. He was confused and shot another. She blocked it with her arm and grabbed his arm. She put one hand on his shoulder and ripped his arm off. Blood poured everywhere. She took his gun and shot him in the head. Delta looked at the gun and smiled. The man started backing up on the aisle.

Man: Please! Don’t! I didn’t do anything to you!

Delta: You are a scum to society. You will all die.

Delta shot him in the legs, and then in the arms. The man screamed in pain.

Man: STOP!

Delta aimed the gun at his head. But when she shot nothing came out.

Delta: You are unlucky today.

Delta stood above his head. She rested her boot on his head. And stepped down. She walked outside. Where the cops had rushed on the scene. They all held guns. They were advanced weapons of some kinds. They had small shields.

Cop: Fire! She’s armed and dangerous!

They shot their guns. They shot red plasma beams. They bounced off of Delta’s armor. And killed some of the cops on sight.

Delta: I do like this.

Delta shot her gun, the cops' shields opened up to block Delta’s bullets.

Delta: They have toys! Delightful!

Cop: Aim for the head!

Delta beat her hands on her chest and raised them in the air.

Cop: She’s surrendering!

A flurry of arrows came out of nowhere, and killed all the rest of the cops on sight.

Delta turned around, and jumped up the building. She met her woman at the top.

Delta: Good job! Rejoice!

Everyone clapped and bowed for Delta. She gladly took the praise. And raised her hands in the air. Elizabeth came to Delta.

Elizabeth: Terra Lorenz answered your call. She will fight.

Delta smiled.

Delta: Good. I’ll teach her respect.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra put her armor on. She thought about her last fight. She felt bad. But she didn’t want to deal with anymore olympian antics. She walked down the street with her fur coat on, to hide her armor. Plus, it was storming outside. She walked into the abandoned factory. A group of women were all walking around. They were all wearing new outfits, not the outfits Artemis had made them wear. They all had their own outfits. Fitting their personality. They all looked expensive. The group turned and saw Terra. Their expressions turned serious. They all got in a circle around Terra. Delta walked through them, into the circle. She squared off with Terra.

Terra: Hey Delta.

Delta: Long time no see, traitor.

Terra: I’m a traitor?

Delta: You could’ve joined us. But you led to the demise of my mom. If I never met you, things would’ve been as they should’ve been. But you destroy everything around you.

Terra: I’m sorry about your mom. I didn’t intend for her to join the fight. We could just leave eachother alone.

Delta: That’s not how that works.

Delta took out a gun. She shot it in the air. And the glass part of the roof shattered above them. Glass fell down. Everyone ducked. Delta stayed still. Rain came through the roof.

Delta: Zeus is mad. What did you do?

Terra: I did nothing.

Delta: Maybe he’ll like it if I kill you.

Terra realized Delta had blood on herself, some on her coat, and dried blood on her boot.

Terra: What did you do? Who did you kill?

Delta: One thing I didn’t agree with was the way my mom handled the problem with the world. I’m here to fix it.

Terra: Fix what?

Delta: All of them. All men must die. We’ve been held back by them for too long.

Terra: You’re insane.

Delta: They think we can’t work for ourselves. We can’t fend for ourselves. They treat us like we’re weaklings. Hundreds of years we’ve stayed below them. I’m fixing the problem at its source.

Terra: All men don’t want that! Why would you think all belittle women!?

Delta: I know it! I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

Terra: I can’t even argue with you. You’re too blinded by hate. Let’s just get this over with.

Delta: Gladly! I’ll end your life! Everyone!

Everyone but Terra: For Artemis!

Terra came up and threw a roundhouse kick into a spinning back kick. Delta took out two guns. She aimed it down at Terra’s foot as she threw her kick. Terra kept her hand close to her leg, and the bullet bounced off her gauntlet. She kicked Delta with another back kick, Delta made her gauntlets snap off of her, she telekinetically made them attack Terra with punches. Terra dodged, and slid under. She kicked at Delta from the ground. As Terra slid, a plant vine came out of the ground and trapped Terra under it. Delta stood above her and shot at Terra’s head. She blocked with her gauntlets. And jumped up. She threw a flying knee at Delta. Who kicked her in the stomach. She took out a long stick. It flipped out and a gigantic two headed axe was shown now. Delta swung with one hand. Terra blocked with both of her gauntlets. And she was slammed down with the force. Delta got up close and put her gun to Terra’s stomach. Terra got hit hard in the back by Delta’s flying gauntlets. She fired multiple shots into Terra’s stomach. The bullets went right through her. Delta jumped back and slashed her axe across Terra’s chest. Hitting her breastplate hard. Terra fell over. Gasping and moaning. She took out a gun of her own. And fired it into the air. It was a flare. It blinded everyone in the room.

Delta: Everyone! Bows! Now!

All the women pulled their bows and shot in Terra’s general direction. As Terra ran out. She got stabbed through the back with multiple arrows. She ran a block down. To T.H.O.R.N’s headquarters. She got to the door, and opened it. As she walked in she collapsed on the ground.

## Issue 6 - What We Fight For

Terra’s ears were ringing. Her vision was blurry.

Lobo: The fuck happened to her?!

Tempest: I don’t know!

Lobo: Get her into the medbay!

Simon: She had no orders! How did that happen?

Lobo: Everyone out! I have to work on this in the quiet!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra opened her eyes. She went to stand up. But immediately laid back down. She had one of her arms in a sling, and bandages around her stomach.

Lobo: Don’t move.

Lobo was on a computer, reporting Terra’s status.

Lobo: I had to heal you. But you aren’t going to be throwing kicks for a little while.

Terra: What?

Lobo: You heard me.

Terra: What happened? What day is it?

Lobo: You collapsed at the door a couple days ago. You had severe wounds from gunshots, your chest was nearly caved in, and you had a shitton of arrows wedged into you. What the hell happened? Was it...Artemis related?

Terra: It was. How long were you with Artemis?

Lobo: For about ten years. Why?

Terra: Was there a girl named Delta there?

Lobo: Ugh, old Delta. She was apparently raised by Artemis since she was a baby. A person like that could be very problematic in the future.

Terra: She’s the new leader. And I fought her thinking I could beat her.

Lobo: What?! You fought her?! With no plan at all?!

Terra: I did have a backup. That flare gun that Simon gave me saved my life. I never expected Delta to be that powerful. She demolished me. I only landed a couple hits on her.

Lobo: What did she have?

Terra: Dual pistols, new armor, and a gigantic fucking axe.

Lobo: God. She is a lunatic. Who knew what she did to get all that.

Terra: She talked about killing all men.

Lobo: She was taught Artemis’s twisted values from birth. It makes sense she is like this. I don’t think she’d kill a woman. Unless they are in her way. Or she hates them. You’re both, She probably thinks you're done. Or you died on your way back home.

Terra: Maybe. She does seem to destroy anything in her path.

Lobo: She’s kind of like you, no offense. She steamrolls in. Thinking she’ll just “win.” She’s never had a real physical challenge in a fight.

Terra: Maybe that’s why she freaked out so much when I beat her. That’s why I thought it wouldn’t be a problem the second time. Even if my armor wasn’t enchanted.

Lobo: Let me see if she has a profile in the B.L.A.D.E records.

Lobo typed on the computer. And she saw a picture of Delta, next to a bunch of statistics.

Lobo: Oh my god…

Terra: What?

Lobo: She has over five hundred confirmed kills.

Terra: What?!

Lobo: She was sighted all across the country. With a group of twenty women around her.

Terra: We have to do something about this. We can’t let her hurt anymore innocents!

Lobo: You’re in no condition to fight. One of your shoulders was shattered from a hit. And your chest is banged up too. Rest. We’ll see what T.H.O.R.N can do about this. All this meta shit was a perfect cover for her.

Terra: So good you missed hundreds of kills?

Lobo: We aren’t always in the loop. B.L.A.D.E could’ve already sent someone to take her. I’ll get Tempest, The Detonator, and our newbie. We’ll end it quickly.

Terra: Be careful.

Lobo: You are permitted to leave. Don’t go hard on yourself, you’re injured.

Terra: Okay.

Terra slowly sat up and got to her feet. As she walked she could already feel her wounds aching. She opened the door to the main room in the headquarters.

Terra: And Lobo, thank you.

Lobo: Yeah, it’s my job.

Terra closed the door. Tempest was sitting outside.

Terra: Hey Tempest.

Tempest: Hello.

Terra felt no response from Tempest. She started walking out.

Tempest: Are you okay, Terra?

Terra: Yes. I’m alright. I guess.

Tempest: You don’t look alright. Who’d you fight that fucked you up so bad?

Terra explained her Delta situation to Tempest.

Tempest: She kills out of hate. She’s a coward. I agree with Lobo. We will take care of her.

Terra: She isn’t a pushover. She did beat me.

Tempest: And?

Terra: How powerful are you, really?

Tempest: As I told you, I’m a weapon. I’ve been like this as far back as I can remember. I’ve lost a very little amount of the scuffles I’ve been in.

Terra: I wish you luck. She won’t be easy.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra was walking down the block to her apartment.

Terra: Son of a…

She saw a huge inscription on the apartment, spread across the face of the building. “BRING ME TERRA Lorenz.” Terra turned around and walked away. She kept her head down. She looked into a window, and saw a newspaper. She thought she saw something on one of the articles. She went in the store and picked up a newspaper. One of the articles towards the bottom drew her eye. “Themis detective agency”

Terra: Themis is still here?

Terra had pretty much nowhere to stay. She couldn’t go near her apartment complex. People would be in more danger. And T.H.O.R.N was doing their own thing, Plus Simon offset Terra a bit. She called Themis’s number. He picked up.

Themis: Hello this is Themis speaking. What can I do for you on this fine day?

Terra: It’s Terra.

Themis: The fuck do you want?

Terra: I know I sound like an asshole asking this, But can I stay with you for a little while. I can’t go to my apartment.

Themis: Sounds like more of a you problem. You left behind the universe when it needed you. Seems like a small price for me to forget about you.

Terra: Look! I’m sorry I didn’t go to skyland! I need your help. It’s about Artemis.

Themis: That’s why my business started to pop back up...There have been sightings of women with Artemis style bows.

Terra: So you believe me? Let me stay, please.

Themis: Fine. Get your sorry ass over here.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra found Themis’s office. She walked in. He was on the phone pacing around. Terra went and sat at Themis’s desk. She felt like she couldn’t bear to stand for another hour. She rested her arm that was in a sling on the desk. Themis got off the phone.

