-5-
Outside Poseidon's cabin…
"What are you doing here?" Quinn was with Santana and Britt. The little diva and the smaller blonde had an argument after her family talk.
"I am the culprit of my mother's unhappiness!" Quinn parents had decided to divorce when her mom met Poseidon. She got pregnant and decided that the best way to protect Quinn was returning with that despicable thing called Russel Fabray. Her mom drank to endure her life.
"I want to know how you are, and if I can do anything to make you feel better."
"I'm the cause of her misery!" Quinn yelled
Quinn's hurt expression prompted Rachel to speak up again. "Quinn, we talked about this."
"Get out!" Quinn exclaimed, walking toward the brunette and pushing her with rage.
"No. I'm not going anywhere, even if I am a little scared of you." Rachel walked toward the blonde's friends and sat in front of them. "I know you are angry and confused; believe me, I was too. It's not easy be a child of a god, too many variables and blameworthy deeds." Rachel crossed her legs. "Besides, gods are selfish. Although my best friend says that most of the times it's not on purpose…."
"You have already given me that speech," Quinn interrupted her, folding her arms. Then the girl cocked her head. "Get out, you freak. I won't date you!" Rachel's face reflected sadness.
For my mother Aphrodite! The baby lizard has affected her brain. Santana snickered. "Why do you have to be so complicated, Q? " Santana stoop up and leaned forward. She was so close that her nose almost bumped with Quinn's. "Berry is completely in love with your inexistent ass. She's dying to pursue you and treat you better than any of your pathetic boyfriends." The Latina moved back. "Tell me, Q, are you that fucking scared of being loved by someone? Because if you are, you can go back to all the stupid morons that only want to get into your pants and keep fighting with her because of your mother's decisions. Judy's alcoholism wasn't your fault, Quinn, but if you want to follow her path, I will buy you the booze. I'm sure that liquor store will give you a family discount."
SLAP! Santana felt a strong pain in her cheek. "Did I touch a delicate subject?" She stroked her cheek. "Don't fuck up your opportunity with the charming dwarf." She touched Quinn's shoulder. "Behave like a grown woman. Work out your frustration on the Climbing Wall."
"Santana is right. High-energy forms of exercise can provide an effective release of anger and frustration, turning these otherwise potentially unhealthy emotions into motivation for increased health and well-being."
"Oh my god….dess mother! Your verbal diarrhea is annoying as shit." The two ex-cheerleader captains left the cabin.
"Did Santana piss her off on purpose?" Rachel stared in disbelief.
"Yes, but you ruined the moment with your rambling." Britt shrugged her shoulders and added, "Are you going to woo her or not? You are wasting time. If I were you, I would have my tinge in Quinn's goodies at this moment."
Rachel practically choked.
The polis…
The Greek polis was not as structured or impressive as the one in the Roman's camp. The demigods had copied the idea from their Roman's contra parts.
The four teenagers were entering the place hand-in-hand with their love interests.
I love this place. It is good that we copied their idea…and aside from thinking it's better, it is also fair. The Romans had copied us all, even our gods.
Rachel smiled, admiring the minicity."Have you suggested a name for our Polis? We haven't named it yet. They're still accepting options, you just have to remember that it's being constructed like a refuge for demigods, a place where you can relax, recover your strength, get advised, give birth, and pick up with your classes in the mortal world." You could also say it's a super exclusive, versatile, multidisciplinary retreat facility.
"I'll think of one, Rach," Britt said with a smile.
"Where are we going, Rach?" Quinn asked. After the extenuated exercise, the girl had calmed down enough to agree to have some fun.
"Mr. D. Theater."
"Oh hell no!" Santana said loudly, blocking Rachel's way. "I'm not going to sit down to watch a musical with Broadway wannabe."
"Your assumption is incorrect, Santana, the play is not a musical." Rachel said indignantly. "The Play of Ajax is a complex story full of love, drama, action, and comedy." Rachel added, "Quinn is interested in drama, and I thought that this particular play will help her with her Yale application, and at the same time keep you quiet with the action parts."
