So, I made two polls for this story. One is who will Galileo fall for; the other one concerns who should I kill off (don't have any votes yet for the second poll).
for the first one I'm at: Aphrodite 1; Thalia 1; Reyna 1; Jasmin 0; Persephone 0. Please PM me or check the polls on my profile or put it on a review.
Chapter 4
The crickets and cicadas chirped a calming chorus into the fresh, prime night. Stars twinkled brightly in the sky, a jewel in a black sea. A breeze brought in the salty cool night air mixed with the smell of the trees in the woods. Such a peaceful and beautiful night, except the moon wasn't out; it was supposedly the new moon in the cycle, but I knew it was off. The moon should've started waxing a week ago. Silently, I crept out of my bed-sheets and pulled on a black silk balaclava and a night-camo ninja-gi, enchanted to be close to active camo and laced with celestial silver and bronze threads. Just another perk of being the one and only son of Artemis: becoming spoiled from getting awesome stuff. The ash bedframe felt comfortingly like a bow, sturdy and gentle. I tip-toed to the bathroom in the back, passing by scenes of nature and animals being hunted by girls in chitons, the walls and the carpeted floor all hues of black, silver, white and grey that fit that of the moon and night. Despite the length of the hallway, none of the Huntresses heard me or at least they didn't stir. In fact, they seemed out cold and content to rest. A piece of paper was pinned to the door by and arrowhead, reading:
If you guys are reading this and neither me nor Galileo is here you can presume that we have gone to find Artemis and save her. Do not dare to seek us out and don't tell people we are gone until a day after so that no one will come to stop us. Gather your strength and be ready to leave when you receive my signal, but until then rest, prepare, and remain aware.
~~Thalia
"So she knows," I thought, thankful that at least she was on board with the plan. I whispered a silent prayer and lifted my arms extened out in a T and closed my eyes, head facing the ceiling. The thrum of life in my body, the rush of power that could only be described as divine-like, and a steeled determination after peeling away layer after layer of drowsiness, despair, love, hate, emotion. My blood coursed stronger,picking up more oxygen, bone toughened, muscles pumped, and immune and healing systems thrived. In other words, the parts that made me more god than human took control. It was an exercise to harness such power and strength that the Fates decided to weave into my fate. And without those I would never be able to survive the monsters that both feared and craved me. The crumpling of sheets and a couple soft murmurs echoed throughout the silent cabin. "They must sense it, too," I reminded myself. I clasped the handle to the door and slipped into the bathroom. Awaiting mein the shower was my bow, one-strapped backpack, the pair of blades, and the pair of knives. All the gear I'll ever need. I reach down and pluck the bow off of the grey marble tile. Its leather grip soothes me and reminds again of Artemis. Somewhere in the back of my mind I remember her. The godly smile and teneder, loving eyes after an anger and a cool calm that parallels my own. I know where I obtained those traits. Artemis was soft to let me live and I thank her for it. She may slightly resent that I am male but only like she does Apollo, perhaps less so since I am not that annoying. At least I think so.
Galileo, is that you? A melodic, tentative voice whispered. I whirl around but saw no one. Hello? It was Mom. Artemis.
"What do I say? Think, boy, think," I thought. I came up with one of the most godly thing to say, in the history of ever. Uh…hi, Mom. I love you. And don't worry about me, I'm fine. I mean pathetic.
For a moment the honey, sweet voice, laced with concern stilled. She said nothing. I love you too, my child. I know you might be upset at me, but I couldn't expose you for certain yet until I knew you were safe. She was tentative and it was kinda awkward.
Um, thank you for claiming me. I understood why, just be careful okay? Dad told me to tell you when saw you again that he still loves you. He was a great dad. I told her, in my head. I could almost see her smile and blink back a few tears. A joy and pain crossing over her face.