Themis: Now what in the hell happened to you?

Terra: You remember Delta?

Themis: Oh yeah, the bitch that petrified me. She did that to you?

Terra: She was stronger than I thought.

Themis: Even I would bet on you winning. She was a pushover in your fight, wasn’t she?

Terra: I wouldn’t go that far. But I won.

Themis: Well, I have a couple investigations that need to be done. I got a job for you while I’m gone.

Terra: I’m injured. I can’t really do much.

Themis: But you can organize my desk!

Terra: I don’t even know where anything goes.

Themis: Don’t worry I’ll explain it to you.

Themis gave Terra a long, drawn out explanation of where to put all his miscellaneous papers and folders spread throughout his desk.

Themis: You got all that?

Terra: Huh? Yeah, I got it.

Themis: Alright. I’ll be back in a jiffy.

Terra spent almost all afternoon organizing. She slid around on Themis’s chair. And only really used one hand. Pure shitwork wasn’t something Terra was used too.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Back at T.H.O.R.N, Lobo came into the main room. She sat down next to Tempest.

Lobo: You look like you’re lost in thought as normal.

Tempest: What makes you think that?

Lobo: You thinking of your dreams?

Tempest: Not right now, no.

Lobo: Are you thinking of...someone?

Tempest: Why do you want to know?

Lobo: Well, you’ve acted differently since Terra showed up.

Tempest: What are you talking about?

Lobo: You seem more open around her, you know?

Tempest: No. I don’t know.

Lobo: Like right now, you’re acting like your edgy self.

Tempest: I did share a dream with her, or we had a very similar dream. She may be the missing puzzle piece to my past.

Lobo: You should probably tell her you don’t remember anything then.

Tempest: She already knows.

Lobo: See? You told her that shit the first time you hung out! That’s not normal!

Tempest: I’m going to kill that Delta person.

Lobo: To protect her? Awww! I wish you would do that for me…

Tempest: A puzzle missing one piece is useless.

Simon came down from his office. The main room had a flight of stairs that led to Simon’s office from the side.

Simon: From what I know, Delta is a tough one. And she must be another one of those meta filth. I’m assigning The Detonator over.

The Detonator came behind Lobo and touched her shoulder. She jumped. He waved to her.

Simon: And I found a new member, meet Millie! Or “Repulse” if you like.

Millie came out of Simon’s office.

Millie: Nice to meet all of you!

Lobo: Ha! Another girl on the team!

Millie came around and shook hands with everyone. She then stood next to Lobo.

Simon: Unlike Detonator, sadly. She’ll be working closely with you. She’s new to B.L.A.D.E. So push her limits.

Tempest: Don’t slow us down.

Lobo: This is your first mission. This’ll show you how the job is always going to be like.

Millie: Right.

Simon: Delta is one of the worst metas. I want you to bring her back here, dead or alive.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Themis walked into the office. It was a little bit cleaner than earlier. Terra was standing up. She put some papers and files away. She walked back to Themis’s chair. And slowly sat back down.

Themis: Terra, can’t you heal yourself?

Terra: I don’t think so.

Themis: I’m pretty sure you're powerful enough to heal.

Terra: I can use the power of olympus. But I’m limited. With my old armor I could do anything in my toolkit.

Themis: You need to do something about those wounds. You can’t just be dead weight.

Terra: It’s my fault. I even thought I had a plan that time. But it was barely anything. I was mad at Artemis, at Delta. If I didn’t use that flare I would’ve been dead. But I could’ve gotten out with a good arm, and less bullet holes.

Themis: I saw the way you use your powers. Reckless. You think you can blow through anything. Like a tank. That’s not always going to work.

Terra: It’s the reason Krilla died, the reason Donny died, the reason Mike, and Amala…

Themis: Tell yourself that if you want. The past is the past. You can’t do bullshit about it. So do something about it in the present. To pay back those you’ve lost.

Terra: Themis. Did something happen to…

Themis: Something did happen to my friends. They were all violently burnt to death in the bottom of hell.

Terra: I’m sorry.

Themis: Look at this. Another case. You’ll like it. It involves Psyche, remember her?

Terra: Yeah.

Themis: She’s been causing anomalies. Let’s go take care of it.

Terra: You want me to come? I can’t do anything!

Themis: I have a plan. Watch and learn.

## Issue 7 - Blood Red Rivers

T.H.O.R.N was jumping across buildings. They got to a long building and started walking.

Lobo: So Millie, why’d you join T.H.O.R.N?

Millie: You haven’t heard of Repulse?

Lobo: I know about her, she’s a small town hero. People who were helped by her do talk about her.

Millie: Really? As Repulse I made nothing. I had to work a day job, while I went out as Repulse at night. It was stressful. I also had to care for my little brother. He can take care of himself. But he was by himself for so long when I left new york a year ago.

Lobo: You were with Terra. Right?

Millie: You know her?

Lobo: Yes. She’s funny. I’m surprised I met someone like her in this city.

Millie: I felt the same when I first met her. That girl has a heart of gold.

Lobo: She’s pretty stubborn. Never seems to sit still.

Millie: She’s one of the good ones.

Tempest: Quiet. We’re getting close. We know that Delta has about twenty others with her.

Lobo: Get ready.

Millie cut herself on the arm a couple times.

Lobo: What are you doing?

Millie: Preparing.

Tempest: We’re going to flank. I will sneak around on one side, detonator will place explosives and detonate only if things go bad. You two will attack and distract those bastards.

Lobo & Millie: Got it.

Detonator gave a thumbs up.

Detonator and Tempest jumped off the side of the roof.

Lobo: Let’s go. These women had bows and very good aim. Delta is considered extremely dangerous. She has a gigantic axe, armor, and guns. She hits hard. So be careful.

Millie: I’ll just have to hit harder than her.

Lobo: ...Right.

They both snuck into the warehouse. They were on a balcony. Looking down at the main room. About five of the girls were scattered throughout the room.

Lobo: I’ll take out three. You take the two. Be ready for more.

Lobo jumped into the room. She pointed one of her gauntlets at one of the woman. A small bullet was shot out. The bullet went right through her head. Millie jumped down. She punched the woman out with her robotic arm. The one closest to her grabbed Millie’s arm. It started to be encased with stone. She put her other arm out, and let out her blast that was prepared from earlier. She slammed her hand on the ground, and the stone broke off. The other woman went to sound an alarm. A knife came out of Lobo’s gauntlet, she slashed for her neck. She blocked the knife and kicked Lobo back.

Woman: Lobo? You’re back, and you’re against us...Wh-

Millie came from behind and knocked her out.

Lobo: Thank god. I didn’t want to have to deal with that.

Millie: You were with these woman?

Lobo: You know who they are, right?

Millie: Their part of Artemis’s army, right?

Lobo: You can call them that. I was with them. I regret it.

???: You doubt being with me? With us?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

2 minutes ago...

Tempest had separated from The Detonator. He was going around. He clicked a small button on his mask. A covering went over his eyes. A bunch of stats came up in front of his face. They were like goggles. He could see through the wall. He saw a woman sitting on her bed. She didn’t seem to be paying much attention to her surroundings. Tempest sliced an x in the wall quickly. He broke through the wall and slashed the girl’s throat before she could react. He realized he was around the sleeping quarters of all the girls. He got into the hall. And looked for signals. He snuck past all the rooms. He got to a room with no signals and kicked down a door. He went to move again, but someone grabbed him. He instantly swung his sword. He slashed the sword across Delta’s neck. But there was no blood. Her armor blocked the shot.

Delta: Who do you think you are? Sneaking in here? This is where men come to die. Or well, get added to the collection.

Delta had her hand resting on Tempest’s arm. As she spoke. He was covered in stone. And quickly petrified. She heard yelling in the main area. And saw Millie, and Lobo. Who she immediately recognized.

Millie: Their part of Artemis’s army, right?

Lobo: You can call them that. I was with them. I regret it.

Delta: You doubt being with me? With us?

Lobo: I bet that’s hard for you to believe. You were Artemis’ little star pupil.

Delta: I’m making her wish come true. I’m fulfilling her final wish.

Delta remembered Artemis’ words.

Artemis: You want to prove yourself. Get new armor from Skyland. Kill Te-

Delta: I have to kill Terra, and I’ll purify the world.

Lobo: I knew you were crazy.

Millie: I saw you at the Integer incident. I didn’t know you hated Terra so much.

Delta: She took everything from me. Now I’ll take everything from her, starting with you.

Millie: Then do it bitch.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra and Themis were walking down the street.

Terra: What’s your plan anyway?

Themis: Psyche has been trying to summon olympian entities.

Terra: Like what? A minotaur?

Themis: Maybe.

Terra: That was a joke…

Themis: Olympian’s don’t understand jokes. Their stupid and petty. Mostly petty. Jokes to them are attempts at one-upping each other. The only reason Psyche was adopted by Ares was to piss off Hades.

Terra: Why?

Themis: Because she was adopted from hell. Ares wanted his kid to be more powerful than Hades’ kids.

Terra: What a dick.

Themis: It’s not just Artemis. They're all assholes.

Themis stopped.

Themis: She’s close by.

Terra: I can barley fight. What am I supposed to do.

Themis: Sit there and look pretty.

Terra: What?

Themis: Come on.

They went into an office building. They started walking around the labyrinth of computer sections and tables.

Themis: Get ready.

A rope came flying out of nowhere. It tied around Terra.

Themis: Jackpot.

Themis whipped his sword out and cut Psyche’s rope in half before she could pull Terra back.

Psyche: There’s another one here?

Themis: I canceled my scent with olive oil.

Terra: What?

Themis: Olympian’s hate olive oil. Their noses evolved so they can’t smell it.

Psyche: You are still smart. We know how this fight ends.

Themis: Yeah, you die. But I’m willing to bargain.

Psyche: You’re willing to bargain?

Themis: I know a lot about olympians. But I always hated your incantations. Enchant Terra’s armor, and we’ll talk.

Psyche: What makes you think I’d know it?

Themis: Ares teaches you all the incantations. That’s how you were trying to get home. What do you need to get home?

Psyche: ...I need someone to say the incantation. While I stand in the summoning circle.

Themis: Let’s do it then. You enchant Terra’s armor. And I send you home.

Psyche: Fine.

Psyche shook Themis’s hand. A magic circle went around both of their hands.

Themis: Now we both have to do as we just said.

Psyche: I thought you said you hated incantations.

