Friend of Apollo

DEAR GOD-SH! You guys probably want to slit my neck and wrists for taking so damn long! I mean, geeze, I'm even disappointed in myself! This is just a stepping stone chapter…not exactly great, but it will get better. I promise! Please review, and I hope you enjoy it. It's a short chapter! Well, at least i think it's a short chapter!

Love you guys :D READ ON AND BEWARE OF SPELLING AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS!

Chapter 13: Chivalry to the Weak

My legs felt weak as I walked the journey back to the city of Troy. I would be surprised if the men had enough stamina to fight after this long walk. It was ridiculous.

"Faster." Agamemnon pushed gently. I was surprised by the soft touch as he was a rigorous and rough man. In plus, he was also on a horse. He could have easily just kick my- "Odysseus, walk with her."

He sped off to the front again. Agamemnon and Menelaus were not really as harsh as I thought they would be. I expected a whip or sword being swung across my body, but they simply left me be…. with much supervision. Achilles was angered that they might abuse the other women he became 'acquainted with', but they simply kept him on his toes. I thought it was quite dumb. This was no way to get their 'great warrior" to fight. In fact, it was doing the complete opposite.

I sighed. They needed me however, for more reasons than one. They would show me to Hector and Paris, and force them to surrender their armies and give back Helen. Would they do it just for me? I hope they wouldn't. If it was just for Helen…… I'm still wondering if they would give her up for me. I had many doubts on that account.

"You do know you're not cut off the end yet?" Odysseus asked.

I nodded my head. "Oh yeah, I get the picture right now……"

He smiled, "I assure you, you're not in harm's way in terms of violence…. You'll be faced with a tough decision…. Indirectly and most likely, directly."

I furrowed my eyebrow, "… and that would be? What? Whether I want to live or die? You know, that seems like a very tough decision." I laughed sarcastically.

He chuckled, "Let's just say, things don't always go according to plan. Be prepared for anything."

"Is this a warrior thing?" I asked trying to catch up to his pace.

He shrugged, "No, I'd say this is a common sense….thing."

I stood in my tracks, still comprehending the witty comment. Odysseus seemed exactly like David, my best friend; witty, blunt, and sometimes a little cocky for his own good. If this man had a sense of dirty humor and sputtered derogatory comments than he would be just like Dave.

"Keep moving, princess." A large man passed me, just as a whole group almost trampled me.

Odysseus laughed, offering a hand to help me up, "I don't really understand Achilles' infatuation with you women, but it surely can't be your intellect."

"Your mind is as weak as your stomach, so thou's hunger is only for the art of war, and nothing more. 'Tis this that makes you, the man, fowl, callous, and ruthless." I recited….. more-so to myself as I was trying to remind myself of my 6th or 7th grade English paper from my prep school. As you can see, I was a childhood feminist. I think that was the only 'intellectually feminist' comment I still held within me though. I just stopped caring about the women's rights rallies and fights after I started to realize that I was being an annoying, callous bitch. Now, I'm just a bitch, which is fine by me.

Suddenly, I heard a voice call beside me. "Ah, so the woman has brains. That's a first." That had to be Ajax. With him was a trailing solider named Damien. "Let me guess, you're the kind of lass that has a stick up her ass all the time."

I smirked, "And you're the kind of lad that has his stick up someone's ass….. all the time."

"She has a point, Ajax." Damien laughed along with Odysseus, who was amused by the small, bitter quarrel.

"Well, we can assume you hear those comments all the time." Odysseus said. "You caused a riot with Agamemnon. There must be some motive held within the man if he hasn't sliced your head off yet. I'm still surprised. I thought you'd be dead by now."

I chuckled, "Sounds like something my parents would say. Then again, my parents aren't exactly that emotive, and this place, in general, is sexist to the extreme."

Odysseus laughed, "Well, of course, and where might you come from? Perhaps I'll move their one day when I get annoyed of these irritating feminists barking on the streets."

