Chapter Three.
Mary Worth/Marie
P oseidon stomped through the open portal, landing in the tower in front of Mary. His sister glanced at the bundle he was carrying.
“I’ll call Baba Yaga,” she said as she sniffed the air.
Poseidon side-stepped as Mummy shuffled in behind and, in a swift move, turned and dumped the unconscious woman in his brother’s arms. Poseidon smirked at Mummy and quickly disappeared from the tower, leaving Mary and Mummy alone.
“She’s his one?” Mummy whispered.
“Yeah, although he’ll fight it as long as he can,” Mary answered, surprised Mummy had realised what was happening. Only she knew so far.
“This will be fun,” Mummy rasped, lifting his head to stare at Mary. “Do you believe there’s someone for each of us?
“Yes. The question is, why are we finding our mates now after so many millennia have passed?” Mary mused.
“I fear the answer,” Mummy replied.
“Not just you, brother. Emmaline is fetching Baba Yaga, let’s get this girl to a secure bedroom, which should mollify grumpy pants,” Mary suggested.
“He will never be mollified; you know what he thinks of humankind. Mary, are we risking an innocent?” Mummy asked and then shifted.
“That feels better,” Manfred Matthews said once in his shifted form.
“Clearly,” Mary replied. “And as for Jase, he’s going to fall, and he’ll fight it every inch of the way. Jase’s anger and hate against humans stems from his dislike of Hephaestus and their constant battles.”
“You think we’re wrong for how we handled Pandora?” Manfred asked as he kept a sharp watch over the person he’d laid on the floor.
“It is the past now. Pandora keeps to herself and works for a future none of us can see or understand. She knows more than she lets on. Pandora’s arrival at the castle that night was most fortuitous, was it not?”
“You think she has the gift of foresight?” Manfred mused.
“Manfred, my brother, I love you dearly, but you need to start paying attention to what goes on around you. Even as God’s Warrior, you missed the nuances,” Mary chided with a gentle smile.
“Do you know how evil you appear when you smile?” Manfred asked and glanced up as Baba Yaga entered the tower.
“Good,” Mary said, nodding in approval at her sister. “I thought I might have to ask you to shift.”
“I smelt the human’s blood when she crossed into our domain. Who is she?” Baba questioned, holding Manfred’s arm as she winced at her creaky knees and she knelt.
“Jase’s bane and soul mate,” Mary stated baldly.
“Hell no!” Baba cursed and grinned. “A human? Jesus, that’ll drive him insane!”
“Oh, I’m well aware; however, if we don’t heal her soon, it won’t be a problem. She’s badly hurt, and I can’t save her,” Mary explained.
“No, I’ll call Lilith. Is Yeti back yet? We need a big man to move her,” Baba asked.
“Yes, I’ll link to Shaylaran,” Mary answered and thought at Yeti. She felt him respond and shut their connection down.
“Yeti is on his way,” Mary murmured, feeling Willow’s forehead.
“Lilith will meet me in a spare room. Manfred, please tell Vladamir we have an injured guest,” Baba said as Yeti lumbered in.
To his credit, he didn’t ask questions but scooped up the wounded woman and then followed Baba out of the tower.
“How is Shaylaran coping?” Manfred asked Mary.
“With what? Using his human side more? Facing up to the fact his heart-sister is mated to Vladimir or how she can now shift herself. Or how Emmaline lost a child or…”
“Okay,” Manfred said, laughing. “I’ll try to carve out more time to spend with him.”
“Shaylaran needs us as much as we need him. He’s as important as the rest of us. Shaylaran just hasn’t realised that yet.”
“Shay will,” Manfred replied as he left the tower.
Mary nodded. One day, they all might realise their true value to this world.
Archere/Hunchback, Quasimodo.
Jase’s pacing could be heard clearly, or at least to him. Archere sighed as he gazed at the corridor where Jase was hiding. After going several rounds with Minotaur, where they’d both beaten each other bloody, Jase had retreated to his quarters.
A thread of discontent ran through the castle. Everyone sensed it, but none wished to confront someone who could drown you even while on land.
Archere, with his infinite patience, had no fear of Jase. He’d merely shift and leap out of the way. Plus, Jase would never lose his temper with Archere because Archere knew that Jase owed him.
When the Sins had escaped, Archere had seen Cruelty heading for Jase and stopped it. Tragically, Archere had absorbed Cruelty in his place. His body had twisted and morphed in front of Jase’s horrified eyes.
Jase may have a monster side, but his alter-ego of Poseidon had remained in place. Jase had been one of the few God’s Warriors with a dual shape. Shifting had never bothered him.
