Hello everyone! I hope life's been going great since I last updated. As you can see, I'm trying to update more often; hopefully I'll keep up with this and be able to finally finish this story- though I'm so sorry I didn't update two days ago like I should've. I realized that I never brought this up when it happened, too caught up in apologizing for being gone so long. But it was a reason I got back to this story. I reached 1,000 REVIEWS! I'm so excited at that; I have never gotten so many reviews on a story so quickly. Actually, only one of my stories even reached 1,000. Thank you everyone for all the support! So, aside from that, I finally got to some action in this chapter, I know this story has been lacking in it- but I have a few more battle scenes planned. Well, I hope you enjoy the story!
Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson!
Song I'm listening to right now: 'Ever After' by Marianas Trench(Also part of the Captain Swan playlist I'm listening to on Spotify)
Chapter 15
Kiani's P.O.V.
I yawned as I woke up from my sleep. Quickly getting dressed and ready, I started my walk down to the cafeteria, still going invisible. The Amazons had slowly lost their interest in me, and because of that, less pranks were played. But they were still rude to me, often insulting me and saying taunts. I'd rather not risk it in the hallways- to give them more opportunities to make fun of me. I often thought back on Chaos' words to me, to not hide and to stand up for myself. But I just couldn't- if Zayden could get the hunters(who apparently hate men even more than the amazons) to tolerate him, then so could I. Or maybe that's just pride getting in the way, I thought to myself. Right before the cafeteria doors, I turned visible when no one was near.
Stepping inside, I ignored all the glares and scathing remarks sent towards me. Sitting at my table, I started to eat my soggy and warm tuna sandwich, drink my really sour and pulpy orange juice, and eating my slightly rotten banana. I got to say, they're pretty dedicated to giving me the worst foods they can think off, I thought to myself. As I was eating, I looked across the room out of the corner of my eye and saw Sophia. Though I was put at the smallest and worst table away from everyone, Sophia sat on a platform at a grand table with Queen Hylla. I sighed quietly; I had no clue what I should do. I know I shouldn't avoid them like I am, but I hate confrontation. Honestly, no matter what I said, they would always see me as a disgusting male. Unlike Zayden, I didn't really have a energetic personality.
Sure, most of the time his Zayden attitude obscured that, but he could never truly hide the Percy side of him- it's a certain aura around him that affects the people he's near. I'm more quiet, that's why my power suits me so well- I like to step back and observe people and a conversation, rather than be in the middle of everything. I guess I take more after my mom in that aspect, I figured, frowning slightly in memory.
I was suddenly startled from my thoughts as a blast sounded, one that shook the whole room. Jumping up along with everyone else, we all started towards the doors of the cafeteria, alert and ready for anything. As I made my way into the hallway, Sophia appeared beside me, Hylla beside her. All the hatred towards me seemed to have disappeared, as all the girls paid no notice of me now. Sophia and Hylla conversed battle plans, and all likely outcomes.
"Since this battle started just like the last one, it will probably be right in front of the building. Luckily all my girls who were injured have healed. But I'll have the ones that are still healing focus on The Mist to make sure the mortals don't freak out and see something that they shouldn't." Hylla explained as we made our way to the first floor of the mortal Amazon building. Right before they got to the door, Hylla had relayed this to everyone and everyone was armed and ready. Walking passed the rows of desks, most watching in worry.
"They think we are security searching to see what the explosion outside was." Hylla muttered to us and we nodded. As we stepped out and saw the army in front of us.
"What do they think they are?" I wondered. Not even glaring at me, she answered.
"Rioters protesting new policies and prices of our business who got a little violent." Hylla answered.
"And our swords?" Sophia questioned.
"Batons. And theirs are randoms sticks and things they found lying about." She added right as they reached the doors.
"Quite a well thought out plan." I complimented. Her lips thinned but she accepted it with a nod.
"We have created many different strategies for multiple different situations. This is just one of them." She casually stated, pushing the doors open. They slowly spread out, holding up their swords and shields across from the enemies. From across them, Aisling smiled.
