Just a drop...

Sebastian stood with his arms crossed, his brows pulled together. "To have the ability to bend the minds of those whom oppose us." He nodded slowly, "It sounds like something from a dream, we could have used this information during the Lycan wars." He drew his brows together.

Iris shook his head. "That's it." She spoke, "That's what Nicholai was trying to do to me..."

"He was trying to control you?" Sebastian raised a brow.

"Yes, I know he can control weak vampires, he said it, he tried to control me when we ran into him in Netherfall. It clouded my mind, I felt dizzy and confused, it faultered my movements in our fight, ultimatley allowing him the upperhand."

"Interesting." Marcus looked down to the scroll. "Why would he think he could control you...?"

"Because of my memory loss, I believe he hoped I was weak." She then looked to Cassandra. "A shot in the dark is a shot, it is something." She nodded, "We can and we will do this." She searched her eyes a long moment. "I'm not worried." She gave a gentle smile.

"Not in the least?" Sebastian asked as he looked to his daughter.

"No, I know we will survive." She nodded, "We can't fail now, if we fail we are failing our kind as well as humanity, and possibly even the good lycans."

"Good Lycans?" Marcus scoffed. "There is no such--...."

"Do not argue with me." Iris looked to him. "You've been asleep how long?" She questioned. "Over 500 years, am I right?" Her voice was strong. "The second hand of the order is a Lycan and he happens to be a much better person than Nicholai could ever hope to be, the evil hides within all of us, the monster begs to be released. Those of us who have control we are considered what is good from evil." She raised a brow slightly. "We can end this, if we can figure out how to get his blood. I will drink it. I understand it could be incredibly risky." She looked to the old scrolls. "A volcano..." She spoke as she took the old brittle page. She spun it to get a good look at the map. She staggered slightly, memories flashing before her vision, she grit her teeth.

"What's happening to her?" Marcus stood his eyes worried.

"Her memories." Lucille stepped forward and held Iris as she nearly fell over. "She's still trying to regain herself." She glanced to Marcus. "You're lucky they didn't destroy your memory."

"I honestly think the poison was meant to kill her." Marcus spoke, "They didn't expect her to be alive when they took down the council, they were betting on her being dead. Iris is a threat, but together with Cassandra, they are the key to defeating these traitors."

Iris' hand pressed against the page. "I know this language..." She spoke her breaths heavy. "I studied it."

"You've done a lot of studying." Lucille chuckled softly. "You always had your nose in a book, if we ran into something unknown, leave it to you for an hour or two and you would have an answer, or at least a fragment of an answer."

"This volcano is on the southern continent..." She glanced to Cassandra.

"I imagine it is no more safe than here." Marcus spoke.

"You never know, it sounded only like lycan wars there, fighting off a few Lycans should be easy, dealing with Lycans and vampires...that could prove difficult." Sebastian looked to his daughter a moment. "Be careful." He hugged her. "Promise you'll return, the both of you, in one piece." He hugged and kissed the top of Cassandra's head. He then chuckled. "We have to put on that wedding for you two when this is all over, you know?" He asked. He then stepped back as Lucille hugged the two before she came to his side and hugged onto him.

Iris grinned when he mentioned the wedding. "I'm counting on it." She smiled as she took Cassandra's hand. "Ready." She nodded and pulled her from the room. She walked her down to the foyer and then turned to her.

"The scroll says it is incredibly dangerous." Iris spoke, she still held Cassandra's hand. "Then again, both of us have faced steep odds." She smiled and turned to her. She searched her eyes a long moment. "I love you Cass." She whispered before she kissed her sweetly. "Together, we can do this. Like you said, we fight much better together than apart." She took in a deep breath, "I'll follow you." She nodded.

Iris took in a breath, she looked around at the books and smiled. She still had her love for books, that was for certain. Iris followed along with Cassandra as she looked to the huge ships in the distance at the port. "It makes sense, you know? That you can't just travel anywhere....besides..." She smiled and looked to her, "What fun would it be if it were that easy?" She glanced around at the people that moved about the city quickly.

"This is a busy place with the port, huh?" She asked as they stepped up to the teller. She watched the interaction and soon enough they were walking across the bridge to the ship. She looked up to it in awe. "I've never been on a ship before." She looked to Cassandra and smiled. "Not that I can remember at least. Though, I can almost bet that I've never been on a ship." She laughed slightly as they came to the deck. She glanced around as travelers boarded. She walked to the edge and held onto the railing looking out over the vast ocean. "It's incredible actually, to see so far, and yet it looks as though the world just falls off of a cliff." She chuckled. "The whole world is flat, that was once believed you know?" She looked to Cassandra and then to her ticket. "Room 308, hm..." She moved about the ship and down into the main decks.

"Lost?" A deckhand asked, he offered a friendly smile. Before Iris could respond he grasped the ticket from her hand. "Ah yes, right this way." He led the two through the ship. Iris glanced to the grande staircase that led down to an open area where vendors stood with their carts of goods for sale. They moved up a flight of stairs and down a few halls. Iris looked to Cassandra, a hint of excitement in her smile before she looked back to the man that led them. "Here you are, 308." He grinned and pushed the door open he pulled the key from the slot and handed it to Iris. "A nice one, eh? You must be royal or something, to afford this." He joked before he walked off.

Iris looked to the key and then stepped into the room. They were a good bit above the waterline, the view was beautiful. The bed was neatly made, a chest was nailed into the floor to keep it still during rough waters. The room was well decorated. "This is really nice." She nodded. "How long is the trip?" She questioned just as the ship began to move. She gripped onto the post of the bed and chuckled. "I hope I don't get sea sickness." She laughed as they began to push off into the ocean.

Iris stepped up to Cassandra and looked into her eyes, she fell forward slightly with the push of a wave against the boat. She wrapped her arms around Cassandra and chuckled. "You seem to have better sea legs than I do." She lay her head into the nap of Cassandra's neck, enjoying the moment.

Iris pulled back after a few long moments and smiled. "We should check out the vendors huh?" She grasped Cassandra's hand and pulled her through the ship. Soon enough they came back to the grande hall where Iris walked down the beautiful wooden stairs to the vendors. The area was busy with people chatting and moving about. It seemed everyone on the ship was here.

