Thank you all for your reviews and support!

Greed the Selfless: Wow…that is such a big coincidence. I've never even heard of Xerxes until you mentioned him. I have heard of Pandora Hearts and Oz, Alice, and Gilbert…but other than that, nothing else. It is on my list of anime that I plan to watch.

Ro 781727: You have the same thoughts I do. Thanks for the reminder though!

Chapter 9: Luck and Sacrifice

I want you to become my champion.

For a brief moment, I was speechless. I never expected any deity to offer me such a deal, and now the goddess of revenge had personally showed up and gave me one in a video game store.

I've heard of champions and patron deities, but I had no idea whether that practice still extended to present day. I've read all about them: Jason and Hera, Odysseus and Athena to name a few. To have a deity offer their patronage was a high honor. After my initial surprise diminished, I grew skeptical.

"Why did you choose me?" I asked.

"I can see your potential," Nemesis said, walking out of the counter. I noticed how she was wearing ripped black jeans and combat boots. There was a whip hanging on her side. "You're quite a promising 'demigod'. If your prophecy is anything to go by, I am certain you will bring about great change in the future, a great shift in the balance of power."

"But most importantly," Nemesis whispered, her dark eyes peered into my own closely. I tried not to flinch. "You and I have very similar ideals. It is these ideals that make you appealing to me. Unlike most demigods I've seen in the last century, there is no one, not even my own children, who understands the true meaning of sacrifice more than you, Seth Hunter."

"What do you mean by that?" I said quietly, my voice hushed.

She smiled and drew her head back, allowing me a moment to breathe. "Do you believe in luck, Seth Hunter?"

"No."

"Why?"

"I don't believe it actually exists, at least the concept of it." I told her. "The only 'luck' I've ever experienced is the result of my own hard work. Lady Tyche may be the goddess of luck, but she only offers her services sparingly to those who deserve it, which again proves that it is training and perseverance that leads to this fake notion called luck."

I believed in luck once, but ever since I discovered the existence of my damn prophecy, my beliefs took a pessimistic turn. There were Fates controlling our every move. Our very lives were only a thin length of string waiting to be cut. Sometimes, I even doubted if I had any free will. I never wanted to participate in that Quest to save Artemis, but look where that got me? Call me a cynic, but I rather faced the harsh truth rather than pretty pretenses.

"My thoughts exactly," Nemesis said, sounding pleased. "You are quite right, Seth Hunter. Good luck is a sham, an illusion. Without sacrifice (or hard work as you put it), one cannot hope to achieve something higher. There is no victory without sacrifice. There will be no success. That is the way things work in this world. In fact, Tyche and I collaborate very closely. While Tyche brings out the good things in life, I bring out the bad things to even it out."

"That…seems fair," I hesitated before commenting.

"Of course it is fair!" she exclaimed. "Fairness isn't without cruelty. It is an act of justice! I despise arrogance and pride. Those who have such demeaning qualities allow me my enjoyment of tearing them down to utter humiliation. Don't you wish to exact justice upon that haughty love goddess? Don't you wish to exact vengeance for the sake of your deceased family?"

"Of course I do!" I hissed, my mood turning sour at the reminder before I forced myself to calm down. Nemesis was clearly trying to rile me up. I couldn't get distracted. I must know her true intentions.

"What is in it for you, Lady Nemesis?" I replied, my tone distrusting. "What do you gain from using me as your champion?"

"I believe you are worthy enough to carry my message." Nemesis declared. "You are a wild card, Seth Hunter- the joker in the poker deck. With such freedom, all I ask is that you grant me recognition in your endeavors, complete the tasks that I assign occasionally, and continue to promote my ideals. In exchange…."

"I promise you my aid against the love goddess." Nemesis whispered. I hitched a breath. "Trust me when I say that I always keep my promises. As your patron, it will be my duty to look out for you. You will be charged in my care, and I will make sure that no one- whether they are mortal, demigod, or deity- messes with us."

