Hunter dodged around Marina’s sword and cursed under his breath. “Okay! Nemean Lion. Hydra. Ceryneian Hind. Eymanthian Boar. Augean Stables in a day. Stymphalian Birds. Cretan Bull. Mares of Diomedes.”
“That is correct. You have 4 Labors left.”
“Umm…What was it?” Hunter said. He had read the story so many times. How could he forget? “Is it…the Girdle of Hippolyta?” He said cautiously.
“That is correct. You have 3 Labors left.”
“Nice one! Is it those cattle, now? Geryon’s cattle?” Kyle said frantically.
“That is correct. You have 2 Labors left.”
“It’s…Uh…Dang it! Why can’t I remember?” Hunter said, as he parried Marina’s attack. There had to be something he was missing. “OH! OH!” He said frantically, removing his attention for a second. It was just long enough for Marina to knock his legs out from under him. Hunter fell to the ground and she stood over him with her sword raised. Hunter closed his eyes and braced for the attack. “Golden apples of Hesperides and capturing the Cerberus!” He said quickly.
“That is correct. You have named all of the Labors.” Philoctetes said. Immediately, everything became silent. Hunter opened his eyes slowly. Marina stood over him, her sword drawn and raised for a killing blow. He quickly scurried out from under her and stood up, brushing himself off.
“This is quite the mess you’ve gotten yourself into, isn’t it, Harold?” Hunter turned around to see Mr. D leaving up against the cage of Philoctetes.
“It’s Hunter, sir. Might I ask what you’re doing here?” Hunter said taking a step forward.
“Well, Henry-“
“It’s Hunter.”
“Well, Hiram, do you see these people? Even your friend Marina? They’re in this state of Frenzy. This state of…madness. That’s where I come in. Madness is kind of my deal.” He said with a shrug. He snapped his fingers. Hunter looked at him for a second before turning toward the army of mortals. The red drained from their eyes. He glanced over at Marina to see the same thing. “Now, once we’re done with this little chat, Harrison, they are going to be asleep. They’re fine. I mean, except for all of the ham-fisted things you did to them. Other than that, they’ll be normal. Now, if you’ll excuse me…” He explained before turning to leave.
“Sir. It’s still Hunter, but thank you.” He said with a nod. Mr. D lingered for a second before vanishing. Suddenly, everything stepped into motion again. “Kyle! Catch her!” He shouted. Kyle blinked his eyes in confusion, before speeding over to catch Marina as she fell asleep.
“How did you-“
“Don’t worry.” Hunter said with a wave as he walked over to Philoctetes. He bent down slightly and looked in the cage. “Where’s the bow?” He said quietly.
“You have proven yourself a worthy wielder of the bow.” Hunter turned around to see a glowing man. He looked tall and strong. Hunter looked down to see the man kneeling and holding the bow up to Hunter. Hunter looked at the bow then looked up at Kyle.
“Kyle, this is your quest. You should have the bow.” Hunter said quietly. Kyle looked at him and shook his head.
“No, man. I can’t use a bow. You know that. Just take it. I don’t mind. Seriously, it’s not a problem.” Kyle said with a smile before looking back at Marina. He gently kissed her forehead and lightly brushed her cheek. Hunter smiled gently and returned his gaze to the glowing man.
“Umm…I accept?” Hunter said, not exactly sure about the protocol of the situation. “Rise, Philoctetes. You have done well.” Hunter said with a shrug, trying to sound official. He reached toward the bow and let his hand linger over it for a moment. It seemed to be teeming with energy. He took a deep breath before finally gripping it. It glowed a bright white. The glow seemed to hum quietly. Hunter watched closely as the glow moved toward the middle of the bow. Then to Hunter’s hand, down into his watch. It hummed loudly and automatically summoned his quiver, which appeared on Hunter’s back. It continued to shift until landing on his quiver and making it glow brightly before dimming down. He stood in astonishment as his quiver and the bow disappeared.
“Hunter? Hunter! We should probably leave, no?” Kyle said as he picked the unconscious Marina in his arms. Hunter shook back to reality and looked up at him.
“Oh, yeah. Let’s go.” He muttered, more curious about the bow, then anything else.