"Get your news here!" One vendor called out.

"Peanuts! Roasted to perfection! Get your Peaaaaa-nuuuutsss!"

Iris chuckled and looked to Cassandra. "It's like the festival." She spoke as they continued on. She walked up to one vendor that had beautifully wrapped boxes that held a ribbon around them. She looked to the small box with a soft smile on her lips. "I know these...." She drew her brows together slightly. She couldn't remember where she knew the box from, but she knew it.

"Ah everyone knows my boxes love." The vendor smiled to her, a handsome man in a top hat. "The finest chocolates from around the world, expertly hand crafted. I don't use machinery like the other shops, and I hand pick the cocoa beans." He grinned. "Care to have a box?" He held one toward her.

Iris looked to the box a moment she then reached forward to a box that was wrapped in a red ribbon.

"Oh that one is very special indeed." The vendor smiled. "Though, the price on that one is a bit more."

Iris pulled out a coin bag and looked up to him. "How much?" She questioned.

"25....though...." He searched her eyes a moment, "20 from you, love." He flashed another smile, vampire fangs slightly visible.

Iris chuckled and shook her head. "Alright." She set the coins down on the table. "Thank you sir." She lifted the box and looked to it. She knew the red ribbon. It was one of a few boxes that he had that held a red ribbon.

"Of course, come back anytime." He smiled and then glanced to Cassandra.

Iris held the box of chocolates and stepped away looking to Cassandra a moment. "I remember these...I just can't draw up the memory." She drew her brows together. "It's funny...how the mind works." She chuckled, "The things I remember and the things that I have lost."

Iris worked her way through the crowd. She soon enough led Cassandra back to their room where she stared out the window. They were quite a ways out to sea now. She'd gotten used to the gentle rocking of the ship. Iris sat down on the bed and grinned. "Care for a piece?" She asked as she tugged gently at the silky ribbon. She slipped the top from the chocolate box and lifted one of the small truffles into her fingertips. Iris looked over the white chocolate design that was drizzled over the top, a smile on her lips as she tried to remember. She then popped the piece of chocolate into her mouth. As she bit into it blood gushed from within the chocolate. Iris let out a happy hum as her senses heightened, her cheeks blushed slightly. "These...I remember these..." She nodded and chuckled. "Ah yes, the chocolatier from Baldrick. He used to come to the festival each year and sell these chocolates infused with blood. A lovely treat." She chuckled.

Iris lay back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. "I always used to buy a set from him, they are dangerously good. Whatever it is that he does, it's amazing..." She popped another chocolate into her mouth and sighed happily.

Suddenly the ship tilted roughly. Iris rolled and nearly fell from the bed. Her eyes widened. "What was that?" She watched as water splashed against the side of the ship. The ship tilted violently again and Iris flew forward she fell against the wall and grit her teeth. "It's not supposed to do that right?" She heard screams from down the hallway.

Iris turned and burst from the room, she rushed down the stairs and soon enough she stood on the main deck. Water splashed over the deck. She looked up, a whirlwind of water surrounded the ship, as if the ocean was swallowing it whole. She could see the stars at the very top. Iris glanced around, everyone was fleeing, screaming, running about the decks.

"You." A deep voice spoke. A man stood before her, he held a trident. He had a long grey beard, a crown upon his head. Water dripped from his body, his eyes seemed to glow.

Iris looked up to him her eyes widened slightly. She took a step back though she didn't speak.

The man chuckled. "Foolish vampire." He took a step toward her. "You think you can access the powers of the gods?" He questioned and took another step to her. He easily reached forward and grabbed her. "You think you deserve the powers of the gods?" He questioned. His hand was huge, it wrapped easily around her torso. Iris struggled against him. This had to be a dream. "You don't deserve any of it." He growled and tossed her.

Iris flew through the air, she landed roughly on the deck. She pushed herself up and pulled her pistol. "I don't know who you are." She spoke as she stepped forward. "And I don't know what you're talking about." She grit her teeth and aimed the gun. She unloaded the clip into him.

The man chuckled as the bullets hit his flesh and only crumpled and fell to the ground. "Very well." He tilted his head slightly and rushed forward he slammed Iris against the cabin. "I am Poseidon, the god of the seas." He searched her eyes. "Learn well what power it is that you seek. You are not deserving of it." He growled.

Iris writhed against him, she pulled her dagger and stabbed it into him, the blade curled and became red hot causing her to drop it. The man only chuckled again. He released her and turned as water began to cascade down on the ship. Iris rushed forward as a collumn of water crashed down where the man was. She leaped into the air to tackle him and she burst through the water. Iris cried out as the ship tilted beneath her. Water rushed down over her and she was pushed over the edge violently her body twisted and turned.

Her vision blacked out for what felt like hours. Then suddenly her eyes opened, she felt weightless in the sea. She choked as she tried to breathe. She kicked and pushed at the water with her hands fighting to get to the surface. She looked up, she could see the shadow of the ship on the surface, it felt so far away...she could feel her muscles giving in to the lack of oxygen. She could feel her body weakening as her vision grew dark and full of shadows...though she didn't give in...at least she tried not to. She felt the grip of something around her body just as she gave in to the embrace of the water and her vision faded to black...

Iris drifted off into the darkness of unconsciousness. She was limp in Cassandra's arms, her pulse weak, her breathing little to non-existent. Her skin was pale as she lay on the land. Then suddenly pain struck her. Iris' eyes shot open and she coughed up water before she gasped for air. She turned onto her side as water came from her mouth as she continued to cough. She'd heard Cassandra in her dreams just before she'd been hit in the chest. She held her hand to her chest as her coughing slowed. "Cass...?" She breathed as she looked around to this strange place around them. She looked up to the hole above them. Was that water? At the top of the cliffs where the rocks seemed to come together it seemed that water was held up by some invisible force.

