The Olympian ship named Pegasus soared through the darkness of space to a location that only one of the twelve had been to before this day. The crew could sense that this trip was difficult on the General, but he was not wanting to discuss the reason with anyone. He only said that this was vital to the battle that will come.
The sensors of the ship began alerting the crew that they were closing upon their location. The General, who was piloting the ship, began preparing Pegasus for landing. Tharros, who was in the co-pilot chair, could see that they were not approaching any planet.
“I do not see a planet anywhere in sight,” commented Tharros. “Even the navigation system does not show a planet. Where are we heading?”
The General only gave a slight grin as he continued to pilot the ship toward a destination unseen by the rest of the crew. All were looking through each of the windows of the ship, searching for their destination. A few moments later turbulence struck the ship as it felt as if they were passing through atmosphere. Suddenly there was a bright light and then the light faded. What they saw was a large, beautiful city which was set majestically a top a large mountain from which gigantic waterfalls plummeted into a large lake. Huge trees and other large mountains with snow cap tops were seen in all directions. Everywhere they looked they saw remarkable beauty. The strange thing the crew noticed about this large city, is that it was the only development on this uncharted planet, hidden in the depth of space.
No communication with the ground was made which was always done in all landing situations which shocked nine of the crew once again. The General piloted the ship to a large facility that contained many different landing areas where they landed without any troubles. The side door opened, and the General stood up from his seat with Tharros behind him. The rest of the crew waited to follow the General’s lead.
Before exiting the ship, Tharros grabbed his arm and the General stopped and turned his head. “Is this a planet that we are on?” asked Tharros. “None of us saw any planet and then suddenly we see this beautiful city. Can you tell us where we are?”
“You are on Stygian,” answered the General. “It is a planet that can only be found when allowed to be found.” He turned and continued down the ramp even though it was evident that Tharros had more questions.
Tharros turned and looked at Igetis with the same confused face. He could only shrug.
Rose approached Tharros and placed an arm around her shoulders. “I too have a hard time understanding where we are at,” said Rose. “I have just learned to follow the General in situations like these.”
“Have you been here before?” asked Tharros.
She shook her head. “I, however, have met the three that we are going to see. This will not be pleasant.” She continued down the ramp followed by the rest of the crew.
“That is for sure,” said Hephaestus as he walked down the ramp. “These three are crazier than Zeus.”
As the General came to the exit, the guard monitoring the exit lifted his head and said in a unique female voice, “Perseus. You have arrived.” The guard then shook his head as if he was in a trance and said in a male voice, “Hello, sir. She knows you are here. Please follow the road up the hill to the palace at the top of the hill.”
The General nodded and exited through the door, the rest of the crew followed behind him all surveying the area as this was brand new. Outside the large building serving as a type of landing dock, they found a large functioning city. There were many species of all types going about their business like any other city. There were businesses of all types that were scattered throughout. Vehicles traveling on the roads and in the air. Everything looked to be like any other inviting city except for a large unattractive castle that sat high upon the hill. The castle had a majestic, but unique appeal to all who looked upon it. The décor did not match the rest of its surroundings. The palace was made of a deep gray, blackish material that did not invite but gave the onlooker a desire to avoid this destination. It was surrounded by a large wall with large spikes and spires that made it difficult for any species hoping to trespass onto the grounds, almost impossible.
“Why is it that we always end up going to places that others would like to avoid?” asked Gelio, upon seeing the palace. “First, the Skonis Nebula. Then into a deserted city where a mean god lived and now to a castle that needs to be redecorated.”
“Don’t worry, Gelio,” answered Hephaestus with a wink. “You will get used to it.” Rose nodded in the affirmative.
They all followed the General up the road towards the large castle. Many onlookers took quick peaks at the new visitors, but none dared approach because they all knew to where they were heading. When they arrived at the gate that was a part of the wall that surrounded the castle, it opened without any interaction. They passed through the gate and looked upon the grounds. It appeared to be that of a cemetery. Many stones were sitting in the ground that gave names of individuals that had passed on. The gravesites did not appear to be taken care of like most of the castle. It felt as if the owners of this palace had removed all happiness and left only despair.
“Well, this is certainly pleasant,” said Gennai in a sarcastic tone as he scanned the gravesites. “Not my first choice in decor.”
