1 Week Later

July 8, 2075

0649 FNT (Fernando de Noronha Time)

The Atlantic Ocean

Near Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Anna Robinson's Point of View

This is Athens? I’ve underestimated Earth yet again…

“Athens is the most pulchritudinous phenomenon I’ve ever witnessed in my entire life,” I say.

“You’re annoying, Anna Robinson,” vexatious Ruby blurts out in pain while holding her abdomen as we all observe the capital of Athens from the small electric motor yacht’s starboard side.

Sunrise? What impeccable timing. Now we can see Athenia in all its beauty. Even though we’ve entered Earth’s austral fraction, the climate is relatively tantamount to Olympus and Scorpius, albeit slightly cooler. Winters are purportedly brimming with blizzards and ice; however, I have yet to observe such a thing since my advent on this outlandish planet.

“Ruby, that’s the first time you’ve reverently addressed me by my proper patronymic,” I say. “Disregard the fact that I contributed to your lifesaving is your explanation for this?”

My nails are a mess.

“Regardless of whatever just came out of your scatological and scurrilous fly trap, I still stand by what I said. You will never ever replace Teresa. Your head isn’t as large as hers yet, but it’s getting closer every day,” Ruby reveals with a somber look in her eyes.

“Your shoddy endeavor at rapport is farcical as to be expected; nevertheless, I accept your piss-poor hassle at companionship,” I say.

“Wow,” Ruby says with a broad smile. “I might make room for you in my band with an attitude like that. I’ll admit you’re cool, but obviously not as cool as yours truly,” she says with a nauseated look in her eyes as she rubs her stomach.

“Our kingdom is glorious, eh?” Ethan says as he joins us on the deck.

“It’s positively spectacular,” Rachel says with a soft smile and a look of sadness in her eyes.

“Welcome to Athenia, the capital of Athens!” Ethan proudly introduces. “A vast, exotic, breathtaking solar-powered floating metropolitan city located directly next to the archipelago islet, Fernando de Noronha. Not only do we control all of Brazil, but we also possess a powerful naval fleet. We are very welcoming, but those who wish us harm will find themselves to be a fish out of water at the sight of our navy. Like Olympus, only the capital is genuinely zombie-proof. We’ve only established control in Brazil, which is why we had to stay in the cargo truck until we entered the kingdom’s territory.”

“How do you deal with the zombies?” Duy asks.

“Our navy defends the island’s surface, Admiral Minerva likes to personally combat the zombies on the homeland, and the last form of defense is another kettle of fish that I can’t wait to show you all later,” Ethan answers. “I think that the Styx River is awesome, but trust me, the sky truly is the limit when it comes to The New World and the eight Kingdoms,” Ethan says in a prideful tone. “Just make sure to keep your cloaks on for now, ok?”

*

15 Minutes Later

0704 FNT

On the Streets of Downtown Athenia

*

Athenians are equipped with Thunderbolts too? Interesting; however, I entirely understand why we weren’t given one to wear. Sigh. Being a wanted fugitive is not how I imagined my life as an eighteen-year-old. At least this kingdom appears to be much livelier than Olympus and not as precarious as Scorpius. The streets are more populated, the people seem happier, electric cars are zooming throughout the perplexing roads, and traffic lights and armed guards keep order. Is… is that a sporting arena? Astounding. The fact that Athenia and Fernando de Noronha are connected by a bridge is even more impressive; however, naivety is not my forte. Despite the sounds of this strange soothing music and the remarkable skills of the street performers, I can tell that this is all eye candy. A red herring perhaps?

“Athenia and its people are as graceful as a swan,” Ethan announces as he leads us to stairs that lead… underground.

