Dea

CHAPTER THREE

"Dea?" 

Deep breath, ya smuck! Breathing deeply in, I begin our conversation.

"Who are you? How do I know you?"

 This time I held my breath waiting for a respond. 

The silence was so definitive I could almost hear his heartbeat on the other line before he left out a small chuckle, his voice seemed so much more real here and now then just a few moments ago on the voicemail,

 "where are you? I'll come to you and we can talk everything out. I'll explain everything. I promise."

Promise.

   Between me and my father promises were foundations to life. I'd put my heart and soul into each promise no matter how big or small. I hope this man is aware of this. Mortals from my time would cut off whomever broke the promises finger, when bound by pinky so others could see they were untrustworthy. 

" I can trust you?" I question,  though I was not expecting his response, but what he says startled me, 

"Don't you already trust me?" 

I did, somewhere in my gut my body knew he was safe. We would not be taking or losing any limbs from this man. I gave him the name of the inn I was staying at and informed him I have until noon tomorrow to be ready to leave. I could hear his laughter even as he hung up. His reaction was not what I was expecting, nor was I thrilled I knew nothing about him, just a gut feeling. 

Feeling restless I decided to text Karen thanking her for the room and letting her know so far it has been easy to start feeling recharged again. 

Dreams can be pleasant. Their warm and cozy or bright and airy, making your mind feel happy so when you wake you also feel happy as if you really had spent time relaxing in a meadow of tall daisies.

There are some dreams that feel small and dark but vast like a never ending well-hole making the dreamer feel as though instead of sleeping the has spent so night in a losing battle against their demons and by waking up was a win to them. Tonight though I managed to find the middle ground. My dreams were vast and cold but bright and breathtaking. Image after image raced through my mind disappearing before I could process what I was seeing; the most  overwhelming part was what I was feeling. Each rapid flash made my gut clench with horror then become nauseated with yearning, my heart leaping with an unfathomable amount of joy; my stomach becoming heavily full with butterflies, each emotion brought someone's tough weather it felt lovingly, angry and vengeful, tender or frantic. Everything I have ever endured was pushing by me faster then the speed of light. Among ask the emotional and physical aspects of my life I could feel myself begging to panic, knowing that these are all my memories that have been tucked away into my subconscious will be gone when I wake as terrified as I was of losing something I'm itching to have-all the pain and suffering, the joyous moments and the damned, any loss I've suffered or the goals I've accomplished will be gone. The literal light at the end of the tunnel became brighter and brighter the closer I got, soon I was engulfed by the light that felt hotter then the sun and colder then hell, I melted into a frost bitten puddle needle everything went black and still. My sleep was no longer full of dreams and I settled down in my bed facing away from the women standing near, watching me sleep. 

I awoke with the sun. It would be hours still until Cassidy would come to retrieve me for breakfast. Using this time would be perfect for a long  hot bath. The steam quickly fogged the mirrors so I opened the window a crack for ventilation and finally sunk into the tub. For a while I laid back trying to remember my dream from the night before, trying to see if there was any pieces I could put together. Though I couldn't remember what I had seen, I remembered the emotions. The different levels of love, and fright, the power I felt burning through me. Everything that  could happen, has, and I have nothing to show for it. I popped my neck and rolled my shoulders. There was nothing I could do to remember if there was I would have no doubt tried to have found it though clearly I did not. After a moment of hesitation, I decided to pull my journal, figure out what else I needed to know.

My father had once built a cabin in some woods in Montana and I had left the comfort of busy New York to find this cabin I had belief there is something my father had left there that could help me defeat Zeus. I had denied Sarah from coming with, insisting that despite me being alone I had joked the worse thing could happen has already happened to me a couple thousand times by now.  Sarah did not appreciate my humor. Off I went on my adventure, I had apparently walked all this way which is why I had to leave nine months after waking up. Sarah has insisted I at least rode a train but I had laughed at her, saying "in my time we didn't have buses or trains or car! I could walk anywhere, any time. Why change now?" To which Sarah remarked that if I ever returned to New York, she would never give me another ride to work or any other location, ever again. 

