**Hestia's POV:**
Hestia: Where is Hera?
I stated this while waiting for Hera's arrival at "The River of Styx." We had both agreed to meet here, disguised as old women, as she promised to help me regain my powers.
Hestia: But how? From the looks of this river, the rock formations around it already show signs of danger. The most frightening aspect of being here is the river itself.
The River of Styx is the boundary between Earth and another dimension, a passage to the Underworld.
Hestia: No mortal dares to approach its call. The water is transparent; you can actually catch a brief glimpse of life after death if you're brave enough to look. The currents sound like groans, coming from the souls trapped within, each burdened by different kinds of agony.
It truly breaks my heart to gaze upon this river of death. I tried to shift my thoughts from it and spotted a group of merchants traveling alongside.
Hestia: I never knew there were humans capable of coming here. From the looks of these merchants, they don’t seem to mean any harm to the land of Greece, nor do they appear to have such plans.
As I looked into their caravan, I saw a family group. Children were playing—but not too far from sight—women nurturing infants, and men keeping a watchful eye for danger.
Seeing them enjoying their journey in this place I fear so much made me say, "Is this what Hera promised me?" It warms my heart to see these people in a land of despair, though it does little to strengthen my powers.
Hestia: Speaking of danger, I forgot to warn them about the potential threats they may face, like thieves or bandits waiting to ambush them after their long journey. I should go after them and deliver the warning.
Hestia: And where is Hera?
---
**Hera's POV:**
I can’t wait to see the look on Hestia’s face when she realizes that my method of finding a new hero could actually help her regain her powers.
I asked Hestia to meet me at The River of Styx and agreed to disguise ourselves as old women. But here’s the twist—I need to meet her on the other side of this river, and she has no idea how she’ll regain her powers through this encounter.
Hera: I arrived a little late so she could spend some time with her thoughts. And there she is, already heading somewhere. I know she has to meet someone, but I didn’t want her to chase after them. Why not try the next one?
Hera: Hestia! Hestia! I shouted her name as I ran to grab her attention. Hestia! Hestia! I repeated, hoping she could hear me. And it worked, but all of a sudden...
Hera: Oops? That didn’t go as planned.
---
**Hestia's POV:**
Hestia: And where is Hera?
I started to run and shout as I navigated the rocky terrain in front of me. The caravan had already put considerable distance between us, and my disguise as an old lady made it even harder to pass through the obstacles.
Hera: Hestia! Hestia!
While running, my exhaustion peaked, but then I heard an old woman calling my name. Hestia! Hestia! And I finally saw Hera!
---
It felt like I was ready to stop whatever I was supposed to do—until my sandal, my left sandal, tripped me, and I landed on a hard, rough rock.
Even in exhaustion, I tried my best to place my hand in a standard position and force myself to stand.
**Argos:** Are you alright?
**Hestia:** Huh?
**Argos:** Are you alright?
---
**Hera's POV:**
**Hera:** Oops? That didn’t go as planned.
I frowned, feeling sorry for Hestia’s predicament. Watching her struggle to stand and then fall made me promise not to bring her back and do the same thing again. I should have listened to Zeus.
I hope she will forgive me for tricking her.
**Hera:** Wait! Who is that mortal running toward Hestia?
I saw the mortal helping Hestia to her feet, and then I noticed the group of merchants had stopped to await their crew's return.
**Hera:** Guess my plot worked after all.
---
**Hestia's POV:**
**Argos:** Are you alright?
**Hestia:** Huh?
**Argos:** Are you alright?
**Hestia:** ...Uh? Huh?
I couldn't respond properly, as I was immediately captivated by his eyes, the color of the afternoon sky.
He helped me stand and asked, "Is that your sister?" as he pointed to Hera.
As my head turned to look at Hera, he gently cradled me in his strong, broad arms and carried me fearlessly across the River Styx, filled with flowing souls.
I could tell he possessed great strength, as his legs battled against the raging current. I enjoyed watching him select each rock to step on so we wouldn't stumble and fall.
I thought to myself, "This young man has clearly been blessed by the gods above."
After reaching the other side of the river, he carefully set me down in front of Hera.
**Hera:** Thank you for helping my sister.
I interrupted her words of gratitude and asked the young mortal, "What is your name, young man?"
**Argos:** Argos, dear lady.
Oh, "dear lady"?
**Hestia:** May I ask you one last favor, dear Argos?
**Argos:** And that is?
**Hestia:** As you return to your caravan, would you please dive into the river and swim back?
He smiled at me and followed my request without a hint of doubt or hesitation, despite the evident danger the river posed.
I watched him swim back, waving his arms and bidding goodbye as the caravan moved further into the distance.
**Hestia:** Argos...
"I swore an oath to the River Styx that, as long as I live, I'll be watching over you, dear Argos."
**Hera:** You can't take your eyes off him, Hestia.
**Hestia:** So, did your plan work?
**Hera:** It went exactly as I wanted it to.
I simply agreed with Hera's confidence and replied, "Understood."
It truly warms my heart to recall the heroic deed the young Argos performed for me.
Suddenly, I remembered that this was the very same way Hera met Jason.
**Hera:** And yet another hero was born.