Oh no. Ok ok. Calm down, Anna. Sweating makes you smell bad and being stinky is unladylike. Sigh. I wonder how Nia is doing. Will I ever see her again? Will I ever see Li again? Will I ever see my parents… no. I shall disregard the very thought of them. I hate them with all my heart, but everything is happening so fast. I killed Royals, yet I don’t feel anything. What’s wrong with me? I know I’m not a peasant, but I’m not a Royal either, so… what am I? Maybe I’m just a vile heathen who’s destined to live a short, painful life of crime. How disgraceful. I don’t know what’s right or wrong anymore. I did what I thought was the correct thing to do, but then why do I get the feeling that something devastating is going to happen soon?

“That music. What’s it called?” Luke asks.

“Sa-sa-sa-samba!” Ethan answers in excitement. “You like it?”

“Next to rock and roll, it’s the second-best thing I’ve ever heard in my entire life,” Luke replies.

“Music being kick-ass is a universal tune,” Ruby explains in confidence.

Ruby appears to be the only one who’s retained her high spirit. Everyone else in Squad Zeus, excluding “The invincible” Sonya Grey, is woebegone. We’ve won the battle and made it to Athens, but… the things we had to do to get here, and I have no clue of how to help.

“We have instruments for rent,” Ethan reveals. “New music is hard to come by nowadays, so you’ll be able to keep yourself busy with a guitar.”

“I am a walking blessing,” Ruby says with a smile.

“I can tell that you’re all in the doldrums, understandably so, but I guarantee you that Athenia is safe,” Ethan quietly explains. “I attract too much attention, but it appears that you’re all free to roam the capital,” he says as he looks around the crowded station. “But first…” he says as we enter a massive, circular grey elevator. “allow me to introduce the rest of Athens,” he says as the immense elevator starts to descend, with at least hundreds of people on board.

*

Underneath Athenia

*

No way…

“Welcome to “A Bela Cidade (The beautiful city)!” Ethan proudly presents as we exit the elevator.

Athenia isn’t just a floating city, it’s an underwater city as well. Its appearance mirrors the metropolitan above in almost every way, minus the vast amount of sea life that’s visible through the enormous glass dome that protects the city. From what I can see, there must be at least five other domes just like this one. Underwater tunnels connect to each one, and A Bela Cidade is presumably the central one. And what on earth is that in the distance?

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“This is how we deal with the zombies,” Ethan says as he points at the curious object in the deep distance as we all exit the elevator and enter a newly crowded subway-like station.

Unbelievable.

“Athenia’s form of defense against the zombies is…Coruja (Owl)! A one-of-a-kind, far-reaching, indestructible, fishing net that surrounds the capital and Fernando de Noronha!” Ethan proudly explains. “Anyone or anything that tries to go through him gets repelled back into the open waters! It’s anchored by four unimaginably tall pillars located and protected by the naval blockade that defends and circles the capital and the island.”

“Hey!” Dara yells out as she aggressively approaches Sonya.

“Back the fuck up,” Sonya says in her signature calm, yet serious tone.

“Careful, Dara,” Damian says as he approaches. “I think you’re about to bite off more than you can chew.”

“You owe me a fight,” Dara reveals as she points at Sonya.

“You still want to fight me?” Sonya asks as she crosses her arms.

“I still want to fight you,” Dara clarifies in anger.

“Tough titties,” Sonya says in a relaxed tone.

“Oh, I see. You’re scared. Understandable, amiga,” Dara shrugs with a smirk on her face. “This just proves that Athens is the greatest kingdom of all time.”

“What?” Sonya asks with a look of absolute disgust on her face.

“This chick is mad!” Ruby joins in. “Sonya, you need to kick her bald ass.”

“Sonya, as squad captain, I give you permission to show her what Olympians are capable of,” the captain says in support.

“Sonya, you can do it,” Luke says as he holds Sonya’s hand.

“Be careful, Sonya,” the twins say in unison.

“The next person who says my name is getting a boot in the ass!” Sonya yells out in frustration. “Fine! I swear to god, peer pressure is going to be the death of me!”