My last entry was days ago. I had taken some time during my trek to stop and practice my training working on my powers, using my blood and genetic inheritance to hone my skills, even to my unknown helpers standards I had become quite powerful and once I had gathered all my tools I would be ready to defeat Zeus. I had written about the views I've seen while walking unbeaten cross country paths. How different animals would act in each state depending on how deep I'd go into the woods, the mountains were beautiful but the view from their peaks were even better, watching from miles and miles up high as everyone went on in their day as they didn't realize a God had walked among them and now watched them scurry on their ways. I found them so fascinating. What does one do with a limited life span? How such small creations later turn their lives around. Such small, weak people can do such extraordinary things. I had wondered if I have ever given a try at being completely normal like a human? Fearing for my life at all the small and big things, trying to not make enemies but instead have friends. Would I be a home body, or would I enjoy the fantastic lives of partying and clubs? 

Sarah has taken me to a club once, though it was full of men in drag, who competed into seeing who appeared the most feminine. We had an amazing time talking to the Queens, as they called themselves (yes, they included to add that the capital Q was necessary.) When I first heard them call themselves queens I had turned to Sarah while laughing.  " queens are no match for a god!" She nodded before taking a shot of some sour green drink, squealing when it hit her stomach, "it's a word they use to describe what their doing!" She said with a scratchy voice from the hard alcohol, "it's a title but not by Royal decree. It's self given. Their Queens in their own right." I had enjoyed my time with Sarah and the self decreed Queens. We had gone back often on open stage nights to watch them compete.  

Yes, I feel as though I would be the mortal who enjoys the night life. 

While reviewing the memories I'd written the water has started to become cold, even the mirrors have un-fogged. Draining the water before getting out I marveled at the technological advances once again of the bathroom. Having indoor plumbing like this is a intense luxury we did not have in Greece growing up. To have a hot bath we would have to build a fire around a metal bin and wait for the water to warm, once getting in you could only hope the metal wouldn't be too hot to stand or else you would have to wait for it cool, and often it wouldn't until long after the water had already gone back to cold. Not too long after, Cassidy made her appearance but today she had rolled a tray to my room, "everyone else had already checked out before Mandy could make anything so I've asked her if she would watch the Lobby while we had breakfast! I cooked everything myself, Mandy move definitely didn't do anything." She has walked into my room and began to take the foul off the plates revealing bacon, sausage patties, pancakes and potatoes. Despite where she had said I had a feeling Mandy did in fact cook everything. Cause went over to the kitchenette and begun to make some fresh coffee. I watched while she worked. I was curious how coffee was brewed with modern enhancements. It smelt wonderful. I had found the sugar packets and tiny cups of creamer in the fridge already so I pulled them out and two mugs there were hanging on what seemed like a bare but smooth mini tree that's structure was perfect size to hold the few mugs on its branches. We sat down on the couch and ate at the small table I told her everything I had read in my journal (still leaving out the details of, you know, the whole Titan-on-a-trek-for-revenge thing.) 

Choking on her coffee, Cassidy bombed me with questions upon hearing about my cross country walk. "You mean to tell me you walked from New York City to Montana? With just that bag? Where did you sleep? Did you even eat?" I laughed. Spending two months walking and training all alone couldn't have been fun, I'm sure I got lonely, but I have no doubt I've made the best of it. 

"I don't know exactly what I did out how I survived that long on my own though I can imagine a few ways. I basically grew up camping. We didn't have these buildings with central heating, indoor plumbing or even that comfortable beds. We had cots or slept on piles of leaves and grass, which were more comfortable then you realize if their put together right." Again I laughed, the way she was looking at me like I was crazy. "I may not remember much from my past, I do remember a few things growing up. Just small details. I remember what my mother and father and brother look like I even remember their names, ironically. It's just after..." I trailed off, unsure of how to lie about my first ever battle against a old God and died. Not exactly anything a 'normal' human goes through. 

"It's okay of you don't remember or want to talk about everything," Cassidys voice was softer in a way I haven't heard yet, "I do feel grateful that you are willing to talk to me about this despite you finding your friends..."  her voice got softer, yet all though she returned eye contact letting me know just how sincere she is, Cassidy is a good person. I put my hand on hers and smile "your friendship means a great deal to me already, I appreciate you're honesty and willingness to listen to me rant about a past I don't remember. I might as well be spilling the plot of a novel to you, but yet you listen and interact as though you want to know just as much as me. Cassidy pats my hand in return before standing up to refill her mug of coffee.

