*written by Cowgirl Jack*
Orpheus and Castor went with Medea to the Greek countryside where Lykopis's villa was located. The grass was green with a little bit of blue, and one could imagine Beethoven's Pastoral playing in the background. Her villa was surrounded by small pines, and they were nearing the main entrance. "What do you know of Lykopis?" asked Medea to Castor.
"The last of the Amazons," said the single Twin. "Well, almost the last, if the rumors are true." While Lykopis was restricted to the affairs of mortals, many of the gods and demigods knew of her and her sisters. And everyone in Olympus knew that Jocasta, her rival, had made a pact with Hecate. The two were destined to fight each other.
"Let's not gossip like this behind her back," said Orpheus. "It doesn't seem fair."
"I agree -- said Medea, before an arrow cut her off. It wistled by her ear before landing in the ground and burrying itself in the dirt. "By the brow --"
The three Pantheon members looked at the villa. The main door was open, though it was blocked by an imposing figure. A dark-haired beauty had her bow drawn taut. Her curls weren't tied back, so they moved with the evening wind. She was dressed in a light and almost sheer halter dress that showed off her toned arms and taut legs. She looked first at Orpheus, and then at Castor, until her eyes finally settled on Medea. "I do not approve of magic on my lands. Go away and leave me."
"Do you know who I am, Amazon? I am Medea."
The bow remained taut. Castor was getting nervous. "Should we -- "
"Just let her think," said Medea.
Up until that moment, the Amazon's face had a cool anger to it. But suddenly the eyes changed, and Lykopis realized who was standing in front of her. Not exactly an old friend...but...one of the few people she had respect for. Lykopis put the bow down. "My appologies, your grace. It has been a long time."
*** *** ***
The three were invited into the main hall. Lykopis led them to a smaller room where they could all sit. Castor and Orpheus had never been inside the villa before. But there had been rumors of an unaging aristocrat that collected treasures from the past. And it was all true. Statues from Persia, rice paintings from Japan...it was all here, a testament to the long life Lykopis had lived.
"I brought a gift," said Medea. It was a small bronze statue of a horse with Samurai riding gear.
Lykopis held the statue and smiled. "How fitting. How did Homer put it? 'Beware of Greeks bearing gifts'? And here you are, in my own home, presenting me with a gift horse."
"The irony was not lost one me," said Medea. "But I happen to know this horse was based on the stallion owned by Sasaki Kojirō. I believed you were quite fond of him, even after he finished teaching you the 'Turning Swallow Cut'."
Lykopis nodded. "Best swordsman I have ever met." She put the horse down on a table. "Well, you have my undivided attention. What do you and your friends want from the She-Wolf?"
Medea explained everything -- the death of the Gods, the Pantheon and its goals, and what they learned from Vegas. Lykopis didn't ask any questions, or make any move save for blinking and a few polite nods. She seemed surprised when Medea explained who the two men were -- but even more surprised that Medea wanted her to join.
"I don't understand why you need me," said Lykopis. "You are talking about battling a God-killer. I am good, but I am not that good."
"You are Lykopis," said Orpheus. "The greatest mortal warrior that ever lived. The Gods themeselves have written poems in your honor."
Lykopis laughed. "Do not believe all the myths you hear. Surely you did not really travel to Hades to -- " Lykopis saw the sad look in the muscian's eyes and stopped. "Athena's shield," she uttered. "It is all true, is it not?"
Castor leaned back. "Didn't you ever believe in all the stories from your childhood? We are real, just like you."
"No, not like me. You are...you are divine." Lykopis moved further up in her chair. "I'm just the long-lived daughter of an aristocrat. A warrior, maybe, but I am not up to the standards that you require."
"We're not all divine," said Castor. "You can help us. Medea seems to think you can."
Medea nodded. "If you would like something in return -- "
Lykopis got up and walked to the window. "What can you possibly offer me? I have plenty of wealth."
Orpheus turned around to see her better. "There are other reasons for fighting, Lykopis. You of all people should know that."
"So says the singer. Tell me, Medea, do you know what my heart desires? Because even I do not know." She moved to face the window. "I once dreamed of immortality. I do not care for it anymore. Everything has changed since I saw Jocasta again. I have traveled the world, learned all I can, and for what?"
"You seek peace, Lykopis," said Orpheus. He understood that better than Medea or Castor. "You are tired. I too feel like I have lived too long. Perhaps only the gods can answer your questions. Perhaps only they can help you find what you are looking for. You have knowledge but you are looking for wisdom and understanding."
Lykopis lowered her head. She felt old inside. "I do not even know what I am looking for anymore."
Medea realized it would be no use to argue. "I see we've already spent too much time here. We'll take our leave." And without another word, the three rose from their seats. Orpheus took another look at Lykopis, staring out of her window.
He had just crossed the threshold of the room when her low voice startled them. "I will go with you, Medea, though I do not yet know why."