He was the greatest, Galileo. He vowed on the fateful day that he wouldn't let anything happen to you or me while he was alive. And he was right. Those telekines were as much after you as they were me. I reel back in shock. My father trying to protect both me and her. And did I just hear an attachment in her voice. Of course I had. I am her only child and he was her only husband it sounds like and it lasted for quite a bit, too. No wonder she was torn. There were some points that a familiar face would pop up during the summer. In fact, I remember her staying for a two years. Then she left and would only visit. Dad said mom was really busy with work in other countries. He said her name was Diana. Clever, drop the Roamn name of the Greek goddess and act like she isn't. I couldn't believe that I was remembering everything now. After I was six I didn't remember seeing her so I almost forgot. I'm so dumb and angry I almost punch the wall.
Mom, thanks for living with us when I was a baby. Her face appeared with a smile and a blush. She was embarrassed?! I couldn't believe it. One of the most badass goddesses ever and she is shy with me. Hey, it's okay. Take care of yourself and be safe. Don't worry about anything just try not to get caught. I tell her calmly, concerned out of love for my mom.
I'm afraid it's a little late for that. Artemis whispered, exhausted and wincing as if in pain. My blood boils and she picks up the un uttered question. Beware of Ares, Dionysus, and Aphrodite. They've helped captured me and are holding me prisoner. Some monsters come to torture and punish me. She breaks down sobbing, scared, desperate, and broken. I exploded in a raw red rage. I deep silver and white flame caught in my soul erupted and an icy calm like a killer and a hunter and the most steeled veterans have.
Mother, don't worry, I will find you. And I will kill those who dared hurt you and, most of all, I will kill the gods that hurt you. Something deep within me moved into alignment, a piece of the puzzle that I'd missed since the beginning of my life. A purpose and a motive, a drive. I vowed right then and there that I would some how stop the gods from tearing themselves and the world apart through these pointless feuds and arrogant egos. "If the gods couldn't rule wisely and stop feuding, they didn't deserve to rule over the world. It's as if their immortality blinds them and hinders their minds and morals. In a sense demigods are superior," I thought before brushing it aside, though slightly reluctant. With that thought, I grabbed the backpack-quiver and the weapons and pulled myself through the open glass window, just low enough that it would only show my chin and up. A small breeze blew and the soft chorus of insects sang their tunes, but otherwise the full-fledged night was undisturbed. Every step I took, hugging the shadows seemed agonizingly loud in the peaceful silence, though it was almost inaudible at even a small distance. The cabins stood in a semicircle, almost vigilant; sheepdogs watching over the helpless, sleeping flock. A flicker of light flashed for a brief moment. Thinking I'd been caught, I rolled behind the wall of the nearest cabin to take cover. Nothing but the uninterrupted silence of the night. I risked a peak around the corner to judge how I would need to respond. I exhaled in relief, seeing that the only light was the tiniest sliver poking through a crack in the window curtains of cabin two. So Percy and Thalia are in the cabin, probably Jasmin and Annabeth as well. Well here goes nothing. Crossing my fingers, I bolted towards the cabin, hating every moment of running out in the open across the clearing between the cabins. It's the instinct that allows foxes and such non-peak hunters to survive; ever more true for a kid that just swore to take one Ares. If I had seen me, I would laugh out loud at the hilarity of challenging the God of war. But Percy did it, a small voice protests. Yes, but he is of the ocean and I am of the moon and—partly—the sun. And that alone should have been enough to console me in any chance of success. Apparently, it wasn't. No I required much more assurance to go up against a god that now I would have to do or be eternally damned. If the gods themselves are scared to break oaths to river Styx then I should be doubly worried.
