CHAPTER II:
With some thoughts on Chapter I, I sympathize with any Percabeth lovers out there, but frankly there are thousands of those fics available to read out there. Yet maybe we might come across her character once again, who knows?
From now on, expect the plot to slowly unfold as I try my hardest to incorporate the many ideas I have floating around in my head. And if I do things correctly, I should be able to compose something along the lines of a good story.
Once again, leave your preferred pairing in the reviews or drop me a PM – otherwise it's going to be some dumb shit like Percy x Blackjack…
My discord server link - /nPJrVajZ
Anyways, enjoy!
-LostHouse
Percy POV
Snap out of it.
I thought to myself whilst vigorously shaking my head to clear away my loose thoughts. After all, there was no point being caught up in the past.
Especially not right now.
Shakingly standing up, I dusted off the sand which managed to accumulate on my trousers, whilst squinting at the now descending sun. The skies were littered with splashes of gold and pink as Apollos' chariot retreated below the visible horizon. As I followed the final descend of the sun, I let light yawn escape my lips at such dreamy view. Loosely running my fingers through my flowing hair, I casually checked the time on my watch.
Huh? Since when did six hours fly by so fast? I wondered internally, as it felt like only minutes have passed since I laid down at easily my most favorite spot in the whole of camp.
Yet I was even more surprised when I saw the advancing figure of a centaur making his way towards me down the sandy beach.
''What brings you here at this time, Chiron?'' I questioned, dipping my head to show the deep
underlying respect I harbored for the trainer of heroes.
"Greetings, Percy" he began as he neared me.
"I realized your absence during lunch and dinner, so I just wanted to make sure you were fine son."
Seeing his furrowed brows, I noticed how his visage held years of experience and understanding as his soft gaze examined me.
"Well…To say I'm doing fine would be a lie you wouldn't let slide, is it Chiron?" I asked as the immortal man joined my position in watching the sunset.
"I have trained many heroes during my time, and frankly speaking, they all end up the same." He slowly started, focusing his attention on me for a split second to make sure I was listening before returning his gaze to the horizon.
"You see Percy, you have managed to surpass the Heroes of Old. You have achieved things that even my past pupils would fail in completing, and just like the great Achilles, Theseus and original Perseus your story will be told for generations to come." He told me.
Waiting patiently, I let the words spoken by a man whom I could confidently call a father sink in, as I pondered about what to say. And my reply contained the sad truth that many seemed to overlook.
"I am no hero Chiron. I was just the simple boy who had to shoulder responsibilities which no child should ever undertake. People only know the great things I have managed to do, and those actions where only achieved because of the help of other great people, the true heroes, who sadly ended up laying their lives so I could complete my journey. Yet no one will truly understand the things I've lost, the pain that constantly lingers in my heart and the fear of knowing tomorrow could be my last day."
Now it was my turn to retreat my rueful gaze from the now rising moon and rest it upon the silent centaur.
"It has been four months since I've lost Annabeth, Chiron…" I whispered.
Ever so slightly, I felt an unfamiliar substance build up in my eyes as my throat began to painfully tighten. Coming to realization that I haven't properly spoken to anyone about the death of Annabeth, I finally decided to unload my thoughts and feelings to a person who would understand, a person I can trust. And so I let my internal flood gates open, and spoke my mind.
"I have begun to slowly forget the sound of her laugh, the sight of her face and the way she would scold me when I did something foolish. The memory of the most cherished person in my short life is only becoming a fading image that slips past my fingers no matter how hard I try to hold on." I croaked out.
Whilst quickly wiping away the first tear that snaked its way down my face, I finished my declaration with a weak voice.
"And I don't want to let go, Chiron."
LINEBREAK
Narrator POV
With the sun long gone below the horizon, only the night sky and all its inhabitants were left to witness the deep conversation held between pupil and mentor, the former silently listening to the cries of the young man who was closer to him than a son. However, resting side by side on the moonlit beach, the pair was oblivious to the prying silver eyes of a certain goddess which watched upon the scene with edged curiosity.
Now, with all words said and feelings expressed, they sat in a comfortable silence listening to the gentle chimes of the wind.
''Percy'' Said Chiron breaking their silence.
''How about you take time to travel the world? It will distract you from your current thoughts and could possibly lead you to find a new passion to dedicate yourself to.'' He voiced.
