Chapter V
Damn, this chapter came out hella spicy so prepare yourself.
Regarding the ending of the previous chapter, I understand that it might have seemed that this story is becoming the typical ''Guardian of the Hunt'' type of vibe, where Percy is being used as a slave of sorts and gets bullied by a bunch of immortal girls -BUT- this is not happening, lol. Not even close.
He will only be with them for limited time as I, for some reason, decided to make this chapter absolute shithousery.
For unforeseen reasons, I became very tempted to slap many ideas into this chapter so I can make a sexy filler chapter next, explaining the many things which have just occurred, so please just bear with me.
My discord server link - /nPJrVajZ
As always, Enjoy!
-LostHouse
Percy POV
Finally, that stupid neck brace is off.
Rubbing my stiff neck, I got out of bed and quickly checked the clock on the wall which told me it was currently 6am.
''Too early for this shit.'' I grumbled out to no one in particular.
Knowing that today was the day I will have to travel with the Hunters of Artemis for roughly the next month or two, I couldn't help but shiver at the thought of what they might try to do to me.
And then the thought hit me.
When was the last time I spoke to Thalia?
Oh boy am I in trouble. Well, it doesn't matter.
After all, if she didn't iris message me during the past months then everything is fine from her end, right? And now after remembering Thalia, everyone else suddenly came rushing into my head as I promised myself to stop by and have a chat to catch up with everyone.
''Percy! Breakfast is ready!'' Came the intruding voice of Hestia from the kitchen.
''I'll be down in a sec!''
Pushing all thoughts out of my mind, I quickly got dressed into my usual attire of pitch-black cargo pants, black boots and a black shirt concealed by an equally dark hoodie which sported the symbol of Hestia which was engraved in the middle of the fabric in the shade of burgundy.
Catching the drift of cooked food from the kitchen, I hopelessly ran my hand through my hair in attempt to make it somewhat presentable, before giving up and dashing to the kitchen as my mouth started to water at the intoxicating smell invading the atmosphere.
Completing my path to the kitchen in record time, I gave a quick hug to a smiling Hestia before leaping onto a chair and patiently waiting for the food to be served.
''You ready for the Hunt, Percy?'' Asked the still smiling Hestia as she took off her apron and gently folded it onto the counter.
''Urgh, do I have to go? Why can't I just train as per usual?''
Hestia brought the plate of blue pancakes and a glass of orange juice over to me, set it down, and sat next to me.
''Because Artemis is picking up on our trail as she somehow caught wind of the sightings where unknown monsters are travelling the lands in secret. So, Percy, you will be going to the Hunt and prevent them from catching any of the hybrids by any means possible, also training with them along the way.'' She said casually.
With a sigh, I dug into my food as Hestia just sat with a smile as she watched me eat.
''By the way, Artemis said she would personally bring you to their camp as she doesn't want you to just walk in whenever you feel like it, also saying words along the lines of 'he might peek on my hunters' or something similar. Didn't really catch it'' Hestia informed me.
Grumbling some sort of response between mouthfuls of delicious food, I internally thought to myself.
Who does she think I am? Hercules?
After finishing my food and the glass of orange juice I gave a contempt sigh as I asked a question to the goddess.
''And when will she be coming to pick me up?''
Before Hestia could even answer, the mood in the kitchen turned from peaceful to bitter as Artemis appeared in a flash of light and addressed Hestia.
''Good morning Aunt Hestia, Perseus.'' Said Artemis.
''Once again, its Percy. P-e-r-''
''Whatever, Perseus. Anyhow, we shall now be going Aunt Hestia, as I believe my lieutenant is growing very impatient at having to wait as she even woke up early to personally greet Perseus.'' Artemis interrupted me crudely before paying her full attention to Hestia.
As my blood ran cold at the thought of what Thalia is possibly capable of doing with mass amounts of lightning and pointy objects, I just waited for this interaction between the goddesses to finish so we can get this over and done with as quickly as possible.
''Remember what I told you niece, I want my child to return to me in one piece and fully functional with all of his limbs intact.'' She stated, making sure to accentuate the word 'all'.
As I smiled at the protectiveness of Hestia, I gained a slither of hope that maybe, just maybe, I would still be able to have children in the distant future.
But sadly, that all went out the window.
''I promised that I would try to not hurt Perseus, but the hunters are free to act correspondingly to his actions.'' Artemis said with a smirk as I just grimaced at the unfair situation.
I will not be bullied by some immortal girls, after all, I have seen much worse over the years.
Like Zoe for example. I concluded my thoughts, as I prepared myself for what's to come.
Standing up from the table, Hestia took my empty plates and glass before flashing them into the sink.
''Then I hope you will be able to control your hunters Artemis, as neither me nor Poseidon will accept any unfair treatment from your side. Is that understood?'' Said Hestia, successfully wiping the smirk from the moon goddesses face.
''I can't promise anything Hestia, but I will try to comply and keep a watchful eye out for any mistreatment from both sides and punish as seen necessary.'' Replied Artemis.
''Thank you, niece. That is all I ask.''
After ending the short conversation, Hestia gently brought me into a hug and mentally voiced;
Stay safe Percy, call for me if anything happens.
Hearing her words, I just simply tightened my hold on her as I smiled into her shoulder before we both gracefully let go. Looking at Artemis who decided to turn around and impatiently tap her foot, I inwardly sighed as I made my way to stand before her as I said my final goodbye to Hestia.
''I suggest you ready yourself, Perseus.'' She said as I was only a step from her, before we were both engulfed in a bright flash as we teleported to the hunter's camp.
