If you couldn't tell, yes, I'm alive. The world is crazy, I know, but never mind that now. I hope you liked the latest chapter. Thank you for your support and patience. As you know, I am not the kind who hits inspiration quickly, and I had no idea that this would get as far as it did. Please keep up the reviews.
~Orion~
It is hard to respect any parent. Especially when you have never met them before in your entire life, I have never really understood why deadbeats who walked out think they have the right to claim their child that they have never met and or cared about before. Why should you be given respect if you haven't earned an ounce of it? So here I am on Olympus, in my 'guest room' listening to my 'father' pace back and forth across the carpet. Not a word had been said between us so far. The moment I had interrupted him and uncle Zeus arguing, I just said: "Hey, I'm here now, where do ya want me."
Not my smoothest introduction, but I was not going to just prance around like a show pony for some dumbass who couldn't remember to pick up his toys. I don't even know why I don't just send this place crashing to the ground already. ~You see the point in asking to speak privately with me does involve speaking.~ His footsteps paused. I lean back more into the comfy leather chair and wait.
"Ah- yes, of course." He was nervous. Nervous of what, though? Was it meeting one of his kids for the first time or the fact that he had put them in this situation in the first place? Or maybe it was the fact that none of his siblings or him should have been born in the first place. ~I'm Orion, the blind one. Don't feel too bad. We've never really needed you before, and we don't need you now. As soon as my siblings find the real thief, things will go back to the way it was before. We'll be together trying desperately to ignore the mere fact that our being alive could destroy the world as we know it. And you'll be doing whatever the god of the sea does.~
About to shoo him away with a wave of my hand. I was not expecting that the god would grab it. "That's not it. I know that fate has been cruel to you. I know that I can't change how things went, but-" I pulled my hand back. ~Cruel no, fate has not been cruel to my siblings or me. It has allowed us to stay together when clearly, we should have been separated. I would not have lived this long without any of them. So what if I can't see. I know exactly what each one of them is worth to me. More than gold, more than jewels, more than even the air I breathe or the food I eat. You just sit back and watch, old man, my siblings and I will live our lives the way we want to. Without your godly interference.~
"Orion, you have to understand. I never wanted any of this to happen. I didn't want you or your siblings to be involved in all this. Zeus is angry. There is more of a chance that you or your siblings could be a child of prophecy." I howled with laughter. ~If you had just let the prophecy occur when it first came to be, none of this would be happening. You all were too afraid of what would happen. Well, now it's time to face the consequences. You can't stop it from happening the more you try the more you bring forth the enibidal. It's a self-made prophecy. You know as well as I do that there is more to this than simple words. Double meanings are very dangerous.~ "Please enough, Orion. You are my child, and I can not bear the thought of losing you."
My face hardens. ~You've already lost countless children due to what you've done already. What's one more, or even a handful of children compared to that?~ I could feel the room grow colder at my words. ~Make no mistake, we have your DNA in our system. That much is true, but I want nothing to do with you. As far as I'm concerned, my father is a man who runs a summer camp and takes care of many children. He'll deny that he cares, of course. That's just who he is, but he was there. He was there for Odessa's nightmares, there for Achilles when he had just started weapon training. Would be there when somebody picked on me for being Intersex and genderfluid. Heck, he was there when Percy fell of that pegasus and broke his wrist at Five. He monitored all the smiths in the forge for a week when all Thea wanted to do was sit there and watch. So I don't want to hear this from you.~
The god seemed to curl up into himself with each word as if trying to make himself smaller. He reached out for me once more, and I hissed. ~Leave, you're lucky that you met me instead of the others.~ I listened to his footsteps and the soft click of the door closing behind him. Slumping into my seat after making sure I was truly alone. ~At last, some peace.~ wiggling my toes against the soft carpeting of the floor. I wonder how the others were doing so far? Maybe I'll IM them in a bit.