''Travel the world?'' Repeated Percy in confusion.
''Where could I possibly go?''
Resting a hand on his chin, Chiron thought of a solution to the boy's question.
''How about you search for troubled demigods and bring them safely to camp?'' He started.
''After all, the recent wars and battles have drastically reduced our numbers to roughly only a hundred campers.''
Percy went over the proposition in his head. It was a known truth that camp was weaker than before in terms of disposable strength, and with the ancient laws in place the gods couldn't directly interfere with getting their children to Camp Half-Blood.
But Percy wasn't a god.
With a frown in his face, he turned to Chiron.
''But how would I know where to find them? Because frankly, if I can't find them how wou-'' As Percy started listing his uncertainties, he was interrupted by a sudden appearance of great orange flame across from the seated pair.
In the blink of an eye, Percy leaped into a crouch and raised Riptide at what seemed to be an intruder, but just before he could proceed with attacking the unknown presence, he heard a soft chuckle and watched in amazement as a slender figure of a woman walked out of the blazing flame, with a hand over her mouth as she tried to suppress her alluring laugh.
Chiron, who instantly identified the lady, took a knee and addressed her.
''Lady Hestia, it's a pleasure to be gifted with your presence.''
''And it's also my pleasure to be in your presence Chiron, Trainer of Heroes'' Stated Hestia as she gently got the centaur to stand from his kneeling position.
Realizing that he nearly attacked the goddess of the hearth, Percy hastily turned Riptide into its pen form and also gave a quick bow.
''Forgive me Lady Hestia, I didn't recognize you in your older form.'' Apologized Percy.
''Ha-ha, don't apologize Percy. It was my fault for interrupting the pair of you so seemingly out of the blue.'' She said softly in a melodic voice.
Once the greetings were over the three stood in an awkward silence as no one was too sure about what to say for a few seconds. Just when Percy was going to say something to ease the sudden silence, Chiron gave a quick cough and spoke.
''Oh, would you look at the time.'' His announcement successfully breaking the building ice.
''Its best for me to retire to bed. Afterall, these old bones do need some rest after a long day.'' Noted the centaur before given Percy a cheeky wink, hidden from the sight of the goddess as she was too lost dwelling in her own thoughts to realize.
With a last bow to the Lady, Chiron threw a final comment over his shoulder whilst departing from the duo.
''Don't stay too late Percy!''
With the cheerful trainer now out of sight, Percy found himself a tad bit too late to give a smart counter.
Percy POV
With Chiron now gone and nowhere in sight, I returned my attention towards Hestia, and oh boy her current 18-year-old form was absolutely stunning.
Her hair was braided to the side and rested over the shoulders of the simple flowing orange dress, that successfully complemented each of her curves and rested at her ankles. With a cut in the dress from her mid-thigh downwards, I gazed at her exposed tanned, slender legs which were matched with leather sandals the shade of copper. The laces of the sandals wrapping themselves in an intricate pattern up her calf with her presence alone making me relax and forget my past worries.
But nothing even came close to her intoxicating eyes; filled with swirls of golden flames, seemingly as though they wer-
''Percy?'' Queried the goddess.
''Is there something on my face?'' She quizzed as I watched her try to wipe a nonexistent smudge off her lips, oh if only I could touch those soft, luscious lips...
Shaking my head, I internally scolded myself. Bad Percy, She's a maiden goddess you dimwit.
Before things could get any worse, I quickly replied,
''No Lady Hestia! You look gorgeous as always!''
Fuck's sake, Percy! You had one job!
Blushing at my choice of words, I prayed to be anywhere else but here.
''Oh, thank you Percy.'' She expressed cheerfully, oblivious to my previous statement.
With a sigh of relief, I plopped down once more onto the sand and motioned for the standing goddess to join me. Whilst she began to lower herself down, I decided to ask the first question.
''So then, what brings you here Lady Hestia? Surely it wasn't just to visit camp at such late hours.'' I inquired.
Once the goddess was seated and comfortable, she turned towards me and started explaining herself.
''Well to put it simply, I was up on Olympus tending my hearth as usual until I felt a big spike in my domain being emitted from this exact location. Or more accurately, it came from you, Percy.'' She explained in a pleasant voice.
