[Note: I will create an Auxiliary chapter in alphabetical order whenever I mention mythical creatures or gods that are not in Greek mythology. I may also make one for the Greek gods and goddesses for those not as well-versed in them. ]
[...]
"Alright, we'll be making a left here, Rem," I instruct my winged horse while calmly pulling on the reins to let him know.
The infrequent flapping of his wings whenever the winds shift to a slightly different angle is the only sound I hear for some time.
We continue to soar through the sky, leisurely gliding through the clouds from time to time as we make our way back home. I smile to myself as I stroke Rem's mane; he neighs a little in response.
I'm in a much better mood now that I know where the Fates are.
Smug, I gently pat the pocket containing a small piece of parchment with their location.
Being caught unprepared would be the worst, though, so I've decided to go back home before starting my journey. Who knows when I'll be home next? So I need to pick up a few things before meeting with the three minor goddesses.
Thinking that I can afford to relax for the moment, I breathe out a long sigh since I'm still about ten minutes out.
My shoulders slump a little after that ordeal. While I am not afraid of Zeus, it's still stressful to deal with that situation.
Since I'm alone, I always have to be prepared to defend and protect myself by any means necessary at a moment's notice.
After breathing in and out consistently for some time, I finally get into a rhythm, and my mind starts to go blank. But, unfortunately, a memory I've been trying to suppress since earlier has popped up, yet again.
... Pfft!
Wait, no! I can't! If I start laughing again, it'll be TOO hard to get myself to stop!
Ahh! It's useless! I can't help it! It's his terrified expression!
Struggling so severely as I try to stop myself, I quickly block my mouth with the palm of my hand and do my best to stifle the giggle that's about to escape my lips.
"HAHAHA!" I laugh so uncharacteristically loud that it ends up startling Rem in the process.
He buckles mid-air, but I instinctively tighten my legs around Rem's torso and dig my heels into the stirrups. I also grab onto the reins and saddle so I don't get accidentally thrown off.
Fortunately, I've trained so much with Rem in the past that I could do this with my eyes closed.
"Oof. Sorry for scaring you like that, Rem. Maybe I should talk it out. Holding it in isn't working at all for me."
Still chuckling, I end up initiating a one-sided conversation with Rem, "You should've seen his face, Rem! It was almost TOO pitiful to witness such a large man frantically conjuring writing instruments in such a hurry JUST so he could appease Hera."
I continue to blab about my experience the rest of the way until I reach my house, being aware that Rem cannot understand whatever the heck it is I'm talking about, but I still go ahead and do that anyway.
...
Though I may be gone for a very long time, I still make it a point to try and pack as light as I can.
I can always hunt and gather whatever I need, regardless of wherever I am. I've extensive experience of living in just about any environment.
One thing I need to make sure, however, is that I'll be able to find temporary lodgings. I, unfortunately, can't stand camping outside.
I know that sounds utterly diva-ish of me, but it's the one thing I don't want to compromise on.
On the table is an open map of a place named, Wutolia.
This is the general area where the Fates are located.
It used to be a thriving village, but it's been abandoned for a long time. Everything that surrounded it has been desolate since then.
These are the aftereffects of a war that's been waged on for far too long. It has wholly ravaged the land nearby communities, drove away all the wildlife, and killed its ecosystem.
After going through the map one last time, I pack up some basic survival kits for different purposes that'll suit the area, storing them all inside a sturdy leather rucksack.
All that's left to go over are the two magic sets I'll be bringing with me.
Unlike many other divine beings, my powers are pretty strange in comparison.
Like them, I can also use powers without using any weapons or talismans, but to harness them in the most effective way possible, I use a type of amalgamation magic. Which means I have the skill to perform magic unification, or fuse certain powers.
Humans, or more specifically, dark mages, have tried in the past, but their accomplishments are nothing, but a trifle compared to my powers as a goddess.
Not a fair comparison, of course, but it is an unfortunate truth.
These talented humans may have successfully fused certain types of elemental magic; however, with my powers as a goddess, I can take it to unprecedented heights. I have abilities that are somewhat similar to that of a spiritualist.
This means I can utilize just about any power in existence and even combine them however I wish. The only catch is that I must have access to these powers to use them. To do so, though, I need to have their source close to me.
Sources are beings that have unique abilities. All I need, though, is their essence, which is why I need to bring some magical bottles with me. They contain the source's essence, allowing me to have direct access to their magical qualities.
This magical system is unique to me, and so far, I don't know anyone else who can replicate the same.
I carefully open the doors to a cupboard containing most of my collection. There are rows upon rows of bottles containing essences of beings that humans could only hear of through myth and lore. With my index finger sticking out, I lightly touch their labels as I skim across each vial, looking for the one I need for this trip.
Finally, I stop on one of the glassware on the second shelf. This. It should be perfect for this adventure. To double-check, I peer inside it.
I gently shake it. It's to check if this is the one I'd like to take for defensive and restorative powers.
Some smoke of different colors billows as it morphs and splits into three different projections; a few mythical creatures appear one after the other.
The first bottle has: [ Arctic Siren, Eternal Phoenix, Three-Headed Winged Hydra ]
In my armor, there's a slot that's right above my left hip. I pull on the flap's enclosure, insert the bottle inside, and close it back. Each container's enchanted with indestructibility, so I don't have to worry about accidentally hitting it or smashing it during battle.
I bring the other bottle closer, and I gently shake it once again to check as well.
Like the first one, something appears, but there is only one image this time. A full-grown man laughs heartily as he carries a weapon in his hand.
His beard swishes slightly as he sharply swings a club to the right, but as he brings it back, it glows and transforms into a spear.
The friendly-looking figure does another sweep, and it illuminates once again; this time, it turns into a mace. The image pauses, and it bursts into a puff of smoke before it completely vanishes once again.
The second bottle has: [ The Good Dagda ]
I caress the bottle fondly as it's one of my favorites to use, thanks to it being useful in various situations. Then, getting up from my chair, I go to my weapons rack.
I unlock a small compartment, slip the bottle inside, and close it back up again. I bring my palm over the slot; then I seal it with magic.
Every weapon I have has at least one small section where I can store a bottle inside.
There can be more than one set of vials, depending on the weapon. The thing is, I do have to be careful about what I'm using. The more powers I use, the weaker it gets. It's almost like using too many colors in paint; instead of getting the right mix, you end up with a greyed-out mess.
It'd almost be like a highly inefficient multi-purpose tool instead of a weapon. So obviously, I would try to avoid using it that way unless the situation calls for it.
The better the combinations, the better the results.
Feeling satisfied, I place my hands on my hips and give a firm nod before heading out.