Chapter 7- The Banished Princess
Update Date: 30/4/16
Publish Date: 9/5/15
Sup guys! Here's your new Chapter, hope you like it! Also, thanks for the reviews! I read every one of them and try to apply their content as much as I can.
Me: So, dear Arty, did you knew Zoë was Perseus's friend eh? *knowing smirk*
Artemis: My name is Artemis you retarded pig *huff indignantly*, but I don't know what you are talking about.
Percy Jackson: Guys…mind sending me back to Camp? It's kinda late and Annabeth will be mad at me for disappearing on her…again.
Me:* Percy is swallow by a portal* yeah! She will be soo mad for her dear lover!
Artemis: What are you implying, boy?
Me:* Artemis is swallow by a portal too* Soon, Arty, soon you will know the truth.
Me: I DON'T OWN PJO or HOO…nor pretty Arty up there! :(
Artemis pov
More importantly, I want Percy to visit me as soon as possible. I want to ask him about this feelings I getting around him and if he gets them when I am around too.
Visit me soon, Percy…I am awaiting you
TIME SKIP Hesperides Garden 2000 years after
Percy pov
"So Callie wanna come with me to see your sisters?" I asked for the fifth time in a row. Today I was celebrating my hard work done. In my last visit, I officially contacted half of the entire universe, more or less 50 million planets leaving the same amount to go. I had half of the Galactic Council and I am proud about my success. I hope dad is too.
"Nah, I am fine, I was never close to those bitches. They always were daddy's little girls, except Zoë, if you see her, tell her Calypso says hi" she shooed me out of the room as her movie started. I had tasked myself to get some futuristic stuff for her to keep her from going insane. However, I started noticing a pattern, every time I want to take a break no one wants to come with me. Why? I don't get it. Thought, every time I meet someone new, they are in need of my help. I wonder why all of them are females…
Consequently, my encounter with Artemis brought an increase in the population of Draconia. A good two-third of them are Ex-Huntresses of Artemis, after all, she did became the man-hate she was destined to be. Apparently the disgusting ways of her father and brother had a lot to do with this. I wonder what would have happen if I showed myself to Apollo. Would the world be any different?
As a result, the goddess of the moon was provided with a bunch of half-immortal man-hating scout girls. In my opinion, her hunter squad was fine for me but what bugged me was the little fact that she entered a depressive state whenever one died. I tasked myself to save every one of the deceased 'daughters of Artemis'. Whenever one was at the crossroad of the living I slowed time and had a small civilized chat with the well-mannered woman (more like, I was scream, shouted, insulted, and clawed by the berserk girl). I offered them a home, training, better gear, a 'grandmother', and lastly but not least a place in my elite force.
We will see if Artemis doesn't like it.
In other matters, Hestia of course had rejected me in the same shameful way as the last time. She didn't even call back.
LINE BREAK entrance of the Hesperides's Garden
I appeared on the outskirt of the garden, cloaked by the darkness of the night. I was paralyzed in ecstasy the moment I laid my eyes on the garden in front of me. It was the most beautiful garden I had seen on my life and I live with someone who lives for gardening (He didn't count his magically kept garden, only Calypso's personal garden). Now I get from where she got her skills. I returned my thoughts to the garden, the only thing left was to fill my nostrils with their scent. Thought, my wished were cut short when a putrid odor struck my nose.
I gagged as tried to get the odor out of my system. I was about to flash elsewhere when the hushed tone of a couple got my attention. A black haired girl was dragging a blonde haired boy to the famous Apples of Immortality. Until then it hit me, the odor was Landon's breathe.
I watched in silence as the girl guided the boy toward the infamous king of dragons. She gave him a hairpin, I could feel the power of sea irradiating from it, and I knew that hairpin was a powerful weapon. Thought, when the boy finally got that the hairpin was a weapon, it turned into a bronze sword. Horror filled me as I felt the immortal power of the girl go into the now indestructible sword.
Her sacrifice was admirable but the boy seemed unnerved by it. The feelings of the girl for the boy were obvious but he didn't look like someone who would return them. I hope I am wrong this time I thought wishfully, but I wasn't one to be wrong often.
