Hush

Chapter Three

Morning came across the world again. The sun finally broke through the dark gray clouds as a light breeze danced across the tree branches.

Standing by the window, a smile spread across Veronica's lips as she watched a flock of birds fly by. To see such a sight gave her hope. Her eyes followed the birds as they glide through the air. She even felt a gentle breeze tickle across her skin. Nature truly is a wonderful thing to experience.

But the moment ended when there was a knock on her door.

"Come in."

Turning around, Veronica watched as her door opened and in walked Vincent, her most loyal knight and protector. He bowed to her, wearing his normal suit of navy-blue armor. Looking up, he stared at Veronica with his golden-brown eyes, which always seem to cause her cheeks to redden and heart to race. But she cleared her throat and shook her head, forcing theses feeling back down in her heart.

"Is there something wrong, Vincent?" Veronica asked.

"Messengers from Lord Felix should have been here to meet with you." Vince said.

"No doubt trying to convince me to return my gift to the humans." Veronica said.

Vincent remained silent, but his fighting hand and posture caused her to ponder what he was thinking.

"You don't think I made the wrong choice, do you?"

"That is not for me to answer. Only you can make that decision."

Veronica sighed. Vincent is wise as always, but for now, her decision still stands. She will not return her gift, but mind kept wonder did she truly make the right choice.

"Is there something wrong, my lady?" A familiar voice asked.

They both turned to the doorway where Jeffery was standing. He bowed to Veronica, but when he turned to Vincent, all he received was a glare.

"No, Vincent and I were just having a conversation." Veronica said.

Nodding, Vincent walked to the door. He stared at Jeffery long and hard before walking pass his out of the room. Jeffery's eyes narrowed as he watched Vincent leave, but quickly lighten when he looked back to Veronica.

"Jeffery, did any messengers come to see me yesterday?"

"No, not a single one, my lady." Jeffery said, followed by a smile. "Do you need anything? Food or drink?"

"Not at the moment, thank you,"

Nodding, Jeffery bow slightly before leaving her room.

Outside in the hallway, Jeffery caught up with Vincent. Hr smiled at the knight, who glared at him once more.

"Vincent, you don't seem happy to see me

"Because the moment you arrived, I felt nothing but uneasy.

"She has made me her counselor

"And I respect that, but you there is something off about you.

Jeffery merely smiled, much to Vincent's disgust. One day during one of Veronica's outing she came back with Jeffery. With his slick words and calm demeanor, everyone grew to adore him. Lady Veronica even gave him the rank of counselor, but he could never get that uneasy feeling out of his mind whenever he was around. It was he who constantly encouraged her to take her gift away from the world. He wished he could kick this guy out, but he can't. he has placed himself so well that he could do nothing but exchange words with him.

"I have noticed Lady Veronica is having doubts about the decision she made. Tell me, do you think what has done was wrong?" Jeffery asked.

Vincent sighed as he shook his head as he turned to face Jeffery.

"Yes, I think things should have been done differently."

"How?" Jeffery asked, leaning in closer.

Vincent and Jeffery continued walking down the halls as Vincent kept talking. But as they turned the corner, Jeffery's eyes gave off a red glow, which prompted Vincent to back up and pull out his sword. He knew it Jeffery wasn't on their side.

"What are you, a demon?"

"Yes, a powerful one that has a mission to complete and your lady plays a key role in it."

"I will stop you,"

"Stop me, you're going to help me."

Vincent raised his sword only for it to be held in place by a purple mist as multiple hand wrap around his waist, legs, arms and neck, smacking his up against the wall that held a dripping purple goo that steadily spread over his body. Vincent hissed, the goo burned his skin. He struggled to get free, which only made the hand squeezing him tighter.

"Resisting to the very end how nice, now open wide. it's time to take your medicine." Jeffery said.

Vincent clamp his mouth shut only for goo to pry it out and flow down his throat. Tears filled Vincent's eyes. He had failed. His book shook violently as a purple glow lined his body when he stopped. The hands were gone. He slid down to the flood and when stood up, his eyes held a red glow.

"I take it we won't be having any more doubts? Jeffery asked.

"No, my Lord," Vincent said, followed with a dark smile

Jeffery smiled as well. "Then continue on with your duties.

Nodding, Vincent continued on down the hall. The moment he was out of sight, Jeffery wince as he leaned on the wall for support.

"While converting you may have weakened me, I have gained a powerful Ally."