Fuck my life, was my only thought.
LINEBREAK
Hunters Camp
Narrators POV
Appearing on the outskirts of the hunter's camp which was located deep within a forest in an unknown location, Perseus instantly got slammed with a thundering bolt of lightning, faster than you could even say, ''Integrated into the team''.
As Perseus sailed into the sky and the smell of ozone filled the morning air, all the hunters who were awake gathered at the scene of the explosion as the culprit, Thalia, stood stock still with electricity still sparking off her body.
Artemis saw no need to interfere as in her eyes this was well justified.
Everyone was silent at the scene, still predicting what will happen next as a slow laugh of realization struck from Phoebe, before being quickly silenced at what happened next.
Rising out of from the veil of dust that enveloped Perseus' body, his previously mirthful and light demeanor turned into an eerily calm, expressionless face. Stepping out from the little crater, he gave out a laugh that sounded more like a growl as he spoke.
''If that's how you want play cousin, then I hope you are ready.''
Making way towards his cousin, his body became engulfed in vicious flames that seemed to drip off his body and burn the ground upon contact, spitting in all directions as a distinct shudder was felt deep below the earth.
Sensing the power that rolled off Perseus, Artemis ordered him to halt as the rest of the assembled hunters began to reach for their weapons, but it all fell upon deaf ears as he continued his path towards the lieutenant of the hunt.
''Pewcy!'' Came the sudden voice of a young girl as she ran towards the hazardous man, not caring about being injured as everyone else was too shocked to even attempt holding the young girl back.
Hearing the voice of the girl ring out into the morning sky, Perseus paused and willed the flames and the steadily growing earthquake to recede as he couldn't help but smile at the child which stormed her path towards him, the feeling of anger and injustice disappearing from his mind as his body relaxed.
''Hahaha, hello little Chloe!'' He chuckled as she leaped into his arms and strangled him in a suffocating hug.
''Pewcy! I missed you sooo much!'' Exclaimed Chloe as Perseus spun around with her tightly in his arms.
But before their heartwarming reunion could proceed anymore, a single hunter spoke up and challenged him.
''Let her down boy! Before I remove your disgusting hands from your body for dirtying the child!'' Shouted Phoebe as she raised her hunting knives, preparing to follow through with her promise.
Perseus, who completely ignored the huntress and her comment, gently laid the girl who was securely held in arms onto the ground as he whispered into ear so that only she could hear him.
''Run along to camp little Chloe, I will be there to hear your stories in a few minutes.''
Nodding her head in compliance, the young innocent girl shined a smile brighter than that of Apollos as she sprinted back towards her camp. By this point, everyone came out of their shock as the rest of the hunters drew their weapons and Artemis decided to see how he would handle himself, only interfering when he would be on the brink of death.
Now with a calm mind Perseus simply raised his hands and took a stance, and to say Artemis was shocked would be an understatement as she started to contemplate whether it was time to defuse the situation that was currently brewing, as Hestia could be a very scary person to deal with when she gets all possessive over her champion.
Prior to Artemis coming up with a concrete conclusion, a familiar voice spoke into her mind.
Let them, as only then would they understand. Told the voice in her head as she had no choice but to watch.
''Try me'' Taunted Perseus as all hell broke loose.
Percy POV
If they want a fight, I will give it to them.
''Try me.'' I taunted at the tensed hunters, especially looking forward to fighting the girl who had a right mouth on her.
''You stupid male, you shall feel firsthand the strength of the Hunters of Artemis!'' Said the very same girls as she began her charge, and the rest followed, but Thalia and Artemis stayed out of it.
Didn't she just try to drown me in electricity merely seconds ago? I thought before quickly dismissing it.
Smirking at the start of this interesting fight I didn't waste any time and met their charge with one of my own whilst uncapping riptide and summoning my hoplon (which was a very surprising gift from Ares, after helping him with personal matters months ago- don't ask, weird story).
As I was covering the six-meter gap, I assessed my eight opponents and noticed how three of them stayed back and readied their bows whilst the other five dashed at me with their daggers drawn.
Damn they're fast.
But not fast enough!
Closing the distance in the space of a second, I parried the first hunters strike before slamming her unconscious with the flat of my blade, simultaneously dodging an arrow that was aimed for my chest, which would've caused serious if not fatal damage.
Enraged at the vicious knock-out of their sister, two hunters charged from my flanks in hopes of overpowering me, but I skillfully managed to barge into one of them with my hoplon and swipe the feet of the second hunter, throwing the latter girl onto the floor and swiftly boot the fallen huntress in the temple with all my force, rendering her unconscious.
This time they took a different approach as three of the five remaining hunters from the initial charge backed off, and the other hunters who stayed back with their bows drawn started to rain arrows at me with speeds which should be impossible, as a few arrows embedded themselves into my calf and forearm for I was too slow to dodge and block them in the given time.
Grunting at the jolts of pain that travelled through my body as my injured forearm withstood the blunt force of the projectiles that thundered against my hoplon, I managed to summon water from the nearby creek and manifested it into a thick mist that surrounded everyone around me in hopes to even the current playing field.
With the three archers in the back unable to shoot accurately through the sudden mist that fully obscured their vision and engulfed them, they swapped out their bows for their daggers as they stood back-to-back in hopes of not being caught out by surprise.
Covered from the glare of the silver eyed goddess which lost sight of everything within the mist, I gave a toothy grin as I disposed of my hoplon and riptide, proceeding to seemingly evaporate and merge into the mist that managed to suck in all the light that touched it, making it pitch black and too dark for the hunters to anything past their noses.