Then it hit me; immortality, beauty, and affinity with the dragon…she was a Hesperide. I only hoped that it was anyone but Zoë, of course, fate tended to hate me on this type of cases. The Fates were too cruel for their own good. They really need to hang with the living I thought exasperatedly.
3rd pov
Perseus, first born of Order, watched in silent fury as the beautiful but naïve girl gave all her soul and love to the hero just to be dumped like yesterday trash. The hero's heart was hard as a stone, no pity or mercy rested inside the son of Zeus, and he was going to pay for his arrogance.
Zoe Nightshade was disgusted with herself. She felt used, wasted, betrayed, rejected, and like a useless piece of trash, her supposed hero had deceived her, fooled her into his trap. She was a miserable worthless Titan brethren who would give a damn about her? Ending her sorrow-filled life would be the best option. Now that she wasn't immortal there wasn't anything left for her.
The small dagger strapped to her waist gleamed wickedly with the moonlight's rays. All I need to do is thrust this blade into my wretched body, I won't feel nothing more than a gasp leaving my lips thought the daughter of Atlas depressively. The ex-immortal girl admired the well-crafted celestial bronze knife as she positioned it right in front of her beating heart. Blood rushed into her ears as her hands trembled under the small weight the blade provided. Just a thrust.
The daughter of Pleione's body trembled as she forced the blade into her fragile body.
Heracles, son of Zeus, was satisfied with himself. He had tricked a Hesperide into help him get to the dragon, he finished his eleventh labor fair and square, and as a bonus he got a new sword! That's what he called a productive day.
However, as he twirled the well-balance sword on his hand, a hard jab to his ribs snapped him from his mussing, he guessed, from the pain on his side, that some were broken. He didn't even had time to turn around when an unknown man started beating him. Whoever was doing this was going to pay dearly, no one dares to mock the son of the King of the gods.
Percy was full of the boy. He snuck into the boy's back and jabbed at the boy's ribcage. The sickening 'crack' made him smile. He started to beat the living shit out of him, making sure to break every single bone of his. Of course, afterward he healed the miserable excuse of demigod, thought, he didn't cure the excruciating pain left in the shattered bones.
The creator wanted to kill the son of Zeus, but he couldn't, his nieces would be mad at him and that wasn't good for his health. He settled for wounding the pride of the 'strongest' demigod ever to exist. Thought, the traditional way was out of question, therefore, he summoned electricity primordial level to his right foot. Oh how I am going to enjoy this thought the King of Draconia smirking.
An agonizing shriek was heard from the nearest village to the highest hill of Mount Olympus, even the mighty gods of Olympus were startled by the cry of sheer pain.
The son of Alcmene was kicked on the family jewels so hard his nerves snapped, the amount of bolts on that strike was enough to incinerate the small member into dust. However, his torture wasn't finished, electricity coursed through his body as he convulsed in power overdose.
As a son of Zeus, he thought he could absorb it all and use the power at his advantage, but he was dead wrong. The power backing that kick was far bigger than what he could have imagined. Unable to absorb to energy into his system, Heracles dispelled the electricity to char his precious body.
The son of Chaos was satisfied with this part of his job, leaving the half of helping the distraught maiden at hand.
Zoe pov
The dagger fell from my hands just when tip had perforated my skin, the scream halting my suicidal trail of thought. I had mixed emotions at the scene in front of me, I felt like my mind would collapse under the heavy pressure of insanity as I stared at the angel of Death.
I watched the man electrocute Heracles to death, he stood there grinning like a madman as the demigod retorted in the cold ground of the outskirts of the garden. He took the sword from the bastard's hand, little bolts dancing on the blade.
Then he walked to my direction. I panicked, I was nervous as Hades, why shouldn't I? I just saw this guy kill the strongest half-blood like he was playing soccer. It was an understatement that this was my end or my new beginning. Either way, I will pee myself is he doesn't walk faster.
My hands shook as he walked, every step sending a cold shiver down my spine. I tried looking into his eyes, but I was met with midnight black hair covering those vibrant orbs. The wind whistled something softly in my ears I roughly could say it meant he is the right one. I didn't know what to do with that.
