Chapter 16, on land

They got on deck to see where they landed so far, they got no idea where they heard the people speaking a language that wasn’t Greek. 

“Well at least were not in Greece anymore. Antonio and Grace why don’t you check the ports see what supplies they got and see where we are.” 

“Ok, I can do that this should be interesting. Come along Antonio we got work to do.” 

“Captain, Antonio, and Grace are on land do you want me to go with them or you want me to stay?” 

“Let’s see keep one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen or let her go off on port…I want to keep you to myself.” 

“So devious but what about Grace and Antonio I haven’t seen much of them since of our horseplay.” 

“You’re right…but what’s a little bit longer going to do?” 

“Well I guess it couldn’t hurt…alright I’ll stay.” 

“Good now come my queen into your chamber.” 

“Ooh my lord, you’re so devious.” 

“You devious pirate. That’s all you are and all you will be.” 

“Well, what you expected from a pirate.” 

“Eh, good point…but why don’t I check out land I haven’t been on it since I’ve been here.” 

“Welcome to my world I see it every 10 years.” 

“True but if I go, I’ll bring you something back.” 

“Hmmm, tempting oh alright fine you can go but before you go."  He kisses her long and passionately.

“Now you’re making it hard to go.” 

“Good I don’t want you to besides I got loads of treasures…” 

“They’re mostly from Grace I want to go into that room and say that’s the thing I gave you the first time I came back into your life…” 

“I don’t need a treasure…I need you.” 

“Aww I feel so loved, but I must go, she kisses him the same way, I’ll be back for you and when I do we’ll pick up where we left off like we always do.” 

“Ok but make it quick my queen.” As she was getting ready, he could tell he was watching her, but she didn’t mind. Once she got on deck, she could hear a bit of the local and thought it was Spanish but couldn’t tell from the ship. She didn’t want to leave, but she had to so she left the ship and went onto land. While in the local market she had to ask a local where they were at.

“Oh, hi can you tell me where I am?”

“Qué?”

“Oh, it was Spanish I heard… Hola mi nombre es Christine donde estoy?”

“Oh usted está en España.”

“Oh España…pero usted habla inglés?”

“Sí I speak English it’s fun messing with the tourists…I’m Alex by the way although most people know me by my mouth full of a name Alejandro.” Alejandro was no small guy! He was easily 5ft 10, a gorgeous tan, pretty buff, with shoulder-length dark brown hair tied up in a ponytail. 

“Well it’s nice to meet you I’ve been sailing for a while and had no idea where we were at…we originally came from Greece.” 

“Wow, that’s a long adventure no wonder you came onto land must be tired of your ship.” 

“A bit, thought bubble, a lot, I want to look around I’ve lived in London most of my life and found out my biological parents were in Greece.” 

“You’re adopted I never would have figured that…so who are your real parents?” 

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you…they’re so-mystical.” 

“Try me bet I can think of it.” 

“Ok see if you can.”

“Well if you were in Greece for so long then you must have visited the temples. By the kind of glow about you…you’re a goddess.” 

“Whoa that’s impressive…I usually have to tell the person…not sure how Zeus is going to react to this, but I can tell they’re watching.”

“How can you tell? I don’t notice anything.” 

“It’s a god thing, plus my parents told me they were going to watch me." 

“So, who are your real parents?” 

“Well since you figured it out might as well, looks at Olympus, don’t hurt me…my parents are Apollo and Aphrodite.” 

“Ah, that explains your wonderful beauty…like a real-life sleeping beauty well minus the sleeping part for now.” 

“I’m impressed someone knows their mythology.” 

“Well anyone who says they’re the daughter of Aphrodite must be beautiful and beyond gorgeous since she’s the goddess of love and beauty. But there’s more to you than meets the eye.”

“Oh, and why do you say that?” 

“Well-being Apollo’s daughter you must mean you got some musical talent which I’d like to see…but also you’re good with a bow and arrow…but by the sword around your waist you must have had some different training.”

“You can read me like a book! My musical talent, I’m a singer, instrumentalist, little bit of dancing, and acting. I’m pretty good at archery but not as good as my dad. My friend Nemesis (she’s the goddess of revenge) taught me how to use a sword, but while in a local Greek market I ran into my old pirate friends and the Captain trained me himself.” 

“Now I know not to make you mad…but I got one more thing to ask.”

“What’s that?” 

“I’d like to hear you sing if it’s no trouble.” 

“No trouble at all what song you want me to sing or you want to randomly pick one?” 

“Hmm, tough choice…how about the song ‘Fever’ I mean when in Spain.” 

