Hey guys! Guess who's back!
And I'm really sorry I haven't updated in a while! There's just been a lot of heartache recently for me. My grandparent passed away around Christmas and it's been hard for me to adjust. But, hopefully now that I am feeling a bit better; I will be able to update at least once every two weeks, until I get back into the shape of things.
In this chapter, there's action and romance, so I hope you like it!
Warning: This story contains strong LGBT themes, and minor sexual content(PG-13).
Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians or Heroes of Olympus. I am not Rick Riordan. The only thing I really own is the plot. And any OCs. So no suing please.
Once the group entered the amphitheater, Reyna went over to the gathered Roman legion, Thalia returned to the Hunters, and Nico sat down next to Hazel and Frank. Piper and Annabeth decided to head over to the Demeter kids, since they had been the first to get back.
"Katie!" Piper greeted.
Said girl turned around when she heard them approach, "What's up?"
"When did Hera get out of the infirmary?" Annabeth asked.
"Just after everyone left," Katie explained. "Miranda stayed in the amphitheater with two of our younger siblings, and said they saw the Queen come back about half-way through the break."
"That is interesting," Annabeth mused. "I wonder how she will react to reading these books. Most likely she won't want anyone in her private life."
Piper laughed, "I think she is already a little suspicious. Look! Harley just gave her flowers!"
The girls turned and looked near the thrones, where a confused looking Queen of the Gods was accepting flowers from a smiling eight-year-old son of Hephaestus.
"You know," Katie smiled. "That is actually kinda cute."
"I guess so," Annabeth grudgingly agreed. Hey, she wasn't Hera's biggest fan alright?
As more and more people arrived, the girls went back to their original group and sat down.
"Everyone is staring at her," Leo whispered to his surrounding friends.
"I know," Percy gazed at the thrones. "Even the other gods are glancing. Hera looks so confused."
"Hey now your even," Frank joked.
Percy and Jason chuckled, before Hazel spoke up. "Has anyone told her what we are reading about?"
"I don't think so," Nico answered. "Nyx talked to her for a little, but it doesn't look like she told her anything about the book. And, the only other person to approach her was Harley."
"Anyway, Zeus is about to speak. She'll find out soon enough." Piper stated; pointing where said God stood.
"Alright! Now, as most of you already know. My wife has been released from the infirmary, and will read with the rest of us."
Whispers and murmurs spread around the amphitheater as people looked at the goddess.
"What is this book about anyway?" Hera asked; looking curiously at said object in Aphrodite's hands.
"It's about you darling," Zeus smiled, though it seemed forced. "About you and Susan."
In the split-second after he said that, Hera suddenly looked like a deer-in-a-headlight, "Uh... oh... he-he?"
"Forget it," Zeus growled. "Lets just start reading already."
Aphrodite stood up, "Who wants to read?"
Jason raised his hand, "I will."
The love goddess walked over to the son of Jupiter, and handed him the book; then flashed back to her throne, and made herself comfortable.
Jason cleared his throat before beginning to read.
They were waiting in the car by the time I exited the building.
"Wait!" Hera held her hands up, though some could tell she lagged a bit. "When is this set? What's the time frame?"
"It's when you took Susan up to Court-Wright," Aphrodite explained; fluttering one hand in the air as she fixed her makeup.
"Oh," she responded, but then paled as she remembered some more embarrassing details. "Oh."
Setting the bags down, I slapped the flat of my hand against the trunk; causing it to pop open. Picking up the bags; I set them in the trunk, then opened the icebox and checked to make sure Lysander had packed everything correctly. Milk, bottled water, and juice; 'Good boy,' I thought.
A few people smiled, while Hestia poked the hearth. "He is a good boy."
Hera nodded, "The best."
Closing the trunk; I climbed in the drivers' seat. Immediately I was assaulted by questions.
Percy groaned, "I hate when that happens. Why did that building blow up? Why are you hurt? Where did that monster come from?"
Thalia shook her head, "You just have the worst luck kelp head."
"Shut it Pinecone face."
"HEY!"
"What happened? Where are we going? Are you okay?"
Aphrodite smiled at Hera, "Aww! She was worried about you!"
"Yeah whatever. Just be quiet."
"No need to get embarrassed queenie."
Hera glared at the other goddess, while others watched; trying not to laugh or giggle.
"Shh," I put my finger to her lips; effectively silencing her.
"To bad that doesn't work for everyone," Artemis grumbled; looking at her brother who was whispering something to Hermes.
"I got into a fight with Zeus;
"Which happens every other day," Hades drawled. "Nothing new here."
Zeus glared, while the other immortals all snickered.
and really want some space, so we are going up to the Court-Wright Reservoir to my cabin a bit earlier than expected. And, as for my last question yes I am okay."
"Well at least you answered her questions."
"I wasn't not going to answer them."
Susan swatted my hand away from her mouth, and looked at me. "Why can't we just flash there?"
"Because I would sense you mortal," Zeus muttered; glaring at the book.
His siblings all rolled their eyes at his childish behavior. Even if they were no better.
"Oh, no, no, no, no." Frantically shaking my head; I grabbed her hands in my own,
Some people wolf-whistled. Hera glared at every single one of them.
"To dangerous. Flashing is a form of air travel.
"Hermes told us that," Percy said. "During the Battle of Manhattan."
Said god nodded absently; checking up on his email for any runaway packages.
I do not want to notify the Lord of the Skies of our whereabouts.
"That is a good idea," Nico yawned, the bags under his eyes looked darker than usual.
Percy and Hazel nodded in agreement.
In fact, I prefer he doesn't know of your existence at all."
"But I'm sure that would be even better," the Son of Hades continued.
She nodded and leaned back in her seat; while Lysander lay in her lap,
"And the bird returns!" Apollo cheered.
"The bird?" Hera asked.
"It is not the first time Lysander has made an appearance in the story," Demeter supplied.
his head curiously hanging out the window.
"He's like a dog!" Harley giggled.
Hera smiled at the youngster, "He sure is child."
Hephaestus stared at Harley interacting with his grandmother.
I pulled out into the street, and drove towards the freeway. Weaving in and out of traffic, I blazed down the roads;
"Sound familiar?" Enyo teased, looking at her twin brother.
Ares grunted, "Well she is my mother."