A warm hand touched my exposed shoulder, a concerned smile greeted my eyes as I examined my angel…or devil. A second hand pulled me up, my whole body trembled as if I were carrying a heavy burden over my shoulders. The curse of Atlas…
A sinking feeling filled my heart. This couldn't be happening, my mind was playing tricks on me. He wouldn't curse me that badly, I was just weak at the moment.
A wet feeling seeped through my dress as I stared intently into those swirling orbs now at my display. I felt even weaker, like my body would collapse soon. I placed a hand on my waist, blood had leaked from the wound over my left breast. My white dress was tainted red. Like your purity, girl a voice whispered inside my head.
My entire world shook, I felt like fainting on the spot if not for two strong arms that held me on place. My whole body went limp in his arms, a cozy feeling spreading through my heart and limbs. I was grateful for his help, but what I didn't expect was the heart-warming embrace I was in. I felt stupid, I was so damn comfortable in the arms of a stranger. Who knows if he is just waiting for the best moment to rape me?
However, my brain was fuzzy with all the emotions tangled inside my damaged soul. I closed my eyes and let the gentle hug envelop my every sense. A wave of pain and hurt struck me the instant I was in complete peace. The voices of my father and sisters shouting curses at me for helping the bastard child of Zeus…for betraying them.
Every word taking its toll on me, I could only whimper pathetically on his embrace as he hummed a soothing song and rubbed my back caringly. My system was overload with mixed emotions, hurt and pain tormenting me from one side, whereas, safety and comfort battled back.
I cried on his chest, I don't know what pushed me to do so, maybe being so heartbroken, but I did it anyway. The burden of my only friend since millennia betraying me in the first five minutes of acknowledging me dragging me down more than anything. I felt like hours passed, and they did.
The first rays of sunlight were almost gracing the skirts of the mountain. In less than an hour, the sun would be shining on the sky.
After a while, I was only sobbing, his heart beat soothing me ever so slowly. "My name is Percy…are you okay?" was the first thing I heard from him. I didn't felt like lying for manners, so I told the truth…a little harshly if you ask me.
"Zoë Nightshade, nice to meet you" I said in a monotone voice "What do you expect, huh? I was banished from my home, stripped from my immortality, separated from the only powerful weapon I own, and almost raped and killed…you still think I am okay?" I kinda growled between sobs and sniffs which kinda ruined the entire tough girl look.
"I guess it was a stupid question from my part, but aren't you exaggerating? I saw the whole thing and he didn't touch you more than necessary" I gave him the annoyed girl look. Every man in his right state of mind knows when to back off from a moody woman. Except this guy. "Okay, I get it. Still, you got where to go? Family to help you?" he asked with concern. It was true, I had a new chance at life and I wouldn't throw it to waste. Thought, it would be a pretty crappy gift from him if he leaves me here.
"I don't know, Sir" I didn't feel like calling him Percy "I have nowhere to go. As you know, my father probably wants me dead and my sisters probably hate me too. I'm a stranger on strange lands…would you help me, please, I will do anything" I pleaded, gods weren't merciful souls and if I wanted anything else from him I would have to pay him somehow. I closed my eyes expecting his hands to grope me greedily, I knew I had favorable proportions.
"Hey, I resent that, but anyway I will help. After all I am sure not All of your sisters hate you" he hinted with a knowing smirk. His head turned to watch the sunrise. It was a beautiful scene but I was troubled. The Hesperides hate me that's a fact, but who doesn't? Then it hit me, Calypso didn't hate me but she was imprison a long time ago. My hopes vanished as fast as they came, was this guy trying to show me there were worse fates than mine?
"The sunrise doesn't hate me, but it will always be apart from me…there is no way for me to reach it" I sighed. He laughed, maybe it was the metaphor or the fact I wasn't so stupid, but he knew something I didn't.
"What are you laughing at? That wasn't a joke" I asked confused.
"Can you keep a secret?" he asked me with a suspicious grin threatening to split his face.