"I see," I muttered, taking that moment to think it over.

Nemesis would be a good ally, especially when it involved my future quarrel with Aphrodite. I needed all the divine help I could get. Apollo couldn't do much on this matter, and Artemis was kept in the dark about this one. If I had Nemesis' help…then my revenge would be fulfilled, and even after that happens, I would still have Nemesis acting as my benefactor.

However, like every choice, there was also a downside. Nemesis was shady. Her intentions may not always be crystal clear, and according to the myths, she had a way of fulfilling her end of the deal that usually involved a lot of pain and hurt. So what did being 'in her care' entail for me? It's unlikely that she was going to just step in and fix all my problems with a wave of her hand. No…from our conversation, I could tell Nemesis was more practical. She would let me handle the problems, but offer me some advantage over my enemies.

Then, there was my own conviction. I did not like depending on anyone. Patron or not, the closest person I trust was myself, and even then, I still had my self-doubts. Only Percy, Annabeth, Will, and Lee were close to gaining my full trust. Grover too, though I haven't had much time to talk to him since he's busy finding Pan. Thalia was also making her way onto my list as time passed on.

Other than those few selected individuals, I hold everyone else at an arm's length. Many of them I treat as friends or allies (like the Demeter and Hermes kids), and some like Clarisse, we only got along when we struck a good bargain. Notice that my list only consisted of demigods and one satyr. There were no gods that I trusted. Artemis and Aphrodite were obvious reasons. Apollo was a god I respected and admired, but it did not mean I trusted him. Ever since he pulled that stunt, I've grew wary of him. He only looked out for me since I had Artemis' favor. If I somehow offended Artemis and he caught hold of it, it's obvious whose side he's on. He made that point very clear last time we met.

Besides, last I checked, the feelings were mutual: gods didn't trust demigods. So why should they expect any trust from us?

Unfortunately, as much as I wished to remain unnoticed by the gods, my stupid prophecy made that impossible. I was extremely glad I wasn't a Big Three kid for this reason because they attracted attention like flies even without a prophecy. I could at least slip by unnoticed by monsters now, and enemies might even underestimate me since I didn't have that 'Big Three' title. Not that I mind, it's just another advantage for me.

As I continued to think through my pros and cons, something crucial surfaced.

"Are you really giving me a choice in the matter?" I said narrowly.

Nemesis smirked. "Good question. Am I giving you a choice? Now that really depends."

I felt my face deadened. "Depends?"

"It is in my best interest that you accept my offer genuinely. A patron-champion relationship will only work when both sides willingly cooperate with the other. Of course, I could always force you into it, but the partnership won't be the same, and it won't be as strong or sacred. Ultimately, it depends on whether or not I want a strong partnership with you, Seth Hunter, and I do desire a strong partnership."

"So if I happen to refuse…" I noticed how Nemesis gave a slight frown. "Will you just coerce me into it anyway?"

"Again, that depends." Nemesis murmured. "Are you refusing me?"

She appeared curious. I didn't sense any threatening undertone belying that question. Instead of answering, I asked another critical question.

"There is a war coming," I said ominously. "I've heard from one source that many of the minor deities have turned to the Titans. I'm not asking about your allegiance, but if we happen to be on different sides…will that impact our partnership?"

"I am all about balance and equality, Seth Hunter," Nemesis answered. "For me, there is no such thing as a 'side'. If I do join one 'side'- it is only because I see that option more suited towards my aims. As for your inquiry, our partnership will not be affected. Patronage is viewed as a sacred bond, almost if not more binding than swearing on the River Styx. Even if I were to join the Titans, I am forbidden to ever harm or put you in harm's way."

"Is that so?" I said quietly. "Very well, I have made a decision."

"Oh?"

Nemesis brought up many good points, and she unknowingly put to rest many of my worries. If deities hold these partnerships as sacred, then I was guaranteed to have Nemesis on my side without fear of her deluding me. I could not survive in this world for long without some solid help from the gods. At least with Nemesis' aid, other gods would think twice before messing with me.