"Hello again Amazons. You never met me last time, as I wanted to blend in- but now I might as well introduce myself." She slowly started, calmly smiling, "I am Aisling; Lord Orders right hand soldier and assassin." It was silent after she said that, tensions rising. I was just glad the cameras were a little too far to hear her words. But, even if they were closer, the Amazons probably had it covered.
"Enough talk; we could care less about who you are." Hylla called. Aisling threw her head back, laughed slowly. Recovering she straightened and grinned at us.
"Ah, you are quite the leader, aren't you Queen Hylla." She started, "You know, I was quite sad that I didn't truly win the last battle with you Amazons. I had so hoped your numbers would be so depleted and your hope so low that you would surrender." She said in false kindness, "Yet here you are; back like a bad rash that refuses to go away." She said condescendingly, looking down on us.
"First of all, ew." Cambry, Hylla's right hand, stated, "And second, those are quite big words for someone who seems to be as crazy as they come."
"Now, crazy is quite a hefty word…" Aisling slowly stated in mock thought.
"And one that fits perfectly for you Aisling." I interrupted, causing her to turn and look at me, "You are completely delusional and have a terrible perception of reality."
"Kiani!" She exclaimed, beaming, "I have to tell you, I was quite excited when I found out that you were guarding the Amazons. I guess you can take the warrior out of the Kimodo but you can't take the Kimodo out of the warrior." I stilled at that while the Amazons shared looks of confusion.
"I don't know what you are trying to gain, but-" She interrupted me here.
"Oh, I'm not trying to gain anything Kiani; I'm just trying to find the truth." She stated, smiling innocently. I snorted here.
"The truth? Or just your twisted version of it?" I retorted. She hummed here, swinging her head from side to side.
"A little bit of both really…" She answered, "But, aside from that, I am so happy that you found a new version of your family after...well you know…" I clenched my teeth at that, not liking her constantly pulling my family into the limelight in the way she was, "Though, I suspect this group still is quite different from them."
"Why did you really come here, Aisling? I doubt it was to banter with me." I demanded. She just grinned.
"Oh, but Kiani, that's exactly why I came here." I raised an eyebrow at that, "Well, that and one other reason." She paused, stepping closer towards me, "I am here to destroy the Amazons once and for all."
"So why all the interest in Kiani?" Sophia questioned aggressively, probably not liking what Ailsing was saying.
"Oh, well that's kind of the cherry on the top." She casually admitted, "I mean, if I defeat the Amazons- Kiani will have lost another chance at a family because of me." I froze at that, the implications of that sentence rolling around my mind.
"What do you mean?" I demanded. She tutted here, shaking her head as her eyes furrowed in mock sympathy.
"Oh Kiani, after all these years you still don't know…" She sighed, as if a heavy truth was coming, a glimmer of an evil smile to her lips, "Who do you think got rid of the Kimodo all those years ago?" Silence followed that as the truth hit me.
"No…" I whispered, ignoring everyone's confused and concerned glances at me. The Amazons may hate me, but they definitely knew this must mean a lot, "You...killed them?" She nodded here, almost quivering with excitement that the secret was out.
"Oh, of course. I was young at the time, yes. Only new to the world of battle; it was quite an exhilarating battle. Watching as the pride warriors of a planet got slaughtered; defenseless against me and the monsters I had rounded up." She recalled, taking in my reaction as I clenched my fists.
"You...You killed Kiani's family?" Sophia slowly stated, completely speechless. Aisling didn't even pause before nodding in confirmation.
"Oh, all of them really. The monster took out many soldiers, but most were mine for the taking." She joked, chuckling. Hylla shook her head in disbelief.
"You are absolutely psychotic…" She concluded. Aisling just smiled at her before turning back to me.
"I was honestly surprised at how easy it was. I mean, this was one of the best soldier forces ever created?" She laughed in denial here, "They barely stood a chance against us."
"You killed children…" I whispered, remembering all the children that had been a part of the Kimodo's, and my last memories of them before they were slaughtered.
"Oh, I couldn't leave anything to chance." She answered, "I mean, my mission was to slaughter all the Kimodo. To leave their children behind?" She shook her head, "That would make all my hard work pointless. They'd just grow up and become their parents."
