In which Hera makes a battle plan

I left Evelyn to rest in her bed. I knew I should have more patience, she had gotten a shock. I couldn't even imagine the pain of finding out you had died in your home world. But something about the way she looked at me hurt deeply, I was hiding behind my walls now. Besides we had bigger things to worry about, such as my niece and nephews safety. Evelyn just needed a bit of time to come to her senses.

I joined Alex and Steve at the table. Penny was off somewhere recovering from her own shock, I expected her to be back soon enough. Katrina looped around us in happy little circles. She was entirely oblivious. We were better off that way. When she finally noticed me she jumped up onto the back of my chair.

"What happened to Evelyn?" Katrina asked.

"Shes taking a rest." I said.

"Is she okay auntie Hera?"

"Shes going to be fine." I assured, Katrina pushed off the back of the chair and bounded to the floor.

"Careful my little monster," Steve teased her. Katrina stuck her tong out.

"Jacks out in the garden," Alex said to her, "go help him."

"Okay!" Katrina ran outside.

Alex brought me some bread to eat. Then she set down again. "What do we need to do to prepare?"

"Is there somewhere hidden around here? Maybe a basement or mine." I suggested.

"I have a tunnel underneath the house where I dig sometimes," Steve replied.

"Sounds perfect," I said, "do you have any spare obsidian?"

"Maybe a bit, from when I tried to go to the nether," Steve shuddered slightly.

"Use it to reinforce the walls of the room," I said. "And make sure you bring a diamond pickaxe in with you. Also bring food and a bed for your kids, this room can't be very big, the deeper the better."

Both Steve and Alex were tense as they listened. But I could see they were determined.

"What about you and Evelyn," Alex asked.

"I have my swords, and Evelyn has powers of her own, being Queen of the enders." I tried to paint as rosy a picture as possible.

"Is Evelyn doing okay?" Alex asked, she looked concerned.

"She's a bit dazed still."

Alex got up from the table, "I think I'll go bring her some food, maybe I can help her."

I nodded, both Steve and I were silent as we heard her footsteps recede. Then Steve leaned forward to me. "She didn't want to overwhelm you more, we meant to tell you but all this happened, but were expecting a third child." He looked slightly terrified, "anything you can do to protect Alex, please do it."

I nodded gravely. "Of course."

"Even if that means excluding her from the details, I just want her to be calm. If something happens. You'll make sure she's okay?"

It was an easy promise to make, but to keep it. But still I promised him.

Alex came softly back down the stairs, "she's doing better, with a little food, I gave her some stew with potions in it. She still hasn't left her bed. But she told me to tell you she's sorry for what she said." Alex looked like she was waiting for me to explain, but I didn't say anything.

Whatever angry I held at her subsided. It was replaced by a warm feeling.

"Maybe I should go see her then, it might help."

I had just gotten up when I heard a scream outside. It sounded like Katrina. Both Steve and Alex jumped up.

"No!" I said, remembering what Steve had asked of me, "both of you stay there."

I ran out the door and gasped. The forest was crawling with monsters, and there in a tree were Jack and Katrina, completely surrounded.