Daughter of Hera
A/N: You know what? There's a lump in my throat because I've been crying for ages, feeling so alone. Now I'm writing and just remembering all you lovely readers makes me feel so much better. Sooo, here's the next chapter and some responses-
The Invisible Pretender: I was crying while writing this too! I was sad about this but I had to kill him off for the sake of my story... Jeff will live on in my heart forever though:)
WiseChic: Yes, he did, but I'm glad you liked it!
JLover97: Yes yes but be patient!
KabraPotterJackson: He's modelled after my dream guy!
Disclaimer: I don't own PJatO.
Jayda, Annabeth and Nico had been called to Olympus. Jayda especially, had been waiting to be able to meet her mother in her Goddess form. She'd been depressed ever since they'd come back from the quest. She'd put the trident near the ocean and a wave had come in and taken it away, noting how it was similar to the way life had taken away Jeff from her. She'd barely eat, taking just enough to keep her healthy and spent all her time training or in her cabin. Occasionally she visited the forge to remind herself of her loss, then stalk away when her heart started to pain too much.
She sighed and looked up at the building in front of her. Who would've thought that the centre of power of the Greek Gods would be in the Empire State Building? She watched curiously as Annabeth asked for a pass to the 600th floor and walked towards the elevator. She smirked as she realized that elevators all over the world played the same annoying music.
She stepped out and looked around in wonder. A path led to the throne room, lined with stalls and gardens on either side. She gulped as she looked down and wondered how it would feel to remain a grease spot for the rest of eternity. She didn't even realize when they reached the throne room and the doors swung open to show the Gods sitting on their seats of power. It was time for her to put on her game face.
She stepped behind the others and strode in after them confidently, without seeming arrogant. She looked around at all the Gods: Poseidon, Demeter, Athena, Hestia, and Artemis were looking at her concernedly; Ares was stealing worried glances at her while sharpening a knife; Aphrodite gave her a sad smile; Dionysus was yawning; Apollo and Hermes winked and gave her thumbs-ups and Zeus was glowering at her. Then she was her mother. Sitting next to Zeus, looking as beautiful as she could imagine and smiling at her sadly.
Zeus called the meeting to order. "Demigods, you have done us a great favor by thwarting Poryphyrion's plans and returning my brother's trident." Poseidon cleared his throat, "Jayda Bloomwood, thank you for bringing back my trident to me. You remind me so much of my son, Percy." He cracked a small smile.
Aphrodite spoke up, "My dear, I warned you about the path you had to take. I'm sorry you had to have him snatched away from you. I empathize with you." Jayda nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Her vision was blurred by tears. All of them dried up when her mother spoke, "My daughter, I am glad you have made it this far despite your hardships and losses. I am sad that it has scarred you so badly and that you had to lose one of your best friends to accomplish your goal. I-I am also truly sorry that you lived your life without a mother." Her voice broke in the middle of her last sentence.
"Mother, I understand your reasons for doing what you did. It was necessary and so, you couldn't help it. It's alright." Jayda smiled softly. "Pain truly has made you softer in nature," her mother complemented. "Annabeth dear, I know neither of us likes the other but for the great friend and quest-mate you have been for my daughter, I am grateful to you. If you ever require help, do not hesitate to contact me child." Annabeth's face softened and she nodded.
"So, are all in favor of not blasting her to pieces?" Zeus boomed. Hera rolled her eyes and said exasperatedly, "Zeus, I thought we'd gone over this! We're not blasted anyone to bits!" Zeus sulked for a while like a spoilt child. Then Artemis spoke up, "I called Jayda to our camp when they were on their quest and made her an offer. Child, have you thought about it?"
Jayda nodded.
"So, do you accept my offer of joining the Hunt and becoming Junior Lieutenant?"
"I-I do." Everyone in the room had shocked expressions.
"Then repeat the pledge after me." Artemis chanted the words and Jayda repeated them, growing more confident by the word. Once she was done, she gasped and looked at herself, seeing a silver aura around her and her clothes changed from her a tee to a silver shirt and a parka. Her weapons glowed prominently and she seemed to shine. Artemis looked pleased. "Meeting adjourned!" Zeus shouted and everyone got up. Jayda and Kyra followed their Mistress, ready to begin their new lives.
(Line break-)
A few months later:
"Spread out, weapons at the ready! Thalia's group will be attacking from the East and we have to cover it from here. No mistakes! We need to do this in one go!" Jayda shouted as she organized her team. They were back in the Arctic, hunting a monster while Artemis attended to some work. Just being her brought back unpleasant memories. She thought back to when she'd joined the Hunt. She'd been accepted easily and Kyra had assimilated well too. They'd made friends quickly, and Thalia and her wolf, Charity, had become their confidantes. She'd taken well to her role as Junior Lieutenant, leading the Huntresses well.
She stalked around the scarce vegetation stealthily as Kyra communicated with the other wolves, telling them the plan of attack. At her count they rushed out and attacked this new breed off monster. To their surprise, it multiplied till a copy was fighting each Huntress. Jayda's eyes narrowed as she fought back, so hard was she fighting that she didn't notice when one its hands sneaked in front of her. She stared in horror at the crimson stain spreading on her silver T-shirt and the knife lodged firmly in her stomach.
She fell back in a ditch and watched helplessly as a mountain of snow fell on her. And just like that, the daughter of Hera passed into the void. For as bright a candle burns, the faster it goes out.