Veronica guided Medusa into the sporting goods store's archery section, where an array of bows and crossbows stood displayed on neat stands. The selection ranged from simple designs reminiscent of what Medusa once knew to large, complex contraptions that seemed almost alien.

  One bow immediately caught Medusa's attention—an elegant weapon with a polished light blue finish and intricate detailing. She approached it slowly as she studied the oval wheels at each tip and the carefully sculpted grip. The string wound around the wheels in a complex pattern, while a small dot within the front ring glowed with mysterious light.

  "This is a compound bow," Veronica said, lifting it from the stand and offering it to Medusa. "It might surprise you, but we still use these for hunting—though with plenty of improvements."

  Medusa accepted the bow, testing its weight and balance. "Some things never change," she murmured, though her eyes sparkled with curiosity at the modern modifications.

  Medusa wrapped her fingers around the sculpted grip, surprised by how naturally it fit her hand. Despite its substantial appearance, the bow felt remarkably light and perfectly balanced in her grasp. She couldn't help but compare it to Athena's bow, which had always been heavy. This modern weapon? seemed to mold itself to her touch, making her movements feel effortless and precise.

  "Which one do I...?" Medusa began.

  "Pull this string," Veronica instructed, showing the correct one. Medusa nodded and drew it back, watching in fascination as the wheels at the tips spun as the bow's ends drew closed together. The pull started smoothly, but as she reached full draw, the resistance suddenly increased, creating a natural stopping point.

  "See this ring?" Veronica pointed to a circular sight mounted on the bow's right side. "Look through it and put the glowing red dot on your target."

  Medusa peered through the sight, marveling at how the red dot seemed to float in her vision, ready to guide her shot with mechanical precision.

  Medusa watched as Veronica approached the counter and began discussing the bow with the clerk. Her snakes writhed with nervous energy as she waited, still cradling the compound bow in her arms.

  After what felt like an eternity, Veronica returned with a triumphant expression. "All yours," she said, and Medusa felt a surge of gratitude wash over her.

  "But we'll need some arrows to go with it," Veronica continued, moving toward a nearby display bin. She selected several arrows and held them up for inspection. Medusa's breath caught—these weren't like the crude wooden shafts she's used to. These arrows were sleek and lightweight, topped with gleaming metallic tips. Brightly colored, flexible feathers shimmered under the store's lights, forming the fletching.

  Medusa couldn't contain her excitement. A smile spread across her face as she reached out to touch an arrow, marveling at its craftsmanship. Her fingers practically itched with the desire to nock one and test this magnificent weapon.

  When her stomach rumbled, Medusa realized it was time to eat. The sheer number of dining options overwhelmed her—so many scents and sounds competing for attention. Thankfully, Veronica took charge, leading her to a place called a "family restaurant" at the mall's far end.

  The moment the lemon-baked fish arrived at their table, Medusa knew she'd found something extraordinary. As she took her first bite, the combination of citrus and seafood awakened memories of meals from her mortal days—familiar and comforting flavors that spoke to something deep within her. Yet, this combination of tastes felt completely new, as if the ancient art of cooking had reached unimaginable heights. The garlic and spices wove through each bite, creating layers of savory depth that lingered on her tongue long after she'd swallowed. This wasn't just food—it was a revelation that made her grateful to be experiencing this modern world.

  As they ate, Veronica tilted her head and asked, "Lieutenant said you used to be a priestess. What was that like?"

  Medusa's lips curved into a small, wistful smile. Her fingers absentmindedly brushed over her plate, tracing memories long past.

  "I remember those days fondly," she said. "It was difficult at first—I was one of the youngest there and had so much to learn."

  Veronica leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "Really? Can you tell me about all you had to learn and do?"

  Medusa laughed softly, shaking her head. "Oh, yes. There was always so much to do—preparing offerings, making sure everything was in place for the rituals and keeping the temple pristine." Her expression softened. "But my favorite part was performing blessings."

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  Medusa's voice softened. Her fingers continued to trace absently along the edge of her plate, tightening there before she drew in a quiet breath and lifted her eyes to meet Veronica's.

  "It was a life of devotion and purpose, but also one of duty... and sometimes, sacrifice."

  Veronica listened intently. "Sacrifices?" she prompted gently.

  Medusa nodded, the faintest ghost of a smile tugging at her lips. "Yes. We took sacrifices to the gods, granted blessings to warriors before battle... prayers for wisdom in war."

  Veronica raised a brow, a teasing glint in her eye. "Tell me about the warriors. Were there a lot of them?"

  For the first time during the conversation, Medusa let out a quiet, genuine chuckle.

  "Yes," she admitted, her expression softening with the memory. "A few even seemed to harbor a romantic interest in me."

