AN: The reviews made me feel really great, I hope I get another eight!
"Emily? Wake up!" I heard someone say as they shook my shoulder. Knowing that it was just Willow, I turned over and covered my head with a pillow. 'Day three,' I thought to myself.
My two days had followed a basic pattern. I would sleep during the day and Willow would come wake me up from my slumber with a delightful meal. Then, we would talk for a couple minutes about what was new in camp. Then, she would open the door and I would bolt out. I had tried opening the door by myself, but I got the electric shock. As soon as the door was open, I would bolt out to the camp's borders. Every day, I was hoping that the god's had forgotten to lay the invisiwall. Every day, I was met with a solid wall and disappointment. Ward had kept his distance, so there were no problems there.
"Emily! Get up right this instant!"
"Ugghh! Since when are you my boss?" I grumbled. Suddenly, it hit me. Willow was never this bossy.
"Since when? Since now! Get out of your bed before I turn you into a squirrel!"
Oh my unicorn, it's Artemis!
"Ahhh!" I yelled as I rolled of the bed on the other side. It was like my worst nightmare was coming true. I was alone with someone who enjoyed causing me harm. Trying to get up, I stumbled and tripped. All in all, not the smoothest I've ever been.
When I finally got right side up, I expected to see Artemis aiming a bow at me or something. Instead, I saw her leaning against the doorway with a disgusted look on her face.
"How on Earth can you possibly be my daughter?" she asked, shaking her head slightly.
I ignored the insult and asked, "What are you doing here mo- umm Lady Artemis?" I recovered just in time.
"I thought we could, umm, talk. About things.." she trailed off, clearly uncomfortable.
When I clearly didn't believe her, she rolled her eyes.
"Fine. The big trial's today, and they sent me here to wait. They should send Hermes any time now. They'll probably want you to come, so I thought I should warn you. I'm guessing that popping into Olympus while half-asleep isn't on the top of your 'Want to do list'. So, get ready. I can't have you embarrassing me." she said, actually sounding like a caring person. Where was this coming from?
"Ummm okay. Thanks." I said, starting to get ready. She left the cabin and I changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I put my hair back into a messy ponytail and walked outside. Artemis was in the clearing, gazing at the stars. She was just looking up, looking almost… vulnerable.
From my talks with Willow, I had learned a little more about Artemis. I wanted to ask her what made her break her vow, but I wasn't 100% certain that she still wouldn't turn me into a raccoon or something.
"Do you like looking at the stars, Emily?" she asked, not looking down at me.
I walked over next to her and looked up. The stars were shining brightly and I could see all the constellations. It was a really breathtaking sight.
I opened my mouth to answer, but a sudden appearance of a god cut me off.
It was Hermes, wearing a fancy tuxedo with a green tie. He looked nervous, and for the first time I noticed that he was carrying a stick with a snake wrapped around it. Being understandably terrified of snakes, I took a step back.
"They won't hurt you," Hermes said, smiling comfortingly at me. His current form was about 8 feet tall, so I had to crane to see his face. He turned to Artemis and said, "It's time. We'll meet you there."
Artemis nodded, smiled at me, and disappeared. I enjoyed it, even though I knew it wouldn't last. As soon as the stress of the trial was over, she would go back to treating me like slime. Oh well.
"So, are you ready?" Hermes asked politely.
"As ready as a mortal who is going to Olympus to be on trial can be," I said with a grin.
Hermes chuckled and held out his arm. I reached for it, and time stopped.
What? This seemed really familiar…
"Umm… they are waiting for us. We kinda have to hurry." Hermes said, gesturing impatiently. To him it must have looked like I was just being difficult, but I really couldn't move.
'Curse you Ward!' I thought as I saw him step out from behind the cabin.
"She can't move sir. I've stopped time." Ward said politely, smiling apologetically at me.
A dark look crossed over Hermes face and he glared at Ward. He grabbed my arm and said, "And what exactly is preventing me from just disappearing and taking her with me?"
"Oh, you can feel free to leave, sir. However, she can't." Ward said without a hint of arrogance. "She's trapped in this time. However, I am willing to negotiate…"
"What do you want?" Hermes asked through clenched teeth. I noticed him checking his watch anxiously. We were probably already running late to the trial.
"I heard that there was going to be a trial. I want to be Emily's legal representation." he stated calmly, but with determination.
There was a moment of silence.
"What? Why would you want that? As soon as we got to Olympus, Zeus will blast you out of the sky." Hermes said. I was wondering the same thing. What's his angle?
"That's why I was hoping that you would swear on the River Styx for my safety. Otherwise, I can keep her here all night. The trial can wait." Ward said. I knew he was bluffing. Earlier he had told me that it takes up too much area.
Hermes checked his watch again. He mumbled something in foreign and sighed.
"Fine. I swear on the River Styx that I will take you to Olympus and not let harm come to you. Now release her!" Hermes said. Thunder rumbled in the background, so I guess a storm was coming. The sky was pretty clear though.
