A.N Sorry if the last part of chapter 2 was confusing. It was meant to be a continuation of the first part of the chapter where Phobos and Deimos are seen fighting a horde of Kobold. Following that, Arethusa wakes up from a vision; which is the scene above (the italics).
Τρία
Arethusa was feeling guilty. For the past two weeks, she had limited all contact with her little brother. She would make excuses before walking away; at times she even limited her replies. Choosing to only say a word or two before lying that she had something to do. It wasn't always like this. The first week she mostly tried to make herself busy by doing all sorts of chores. She even asked Erytheia if she needed help which made her suspicious of her actions.
Now though, she often found herself watching sadly from a distance as Percy trained with Phobos. He laughed and smiled like he would when they would spend their time together. Arethusa was jealous, but then again she was the one choosing to do these things. But that didn't mean she missed it. Whenever she heard Percy laugh or when she saw his cheeky smile another piece of her heart broke. But when more of these visions popped up, when they replayed again and again; sometimes every night in a row, her resolve hardened.
"I'm so sorry Percy," Arethusa whispered to no one.
This was for the best. If she can just hide the visions, everything would be alright. Percy won't have to leave, he could stay here with her and their sisters and Phobos forever. It might sound selfish but to her, it was the best course of action. If Percy had to leave and follow the damn vision he would be hurt. She couldn't risk watching him leave and pray that he would come back safe and sound; no, she just couldn't do that.
He was only ten, only ten! The world was a harsh and horrible place. There were all kinds of trouble out there; ranging from monsters to the mortals who had damned themselves with the seven sins. Just the thought of him having to step one foot off the mountain sickened her; now imagine if he crossed paths with a hellhound-the dogs of the underworld they were called. They were fast foul creatures that could tear the body of a mortal in seconds. Demigods could fare a lot better but even they would often succumb to the nightmarish beast.
No. Arethusa couldn't ever subject her sweet little brother to the outside. Just a thought of it was like a sin; something so foul that it disgusted her.
And although there wasn't anything else she could do for now; except continue with her slowly-killing endeavor. She would soon rather death take her before she would let Percy experience the world for what it was.
Line Break
"Hesperia, do you have any scrolls or books on old sword techniques?" Percy asked his older sister.
Hesperia was the second eldest of the five siblings and was the 'boyish' sister. She was rough and loud, athletic and hardworking; Hesperia, in one word, was the one that most took after their father. She didn't have his overly massive build but she still had a slightly bulkier figure compared to the rest of their siblings.
Hesperia turned towards him with a big smile on her olive face. Her grey eyes were glowing under the dawn sky; telling him that she had something very…harmless in mind.
"Hey, there little bro," she ruffled his hair. "After training with Phobos, that's all you have to say? Whatever happened to our friendly sparring sessions and my lessons that you love so much?" Hesperia grinned.
"You know I hate your lessons," Percy grumbled.
"Aw, don't be like that. I know that deep down inside your mini body you love my training; after all, I am your favorite sister," Hesperia grinned cheerfully, tricking herself into thinking she was the best.
"You know what, you're as crazy as Apollo who endlessly flirts with lady Artemis' hunters; even with her warnings."
Hesperia laughed heartily, not fazed one bit at his jab. There was just no insult or comment that could rile his muscle head of a sister. Erytheia couldn't do it, Aegle merely used the same insult again and again, and Arethusa was too nice.
"Listen, just answer my question. Do you have any books, scrolls," Percy listed. "On some sword techniques that you can lend me?"
His sister didn't seem to hear him as she continued to laugh, albeit a little quieter.
"Gah! If you don't want to help me then just say so," Percy scowled. "I swear Arethusa and Erytheia act more mature than you. At least they help me even if Erytheia turns me down at times," he said the last part in a whisper.
Percy went to leave and ask Aegle for help; since she had her little library and hopefully-fingers crossed-had some sword techniques as well.
As soon as he was about to leave Hesperia finally got a hold of herself. "W-wait, sorry about that; it was just way too funny."
Percy quirked an eyebrow. "Funny for you maybe, but not for me," he refuted.
"Funny for me then," Hesperia took a deep breath. "Ok ok, what can I help you with?"
