Chapter Twenty Four - Part One: Get Some Rest

What followed was an almost hour long conversation recapping Leta and Simon's discovery of her power to imprint on Atlantian artifacts and answering questions about this never before witnessed power.

What did imprinting on the artifacts imply?

Could she do it on any artifact, or did it just apply to weapons?

How did imprinting affect the artifacts?

Could anyone imprint or was this another Leta-only skill?

Was there any strain on her mentally and physically?

Is the artifact sentient?

What does the artifact want?

What other forms can it take?

Most of the questions were answered with shrugs, no ideas, and maybes on how the dynamics of owning an Atlantian weapon.

"This is most concerning." Kaviah scowled with arms crossed as she watched Inimus return to his less lethal form. "We are already betraying our compatriots by not informing them that such talents are possible. If she exists then there is a monster out there more deadly than any other."

Koa saw Leta's confused face and explained, "Remember, the Blessed are those that tried to manufacture the abilities of the Chosen and were cursed for their hubris. Every Blessed monster is the corrupted version of a Chosen with similar powers."

She blinked in surprise. "Really?"

"Aye, lass." Allister sighed, "The Loupgaru are the corrupted versions of Hunters, though there's more a' them then tha Hunters due ta their poisonous bite. Them Minotaur ya faced are the corrupted versions of Warriors."

"Huh. Learn something new every day."

"Which is why it is so alarming that you exist." Kaviah grumbled. "If you exist, then there is something truly evil that can also bend the Atlantian artifacts to their will, and that bodes ill for the humans and the Chosen."

Leta couldn't blame the woman for being less than thrilled at her presence. If the logic was that each of them had a monster that fought like them, then it would only be natural to fear a beast that had untold power.

"Whose ta say the Blessed have found her counterpart." Allister pointed out, "Ismene said that the prophecy from tha other Priestess named 'a person of great import'. It dinna say anything related ta beasts er new monsters. Haps' a counterpart to Leta hasn't come into existence yet."

The Blacksmith wasn't calmed by this notion. "I am not sure if I should find such thoughts soothing or alarming, but my loyalty is to the Chosen and to our General. If he agrees with Ismene and is actively doing what he can to keep her hidden, then so be it. But, be warned. Should an Inquisitor come knocking, I won't hesitate to speak the truth of what has happened."

Allister shook his head, muttering "Gods above, let's hope we don' have one a those stop by fer' a visit."

He met everyone's gaze with a hard, unyielding stare. "Today was a fine example that we canna be complacent in ar' safety. We're uppin' the buddy system for the time bein'. No ones ta go anywhere outside these walls without one person with ya, no exceptions. If that means leap frogin' around ta make sure that we always have someone close, so be it."

"What about me?" Afra pipped up.

"Call sick or' give another excuse, at least until we can suffle some things around for someone to be at the hospital with ya. That goes fer all a ya, you two especially." He gave a pointed look at Eriene and Kaviah.

Eriene held her good arm up in defense, "I'm still considered on holiday from the Library. If Afra can be 'sick' for a few days while I heal, I can see about volunteering with the program the Library has for providing those in intensive care with books. That would allow me to be nearby."The ginger giant nodded his approval. "Huda and Simon will partner since they are colleagues with the museum. Kaviah will remain here. Once Kaviah is healed and would like to return to work, either Hayato or Koa will accompany her. Both of ya will be coming with Leta and I tomorrow morning fer trainin'. You'll take er' ta the museum, and then you'll return together. That'll ensure everyone stays together. Aye?"

At everyone acknowledgment - some of which seeming a bit reluctant - Allister nodded his head in satisfaction. "Right then. Well, the hour is late. You two," He pointed one beefy finger at the Assassin and the Warrior. "Take Leta back to her flat. Get some rest, girl. You'll need it for tomorrow."

Leta groaned as they exited the door, Hayato and Koa at her back. The two behind her were silent as their eyes tracked around the room for danger, acting more like secret service then young adults.

Hayato literally melted into the shadows when they approached the door, disintegrating quickly into tiny dark particles in the blink of an eye.

[HOST HAS WITNESSED THE SKILL, SHADOW STEP.]

"He's checking your room to make sure the Blessed didn't leave you any surprises." Koa provided when he saw her looking at the spot that Hayato had disappeared.

When she opened the door the smell of spices hit her nose as the sound of a Greek news station on TV filtered through the air.

Pillar was seated at the kitchen table sucking down water and Tums, trying to lessen the strain she was under from attempting to fix her hangover. Across from her was Dr. Galloise who was so engrossed in what she was working on she didn't even lift her head when the door opened.

Vigo was finishing up what looked to be a simple but spicy chicken and vegetables dish in the kitchenette, sipping a beer and watching absently what was on TV.

He smiled at her when she opened the door then frowned when he saw what she was wearing. "What happened to you?"

At his words, everyone turned to look at her, each surprised and concerned at her attire.

"I…uh… had an accident at work." She stuttered.

Koa wasted no time throwing her under the bus.

"You know that big fountain at Eleftheria Square? She fell in."

Leta shot him a dirty look as Dr. Galloise and Pilar voiced their concerns.

"I'm fine, I promise. Only my pride was hurt." She said, then whispered so low only Koa would hear, "I'm going to f****ing tase you tomorrow."

He patted her shoulder quickly as if he wanted to put on a good show but didn't want to touch her. "Well, we'll have your clothes to you tomorrow. See you bright and early in the morning. Dr. Galloise." He nodded to her mentor before seeing himself out.

"Are you sure you're all right?" Vigo's concerned voice had her softening to the tall Kiwi. "I'm all good. Don't worry about me."

"You've certainly had an eventful first day with the museum."

'I've nearly been strangled by Dr.Galloise while she was under hypnosis, I've been beaten nearly to death, I've imprinted on a sword, and I had an all out brawl that I almost lost against literal monsters.' Leta reflected to herself, but gave Vigo a tired smile.

"Yeah, I'd say it's been one hell of a day."