Hey! So, I'm back and its our SEMBREAK!
Sorry, I know it's another late update but Ohhhh, gooddsss... School is such a pain. Requirements here, tests there. ASSIGNMENT AND PROJECTS EVERYWHERE! I think I'm gonna explode.
Thank goodness it's vacation, so it means UPDATE.
So yeah, also, read HoH. Awesome like every book is in the PJO and HOO series but wow... Nico is... and Leo and Calypso is... Wow...
Did you know, when I read the thing about Nico. I did several things. 1.) Placed the book down, make sure it is neatly closed. 2.) Stared and then poineted. 3.) I ask it a question. A question of "Why?"
Good thing I was alone in my room so I wasn't considered crazy. Yet :)
Anyway, Here's the next chapter. For all those that stuck by, reviewed, favorited and followed. THANKS A BUNCH! And of course, those who had given me advice, I thank you also The Jamerican for stating his or her opinion. I'm certainly not against his or her opinion and I hope I improve to his or, again her eyes. If you read this, please do state what you think about it. And the others, thanks a lot for your support and comments, like ThySeeker, aesir21 and Word To The Wise. Of course, to the others who gave their support as well.
DISCLAIMER: If I owned it, then Nico... Nico... Urghh. Forget it. I don't own it. PERIOD.
P.S. I'm still going to make Nico here like a little brother to Percy and vice versa. It's still a brotherly bond.
Percy's eyes fluttered open. He was met by a blinding light facing down on him. He tried to shield the light away with his arm but he cannot seem to move it. He scrunched his eyebrows and partly closes his eyes. He turned his head away but even that was difficult. Every part of his body was numb and he struggled to move his arm.
He gritted his teeth. Beads of sweat started to form on his face and he was having a hard time to move. Suddenly, the numbness is starting to disappear and is being replaced by a flare of pain. Burning heat is swelling up in his chest. His body is starting to scream in pain. He wiggled from where he is lying.
"Stay still." He could vaguely hear somebody from his far right.
The pain is increasing. He made a strangled noise in his throat. He can't produce a sound louder than that it seems. The heat was spreading throughout his body and it was more than he could take. He gave out another noise.
"Relax, Perseus." The voice seems nearer. It was soft and velvety. It was a beautiful voice, to be precise.
That was the last thing he heard before he blacked out again.
The next time he woke up, he was in a white room. It was all in white. The bedsheets, curtains, walls and even the lights. He noticed that he was also in white pajamas like he was at a hospital.
He tried to stand up but the best he could do was to sit on the single hospital bed. The pain in his body was gone but it still felt like he was so exhausted. He gave out a sigh and looked around.
It was a simple room. The curtains were open and it looked like he is currently in an infirmary which was weird considering the fact that he was in the Underworld, dead.
Then, his eyes widen in realization. Belatedly, he just noticed that he was pretty much moving and breathing like a living person. He touched his body, trying to see if it was true. He stood up suddenly, adrenaline rushing through his vains. He went in front of a mirror an surveyed his face and chest. What he saw, was something he was not expecting.
"By the gods..." Percy murmured.
It was no wonder that he felt so weak. His face was pale almost paper white. His eyes are close to bloodshot and his eyebags are definitely showing. Not only that, his hair is longer and disheveled, far more worse than his usual morning hair. His body is thin as a stick. The white pajamas looked like they're twice the size on him.
"Where the Hades am I?" Percy muttered. "What am I doing here? Aren't I dead?"
He felt like a crazy person. He was asking questions to himself. And, with his appearance right now, it was really easy to mistake him for a mentally disturbed person.
He heard the door of the room creaked open. He instantly turned around. A headache followed the action. Maybe, he was really exhausted. His body felt heavy all over again and he felt as if he wants to sleep for 12 whole years.
By the door, a man in his late twenties and a woman in her mid twenties, stood. The man had a slight smile on his pale face while the woman's sharp red eyes glowed with seriousness. Both were practically glowing with beauty but made Percy shiver with their odd and powerful aura.
Percy took a step back, "Who are you two?"
The pale man chuckled. He stared at Percy with his void like eyes, dancing with amusement. "Calm down, Percy."
The woman nodded. "Indeed, young Perseus."