“Yes,” agreed Gelio. “A cemetery does not give it that inviting feeling.”
“I believe that is the point,” said Dunamis as they all continued to walk towards the entrance.
“Yes,” agreed Rose. “Fear is what they are hoping that all visitors feel.”
“It is working,” nodded Hephaestus as he combed his large beard. Everyone except the General nodded quickly.
The group walked up the front stairs that led to a large black double door that suddenly opened as they approached. A large shriek was heard as the double door opened making the group cover their ears.
“A little bit of maintenance would go a long way on this place,” said Dyamion. “Appears that they do not greet many guests.”
As they entered the castle expecting to find the inside maintained worse than the outside, they were shocked that the inside was immaculate. There were gorgeous works of art that filled the hallways. There were large stone carvings of extraordinary creatures and characters with incredible detail found in many areas. Small fountains that had crystal clear water gave the inside a very peaceful feeling. All were shocked by the change, except the General who walked by it without any notice. His mind was elsewhere.
“Wow!” yelled Gelio as she looked around at her surroundings. “I would fire the outside crew and have the inside crew oversee decorating the outside.”
“This place is amazing,” said Makarios. “I could live here.”
“I don’t know,” replied Filos. “The inside is making me feel more nervous. Now, I do not know what to expect.”
“Expect the best, but be ready for the worst,” said Hephaestus with another wink.
“Easy for you,” replied Gelio. “With those massive arms of yours.” Hephaestus gave a light chuckle.
They all walked into a large room with high ceilings and a balcony positioned in front of them. Two pair of stairs on each side of the balcony ran down to where all were standing at ground level. Many holographic images were seen floating high around the room. The images were of many beautiful creatures that most of the crew had never seen. All were surveying the room when they heard a female voice from the balcony above. The voice did not sound happy.
“You were told never to return, Perseus and to my dismay, I find that you are calling on me once again.” Everyone looked up towards the balcony, searching for the individual who was talking, but no one could be seen. “If that wasn’t enough, you bring friends to our sacred castle and desecrate our beautiful home with their filth.” Then there was silence for but a small moment as the twelve continued to look around.
The voice spoke again, but this time it was consoling but in a condescending tone, “Perseus, Perseus, Perseus. You poor soul. You are running from your evil father and now come here seeking for help. If only we could help you, Perseus.” Suddenly a female species appeared on the balcony above. Her skin was a pale white and her hair was long and blonde and flowed gently from the top of her head to the bottom of her back. Her lips were dark red, and her cheeks showed just the right amount of color. The rest of her body was a shape that many species would consider appealing and the glowing white dress she was wearing only intensified that appeal. All her characteristics showed that of beauty, but what stood out most were her eyes. They were pure white without any inner workings. The glow that they gave off was most memorizing and the entire group could not but stare. Suddenly, there were not two eyes staring back, but there were six eyes as two more female species appeared on either side of the first female species. All three were identical, down to the last detail.
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“Please tell us, Perseus,” requested the individual in the middle. “Why you begged us to allow you to come.” As the middle individual spoke, the other two began descending the two set of stairs on either side of the balcony. Their glowing white eyes continued to immensely study every detail of the group. “That you had to speak to us of an important matter,” continued the individual on the balcony. “We know that your father has escaped. We know what he is planning to and that you being here is a death sentence for us.” The other two have now descended the stairs and were standing on either side of the twelve, staring at them which was making most of them nervous. “So please enlighten us why you and your ten friends have come to desecrate our beloved home.”
“There are twelve!” shouted the species standing to the right of the group. Her voice was that of horror.
“What!?” shouted the species on the balcony.
“There are twelve!” shouted the species standing to the left of the group. Her voice was also that of terror. “I can feel the energy! There are twelve species, but I only sense eleven! One hides among them!” Eleven of them were beginning to look around confused at what they were saying. They all began to huddle together not knowing what will happen next. Even the General looked extremely nervous knowing that this had never happened before until now.
“Impossible!” shouted the female species on the balcony. “Show me!” Her face was that of terror. She placed her hands through her now what appeared like fizzled hair. Her eyes glowed brighter.
