The S.S. Olympus -under refurbishment

Chapter XX: Sabotage

You know him well, but I do not. He is both your salvation and your undoing. Medusa's last words mired themselves in Cornelia's mind. Still paralyzed, still in pain from her song as she shifted into the shadows of the entrance. Her body silhouetted against the light of the moon.   This could only mean one person, she eyed Hades with suspicion. 

Is it really him?  Her vision softened as her mind faded back to the warm summer night in the field of pale asphodel flowers. She smiled remembering how his heart broke for those who were mourning. Her heart fluttered in blind reassurance, and her soft voice gained strength as she whispered. Her eyes narrowed on Medusa visage. "I do not believe you," she rasped, the sound barely even a whisper. It can't be.

"Believe what you will snakelet. Your road ahead is not an easy one." Medusa loomed above Cornelia's crouched and helpless form supported only by paralysis and her sword.

Cornelia's cheeks wet from tears she did not know she had shed, for a future that had lost its luster weeks ago. She looked around at her companions. All of them helpless to Medusa's song the glasses the only thing keeping them from turning to stone. 

 "Please, release them. We will not imprison you." Cornelia's voice shook with pain and fear. She cursed herself for the terrible decision; but, she could no longer stand to see the people she cared for remain in agony.

"Very well," Medusa said and walked carefully around them to the door of the ship. She sang one more time in a beautiful jubilant melody and then vanished into the silent night.

A heavy sigh of relief emitted from the group as they felt their bodies collapse to the ground. Relieved silence ensued then followed by an onslaught of cursing from Artemis and Apollo. Cornelia remained frozen in place, a hateful and ominous feeling coursing through her veins, as she stared at the spot where Medusa had been standing moments before.

Hades scrambled up from his position and launched himself at Cornelia; he covered her with his body he holding her tightly. After several moments she began to fear her breath. She gasped and pushed hard against him. "I'm fine!" She squeaked to regain her voice.

His eyes search od her face for reassurance, and then ever so delicately he released her. She got up and ran outside. Searching in vain for any sign of the Gorgon. She ran around the forest with her ears perked as she listened intently for any sign of a song or melody.

All she heard was Artemis calling her back to the ship. "She's gone. She stole Apollo's badge, she could be anywhere."

Hades walked out and stood beside Artemis. A look of vengeance and triumph crossing his features."No matter." 

Artemis stared at him mouth agape, "explain."

 "We can track her!" He patted her on the shoulders gleefully.

Artemis crossed her arms, "if you think she still has it with her and is stupid enough to let us track her, you have another thing coming."

"See you agree," Apollo chided, "She is more humanoid than a snake. Dare I even say sentient?" 

"This is not the time Apollo," Artemis turned her back to him watching the empty entranceway.

Cornelia looked back at them helplessly. Guilt coursed through every fiber of her being. The Gorgon was loose, and it was her fault. "I," She stuttered. "I am so sorry."

"You had no choice," Apollo answered and rested a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Zeus is going to be furious," Cornelia croaked out trembling.

"Only if we return without her or something better," Artemis assured her. "That just means we do not go back empty-handed."

"Come on, "Hades said with a smile, "Let's see if we can get this hunk of junk to turn on, and track that snakey witch."