"What about Kiani?" Sophia demanded.
"Well, where was the pain? I mean, if I had killed Kiani as well; the kimodo's kingdom would mourn for their lost warriors. But soon, they would move on and make a new Kimodo group, only keeping the Kimodo's in memory." She explained, "But, by leaving Kiani behind, I made it so my efforts would not be wasted; someone's life was completely altered from that moment and they carried that pain." She laughed once here, "And when I found out you became a part of Chaos' Army? That just made everything even more perfect. So, when I heard rumors among monsters that Order had returned, I quickly joined his army…" She finished.
Everyone kept glancing to me now, the hate gone from their eyes as the truth of my life finally came out- the truth I had wondered for so long, I now knew. I was froze, still as could be. I didn't know how to react; all these emotions were swirling inside me, reacting chaotically with one another. I almost couldn't believe it; that after all these years this was the truth. Because of one person, all my people were destroyed. My parents… As if sensing my thoughts, she smiled.
"As for your parents…" Her voice turned mocking here, almost childish and condescending. Anger rose up in me and I felt myself slowly losing control of my emotions, "Well, they put up quite a fight. As they should, having been the Kimodo leaders. But, they could only last so long. By the time I truly focused on them, all the rest had been killed- just leaving them. I could see they were relieved you were safe," I flinched at that, "So I taunted them; told them I would torment your life as much as I could." She casually stated, as if she was just talking about the weather.
"We killed your mother first. Stabbed her with a spear straight to the gut, left her chained up as she slowly bled to death." She remembered, "It took hours, but soon, the light slowly went out of her eyes and she was just a corpse- her husband forced to watch every moment of it. To him, we decided on torture; still one of my best memories to date…" She sighed, smiling slightly, "He held on as long as he could, but the pain was too much. And so, the great leaders of the Kimodo were dead for good, leaving behind their son- not yet knowing just what had happened until later." She finished, satisfied to have everything out in the open after so many centuries.
I couldn't believe it; she was recounting the worst part of my life as if it was just a game- as if my life had not completely changed. Actually, she knew it had changed, she just too absolute pleasure in that fact. I never really paid attention to Aisling over the centuries. She was mostly focused on Zayden the whole time, but thinking back, the rest of her insults and attention were decided between speaking about chaos and speaking to me. It frustrated me to know that my people's killer has been under my nose for so long and I had absolutely no idea. Aisling sighed here.
"I'm so glad that is all out in the open." She stated, as if a great burden had been taken off her shoulders. She turned to face Queen Hylla, "But, you were right Queen Hylla. I have already talked to much. And," she continued, unsheathing her sword, "I did come here to demolish your group for good." And with that she charged straight for me. Reacting, I pulled my sword from my side and stopped her sword. Back and forth we swung, each swing going for the kill- barely missing skin. As I stared into her merciless and insane eyes, I felt myself slowly lose control. I spent most of my time as a guardian controlling my offices so their would be a balance in the world, just as the other guardians did with their offices. As my offices were especially harsh, they often balanced against me, threatening to take control. And right now, they were struggling to be released on the woman who had caused so much pain in my life, all for a laugh and some fun. Blood lust slowly rose up in me; I was greedy for vengeance.
A hesitant glint filled her eyes as she seemed to realize this. Shaking it off though, she fought back even fiercer. We were in our own little duel in the midst of the battle raging around us. In the back of my mind, I noted that the Amazon were fighting with more vigor than I thought they would possess; I guess Aisling's threats to them fueled their anger and determination to win this battle, I thought to myself. Thinking back on Aisling's ruthless and detailed words of what she and her monsters did to my people, I growled, narrowing my eyes as I swung my sword straight for her neck. But, quick as always, she ducked just in time, swinging her sword towards my side which I dodged. Sparks flew from our sword as they clashed back and forth from every angle they connected at.
"Hmm, it seems the calm and collected Kiani isn't so gentle after all. Did my words affect you somehow? I can't imagine how." She stated in fake innocence. I growled as I parried her sword that was heading for my shoulder.