She lowered her eyes to the world around them, the grey rocks, the purple crystals that seemed to glow above them. Iris' eyes found what looked like an entrance, it had a gentle blue glow to it, large columns on either side of the archway. "Where are we?" She questioned her voice soft. Iris pushed herself to her feet as she looked to the dead bodies, the gentle waves of the otherwise calm water washed the bodies away slowly one by one it was like nothing happened. Iris helped Cassandra up her eyes looking about. She began to walk toward the archway, her eyes moved up to the ceiling of the cavern looking up to the water as it glistened in the glow of the purple crystals. She lowered her eyes again to a statue that stood near the entrance. It was a large statue of a tall man that looked almost identical to Poseidon...it even held the trident.

Iris paused a moment. "This all has to be a dream..." She whispered softly. "This can't be real, a god?" She questioned and looked to Cassandra. "The gods don't exist...its a fable...a child's bedtime story..." Her voice trailed off as she turned her attention to the large doors that were now visible as they came closer.

The doors cracked open and a woman stepped forward, she wore a dark blue dress with copper armor pieces that ran along her arms and chest. Her eyes were a stunning green and her hair was as black as the night. A crown glinted in the light as she stepped forward, her heels clicking in the silence of the cavern. "Ah, survivors?" She questioned, a smile on her lips. "My, my." She tilted her head slightly as she walked up to Iris and Cassandra. Iris reached for her dagger, though it was gone. She reached for her pistol, gone. She grit her teeth as the woman reached forward and gently clasped her jaw looking her over. "Ah I see." She smiled as she looked at Iris' fangs, she released her and let out a chuckle. "You are the two he was rambling on about." She smiled. "Welcome to Atlantis, I am Amphitrite, queen of the city, and I'm certian you've already met my husband." She crossed her arms, looking over the two playfully. "Come inside." She waved.

Iris took a step back. "Atlantis?" Her eyes were wide.

"Yes, Atlantis. Now come on before the tide washes you away." The woman locked eyes with her.

Iris drew her brows together, an unsettling calm had washed over her. She shook her head. "How will?" She felt a drop of water on the top of her head. Iris looked up, the water seemed to be descending on the cavern.

"Come." Amphitrite spoke as she stepped inside the doorway.

Iris glanced to Cassandra, her pulse began to race within her chest. Atlantis was another thing of books...of fiction...this had to be a dream. What exactly had been in those chocolates? Were they poisoned? Iris followed the woman inside. As the doors closed the sound of the water rushing around within the cavern could be heard. Iris looked back to the door, it held against the water, not even letting in a drop.

"Don't worry, it's dry in here and it will stay that way." Amphitrite spoke. "So, tell me..." She glanced to the two. "You are seeking the aid of Ark. Am I correct?" She asked. "You seek to gain his power?" Her eyes locked on Iris then.

Iris watched this woman. More and more this became something only a dream could create. "Um..." She drew her brows together. "Yes." She finally replied.

"Why?" The woman looked to her with darkened eyes now, her voice had been cross.

Iris took in a breath. The woman was just inches from her, her back was against the wall. "I need to stop a band of vampires that have turned against our kind....they are ravaging the continent, turning humans unwillingly...making them into abominations...killing..." She shook her head. "It is pure madness and it must be stopped..."

"Why not just kill them?" She questioned then, not moving.

"If only it was that easy." Iris replied. "Each moment that passes he is recruiting more, killing more...destroying more...we have to strike at the core, we can't fight to him, we don't have enough to survive..."

"Maybe this should be the end of your kind? Hm? It could be the end of days for you." Her eyes stared into Iris'.

"It could, yes. But all that will remain is chaos." Iris responded, her voice strong.

Amphitrite huffed slightly and turned. "So you say, young one." She spoke as she walked off. "Come." She pushed two huge doors open. They pushed into a beautiful city that was beneath a glass dome. Water surrounded the city. The lights seemed to glisten.

Iris glanced to Cassandra as she followed the woman down the staircase toward the huge city. She was quiet as she looked about to the beautiful architecture. Iris' jaw nearly dropped as she looked into the streets. Humans. Humans lived here. "H-how are they here?" Iris questioned, her voice shook slightly from the confusion.

Amphitrite chuckled, "A few wanted to dabble in the affiars of the gods, so my dear husband brought them here...though I've quite enjoyed having citizens beneath me, we've grown the city from ship wrecks, and those that could have drown at sea. It's a refuge so to speak. They get to live a care free life, I get to play queen." She chuckled happily at the end. "It makes my existence all the more interesting. After so many years, you get bored." She looked to Iris. "You would know, wouldn't you?" She questioned. "Though, 527 years isn't much compared to the time I've been around." She grinned.

Iris watched the woman closely for a moment. She then looked to Cassandra, "And why have you brought us here then?" She questioned.

Amphitrite looked to her again, she chuckled. "Oh, well..." She thought a moment. "Poseidon will have to answer that for you." She flashed a smile. "Though, going after Ark's power..." She nodded slowly. "That can get you into a lot of trouble, with more than just my husband and I."

Iris narrowed her brows. "What do you mean? Each moment you toy with us is another moment that Nicholai is destroying our world. What games are you playing?"

Amphitrite grinned, "I like your fiesty attitude." She chuckled then. "We will play as many games as we want." She turned and paused. "Have a nice fall." She spoke and then shoved Iris.

Iris let out a scream as she fell backward into what looked like a huge fountain. She fell through the layer of water and toppled down into the darkness. Her scream echoed off of the walls, she tried to grasp at anything. Though it seemed the walls were perfectly smooth. She landed then, roughly on the ground, she tumbled and groaned as pain swept across her body. "Cass?" She choked out as she pushed herself to her feet. "Cass!" She cried, her voice echoed. Her breaths quickened. "This is a dream..." She muttered to herself. "A horrible nightmare..." She shook her head. "Wake up, damnit." She slapped her face. "Come on wake up!" She whimpered slightly as she took a step forward toward a dim light at the end of a tunnel. "Cass?!" She called out, only for her voice to echo back to her. She pushed forward and found her hands on a wooden door. She turned the handle and stepped into the next room. She shielded her eyes from the bright light and looked around the bright room. It seemed to be lined in gold.

"Power beyond imagination." A deep voice spoke. Poseidon. "That is what you seek."