“Fighting here is a bad idea, Dara. This place is always packed like sardines,” Ethan explains.

“I’m aware of that, Ethan,” Dara says with an ecstatic smile. “I’m not as crazy as a loon, so I’ll lead them to Minerva’s hideout. She needs to talk to them anyway. Don’t forget that the world is your oyster, so excuse me for being excited for a unique opponent.”

“I hope you have stretchers here,” Sonya says as she stretches her arms.

“We do, and I’ll have Damian pick one up for you on our way to our destination,” Dara says with a smirk.

“On second thought, catfights are great sights; therefore, I will not further attempt to stem the tide,” Damian says in a calm tone.

“Squad Zeus sure knows how to make waves, eh?” Ethan says with a chuckle.

We sure do…

*

10 Minutes Later

0715 FNT

Minerva’s Hideout

Luke Miller’s Point of View

Is that an owl near the ceiling?

“Runneth the hands!” Minerva announces, permitting Sonya and Dara to fight on the gym mat.

This gym brings back memories. In the center is a grey sparring mat, to the right is a small fish tank, to the left, is a kitchen, and beyond the mat is what appears to be Minerva’s bedroom. A tall, modest building located near the edge of the city, but the large glass window still provides an unimaginable view of the city. The Earth is 70% ocean, but most shit happens on land, and I hate the fact that I’m the only person in the world who can defeat the zombies, and the only thing that’s preventing me from doing that is… people! What am I saying? I’m so alone. Nobody will ever understand me. I’m not human. Not a zombie. I’m a hybrid. I’m a target, and the only person who can explain everything is also a target, nowhere to be found. Veronica. What did you do to me, and why?

“The coast is cleareth, palmy Squad Zeus. Thee shall all beest free of dang’r within seven days,” Minerva begins to say.

“What do you mean, Minerva?” I ask.

“I cannot reveal too much quite yet, but I am permitted to inform you that the Royals will no longer squander in humanity’s war against the undead. Veronica Shinka and I are old friends, and she has entrusted me with Squad Zeus’s escort and safety to Athens,” Minerva explains in surprisingly perfect English. “Even children should know better than to judge a book by its cover,” she says with a smirk. “The world is truly horrific, and the act is how I cope with it,” she says as she gazes outside the window and observes A Bela Cidade’s skyline.

“What’s happening in seven days?” Duy asks.

“A Promethean will arrive to escort you to Prometheus, located in Northern Russia,” Minerva says as she gives us all a glare. “I honestly have no clue who, what, how, or where she is. The only thing I do know is that she is simply known as “The Best.” Her assignment is to take you all far away from the world-changing dangers that are about to proceed.”

“What’s going to happen, Minerva?” I ask.

“Ah, that’s a wise question, Luke Miller. I have no idea,” she says with a shameless chuckle.

Was it an act?

“Whatever it is, children have no reason to partake in it,” she says in a severe tone. “Despite your brave endeavors in Winner, Alejandro, and The Undead Forest, you are all only 18 years old, which is why you all need to kick your feet up and relax for seven days until our comrade arrives,” Minerva says as she takes off her shirt.

“Um…” I say.

Did you forget that there are people here?

“Just like my ladies, I believe that we shall all be free of oppression soon,” she says as she blatantly adjusts her sports bra. “Veronica Shinka is the smartest person in the solar system, which is why I entrust her with my life, despite her ruthless past. Nay, the fact that she’s so cunning and dangerous is more of why I trust her. She could easily contribute to the Royal’s tyranny, but she hasn’t. She’s a founding member of Olympus, which means she’s on the side of humanity, and anyone on the side of humanity is someone I consider a friend.”

“But what did she do to me?!” I ask.

“Ah, an excellent question, Luke Miller. One that I cannot answer,” she says with a shrug.

You’re no help.

“Minerva, my very existence has made me and my friends a target,” I say. “Innocent people were killed because of me, and Veronica is the only one who can explain. Where is she?! I have to know! Please!!!”