“Interesting choice…fiery, sassy I like it…and now for your enjoyment ‘Fever’.” While she was singing it, she added some dance moves too…he looked impressed and didn’t want her to stop. Course when the song was over, he wanted her to do it again, but she was worn out.

“That was amazing you have an amazing talent!” 

“Thanks, and what about you? Got any talent or secrets you want to tell me?” 

“Well if I told you they wouldn’t be a surprise for later now would they.” 

“Later? I get to see you again?” 

“If you want to see me again then yes, we’ll see each other again, but for now I’ll show you around.” 

“That’d be nice I’d like to stay here for a while.” He did show her around…they just happened to be the most romantic spots in Spain! Some people even asked if Christine was his girlfriend, but he just told them she was a new friend. Even though in his mind he wanted her to be his girlfriend he was starting to like her even though they had just met. Meanwhile, while Christine was on land Antonio was sneaking off with Sapphire and doing the same things he had done with Christine!

Dear Christine,

                I must be honest with you. I’ve been with Sapphire for the past few weeks since we've been sailing and I’ve been doing some things that we did with her and she likes it. I know you took off your engagement ring. It feels like we’re slipping away. So might as well break off the engagement and go our separate ways. Goodbye Christine good luck in Spain. I know you’ll be happy. We’ll miss you…

Love,

Antonio

 After she was done reading it, she was so mad! Like she was digging her nails into his skin mad that he couldn’t of at least tell her in person instead of a note!

“Christine you’re hurting my arm!” 

“Oh sorry Alex I was just told that the person I was seeing was using me and sneaking off with my best friend perdón…she writes ‘it’s over! Goodbye Antonio!’ and hands it over the messenger, gracias…wow you’d think you'd know a person after a year of dating…guess I was wrong…” 

“I’m sorry Christine you must feel awful come here.” So, he’d be closer to her, he hugged her and he did want to comfort her.

“Thanks, Alex at least someone I know has a heart. I swear for doing this Zeus should take away his powers! It was me who gave it to him in the first place! Well, the reason why but that’s for another time and a long story.” 

“So you want to stay here?” 

“Yeah, I can do whatever I want I’m 19 he has no control over me! Not even the captain of my ship I’m on has any power over me! If I want to leave, he’ll let me leave.”

“You want to stay here in Spain?” 

“Well yeah, I want to be with you…” 

“Then tell your captain you want to stay here.” 

“I don’t need to tell him I just need to stay here with you or in Spain then he’ll get the message loud and clear…it’s how I left him to finish school in London.” She was letting her frustration and hurt take over her that her face was still a little red.

“Wow way to stick up to him!” 

“Please I’m a goddess I can do anything…I can easily do damage to him. With one tweak of my bow, once slice of my sword or one shot of my pistol.” 

“And a goddess who’s feisty and sassy I wonder why he’d want to leave you!” 

“Aww shucks, I’m just putting my training into action.” She started blushing when he complimented her. 

“Just as long as it’s not pointed at me, I’m good. Enough of him we still got more to see!” 

“Of course, Spain and you will get my mind off of him.” 

“Now that’s what I like to hear…may I put my arm on you?” 

“Of course, I’d be insulted if you didn’t…come on let’s see more of Spain-how about the beach?” 

“Ooh, I’ll take you there!” She happened to be wearing a light blue bikini under her tank top and a mini skirt. Which she wanted people to see…she didn’t think she would show it to a cute guy! 

“Wow the beach is beautiful I could stay here for hours.” 

“Nothing is more beautiful while you’re around.” She started blushing when Alex complimented her, and she noticed him staring at her. 

“Aww, you’re making me blush I kind of like it.” As she was saying it she was half smiling and was staring into his eyes. He liked that as well and did the same to her and she likes it just as much as he did.

“Do you want me to make you blush some more? We can go to a more private spot on the beach.” 

“Sí vamos Alex.” He could tell she was up to something since she spoke Spanish which she hadn’t done since she met him. On the other side of the beach, the water was crashing onto the shore, the sun was setting, a gentle breeze was blowing softly through Christine’s wavy hair. They sat on some rocks that were part of a ridge that was part of the beach.

“I’m sorry if I’m being forward but you seem so beautiful tonight.” 

“Thanks and you weren’t being forward at all and I got a question for you…baila conmigo?” 

“Sí, por supuesto.” Even though they didn’t have music they just gently swayed in each other’s arms under the setting Spanish sun…and she was glad that he got her some extra clothes since all her clothes were on the ship. 