Santana was looking daggers at Rachel, so the latter kept walking, and when the diva was sure that the blondes weren't looking, she created electricity between her fingers and shocked Santana with it.
FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY
The play was great. Luckily for Rachel, she had watched it before, because at the moment, her only concern was to anticipate the needs of the green-eyed blonde next to her.
In the sad scenes, Rachel had been ready with an arm around the blonde and a tissue in her hand; in the scary ones, the diva had let Quinn dig her nails into her petite body. I find it ironic that I have discovered why single lesbians have large nails...
Then the two blonde girls had smiled at Santana's eagerness for the grand finale while the little diva was admiring Quinn's head on her shoulder.
"Did you like the play, Quinn?"
"It was amazing, so many details and the characters' richness... Thank you, Rachel." She leaned over and kissed the diva's cheek.
Rachel's legs felt like jelly. Rachel, keep your composure. Remember: be bold. Before Quinn was able to move back, the short brunette took the blonde's face and gave her a kiss on her cheek. "Quinn, I'm here for you."
"Berry, a kiss on her cheek? How old are you, four?" Santana teased the diva.
"Santana, if I invited you to a dinner at Agora's Bakery, would you keep your venom comments to yourself?" Rachel remarked. Quinn giggled. "What is so funny?" Rachel demanded.
"Rachel Berry, are you trying to bribe my friends?" Quinn asked with a big smile on her face.
"To quote Britt, 'Totally'." Rachel let go of Quinn's hand and gave her a quick peck on the lips. "I better run prior to you kicking my ass or this will become awkward."
Quinn's cheeks turned crimson and Rachel realized that she was beginning to enjoy being cocky.
A bargain for the week…
Previous to their visit to the Polis, Quinn and Rachel started to spend more time together. The diva also began to woo her openly to the dismay of their glee friends.
Sunday
"Are you going to help me or not?" Rachel crossed her arms.
"What do you have to exchange?"
Zeus, give me strength. "What do you want?" I asked a group of satyrs. They were cool creatures with the upper bodies of a man and the lower body of a goat, complete with hairy goat legs and hooves, as well as goat horns, pointed ears, and an insatiable appetite for cans, clothes, and certain furniture.
"The extra secret assignments will cost you 174 cans of Diet Coke, and the special food treatment will cost you 36 cans of Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Coffee with the beverages still inside."
Rachel did the math and blustered out, "You're ripping me off. We are talking about 300 dollars for less than six days." Rachel hesitated a little and then she said, "What about a package of 12 Starbucks Coffees and some sweaters?"
"What kind of sweaters?"
"Forty Grandma Agryle, and I'll add matching scholar skirts, but the deal will be on for two cycles." I made the most innocent face I could procure. "I'm a daughter of Zeus, not Hermes. What's the worst thing I can come up with?"
They frowned for a moment and then their expressions changed. "Handshake!"
Excellent! I have made a great arrangement and got rid of my awful garment in an ecological way: "Satyr's treats".
Monday
Quinn woke up and found a letter and a rose next to her bed.
Dear Quinn,
I hope your dreams have been pleasant. Monday's inspections are the worst, not only because the Barbie House is in charge of them, but also because I'm sure Santana and Britt broke the rules and stayed until late in your cabin. I wasn't spying, I heard some Ares campers making plans to kick your ass for the noise. Clean a little and then put the seed in the fountain inside your cabin - it will give you extra points.
Hoping for your love,
Rachel
The blonde girl smiled. She was a lucky girl with a charming future girlfriend.
FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY
"Morning, Rachel."
"Good morning, Drew," Rachel nodded.
"Your cabin is neat, as always, but the lack of charm is evident. I suppose I can't expect much of you. Maybe my mother cursed you permanently and ruined your good taste and imagination in any aspect of your gray life," she mocked her.