“Ah, a superb question! One that I can answer!”

“Really?”

“Yes, but you don’t need to know. What happened at Alejandro was awful, but it wasn’t your fault. Squad Zeus aren’t the ones who murdered innocent people, Angela Blackwood and the Death Angels are,” Minerva badly explains.

Damn it! Nobody wants to help!

Oh no! I didn’t mean to punch the wall that hard.

“Bullshit!” Dara yells out in defeat as she taps out to Sonya’s leg-lock submission.

“Luke?” Sonya asks in worry.

“No, I-I’m sorry, Minerva. That’s a big hole in your wall,” I say.

“Are these fighting words?” Minerva asks in curiosity with a raised eyebrow as she carefully inspects and points at the wall.

“No, it’s just… ever since this happened, my mind has been so fucked up. I-I can’t think sometimes.”

“Red eyes and dried skin,” Minerva says as she inspects me. “Just like a zombie!”

I know.

“However, if this is a challenge, then I shall warn you of this; I can easily wipe the floor with the Angela Blackwood, so what makes you think you stand a chance against me?” Minerva reveals in a solemn tone. “Regardless of your powers, young Luke Miller, you are not only a child but an inexperienced fighter who has no fucking idea how vile things are in The New World. You are mere bacteria, trying to pick a fight with blue whales. You better learn to control your rage before you really do become the cause of an innocent’s death. Life is already so short, so don’t be in a rush to enter the lion’s den when you don’t have to,” she says as she continues to inspect the damaged wall. “Also, I am thirty-six years old. Today is my birthday.”

“You don’t understand, Minerva,” I say.

“I do, Luke. I too know the experience of being young and hasty, and I’ve been living with the consequences of my unwise decisions ever since,” she says with a somber look in her eyes. “I know the stubbornness that comes with youth, so I’ll reveal Veronica’s location to you… in private. Please, accompany me to my bedroom.”

“Huh?”

*

Minerva’s Bedroom

*

“I know that I’m not normal, Luke Miller,” Minerva says as she closes the door and flips on the light switch.

Wow. Your room is much smaller than I imagined. It’s more like a large closet than an actual bedroom. It’s colorful and fascinating.

“We all struggle with demons, so just know that you’re not alone,” she says with a soft smile.

“I’m sorry.”

“You are ok. I believe that you and your friends will be feeling much better when the Promethean arrives.”

“How do you know Veronica?”

“Ah, another exquisite question, however, certain uncontrollable factors restrict me with enough time to answer only one question. Do you want to know how I know her, or do you want to know her location?”

“Location! Please!”

“Very well,” she says with an eye roll. “Based on the message that General Farrington relayed to me, by now Veronica Shinka has just left Scorpius and is currently en route to the kingdom, Inpu, otherwise known as “The Deadliest Kingdom,” located in Japan, nowhere near your destination.”

Japan? That’s so far…

“I see. Thank you, Minerva.”

“Veronica loves you, and I believe that she had a good reason to do what she did, despite what you’re probably thinking. All should be explained when the Promethean arrives, so relax. Enjoy your seven days free from danger, and make sure your girlfriend is taken care of. She’s the type to get jealous fast, but I can tell that she’s a keeper. She’s someone who will have your back no matter what, and strong women like us are quite picky with our men, so consider yourself lucky, Luke Miller.”

“You’re very wise, Minerva. Sorry about your wall again.”

“Opening up isn’t easy, but it’s gratifying and will free your entrapped soul,” she says with a soft smile as a single tear falls down her eyes. “Oh! Sorry! It… it’s not you! I was just reminiscing about someone who’s not quite dead, but unable to be a part of my life anymore.”

“Happy Birthday, Admiral Minerva Silva,” I say as I give her a hug.

“You’re a good man, Luke Miller,” she says as she returns the hug.