Percy rolled his eyes, "Finally. As I was saying, do you have any books on swordsmanship techniques? Phobos said I can now move onto mastering a sword technique that I want, but it has to be something easy since I'm still 10."
"You're 10?!" Hesperia mock gasp. "I can't believe my brother is growing up so fast! It was just yesterday that you ran around in diapers. Now look at you, you're already learning the art of swordsmanship; now what's next? A girlfriend?!"
Hesperia pretended to cry before pulling him into a breath-taking hug.
"H-Hesperia! S-stop, I-I can't bre~ath!"
Percy gasped and swatted at his sister's arm trying to get away from the woman. But that was easier said than done; after all, Hesperia wasn't one to simply back out from a little pain. So instead of pulling away, she hugged him even tighter. It surprised him when he actually felt tears on his shoulder and made him think if his sister was truly being dramatic or not.
Percy groaned, "Are you seriously crying?"
"Nope," Hesperia smirked before motioning for him to follow. "Sword techniques eh? Well, dear brother, you are in luck. But first off, why the hell did you think I wouldn't have any books on the art of swordsmanship? I've been training you ever since you were seven!"
"Yeah, but they were mainly simple exercises; with the occasional wooden sword fighting; well for you at least," Percy scoffed. "So don't blame me if I so deeply misunderstood you."
Hesperia laughed and swatted him on the back making him stumble forward. He winced from the 'playful' display of affection. Sometimes Hesperia just forgot about her strength and thought everyone could handle just about anything she did.
Percy followed her into the building standing off not too far from the training pit. This was mainly used to house a few spare training equipments and extra weapons such as swords, axes, glaives, spears, and even a few garden tools funny enough. But there was also the known rule that only Hesperia could enter unless she permitted you, but other than that all of them made sure to stay out of the premises of the marble house.
In all ten years of his life, he only entered the building four times. Once when Hesperia had shown him their father's weapon; a ten-foot-long silver spear with an elephant head as the pommel, kinda like a bastard sword.
His mind drifted back to when he first saw the weapon. It called out to him, urging him to touch the once-wielded weapon of his father. But that was a long time ago; but even though it was, Percy still felt that familiar feeling when he saw the displayed weapon of their father just like that day 4 years ago.
Flashback Starts
Hesperia was holding Percy as they walked across the training pit and into the daunting marble building. Arethusa always told him on their daily walks that he shouldn't ever enter the building by the training pit. But today he was finally going to see what was inside once and for all.
It was amazing, that was the first thing that came to mind when he entered the pristine inside of the building; that was until he saw the glittering metal of a spear hung against a smooth mahogany wooden plaque.
He didn't know why but when Percy saw the spear he instinctively reached out to touch it only for him to be pulled away by a grinning Hesperia. He gave her a curious look before she explained why.
"I knew you were going to be a warrior like me! You'll grow to be big and strong just like your sister; and beautiful-wait, uh…oh! Handsome. Especially with those purple eyes of yours, oh I know for sure you're going to be a lady-killer."
It wasn't like his six-year-old self understood everything she said but inside he smiled.
"Now listen here little bro, do you know why I know you'll be a warrior?" she asked him.
Percy shook his hand and frowned.
"Because I did the same thing. Father once told me there was a tale told by grandfather Lapetus that any of father's offspring has the chance to inherit a part of the spear's will. You see, the spear is alive; it's not a regular old spear. It has a conscious in it-I don't know how, but that's what grandfather said-which is where we come in. They said that those who are blessed by the spear will instinctively and subconsciously reach out to it as if it was meant to be wielded by them."
"Now do you see? Both of us are blessed by the spear and are foretold to be stronger amongst our family. But don't tell Aegle, Erytheia, and Arethusa I said that because I know Erytheia is still annoyed or rather disappointed she wasn't chosen. Aegle is also mad but she's mostly frustrated that she's not able to study the spear up close." Hesperia explained. By now Percy was sitting on her lap listening intently.
"I guess Arethusa is alright but still, it's best not to mention it. Ok so, let's get back to the tale. Because we are blessed we are more attuned to combat you can say; so it's a lot easier for us to pick things up when it comes to the art of war but don't get me wrong," Hesperia held up her hands. "The rest of our sisters are not to be underestimated."
"But we still have to train the hardest, ok? We're basically the protectors of our family and this mountain. We are meant to use this 'power' you can say, for the sake of the family."