The tiny crack of light drew close, coming from the window to the right of the door. Percy's fountain gurgled, holding golden drachma in it. A whole cabin shaped as if coming from the sea, large and intriguing. So the bigger the gods the more impressive the house. Makes sense. Muffled whispers escaped the cabin, excited and nervous. Interesting that they may have started without me, completely unfair too. I stalked behind the cabin, rolling the idea in my head, coming up with what Percy, Annabeth, Thalia, and Jasmin might be saying. The back window was dark, though the blue curtains were open. It had to be the restroom. Sliding a thin piece of titanium in between the bottom crack of the window and wall and pried upwards in one smooth movement. The window popped up, opening its maw to the dark room beyond. I hopped from the window ledge inside and closed the glass window. A scene of the ocean covered the bathroom walls, showing coral, fish, and the deep blue sea. A hippocampus and a portrait of Poseidon also adorned the bathroom wall, while the sink was made with the shell of a giant clam—fancy. The whispers crescendoed to quiet talking, still muffled but not entirely so. The yawn of Percy, the wisdom filled tone of Annabeth, and the fiery voice of Thalia all present. I popped open the door to reveal Percy and Annabeth sitting on the same bunk and Thalia and Jasmin on the other. For some reason Rachel Dare, the oracle, was also there. She jumped in surprise at my sudden entrance. Percy uncapped Riptide immediately in reaction to Rachel's yelp.
"Whoa, hold it. It's me" I hissed, putting my hands up so Percy wouldn't take a swing at me.
"Sorry about that," Percy replied, capping Riptide which slid back into pen form. "Nice ninja-assassin outfit you got there by the way." He gives a tired smile before returning to business. Rachel sits back down, calmed and eager to hear me out like everyone else. Thalia motions for me to tell them the plan that I had relayed to her.
"Okay, this may sound crazy but I would like to know if you guys could help me and Thalia save my mother, Artemis. Tonight," I said, blurting it out without subtlety. Who cares about that? Not at a time like this.
"Wait, back up a bit. You want us to go help Artemis in the middle of the night for what reason?"
"Well, she contacted me a few minutes ago and told me she was captured by a shit ton of monsters and a few of the gods. Artemis said to beware of Ares/Mars, Aphrodite, Jupiter, and Hephaestus and is being held hostage." I let them absorb the information. Thalia balks at me and blinks in surprise and hurt. Why would Artemis tell her son what was happening but not her lieutenant? I shrug in response to Thalia's question, I had absolutely no idea.
"So is that the reason why you didn't invite Piper, Leo, Jason, and Frank?" Annabeth asked inquisitively, squeezing Percy's hand. "Is there anything else you need to tell us about what you want to do?"
I grimace and flush in embarrassment and stupidity, looking down before I say the fateful words. "Since Artemis put extra emphasis on Ares, I did swear on the river Styx to kill him or die trying." I look up as I said it, gaining confidence from the anger swirling inside of me. I looked around the room and saw my worst fear: utter disbelief, horror, and surprise. The only one who wasn't was Rachel. At that moment green mist coiled around her and emanated from her eyes.
Six shall go north where flame makes home with snow,
There they shall find the chained one wracked in pain and woe.
In the raging battle, the force of war and moon collide
While betrayal will come from thunder or the tide.
When all seems lost enemies shall answer your call
And to the fledging god Olympus shall rise or fall.
I stared at her utterly surprised by her words. It seemed as if an ancient, primordial voice of wisdom had spoken words true to the core and in what would come to pass. Though there was one part that really bothered me deeply. "Rachel, can you repeat that last part again please," I asked, she just looked at me bewildered and confused by what I said.
"Something like Olympus will rise or fall to a fledging god. But the prophecy doesn't make too much sense. I mean some parts are obvious: six people will go north and Ares/Mars will fight Artemis. The rest though is too riddled with holes," Annabeth answered frustrated. I could see the gears spinning in her head and Percy seemed utterly crest fallen at her side. Something was wrong with him.
"Jackson, what's wrong? You look like shit," I asked not-so-tactfully.
"Well it's because of the part that says I will betray someone. The other part, though, is Olympus falling. I saved it multiple times and yet again it begins to collapse. Why can't things ever be peaceful?" Percy muttered through his hands, which covered his face. Suddenly that cheerful young aura of my role model had become old and solemn, a sight so alien that it brought back certain snippets of information.