Themis: That doesn’t mean I don’t know a couple nifty ones.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Delta shot a barrage of bullets at Lobo and Millie. Lobo shot her wrist guns with pinpoint accuracy, and the bullets flying through the air at them collided together, Millie jumped through the barrage and threw a punch at Delta. Delta caught Millie’s fist. Millie slid backwards and threw a kick, and then clapped her hands together. Delta got hit by her energy blast. But was mostly unphased.

Delta: I don’t have time for extras.

Delta slapped Millie aside. Lobo came in with her knife. She tried stabbing Delta in the head. She blocked it and kicked Lobo on the stomach. She took out her gigantic axe.

Delta: I won’t kill you two. But I’ll most certainly get you out of my way.

Lobo blocked a kick from Delta. She jumped far back, away from Delta. Millie jumped back next to her,

Millie: I have a plan. We need to work together. Not attack separately. Terra told me stories about the way she fought with Kai. Try this.

Millie whispered something to Lobo. She got up close to Delta. She punched her in the gut and threw a spinning back kick. Delta barley slid back. She shot her gun at Millie. She moved fast enough to block the shot. Millie got her hand quickly to Delta’s side. She closed her fist, hoping to puncture something. Delta was confused as to what was happening. She swung up with her axe. Millie jumped back. And let her robotic hand fall into the swing of it. She started storing up power. Delta swung violently down. Millie jumped back and then fell in with a hook kick to Delta’s face. She got angry and took out both of her guns. She shot her shot. Millie got shot through the shoulder from the back, and Lobo’s bullet skidded off of Delta’s. Delta got hit in the chest. And was knocked down from the shot. Millie was also knocked down. Delta got to her feet quickly. Her armor was fine. Millie got to her feet too,

Delta: So much for teamwork.

She threw a punch. Millie dodged under and punched Delta in the stomach. Letting out all the excess energy. Delta went flying backward. She flew into the wall. Her gauntlets came off of her and hit Millie in the face. She fell to the ground from the blow. Lobo blocked a hit from the armor. She helped Millie to her feet while blocking shots.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra: So…I’m pretty sure I got the power of olympus when I fused with the Artemis book.

Themis: The Artemis book and Artemis armor were connected. Without one, the other is weaker. That’s why you were fucked up by Delta.

Psyche: Delta...I remember her. She was with Artemis’ little rebellion.

Themis: So you all did know of what Artemis was doing.

Psyche: She was a bitch. That’s basically all.

Themis: Let’s get this underway. Come into my office.

Psyche walked into Themis’s office.

Psyche: Looks tidy. Here will be a good place.

Psyche stood in an empty part of the room.

Psyche: This will cause extreme strain on your mind and soul Terra.

Terra: When I fused with that book it was all physical. I guess I can see why it’s mind strain here.

Psyche: It really makes no sense.

Themis: You can easily wear that armor on your body. But you need to be spiritually in tune with it to truly get its powers.

Terra: Let’s do it.

Psyche broke out laughing.

Psyche: And die? This isn’t a joke. You need to be free of any excess stress. Or you’ll die during the interaction. Your spirit is going to leave your mind. When it returns you will be much stronger. You need to be prepared. So get some sleep, meditate, do whatever!

Themis: It is getting late. Take a rest. I’m going home.

Psyche: What about me?

Themis: Sleep there. Don’t kill the kid.

Psyche: Why can’t I sleep at your house? You have a bed!

Themis: Not a chance. I’m not sleeping with an olympian again.

Psyche: Again?

Themis: Night bitches. I’ll be back in the morning. There’s pillows and blankets, along with this big gigantic pillow you can sleep on. It’s like a beanbag bed.

Themis left the room.

Psyche: Rude. I’m going to find a place to sleep.

Terra ripped sleeping stuff out of Themis’s closet. She fell into thoughts. She needed to be ready for this interaction? Mentally sound, rid of any mental baggage. She forced herself to let her thoughts float away. Olympians, T.H.O.R.N, Delta, Integer, Amala. Since Terra killed Amala by herself she couldn’t get her out of her head. She would have still been here, Leon might’ve been happier. No! Those thoughts were supposed to be pushed away. So she could be ready. Rest was best.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Delta grabbed her axe and jumped off the wall. She bore down on Millie and Lobo. Who weren’t ready for it. A streak came past Delta, and Tempest blocked the shot. He was shot violently down by the block. He jumped back, along with the girls.

Delta: How did you…?

Tempest: Prepare to die.

Tempest teleported behind Delta and slashed down. Delta grabbed Tempest’s blade and ripped it down. A plant vine came from the ground and held Tempest down. She slammed down her axe. Tempest teleported away and slashed for the back of her head. She ducked forward and shot behind her, the gunshot clinked off of Tempest’s armor. And then ricochet back to hit him in the back, right where a bullet could break through his armor. Tempest jumped back and blitzed Delta. A red aura came around her. She slipped into her own version of a destruction form. Her increase in speed allowed her to block all of Tempest’s hits. Until she decided to counterattack. He knew it was time to withdraw. The attack phased right through him. And he turned invisible to Delta’s eye. He got back to where Lobo and Millie were.

Tempest: This mission is a failure. Let’s go.

Lobo: Tempest! You’re bleeding!

Tempest: Do you think I don’t know that?

Delta ran at them. The Detonator showed himself in front of Delta. As they ran out the door. He pressed a button to a detonator. They ran off, and the entire building exploded in a blaze of glory. Shortly after, the police arrived. They started to search the wreckage. Delta broke out of the debris, and grabbed two cop’s heads and smashed them together. Killing them instantly. She had the glow of destruction. The cops laid down the heat. Delta massacred them all. Ripping off limbs. She shot them multiple times, she sliced them in two with her axe, There were still about fifteen of her women left. They shot down the rest of the police force.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra awoke. She had slept unexpectedly well. She rubbed her eyes and looked to her side. There was a big circle on the ground. With a phoenix burnt into Themis’s rug. Psyche was nonchalantly sipping a slushie above Terra.

Terra: How long have you been here?

Psyche: Demons have trouble sleeping at night. So I saved time and made this circle. And bought a slushie.

Terra: What else did you do?

Psyche: You don’t wanna know.

Themis walked into the room.

Themis: I guess you are pretty useful.

Psyche: You like me? I could be a big help to you.

Themis: That doesn’t change the fact that you’re going home. I don’t work with people like you.

Psyche: Then why did you do so already? You remember the underworld, you remember Hades.

Terra: You worked together?

Themis: I dated this bitch. Only thing I recall being good was the sex!

Terra: Ew! TMI!

Psyche: Your just going to forget them? The ones who died? Did you forget Seta, Emon, and Dimès?

Themis: You sold us out. You shouldn’t even be able to say their names.

Terra: Calm down! Both of you! I’m not supposed to be mentally stressed. So let’s do this before any more stress sets in.

Psyche: She’s right. Let’s get this done. Lay down in the circle. It’ll fit you. Right in the middle.

Terra laid down in the middle of the circle. It looked like wings were sprouting from her back.

Themis: Do your thing. Are you ready?

Terra: Yes.

Psyche stood in front of Terra. She looked down on her. She started doing hand signals. As she did these signals she spoke in greek. She put her hand on Terra’s forehead. She removed her hand, and it seemed Terra went unconscious. She held her hand up in the air. The essence that was Terra’s soul rose up. To Terra. She was ripped out of her body and shot into the air. She landed in the deep water. As she fell into the water her surroundings changed. She was in a pond of blood. She sat up.

Terra: Gritty. What is this place?

Someone called Terra. It was Amala sitting in the pond of blood. She was sitting near the shore. Most of her body engulfed in the red.

Amala: Sit down kid.

Terra hesitantly sat down next to Amala.

Amala: This is the blood of all the people I killed. And it doesn’t even account for most of them.

Terra: You were always really hypocritical. With all that shit about me not killing.

Amala: Do what I say, not as I do. I wish I could still be there. I wish I could teach you more about Artemis. About everything.

Terra: Wait, are you really Amala?

Amala: More like a construct of her soul. I wanted to die. But now that I’m gone I have so many regrets. So many things I missed.

Terra: I’m sorry. I killed you. We could’ve made things better.

Amala: I beg to differ. I’d been waiting to die anyway. Get me outta your head. There’s some bitch you have to take out.

Terra: She was with Artemis.

Amala: All the more reason to bring her down. Oh, and if you see my mom tell her I’m sorry.

Terra: Your mom?

Amala: That woman who was with us when we fought Empyrean. Her name is Kara. Just tell her I was wrong. And that I’m sorry.

Terra: I promise.

Amala: Don’t fuck up kid.

Amala seemed to dissolve into a pool of blood. And fused along with the pool. Terra wiped tears from her eyes and stood up. The blood started to dry on her. She had no idea where to go. So she walked on the beach. She realized the sand started to come to an incline. She was walking up some sort of mountain. Amala appeared again.

Amala: The one at the top of this mountain...I knew her. She is the one who cursed me with immortality. And burnt my mom. She was an intergalactic warlord. She killed tons of B.L.A.D.E’s top teams. You can’t fight her. You have to negotiate with her.

Terra: She has to be really powerful…This is for the armor, right?

Amala: Something like that. The odds are in your favor. But she is still ridiculously powerful.

It got even more rough as she made it to the top. When she finally did she saw a lone pool of blood. Someone violently shot out of it. She was stuck to four chains that seemed to dig deep into the mountain. She was gasping for air. And covered in blood. She seemed almost pleasured from the dip in blood. She smiled and looked at Terra. She had a red pupil. Her other eye was beyond repair. A huge gash around it. She wore an armor-like suit. Which glowed with a yellow light. It had small cracks all throughout it, where the yellow light was shone. Her hair was long, wet and out of whack.

Terra: Who are you?

???: I haven’t had visitors in so long! Who are you?

Terra: It doesn’t matter to you. This is about the Artemis armor.

???: That old piece of garbage?

Terra: Maybe to you. Apparently you’re super powerful.

Terra tried to stand tall. She was just...unsettling.

???: That’s right. If you won’t tell me your name, I’ll tell you mine. I’m Yuri.

She smiled wide at Terra.

Yuri: You can have the armor for all I care.

Terra: I don’t have it, that’s the thing. My armor is new. I need to connect to Olympus.

Yuri: Olympus...Before that bitch got the role...I was Artemis. The phoenix from the ashes.

Terra: What? I doubt it.

Yuri: You think I’m lying?

Terra: You wouldn’t be here if you were an olympian. Wherever “here” is.

Yuri laughed at her,

Yuri: You don’t even know where we are. That armor, it’s cheap, plastic shit compared to the olympian’s armor. If you truly want this armor, then why are you facing me?