^Percy^
Once Odessa had gathered the information we needed and our bellies were full, there was no need to stay. 'Auntie Gemma,' formally known as Medusa, gave us a ride in her truck to the nearest train station. She was buying us all tickets heading west and wishing us luck before leaving. ^You really need to stop adopting people into our family without asking the others first, sis.^ I groan as I lean back against my seat. Throwing a quick smile my way, that only assured me that she would do the exact opposite before she curled up in her chair to get some sleep.
I feel something against my shoulder and notice Annabeth leaning on me. "She has the right idea. Who knows when will be the next time we'll get a chance to rest." ^Then, sleep. I'll stay up for a while and switch with someone later.^ Fiddling with the riptide in my hand and gazing out the window, I listened to Grover's snoring and Odessa's constant shifting and dealing with Annabeth drooling all over me in her sleep... Never tell her I told you that she'd kill me. Seriously ever.
Past cities and lakes, beyond the vast emptiness, there was a thief that was going to pay. Nobody got away with framing my siblings. Truthfully though, it wasn't a surprise. This kind of thing was bound to happen before long. So why then am I so mad about it happening now instead of later? I don't really know; maybe I wanted more time of us being us.
The conductor came by, eyeing us suspiciously. ^On our way to our dad's house, he and mom are divorced, and believe me, it's just easier for everybody if they don't see each other.^ "You're saying you're all related then." Doubt is evident in his voice. I concentrate on the mist that surrounds us. ^Yes, and we would appreciate it if you left us alone for the rest of the trip, seeing as we paid for our tickets.^ His eyes glazed over, and he walked away. I shifted carefully in my seat so that I wouldn't disturb the others.
+Theadosia+
Luke was suffering. She knew this. Although he had a calm smile and looked fine, she could tell on the inside he was wrestling with a dark and twisted thing called spite. Walking towards him in the arena, uncaring about the audience that watched. Luke had finished giving a demonstration to his brothers and sisters when she had arrived. When he noticed her, his eyes got brighter, and his smile was more sincere and genuine. The scar that marred his perfect face did nothing to stop her from reaching out and placing her hand on his cheek. He didn't flinch like he had all the times Annabeth or Thalia had tried. He just looked at her with reverence.
To be honest, that made her feel a bit twisted inside for the small part of her enjoying his attention. In his eyes, she was... well, different, and not in a negative way. Tilting her head towards the entrance, she asked him using only her eyes. 'Come with me?' Truthfully she knew that she didn't need to ask. That part sickened her the most Luke gave his devotion to her so easily she was afraid that she might lose him one day.
Nodding his head and sheathing his sword, he took her hand and led her away from the onlookers. She didn't have to hear to know what they were saying. It was embarrassing; most believed them to be an item. They weren't dating. They weren't. Just because Luke paid attention to her more than anyone else and dropped everything for her all the time. Giving her little gifts from his trips into the mortal- okay, okay. So they were maybe dating? That is confusing. After all, he had never asked her out before, and he was like five years older than her. Not that it really mattered, seeing as her own mother hooked up with a guy a couple thousand years older than her.
Nope nope, nope. Shaking her head and tried to clear her thoughts. Luke glanced back at her, and she threw him a quick smile before tugging him in the direction of her cabin. They needed to talk, and it was best if they did it privately where no one could see them signing to each other. Please, please don't let me be right about this. If I am, he can't just walk away from it. Clutching his hand tighter, she leads him inside. "Are you feeling alright? I know you don't like being away from your siblings for too long." She turned, and she knew. He was aware that she knew of his plans.
+What will you do now?+ She asked, not why. She wasn't stupid. He was bitter. He was rebelling. Fighting for a world that he believed in, the only problem was that the path he had taken to get what he wanted was one where there was no turning back. "That's why you're my favorite Thea, you ask the right questions. I suppose the question should actually be directed towards you. What will you do now that you know what I've done?" Their eyes were locked onto each other. There was no room for mistakes here. He could attack her at any second, just like she could kill him at any moment. The real question is would they be able to?
+You can't kill me.+ "I know, but it doesn't have to be us killing each other. The gods, the Titans, they've had their chance. It's our turn; they've ruined this world enough. Let's restore it together! No pollution, no war, no corruption, we could make the rules. WE could change everything!" Luke's blue eyes sparkled with determination. She wasn't scared. He was obsessed with her power. That would be his downfall.
