-Themis!?
I rush to help her up from the tub.
T-I have... wings?
-I can see that. But how?
T-I don't know. I was, and then when I saw myself again in the mirror I had them and I freaked out.
-I'll help you clean them up. Although I must say, its kind of cool that you have wings too.
T-Yeah.
-What do you think it means?
T-Don't know. Should we call someone to help figure this out?
-Yeah. Not Persephone or any of the guardians. Call, uncle Poseidon. I bet he can help us. No one, gets close to us. Not until we figure this out.
T-Agreed.
As Themis calls uncle and explains the situation I keep on cleaning her wings.
T-He's coming. He should be here in a couple minutes.
-That's great.
Just then there's a knock on the door.
-Come in, it's open.
P-Themis, Osiris? Are you okay?
T-Yeah, just confused, to say the least.
P-Well then, turn around.
We both turn around as he examines them and gives instructions to us.
P-Themis can you stretch them open completely?
T-Sure.
P-Nice, they're strong, symmetrical, sensitive to the touch. They're in fine shape.
-So what's the best course of action to take?
P-Learn to use them efficiently.
T-Use them?
P-Yes, you have to use them and just in case, they have to stay, it would be even more dangerous if we take them away. You could end up losing a lot of blood. I recommend that you learn to use them for battle, defense, offense and don't let them become numb. Daily exercises and stretches would help. You know, you may very well grow up to be the strongest gods of Olympus by far.
T-We're not that good.
P-Yet. You still have a long way to go. Well then I better get going.
-Don't tell dad just yet.
P-I won't. Bye, take care.
With that he waves us goodbye and goes away.
-I guess that's it.
T-I still don't believe it.
-Is kind of cool.
T-Yeah. Still, there's something bothering me.
-Do tell.
T-Well, I was wondering if everyone can see them or if it's just us or if only gods, monsters and demigods can see them and humans can't.
-I think I know of someone who can help with that question.
T-Who?
-There is May and uncle Josh. They're normal humans. We can call them.
T-Tomorrow?
-Now while we still have some sunlight left.
T-You call uncle Josh, I call May.
I nod and we both call them. They're at the door within thirty minutes. I offer them dinner.
-Would you care to join us for dinner?
M-No thank you, anyways, why you call me here for?
J-Are you bored already?
T-No we just need you to do something for us.
M-Do say.
-Can you describe us? Physically.
J-You look like you always do.
M-Look normal to me. Well, as normal as a divine being can look among humans.
T-Nothing new or out of the ordinary?
J & M-No.
J-Not a thing.
-Well then, thank you, goodbye, until next time.
With that we get them out and I let myself fall on the floor with my head resting on the door.
-Now we know humans can't see them.
T-Shame, I wanted to show uncle how amazing we look.
-Picture. For mom and dad.
T-I have a better idea.
-Listening.
T-Why don't we go up there? And show them, together.
-Then we will take the picture but not send it, yet. We can't go there until we are nineteen years old. I think we can keep it a secret, from them at least, until we get back.
T-That sounds reasonable.
-Hey Themis?
T-Yeah.
-Why don't you use your aura or use all your power? When we trained back at home you never struggled but you also held back, why? I mean, why not go full on?
T-Well, when you lost control. I was always afraid, not of you but what you could do and when I heard that the scars on mom's back were done by you when we were only three days old. The first time you lost control, when I saw how hard it was for mom and dad to get you back I wondered, what if I lose control too? We could destroy everything and everyone we loved and care about so I decided that I would never, ever use all my power. I'm afraid to lose control, I'm not as strong as you are.
-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked.
T-No, it's okay, it's fine. I always wanted to tell you anyways but didn't know how to.
-Well, let's clean up and go to sleep.

Next morning I wake up to loud knocks on the door.
-Mmm, who is it?
O-Is Orthrus, time to wake up.
-Five more minutes?
O-Not a single more minute, we're already late as it is. You have to go to school.
I frown and turn in the bed.
-School, school, school, what time is it?
O-Seven thirty.
-CRAP!! Themis, Themis wake up.
T-What?
-We're late for school, get ready, we only have thirty minutes to prepare and get to school.
Her eyes open wide and she tosses me aside running to the bathroom.
-At least give me my toothbrush.-She gives it to me-With toothpaste please. Thank you.
I head to the kitchen and wash my teeth there. When we get out of the house we take off running through the streets with Orthrus taking the lead, then Themis then me at the far back. When we finally reach the school I see that someone is approaching us, Themis specifically, and I rush to stop from getting near her.