Terra: You’re supposed to be another step towards my goal.

Yuri jerked towards Terra in her chains. Terra jumped.

Yuri: Ha! You are scared of me. I am pretty threatening.

Terra: Stop messing around!

Yuri: Why so serious? I want to see you shine!

Terra: I highly doubt that. I’m not fighting you. I’m leaving with what I need.

Yuri: ...Okay then. Mom! Get your ass down here!

Terra: What the fuck...You’re crazy.

A gigantic dragon flew down to the ground at blistering speeds. It stood right over Yuri.

Yuri: This is Hesial.

Terra recalled Themis talking about Hesial. But didn’t expect a dragon. She just stood there gawking,

Yuri: You broke her.

Terra: You’re a...real dragon? A REAL dragon?!

Hesial was covered in a large aura. She shrunk to human size, or as human as she could get. She was still about eight feet tall. Hesio was wearing a long white robe that came down to her calves. She wore a blue undershirt. And black tights. She wore long black boots and had a choker that had some sort of bead in it. The first thing Terra noticed were her gigantic dragon wings. They were smaller than her dragon form. But there nonetheless. She had horns coming from her head. She had hair that came down to about where her wings sprouted. It looked like it had been cut by her. Meaning it was very unevenly cut.

Hesial: Here’s a form humans take a liking to more. I hear they like hips, and these breasts here.

Terra: Y-yeah I get it!

Hesial: I’ve been watching you. Lots of the time. You are very interesting.

Terra: I-I came here in search of some sort of enhancer to my power.

Hesial: Power is not all there is to a person.

Terra: But there are people I know who think like that. Do you remember Delta?

Hesial: Doesn’t ring a bell. Was she with Artemis?

Terra: Yes.

Hesial: I’ll give you what you need. But that’ll mean you’ll have to get out of here fast.

Terra: Why?

Hesial: I can’t be here, and you shouldn’t either.

Terra: This was supposed to be really dangerous.

Hesial: You haven’t seen anything yet. This armor is sacred. It might even be a crime to take the armor’s power into your own armor. But one thing my children lack, the element of not giving a shit.

Yuri: Not giving a shit...eh?

Hesial: Quiet.

Yuri: These chains won’t hold me forever.

Terra: I’m hoping they do.

Hesial: Go down the mountain. You will get the armor’s enchantment there.

Terra thanked Hesial and walked past her. She looked at Yuri quickly. She then looked at Hesial.

Terra: Why? Why did you pick me? What makes me so special to be Artemis?

Hesial: Your tenacity. You believe in peace. You fight for it. You’re the person my children need. I would bring you straight to Skyland. But…

Hesial went quiet.

Terra: But what?

Hesial: Oh yeah, and you’re too stupid for your own good.

Terra: Wh-

Terra looked down at the long descent. She left Hesial and Yuri together.

Hesial: She’d better survive this, For the future.

Yuri: Stop talking to yourself. Artemis is like a curse. You got me, and then you got that crazy bitch. Terra will go bad. One way or another.

Hesial turned back into a dragon.

Hesial: I pray you are wrong.

She flew into the air. Out of sight. Yuri smiled, she was eying Hesial’s wings. Yuri started mumbling to herself.

## Issue 8 - Make This Right

Going down the mountain was certainly easier than going up. Terra looked around. She had no idea what she was looking for. Amala appeared next to her.

Terra: What even is this place?

Amala: You have to do lots of bad shit to end up here. There’s nothing to do and everything’s blood. This place is also where dead olympians end up. This is the lower wing of the underworld.

Terra: What? I’m in hell?!

Amala: The underworld and hell aren’t the same thing dumbass. The lower wing is the deepest pit of hell. The upper wing is where Hades and his pals Hitler and Osama hang.

Terra: So...Why are you here?

Amala: I was immortal. I lost count of the amount of people I’ve killed. Or the bad shit I did. Either way, I’m your guide here. Go forward. And you’ll get to the real challenge this place has to offer.

Terra: I’m getting what I need. And I’m getting out of here.

Amala: You can’t muscle your way out of this one like you always do, kid.

Terra: How am I supposed to come up with a strategy if I don’t know who I’m going against?

Amala: Start with coming up with a strategy for and against yourself. What if an olympian bastard steals your armor? Knowing yourself inside and out is the first step.

Terra: Knowing me…? I know everything about me! I’m...me!

Amala: Then why are you losing against someone who is virtually you. Just raised differently.

Terra: What are you talking about?

Amala: Delta was abandoned as a child. Just like you. She was picked up by Artemis. You were taken in by that village and your grandparents. Your views could’ve been twisted to be just like Delta’s.

Terra: I doubt it. I wouldn’t be like Delta. The way we act has to do with our natural habits?

Amala: Anyone can be molded into a monster. Just look at her.

Terra: Who?

Terra looked over. There was nobody there, She looked back for Amala. She was gone. Terra stood up.

Terra: Knowing yourself inside and out is the first step…

An arrow flew right past Terra’s head. It cut off some of her hair. She looked ahead. Hundreds of yards away from her she saw an archer with a large white tunic. And red hair. There could only be one person in the underworld that fit that description.

Terra: Artemis…

Terra ran towards Artemis. Arrow after arrow flew past her. Until Artemis decided to land one. An arrow went directly through her stomach. She was thrown to the ground from this blow.

Terra: I need a game plan. I can’t just run in.

Terra ripped the arrow out of herself.

Terra: She was missing me on purpose, maybe to see what I would do. I don’t think she knows I can fire arrows back.

Terra was nearly skewered by another arrow. The next one whizzed past her. Terra sniped it out of the air. As Artemis started unloading, Terra caught more and more arrows. She started getting hit a bit. She wasn’t bleeding from the hits. But her body was dissolving with the more damage she took. She couldn’t hide. She threw a bunch of arrows straight at Artemis. She shot past the other arrows, and was only hit by one arrow. She was fine.

Artemis: It’s you…

Terra threw most of her arrows up in the air. She threw another arrow straight at Artemis. She shot her bow, and her arrow went straight through Terra’s arrow. And a barrage of arrows came from the sky. Artemis ducked, and got hit by a bunch of arrows. Terra got up close, and grabbed Artemis by the scruff.

Artemis: You really are her. The one who killed me. The next rising phoenix.

Terra: You’re my final challenge. There’s something I need you to do for me. A favor.

Artemis: I wouldn’t be a challenge if all I did was shoot arrows at you, would I?

Terra: I’m not playing games!

Artemis: You would be the first candidate to take my place if you got past me here.

Terra: No...That’s not what I...Stop messing with me!

Artemis: But, Delta is above you. Not as arrogant. She has the potential to surpass me. And kill you. I see she might have already.

Artemis: We have things in common. We both don’t want you to be the real Artemis.

Terra: What are you saying?

Artemis: I’m saying you have to die to ensure Delta will surpass you. Who else could possibly be in her way?

Terra: I know people.

Artemis: As you speak she likely already butchered those people.

Terra threw a punch at Artemis. She jumped back and pushed her arm down. She kicked Terra in the side of the stomach twice, and grabbed her arm, and flipped Terra over her back onto the ground.

Artemis: What do you want?

Terra: The power of olympus, I need it connected to my armor.

Artemis: You’ll have to rip it out of me.

Artemis grabbed Terra’s head, and put her thumb on her forehead. Artemis faded away, and Terra fell on the ground. Everything was black around her. She found she was able to stand on some sort of ground. She saw someone else in the distance. It was Donny of all people. He was sitting in the darkness, looking ahead. She ran over to him frantically. He looked emotionless.

Terra: Donny! Hey!

Donny: This place, it’s never ending. It’s limbo. You trapped me in neverending blackness. Saving you, it was a mistake.

Terra: What…? This can’t be real, that’s not what you would say!

Donny: Should I look a bit more like this?

Donny flickered, and there was a sword in his chest.

Donny: What was it? I’m sorry it had to end like this.

Terra didn’t even know what to say, Donny sat down. He continued looking into the darkness.

Donny: You made the wrong decision. Now I’m here, trapped forever in eternal darkness.

Terra washed away her anger.

Terra: I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to die. I would take it all back if I could.

Terra was brought back in front of Artemis. Who grabbed Terra by the neck, threw her into the air, and fired a bunch of arrows through her. Terra fell on the ground, she didn’t feel the pain like normal. But she saw her body flickering. And her head was ringing.

Terra: What was it you said? I have to rip it out of you.

Artemis: Even with my power, Delta is stronger. You know nothing about the power of olympus! Nothing about my armor!

A suit of armor that looked like Terra’s first set materialized on Artemis.

Artemis: Let me show you.

Artemis lit up with a red glow. A huge blast of energy blew off of her in all directions. Terra could do nothing but run away, Terra dropped down on the ground, which seemed to be made of dried blood. She raised her hands up to brace for the impact. And she was perfectly fine. She was blocked by an energy barrier.

Terra: This blood isn’t just pure blood. It’s pure energy too.

Terra had to get close to Artemis. She ran at her in pursuit of this goal. Artemis flipped off her armor, and her gauntlets flew at Terra. They were like an extension of Artemis. Terra was blocking as many hits as she could. Artemis shot an energy blast into one of the gauntlets, and it jerked forward and hit Terra in the face. She fell hard on the ground. Artemis made herself fly into the air with her armor.

Artemis: You’re out of your league.

Artemis called her gauntlets back, knocking Terra on the ground. She made two constant blasts come from her hands. And she burnt holes in the ground, she closed in on Terra. Terra rolled out of the way, and Artemis’s gauntlets came flying down, and pinned Terra’s arms to the ground. The beam closed in on her. She was going to be torn in half by the beams. Terra summoned the power she once harnessed to use the same armor. And the gauntlets turned in Terra’s favor. Terra kicked up. She jumped into the air with the gauntlets on. She used her power to rip the armor off of Artemis and onto Terra.

Artemis: What!?

Terra let her chestplate fall, so she could jump off of it in midair. She collided with Artemis and they fell to the ground, with Terra triumphantly on top. She jammed her hand into Artemis’s chest. She felt nothing but cold, and then felt something warm. She ripped a beam of red energy out of Artemis.

Artemis: No!

Terra stood above her, she stood up, a red light coming from the place where Terra shoved her hand.

Artemis: Do you know what you're doing?! They’ve noticed you for real! You can’t avoid the olympians forever! They will find you! Dad will find you! Zeus will find you!

Terra: Delta is the last olympian thing I’m dealing with.