+You would ask me to betray my family, my friends? That would be asking me to toss aside my ideals. You are right, they have had their chance, and I owe them nothing. Except Mr. D raised me. Not many are lucky like my siblings and I. They don't get dropped on a god's doorstep. They don't always get taken care of in a loving home. And before you start, yes, I believe that Mr. D wouldn't have taken care of us if given the chance years ago. If this wasn't his punishment to stay at this camp. Although he had plenty of opportunities to turn us into animals or plants, he didn't. I'm not saying I would die for the gods Luke. They need us, not the other way around.+ She signed to him. Her back straightened, her eyes burned with unshed tears.
She couldn't do this, she couldn't let him continue this, and she couldn't kill him. Well, she could, but it would destroy her to do so. Out of all the Jackson siblings, she had the most claim to him. He was her responsibility. "I would ask that you stay by my side. You don't have to agree with me. You don't have to fight for this. You don't have to lift a finger to help me. Just stay by my side, and I know that everything will be alright. I'll know that if necessary. If things go wrong, you will be there to put a stop to things."
She shuddered. A burden. That bastard was placing a load on her shoulders. He was putting his life in her hands. +You're being selfish, you stupid son of Hermes! Why? Tell me why I should go running off with you instead of staying here. With my family! Give me one reason, and I'll go just one!+ Her signing became more frantic. "Because you can't bear to see me suffer at another's hands. You've already had many people taken away from you. If you come with me though, that won't be an option. I live for you, and my death will only be handed to me by you and no other."
The fates were cruel. Her breathing hitched. Her vision getting blurry. This was not something she could escape from. He had condemned her, pain shooting through her chest. It wasn't easy having someone understand you without the need for words. Achilles was probably the only one out of their siblings who sympathized with her on this. Truth be told, she wouldn't be able to bear the news of him dying, and if he died before her, well... her chest tightened. +Damn you. You know that you'll do something stupid without me!+
He smiled brightly at her knowing he had won. Spinning around, she opened drawers and pulled out her clothes. Grabbing her travel bag, she stuffed it to the brim. His hands gripped her shoulders, glancing over her shoulder, she saw his face. There was that look again. That look of awe and reverence. +Stop that+ She scolded him. he tilted his head as if he didn't know what she meant. She huffed in irritation, shoving the bag into his arms. Arms folded over her chest, she gave him a dark glare. "I'll ensure that you won't lift a finger. I'll do everything to ensure this future with you." +Where is it? Zeus's little toy.+ "With Ares." No hesitation in his answer made her huff again. +I want a boat, a nice one. With a hot tub.+ People outside the cabin could hear his laughter ringing out. "Anything for you, my princess."
=Odessa=
I gazed into the unique compact mirror that I owned while hiding out in the train's bathroom. I wasn't looking at my own reflection; instead, I saw my sister's watery green eyes as she signed to me what had happened. That cocky blond asshole gave the stupid bolt to Ares! Now I have to actually speak to that asshole! He better hope he's far away enough from me because I'm going to put him through the wringer when we've finished this ridiculous monstrosity that they were calling a quest.
=Keep an eye on him wherever you two are going. we'll settle this after me, and the others have regrouped and come find you.= I signed to her quickly before snapping the mirror closed. Making my way back to the others in a stormy rage. =We're getting off at the next stop.= "But I thought-" =It would only be a waste of time and resources to go any further when we can settle this here and now.= I cut Annabeth off. I was in no mood to explain anything in lengthy detail. "The next stop is in an hour, though, and what do you mean to settle?" She asked.
Percy, who had been napping on Grover's shoulder at this point, woke up with a start. ^I didn't touch the jam!^ He shouts in panic, arms flailing about for a moment. Grover and Annabeth laughed, and I just sighed. =Percy, next stop, I'm summoning you know who. I see no reason to continue this farce of a quest any longer than need be.= ^Oh? Great next stop is what St, Louis? Annabeth, while Oddie settles this, how about you, Grover, and I go check out the St. Louis arch?^ And there he goes taking one for the team. What a brave soul, my brother. His poor ears will be talked off.