"Oh, and does this place have prostitutes?" Ajax piped.

I smiled, "Why, yes, of course. Male prostitutes are famous nowadays. They even wear women's most feminine garments."

"On second thought, I think I'll stay here." Odysseus grimaced in disgust, as Damien scrunched his face.

Ajax mouth was wide open as we continued the rest of our walk. We continued to walk some more, but all I could notice were the conversations around us. People were eager to fight. Some were scared. Some wanted to see their wife and children. 'Some were horny', but I guess that was to be expected. Everyone was different, but when it came to war, they were all the same scoundrels you would see on the television screen.

"Acknowledge and remember those you kill today, for they will haunt your dreams tomorrow," a quote rang through my head. I read many books on wars because they were 'cool' and 'interesting', but being here gave the books a new meaning. It was nothing like the books explained it, and as you can guess, this was nothing like a movie. You can write something so descriptive, yet it won't even compare to the experience. It won't even amount to the time you're actually there. In movies, actors act, they don't live it. They can imagine and try to feel the emotion. Hell, they may even succeed in some amount, but they will never feel the enticement, the action, the betrayal, and the compassion. They'll never feel it. It's something tremendously different and beautiful. It's painful, yet so captivatingly precious; a precious, endearing moment.

We finally arrived at the gates of Troy, where a boundary of land separated two sets of soldiers with two different, yet similar motives. I could feel my goose-bumps rise off my skin. Odysseus arm was next to mine, so I was sure he could feel my skin become rougher and more jagged then it was before.

"Be prepared. This is your time." Odysseus whispered to me. We were behind Agamemnon and Menelaus, and I prayed they wouldn't find me. Obviously, that wouldn't happen. I could hear them talking to Hector and Paris.

"We have a little surprise for you." I could just imagine the smile on Agamemnon's face right now. I didn't even have to see his face because it was already putting a look of disgust on my face.

"Men! Let's show the Trojans the pleasures of our week!" Agamemnon yelled.

Odysseus frowned, "Sorry." He held my arm gently and led me through the crowd.

Suddenly, I felt someone push me on to the ground. I was in the middle of the two vast armies, who were probably watching my pathetic ass attempt to get up. I could taste dirt at the edge of my mouth, and I felt like vomiting. I had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and the dirt wasn't helping it at the moment. As I stood up, partially dizzy, I tried to focus on Paris and Hector. I saw other women before me. They were in the same condition as I was. All looked frightened, hopeful, and meek. I had no idea that I wasn't the only one part of this deal.

Paris' and Hector's expressions said enough. They were shocked. They were far to my left, and could only focus on the others in front of them. The women cried, making sure not to sob loudly. They were all so desperate to escape. However, I do not think they were crying because of what they had to 'endure' the previous nights. Why? Because, now I know why the men were groaning 'weirdly' at night, and in addition, it explains the girlish moans I kept hearing…… constantly. The women were only afraid because like me, they were standing in the middle of two armies who were ready to attack at any moment. There would be a good chance of death.

"If you want them back, all we ask is that you give us your army when we call for you." Agamemnon smiled, but Menelaus nudged him. "Oh yes, and give up, Helen."

"Let go of them!" Paris cried out.

The guards proceeded to taunt the other women, including myself, and tried to molest us in front of tens of thousands. How humiliating and degrading! My heart went out to the other women, even though I never really did get along with some of them. However, I just couldn't get that fact out of my head. Us women were experiencing major violation and degradation because of a two second infatuation dealing with the mighty Paris and his always-cheery 'fiance' Helen. I know that happened like 'one hundred years ago' and I got over it 'ninety-nine years after', but it still ticked me off to no end.

"Stop this!" Hector yelled, "Let go of them. You're uninvited."

Agamemnon shrugged, "Surrender."

"You know, we'll cut a deal. All the women in offer for just Helen. Then, we'll have our war. The war that determines our armies," Menelaus pummeled his fists together. "Stop the fondling, men. You had plenty of that last this week."

