"Hey, so what's the deal with horny Minotaur knock-off?"

Percy's question brings me to my knees, as the adrenaline wears off. The salt of the sea water stings my wounds like a blistering reminder of how much growth I still needed. I'm raised from the ground by Annabeth and Yurei, as they put their arms beneath my own.

I answer Percy, making sure to keep a straight face, "Basically, it's a manifestation of the Taurus constellation. In Greek Mythology, Taurus either represents how Zeus turned into a white bull and kidnapped Europa for… adult things." I glance at the three kids. Thankfully, both Yurei and Percy had no clue what I meant by 'adult things', though Annabeth looked quite uncomfortable. Did the Athena cabin really give the talk this early, or did she find out herself? I mean, I still haven't given the talk to some of my cabin members. Which is unfortunately one of my responsibilities as a Cabin Councillor. Surprisingly, nobody questioned how I already knew the birds and the bees.

"It is also said to represent how Zeus turned one of his lovers, Io, into a bull to hide his affair from Hera. So, because of that, when I manifest Taurus into a physical form, he adopts the debauchery and sleaziness of the King of Gods."

"…What does debauchery mean?" Percy asks, clearly not read the mood. Gods, what I would give for a beer right now. Before I could try and think of an answer, I smell brimstone and fire in the air, and behind Percy descends three elderly demon ladies, with infernal whips coiled by their belt. Who knew I'd be glad to see those old bats.

Alecto walks forward in front of her sisters, and annoyed expression on her face. "It appears that no lies were told. The God of War tried to turn the gods against one another. How peculiar though not unsurprising." To me, when I first read the books, I had also figured that trying to pit Zeus and Poseidon against another was also something Ares would do.

But it was on my third reread when I realised that Ares would never do something akin this.

Yeah, sure. If Poseidon and Zeus went to war, then it would start a war that would dwarf all others. Entire landscapes would be levelled, and the oceans would being wrathful tempests. It would be more than a battle of soldiers and tactics, but a battle where the world would fight itself.

But there is a method to the madness and bloodlust that people attribute to the domain of war that Ares controls. Passion.

Yes, Ares would often say that every good war must full of bloodshed. But what he doesn't say is that there must also more emotions than mere anger or rage.

There's the sadness each soldier feels as they take a life, or when they hear that the war must go longer.

There's the joy they feel as they realise that they get survive another day. That they are closer to going back home.

There is the love they hold close to their chest as they remember those they left behind. There is the love for their spouse, for their children, for the country they serve. There is the love they hold for their comrade in arms, with whom they have formed a bond that could only be made on a battlefield.

That is what true war is. The Trojan War, The French Revolution, The American Civil War, World War One, and World War Two. All these wars exemplified these emotions. These are the wars that Ares seeks and revels in.

But a three-way war between Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon, could never create such passion.

Because humanity would be annihilated before they could shed a single tear.

Ah, but perhaps I am looking a bit too deeply into it. Perhaps Ares really was just that dumb. In the end, it doesn't really matter. Ares will still be a fuck-up amongst the gods, and there's very little that can change that.

From my Inventory, I take out the Helm of Darkness and chuck it towards the Fury, who sputters in shock as she catches legendary helmet, though almost juggling it. I give her a grin as she glares at me with anger.

Not breaking eye contact with me, the Fury that represents anger continues talking, "Your mother shall be returned soon, Son of Poseidon, for the Lord of the Dead does not let deeds go unpaid." Pretty sure since Hades was the who kidnapped her in the first place means that he still owes Percy, but the kid's too ecstatic to realise that. "As for you, Son of Apollo, remember your promise." Annabeth looks at me expectantly for an answer, but I ignore her. As Alecto walks away, I can't help but get one last joke in.

"Hey, Miss Dodds. One thing before you go." The fury stops, and turns her head to look at me, "We never got our tests back. Did I pass?"

I see flash of pure rage on her face, before it is hidden in a mask of annoyance, "…There will come a day when your soul ends up in the realm of Hades. And on that day, you shall know pain and tortures that even the gods have forgotten about." And in a flash of hellfire, the three furies disappear, leaving only ashes in their wake. I roll my eyes, a little annoyed that she managed to get the last word.

After that, the four of us decided to leave the beach that had turned into a field of burning glass and soot. First Responders stopped us on the way, and I, using Mist Manipulation to hide my wounds, convinced them that Ares was a mafia enforcer that had been chasing after Percy for seeing a son of the mafia boss commit a crime. I told them that we needed to get Percy to New York so that he could report the crime to the proper authorities and get entered into witness protection. Somehow, they bought my bullshit, even giving the uncomfortable Percy a hug.

I gave Percy, Annabeth, and Yurei, some pocket money for an airplane, though Annabeth seemed to notice that I was leaving myself out of the equation.