Meanwhile, Wandering thought the forests were miles away from Camp Half-Blood Annabeth, Grover, Percy and Nadine continued on walking. As the sun beat down on them, they gave a break from the trees that gave them shade from time to time. It was nice to see such lush green grass,bushes flowers and massively large trees. Percy smiled as Grover bent down, petting a few rabbits as they hopped, while Annabeth and Nadine watched a flock of deer run across the path as well. From the birds and rest of nature l around them, it looked as if everything was fine in the world. But he knew that was far from the truth.

They continued to walk for a little longer until the rumble reached Percy's ears. Looked up, he noticed the dark clouds rolling in, blocking the sun as a cool breeze brushed cross his skin. But it was the constant rustling noise that kept Percy look from left to right. Finding himself lagging, Percy pulled out his pen as he went to catch up with the others.

Meanwhile, in the forest, a man with black unkempt hair and yellowish-golden eyes yawned. He looked up at the dark clouds that were blocking out the sunlight as a rumble followed.

"Interesting," the man said as she rose to his feet.

Dusting off his shirt, he let out another yawn before his ear twitched. He picked up a rushing sound in the distance. His eyes narrowed, for when he turned in, he heard footsteps coming in his direction.

"Hm seems I have guests. Looks like it time to say hello."

Smiling, the man grab his staff and ran off in to the bushes.

A few hours later, Percy, Annabeth, Grover and Nadine reached a clearing where a stream separate them from the other side. Sighing loudly, Annabeth sat down near the stream, stretching out her legs as she looked up at the dark gray sky. Nadine sat down beside her while Percy looked around, and Grover stood guard.

Percy couldn't help but feel as if he was being watched. His eyes narrowed he heard a rustling sound. Click the top of his pen as a shadow came out from the bushes and charged towards them.

Clashing with a staff, Percy came face to face with an older man with disheveled black hair with yellowish golden eyes. But it was strange, for within their power struggle the man formed a smile across his lips.

Soon the man jumped back, smiling as he slipped into his fighting stance. Percy's eyes narrowed, grabbing the hilt of his sword.

Grover moved to Percy's side only for him to shake his hand, so he backed up and joined Annabeth and Nadine.

Within moments, Percy and the man clashing again. The man backed up with each attack Percy had made until moved back into the bushes. Not want to lose, Percy ran into the bushes.

All the others could do was stare at the bushes where Percy and the man entered. They could hear the clashing of the sword. Within moments, Percy went flaying out of the bushes. The man emerged as well, breathing heavy.

Nadine ran over to them, holding up her arms. The older man moved forward, touching Nadine's hand while Percy rose to his feet, ready to go again, but he touched Nadine's hand instead.

"Enough Henry,"

"That's Henry? Percy asked.

"Yes, the sensory god of hearing." Nadine explained.

Henry smiled. And scratched his head.

"Aw you're no fun Nadine, But I have to admit you're not bad for a hybrid. What's your name?"

"Percy Jackson, Son of Poseidon."

"Ah, I see,"

By this time, Grover and Annabeth joined Percy's side. Henry stepped back and bowed to them all.

"Sorry for my brash entrance. My name is Henry the God of Hearing at your service.

Annabeth was about to pull out her white board when Nadine touched her and Grover's shoulder.

"I'm Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena,"

"I'm Grover, a satyr, and Percy's protector."

Henry, something went right. He knew Nadine was mute at birth but were they also mute as well. That's when a thought popped into his head.

"Veronica?"

Nadine nodded. Henry sighed, shaking his head.

"Looks like she made good on her promise. I was wondering why I stopped hearing humans' voices.

"We were wondering if you know where she might be?

"No a clue, but Vivian might," Henry said.

"Vivian?" Percy asked.

Henry glared at Nadine.

"Haven't you told them anything?"

"There hasn't been much time,"

Henry sighed. "Fine, Vivian is our leader. She is the Goddess of Sight. There is nothing she can't see."

"Well, let's go see her then," Grover said.

"Can't she's missing," Henry said.

"What?!" Nadine exclaimed.

"Yeah… I haven't been able to contact her for weeks now." Henry said.

Nadine glared at Henry but his ears twitched to tighten his old on his staff as Percy gripped his sword.

"I'm afraid we will have to talk later. We've got company." Henry said, staring at the bushes.

With in moments, a shadow like creature emerged hissing at them. It didn't take long for more shadows to jump out surrounding them.

"Well, looks like someone doesn't want us leaving this forest. Henry said, cracking his neck and knuckles. "Alright it's show time!"