"You are absolutely psychotic!" I spat, turning my Sierra and trying to drive my handles edge into her stomach to paralyze her slightly. But she just pushed my sword to another direction, swinging towards my head, but I ducked quickly to avoid it.
"Oh Kiani sweetheart, please don't speak to me as if I don't know that…" She softly stated, catching my overhead swing on her sword, "I've been happily insane for as long as I can remember." I grew even more angry at her nonchalant way of speaking.
"How about this for something you don't seem to ever figure out?" I started, glaring daggers into her. She just blinked sweetly at me, "Because you can't seem to get it into your head that Zayden will never go to your side. And he especially would never date you." Her expression darkened at that, a seriousness taking over her mood.
"You don't know what you're talking about!" She growled. I snorted at that, parrying another attacking.
"I don't? Well, considering I'm his best friend, I'm pretty sure I know what his feelings are for you. And the only thing he feels, is creeped out." I taunted, slamming my elbow into her stomach. She crumbled for a second, but jumped a few feet back so I wouldn't slice her in half with my sword.
"No, you're wrong. He does care for me, and in time he will recognize that and come join me." She affirmed. I laughed once at that.
"I guess I was wrong before then; you're not just crazy, you're absolutely delusional." I added, grinning maliciously at her. She let out a muffled scream of frustration before attacking me with swing after swing, no longer in the mood to talk. But that was ok; I wasn't in the mood either.
After ten minutes, Aisling looked around the battlefield and screamed in frustration. It seemed during our fight, the Amazons had taken out all of Aisling's reinforcements. I could understand her frustration and took pride in them; this was exactly what had ended up happening at the battle between her and the hunters. Blocking my swing, she jumped back a few feet away from me, just out of my reach. I paused, breathing heavily and glowering at her. She glared at me.
"Don't think this battle is over Kiani. I will come back and I will make sure to finally demolish the Amazons. And right after I slaughter them, I will kill you- the same way as I killed your father." She threatened before teleporting away. I growled in frustration, ignoring the silence around me. I saw that everyone was staring at me as I turned around, especially Sophia.
"Kiani…" She softly started, concern and grief filling her expression. But I couldn't do this- not right now.
"I'm going to my chambers." I growled, ignoring Sophia's hurt expression. Suppressing the urge to apologize I stalked through the lines of Amazon warriors watching me, all traces of their once burning hatred of me gone now. But that didn't matter to me- nothing matter now that the truth had been revealed. I turned invisible the moment I entered the underground Amazon headquarters.
~~~~~~At the hunters camp a few hours earlier: Zayden's P.O.V~~~~~~
I yawned as I woke up, slowly climbing out of my bed. My sleep was one of the best I had had in a while; they were filled with my memories of Lily as we grew up. But, I couldn't think about that right now- I needed to pack up my tent. Luckily, my powers came in use right now as, with a wave of my hand, my tent was packed up and sent to my room in Chaos Palace. It was all tied up and placed in a corner as I probably wouldn't use it for a while. Now out in the open, I saw the hunters all waking up as well. Glancing forlornly at the forest around them before sighing and headed to the campfire to eat breakfast.
They hunters were definitely not happy to be going to Camp Half-Blood and I could understand their pain. Though I have been visiting there for the past few days, spending time with Ayla that was completely different from actually staying there. I could tell, from watching the hunters, that they were trying to prolong packing as much as they could so they could arrive at camp as late as they could this morning.
Looking over as I heard grumbling and mutterings, I saw Thalia pulling down her tent- an angry look on her face. I was confused- back when I was going to camp, Thalia was always the one most excited about it out of all the hunters. Why such a change? My attention shifted as I heard someone walking up to me. Turning to look, I saw Jessica, also staring at Thalia.
"Yeah, she's not so much of a fan of camp anymore. Ever since what they did to-" She paused here, glancing at me, "Percy Jackson." I nodded, shocked that Thalia would do such a thing because of me- she always loved camp and the people there. But, all she did was glare at them last night...I thought to myself. Shaking my head, Jessica and I went over to the campfire to eat a quick lunch Clare had set up. Once we finished, I headed back to Jessica's tent and helped her and Cammie, the hunter she roomed with. I guess all the hunters were paired together with someone near their age.