It's common belief that eyes are the windows to the soul. I do believe it is so, when my father would talk to me about something called "body language" it would be way to tell when one is lying or telling the truth, when they lie their pupils contract and get smaller but when they tell the truth their pupils dilate. If they stayed consistent in their size then you know their being sincere.  When I talk to Cassidy she maintains eye contact and they never shrink, their always consistent or, like now, dilated just enough for me to notice. With we wild looks and out going personality she would make a great accomplice to life, but I wouldn't want to drag her into my mess. Mortals are weak and way to hurt or kill that is a fate I do not wish to being upon her. 

A comfortable silence feel upon us as we finished our warm drinks. I kept both hands wrapped around the mug stealing as much warmth as I could.

"Cassidy, I think I'm going to miss you when I leave this place. I deeply and humbly appreciate your hospitality and kindness towards me done my arrival. It had only been two days since my.. memory lapse but you have been memorably nice." She beamed a bright smile and gave a light hearted laugh " You speaks so formally! I don't know any other Greeks,  it if their all as sweet as you I'll die a happy man. But thank you, Dea! I do enjoy hearing that I have done a good job taking care of a stranger in need. People can be so cruel so I try to be as much of a good person as I can, you know, help balance out the cosmos, you know what they say, karmas a bitch." With that she gave a wink then we lapsed back into our quiet thoughts where mine were full of blank memories waiting to be refilled, my chest and stomach keep knitting and heaving with intense curiosity on who it will be that ends up knocking on my door. 

When we've finished our drinks I washed out mugs while Cassidy threw the paper plates and foil away " I'm going to go back to the office and relieve Mandy, I don't think she'll be too long with the rooms so I'm not sure if there will be lunch- if you're still here. Just... please say bye before you go? Here is.." she looked around the room  before finding a index card and a pen, quickly scribbling a ransom assortment of numbers, "... my number it would be real sweet if you texted me later on about your life." She gives a quick hug before rolling her tray out the door "Take care until then, Dea!" I waved to her from the door way for a few seconds before silently closing the door again. I let out a deep sigh while leaning against the cool door, my nerves were getting to me. 

Unsure of what to do until HE arrives I tidied up the room a bit, ripped the sheets of the bed taking the card off the pillows then bundling them all into a big ball and sat them in the bed. Hopefully this small gesture will help Mandy when she cleans my room and so she she sees this a way of saying 'thank you'.  

I didn't know what else to do, so I sat on the couch once again with a fresh mug of coffee and stared at the screen on the wall. I had no interest in watching the big screens 'movies' instead I stared at my reflection drinking her coffee, waiting for the next thing to happen, whatever comes I'll be ready.

My waiting did not take long. As lunchtime neared I was beginning to wonder if Cassidy would bring me food out or if I'd have to fend for myself there was a knock at my door that startled me. Opening the door I couldn't hide my surprise. Who was in the doorway wasn't anyone I was expecting, one if the last I would ever think of. 

It was the son of Zeus, the very one who stood behind his fathers back as he murdered me. The boy then was of average built, but the man who stood before me was a God. Taller then my five foot six, toned out with waves blond hair like his father, hazel eyes a bit more on the  green then blue with the skin of the Gods, blemish free and golden tan.  

I never knew his name but the son of my enemy is also my enemy.

 Instantly I was on  guard, " How did you find me? What do you want?" With a voice calmer then my nerves, as it had been only two days since I've woken, I still have yet to find where my full strength lies now or even if my body is capable of handling a solid beating I'm ate he'd give me, he would be able to remember all these years with of training where I've kept my training a secret even to myself. 

He held his hands up, "relax, Dea, it's me. The one you've been obsessing over since you woke up. I know you have a lot to ask and I will answer in due time, but for now, stand down." I knew it was him the moment he started to talk, even with his calm demeanor his voice was demanding and gravely but soft.  While he kept his hands up he walked into my room and closed the door with his foot before giving my room a quick glance over. When he turned back to me he dropped his hands and rolled his shoulders. 