Feeling rushed back into my limbs and I found that I could move again. I stretched and gave Ward a dirty look. Hermes snapped his fingers and the vacuum feeling returned. This time, it was kinda fun and I noticed that if I looked up I could see lights blurring past us (not the Blurring of Doom, mind you).
Finally, we hit the floor. Ward and Hermes landed lightly, but I fell onto my knees.
The room had been transformed into a giant courtroom. Zeus was in the judges seat, and the other 10 Olympians were sitting in the jury's box. Artemis was sitting in the box to Zeus's left, and the box to the right was empty.
"You're late." Zeus's voice rang through the room. The other Olympians had been talking among themselves but they fell silent.
"I'm sorry, Lord Zeus. We had an issue back at camp." Hermes said, rushing to the jury's box and taking a seat.
"See me afterwards." Even I could hear the threat in Zeus's voice. "And you, son of Kronos, what are you doing on Mount Olympus?"
Ward gulped nervously and replied, "I'm her legal representation, my Lord."
There was silence for a second, and then Zeus burst into laughter. Everyone in the jury's box followed, with the exception of Hermes and Apollo. Artemis was sitting there nervously, and I could see that she was anxious to get this started. She was chewing on her lip like I always do when I'm nervous.
Finally, the laughter died down.
"Legal representation? Really? The son of my worst enemy defending a demigod who's on trial? Interesting. Well, we should get started. Athena, you may take the stand. Emily, you and the son of Kronos just sit down."
Chairs appeared behind us and we sat down as Athena began her case. I noticed that Ward turned pale when she stepped into the box to Zeus's right.
"My fellow Olympians, we are brought here today by a simple case. A certain goddess made a very serious oath, and then she broke it. Artemis, daughter of Leto," I noticed that she didn't say Zeus as well. "vowed to remain chaste. She was the first, but not the last. She inspired Hestia and I to follow her example, and together we were the Three Maiden Goddesses. Hestia and I have both given up much, and for what? For her to run off at the first opportunity and fraternize with some random mortal? Surely you, my family, understand that allowing her to roam around unchallenged, practically showing her spawn off, is a disgrace to everything we have stood for? When vows mean nothing, then Olympus will crumble. And this is where it begins." Athena walked briskly back to her seat and sat down, carefully watching Zeus.
I was stunned. With that argument, I was almost on her side. But when I remembered that her side winning would result in my death, I quickly nudged Ward.
"If I may speak Your Highness?" Ward said as he stood up and walked over to the bench.
Zeus nodded, and Ward addressed the Olympians.
"Your majesties, Lady Athena made many excellent points. However, I believe she chose to disregard many things that she knew would torpedo her case. When Artemis was little, I believe she ASKED Zeus to remain childless. She did it of her own free will, no one forced her to. And when Zeus granted her request, he made it so that she would be able to retract it at any moment. So, when Artemis had Emily, she wasn't breaking any promise. So most of the Olympians have nothing to complain about. The only ones who should be unhappy are Hestia and Athena. But really, how mad can Athena be? She has promised to not marry, or anything like that, but she has not remained barren. By labeling her children 'brain children' she has been able to enjoy having kids, while still remaining one of the Maiden goddesses. And since Hestia isn't a member of the Twelve Olympians, and this is an Olympian court, then this case has no relevance. Athena is, respectfully, using your valuable time for matters of her own personal revenge. What you need to decide is, are you willing to punish an innocent goddess for no reason?" Ward left off, looking at each Olympian in turn, ending with Zeus.
Several minutes passed, and the Olympians debated while Ward walked back to the chairs and sat down. His breath was coming in sharp gasps.
I heard him mutter something like "Oh my goodness I challenged Athena. She's gonna kill me." over and over again until finally Zeus cleared his throat.
"Artemis, will you like to add anything to your defense?"
"N-no, my lord." she stuttered and looked at the ground. Maybe that's where I get my nervous stutter from.
"Well then, jury, have you made your decision?" Zeus asked, looking at them.
The corny one, Demeter, stood up.
"We have, Your Honor."
"What say you?"
"After considering both sides of the argument, we have decided that the defendant is not guilty."
I exhaled loudly and I noticed that Artemis was extremely relieved. Maybe, just maybe, she wouldn't hate me so much.
"However, we do not believe she should be returned to her former right, for a period of four months. She will retain all of her powers, but she will not be able to vote or do other Olympian duties. That is because her daughter has disgraced this court by bringing in a known enemy. So say us."
My grin froze and I turned to look at Artemis. She was glaring at me with such hatred, I could actually feel my insides dying. After all this, she still hates me.
Zeus sighed and nodded.
"Then so it shall be." Thunder crashed around the room and I took it as a sign that the trial was over.
AN2: Sorry for the rushed feel of it, but I love moving fast (not running of course) and I'm anxious to get to the more exciting parts. I'll update at 51 reviews, so click that button! Also, check out my friend Turtlefoot's stories. She is under my favorite authors. But if you decide to review from my recommendation, mention the number 66 in your review. We have a small bet going on, so thanks!