"Easy for you to say. You're not the one who has no idea where he is." He retorted. Probably a bad idea. The woman's red eyes flashed dangerously. The man stared at him with raised eyebrows.
Then, the man started chuckling then transformed in a full blown laugh. Percy stared at the man incredelously. Okay... That was not what he thought would happen.
The woman glared at him, "Please, milord. This is not the time."
The man returned the glare at her and said, "You know, it's also not the time to call me, 'milord'. Please, Ananke, I feel old."
"Eh?" Percy said. "What the Hades are you two talking about? Why am I here?"
"Introductions first, shall we?" The man said. He grinned and bow his head slightly, "I'm Chaos."
He looked at the woman and stared at her expectantly. The woman sighed and said, "And I am Ananke, Perseus."
"Chaos? Ananke?" Percy raised his eyebrows. He racked his head, trying to remember. Those were the people who were in his dream. Who are they, again?
"You don't know us, do you?" Chaos asked.
"No. I mean, I know you, somewhat." Percy bit his lip.
Chaos sighed. "Fine, I guess we have to explain to you first. I'll have you take the exam later. Ananke, we'll continue this later."
Ananke nodded. "I will see you at the testing center, Perseus."
Percy stared at the woman then she made her exit. Chaos walked towards him and smiled, "Shall we, Perseus?"
"Shall we what? Wait, what exam? I didn't study for anything!" Percy said, exaggeratedly. Then, thee floor started spinning and he fell to the bed.
He pressed his hand under his long hair and onto his forehead. His head hurts. He groaned. "Whoa… I feel a migraine coming."
Chaos touched his shoulder and somehow he felt energized again. It felt like gallons of water was dump on him. He is back and regenerated. He looked at the man and said, "Thank you."
"No problem, Percy. Now, let's take a walk, yes?" he asked and he strolled towards the door. He stopped when he saw that Percy still hadn't moved. He looked back and asked, "Coming?"
Percy stared at him. His mind saying What?. "Uh… Okay."
They left the room straight towards a hallway in full white. The hall seems endless as they walked. There were some twist and turns. Each hallway seems to be exactly the same. Percy started to wonder if they were in a labyrinth or something. Maybe they're lost.
"You guys… Don't like much colors except white, huh?" Percy asked.
Chaos chuckled. "Don't worry, you'll see more after we get out of this building."
"What exactly is this building?" he asked.
"I thought you knew already?" he raised his eyebrow at him. "You were treated and rested here. So, of course, this will be the medical building."
"Oh." Percy said. This building is just for treatment. This place is huge. He thought.
A few more minutes of walking and Percy is starting to get impatient. The walls of white are starting to blind him and the eerie silence is deafening. The guy said he was going to explain. When will he explain?
"Are you going to explain or what?" Percy blurted out. He cursed his ADHD. Why, o, why did he say that to this man with his all powerful aura.
"Impatient little demigod, aren't we?" He smiled. "I'll explain once we get out of this building. There are more beautiful places to talk on."
Percy frowned when he said little. He was not little, for his information. Though, he didn't dare answer back. He was more worried of these beautiful places. It either meant they were going for a stroll next to the shore of the beach or he has some plans to, you know, get him killed. Again.
Percy can't be blame if he started to get suspicious with the guy. It was bad enough that he has this scary and overpowering aura surrounding him. He didn't know if he really mean to be good or bad. Also, there was this exam that he doesn't understand. He thought that after he died, that's it. No pain, no coming back again and definitely, no exams. His day just keeps on getting better and better.
Finally, for what feels like hours, he saw a door. Percy almost ran to it and hugged it. The place and silence was driving him crazy. Chaos sighed beside him."Finally, sheesh, I thought we're never getting out of this building."
"What? Why?" He asked.
"I wasn't the one who built the place. Actually, this was only recently built. The old medical building is at the othe end of the city. This one is new and fully upgraded." He explained.
"Upgraded?" Percy asked. He disnmt even see at least, one high-tech gadget within the building. "How?"
"Just a whole bunch of new stuff. The ones that save you was a new kind of technology and also a leveled magical machinary." He answered. "You didn't really see it because you were unconscious at that time."
