Attack of the Cyclopes.

We enjoyed our afternoon lunch, of apples and then due to his wanting to go, we made began making our way to the acropolis for Apollo's festival. Honestly, I didn't care much about festivals, but I can see why others enjoy them so much.

A festival usually signals good times. A banquet, fun, and other events that usually pitted the people against each other in some way. A drinking contest, a tournament to see who's the better fighter, or hunter. A day meant to be filled with happiness and joy.

" Oh man, I can't wait! This is going to be so much fun. Aren't you excited?" Thesus asked me.

I looked down at the boy and smirked. " I'm sure, it will be a good evening." I replied. I didn't want to make the boy feel bad or anything. I just don't celebrate with strangers often. We walked through the streets of Athens, our destination the Acropolis.

" Weary travelers! Are you two planning to participate in Pyanopsia?" An Athenian, a strange one at that, dressed in black garbs walked over to us and stood in front of us.

" Yes, we are." I replied.

I could tell Theseus wanted to speak, but I cut him off before he had the chance. I didn't like this guy one bit, he just reeked of trouble.

" Then why don't you come with me? I'm sure it would only make the celebration more enticing. What say you dear traveler?" The man asked. His face contorted into a mischievous grin.

" No thanks. Come on, boy." I grabbed Theseus by his arm and led him past the man.

As I slid past him, I saw the man glaring at me while reaching into his robe.

I turned around and grabbed the man's hand before he could remove whatever it was, he was reaching for and squeezed hard enough to break his hand.

" Agh." He cried.

" Listen to me and listen well. You even think about attacking us again and I promise no god alive will be able to fix what I do to you." I told the man. " Do you understand me?"

" Agh. Yes. Yes. Yes, for the love of the gods please, just let go." He cried.

I released my grip, and the man went on scurrying away.

" See that. That's why you don't travel alone as a kid. People like him are out there try to trick you with their appearances. Be careful on whom you parlay with." I explained to Theseus. His attention still on the injured man hobbling away. " For now, let's get going. I'm sure we don't want to miss the festivities.

" YEAAAAAH!"

XxX

As the sun set, we finally made it to the acropolis. It was lively, there were streamers, Foods of all kinds being served and offered, there was music, and women. An all-around good time. Theseus seemed to be having a good time.

Theseus was currently on-stage dancing with the other citizens of Athens. The little brat was having the time of his life and I'm happy for him.

And I'm feeling a little happy myself. Guess this little excursion was exactly what we needed.

I leaned up against one of the columns in the acropolis and looked out over Athen. Athens was a beautiful city, especially at night. Especially this night. Lanterns were lit all over the city. The wind was blowing, not to hard and not to soft, but just right. It was peaceful. Something, I haven't felt in a long time. Peace. I looked up into the starry night sky and closed my eyes. I took a deep breath and just sighed.

" I wish times like this could last forever; it actually feels nice to just be." I spoke.

Everything was just fine... Until I felt the ground shaking and the sound of Thunder in the distance.

I was drawn back to reality by the intense shaking. I felt the air thick with killing intent. And the smell of blood was spreading all over. I turned around and ran to find Theseus as fast as I could. Running through crowds of Athenians and arcadians to find the boy.

I ran to the stage to find him, but there was no sight of him.

" THESEUS! THESEUS WHERE ARE YOU!?" I shouted as loud as I could. I looked around for Theseus. Seeing that I couldn't find him in the panicking crowd, I leapt into the air and landed on top of the Acropolis' columns, where I could get a better overview of things. I scanned the crowds for the boy. And eventually I spotted him. He had been snatched by the man from earlier and a group of other black robed men. And they were heading for Hestia's shrine below the Acropolis.

I leapt off the Acropolis, Columns removing my robes and freeing my shield and sword.

" Damn it! I took my eyes off of him for a moment. I should have known that bastard would come back. I'm gonna cut his damn head off." I rushed through the forest.

The sound of thunder and the ground shaking more and more as I approached Hestia's shrine.

" AHHHHHHH!"

My eyes snapped wide. The blood curdling sound of screams coming just up ahead caught me off guard. Not because of the screams. But because they sounded like a grown man. But that's when it hit me. The roar of all roars.

" RAAAAAAAAGHHHHHH!"

The ground trembled, the trees shook, and the wind rocked my body like a hurricane.

" This.... This is no man." I spoke. I continued running, I knew Theseus was in even more danger than ever before now.

As I ran images of Theseus flashed into my mind. The first time we met, the first time he ate after his village was destroyed. Our trips across Greece, through Delphi, Corinth, Thebes, where we buried the boy's parents. His training, His smile. All of it shattered like glass when I came upon Hestia's shrine.

It was a bloody mess. The Shrine of Hestia had been dutifully destroyed. Bodies were littered everywhere and standing in the center of the ruins was a giant. A beast unlike any other known to man of present day. Known only to those of olde. A Cyclops.

" HHHHHHUUURURAAAAAAAAAGH!" I screamed.

The beast turned his attention towards me and smiled evilly. His one eye squinting.

" I missed one. Father would have my head if I let you go. You should have stayed hidden. You probably would have survived." Polyphemus spoke. " Hmm? And that red cape and shield. A Spartan? I see. You want to fight me?" Polyphemus asked.

" I will strip the flesh from your BONES!" I exclaimed.

" HAHAHAHA! FOOLISH BOY! I AM POLYPHEMUS! SON OF POSEIDON! You will taste no victory." Polyphemus decreed. His voice powerful and full of arrogance.

" YOU WILL TASTE YOUR OWN BLOOD!"