"Ah well… I won't be coming with you guys" I answer awkwardly, "I've actually got something to do before I come to Camp Halfblood" After all, the Helm of Darkness didn't come free.

Percy looked a little sad after learning this, with expression akin to a kicked puppy. "Are you sure? I mean, if it's because you're tired, then we totally wait for you to rest and then go together."

I patted the slightly shorter boy's hair with a grin, "Nah, I just have to get some affairs in order. Plus if I stepped onto Olympus, then I'm pretty sure the big Z will fry me up." Reluctantly, Percy accepts this, and I say my farewells to the three kids, promising to bring gifts when I come back. As they walk away, I yell out to them one last piece of advice, "Don't take Spirit Airlines! Last time I went with them, the plane exploded!" The three gave me a look, before sharply turning away as if to make sure everyone knew they weren't associated with me. Oh right. Plane jokes aren't funny yet.

With my goodbyes done, I blend within the crowd, not even leaving a trace of myself behind. There was a hotel suite with my name on it, and like hell was I gonna miss it.

1 Hour and 30 Minutes Later…

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

Roosevelt Suite

I walk to the window that had a view of the city, wearing a white bathrobe and a cold beer in hand, fresh out of the shower. Already, my fatigue from fighting Ares was wearing off, and my muscles began to relax, though I did get a couple of minor scars from the God. I was thankful that he hadn't been taking me seriously. Sure, he was rougher with me than he was with Percy, but even still, I was a useless mortal in his eyes. And thanks to his arrogance, I got some very good rewards.

System, show me all the notifications I've gotten upon defeating Ares.

Loading…

Loaded!

Skill Hydrokinesis removed!

You have defeated the God of War, Ares!

You have levelled up (86 - 98)!

Quest Complete!

The Two Person War

At the age of twelve, Perseus Jackson defeated the God of War, Ares, in single combat. With both the power of being Poseidon's son, and being the protagonist, he did what was thought impossible.

There's no way anyone else could replicate such a feat… right?

Objective: Kill or Defeat Ares in Percy Jackson's stead

Bonus Objective: Use either the Master Bolt, the Helm of Darkness, or the Trident of Atlantis during the fight

Rewards: EXP, ($5,000,000), 9000 Drachmae, 10 Random Skill Upgrades, New World Rookie Skill Collection, 2500 Stat Points, 250 Levels in one or more skill of your choice, Mystery Box

Bonus Reward: EXP, 500 Stat Points, Level 50 Technomancy Skill, Rule Breaker

10 of your skills are being upgraded!

Cooking Skill Upgraded to Yukihira-Style Cooking Skill!

Tracking Skill Upgraded to Farsight Tracking Skill!

Meditation Skill Upgraded to Astral Meditation Skill!

Driving Skill Upgraded to Apex Driver Skill!

Wind Blast Skill Upgraded to Hurricane Hands Skill!

Leadership Skill Upgraded to Commander's Presence Skill!

Forging Skill Upgraded to Dwarven Smithing Skill!

Musician Skill Upgraded to Magic Bard Skill!

Sword-Fighting Skill Upgraded to Sword Saint Skill!

Mathematics Skill Upgraded to Quantum Mathematician Skill!

You have levelled up (98 - 109)!

You have surpassed Level 100! As such your reward is: 1 Mystery Box!

You have surpassed Level 100! You have gained access to the BRAND NEW Scenario feature!

Huh.

Oh.

Wow.

I… I think I need to take a seat.

Like… That's a lot.

…

Ok. Let's process this all one by one.

Lots of EXP and money, that's great as always. My MP has grown high enough to use Rho Aias twice in a row, and still have decent amount of MP to tap into.

I open the information for the [New World Rookie] Skill Collection. I raise my eyebrow in surprise.

You have gained the Observation Haki Skill (Level 5)!

You have gained the Armament Haki Skill (Level 5)!

You have gained the Conqueror's Haki Skill (Level 10)!

You have gained the Summon Ship: Lost Age (Level MAX)!

This is… really fucking good. Sure, if we consider the entirety of fiction, then Haki is a pretty weak power, but when you consider that my Gamer power allows for infinite growth in a small time span, I'm pretty sure Haki will be very powerful. On top of that, when I look inside each of the Haki skill's descriptions, they say that Haki is mostly dependant on my Willpower stat, which is already quite high. Frankly, this could take my Shinseina Kenjutsu to new heights. If I had Haki, and it was at an adequate level, there would've been a 43% increase in the possibility of defeating Ares without resorting to breaking the Necklace of Nimue, though if he took me seriously, then that possibility would've decreased significantly, even if you don't consider any external variables.

Huh. I think my new Quantum Mathematician skill might've taken effect at the last part of thought. Interesting.