Hera looked at her son.
rapidly moving towards the foothills, and up into the Sierra Nevada. Past the Kings' River, Pine Flat Dam, and beyond Shaver Lake.
"Thats a lot of driving for one night," Thalia observed.
"We've drove longer than that on quests," Percy said.
"Yeah, but still. It's the middle of the night."
After three hours of driving,
"See?"
I finally pulled into the long driveway that leads to my cabin.
"Long driveway? Your cabin must be remote." Reyna thought, but then hastily added, "My Lady."
"Its a big property," Hera replied, ignoring the slip up.
Now when I say 'cabin,' I really mean 'giant four story mansion sitting on thirty acres of land,
Cue jaw drops.
"Four story mansion!?" Apollo whined, "Why do you have that?"
"I bought the land, and hired a couple of cyclopes to build everything," Hera spoke slowly; as if explaining to a young child.
"Where did you get the money for that?" a random camper asked.
"I am a queen you know," said queen replied, but if you listened close enough you could detect a drop of bitterness.
on the southern end of the reservoir.' With a sports park (complete with soccer/football field, tennis court, indoor rock climbing arena, and a basketball court), a private theater on the second floor, an arcade with lazer tag, paint-ball, and a go kart track; underground hot-springs, gym, ice rink, roller rink, forges, and Colosseum/amphitheater for fighting games and whatnot.
Once again, jaws meet the ground.
"Do all gods get those?" Travis asked; a mischievous glint in his eye flashing.
"Most have a vacation palace in the mortal world," Athena answered. "Some have multiple actually."
"Lucky," Connor muttered. "An arcade? Lazer tag? Why can't we have that at camp?"
The Greek demigods all looked at Chiron, who shook his head. "Absolutely not."
A wave of disappointment rolled throughout the campers of Camp Half-Blood, as their parents watched with amusement.
"Jason read." Piper whispered to her boyfriend.
This place was paradise.
"I'll say," Iris grinned; a rainbow appearing in the sky.
Pulling into the five-car garage; I parked the car and made a mental note to call for a snow plow soon.
Athena looked on approvingly, "Good, especially if you are going to be in the higher elevations."
"I'm right here you know."
"I knew that."
"Sure you did Owl Head," Poseidon teased.
It was going to storm soon,
Piper frowned and leaned toward Leo and Jason, "I hate storms."
They shivered and nodded.
it was after all the middle of October. Pushing the car door open; I stepped out of the vehicle and let Lysander waddle across the drivers' seat and jump of the edge.
Lacy smiled, "Lysander seems like such a cutie."
Gently closing the door, I turned to face the door to the house as it opened, and a certain immortal nymph walked outside,
A couple people narrowed their eyes, and Hera looked down.
She was in trouble.
"Lady Hera! We weren't expecting your arrival."
"I fought with Zeus again,"
"You guys always fight," Hestia sighed; proding the hearth.
Zeus shifted uncomfortably on his throne, while Hera stared at her lap.
I explained. "He no doubt has been furiously monitoring my actions the past couple of months. He's always been smartest when angry."
"That is true," Nike said. "But you can also be very dimwitted."
Zeus glared, while his brothers and demigods cracked up.
The nymph, Maia,
Zeus and Hermes stiffened and looked at Hera, who refused to meet their eyes.
Athena and her children exchanged looks.
(yes the mother of Hermes)
"WHAT!" Hermes screamed; his hands gripping the arms of his throne so tightly, he actually ripped them off.
Zeus stared unbelievingly at his wife, "But Maia faded hundreds of years ago... How can that possibly be her?"
Hera held her hands up, "Hold on a sec-"
"No!" Hermes stood up from his throne, "My mother's alive?! Why the hell didn't I know about this!?"
Hera looked at him, "It's complicated Hermes, and I'm sure you will find out more as the story progresses."
The messenger god sighed; closing his eyes and slumping back into throne.
Jason continued reading.
nodded. "But who is the woman?"
I gulped, "My girlfriend."
Heracles sneered, "Kind of hypocritical if you ask me."
Hera grimaced, while Percy rolled his eyes, "But no one asked you, so be quiet."
The ancient hero narrowed his eyes, "Excuse me? I could-"
"Could what?" Poseidon cut in; grasping his trident.
Heracles scowled.
Maia looked a bit shocked, "Girlfriend?"
"Sadly," Zeus grumbled.
"Ugh, its a long story," I sighed. "Just get someone to take the bags up to the rooms, and get the perishables into the kitchen. In the morning send a crew to Susan's apartment to collect the leftover furniture, and tell the cooks to prepare a nice big breakfast buffet for tomorrow morning.
Hermes frowned, "My mother is not a servant."
"She works for me Hermes," Hera said. "Yes she is."
After that, the staff gets the rest of the week off.
Dakota sighed, "I love when we get time off."
The centurions and working Olympians all let out a wanton sigh, the biggest from Hades.
Now its late, I will explain more in the morning."
"Good idea," Hypnos yawned. "Get some sleep."
Nemesis looked at her brother, "You would know."
She nodded, "I will. And, your master bedroom was just cleaned this morning. It is usable."
"That was convenient." Nico stated.
"I wasn't about to complain though."
I patted her on the shoulder, "Thank you Maia."
"Yeah, you better thank her," Hermes muttered; a dark look on his face.
The Mercury and Hermes children all exchanged looks at their fathers' unusual behavior.
Hera sighed.
A grin appeared on my face, "Now get to work before I unleash my jealous rage."
"It's funny you bring that up," Dionysus said; looking at the queen. "Since we know about your own illegitimate children, and what your planning on doing with Susan."
Hera stiffened, a look of horror appeared on her face. "What... How?"
Dionysus rolled his eyes, "It was in the previous chapters."
"They told us about couple of times you slipped up in ancient times," Aphrodite supplied.
The queen deflated; an expression of relief on her face. "Oh, yes ancient times. Well, Zeus knew about my other children, but I had no reason to tell anyone else. It was my business."
She laughed lightly, before disappearing back into the house; calling for some servants.
"You have servants?" Gwen asked.
"Yes, but they are all paid weekly. Plus, they have full access to everything on my property." Hera cocked her head, "Well, not the fourth floor. That's were I stay when I'm there."
"Oh."
