The run from Percy's apartment to the empire state building took a toll on me. As I reach the large, majestic building. My breaths ragged and heavy. My limbs heavy and sore. Was I tired? How I am a goddess? Is it because of this bracelet? Looking closely at the thin, but indestructible bracelet that drained my powers. Am i a mortal in all intents and purposes until I take this off? I guess so.
Taking one last breath, I entered the building. Glancing inside, I saw a man walking toward me. Bright golden hair, with electric blue eyes with a face of a young model. He wore a toga with a golden, ornate crown used for meetings. I recognized the man instantly, he is my father, Zeus, king of the gods.
My eyes widened. I knew I would be stopped but I did not expect Zeus himself would come to stop me. The doorkeeper hid behind the desk, trembling.
"Father… what are you here?" I hissed.
"Artemis… you can't interfere," he said. His tone neutral but held great authority.
"Don't get in my way…" I said, "I must see Perseus... I know he is in Olympus."
` "What do you want with Perseus, my dear daughter?" He said, "Answer me."
Perseus? What I want with him? What will I do when I meet him? I don't know. If he finds out the truth of what happened, he will despise me. But most of all, I betrayed his trust. It's painful. I don't know why did that all to him. He is my closest friend… I love him. An unknown sensation foreign to me but I know it isn't a pure one. I want of Perseus, His ouch, warmth on my body, and his scorching breath on my cool skin. He is only mine. No... He has his own thoughts and emotions not a simple toy I can own. I only enjoy his company… the bubbling feeling, every time I am near him. I truly do love him. But I know he can't be at my side, that place is taken by Annabeth.
"I love him… I will tell him everything, maybe I can bring him to reason." I said
"So that is why you broke your oath… but I am afraid you are too late, my daughter…" he said, "Earlier before the meeting, Perseus met with Poseidon, Amphitrite, and Sally. I watched them through an eagle's eyes but unfortunately, Perseus may be beyond reasoning."
"I must speak with him anyway… I just can't leave things halfway." I said.
"No, your presence will destroy him…," Zeus said.
"What do you mean?" I said,"What are you hiding?" I narrowed my eyes.
Zeus remained silent. "Anyhow, His judgment must be placed… your personal emotions will only interfere with the ruling. You cannot attend the upcoming meeting."
Clenching my fist, I shattered the glass door behind me. I summoned my bow with all my strength. It appeared in my hands. My body slackened as my energy drained out of me. I felt tired unable to keep up standing. Kneeling, I pulled back the string, a notched arrow appeared. In a bold move, I aimed directly at Zeus.
"What the Hell do you mean judgment? And is that why I can't attend?" I hissed, "He is innocent, damn it. It is all my fault, doesn't anybody understand that fact? I will protect him…even against you my dear father."
"Don't force me. I won't be any less merciful, daughter." I said, "Know your loyalty to Olympus…"
"I know where my loyalties lie, father," I said, releasing the arrow. The arrow hit Zeus In the shoulder. Roaring In pain, he pulled out the arrow. Golden ichor coated the silver arrow, dripping from his wound.
A series of golden flashes illuminated the room. The Olympian council had arrived. Only three gods were missing, Hermes, Athena and Poseidon. Their faces of shock amused me. I had just attacked Zeus, an unheard occurrence. Apollo attended his wound.
"I told you, Artemis. I would not be merciful." He said, taking a deep breath, "By order of the council… you won't be thrown to Tartarus but you will be exiled from Olympus and your powers taken away for a period of twelve years until the new prophecy comes unto fruition. Anyone against such terms… speak now."
Only Hestia, Hades, Apollo and surprisingly Hera voted against the ruling. By majority, the ruling was accepted. Zeus chanted In Greek saying, "By the powers invested to me by the fates, I shall remove her immortality and godhood."
My whole being burned… the life sucked out of me. Fierce pain flowed down my body. My head felt like it was splitting. As soon as the pain came, it disappeared. I fell on the ground panting, out of breath. I felt fragile for the first time of my life. The weight of the world on my shoulder… is truly frightening. New sensations flooded me like the cold, hard floor and my existence concentrated on one place. So this is what been a mortal truly like… it's different. The thin bracelet beeped and the seal released, falling from my wrist.
My mind wavered, exhaustion finally catching up to me. My vision blurred, and I succumbed to sleep as my mind went dark.
*well... i think i am on a roll... decent sized chapter but not as long... Later. Thing are getting quite interesting, don't you say? Did some minor edits... Forgive my mess of things after chapter 9.