Artemis: You are Artemis if Delta isn’t. There’s no avoiding that. It is how we maintain balance. Keep that dragon bitch from controlling us.

Terra walked away, silently. Before she got to the portal out of the world she heard a huge bang, and saw a gigantic splash of red come up in the air. She felt like she had to pay attention. She saw an overbearing man far away, standing over Artemis.

Artemis: I know the drill Hades.

Hades wore a large amount of greek warrior armor. With a full chest plate that was silver with gold highlights. He had gold covering his arms, and shinguards around his legs. He had a sword in his hand.

Hades: This was your one chance red. It was brother’s orders, you should’ve been dead a while ago. You’re lucky I’m generous.

Artemis knew what was happening. She sat on her knees, and put her arms out.

Artemis: Hail to Artemis!

Hades: Those are shit last words.

Hades slashed off Artemis’s head. He put his sword on his shoulder. He looked ahead, and saw Terra looking at him. He waved to her gleefully. Terra quickly exited the portal. She came back to her normal body, and she felt sick. She looked around, there was nobody around. She threw up in a trash can.

Themis knocked on the door.

Themis: Was it a bumpy ride?

Themis cracked open the door and saw Terra. He saw that one of Terra’s hands was glowing with a red light.

Themis: Quick! Throw on your armor!

Terra quickly equipped her armor.

Themis: Now, say this. Passa-me ichor!

Terra: Passa-me ichor!

The red energy on Terra’s hand spread throughout her armor slowly.

Themis: Take it off, let it sit for a while. You still need to rest your mind.

Millie ran through the door. She hugged Terra.

Millie: Terra! I thought you were dead or something when Themis told me about you!

Terra: What did you tell her?

Themis: Don’t ask.

Tempest, Lobo, and the Detonator stepped in the room. The Detonator was sipping on some tea through his mask.

Lobo: Good to see the olympians weren’t too hard on you.

Terra: I was in the underworld. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

Lobo: Yeah, Hades and his sinner pals play patty cake down there.

Tempest: We also pursued Delta. And well, failed.

Millie: What are you talking about? We blew up their whole base.

Lobo: He has a point. She knows we’re after her now, so she’ll probably be more hostile.

Terra: What happened in the fight?

Tempest: I was injured.

Lobo: But he’ll be alright. Plus, now that we are focusing on Delta, other meta crimes are going up again.

Terra: Ugh! Will this ever stop?

Themis: Maybe after we kill Delta.

Terra: Y’know what? All that spiritual searching made me famished. I’m getting something to eat.

Lobo: Tempest, go with her. Who knows what Delta’s next move is.

Terra: I don’t know if you caught that, I’m asking to be left alone.

Terra walked out of the room.

Lobo: Ugh, kids, right? Follow her Tempest. Don’t be seen unless you absolutely have to be.

Everyone left the room but Lobo and Themis.

Lobo: So...you sent that psycho home, right?

Themis: Psyche? Yeah.

Lobo: You guys were together before, huh?

Themis: Uh, yeah. After I went to the underworld things changed. People died.

Lobo: Sorry about that.

Themis: Mhm.

Themis went to leave his office.

Lobo: You know a lot about Olympians, huh?

Themis sighed.

Themis: Yeah. Why?

Lobo: You have a special relationship with one right? Artemis was my adoptive mother.

Themis: You caught me. Athena is my mother.

Lobo: Really? I heard she was one of the kindest olympians.

Themis: Yeah? And I heard she started most of the major wars with the help of Ares.

Lobo: Humans can make their own choices though. Isn’t it supposed to be like that?

Themis: Don’t worry. They started a bunch of small wars that would fly under the radar.

Lobo: She was the first of Zeus and Hera’s kids, right? Was she that bad of a mother?

Themis: I have to thank her for one thing. She appreciated knowledge and wisdom. So she made sure I was up to speed with all Olympian history.

Lobo: What did she do to make you hate her?

Themis: Lie to me about her history. At least Artemis wore her emotions on her shoulder. Athena was cold, sometimes she didn’t even seem like a mother, How do you think it feels when you find out your mother is a completely different person than you thought she was?

Lobo: Sounds like hell.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra walked down the street. She took in the city air. Her mind needed a rest. She walked into a convenience store. And bought a drink and a piece of pizza. She sat outside in the night. And silently ate. Peace and quiet. Across the street, a group of people were huddled together,

Man: That’s the one they wanted us to kill, right?

Perverted man: They want us to kill that hottie?

Less perverted man: She’s a redhead. Probably evil.

They snuck across the street towards Terra. They heard a shing from behind. Tempest stabbed his sword through one of the men. He grabbed one by the neck with his other hand, while he cut the third in half. He looked at the man he was holding by the neck.

Tempest: Who put you up to this?

Man: S-some bitch that looked like her! Red hair! Black armor! She had a group of girls with her! Just let me go please!

Tempest closed his hand around his neck. Severing his head from his body. His hand was covered in blood.

Terra: Seriously?

Tempest: Are you okay Terra?

Tempest came over to Terra. She was now standing up. He went to touch her. She backed up.

Terra: Don’t touch me with blood on your hands!

Tempest ignored her request. He put his bloody hand on her cheek. Terra became flustered.

Terra: You just killed all those people….

Tempest: I was told to protect you.

Terra: I can’t make this work if you only see yourself as a weapon. You're a human. And all weapons aren’t made to kill.

Tempest: Make what work?

Terra: O-oh, uh...you being a weapon?

Tempest: I’ve already found out a great way for it to work. I’ve been like this for three years y’know.

Terra: Yeah...I know. I need to get this blood off me. I don’t want to get HIV.

Tempest removed his hand.

Terra: I appreciate your concern. But I could’ve taken care of those guys myself.

Tempest: I didn’t want you to be more frustrated.

Terra: I guess I’m less frustrated now. It’s just all the olympian bullshit on top of the metas and mutants I set free. I shouldn’t have become entangled with the olympians.

Tempest: ...Don’t worry. I’ll kill them for you.

## Issue 9 - Olympian Tango

Lobo and Themis laughed with each other.

Lobo: And then later a couple of the trees caught on fire and she freakin broke down crying!

Themis: Haha! I knew she was weak minded. But not by that much!

Lobo: I know!

Tempest and Terra walked into the room.

Terra: Uh...what were you two talking about?

Themis cleared his throat.

Themis: Adult stuff.

Terra: I’m 19!

Lobo: We were talking about our parents.

Terra: Oh yeah, Themis who is your parent?

Themis: Ugh, it’s Athena. I’m assuming you didn’t take 7th grade history. So she’s one of the Olympians.

Tempest: Did you come up with a plan to destroy Delta?

Themis: No. But I know likely places she’s going to hit. She’s been destroying businesses and killing men all over the city. There’s only one place that is entirely governed by men that she might hit next. A company called Henry Hall.

Terra: That’s the guy that owns my apartment complex.

Tempest: I know about that place. There is a dance tonight. People at B.L.A.D.E were invited in.

Terra: So we could infiltrate the dance? Go undercover?

Themis: Is that a plan I hear? From Terra? It’s a miracle!

Tempest: I could get tickets from the president.

Lobo: Contact Millie. Tell her to bring a date. Themis, would you have this dance?

Themis: One conversation and we’re dating? Why not.

Lobo: That leaves Terra and Tempest. I bet you two wouldn’t mind.

Terra blushed.

Tempest: I wouldn’t mind at all. I will be your bodyguard tonight, Terra.

Terra: Sounds like fun.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Delta now had a group of thirty women walking with her. She was walking down a street. Every man who was in sight was shot down by the group. Delta grabbed a cop out of his car by the neck. She threw him on the ground.

Delta: This is justice.

Delta sliced him in half with her axe. She kept pushing through the block.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra: We all have to be constantly on guard. Delta doesn’t go into places quietly. She will storm in and kill everyone on sight if we aren’t careful.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Delta burst into a company, her group killed all the men on the floor. The group ran up the stairs. She dispatched a couple woman to each floor. She got to the top floor. And stared down the man in charge.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra: She’s become smarter, and more self-aware. But she’s lost self control and became overconfident. We have to exploit those weaknesses.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Delta and her group walked away from a burning building as it crumbled to the ground.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra: Everyone act normal.

Tempest: And get your best outfits for this event.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Millie: Hey Amelia. Do you want to go to this dance thing together.

Amelia: A-A dance?! What kind of dance?

Millie: Terra said it had to be couples. You want to come? It’ll be a make-up date from that last one that was interrupted by Constantine.

Amelia smiled wide.

Amelia: Sounds good. A make-up date.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Amelia was standing in front of her sister, Riley.

Amelia: I mean it’s a dance, what kind of dance? What should I wear? Should I wear a tux? Or a dress? Am I like the man in the relationship?

Riley laughed.

Riley: Cool it sis. 1. You're the woman because of things like this, and because you have constant mood swings that result in death, And 2. Don’t overthink it. It’s literally a dance. How bad can it be?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra, Tempest, Lobo, Themis, Millie and Amelia walked into the party with their best outfits paid for by B.L.A.D.E. Terra wore a bright red dress, high heels, and a peppy bowtie. Tempest wore a simple cream tux, Themis wore a black tux, Millie wore an orange dress, and Amelia wore an all black dress.

Amelia: I guess neither of us consider ourselves the men of the relationship.

Millie: Who cares about gender shit? Stereotypes are for boring assholes. Like everyone here!

Amelia: Yeah, right.

Everyone walked into the party, they looked a little odd, among the group of rich men introducing their wives to even richer men. Tempest looked around, and noticed that Simon was actually there.

Simon: Hey! Terra! And the rest of my cherubs! I didn’t know you’d be showing up to this party,

Tempest: We were invited last minute.

Simon: I wasn’t sure if you were allowed to be invited. B.L.A.D.E. is kinda new to me.

Lobo: No worries. We managed just fine without you.

Lobo and Themis walked aside.

Lobo: We’re going to grab some wine glasses.

Themis: That your boss?

Lobo: To be frank he’s kind of an asshole. A real creep.

Themis: Seems it. He literally just called all of us cherubs.

Lobo poured both of them glasses of wine.

Lobo: Some wine, my good sir?

Themis didn’t see Lobo. He saw Selene.

Themis: Uhm, I’m good. Supposed to keep on guard.

Lobo: And supposed to keep a low profile. Here.

Themis took the drink. Lobo walked away, expecting Themis to follow her. He thought about his trip to the underworld. And heard the screams of a woman. Selene.