I turned back towards the Camaro, and silently opened the passenger door. Susan had fallen asleep, so I carefully lifted her out of the seat.
"BUT THEN YOU DROPPED HER!" Travis exclaimed; causing everyone around him to jump in their seats, and his siblings to burst out laughing.
Nico scowled, "Don't do that."
"Sorry Nico."
Her head rested on my shoulder as I walked to the door.
Aphrodite squealed, and everyone instinctively knew to cover their ears in time.
"Please, stop that!" Artemis growled; glaring at the noisy goddess.
"I'll try~"
"You better!"
Tapping my foot against the door, it gently opened. Lysander walked inside while I followed him. A couple of servants disappeared into the garage; no doubt collecting the luggage.
"Good," Piper grinned; leaning against her boyfriend, who wrapped an arm around her.
I made my way up to the fourth floor, where the master bedroom was located, and adjusted Susan so that she would be more comfortable.
"Aww!" Lacy sighed. "Thats so cute!"
Walking up the stairs, my faithful pet departed on the third floor, where he had his sleeping arrangements.
"The bird gets his own room?" Thalia asked.
"Yes, Lysander gets his own room." Hera blinked. "Well, his own floor really. He spends most his time on that floor when we're there."
Once I reached the fourth floor, I walked down the hallway to the largest French doors, and used my powers to open them. Entering the bedchamber; I set Susan down on the King-of-the-Universe mattress
Everyone briefly glanced at Zeus.
and tucked her in. A few moments later, the servants walked into the room; quickly and politely unloading the contents of the suitcases. Once I dismissed them, I changed into pajamas; then turned off the lights and crawled into my side of the bed.
"Your sleeping in the same bed?" Zeus asked tightly; his face disturbingly calm.
Hera eyed him, "Yes."
A few of the more inappropriate ones snickered, causing Hera to gasp and turn red. "OH MY GODS! Its not like we're doing anything like that you perverts!"
"Yet!" Aphrodite giggled; winking at the embarrassed goddess.
Said goddess groaned and covered her face.
I wrapped my arm around Susan's waist; instinctively pulling her close to me.
The braver ones whistled and cat-called; which caused Hera to glare at every single one of them.
They were quiet after that.
She nestled her head into my neck, and sighed softly in her sleep. Her hands clenched onto my shirt as she slept.
Hermes and Apollo snickered.
They were rewarded with slaps. Courtesy of Artemis, goddess of the Hunt.
Pressing my lips to her forehead, I closed my eyes, and slowly began to doze off.
The conscious Hypnos children all let out a sigh.
Too bad I didn't sleep very peacefully.
A few looked confused.
"What do you mean?" Athena asked; looking curiously at her step-mother.
"You'll find out."
Nyx narrowed her eyes, "Your not having nightmares again are you?"
Hera looked down, avoiding the question. "Jason please read."
Why? Well, I dreamed that night.
Nyx inhaled sharply, and turned towards Hera. "And you didn't tell anyone?"
"Well someone already knew," Hera retorted.
"But I thought thou aren't suppose to dream." Zoe said.
"She isn't," Athena answered. "Gods can only dream when we are influence by another deity. Or when we ask Morpheus."
Some turned towards Morpheus, who shook his head. "I haven't sent her dreams in a decades."
"Ares dreamed." Percy spoke up. "He dreamed when Kronos was influencing him."
Everyone stiffened, and turned slowly towards the Queen of the Gods. Poseidon licked his lips nervously, "Hera, you aren't being influenced are you?"
"No! The story will explain soon enough! Now let Jason read!"
And, gods aren't suppose to dream.
Said gods nodded furiously.
Yet when I do, they're just like demigod dreams.
The demigods all looked at Hera wide-eyed. Jason addressed his patron, "You... You do?"
Hera looked a little uncomfortable. Not that anyone could blame her; all her secrets we're slowly being exposed to everyone. "Yes."
"But thats crazy!" Annabeth exclaimed; momentarily forgetting she was yelling at a goddess. Well not that she cared, neither person cared much for the other. "How can you dream like that if your not being influenced! That is not suppose to happen to immortals!"
"Read and find out." Hera said; turning her head away from the unbelieving gazes of the half-bloods.
If not worse.
A lot of the roman and greek demigods sighed. They knew how terrifying those dreams could be.
I was running though tunnels, sprinting away from her.
Clarisse leaned forward, "Is this the same her mentioned in the second chapter?"
Hera looked confused, until Demeter gave her a quick rundown of what happened while she was in the infirmary. After she absorbed the information, she turned towards the daughter of Ares. "Yes, if I remember correctly it is."
Sprinting away from the one who torments me in every hideous way possible;
"What!?" Hestia gasped, and faced her youngest sister. "What do you mean?"
Hera flinched and looked down, "You'll find out."
"But mother!" Hebe cried. "Who's doing that!? If whoever is doing this is tormenting you, you should tell someone!"
"Yeah!" Enyo cheered. "I'll put that loser in her place!"
Hera grimaced, and Nyx shook her head, "It is more complicated than you think young ones. Read and hopefully you all will begin to understand."
Thanatos looked at his mother, "You mean you know what is going on?"
Nyx nodded, "Yes. I do."
the one who decided to make my life hell.
A lot of people glared at the book in Jason's' hands, who shuffled uncomfortably in his seat. They really wanted to figure out whoever this mystery woman is."
Briefly, I looked down at my hands and feet and realized just how young I must've looked.
Hestia giggled, "I remember when you were little. You looked like mother."
Hera stared at her sister, "I did?"
Hades tilted his head, "Now that I think about it. You do have her eyes."
Hera raised a hand to her face, and closed her eyes. Since Hades and Hestia were the oldest, they remembered more about their mother than Poseidon, Demeter, Zeus, or herself did. So it was nice to see that she had something in common with the woman who gave birth to her.
However, I didn't have much time to examine myself, since she-who-must-not-be-named was gaining on me.
Malcolm laughed, "Sounds like Voldemorts' after you."
The demigods all chuckled at the little joke, except Connor. He gasped at the last minute, "Oh! He-who-must-not-be-named! I get it!"
Lou Ellen sighed and rolled her eyes.
I frantically looked around the area, yet nothing seemed familiar.
