Howdy all,
Here's the next instalment. This one was a bit more difficult to write because of all the different conversations that took place, and my dialogue composition is absolutely abysmal. But with that out of the way, I hope you can derive at least some pleasure from the following chapter.
"I can't believe the Gods are real; that's so cool! Hey, do I have special powers? Since I'm a demigod like you, do I get a magical sword too?"
Nico fired question after question at Percy, who in turn answered to the best of his knowledge. Grover meanwhile, consistently tried to stifle his laughter at Percy's awkwardness. Ivan let out a soft smile as he watched Nico. He looked well. Understandably, the years hadn't done anything to whether away his energetic and child-like enthusiasm. He doesn't yet understand the gravity that comes with being a hero.
The four of them sat around their own campfire towards the extremities of the camp. A light snowfall had begun that lightly dusted everything in white. No wind blew, which definitely made the wintery night bearable. That, in combination with the blazing fire in front of them which Ivan occasionally stoked.
White wolves freely roamed about, though they mostly remained near to the Hunters. A few were poking Lily with their snouts, urging her to play. Lily was too drained from the day they had though, and so she remained curled up and sleep.
Just then, Zoe Nightshade approached the group. "Percy Jackson."
Percy stopped his answer to Nico's question halfway and looked up. "Come with me," she instructed. "Lady Artemis wishes to speak with thee."
Percy followed without objection. Silence followed his departure. Nothing could be heard besides the slight crackling of the flames and Nico softly humming as he handled his figurines.
After a few minutes, Grover broke the stillness with a question. "What do you think they're talking about?"
Ivan, looked up for a moment and saw Grover leaning back, his head arched upwards towards the stars. Still prodding the flames with a branch, Ivan took a few moments to choose his words.
"Thalia and… Annabeth? The two of them have probably already testified as to what happened tonight." Ivan paused. "But there was a period where it was just Percy, Dr Thorn, Bianca and Nico that the three of you couldn't have known about." He was referring to the girls and Grover. "Therefore, perhaps he is giving an account of what happened during that time."
Grover nodded slowly. "That makes sense, I guess…"
Turning to Ivan, Grover wearily regarded him. "Percy and Thalia are widely considered to be the best fighters at Camp Half-Blood and even they struggled against the manticore; but you made it look easy. You're not new to this, are you?"
It was a rhetorical question; it didn't need to be answered.
"So you knew everything? About Gods, demigods and monsters. Do you know who Nico and Bianca's godly parent is?"
This question seemed to pique Nico's interest, because he stopped playing with his statues and looked to Ivan. "Yeah… you knew, all this time and didn't tell us? Why?"
Put on the spot, Ivan let out a small sigh and lay down his stick. "I knew. I've known for a while." He didn't make eye contact with either of them, and instead continued to stare into the flames. "As to the question of their parentage, it isn't my place to say. I'm… what you'd call "adopted", so we're not really brother and sister; you won't find their heritage by interrogating me." He replied, speaking. To Grover.
Ivan turned to face Nico. "I didn't tell you, Nico, because I'd hoped to spare you. This world can be very cruel; few heroes have happy endings. Most die before they can enjoy the most of what life has to offer."
"Few heroes… so that means there. Are some, right?" Nico asked, hope evident in his eyes.
Ivan looked at his brother and smiled. A sad smile, but a smile, nonetheless. "I suppose so." He replied, while ruffling his hair.
A quiet understanding passed between him and Grover, and once again a comfortable peace settled in. Ivan's mind wondered to Bianca. Artemis had taken her aside after issuing the Hunters their orders. He could guess what they were speaking about.
After a few minutes he heard a voice speak to him. Come and join us. You should be here for this. It was basically confirmed at this point. Ivan got up and brushed the snow from his jeans. "Stay here, Nico. Grover, will you watch him for me?"
They both nodded. With that, Ivan headed for Artemis' tent. On the way, Ivan surveyed the camp. Six silver silk tents were established in a semi-circle around a larger bonfire. The Hunters had likely situated the boys' tent further away out of their general distrust for males. The prejudice didn't really bother him; he was indifferent to a lot of insignificant things. He passed the same girl he had seen earlier that night, though she was facing the fire and enjoying the company of her fellow sisters. Thankfully, her back was to him and he couldn't see her face.