"The sunrise" he winked at me "was freed long ago by a lost soul maybe a millennia or two roughly, maybe you still can chase after it" I was startled, he was obviously playing with me. She couldn't be free, I heard from her a century ago and she still was imprison. Thought, his eyes held no deceive just an incredible amount of mischief.
"Liar! She was in her prison last time I checked and that was some time ago!" I sneered angrily, I was tired of lies in my life. In contrary to my expectations, he was unaffected to my rant.
"Want some proof Miss Belladonna (Spanish traduction of Nightshade, pretty lame if you ask me), give me a sec" first of all, what was he talking about? Who's Belladonna? And second, how is he going to prove my facts wrong?
Before I could protest, a magical portal appeared from thin air. I was stupefied at the immense display of power, but the fact that Calypso still had hope elated me.
"Calypso can you come please! I think there is someone who would like to say hi" he yelled to the black portal. Does that mean Calypso was really freed?
A caramel haired I knew appeared right through the portal wearing a very revealing maid outfit. Is she his maid? I thought atonished. Thought, she did look the same before she was imprison but happier. "What did you do this time, Percy" she asked annoyed of being summoned. I looked between the two of them, they looked like a married couple.
A happy married couple
The thought of him being her husband left a sour taste on my mouth, for some reason jealousy burned inside me of my sister's possible luck.
"Nothing! The shit over there did it, I swear!" he replied childishly pointing to the unconscious piece of trash "That so called hero tricked Zoë into helping him get a stupid golden apple. She was banish from the garden by the way. So I called you, her only family, to comfort her and take her under your warm and cozy wing" He pushed me toward my long lost sister as she gaped at my situation.
I didn't' mind being under Calypso's care, but I felt a pang on my heart as he discarded me from his problems. I guess it was expected, after all, he had already helped me a lot.
It took her a while to acknowledge the fact I was at her side, but when she did, I was crushed in a tight hug only a sister could give.
"Ca-nt br-ea-the" I choked. My sister, being the good soul she is, let loose her grip by a millimeter.
"Zoë are you okay? Your clothes are full of blood" she asked practically touching every single part of my body. Actually, I had forgotten I was bleeding. I suppose Percy healed me at one point.
I nodded "I was a little distraught a while back but I'm fine now thanks to mister show off" he huffed but I could see a smile in his face.
"No need to thank me, Thank Calie, she is the only one who helped me reach my goal today" He said flashing a pearl white smile to my sister.
"Wanna come home?" my sister asked me with a 'come on' gesture as she walked back inside the portal. Percy hot in her trail.
"Home?" Could I really live with them? I don't have anywhere else to go, I guess it's better than staying here.
I gulped one last time as I watched Calypso cross the suspicious portal. I looked inside and found a very strange looking room. It was a mixture of black and silver filled with glowing machines. After I went through it, Percy jumped and the portal close behind his back.
It was an amazing room, the designs were mesmerizing and the decoration was delightful. I bet not even Olympus could compare. The room was so big it could hold at least 60 persons with enough space to move freely.
"This is your home?" I asked awestruck "It's beautiful" I can't believe just one god could own this palace. I had seen Orthrys and this 'house' put it to shame.
"Yup, it can be yours too if you want, but" of course it had to be a 'but', why is it that great things always have a 'but'? "I will give you two options. I saw enough of your outgoing and adventurous nature to know not to restrain you. However, we are going to get you a personal room before anything. It will be yours and only yours." I almost laughed. This place is great! How I am supposed to reject it?
"Callie can you show your sister her room, please? I got urgent duty to do before Zoë chose" he mumbled before disappearing in a flash of shadows. What is he doing? I mussed to myself.
"I believe you got questions don't you Zoë? First of all, he is preparing a surprise for someone, I don't know who, what, or why but it is for the day he arrives at Earth" she explained my unasked question.
"Fire at will but keep it down" I grinned
"Who's he? How is he? Are you his mistress or maid? Is he rough or gentle? Do you even trust him?" I craved for answers, I wanted answer of who I considered my guardian angel.
"Shh Zoë, I told you to calm down. For your first question, he a primordial, Son of Chaos" she stopped looking at my gaping fish face. I tried processing the information in my mind. Everything made sense now, he could easily free Calypso from her prison and probably many other amazing actions with the power of a primordial.