"My name, right, it's Porous Son of Zeus, God of Time as was my grandfather Khorons, the opposite of helplessness and the spirit of expedience and contrivance. I have given myself a more... modern name of Daimon, you are free to choose which name you want to use. I am here because you need me and I need you. You need me to help you defeat my father so you and your family may return to Olympia where you belong and for him to remove your curses, I need your help in defeating my father so I can tend his throne. He uses his status to make everyone do his bidding then sleeze around with every god, titan and human. We had gotten far before you little hike, but since you ddI not make it before you died, we can pick up where we left off. I'm confident we'll be back in Olympia before your year is over."

"Ahh. You want to use my revenge to your advantage. You can't defeat your father without help, so, you've come to me. I'll bite, tell me what we've been up to and why I kept it out of my journal?" I leaned against the desk and folded my arms across my chest in a stance I hoped made me appear confident and strong while maintaining eye contact. 

He is so far telling the truth.

" I asked you to keep our training a secret if anyone found out I was training you, the pathetic girl from the woods who challenged Zeus, of all Gods, not only would I be thrown in the pit but my father would have my head." 

Contracted pupils, tense body, defensive stand and insults. Verbal and unconscious cues.

I smiled now, relaxing my arms,  "you're lying. Maybe not about Zeus having your head, but you don't think I'm pathetic. I impressed you, didn't I, Daimon." I walked closer to him with each word by the time I said his name I was standing in front of him he kept his stance though now he was a different kind of guarded, like he was trying to keep away from me. I absentmindedly felt sad at this. After a few moments he relaxed his demeanor but took a step back. 

"There's a lot to go over, puella. Can we get something to eat then I promise I will explain everything once we hit the road tomorrow morning, deal?" 

 I nod, "I'll talk to Cassidy about paying for one more night. Stay here and do whatever... it is you do. Though if you put the bed back together that's be top notch. I'll be back." I grabbed my bag and walked out the door, heading to the lobby where Cassidy should be waiting.  Cassidy seemed surprised to see me walking through the door. "Uh, hey, Dea! I wasn't sure if I'd be seeing you before lunch." Her brows furrowed when she saw my face up close "are you okay? What's the matter?" I shake my head, "it's nothing, really. I'm just thinking. My mystery man showed up. Guess you could say we go a ways  back but he's the least I was expecting. I'm going to need to pay for one more night." I shuffle through my bag until I find the plastic card "Sarah said I've been depositing pay checks on here. I believe I should have enough to pay for one night with the meals included?" 

She takes the card and looks it over before starting to type into her giant box she called a 'computer'. "The food comes with the room, you know. It's part of our way to keep our customers happy and satisfied so they'll come back. I won't be able to come down for lunch as my replacement won't be here. I sent Mandy home a few hours  ago but I might make it for a late lunch, if you'd like? Unless you'd rather spend some time with..." she trailed off as she realizes she does not know my company's name. 

"It's Daimon. He's from Greece, like me." Her head snaps up "is he attractive, too? What about his accent? I love accents, their hot."  With that I couldn't help but let out a genuine laugh. "If you like tall brooding men then I suppose he can be attractive but his accent seems les thick compared to mine. I think he has been in the States longer then I have." Cassidy started to hand me  back my card but when I grabbed it she wouldn't let go before saying in a whisper "I'd love to meet him. I need photos with him so I can boast to everyone I KNOW a guy, ya know what I mean?" She waved her elbow, winked and clicked her tongue all at once before letting my card go with a sigh. "It's always the hot girls who get the hot guys." I threw my hands up in defense "I never said we had anything going on! Just that we know one another from years ago! if he peaks your interest by all means, go ahead!" Though my mind said every word, my body filled with jealous hate at the though of Daimon being with anyone. 

Cassidy winked again then wave me away, "go. I've got work to do and you have memories to be restored." 

Returning back to my room I found Daimon sitting on the perfectly made bed staring at the door.

"Okay," I said standing in front of him, "you have to tell me everything you know. I need it in order to win."

He stands up, I hadn't realized how close I was to him until now. When he stands I come up to his shoulders our chests Almost  touching.

 My breath hitched.

 "Okay, lets start from the beginning where you attacked Zeus."

I interrupt him "I remember everything but one thing, how did I die?"