"Drew, give her a break, the place is neat," said a child of Hebe.
"Yes, but the extra effort on the Poseidons has raised my expectations. That Fabray girl made a magnificent aquatic garden. Rachel, you have an eight."
Rachel rolled her eyes. I can live with that.
Tuesday
In Javelin Throwing, Rachel offered to tutor Quinn.
The brunette was behind her. "I don't think you'll have problems with the javelin. You have great transverses." Rachel put her hands by the blonde's bellybutton and drew an imaginary line toward Quinn's spine. "These help to increase the snap, power, and distance in your throw." The fingers in Rachel's hands slowly trailed back and forth the imaginary line. Rachel could feel her trembling. I don't want to move my hands.
"I see." Quinn was feeling hot. Her desire for Rachel was evident.
"Relax your arm." Rachel stroked it, and Quinn turned her face. The two girl's lips were almost touching, and Rachel moistened hers. "Focus on your standstill…. May I?" The brunette asked a silent permission by touching the blonde's leg.
Quinn nodded in response.
"Don't lean back and don't forget to engage your core." Rachel's senses were overwhelmed by the closeness of their bodies.
"Rachel, are you nervous?" The blonde had felt Rachel's arousal and decided to tease her. You're not the only one that can play with fire, Berry. After all, it's all about the teasing.
Rachel got closer. "Are you?" the diva whispered out hotly, and her recompense was a beautiful mound.
Quinn had mounded. Oh my! I just got burned. I wonder if I can create a cold bath from nowhere.
Wednesday
"Tell me, Berry, why was Quinn reading a book when most of us were cleaning the stables?" Santana glowered, sizing Rachel up and down.
Rachel saw the menace in the Latina's eye and decided to play dumb. "Santana, I'm not sure what you're implying. Maybe her spot was clean, or she's super efficient."
"Sanny, Rachel bribed some satyrs. That's why Q's duties will be easy for a while," the blonde said. "Haven't you noticed that her hamburgers have extra Dakin Farm's bacon and she has her favorite desserts waiting for her in her cabin?" asked a happy Britt.
"Britt, you know that the way into a woman's heart is through her stomach." Rachel beamed, ignoring the growling Latina. "How are you? Are the Hermes kids treating you well?" She hasn't been claimed yet, so she's stuck in cabin eleven, and if I remember Atala's stories correctly, it's not a good place for naïve kids. The children of Hermes tend to…how do I put this nicely…? They tend to use a five-finger discount on everything they like.
"They're fine, you just have to be careful with your belongings. They can leave you with nothing in seconds. Luckily, my pout is irresistible." The girl showed Rachel her most pitiful pout. "Rach, about the claiming, I guess…I am disappointed, but my mother or father has a major plan for me. That's the only explanation for them to sending me to a school with two daughters of the Big Three," Britt explained.
"It's a plausible explanation, Britt," Rachel reassured her.
"I will have to be patient; maybe they're busy in Olympus."
I feel miserable for her. I wish I could do something to expedite her claiming.
Thursday
Rachel and Quinn were sitting in the Campfire sing-a-long. Quinn drifted closer to Rachel, and the brunette's arm draped across her shoulders. By the time the songs were over, Rachel found herself absentmindedly playing with the blonde's hair.
Quinn glanced up at Rachel and smiled. In that instant, their eyes connected, and the Glee ex-captain leant forward, but she froze when their lips were almost touching.
"Quinn, I would be honored if you accept a date with me, tomorrow at seven o'clock," Rachel anxiously articulated, biting her lip.
Quinn suddenly pulled backward, got up, nodded, and ran.
Rachel sighed. Well, at least she said yes.
Friday
Rachel knocked on Quinn's cabin door at exactly seven o'clock, wearing her favorite jeans and the camp T-shirt. When Quinn opened the door, Rachel grinned. The blonde looked gorgeous. I'm aware that she's wearing the same thing I'm wearing, but somehow she looks stunning. "You look beautiful, Quinn."