I turned bright red, my now mortal blood reaching my burning cheeks. I was so embarrassed. I can't believe I cried in the chest of a primordial being.
"By your face, you are ashamed of your actions when met him, I am wrong?" she asked and I shook my head. I wanted to dig a hole and die but my sister beat me to a pulp "I tackled him to the floor with flying hug and bawled for hours in his chest, don't be ashamed of it. He won't judge you for letting your emotions out"
"Yeah, cause crying in the chest of one of the most powerful being in the universe isn't embarrassing at all. You can tease me all you want late but let's continue" I pleaded
"Whatever you say Princess. Well for how is he? He is selfless, kind caring, powerful, strong, reliable, intelligent, trustful, and protective" I smiled at the old nickname, but it was nothing compared to the one after she finished. The way she said it with dreamy eyes made it obvious she was in love with him. Thought, there was still the fact that she is his maid. I guess it's in his blood to attract women because at this rate I'm going to fall too.
"Don't be an Idiot Zoë, I'm kinda like his roommate, but I'm not his maid nor his mistress. I do some work around the house but that's to keep me entertained. Also, I'm going to skip the next question because you are too young to think about that" I pouted but grinned internally. More like sex friends probably.
"For the last one, Yes, I trust him with my life" that close the deal, she is in love with him.
"You love him, don't you" she seemed shock about the question. A 'what' escaped from her stunned lips. Her normal carefree demeanor was cut don't by my incredible analysis powers.
I smirked "you lo-"I was cut off by her hand clasping over my mouth.
"Shut the fuck up" I was taken aback, the Calypso I knew would never curse that badly. She was an innocent and naïve girl everyone loved because of her kindness.
"Calypso cursing? Since when do you curse, sister? The Calypso I knew would never curse no matter what" I asked shock.
"He isn't perfect you know, he is annoying, curses like hell, and he…he…is…is…oblivious….to…L-l-ov-ve" she stuttered at the end. Well I guess mister show off wasn't perfect after all.
"About the other question, yes I do" she mumbled shyly "don't say anything to him I beg you…he isn't comfortable when you mention love, it is a nerve striker from his past" could he be that blockheaded? No one can really be that stupid, at least he had to get one hint in two millennia…the maid outfit is a goner!
We fell into a somewhat comfortable silence, sisters' thing you won't get it, and walked until we encounter a row of identical black doors, each one with a different color name written in front of them. "This is your room, dear sister" the room with a mind of its own, hearing its mistress command, wrote my name on itself.
I looked expectantly at the door, I couldn't even imagine what amazing things could be in the inside. If it has a third of what the kitchen had I will die from excitement. Calypso grasped the knob and opened the door. I gasped.
It was empty. Why this universe hates me so much?!
"Humph, is empty" my dear sister chuckled at my comment
"Yup, it yours to fill…enjoy!" she said beaming with fake enthusiasm. She summoned the basics and hurried back to watch something called 'movie', never mind what's that. I crawled to my new bed and wrapped myself in the soft cover, I sighed as I finally could rest from all the physical and emotional stress I had today. I closed my eyes and dived to the realm of Morpheus. What I didn't expect was that my dreams were filled with a black haired guardian.
LINE BREAK
Zoë pov
Last week was the best week ever! I never thought I could feel so alive. This palace was unbelievable, if someone were to tell me a place like this existed I would have laugh in his face. Plus, expending time with my sister was incredible, we would hang around the entire palace (as much as we could, it was huge) day and night. We even sneaked into a room that had a "Do Not Enter Until 1990" sign, there were some weird rectangular boxes with a darkened glass in the front. They didn't work anyway maybe they do on 1990.
I loved being here, the only saddening matter was that Percy never stayed for longer than some hours to sleep. Sometimes the little time he spent with us was used to talk to some strange looking guys, apparently it had something to do with Percy's work as arranger of the universe. I wanted to spend a little more time with him and maybe get to know him better but he had to leave soon.
Thinking about it, today I was supposed to choose between staying here until I die from age or leave to that unknown place that is suspiciously 'perfect' for me. As hell I would choose that place, I want to stay here with Caly and my guardian Angel!
