Katina, Labda, and Cilla were seated in the cargo hold of a C-130 Hercules aircraft, surrounded by slumbering soldiers. The soldiers were fully dressed in gear, their faces concealed behind their helmets and their arms crossed, snoring softly. In contrast, Agent Rolf was in the cockpit with the pilot, preferring to stay in the front of the plane instead of being cramped in the back with the rest of his team.

Behind the women was a large wooden crate and a black Hummer truck, with an open back that could seat five people. The Hummer was sleek and imposing, with dark windows reflecting the dim lighting in the cargo hold. The soldiers' sleeping presence created a peaceful and calming atmosphere, but Katina was restless.

"Ugh, I'm bored!" she exclaimed, breaking the silence. "How long is this flight?" Roger tried to calm her down. "The pilot says it will take ten hours, Katina. We should try to get some rest."

Katina let out another sigh of frustration. "If the gods had built this thing, it wouldn't take so long," she said. Labda attempted to soothe her, "Just go back to sleep, Katina. With a full rest, we'll be ready for battle."

However, Cilla couldn't seem to fall asleep, despite her best efforts. She lowered her ears and wished for something that could transport them faster. "I can't sleep with all the noise," she said. "I wish Hades had given us something to travel faster."

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"You know he doesn't allow us to take artifacts from the vault," said Labda. "He only allows us to take weapons when necessary." She sighed. "We're on our own here." Roger smiled and comforted the women. "We're not alone. Rolf and his team will help us find the apples, I have faith in us."

Cilla nodded and snuggled closer to Roger for comfort. Labda and Katina also smiled at Roger's words, feeling the same comfort. "You always know how to make us feel better, Roger," said Labda. Katina yawned and rubbed her eyes. "Now I feel tired," she said.

After the women dozed off, Roger rested his head under Cilla's breast, succumbing to a peaceful slumber. As the hours passed, they slept soundly until a jolt of turbulence woke them. The soldiers in the cargo hold remained asleep, but Agent Rolf came down from the cockpit to check on them.

"How are you guys doing?" he asked. "We were sleeping until the turbulence woke us up," replied Roger. Rolf nodded. "We're approaching our destination. The pilot is preparing to land."

Suddenly, another jolt hit the plane, causing it to rock wildly. The soldiers were now awake and alert, looking around in alarm. "What happened?" Cilla shouted. Rolf climbed up to a rope hanging from the cabin wall, trying to get a better look outside through a small window. "I think something hit us!" he yelled over the alarm.

The sound of a screeching griffin filled the cabin, making it difficult to think. The soldiers were on high alert, bracing themselves for the next attack and trying to come up with a plan to fight back. Labda, knowledgeable as she was, spoke up. "I think that's a griffin," she explained calmly.

Roger felt the plane dropping as he tried to steady himself. "How do you know?" he asked Labda. "I never forget a monster and the sounds they make when they attack," she replied, shrugging her shoulders.

Another impact hit the plane, causing it to sway violently. It was evident that the Griffin was assaulting the aircraft and putting the lives of all passengers at severe risk.