"Your terms are satisfactory. I will accept your offer of patronage." I said calmly. Nemesis smiled.

"I'm glad to hear it." Nemesis said. She raised a hand, and a bit hesitantly, I took it. Almost immediately, I felt a searing pain on the underside of my right wrist. There was a reddish and silvery glow, and I felt something seeping into me through that contact. Slowly, the pain diminished and when Nemesis finally released my hand, I noticed a small black mark, like a tattoo embedded on my wrist.

It was a set of scales, with swords crisscrossing them.* I tried not to wince when I saw it. It almost appeared defiant, like it was saying that I was owned by someone.

So I sacrificed my freedom for the sake of self-preservation, I thought morbidly. I guess I do understand her more than I like.

With that, Nemesis snapped her fingers, and I recognized the Assassin's Creed cover that appeared in her hand. She handed it to me, and I placed it gently into my backpack.

"You will not regret your choice, Seth Hunter." she told me. She almost sounded sincere. "Now that game there is one I particularly enjoyed. I do love it when the mortals decide to give me some spotlight."

I suddenly heard the sound of an engine, and I noticed a flashy red sports car outside the front entrance.

"Your transportation," she told me. "Just take a seat in the back, and the car will take you where you need to go."

I nodded as I opened the side door. I noticed how the car appeared to be on auto. There was no driver.

"By the way," Nemesis said behind me. "Nice job snatching that diamond ring."

"How did you…" I started. When I turned around to question this, Nemesis had already disappeared. When I processed that sentence a second time, I chuckled to myself quietly, finally getting its true meaning.

I gave a sigh. Good luck really is an illusion.

-o-

The sports car soon came to a stop.

I didn't even do anything at all. All I did was state my destination and the car immediately took off at high speed. Judging by how fast it was going, we must have gained like a bunch of speed tickets on the way. It was a miracle we didn't get into any accidents.

Lynetta was there, this time standing beside her Prius. She gave a suspicious look when she noticed the red sports car, which was already leaving behind a trail of dust once I got out of it.

"Do I want to know?" she told me, sighing. I shrugged.

"I kind of got some help on the way. So did I make it in time?"

She nodded. "Walt is expecting you back at the house."

The next few hours went by swiftly. I gave my report to Walt. I eventually told him about my encounter with Nemesis, though I didn't tell him about her offer of being my patron. I finally handed him the bag of items as requested. Walt took a brief glance over the items, and when he noticed how all of them were still intact, he gave a nod of approval. Lynetta took the two fortune cookies and tossed me one.

"Enjoy," Lynetta said. She opened up the wrapper and took a bite. "I do love fortune cookies."

I blinked. "Wait, what…"

"I'll be taking these immediately," Walt replied. He had the Panasonic disk, aerosol can, 4GB Micro Chips, and diamond ring all bundled up in a bag. "Well done, Hunter. Without you, I wouldn't have got the items I needed in time to fix my toys. It sure beats waiting for the FedEx Truck. I'll be sure to compensate them."

"Now hold on a sec," I said, "you're telling me…that this exam was meant to help you get your ingredients in time? You sent me out there completely unarmed to act as your delivery boy?!"Walt shrugged.

"That is exactly what I did." Walt stated, unabashed. "Deal with it." I gave a look of disbelief.

That's it, Walt Forger is officially crazy. I thought. How does Lynetta deal with him?

"It's not like I haven't thought about you too. As a reward Hunter, you can have this." Walt said. He threw the Assassin's Creed game to me swiftly. "I'm a hard-core Ezio fan you know? I've heard mixed reviews on this one. Tell me your opinion once you finish it."

Huh?

"Wait, I don't understand," I finally managed to say when I calmed down. "You're telling me to go play a video game?"

"You do have free time today," Lynetta pointed out. "The gaming equipment is in the left corner room of the basement."