“Alex…solo per voi Alejandro…” 

“I don’t think it’s Spanish since I don’t know that phrase.” 

“It’s not it's Italian…spent time in Italy on my last sailing adventure, and it means ‘only for you’” 

“You’d dance just for me? Well I’m honored-wait didn’t you dance for your other guy?” 

“No, he only knew about the singing he didn’t know or remembered I want to be a musical theater actress.” 

“That’s amazing! I mean I knew you were talented but never that.” 

“I’m a quad threat I sing, dance, act, and play instruments.” 

“Wow now I’m officially impressed…you’re pretty, smart, graceful, no pretty isn’t cutting it when you’re around…beautiful and beyond gorgeous, talented…need I go further?! This whole day has felt like a dream to me…I’ve enjoyed every second with you I don’t want it to end…so what I’m saying is…please stay in Spain.”

“I don’t even need to think about that yes I’ll stay! Besides I don’t want to be stuck on a boat for who knows how long, and those people when they asked if I was your girlfriend (yes I understand it) I was hoping you were going to say yes.” 

“I was so tempted to say you were!” 

“Really…well this will convince them.” She kissed him long and passionately as she did with Will before she left him for good. Meanwhile, with Antonio and Sapphire, Grace told him that she had sent a message to Christine…and to her surprise, he didn’t care that she told her. She wondered if he loved her at all. But back on the beach, they were laying in the sand under the moonlight enjoying each other’s company. She thought he felt a bit warm but she thought it might have been from the sun and being outside for most of the day…he thought he should take her to his place but they were comfortable on the beach and he didn’t want to move her.

“Thinking to himself, she looks so peaceful…should I wake her up? Nah and besides most people don’t even know about this part of the beach so we won’t get caught! I probably should go back to sleep plus I don’t want to wake Christine up.” 

They slept on the beach wrapped in each other’s arms…he did get warm himself so he took off his shirt which she won’t mind waking up to that in the morning…and she didn’t mind that when they were sleeping on sand…she just wanted to be happy…she was happy with him…meanwhile back on the ship they realize that Christine isn’t going to come back otherwise she would have by now. Will decided to leave first thing in the morning Sapphire objected and didn’t want to leave without her. Antonio explained it to her that if she wanted to come with them she would have been here by nightfall. Meanwhile, while this is all happening Zeus and both sets of parents have been watching...they were all disappointed in their kids but if this is what they wanted they supported it. Zeus knew this wasn't what it meant to be a true hero...so without them knowing Zeus wanted to take away the power they had. He first started with Antonio and waited to see what Christine would do if she would still be worthy of her power. Antonio didn't feel a thing and didn't even notice that his power was gone.

“Wait Antonio it was Christine’s idea to do this in the first place! We can’t just leave without her!” 

“Yes, we can! She found out about us (thanks to Grace) and now this is her way of getting back at me. If she wants to stay, she can…she knows Spanish I’m sure she’ll do fine here.” 

“What about her stuff shouldn’t we give them to her?” 

“We’ll leave it on the beach for her. She loves the beach…she’ll probably be there right now.” 

“What’s wrong with you how can you be so heartless!? You used to care for her-” 

“Used to being the keywords…now go get her things and get it ready for the morning.”

“Yes, Antonio…evil…” She didn’t like that they were leaving her behind like this, but she had to respect his position since he was a rank higher than her…she had to listen to him…meanwhile with Christine she was having the time of her life and enjoying every minute of it!

“Buenos días, Christine, mi Español rosa you look pretty as always.” 

“Aww, buenos días, and thanks that’s sweet of you.” 

“I didn’t want to wake you, but I found these on the beach.” 

“It’s my stuff from the ship…one of my crew members must have sent it, they must be leaving today.” 

“Good, then I can have you all to myself.” 

“And that’s fine by me…no one to bother us I like the sound of that.” 

“Me too, he kisses her for the first time, I’ve wanted to do that for a while.” 

“Well I’m glad you did I liked it…and I like spending time with you…and I like being your rose.”

“Excellent let’s go.” 

“Let’s go where?” 

“I don’t know but I just want to be with you.” 

“Aww, how sweet me siento muy amada! Alright, let’s go.”

She left the clothes at their private beach and they just went somewhere. They just wanted to be together. Finally, after exploring around they stopped at a café for lunch. 

“Well, this has been fun. I’ve enjoyed this day with you.” 

“Me too…Christine there’s something I got to tell you. Well you know my last name is Lobo, I know weird but there’s a story. It’s said that my family is from wolf descendants which is what Lobo means in English.” 