"C-can you teach me Hespi?" Percy mumbled.
"Of course! Come on, let's find you a sword…"
Flashback Ends
Percy took a deep breath as they entered through the gilded doors. It had been a year since he last visited the place and that was only when he needed a new training weapon. Now he was entering the tomb of their father's spear once again; but this time it was for books and scrolls that will teach him and further increase his knowledge about the sword and its weaknesses, the different fighting stances, and how he can corporate all of Phobos' teachings; and improve upon Hesperia's odd senses of wisdom with the blade.
"Is there anything you're looking for specifically?" Hesperia asked over her shoulder.
Percy was momentarily awe-stricken as they passed; the spear. It was like a drug, a parasite; something that just drew your attention without you even knowing why.
"Not really," Percy answered after tearing-with great reluctance-his gaze away. "Phobos mentioned that knowing more than one fighting style blooms more fruits for me to reap."
"I would say the same thing. Having a large arsenal gives you more advantages in battle. For example, you've lost your sword and you're left with a broken piece of a jagged metal bastard sword. Knowing the history and art style behind a bastard sword can help you fight even if the blade is beyond repair. Or you can even incorporate an entirely different style. Hell, that sort of tip helped me a lot."
"Yeah, when you trashed my ass," Percy snapped.
"Good times little brother," Hesperia sighed happily, "They were very good times indeed."
Percy scoffed and followed Hesperia into a room filled with bookshelves and a miniature round table like the one from the Tales of King Arthur Pendragon. This was his very first look at something else rather than the main hall which he had only visited until now along with the armory to the right of the entryway.
Hesperia walked towards a shelf in the northern part of the room. Books of all sizes and ages littered the dark oak shelves. Some were as thick as his hand, while others looked as if it would only take him a day to read. As if Hesperia was able to read his mind she voiced her insight.
"Some might look easier to read, but you never know what is truly inside those pages. A thick book could be filled with useless but still useful junk while something as thin as this," Hesperia handed him a small journal, "can hold a ton of knowledge that might take you days, weeks or even months to comprehend and use."
"But why would people write a big book filled with useless junk?" Percy questioned with a frown. He gazed down at the pocket-size journal in his hand and flipped through the pages. Some pictures depicted various positions. Some defensive-or at least he hoped they were-and others offensive.
Hesperia dropped another book onto the table. "They're not all useless. It's just because some of the content outweighs the others. But-" Hesperia held her hand up, halting him from interrupting. "No sword style, technique, or weapon is superior. It all comes down to the person."
"But when it comes to these books; part of the reason why some are better than the rest is due to how they've been written; the author may not have explained their teachings to the best of their ability, compared to someone else. There is also the fact that some sword styles have been abandoned throughout the ages while some have adapted and improved throughout the years by humanity; thereby making that particular book, scroll, or even tablet much 'better' in terms of that regard."
His forehead scrunched up while he thought about what Hesperia said before stating boldly. "If that's the case then I don't care, I'll gladly learn them all."
"Attaboy, now come on, there should be a few scrolls for a beginner such as yourself. Remember, don't just rely on books; most scrolls are from decades ago or even centuries. I know some of these were considered renowned throughout their time period."
"Hesperia, why did people abandon their sword fighting styles?" Percy asked with a solemn look. "Did they not care anymore?"
Hesperia hummed, "Not particularly, don't get me wrong; there were some scenarios like that. But most of the time it was due to wars and battles. Countries, kingdoms, cities, villages; nowhere is truly safe out there. They would wage war against each other, attack each other, or in lighter terms; pillage."
"Wait, war as in killing each other?!" Percy asked with big eyes.
Hesperia winced internally. She wasn't great at this sort of stuff. At times she forgot how young and naive her brother was. Unlike him, she left their mountain in her early teens to traverse the world without their father's permission. What she saw out there scared her. So much evil. So much pain.
Flashback Starts
She pushed herself to move on, to continue with her journey as she experienced the outside world; but that all crumbled down when the crusades came. Armies of knights who followed a different being, a different force that was not the Olympians. She watched and listened as they tore through cities and towns; how they raped and pillaged and brought chaos and pain to anything in their path.