Iris brought her eyes up to him, he sat upon a throne. "I see to end the war before it becomes any worse than it already has, I aim to save lives..." Iris spoke softly. Her eyebrows quivered slightly.

"Foolish mortal." Poseidon shook his head. "You only seek power, that is all I hear. You seek to take down those stronger than you, so you look to power to help you restore yourself to help you gain control of the situation."

Iris shook her head. "No. I want to save our world before it crumbles." She took a step forward. "I want to stop them from ruining everything. They will end everything, kill everyone. They stop at nothing..." She stopped speaking and glanced around the room. Poseidon had disappeared. She let out a long sigh as she looked around. "Cass...where are you?" She wondered softly.

Iris shifted and looked around the dimly lit room. She pushed against pieces of the wall and leaned against a column. Her eyes searched about, analyzing everything. She drew her brows together as she stepped to the side of a column on the far side of the room. She reached up and pulled a small notch that was well hidden. A rumbling came and the wall pulled away. Dust and debris fell as the huge stone piece slid back to reveal another long hallway. Blue flames began to light the hall each seeming to light aflame after the other as if in a chain reaction to the door opening.

Iris let out a breath and pushed forward. She walked quickly down the hallway and as she approached the end of it her vision filled with a bright light. She covered her eyes and continued forward. Her body felt light. Suddenly Iris felt the weight of the ocean around her. She tried to breathe but only found that she choked on water. She thrashed against the water fighting to get to the top. The weight of the ocean around her was crushing what air she'd had in her lungs. Then suddenly she fell, air around her. Iris gasped and cried out just before she slammed into the ground.

A chuckle came from across the dry land. "You don't give up." Poseidon spoke, he had his trident pushed into the sand and he was leaning against it a grin on his lips. "Do you think you deserve to be a god then?" He questioned.

Iris struggled to get to her feet. She grit her teeth. "I do not seek to be a god." She replied.

Poseidon stepped forward to her his trident still stuck in the sand. He grinned as he gripped her jaw. "Oh but if you seek the power of Ark, then you at least seek the power of the gods. Don't you see that?" He stared into her eyes.

Iris shoved his hand away. She scrambled and ran to his trident. She grabbed it and yanked it from the ground. It was heavy, but she managed to hold it up, the tips pointed at him. "Where is Cassandra?" She asked, her voice full of frustration.

Poseidon looked up to the water that floated above the rocky room, it wavered, droplets fell from it. "Who?" He questioned, his grin turning playful.

Iris drew her brows together. "The woman that was with me. Where is she? What did you do to her?"

He chuckled as he watched her. "Ah, my sweet wife was correct about the true love, wasn't she?" He took a step forward. "No need to worry about her."

Iris narrowed her eyes. She lunged forward bringing the trident down like a staff in an angled motion. Poseidon was caught off guard, the weapon slammed against his shoulder and he was thrown to the side. Iris quickly moved and stabbed forward but he dodged quickly, though the points caught his chest and blood dripped from the superficial wounds. Water began to fall down around them swirling quickly, a whirlpool was created around them. Iris and Poseidon stood in the only dry space. "Tell me where she is." Iris growled, her eyes were dark, the teal color glowed. "I don't have to be a god to kill you." She threatened.

Poseidon grinned his eyes looking over her. "You truly are the descendant of Athena." He snickered then and dodged another attack.

The water converged on them then, though a small bubble protected Iris. Poseidon chuckled as the rushing water pushed against him, though he didn't budge he was like a huge boulder beneath the waves. "I don't care who the hell I am a descendant of!" Iris snapped. "You've no right to attack us! Now give Cassandra back and let us go!" She ordered, her royal tone coming through. She slammed the trident down and the water rushed away.

**

Amphitrite looked up as the city trembled slightly, she held a cup of tea in her hands. "Hm." She hummed slightly, "Interesting. I'd say the conversation my husband is having with your love is taking a few unexpected turns." She chuckled, a smile on her lips. "She did seem quite feisty." She laughed again and sipped her tea. "Do you have questions, Cassandra?" The goddess watched her closely. "You must be swimming with questions as to how all of this came about. You know, even Iris was planned...to an extent..." She then raised a brow. "Though, her involvement with you was something we could have never seen coming. You see, being a god doesn't quite grant everything to go smoothly. In fact, that is what makes our lives interesting, the anomalies." She tilted her head slightly. "Like you. You rose to the power that was given to you, no other Dhampir did this, though the power was there, just waiting to be unlocked. Ares even talked Athena into creating a warrior for the Dhampir to be guided by, and every single time nothing came of it. The wars continued. The Lycans would push back up...filthy things..." Amphitrite scoffed slightly. "Athena created the first vampire, you know?" She questioned and raised a brow. "Ark." She nodded. "He was something to be proud of, a powerful being, Ares loved the idea. The being that Athena had created was the perfect warrior, a true predator. Though, her mistake was Ark's ability to control anything with his mind, his ability to turn any human into a vampire...it was quite the ordeal. Interesting to watch." She smiled and raised a brow again as the world rumbled. "Ah that should put an end to that..." She muttered before she turned her attention back to Cassandra. "So, questions of your father?" She smiled.

**

Iris lunged forward, she slammed the trident into the sand again and a wave of power blasted from it. Poseidon was thrown back, he growled as he got back to his feet. There was a large boom then. Iris felt a surge of electricity flow through her body, she let out a cry of pain as bolts of lightning surrounded her. The trident fell from her hands and clattered against the sand as she was lifted slightly into the air. The bolts disappeared then and she fell to her hands and knees gasping. "Brother." An unfamiliar voice spoke. "Playing with my daughter's creation I see. Get your trident, brother."

Poseidon straightened slightly he stepped forward and lifted the trident from in front of Iris. "I'm not playing with her." Poseidon spoke his brows scrunched together.

The man stepped forward and knelt before Iris looking into her eyes his own eyes held lightning bolts within his iris. "Hm then what do you call it brother?" He questioned as he offered her his hand. "Go on." He nodded to her.

Poseidon huffed slightly, "I am testing her, to be sure she deserves to find Ark." He crossed his arms, his trident had disappeared.