“Are you trying to tell me that you’re a werewolf!?” 

“Nothing gets past you…well this is interesting a goddess and a wolf.” 

“Yeah, I’m not sure how my parents will react.”

“Well, we’ll worry about that later I just wanted to tell you since that’s my secret you wanted to know when we met.” 

“You remembered that aww how sweet!” 

“Of course, I did and might I add you look lovely as always. Muy bonita.” 

“Aww gracias well for a werewolf you’re not as mean like in the stories I grew up with. You’re a very sweet wolf.” 

“Like the kid’s stories of three little pigs and little red riding hood. Yeah were not mean creatures except for full moons than were, not ourselves or when we transform for the first time it’s so painful. It’s those stories who give us a bad name…stupid Grimm brothers…I’m surprised you didn’t freak out about it.” 

“Well being a goddess you get your share of weirdness. Where’s your pack? I’d like to meet them.” 

“They’re giving us some alone time. I told them about you and they’re excited to meet you as well.” 

“Aww, I’m flattered well you want to continue our spontaneous date of seeing Spain or we going to go back to our private beach?” 

“I like our little adventure, but as long as I’m with you I’ll be happy.”

“Aww, three compliments in one meal you know how to spoil a girl.” 

“Before we do whatever we want do you want to say goodbye to your friends and your ship?” 

“What ship?” 

“The one that got you here remember?” 

“Ooohhh that ship yeah I remember but I want to forget all about it and only remember our time in Spain.” 

“Ok if you’re sure now-hop on.” 

“On what dare I ask?” 

“My motorcycle you silly goddess. You got to have a tour of Spain like the Spaniards do…the fun way now if you wouldn't mind,  hop on the bike!” 

“Alright, and it gives me an excuse to put my hands around your waist.” 

“Feisty…you’re becoming more of a Spaniard every hour!” 

“And, sung, that’s the way uh-huh I like it, giggles, let’s ride and tear up this city!” That just put a big smile on his face. He loved her arms around his waist and every moment they were together the more they fell in love with each other. She was just amazed going through Barcelona she felt so happy at that moment. They could feel the wind in their hair, the adrenaline through their veins, hearts beating faster than the speed of the bike. Her ring flopping around her neck; see while she was with Will on the ship, she took off her ring and put it on a necklace chain. When he stopped, she realized they weren’t in Barcelona anymore, but in the countryside.

“Alex, what are we doing here?”

“I just thought I’d show you the softer side of Spain. It’s not always so loco like in the city. There are places like this that are calm and peaceful. Oh, look a rosa for mi rosa.” He puts the rose into Christine’s long ponytail and makes sure it’s in alright. 

“Aww, you just spoil me.” 

“And why not-people like you should get spoiled once in a while.” 

“Aww, but it’d be nice if I could figure out what I’m the goddess of. Zeus told me that I had to figure it out myself and so far, I got no idea.” Suddenly it got a little bit brighter as if her dad was trying to tell her something.

“What is it, dad? Are you trying to tell me something?”

“What is it, Christine?”

“My dad, I think he’s trying to tell me something…if you didn’t notice how it got a little bit brighter. I know it’s my dad saying something to me. It’s his way of talking to me. We gods have a way to communicate with our fellow gods or goddesses. My parents explained their ways before I left.”

“I see so what could he be telling you?”

“Not sure but what I usually do is follow the light.”

“Follow the light? Ok if it works for you then we’ll follow the light.” So they did and it leads them to a rose garden. 

“Ok dad what the heck are you trying to tell me? A rose garden that’s mom’s expertise, not mine then again, I don’t know that so what am I supposed to do? Turn the bud into a flower?” As if he was answering her question it got brighter again, and a raven flew over to an olive tree. “Hmm a message from my dad from Hermes, oh how we communicate in the human world.”

“What the heck are you talking about?” 

“Must I explain everything?” 

“Uh yes please because I have no idea what you’re talking about!” 

“Ok ok, see how it works is that each god or goddess has special symbols in the human world to recognize them. For example, how I could figure out it was my dad from Hermes my dad’s symbol is a crow or a raven and Hermes’ tree symbol is an olive tree which would make sense for here.”

“Oooh, gotcha well next time your parents try to communicate you’ll most likely have to explain again.”

“I figured, but I’ll try what dad said to do.” She tries to turn the rosebud into a flower, and she succeeds.

“Ok guess I do take after my mother, but we can oversee more than one thing, I guess. Hmm, another sign would be good please dad a little hint.” As she tries to talk to her dad a stray dog comes over to them with a spear in its mouth.