A village she was staying in was subjected to their brutality. At times she wished she could just forget about that day but no matter what she could still recall what happened. They came early in the morning just after breakfast. A lone figure who wielded a staff preached to the people about their goal and the one they follow. They asked-more like demanded-people to join them in their crusade. When the villagers declined that was when Hesperia saw it all firsthand.
Fire, blood, cries of pain, pleas for help, the cracking of bones, and the slicing of flesh; echoed in her ears as she fought her way through heavily armored men. She watched as they slaughtered a family and their children but not before taking the youngest boy away and ushering him into their fold-no doubt brainwashing him to join them. Hesperia retched out her breakfast in an alley as a man raped a helpless woman while her daughter pulled at the man's leg. All she saw was red and in a matter of seconds, the man lay helplessly before her dead.
Instead of crying in fear, the woman thanked her profusely before dashing away with her daughter in her arms and her dress ripped down the side. She fought all day, trying to help as many people as she could; she fought amongst a few young and old gentlemen as they helped evacuate their people. It was only when the flames slowly died and the live bodies ceased to appear did the sons of satan left; laughing and jeering at each other.
It was that day that Hesperia decided to go back home.
Flashback Ends
"You have a big imagination don't you?" Hesperia chuckled and ruffled his hair; dismissing his question entirely.
"Ugh, don't do that," Percy pouted with balled-up fists.
"Alright alright!" Hesperia placated. "Anyways, some people just stopped fighting."
"Whaaaat?! They stopped fighting? They didn't want to train anymore? But it's so fun!" Percy gushed.
"I thought you said you hated training with me?" Hesperia raised her eyebrow.
"No…I said I hated training with you," Percy reaffirmed with a roll of his eyes.
"And let me guess, training with Phobos is a lot more fun," Arethusa arched an eyebrow.
"Yup!" Percy said giddily.
"Whatever," Hesperia scoffed playfully. "But yes some sword styles went missing, but we shouldn't focus on that; instead, why don't you learn a few of these sword styles and improve them yourself?"
"You want me to learn these forgotten and missing styles and improve them myself?" Percy asked with wide eyes.
"I don't see why not," Hesperia shrugged.
"But I'm only ten!" Percy declared. "And I'm still learning."
"Ok?...what's your point?" Hesperia frowned. "You're a smart and talented kid Percy. So tell me why you can't."
"I-I don't know like I said I'm only ten…" Percy said glumly.
"Tell you what, why not go back to Phobos with these new books he wanted you to fetch; and in your spare time we'll learn a couple of these old fighting styles together ok?"
Percy grinned widely. "Deal!"
"Good to hear, now come on; I think it's time for dinner."
Line Break
"Arethusa, stop."
She pretended not to hear the voice and went to take another step but stopped when a hand clamped onto her shoulder. Arethusa knew who it was the moment she heard their voice which was why she had to leave. But now she couldn't.
"We need to talk," Erytheia said coldly.
She shivered involuntarily from the cold in her voice. Erytheia was not just mad, she was seething. Arethusa nodded meekly and followed her older sister for two summers. They went a few ways into the small woods surrounding the eastern portion of the mountain where a few wildlife found themselves hiding in.
Aegle at times would be hanging in the woods just conversing with the animals while studying the wildlife and the various plants, trees, and other live organisms. But right now their eldest sister was nowhere to be found much to her relief. If she was right, she didn't want another person-let along her sister-to know about the upcoming conversation.
She envied how weak her will was compared to her siblings. Hesperia was as stubborn as a rock, Aegle was very calm and was the most "aristocratic" of the rest of them with how she carried herself with grace. Erytheia-like now-was in her opinion, the most resolute than all four sisters. Compared to all three of them, Arethusa found herself to be lacking and the current situation she was in was a good example of that.
The foliage broke apart as they came upon a small cliff. The piece of land jutted out a fair bit where Erytheia sat down right at the edge, her feet dangling in the air. She said nothing but pat the side beside her.
Arethusa hesitated. She could leave right now and hide, and maybe Erytheia would forget whatever conversation they were gonna have. But in a spark of confidence, she sat down, averting her gaze from the depths below as her heart did a flip. Just one wrong move and she could fall. One wrong move and that was it.
They sat there in silence just watching the sunset; its orange hue lighting up their features.