"Oh. Thank you, I guess." They saved me. Percy thought. "But, what do you mean, magic?"
"It's harder to explain than what you think, Percy." Chaos said. "Let's talk in the car, okay?"
The two stepped out of the building and Percy was met by an amazing sight. "Wow."
In front of him was something he usually see in movies. There were buildings that is very different from New York. Mostly are skyscrapers that has a tint of blue in their color. The the houses were techno-modern kind of architecture. A lot of which are only made out of glass and the steel is the only thing that supports it. Roads were below and above but it only add beauty to the place. The traffic was not heavy unlike in Manhattan and it did not smell like smoke or pollution, only the sweet fragrance of clean, fresh air. At the far right, Percy could vaguely see a huge botanic garden. A large tree at the middle, vines intertwine it an some are hanging from the trees braches. Its leaves were a luscious green. Percy would love to visit that part of this city.
"Like what you see?" Chaos asked.
Percy could only nod. The city it was something that he could never imagine back at his home. Even though he loves his city, he would've chose here to live for the rest of his life.
Chaos chuckled. "Just wait and see. There are still more. This only a part of the city, the industrial area. There's still the rural area, residential and the Primordial area."
Percy frowned. "I don't think I've heard of a Primordial area."
Chaos smiled, "There isn't. It can only be found here. That's where I live. Ananke too, and a whole lot more. The testing center along with the other people whom... we picked up."
"Picked up?" He asked.
Before Chaos could answer, an electronic-like voice talked beside Percy, "Chaos, sir."
"Ack!" Percy jumped. "What the-?!"
Beside him. A lean, white, sports car stood. It was a Lamborghini Gallardo, one of Percy's dream cars. But, the only thing is, it talked.
"How?" Percy choked out.
Chaos laughed and Pery glared at him, "Don't be like that, Percy. Don't you have one of those things in Earth? You know, voice command? Like the Siri in the Apple and a whole other gadgets. Here though, almost everything is voice command and it could recognize any word."
"Oh, okay." Percy said.
"Get in." Chaos instructed. "We'll talk inside."
He went into the driver seat while Percy went to the opposite side. When he was about to open it, he noticed that there was no handle.
"Where is the...?" Suddenly, a blue outline of a handle appeared and materialized. Percy grabbed it and saw it was functional.
"Cool." He murmured.
He got in while Chaos was starting the car. The headboard glowed and showed the display on it. At the center, the GPS asked, "Where do you want to go, Chaos, sir?"
"Primordial area, testing center, please." He answered.
The GPS showed a whole bunch of streets. Fate street, Eros street, etc. It looked like a long ride, ahead. Perfect for an interogation.
"So, what have you got to ask?" He asked me as he starts the engine.
Percy opened my mouth to answer but nothing came out. He closed it again. There were so many questions to ask, like, Where am I? Why am I here? What the Hades do you want from me?
He started of with, "Who are you?"
"I thought you already knew me." Chaos said, smiling a bit.
"Somewhat." Percy replied.
"Well," Chaos said. "Tell me what you know about me and I'll fill the empty holes, yeah?"
"Chaos... You were the beginning of everything, right?" Percy looked at him expectantly.
"I am a lot of things, Percy." He said. "Some say I am a Void, that I am the first bein to emerge. Others say that I am an offspring of Khronos and Ananke. People believe what they think is true. It affects us. What the mortals thought of us now, is we are right at this exact moment."
"So, which are you now?" Percy questioned.
"What do you believe in now?" He questioned him back.
"That your the creator of the whole universe." Percy answered.
"Exactly," Chaos pointed out. "That's why I am who I am now. The same reason my gender is male."
"Eh?" Percy raised his eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Did you really think that my original form is male?" He asked.
Percy thought about it for awhile and he sees no reason why Chaos is not a male. He nodded at the creator.
"You see, Percy. I'm originally a female. How did you think I had children?" He asked.
Percy didn't want to know how but continued with his question, "But I thought that you created them."
"Yes... 'Created' them." He said. "That's why Ananke often calls me Lord even though I don't want to, when a millenia ago, I often call her Mother. It's weird that way, Perseus."
"No kidding." Percy murmured. "How about the others?"
Chaos lifted a finger, "Wait."
