ATN 3: THE JAR IN THE MAZE

PRESENTATION CEREMONY

I landed Jared's body right in the middle of the throne. The gods seemed to have never seen two demigods dual in the throne room. It was getting awkward to fight inside, which was one of the two reasons I took the fight outside. Another reason was that I didn't want Demeter to see the scenes.

Demeter got up from her throne, and ran her hand through a now blackened face of Jared Wilson. She ran her hand through his blonde hair. A tear dropped from her cheek. "Rest well, my boy. I wish things were different."

I looked at my friends, as Hades somehow conjured up a shroud. They looked at me in awe. I said to them, "It is finally over."

"Oh no, still isn't." Poseidon said, as Demeter re-took her seat, "Come on over, all of you. It is reward time."

One by one, names were called. However, we were left for later (by 'we', I mean me, Tina, my cousins, Gerard, Urwa, Rahul, Rhian and Delilah). They were all asked what they wanted, and were granted. While I stood beside Tina, and watched, I saw Rahul talking to Hiya, who seemed to be in a bit of shock. Perhaps, questions were being popped.

Then, finally, Hera said, "And now, the demigods without whose leadership, this victory was not possible, step forward. Gerard Fritz, son of Thetis."

Dadai helped Gerard stand in front of the gods. Zeus said, "Your sacrifice when needed was priceless, son of Thetis. Your hands spread hope, making us hope that things will be fine. I am pretty sure I know what you want, but ask anyway."

"I want to go where I was supposed to, where my father wanted to send me."

"Really?" Zeus asked, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, my Lord. I am absolutely sure."

"Fine, then, Gerard Fritz, you will shift from Themiscyra to Atlantis. You are an Atlantean now."

"What?" Urwa asked, "He will leave?"

"Male demigods shouldn't stay with the Amazons." Gerard said, "I should move to Atlantis, where I was supposed to move." Dadai gave him a pat on the back.

"We should respect his decision." Delilah said, "I know Gerard has been a fun person to host for the last few months, but we must focus on the tradition as well, as he rightly implies."

Dadai helped Gerard back. "Now," Zeus said, "Who's next? Delilah Roca, granddaughter of Zeus, come on."

"You mean, daughter of Ares." Ares said.

"Phhh! Yeah okay." Zeus seemed to press a laugh, as if being related to Ares was not as fun as being related to him.

Delilah walked up to Zeus, and kneeled. Zeus asked her what she wanted. And what she asked for shocked everyone.

"Grandpa," She said. And Zeus intervened, "No need to say Grandpa."

"Why? Makes you feel old?" Poseidon asked.

"Shut up." Zeus thundered. Poseidon looked at the demigods, and winked. Zeus went on, "Go on."

"My Lord, I want to join Gerard, in Atlantis. I want to step down as Queen of the Amazons."

"What?" Ares, and the rest of the room asked, in unison.

"I know what I am doing. In this quest to win a war, I found my sister, and made new friends. One of them is a very special friend." She turned and looked at Dadai. I went close, and whispered, "When did this happen?" I found Tina looking at him too. "It happened all of a sudden, while you were away. I didn't want her to leave her post."

"Think about it, brother." I said, "How will you two work if she's away in Themiscyra?"

Meanwhile, the gods were taking a bit of time to take the news in. Finally, Zeus said, "Okay. I give in. I had been asked to respect the mortals' decision." He looked at Hestia in annoyance. Hestia smiled, and winked at us. Zeus went on, "But the throne of Themiscyra can't be left empty. Someone has to step up."