-Don't touch her!
T-Osiris, this is Diego. The friend I told you about yesterday, remember?
I look at Themis and then at him again. Then I hug him tightly.
-Nice to meet you Diego.-Then I whisper in his ear-Don't ever make her cry or I will rip you apart.
D-I won't, nice to meet you. Should we head to class now? I want to see if you're as strong as she is.
-Themis, what did you do yesterday?
T-Nothing really. At least not on purpose.
The school bell rings and Themis links her arm around mine pulling me inside.
T-Come on, we have to get to class. You will like it. Diego, you too, hurry up.
D-Yes, of course.
As we reach the locker rooms behind the building Themis runs off inside leaving me stunned in place and confused when I feel a hand on my shoulder.
D-We better get changed too. Come on, I'll show you the way.
-Sure. So, Diego, what are your intentions with my sister?
D-What do you mean?
-She's, how to say it. Special, my dear sister, I'm her protector and I will not let anyone hurt her. So I want to know where you stand. I'm liking you so far so, tell me.
D-Well, she is strong, nice to be with her and she looks....
-Like a goddess, an angel from heaven?
D-Yes, the most beautiful lady I ever met. Can I ask you something?
-Shoot.
D-What are those things on your back?
I freeze in place, clenching my fists at my sides. I turn and take him by the shoulders, shaking him lightly.
-Who are your parents?
D-What?
-Your parents. Their names, tell me.
D-The monster Eagle, brother of King of Monsters Chimera and Prime and son to Typhon and a human. One died and the other doesn't know I exist. So I'm all alone.
-You're a mythical being.
D-I can't use an aura but my senses are more sharp than a normal human, I'm stronger, faster and I heal surprisingly fast.
-I see, then, can you come over to our place today after school?
D-Sure, why not.
We finish changing and as we head out of the locker room I ask the obvious question.
-Why can't you use an aura?
D-Honestly, I don't know. I been living like a normal human all my life but I knew the moment I saw your sister that something had changed within me, like something that was asleep just awoke.
-You mean she triggered your powers or something?
D-I never encountered a divinity before.
-Really? I don't believe you.
D-No for real. At least, in person.
-Don't tell sis anything yet.
D-Okay.
-Themis we're here.
T-About time, what took you?
D-We were...
-Just...um...we
D-Changing?...
-.......
T-I'm teasing you, I know you were giving him the big brother lecture.
Diego and I both exchange looks and start laughing so hard our sides start to hurt.
D-Yes, something like that.
-You could say that.
T-Let's get to class. Is your turn after all.
-What do you mean?
D-When a new student comes is always the new student turn's first to know how strong he or she is. Since there are two new students and Themis has already had her turn is your turn now.
We go to class and I position in place to swing. With Diego ready to throw the ball at me.
D-Ready? Here I GO?
He throws and I hit harder than I meant to, directing the ball with enough force to go through the school building breaking walls and windows until Themis stops it effortlessly.
-Ups, sorry.
D-That's awesome.
T-This is not control. Don't do that again, please. Hit it softer.
She gives me the ball in my hands as she passes me. I look at her in shock.
-How did you stop the ball? I used all my strength in that shot.
T-I think you already know the answer to that.
-Were you holding back?
T-Yes.
D-Wait, you mean Themis is stronger than you are and you protect her?
-Yes, something like that. I protect her from anyone that wants to harm her.
D-But she's stronger than you, she doesn't need protecting.
-Not physically but she hasn't use her powers to their full extent, ever, and still she's far more powerful than me, mom and dad all combined together. I think she's scared of how strong she really is.
D-And what do you think could make her use all her power? Would she be able to control it completely?
-I think she can, whether she realizes it or not, she is way stronger than she seems. And I don't know what can make her use all her power.
D-She is super strong. Hey, I made a map where I point the fastest route to get to each classroom. I made it last night for both of you since you have the same schedule and I pointed also where I will be each time. This purple one indicates yours and the green one indicates mine.
-Thank you. I think I will enter the horseback riding club.
D-Really? I entered in middle school and it was awesome.
-Why don't you enter the club again?
D-I had an accident last time. Haven't gotten back in a horse ever since then. I miss it.
-Then join with us. We can practice together and ride together and everything. Besides, if a horse attacks Themis you can go to her rescue. Hopefully that won't have to happen.
D-I don't....