As for the only non-Haki related skill in the collection, from its description it essentially summons a large brigandine-type ship so long as I am near a large body of water. Interestingly enough, not only does it not take any MP, but it's also a fully automated ship with an on board AI. I wonder if I can take advantage of that with my Technomancy skill. Speaking of Technomancy, it was just like my Photomancy, in which it allowed me to control any technology around me and enhance it or change to fit a different purpose. Essentially, it turns me into Upgrade from Ben 10.

As for the 10 skills that had been upgraded, they all had a far mor drastic change than when my Wild Shape: Raven upgraded. I mean, one might think that something as meagre as the Cooking skill being upgraded would be of little benefit, but in reality, it is possibly one of the better skills in utility belt now. After all, it's now a cooking style based off of that from the anime known as Food Wars! Not only that, but it belongs to the protagonist of the show. I might possibly be the best cook on the planet, so long as you discount any gods.

Farsight Tracking allowed me to see scent, heat, and sound trails of whatever I was looking for. The skill even made footprints of what I was tracking highlight up and could tell how old the tracks were.

Astral Meditation was an upgraded form of Meditation that increased the recovery rate of my MP and HP, and just like in the Doctor Strange movie, it would allow my 'soul' (or a metaphysical version of myself) to leave my body and explore the outside world as an undetectable ghost, all the while my body is sleeping, and it would have no negative health repercussions on my brain.

Apex Driver admittedly didn't have much of a difference. It was just a significant increase in my vehicle handling, and driving. Though on top of that, it did allow me to… sense objects that posed a danger to my vehicle, such drunk drivers or a road bump. Furthermore, the skill gave the ability to increase a vehicle's speed to beyond it's original speed, and like in racing games, I'd periodically be able to use a power on the car called 'Nitro' which force the car to go ahead in a large burst of speed.

Hurricane Hands was also not much of a difference. It was just Wind Blast but more potent, with the ability to become continuous rather than just one burst of air.

Commander's Presence was an evolution of my Leadership skill, which I had frankly forgotten about. Leadership was a simple skill that allowed me to see the best organisation for a squad or army, and also allowed me to make speeches to inspire soldiers. Once I got it to level 50, I noticed that the skill made inspired allies more agile and tougher during battle. Well Commander's Presence did a similar thing, but now it was more like an aura, and I could use it to affect entire squadrons of allies with a single war cry. Soldiers would develop chemistry even if they didn't have any beforehand, and they'd all follow my commands. It's not mind control, but rather the aura making them acknowledge me as a general. I'm not sure if I'll be able to use it often, since I'm mostly a solo act.

Dwarven Smithing is a skill I'm kinda excited to test and level. Mostly because of the reactions it'll get out of the Hephaestus Cabin. Whilst the skill gave me the enhanced proficiency in smithing in general, it's main selling point is the unique extra steps in the smithing process that made the metal insanely more stronger and tougher whilst still maintaining a light weight, and the fact that at the end of the process, the skill gave me the ability to etch one rune (for now) into the metal, which give it abilities depending on what I drew, such as poison, or lightning aura on the blade.

Sword Saint wasn't honestly much of an improvement. It just allowed me to learn all sword-techniques faster, and they were far stronger. But… in the description, it hints at some sort of 'power' being able to be unlocked should I train the skill high enough. I have some thoughts on what it could be, but I didn't really have any clues to go off of.

The Musician skill, one of my most highest levelled skills, turned into Magic Bard, and from what I gather from it, it was quite literally minor reality warping (And when I say minor, I mean so infinitely small, most people would realise it). Essentially, it allowed me to contort the laws of nature to my will or buff my allies, so long as I play or sing a song. At my current level with the skill, the most I could do was increase the growth rate of tree sapling, or make my allies slightly more agile during combat, which kinda annoys me since Magic Bard, despite inheriting the level of one of my strongest skills, could only do that, then how much longer would it take for the skill to do some real damage?

And finally, the last new skill in my repertoire is the Quantum Mathematician skill. Whilst Mathematics was just a skill I gained from studying; it's upgraded form had actual combat applications. You know how in kid's shows, superheroes would tell kids to study maths because they use it for fighting villains and shit? Yeah, well unlike those nerds, I can actually do it. I can quite literally calculate to the fucking picosecond of how long it would take a bullet to hit me. I didn't even need to consciously do it. It's purely passive and had a shit ton of potential.

But, as usual, there is one reward that stands out over the rest. In this case, it made everything look like chump change.

Rule Breaker.

Name: Rule Breaker: All Spells Must Be Broken
Type: Dagger

Rank: S
Item Effects: Nullifies all magical effects on contact, 30% damage to magical beings, Ignores all magical defences, Reduces enemy magic resistance by 50% for 10 seconds after each strike, Cannot cause critical hits

Item Description: Rule Breaker is a cursed dagger once wielded by Medea, the infamous Witch of Betrayal. Forged specifically to sever magical ties and betray the laws of sorcery and magic, this jagged blade was used by Medea to dismantle powerful enchantments and oaths.