Agamemnon smirked. As much as he liked a square deal, he did love a battle. He wanted to win. He knew he would win. No, he thought he would win. For sure, Hector would have to agree to this deal though….. right?

"Helen's not leaving. You'll never take her, and if you do, all you'll have is her body, but I will have her heart and soul. Without that, you will have earned nothing. She doesn't love you. Never has, and never will. Leave." Paris seemed to sit by his word, while Hector grabbed his brother's shoulder firmly, cussing at him.

"You're fuckin' kidding me." I rolled my eyes. It was official. I was going to die, and have sex with these miserable shits. Paris was an idiotic psycho. If Menelaus wasn't going to kill him, I would.

"Fine. Oh, yes, we forgot to mention. Your poor, Ariel; she isn't dead. Look to your left." Agamemnon gestured.

Hector clenched his fists, but by now, I was already tired of waiting. I knew nothing was going to happen and the war mind as well begin. I walked toward Agamemnon, who was pleased that I didn't try to run. If I did so, I think a spear would be through my head right about now.

"Ah, here she is. She's mighty fresh, but that may change tonight," He laid his hand on my shoulder.

I paid no attention to the touch. "You see me? Do you see us women? We're doing just about anything right now to live. We're having sex with people we don't even know. We're being violated in ways that shouldn't be mentioned, and you're sitting front row watching us, seeing us every night in your mind being tortured because of your decisions. But, that's okay because I'd rather be dead than listen to that sack of bullshit that you just said. You're infatuation is going to cost many lives, Paris. And that includes mine, Hector's and that's right, yours. But if there's one thing that I'm not going to do, it's sitting back and watching you kill everyone, whilst making your kingdom look like a bunch of jackasses."

Agamemnon laughed, "This girl has more potential than you, Paris. It's depressing, really."

"Ariel, I can't-" Paris was immediately cut off as soon as he said 'I can't'.

"Looks like your friends don't care about you, Ariel." Agamemnon shook his head with a smile. "Soldier, the Trojans have no REASON to comply! ATTACK!"

And so, the most humiliating fight ever was about to take place and I was at the middle of it. Hector grabbed my hand and tried to lead me to the city, but….. I didn't budge. I needed to stay. It was the only way I would have a shot at protecting him. If I didn't, Achilles would kill him.

"Ariel, move, you're going to get hurt." Hector tried to pull me, this time with a much stronger grip. However, I whipped my hand out of his grip and ran to where Agamemnon was.

"You won't understand what I'm doing for you. Good luck." I yelled as I ran back onto a chariot.

The two armies clashed and I was much afraid that I would die. Agamemnon was beside the chariot fighting… and guiding the army somewhat. He pushed one of his guards on the chariot forcefully with me. Other women from other direction came on the small chariot.

"Lead them back to the camp. GO!" He whipped the horse. It neighed and the guard and the horse persevered their way to the crowd. Menelaus' and Agamemnon's armies cleared a small path and we were gone. They understood not to kill me as the guard held another girl's arm forcefully.

"Your friends have abandoned you women, and for that I can see why you didn't choose to go through their kingdom. It's filled with many deceitful people, who take things for granted. You have done for them, but they will not sacrifice for you." The guard spoke bitterly.

I gazed at him with a pitiful smile. "They're only here because they couldn't get into Troy without dying. Oh, and I bet you're only here because you're scared to fight and die. Nice sacrificing there, buddy."

He leered at me with a devilish smile that made my heart freeze. Something tells me I should have shut my mouth. That something was right, as I felt my body hit the ground for the second time today. I tried looking up, but was once again greeted by that haunting smile, and the glinting of his sword removed from his sheath. He gently bounced off the chariot, making sure the horse would not take leave.

"You know, if I kill you right now, you will be forgotten in a second. No one will care or remember you, and if they do remember, I will tell them you tried to kill me and run away. Your blood, body, and spirit will be dried in the plains of Troy, and people will walk all over you. But it's all up to you." Fortunately for me, he slid his sword back into his sheath. However, just when I thought I was safe, his foot met my stomach sharply. I was expecting another blow, but I was surprised to find that he fell to the ground.