Clare and Jessica were both sixteen; Colette and Heather were fifteen and fourteen respectfully; Phoebe was fourteen and Lettie was thirteen. Clare was twelve and Charlotte was eleven; Lauren was ten and Grace was eight; Eva was six and Deedee was five. The two exceptions were Thalia, fifteen, and Katie, who was eighteen. But, Thalia was the lieutenant and Katie was the oldest here.
Plus, according to Jessica, the two were really close friends and practically begged Artemis to let them room together('Not that she really needed to be convinced', Jessica had stated, grinning). Cammie just smiled at me briefly before going back to her belongings, a mischievous smile on her face- probably thinking over all the pranks she could play on the campers. Once a daughter of Hermes, always a daughter of Hermes, I thought in amusement. After we finished, Jessica(as a daughter of Hecate) vanished the tent, sending it to her and Cammie's room in Artemis' palace; their actual belongs going with them to their room in Artemis' cabin.
Looking over, I saw the majority of the hunters standing around the remnants of the campfire area, trying to put teleportation off. We made our way over to them, Jessica and I conversing silently as Cammie walked over to Clare and Charlotte. As the last few hunters made their way to us, Artemis called for everyone's attention.
"I know you don't wish to, but by the decree of Lord Zeus, Zayden and I are to flash all of us to camp. Breakfast there has finished and they are an hour into their activities. We will appear in the main area of our cabin." She noted, glancing at me so I would know where to teleport everyone. At everyone's nod, we split the group in half: one for me to take and the other for Artemis to take. After seeing if everyone had all their personal things in hand or on back, Artemis and I teleported to Artemis' cabin at camp. Everyone sighed as we arrived, slightly smiling at their cabin. Each departed to their rooms, placing their belongings on their beds. Meeting up again in the main sitting room.
"Well hunters." Artemis sighed, "We're here now. If you would like, you can stay in here until lunch. Or you can head out to camp; like to the Archery range. I'm sure no campers will bother you there." She stated, smiling evilly. I mentally chuckled at that, remembering the times I passed the archery range as a camper when they hunters arrived and how campers practically bolted away from the range, fearful expressions on their face. With that, the hunters headed out. Saying goodbye, Jessica left to the archery range with the other hunters. As I made to leave, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye.
Looking over, I saw that Thalia had sat down on one of the arm chairs in the main sitting room, headphones in as she, more than likely, blasted some old music from five hundred year ago. Probably Green Day, I guessed, remembering her love for that band; though I was sad at how distant she was being with Camp Half-Blood, no matter what they did to me. Sighing quietly, I made my way out of Artemis' Cabin, heading to my old cabin to see Ayla.
~~~~~~Down in Atlantis, a few hours later: Zoe's P.O.V~~~~~~
I sighed in relief as I walked out the final room of my Iuominen members. Everyone was all unpacked and heading off to train or look around Atlantis. Walking through the hallways, I made my way to the Atlantis Throne Room. Nodding at the guards who opened the door for me, I stepped in.
"Ah, Zoë; glad to see you could make it…" Poseidon exclaimed as I stopped a few yards from his throne, creating a chair for myself and sitting down, "How is everything going with the rest of the Iuominen?"
"They all just finished unpacking and are sightseeing Atlantis or training." I explained, getting comfortable. Poseidon nodded.
"I hope they enjoy Atlantis; I may be biased as it is my home, but it is beautiful." He added, chuckling. I smiled.
"'Tis unlike anything I have ever seen, from what I've passed." I complimented. He grinned in pride.
"I'm sure you've seen some amazing places, just on this earth since Ancient Greece Times. Not to mention the rest of the Universe." Poseidon figured which I nodded in agreement to. I have been on many different missions throughout my service as Artemis' former lieutenant and as a member of Chaos' Army. My favorite though had to be my mission to Gardenia. It was a very Italian like Planet, many of the cities matching actual cities from Italy. It wasn't just the beautiful landscape, but who I went with.