The man looked to him and chuckled. "Ark?" He questioned and then looked back to Iris. "You think you deserve Ark's powers girl?" He looked to her with his electric eyes.

Iris looked up to him she took in a deep breath. "I only wish to end the war." She spoke. "To stop the destruction of our world. If the vampire leader of the rebellion is not stopped it will collapse society...no more puppets to play with." She glanced to Poseidon.

The man that stood before her chuckled he grinned and glanced to his brother. "She's awfully strong willed, hm?" He questioned. He then looked back to her. "Tell you what girl." He tilted his head slightly. "Defeat my brother here in battle and I'll allow you to move forward toward the southern continent, I will not tell you where to locate Ark. But I can assure you that others will block your path. He will not be the last god to question your worth."

Iris watched this man before her. She gave a nod. "I can defeat him." She spoke.

"Zeus." Poseidon spoke, his voice low.

"Yes, brother?" The man turned his eyes to Poseidon.

"I'll crush her, she is nothing but a mortal." He argued. "This is not even sport."

"Hm, it didn't look like you had the upper hand a moment ago." He grinned then as he looked back to Iris. "If you don't want to fight her then she shall run the gauntlet. That should be a sight to see. Hm?" He questioned.

"Athena won't..."

"Athena will be more than thrilled to see her perform the gauntlet." Zeus cut him off. "Now then. I have preparations to make. You'll keep them busy until then?" He questioned.

Poseidon grit his teeth as he glared to Iris, his trident appeared in his hands again. "I'll keep her busy." He spoke. Zeus grinned then as he disappeared into a flurry of bolts of electricity.

Iris took a step back, her eyes glared to the god before her. "Who is Athena? What is the gauntlet?"

"All in time. You will know soon enough." Poseidon slammed his trident down.

Iris rushed forward but she was swept away by a violent current. She tossed and turned fighting against the waters. She fought the current until her vision faded to black...

**

"You didn't have to drown her." Amphitrite spoke as she glanced to the doors that pushed open.

Poseidon dropped Iris like a piece of luggage, the water in her clothing squished on the ground as she lay limply. "If she hadn't taken my trident she wouldn't have nearly drown herself." He grumbled. "She doesn't give up." He then glared to Cassandra. "She attacked me trying to find you." He chuckled, "Zeus has challenged her to a run through the gauntlet. They must pass that before moving on to the southern continent." He nodded as he moved and sat down on his throne. "That will be a sight to see." He chuckled then.

Amphitrite looked to him and raised a brow, she chuckled. "I'm surprised you even let her touch that thing." She stood and stepped forward moving to Iris' side. "Come." She spoke as she lifted Iris into her arms. She glanced to Cassandra. Iris stirred slightly in her arms though she didn't wake. Amphitrite carried her from the throne room, they rounded a few hallways and came to a door which seemed to open just by Amphitrite looking to the handle. She set Iris down on a bed before she turned and looked to Cassandra. "You are protected by Ares." She spoke, "She is not." Her eyes searched Cassandra's then. "My husband..." She thought a moment. "He is less forgiving than I am. You understand?" She took in a breath. "To seek power of the gods..." Amphitrite thought a moment, it was clear she wanted to help. "It's something that will cause a lot of trouble in your path. Many of the gods will fight with you about this, but..." She glanced to Iris. "She could be worthy of the power, she certainly has the skill set and the will to fight." She raised a brow. "I've never, in my years heard of anyone getting a hold of my husband's trident." She chuckled then. "I'm sure that hurt his ego." She grinned. "Not to mention she has gained the attention of Zeus. That is a hefty feat. The gauntlet will be a challenge, though with your powers you should surpass it easily, teamwork will get you through." She winked then. "At least, it should."

Amphirite glanced to Iris again, "She could have quite the future ahead of her....as could you..." She looked to Cassandra a long moment before she slipped from the room.

**

It felt like Iris had been asleep for days. Her body was stiff when she woke. Her eyes fluttered open, she sucked in a quick breath. "C-Cass?" She questioned, her voice full of worry. She rolled and nearly fell of the bed. She staggered to her feet. "Cassandra?" She asked again.

Iris wrapped her arms around Cassandra as she came into the room. She took in a breath as she sat at the edge of the bed, thinking, listening. "I fell for a long time into that well." Iris spoke softly. "It was horrifying, to be honest, I thought I was going to die, but then I landed and when I did...I was sore but not injured..." She took in a deep breath then. "Poseidon pulled me into the ocean again, he was toying with me, tossing me around like a rag doll. He had me on a beach he'd created beneath the ocean. The power of that trident is incredible. It wields the water as he commands. He wouldn't tell me where you were..." Iris drew her brows together. "I feared the words..." She took her hand and looked into her eyes a moment, looking her over, looking for any injuries. "So...when he stepped toward me I moved quickly and I grabbed the trident. As soon as I lifted it into my hands I could feel the power of it coursing through me...we fought and I had the upper hand..."

Iris fell quiet then, "Though, another god appeared, Zeus. He shocked me, he stopped me from attacking Poseidon...he spoke of a woman called Athena...she is my creator? I guess...I don't know what that is supposed to mean..." She muttered then. "You..." She looked to Cassandra a moment. "The god of war?" She questioned her brows raised. "He's your father..." Her face scrunched slightly as she thought. She stood, her arms crossed. "How?" She shook her head. "I've never believed in the fairytales of the gods." She laughed then. "Yet, here we stand in a mythical city, amongst the gods..." Iris was entertained by this thought. "I am still waiting to wake up, you know?" She chuckled a moment.

"You won't wake up because you're not asleep." A woman walked into the room, she had long tassled brown hair and high cheek bones. Her eyes glanced over Iris a moment, a smile curved up her lips. She stepped over to her, walking around her a bit. The woman wore a beautiful red dress with golden accents. "You're awake, this is reality." She glanced to Cassandra then, "Ah Dhampir, good to see you Cassandra." She spoke and chuckled.

"Who are you?" Iris asked, her brows tucked together. "How do you know Cassandra?"

