Uggh, I apologize for the spelling mistakes. That's what happens when you write the chapter at 5:00 am and proofread it the next night at 3:00 am. x.x Also, the parts with Archie was kinda written with the song For You by Staind.
Prey
Atlanta awoke the next day and found herself very disoriented. Cracking both eyes open, she yelped at the sudden pain as bright light filtered through. Her surprise had also been met by a jump which left her on the floor beside the couch-like bed. She remained there, lying on the cool tile too weak to hoist herself up.
It wasn't much longer when Chiron clopped in after hearing the yelp and resulting thud. When he stood in front of her, she looked back at him. The centaur frowned at her pallor and panting. He gently rolled her over and scooped her up. Atlanta felt limp in his arms. Her head lolled to one side, away from him and her arms dangled beneath her.
Every muscle twitched and writhed.
Chiron felt his skin crawl and the short grey fur of his equine half stand on end. It was not normal to be prone yet have every muscle move like that. After lying the fallen heroine on the bed once again the centaur clopped off towards Dionysus' lab but not before taking one last concerned and solemn glance at the girl.
--
Archie stared at his cereal. He pushed the soggy figures around in the milk, not at all intending to eat it like he had when he had poured it. He was still in his boxers and didn't really feel like getting dressed.
She's dying.
She was dying, and all he could think about was that. The possibility that he wouldn't see Atlanta again until his own death. The thought of meeting in the eternal bliss of the Elysian Fields offered some comfort but only briefly.
She's dying and there's nothing you can do about it.
With a growl Archie shoved his bowl away and hopped off the stool. He stalked to his room and slammed the door. Herry, Jay and Theresa poked their heads out of their respected rooms. The looked at each other, exchanging knowing looks between them. Theresa, having the lightest footsteps, tip-toed across the hall and pressed her ear to the door. She wasn't one for eavesdropping but when it came to a friend she could care less.
After a few moments of listening she pulled away and looked to the descendants of Jason and Hercules. "He's crying." She whispered. Herry took a deep breath and found his shoes rather interesting and Jay rubbed his face with one hand.
The descendant of Theseus stepped out of the way as Jay stepped up to the door. Rapping twice, he was met by a grunt. Not entirely unusual for Archie.
"Arch, we're worried. Not just about Atlanta, but about you."
There were several seconds of silence until the door opened and a rather dishevelled Archie. Though the tear tracks were gone the tell-tale redness of his cerulean eyes confirmed their suspicions. At least now he wore his shorts. Archie leaned against the doorframe with a look that said; Talk now while I'm listening.
Jay took another small step closer, "Arch, maybe we should go see Atlanta? I mean, Dionysus never mentioned anything about it being contagious, and if it is well, you won't contract it anyway." The leader offered.
The descendant of Achilles stared for a minute before rubbing his eyes with his left hand. After blinking the blurriness out of his eyes he spoke, "Fine."
--
Persephone stepped out from behind a pillar and ambled towards the seemingly unconscious Atlanta. She brushed the girl's scarlet bangs from her lidded eyes and let her fingers trace the cheekbone. The goddess sighed solemnly.
She almost jumped when a soft voice entered her hearing.
"Persephone."
Said goddess smiled and tilted her head. "Yes, Atlanta?"
"What's… what's wrong with me? What did Dionysus find?" The redhead's voice cracked near the end of her question.
The Goddess of the Harvest frowned sadly. Hera had called a meeting of all the gods and goddesses that called New Olympia home and had relayed the news. At hearing that one of The Seven was dying, Persephone couldn't bear the thought of seeing such a child in the Underworld, even in the Elysian Fields.
"You're dying."
Persephone didn't know what to make of the slow exhale of breath through the girl's nose and the cynical 'heh'. At that moment Jay, Theresa and Herry filed through the large doors. Archie trailed a considerable distance behind.
"Jay, Theresa, Herry! Oh, and Archie!" Persephone cried with unexpected joy. She took a few graceful steps towards them and all four could see the unshed tears glistening in the willowy woman's eyes.
"Hello Ms. Persephone. We just wanted to see Atlanta…" Theresa trailed off when she saw how gravely ill the usually hyper, happy-go-lucky girl was. Archie followed her gaze and almost fainted. He dashed to his girlfriend's side and grabbed her hand, hoping to Zeus she would reply.
"Atlanta!" The boy held the girl's crimson bangs away from her eyes.
"Archie…" Came Atlanta's weak reply. Her sea green eyes opened. They were dull. A smile graced her lips and she weakly squeezed Archie's larger hand. "Hey."
"H-hey." Archie struggled to speak without crying. He wasn't one to cry, but never had he loved someone as much as he loved Atlanta.
The said teenager giggled some. "I'm on my deathbed, and you're right beside me holding my hand. This so cliché."
"It is… and like every cliché, the man's gotta kiss the woman." Archie replied with a grin and Atlanta smiled and nodded slightly. Archie leaned over and kissed her softly on her lips as if he was afraid that'd she die from kiss-trauma.
"A kiss for the dying beauty." Archie whispered in her ear. "For now."
--
Rather uneventful chapter…