The Hippocratic Oath

August 25, 45 B.C.; Nightfall

    Seidon stood at the mouth of the Healer’s Stairway, watching the gentle late summer twilight fade into nightfall. Gladiators, apprentices, and cubs alike had long since began retiring for the night, but the grey lion was still very much awake. He took one more look around the camp, then descended back down to where his newfound responsibilities—his newfound sisters (at last, he didn't have to correct himself after saying "half-sisters")—were waiting.

    Yuki and Hiyori were in one of the three underground rooms, fast asleep in a warm nest. As much as Seidon wished that their mother was with them, he was, for the time, being, that they were safe in Shadow Empire camp and not still lost in Shadow Empire territory. Or—at least in Yuki’s case—at the bottom of the river. As Seidon lay down next to them, he thanked the Guardians for what must have been the thousandth time all evening that he was there at the right moment. But while Yuki was saved from drowning, only Thalia or Evira could confirm if the cub was safe from a cold. As for Hiyori, Seidon knew without asking that the older twin didn’t want to leave Yuki’s side any more than he wanted to leave their side.

    That, and he found that his head had been aching ever since he and the cubs returned to camp. Perhaps he did catch a cold, after all.

    As he awaited the healers’ arrival, he thought about the visit Luna had paid the den earlier. No doubt the older female was anxious about him when she noticed his scent around the Healer’s Stairway. She hadn’t been the only one—Sara, Ambriel, and Anane were also with her. He answered their concerned expressions with a brief nod at the two pale forms nestled beside him before quietly explaining what had transpired at the river that evening.

    “Their mother is still missing, though,” he finished with a sigh, his brows furrowing. “The three of us tried searching for her on our way back to camp, but…” Seidon just shook his head. “I really do hope she is alright…”

    “I’m sure she is, Sei,” Sara reassured him, leaning forward to give her good friend a lick on the forehead. Luna, in turn, nuzzled the side of his face. And the liguar cubs, in an attempt to lighten their adoptive father’s mood, asked if they could play with the cubs once they were out of the healer’s den.

    “Of course,” he replied, “I’ll help introduce you to them—and then all of you can help me introduce them to the rest of the empire.”

    And with that, the four visitors departed, though Sara did come back inside to give Seidon her blanket.

    The grey lion snapped out of his reverie when he felt movement beside him. Looking down, he found Yuki shifting restlessly and mewing quietly in her sleep. “Yuki, Yuki…” Seidon’s tail stroked the smaller feline’s back in an attempt to calm her. “It's alright. I promise, you needn’t be afraid…I’m here.” He bent down to give both his sisters' foreheads a touch. “I promise.”

    Seidon was pleasantly surpised to find Yuki and Hiyori nestling closer to him before falling back into a deep sleep. He smiled tenderly at them. Stars of Sator, it had been far too long since the last time he experienced the enjoyment of looking after a cub; now not only did he have Ambry and Annie, he also had two more cubs to watch over. Sator knows what would come next for him.

    Laying his head down, Seidon allowed his mind to take him back even further through time—all the way back to a time when he himself was a cub.

***

3 years ago; Athens

    “Ananias! You're back!”

    The grey cub had been sampling the windfall apples from the orchard—he’d grown to love berries thanks the new friends he’d met the other week—when he heard his human come in from the garden gate. In the space of fifteen seconds, Seidon had sped toward Ananias and sprang into the young man’s waiting arms.

    “And how was your day, my little friend?” chuckled Ananias, scratching his beloved pet behind the ears.

    “Wonderful! I showed Maxine and the others around our orchard today!” Seidon knew that Ananias couldn’t understand feline speech as well as the cub can understand human speech, but he always loved ‘talking’ with him. Besides, somehow Ananias seemed to understand his companion even without knowing his exact words. “Did you have a good time at the academy today?”

    A smooth voice that wasn’t Ananias’s spoke from behind them. “Well, now, you didn’t tell me that you got yourself a cub.”

    Still stroking the lion cub, Ananias turned to face an older blond-haired human that Seidon had never seen before. “Haha, well, I’m telling you now, Hesiod.” The younger man set Seidon down, allowing the cub to go greet the visitor. "Little friend, this is my big friend Hesiod," Ananias addressed Seidon. "We bumped into each other on my way back from the academy."

    “Hello!” mewed the cub, brushing against Hesiod’s legs. “You must be a friend of Ananias. It’s nice to meet you!”

    Chuckling to himself, Hesiod bent down and gave Seidon’s head a couple of pats. “Affectionate little guy, aren’t you? What’s your name?”

    “His name is Poseidon—like the sea god.” Ananias gestured at the little gold trident pendant Seidon always wore around his neck. “But I call him Seidon for short.”

    “Seidon Argyris. A fine name for a fine companion.”

    Nearly fifteen later the trio were sprawled under a large apple tree, enjoying the windfall apples Seidon had been crunching on earlier. The cub in question was now dozing lightly in the arms of his human, but he was still listening intently to the conversation between to the two men.

    “So, how’s your messenger service coming along?”