"Kind of sound like a dream I had," Leo mused. "Except, I was running through a workshop, and Gaea and one of her giants were chasing me."
"I love how your so chill about that," Apollo laughed. "Like 'hey it's cool, all in a days' work."
Leo grinned, "It's a gift."
I was running through earthen tunnels,
A few people stiffened. It was probably nothing, but since the war with Gaea was fast approaching they picked up on earthen tunnels.
Athena was thinking.
Hera looked nervous.
and scared and alone.
Many demigods, both greek and roman, stared at the ground. Most knew that feeling. They knew what it was like struggling to survive, and feeling scared and alone.
This caused some to look at the queen in a new light.
The situation was hopeless, and I knew it.
Percy shook his head violently, "Never think like that! Annabeth and I traveled through Tartarus, and almost died because of thinking like that. Our friends risked life and limb to close the Doors of Death. Which was our quest bestowed by you. You of all people should know not to think like that!"
Everyone cheered after Percy's little speech. Hera cracked a smile, "You know this happened years ago."
"That's no excuse."
Tears ran down my face, as I sobbed from the despair building in my chest.
"Don't-"
"I KNOW!"
'Please don't let her catch me!' I thought, unable to talk or make any noise whatsoever. 'Not again! Not again!'
"Again?" Athena asked suspiciously.
"It's ugh, not the first time I've had this dream."
Athena narrowed her eyes; clearly not believing a word her step-mother said, but she didn't push it. "Uh huh."
Inside I prayed for my siblings, for my older brothers and sisters to help.
Immediately, five heads all snapped up to attention, and turned to face their sister.
"Hera?" Demeter asked gently. "You-"
"It's nothing!" Hera retorted harshly, turning away from their gazes. "Jason. Read."
Hera's siblings all flinched and looked away. They should of expected that. Hestia sighed sadly, and tended the hearth.
To come to my rescue like they used to.
The mentioned siblings all grimaced and stared at the ground; remembering how distant and uncaring they seemed to have become towards their sister. But mostly they remembered how close they used to be.
Hazel leaned towards Nico, "It seems their getting a wake up call."
Nico nodded and looked at his roman sister, "I promise that will never happen to our bond."
Hazel smiled, and kissed Nico's cheek. "Good."
My family and friends;
Now more people looked over at the Queen, who stubbornly stared at her feet.
just anyone to help, even if it was only a dream.
Reyna sighed out through her nose, "I wish that worked."
The demigods all voiced their agreement.
But it was for naught.
Both roman and greek demigods exchanged glances. They knew from experience how horrible demigod dreams could be.
"Poor poor little queen,"Her voice echoed throughout the tunnels.
"Okay." Hecate looked at the book. "She's mocking Hera now. That is usually a bad sign."
"You have no idea," Hera mumbled darkly; not intending for anyone to hear. Sadly, everyone heard, and the fire dimmed significantly. Which in turn caused Hestia to frown.
"All alone and scared with no one to help you."
Hestia shook her head, "No. Hera is never alone."
To said goddess's amazement; a roar of approval arose, and Hera had to hide a smile.
My feet grew heavy, and time slowed.
Everyone who fought in the Titan War frowned, especially Percy; who experienced that first hand.
The gods all looked a little uneasy, and exchanged glances. They really hoped Kronos never, ever, came back.
My movements lagged and I looked over my shoulder slowly.
"I really hate when that happens." Percy scowled and pinched the bridge of his nose. "It just feels so unnatural."
"How do you know what that feels like Jackson?" Octavian sneered; as his lackeys all laughed stupidly.
"Because," Percy explained slowly. "I. Fought. Kronos."
Octavian scoffed, "As if."
"Are you calling my son a liar legacy of Apollo?" Poseidon asked; glaring at the skinny scarecrow.
"No... no sir. Of course not."
My worst fear materialized behind me.
After Jason finished reading the sentence, many demigods shivered.
"Gods, could you imagine?" Katie wrapped her arms around herself. "That would be terrifying."
"I know," Travis had tears in his eyes. "What if it was a door to detention?"
At that, all the girls groaned, while the boys nodded in agreement.
Katie scowled and smacked Travis upside the head, "Not what I meant retard."
"Heh sorry."
She smiled coldly, a mocking look on her face.
The Seven all exchanged glances. This person sounded a bit too familiar. They were starting to slowly piece together this mysterious person's identity, and they didn't like to whom the signs were pointing too.
Her eyes once so loving and caring, now shown with hatred and anger.
Annabeth stiffened and leaned towards Thalia, "Reminds me of Luke."
Thalia smiled sadly and nodded, "It does."
I cried out as she grabbed me,
"NO!" Was the collective cry from the audience in the amphitheater.
Zeus reached over to his wife's throne and gripped her hand, his eyes wide and a bit frightened. But don't ever say that or he will electrocute you.
Hera laughed and waved off the concern, "It happened a long time ago, and it was just a dream."
"Still..."
and the rock walls sloshed of in layers; turning into mud that slowly filled the cavern.
Jason, Piper, and Leo jolted straight; staring in shock at the book. Piper gasped, "Wolf House! That... that..."
Suddenly all three of them felt an ancient and powerful female foreign presence in their minds. Don't inform anyone of your revelation.
"What happened?" Artemis asked; looking at the three demigods with a raised eyebrow.
"Nothing," Leo replied; still feeling the aftereffects of having an unknown deity inside his head.
Hera stared at them for a second, before exchanging glances with Nyx.
A scream toar through my throat as I kicked and punched my attacker,
"Yeah!" Ares cheered. "Beat that loser!"
Cue groans and the roll of eyes.
trying to escape her grasp and avoid death by mud-slide.
Despite the situation, some people managed a few snickers.
But arms tightened their hold around me, and I cried as she slowly dragged me under.
Hera made a face, "Unfortunately, that was not the last time I experienced that feeling."
"What do you mean?" Frank asked.
"When Gaea tried to kill me," Hera sighed. "She pulled me underground, so I would suffocate."
Jason blinked, "I remember that. It was like you were sinking in quicksand."
Leo nodded, "I was worried we wouldn't crack open the cage in time."
Hera waved her hand, "But you did. So let's continue reading."
I gasped; trying to get as much air as I could before she pulled me into the mud,
Percy and Hazel shuddered, and Frank set a comforting hand on their shoulders.
but as the minutes went by, my lungs screamed for air.