Known as the "Dagger of Treachery," its very essence is steeped in betrayal, reflecting its creator's tragic and vengeful nature. Though physically weak and incapable of inflicting powerful attacks, Rule Breaker's true power lies in its ability to negate all forms of magic, from the strongest oaths to the toughest barriers.

I could feel the smile on my face threatening to break free from it. I take it out of my Inventory, and marvel at. A blade in the shape of a lightning bolt, made of iridescent metal that seemed almost ethereal. In my hand was a weapon that shattered every plan I had thought of, and instead gave me ideas for greater ones. This would be my greatest tool to reshape this planet.

There was of course one more thing I had gained from beating Ares. The Scenario feature. I open up its description, and as I read it, I feel my eyes practically burst as all I feel Is utter and complete shock.

1 Day Later…

?'s POV…

I yawn absent-mindedly as my little brother fawns over his statues and cards. He prattles on and on about boring myths, of gods and goddesses. I know it's his way of dealing with leaving Italy. It doesn't help that the anniversary of Mamma's death is coming in a few weeks. He was seven when she died, just barely old enough to know what death is, yet too young to cope with it properly.

I miss Mamma too, though I have to hide it for Nico's sake. I was nine when she died, but I couldn't remember what happened exactly. One moment, we were having our lunch, I even remember that we were eating Polenta. But then the next moment, everything turned pitch black, as dark as the night itself, and I heard a loud, deafening explosion.

When I woke up, I found myself in a hospital, and Nico was on the bed next to me. I remember my hands still shaking, clutching on the bedsheet as if it held my very soul. I remember crying as the doctors told me that Mamma had been declared dead. I remember standing in front of an empty grave with a meaningless tombstone as Nico cried, clutching my shirt. I remember that strange woman collecting us from the orphanage, saying she worked for our father, and that we'd be going to America. I remember the anger I felt as I stood on the ship to the states. I was enraged at finding out that not only my father was still alive, but he also decided to come for us after three years Mama died. Like he only just remembered that he children. The man was probably living it up in a lavish mansion while we were stuck in an orphanage. It didn't help that the orphanage was beginning to ration out the food because the Mother Superior believed that Italy would soon join the Germans after they had invaded Poland.

Anyway, after we arrived in the States, the woman took us to a hotel and left us here. We've been in this place for almost two months. It is… odd to say the least. For the first two weeks, I felt like I was in heaven. This hotel has this magical machinery that could show talkies* that could do whatever you want when you press a button! If you press the right-most button, then the man on the screen turns right! It's brilliant! Like magic! And whenever I was hungry, or thirsty, a waiter would bring me a bowl of Pasta e Fagioli or glass of Chinotto. It was like being in heaven. Best part is, that the waiters and staff were fluent in Italian, so if I ever wanted to speak in Italian with someone (that wasn't my brother), I could just walk up to one of them!

*(Talkies are what they used to call movies back in the 1930's!)

However, it was about my 4th week in when I noticed the… peculiarities in the hotel. Well other than the strange machines. Firstly, everyone here is an American. I mean I knew that since this Hotel is in America, Nico and I would be the only Italians, but then it doesn't explain how all the staff can speak Italian so fluently. And then, of course, are the other residents of the hotel. They are so strange! Perhaps I need study English more, but the words they use can be so odd sometimes. Words like 'radical' and 'groovy' are strewn in sentences so randomly that I can't help but be confused. And the way they dress as well! Such bright colours! Some even have paintings and photographs on them as well! Perhaps they were rich? I had never seen such eccentric clothing before.

And on the topic of clothing, the other girls and women in the hotel, well… their clothes were very… scandalous. I don't I've ever seen so much skin before. At first, I had wondered whether they were 'women of the night', yet one of them said she was doctor! Another said she was engineer! I couldn't help but laugh. If they were going to lie in front of my face, they could've made it believable.

Other than that, there were a couple more oddities, but to be honest, the more I stayed here, the more I became disenchanted with the place. There were moments when I would feel like I could stay here forever, but then suddenly, the bracelets that father's assistant had given us would suddenly turn deathly cold, and almost weigh down the hand it was on as if Nico was sitting on it. And then, I would suddenly remember that we couldn't stay here forever. Nico needed to get an education. A proper education. Though the Sisters at the orphanage taught literacy and numeracy well, it isn't enough for Nico. I know he has potential to be a scholar or professor, he just needs a… push.

I sigh once more as Nico shows me another card of his. It depicts a man surrounded by darkness. With pale skin and crimson eyes, I feel as if he is staring right at me. I shake off the feeling and listen to what Nico is saying, "-And if he attacks first, Hades gets 5000 attack points!" He has his usual look of excitement, the most passionate I've seen him be since Mamma died. There's a light in his eyes that I haven't seen a long time. I've kind of missed. "I managed to get the card for him, but I'm still looking for his figurine version." I really don't get what he likes about this 'Mythomagic' game. At the very least, it should be a game with Roman Gods, not Greeks. But I suppose we left Italy before he could learn to be a little patriotic.

