AN: So another chapter. I am sorry about the length but this is mostly just a filler chapter so it was bound to be shorter then I wanted it to be. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and I'll try to update a little more frequently but I am focusing on two other stories as well so my time is split between real life and my stories.
Anyways R&R!
Daphne Jackson and The Sword Of Hades.
Chapter 4: I Become an Outcast.
That night after I returned to my cabin I fell into a restless sleep.
Before I go any further I'd just like to state that demigod dreams suck, and that was my first thought as I found myself in a deep dark place. Looking around I could feel the evil the placed put out and walking forward I gasped as my foot reached the edge of a chasm of darkness.
That may sound cliché, but that was basically what it reminded me of. A deep, dark put. Backing away I nearly tripped over a rock, which made me wonder how real this dream was.
The plan is going smoothly my lord, a voice interrupted her thoughts.
It was a familiar voice, but she couldn't quite place it. Looking around I noticed a semi-solid figure kneeling at the pits edge. Head bowed and darkness covering the form, I couldn't see any facial features, but I knew it was male from the voice.
Good, soon my revenge shall come into fruition.
I gasped, almost sure that my breath would be seen as if I was in a very cold place. The voice sent shivers of fear and disgust throughout my body, and yet I felt like it could tell I was here.
Are you sure this is the right way to go about this brother? Another cruel voice asked. I could barely see the kneeling figure tense and shake for a moment. Haven't you played this card before?
You are right, but the difference is in the details my dear. Trust me.
The other voice seemed to snort. Who would trust you, you deceive with your very breath.
I was startled when the voice floated up from the pit once more, this time seeming to be right in my ear. Like your father and mother before you little hero, I shall use you to my own ends. This time I will not fail.
I shot up in bed, sweat dripping down my forehead and making some of my hair stick to my face. I hadn't had dreams that intense before, and I had no clue what it could possibly mean.
The next morning when I woke up I noticed only Matt still remained in the cabin. He sat at a desk – the only desk in the cabin for those who didn't wish to camp out on their bunks for whatever assignments or reading material they had – reading a magazine.
I frowned, threw my covers back and jumped from the top bunk onto the ground with ease. Matt didn't even hear me as I walked over, plucking the magazine from his hands.
"Did you steal from Luka's stash again?" I asked, looking at the magazine which sure enough had scantly clad women featured on it. I shook me head, clucking my tongue in mock disappointment. "Whatever would your parents think?"
Matt snorted, snatching the magazine back and tossing it onto the bed closest to him. Looked like Luka was gonna blame Sam for his magazine being taken.
"Well, I'm not sure about my mom but I'm pretty sure my dad would pat me on the back," he said and I snickered.
"Probably," I said walking over to my drawers and pulling out some clothes. "I'm gonna head out to the bathroom to shower and change. I'll meet you in the stables with the others."
Matt nodded and I left, thinking of how for a hardly eleven year old boy Matt was sure girl crazed – and perverted but that wasn't the point, or maybe it was?
On the way to the bathroom I noticed others stopping to look at me, whispering to one another and pointing. I bit the inside of cheek and tightened my grip on my towel. I knew what they must be thinking, 'there goes the thief of Hades' sword.' or 'Dead girl walking'.
I wasn't sure which one was better.
Thirty minutes later I walked to the stables where I could already see Matt, Hannah, Theia and Ian waiting for me.
"Hey, Jackson!" I turned, sighing as I saw Warren coming towards me with a group of his siblings.
"What do you want Warren?" I asked.
"Wanted to know what you'd like on your shroud, you know since you won't be alive much longer being on Hades' shit list and all."
Warren and his siblings laughed as if it was funny and I glared, tightening my fist. I would not punch him in his smug arrogant beefy face. I would not run my daggers through his overly muscled chest.
I kept telling myself that but I'd always had a temper. I blamed my parents who both had a temper on them. Just my luck I inherited it from them and by default from Poseidon and Zeus who also had tempers.
"Look, why don't you go play with your weapons or something," I snapped, though I knew it was a lame comeback.
I just wasn't in the mood to try and think something up. I was in the middle of being pissed at my uncle for accusing me of stealing his sword and a breakdown from all the stares and accusing looks.
"Hey Blake!" I turned shocked to see Andy walking towards us. "Why don't you leave her alone."
