The lost Auras

Chapter 20

After the entire group meets up, we all head over to H.E.R.A. headquarters. We wait outside on the streets and away from the building to avoid suspicion.
- I hope no one recognizes me, I murmur to myself. 
- Just keep your head down. And if all else fails, I'll charm them, Hydra says.
- Oh, you can do that, I ask.
- What. You know I can, Hydra says.
- Well, you don't have your Aura right now, I say.
- No. I meant I could just be charming, Hydra says. I snort.
- What was that, Hydra asks.
- I don't know, just the thought of you being charming, I say in my head.
- I'm charming. I charm people all the time, Hydra says.
- With your hypnosis. So that's really just cheating. Nemean, on the other hand. Nemean is charming, I say. Hydra levels a glare at Nemean and Nemean's eyes pop open. He looks like he's being confronted by a particularly nasty monster.
- Umm, nemean says.
- Would you two stop with your weird flirty banter. Now is not the time, Eryn shouts laughingly. Hydra and I look away from each other. I can feel my cheeks growing a bit warm.
- Nemean is charming thought, Eryn says. Nemean scratches his head.
- Thank you, Nemean asks. Eryn pats his arm.
- Sure thing, bud. So, what's the plan again, Eryn asks.
- There's a shift change coming up. We'll slip in as they're changing. Then take one of the elevators straight to the top. From there, it's just getting past some guards, Hydra explains.
- Easy peasy, Ladon says.
- We can only hope, Meg says. As time moves nearer to the shit change, I watch the doors carefully. Suddenly, there's a flurry of activity around the entrance.
- Alright, let's go, I say.

All of us slip in through the entrance, blending in with the shift change, as employees push through the revolving doors, leaving and coming in both directions. We make a beeline for the elevators and crowd into the first one that empties out. An incoming employee tries to join us but Hydra blocks the way with his arm.
- Sorry, max capacity, Hydra says. He smiles tightly as he slams the button for the top floor, while I push the close button a bit more than necessary. I don't breathe a sigh of relief until the doors slide closed. 
- Was that you being charming, I ask.
- You couldn't tell, Hydra asks.
- No, I say. My immediate answer is echoed by the others with a few other no's and not really's. Hydra's expression sours.
- Can we focus. We won't have much time to stop the ritual by the time we reach Hercules, Hydra says.
- How does that work again, Eryn asks.
- Hercules has to perform a ritual rite to become a true god. There's a panel of gods that judge him to see if he's worthy, Ladon explains.
- Who's going to be there, I ask.
- Most Top Tier Gods, probably not all of them though, Hydra says. The elevator suddenly jerks to a halt throwing us off balance. Hydra steps in front of me as the doors are pried open, all of us tensing for battle. But my eyes light up when I see who's there.
- Alex, I say. I've never been more relieved to see his face. Alez runs his eyes over the crows in the elevator before settling his gaze on me.
- Kira, I'm here to help. I won't let anything bad happen to you up there, Alex says. Alex turns around to signal to a group of agents waiting in the background.
- Take the stairs and then make your way to the ceremony, Alex says. I press the button for the top floor and the elevator once again makes its way. The atmosphere in the small space remains tense, but Alex's presence is a comfort to me. I smile at him.
- I'm so glad you're on our side, I say. Alex places a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
- So, do you all know the real truth behind Hercules's tasks, Alex asks. When everyone nods, Alex smiles.
- Good. Follow my lead when we get up there, Alex says.