Before I could promise Nico that I'd get it for him once we leave the hotel, a smooth and silky voice interjects, "Oh davvero? Beh, si dà il caso che io abbia la statuetta che stai cercando." I turn around, and feel my heart skip a beat. The Mother Superior of my orphanage taught me about angels. Divine beings that shone as bright as the sun, with unnatural beauty that only the Lord could sculpt. Being in their very presence made all worries and sadness wash away. A glimpse of heaven in human form. I finally understand what she meant. I wonder if she saw a sight like this before.

He had smooth, silky hair that glistened like the purest gold. Every time I looks into his eyes, I remember when the time when Mamma took Nico and I to a lonely beach, a few weeks before she had died. I remember the smiles on their faces. It was the first time in a long time we could go on an outing, because Mamma had to work hours upon hours at a textile mill. But she surprised up suddenly, when she took us to a beautiful beach, where we ate Gelato and played with each other in the ocean. I don't think I've ever had so much fun in my life. I could only smile at the distant memory.

Suddenly, the angel smiles at me, and I almost flinch at the blinding light of the action. He reaches hand to me, and I look down to see a white handkerchief. I look at him confused, though I tried to not meet his eyes. He answers me unspoken question, "Stai piangendo. Stai bene?". Still a little confused, I touch my face, and blink as I realise that it's wet. Had I really been crying? Did that memory of Mamma make that sad?

"Grazie." I thank him, nervously smiling as I take the handkerchief from his hands. For a moment, our hands graze another, and I can't help but blush as I realise how smooth his hands felt. I glance at him, as he talks to Nico about Mythomagic. I wonder why I feel disappointed that he didn't react to the momentary contact. I wipe the trail of tears from my face, and after taking a deep breath, I feel calm and almost relieved. Somehow, the handkerchief is still dry, as if it had never touched water before.

I pay attention to his voice once more as speaks to the both of us, "È un piacere incontrare voi due, Bianca e Nico." I feel an immense sense of disappointment as he says our names. He knows who we are. He works for the bastardo that is my father. Still, instead of anger, I feel sadness. Was it that ridiculous for me to hope that the angel was here for me, and not my father? "Spero che ti sia divertito durante il tuo tempo qui, ma il motivo per cui sono qui è portarti nella tua nuova casa." He's taking us to our new home. So, we're staying in the States, after all. I'm… not sure how to feel about that. I love Italy, truly, but Mamma also died there. I guess Nico and I could have fresh start here.

We stay silent, this angel and I. He seems to be awaiting a response from us, but what am I supposed to say to angel arriving with the devil's gift?

"…You speak Italian quite good for an American" I spin my head Nico who had complimented the angel shyly, speaking in English. But I was a little surprised that the angel wasn't Italian when he spoke better than actual citizens. I'm also shocked that Nico could tell.

The angel laughs, a soft and hearty sound, so pure and passionate. "Wow, you could tell? And here I was thinking I'd be able to fool you two!" There is a certain warmth around him whenever he smiles. Like clouds parting to reveal the summer sun. His smile even made my face feel warm.

Nico shakes head as he answers, "N-no, you speak Italian really well, but you speak with the tone of a politician, but you use the language of the average person. It just… doesn't match." I felt pride in Nico, for being able to realise such a detail, but still a little disappointed that the angel wasn't an actual Italian.

"Huh, not bad." The angel smiles softly, and Nico lights up at the praise. It's annoying. But why? Shouldn't I be glad that Nico is happy? But the way he hangs on the angel's words leaves a sick feeling inside of me. Why doesn't he ever treat me like that? Like someone he can look up to. After everything I've done for him.

What is this sick feeling inside my heart?

Is it… It cannot be jealousy, could it? Why am I jealous over my brother being happy? How can I be such a disgusting person?

"I-It's not something amazing, or anything. I'm sure any Italian could've noticed." Nico says. I notice in hands, he clutched upon a small statue of robed man, with a gaunt face and long hair, with a tightness that seemed like his own life was tied to the statue. I knew instantly that it was the Hades Mythomagic figurine that Nico had been asking me to get him for a while now. Once again, the bitter feeling was back. I felt annoyed how easily the stranger, even if he seemed like a divine being, was able to get close to Nico so easily. I feel annoyed how Nico treated the angel like that person was the one who looked after him for years and not me.

I hate that I feel like this. Nico doesn't deserve a horrible sister like me.

"If you say so, Nico." The angel smiles, before changing expressions to as if he just remembered something. "Now, I hate to rush you two, but I believe it's best we leave now. There is a… lot to catch you all up on." Nico gets up immediately, listening to the angel as if it was a divine mandate. I'm reluctant to do the same, but just one look at the angel and I follow his suggestion. Though, I make sure to grab a butter knife off the table as discreetly as I can. I do not trust this person at all.