Ivan reached the entrance to Artemis' tent and could hear an intense discussion going on. Without hesitation, he flipped the tent flap open and stepped through.
"-do you get by joining the Hunters?" Percy asked, the desperation heavy in his voice.
Ivan glanced at the layout of the room. Artemis sat at the back of the tent facing the entrance atop a bear skin rug. To her left sat Bianca, and Zoe to her right. Percy, Annabeth and Thalia sat in a row facing them. He could tell by their postures that they were slightly agitated. Zoe shot Ivan an angry glare for entering without permission and was about to speak before Artemis gently lay a hand on her thigh, motioning that he was invited. The campers seemed too invested in Bianca's expression to notice his appearance, so he silently knelt to the left of the entryway, resting his hands on his upper thighs.
"To begin with," Zoe countered, "immortality."
"She's kidding, right?" Percy responded in disbelief.
"She's not kidding, seaweed brain." Annabeth interjected, quietly. "Artemis' Hunters get immortality, and the opportunity to roam the land with her; hunting and following her on her adventures.
Artemis nodded. "They are my maidservants. My companions. My sisters-in-arms. Together, we are a family. They are immortal so long as they uphold their oath of loyalty to me."
The argument went on; back-and-forth. Thalia's objections were the most passionate. Bianca was clearly torn, but Ivan knew his sister; he could see from her face which way she was leaning. Both sides had given valid reasons for both Camp Half-Blood and The Hunt.
"You've been quiet so far, Ivan." Artemis said. Bianca looked up and the campers turned over their shoulders to look at him, surprised. "Do you have anything to say?"
When did he get here? Percy thought.
"Do I need to say something, my lady?"
"Well, perhaps you have advice for your sister on her next steps." Artemis gestured to Bianca.
Bianca was conflicted. On one hand, she could join the Hunters and gain immortality. She could train and live with other girls, under the direct leadership of a goddess. Conversely though, that would mean abandoning two brothers. Brothers that she had loved and cared for. It would mean sacrificing the opportunity to love, to have a family and grow old.
Despite her internal struggle, she knew at the end of it all, she could trust her brother. She steeled herself and decided to commit herself to whatever Ivan advised. With fists clenched in determination, she asked, "What do you think I should do?"
Ivan knew what his father had commanded; to get his siblings to the camp. It was implicit in his request that they be trained under Chiron. Bianca joining the Hunters might very well cause an issue with Hades; her allegiance to Artemis would essentially leave Hades with one less ace up his sleeve. However, Ivan would not intervene with free will. Knowing that the argument would be unfairly swayed if he gave a definitive answer, he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, before responding.
"Becoming a camper at Camp Half-Blood, joining The Hunt… both options have their merits and drawbacks; I can't say for certain which one will be right for you." Ivan tried to remain as objective as he could. "This choice is something only you can make, and when you make it, make it for yourself. Don't think about anyone else."
Ivan locked eyes with Bianca to make sure she understood. "Go with whatever you think you'll regret the least. And once it's done, don't bother wondering if you made the right decision; the most you can do from that point is move forward."
Bianca took a deep breath and nodded, closing her eyes. After a few moments of quiet contemplation, she raised her head, her eyes now full of resolve. She had made up her mind. Turning to Zoe, she asked "what do I need to do?"
And so that night, Bianca was pledged to Artemis, and became a sister of The Hunt. Zoe beamed with pride, while the campers looked down dejectedly.
"Come," Zoe urged Bianca, smiling. "I will introduce thee to thine sisters."
Zoe and Bianca rose and proceeded to exit the tent. As she passed him, Bianca flashed Ivan an appreciative smile and nodded her thanks. He nodded to her in acknowledgement.
"Let's go." Percy half mumbled, leading the others out, leaving only Ivan and Artemis in the tent.
/ / /
Ivan moved forward to sit opposite Artemis. They were separated by a small brazier that seemed to emit no smoke. The flames cast a soft orange glow across Artemis' face. Her piercing, silver eyes appeared to contain a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience from a life long-lived.