Her counterparts below quickly walked towards the twelve. The General and Tharros each stood in front of the approaching species, but with a flick of their arms, all eleven were sent flying in different directions. Even the large God of Fire was tossed into the air. They all flew into different objects and furniture, smashing them into pieces. Only one individual from their group was left standing. The two female species walked towards the individual and placed their hands close to his face.
The other eleven rebounded quickly to their feet and approached the two species and the individual from their group. Then they stopped as this individual gave them a look that told them not to approach.
“I can feel your energy, but I cannot sense you!” yelled the female species on the balcony. She staggered backward, shocked at what was happening. “This is impossible! Why can I not sense this creature! I can sense every living species on this planet. For thousands of years, I have never encountered any species that can hide from me! Who are you!?”
“My name is Igetis,” said the individual standing in the middle of the other two species. His big green eyes looking up at the species on the balcony. “It is very nice to meet you, Enyo.” The face of the species standing on the balcony showed terror. She had never met this creature, and only a few powerful beings knew her name. It was something she almost never shared. The General’s face also showed amazement because even he cannot tell the three apart plus, he knew he had not said their names to Igetis any time before this time.
Igetis turned and looked to the species on his right. “You as well, Pemphredo.” She lowered her hands, and her face too showed that of shock. “And you, Deino,” Igetis said to the species on the left. She stepped back, also in shock.
“What trick is this, Perseus?!” shouted Enyo from the balcony. Her eyes glowing brightly and her face showing terror. “This is a trick that only you would do to three blind sisters!”
The other eleven looked confused at what was going on. The General stepped forward and put up his hands in a gesture to show that he too was confused. “I promise you that this is no trick of mine. I never have spoken your names to anyone.”
“It is no trick,” said Igetis. “The only trick is that of yours.” Enyo’s eyes narrowed after hearing these words. “Please, Enyo. Tell Perseus of your plans to capture him and then hand him over to Zeus as a token of forgiveness for your part in imprisoning Zeus.”
Enyo’s face showed complete shock as also did Pemphredo and Deino. “How can he know this?” each of the witches thought.
“You were the ones that created the magic crystal orb that Perseus used to imprison Zeus,” commented Igetis. “Were you not?”
More shock and horror on each of the witches’ faces.
“You saw what he was planning and what he was capable of doing,” explained Igetis, “so you helped Perseus imprison the great powerful god, Zeus hoping that he would stay imprisoned forever. Now, he is free, and it is only a matter of time before he finds you and destroys you. Your only hope of surviving is our protection.”
“Tell me why we don’t destroy you now,” said Enyo as she lifted her hands. A powerful aura glowed around them. The other sisters lifted their hands as well. The other eleven circled around Igetis. They all lifted their weapons and were ready to battle.
“Because you know you will lose,” said Igetis with his same mild demeanor. “You are aware that we have been given the power that resides in Olympus and that our power is equal to yours.”
Enyo lowered her hands as did the other sisters. “I expect your protection comes at a price?”
“That it does,” said Igetis with that famous sly smile.
After a few moments of silence, Enyo yelled, “And…what is it that you want!?”
“First,” began Igetis. “An answer to a simple question.” Enyo’s eyes narrowed once again. “Why is it that you imprison so many here on your planet? They come to you for help. Many having no where else to turn. Then, once that help is given, the cost is so great that many stay here for the rest of their lives as a slave to you.”
Enyo and the sisters smiled together. “They know the consequences of the arrangement before they agree to the contract. I force no one to sign. Each of them does so with their own free will. I give them hope when it seems all hope is lost.”
“I doubt many of them working for you now would agree,” responded Igetis. His face showing a powerful look that frighten all three sisters. “We may have to speak about that at a later time if things do not change.”
Enyo’s face showed rage, but then terror knowing that these twelve were capable of destroying everything they have here.
“But what we want today,” Igetis continued, “the General will tell you.”
Enyo’s eyes focused on the General. “And what does the great son of Zeus desire?”
The General said only two words, “The Gorgon.”
A large smile came across the face of all three sisters. “How ironic,” said Enyo to the confusion of the other eleven. She then focused her eyes upon Igetis. “We give you the location of Medusa and we have your protection?”
Igetis looked at the General who nodded in return. “You will have our protection,” responded Igetis.