They passed a fast food restaurant and went through drive-thru. "Why are we here?"
"Well, in case you stay here, I wanted you-" he started saying before Percy cut him off.
"Wait, stay? Here? What do you mean? Why would I stay here?" He bombarded him with questions.
They stopped at the first checkpoint. A clear screen appeared in front of him. He began scrolling through the menu.
"Care to answer my question, first?" Percy asked, sarcastically.
"No, I'd like to order first, Captain Sarcasm." Then he touched one of the items in the menu. It looked a bit like fish and sticks. "So, how about your order?"
"It's Sergeant Sarcasm. And, I don't need it." Percy's stomach rumbled.
"I believe your stomach says otherwise." Chaos grinned.
"Fine, choose whatever you think is good." He grumbled. He was pretty sure he looked like a 5 year old kid that lost his toy car.
Chaos scrolled through the menu, "This'll be good."
He touched enter and the screen disappeared. They moved to the next checkpoint and Chaos payed. He took out a few a few coins. There were, copper colored coins, iron and bronze. He placed it on a tray and it vanished into thin air.
"What kind of coins are those? They don't look like drachmas." Percy asked.
"Of course, they aren't" Chaos smiled. "This is our planet's currency, Archian coins."
"Uh... Why Archian?" Percy asked.
"This planet is called the Archi, meaning...?" Chaos said.
"The Beginning," Percy answered. "When translated to Greek it means the Beginning, right?"
Chaos nodded. "Yes. This is the first planet that my children and I had created. The Beginning of life, it all started with this planet, the planet Archi."
They passed through the third checkpoint. A blue outline appeared and out came a tray with their orders in paper bags. Chaos reached over and grabbed them.
"All this advanced technology and they serve in paper bags, wow." Percy rolled his eyes.
Chaos chuckled. "True. But, we do conserve our planet well. So, we do this."
"Right." Percy said as he grabbed his own food and stared at the tray as it disappear. "Does those things run on magic?"
Percy took a bite at the burger. His eyes widen as a delicious taste entrances his mouth. "Whoa, this is…wow. It's tastes a lot better back at home. It's almost like my mom's cooking. Although, mom's cooking is still the best, this is awesome!"
Chaos chuckled. "This is because everything here is fresh and clean. All grows naturally. No insecticides or chemical fertilizers. All green and nature."
"Anyway, everything here is a mix of magic and technology. Those that disappear and reappear are just low level type of Greek magic. While those equipment we use in the medical building, construction and other major projects needs a great deal of technology and a very high level Greek magic." Chaos explained. "Just remember, Percy. Everything here, runs on magic. Don't worry, you'll learn some too."
"What exactly do you mean?" Percy asked, his mouth full.
"I told you, didn't I? You're gonna stay here. You ought to learn magic somehow." Chaos said as they drive away the fast food restaurant.
"I don't get it. Why am I staying here? What if I want to go back?" he asked frowning at the creator.
"You can go back, of course. Dead too, of course." Chaos explained to him. "We'll erase whatever you saw here. We won't push you. But, honestly, Percy, what's there to go back for? I don't want to remind you this but… The Olympians, besides the others, what's left?"
Percy lowered his head. He looked out of the window. He was probably light years away from them. What Chaos say is, indeed, true. But, Earth, that was his home. That was where he was born, raised and loved. At the same time, that was the place that given him so much pain, anger and hatred. Does he really want to go back to that place? The place where his own family were the ones who caused his death.
They passed through the industrial area and a vast field met Percy's eyes. The car was riding on the skyway. A road built over the farming fields. Below, a lot of farming machines are moving, harvesting the plants. Far to Percy's left, were tall perfect cone-shaped mountains. It was a refreshing sight. Chaos just had to remind Percy of his ending back on Earth.
"This is the rural area." Chaos explained. "What we harvest goes straight to the industrial area for manufacturing and importation."
Percy nodded. He could actually care less. "Thanks," he said, his voice dripping heavy with sarcasm. "That was a great reminder."
Chaos frowned, "Sorry."
"It's fine, I guess." Percy left it at that. "So, back to my supposedly original question. How about the other primordial gods?"