"I must say, I was surprised to see you, Ivan." Artemis said, breaking the silence. "You look well." She continued, offering a soft smile.
"I wasn't expecting you or your Hunters to be here either, Artemis." Ivan replied. "And yet, fate has brought us together this evening. Four campers, three strays, a band of Hunters and a goddess. Odd; wouldn't you agree?"
"Indeed." Artemis nodded her agreement. "Bianca, and the boy, Nico; are they yours?"
"In a manner of speaking." Ivan answered. "And it seems I'm indebted to you again, by the way, for taking Bianca under your wing."
She shook her head. "Do not think of this as a favour to you, Ivan. Bianca has potential, and I merely offered her the free choice, as I do with all my recruits. Last time was an exception."
Ivan bowed his head slightly in appreciation. "Mmm… and how is she?"
"Alice is very talented." Artemis said. "A lovely girl; she pledged herself when she was 11. Many in The Hunt still fondly think of her as their baby sister. Which she is, in a sense."
"I see…"
Though he hid it well, Artemis could see the pained expression that transiently crossed his face.
"Would you like to see her?" Artemis slowly asked.
Ivan shook his head, now staring into the brazier. "No, no. That's alright. I already saw her. It's just… I wanted to hear it from you. She looks healthy… formidable. You've brought her up well."
"You know what I mean."
He looked up briefly, then set his sights on the ground and let out a large sigh of resignation. "It's been years, Artemis. She never knew me. She's never known me. I have no right to insert myself into her life now.
"It looks like she's content at the moment, and that's something I don't want to get in the way of and ruin." He finished.
"Perhaps. Though, you may not have the right, she definitely deserves to know." She gently countered. "In any case, the decision is yours to make."
Taking a few, thoughtful moments, Ivan finally replied, "I'll think it through."
Artemis could tell that Ivan was being sincere. She could see the pain and regret that fleeting flashed in his eyes. Though she was satisfied with his answer and the situation overall, she sensed that Ivan definitely wasn't.
"Now on to other matters." Artemis changed the subject. "Seeing as how you owe me a favour; I have a request to make of you."
Ivan gave her an expression as if to say, "go on."
"There's a beast I must pursue. Alone. I've already asked Perseus to escort them back to the camp, but I would like you to keep an eye on them. You were already planning on heading there, yes?"
Ivan nodded. "Planning to, yes... eventually. Although, I can't imagine your lieutenant would be happy with those arrangements."
"You needn't worry about that." Artemis reassured. "Zoe is well-aware of my expectations for the Hunters. Of course, if they act in response to provocation I can understand. Nonetheless, I will feel more comfortable knowing you were there to diffuse any unneeded conflict."
"Well, I can't exactly refuse, can I?"
Artemis shook her head. Though she presented it as a request out of courtesy, her tone and expression made it known that Ivan didn't really have a say in the matter.
"Very well." Ivan conceded. "And I suppose you've already disclosed to Perseus arrangements for transportation? Your Hunters are very skilled at traversing the lands, but even they would take a few days for the journey. Not only that; the half-bloods won't be able to keep up."
"I have." Artemis confirmed. "You remember my brother, don't you, Ivan?" She went on to ask, the corner of her mouth curling up in an amused smirk; something that was rare to see.
"Oh boy…" How could he ever forget? Ivan had previously made a name for himself as the most dangerous archer to set foot on campgrounds, and not the good kind of dangerous. Even under the watchful eye and short tutorage of the God of Archery, no apparent improvement was seen. Needless to say, dedicated training and time could make up for almost any inadequacy, and substantial progress had been made. But this was still a cringeworthy memory for him. The subtle, mocking expression of the 13-year-old goddess before him didn't exactly help matters, either.
"Two encounters with two gods in my first two days back in the world, eh? Seems I just can't escape you all." Ivan remarked.
Artemis actually chuckled, albeit lightly. "Yes, you really haven't changed; still causing mischief and attracting our attention. Speaking of which, where have you been all this time? You disappeared… and then resurfaced, with two young half-bloods, no less."