"Yes, I know." I said. I always had free time once I completed an exam or mission. "But video games?"

"What are you complaining about, Hunter?" Walt muttered. "You're a teenager aren't you? Don't most boys your age be thrilled about playing video games?" He muttered under his breath in Latin, something about me being too difficult and picky.

"I don't play video games," I said. "I don't see what's so appealing about them. It's just a bunch of computer graphics designed to let killing appear enjoyable. What's so good about that?"

"That is why it's so appealing!" Walt exclaimed. "I don't know whether to laugh or feel sorry for you, Hunter. Are you seriously telling me that you never played a video game before?"

"Pretty much, unless you count that Halo game in the Lotus Casino," I thought aloud. "I'm sure you knew that I lived in an orphanage almost all my life before moving to Camp Half-Blood. We didn't have the luxury to buy expensive games like these, and I was too busy at Camp to bother. It's not a big deal."

"Not a big deal he says," Walt repeated sarcastically. "That's it! Your new assignment is to finish that game in one week! No protests!" He added when I was about to do just that. "You are really missing out on a lot of things, Hunter. That is just sad."

"I thought you are a trainer!" I argued. "Not some video game addict."

"I am a lot of things, Hunter." Walt said. There was something in his tone that I couldn't quite identity, something ominous and dark. "Now just do what I tell you. Trust me, this 'assignment' won't even seem like an assignment. Try to act your age this once."

Try to act your age…

I scoffed mentally. Act my age? Maybe if I was a mortal or even a demigod, and not this, then maybe I could 'act my age'. How was a fifteen year old boy supposed to act then? Was I really so unlike a 'teenager' just because I didn't play video games? I didn't get his reasoning.

"Fine," I said, "I'll give Assassin's Creed a try. Maybe I'll even try Mario Cart! Pokémon! Whatever."

"That's the spirit!" Walt said, smirking. "Now I need to get these into my room. Lynetta, why don't you help him set up? You can start with the other training tomorrow morning." With that said, Walt quickly left the room with items in tow.

-o-

After Lynetta help me set up the game, I had the gaming consul in hand as the screen flickered. Assassin's Creed III started up with this character called Desmond and gave a brief recap about Assassins and Templars, this thing called an 'Animus', and how the protagonist was trying to avert the 2012 Apocalypse. I guessed the plot was alright in terms of originality. It even gave a brief history lesson on the American Revolution. I nearly laughed when 'Juno' appeared.

Time actually went by faster than I thought. The game was about to shift from Haytham's perspective when my eyes started to feel drowsy. I checked the time, and I was shocked that it was already the end of the day.

Just as well, I thought as I took out the game and closed the plasma TV. I don't want to end up too addicted…though I guess Assassin's Creed turned out more entertaining than I first thought.

I got settled into bed after I took a brief shower. The weather was getting nicer. The nights weren't so chilly like before. Somehow, my sleeping habits were also improving. I didn't know if it's because my insomnia was cured or because my fear of Kronos invading my mind disappeared, but I was starting to sleep more regularly. I could tell just by looking at my reflection. My face didn't appear as haggard, and the dark circles under my eyes were slowly dimming away.

Of course, just because my insomnia decided to take a vacation, it did not make waking up at 6 am any easier.

"We will be starting a new area of training," Lynetta announced, her voice echoing throughout the room. I stifled a yawn, my eyes protesting against the bright light. I was dressed hurriedly in sweats and plain T-shirt. My dark auburn hair was in such a mess it would give Aphrodite nightmares.

"I have decided that you are ready for marksmanship." I literally gaped.

"YES!" I said loudly. I even pumped a fist in the air. I was that excited. "Finally! So which kind of guns will I get to work with? Hand guns? Rifle? Shot gun?"

"You'll start with this," Lynetta told me. She plucked one of the smallest firearms on the wall and threw it towards me. I caught it, and noticed it was a small measly pistol. "You won't be firing it either. You will first learn the theory work behind each of the different guns we have here, starting with the pistol. Then, you will eventually be timed on how fast you break it apart and assemble them together."

