Daughter of Medusa

10

Over the next few days, Archer would try to become her friend, and Avery would again try to make him lean towards her cause. Then he would get angry and leave. Unfortunately for her, Avery wasn't very good at subtlety

Crystal continued her odd visits, in spite of Archer's disapproval. She'd say something cryptic, potentially insulting, amuse herself then leave

Avery didn't know what to make of her. She was plain weird

One day she became unordinarily serious: Stop trying to make Archer defect. He will not do it. His loyalty is to our king and people

Avery: So he's told me

Crystal: You don't sound convinced

Avery: He doesn't seem to be so sure about what you're doing

Crystal: He might have compassion for hybrids and humans, but that is all. He's a gentle soul that one. Still, if any of you pose a threat, make no mistake, he will end you. He is first and foremost one of us, and his duty is towards our species

Avery: What if I don't stop trying?

Crystal: Why, I'll end you myself. Archer might not want to kill you yet, but if you keep doing this, and endanger his life or well being, for the walls have ears, I will suffer no qualms about killing you, painfully, have no doubt about that. He's my friend, and I'll do anything to protect him

Avery: I know. We are not so dissimilar. I too have a friend that I'd do anything to protect

Crystal gave a derisive snort: Will you stop already? Nothing you say is going to affect me

Avery just sighed, eventually Crystal got bored and left
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Avery: Why are you being nice? I'm still a prisoner

Archer: I'm a nice guy. Is that so hard to believe?

Avery: No, but you are way too nice. You must want something

He sighed: I'm trying to get you comfortable with the idea that you would be working for us

Avery: You mean forced to work

Archer: It doesn't have to be like that

Avery: So you admit you'd be forcing me to

Archer: They would, and if you don't, they'd kill you. You're not the only daughter of Medusa they've got

Avery: Then what do they want with me?

Archer: Don't play dumb. It doesn't become you. You know the purpose of every daughter of Medusa from the first one to be bred, is to become a weapon, and you, the only known hybrid of Gorgon and gargoyle, are an exceptional weapon

Avery: Yes! How can I not know when almost everyone I've met was trying to use me as one. We're bred for one and one purpose alone, to be a weapon. I will not be their weapon. I will not kill innocents!

Archer: In war, people are not always innocent. I can guarantee you they will not send you to fight ones that are not soldiers. We are not without honor

Avery: Will they give me all the facts, let me choose whom I fight?

Archer: Do not be conceited. You are a great weapon, but they will not go that far to get you to cooperate. If you don't do as you're told, you will die

Avery: I'd rather be dead than be someone's mindless tool

Archer: You can ask the other daughters of Medusa when we get there. They are comfortable..

Avery: But are they free?

Archer avoided her gaze and turned to leave: Not even I are free

It was but a whisper, but she heard him