''Last time I checked Lady Hestia; I didn't set any fires to trigger your domain.''
''No, you silly, and please just call me Hestia. But back to the point, I sensed a powerful aura of sadness and general lack of hope, so I came to inspect the source of those raw emotions and it led me to you and Chiron. Although, I must add, I didn't plan to make my presence known until I heard your discussion about finding a new purpose in your life, and it having to do something with finding troubled demigods if I stand correct?''
''You are correct Hestia. To answer your first point, I was just troubled with some thoughts and
Chiron was there to support me.'' I concluded to the goddess, and without a pause I carried on, choosing to ignore the point of my recent breakdown as I didn't want to bring up that subject and needlessly worry her.
''And about that new purpose thingy, Chiron proposed the idea of me travelling to search for troubled demigods and bring them to camp. But I'm not too sure about that because how would I find them in the first place?'' I frowned as I rubbed the back of my head. A difficult question which It seems I don't have the facilities to solve.
Or so I thought.
''Hmmm... ah yes!'' Exclaimed the goddess whilst grabbing my hands in pure excitement.
So cute...
''How about you become my Champion! That way I could guide you on your path and have someone to represent me!'' Bubbled Hestia whilst jumping up and down.
What? A champion?
Bringing life to my thoughts, I gently let go of Hestia's hands as I replied to the expectant goddess.
''What's a Champion Hestia? Will I basically be a walking advertisement?''
Hestia, who was a bit down about me retrieving my hands, let out a sigh and explained to me what a champion is. And doing so as if I were a child.
''Well, Percy, as my first champion you will receive my full blessing and in turn acquire control over my domains and powers and obviously, you'll have to train them. But by becoming my champion, you and I will have a bond which will allow me, as the patron, to sense your emotions and communicate with you telepathically.'' She explained slowly, making sure I was following along.
Awesome, I thought to myself.
''So where do I sign up?'' I quizzed the goddess.
Laughing, Hestia just motioned for me to hold out my arm. Once I held it out, she rolled up my sleeve and rested the palm of her hand against my forearm.
''If I remember correctly, this shouldn't hurt like when receiving the Roman Legion service tattoo, but be ready just in-case I'm wrong.'' She informed before I gave a nod for her to proceed.
Suddenly, my arm was engulfed in a bright light that illuminated the dark beach and I was forced to avert my gaze to keep my eyes intact, shivering at the soft contact from the goddess.
Once the light died down, I focused on my forearm to see a tattoo representation of a hearth, seemingly alive with raging flames which made their way up my arm until stopping at my elbow. Below the hearth, the words 'Πρωταθλητής Ελπίδας' (Champion of Hope) were inscribed horizontally.
Staring in fascination at my new tattoo, I gently traced the intricate letters with the tip of my finger.
''Interesting…'' Muttered Hestia as she closely inspected my arm.
Allowing her to continue examining the tattoo, I simply sat there, patiently waiting for her to finish drawing up conclusions.
''I never seen such an exquisite champion marking before, and I must say that it looks beautiful yet dangerous…Very fitting of your character Perseus.'' She noted whilst rolling down my sleeve.
''Fitting of my character? How so?'' I questioned her, not fully understanding what she implied.
''Well, you are very aimable, loyal and open when talking to those you respect. Those few qualities alone make you stand out from the general crowd, and what in the end made you, my champion.''
Taking a short pause to take a breath, she carried on.
''However, on the battlefield its as if you are possessed by a demon, instilling fear into those that stand in your path. That is what I meant by you being beautiful yet dangerous Percy.'' Hestia finished.
But before I could ask another question, she got up from sand and lowered her tanned hand towards me, which I happily grabbed. Now standing once more by the side of the goddess, she turned around and started leading me towards camp.
''Where are we going milady?'' I asked, trailing behind the goddess.
''I want to tell you something not meant for other peeking ears, my champion.'' She simply replied as she walked with a light bounce to her step.
Peeking ears? Are we being watched? I thought to myself. Quickly glancing around, I tried to look or sense anything out of the ordinary, but all I could see was an empty illuminated beach and glittering stars in the night sky.
Catching up with the goddess I asked her, ''Is there someone watching us Hestia? I do not sense anything out of the ordinary or suspicious.'' I informed the goddess.
Pausing in her steps, Hestia turned around giddily pointed at the full moon.
