Layna pulled her hair into a tight ponytail, then regarded herself in the mirror. The martial arts classes were over for the evening, and the only other patrons of the gym were using the machines, leaving her alone in the room. The glass wall to her right allowed passer-byers to see the classes going on, but only one man stood on the other side of the glass, watching her. She paid him no mind and instead adjusted her cropped shirt, frowning at her reflection. She didn’t turn when the door opened, but she met the man’s gaze through the mirror as he approached her.

“You’re doing it again.”

Layna turned her gaze back to her reflection. “I’m not doing anything.”

“You’re running.”

Layna narrowed her gaze at him through the mirror. “No one asked you.”

“This is who you are, why run from it?”

“That depends,” Layna started. “Are you asking about embracing who I am as a woman, or who I am as some apparent hero?”

Sagittarius smiled. “You are who you are,” he said. “As a woman, and as a hero.”

Layna scoffed and blew the loose strands of hair out of her face. “Tell that to my lack of breasts.”

“I hardly understand the concept of breasts,” he said. “I am but space dust, after all. But I do not believe that that is what makes you a woman.”

“Human biology -”

“Human biology is far too complicated for either of us to argue. If you ask me, it’s nothing more than a nuisance that Zeus took advantage of.”

Layna smiled, then turned to face him, interrupted by the door opening once more. She smiled at the woman who poked her head in briefly.

“Just checking in,” the woman said with a smile. “Uncle Archie, right?”

Sagittarius rolled his eyes and Layna had to stifle a laugh. “Yes,” she said. “We’re about to head out.”

The woman waved to them, then stepped back, letting the door close. She waved again as she walked past the glass wall and disappeared around the corner.

“Archie?” Sagittarius said in dismay.

“What? It’s funny!”

“Ha. Ha.”

“If you’re gonna insist on hanging around, then you need to be believable.”

“Unlike everything else I’ve told you.”

“That’s why I take these classes,” Layna started. “So I can be the hero the universe needs. Or, you know, kick the ass of the creepy old man who’s trying to take advantage of me.”

“I would never let such a thing happen.”

“You’re the creepy old man, Archie.”

“Old, sure. Far older than you can imagine. But I’m not creepy.”

“You came here so much I had to lie and tell everyone you’re my uncle.”

“You live alone. You travel the city alone. You come to this place alone. Excuse me for being protective.”

“Yeah, and telling me that after I caught you following me didn’t help.”

“Apologies, I’m new to this being human thing.”

Layna laughed. “Fair enough. I’m new to being a woman. I forget how often men think they can take advantage of us. And since you’re not a man, and since your whole existence is being my protector or something, then I guess I don’t need to worry.”

“I’m glad you were easy to convince.”

“Says the creepy old man.” Layna grabbed her jacket and threw it on quickly, striding across the room to go outside. “It is weird that I’m freakishly good with a bow.”

Sagittarius fell in step beside her. “You’re welcome.”

“So, when do we start this adventure, anyway?”

“The twelve of us have been scattered all over the world searching for you all and bringing you all together,” Sagittarius explained. “As we get our bearings and near one another, we can start to communicate with each other. Capricorn and Cancer are both near, and I’ve detected traces of Virgo’s presence as well. I will coordinate with them and see if any of the others have been found. Hopefully, we can unite with them soon.”

“That’s a lot of people to try to win over,” Layna said. “I don’t think they’ll all be as willing as I am. You’re asking them to give up a lot. Leave their friends and families behind for an undetermined amount of time. And that’s assuming we make it out of this alive.”

“We never expected it to be easy,” Sagittarius said. “But I will make sure you survive.”

“I’m glad you’re confident,” Layna muttered. “But I don’t think anyone would miss me if I didn’t come home.”

Sagittarius turned to regard her as they walked. “I would.”

“You’re space dust that won’t exist after all this is done.”

“I want to feel offended by that, but you are right, after all.”

“I know I am.”

“It does not make my statement any less true. I hope I can make you see your worth in this world.”

Layna paused and met his gaze. “Well, you’re a good friend, you know, for a creepy old man and all. I’m up for this adventure, even if I’m the only one crazy enough to do it.”