"I know the feeling," Percy muttered; remembering his newfound fear of water.
I inhaled, and the world went dark as mud poured into my lungs.
Hazel gasped and covered her face; hating to be reminded of when she died all those years ago in Alaska.
Nico grabbed her hand, and pulled her into a hug. Frank shifted into a bulldog, and climbed onto her lap.
Hazel giggled, "Oh, you big goof."
Suddenly, the dream changed.
Clovis momentarily jolted awake, before his head lolled and he fell back asleep.
I was sinking into water;
Percy flinched.
water that was so foul, it burned my skin like acid.
"Ugh," Aphrodite rubbed her arms. "That would definitely scar."
"So?" Ares asked. "Scars are awesome."
Athena rolled her eyes, "Only because they remind you of fighting."
Above the water line I saw my siblings.
Said siblings looked at the book, an unreadable expression on their faces.
Hera closed her eyes. This wasn't going to be good.
They watched as I flailed and thrashed around; desperately trying to get to the surface,
"But they didn't help?" Apollo inquired; momentarily acting like a mature adult. "This could be psychological step-mother."
"I know," Hera hissed; glaring at the other Olympian.
Apollo held his hands up, "I'm just saying."
but it was like I had anvils chained to my legs. Nothing worked.
"That sucks," Dakota said; sipping his indestructible koolaid cup.
"Please," I screamed. "Help me! You promised! You promised!"
Hera's siblings all turned and looked guiltily at their youngest sister. Hestia looked wide-eyed, "Hera-"
"It's just a dream," her sister sharply interrupted; not wanting to face her siblings. "Just keep reading Jason."
"No!" Poseidon protested. "Hera-"
"Keep reading Jason." Said goddess ordered.
They turned and walked away, while I cried once more;
Demeter grimaced and wringed her hands nervously.
my tears contrasting with the sickly green color of the water surrounding me. I sank into the murk, hitting the bottom when the dream changed for the third time.
"Three dreams?" Chris looked surprised. "I usually only have one. Two if there is fighting going on."
Other half-bloods all nodded their heads in agreement, except the Seven and other children of the more powerful gods.
The last scene was the worst.
"That does not sound good."
I was chained to my throne on Olympus with celestial bronze bindings during the Winter Solstice,
"Why were you chained to your throne?" Connor asked.
"I don't know it was a dream."
"Oh yeah."
and minor and major deities surrounded me along with demigods, satyrs, and other nature spirits.
"I wonder what they're doing there," Hermes mused. "It doesn't sound good though."
"Well, considering her last two dreams your probably right."
Every friendly ally of Olympus was present in the throne room.
Apollo whistled, "Big crowd."
"Yep."
Except, the fact was they were mocking and ridiculing me.
At this everyone looked at the Queen in shock, who for her part stared at nothing but the ground.
"Thats tough," Percy mumbled; he remembered how the teachers used to treat him, and how his classmates would laugh and leer at him when he was younger.
"Tell me about it," Thalia muttered as she remembered what school was like the few years she actually went.
Jason stared at his sister for a few seconds before continuing to read.
Cruelly throwing humiliating and derogative terms at me, while I was forced to listen.
Hazel flinched, "Reminds me of New Orleans." She whispered to Frank and Nico.
Frank kissed her lightly, "Your perfect. No matter what anyone ever tells you, your perfect."
Nico nodded and smiled slightly, "Your right Zhang."
Every single thing they said caused me to become withdrawn and hateful;
"That is not good." Athena said to herself; everything the dreams pointed to screamed psychological problems.
Demeter reached over to her sisters' throne and grabbed her hand.
Hera squeezed her sisters' hand and smiled, "Thanks."
I could feel the hatred growing inside of me.
Demigods and Gods both shuffled uncomfortably at this. They hadn't treated Hera very well in the past. They knew that feeling could very well be their doing.
It scared and pleased me at the same time,
At that sentence, many widened their eyes.
"What do you mean 'scared and pleased you'?" Athena asked shakily.
Hera looked away, "Exactly as it says."
which probably wasn't a very good thing.
"No it isn't a good thing." Hades murmured.
Then I snapped.
Gasps resonated throughout the audience.
Hera closed her eyes.
A surge of strength flooded my body, and I easily broke the chains binding me to the throne.
More gasps were heard.
Hera covered her face with her hands; leaning forward in her throne till her elbows rested on her knees.
Calling upon my most volatile domain;
"What is your strongest domain?" Ares asked his mother; eagerly awaiting her answer.
"None of your business," she snapped.
"Well then."
I began to slaughter everyone in sight.
More shocked and horrified gasps escaped the mouths of the listeners.
Hera once again covered her face, and avoided everyones' questioning looks.
Harley shot to his feet and out of his siblings arms; running into his grandmothers' legs. The eight year old rested his chin on Hera's knee and looked at the confused goddess, "Your not bad."
Hephaestus watched his son carefully; ready to jump in when things turned sour.
However, to everyone's amazement, Hera simply chuckled and picked the demigod up; allowing him to sit in her lap. Harley looked at her in slight disbelief, before he grinned and wrapped his arms around her neck; giving the biggest hug he could manage. Once he pulled away, he turned and smiled at his father and siblings; then leaned back against his grandmother.
Everyone watched as Harley grabbed on of her hands and actually began to play with her fingers. Hera turned towards the shocked crowd and raised an eyebrow, "Why did we stop reading?"
Jason quickly continued.
I don't know why it was so easy for me to do it though. They were my family weren't they? But I could not stop. I laughed as they screamed for mercy, as they died in front of me. The floor ran with a mixture of red and gold, and I LOVED IT. My pain and frustration boiled over, and I descended into insanity.
Jason read quickly through the paragraph. He knew his step-mother didn't want people commenting. He knew how hard it must've been to relive this in a way.
"LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE LEFT ME WITH!" I screamed, "LOOK WHAT MY LOVING FAMILY HAS CREATED! AREN'T YOU PROUD?!"
The hearth dimmed significantly, and Hera hung her head. Her siblings all squirmed uncomfortably on their thrones; the guilt eating away at them from the inside. Her children exchanged glances; they didn't know it had been this bad for their mother. Harley cuddled closer to the stone faced queen, who rested her head on top of his. The demigods all looked wide-eyed at eachother. This was hard to read for them. A goddess they previously thought heartless was actually internally struggling in a horrible way, and they'd all been so cruel to her.
