Demi-God

Lucian strode down the marble hallway, his wooden sword and shield clutched in his hands. He hoped to find Drakon for their usual training session in the courtyard. Reaching his master's chambers, Lucian poked his head inside. Empty.

"Where could the old man be at this hour?" Lucian wondered.

Just then, a slave girl carrying cleaning supplies walked by.

"Excuse me," he called out. The girl stopped and turned. "Have you seen Master Drakon this morning by chance?"

The slave shifted the rags in her arms. "I saw him heading outside at dawn, young master. Perhaps to the training grounds?"

"Ah, of course. Thank you," Lucian smiled at the girl.

She bowed her head and hurried on her way.

"Well, guess I'll have to train solo today," Lucian thought as he descended the stairs and emerged into the sunny courtyard. "May as well get started."

He began running through the familiar drills - blocks, parries, strikes. His sword whooshed through the air as he lunged at imaginary foes. Sweat trickled down Lucian's brow under the hot sun as he pushed himself faster, harder.

"Lucian!" a voice called. Lowering his sword, Lucian saw Stephanos trudging across the yard, brow furrowed deep in thought.

"Stephanos! Care to spar?" He asked, eager for a real opponent.

The older man shook his head. "Sorry, no time. Need to finalize plans for the Aristos job."

"Right, the heist. Next time then," Lucian waved as Stephanos continued on. Always plotting and scheming, that one.

Turning back to the empty courtyard, Lucian resumed his solitary training. He jabbed and slashed at the air. Have to stay sharp. With Drakon absent and Stephanos preoccupied, someone needs to be ready for anything. Gods only know what dangers lurk around the corner in this city.

Lucian paused to wipe the sweat from his brow and took a long swig from his waterskin. The sun had climbed high overhead, signaling that he'd been drilling for hours.

As he lowered the bottle, movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention. Mira strode across the courtyard toward him. "Oh no," he thought with a sinking feeling. He knew that look. She was here to cash in on that favor he owed her.

"Well, well, if it isn't Lucian," Mira purred as she reached him. "Busy working up a sweat, I see."

Lucian rolled his eyes. "What do you want? I assume you're here about that favor?"

"Sharp as ever," she smirked. "And yes, it just so happens that now is the perfect time for you to make good on your promise. Come on."

Mira turned on her heel and marched off without waiting for a response. Lucian sighed. So much for a relaxing afternoon. He jogged to catch up with her quick strides.

"Where exactly are we going?" he asked as they left the compound.

"You'll see soon enough. Now hush."

They wove through the crowded streets until the massive Temple of Zeus loomed ahead. Mira pulled him into the side of a columned archway beside the temple steps. Lucian glanced around in confusion.

"Mira, what in Hades are we doing lurking by a temp-"

"Shh!" She held up a finger to silence him. "Just wait."

He crossed his arms and leaned back against a pillar. He studied Mira's face as she peered at the temple entrance, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. Several minutes ticked by. Finally, the doors swung open and the last group of worshippers filed out.

"There he is," she hissed, yanking Lucian behind a pillar, out of view of the dispersing crowd.

"Who? What are you talking about?"

Mira's eyes remained locked on the temple steps. "My ex-boyfriend," she said.

Lucian's eyebrows shot up. "Your what now?"

"You heard me," she snapped.

Well this just got a whole lot more interesting, Lucian thought. And likely a whole lot more dangerous, knowing Mira. He snuck another glance at her tight, coiled posture.

"Gods help me, what have I gotten myself into this time?" He thought.

Lucian peeked around the pillar, scanning the chattering throngs of people milling about the plaza. "Alright, where's this infamous ex of yours?"

Mira grabbed his chin and forcibly turned his head to the right. "There, you blind idiot."

Lucian's eyes widened as he spotted the man she indicated. The guy was built like a damn siege tower, all hulking muscles and battle-scarred skin. Polished bronze armor glinted in the afternoon sun, encasing his broad chest and shoulders. A red horsehair crest crowned his helm. He stood a full head taller than the priestess he was conversing with.

"Holy Hera," he muttered. "That's your ex? The man's a beast!"

"Theo is the leader of the Thracian guard unit protecting the city walls."

"And just how did you end up entangled with Mister Tall, Bronze and Brawny over there?"

Mira's gaze turned wistful. "We were childhood friends, once upon a time. But that's ancient history now."

"Right. Got it. No need to elaborate," Lucian said, holding up his hands. The last thing he wanted was to hear Mira wax poetic about her bygone romance with the walking fortress.

As if on cue, Theo finished his exchange with the priestess and strode away from the temple. Mira seized Lucian's wrist in an iron grip. "Come on, we need to follow him."

"Mira, wait-"

But she was already dragging him along behind her as she darted after Theo, keeping a discreet distance. They tailed him through the city streets, ducking behind vendor stalls and water fountains whenever he glanced back.

"This is insane," Lucian groused internally as they dashed from the crowded square to the marketplace and then into a quieter residential area. "I should be back at the house training, not stalking Mira's oversized ex-lover through half of Selymbria."

At last, Theo entered an apartment building and Mira pulled up short, shoving Lucian against the wall beside the door. She grabbed a fistful of his sweat-damp tunic and yanked his face down to hers.