"What's it to you pretty boy?" Warren sneered.
Andrew smirked. "Is that the best you can do warhead?"
Warren snarled and stormed off, leaving me with Andy.
"Thanks, but you didn't need to help me." I turned, walking off.
Andy followed behind me, his footsteps giving it away. "Wait, Daphne!"
I stopped short, turning around. "What, is this like the third time in years you've used my first name? What's so special about now, it's not like you like me."
Andy sighed. "Look I know we got off on the wrong foot, but it doesn't mean I don't like you. I don't like Ian, and I guess I let some of that transfer to you. Then there is that whole Athena, Poseidon thing."
I chuckled bitterly. "I was claimed by Zeus you know, I don't have much power over water."
He nodded. "I know. Look, I don't think you took Hades' sword."
I nodded, sighing. "Thanks, but that doesn't really help clear my name."
"Andy!" I looked behind him to see his sister. Salome didn't look to happy to see us talking.
"Looks like your bit-sister is calling," I said and he snorted.
"Just between you a me, she is sort of a bitch," he whispered and turned, jogging towards Salome.
I turned, and ran towards the stables were I was greeted enthusiastically by my friends.
"Why were you talking to Davies?" Ian asked, frowning.
"Well, it appears I've become a bit of an outcast," I said chirpily, nodding to myself. "He helped me get rid of Warren and his pigs. Wanted to let me know he didn't think I was the thief."
Ian frowned, but didn't say anything while Theia, Matt and Hannah grinned.
"He's pretty cute," Theia said, smiling. "Rather good at stealing and lying to. I thought he was a son of Hermes when we first met."
I frowned.
"Ooo-kay, it's nice to know you think he's cute, and a good thief," I said, but then moved on rather suddenly. I figured it was best just to spring it on them all at once. "So about this quest."
There eyes widened.
"You're actually going to do it?" Ian demanded, not sounding very happy.
"Why shouldn't she man?" Matt asked, punching Ian in the shoulder. "She has to clear her name somehow."
Hannah frowned. "But she could be killed? None of us have ever been on a quest."
"Exactly!" Ian exclaimed.
I said, "Look guys, I think taking this quest is for the best. I mean if someone doesn't find it by the solstice, bad things are gonna happen."
I thought about telling them of my dream, but for some reason I just couldn't. I couldn't even be sure it was real or not. A part of me scoffed, since when were demigod dreams not real?
"Daph?" Zoe's voice interrupted us.
We turned to find my younger sister staring with wide eyes. She had been a few stalls over with her personal pegasi, Moonshine. Mine was Backbreaker – for some reason my pegasi had a strange since of humor. Basically my uncle Tyson once got on him and Backbreaker swore up and down he nearly broke his back so his name became Backbreaker (It seemed to be some tradition that pegasi didn't get names until they got owners). Both were children of my dad's pegasi, Blackjack.
"Zoe, what did you hear?" I asked.
"A quest, your going to go on a quest?" she asked, her eyes wide. "But you could get killed! Jasmine went on a quest... she never came back."
I winced. Jasmine had been one of the older Poseidon children, she'd helped Zoe adjust but a year ago she'd gone on a quest with two others and only two returned. Jasmine had died on the quest.
"Don't worry kid," Ian said, walking over and putting comforting hand on Zoe's shoulder. "She'll be fine, because she isn't going. Why should she, it's not like they asked her nicely. They're accusing her for gods sake."
We all looked at Ian strangely. Though we were used to it, Ian had always been bitter towards the gods. It wasn't a surprise he'd say something like that. I smiled slightly, shaking my head.
"Zo, please just trust me," I said, smiling. "If I do go, I won't go alone. I'm a Jackson, a daughter of two of the greatest heroes to live since ancient times. A little quest won't keep me from coming home."
Zoe smiled slightly. "Promise?"
I laughed. "I promise on all the blue food I can eat."
I realized then that I may have become an outcast but I still had friends and my sister. I also knew that I had to speak to Chiron and Hestia. I didn't want to go, but I knew I had to accept this quest. Not only to clear my name but to prove I could actually do it. I had claimed to be the daughter of the greatest, but how could I get out of their shadow if I never moved from behind them?
I just hoped my parents and Zoe would understand.
