Echidna
DIVIDER
AN: Um, well I decided to redo the whole story because the whole 'Archie and Atlanta, Jay and Theresa are married!' thing. It is really cheesy. So, I changed it. I hope it still is okay. R/R if you want to.
DIVIDER
Chapter One: It's Archie
"Gah! Geez, Jay not so tight! Are you trying to kill me?" Archie grasped the tie tightly wrapped around his neck and glared at his leader.
"Sorry Archie, I guess I'm just a little distracted. It's not everyday your mom gets remarried. And to Atlanta's dad no less!"
"It's okay, Jay. Listen, you know her dad's a great guy. Your mom's needed someone after your dad died."
"But so soon?"
"We're all here for you Jay. If you need to talk…" Archie trailed off, letting Odie fill in the rest.
"We're here, your mom's always around. Besides, you should be happy! A break from being a hero could be good for you."
"Exactly. Zeus knows you're overworked," Herry chuckled, clapping Jay on the back. Jay attempted at a smile. It looked more like a gas pain.
"Try to have fun? You owe your mom. And anyway, you'll get one good thing out of this," Archie smiled mischievously.
"What's that?"
"You'll get to see Theresa in a tight dress," Archie ducked as a pillow went sailing over his head.
Soon, the room was engaged in an all-out pillow fight. Chiron came in with a whinny of outrage.
"Are you all three-year-olds? I expected more from you. The wedding is in ten minutes!"
The boys began frantically scrambling around the room, putting on their ties, making sure their suits looked alright. A knock at the door.
"Jay, Archie? Boys it's time." Jay's mother, Anastasia appeared in the doorway, "Jay."
Jay went up to his mother, who held him at arm's length, "You look handsome, just like your father."
"Thanks… mom," Jay said awkwardly. His mother rarely talked about dad after he died.
"Are you okay?" His mom asked, concerned.
"Fine. I'm really happy for you," Jay put on a fake smile. His mom radiated happiness.
"I'm so glad! If you weren't happy…I don't know."
Jay felt a lump form in his throat but he ignored it.
"What is taking you so long Anna?" Hera's head appeared around the doorway, "Oh my. Well you do look stunning. Anna beamed.
"We'd better go. I don't want to be late for my own wedding."
DIVIDER
"Terri?"
"Yes?" Theresa asked, turning to face her best friend, who was clearly nervous.
"Do you think Archie will notice me?" She looked at Theresa cautiously. Atlanta was wearing a tight-fitting, simple black dress but, even as simple as it was, it made her look fabulous.
"He'd have to be blind to miss you," Theresa reassured her best friend and looked at herself. She was wearing what could be said, the exact opposite of Atlanta. A hot pink, strapless, "What do you think."
"I think he will be blind after he sees your dress."
"Oh shut up."
"Girls, it's time for the wedding. Are you decent?" Atlanta's dad, Cornelius peeked into the room, "There's my little angel. Atlanta honey, you look absolutely amazing."
"Thanks dad," Atlanta felt awkward. She hadn't had time to talk to her dad since he had told her he was getting married, "I-I'm really happy for you."
Theresa instinctively laid a hand on Atlanta's shoulder.
"Um…yeah. So let's get going. You know. You are getting married today, Mr. Johnson." Theresa said, breaking the awkward silence that had ensued after Atlanta's comment.
"Oh yeah. That's right."
DIVIDER
"Here comes the bride…" Herry was singing under his breath, trying to keep himself amused during the five minutes they'd had to wait for the wedding to begin.
"Wow, she looks beautiful," Theresa breathed.
"Really, we're starting?" Herry asked.
"Yes. Finally," Odie said.
Jay, Archie, and Atlanta were all up at the front. They had been asked to be Groomsmen and Atlanta, a Bridesmaid (because Atlanta's dad is a wimp and has no friends). The procession had begin and Anna was walking down the aisle with her father.
Archie shook his head. He was feeling a little dizzy. Strange. He wasn't supposed to get sick… Then, it was as if the time slowed down to him. Everything was blurry and unfocused. He put a hand on his head. Breathe. He told himself. Jay reached out a hand to grab Archie just as he fell. The crowd gasped. Most typical.
Archie's breath came in short gasps. He couldn't see, couldn't breathe. Everything, gone. He was falling. Holding on to the real world with only the feeling of Jay's hand on his shoulder and Atlanta's calling to him. His mind was swirling. What was happening. He couldn't be sick, he couldn't-Cronus. The answer came. Then, nothing.
Atlanta rushed to his side, "Archie, wake up, please. Wake up!" She was calling frantically, hysterically. He didn't respond. He was gasping, his breathing getting more harsh, frantic. Then, it stopped.
Atlanta panicked. No. He couldn't die. This couldn't be happening. His eyes opened. Dead, white. He rasped, "She will come back. It was foolish of the gods to think she would stay away forever. Body of a serpent. Head of woman. Echidna will arise and reclaim what is rightfully hers. She will come to conquer you, child of Achilles. No one survives when she wants them. Her place in this world will be redeemed."
Archie's eyes closed again. He shuddered and his entire body convulsed. He opened his eyes again. Bright, purple. His voice was shrill and menacing.
"Death will come to you all. So don't even try to protect him. I'm back, there's nothing you mortals can do about it."
It wasn't Archie. That much was obvious. But was he possessed, or had he gone mad?