Chapter One- Warrior Before a War
The sun descended and the sky darkened as the blackness washed over. The silver moon peaked out and the stars poked holes in the sky, making little white, twinkling light. Perseus lied on top of the hill, watching Artemis ride her chariot across the sky. In the horizon, Greek ships sailed on the steady sea, waiting to bring destruction and chaos. Perseus knew he should be preparing with the other soldiers of Troy for the attack, but the young warrior wanted to be in peace for the last time.
"Artie seemed to be in a good mood today." Perseus turned to see the same blonde man that saved him many years ago.
"Yes, the moon is shining with beauty in this hour."
"Are you implying that you think my little sister is pretty?" Apollo asked, one of his golden brow arching upward,"We'll, Artemis does favor you. But I still don't get why she respect you, not me!"
Apollo threw back his head and laughed as his champion struggled to fight back the blood rushing to his face. Perseus coughed awkwardly and quickly tore his gaze from the dimming moon. In Apollo's head, he could hear his sister spouting out curses and her threat of putting an arrow through his family jewel.
"Pig..." Artemis hissed in his mind.
Apollo grinned inwardly at his raging sister and blushing champion.
Perseus coughed again, the redness on his cheek slowly fading out."What are you doing here?" He asked, "Wouldn't Zeus be mad?"
Apollo smiled and rolled his eyes. "As if Father would notice my disappearance." He muttered, crossing his arms, "Zeus is too into the war to worry about me." The Sun God's smile faded and he flicked his attention back to Perseus."Be safe in the battle my friend. Many great heroes fall in wars like this."
Perseus shrugged,"If this is the war you want me to fight, then I shall fight with my best. I would have to die one day, so why not in a battlefield?"
Thunder boomed in the distance, creating dissonance. Apollo scowled,"I guess my old man does care." The thunder rumbled louder. "I have to go Perseus, stay safe!" Then with a blinding flash, the immortal left.
Perseus closed his eyes and hummed in content. The warm breeze graced his face and the insects around him sang a summer tone. The moon shone brightly again, bathing the demigod with its soft light. Perseus listened to the song of the night and the whispers passed between the trees. He knew that this tranquil will never last.
"Rahrrrrr!"
The demigod jumped up and instinctually reached for his quiver, though all he managed to grab was thin air. Perseus' eyes widened and his nails dug into his palm. Behind the trees, a girl with silky black hair and volcanic eyes came running out. Her pale skin was streaked with dirt and cuts. A Minotaur came shortly after. The beast snorted and growled, it's dirty, brown fur matted with the scent of blood. The girl yelped and stepped back from the fear.
Perseus cursed at his luck and ran toward the towering bull.
"Hey Cowman!" Perseus taunted, tackling the Minotaur back. The monster merely stumbled two steps and glared at his dark hair opponent that reminded him of a son of Poseidon that defeated him long ago.
"Go!" Perseus told the girl. She shook her head, her dark hair swayed freely.
"Not without you!" She protested.
"Do you have a death wish?" Perseus yelled, but the girl remained silent. He held back some colorful curses as the bull charged forward. Perseus pushed the girl out of the way and slid between the monster's legs. He climbed up the Minotaur and twisted his body in front of the raging bull. He struck the monster in the eye and kicked the beast in the throat. The Minotaur howled in agony and pain as he pushed Perseus away from him. He looked at the fallen demigod with hatred in his eye, for one was bleeding severely. Perseus groaned in pain from the ground, his back burning with fire. He reluctantly hoisted himself up and glared at the monster hazily. True that Perseus is easily the best warrior in Troy, but in front of the Minotaur, he is nothing more than another weak mortal.
"I will send you to Tartarus!" Perseus screamed. He charged at the Minotaur, little trail of blood cascading down from his chapped lip. Perseus grabbed the Minotaur's arm and flipped onto his head. He felt his gut tightened as he wrapped his hand around the Minotaur's horn and pulled on it. With a sickening snap, the horn came off, it's tip gleamed dangerously from the moonlight. Perseus rose the broken horn in his hand and pierced the horn through the Minotaur's forehead. Slick gold blood leaked out from the cut and the bull dissolved into golden dust.
Perseus stood there, breathing heavily as he wiped the blood away from his mouth with the back of his hand. The dust fell on Perseus hair and the bridge of his nose, making his dark hair glistened in the dark. The girl gasped and ran toward Perseus, putting a hand on his shoulder, steadying the tired demigod.
"Oh gods, are you alright?" She asked, concern evident in her expression. Perseus grinned wearily and shrugged.
"What is your name?" He asked, staring at the girl before him.
"Zoe Nightshade..."
But Perseus quickly got pulled into the world of black and the scream from Zoë calling him as he slipped away.
Ta da! I am finish with chapter 1 and wow! These reviews are great! To answer a reviewer's question, I have not decided to see who Perseus is going to paired up with. Instead, you guys have to choose which lucky lady will end up with Perseus. Remember, it could be Clarisse who won the vote (Gross? I know) So please review and I will see you next time on 'The Victor of the Sun.'