As we walk towards the exit, there is something that the angel had said which caught the attention of my mind, "Scusi," I say, grabbing the angel's attention, though we kept walking, "You said there was a lot to catch up on. Have the French and British finally declared war on the Germans?" The question makes the angel stop in his tracks, as he slightly pales.

Beneath his breath, so quiet that Nico couldn't hear, the angel curses, "Shit. I'm going to have explain World War 2 to these kids." I also pale after hearing that. Not only had war started, but it had escalated into another World War? Started by the Germans once more!? What is wrong with that country? Anyway, the angel returns to his friendly disposition, as he says to the both of us, "Ah, don't worry you two, I'll explain everything once we get to the car." A car? Could he possibly be talking about an automobile? Was our father really as rich as I had thought?

Further on we walk, going to closer to the entrance, and I notice a warm smile on the angel's face. One that made me realise that the one he gave us earlier was most likely fake. I follow his line of sight and see two teenagers. One was handsome, with blonde hair and a cute smile. The other was dressed in scandalous fashion like the women before, but it was outrageous in another way. Her outfit was made of solely black, with piercings that adorns her ears, and black makeup all over her face. Dare I say, she dressed like a man! Yet despite how odd she looked; I couldn't help but think such outlandish clothing was almost… admirable. Yes, admirable. As if she couldn't care what the world thought of her.

Though, I do wonder how she's planning to get married while looking like that, unless the men in America actually like such a style.

I look back at the fondness on the angel's face, and tell him, "If you wish, you can go talk to them while we wait."

The angel looks surprised at my offer, before a wistful laugh leaves his delicate lips, "Thanks, but it'll be funnier if I meet them once I'm older." I look at him in confusion, an emotion I'm becoming far too familiar with. I'm not sure why exactly such a thing would be funny, but I guess angels have a different sense of humour than mere mortals.

A few more minutes, and we reach the entrance. A bellhop tries to convince us to stay, but all the angel did was take the cards offered and waved the man away. I notice that the bellhop had strained smile as he walked away, as if holding in his rage. How odd.

"Quick warning. The moment you step out, you'll probably have freak out or have mini-heart attack. Don't worry, just make to stay calm and follow me" The angel warns us, as he walks through the doors. The light outside was so bright, that couldn't possibly make much of what was outside, so the warning had concerned me. I grabbed Nico's hand, worried that he might get hurt, and I can feel his hands trembling. I squeeze his hand to reassure him, and my little brother looks up at me with a smile. Sometimes I forget how adorable he is.

The moment we step out, I completely understood why the angel had warned us. This place… I remember two months ago, I saw the outside area of the hotel, and yet, how did change so much in a small-time span? There are so many odd machines just like inside the hotel, and on the roads… were those cars? How are they so small? And they seem so much more faster than the few I have seen before. And the way people were dressed… They were much more flashier than the ones in the hotel. By the Lord, I've seen a few women wearing nothing but their underwear as they walked onto a sandy beach.

"What is this place?" Nico asks the question that had been plaguing my mind, and I could see his hands trembling once more. How had only a few months of the war changed the world so much? It should be impossible! I worry, a little, that we had entered a hell that took the shape of a twisted world that taunted our minds. I fear that the hotel we had left was a heaven just for us, and that angel next to us was Lucifer, who had lured us into hell where he'd burn us for eternity/

"Remember what I said, you two? Stay calm, and stay brave" And as if by magic, my fears and worries melt away. What was I thinking, doubting the angel? He has been nothing but kind to us. And every time I look at him, I can't help but see the kindness that emanates off him. "Now, stay close and don't wander away… actually, Nico keep holding your sisters' hands and don't let go no matter what" Nico nods, and then to my shock, the angel grabs my hand. I can feel a blush come onto my face, though a little annoyed at how the angel doesn't seem to be embarrassed at such a risqué act.

He drags to what I can only assume is another car. It's absurdly long and looks as if it could hold a squad of soldiers. He opens the door and beckons us inside. As Nico and I enter, I cannot help but feel almost faint. It was as if someone had taken the luxury of a ballroom and jammed it into this small compartment. It was at this moment that I became very sure of something. The very world had changed.

Nico and I sit on a leather couch next to each other, whilst the angel sat opposite of us, closest to the driver, though separated by a black barrier. He taps the barrier thrice, and suddenly the vehicle begins to move. I realise that I've never actually been in a vehicle before. Well, I suppose the train I used to get from New York to Los Angeles could count.