"Listen carefully," she said, her eyes boring into his. "Here's the plan. You're going to sneak into Theo's room and retrieve something for me."

Lucian gaped at her. "I'm going to what?"

"You’re going to steal something for me."

"Why in Hades' name do you need me to steal something from your ex? What could possibly be so important?"

Mira huffed out an impatient breath. "If you must know, I gave Theo a necklace a long time ago. It's a family heirloom - my grandmother's necklace. I need you to get it back for me."

"Can't you just buy a new necklace? Surely the market has plenty of-"

"It's not about the necklace itself, you dolt!" She snapped. "That necklace is one of the only things I have left of my grandmother. It means everything to me."

Lucian threw up his hands. "Then why in Zeus' name did you give it away in the first place?"

A flush crept up Mira's neck as she crossed her arms. "I was young and stupid, alright? I thought I was in love. I didn't realize what a pig-headed brute Theo really was." She fixed Lucian with a glare. "But none of that matters now. You're going to use your animal possession ability to sneak in there and retrieve my necklace. Got it?"

Lucian glanced around the empty street, seeing no animals of any kind nearby. "Easier said than done. It's not like I can just snap my fingers and magically possess the nearest stray dog or alley cat."

"I don't want to hear excuses," Mira growled. "You're the one with the godly powers, so figure it out. And do it fast, before Theo comes back."

"You know, this would be a hell of a lot simpler if you just knocked on his door and asked for the damn necklace back..."

Mira shot him a withering look. "Where's the fun in that? Besides, I want to see the look on that arrogant bastard's face when he realizes it's gone. That it was stolen right out from under his nose." She made a shooing motion with her hands, urging him onward. "Now quit stalling and get in there already! If you don't, I swear by the gods I'll tell Stephanos and all your other friends the truth about what you really are."

Lucian sighed, recognizing defeat. He knew Mira would make good on her threat without an ounce of remorse. "Fine. I'll do it. But you better stand guard and make absolutely sure no one messes with my body while I'm... occupied."

"Don't worry that pretty little head of yours," Mira said with a smirk. "If anyone so much as looks at your unconscious meat sack funny, I'll gouge their eyes out."

Lucian shook his head, then glanced around again. Finally, he spotted a skinny stray cat slinking along the shadowed edge of a nearby building. Perfect.

He crouched down and made a soft clicking noise with his tongue. The cat's ears perked up and it paused, eyeing him. Lucian held out his hand, willing the creature to trust him. After a long, tense moment, the cat slunk closer and brushed against his fingers.

In a flash, Lucian slipped his consciousness into the feline body. The transition always left him disoriented; it took a few seconds to adjust to suddenly having four legs, a tail, and dramatically different senses.

He blinked up at Mira and let out a soft meow to signal the transference was complete. Then he turned and bounded for the building, easily scaling the exterior wall and leaping from a branch through an open window into Theo's quarters.

The room was spacious but sparsely furnished, decorated with weapons and armor. No sign of Theo himself. "Fortune favors me for once," Lucian thought. "Now, to find that blasted necklace." He padded silently around the room, keen feline eyes scanning for anything that might conceal Mira's precious heirloom.

Pawing carefully, Lucian managed to nudge open a drawer in a sturdy wooden chest. He poked his whiskered face inside, but saw only folded chitons and leather sandals. Damn.

Just then, heavy footsteps sounded outside the door. Lucian's ears flattened and his fur bristled in alarm. He barely had time to slink under the bed before Alexios strode into the room.

From his hiding place, Lucian watched the Thracian's sandaled feet move about the chamber. Water dripped on the floor as Alexios toweled off his damp hair and muscular torso.

"Please don't look under here," Lucian prayed.

Being discovered in cat form would be beyond humiliating.

Theo dropped the towel and began dressing himself. Lucian averted his gaze, studying the stone tiles. "By the gods, the indignities I suffer for that reckless girl."

At last, Theo finished clothing himself and left the room, shutting the door behind him. Lucian counted to ten before emerging. He trotted over to a large oak chest in the corner, the only place left to search.

The latch posed a problem for paws. Lucian considered the lock, tail lashing in agitation. No way around it - he'd have to go get Mira. Cursing under his breath (which came out as an annoyed yowl), he leapt back out the window and down the tree.

Moments later, he was back in his own body, with Mira leaning over him. "Well? Where's the necklace?"

Lucian sat up, his head spinning from the transfer. "I think it's in a locked chest. I couldn't open it as a cat."

She crossed her arms. "Then I'll do it myself. You just need to get me up there."

"I can't keep possession up that long, it's too dangerous for-"

"Do I look like I care?" she snapped. "You promised to help, so help. Get me in that room. Or would you rather I let slip to everyone what you really are?"

Lucian groaned and dragged a hand down his face. That threat was getting old, but what choice did he have? He glared at his so-called friend.

"Fine. I'll get you inside. But make it quick - if I stay in animal form too long, my body could give out completely. And then you'll have far worse problems than a lost necklace."

Mira flashed a smug grin, knowing she'd won. "Stop being so dramatic. With my skills, I'll have that lock open in no time at all."

Lucian just hoped they could pull this off before Theo returned, or worse, before his own mortal shell burned itself out. Some days, he really hated his life - and his manipulative partner in crime.