"Oh. Well, they follow me. That is what people believe in now. I'm, like, the leader of the whole primordial council." Chaos said. "If you want to find out about their domains, you'll find out later."
"At that testing center?" Percy asked.
"Yes," Chaos nodded. "Don't worry, you don't need to be brainy to pass this. It's like a personality or ability test. You'll pass, I'm sure. You're a pretty powerful demigod."
"Why do I even need to take a test?" Percy whined. "Can I afford to get a F or do I have to be C+ or something."
"Nothing, just do your best with every assigned task each primordial god tells you." Chaos said. "And, no. You cannot afford to get any rank except A
"What?! An A?! And every primordial god? You mean, I have to do a lot of tests?" Percy exclaimed.
The two passed the rural area and started to descend to the residential area. The houses were really breath-taking and amazing. Even though it was modern and techno, the Greek architecture was still found in it. It was inspiring how they all came up with it. There were some streets that has mini-markets, where the imports are probably stored for selling. There were parks and playgrounds with kids playing, having fun. It was so peaceful.
"Yes," Chaos nodded. "It's for a purpose, Percy. Besides, you need it."
"Why the Hades do I need it?" Percy asked.
Chaos asked. "You want to survive, do you?"
"Eh?" He was left dumbfounded with Chaos smiling at him mischievously. It was creepy in a way.
A few minutes of silence and his ADHD is starting to act up. His fingers started tapping on the armrest. He groaned, "Are we there yet?"
"Wait." Chaos smiled. "Patience, Percy."
"You know I'm ADHD, right? Being patient is not easy." Percy retorted.
"I know, I know." He faced Percy and gave him another smile. Who knew the creator was this nice. It seemed like a real genuine smile. Though, Percy wasn't sure if there's a hidden agenda there, somewhere. "We're near."
They made a turn and up ahead a huge gate loomed over them. It was gigantic, at least, fifteen feet tall. Engraved on it were different symbols. Four of them are the elements, another is an hourglass. The others, though, Percy can't seem to recognise.
"So, how are we going to get in?" Percy asked. "Knock?"
"No." Chaos rolled his eyes. "We tell the guards where we're going."
They drive forward and were met by two guards who are in pure black armor. Both were armed and ready for battle. Chaos brought the window down. The two saluted him. "Sir, Chaos, sir!"
"Good afternoon, soldier." Chaos smiled. "We're off to the testing center."
They saluted. "Yes, sir!"
They opened the gate and showed another residential area. It was so spacious. There were a few houses and mini-markets. Kids were running around the sidewalk. At Percy's left a building that is two to three storeys high, it was a school. It took a while before Percy was able to read the text but it said, "Archian University of History"
"Archian University of History?" Percy questioned.
"Yes," Chaos answered. "The kids here are and the other ones in the residential area, go there first before they study about what they will focus on."
Percy frowned. "Why?"
"Well, the only job you can have here is either be an employee of those in the industrial or rural area like being a manager or farmer. At the same time, you can choose to work for the army of this world, an Archian soldier." Chaos explained.
"Archian soldier? What do you need soldiers for?" Percy asked.
"Not every planet follows the primordial gods, Percy. Out of jealousy or hunger for power, they attack us. As the maker of the Ancient Laws, we cannot fight directly. Therefore, we created soldiers, train them and fight for our world. On the other hand, we pick guardians that can help us maintain the peace between worlds." Chaos said.
Percy raised his eyebrows. "You pick? You don't let anyone enrol or something?"
Chaos nodded. "A guardian needs to have the right qualities. He must not only be strong and powerful but kind, loyal and wise. They must always be there for those they have to protect. We, the primordial, choose these people. After that, we let them have our blessing. Well, some of us give them blessings. We choose if that certain person deserves our blessing through tests."
"Huh." Percy said. "Tests… Wait, you don't mean the exact same test that I am supposed to take."
Chaos smiled, mischievously. "Yes, exactly the same tests."
"You're going to make me a guardian?" Percy exclaimed. "Why?"
He laughed. "You really need to ask that? Because, you fit the qualities of a guardian, perfectly. You're the type of person that will do anything as long as the person you are guarding is safe and sound. I like that personality of yours, Perce. Besides, it looks like we need you."
