Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson & The Olympians.
The Tale of Irene Jackson
Chapter 1
A little girl ran for her life. Her legs hurt from running so far, but she couldn't stop. She couldn't, not with that thing chasing her. She didn't even know what it was. All she knew was that whatever it was, it was scary and dangerous, and that she had to flee.
She turned into a small alley, hoping it would be too small for the creature to enter. But much to her dismay, the monster easily destroyed the walls and came after her again. She's tired, very tired. She hoped she could stop and rest, but she was too scared to do it.
A house came into her sight, and in a desperate attempt to lose the monster, she banged at the door, shouting and pleading for the occupant to save her. As the door creak open, the monster caught up to her and grabbed her with a huge, fury hand.
She screamed, and before she could register what was happening, she could feel water bursting from somewhere, startling the monster. She could feel the monster releasing her, but oddly she didn't fall. The water carried her smoothly to the ground, and when she dared herself to steal a glance at the creature, she saw the monster's silhouette dissolving into black dust. She was too stunned to even notice that she was not wet.
The opened door swings wider, and a woman's figure came to view. She seems like someone who didn't have her right mind intact. The little girl half-expected an angry scolding from the woman, but much to her surprise, the woman smiled. The smile comforted the little girl a little.
"Hello, what are you doing there, little one? Oh, my! Is that a Minotaur dissolving? Come inside, dear. I make cookies," the woman ranted. The little girl found herself being pushed softly into the house by the woman shortly afterwards.
She stared around the house. It was filled with mirrors and candles and pictures of a person with wings on his ankles and head. It wasn't exactly as comfortable as her home, but she liked it in a way (as a kid, she liked staring at her reflection in the mirror). The woman had rushed into her kitchen, presumably making some cookies.
Minutes later the woman returned, carrying a tray full of burnt cookies and some water. It wasn't the best dish in the world, but for the starving little girl, it was acceptable. As she ate the cookies, secretly enjoying the mix of bitter and sweet in her treat, the seemingly mad woman told her stories about her son leaving her just a few months ago.
After the little girl finished all of the cookies and emptied the glass of water, the woman gladly helped her take a shower (which is unnecessary, since she accidently washed herself when the water incinerated the Minotaur) and brushed her unruly jet black hair.
"Oh, I almost forget. What's your name, dear? I'm May Castellan," The woman chirped happily.
"I'm Irene. Irene Jackson."
That was 10 years ago. The main story starts here…
Irene pulled the string of her bow carefully, aiming for the bull's eye 20 feet away from her. When she released the arrow, it zipped swiftly and landed an inch away from missing the target altogether. She sighed. Archery's just not her cup of tea. She's better when handling swords (read: an expert).
"Well done. Last time it hit the tree behind the target." Chiron complimented. Irene glared playfully at him.
"Are you mocking me, Chiron?" She questioned with a quirked eyebrow.
The centaur only smiled and sent her a bright stare. "What do you think?"
"I think you're trying to say I'll never be a great archer." Irene replied while rolling her eyes. Chiron laughed. Irene laughed along. After a while, Irene's laugh was replaced by a frown. "Do you really have to leave, Chiron?" she asked.
Chiron smiled. "I'm not away for long. Grover said this half-blood he found is somewhat special, so I have to take a look." Chiron explained. Irene exhaled with great disappointment.
"I know, it's just that…I want to come," she stated. Chiron patted her shoulder reassuringly.
"I'm aware, my child. But you know bringing someone as powerful as you to him will only make his life more dangerous," Chiron reminded her, again.
"Yeah, you told me that." Irene rolled her eyes once more. Chiron chuckled.
"I just feel the need to tell you more than once. Well then, see you in a few months!" with that, Chiron trotted away.
That night, Irene barely had any appetite. She poured most of her supper into the fire; as usual praying to Poseidon, her father.
Dad, I know it's kind of selfish, but I want to see my family again. I miss mom, and I wonder what my brother's like now…Anyway, it's just a wish. See you around, I guess. Not like you ever come around. No offence.
Little did she knew, her wish was about to come true.
To Be Continued
A/N: A little short, but I promise it'll be longer next.