My head suddenly felt like it had been split open,
Zeus and Athena winced, while Cabin Six glared at anyone who snickered or even looked at them wrong.
and I fell to my knees. Tears poured down my face as I let out one more blood-curdling scream;
Harley held on tighter to his grandmother.
holding my head in my hands as I leaned forward, "LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO ME!"
This time no one was spared from the flinches as the magnitude of her words reverberated throughout the amphitheater. The immortals, both minor and major, exchanges uneasy and guilty glances. The demigods all stiffled cries of shock and horror; while the ones closest to the Queen immediately grimaced and looked down.
I was abruptly jolted out of my dream.
"Good," Athena breathed.
Susan leaned over me, her eyes filled with worry.
"And it's Susan to the rescue!" Travis cheered.
Katie glared, but then smirked. Suddenly, Travis let out a girly scream and jumped to his feet. "WHAT WAS THAT!?"
"What was what bro?" Connor asked; genuine confusion in his voice.
"Something tickled me!" Travis screeched; looking around for whatever committed the unholy act.
"Dude," Chris pulled his brother back into his seat. "There is nothing there. Calm down."
Travis narrowed his eyes, but remained seated.
Meanwhile, a proud Demeter was grinning at a smug looking Katie.
"Are you okay? You were thrashing around and screaming." She tentatively touched my face, "Not to mention the crying."
Athena inclined her head, "You were physically responding to the dream."
"Percy does that," Annabeth noticed. "He talks in his sleep."
Leo smirked, "And how do you know that Annie?"
"I've been on quests with him ding dong, and don't call me Annie!"
My eyes were blurred with tears, and I felt like I had someone sitting on my chest.
Dakota winced and rubbed his chest, "Thats not a good feeling."
"And how do you know that?"
"Experience."
That dream had felt too real. I smiled at Sue reassuringly, "I'm fine."
"Liar."
"Ugh."
Susan bit her lip, "Are you sure?"
"Not at all."
"Enough Connor."
I sighed tiredly, and ran a hand over my face. I propped myself up on one arm, and looked out the window. It was still dark,
"Which means it either really early, or Apollo was lazy again." Thalia sighed as Artemis nodded in agreement with her.
"HEY!"
and I saw no sign of the Sun Chariot. "Babe, its still early. Just go back to sleep, I'm fine."
"See! It was really early! I wasn't lazy!"
"I don't care."
She reluctantly nodded, and layed back down. I pressed a soft kiss to her temple;
Aphrodite squealed; simultaneously bouncing in her seat, "Aww! Thats so cute!"
"And that's the millionth time you've said that!"
before pulling the cover up, and hesitantly drifting into a dreamless (thank you Morpheus!) sleep.
Everyone chuckled as Morpheus wore a smug expression.
When morning came around, I woke up to an empty bed. Alarmed, I looked around, and was relieved to locate Susan standing near the window.
"Your kind of paranoid aren't you?" Clarisse asked lightly.
Hera shrugged, careful to avoid disturbing Harley; who had climbed to the top of the throne so he could braid her hair. "Maybe."
Jumping out of bed, I wrapped my arms around her waist.
Another squeal. Another glare.
"Good morning my angel," I whispered; pressing a loving kiss to her neck.
Zeus made a face, while several others cooed.
"Okay," Piper smiled. "Thats adorable."
Leo smirked and leaned towards his friend, "Your Aphrodite is showing."
He was awarded for his efforts with a great big slap upside the head.
I was delighted to hear her wonderful laugh dance around the room, as she spun around and wrapped her hands around my neck.
Percy grinned and buried his face in Annabeths' hair, "Your laugh is beautiful too you know."
His girlfriend smiled and turned her head so she could kiss his cheek, "Yours isn't to bad either seaweed brain."
Aphrodite bit her nails.
She buried her head in my neck, and groaned, "You know I hate it when you call me that."
Nemesis grinned, "It seems the nicknames were enduring."
"Oh they were, but luckily I got away with it. Well, most of the time."
I smirked, "Do forgive me, my goddess."
Tyche sighed, "Your pushing your luck."
"Oh I know."
"Hera!"
She smacked my arm, and I laughed as her face turned a lovely shade of scarlet; that never failed to appear whenever one of my nicknames for her showed up.
Aphrodite swooned, "Oh they're so cute! I did such a good job with this pair."
Hera glared, "Well one half of that pair is sitting right here you know!"
"Oh yeah."
"Do forgive me, my princess."
Tyche sighed, "Seriously pushing it."
Needless to say, I went to breakfast with a suspicious looking hand print across my face.
At this everyone broke out in insane laughter. The more immature ones (You know who they are) falling out of their seats, and onto the ground.
Hermes wheezed and sat up; still laughing needlessly, "I swear, you act nothing like that with us."
Hera looked at her step-son, "Keeping up appearances Hermes."
"True. True."
Sitting down in the dining room/cafeteria, we were joined by the nymphs, naiads, satyrs, and others who lived on the property for breakfast.
Chris perked up, "It's kinda like a hotel."
"Except they get to live there," Lou Ellen inputted; casually casting a minor confusion spell on the Hypnos kids, who started squirming in their sleep.
Travis and Connor exchanged glances, "Lucky!"
Chefs brought out the food as Susan looked around in wonder, "Do they all work for you?"
"Yep." Hera answered carefully turning in her seat, and setting Harley back on her lap; since he was having trouble getting down from the top of her throne.
Hephaestus smiled slightly.
I nodded, "Everyone here does ten years of service to me.
"Ten years?" Hermes looked up. "Ten years is nothing for nymphs and satyrs."
The gathered nymphs and satyrs all nodded in agreement, while Hera waved a hand through the air. "Yeah, but I only need about fifty staff members at a time, so its no big deal. Plus, we get new arrivals on the property all the time. Its really no problem for them."
"Thats interesting."
Mostly they're landscapers, so they are paid to do things they already have to do to survive.
"Cool!" Grover exclaimed; scaring almost everyone around him. "Thats awesome!"
"Grover!" Percy smiled. "When did you get here?"