-Don't bother denying it, I know you like her.
D-Fine, I like her, but only as a friend.
-Sure, wathever you say. Did you know she likes you?
D-She does?
-Sure, I guess. Yesterday she was talking about you all night. Diego showed me the school, he walked me from class to class and so on.
D-I see.
He looks at his watch and stands up going away.
-Hey, where are you going?
D-Is time for next class. I'm going to change.
-I'll go with.
We change in an uncomfortable silence and when we get out he goes away without even saying goodbye to me or Themis.
T-What did you told him?
-Nothing, really. We were just talking about the horseback riding club and then I told him oh.
T-What?
-I kind of told him how you were babbling on and on about him last night trying to convince him that you like him but maybe he didn't really understood.
T-Osiris, he doesn't like me and besides, is supposed to be me the one that tells him my feelings.
-Are you mad at me?
T-You bet I am! But Osiris, you also disappointed me. I, I can't talk to you right now. I don't want to say something that could hurt you.
-But Themis....
T-Just give me some time alone to calm down and think things through, please.
-Fine. Take your time, hug?
T-Hug.
With that I hug her before going to class and we spent the rest of the day without talking to each other. Classes end and when we get home she goes to her room and after an hour or so she comes back out with a suitcase.
-Themis where are you going with that?
T-I'm going to stay with May until things calm down between us.
-Are you sure you want to go away?
T-I'm going. Is for the best, if I stay here it will be harder and....
-But...
T-This is hurting me! Can't you see that? Besides, you promised you'll give me the time I need to think.
She looks at me and I see that she's crying. I'm hurting her when I said I would protect her.

T-See you at school tomorrow.
-See you at school.
With that she goes away leaving me standing at the door and as reality hits me I go out trying to reach her but is too late, she's far gone by now. I go back to our house and when I'm about to open the door I hear a voice coming from the inside and I ready my aura to attack. I open the door and as I pin him down I stop mid-attack when I see who it is.
-Diego? What are you doing here?
D-You invited me over and the door was opened so I entered.
I get off of him and lead him to the kitchen. After an hour or so we're eating and talking when he asks.
D-Where is your sister?
-A friend's house. She's mad at me for telling you about how she feels and well she's, I hurted her after I said I would protect her.
D-Come, let me take you to a place where you can relax a bit.
-Where?
D-To my aunt's bird feeding place. You can pet them and feed them and they can rest in your shoulders.
-I can try it out but I can't promise I'll have fun.
D-I guess we'll have to find out.
With that he takes me away.
--------------------Themis POV-------------------
I'm sitting with a cup of tea in my hands looking at my reflection in it.
M-Are you sure you're feeling okay?
-Yes, I just need some space and time away from them.
M-Sure.
-May?
M-Yes?
-What do you think I should do when I see them tomorrow at school?
M-Well, you can start by telling him exactly how you feel. Be clear about it so he understands. And Osiris has to show he respects you and is giving you his support no matter what.
-Should I go back with him?
M-If you want and feel that that's the best way to deal with this, yes.
-I'm so confused. I'm going for a walk, clear my head a bit.
I stand and go out to the streets of New York City. They're empty today and dark but it's fine. My father rules over the shadows so is no big deal for me. I walk without destination for a couple hours lost in my thoughts before I realize I'm completely lost not knowing where to go. Doing my best to remain calm, I grab my phone and try calling May, no service.
-No service? Are you kidding me? This is supposed to be the best there is. Maybe is not my phone but hers. Let's try someone else.
About an hour later I have already called all my contacts at least twice but no one answers. I try texting but my phone is too low on battery by now that it doesn't go through. I sigh, trying to keep a cool head and a relaxed attitude. I look up at the sky trying to recognize anything to get back home, nothing. I left everything at May's house, money, identification. I keep walking praying that I can find my way back home when it starts raining intently. I look up, the raindrops hiding the tears that begin to fall. I look for somewhere that I can hide under until the rain passes but find nothing. I can feel a cold wind blowing as the rain intensifies and everything gets colder when I feel something hard hitting the back of my head and then, darkness and before blacking out completely I hear some voices.
Man one-Faster, before she wakes up.
Man two-A beauty like this will get us a lot of money.
--------------------Osiris POV----------------------
I'm awoken by loud knocks on the door.
-Coming, coming. Who can be?
I open the door to see that May is drenched in sweat and rain and without breath as she shakes me by the shoulders. I get her inside and offer her a cup of coffee.