"Where are my manners?" The woman smiled, her voice playful. "I'm Athena, I suppose I am used to everyone knowing that." She glanced to Iris a long moment. "Though, not everyone follows the stories of the gods closely." She chuckled then, "It hurts to create something so powerful...and you don't even believe in me?" She clicked her tongue then slightly. "Ah well." She sat down on the chair that was next to a window that overlooked the city. "A beautiful place isn't it? Atlantis." She smiled.

Iris stood, her arms crossed. "What connection do I have to you?"

Athena took in a breath, "Shall I repeat myself?" She questioned a brow raised. "I created you. You were placed into the loving arms of Sebastian and Lucille to grow into what you've become. Though I have to admit, I was worried when that vampire injected you with the poison." She tilted her head slightly. "That was a wildcard that we didn't see coming. The actual poison killed the real Marcus when he was injected with it. Though, he was just a lowly vampire, he wasn't the creation of a god." She grinned then.

Iris watched the goddess that sat before them, confusion on her face. She didn't speak though, she couldn't find words.

"Don't worry." Athena smiled, "You're not a demi-god like Cassandra. Though you have unlocked quite the powers, hm?" She questioned and grinned. "To transform, and you chose my favorite creature, an owl. What are the odds of that?" She chuckled. "You have potential to be so much more, Iris. But you, just as Cassandra forget about the power that you hold. You would rather fight with a dagger." She pulled something from the folds of her dress then and tossed it forward. The curled dagger that she'd fought Poseidon with clattered across the floor. "A lot of good that did for you against the god of the sea." She seemingly rolled her eyes then. "You've much to learn. Though I must take blame for it, I haven't guided you. However that was the agreement with Ares, we wouldn't guide either of you." She stood.

"My father has spoken to me of the gauntlet." She grinned. "It will be a trying test, something for the books to remember. You'll either survive, or die..." She thought a moment, seeming to weigh over a few things. "Yes, that is the only two choices that remain. You pick one or the other." She grinned. "I'm leaning toward surivive, but who am I to judge?"

"What is the gauntlet?" Iris questioned.

Athena grinned she stood. "It is a test to rule out all other tests. It is a test of skill, it isn't easy, and it will include several enemies in which Hades will put forthe, dangerous obstacles and the like. I put it together myself. Humans rarely make it through."

"Well lucky for us, we are both not human." Iris grumbled slightly.

Athena watched her a devious smile spread across her face then, "Yes, lucky you. Father told me you even got a hold of Poseidon's trident. You're lucky to be alive, he doesn't let anyone near that thing."

"Athena." The rumbling voice of Zeus filled the room. He walked in and looked to Cassandra a long moment, a smile split his lips. "You look a lot like him." He noted before he looked to his daughter. "When will it be ready?" He questioned. "I've sent word to everyone, Hades is prepared."

Athena tilted her head slightly, "Just as soon as they arrive, they are both awake, there is no time like the present." She looked back to Iris and Cassandra.

"Do we not need to prepare for something like this....?" Iris asked her eyes widened slightly.

Zeus looked to her and grinned. "What fun would that be?" He questioned and snapped his fingers. Lightning swirled through the room. Iris let out a cry as the lightning consumed her body, the shockwaves moved through her being she fought against it standing and rushed toward him. She gripped onto him and weakly slammed her fist against his chestplate. The last thing she heard was a hearty chuckle before she fell unconscious.

**

Iris woke hours later, it was damp and dark. She moved and stood slowly. "Cassandra?" She questioned she squinted in the dimly lit room.

"What fun would it be if you were with her from the start?" Athena's voice spoke.

Iris spun around to see the woman standing before her. "What have you done to her?" Iris growled her fangs visible.

"Ah, ah don't snap at me." She raised a brow. "Here." She tilted her head slightly and then snapped her fingers. Iris stepped back as a white aura surrounded her body. Athena stepped forward and cupped her cheek a moment staring into her eyes. Iris nearly choked as she stared back to the goddess, she could feel her power, the energy that radiated from her, it was coursing through her own body now. "There." Athena smiled and took a step back. "That will help protect you."

Iris took a few steps back, her long hair had returned. She could feel something upon her head as she looked down to the golden chestplate that was now upon her. A band wrapped around her waist, the chest plate had beautiful designs etched into it with ancient writing within the designs. She had on plates of armor over her thighs. Black boots reached up to her knees. She reached up to feel the helmet upon her head. Iris lifted it and looked over the helmet. It held a red plume upon the top, much like that of ancient warriors. She drew her brows together. "What is it you plan to have me fight?" She questioned and looked to Athena.

Athena stepped forward and placed the helmet back upon her head. She then handed her a sword and a shield. "Nothing....too terrible." She smiled, "I'm just simply ensuring the protection of my creation." She took a step back. "Good luck." With that she seemed to disappear into the shadows.

Iris took in a deep breath she turned as she heard a rumbling. She watched as a creature crawled out from the shadows with glowing red eyes. Iris lifted the shield as the creature lunged forward. It was a lycan. Iris moved swiftly, she slammed the shield against the beast and sliced forward, easily lobbing its head off. She then rushed forward into the shadows from where it came. She slammed her shield into another as it swiped at her. She pushed it up against the wall and sliced the sword into the abdomen. Iris ran down the skinny hallways fighting through lycans one by one as they came. She skidded to a stop, nearly falling over a cliff. She glanced down, spikes at the bottom. The jump was more than 10 feet. A good distance. Iris bit her lip slightly, she glanced behind her at least 20 lycans were headed her way, snarling. Iris moved her shield to her back and took in a deep breath as she sheathed her sword. "They want a show...." She whispered. She took a few steps back and then rushed toward the jagged cliffs. She leaped into the air and reached forward. Her heart pounded within her chest, a few inches too short and she would be dead...

Iris slammed against the wall, she scrambled and caught herself. She was about a foot from the top, gripping onto the rocks. She let out a long breath as she pulled herself up, the rocks beneath her feet crumbled and fell to the ground. She crawled over the edge of the cliff and pushed herself up. Iris then scrambled forward, "I need to find Cass..." She whispered to herself.