"Eh, a few minutes ago." Grover grinned sheepishly; scratching the back of his head, "I wanted to get an enchilada first."
A collective groans resonated throughout the greek half of the amphitheater, as the Hermes cabin cracked up.
Annabeth laughed and shook her head, "Ah, you never change do you goat-boy?"
"HEY!"
I have houses on the property for families of workers and such.
"Thats nice of you," Hestia smiled at her sister; who was watching Harley construct a small airplane from whatever scraps he had in his pockets.
"Well I didn't want to separate them."
Thalia scoffed silently, "Didn't stop you from taking Jason away."
Hera looked down, while Jason shuffled uncomfortably.
And the entire second floor of the cabin is for nymphs and satyrs who prefer to live inside."
Athena cocked her head, "How many rooms are their per floor, and how may square feet is the cabin?"
Hera looked thoughtful, "Their are about twenty-five rooms per floor, with private baths of their own. And I believe it is around thirty-seven thousand square feet in the cabin."
Athena looked surprised, "That is a grand size. Even for a mansion."
"I know. It was a pain to build. Although, it was much cheaper than I would of thought."
"Really?" Athena looked interested. "How much?"
"About twelve million for everything."
"That is cheap for a project of that magnitude," the wisdom goddess acknowledged.
Susan cocked her head, "And when their ten years are up?"
"What happens then?" A random camper asked.
"You'll see."
I laughed, "They can continue to live on the property, I have plenty of living space and whatnot.
"Thats cool." A younger Nike camper exclaimed. "That place sounds awesome!"
A smug look appeared on Hera's face, while Nike smiled at her son.
But if they wish to leave, I give them a bank account with 250,000 in it to start them off, and send them on their way."
Jaws dropped.
"250,000!" Hermes gasped. "How do you even get that much! Thats insane!"
Hera shrugged, "Its not that bad."
"Are you kidding me!?" Hermes demanded, "Teach me your ways!"
She laughed, a pure cheerful and genuine laugh. "I'm the goddess of marriage and family. I set up dozens of corporations throughout the world. I get millions every month."
Cue more jaw drops.
"But... but... but-"
"Please tell me thats not all your going to say?"
"Uh..."
Hera sighed, "Jason continue please."
She smiled, "That's nice of you."
"It is."
I shrugged, "Most gods would do the same for their servants nowadays. I know Hermes and Hades pay their employees well."
Said gods nodded.
"It would be cruel if I did not," Hades muttered. "Especially when we double our workload."
Hermes grimaced, "Tell me about it. Everyone always has messages. They never stop. NEVER."
While those two mopped about their jobs, the other gods rolled their eyes.
After a while, Jason was allowed to read.
"Thats good," Susan said; grabbing her plate and standing up.
I grabbed her arm, "Oh no, you don't have to get up for food."
"Why?" Gwen asked. "Is it like at Camp Jupiter?"
"In a way, yes."
"But the buffet is over there," She pointed at the food being put out.
"Thats what we do at Camp Half-Blood." Percy murmured.
I shook my head, "Just imagine what you want, and a cloud nymph will bring you it."
"Lucky," Travis whined. "We have to get up and get our food."
Katie and Lou Ellen exchanged glances as Connor agreed with his brother, before slapping both of them upside the head.
"Okay," She closed her eyes, and suddenly with a gust of wind scrambled eyes, sausage, and orange juice appeared on the table in front of her.
"Cool!" Harley exclaimed; throwing his finished airplane up, and watching it fly around the amphitheater.
Leo flashed his brother a thumbs up.
A smile snaked onto my face, "See?"
She laughed silently, before digging into her food. I ate lightly, not really having an appetite.
"Why?"
"I was not hungry."
After she was done, we left the cafeteria.
"SO YOU COULD GO KISS!" Aphrodite yelled; scaring everyone who forgot she was there.
Artemis glared, "I don't think thats what she intended."
"Why of course it is!"
Hera rolled her eyes, "No it wasn't."
"Ahh," Aphrodite complained. "Don't take her side!"
"HEY!"
"Come on," I pulled her towards the backyard. "Let me show you around."
"That'd be nice."
She giggled and followed me, "Yes ma'am."
I smiled and lead her through the property.
"Which I've heard is very big." Dionysus drawled.
"The sports complex is to the east, the underground hot-springs are there too. I also have forges scattered along the eastern edge of the property for any friendly cyclopes."
"Sports complex, hot-springs, and forges." Conner shook his head, "That's awesome!"
Hephaestus looked at his mother, "You have forges there?"
"Yes." Hera sighed. "They were originally built for when construction was taking place, but I decided to keep them and let the cyclopes use them."
Poseidon praised his sister, "That was kind of you."
"Thanks."
She gasped, "Cyclopes?"
Percy smiled; thinking of Tyson, "They're not all bad."
Annabeth and Grover chuckled; remembering the big goof of a cyclopes. "Definitely not all bad."
Poseidon smiled at the three of them.
"Yep," I waved my hand in a dismissive gesture. "Most are descended from my brother Poseidon."
At this Poseidon blushed, while his immortal and mortal(Percy) children made a face.
Hades and Zeus snickered.
"Oh."
"On the western edge, I have the arcade area."
Hermes and his greek and roman children all exchanged looks of disbelief; Travis squirmed in his seat, "Arcade arena?"
"It said everything on the property in the previous chapter. Why is this such a surprise?" Hera asked.
"Because you just might have the coolest cabin in existence!" Hermes exclaimed; bouncing in his seat. "You gotta let me go there!"
"We'll see."
I pointed in the right direction, "The paint-ball arena is over there,
Ares looked up; the fire in his eyes glowing behind his sun-glasses, "Paint ball is excellent!"
"Only because you can shoot other gods without hurting us, or getting into trouble with father." Athena retorted; rolling her gray eyes.
along with the go kart track,
Leo grinned crazily, "Dang! A go-kart track?! You got it made Tia!"
Hera also had to roll her eyes.
and lazer tag.
More and more people began to look envious.
Hera looked a little smug.
The theater and bowling alley are part of the mansion. The theater is on the third floor, while the bowling alley is in the basement level.
"Okay," Lacy smiled. "That place is totally awesome!"
A murmur of agreement soared through the amphitheater.