I cringed as my nose could capture the smell of the fresh crimson blood dripping from his skull. At this, I rose to my feet in a halt. What ever did that to him in a split second could easily do that to me. I gazed around at my settings, and to my right, I found Achilles accompanied by his Myrmidons. His carefree, natural smirk was displayed on his flawless façade. As I looked to his left, I found Patroclus, the reason why I was here.

"Come with us. You're all going to need shelter if you want to survive the night." Achilles advised, turning around. His Myrmidons followed him, while one man rode on the horse and led the chariot, where the other women were on. He didn't even seem to acknowledge our presence as he was talking with Eudorus and a couple other Myrmidons.

All was silent as we began to walk, except for Patroclus who would occasionally ask us if we were okay. Some would blush, some would flirt, some would bite, some would roll their eyes, and some would shove it to him and call him somewhat of a poster boy. Priestesses could be bitches.

"Don't be callous so soon…. You do know that he's Achilles cousin, right?" One of the men asked. From that moment on, all negative comments directed to Patroclus soon vanished. The men were sharing a good laugh.

'You do know that we don't care, right?' I retorted mentally. Since I was behind enemy lines, it was best not to aggravate the blood thirsty men.

"So, Patroclus, you fight?" I asked him. I mind as well start persuading him to not rebel and get himself killed, while I had the chance.

At first, he was surprised that I actually spoke with him, but he shrugged and answered politely, "Uh, no. But, I will soon."

"Why are you so eager to get yourself killed?" I inquired. I kept an eye out for Achilles, who was all the way up at the front. He wouldn't want little ole me trying to manipulate, rape, or insinuate anything on his poor, precious cousin.

"I'm fighting for my country and countrymen," he responded in a way that any innocent boy would.

I laughed, "No, you're not."

He raised his eyebrows questioningly, and spoke, "Why do you say that?"

"All the men are here because Paris, Prince of Whores, decided to bed Menelaus' wife, Helen. Menelaus and his fleet are here for Helen, and-"

"What about Agamemnon?" He cut me off.

I smiled. "I was just getting to that. Anyway, Agamemnon has wanted Troy for ages. It's a war for land, pride, and dignity. But, without Helen and Paris, there is no war. I say to you now, that if you're going to fight. Fight for something real. Troy means no harm to your countrymen, so they need no protection. It's your countrymen that are fueling the war."

"But, this war……it's going to be bigger than any war……the biggest battle in history…." Patroclus stated.

"Yes, but-"

"Stop filling his mind with nonsense," a man, who I was led to believe named Demetrius, leered, "You women and your words…..trying to manipulate him and get him on the weak side."

"I'm not filling his mind with any nonsense. I'm telling him to fight for what he believes in; not for a man who can't keep his own woman." I replied.

Eudorus laughed, "Fair enough."

I grinned, continuing, "As I was saying….Yes, this war will last throughout the ages, but you won't. This war that might be your first could also be your last You could die, just like that, and you will be forgotten. Not to have a wife that will bear your children….."

His skin glistened in the sun, as he turned away. It was a moment of clarity; a time to reflect. I patted his shoulder, "Just think about it. When the times comes for you to fight, you'll know."

With that, I left him be. One thing was for sure: turning this war around was not going to be easy. There was no timeline for the tragedies that could soon take place, and I needed to act quickly before all would be lost.

Sucky ending, but don't worry! It will get better, I assure you! I'm really sorry for the long update. I still have to update my other stories, and I feel so bad for keeping the public waiting. Sure, my stories are not that important to some, but you guys took the time to review, and I feel bad :D Hope you enjoyed it, and I'll try to get the next chapter going. Please review and check for updates. Thank you.

Oh, and sorry for the spelling and grammatical errors.

Much Love,

SoHaPPy