  Veronica grinned. "That's adorable. So what happened? Did you—"

  The question trailed off when Medusa's smile faded—not abruptly, but like a candle slowly dwindling. Her eyes lowered for a bit.

  "They fell in battle," she whispered. "Most never returned."

  Veronica's smile faltered, guilt flashing across her face. "Oh... damn. I'm sorry."

  Medusa shook her head, her snakes shifting over her shoulders. "Don't be," she said, her tone resolute. "That is the fate of warriors. They march off to battle knowing they may never come back."

  Her eyes found Veronica's again—steady, searching.

  "That's why I wondered about you," Medusa added, her voice softer now, tinged with respect. "You're a warrior too... aren't you?"

  "Well, yeah... kind of. In our time, we don't really use the word warrior. I'm a soldier—part of an army, I guess."

  Medusa looked puzzled. "So, you're always a soldier? You do nothing else?"

  "Well, not exactly. I also take care of my two kids here on base. So, you could say I have two jobs—soldier by day, mom by night."

  "How interesting. Why did you become a soldier?" Medusa asked, genuinely curious about this woman who had shown her such kindness.

  Veronica hesitated, her fork pausing midway to her mouth. "Funny you ask. What happened to you... happened to my little sister, too."

  Medusa's eyes widened in shock. "What?"

  "I know—crazy, right? That's actually why I joined. I wanted nothing like that to ever happen again. Nobody messes with us now. And don't worry, mija, this momma's got your back, too."

  A small nod was all Medusa could manage as the weight of this revelation settled over her. After a moment, she found her voice. "Is she okay now?"

  "She's doing better, yeah. As for him—he's in prison. Took a long time to get there, though. She couldn't talk about it for a while. That kind of trauma... it just shuts people down. But we got him in the end."

  Medusa fell silent, her thoughts churning like a storm-tossed sea. When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet but penetrating. "Is that why you were chosen to find me?"

  Veronica looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

  "Because of your sister," Medusa explained, holding her gaze steady. "Because you understand."

  Veronica raised an eyebrow, her frown deepening as she considered this. "Huh. Never really thought about it like that. Maybe. You're pretty sharp, you know that?" She took a big bite of her fish, but Medusa could see the wheels turning behind her eyes. A chuckle escaped Medusa's lips as she felt a newfound respect for Veronica settling in. "So, everyone is a professional fighter? Is Jim also one?"

  Veronica shook her head. "The lieutenant? Nah, he just started leading this platoon."

  Medusa's curiosity deepened, her serpentine hair swaying slightly as she leaned forward. "What was he before?"

  "A hostage negotiator," Veronica replied, her tone casual as she continued eating.

  Medusa's eyes widened in surprise. "What's that?"

  Veronica paused, setting her burger down to give the question proper attention. "Well, it's someone who talks to criminals who take hostages. The negotiator tries to talk them down, keep the situation calm and under control while a rescue team gets into position. It's all about buying as much time as possible."

  Medusa found herself genuinely intrigued. "Has anyone ever... died while he was negotiating?"

  Veronica shook her head, her voice steady and sure. "Not a single hostage. He's one of the best. He just knows exactly what to say and how to say it. Honestly, I don't think I could do what he does. I'd probably just be like, 'Fuck this,' and tell the team to go in guns blazing."

  Medusa raised an eyebrow, studying Veronica's face. "Would you really do such a thing?"

  Veronica laughed, waving it off. "Nah, I'm just talking trash. I'd never actually do that."

  Medusa sat in thoughtful silence for a moment, reflecting on Veronica's words. "That kind of patience... it's almost unnatural."

  "Yeah, no kidding," Veronica said, leaning back in her seat. "I've heard there's times he'll stay up all night, glued to the radio and monitor—just watching, waiting, talking. Sometimes for days on end."

  Medusa felt her eyes widen in genuine awe. The image of Jim sitting vigilantly through endless hours, holding lives in the balance with nothing but his voice and patience—it was almost beyond comprehension. "That's incredible. He has so much dedication!"

  Veronica smiled at her reaction, but Medusa found her thoughts drifting inward, processing everything she'd learned about these remarkable people who had entered her life so unexpectedly.

  After a long pause, she looked up at Veronica with soft sincerity. "Veronica... I think it's really nice that I met you both. From what I've seen, you're good people. Kind."

  She watched as Veronica blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sentiment but unmistakably moved. "Well... thank you. That means a lot. We're just doing our best to help, however we can."

  Medusa chuckled, feeling a genuine smile spread across her face. Something was becoming clear to her—these people weren't just different because of their strange clothing, machines, and technology. There was something deeper, something in how they thought, how they cared that set them apart from the world she knew.