Take this opportunity I dashed from hunter to hunter with accurate precision as I knocked out every opponent except for the very same girl who issued the challenge, planning to give that girl a special greeting.
-Yet during the fray, I missed the shadows that also entered the mist...
The hunters which were trapped and blind within the mist I created, started to give panicked shrieks as they felt their comrades be knocked unconscious by a being which moved too fast for them to even predict the direction it was coming from, and for who it would be going for next, only able to go off the noise of my light footsteps.
Sensing only one hunter remain within my mist, I pulled up my hood and released my full aura as I walked slow circles around her, doing my best to induce pure fear and panic into her very bones as she searched frantically for my figure, my overwhelming power drowning out her senses.
''Show yourself coward!''
Not replying to her taunt I carried on circling her, dashing past her at different angles which caused her to spin on the spot and raise her daggers higher, swinging blindly at the mist in hopes of getting a lucky shot.
''Show yourself!'' She repeated in a tight voice.
Taking my chance, I summoned my dagger (which was a gift from Hephaestus himself) and slashed at her exposed body parts every time I would do another dash past her, successfully receiving groans of pain as she started to tremble in my presence, the mist suddenly becoming suffocating and unbearable for the huntress.
Knowing I could use the mist to heal her injuries when I'm finished, I went all out, reducing her body to a massive red stain as pieces of flesh dropped from her very body.
''Please! Stop!'' She cried out.
But I didn't stop.
I kept going until she was forced to fall to her knees, and once she did, I slowly stalked up behind her before whispering in the most blood thirsty tone I could muster.
''Know your place huntress and remember this moment as a lesson.'' I started, whilst trailing the edge of my dagger across the back of her neck, drawing light images with her dark blood as I smirked at the sight before me, her trembling only fueling me to proceed further.
''Do not play games with the man who's worse than the devil.''
With those words said, her body couldn't take it anymore as she fell flat on her face, unconscious.
-And the shadows that invaded the mist disappeared with it...
LINEBREAK
Narrator POV
As the thick mist disappeared along with the aura that Perseus was releasing, both Artemis and Thalia paled at the sight of the now unconscious eight hunters which were foolish enough to challenge Perseus but eased up when they saw that none sported any fatal injuries and no wounds where present on their bodies as the mist was used to heal Phoebe and her injuries.
With the mist fully clearing, Perseus simply stood above the hunched body of Phoebe as he ripped out the arrows which imbedded themselves in his body and dropped them unceremoniously onto the unconscious hunter's body before addressing the two women.
''I will set up my tent on the outskirts of your camp and if anyone has a problem with me, then I don't mind solving it with a fair fight. If no one has problems with me, then I will not go out of my way to cause any problems.'' He stated with a light bow to Lady Artemis.
''Now if you may excuse me, I will be on my way.''
Artemis opened and closed her mouth a few times before replying, ''Very well Perseus, I would like to hold a conversation with you later in the day, but until then you are dismissed and free to get yourself used to layout of the camp.'' She replied.
Raising from his shallow bow he made his way towards the direction where Chloe ran off to, but not before brushing past Thalia with intent to speak his mind to her.
''We will talk later when you are in control of your emotions, cousin.''
Thalia simply stared at Perseus as his figure retreated towards the center of their camp prior to turning to Lady Artemis who also gazed with interest upon his figure.
''We have sixteen hunters, and he manage to take down eight of them without breaking a sweat or even wearing armor...'' She muttered under her breath.
Just as Thalia was about to run after Perseus in hope of talking him and completely disregard his previous statement, her attention was taken away by none other than Artemis.
''Lieutenant.''
''When they awaken tell them to come to my tent. As promised to Lady Hestia, I shall give them suitable punishments for provoking Perseus without any specific grounds.'' She told Thalia, flashing away in a brilliant light before Thalia could even give off a reply.
Forced to cover her eyes from the flash, Thalia numbly nodded her head whilst sitting down and waiting for her unconscious sisters to awaken, with a single question running through her mind to keep her company for the coming minutes.
Is it possible to change so vividly in six months?
Percy POV
Did you have to be so cruel, Percy? You scared the girl half to death! Rang the voice of Hestia throughout my mind.
Keeping my pace swift towards the young child of Aphrodite I've saved from her abusive stepfather, I replied to my patron as I ignored the other hunters which started to awaken and begin the day's activities.
If I'm going to stay here for some time then I would rather show them that I can fight back and won't take pointless jabs just because of my gender, Hestia.
Nearing the excited Chloe who was patiently waiting for me as told, the final message from Hestia reverberated through my head as I was meters away from her.
Remember the main reason you are there and keep it firmly in your sight, child. With those words I felt her presence leave my mind.
Pausing at the last meter away from the seated girl who was unaware of my arrival and presence, I decided to mess around with her and teach a valuable lesson at the same time as I dropped into a crouch and leaped out in front of her.
''Boo!''
Surprised by the sudden noise, she scrambled away and shrieked before pausing and frowning once realization dawned upon her that it was only me. Openly chuckling at the reaction, I was forced to shut my mouth as an annoyed Chloe kicked me in the shin with all the force her tiny figure could muster, which was a lot more powerful than one could expect from a standard, mortal child.
''Oww! What was that for Chloe!'' I exclaimed whilst hopping on one foot as I rubbed the point where her foot made contact.