“I can smell you,” Jase growled, and Archere laughed.
“No, you can’t,” he snorted.
“You are wearing that fancy French perfume again,” Jase retorted, coming into view and glowering.
“It’s aftershave. Mary reports everyone is back safe. And the tale of you bringing a surprise home is doing the rounds,” Archere said and followed Jase, entering Jase’s quarters.
“I’d have left her to die. Blame Mummy,” Jase snapped as he walked across his drawing room and poured two hefty shots of whiskey. He turned and handed one to Archere, who sat in a wingback leather chair. Jase sat opposite him and frowned at his glass as he swirled the amber liquid around. A grimace crossed his face, and he gulped a huge mouthful.
“You’ve broken out the good stuff,” Archere stated, sipping his own. The whiskey was smooth and rich in flavour, expensive tasting. Then again, considering the cost Jase had paid, the quality was expected.
“That bitch has driven me to drink,” Jase announced and then chuckled darkly.
“I have always felt comfortable in here. We have a similar decorating taste,” Archere said. “Comfort and elegance.”
Jase looked around as he tried to puzzle out what Archere meant. Archere watched intently. A wood-panelled room, lined with bookshelves on one wall and several knick-knacks that were deeply personal to Jase. A thick grey rug covered dark wooden floorboards. The room was dim, with wall lights providing light; the brighter ceiling chandelier was rarely used. There was a table that Jas often worked at with his laptop on top and another plush leather wingback chair behind the desk. A Chesterfield sofa sat opposite the stone fireplace with their two armchairs on either side.
“That is obtuse even for you. I can’t fathom your meaning this time,” Jase said finally with a dark chuckle.
“It was merely a comment,” Archer replied. His keen eyes watched Jase seek his message.
“Brother, you weigh your words like Midas weighs his gold.”
“That is true. So, a human?” Archere changed subjects and was rewarded with a scowl that would and had made thousands shudder in fear.
“Should have left her to die. She is just another rat,” Jase growled.
“Then why didn’t you?” Archere challenged.
Jase/Poseidon
That was a damn good question, he thought as he sipped his whiskey this time. It was a delaying tactic, and Jase recognised it as one.
He wondered if it was possible to kick his own ass as he gazed at the brother he owed so much to. Jase could have ended up the Hunchback. Instead, Archere, the gentlest of them, had. If Cruelty hadn’t caused severe pain in Archere, then Jase knew Archere would have thrown himself in front of Devastation, too. It was the fatal flaw the former God’s Warrior had owned. His compassion and self-sacrifice for others. Archere always put himself as a barrier to protect them all.
Jase wondered what went on under Archere’s placid expression. Archere was a thinker of their group, more prone to thinking before acting. Jase was one of the hotheads, which was why he’d been in the front line of the Jar’s protection detail. He’d react, giving those behind him a chance to organise. But his hot-headedness was his own downfall, and Jase knew he had the shortest temper among those remaining, with good reason. They’d all watched the people they loved die at the hands of the humans. But he had witnessed more than his fair share, and twice, in attempting rescues, he had been mere moments too late.
Jase shoved those memories away. They had no place on a night like tonight. Tonight, he was going to relax and shoot the shit with his brother, even though Archere seemed to have his own plan. That was okay. Jase didn’t mind. He had plenty of time for Archere.
“One day, you’ll be forced to choose,” Archere announced softly.
“I’m aware,” Jase replied.
“Do you know what you will face?” Archere asked.
“To save a so-called innocent human, or one of you. There is no contest,” Jase responded confidently.
“And if it was a human you cared about?”
“I care for none,” Jase answered, scowling.
“Then what of Emmaline?”
“That is below the belt, and she is one of us now. Hardly human, Emmaline was raised with Legends.”
“That’s your excuse?” Archere asked, chuckling.
“It is nothing but truth. Emmaline knew no different. She never got a chance to learn prejudice and hate. Emmaline has our blood in her, and therefore, she is not human,” Jase argued with a smile.
The truth was, he still considered her human, but he was in a contrary mood and would not admit that to Archere. The fact Emmaline was pregnant with a Legendary baby meant he’d lay his life down for her. It was the first child born to any Legendary Shifter. Before their fall, none of them had children and were completely dedicated to their role as God’s Warriors. After their fall they’d not been discreet nor choosey who they had relations with, but no offspring had been produced. Therefore, Emmaline was somewhat of a miracle, and this pregnancy was a learning curve for them all.