    “It’s been getting better and better thanks to Seidon,” replied Ananias. “How’s your training to become a healer?”

    “Actually, I’ve completed training. Actually had to recite the oath earlier this afternoon.”

    “Oath?”

    “You know, the Hippocratic oath. Us healers have to swear by the gods to uphold certain standards while we practice our craft.”

    “Hmm, think you can recite it for us, Hesiod?”

    “Er, I don’t know, Ananias. I—” He was interrupted by a high-pitched mew from Seidon. The grey cub’s blue eyes were wide open and looking at Hesiod earnestly.

    “Don’t worry, Hesiod! If it’s a secret oath, we won’t tell anyone. You gave your word to do what healers do right, so we give you our word to also keep it secret. We promise!”

    Ananias laughed at the excited meows. “See? Seidon wants to hear the oath, too. It’s two against one, I’m afraid.”

    Hesiod couldn't help but laugh along with the black-haired man. “I guess so. Alright, I give in. But just this once, okay?" He cleared his throat, closed his eyes, and recited in a stentorian voice, "I swear by Apollo the Healer, by Asclepius, by Hygeia, by Panacea, and by all the Gods and Goddesses, making them my witnesses, that I will carry out, according to my ability and judgment, this oath and this covenant.” The healer paused and opened to explain to Seidon, “Asclepius, Hygeia, and Panacea are three gods of medicine, just like the mighty Apollo himself, young one.”

    “He knows that,” Ananias told the older man, “My little friend knows all the gods—shouldn’t be surprising, seeing how he is the son of a god.”

    “Of what god, may I ask?”

    “Ares. He’s the son of Ares.”

    Hesiod laughed aloud at his friend’s joke. “Now that I think about it, he does look a lot like that mighty lion. No wonder he's so regal-looking.”

    As amused as Seidon was by the two humans’ witty conversation, there was a grain of truth in their words. He did know at least some of the gods, and while he was by no means a demigod, his father was, indeed, the Lion of Ares. It was as clear as the speckles on his pelt.

    “Now, then, where was I?” Hesiod scratched his head for a moment, and then, “…I will prescribe regimen for the good of my patients according to my judgement and never do harm to anyone.”

    Holding his audience rapt, Hesiod recited every last line of the oath. Seidon took in every word as he lay in the arms of Ananias.

***

August 26, 45 B.C.; Late Morning

    “Mmn…?”

    Seidon lifted his head and looked around the den. Neither of his sisters were in sight. What was even more unexpected was that when he ascended to the surface, he was greeted with blinding sunlight. Blinking his eyes, he murmured aloud, “Just how long was I asleep?”

    “You really want to know, kid? All night. That's how long.”

    Thalia trotted up to him with a slight smirk on her muzzle. “And like a log, I should add. That’s not a bad habit of yours, is it?”

    Seidon seemed amused by that. “Oh, no, I hope not. Say, Thalia, would you happen to know—”

    "Where those two cubs are? Playing with the Silver, last time I checked,” replied Evira, appearing by her fellow healer’s side. “They seem to be attached to her already, especially the one called Yuki.”

    "Really? Now that’s a surprise."

    "Mmph, you can say that again.” Seidon could tell that Thalia didn’t mean that it was surprising that his very shy (to say the least) sister imprinted Luna rather quickly.

    "So I can say for sure that they’re in good health, right?” Seidon asked, steering the conversation away from Luna before it irritated Thalia.

    "You can do yourself one better—the cubs are by the nursery; go over there and see for yourself.”

    "You heard Evira,” said Thalia, giving the younger male a gentle nudge to the shoulder and narrowing her eyes good-naturedly at him. “Go on, go lend the den mothers a paw, and let us work in peace, alright?”

    By the time Seidon had approached the nursery, it finally came to his attention that his headache was gone.

***

Present Day; Midafternoon

    “No, it’s actually a bit more like this, Hiyo.”

    “What d’ya mean? I am doing it.”

    “Yeah, but if your belly's that low to the ground, you might brush against some leaves, and then your prey will hear you.”

    “Oh, please." The white lioness straightened up and scoffed at Ambriel, rolling her tangerine eyes. "There's snow everywhere, Amber. Not a leaf in sight. How could I possibly—ow! Hey, what the heck?”

    Anane had Hiyori’s tail grasped snugly between her paws. She treated the younger feline to a smug grin. “Bet you didn’t see that coming, huh?” she asked with a proud toss of her head.

    “Pfft, yeah, but can you see this coming!”

    Just as Hiyori was about to scramble around and tackle Anane, Ambriel thrust her paw out, blocking her. “Haha, later, Hiyo. Come on, we’ll try again.”

    Seidon chuckled to himself as Ambriel continued to try to teach Hiyori and Anane how to execute a proper pounce. The grey lion himself was watching the lesson—which probably would have gone better if Aoife or Eleka (or better still, both lionesses) were here to assist Ambriel—while Yuki sat listening intently to Sara giving a small tutorial on tracking.