“Aww, what a cute dog wait a minute this is Ares’ doing. His symbol is a dog and his main weapon is a spear. I guess I’m getting closer but what does he want me to do with the spear? Throw it, fight with it I haven’t used a spear yet. Hmm, this is interesting well I can try throwing it see what that does.” She throws it, and it starts to smoke a little. 

“Ok, that’s weird where’s the fire?” 

“I’m just as confused as you what does that mean?” 

“Not sure I mean he has a burning torch as a weapon (comes in handy), but not a burning spear. Hmm well, this is interesting I got no idea. Dad, you are not helpful.” And as to mock her the raven starts flapping its wings and making noises at her.

“Gee thanks dad for laughing at me. Another hint would be nice!” Across the field, a sword appears in front of a rock. 

“Ok what you want me to do? Show off my technique I’ve already done that. You guys are unhelpful.” Suddenly a wolf comes charging after Alex and as a reflex, she uses the sword and stabs it. 

“Was that my test? Come on dad that’s easy stuff. I could have done that with my eyes closed. Give me something a little harder.”  So as their way to accept her challenge wild bull came after them. This wasn’t strange in the countryside there were a lot of them around.

“Ok what the heck! Are you trying to kill us!? Thanks, Zeus, for that I didn’t mean that!” 

“Zeus, what does he have to do anything? We were just attacked by a bull!” 

“A bull is his animal symbol along with the eagle” 

“What but- “ 

“Keep up Alex. Sigh, ok I get your point you’re trying to test my technique well I killed a wolf and a bull. I guess I’m the goddess of beauty and war.” Suddenly there was a strong breeze and there was a circle of flowers around her. Her clothes were changing right before her eyes to a beautiful deep red rose ball gown and her parents appeared right in front of her along with Zeus.

“Oh, Christine we’re so proud can’t believe you figured it out!” 

“Thanks, mom, and nice taste in ball gowns.” 

“Thought you’d like it matches the rose in your hair.” 

“Well thanks, mom…aww dad!” 

“My baby girl…you still kept my ring.” 

“Of course, I did it’s the only thing I had to remember you by.” 

“You were always a daddy’s girl. I’ve missed you so much.” 

“I’ve missed you too dad but all I had to do was look at the sun and it’d remind me of you…oh right mom, dad this is Alex.”

“It’s an honor to meet you. You’ve got a beautiful daughter.” 

“We’re happy she’s in good hands though sorry to hear about Antonio we’ll give him trouble later.” 

“The plus side of having gods for parents can cause trouble to whomever I want tehe.” 

“Yeah bet it comes in handy.”

“So, you’re a werewolf huh? Well like Christine said at least you’re a nice, protective, and sweet one who knows how to take care of a goddess.”

“I told you they were listening.” 

“Um-yes I am a werewolf and I do know how to control myself so I can’t and won’t harm her.” 

“Well that’s a good thing, but if should anything happen you bring her to the brightest spot on your beach.” 

“Yes, sir I’ll remember that.” 

“Zeus kneels, it’s good to see you again.” 

“And your young goddess and now that you know who you are…you can have your full power.” She felt a little queasy like she did when she got her half power. Luckily Alex was behind her to catch her if she fell which she did…unlike last time. 

“She’ll be alright just giving her time to let her powers sink in.” 

“How long does that take?”

“It depends on the god/goddess…just give her time. It can go from hours to maybe months. We just have to wait with this young goddess.” 

“Guess that’s the best we can do sir. I’ll stay with her-she’ll be well taken care of. I won’t let anything harm her while she’s healing. Course not that many people or animals are in this spot so we’re alright. I got her weapons, so I’ll be armed as well.”

“Don’t worry Apollo and Aphrodite, Alex will take good care of her. He will make sure no harm will come to her and besides there’s a protection spell that I put over this circle of flowers so only the four of us can get in.” 

“Alright…you take care of my girl. She’s my only girl so please protect her.” 

“I will Apollo I’ll take care of her…real good care I’d even sacrifice myself for her.” 

“I know son…please be careful.” 

“Yes, sir and I hope to see you again.” 

“Me too Alex and it’s nice to know our daughter is in good hands. Well, come along my queen we must let her rest. I know you’d rather have her home, but we can’t move her.”

“Come we must go Aphrodite no need for tears.” Poor Aphrodite was crying to leave her behind so helpless. Zeus and Apollo didn’t want to leave her behind either, but they couldn’t move her. So, Alex was the only one who can stay with her. “Bye Alex.” And in a quick flash, they were gone, and it was just the two of them again…