"I've been… keeping my head low. I'm sorry, but I can't say a whole lot more."
"Is that so… very well." She accepted his non-answer. "Go now, Ivan. I imagine you have some things to tell your brother before dawn arrives. And… thank you."
Ivan bowed his head momentarily before retreating from the goddess' presence.
/ / /
Ivan walked back to his campfire. On the way, he saw Bianca cheerfully sitting among her new sisters. From her smile and energetic posture, he could tell that a huge burden had been lifted from her shoulders. A faint, almost imperceptible silvery glow could be seen emanating from her form; the Goddess Artemis' blessing of immortality, strength, swiftness and agility. It wasn't real immortality, though. While she would be immune to the passage of time and natural illness, death still stood at the door, waiting. Unless one attained godhood, or ate from the golden apples of the Hesperides, the threat of death would always be present.
Bianca sat next to Alice, who was now facing Ivan's direction. The two seemed to be getting on. She doesn't even know, Ivan thought.
As he continued to walk back, Artemis' words echoed in his mind. She definitely deserves to know. Of course she did. Ivan knew that. But how was one meant to go about introducing oneself to a stranger after a lifetime of absence? Though he knew what he needed to do, doing it was another matter entirely.
Eventually his campfire came into plain view, or what remained of it at least. The flames had died, leaving only ashes, embers and charred wood. The smell of smoke filled his nose and mixed with the cool, brisk air. The first cracks of light painted the sky an awesome blue-purple hue. Ordinarily in winter this wouldn't be the case, but of course, Apollo was on his way here.
He also saw Percy and Nico in deep discussions. Nico was staring at his feet, while Percy was on one knee before him, with a hand on his shoulder. Annabeth and Thalia sat on the side, looking on with pity, and Grover was dozing off. Nico looked up and saw Ivan's approach, which prompted Percy and the girls to look at him.
Ivan stopped a few metres away. "I suppose, you have a lot of questions for me." Moving forward, he took a seat on a log and gestured for them to sit. "We've got some time before Apollo gets here, so fire away."
Percy left Nico's side and went to sit alongside Annabeth, and Nico sat on his own log, just staring into the Embers.
"Well…" Annabeth began, "Thank you for coming to our aid. We probably wou-"
"Why?" Nico interrupted. It was a whisper, but it cut through all other sounds with razor-like sharpness.
Percy joined in. "Yeah, I'd like to know too. Why did you help us? You obviously know how to fight, so why didn't you help sooner? Why did you stay back to talk to Artemis? Why didn't you stop Bianca joining the Hunters?" A barrage of questions.
Ivan scanned across the group. Percy was agitated, and so was Thalia, though likely for different reasons. Percy mostly seemed displeased that they had failed to recruit a new camper as they were tasked to do, whilst Thalia appeared frustrated with the Hunters' presence altogether. Additionally, the arrival of another skilled combatant might have been unsettling to two children of two of The Big Three who were used to being the apex fighters. Ivan however couldn't confirm whether this was a certainty. Annabeth simply watched on with nervous tension. Nico was staring at the crackling embers, the sadness and confusion readable on his face.
Sitting up, Ivan looked dead into Percy's sea green eyes. "Well, that's a lot, so why don't we take it one at a time.
"Firstly, you're welcome." His gaze then began to alternate between Thalia and Percy. "Secondly, I decided to intervene because you looked like you all were on your back feet and being overwhelmed. As to the timing… think of it as an evaluation.
"Did we pass?" Thalia asked, sounding annoyed that their lives were part of some sort of test.
Ivan took a moment. "Nothing exceptional, but passable. You both have untapped potential that's still dormant."
Percy and Thalia couldn't decide whether to be flattered or offended.
"Artemis is… an old acquaintance. We were just catching up." Ivan continued.
"And Bianca?" Percy asked, impatiently.
"Why what?"
"Why didn't you stop her? She's a half-blood; she belongs at camp! With Chiron!"
"Ahh yes, Camp Half-Blood. Are the minor gods honoured yet? Do all the unclaimed children still get crammed into Hermes' cabin?" Ivan replied.