"Oh." I didn't bother hiding my disappointment. That sounded so…so boring.

"Once you get past the theory work, I believe everything else that follows will come naturally to you." Lynetta said.

"How can you be so sure?" I asked.

"Your abilities are similar to a child of Apollo," she said. "Your mother and Lord Apollo's skill with archery grants their children a natural affinity with long-range weapons. Marksmanship, obviously, falls under that category. This affinity also allows Apollo kids to become talented athletes since most sports also involve trajectories. I am assuming that you also have this skill?"

I nodded. I remembered how I would play baseball when I was younger. I always had a good aim when pitching, or when I was batting, I always managed to hit the ball exactly how I wanted it. Then, I tried my hand with basketball at Camp Half-Blood. Will always managed to beat me due to our difference in height, much to my frustration.

"I'm sure you will master marksmanship quite easily due to this advantage." Lynetta informed. "It was like that with the Apollo kid I trained previously. Though, you might have to handle the recoil a couple times before getting it completely."

"So all I have to do is get the dull stuff out of the way huh?" I said.

Lynetta nodded. "In other words."

"Alright, then," I said. "Let's get started."

For the next hour and a half, Lynetta explained the basics of each gun. I was given the assignment to memorize gun parts and terms. Physics also played a large role in determining wind speed and vector qualities. I practiced loading and unloading bullets into the pistol I was given under a time limit. By the time the exercise was complete, it was sad to say that the time difference between my first and last try wasn't to my satisfaction, but since it was only my first day, Lynetta simply told me I was being too harsh on myself.

"I'm not being too harsh," I told her. "It's just my way of improving."

"Setting a high standard is good," Lynetta agreed, "but setting impossible goals like that…you do know that most of the goals you've told me are nearly impossible to accomplish in a single lifetime?"

"That's the whole point," I said, looking at her sternly. "It's so I'll always have something to occupy my time and energy with. Even if I don't achieve it, I'll at least land somewhere closer to my desired target than before and still improve in the process."

"Can you not come up with reasonable ones instead?" she asked. "Achieve those, and then create more doable ones later."

"Why should I do that?" I questioned. "If I know that I will achieve it eventually, that isn't a goal. A goal should be something more…something more eternal. Creating these short-term goals are only stepping stones. I rather skip that whole process and focus on the bigger target."

"Stepping stones are there for a reason," Lynetta said. "They are meant to monitor and record your process more accurately. It's also meant as a reward system. Don't you wish to experience that feeling of accomplishment?"

"Of course I do," I said quietly, "but that 'feeling of accomplishment' is only a delusion in the end, Lynetta. It is only a dream, a fantasy. I rather not give myself such false notions of success."

Lynetta frowned. "What…do you mean by that?"

"What I meant, is that weakness always overpowers strength." I answered. "If I can count how many flaws I have, I'll need a whole group of people to help count them, and even then, that is not enough. There's just too many. Some of them I could fix if I put forth the effort…but others are just a part of who I am. Just like my fatal flaw for instance. Those, no matter how much I despise them, can never be erased. Having a sense of accomplishment is only a mask, Lynetta, a temporary thing. I don't want to be blinded by such petty things."

"That's a…unique perspective," Lynetta murmured. She had a slightly troubled gaze when she looked at me, as if she couldn't believe what I was saying. "I never knew you could be so…"

"Cynical? Pessimistic?" I guessed. She gave a nod.

"Right then, I actually forgot that you are younger than me," Lynetta admitted. "Sometimes, the way you speak and act, the things you believe…where did you develop these beliefs from?"

I gave a smile.

"Experience, Lynetta. That's where I got them."

-o-

*The set of scales and crisscrossed swords is the symbol of Nemesis. I'm not sure if the swords are accurate since Nemesis is described to carry a whip, but that is the information I got from Ethan Nakamura's wiki page.