"Since when did I say you would come with, Percy? If there is one thing I don't want is you and Annabeth dying young or falling apart or whatever. As far as I'm concerned, you and Annabeth are staying here." My voice was so stern and firm it utterly surprised me. Percy and Annabeth looked up at me in shock, confused at first to my statement. Annabeth's expression turned to gratefulness though Percy seemed almost defiant, until he peered in Annabeth's grey eyes.
"So if you aren't taking us two who will you bring?" Annabeth asked, curious of my decision and waiting to approve it.
"Thalia is coming for sure. If you would like to, Jasmin, you can come. Reyna and Nico would be useful. As for the sixth, I could use a suggestion," I announced. Thalia nodded at me in approval and Jasmin gave me a thumbs up. Good, two of my first picks agreed with me. Now as for Nico and Reyna, I was unsure of their opinions. Nico still needed to fully recover from the shadow travel that he'd miraculously done in order to deliver the Athena Parthenos and I had only heard of Reyna through the stories at camp.
"I can't say for sure, but are there rules on recruiting gods? We can technically recruit monsters and demigods, but why not immortals?" Jasmin asked aloud, the distant look in her hazel eyes suggesting that she was lost in her thoughts. I smiled inside at just how similar her thought was to mine, mainly because it made sense in this occasion for at least one god to be pissed off enough to join forces with their nephews, nieces, cousins, and grandchildren.
"So, you sure you don't want my help?" Percy asked again with an almost pleading face. Why would he beg to go, though? It didn't make much sense, after all the pain and suffering he went through with Annabeth, to go on another horrible quest that could easily kill him. "Look, I know it sounds harsh, but you really have no experience with this type of thing, okay? So, you are going to need me. Plus, I'm probably the best swordfighter here," Percy said, hands held slightly away from his body and looking me dead in the eye.
"Well…as long as Annabeth is fine with it," I sighed, faking reluctance. Actually, I was happy that Percy convinced himself to come with lots of determination as well. The determination meant that I didn't force him into this. And its always important to have a qualified and highly skilled person on your side.
"Percy can go if he wants. I can ask Grover to put an empathy link between me and seaweed brain anyways," Annabeth yawned. I winced slightly, feeling sorry for keeping them up all night. "Oh, and before I go back to sleep, I'll Iris-message Reyna for you." She smiled a little bit excited to talk to a friend I guess, or waiting for her reaction. Annabeth hopped off the bed and walked to the front door wearing sweat-pants and a baggy t-shirt two sizes too big, sleeves cut off. The gurgling fountain! That's where she is going.
"Thanks for letting me come along by the way," Percy whispered, punching my shoulder in a friendly gesture.
"No problem, it's just that I don't want you to get in trouble or anything nor get in a fight with your girlfriend. Plus if you die, Annabeth is going to kill me and it won't be pretty." I wanted to minimize the risk of betrayal and such, too. Percy chuckled a little bit at the last part, getting the joke. I hopped off the top bunk and made my way outside, leaving my backpack inside. No need for weapons and gear at the moment. How had everything divulged to becoming casual anyway? The rest of them probably fell into familiar ground with Rachel saying the quest and all. I almost slammed into Annabeth right then, patiently waiting for Reyna to pick up. Or so indicated by the rainbow screen thing.
"Whoa, sorry Annabeth" I muttered in a low voice to avoid anyone hearing anything. She relaxed her shoulders, obviously relieved it wasn't someone or thing that wasn't particularly friendly. "So, how is this Reyna. I've only heard about her getting Athena's Aegis and that she helped Nico on a quest and that she is the child of Bellona with very good combat and tactical skills."
"Well you'll see for yourself soon enough. I'd rather you meet her through this and then ask her to come," Annabeth replied, tired. Her voice was flooded in sleep, and she had to keep blinking her gray eyes to stay awake. "And don't worry about not knowing her. I'll introduce her to you and she's quite, let's say, likeable once you get to know her." The way Annabeth said that made me raise an eyebrow in some confusion. She didn't clear anything up with that statement, plus it was more avoiding the question than anything else.