I heard a knock in the door that successfully snapped me out of my thoughts. I stood up and went to open it, Percy's confident smile greeted me from the other side of the frame. Oh the irony! I thought sarcastically. I guess it's time to decide. "Sup, Percy" I beamed, I don't want him to found out my plans, do I?
"May I enter?" he asked courteously.
"Yup, feel at home" I joked.
"Zoë, you know why I am here today right?"
"No" I lied
He sighed and massaged his temples "Okay, I guess I will start from the beginning" I nodded "I told you that today you would be deciding between staying and leaving the palace" I gave him the 'go on' signal.
"Don't misunderstand me Zoë, I don't want to kick you out or anything, I like your company" I blushed bright red at his compliment "but if you chose to stay you will be trapped here for millennia without a choice to leave until I finish my duties" I paled, could my past repeat itself? Being trapped in my own home without a choice to leave.
"However, a good friend of my mine can take you under her wing. You can join the Hunters of Artemis and explore Earth to you hearts content, you can have your own adventures and cherish your sisters in arm. Please think it carefully, I just want the best for you" he said with a nervous smile, sadness clearly shown in his face. Could it be that he will miss my company either ways? I shook my head, it couldn't be he already has Calypso for that.
I sighed in defeat. It was clear what option I should take, I wouldn't be able to be near him anyway. "I understand your point, I will join the hunt. Thought, will I ever see you or my sister again?" I asked with puppy eyes.
"I am sorry Zoë but you will have to stick with me. Caly can't leave the void without noisy thunder diapers knowing. I will visit as much I as can, but I don't promise a specific time or date" I felt happiness bloom in my heart when he said he would visit me…I almost felt bad for not worrying about my sister. Thought, she is was in good hands and…HE WILL VISIT ME! *girly squeal*
Then reality hit me like a million of Landons tangled together.
I will miss you sister, it pains me not to be able to see you ever again in my mortal life
Percy pov
It hurt me to watch Zoë fighting the tears threatening to fall from her mesmerizing volcanic eyes. It was my fault that she was in this position, I had to do something. I rushed to her side and gave her a tight hug, I could feel the water stains on my shirt. She trusted me enough after our moment in the Garden of her sisters.
I stroked her hair tenderly as I held her tighter while she cried her heart out "Princess, I didn't mention this before but I should have…the hunters of Artemis are provided with partial immortality, you will be able to see your sister again" her body went stiff in matter of seconds as her rivers of tears went dry. She looked at me with hope shining in her eyes.
"Really?"
"Yes Zoë" I felt the need to make her feel better. I didn't want her to cry not in a million years. Instead I wanted to protect her, I wanted to make her feel safe. However, I can't be there for her forever, I have duties that bury me alive. Artemis weapons appeared in my head. I could create a set for her too and embed it with my power.
I created a black and silver pair of hunting knives with a matching bow and quiver. Slowly, I broke away the hug, delicately twirling her around so her back was facing me. I covered her eyes with my hands and whispered softly "Before you go I have a gift for you"
I stepped back and summoned the weapons in their concealed forms; a necklace, a ring, and a pair of bracelets. "This necklace will turn into your own personal bow, Falling Star, it is made of chaotic silver, a metal only I can create" when I created the bow I coated it with a layer of molten star dust, this perk provided the bow with power from the stars that whenever used, under the stars, it would give a strength boost to the arrows.
"The bracelets are hunting knives, Thorn and Bloom, this special knives are made of an alloy of chaotic silver and helixian gold that make them almost indestructible. If you spin them twice, the blades with be infused with lightning powers, this perk is able to paralyze an opponent if a critical point is hit. It may be used for 45 seconds and the cooldown takes 30 minutes" I grinned at her gapping expression.
"Last but not least, try the ring" I ushered her. Zoë did as I said and the black armor I had designed appeared in her curvaceous figure. "This is an experimental armor I produced from the infusion of chaotic silver and Draconian leather, nearly indestructible and light as a feather for a hunter"
"Back to Falling Star, its quiver has some unique arrows that vary from some elemental powers to unorthodox types. It's your duty to found out as many as you can. For now, I going to give you a hint for a special one, Arrowspike, this one, when sniped, will turn into a volley of deadly poisonous spikes.