This caused Percy to falter. Although it was a ways off, for some reason it reminded him of Luke. Percy sensed distrust for the gods.
Ivan sensed Percy's apprehension and collected himself. "Perhaps I'm being too harsh." he corrected. "There's a lot to this world that you haven't seen, boy. And based on your objection, you would need to explain to me why Bianca doesn't belong with the Hunters despite being a female."
Percy hesitated. Of course he knew that. "But… she's your sister. She won't be able to be with you or Nico anymore."
Picking up his stick from earlier, Ivan prodded the charred wood, giving rise to fresh flakes of flame that made their way up from the pit and disappeared.
After a few seconds of intense silence, he responded. "Do you believe in free will? When you consider the Fates and their role in this world, do you think we're really free?"
No one answered him. Looking around, he could see that they were caught off guard. Most people simply went through the motions, living day-to-day. Not many sat down to contemplate whether their actions were indeed their own.
He noticed that Annabeth's eyes were lit up, though. Being a daughter of Athena, she had probably spent ages thinking of an answer, going back and forth between various arguments. She could see where this was going and understood where Ivan was coming from.
"I do." Ivan continued. "You might call it my highest ideal. Even though I don't believe it, I don't know if we're merely puppets for the Fates' amusement or if Bianca joining Artemis was predestined. This is what I do know, however: Bianca reached her crossroads and had to make a choice; should she become a Hunter or a camper? As I said before, it was right or wrong of her is a mystery, but she chose. Freely. Had I said anything favouring one or the other, she would have agreed, and the decision wouldn't have been hers. But now, the consequences of her decision will be hers alone to bear.
"She might have left us, true. But for now, at least, she is well and healthy and happy. Do you understand, Nico?" Ivan finished, turning to his little brother.
The two made eye contact and a quiet understanding passed between them. Nico nodded, although he still felt down.
"You've had to let go of a sister today, so I can understand where you're at. But we have our own lives too, Nico. The best we can do is move forward."
No one said a word after Ivan had finished. The sun was now clearly visible over the horizon in its entirety and seem to be expanding. It's change in position would be quite rapid if this were any ordinary sunrise.
Looking to the sky, Ivan remarked "We'd better pack up; it looks like our ride is here."
/ / /
Apollo was just how Ivan remembered him, appearing to be in his late teens with a handsome, killer smile. His charisma though was a bit too much for Ivan. After having arrived, he and Artemis bickered as siblings often do, and exchanged some words. Before she left for her hunt, she turned to Ivan and gave him a knowing nod.
Everyone had boarded Apollo's sun van, which had previously been a shiny red Maserati Spyder. This left only him and Ivan outside.
"Nice ride." Ivan jokingly mocked.
"Ivaaaaan!" Apollo dragged out his 'a'. "How are you? How is archery going?" he said with a wink.
Chuckling, Ivan replied "touché, touché."
"Yeah, I figured she was a timely upgrade over the old 1940 Packard Darrin." Apollo said.
"Mmm I prefer the LC500 Convertible myself, but I guess you don't really need the utility. And to answer your question: archery is definitely better. No thanks to you, though."
Apollo laughed. "You were beyond my help. But good for you!"
His upbeat demeanour dying down slightly, Apollo asked "are you headed to camp too? What are you planning, Ivan?"
"Planning?" Ivan asked innocently. "Nothing… yet. Just… getting back in the world, is all. Your sister also asked me to make sure nothing… inconvenient happened during the Hunters' stay."
"Hmm… well, I guess you are mostly well-behaved. Come on, then; we're holding everyone up. Your wolf will have to find some other way there, though."
Looking to Lily, Ivan told her "We'll see you there, girl."
Lily whined and dropped her ears and dejectedly wandered off into the woods.
"Let's go, then."
So there we go. Still a bit stiff and not as dynamic/fluid as I'd like, but the best way I could articulate the narrative, I feel. Took a bit longer but glad that it's finally finished. A few hints here and there about Ivan's history included too.
Feel free to let me know your thoughts, and we'll see you next time for Chapter 5.