''Don't do that Pewcy! You scared me!'' she scolded me as I started to laugh at the sheer cuteness she was emitting, her frown quickly fading into another one of her trademark bright smile which once again gave Apollo a run for his money.
''My apologies princess, I promise not to do that again.''
Ruffling the top of her head, I picked her and placed her onto my shoulders as she squealed in excitement at the sudden action before patting me on the head and gently pulling my hair.
''Giddy up, horsey! Let's go to the creek!'' Cheered out the joyful child upon my shoulders.
''Haha, as you command my lady! But please hold on tightly!'
Feeling her hands drop from my hair and tighten around my neck, I reached out with my senses and located the creek which was roughly fifty meters away and hidden deep within the forest, and with a short giggle I bounded off in the direction of the creek with the little child squealing in excitement as I jumped from stray boulders into the trees and pulled of fancy flips, doing my best to entertain the innocent girl who still has the whole of her life ahead of her.
After a few minutes of entertaining Chloe by basically being a complete child myself, we reached the edge of a creek and I stopped to admire the beauty of the nature that thrived in the environment.
At least the hunters know how to pick good locations for their camps.
The creeks water was crystal clear and calmly rushed downstream as the colossal trees seemingly stood guard and protected the waters and its banks, their branches interlocking with each other and housed numerous birds which chirped many songs in the early morning. With the sun now making its trek through the cloudless blue sky, it illuminated the clearing in the forest floor and reflected off the waters, drawing intricate and colorful rainbows upon the grass surrounding the creek.
Coming out of my short amazement of the scenery, I sat down onto the grass and gently raised Chloe off my shoulders, placing her into my lap as we began catching up and exchanging our interesting stories of what has happened during our time apart.
The previous, short battle now nothing but a washed away memory as I felt something brush it away from my short-term memory.
But even then, I failed to notice the observant eye of a certain silver eyed goddess who smiled at our interaction from behind the cover of the trees.
Artemis POV
He's stronger than I first given him.
Sure, I gave witness to him in many battles where he came out victorious, but when Thalia struck him with that bolt of lightning and the way his attitude changed so abruptly, caused me to fear for my hunters as the look in his eyes alone caused me to be rooted to my spot. And later, when he headed off in direction of camp, I couldn't help but to follow him as I made sure there would be no other fights breaking out in the already eventful morning.
But as I trailed him, I was surprised when he went straight to Chloe and started laughing with her as the little girl scolded him for a reason I didn't know of, before he picked her up and sprinted off into the surrounding forest.
Where is he taking her?
Alarmed that he might be trying to do something to my hunter, I gave chase but still stuck with the shadows of the foliage, my hand drifting to my hunting knife in case he was doing something against her will. But I was soon forced to stop as laughter echoed throughout the forest and the pair was sat down on the bank of a little creek that flowed close by to the hunter's camp.
Masking my presence and peeking from behind the cover of a nearby tree, I watched as Chloe hung onto Perseus and joyfully started to fill him in on something with exaggerated movements as the boy- no, man, simply sat cross legged and listen patiently as a happy smile graced his features his chiseled features.
If I didn't know any better, I would think that this was just a reunion between father and daughter.
As a few minutes somehow became an hour, I was mesmerized by the scene as a painful feeling of something missing started to stab within me, forcing me to frown in confusion as I continued looking at the pair which was still engaged in a lively conversation.
Realizing that I have been unconsciously spying on the pair a front of me, I reeled backwards and cleared my thoughts as I started making way towards camp, as I tried (and failed), to identify the source of the stinging feeling the resounded through my body.
Still lost in my thoughts I started to run into camp only to bump into Thalia, who didn't see me as she also seemed to be lost in thought.
''Who-! Oh, Artemis?'' She questioned me in surprise.
''Sorry Thalia, I didn't see where I was heading.'' I replied as I pulled up the knocked over huntress to her feet, but prior to her visibly pending questions, I spoke.
''Are the eight huntresses awake?''
''Yes milady, they have already been waiting inside your tent for the past 20 minu-''
''Very well, come with me as well Thalia.'' I interrupted the huntress as she just nodded her head and followed me to the third largest tent inside our camps perimeters.
Walking hastily as to not waste any more time than I already have, I barged into my tent and saw the eight huntresses in question sitting silently on the floor of my silver tent, all huddled together as they waited for me.
Hearing me enter, not one of them met my eyes as they braced themselves for what was to come.
''Stand.''
Rising from their seated positions, I stepped in front of them so that all of them could see me and my expression of shame as clearly as possible.
''Did I not make myself clear during breakfast that there would be no fights? No unnecessary or unproved challenges?''
Still bowing their heads, no one made any inclination of bringing their thoughts to life.
''Never mind the fact that eight of you challenged a single man and lost, he managed to win without inflicting a single serious wound or even breaking a sweat. And frankly, I'm ashamed of both your actions and your loss.''
However, during this short pause Phoebe lifted her head and I was shocked to see the abundance of fear in her eyes.
''Milady, he is no man, he is a monster...''She whispered.
Taken back by the completely different attitude of my hunter, I stopped berating the girls present as I stepped closer to one of my oldest hunters.
''What makes you say so, Phoebe?'' I gently asked her.
Looking me deep in the eyes, I saw that she was still in shock and decided to ask her in private as to not cause her any un-needed distress by putting her under pressure.
''You can tell me later, in private.'' I told her as I stepped back and addressed the gathered group before me.
''For your previous actions you shall all be on cleaning and kitchen duties for the next week, that includes you too Thalia, and I suggest you all go and train to never lose so dreadfully again. Is that understood?''