"Arethusa, please be honest with me," Erytheia finally spoke.
Arethusa swallowed deeply, her brow beginning to sweat as her breathing quickened by a few milliseconds.
"You've been avoiding Perseus for two weeks now. Am I right?"
Arethusa stiffened as she felt Erytheia's gaze on her before letting out a sigh of relief as she felt it disappear.
"...Yes, but I have a good reason!" Arethusa interjected before Erytheia could speak. "Or at least I think it is," she frowned, her eyes going from the sunset to the depths below. She felt Erytheia's gaze, looking at her expectantly as if to explain.
She took a deep breath as her shoulders sagged. "I-I saw a vision," Arethusa stopped as her throat clenched. "It was about Percy, or at least I think it was. It wasn't right Erytheia, it was so scary, so so very scary," Arethusa shook her head as she began to tear up.
"What was it, sister?" Erytheia whispered.
She felt her hand fall onto her shoulder where she instinctively leaned into her touch. "I can't tell you the full details because the scenes flashed by so fast…but there was one sure thing." Arethusa looked up at her sister; their eyes finally catching each other. "Percy is involved."
Erytheia's gaze hardened. "I don't get it. How is Percy involved if you've never seen proof of him in these visions?"
"It's not that there isn't any proof. It was a voice or at least it felt like one. I could hear it as it said our brother's name again and again; as the same scene filled with blood and battle; of fiery infernos of violet and red, with these creatures that stood on two legs but weren't human at all; flashed through my mind again and again."
By then Arethusa was trembling, her eyes unfocused and staring off at something in the distance.
"I don't know what to make of this sister," Erytheia sighed. "How does Perseus play into this? What is his role? You talk of infernos the color of violet and red, of creatures who walk as if they are human but are not; of a battle filled with blood but how does this…" Erytheia suddenly looked up with disbelief. "You think Perseus will be pulled into this…this battle, whatever it is; you think he will be forced to fight. To leave our home. You think it is a quest…"
"Now do you understand why I've been avoiding him?" Arethusa cried. "I-I can't face him, whenever I do all I could think of is how it kept calling his name. How it seemed to want Percy in its grasp like some sort of parasite, some sort of darkness," she snarled. "You may call it a quest but what for?! There is nothing there but blood."
"Aren't quest ones where heroes are sent to defeat monsters? Where they are chosen to go find and bring back something of importance?!" Arethusa hissed. Her eyes narrowed as the purple in them began to glow. "Then why does it sound like he's being sent to a war?! There is nothing, no treasure, no monster, nothing a typical quest has!"
"You may call me stupid sister, or even selfish but remember," Arethusa's eyes narrowed. "I love our brother, I will always be there to protect him and if staying away from him will stop this, this voice; from taking him away and sending him to a war then so be it."
Silence reigned between the two sisters as they stared into each other's eyes. One with fury while the other calm and impassive.
"Arethusa, would you continue doing this even when he finds out? Do you think Perseus will just let this slide? How, the fact that you, his sister would keep something of this magnitude hidden? I know for a fact and I dare say it, but you and Perseus are the closet between the five of us. I've seen how well you guys work with each other, how much you both care for each other," Erytheia exhaled softly. "...Percy needs you, Ari and you need him but when he finds out that you kept this from him…he will resent you sister and I do not want that."
"You don't think I know that?!" Arethusa cried hysterically. "You don't think that all I want to do right now is to go to him, to pull him against me and just hold him?" she shook her head and smiled ruefully. "I think our conversation here is done."
Erytheia didn't stop her. She didn't grab her wrist, she didn't stand up, she didn't do anything.
"Nothing is stopping me from telling him you know…"
Arethusa wasn't fazed one bit. She looked behind her once more and chuckled before saying, "I know you won't."
With that said she left with one thing in her mind. Maybe she wasn't as weak-willed as she thought.
A.N I had a free week to complete this chapter so here you guys go. I'm not sure when I will have the time to update again but make no mistake I will do my best to update no matter what; and remember, if you guys have any questions you can send a review or a pm. I would prefer a PM since I can reply pretty fast. Maybe on the same day even. But when you post it as a review you'll have to wait for the next update and well...like I said I don't know when I have time to write.
Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. Until next time...ciao!
Next update? IHH or...Immortality(check my profile)