Lobo: You coming?

Themis: Yeah, right.

An announcer came up to the DJ stand. He grabbed a microphone. Classic party music had been playing for everyone to enjoy.

DJ: Everyone on or off the floor grab that special someone! It’s time to turn it down a notch!

Tempest grabbed Terra.

Tempest: Come on, let’s dance.

Terra: What? Now?

Tempest: Yes, now.

Terra and Tempest went onto the floor. They joined hands and got close.

Tempest: One thing. I don’t know how to dance.

Terra: Then why’d you ask?

Tempest: Dancing is normal.

Terra: We had little dances back when I lived in my village in the mountains. I’m kinda rusty.

Tempest: And I lack the memory of what dancing ever was.

Terra: Uh, put one of your hands on my side.

Terra guided one of Tempest’s hands to her hip, and she grabbed his other hand and put it behind her head.

Terra: Now, um. Stay like that. Follow me as I move.

Terra started stepping around, about as strategically as she could with Tempest tied to her.

Tempest: We just do this for the whole time?

Terra: No silly, you can add more moves to make it more interesting.

Terra guided Tempest’s hand over her head, and she held onto it and did a little twirl.

Terra: Like that.

Tempest: It’s like fighting.

Terra: Just less killing. Maybe you’ll like it!

Something suddenly popped into Terra’s head. From last year.

Old man: That curse, I foretell that the one you love will be your undoing. It’s a truly terrible curse!

Terra disregarded this, the past wasn’t going to slow her down any longer. Millie and Amelia were both dancing about as gracefully as expected.

Millie: You’re pretty good at this, actually.

Amelia: My mom made me take dance classes. Me and Donny would be forced to partner up for times like this. Except now it’s real.

Millie: Dancing is the opposite of fighting. In a fight there’s no rhythm, it’s all split second decisions ending in chaos.

Amelia: Flow like a river.

Millie: That’s pretty wise coming from you.

Lobo and Themis were sitting aside. Both drinking.

Lobo: I figured you would like dancing.

Themis: Not a fan.

Lobo: Hey, there’s something you might be a fan of.

There were a couple of women at the back of the party.

Lobo: you have the same feeling that I do about them?

Themis: Their Artemis fodder. Here’s an idea.

Themis stood up and walked over to a group of young looking guys.

Themis: Hey mates.

Guy: What do you want?

Themis: No hostility coming from me, it’s just, those couple women are single. It’s a party. I don’t want you to miss your shot. Bring em home, and don’t forget protection!

Themis walked off. He sat next to Lobo.

Lobo: What did you say to them?

Themis: I found a way to get Delta to show herself. There’s just one thing that’s throwing me off.

Lobo: what?

Themis: Delta usually storms in. Causing all kinds of havoc. This time she didn’t. Why do you think that is?

Lobo: Good observation. I hope she didn’t catch onto us. Oh, and those guys are walking off with the Artemis girls.

Themis: Shit...that wasn’t supposed to happen.

Lobo: Maybe they're just...regular girls?

Themis: If we go after them we’d be blowing our cover. Let’s just stay here.

Millie and Amelia continued dancing, and so did Terra and Tempest.

Millie: Hey...we should stop dancing around the idea of us dating. You're getting better, and I’m making money.

Amelia: You really think I’m getting better?

Millie: Yeah, why would I say it?

Amelia: You’re right.

Millie and Amelia drew closer than they already were, and Amelia immediately pulled away when a gunshot was heard. Delta stood towards the back of the room holding a gun in the air.

Millie: Goddamnit!

Millie grabbed Amelia and kissed her already. Amelia turned bright red. But leaned in and let it happen.

Delta: Those two are smart. They chose not to pick men as their partners.

Delta shot the gun in the air even more times. And people scattered. Lobo looked outside and saw one of Delta’s women standing on a rooftop with a bow.

Lobo: Nobody leave! There are more outside waiting to pick you off!

Lobo ran in front of the door.

Delta: She’s insane. I’m the one with the gun here.

Delta shot a man standing in the crowd in the head.

Terra: Delta! It’s me you want, isn’t it?

Delta: So you survived? Of course you wouldn’t go down easy.

Terra: Stop this Delta! Even you know this is wrong!

Delta: What’s wrong? Nothing is wrong here! But I like that you showed yourself.

Terra: Leave everyone alone. You’ve done enough damage.

They both stared eachother down. None of them made any sudden movements.

Millie: No Amelia.

Amelia: I’m not going to run in blindly.

Delta aimed her gun towards Terra.

Delta: You know, you’d be the first woman I killed.

Terra: Don’t get too giddy.

Delta took it all in, and pulled the trigger. A red piece of metal flew into the air and deflected the bullet. Terra’s armor floated in the air, spinning like a tornado before it all was equipped onto Terra. Amelia flew past Terra. She quickly took the gun from Delta. Delta fired on destruction and backhanded Amelia into the air. She hit the chandelier in the air and landed on a table, breaking it in two and knocking over the various drinks. The chandelier’s chain snapped, and it hit the ground. It landed in between Terra and Delta. Terra ran around, and Delta was gone. Simon came out of seemingly nowhere.

Simon: She plans to kill the head of the company. Henry Hall. Do something.

A bunch of Delta’s women came down and aimed their bows at Simon.

Woman: You shouldn’t have said that.

Tempest cut her head off. He kicked Simon out of the crowd. He took a syringe out of his pocket. It was a glowing blue liquid.

Terra: What is that?

Tempest: This is how I’ll get to Delta.

Delta kicked down the door to the head office. Henry Hall was sitting in his desk.

Henry Hall: Who are you?

Delta: I’m the last person you’ll ever see.

Tempest shot the syringe into his system. Time slowed down around him. He ran up the stairs to the top office. Every one of Delta’s woman were on the stairs, he cut them down. Slicing them in half. He looked into the office. He saw Delta holding her gun, and a bullet flying through the air. He sliced it in half. He held his blade above his head, and split Delta’s head in half. Well, he would’ve. As he slashed his blade down it bounced off of Delta’s head. And his time was broken. Delta looked at Tempest surprised by his appearance.

Delta: What are you doing here?

Tempest: Why won’t you die?

Delta: Ichor. The blood of the olympians.

Tempest did a back handspring to dodge Delta’s flurry of bullets. He turned and wrapped his hands around Henry Hall. He slashed his sword, and burst through the window. He turned himself in midair. And landed on top of a car.

Henry Hall: ...What the fuck just happened?!

Tempest: You’re safe now.

Delta: Everyone fall back! The mission is compromised!

Terra and company watched Delta retreat. They all made it home. Only Tempest and Amelia were slightly injured.

## Issue 10 - The Predecessors

Amelia opened her eyes. She wasn’t quite sure what happened. She could tell it was morning. She looked to her side.

Millie: Morning sunshine~.

Amelia: We didn’t.

Millie: We did.

Amelia: Ah...headache. It’s coming back to me.

Millie: After you got checked out by Lobo we went to our old bar. And things escalated from there.

Amelia: I missed out on a lot when I went insane. I wish we decided to hit it off sooner.

Millie laughed.

Millie: You say that like it wasn’t just six months ago you were still unstable.

Amelia: That’s right…

Millie: But hey! You’re still like a goddess in bed.

Amelia: Don’t say stuff like that out loud!

Millie: Why? We’re alone, and in an open relationship. Have you ever dated anyone?

Amelia: Of course I did! But that was a while ago.

Millie: Really? What was your type?

Amelia: His name was Aaron.

Amelia put on her yellow sweatshirt.

Amelia: This was a gift from him.

Millie: You said was, did something happen to him?

Amelia: He was killed. I watched his head explode in front of me.

Millie: Oh...I’m sorry.

Amelia: He’d like you. I think he’d be proud I moved on.

Amelia laid back on the bed and kissed Millie.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Delta was sitting on a bus, she had killed the driver. All her women were sitting around her. She had about twenty now.

Delta: Elizabeth, take the newcomers to train. Actually. Everyone, train for a couple hours. I need some time to myself.

Everyone left. Delta took out her old bow and placed it on the chair ahead of her.

Artemis: You want to prove yourself. Get new armor from Skyland. Kill Te-

Delta: I’m going to kill her mom, don’t worry. If I never met her...You’d still be here. But I wouldn’t be able to deal out so much justice. Maybe this is what it’s meant to be. I’ll make you proud. I’ll be your successor. Who else would? That poser? She stole your armor. And then tried to replicate it.

Delta stood up and walked outside. She saw all her women training, shooting targets. One of them was having a hard time.

Delta: Hey, let me see that for a second.

Newcomer: O-okay Delta. I didn’t mean to do something wrong!

Delta: Are you intimidated by me?

Newcomer: What do I say? No?

Delta: I would never hurt any of my loyal friends.

Delta’s mind flashed to when she killed Hannah.

Delta: Look, you hold it like this. Get your hands as far stretched as possible. Draw...and fire!

Newcomer: I don’t mean to be a stickler. But what about guns? Their much easier to use. Do you mind if I…?

Delta took her gun out of its holster. She had very bad control over it. Waving it around with her hand on the trigger. She handed it to the Newcomer. She aimed it with one hand and shot down the target.

Newcomer: I used to work with the special ops. I was the best shot in my team.

Delta: Everyone! We have another mission! I want equality. That means our team should be on equal standing. You shouldn’t have to use bow and arrows. That was the old way!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Terra, Tempest, Lobo, Millie and Amelia were all sitting in a room together.

Lobo: So what really happened between you and Delta?

Terra: Before I went up against Integer for the last time, I met Artemis. Themis was there. I had to fight her so I could get a new suit of armor. And I won.

Lobo: How? Didn’t she have a full suit of armor.

Terra: I pulled the armor off of her and took her out.

Themis: You know, in all my Olympian days. I’ve never seen someone be able to do that.

Terra: What? Pull armor off of someone?

Themis: Well, you pulled it off like it was yours.

Terra: Hey, I also did that in the underworld against Artemis.

Themis: I think you have more than one olympian power. The power of Olympus does different things to all people.

Tempest: Like when I attacked Delta. My sword bounced off of her like she was made out of metal.

Themis: That’s Ichor. The blood of the Olympians. I’m not surprised Delta has it. She was probably injected with it from a young age, considering she’d been with Artemis since birth. Ichor is much stronger than human blood. It almost adds an extra layer of protection.

Tempest: So I need a stronger sword? This sword is made out of something called soul steel. It’s soul blade #2, that’s what I was told.

Terra: We need to track Delta’s next move. Any idea where she might hit next?