''Yes milady.'' They answered before scrambling out of my tent, but not before I caught the arms of both Phoebe and Thalia before they could exit.
Questionably looking at me, I simply motioned them to sit down on my simple silver bed as I dragged out a chair and sat down, facing the two girls present.
''Phoebe, would you rather tell me what happened or let me see your memories instead?'' I asked the still shaken girl.
''My memories, milady.''
''Understood. Close your eyes for me please.'' I told the girl as I shifted myself closer to her, laying my palm against her forehead I was deeply intrigued to see what happen to cause such vivid effect on her.
After all, I didn't see anything happen today, so it must be her past bothering her?
Memory Reel
Phoebe POV
Spinning in circles, I caught short glimpses of the man who flew around me like a shadow as his hooded face only revealed glowing orbs of red, bloodthirsty eyes.
Slipping and tripping over my own two feet as the mist started to completely block any light and visibility, I raised my daggers as I frantically slashed in random directions as a growl emitted in from all directions around me and I got blasted back by a pulsating, dark aura which started to choke me and slowly drown me in raw power that no demigod should ever be able to achieve.
''Show yourself!'' I screamed out as my own fear and panic caused my body to tremble viciously.
Receiving no reply, I managed to stand stock still as I tried to formulate some sort of plan to escape the presence of the being.
Yet as the first strands of a plan started to formulate in my mind, I head the distinctive brandishing and screeching of metal on metal, as the shadow showed itself in my peripheral vision, staring at me sinisterly before backing away into the mist.
PLEASE! Stop this nightma-
Wailing at the sudden contact of blades against my exposed flesh, I started to cry in pain and horror as my arms dropped hopelessly by my sides and more deep gashes continuously appeared around my body, blood spraying outwards into the mist and I lost control of all sense of reason as my fear incapacitated me.
''Please! Stop!'' I begged as my legs gave out from under me and I splashed onto my knees as my own blood started to pool around me.
Feeling the stalking predator approach from behind, I closed my eyes and let myself drown in my tears before he whispered in a tone that promised a fate worse than death.
''Know your place huntress and remember this moment as a lesson.''
Shaking uncontrollably at the warm breath brushing past my ear, I squealed in torment as I felt a blade cut into my exposed neck as I tried to stop my all and every movement in petrification and in a dread of a slow death, feeling cold liquid stream down my neck and my upper ba-
End of memory reel
Artemis POV
Flinching from the memories that invaded my mind, I clamped my hand down onto my thigh as I felt it involuntarily shake. Clearing my rather dry throat, I asked a question to the unnerved huntress before me, ''Where are your injuries?''.
''They disappeared when I woke up.'' She replied to me as she fell silent yet again.
Trying to control the steadily boiling anger within me, I was about to flash to Perseus in vengeance for limiting my hunter to a weak mess before I was interjected by a flash of light from inside my tent as the figure of Hestia walked out.
''I will personally deal with this niece, and as you dished out punishment to your hunters, I shall do the same with Perseus.'' She said in an eerily chilly mood.
Look at what he has done to Phoebe! I will not let this slide! I projected mentally to the goddess of the hearth, as my quick surprise was once again overcome with fury.
Hestia took three quick steps towards Phoebe and observed her trembling figure before turning to me.
I said I will deal with this Artemis. She barked back to me before she addressed my hunter.
''Come child, I have something I would like to show you.'' She cooed gently to Phoebe before they both disappeared in another flash of light.
Forgetting the presence of Thalia, I jumped at the sound of her sudden voice.
''Milady? What did you see?'' She questioned me with piqued curiosity and confusion at the random appearance, and later disappearance, of Hestia.
''Nothing you should concern yourself with, Lieutenant. Go supervise the hunter's and their training, especially our newer recruits.''
Standing up she gave me a short nod of the head and exited.
After she shut the door, I consciously ignored Hestia's previous statement where she said she would personally punish Perseus and took matters into my own hands.
Flashing to the area where the pair was last was sitting by the creek.
Seeing how casually he was carrying himself, laughing away with Chloe who was currently showing him how fast she could climb trees, I was angered that he didn't even care about his actions and the consequences of them.
Typical of a male.
Instantly upon flashing before him, I caught him by surprise and launched him flying with a powerful kick to the jaw, sending him through multiple trees which surrounded us as Chloe screamed in shock at the fast-paced events occurring before her.
''Go to camp Chloe! That's an order!'' I commanded her as I refocused my attention on the hunched figure which lay several meters afront of me.
Not looking to see if she followed through with my order or not, I plunged myself at Perseus and landed several heavy-hitting blows, but as I felt his jaw starting to give way, he came back to his senses and retaliated with a two footed kick which forced me to be thrown off, using that time himself to jump back to his feet and retreat a few paces backwards.
''What the fuck is wrong with you!''
''How dare you do such hideous things to Phoebe, you stupid boy! Are you aware of the consequences your actions held?!'' I screamed back at him.
Prior to him giving another reply, I raised my guard and lowered into a crouch as I tried to take him by surprise with a sudden attack, but he saw right through it and swiftly dodged to the side as I harmlessly passed by him.
Circling each other in a short-stepped counterclockwise direction, he sprouted his reply.
''If she can't handle a simple, unfair fight where she had ALL the advantages, then it's not my fucking problem, and the fact you feel the need to 'avenge' her show how biased you are!'' He growled out, saying one more sentence which caused me to pull out my dual daggers.
''I had deep respect for you Artemis, even with your exaggerated man-hating qualities, but now you are nothing but another egocentric, self-centered athanatos.''
