The strange weather that had beset the city in the days before, the rain like a deluge for just one night, perhaps a grace from Uranus for the new circle that had begun. The cold throughout each morning, still close to dawn, was covered by the heat that erased the shadows of night. It seemed as if everything had returned, personified by riding in a carriage, the hooves covered in mud, their fur dripping with a mixture of sweat and rain, the horses' reins twisted tightly for the driver to maintain the pace of the journey.
"It took us a while, but we made it to this city. I feel like it's going to be like a second home for us, don't you think, love?" His body remained low to slow down.
— I think so. I'm glad it's a big city; we'll definitely have clients for both you and me! I've learned new techniques; I want to show them to everyone! — The voice came from inside the carriage cabin, not a cabin, but a house.
—That's right. The cold weather we've come with will be excellent for business! Who wouldn't want to stay in a warm, cozy place with a beautiful woman, right?
"I agree, dear. That's why I'm already organizing the flyers. Could you stop the carriage? I'll post them throughout the city and hand them out to people."
"Of course, the rain has already stopped." The horses' hooves quickly stopped hitting the mud. "So I'm already tidying up the shelves and opening everything. Even if we have rowdy customers, we can still make a lot of money from them."
The sky quickly cleared, clouds drifted overhead, and the sun shone even beyond its limits, helping to dry the landscape. The atmosphere remained chilly, but perfect for a meeting.
"Calm down, Shizuko, let me get this straight. The powerful Giant who helped us is in the body of a girl, the daughter of Apollo's greatest scientists. And now he's telling us her or his location? This sounds like a trap!"
"Young Mamoru, I talked to the child's mother for a while. She's a woman with excellent cooking skills. I don't think she'd be the type to set traps." A muffled sound came from a freezer in the center of the room.
— Mamoru, Count Dracula Popsicle is right. This woman seems like a mother who cares deeply about her daughter. She wouldn't be so crazy as to call us and tell us to meet up, knowing that if it were a trap, we could easily kill her and her daughter.
"You guys have your points. She said a friend of hers is going to pick us up here, right? So what are we going to do with the dead man's popsicle? You said it was going to be a gift... But how?"
"You'll see. Hurry up! We need to get ready! Have you already put formaldehyde on your scab? It's really unpleasant at a gathering of this magnitude for the gift to smell so bad. If you haven't done it, do it now!"
Amélia's phone call was as friendly and strange as possible, a mix of useful and inane information. She quickly gave her name, who she was, said a friend would pick up the trio, and that was it. After that, there was only confusion. She began talking about her daughter and how happy she was to see her new friends and eager to be the mother of another... Even though it was unclear what that meant, only she could know what she said.
"All set, dear! Now we just need to get to the meeting place. Are you excited to go play with your friends? I know it's going to be a little dangerous from now on, but your mom will hold your hand tightly."
— Funny human. I'm happy that I'm getting closer and closer to regaining my millennia-old strength and crushing Apollo. Especially with the help of humans, it makes me emotional. Those were good times, the only problem was Typhon, that idiot.
—Lie! Change of route, daughter! Hold on tight. — Amélia slammed her foot on the accelerator.
Amélia gripped the steering wheel tightly, turning it like a pirate leader finding a beach to plunder. A smile was plastered across her face; perhaps some of the alcohol from last night had lingered in her mind, making her more energetic. Her eyes reflected a place very special to her: her friend's mobile brewery.
— It's been so long, Amélia! I missed you so much.
"Me too, Mary. Can I come in? I was taking my daughter to meet her friends. I'll move him in here. Where's your husband?"
— Human?
Margarida's eyes filled with light; the being within him felt itself in his deepest memories. Before him stood a woman with long, black hair, as strong as her ebony body, braided in thick, long braids, a curvy figure, a soft face, and eyes the same color as the beer she held in her hands, a shade of amber. Beyond her curves, her height made her braids seem like chains that bound those who saw her up close. Her skin tone, though not so much from leading horses, gave her a tone reminiscent of blizzards and, at the same time, sunshine. Tears fell from Margarida's eyes, a sigh was heaved. The Giants are not extinct, I still have brothers and sisters out there.
"What's up, little one, or rather, Giant? Do I look familiar to you? But I apologize, I'm human, at most an Arachne. You made a great first impression on me. Your actions have made my sister angry and in trouble, I love seeing that. Let me introduce myself, I'm Mary Shire."