Themis: No. She could go after Henry Hall again. But she probably found someone else to set her sights on.

Tempest: Let me bud in for a second, if you don’t mind. Do you know how it feels to recall something, but you don’t know where you recall it from?

Lobo: Oh yeah, that happens to me all the time.

Tempest: With all these Olympian names, I feel as if I recognize them all.

Terra: Maybe it has something to do with your past?

Tempest: Quite possible.

Lobo: Hey Amelia. I saw the way you attacked Delta yesterday. You were like a savage animal.

Amelia: You don’t have to remind me.

Lobo: That’s exactly it. I want to spar.

Amelia: What? I-I’m good,

Lobo: I know I can take it. There’s only one way to learn control.

Amelia: Fine.

Millie: Are you sure about this?

Lobo: Yeah, she is.

Lobo and Amelia squared off in the middle of the floor.

Lobo: Come at me with everything you got!

Amelia blitzed Lobo. She threw a quick punch. Lobo dodged to the side and punched Amelia in the face.

Lobo: Do you expect me just to stand there?

Amelia ran into Lobo, and hit her with a kick. She threw two extended hooks. Lobo took the damage. Amelia didn’t stop. She threw a flurry of punches. Lobo got overwhelmed and fell on the ground. Amelia threw a kick down. Lobo grabbed her foot and flipped her on the back.

Lobo: Why’d you stop?

Amelia started vibrating her body, she vibrated through Lobo, and threw a kick back. Lobo grabbed her leg and flipped Amelia over her head and back onto the ground.

Lobo: You’re fighting yourself, can’t you see that?

Amelia: Stop talking nonsense!

Amelia burst into Lobo. And ran in with an elbow. Denting her armor, Lobo waited for Amelia to be in range, and put out her hand, she grabbed Amelia’s head and slammed her onto the ground.

Lobo: I can tell you’re angry. You’re a ball of raw emotions, especially when you fight. We have to work on control. For example, Tempest is a lethal fighter. One slice is all it takes. He doesn’t attack blindly. He waits for an opening, and slashes. Wait for an opening and slash.

Lobo got up close to Amelia. She threw a bunch of punches.

Lobo: Focus on me.

Amelia slapped Lobo’s punches away and threw a kick, Lobo caught her kick in between her legs, and swiped Amelia to the ground.

Lobo: Focus on my punches, you only counter with punches.

Lobo threw a couple punches. Keeping her guard tight. Amelia attacked Lobo. But she blocked all Amelia’s punches.

Lobo: You overwhelm your opponents. Hone in, wait for the perfect time to do so.

Lobo threw a bunch of punches. Amelia focused on blocking them. She started to see Lobo’s guard slowly fall. She blocked a punch, and countered with a punch to the face.

Lobo: Good! You’ll tire yourself out if you attack endlessly.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Delta and her group walked out of a gun store, it was on fire. They all were newly equipped with guns. They had a big bag filled with ammo. They sat down in the bus they had stolen. Everyone started filling clips with ammo. Delta stepped off the bus. An extremely bright light shined down on her. She was forced to look away and shielded her eyes. The light faded. She looked up, and saw Apollo.

Delta: What are you doing here?

Apollo: I’m here to set things straight. We should go somewhere else.

Apollo teleported both of them high in the sky. Delta panicked for a second. They were standing on raw energy.

Apollo: So this is what you do now that your mother is gone? Kill all men?

Delta: She never was one to take action. That’s the difference between us. I’m completing her vision for a beautiful society. One where woman are truly free from the shackles men put on them.

Apollo: So how will humans reproduce if you kill all men?

Delta: Stupid humans donate their DNA to all kinds of science facilities. We can survive without them. Or we make sure there are always less men than women.

Apollo: That wouldn’t make women any better than the men that overbear them.

Delta: Mom told me women have been belittled for thousands of years. This is payback.

Apollo: Oh well, this isn’t what I was here to tell you. You want to be your mother’s successor. Right?

Delta got excited for the first time in what felt like years.

Delta: Yes! I would love nothing more!

Apollo: Well if you are able to kill Tempest. Then you will be eligible.

Delta: What? Mom told me to kill Terra in her dying words.

Apollo: Rethink it. I remember what she said. I saw it. She said kill te-

Delta: Yeah, Terra.

Apollo: She didn’t finish her sentence. Terra has no quarrel with the olympians. We would love her as the next Artemis. As a matter of fact, we would prefer her over you. Tempest is a real threat. Kill him, and your dream is fulfilled. It seems reasonable, right?

Delta walked back into the bus.

Delta: Everyone! You all have new orders!

## Issue 11 - A Monster

Millie: Any idea when Delta’s next move is going to be?

Themis: We have no leads.

Tempest: She can’t be that hard to find, she destroys everything in her path.

Terra: Hey, look.

Terra pointed at the TV.

News anchor: Breaking! A group of women just stormed a local gun store! And are now walking down central street killing anyone in their path. They are considered armed and dangerous, and we advise everyone to stay inside!

Themis: So the news finally decided to speak up?

Lobo: Hey...you all aren’t going to like this…

Themis: What now?

Lobo: Their right outside our door,

Tempest ran up the stairs to Simon’s office. Simon was absent, Tempest slammed his hand down on a big emergency button. Security doors sealed the base shut.

Tempest: We are safe, for now.

Themis: Delta is nearly olympian. She’s getting in, no matter what.

They heard a loud bang on the door. Terra quickly equipped her armor. They all stood in front of the door.

Terra: Should we go to other doors? What if they get in that way?

Tempest: I highly doubt that. Look.

The door in front of them was starting to be engulfed in stone.

Amelia: Now what?!

Lobo: We wait.

The door became fully engulfed. Even on the inside. And it was shattered like glass. A group of five were in the front. They took out guns and opened fire. Terra, Millie and Lobo took cover. Themis made a shield and blocked the hail of gunfire. Amelia began vibrating her body, bullets passed right through her. Tempest drew his sword and deflected all the shots. A couple got past him, and chipped his armor. He got in close, and slashed straight across. Everyone ducked, and two women held gauntlets of their own, one punched Tempest in the stomach, and the other hit him square in the face. He went flying back, and broke through the glass of the training room. Tempest got to his feet, him and Amelia came over to Millie, Terra, and Lobo.

Lobo: Now they have guns!

Terra: We have to find where Delta is.

Millie: There has to be a reason she sent all her troops at us all at once!

Tempest: This is a distraction. Delta is planning something.

Millie: We can’t just ignore all these maniacs coming at us!

Tempest: I don’t know about you, but I’m finding Delta and ending this.

Terra: Your blade can’t even cut her!

Tempest: I’ll just have to swing harder then. I’m taking the back exit. I recommend dealing with them now.

Lobo: Obviously!

Tempest ran up to Simon’s office. He grabbed his shotgun, pumped it, and threw it down at the group. Millie caught it. Terra thought about what happened to Donny so long ago.

Amelia: Terra, go after him. Don’t let him go alone.

Terra looked at Amelia. She could see what Amelia meant. She didn’t want the same thing that happened to Donny to happen to Terra again. Everyone nodded.

Millie: She’s right, go. We’ll hold down the fort.

Terra ran up to Simon’s office. There was a window Tempest had escaped through. Terra slipped right through.

Woman: You all will bow to Delta! Or you will meet the same fate as everyone who has opposed us!

Everyone slid back from the barricade. Themis turned his sword back to normal and clashed with one of Delta’s soldiers. He slashed right through her armor. Millie ran right into the crowd. She got shot twice and countered the blow. She blew away multiple soldiers. Amelia punched a couple soldiers down. They shot their guns at her. She dodged easily and grabbed both of them by the necks and slammed them down. She nearly closed her fist around their necks. Lobo kicked both of them in the heads, knocking them unconscious.

Lobo: Control. You want to use that speed for good, right?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tempest jumped across rooftops. He stopped for a second, he had Simon on the line.

Tempest: You think she’d go for something big? Like what?

Simon: I dunno! The Empire State maybe…

Tempest: All she causes is destruction. And if she wanted to kill lots of people then….

Terra: Tempest! God...you run fast.

Terra came up to Tempest huffing and puffing.

Tempest: I’ll talk to you later, Simon.

Tempest got off the com line with Simon.

Tempest: What are you doing here? I said I was going after her.

Terra: I’m not going to let you kill yourself! She’ll destroy you! Like she did to me!

Tempest: You say that like we’re comparable.

Terra: Delta will kill you if you go after her.

Tempest: You said weapons can be used in a good way. Stopping Delta isn’t just a job. It’s what you would want.

Terra blushed. But quickly extinguished Tempest’s heartfelt words.

Terra: I...Can’t let you die. I’ve had enough people around me die before I could get close to them.

Tempest: Fighting over this will only get you hurt.

Terra: Fighting Delta will only get you hurt!

Tempest: I try to do one thing for myself, and this is how it is. Get out of my way.

Terra: I’m not fighting you!

Tempest: Move!

Terra: Like I said I’m no-

Tempest: No! I mean move!

Tempest wrapped his hands around Terra and jumped off the building they were on. They landed on the street. Leaving an indent in the ground. The entire building in front of them was demolished. Through the dust, Delta walked through.

Delta: Just where I want you. And where Terra can watch.

Terra: Tempest, back off. I can take her now.

Tempest took out a small needle and stabbed Terra in the arm with it.

Tempest: I won’t put you in harm’s way.

Terra fell down on the ground, paralyzed.

Terra: Asshole! What if you lose?!

Tempest: Doubtful.

Tempest drew his sword and approached Delta.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Delta: You remember our last fight, right?

The mask from earlier went over Tempest’s eyes. He could see Delta’s stats, and other useful information.

Delta: Nice mask. Good thing I have one just like it.

Delta put on goggles that covered her eyes. They went straight across her face. Like a blindfold. Tempest blitzed her with a slash. She blocked with her gauntlets, and threw a kick at Tempest’s chest, he dodged out of the way and teleported behind Delta. He slashed up her back, just leaving a mark up her armor. Delta flicked his sword aside and took off her gauntlets. She grabbed him by the face and punched him a couple times. She jumped back, and her gauntlets hit Tempest. He blocked the second one. He kicked Delta in the stomach and then threw a spinning kick at her face. She took the hit and slashed her gigantic axe at Tempest. He jumped back and stabbed forward with his sword. It bounced off of her. She grabbed his sword and threw it into the air. Tempest looked up to see where it went, and Delta shot a gun right through his armor. He jumped back. She shot a barrage of bullets at him. He dodged as many as he could, and teleported behind Delta. Where he had to jump out of the way. Just before he was impaled by his sword. Delta was out of bullets.