Emmaline had the entire castle jumping when she wanted something, and Jase was one of the worst. Only because Emmaline had named him Godfather, something Jase was convinced she’d done out of spite and a way to get back at him. Even so, Jase would never admit it to anyone, but he did love Emmaline. He’d never seen the dour Vladimir so damn happy. The sodding man kept smiling constantly, and Jase loved Emmaline for that alone. And now she’d mated with Vladimir, allowing Vampire to emerge briefly during their lovemaking to mate her. That was so brave of her. Not many would dare allow that creep inside them.
Jase shook his head, not noticing how Archere leaned forward. Which of his forms would be required to mate with someone? Poseidon the merman, or Poseidon the Uber merman? It was a question Jase would never have an answer to because he didn’t intend to reproduce with anyone.
“Lost in deep thoughts,” Archere murmured, grabbing Jase’s attention.
“Contemplating why Vladimir has suddenly taken a girl. Is this the start of something? Will more of us find one? You know the scary thing, Archere? Vladimir had to mate with Emmaline in his monster shape. What female will allow Swamp inside her or Dullahan, Minotaur, or Rumpelstiltskin?”
“Or your beast? It is a concern and uncertainty we aren’t sure of, Jase. In this form, I can at least pass for male. And those similar to the two Phantoms, the Invisible Man, Lilith, and Pandora, don’t have to worry. But those with a monster side? I understand their fear. Still, Emmaline was brave enough, so others may prove so,” Archere replied.
Jase snorted. In his opinion, Emmaline was a rarity; there wouldn’t be many like her—if any. He worried about his family. Would they be hurt and left behind because a human couldn’t see past their sin?
“I care not for my monster brother,” Jase said, rising to his feet, taking Archere’s glass and refilling both. He poured a more generous measure this time.
“Then what is the worry?”
“That my siblings might be heading for heartbreak, and I can’t protect them.”
“When did it become your duty to protect us? Vladimir was our captain,” Archere challenged.
“I held rank too,” Jase defended himself.
“Yes, you did. But you rarely had to lead, not until we arrived on Earth,” Archere stated. “And then you changed. You immediately assumed the role of protector and leader. It was your idea to form the council, but it was rejected at the time as we all went our separate ways. Correct me if I’m mistaken, but you were one of the few who said we should find an island and hole up there for our protection. You were seriously overruled on that plan,” Archere added.
“And if I hadn’t been, then more of us might be alive today,” Jase snapped. He spun around and handed Archere his whiskey back as he retook his seat.
“I agree. And I apologise. I was one who disagreed with you. Time sadly proved you right,” Archere replied, and Jase inclined his head.
A lingering bitterness remained over that event.
Even thousands of years later, Jase remembered it as clear as day. He’d tried to make everyone understand that this world was not the place they imagined it to be. That the humans weren’t the shining examples they were supposed to be. But his brothers and sisters hadn’t listened. They had been driven mad by grief after they realised what had happened to them. Their new forms were just as shocking. And after a month of crying out to their God, they realised they’d been abandoned.
Bitterness had overwhelmed them, and they’d fled into the night, leaving the small core that had suggested staying together. And in the end, they broke apart as they struggled with their new existence. God’s Warriors were brought to impossible lows. They’d even begged the other teams to converse with them, but none had reached out. It was as if they no longer existed.
“Was a chaotic time,” Archere said, reading Jase’s thoughts.
“It was more than chaos. Once we were infected, we weren’t important anymore. It mattered little that we were innocent in the events. Pandora escaped any punishment for her part, yet we suffered and still suffer. We’ve lost so many. So damn many. And we carry their Sins now. What happens when only one Legendary Shifter remains alive? Will we face complete madness and go on a killing spree?”
“We’ll never be alone, Jase,” Archere said, and Jase shook his head.
“Eventually, the Hunters will catch us all. And there will be one left. And should they fall, what’ll happen when the Sins are no longer bound? Humankind will tear itself apart. Any semblance of law and order, kindness, generosity, and suchlike will die under the weight of the freed Sins. Brother, the Hunters will cause the death of both our kind and humans, too. Which is the one bonus I can embrace. At least the planet and the innocent animals would have a chance of survival,” Jase stated.
“Wow, you really hate humankind,” Archere murmured.
“What they did to Basilisk was the lowest of the low. But Harpy suffered worse. And since then, they have escalated their torture experiments. No. I don’t see anything redeeming in the human race. They are parasites, like fleas on a dog’s back. The quicker they wipe themselves out, the better for the rest of us. These Sins we carry are human ones. They are everything negative the humans created before it was stripped away from them to be put into the Jar.”
“How do you know?” Archere asked, curious.
