Athena's proclamation echoed into the morning air with a finality and permanence that weighed heavily on each of us, Theseus and Asterion understandably most of all. Shoulders slumped and downcast, I wondered if this could have been the harsher punishment.

We all stood there motionless, helpless to the growing awkwardness as Athena let her words sink in like a chill to a damp body. Even Lilith and Lucifer were quiet against the cacophony of silence. While I was happy that my friends would not be leaving with me, my heart struggled with the guilt of it all.

"Well. No use crying over something we can't change." Theseus finally huffed aloud, forcing a weak smile. "This is the best outcome we could have hoped for.... So, thank you my lady, for such a generous judgement. We will certainly be on our way... No looking back...." As he finished the final syllables caught in his throat, but he ignored it and continued on with a deep bow to his goddess.

"Isn't there anything we can do, Lucifer?" I asked inwardly as I watched Theseus attempting in vein to hide his wounded pride.

"What would you have us do, Desmond? Theseus is correct after all, this is the best outcome we can hope for, especially given your outburst a moment ago. Do not forget that we are extremely fortunate that Athena is proving to be extraordinarily patient in addition to exponentially wise. Though I must admit that much of her proclamation has me more than concerned..." Lucifer answered thoughtfully as his words trailed off into silent musings.

"We will have to discuss this encounter more at a later time. Tonight perhaps." He added as I returned my attention to the events unfolding before me. Athena had stepped forward and was motioning for Theseus to rise.

"Do not misinterpret my words today to be of vengeful intent. I do what I must to ensure the most favorable of outcomes. Know that my words bring me heartache as well, my warrior hero." Athena once again smiled lovingly to her now banished subject. "But we must put aside our personal feelings, and do what is best for the greater good." She finished as she walked past the still bowed Theseus and stepped forward to Asterion.

"I must admit, that I have not been as kind to you in the past as I could have been. But you bring him happiness, and that is enough for me. Please, take this gift as an expression of my guilt and my gratitude." Her arms rose as a golden light appeared between her palms, manifesting into a solid circular object.

"My lady!" Asterion gasped. "I could not possibly accept such a gift!" He bowed deeply, his long hair obscuring his face from view as his horns nearly touched the ground, the deepest bow I had seen from him yet.

"Asterion, you are the shield that must protect this group. It is only right that you accept this, my Aegis, such that you may never falter and never fail in your duty." Athena replied as she lowered the shield before him.

My jaw fell as I gazed upon the intricately engraved circular shield. Its center was the same engraving as the chair Athena had created. An owl descending on prey. Even from several feet away I could see the sharpness of its circular edge which seemed to cut through the growing morning light with ease as he took it carefully into his hands.

"My Landy, I cannot begin to-" Asterion's voice broke with uncharacteristic emotion.

"Then do not." Athena interrupted as she leaned up and kissed the side of his cheek. His eyes widened as she whispered something into his ear.

Asterion smacked his chest in solute, as his eyes focused deeply on hers, his previously lost resolve now bolstered with pride. Theseus and I exchanged a look, his own astonishment replaced by one of confusion that mirrored my own.

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"Desmond. You appear to be ill equipped as well for this Journey. I cannot have you leaving this place in the tatters you wear." She appraised the ribbons that were once my shirt that hung lazily over my shoulders, as well as the bisected jeans whose threads flittered limply past my knee's in the wind, leaving most of my flesh exposed.

As I examined lack of attire, Athena approaching, reaching into her robes, pulling out a piece of folded golden cloth. "Take this, young wizard. These robes I have crafted myself from the finest of threads. I have infused them with a magic that will allow it to change shape, color and texture to fit whatever design or purpose you may require. It should prove useful to you in your journey."

Mirroring Asterion, I bowed deeply as I accepted the gift. As I rose, Athena placed the fabric in my hands, to which it seemingly sprang to life, wrapping around my arms and slithering up and around my entire body, settling into a form that mimicked a plain black t-shirt and jeans.

Caught off guard by the sudden movement of the robe, I stammered through a quiet thanks, but Athena had already moved on.

"Do not think I have forgotten your presence here, Demon." She mused as she turned to face Lilith, approaching her with calm and methodical steps. "Your.... mendaciousness, could do with some polish, but your objectives please me none-the-less." Her lips quivered into a mischievous grin as she chose her words carefully. Lilith's ruby eyes searched the goddess's face skeptically.

"You hold an extraordinary position within this band, a defender of darkness and vanquisher of light. I feel it is only fitting that you be given this particular item that should... Adequately reflect that." Reaching up to her brow, she delicately removed the silver crown she wore and promptly placed it upon Lilith.

The crown shivered atop her head, melting and reshaping itself into a thin and pristine circlet that sat regally upon her brow, vanishing into her thick blond hair.

"This is an item which I have held dearly for some time. It will allow you to vanish from all forms of perception so long as you channel your magic into it. I trust you know how to make use of this precious piece of jewelry?" Athena finished with a raised brow. Lilith nodded, stunned by the gift she had just recieved, curious fingers reaching up to inspect it.

Athena finally turned to the mortified Theseus, who's mouth hung low with stupor. She began her approach of him, but stopped suddenly. She turned her gaze into the distance as if looking at some far off, imperceivably thing.

"It appears we have tarried here too long. Artemis approaches, and with her goons in tow. Quickly, follow me to the portal you seek." Athena spat, her glare still set sternly into the distance as we gathered our things.

My heart leapt in my chest at the mention of Apollo's sister. She was coming for us with a hateful vengeance. I wasted no time in looping my arms through my pack.

"No rest for the wicked..." Theseus mused aloud for the whole camp to hear as he readied himself. Only Lilith chuckled aloud at his ill timed joke. Finally everyone stood with a fixated gaze upon Athena, waiting impatiently for what came next.

"Excellent, let us away." She flourished her fingertips before her, and a chariot of gold rose from the ground. Engravings of yet more owls littered its surface. Large wheels of gold sat upon each side, and a massive white winged horse materialized in the collar and bridle strapped to the front.

We boarded and held fast as she lashed the reins. With a lurch the beast took off, first at a run, then its wings broke wide and beat hard against the ground. My heart pitched in my chest as we took off into the sky, fear gripping my heart as the earth faded into the distance below us. My stomach roiled and I shut my eyes. My fingers clung desperately to the sides of the chariot and I refused to look outward. Mumbling curses under my breath all the while.

"Oh my, is the little Dezy-boy afraid of heights?" Lilith's mocking words cut through the roar of wind as she shifted herself behind me. Reaching around my torso she placed her hands firmly atop mine on the railing using her own body to brace myself to the flying chariot. "There, I'll protect you little boy." She laughed wickedly as her warm breath caressed my ear.

I carefully opened my eyes and glanced self consciously at my companions. Asterion stood stoically at the back of the Chariot, holding only one hand upon the railing beside him as his long mane blew gloriously in the wind, parting around his horns as they whistled through the currents of air around us. As he caught notice of my glancing, he cast a pitiable expression down upon me, as if to say he was sorry I was gripped by this superfluous phobia. I knew that could not be what he was thinking, but my anxiety and wounded ego whispered otherwise.

As I turned my inspection to Theseus, I found him already watching me closely. As our eyes met he offered me a sly smirk raising his brows suggestively towards Lilith. Rolling my eyes I grit my teeth at the indignation of it all, but had to admit that beside the damage to my pride, her closeness did help to ease my angst....