Tempest: Those things don’t have infinite ammo, you know.

Delta: That’s what you think.

Delta syphoned some of her power into her firearm. She shot a powerful red bullet at Tempest. He was sent flying back from the bullet, and he was bleeding from two spots now.

Terra: Tempest! Use this!

Terra threw her spear to Tempest. He caught it and flicked it out so it was big. He blocked Delta’s huge axe. She came up with it and then spun it around. Tempest teleported out of the way. He stabbed forward with Terra’s spear. Delta smiled. But to her dismay, it didn’t bounce off. It chipped a bit of her armor. And made her bleed.

Delta: An Olympian weapon…

A plant vine came up from under Tempest and flipped him on the ground. Delta tapped into destruction and swung the axe as hard as she could down on Tempest. He used the power from his soul blade, and turned invisible. He was untouched by Delta’s attack, and her axe was stuck in the ground. He took the chance and bore down on Delta with Terra’s spear. One of Delta’s gauntlets came out of nowhere and knocked the spear off course. All of Delta’s armor came off of her, and she threw Tempest into the air. She held him there.

Delta: I’ve always wondered what truly makes humans up. What is on the inside? I want to see you pop.

Tempest: Unlikely!

Tempest teleported in front of Delta and punched her in the face twice. He spun the spear around and slashed for Delta’s neck. She brought one of her gauntlets down and blocked the spear. She made her armor come down and warp around Tempest’s torso. Locking his arms down. She punched him in the face over and over, and slammed into his head with a headbutt. He fell down. Blood was practically dripping from Tempest’s face. Delta slashed her axe at Tempest. Beheading him. Tempest saw this as his fate. He used the rest of his power to fall back. Delta’s axe shattered his mask, and she cut clean across his eyes. Tempest couldn’t see anything, and he was speechless. Breathless, even. He heard Terra’s screams as his consciousness faded. Terra got to her feet after being paralyzed the whole fight. She was fuming with rage.

Terra: What even are you?! You aren’t fighting for anything! You’re just a monster!

Delta was quiet.

Terra: You destroy everything in your path!

Terra ran up to Delta and threw a punch at her. She caught Terra’s punch and punched her in the gut. Terra was still weak from the paralyzation.

Delta: You are weak. Physically, and spiritually. I didn’t even care if they needed Tempest dead or not. I would rather watch the life drain from your eyes. And now I get to watch both.

Delta grabbed Terra by the neck, and smiled at her as she squeezed the life out of her. Delta’s face went white, and she dropped Terra suddenly. She puked blood on the ground. Terra jumped back.

Delta: What did you...do?

Terra: Severe inflation of the stomach...Something like that.

Terra grabbed Tempest. And ran away as fast as she could. She grabbed the earpiece out of Tempest’s ear. She clicked the one button on it.

Simon: Hello?

Terra: It’s Terra. Tempest’s in critical condition. Send someone! Please!

Simon: ...For you I will. I’ll send T.H.O.R.N to help. Stay safe.

Terra went over to Tempest. A clean cut across his eyes. She checked his pulse. Blood was weakly pumping.

Terra: Be okay….Please.

## Issue 12 - Fighting Fire with Fire

Lobo, Millie, Amelia, and Themis ran up some stairs. They made it to the roof. Where Terra was sitting next to Tempest’s side.

Millie: Terra! You okay?

Terra: I’m fine. But Tempest needs medical attention. His eyes…

Lobo stood over him.

Lobo: God….Tempest you idiot.

Terra: You guys take him back to the base. I’m going to finish Delta.

Themis: You can’t finish her by yourself. We talked about this. Plans. Who knows what she’ll do next. You need us.

Terra: But what about Tempest?

Lobo: I’ll radio Simon. He’ll come in with a unit from B.L.A.D.E to help Temp.

A huge bang was heard far away.

Amelia: What was that?

Terra: Where did Delta go? I thought that would slow her down….

Lobo heard Simon over the coms.

Simon: Hey! That maniac is going for the Brooklyn bridge!

Lobo: It’s the Brooklyn bridge!

Simon: Engage immediately.

Millie: I guess we don’t have much of a choice.

Terra: Let’s go.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Amelia ran everyone to the bridge.

Terra: Where is she? The bridge looks...fine.

Delta flew from under the bridge. She blew a huge hole in the bridge. She flew in the air with the help of her armor. And cars started to fall into the depths below.

Millie: Amelia.

Amelia: What?!

Millie: You’re the only one who could save the people on the bridge. Those are a bunch of innocents. You said you wanted to use your speed for good. So come on, go!

Amelia summoned her speed and blew through the bridge. She slipped through cars and grabbed people. She got into a rhythm. Back and forth. Delta started paying attention to Amelia. She took out her gun.

Terra: Hey! Keep your eyes on me!

Delta: Whatever you did to me….that would’ve killed me if it wasn’t for the Ichor coursing through my veins.

Terra: That was the point.

Delta: I thought you were against killing.

Terra: And what happens if you stay alive? You’ll never stop! Can’t you see what’s wrong with your actions!?

Delta: My mom taught me the way. She showed me that there was only one way the world can be perfect. And she didn’t do anything to enact that vision. She loved me. I was going to follow in her footsteps, And you took that all away from me!

Delta lunged towards Terra. Terra jumped out of the way. Delta’s hand smashed into a car. She shot a couple bullets at Terra. Terra made one of her gauntlets fly off and cross cut Delta in the face, Terra took out her spear and stabbed forward to puncture Delta. She did a hook kick, and kicked Terra’s spear at the ground. She shot a bullet right in between Terra’s eyes. Terra was struck down to the ground. The bullet had bounced off of Terra’s head. But her head rung. She held her hand out and tried ripping Delta’s armor off of her. She started to be pulled towards Terra. Terra took what she could get. She kicked Delta’s gun out of her hand and elbowed her in the face. Delta stumbled back, her eyes watering. She slashed at Terra with her axe, Terra jumped back. Delta slashed once again, and Terra jumped right off of her axe and kicked her in the face, landing behind her with a roll. Delta slammed her axe down, making a huge shockwave that broke the ground in two. Terra lost her balance, and Delta jumped in and kicked Terra twice ending with a superman punch to the face. Terra was slammed into a car. Delta ran at her. She held out her gun and shot Terra over and over. Screaming. Delta gripped her axe and slashed overhead. Terra lit up with a blinding red glow. She kicked off the car and punched Delta in the face. She kept up the pressure. Bloodying her face with each punch. Delta caught Terra’s next punch. She was burning with a red aura as well. She made a gigantic vine come from the sea and smash into the bridge. Both of them were slammed off the bridge along with debris. They free fell through the air. Delta got a hold of Terra and started clobbering Terra in the face, They hit the ground somehow, they had landed on a piece of debris. They both ran towards each other with their weapons in hand. Before they could make any final lacerations a bright light appeared in front of the two. And they disappeared.

Millie: Terra! She fell when that big ass vine hit the bridge!

Themis: I’ve seen her take worse. She has to be fine.

Amelia ran in the last of the people.

Woman: Thank you so much! I don’t know what I would’ve done if it wasn’t for you!

Amelia: Yeah yeah yeah.

Amelia ran over to Millie, Themis and Lobo.

Amelia: I saw what happened to Terra. She had made it down there alive. Her and Delta were still fighting.

Themis: You think you could run us down there Amelia?

Amelia ran everyone down to the shore of the ocean. Where some debris was floating about.

Millie: Where is she?!

Themis: I don’t see anyone….

Millie: Terra! TERRA!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Terra opened her eyes, and there the sun was. Blinding her. She sat up. She was in the woods,

Terra: It can’t be....Artemis’s camp.

Terra stood up, feeling a little lightheaded. There was Artemis’s old cottage. What had happened? Why was she here?! Where was Delta?

She opened the door, the cottage was the same as last time. Pictures of all of Artemis’s kids on the wall. Well, illegitimate kids. She treated them so harshly. She wondered if they even came to this place by choice. Terra walked past the dining room and saw the bathroom. Someone opened the door.

Terra: Did you bring me here? What do you expect to gain from this!?

Delta looked at Terra.

Delta: I don’t know how I got here!

Terra: Then why did you take a shower?!

Delta: I was told to prepare.

Terra: For what?! You’re making no sense!

Terra slammed Delta against the wall.

Terra: We were just fighting! We were going to kill each other!

Delta: Our fight was cut short.

Terra: Who says?!

Delta: Zeus.

Terra: What?

Terra’s heart sank.

Delta: He is awaiting our arrival in Skyland.

Terra: Skyland?! Not now! I can’t go there!

Delta grabbed Terra and flipped her onto the dining room table.

Delta: I wouldn’t want to disappoint Zeus by gutting you like a fish. You can’t leave this place. We’re stuck together until we leave.

Terra: I have people at home waiting for me! You can’t do this!

Delta: I’m not. I’ve always dreamed about going to Skyland. You should too.

Delta left Terra. Terra ran out of the house and tried to run out of the woods. She ran into something invisible. A wall or shield of some kind. A blue beam shot down into the ground. And someone stepped out. He wore an armor-like suit with cracks in it, It was emitting a golden light. He wore shoes with wings on their sides and a big gold helmet over his face.

Delta: Hermes.

Delta bowed.

Hermes: I don’t require bows. That’s for my father.

Terra: Hermes is dead. Who are you?

Hermes: Very perceptive. I am Polybus. His son. Come with me, you two.

Terra: No! I’m not letting you drag me away from my home!

Polybus: What? This is not a choice. You don’t get to choose when it comes to this.

Terra: I DON’T CARE! Olympus is a waste of space! All gods are the same! You all think you’re high and mighty because you were born into godhood!

Polybus dashed, so he was directly in front of Terra.

Polybus: What was that?

Terra: I had to work for my power. You were handed it on a silver platter.

Terra fired on destruction and threw a punch at Polybus’s stomach. Terra felt an impact, but Polybus was motionless. He was holding her punch. He dislocated her arm and forced her to turn around. He kicked her straight in the back. Terra regained her footing and threw punch after punch at Polybus. He dodged every single one. He reached for his sword in his sheath, and dodged a punch. His sword flew out with a click and he slashed straight up and sliced straight through Terra’s skin. Her arm flew into the air. She yelled out in anguish.

Polybus: Don’t worry. Your arm will return when we make it to Olympus. I’m sorry you had to watch that, Delta. Let’s go.