Chapter 8
Chiron lent us the camp bus since he knew we would be coming back. Thalia sat behind the wheel, her knuckles tightly gripping the wheel. After about twenty minutes of traffic we were in front of the Empire State Building. Thalia parked the bus and got out, rain starting to soak in her clothes. I got out and flipped my sweatshirt hood up. We both walked in and went over to the desk.
"We want to see Lady Artemis." Thalia stated. The guy behind the set nodded and set a key on the counter. Thalia grunted thanks and pulled me into the elevator. She put the key in and turned it. The elevator creaked and shot up. Within a few seconds the elevator halted and the doors opened. The village bellow was quiet, everyone within their houses. We walked through the village, our footsteps echoing. We continued up the stairs and into the temple. Zeus was sitting on his throne wearing a black pin stripped suit.
"Lord Zeus, we wish to speak to Lady Artemis." Thalia called out. Zeus turned and saw his daughter. He stepped off his throne and shrunk down to about 6'0 inches. He walked over, a slight smile on his face.
"Why must thy speak with your half sister?" he asked, his voice booming like thunder.
"An Oracle says that we must speak with her in order to have her come home." Thalia replied, her eyes not meeting Zeus's. He glanced at me, unsure what to say.
"You, state thy parent's name." he commanded, his gaze intensifying.
"My parent has not yet claimed me." I lied, my eyes locked on the floor.
"Alright, I shall get my daughter." Zeus stated before tuning and walking away. Thalia and I stood there, not speaking a word to each other, waiting for Artemis. Zeus walked back with a girl that looked about the age of 16 following. Her auburn hair was tied back in a messy bun. Her silver eyes were tinted red from crying. She was constantly adjusting the white tunic she was wearing as if she wasn't comfortable wearing it. Her skinny jeans seemed to fit perfectly along the muscles in her legs. Her Sambas squeaked on the tile flooring. Artemis looked up at us and had a surprised look on her face.
"Thalia! I told you not to come after me!" Artemis growled, her eyes locked on Thalia.
"Milady, an Oracle gave us a prophecy stating that we must come and bring you home." Thalia replied, her voice unwavering from fear. Artemis look at Zeus and waved at him. He nodded and walked out of the room.
"And I thought you would have nothing to do with me." Artemis snarled, her eyes locked in mine. Fear began to set in my mind.
"I was angry when I said that…I'm sorry. I should be happy that I've met you when other kids have never met their God parent." I stated, my voice cracking in the middle. Artemis's gaze lightened and she hugged me.
"I know that it was big to find out that you were not supposed to be born…and I had no idea at the time but you are more likely to be attacked then a child of the Big Three." She whispered in my ear, a tear sliding down her cheek.
"Well, it's a good thing I inherited your archery skills." I replied with a smile. She let go, her eyes scanning me.
"Well, I'll ask once again. Would you like to join the Huntresses?"