"Farewell Zoë Nightshade, it's time for you to leave to the hunter's camp. Before you go, I should advertise you that no one in the hunt must know about my existence. This could be catastrophic for the future to come"
"Roger that" she smiled "Thanks for everything Percy, take good care of my sister" she gave me the evil eye before giving me a long kiss in the cheek. I turned bright silver for the close contact but said nothing about it. I would only give her teasing material.
I flashed the daughter of Atlas somewhat near the outskirt of the hunter's camp where I'm sure she will receive a warm welcome from the oh so lovely man-haters. I sighed, with Zoë gone there was no other reason to postpone my work. Welcome back to your endless routine! Hurray!
LINE BREAK
Zoë pov
When I opened my eyes I no longer were in the Void but in a dense forest. I'm probably at a mile or two from the hunts camp judging by the rising smoke I thought tiredly, Percy could have been more accurate when he flashed me near the hunters.
Suddenly pain surged from my entire body, I felt a burning pressure crushing me from the inside. I almost could feel my bones cracking from it. I thought that it was gone, that he wouldn't dare to make me go through this pain I was in.
I stood up with shaky legs as I regained my breath. I had to focus in my task at hand. I would deal with this at other time. My consciousness returned to me as I focused on the hunter's camp, I couldn't let myself lose to the dizziness. It would surely kill me if I lost my mind.
I took track toward the smoke and start my small journey to the family that awaited me with open arms or so Percy said. My every step was shaky, I could feel the world spin around me.
However, the sound of a hunting horn stopped me dead in my track. Around thirty teenager girls dressed in matching silver parkas holding bows surrounded me in the blink of an eye. So much for a warm welcome. I started looking for the leader, every one of them had this weird looking silver aura but an auburn haired girl around twelve years old had the strongest. Gatcha!
"Eh, I was searching for someone to help me" I said with my best damsel in distress looking directly at the auburn haired girl.
The girl frowned at my subtle stare but said nothing. I looked at the faces of her companions, the only thing I found out about this girls was that I should never play poker with them. A tall and bulky fourteen years old stepped forward and smelled me thoroughly.
"She is clean, Aphrodite hasn't touch her purity" said the big girl stepping back, hiding herself in the crowd.
The auburn haired examined me for a while more before sighing deeply "What troubles you my dear?" she asked with a calm demeanor.
I took a jagged breath "I was banished from my home because of a filthy boy deceived me to help him, when he had what he wanted he left me to rot in this world alone. While I was roaming aimlessly through the lands and older woman told me about your guild and sent to ask for help" I finished my very convincing story if this didn't convince her nothing would.
"Disgusting males! Do not worry dear, we gladly offer you a place in our family. A SANCTUARY FOR FEMALES! THAT'S FOR WHAT THE HUNT STANDS, RIGHT GIRLS!" Yelled the leader making her companions cheer.
All the hunters lowered their bows and smiled at me. It felt good to be so welcome into a family. Thought, the image of a smiling raven haired guy flashed through my mind making me flinch unconsciously.
Something that didn't went unnoticed by the girls. Many patted me in the back and said the pain went away after a while, others offered me a therapy session in the evening, and others offered a relaxing late midnight massage (which I courteously rejected). Thought, the greetings ended when the auburn haired girl approached me.
"My dear…" right I haven't told her my name.
"Zoë, Zoë nightshade" I said confidently.
"Zoë would you like to join the hunt?" Asked the girl I supposed was Artemis. Now that I think about it, she does look exactly like Percy describe her.
"Yes, my lady" I replied smiling widely.
"So I was right, you do know who I am. Rarely someone spots me when I am in this form" she said wide eyed signaling to the twelve years body. "Follow me, you will take your pledge in my tent" I did as commanded.
She opened the flap of her tent revealing various pelt and spoils of war hanging from the walls. The tent was ten times bigger in the inside than the outside, hell it even had a desk inside. I guess this is the end of my loner road, hunt here goes nothing!