-There it was! the same shadows that arrived during the mist...
Listening no more I flashed myself behind Perseus and slammed one dagger into his shoulder, driving it in all the way to the hilt, but ahead of me slashing with my other dagger at his gut he whipped around and slammed me in the face with his elbow, ripping out the dagger from his shoulder and melting it in his hands to gain an upper hand.
Hissing at my now broken nose, I backed off as we circled each other for the last time in a clockwise direction, both of us simultaneously summoning our full gear and taking contradicting stances where mine was optimal for speed and agility and Perseus's stance was that for optimal defense and counterattacks.
Glaring deeply in each other's eyes I began searching for an opening before Perseus's eyes suddenly grew wide as a saucepan and he cursed in multiple tongues prior to setting off and running towards camp, just as shouts of anger and confusion erupted from that general direction.
Stupid man got distracted by shouts!
Before I can ridicule him for fearing me and fleeing, it dawned on me.
Shouts from...camp?!
Piecing everything together, I wasted no time in flashing myself to the center of the camp and was met with a sight which shook me to my core.
The dining table was a blazing fire which was left upturned meters away from its original position, tents where burning and deep quakes shook the very earth beneath my feet, but the worst sight of all was the four hunters which must have been caught in some form of an explosion as their charred limbs where littered all around the camp, their eyes still open and lifeless as they seemed to be glaring at me in pain and confusion at dying so violently.
As my throat grew tight and my heartbeat started to steadily increase, I started to make my way to join the fray of the remaining hunters, which were fighting beast's unknown to my immortal being, before I caught a glimpse of a tiny figure buried beneath heaps of rubble.
Only her upper body was visible, her shiny golden hair now covered with red stains of blood and dirt as her chest contained multiple holes which went right through, leaving her insides to pool out onto the now stained grass.
And as the feeling of horror at the monstrosity before me set in, came the instantaneous realization of what I was currently looking upon.
Those bastards specifically targeted my new recruits...
LINEBREAK
5 minutes ago
Percy POV
As I summoned my full gear consisting of my hoplon, riptide and my turquoise Atlantean Parade armour (which was a gift from my half-brother Tyson), I got ready to counterattack anything the deluded goddess throws at me, but I was forced to be abruptly distracted by a mental message from Nyx.
Percy! I sense hybrids in your area!
As her single message set into my mind I was confused, as I didn't feel anything coming after me or sense any bloodlust except for the seemingly possessed goddess before me, only smelling smoke that was drifted towards me by the wind.
Maybe she's wro- wait...Smoke?
It felt as if all my rage and thoughts of battling Artemis disappeared, instead filled with worry and a sense of dread as I heard screams of pain erupt in the distance. And with the next explosion that shook the earth, I snapped out of the current battle and sprinted towards the direction of camp, praying to every immortal being who I knew that she would be safe.
Please...Don't take her from me so soon. I begged to anyone listening.
-And at the time, a being listened and began watching from its throne...
Increasing my pace to my furthest limit, I caught sight through the many sheltering trees before me how hybrids were storming the camp, some throwing unidentified jars of burning blue liquid at any visible structure or demigod they could hit as hunters started to fight back, losing ground and hunters with every second ticked past.
Letting a growl rip out from the depths of my throat, I sprinted through the forest line and barged into the first hybrid I could reach, knocking his large stature to the ground and quickly beheading him with a swift slash from riptide.
Seeing how the hunters were unable to fight off the 10-foot-tall creatures with only their hunting knifes and unable to use their bows as they were caught by surprise, I summoned as much water as I could and bellowed a single command.
''HUNTERS! RETREAT TO THE CREEK!''
Not caring if I was a man or not, they understood the simple fact they would not survive this battle the way it was currently going and turned at once. Making a beeline towards the creek with some hunters carrying their injured sisters on their backs as they made haste through the debris and scattered limbs of those that fell.
Making use of the water I summoned, I made a thick shield of ice which protected their retreat as it successfully intercepted projectiles and the unknown jars of blue liquid which seemed to be some sort of contact grenades.
After I was confident the hunters where a safe distance away, I turned the same shield into spears of ice and willed them to slam into the horde of hybrids piercing them and drawing black blood from the beasts whilst using these few seconds to fully launch into the battle and give them hell.
Being outnumbered roughly 40:1, I was roughly encircled and forced to fight battles from every direction as every hybrid I killed, another one took his place within the circle. With various wounds sprouting across my body, I knew I wouldn't be able to hold out too long, so I did something I promised my patron and father I wouldn't do in my demigod life ever again.
Forgive me...
It's called Loreley, after the very Siren who lures men to their death with the sound of her voice and songs, but in this case describes a state of mind where you lose all sense of meaning and reality, fading into a utopia where your consciousness resides and your body acts purely upon instinct.
Imagining the very same utopia as I did months ago, I focused on the laughs and the near faded images of all my friends who have died during my life, willing them to appear before me in my mind.
And appear they did.
I watched as all my deceased friends walked over a short hill and walked closer, singing a song in a strange tongue as my consciousness started to retreat from my body, the pictures of Beckendorf, Silena, Lee Fletcher, Michael Yew and finally...Annabeth.
They become so real that I could almost touch them as more people started to arrive over the horizons of this utopia, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. But before I could complete this transition time stopped, the singing paused as everyone turned to face into the center of the assembled crowd of the dead.
It was a child. A child whose blonde hair was stained with blood and dirt, missing limbs with her face charred black from fires, running towards me from within the crowd of all those I've lost.