She rushed along until she came to a huge round room. Suddenly a gate slammed down behind her. Iris spun around her eyes looked to the thick bars. She heard a rumbling growl from the other side of the arena. Her attention turned to the creature that marched forward a Minotaur...it was huge. The hornes jutted from its skull like ivory thick daggers, the claws upon its hands glinted in the light. It stood nearly 12 feet tall. The muscles buldged on the body of the beast.

Iris took in a breath, she pulled her sword and shield and stepped forward. Though the creature charged her. Iris tried to dodge but the creature slammed into her shield. She was pushed back quickly and slammed against the concrete wall of the arena. Iris could feel bones crunch against the pressure. She let out a yelp as she stabbed forward, catching the arm of the beast. It yelped and staggered back before it came at her again. Iris dodged and it slammmed into the wall. She took in quick breaths as she spun and stabbed into the back of the best. It only snarled and threw her off. Iris was flung nearly all the way across the arena. She pushed herself to her feet slowly, blood leaked from her nose. She bit her lip glancing around, for something....anything...she'd never fought a beast like this before...

Iris could hear Cassandra's voice in her mind. She glanced around just before she dodged an attack from the beast. She swung at him, slicing into his leg, though it didn't seem to phase him at all. She was thrown again, so harshly that she rolled from side to side. She felt Cassandra's hand first before she stood. She gave a nod. "Of course." She spoke and ran off, to the other side of the beast. Iris watched as Cassandra fought beautifully, each move seemed calculated as if she'd done it a thousand times. Iris rushed forward she jumped into the air and kicked into the back of the beast, knocking him forward onto his hands and knees. She then spun around as she rolled over the top of his back, the blade became red hot as she pulled it harshly down onto his neck. The blade sliced into the thick flesh of the beast easily, like a hot knife through butter. Iris rolled and landed on a knee, blood dripping from the blade, she held up her shield ready to defend herself. She looked to the beast as his head slid from his shoulders and landed on the ground before her.

Iris stood and looked to Cassandra, a smile split her lips. "As you said, we are always better together, huh?" She chuckled.

A flash of flames came then and Athena appeared before them. She clapped a smile on her lips. "That was just phase 1, to get you warmed up." She spoke, she looked to Cassandra. "You don't cease to surprise." She then looked to Iris. "Step it up a bit hm? Don't forget what you're capable of, if it wasn't for Cassandra you may have well been dead." She raised a brow. "Now then." She raised her hands.

Flames engulfed Iris then a black smoke lifted into the air. As the flames disappeared it revealed that Iris was gone. Athena grinned, "See you soon." She spoke as she summoned the flames around Cassandra before she too disappeared.

**

Iris was standing in the middle of a forest. She spun around and grit her teeth. Just as soon as Cassandra had found her, they were separated again. Iris let out a soft growl before she rushed forward. "Damnit." She spoke under her breath as she slipped through the trees easily. There was a strange sound then, it sounded like the flight of a bird. Iris glanced over her shoulder just as the claws of a harpy cut into her back. She was thrown forward. She grit her teeth and spun using her shield to block the next attack. Iris stabbed at the creature. "What the hell..." She breathed. All of these creatures were mythical. Stories. None of this should be possible.

Iris pushed to her feet. "Come on damnit!" She held her arms open. Suddenly she transformed into her owl form and she shot into the sky. Iris flipped and turned until she was above the harpy, suddenly she transformed and wrapped her arms around the creature. She gripped the head tightly, her claws grew, her eyes darkened. She suddenly gave a harsh jerk to the head of the creature. The bones within the neck crackled and popped as she snapped the neck easily. They began to plummet toward the ground. Iris transformed and flew down easily she changed back and continued her sprint.

Cass...I'm coming for you...I don't know where I am... She squeezed her eyes shut a moment as she attempted to contact Cassandra.

Iris skidded to a stop at the edge of a cliff. She glanced out. She grit her teeth, several different platforms of cliffs lay before her. A low rumble of a growl sounded from the shadows. Iris turned back and glanced to see a creature emerging from teh shadows. A hellhound. Its eyes were fiery red. Flames rose from around the feet, the fur was jet black, the ears were long and slender. Drool dripped from the jawls of the creature as it took a few menacing steps forward. It was huge. The head of the creature stood at Iris' chest.

Iris lunged forward toward it only to get knocked to her back easily. She was crushed beneath her shield by the weight of the beast. Iris gasped, her eyes wide. Drool dripped onto her cheek as the hound snapped its jaw. Iris then suddenly was surrounded by light. Her shield disappeared with her. A small mouse sprinted out from beneath the huge hellhound. It was Iris. She ran toward the cliff and leaped into the air transforming into her owl form. She landed on the next platform and transformed back skidding to a stop looking back to the beast.

The hellhound howled and launched forward onto the rocky platform that Iris stood on. She stabbed forward at it, cutting into the ribs. A yelp came from the creature as the platform began to crumble beneath them. Iris turned and leaped toward the other platform, she transformed into her owl form and flew through the air quickly. The hellhound jumped from platform to platform behind her with ease. The jaws of the beast were right on her tail feathers. Iris spun around and suddenly transformed. Her sword stabbed into the chest of the beast. She turned the blade as it began to glow red her eyes narrowed as she harshly ripped it out, blood splattered everywhere. The beast fell limply to the side.

Iris took in quick breaths she glanced around. "Okay..." She nodded to herself suddenly another harpy grabbed her by her shoulders. Iris cried out as the claws gripped into her. She was lifted up into the sky, higher and higher above the dark battlefield. Iris struggled against the creature, she tried to transform but somehow she couldn't with the claws buried deep into her flesh. Suddenly she was thrown forward into another arena. Iris trumbled and rolled onto her back. She lay in a daze a moment as she watched the harpy fly off in a hurry. Iris slowly stood she lifted her shield and lifted her eyes as a gate was raised to allow the creature in the arena. She readied herself, her eyes stared forward as a huge dog with three heads emerged. Cerberus. His eyes were fiery red, he stood as tall as a small shed. A huge chain hung from his neck and rattled across the ground as he started forward.

