The helicopter hadn't even touched down before Jim jumped out, the rest of his team - Maddie, Veronica, and Phineus - right behind him. The four quick-stepped toward the village, heading straight to the boy where he waited with their remaining companions.

  Maddie, slithering with her serpent-like speed, was the first to approach. She lowered herself to the boy's level, offering a warm smile as she extended her hand.

  The boy shrank back, clutching Euryale's arm a little tighter.

  "Hello there," Maddie said gently. "I'm not going to hurt you."

  "Don't be afraid," Euryale added. "She's my sister."

  The boy's expression shifted to confusion, but Euryale's words seemed to ease his tension. Hesitantly, he reached out and placed his small hand in Maddie's. She cupped it gently.

  "I'm Medusa," she said softly. "But you can call me Maddie. What's your name?"

  "Theseus," the boy replied, barely a whisper.

  Jim's eyes went wide upon hearing the name. Chiron was right—we managed to find someone very important here. "Nice to meet you, Theseus."

  Veronica caught the name and shot Jim a look. "Sound familiar?"

  Jim's expression sharpened, and he replied, his voice low, "Yep. Well-renowned king. The labyrinth guy. If this is that Theseus, Major Chang will want to know."

  Theseus looked up at them, desperation brimming in his eyes. "Can you save my mother? The harpies took her to their nest up the ravine. Please!"

  Jim let out a long breath, surveying his tired team. They were drained—the last fight leaving them battered in body and spirit. The idea of another battle, especially one against hundreds of vicious flying animals, seemed too much.

  "I don't know," Jim said, tired voice quiet. "We've taken a heavy hit already. I'm not sure we're ready for another fight without backup."

  Theseus dropped to his knees, voice breaking. "Please—I beg you!"

  Jim ran a hand through his hair, torn. He couldn't help but feel concerned. Theseus is an important figure in Greek history. However, Jim's team was drained after barely surviving a clash with a gang of flying monsters. And now, he's asking to save his family, and others? We need backup. "All right, kid. I'll check with my superiors. See if there's anything we can do."

  He turned away and walked over to the helicopter, grabbing the radio.

  "This is Juliet Bravo, requesting emergency reinforcements for civilian rescue. Coordinates to follow."

  Chiron's reply crackled back, cold and final: "Negative, Juliet Bravo. Captain Slater won't allow it. He's not sending more forces to save anyone, especially not with hundreds of harpies in the area."

  Jim hesitated for a moment before responding. "Would it change things if I told you the civilians are the family of a young boy named Theseus? Hate to leave him an orphan if we can help."

  Jim overheard muffled voices as Chiron and Slater argued. Then, the reply. "I tried my best," the voice on the other end replied. "But unfortunately, he holds firm. That said—here's what I can do: I'll allow you to continue, but only with the resources you currently have. Does that sound acceptable?"

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  No, but it's better than ordering us to fly back.

  "Understood, Chiron. Thank you. Juliet Bravo, out."

  Jim slammed the radio down inside the helicopter, the metallic clang reverberating through the cabin. He sat there for a moment, jaw clenched, before taking a sharp breath and stalking back toward the others. They waited in a tense semicircle, faces tight with anticipation.

  "What did the boss say?" Veronica asked, though her voice carried the weight of expected bad news.

  Jim's jaw tightened. "Chiron wanted to help, but Slater refused reinforcements. The compromise—if we're doing this, we do it alone."

  A heavy silence settled over the team. Shoulders slumped. No one spoke.

  Behind them, a helicopter groaned to life, its rotors whipping up clouds of dirt. Inside, villagers packed in tight, their faces smudged with grime and exhaustion, their eyes hollow. The aircraft lifted off with a labored roar, banking toward the distant safety of Argos.

  Maddie slithered forward, her back straight. "I wish to help Theseus."

  Everyone turned to her.

  "Really?" Jim asked. "Why?"

  "Something compels me," Maddie confessed. "Let's go save his mother and the other villagers."

  Veronica, stunned, glanced toward the distant ravine, then back at Maddie. "Mija, we just got our asses handed to us up there. You sure you wanna go against those things again?"

  "Yes, I'm certain," Maddie insisted. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't at least try." Everyone looked away, shaking their heads in worry.

  She slithered close to Jim and whispered, "May I speak with you for a moment?"

  "Sure," he replied, following her a few paces away from the group.

  Jim and Maddie rustled through some trees and bushes, making sure to keep the rest within view, but not within earshot.

  "Will you convince everyone to go save the villagers?" she asked.

  "I think I can," Jim admitted, "but I'm not sure I want to do it."

  Maddie raised an eyebrow, "And why not? You will let those horrible creatures devour innocent people? Eat his mother?"

  Jim put his head in his hands. "No, but I don't want to get everyone here killed either."

  "I understand why. You're afraid. This is your past—screaming, tormenting you. You're terrified of losing people... especially me."

  "Yes." The word came out strained. "We're all alive. We have Theseus. We can leave right now—safe."

  "I know that fear, I understand." Her voice softened. "But tell me—what was it you told me about superheroes? When we first met?"

  Jim took a deep breath. "We use our powers to help people. To save lives."

  "Yes, exactly." She continued. "I've wondered how far ?your compassion reaches? Do you save people only when it's safe? Heroes of this time risk their lives for treasure and glory. I'm willing to risk mine to save lives. Are you?"

  The words hit him like a gut punch. She's right. She wasn't just playing at being a warrior—she was one, through and through.

  Jim hesitated. "I don't know. What about the others?"

  "They trust you," Maddie said. "You've established yourself as a leader. If you choose to walk this path... they will rise and follow you."

  Jim exhaled deeply, thinking. He was beginning to understand that true warriors knew the risks. Not that they weren't afraid, they just didn't let fear stop them from doing the right thing. Then he nodded. "Yeah. You're right... again."

  Maddie took both of his hands in hers, her gaze filled with hope.

  "Okay," Jim said. "You convinced me. Let's do this."

  "Thank you," Maddie whispered. "Come—let us tell the others, so we may go forth and deliver Theseus's mother from her sorrow."

  "Yeah. Let's."

  They hurried back to the group.

  "I think I have an idea of how we can pull this off," Jim said as they approached.

  "With or without us dying?" Phineus asked dryly.

  Can he be more of a pain? "Without, of course."

  Jim turned to Terry. "Do you remember what the nest looked like? I know you only got a glimpse before turning back, but any info helps."

  Terry nodded. "Yeah, I remember, sort of. It was maybe half the size of a football field."

  "How many harpies, if you can remember?"

  "Don't say a shitload!" Vik yelled.

  Terry rubbed her chin, deep in thought. "Ummm...maybe seventy, probably as much as a hundred or so."

  "Did you see any people in there?" Euryale asked.

  "Yeah. There were a few in the middle—hostages, I guess—and a pile of stuff off to the side, but I couldn't tell what it was. The whole edge of the nest was ringed with harpies—at least seventy, maybe more."

  "Good. That gives me something to work with." Jim gave a tight nod. He glanced around at the others. "Okay. I've got a plan—if you're all willing to hear it."

  Everyone leaned in.