“Sisters,” said Enyo. “To the eye.”
A few moments later the entire group with the three blind sisters or what many called “the three blind witches,” walked into a large dark room. Enyo took from her pocket a small glass orb. She tossed it in the air as she and the other sisters walked to separate locations in the room. The orb immediately flew to a pedestal that appeared to be design specifically for that orb. A blue light shot from the orb hitting the ceiling above and a larger glass orb lowered from above. It began to glow with a mighty white light and a great aura surrounded the large glass orb. The three sisters stood below the large orb all looking up from locations that surround the pedestal holding the smaller glass orb. The twelve all gathered in a corner of the room, amazed at what they were seeing. From their location, they could see that the large glass orb and the aura that surrounded it, resembled a large eye.
Suddenly, there were holographic symbols and images that appeared within the aura of the large orb. The images began to change. Large creatures and other species were shown within the orb. Then it felt as if they were traveling through space as different galaxies were shown. They appeared to enter different planets’ atmospheres, searching for the creature. The twelve were astounded at what they saw. The images were going by so quickly that it was hard to see everything that was happening.
Finally, they came upon a planet that looked dark and ominous. The sun of the galaxy shined brightly, but this planet did not appear to allow much sunlight. The images showed them entering the atmosphere and it appeared that no life was found. The ground was mostly desert with a unique red sand. The sun appeared blood red in the horizon. Images showed they were flying across the desert land at incredible speed.
Then there were signs that life did exist on this planet as they saw ancient ruins scattered around the land. They saw a large building upon an enormous hill that was surrounded by a giant wall. It appeared to be a fortress that no one could enter. Then there were images inside this fortress that appeared as if no one lived there. There were many statues of different characters that appeared to be made of stone found around the fortress and there were many writings and symbols on the wall that seemed to tell stories of past events. Then there were images in a dark room where a small fire was burning in the distance. The twelve could see that this room held many different weapons of all types. All appeared to be unused but placed in places as if to be trophies of past victories. The images slowed down as if searching quietly for something. They stopped as it looked upon a statue of a dark creature. Suddenly, the creature began to move. It moved like a large serpent with a tail that had a unique rattle. It appeared that its hair was alive as it began to move violently. Then the eyes glowed red as if fire was burning within them. It came quickly at the location from where the eye was seeing and felt as if it came into the room through the eye and then it was gone. The twelve all began breathing normal once again. Their faces still showed shock at what they just witnessed.
The aura dissipates and the large glass orb returned to its location above. Enyo opened her palm, and the small glass orb flew immediately to her hand. She placed a small object on the orb and then tossed the object towards the General. It landed perfectly in his open hand.
“Load that into the navigation system of your vessel and you will find the mighty gorgon called Medusa.” A smile came across Enyo’s face. “A reunion to which you are not looking forward.”
The General’s eyes narrowed as the other eleven showed looks of confusion. “Thank you,” said the General in an almost completely sarcastic tone.
“Beware,” said Enyo. “She discovered that we were searching for her, so I anticipate she knows someone is coming.”
“We will be ready,” said the General. He nodded towards Enyo. “I take my leave of you good sisters.”
They all nodded in return. “The great son of Zeus is always welcome in our castle.”
“And his friends?” said Igetis with his sly smile. They did not respond but only nodded. The others in the group nodded towards the sisters as they left towards the exit while one crazy snake and a giant spider waved goodbye. All gave a sigh of relief when they walked out of the castle alive.
After all were gone, the three blind witches began to speak of the event. “They know that Zeus has opened the first barrier,” said Pemphredo.
They know of the creature and the madness that will follow when Zeus returns from the netherworld,” said Deino.
“Yes,” agreed Enyo. “They seek the gorgon’s power. A wise and impressive plan.” All three nodded in agreement.
“Do we allow Zeus to know?” asked Pemphredo.
“An unwise idea,” said Deino.
“Yes,” said Enyo. “He will know how we helped his son, and his anger is not something I wish to witness.” All three sisters nodded in agreeance. “The future is hard to see with everything that is happening. Very difficult to know what will happened.” Enyo then continued, “There is one thing I do know.” Enyo’s face showed anger. “I do not like that ‘talking fish’.” All three sisters nodded in agreeance.