I blushed slightly, remembering how nervous I was to go on a mission with Lord Chaos. He has only ever went on missions with the Seven Guardians. We spent a week there, trying to dissolve some political turmoil there that had the beginnings of a civil war. It wasn't to big of a mission and was solve quite easily as the people of Gardenia were peaceful. So Chaos and I spent most of the week together, looking around Gardenia as he told me why he created the planet to be like this. It was, to this day, one of the best weeks of my long life. Shaking myself from my thoughts, I focused on Poseidon.
"There are so many amazing places around the Universe; some so similar in look, yet so diverse in culture. 'Tis one of the best things about being a member of Chaos' Army." I admitted.
"I thank you though, Zoë, for agreeing to come and protect Atlantis. I know you would much rather be back on Earth with Artemis, than with me." He figured.
"I do miss Lady Artemis and my fellow hunters, but Zayden is perfectly capable of protecting them. And, in all honesty, thee have always been one of the few gods I respect, probably the only one." I confessed, "My lady felt the same way as well; thee were always her favorite uncle." Poseidon smiled fondly at that.
"I thank you both for such trust. I know it is not something you give freely." He stated, "Now, as for Atlantis; do you have any plans for security?"
"Well, for now I want to focus on heightening security and gaining more guards. But, I need to also look around Atlantis to make sure I can analyze anything that needs fortified. I also want to check the borders of the city to make sure their are no holes in our defenses. I have sent Iuominen's best strategists out to check the border to make sure no enemy can sneak in and the best and fastest way to stop that from happen. I also-" I started, but cut off as Poseidon laughed lightly, grinning at me.
"I can see that you truly are much like Artemis." I grinned in pride at that, "Always getting right to work. I have absolute faith that Atlantis will be absolutely protected under your direction. But, I'm sure that all that can wait until later. I'm sure you would much rather be at Camp Half-Blood right now." I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion at that; though I had visited Camp Half-Blood often over my life, I was never a fan of it. So why would I wish to visit it now. Seeing my confusion, Poseidon smiled.
"We were all informed last night that the Camp would be gaining a few new members for the duration of the war." He hinted at, grinning mischievously, "Zeus felt that some of our friends would be too vulnerable out in the forest hunting, so he had ordered them to go to Camp Half-Blood." He finished. Hunting in the forest? I thought to myself as realization slowly rose in my mind.
"You mean, the hunters?" I faintly inquired. He nodded.
"Yes. And of course, their assigned Guardian will be going as well to protect them. I'm sure you wish to meet up and reunite with your old friends. And also find your groups Guardian and discuss things with him." He stated a little more serious. I grinned in excitement and nervousness at that. Standing up from my chair, I bowed respectfully.
"Thank you for being so considerate, Lord Poseidon." Using my basic powers to check the time, I continued, "As lunch is just about to start at camp, I will take care of a few things and leave one of my members in charge while I go see the hunters and converse with Zayden." I quickly stated, and at Lord Poseidon's nod, I left to room to do just what I had told Poseidon.
~~~~~~At Camp Half-Blood: Artemis' P.O.V.~~~~~~
I smiled to myself as all the hunters arrived in the dining pavilion for lunch. Most immediately went to the food table and then offering food to me and their godly parent(Clare and Grace being the exception as they were mortals). Others sat or stood at our table, conversing excitedly. Thalia was the last to make their way into the pavilion, glowering at all the campers who she past, glaring at the ones who were from her time at camp. I sighed, hating that she held such a grudge on them. The campers deserved it; but it waited on Thalia so much. I just wish she could let it go once and for all and not let it affect her…
Looking around at the camp, I smiled at the few campers I got along with- Nico Di Angelo and...To my surprise, Ayla Jackson was nowhere to be seen. After a second though, I just shook my head fondly. She was so much like her brother and often rushed to meals, still ending up late though. There were other campers who did support Percy all those years ago, but I didn't know them as much as I knew those two.
Looking towards the main table, I smiled in greeting at Chiron, Sally Jackson, Paul Blofis, and Rachel Elizabeth Dare. Dionysus had, of course, been taken off probation centuries ago and was soon replaced by Sally and Paul. Once again, I wondered what Percy would have thought about his mom and step-father becoming a main part of camp, and that he had a younger sister.