    With Anane consistently sneaking out of camp to join her sister in training sessions, both Seidon and his mate thought it’d be a good idea for the six of them to spend the afternoon at Lake Blackwater. Just as well, Yori and Kiki were both just about ready to become apprentices as well Anane, so this was a good time as any for them to explore the territory…without any life-threatening incidents.

    Speaking of incidents…

    At the present moment, it was almost easy to forget about the Hunter raid on Shadow Empire camp. But for Seidon and Sara, it was far from easy. The loss of their captive was the least of their problems—a part of Seidon was actually glad that she was rescued. He didn’t like the idea of holding an apprentice, let alone a full Hunter, captive for an extended period of time. But either way, letting the raiders return to Massilia with their apprentice did nothing to bring Seidon’s friend back. Julius was still captured…Sator knew if he would even be given the chance to escape like Idetta was.

    Not only was Julius still imprisoned, but Pollux and Adriyel had been captured during the raid. And with Christian having been captured shortly before the attack, that made four missing faces within Shadow Empire. Needless to say, many were injured during the battle, including  Philos. It had hurt the grey lion's heart to find his peace-loving friend alone and in too much pain to drag himself back to camp. Seidon ended up carrying Philos back to the healer's den and didn't leave his side for a full three days, bringing the lion's tally of the times he slept in the Healer's den for the past season up to two. Not that he or Thalia (who was now Shadow Empire's sole healer, with both Evira and Salvia having gone missing) minded.

    But for all the things that Seidon had seen that afternoon, it was what he hadn’t seen that was the most devastating thing about the raid—for both him and Sara. He and Sara…they could’ve started a family…they had a big chance to start a family together…and it had been too late by the time they even realized it. Far too late…

    At the very least, Seidon thought, the rest of my Empire—my family—is safe. The grey lion had been returning to camp from a training session with Sebastian when they heard the sounds of battle. In a trice, the mentor-apprentice pair was helping the den mothers defend the nursery from the Hunters. The cubs had been utterly terrified by the ordeal, but otherwise unhurt. And as for Seidon, for once, he was able to do his duty as a gladiator without letting himself come close to dying.

    My duty…but is is just my duty…or is it also my oath?

    The ambush hadn’t been the only thing on the gladiator’s mind. Strangely enough, Seidon had also been thinking of the day that Hesiod visited, and the words he shared with his old friend and the young cub. The vows to help both anyone in need, no matter who they were.

    And at that instant, Seidon realized that the oath was more than a healer’s oath—it was also his oath. Healer or no healer, he also helped anyone—anyone—who called for it, or even when they do not call for help. Whether it was small things like minding the nursery cubs, or more serious things like getting a friend to safety in the face of battle…it was exactly the same. Just like the healers did, when they upheld the Hippocratic oath. And like healers, Seidon never took his oath lightly. Because it was more than just a moral code to live by. And to die by, if necessary. It was simply the way he was. And healing those who were ill and injured were just the way healers were. As seemingly different as he was from healers, they had more in common than what his own two eyes could perceive. Making sure that his fellow felines were safe, healthy and happy, protecting those he cared about, or just being there for his Empire—healers did the same for their communities as well. Funnily enough, it was almost as though he was a healer in his own way.

    Seidon stood up, stretched, and walked towards the three youths at sport, feeling considerably lighter thanks to his musings. “Annie, Yori, do you two think that you are ready to take me on, now? If you can defeat me, then surely you can defeat Ambry, as well.”

    “Heyyyyyyy!” protested Ambriel, feigning offense. Anane and Hiyori laughed aloud, and eventually the apprentice joined in.

    “Don’t take him too lightly.” Sara was grinning widely at the foursome. “He’s fiercer than he looks.”

    “Yeah, be careful, Hiyo!” Yuki called to her sister.

    “Don't worry about me, Yukine. I can take you on any day, Sei!” boasted Hiyori, springing back into a crouch.

    “Very well, then.” Seidon got into position, dividing a playful look between Hiyori and Anane. “Let’s begin.”

    Yes, he was pleased that he could uphold both his oath and his heart all at the same time. Still, perhaps there was always more that he can do to protect—to care for and to help—his Empire as a gladiator. In much, much more ways than what he can currently provide for Shadow Empire. Perhaps if he found a way to take those steps become that feline, then, well…

    Perhaps.

***

    “Now just how did you know that I needed these?” Thalia asked, down to pick up the bundle of feverfew Seidon deposited at her paws.

    “I didn’t,” Seidon answered honestly. “Sara had been showing Yuki how to identify plants by their smell, and I thought I’d help out both them and you.” It was a good way as any to wind down after being tussled with by two cubs and an apprentice. Not to mention, with only one healer within Shadow Empire, it didn't hurt to lend her a helping paw whenever he can.

    “Oh, is that all?”

    And he could always lend a helping paw, couldn't he?

    “Well, I er…no. No, that is not all, actually.” Seidon turned away abashedly for a moment, then looked back at Thalia, his blue eyes solemn. “There is something that I have been meaning to ask you, Thalia.”