''Do you see how the moonlight is much more focused and brighter on the beach compared to the forest that's just a few metres behind?'' She announced.
''It seems as though a certain goddess was also interested at the previous events.'' She stated amusedly, before turning on her heel and sprinting towards camp.
''Race you to the Big House!'' She exclaimed before filling the beach with her melodic laughter, leaving me no choice but to let out a laugh of my own and race the childlike woman.
It was simple, innocent moments like these that caused me to forget everything and anything, and just live in the present.
''Hey! You're cheating!'' I shouted after the goddess, who was already halfway there.
LINEBREAK
Narrator POV
High above in the moon chariot; Artemis can clearly see everything that happens and passes to be on the land below as she makes her way across the skies. And to say she was surprised at the recent events would be an understatement. You see, Artemis's feelings towards Perseus were neutral. Her heart reached out to him for the loss of his loved one, but she still didn't trust him. Above all, he was a man, and men were corrupted pigs who always have and always will deceive women.
But he's different, isn't he? The silver eyed goddess mused to herself.
If Aunt Hestia made him her first champion ever, then it means she sees something the rest of us don't. She concluded whilst watching the pair of them start sprinting off into the direction of the Big House.
Laughing at their childish antics, she suddenly felt a pang in her chest. A pang of jealousy.
It was a weird feeling for the goddess, an emotion which she rarely came across in her immortal life. Yet she wasn't even sure why she felt such way.
Was she jealous of Hestia? She honestly didn't know. To squash out that feeling, she relaxed and leaned across the side of her chariot - eyes closed as she tried to drain her head of all thoughts. But however hard she tried, only one seemed to stay rooted in the back of her mind.
What's so special about you Perseus?
Percy POV
After finally catching up to Hestia at the front porch of the Big House, I was about to ask why the aforementioned goddess was crouching below the railing, before she quickly spoke in my mind.
Shhh! Dionysus is sleeping!
Surprised at the sudden voice that reverberated through my head, I accidentally slipped mid-step and unceremoniously fell onto the ground, face planting straight into the feet of the goddess.
Nice Percy. Real smooth. Creased Hestia as she tried to contain her giggles.
Glaring at the woman, I picked myself up and dropped into a crouch next to her.
Ha-ha, very funny Hestia. I sent back to her sarcastically.
What are we doing here anyway? And couldn't we just, you know, teleport here? I asked her irritably.
I mean, we could, but where's the fun in that? Just follow me and try not to fall so dramatically. She shot back at me.
Damn, even telepathically her voice was pleasing.
Whatever, let's just get going. I replied to her before moving out of the way so she could take the lead, taking me to wherever she has in mind.
Sneakily we made our way up the few illuminated steps that took us up to the porch of the Big House, were we came across the previously mentioned god, who somehow, managed to fall asleep whilst reading 'La Revue du vin de France', (A wine magazine ofc) which know lay upside down on his bloated belly.
Making sure to slowly tiptoe around the sleeping wine god, I tried my upmost best to not start laughing at the scene in front of me.
After a few long seconds, we successfully managed to enter through the front door of the Big House without being noticed. The pair of us suddenly looked at each other, and failing to restrain ourselves any longer, we burst out into fits of laughter which rang loud in the sleeping Camp.
''Hahaha, d-did yo-u see hi-his face! Hahaha!'' Wheezed out the goddess, before there was a sudden shout from outside the door.
''WHO DARES TO DISRUPT MY PEACE! I SWEAR TO ZUES, IF ITS YOU PESKY CHILDREN OF HERMES THEN YOU WILL BE ON KITCHEN DUTY FOR A MONTH!'' He bellowed, a meter away from the current position we are hiding in.
Run Percy! Shouted Hestia in my head, and I didn't need to be told a second time.
Quickly making our way up the stairs that led into the attic of the Big House, we barged into the off-limits room and frantically locked the door behind us. But just before we could discuss what just happened, we were forced to turn around at the sudden sound of a projected rusty voice.
''Welcome Perseusss…''
And out of a plume of green smoke, came the hiss of the original Oracle of Delphi.
LINEBREAK
Chains will be cast in the Palace of Night,
Of the chasing shadows there will be no sight.
His soul left to wander the blackened lands,
Past the gate within the devils' hands.