"And, please do tell, what exactly do you mean?" Percy asked.
"Do you really expect that I can give you a straight answer, Percy?" Chaos chuckled. "Of course not, only time can tell."
Percy sighed. "I expected as much."
They passed a couple more houses then Percy raised another question, "Why aren't there any temples here? I thought this is the Primordial area."
Chaos nodded. "It is. You see, at the center of this area, the soldiers and guardians, reside here. Some made families, although they still need to do their duties as the soldiers of Archi. The temples or our palaces, surround this residential area. The people here go to our palaces to ask for wishes, guidance and other stuff. The guardians, they ask their patron for advice and help in protecting those they need to protect."
"Oh." Percy said. "So, where's this testing center?"
Chaos pointed forward. On top of a hill, a building stood. It was like a standard company building in New York but it has less floors and was wider, almost engulfing the whole hill. It walls are black and most of it was made out of glass, entirely.
"That is the primordial council headquarters." Chaos explained. "That's where we give missions to our guardians and give instructions to our soldiers. Down that hill, is the building that holds the testing center. That's where you'll be getting your test or exam."
"Does that building have other purposes?" Percy asked.
Chaos nodded. "It's actually a multi-purposed building. It has a medical ward, armory and a whole bunch of other stuff. At the right side of that building is the Guardians' Base, where the guardians train and get ready for their missions. At the same time, at the opposite side of the Guardians' Base is the Soldiers' Base, where they also train and for planning strategies and such."
"Convenient." Percy mused.
"Yes. I agree." Chaos said. "We're drawing close."
They passed a simple, grand temple. In front of it, was a big water fountain. It was standing on luscious green grass. The temple itself was splendid. Unlike the other buildings, it is designed with ancient Greek architecture. At the entrance, obsidian flames glowered on torches. The walls were engraved with different emblems and painted black. Above, engraved in front of the rooftop, was like a 3-d illusion. It was black and if you look closely, it looked like the void. It was endless, with stars and different planets. It was amazing. Percy could stare at it all day.
"Whose temple is that?" Percy asked.
Chaos smiled. "That's mine. I have to say. I like it very much. My kind of style, you know?"
"No kidding." Percy said. As the creator of the Universe, he pretty much looked way too laid back. His pure white hair was messy, his void-like eyes looked like they were filled with amusement. He has a ghost of a smile on his face and his posture is like most teenagers, even though his looks are in his late-twenties. The only reason why Percy feels intimidated by him is that he gives off a totally different aura. It was so powerful. It was like Tartarus' aura, if not more. Percy has a feeling that it was not to its extent yet.
A few minutes later, they were passing between two tall buildings. That looked almost identical. Both were at least 5 storey tall. The only difference were the emblems on top. The left one has weapons crossed between a world. The right has a shield engraved with the Greek letter, gamma.
"Those are the bases of the soldiers and guardians, right?" Percy asked.
Chaos nodded. "Yes. And, up ahead is the multi-purpose building, where you'll be taking your test."
"I haven't actually said yes in your offer, you know." Percy said, looking at the creator pointedly.
"I know." Chaos eyes turned serious, losing the amusement he saw a while ago. "I'm not pushing you to join the Guardian, Percy. But, the thing is, we need you. We may be powerful but we cannot work without the help of the mortals. We can't even survive if there are no mortals. We were lucky enough that demigods exist till now and we still retain as myths. In order to maintain that, Percy, we need your help."
Percy nodded. "It's still a lot to process, you know? I mean, it's not every day that you get to talk with the creator."
Chaos chuckled. "True. True."
They parked in front of a tall building and got out. The car rang and its lights blinked. The two walked towards the entrance to be met by the same person Percy saw this morning.
She gave a smile and gestured to the door, "Hello, Perseus. Shall we begin your exams?"
Artemis has to admit, she was tired. It has been three whole days, day and night, they have started to hunt. And, they were hunting the missing soul of a sole demigod hero, Percy Jackson.
Her lieutenant was on overdrive. She was pushing almost everybody to keep up with her, that they need to find her cousin. Most of the younger ones were drench in sweat, while also tired and exhausted. They take breaks sometimes but it only lasted for at least an hour or so, even with a short break as that, Thalia was still relentless.