''Pewcy! Hahaha, I'm dead!''
The child said joyfully to me as my utopia crumbled and my consciousness was viciously dropped back into my body, the full transition failing to occur.
No...no, this just a vision Percy, just a vision...
Yet with the picture of a mangled Chloe stuck in my head, something clicked.
My vision turned black as my body was possessed by something unfamiliar, and instead of me being in control of myself and securely inside of my body, I was now witnessing the ongoing fight from the side lines of my own mind, watching in third person as my body moved on its own and decapitated hybrids left and right as I seemingly went Berserk.
Do I really deserve this? I thought to myself as I spectated the battle from within the confines of my own mind.
A child who was abused her whole short life gets killed after seeing her brother being attacked by a person that she trusted...
Turning away from the scene where my body was fighting on its own, only then did I realize that I was watching it all on some sort of a screen, and I was surrounded by darkness, and only darkness for as far as the eye could see.
There was nothing, no wind, no buildings, and no light.
Looking down I didn't see my feet.
I had no body.
I was just...there.
''Interesting...'' Spoke an Unknown, deep voice.
''Darling! We have a visitor!'' Said the sudden voice as I simply drifted absentmindedly through the void, not caring who the fuck was here or even where the fuck I am.
Slowly drifting in an invisible current, the being which spoke appeared before me.
He had no face and no limbs. In fact, I wasn't even sure if this was even a person of any sort. It was just a floating orb which sparked a gentle golden light, also being the only thing, which stood out in the expanding, never ending darkness which only seemed to grow larger.
''I see...''
''Let me tell you something Percy.'' Vibrated the orb as it flew closer to me.
''We all live the life we are given, some of us are 'unlucky' since the day we were born, and some were blesseth to be born into a life in which they are already promised glory. Simply put, we are born into lives in which we never had any say in.'' It started slowly as I continued floating without care about the orb and its words.
''Sadly, you are one of the many who fit in with the former category. Ah, yes...Your sanity was being held by a string since the passing of your lover, am I correct?''
Receiving no reply or gesture, the little ball of light carried on.
''Life is a beautiful thing, Percy. There will always be bumps and ditches from which you will have to rise out of repeatedly- but see it as a blessing not a curse. One day, when you too shall pass and leave this world behind, you will meet all those who have perished along your treacherous path, and you will have all of eternity to spend together with no more worries.''
As the light from the floating orb dimmed, it started to vibrate ever so gently.
''Let me make this easier for you Percy. This right now is a ditch, and you simply gave up and stopped trying to get out.'' Said the orb as it seemed that we have stopped floating and hovered stock still in the air.
Unable to take it anymore I voiced my thoughts.
''I'm crazy...Speaking to a talking orb whilst watching myself in third person fight daemons...frankly I've lost the plot...'' I finally said, unsure how I have done so if I didn't even have mouth, but at this point I didn't even care.
Hearing this, the golden orb spoke up once again.
''Of all things you are not crazy Percy. I am you, the same way you are me. We do not exist, yet we are here.''
Deciding to engage with this weird ball as my ADHD started to kick in (it must've somehow missed the fact I don't have a body) I asked a question to change the subject.
''Where's your wife? The one you called for at the start?''
''Hmmm, did I really say that?''
Not sure what to reply I just waited for the ball to carry on itself.
''Forgive me, I keep forgetting that she has passed long ago...Thirteen Millenia ago to be exact. But it matters not, as we are destined to meet once more whether allowed by God or not, we shall meet.''
''God? As in Zeus God, or God God?'' I asked the orb to specific.
As the orb started to shake in what I presumed to be laughter, it brightly replied.
''That is for me to know and you to find out! But let's return to the main reason why we are both here at this current moment in time. To specify more on a point previously made, you are nowhere and everywhere yet nothing and everything at the very same time, it's something even I don't understand so don't question it. And when God says our time is up, you will most likely return to your physical body and the memories of what was done whilst you have been here, will all flood back to you and become part of your Long-Term Memory.'' It said.
Beginning to process the mass of information I just received, the orb football sized orb just carried on.
''But having the gift of knowing everything about any person I meet, I can only tell you one thing I have learned in the time when I was still a young and foolish humanoid.''
''The past is the past is for a reason, and everything happens for a reason. So never question it as with time you will understand this. And as a final piece of advice, stop forcing yourself to remember all those that died- as they're dead and you're not. They moved on and live in a paradise away from trouble where they shall never cry again.''
Absentmindedly listening to his words, I felt as invisible strings began to attach themselves to my non-existent body and began tightening and dragging me through the darkness towards the screen which was displaying my actual body and the mortal realm in which I belonged.
The golden orb whizzed past my disappearing body and said a single phrase.
''Live on Perseus Achilles Jackson''
Back in the Mortal Realm
Percy POV
After being returned to my body, away from the floating golden orb and the void like environment I was previously in, I found myself standing in a growing pool of splattered blood as I saw dead hybrids littering the floor around me.
Hearing a distinct sound of strained breathing coming from below me, I looked down.
''Perse- Percy?'' Said a scared Artemis.
Only now did I realize that she was kneeling on the floor, and I was holding the tip of riptide against her jugular. Not knowing what led us to be in this situation, I blankly stared at the goddess.
''Percy...Just relax, it's all going to be fi-''
''Shut up, Artemis.'' I spitted out at her, effectively shutting her up.
Dropping the sword I held in my hand, I listened as it clattered against the floor with a sharp clash that echoed around the forest.
She's dead and I didn't even say goodbye.