Iris watched him, waiting, she held up her shield but she didn't run, she didn't move at all. She took in a deep breath and nodded to herself. The blade of her sword began to glow red as she watched him. Soon enough the creature growled loudly and rushed forward. Iris dodged to the side. She kicked the beast in the ribs and rushed toward the heads. She managed to swing quickly and slightly cut into the neck of one of the creatures. Iris was thrown back by a huge paw then. She slammed against the wall and bounced off of it into the dirst. "Come on." She whispered to herself as she stood. The head she'd tried to dismember was close to being severed, she'd made a deep wound at least. She rushed forward again and ducked beneath the snapping jaws of Cerberus. Iris slammed her shoulder into his chest before she sliced upward harshly. This time the creature howled in pain as one of the heads was lobbed to the ground.

In a reaction the creature slammed its paw down on Iris harshly, smashing her into the arena sand. She gasped for air as she pushed against him. The creature growled as blood pooled around the areas that his claws dug into her body. Iris took in a deep breath she stabbed into his paw causing him to withdraw and rear up. Iris scrambled to her feet. She grit her teeth and transformed into her wolf form. She seemed to dance with him, jumping about, avoiding his attacks. Though after thirty minutes of battling Iris was becoming worn down, the beast didn't slow, even with one less head...Iris transformed back to her human form, her breathing incredibly heavy. It was hard for her to keep the form of another being for so long. She staggered and dodged an attack by just inches...

Iris glanced to Cassandra as she entered the arena, she stumbled and dodged another swipe from the beast. She grit her teeth, her hand held to her side, her body was swarming with pain. Suddenly everything went cold. Like ice washing over her body. The next moment Iris' sword clattered to the ground, she glanced forward and Cerberus' remaining two heads fell to the ground and blood gushed from his chest. Iris glanced around in all directions. She lifted her sword. "Cass?!!!" She called. "Cass!" She screamed.

"No time to mourn, child." Athena spoke.

Iris spun around. "M-Mourn?" She choked out her eyes wide. "No...no no no where is she?!" Iris staggered forward her body tired. "She was just here." She pointed to the last spot Cassandra had been. "Then...she just wasn't...and..." She glanced to the dead creature, confusion on her face.

Athena stepped forward, "I do enjoy this next part." She spoke, "Try not to die, would you? Everyone is quite enjoying the show you're putting on." She had a smile on her lips.

Iris pointed her blade at Athena. "Enough!" She snapped her eyes darkening. "Where is she?!" Her voice was a growl.

"How should I know?" Athena asked as she stared down the blade. "I know no more than you." She then clapped her hands and fire swirled around them.

Iris gasped as she reappeared in a frozen wasteland. She shivered as the cold washed over her body. "Cass..." She muttered.

There is no time to mourn. The words echoed in her mind.

Iris tightened her fist and shut her eyes light surrounded her as she transformed into her owl form. She shot into the air and flew along the frozen pathway quickly. Below her she could see lycans lining the path. She didn't care for the small battle that was set before her. She must get to the arena. She flew swiftly until the arena came into view. Iris pushed forward as she flew from the icy land over a vast stretch of water. She could feel the climate becoming warmer. Then suddenly something shot from the water. Iris was slammed from the air. She transformed back to her human form as she plummeted into the sea. The water was icy and it stole the oxygen from her lungs. Though, before she could even begin to fight for the surface something slithered around her. Iris found herself staring into the eyes for a dragon like creature, the tail was wrapped around her body. It contstriced tightly, squeezing the rest of the air from her body. She fought to move, to breathe. She choked as water entered her lungs. The creature chuckled as it watched her suffer.

Iris shut her eyes tightly her body began to glow, a burst of power came from her, the water around her became boiling hot. The creature's grip upon her body loosened suddenly and it slithered away into the darkness of the deep of the ocean. Iris moved swiftly to the surface and gasped for air. She swam for what felt like miles until her hand finally hit the ground. She crawled from the ocean and collapsed on the shore breathing heavily. Though she only lay for a moment before she pushed herself shakily to her feet. She glanced around...Cassandra usually caught up by now...

Iris grit her teeth as Athena's words mocked her in her mind again. A loud screech came as Iris stepped into the arena, the gate slammed down behind her once more. She looked up to find herself staring to the same creature. The hydra. Though she could see its 6 heads now....the body and the long slender tail. Iris pulled her sword from her waist and stepped forward. The beast clamped down on her sword and ripped it from her hands while another of its head pulled her shield from her. The third head closed in on her chomping its teeth as she leaped back. Iris took in quick breaths as she stared to the creature. She clenched her jaw. If Athena could use fire...

Iris focused she held her hands up and suddenly fire engulfed her hands and arms up to her elbows. She slammed her fist forward into the head of the creature. She rushed around beneath it, lighting its legs on fire. A tornado of fire soon appeared from the speed of which she was running. Soon enough Iris had her sword back. The blade glowed red hot as she rushed around it was as if the hydra didn't have a chance...each head fell to the ground one by one until non remained. Iris breathed heavily as she stood before the beast. The heat of her blade prevented the creature from re-growing its heads. Iris fell to her knees her body weak. She held the hilt of her blade as her hands pushed into the sand of the arena drenched in blood. She took in a shaken breath as blood dripped from her nose, her skin was pale as a ghost.

"Now we're getting somewhere." Athena appeared. She looked to the slain hydra and grinned. "Ready for round four?" She questioned with a smile. Before Iris could speak she clapped her hands and Iris was gone again.

Iris remained on her hands and knees. She was in the middle of a desert. The heat licked at her skin the sun beat down upon her. She grit her teeth and stood. She staggered forward. Her vision began to play tricks on her after awhile, she'd swing at the air. Was this it? She would die of dehydration? She rushed forward toward what looked like water...though the closer she drew to the source of the oasis the smaller it became until she realized it was just a mirage. She'd spent nearly two hours here, wandering in circles. Not a foe in sight. Iris fell to her hands and knees again, her throat was dry. She beat the sand with her fist as she fought to remain conscious. "Come on...come on..." She stood up again and staggered forward. "Just a bit more..." She muttered to herself.