I was shaken from my thoughts though at a black portal appeared in the middle of the pavilion, just like the one Zayden often summoned to teleport. As it faded it revealed a girl, about sixteen years old with olive-toned skin; she was about 5'4 with black hair. As she looked up from the agenda in her hands, I saw her black eyes. And in that moment, my breath was taken from me. The pavilion descended into silence; older demi-gods freezing in recognition, while the younger ones felt the tension and paused in unease and confusion.
As for the members of Chaos' Army, they held no such shock. Walking up to her, they all conversed back and forth, laughing and grinning. The girl remained emotionless, nodding and speaking a few words, closing the agenda she had been using, vanishing it. I slowly stood, eyes not leaving the person I was staring at for the first time in more than five hundred years… As the Chaos soldiers slowly cleared out, I had a clear view of her...
"Zoë…" My voice was barely audible, but it carried through the quiet pavilion. Hearing this, Zoë's head snapped up.
"My lady…" She whispered, eyes wet. I made my way towards her, stopping in between her and the few hunters still standing around the table.
"H-How?" I muttered, not understanding how she could be here when I sent her to the stars.
"Lord Chaos. I loved being up in the stars, but I had no purpose. After a few weeks, he visited me and asked if I wanted to join his army. I accepted." She explained, smiling slightly at me.
"So you've been alive? For the past five hundred year?" I softly wondered. She frowned at that, sorrow filling her expression.
"I am sorry about that My lady. But, in the army, we are prohibited from contacting people from Earth, as thy have never needed our help." Zoë apologized. I smiled faintly though.
"I understand Zoë." I accepted, walking closer to her, "I missed you, Zoë." I whispered so only she would hear after a few moments of silence. She smiled sadly at me.
"I missed thee too, My lady…" She stated. I hugged her at that, glad to reunite with one of my oldest and closest friends. As we pulled back, the rest of the hunters came up: the old ones reuniting with Zoë and the younger ones introducing themselves to her. She surprised us with knowing everyone's name and parentage, as well as a few things. According to her though, Lord Chaos has a viewing room where she watched all of us over the centuries.
"Also, I can look through the stars and watch the world." She added as well.
"What brought you to camp, Zoë?" Clare wondered.
"Well, I just arrived with the Iuominen group and was about to get to work; but Lord Poseidon told me I should come to camp and reunite with all of thee. I also have some business to take care of." She suddenly stated, looking around the room for something.
"So you are part of Iuominen's group?" Jessica questioned, a glimmer of a knowing look on her face. Zoë nodded at that. Someone next to us laughed at that. Turning, I saw it was Corina, the Sixth Guardian. She stopped at Zoë's right side, resting her hand on her shoulder.
"Oh, Zoë's not just a part of the group; she's practically our unofficial eighth Guardian." Corina complimented. A slight blush appeared on Zoë's face as she rolled her eyes.
"Why must thee all call me this? I am merely a soldier, just as much as thy fellow soldiers." Zoë complained.
"I just take after Lord Chaos' example; he often refers to you like that." Corina innocently stated, a secretive smile on her face. According to the embarrassed look on Zoë's face, she saw and understood the smile.
"Though it may seem so, I do not fit such a description; thy Guardians are much more powerful than I." Zoë insisted. Corina shook head, but changed the subject at that.
"Did you wish to talk to me, Zoë?" She wondered.
"No, I wish to speak with-" She suddenly cut of. Her face absolutely lit up in one of the happiest expression I had ever seen her show, "Zayden!" We stepped aside, seeing where she want to go. She raced through our group, heading towards Zayden who was making his way towards the pavilion with Ayla. He looked up in surprise at that yell and stilled as Zoë literally jumped into his arms. His arms automatically wrapped around Zoë's waist though. Realizing something he beamed, hugging her back tightly.
"Zoë! What are you doing here?" He exclaimed as the two slowly pulled back.
"Thy Iuominen members finished unpacking. Lord Poseidon offered that I come see thy former sisters. As well as meet with thee about Iuominen." She explained. They continued on this topic, making their way side by side to the pavilion, Ayla stepping back slightly. We were all absolutely shocked. Having known Zoë for so long, I had never seen her act like this- especially with a boy(not even Percy). And, though I have only known Zayden for a short time, I did not see such a reaction capable of him really. But it seemed absolutely normal for the two as they excitedly spoke back and forth, stopping near my table. They look up and frowned in confusion at our shocked faces.