“Because I heard the Heavenly Host discuss it. Lucifer announced it was a grave mistake to strip humankind of the Sins. He stated the Host should teach them how to manage them. And look at what happened to Lucifer. That should have been our warning. Lucifer got an even worse deal than we did, and the humans revile him more than they do us.”
“I hadn’t heard anything,” Archere replied, almost pouting.
Jase hid a smile. Archere prided himself on his knowledge. The fact Jase had known something Archere hadn’t would rankle his brother. Really annoyed him, and Jase felt a dash of amusement, which Archere promptly destroyed.
“This human girl…”
“She is just another parasite. She claims to work in the planet’s favour but has her own agenda. They all do. But soon, the seas will teach humankind a lesson they won’t forget.”
“You’re still planning that? Even though it will cause massive speculation?”
“The Hunters, Archere, will probably guess it was me. Humans disregard the ancient Gods, believing them to be legends and tales. So, they will scratch their heads and wonder what the hell happened. And finally, they’ll get the message that the seas and oceans are not their rubbish grounds,” Jase replied, thinking of his plan.
“Imagine Gaia doing the same,” Archere suggested.
“If she was alive, she probably would. The land is being poisoned like the seas.”
“Eight billion humans,” Archere mused.
“Eight point two.”
“And you’re picking a fight with them.”
“Definitely,” Jase said with a smirk.
“Only you, brother.”
“Indeed!”
Maeve/Baba Yaga
Her brow creased as she studied the human who lay restlessly on the bed. Maeve had managed to stop the bleeding for now, but she wasn’t convinced the girl was out of danger. Willow’s skin was incredibly pale, and her breathing was shallow. Maeve checked Willow’s pulse, and her frown deepened.
Maeve glanced up as Andie entered through the open door. Andie kept herself to herself most of the time, so her appearance was a surprise, to say the least. Andie approached Willow and peered down.
“So young and fragile,” Andie said.
“She is fighting,” Maeve responded.
“She would. Willow’s a warrior from a long line of them,” Andie mused as she continued to study Willow.
“You’re aware of something,” Maeve stated.
Andie laughed, and there was bitterness present.
“I know a great many things but am restrained from commenting. I can only watch them play out. Willow will die unless she’s helped,” Andie said.
“I’ve done my best, as has Lily,” Maeve replied helplessly. She recognised Andie changing the subject and could respect the girl’s wishes for now. But she wanted answers.
“Then it is my turn,” Andie stated and stepped forward. In the blink of an eye, she shifted into Pandora and placed a delicate hand on Willow’s heart and one on her brow. Her hands began to glow a whitish blue, and Maeve’s eyes widened.
“Pandora, you can heal!” she exclaimed.
Pandora ignored her as she continued seeking what ailed Willow. She bolstered the slowing heartbeat, forcing it back into its correct rhythm and then found a small bleed that had been missed. It was draining Willow and causing her to bleed internally. Easily fixing it, Andie checked Willow head to toe, healing a few minor injuries before opening her eyes and removing her hands.
“I would rather this ability not be discussed. I’ve only ever healed our kind and true innocents. Willow is pure of heart; I sensed it when I touched her,” Pandora ordered as she shifted back to Andie.
“You shift so effortlessly,” Maeve mused.
“Not everything is as it appears, Maeve; I have said that many times,” Andie replied and began to leave.
“Thank you, Andie. Willow would have died without your help,” Maeve added, suddenly wanting Andie to stay and keep her company.
Andie turned her emerald-green eyes back on her, so different from Pandora’s clear blue ones. “Yeah, she would have, but not now.”
“Willow’s a Saviour, isn’t she?” Maeve questioned.
“Yes. You asked, I answered. Willow’s line shied away when her grandmother was born and her great-grandmother was murdered by Hunters. Her great-grandfather refused to let his daughter know her legacy. But Willow has full Saviour in her. Her grandmother was raised without knowing her heritage, as was Willow’s mother. Willow’s strong bloodline compelled her to become a guardian of something. Her urge to protect is in her blood, and she acted as best as possible.”
“That is why you healed her,” Maeve said astutely.
“And because she is Jase’s soul mate, no matter how hard he fights it,” Andie explained with a small smile and left before Maeve could question her further.
Maeve checked Willow over before being reassured she would recover and wake soon and settled in the oversized armchair beside Willow’s bed. Pandora remained a greater mystery than they realised. Her origins were well known, but she was meant to have been human. Yet, her powers and knowledge surpassed God’s Warriors. Pandora had experienced something that transformed her.
It was the first time Maeve had acknowledged that information, even though the evidence had been plain to see. Pandora had become more than human and had done so before they fell. Because nobody human would have got past them.