There is also a forge connecting to the garage, but I'm the only one allowed to use it. It's mine."
Hephaestus looked surprised, "You know how to work in a forge?"
"Yes."
The god of the fore stroked his beard, "That's interesting."
Susan blinked, "Your a blacksmith?"
Hermes laughed, "We're not the only ones who were surprised."
Hera scowled at the jokester god.
I smirked, "Yep. Hephaestus had to get his skill from somewhere,
"And it was from you!?" said god asked; turning to face his mother's throne.
Hera smiled lightly and shrugged; carefully avoiding knocking Harley off of her lap in the process.
and it certainly wasn't his sire who he inherited his artistic abilities from."
Zeus glowered while his brothers cracked up.
"All Zeus knows how to do is chase after girls and hit people with his lightning bolt!" Poseidon cackled; causing said brother to shock him with lightning.
Hades was laughing so hard he couldn't catch his breath.
Jason read on.
"Wow," she laughed. "That's actually pretty cool."
Hera smirked, "Yes it is."
"Damn right it is." I said before turning north; towards the waterfront.
People laughed and chuckled as Hera had basically repeated herself, while the older campers covered the youngest demigods ears.
Apollo giggled, "I didn't know you cussed."
"Of course I do. Just mostly behind everyone's' backs."
"Why?"
"I can get pretty vulgar."
Aphrodite shivered, "She's telling the truth."
"To the north I have the aquatics center.
Poseidon and Percy perked up; along with any other water deities around.
It has two Olympic sized pools that are indoors and heated for year round use.
Poseidon nodded approvingly; absently twirling his trident in one hand, "That is excellent."
The water park side of it is actually about thirty feet off of the shore on a large barge kept in place by steel columns."
"That's so cool!" Harley exclaimed; scaring the Olympians. He turned around in his grandmothers lap to face her, "Can we go someday?"
She chuckled, "I guess."
"YAY!"
Susan blinked, "Dang, that's impressive. And you own all of this?"
"That is exactly what we're all thinking," Athena said.
"Yep," I grinned. "And now you do too."
Nico blinked, "Your going to give her the property?"
"You'll see."
"Gods I hate those words."
"What?"
"She wants to know too."
I grimaced, "I'm gonna need you to stay here for a while.
"I wonder why," Hestia grumbled; looking more moody than anyone has ever seen her.
Just until everything with Zeus blows over.
"WHICH THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT!" Hestia shouted; startling pretty much everybody in the amphitheater. The hearth goddess turned to Zeus, "Seriously brother!? Your a hypocrite to even try something! After all the times you've betrayed Hera, you really think you have a right to attack her lover!? In the past, the small number of times she has ever stepped out on you was because you sealed her womb in the first place! And, the one time it seems she really likes the girl; she's terrified you might try and kill her! It is totally unfair!"
Zeus gaped at his eldest sibling, while everyone else (including Hera; who was smiling helplessly) stared at Hestia.
After the goddess appeared to calm down, smiling at everyone and apologizing to Jason for her interruption, the son of Jupiter read on.
I don't want him to find out and hurt you.
Nyx scoffed, "He would be a fool to try."
Hestia lightly nodded in agreement.
So, just in case he does, I brought you here."
"It was the safest place I could think of on the continent." Hera explained; tickling Harley's sides as he shrieked of laughter.
"But why?" She asked, "He's the King of the Gods. How is this place safe for me?"
"Yeah," Annabeth looked at her least favorite Olympian. "It's kind of hard to hide something from Zeus for long. How can that place possibly keep her safe."
"Maybe there more to it than you think demigod." Hera replied.
"My patron shields the property," I explained.
"Patron?" Jason asked; stopping his own reading. "Like how your my patron?"
"Yes."
"But how?" He asked; looking back and forth from the book to his step-mother, "I thought only demigods could have patrons!"
"No," Nyx answered. "If a deity stronger than another decided to sponsor him/her, they become their patron."
"But it rarely happens," Athena explained. "The last time I remember was when Helios and Selene took Apollo and Artemis under their wing, and taught them how to drive the chariots."
Artemis nodded, "It's true."
The demigods all exchanged glances, "That's cool."
"No immortal can enter this place, much less find it. And the only Olympian who even knows about it is Aphrodite."
Aphrodite smirked, "Oh, but I still got in."
Hera rolled her eyes, "Only because I gave you permission in case of emergency's. Which it wasn't!"
"Oh honey, everything is an emergency when it comes to me!"
Piper sighed, "Mom..."
"Sorry dear."
"Patron?" She asked.
"Someone who watches over me," I clarified. "She is very powerful. Trust me."
"Who is it?" Thalia asked; casually burning off campers' eyebrows.
"I'm sure everyone will find out eventually."
"Oh we will."
"Okay," Susan looked down; nervously wringing her hands. "What about our... uh... agreement we made yesterday?"
Hermes wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at his step-mother, "Oh that agreeme-"
Let's just say once again, the campers of cabin eleven, knew not to expect any siblings for a while.
My face became hot as I remembered what she was talking about, "Oh uh, well tomorrows Friday isn't it?"
"Yes it is," Apollo sang.
She nodded.
"HA! I was right!"
"No one argued with you idiot."
"Still..."
"Well," I said. "I want to take you to a smaller cabin I own on the property. It's more... um... private."
Cat-calls and wolf-whistles echoed across the amphitheater; causing a very embarrassed Hera to blush.
Zeus scowled.
"Alright," she sighed; leaning against me.
I smiled and kissed her softly, "How about we go back inside, and find something to do."
Ares groaned, "Why can't we fight instead of reading this boring book?"
As the war gods' children murmured in agreement, others rolled their eyes.
"That would be nice."
Jason sighed in relief, "That's the end of the chapter."
Aphrodite bounced in her seat, "Oh, I hope the next chapter has more romance!"
Hera thought to herself, 'Oh it does.'
The son of Jupiter raised the book in the air, "Who wants to read next?"
Hera snapped her fingers, and the book disappeared from the her step-son's hand, and appeared in her own. "I will."
She awkwardly cleared her throat, and began to read.
Well, that's chapter four! Which is my longest yet!
Anyway, the next chapter will hopefully be up in a week or two.
Please, leave a review! I seriously love reading what you have to say, but no flames please!
Adios~