Archie and Jefferson Baddingham were playing hide-and-seek in the forest. When it was Jefferson's turn to find Archie, he wandered excitedly, checking behind trees and bushes. Suddenly, a gut-wrenching scream cut through the air—it was Archie.

Jefferson sprinted toward the sound, heart racing. The earth-shaking roar that followed spurred him to run even faster. He didn’t notice how unnaturally fast his legs moved, only that he had to reach Archie.

Bursting into a hedge maze, he followed the screams until he saw Archie running toward him, yelling, “RUN!” before tripping on some vines. Jefferson rushed over, pulling him up—just as a monstrous figure appeared: a towering creature with a human body and a bull’s head, charging toward them. Terrified, Jefferson hoisted Archie onto his back and sprinted away, weaving through the maze at an incredible, inhuman speed. Archie clung tightly, noticing Jefferson’s newfound abilities but too shocked to say anything.

When they finally reached the Baddingham estate, Jefferson put Archie down. Pale and trembling, Archie stumbled inside, collapsing into Monica's arms and babbling about the creature and Jefferson’s speed. Jefferson followed, unsure how to explain what had happened.

Monica’s expression froze as Archie mentioned Jefferson's "godlike speed." She swallowed hard and motioned for Jefferson to come closer. “I didn’t think I’d have to explain this so soon,” she said softly, sending Archie upstairs to calm down. On his way, Archie passed Tony, who frowned at his older son’s pale face.

In the living room, Monica sat Jefferson down, nervously tapping her fingers. “There’s a reason you can run so fast, Jeffrey” she began. Outside, Tony lingered by the door, eavesdropping.

Monica hesitated. “You’re a half-blood. Your father... is Hermes, the god of commerce and travel.” As her words sank in, Tony, stunned, bumped into the doorframe, causing it to creak open.