"Are you sure You'll be alright on your own, Oddie?" Grover asked nervously. I give him a twisted grin. =Oh, don't worry, I'll be perfectly fine.= Opening up my bag and pulling out a new set of clothes and my makeup bag. "What are you-" =I am not facing him in day-old sweatpants. I don't generally care about my clothes. Still, I need to look older, and mist can only do so much.= Rummaging around for my hairbrush, which I thought I had packed, cursing when I couldn't find it. Percy sighed and started fixing my hair combing through it with his fingers. "But why do you need to look older?" Annabeth asked.
=Because the god of war prefers to look like a biker in this mid twenty's. And him hanging around a twelve-year-old girl makes people wanna call the cops.= Percy chuckled and pulled my hair back into a high ponytail. ^Yeah he's not really into the whole teenage look.^ =Less talking more fixing brother dearest= I chide as I start dusting foundation on my face. He rolled his eyes and tugged on a couple of loose strands. "So we're just going to do nothing while you talk to the god of war alone?" Annabeth cautiously stated, =No, that would be ridiculous. I have a different important task for you three. You're going to act as bait for a monster. Leading it to the top of the arch for a trap.= I explained, cue glaring.
=You won't be dealing with the monster Annabeth. In fact, you won't even realize it's following you.= Grover looked terrified and shivered in fear. "Why, though? Why the Arch? Why trap it? What kind of monster is this?" Annabeth questioned. ^Wise girl, you'll be fine. Oddie just wants to give our uncle a present.^ I snort at Percy's choice of words. Adding some grey eyeshadow for that mature look. =More like a warning.= I muttered darkly. Putting the makeup away. My gaze locked with Percy's. There was no way around this and no reason to lie, but that didn't mean I would let the others overhear us. =Percy, when we get to the station, we'll stop and get some cash at an ATM; Annabeth, Grover, and you can clean up a bit in the bathrooms while me and Percy also get a map.= Percy frowned, not liking being split up for long but agreed.
When we arrived, I pulled my brother aside as we grabbed some cash using our Demi-lotus cards. Unlimited money was so lovely to have when out in the real world. I whispered my plan and gave my brother a look. =Can you accomplish this and ensure that those two don't get harmed trying to help you?= I asked. He nodded but looked worried. ^I'll give you two hours before I track you down. Only two Odessa.^ He warned. I pouted but nodded nonetheless. When Annabeth and Grover returned, I waved them all off before going to the bathroom to change clothes. Skinny jeans and a tank-top will have to do, as I willed the mist to make me look slightly taller and a small number of curves to my body. I didn't want to look like some busty bimbo after all. Double-checking the new form, I smiled and made my way out.
I would only be about seventeen miles from my brother, but still, distance mattered. Time was not currently on my side either. I pulled out a single golden drachma from my pocket and tossed it out into the street, holding my thumb out like hailing a cab. The run-down smokey taxi screeches to a halt in front of me with three little old ladies in the front. I smile brightly. =Hello, lovely's my you all look radiant today. Did you spruce up just for me?= I teased as I got in the cab. "Oh, sisters, look, it's little Oddie." Deino, who was currently seeing through their one eye, cooed at me. "We would be able to see if you didn't keep hogging the eye snapped Pemphredo as she tried to snatch it from her sister.
I laughed as the three struggled before catching the eye before it flew out the window. =Ladies, ladies. There's no need to fight. Deino, you've had your turn, and Pemphredo, I know you take your turn before Deino.= I use my best scolding tone as I wipe the eye clean gently. =So that means it's Enyo's turn to use the eye. Enyo, could you be a dear and take me to Jefferson Barracks Historic Park.= I hold out the now clean eye to her. =If you keep the meter running while I run my little errand, I'll be sure to give you a generous tip too.= All three grey sisters squealed, and we were off like the speed of light.