The angel looks at us with a serious expression and begins talk as Nico and I listen with our full attention, "Well, we have a lot to cover, so I guess I'll start with the easiest topic and introduce myself. My name is Gilgamesh Ashford, and I am a demigod." Gilgamesh? That's certainly a… unique name. It's definitely not a Christian one which means he's not an angel like I thought he was. Though I suppose that was clear when he said he was a… Wait, did he say he was a demigod?

"A demigod! Like Hercules and Theseus?" Nico exclaims, almost jumping off his seat were it not for my hand holding him down. It seems that the angel-

No, Gilgamesh. It seems that Gilgamesh also noticed this, as with a snap of his fingers, thin, wide restraints leap from the seats and tie around us. Oddly, I did not feel distress, because for some reason I felt as if I could trust my life Gilgamesh. It's odd, because I've never had such a feeling towards anyone before apart from Mamma.

"Well, Theseus's parentage is often disputed, but yes, I'm a demigod like them. The son of Apollo, and a mortal woman." He says with smile, continuing as if he had done nothing. Apollo? I think Nico said he was the Greek God of the Sun. I suppose it does make sense. His eyes are like the summer sky, such a thing could only come from someone with such a parentage. But, as likely as it could be, I can only reject such a premise.

"Signore Ashford," I say, making to sure use his family name to make sure that the atmosphere isn't uncouth, "Whilst I am thankful that you're escorting us to our father, please do not use my brother for your entertainment." Seriously, what kind of person uses someone as naïve as Nico for such games?

The blonde boy frowns, before smiling once more, "How about I prove it to the two of you?" Without waiting for us to respond he leans forward and stretches a handout to us. He opens his palm, and we watch it glow. And then the light seems to float up like a bubble, splitting apart continuously until we were surrounded by what I can only call an imitation of fireflies. It was… beautiful. Truly beautiful. "Is this enough?"

I am unsure how to answer, and I look to Nico, who cannot help but watch the balls of light in childish wonder. I turn to the self-proclaimed demigod, and for some inexplicable reason, I tell him my fears, "I… I see your power. I cannot deny it." Why does he have to smile? It makes it so much harder to refute him, "However, I cannot simply abandon my faith in the Lord." It is because of the church that Nico and I did not live on the streets. It is because of the Lord that churches exist. It is because of him that I know my mother will go on to live a peaceful eternity. Do deny his existence would be to deny my mother of heaven. To deny that there is a natural goodness in this world.

"Oh, is that all?" Gilgamesh asks, still smiling. For the first time today, I feel anger. Anger at how he so easily waves off my feeling. Ah, well this only solidifies my belief. There is no way that such an unkind person could of a divine heritage. I do not know why the Lord blessed him such power, but all I know is that I should not give this boy any further respect. "Ah, I'm sorry Bianca, that came out wrong. It's just that, your God probably does exist."

I cannot help but feel ridiculed. First, he says that he is the son of a Greek God, now he's saying that the Lord also exists? Is he passing time by mocking my faith?

"Look, in this word, there exists gods." He explains with the cadence of a teacher or professor, "They are beings that spawned from thousands of different cultures and countries throughout history. Yes, mankind first worshipped the sun, but soon after came the Mesopotamians, who brought one of humanities first religions, and one of the first pantheons. These humans had created gods to explain the world around them, and they had so much faith in beings of their own creation, that the universe itself manifested these entities into being. Anu, Enlil, Enki, Innana, Nabu, Marduk, and so many more."

"These were the first gods that walked upon the earth of ours. Creatures of pure faith, who believed their existence was from a universal ordinance. They rejected the idea of being a slave to human faith. And over time, more cultures began to spring up, and they too heard of these gods. With this inspiration, with this possibility that there was some semblance of explanation of how everything came to be, they made their own gods, who manifested into existence."

"And of course, there came cultures that believed in only a single god. First came Zoroastrianism, then Judaism, Christianity, and then Islam. And for each of these religions, a single god came into being, all believing they are the creators of this wide, wide universe."

As I listened to each and every word. I could only hear the sound of shattering. The sound of everything I have every know being stretched and warped. I… truly cannot fathom this. This world of lies.

Questo significa che nulla conta? Ciò significa che tutto ciò in cui credevo era perché uno sconosciuto di mille anni fa aveva deciso che è così che funziona il mondo, e mille altri sconosciuti erano d'accordo. Il dio in cui credo non è altro che immaginazione trasformata in realtà?

Se tutte le religioni sono vere a modo loro, mi preoccupo almeno di essere cristiano? Non riesco proprio a capire come dovrei vivere in questo mondo di bugie. Vorrei poter pregare per avere un consiglio, ma cosa accadrebbe se il consiglio provenisse semplicemente da ciò che un uomo migliaia di anni fa decise come dovrebbe essere Dio e cosa dovrebbe pensare?

Solo a pensarci mi viene voglia di rannicchiarmi e piangere.