''When you make her funeral pyre, lay her on my shield. All I want to hear from your mouth is that you understand what I just said.''
Glaring at the ichor-stained goddess as she slowly stood from her kneeling position, I waited for her to slowly say her three-word answer.
''Yes, I understand.''
Feeling my shield being wrapped on my back, I took it off and handed it to Artemis before I left.
''Percy, wait! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to attack yo-!'' She shouted after me before I blocked out the sound of her voice and kept walking with no sense of direction.
I left and I didn't turn back.
πουθενά και παντού
(Nowhere and everywhere)
Unknown Entity
''Did you speak to him Ambrosios?'' spoke the being as it made way to sit down on its 40-foot throne.
As the golden orb floated up to the entity that finally sat down on the large throne, it spoke.
''I have.''
''I would also like to keep watching him, if you allow me to do so, Master.''
Resting a loose hand onto its chin, the seated figure nodded to himself as he began thinking up a conclusion to the given request.
''Yes, you may. But don't make yourself known unless necessary, old friend.'' The entity boomed out in a voice which commanded respect without even trying.
The golden orb let out flash of light and hovered up and down, showing that it has heard the being loud and clear.
''Thank you, Master. I shall follow our set plan and report whenever I come across valuable news.''
With those words said and gentle swipe of the hand from the seated entity, the golden orb disappeared from the void and left to supervise the warrior who managed to visit the domain of his master.
As the orb made its way to follow the same warrior he recently spoke with, he began thinking what the man could've done to catch his master's attention.
It could be the prophecy. The orb vibrated to itself.
If it was the prophecy that nearly coming to pass, then it would successfully fulfil the third line:
'His soul left to wander the blackened lands'.
LINEBREAK
One month later
Narrator POV
''Anotha one!''
As the bartender hurriedly ran to retrieve another bottle of whiskey from the shelf behind him, he realized that he was running out of bottles because of the man who just wouldn't stop drinking.
Grabbing the second last bottle of whiskey, he scrambled back towards the hooded man and handed it to him before retreating a few paces backwards.
''Humph.'' Was his only reply, before he twisted off the camp and started chugging the bottle until there was nothing left to drink. Slamming the now empty bottle onto the table and belching for probably the 50th time during the past week, he proceeded throwing it towards the general direction of the bin and missed.
Again.
''Fuck!'' He exclaimed at another miss, clutching his head as the exclamation caused his brain to pound against his skull.
The bar itself was empty, except for the bartender and the lone man.
Since he appeared one week ago, he hasn't left the bar and caused mayhem with his sudden outbursts, causing all customers to steer clear and never set foot into the bar, in fear of the man's lashing behavior being directed at innocent people.
''Anotha one!''
''Si-sir! There's only one bottle left!''
Looking up from his hands, his incredibly slurred words still caused the bartenders face to go pale.
''Wuuuun FUCKKKIIN' BOTTLE?! Thenn mayhbeee, BRING' *hiccup* MOREEE BOTTTLESS?!'' He roared at the frail bartender, making no sense to him as he scattered towards the back to search for any more liquid which will keep the man busy.
As he ran away, the man slumped onto the counter and started to breath heavily as the room spun and shimmered in his vision, seconds before proceeding to vomit onto the floor, as his body started to reject the liquid he was constantly consuming.
Bring it in Percyyyy! He thought to himself mid-hurl as he tried to stabilize himself against the countertop.
You see, after leaving the hunt and Artemis after the battle, he was struck unconscious by a vision of what his body done on its own (after the conversation he had with the talking to the golden orb), and after those memories imbedded themselves with his very being, he chose to chase them away. He tried smoking, drinking and anything else that could possibly alter his mind, but nothing works.
The images just stuck in his mind no matter what state he was in.
He tried to let go of them, even forced himself to let go but they wouldn't budge from his mind. He has long forgotten about his patron and father, long forgotten about his friends and family, long forgotten everything that ever held meaning to him.
He was just there.
Slowly forgetting himself.
Sitting in his thoughts, the bartender returned with a bottle of rum and set it on the table prior to running away once more.
Shakingly staring at the bottle placed before him, Perseus couldn't find any more room within his body to consume the drink, so he decided to smash it into tiny shards with his fist, not even feeling the cuts and the stinging sensation that attacked his dumbed down nervous system.
Cursing at the bartender, he suddenly felt as all the alcohol within him was flushed out, and his headache vanished with the alcohol.
Catching sight of a floating orange orb, he sighed and bowed his head in frustration at the intruder.
''You! You leave me alone, fucking magic 8-ball.'' Cursed the man as he swatted at the unwanted visitor with his hands.
Pretending to overhear his words, the orb floated past the weak attempt from the man and flew closer, hovering atop of his head.
''You hurt me with your word's demigod. And you technically insult yourself when you insult me.''
Sighing at the nonsense the ball was spewing, Perseus stood up and headed to exit the bar for the first time in a month as he couldn't stand anymore gibberish from the golden orb.
Turning around at the door, the man addressed the golden orb.
''Don't follow me 8-ball! For I seek no advice from you.'' He somewhat ordered as he opened the door and slammed it behind him, causing the walls to crack at the edges of the doorframe, before walking wherever his eyes directed him to go.
As Ambrosios was left inside the bar all alone, he glittered at his simple plan working before disappearing to report to its master.
LINEBREAK
Chains will be cast in the Palace of Night,
Of the chasing shadows there will be no sign,
His soul left to wander the blackened lands,
Past the gate within the devils' hands.