When we reach Olymus, Alex leads the way to the ceremony. Surprisingly, we don't run into many guards.
- They must all be at the ritual site, I say in my head. We barge right in without another thought.
The bang of the large doors has all eyes in the room turning to us. I gulp at the number of Top Tier Gods I spot.
- I think I had a dream or a nightmare like this once, I say in my head. Surprisingly though, I don't see Zeus in attendance.
- Where is he, I ask in my head. Hydra steps forward without pause.
- Stop this ceremony at once, Hydra shouts. Hercules's head whips around. His Aura, at its full might, shifts colors and shapes between all the animals in his possession. It's an intimidating sight, one eclipsed only by the view of the top gods, sitting in their thrones just beyond him.
- You dare intrude on this sacred ceremony. My sacred ceremony, Hercules asks. He snaps his fingers and points at our group.
- Guards. Take them away, Hercules shouts. Before the guards can even get close to us, Alex holds up a hand as they step forward.
- Wait, Alex says. Alex looks towards the panel of gods, and inclines their head respectfully.
- As a child of Aphrodite, Top Tier Goddess, I demand you hear the claims of Hydra, Kira Chen, and this group of godly monsters. I support their words as if they were my own, Alex says. With a graceful bow, Alex steps aside. The gods gesture at us to step forward. Alex's face is solemn, but his eyes are encouraging as they urge me on. Hercules roars his outrage, clearly displeased by this sudden turn of events.
- You can't do this, Hercules roars. Hades raises a hand for silence.
- Hercules, Hades says.
- Uncle, I , Hercules says.
- Quiet. We will hear them out, Hades says. Hercules's lips clamp shut as she snarls. Hades sits forwards in his throne.
- Hydra, Chen, Hades says. The god of the underworld pauses an extra long look at me. I fight to keep my back straight and not tremble under his assessing gaze.
- What is the meaning of this, Hades asks. Hydra takes my hand and squeezes. I squeeze back.
- Sir, we discovered some very disturbing truths recently, I say. My voice comes out shaky at first, but then grows stronger.
- We have come here to bring it to light before the gods and goddesses of Olypus. Especially before you pass judgment on the demigod Hercules, I say.
- Everything leading up to this ceremony has been a fraud. We know the truth behind Hercules's so-called godly tasks, Hydra says. Hydra glares at Hercules and he snarls at him. Hercules's Aura flares wildly with the influx of his emotions.
- Hercules broke the taboo of taking another person's Aura, and was then given the tasks as a cover up to excuse his actions, Hydra explains.
- Is this true, Hades asks. Meg steps forward timidly, though her head is held up high. Hades's eyes widen with recognition.
- Meg. Why, I thought, Hades says as his eyes drift over to Hercules, who looks away.
- What do you have to say, Hades asks.
- What Hydra and Kira say is true. Hercules took my Aura from me first. Long before Zeus handed down his supposed tasks, Meg says.
- You gave your Aura to me, Hercules shouts.
- Under coercion, Meg cries out as tears gather in her eyes.
- I loved you and it wasn't enough to take all I had. You had to have a piece of my soul as well, Meg cries. I step up to place a hand on Meg's shoulder. I lead her back to the group quietly. Hades looks shocked as his gaze moves to his nephew.
- I was poisoned. I need these Auras to live, Hercules says. He jabs an accusing finger at Hydra.
- That snake forced my hand, Hercules shouts.
- You were already on the prowl for your so-called tasks at the time. I merely defended myself with my Aura, Hydra says. Hydra returns the glare.
- I didn't know then that I had poisoned you, but if I had to do it all over again, I would. I protect what's mine, Hydra says and takes my hand and grips it tightly. I squeeze back.
- Hercules, do you have anything else to say in your defense, Hades asks. Hercules grits his teeth but doesn't meet the god's eyes.
- I see, Hades says. Hercules's head snaps up.
- Uncle. You can't believe these, these Aura-less beings. They're beneath my notice and definitely beneath yours, Hercules shouts.
- Your silence was your answer. And they are without their Auras because you wrongfully stole them from their grasp, Hades says.
- They were weak. They don't deserve the power of their Auras, Hercules yells angrily.
- I see, nephew, that you are already playing at being king, Hades says. Hades's voice is dangerously low, cracking through the air like a whip. His eyes burn with the fires of the Underworld. Hercules flinches but stands his ground.
- Unfortunately for you, playtime is over. And I am here to tell you, as long as I remain God of the Underworld. You will never see your place among the gods, Hades says.
- You can't, Hercules yells.
- I am the one who can't believe Zeus would hide such a thing from the rest of us, Hades says. Hades stands and sweeps a hand over the other gods.
- Where is he. Where is my brother, Hades shouts. The other gods start to clamor up as well, arguing amongst themselves. I keep my eyes on Hercules, who has hunched in over himself.
- That can't be good, I say in my head. I touch Hydra's arm.
- Hydra, I say. Hercules lets out an almighty roar as his Aura suddenly flares to unimaginable heights, the power and light of all the Auras in his possession blinding.
- I won't let it end like this. I refuse, Hercules shouts. He breaks off with a pained shout as the shifting Auras break away from him. The Lion, the Crow, the Water Serpent.. All of them break free and rush towards their rightful owners. Nemean, Meg, Ladon, Eryn. All of them are surrounded in a warm, bright light. When that fades away, they are surrounded in the glow of their Auras, each of their respective animals standing protectively over them.
- Oh hell yeah, Eryn says happily. Eryn pumps her fists as her glove artifacts materialize around her hands. Alex steps between Hercules and I protectively, as Hercules visibly struggles to hold tight to Hydra's five headed serpent.
- Stay back, Kira, Alex says. Hercules growls at Hydra.
- Never. I will never let you have your Aura, Hercules says. Hydra steps forward and I clutch his hand.
- What are you doing, I ask.
- I got this, he says. Hydra gives me a small smile. It reassures the frightened part of me and I nod. I let his hand go and watch as he calmly approaches Hercules.
- Shut up, Hydra says. Hydra punches Hercules right on the jaw, knocking him to the ground. The break in the demigod's concentration allows Hydra's Aura to escape.
- Yes, I cheer. I cover my mouth as Alex eyes me in amusement. Hydra reaches out to the serpent as it comes to him. The moment they touch, Hydra is enveloped in a blue light. His Aura flares around him powerfully as his five-headed serpent curls around him.
- Agents of H.E.R.A, Hades says. At his call, the agents rush in from the hallway and stand at attention.
- Take Hercules into custody at once, Hades orders. Hydra steps away to let the agents do their job. He returns to my side and takes my hand. He glares at Hercules.
- You're finally getting what you deserve, Hydra says. Before the agents can reach Hercules, he lets out a maniacal laugh as he stands.
- I refuse to be a prisoner to my own destiny, Hercules says. Hercules acts quickly, ripping off his belt buckle and smashing it into the ground. The gods gasp at the same moment thunder roars throughout H.E.R.A., shaking the very walls of the building. A mighty bolt of lightning strikes the spot Hercules is standing on. I gasp and throw out my arm. A golden bubble emerges instinctively to protect Hydra and myself.
- What in the world, I ask in my head. The light is blinding and when it's gone, so is Hercules. There's only a scorch mark left in his place. Hades, still in shock, stares at the spot where Hercules stood.
- He's gone. He'd rather take his own life than go through legitimate channels. What a fool of a nephew I have, Hades says.
- You did it. You solved the case, Kira, Hydra whispers to me. Before I can throw my arms around Hydra in a hug, Alex clears his throat to interrupt.
- This is a big win, Chen. But right now, no one knows where Hercules's biggest accomplice, his wife Cassandra, is hiding out, Alex says. 
- She'll show up eventually. And when she does, we'll take her down, Hydra says.

