Chapter 5: Immortal Combat
Percy swung Riptide at a tree and watched as it buried itself several inches into the wood. Grover would lament the destruction of nature as he pulled it back out.
He swung again. And again. And again. Then once more.
"Perseus." The voice of the hunt's patroness broke him from his meditative state. He turned to face her and today found her in the form of a pubescent girl.
"Would you care to train with me?" She offered, speaking impatiently.
He snorted dismissively. "I'm terrible at archery and hunting, and if I tried to spar with you. I would be lucky to die quickly."
Her lips quirked slightly. "I'm surprised by your view. Most heroes would be eager to test their blade against a goddess."
A choked sound escaped his lips. Sounding like the bastard child of a sob and a laugh. "I was never a hero. You know, every time I faced down a monster. Or some impossible task. I wanted to run away and abandon everything. Only my loyalty to An- to all of my friends kept me going."
She didn't reply, concerned and somewhat frightened. When her hunters were sad, they went to another of her wards. She was disconnected from what it meant to be human. Losing her hunters hurt. But if she was willing to make a deal with Hades, she could see them again.
Maybe because they were talking to one another or because he was a friend of some of her most treasured hunters, but she felt a twinge of pity for the boy in front of her.
Maybe she could. "Perseus, if you want to see her again, then I could-"
"Don't do that, please. What would I even say to her? Hey 'beth, sorry that I failed when you needed me the most. My bad, say hi to my Uncle.'"
He slumped to his knees. Emanating sadness and despair. "Perseus, you may travel with the hunt as long as you like."
"Thanks, and please just call me Percy."
"I'll consider it."