.

After getting some advice on which islands to avoid and where to go, they left Sersi's island on mostly good terms, well Theoric did anyways. The girls however were another story, although Lydia did seem to have enjoyed her lessons as much as he did.

Looking back he watched the island fade from view before he saw a flash, and then it was no longer visible. Magic, something he often thought about learning but knew he didn't have the talent for it. He wished Gaea would have given him magical talent instead of a couple of powers he doesn't even like if he was being honest.

He didn't like forming things, he wasn't an artist or architect who could think of complex designs and shapes, everything he formed was very basic, and he certainly didn't like the healing power, sure it was fine to be able to heal yourself and others, but having it as a passive would have been a hundred times better for combat purposes.

This was why he was ecstatic when he found out he could take the divinities of the gods and be granted a portion of their power, giving him new abilities. He couldn't wait to gain more as he thought about the future, he would need it if he wished to accomplish half the things he wanted.

All these things and more rattled around in his head as he flew their group to their last stop on this odyssey, where he would have to confront the final guardian that protected the golden fleece.

Passing over the island of bloodthirsty giants which he was warned about, but had to see for himself. Turned out they were just normal-sized giants about twice the size of a cyclops and were every bit as aggressive as advertised, dodging projectiles as they passed.

Finding the island they needed wasn't difficult as the size was many times bigger than any they've seen before.

Giving it a once over, they noted the various features, from the woodland area to the desert flats, to the mountains. There in the rocky flatlands in the middle of the island rested their foe, a hydra slightly smaller in stature than the one they previously saw at the entrance to this island wonderland.

Sensing what they were after, Sigyn felt a wave of unease wash over,- "Theo, I think it's inside of it," she sadly said. The last thing she wanted was for Theoric to have to harm anything, especially ones she knew he doesn't wish to harm.

Lydia,- "Can't you just cut it out and heal it after?"

Sigyn eyes brightened,- "You're right! Since when did you become so smart?" she playfully asked causing Lydia to blush a little.

Nina second the notion- "Not only can you guys heal it, but don't forget the golden fleece is a strong healing artifact as well."

Seeing Theoric frown, Sigyn asked,- "What's wrong?"

Theoric,- "This could be tricky."

Sigyn tilted her head not understanding,- "Huh?" she asked

Lydia,- "Oh, I get it, the healing artifact is inside it, so if it works while inside then that could be a problem."

Nina frowned- "Not, to mention it'll likely be completely immune to my power since that's why we need it in the first place."

The dark green hydra that was twice the size of Grani's full 60' form and twice as long with 6 long snakeheads was quietly snoozing away, seemingly unaware of the danger that lurked above.

Theoric set up a platform in the air to allow the girls a safe place to watch,- "You girls wait here and I'll be back shortly."

Before he could leave, however, the complaints rolled in,- "What, you can't just leave us," "Yeah we can help," "We can fight too."

Theoric sighed,- "I don't need help, you should all just enjoy the show, no need to put yourself in unnecessary danger."

Sigyn wasn't having any of that as stomped her foot,- "Listen here Theo, I've always wanted to stay by your side, even when you went off to war, but I knew I couldn't because of how weak I was, but I'm not weak anymore! I've been given gifts the same as you and I wish to use them to help!"

Seeing her strong determination and unwavering gaze put a smile on his face,- "Is that so?"

Sigyn nodded,- "Mn."

Chuckling, he asked,- "Alright my love, what is it you have in mind? How exactly do you plan to help?"

Sigyn grew flustered being asked so straightforwardly, not knowing what to say, luckily Nina saved her,- "Set us down near the edges and we'll come up with something, don't worry about us, we can handle ourselves."

Lydia agreed,- "Mn, I have better control over my voice since I started practicing, I can aim it better so it doesn't affect those around me as much."

Nina equipped her bow,- "I might not be able to turn it to stone, but I can still shoot an endless supply of arrows while I help guard these two."

Sigyn- "I also have been practicing my powers and can do far more than I used to, I can take care of myself now."

Theoric patted her head,- "But I like taking care of you."

Sigyn didn't back down though,- "And I like taking care of you!"

Theoric sighed,- "Alright, if that's what you guys really want, although I'm not happy about it, I have to respect your decisions, I'll just have to work hard to make sure nothing happens to you guys."

Sigyn feeling fierce, countered,- "We'll work hard so you don't have to work hard, believe it!" She proudly said lifting her head up high, looking him straight in the eyes conveying her strong emotions.

Theoric grinned as he saw the other two supporting her on the side agreeing with her wholeheartedly.

It's the first time he's seen Sigyn so full of fire, and while he didn't wish her to come to harm, he couldn't deny her wishes, and secretly he also wished she could one day stand by his side. He had to stop coddling her and let her grow more otherwise that would never happen. He had to overcome his own fear of what might happen and toughen himself if he truly wishes to see her by his side at the top.

Dropping them off at the woodland edge as they wished, giving them each a kiss on the forehead telling them to be safe and wait until after he started before they do anything.

"You girls should know I plan on ending it fast so you might not even have to fight, but if anything goes wrong be ready," He said before flying back above the creature with sword drawn. Like Sigyn, he could sense it was inside as if calling to him as he prepared to strike fast, hopefully getting in and out before it even knew what happened.