The Olympian Sisters #2 The Great War

Chapter 9

GRAND BANKS OF NEWFOUNDLAND OCTOBER 1915 "ARIZONA"

I watched Olympic disappear over the horizon. "Be safe, sister." I whispered. I saw Olympic as my sister. Pennsylvania may've been kin, but she was distant and cold.

I knew she wanted to be close to me, but the code prevented her. She was stronger than I was, she could push her feelings aside and follow the rules with ease. Sometimes I envied that ability of hers.

In danger of drifting, I shook my head to clear it. I turned my attention to the water below. Somewhere down there, resting in the darkness of the ocean floor, was Olympic's real sister. I was jealous and a bit angry of Titanic.

Jealous, because she had everything I'd ever wanted. A loving sister, a family who cared for her, a fleet who protected her.

I was angry because she had thrown that all away. I know why she did it, she did it to save her sister and she died without ever knowing that her sister never needed saving in the first place.

I wondered that if I ever had to make a choice like that, I could do what Titanic did. Could I sacrifice myself to save the ship I loved?

"Oh, Titanic," I whispered. "You died to protect Olympic. I beg you to protect her now, I'll do anything, give anything, just protect your sister!" I cried.

"She is your sister too, Arizona." A voice replied. A ship shimmered into view. She had White Star's colors, a black hull and white superstructure with a golden trim.

Her four funnels were buff with a black band at the top, to hide the effect of smoke. She looked so like Olympic that for a few seconds, I thought I was looking at her, until I saw her eyes.

Olympic's were dark amber, this ship's were a fiery shade of crimson, sparkling with the power of the Ancients.

"Titanic." I whispered. "Yes." She replied. "Why would you come to me?" I asked.

"I broke the code, I took your sister. And because of my selfishness, Olympic's been banned from New York, the only large port where she can be truly safe. I've put her in danger, I've greatly reduced her chances for survival. And yet, you say Olympic's my sister. You should kill me and damn my soul for all time." I growled, bowing my head.

"You've made her happy, Arizona. You've given her a sibling she can love. That's all I want for her." Titanic replied. "As for damning your soul, only the Other Kingdom can do that."

"But I've put her in danger!" I wailed. "These are dangerous times for everyone." She said. "She's your sister, not mine. I have no right to..." I began to protest but Titanic cut me off.

"Sisterhood is more about love and friendship than blood, Arizona. Olympic loves you as if you were her own. This is a free world, you have every right and every reason to be with her. And she has every reason to be with you." She said.

"But the code!" I cried. "The code serves as more of a guideline than an actual rule." She said. "That's how it was in the 18th century and that's how it still is today."

"How can you be so sure?" I asked. "I've broken a few myself." She admitted. "You didn't have to die." I whispered. "I know." She said sadly.

"Oceanic had warned me about my good nature. She said it could become my fatal flaw if I let it. I should've listened to her wisdom. I never should've fallen for Campania's trick." She whispered.

"But I did, and I hurt Olympic because of my foolishness. I'll never forgive myself for her pain, pain that I caused." She bowed her head. I reached over to stroke her side with my bow, relieved that I could touch her.

"If you want her happy, I'll keep her happy." I said. Titanic gave me a wry smile. "And you're jealous of me?" She asked.

"I'm jealous of you. Not of your status as a naval ship, not of your power, but because you now do what I cannot. You can make Olympic happy, all I've done is hurt her." She said.

"Olympic loves you, Titanic. She hurts because she loves you. Try as I might, I can never take your place in her heart. But I will keep her happy for you." I said.

"I know you will, Arizona." She murmured, nuzzling me. "Stay safe, for our sister's sake, as well as your own." She said.

"I will." I promised. Titanic's crimson eyes bored into mine as she said "You will be stronger than Ice. And like it, you will carve your path through the mountains of history. But beware, even the strongest ice can be melted by fire." And with that prophecy, she vanished.

Looking up at the darkening sky, I said "I will do everything I can to keep Olympic safe. Even at the cost of my own life, I swear I will. Until she passes unto the waters of the Ancients, and you'll be together again."