A clash of light and the fierce dace of girl flashed in the rainbow screen thing. Long, wavy-curly, black hair tied back in a ponytail. A frown and scowl etched her face. 'What is it Annabeth?" She sounded tickedoff and tired, my fault I guess. Hopefully she won't hate me for keeping her up.
"Hi Reyna. Good to see you, too. So I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine: Galileo," Annabeth said with a quick smile. All the tiredness had drained from her face. "Galileo this is Reyna," I waved and said hello as Annabeth paused, "And Reyna this is Galileo."
"Reyna, um, I know this is really short notice but I need your help. My mother, Artemis, was hunted down and captured by a coalition of gods and monsters. Also, the Oracle told me that I and five other demigods were supposed to go north somewhere; and Artemis told me to beware of Ares and Aphrodite and a few others; and, long story short, can you come on the quest. I need your strength, leadership, and close-combat ability." Reyna stared, wideyed, overloaded by the information. Ugh, I should have slowed down for a second.
"Wait, slowdown cousin. Artemis/Diana is supposed to be an eternal maiden, yet you say you are her son? I will help you go on the quest to save her, but I need more details on the situation things are in and I need to hear the prophecy," Reyna replied steady and determined, her eyes asking for information and fired with determination.
"Okay, well, the prophecy should cover what you need then. Here it is word for word:
Six shall go north where flame makes home with snow,
To find the chained one wracked in pain and woe.
In raging battle, the forces of war and moon collide
While betrayal will come from thunder or the tide.
When all seems lost enemies shall answer your call
And to the fledging god Olympus shall rise or fall." Once I had finished uttering the prophecy Reyna just shook her head gravely. I clenched my fists, blood boiling at the prophecy again and those who dared to hurt my mother. "There is another thing you should know, Reyna. I am going to kill Ares or die trying because I had sworn on the river Styx to do so."
"Are you insane?" Reyna muttered softly her outrage and surprise bleeding through her words. "That is a death wish. I'm sorry but I don't think you can go up against the god of war and defeat him." Her glare was slightly disapproving but softened when she realized I had made the oath under anger and from the circumstances. I thanked the gods that she didn't reject the offer right then and there. I guess she said that because Ares is a total douche bag and because of what he had done or taken part in.
"So, we are leaving to go North-West in an hour or so. Ask Hazel to lend you Arion. Something tells me she won't need him at the moment." Reyna nodded thoughtfully and I could practically see the gears turning in her head. The moment of indecision passed and she ended the IM without another word, no words were necessary in this situation. There was nothing left to say. A leader of New Rome would not let something such important slide away and not help out, especially Reyna. She did have a point, one that chilled me to the bone. No one can truly kill a god, but is sending them to Tartarus or the underworld good enough. Is stripping the soul or memories of someone considered killing them? Certainly the person they were before disappears though the body remains with a new conscience. I thought all this as I sneaked back into the cabin with Annabeth and closed the door silently.
"So, what did Reyna say?" Jasmin asked.
"She'd meet up with us at the edge of north-west Manhattan. Percy, pack your bags quickly. We need to meet her there in an hour," I replied, taking charge naturally. There hasn't been a day in my life when I had been so certain.
Percy POV
"Unfortunately, Nico isn't coming," Thalia announced, walking through the door. I swore that we'd get caught if we kept running around. Someone's bound to notice.
"Shit, screw what I said before. Annabeth if you want to come, go ahead," Galileo muttered impatiently. He had checked everything three time over waiting for Thalia to come back. We only lost ten minutes but the son of Artemis was fetting really impatient. The guy looked like a freaking ninja, especially when inspecting his gear and only showing the barest traces of calm impatience on his face. His wiry build added to the ideal lithe ninja, just strong enough to overpower the strongest of humans and not a pound of muscle more. You need to be agile I guess.