So, yes. Artemis did promise her lieutenant to find the young hero but she never thought that she would push them this bad. She was left in awe with the stamina her lieutenant is showing her.
"Come on." Thalia said. A hunter fell back, Arianne, one of her youngest hunters. "We have to hurry."
Artemis looked at the sun as it sets. She stopped and called out, "Thalia, stop. We should rest for the night."
Thalia stopped. She was panting and sweating all over. She faced Artemis with a frown on her face, "What, why?"
"Thalia, it has been three days." Artemis explained. "We cannot keep on hunting if we are this exhausted. It is dangerous."
"But, milady…" Thalia protested.
Artemis cut her off. "Thalia, I understand your worry over Perseus but not all of the hunters are experienced in these long hunts. We've been moving non-stop for the past three days. The hunters are tired too."
Thalia's eyes drifted to the hunters. Her face softened at the sight. It was true though. They were all practically laying on the ground, panting so loud their lungs might pop. All of them were bathing in sweat.
Thalia nodded though it was obvious she was reluctant. Artemis gave a small nod of appreciation and looked over to her exhausted hunters. "Prepare camp and dinner. We'll rest for the night."
Sighs of gratitude were heard and all hunters went over to their tasks. Artemis looked over Thalia to see her staring over a distance. Her eyes were flooded with concern and worry. She still stands tall and proud but, something about her seems tired. Like all negative vibes are surrounding her.
"Thalia, why don't you rest, as well?" Artemis asked.
She was worried. The Thalia she was seeing right now was nothing like the Thalia she had recruited up on Olympus. Her guard is down and almost every emotion is giving out on her. And, there were her dreams.
"I don't think I could sleep or even close my eyes for a bit, milady." Thalia said in a quiet voice. "My dreams, they're really…bugging me."
For months, she had noticed that Thalia was waking up too early. Her cheery demeanor was slowly being replaced by rage and fear. Then, their father just suddenly dropped the bomb and declared Perseus Jackson as a threat. As a result, Olympus was a disarray and the demigod camp was split again into two.
"And besides…" Thalia murmured. "I'm too worried about Percy."
Perseus Jackson is certainly a magnet for trouble. Well, that is the reason why he is Perseus Jackson but really, could he at least try to stay out of trouble. Although, Artemis did hold a certain level of respect for the man. Indeed, he had saved her from the weight of the sky. No man is ever willing enough to just take that much weight and pain. He even backed out of that fight because he knew that he cannot win. He is modest and loyal to a fault.
But, why must that boy be so reckless? He was a good man, yes; but he was so irrational. That was probably why most of the Olympians in the council hate him. She respect his courage but his big mouth will end up killing him someday.
And, it did. Three days ago, the hero, Perseus Jackson was killed by her father. Because of her father's resentment towards the demigod, he found a way to twist the laws and kill him. Almost half of the demigods and gods protested and felt anger against the idea, my brother and I, as well. To kill a person who has done nothing but service to Olympus, it was just plain wrong, dirty, evil.
Now, to make matters worse, a person had just stolen his soul from the Underworld. Although, somewhat, it is good. If he is brought out of the Underworld then that means he is alive somewhere but the only bad news is his captive, if he or she is good or bad.
Artemis nodded at Thalia. "I understand. But, you cannot fight or hunt if you are this exhausted, my lieutenant. I cannot afford to have you pass out in the middle of the hunt. And, I know you would not like it as well."
Thalia sighed. "I just don't want to dream about all those gruesome and bad things. Why must Morpheus hate me so much?"
"I never really liked that god either, Thalia. But, you need sleep." Artemis said. "First, eat. Then, you rest. Is that fine with you, Thalia?"
She sighed and nodded. "Fine, milady."
She trudged towards the dining table. Artemis wonders what can she do to help her lieutenant. She begins to think that there is less that she can do. Unless, they found Perseus Jackson then it is impossible to bring back the old Thalia and avoid war between two groups of Olympians.
Artemis sighed. Perseus Jackson, indeed. A magnet for trouble.
Well, he will not get away that long. If he is anywhere on the face of the Earth then her hunters will be able to find him. One way or another, nothing escapes her hunt. Perseus Jackson is one of them.
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