Artemis pov
Everything was going like normal until a girl stumbled into my camp. Even though I couldn't sense any lies in her story, she didn't look faced at all. Like everything she said was just an old healed memory she was retelling.
Thought, I didn't gave it much importance, if she had a secret to tell us we would wait until the right time. After all, the hunt was a family, and family members trust each other.
I summoned a pair of neatly carved chairs for both of us. I was ready to pledge this girl into one of my hunters. The girl looked extremely calm for a girl who just lost everything but as I said before, everything at the right time. "Repeat after me Zoë. I, Zoë nightshade, pledge myself to the goddess Artemis. I turn my back to the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood and join the hunt" I remember the day I created it, easy and pure requirements to join the family I wanted to create.
"Welcome to the hunt sister" I congratulate her. We exited the tent to introduce her as a new hunter.
"Girls, we have a new sister, Zoë nightshade. Her past is only hers to tell if she wishes so she will tell you about it so don't pressure her" I announced daring them to protest "Now give her a warm welcome to the hunt, the best family that has touched earth!"
"Party"
"Party!"
"PARTY"
"PARTY!"
"PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY!" the girls started cheering until I gave in. Tonight we would celebrate the arrival of a new mysterious sister. Thought, we must give her gear before anything. We don't know when monsters will attack.
"Laura, accompany Zoë to the armory and provide her with a bow and a pair of hunting knives" I asked one of my oldest and most trustworthy hunters. She was a daughter of Athena who was abused by her pedophile uncle that took custody of her after her father died in the Trojan War.
"Sorry to interfere, but if may use them, I have my own set of weapons" she pulled her necklace that transformed into a black bow suspiciously similar to mine. Using my godly powers, I looked closer to the design of the bow. I almost gasped from surprised when I spotted the moonlace pattern. She knows him? I asked myself astonished.
I hadn't forgotten the guy that saved my life so long ago. Percy was fresh in my mind since I wake up until I go to sleep, everyday praying to the unknown gods to send me a message from the one I held dear in my heart.
Thought, the only real way to know if it was a bow of his was finding his symbol. Unfortunately, she was griping the bow firmly from the handle where I supposed the symbol stood proud and regal.
I fake smiled "Perfect, the only thing you miss is your tent. I will give it to you personally" anxiety burned in my systems. What if she truly knew him? Does he forgot I even exist? Did he send her with a message for me? Infinite questions popped in my mind as my consciousness fought the urge to take the bow by force.
"Yes my lady" she answered oblivious to my devious plans.
Not a second after the flap of the supply tent fell, I pinned Zoë to the floor "may I see your bow sister?" I asked with a twisted smile, my right eye was twitching and I was sure I looked completely insane from her perspective. Thought, I didn't give a damn if it meant I could know anything related to Percy, the only male worthy of being called a Man.
She gulped and nodded softly, her hand slowly made its way to her necklace and the majestic bow appeared right in front of my eyes. Immediately, I let go of her and snatched the bow from her grasp. Fear crossed the girls eyes like a dear caught in the spotlight. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath this was the climax of my search for any sign of him, the epitome of my investigation.
To confirm my suspicions, the symbol of Percy was clearly engraved in the leather of the handle. There was no way she could deny it, she knew Percy. She had to be a messenger from him, maybe the time was finally coming, maybe Percy was finally coming Earth. Finally after millennia of patience I had a sign of my beloved.
"You know him?" I asked more to myself that anything.
"YOU KNOW HIM OR NOT?" my emotions raged like a cyclone inside my body, fear and terror clearly present n her features. My godly aura flared every time a second passed away. I needed to see him right away. No one would stop me from reclaiming what was mine.
"I-I….."
Sup guys, another chapter hot 'n ready!
Like it or hate it, review your opinion…even flames are good to mass reviews. Therefore, do so if you wish.
Important Song While Writing: My Song Knows What You Did on the Dark by Fall Out Boys
Review, Follow, and Favorite guys or I'm going to kill every fucking life form in this story!
Nothing to ramble about so take care and don't do anything I wouldn't do (which is a very small list).
See ya soon!