Annabeth strapped on her pack, already prepared, sheathed her bone sword behind her back, and smiled at me. Gods, everytime she did that my heart pounded twice as fast. Even after all this time she has the effect on me as she did a few years back, before we started dating.
"Perce, quit staring at your girlfriend and gear up. We leave in one minute."
"Ooh, Astro boy is bossy," I teased. I know it's immature, but still. He rolls his eyes and shoots out an arm. With amazing finesse he had reached into my pocket, taken Riptide, and uncapped it all before I could even blink.
"Nice sword, Percy," he said, inspecting the bronze blade. "However you should sharpen it a little more and take better care of it for maximum effect. It also is disappointingly benign when not in your hands. Are you sure this was the sword Herakles used?" The appraising and smug look on his face nocked me speechless. Had the new guy treat the best hero at camp like a two-bit wannabe. It made my blood boil. "Jk, Percy. Just grab your pack and let's go." When I didn't budge he gave me back me sword, suddenly realizing it was still in his hand.
It took another five minutes to sneak out to the pegasus stables and get them ready. Better to travel like this than go overland. Normally the pegasi would be noisy when approached at night, all ways alert, but that didn't apply when I was around.
"Percy, there is one problem," Thalia gulped. "I'm afraid of heights," she mouthed. No shit, I thought. I forgot that the daughter of Zeus was afraid of such a benign and contradictory thing, it almost made me laugh again.
"No problem, you could ride with…" I began.
"She can come with me," Galileo offered, already mounted to one of the winged horses but with no saddle nor bridle.
"I think that's a bad idea," Jasmin offered, "because one, no one will be safe with someone who rides without any gear to keep them on and secondly it's already sketchy that a new kid is piloting a flying horse on a mission never mind doing it with a passenger." Jasmin had a logical point, Galileo was being absolutely crazy with his idea of riding no-saddle and no-bridle; it's about as safe as riding a unicycle with a flat tire down a steep rocky hill.
You'd think he would be deterred by that, right? Almost everyone would see the sense in it. If you insist on believing that, well, you've never known Galileo. He just shrugs like its nothing though, already riding a silver pegasus away from the stables at a trot. "It's not that hard actually. It's all in the cores and legs and your reflexes. I've done this before with a few horses and I've never fallen off even at a gallop. Plus, I've flown a souped-up glider a couple of times at my uncle's house. Can't be much different." His voice meant to be reassuring by the glint of his eyes but it came out more arrogant and defiant. Jasmin considered his words and Annabeth nodded in agreement with him. So the physics and stuff must be correct, I thought. "I think I can handle an extra person. Plus, Thalia can call a cloud in to stop our fall if we fall off, right?"
"I guess I could," Thalia replied her shyness receding only slightly. Why was she shy around him? She looked a little nervous too. "Okay, I'll go," Thals finally decided. This day couldn't get more worse could it?
Galileo gave Thalia his hand to help her up, which Thalia took. His hand almost engulfed hers. The guy is one giant son of a gun. He hoisted her up on the back of his Pegasus. I think he's called Ganymede after one of Jupiter's moons because of his color, temper, and the way he could almost be a celestial object when light hit his shining coat.
"Careful with Ganymede, Galileo, he's one of the fastest and most independent Pegasus we have," I warned.
"Huh, fitting that you're on a Pegasus named after a moon your namesake discovered," Annabeth said, giving weight to the coincidence with an implied 'you should get along'.
"Let's hit it guys," Galileo said. Ready to leave. We had only forty minutes left and quite a few miles to cover. I mounted Black Jack and Annabeth hopped on, too, the flying horse excited to spread his wings on another adventure. Jasmin in the meantime mounted a chestnut mare. It wasn't big, but she could maneuver very well and had amazing stamina, making up for her loss in speed. We pushed them to a gallop and as the horses approached the familiar calm sea, they leaped into the air, flapping their wings with force.