I feel tears threatening to fall once more, but both my hands tighten as two different people squeeze them hard. I look to my right and see Nico reassuring me. He gives me a smile, but I could tell that he didn't really understand. I'm glad he's so young. I'm glad he had me to turn to after Mamma died, for I turned to God for faith.

I look in front of me, and see Gilgamesh doing the same, and I listen to him as he speaks, still holding my hands in his warm, calm grasp. "Hey kid, I can figure out what you're thing, and I'm sorry for having to shake your world like this. But if I may, can I suggest one thing?" Reluctantly, I nod my head, ignoring that he had referred to me as a child like he was not, "Well, perhaps don't think of God and Religion like a creation of distant figures in history. Look, the reason people pray is because they need help from God. They need something so much, that the universe creates and being who can be their hero. Bianca, every time you pray, the universe manifests someone to help you. Because of the sheer faith from you and millions of others. It's almost romantic when you think of it like that."

I smile at the thought. I can see where he is coming from. But…

"Thank you, Signore Ashford." I say with a smile, "You've given me a lot to think about." I do believe that is quite the understatement.

He chuckles once more, letting go of my hand, and leaning back on his seat. "Ah, unfortunately there's more". Oh mio dio! There's more? I'm not sure I'll be able to survive the day with all these revelations of the natural state of the world. "Don't worry, it's not as bad as the one bomb I dropped before." Phew, that's a relief.

"It's only that the year is 2005."

What.

"You two have been in the Lotus Hotel and Casino for almost 70 years."

Oh.

Author's Notes:

Hello! It's been a while, hasn't it? Unfortunately, I've been doing a lot of stuff between chapters! I passed my driving theory test by the skin of my teeth, my laptop (which I use to write my fic) broke so I had to repair it (Now I'm out £150, yay!), Baldur's Gate 3 got mods on console so I played that throughout October, Dragon Age:The Veilguard came out and I've been playing it since release. I've just over 31 hours in the game.

So yeah, sorry for the wait.

Anyway, I hope you don't mind me doing half the chapter in Bianca's POV. I have a lot of plans for her, because frankly, I think she is one of the most wasted characters in the entire franchise. She is a person straight out of Musolinni's Italy on the precipice of World War 2. As someone from early 1900's Italy, she is naturally religious, especially so since she'd have to be raised in either church or state run orphanage, both of which push high patriotism to children and/or strong religious beliefs.

I'm going to try and avoid making her a Hazel replica, but frankly there's a lot of different things I get to do with her character.

Anyway, it's about 3 am right now, and I'll upload this chapter now, so idk if there's any more for me to say…

Oh yeah! The angel shit? That was Gill's charisma stat working its effects!

Yeah, I think that's all. Maybe.

Pfft, that's future Me's problem lol.

Translations:

"Oh davvero? Beh, si dà il caso che io abbia la statuetta che stai cercando" = "Oh really? Well, I happen to have the figurine you're looking for"

"Stai piangendo. Stai bene?" = "You are crying. Are you okay?"

"È un piacere incontrare voi due, Bianca e Nico." = "It is a pleasure to meet the two of you, Bianca and Nico."

"Spero che ti sia divertito durante il tuo tempo qui, ma il motivo per cui sono qui è portarti nella tua nuova casa." = "I hope you've enjoyed your time here, but the reason I'm here is to take you to your new home"

"Questo significa che nulla conta? Ciò significa che tutto ciò in cui credevo era perché uno sconosciuto di mille anni fa aveva deciso che è così che funziona il mondo, e mille altri sconosciuti erano d'accordo. Il dio in cui credo non è altro che immaginazione trasformata in realtà? Se tutte le religioni sono vere a modo loro, mi preoccupo almeno di essere cristiano? Non riesco proprio a capire come dovrei vivere in questo mondo di bugie. Vorrei poter pregare per avere un consiglio, ma cosa accadrebbe se il consiglio provenisse semplicemente da ciò che un uomo migliaia di anni fa decise come dovrebbe essere Dio e cosa dovrebbe pensare? Solo a pensarci mi viene voglia di rannicchiarmi e piangere."

"Does this mean nothing matters? Does this mean that everything I have believed in is because some stranger from a thousand years ago decided this is how the world works, and a thousand other strangers agreed. Is the god that I believe in nothing but imagination turned into reality? If all religions are true in their own way, do I even bother being a Christian? I just cannot understand how I'm supposed to live in this world of lies. I wish I could pray for advice, but what would it matter when the advice would just come from what a man from thousands of years ago decided what God should be like and what God should think? Just thinking about it makes me want to curl up and cry."

Here are Gill's stats:

Name: Gilgamesh Ashford
Age: 12
Level: 109
Title: Apollo Cabin Councillor

HP: 35160/35160
MP: 46920/46920

Stats
Strength: 1500
Agility: 1500
Endurance: 1000
Charisma: 1300

Intelligence: 1450
Willpower: 2000
Luck: 1500

Stat Points: 0