"What?" The two chorused. Corina laughed here.
"I think you're action shocked everyone- because last they saw, Zoë was a male hating huntress and never let a man look at her, let alone touch her. And she never initiated any contact." Corina stated, looking at Zoë in amusement, "As for you Zayden, the campers and hunters here, with a few exceptions, have only ever seen your serious side." She grinned at him. The two shared a look at that.
"Are we that bad?" Zayden muttered to her, though we could all hear. Zoë just shrugged in bewilderment.
"I do not believe so- but it seems like it." Zoë answered back.
"You two...are good friends?" Phoebe cautiously questioned.
"Most Guardians and their second in command are." Zayden stated, grinning.
"B-but Zoë, you've always hated all men." Thalia sputtered. She hummed here.
"Not all men. There are some exceptions-" Her lips curled here, "But there are still disgusting pigs out there as well. Luckily though, most boys in Lord Chaos' Army are good enough." She reluctantly stated, making some of the male soldiers from the Army grin and high five.
"But, you are not dating anyone...are you?" Clare inquired timidly. Zoë blushed slightly at that.
"No; I am not." Zoë simply answered. Zayden muttered something, grinning. Corina laughed slightly, hearing him. Zoë just glared at him and elbowed him in the stomach, making him bend over slightly, wheezing. We all watched this interaction with confusion and curiosity.
"So, you are happy in the army?" Katie questioned. Zoë smiled here.
"Very. 'Tis my new home." She softly confirmed. I rested my hand on her shoulder at that.
"I'm glad you are happy, Zoë..." I stated, smiling softly at her.
"Zayden has told me a lot about the seems a lot like the Hunt really." Jessica observed, making the hunters and I freeze. Was she thinking about leaving the hunt to join Chaos' Army? I worried. Zoë paused in thought.
"Yes, it very much is like the Hunt. Thee are immortal, but can be killed in battle. Thee go on missions, quests of sorts, to fight monsters, but also to keep the peace. And are all like a family." She concluded, smiling at her fellow soldiers.
"Though, of course you are allowed to date." Jessica added, making me freeze even more. Zoë nodded here.
"Not that many do." Zayden stated before lowering his voice, "Considering how oblivious many of our soldiers are to love…"
"Tell me about it…" Corina agreed quietly, rolling her eyes in annoyance. At everyone's confused looks(excluding the Chaos soldiers), Zayden continued.
"Sorry; let's just say a lot of our soldiers like each other, but are oblivious to their crushes feelings." Zayden explained. We were interrupted from our conversation as someone cleared their throat. Looking over, we saw it was Chiron.
"As much as I enjoy seeing old friends," He smiled at Zoë here, who smiled back, "Should we continue this as we eat." We all flushed at that, realizing we had gotten sidetracked from our meals. Everyone went back to their usual tables; though Zoë would probably have sat at the Chaos table, she decided to sit with us to talk more, Zayden joining up at the end of the table, right next to Jessica. As I watched Zoë, Zayden, and Jessica happily conversing about everything and anything, pulling others into their conversation randomly, I felt a shift. I could see, through smiles and timid questions, that Zoë's friendship for Zayden was changing their perception of Zayden.
After all, Zoë was practically a legend to the hunters- and best friends with our oldest hunters. If she was so close to Zayden, then why should they be? And, as I watched them, debating this back and forth, I realized that that wouldn't be such a bad thing…
Song I'm listening to right now: 'One Dance' deleted song from The Little Mermaid(I love this song; so many of the Disney deleted songs are so good)
Hey guys! I'm so sorry about the late update. My sister and niece are visiting from Ireland and we've been really busy with them. We just got home from my other sister and her new baby and are still in the thick of family things, as she and my niece are only here for a few more days! But, I will try to get back to my Monday updating schedule that I've kind of started, by hopefully updating again this coming monday. Good luck in life until then!