Once the chaos of everything settles down, the Top Tier Gods allow us to return home. After a round of grateful hugs and laughter, we separate from the others. Hydra and I head straight to his apartment. I stretch my arms high as I walk through the door.
- Home sweet home, I say.
-  Home, is it, Hydra asks. I blush.
- You know what I mean, I say.
- I seem to recall that you weren't too fond of my palace, Hydra says as he gestures around him with a raised eyebrow. I look back at him quietly.
- I am fond of the man who rules here, I say. Hydra looks away, not meeting my eyes.
- Hydra, I ask. I step closer, and upon careful inspection, I see that his cheeks are tinted red.
- Hmm. Why are you red, I ask. He slaps a hand over his face.
- You're impossible, he says. Shaking his head, he snags me around the waist. I yelp, giggling, as he reels me in close.
- I told you we'd make it back alright, he says.
- Oh, just shut up and kiss me, I say. He dips his head and I meet him halfway. I feel his beautiful scent and his warmth as he pulls me closer.
- Hmm, safe. We're finally safe, I say in my head.

The following night, a party is held at my brother's restaurant, to celebrate my successful care, reinstatement at H.E.R.A. and my new assignment. As a trainee field agent. Hydra never leaves my side, his arm thrown casually around my waist, as we walk around the room.
- You sure you didn't get enough of field work, he asks.
- Are you kidding. I'm just getting started, I say. There's a lot to celebrate and I smile shyly as my friends, both old and new, either congratulate or thank me. It's not long before things turn lively. I laugh as Bruno sets up his guitar in the corner. I call out to Layla.
- Have him play something fun, yeah, I ask. Layla winks at me.
- You got it, she says. Alex slides up beside me with a proud smile.
- Congratulations, Kira, Alex says.
- Thank you, Alex. For everything, I say. He shakes his head.
- No, it was all you. Due to your acts here, I was able to petition the gods for you to begin training as a full fledged agent, he says and his eyes move over to Hydra.
- You've also been pardoned, all accusations and charges against you dropped, Alex says. Hydra shakes his hand.
- Thank you, Hydra says.
- All in a day's work, Alex says. Alex gestures at my new friends mingling together.
- And they are all recognized as godly monsters once again, Alex says.
- That's wonderful, I say. I beam brightly.
- Hydra, Kira. Get over here, Eryn yells.
We excuse ourselves and join the circle of godly monsters. Meg hugs hydra impulsively. I laugh at the look on Hydra's face.
- What was that for, Hydra asks.
- It's a thank you. It's because of your stubbornness that we all got our Auras back, Meg says.
- Yeah, thanks for being so thick-headed, Eryn says. Eryn chimes in with an elbow to Hydra's ribs. Hydra sowls at her, rubbing his side, though there's a light in his eyes. I can't help but smile, surrounded by the warmth, love and laughter of our friends. When we make our rounds chatting with everyone, Hydra pulls me outside.
- Where are we going, I ask.
- Just follow me, he says.

Hydra leads me to the roof of the restaurant, where the city is beautifully lit by the skyline lights.
- How beautiful, I say. Hydra hangs back as I admire the view.
- I'm not really a fan of parties, or crowds, he says. I smile cheekily, as I glance over my shoulder at him.
- Does that mean you'd rather be alone with me, I ask. Hydra smirks. He takes me by the elbows and pulls me in, wrapping his arms around me and gives me a kiss.
- What do you think, he asks. I toss my head back and laugh. Hydra's gaze is soft as he looks at me, as if he's never quite come across someone like me before.
- I love you, Kira, he whispers. It's amazing how so few words can fill me with such joy. I smile happily.
- I love you, too, I say. I reach up to loop my hands around his neck and pull him back for another kiss. The city skyline sparkles enchantingly as Hydra and I embrace, surrounded in our own warm bubble of love and light. A special kind of happiness.

The end