"Thanks." She closed her door and started to walk with the brunette. "Uh, where are we going?"
Rachel looked much more confidant than she felt. "You'll just have to wait and see."
Quinn glanced at Rachel with a half-smile and arched her eyebrow. "You do realize that this is just weird, don't you? I've never had a girlfriend before."
Rachel chuckled softly, offering her arm. "You have one now. Just relax, it'll be fun." The two girls locked arms.
Rachel could sense in Quinn's actions that the whole situation was a little too surreal for the blonde to cope, but decided that the best way to change Quinn's mind was through her own actions.
Rachel took her to the armory to retrieve a basket of dinner food, which made Quinn feel even more nervous, because the blonde was perplexed by Rachel´s efforts to pamper her.
Rachel, for her part, was praying in silence to all the gods for a successful date. My lords, my ladies – Wait, scratch that, I can't pray to all of them, especially Mr. D. After all, I don't want him to notice our absence.
The couple arrived to a private spot on the beach. Rachel unpacked the food and they ate in pleasant conversation.
Rachel clapped her hands and asked her, "You want to dance?"
Quinn let out a deep breath and shook her head.
Rachel got nervous and asked softly, "Do you want to get out of here and do something else?"
Quinn was uncertain.
Rachel shook her head. "Don't worry, Quinn, I'm not going to try to take advantage of you."
Quinn's eyebrow shot up, and soon Rachel was looking at the head cheerleader everyone used to fear.
"Here-" Rachel panicked and scanned her pocket. "You can have my rape whistle if you want."
She is adorable. Quinn just laughed, breaking the tension.
"Let's dance. I promise not to step on your foot. I am a better dancer than any of your previous boyfriends. I've been taking classes for fifteen years. I won my first competition when I was 3 years old…."
Quinn put a finger over the brunette's lips, stopping her ramble. "I would love to dance with you."
Their difference in height didn't make things ungraceful like it had with Finn, but they still looked comical.
Rachel surrounded the blonde's hips with her arms, pulling her closer. The new couple started to dance to the melody of the waves. Rachel summoned the air around them and soon they were floating in middle air, where the sands ended and the untamable sea started.
"Open your eyes," Rachel said, caressing Quinn's face.
The view was majestic, and they felt overwhelmed with their closeness and their flying condition.
Rachel leaned forward, silencing any possible protest of the blonde's lips with hers. As soon as their lips met, all their thoughts shattered into little star fragments.
Quinn lips were so soft, so achingly sweet, that they made Rachel dizzy. She is a great kisser. Rachel opened her lips, inviting Quinn's tongue.Moaning for the contact, Rachel lost control, and they ended splashing in the water. Not a smart move.
"It's cold." Quinn shivered. "You know, all was perfect until we fell."
"Sorry, I'll do better the next time." Rachel leaned forward again and they kissed, their lips sealed for a few moments until Rachel pressed her tongue against Quinn's lips, begging for entrance and for a new opportunity to not embarrass herself.
When Quinn allowed the contact, their lips danced together until they broke in fear of drowning. Brain to Rachel…she can't drown, but you can.
"Are you scared?" Quinn asked
"No. Are you?" Rachel inquired.
Quinn nodded.
"Of me?" the diva asked.
Quinn didn't answer.
Rachel was trying to understand, but mainly she wanted get back to kissing the blonde, and the silence wasn't helping.
"Why, Quinn?" Rachel inquired. "Is it because...is it because I'm a woman?"
"Partially. However, what is really scaring me is that I'm falling for you."
"You are?" Quinn's confession had made her insides warm.
"When you kiss me, I really know it. By the gods! How could I not?" Quinn grabbed the diva's hand. "Come on, let's swim to the shore."
Rachel stopped her. "Quinn, I want this to work. I will go to your beat. Let me know if I go too fast or too far."
They returned to camp with their hearts full of hope and love.
FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY
11 days after Rachel's friend's departure
Atalanta was in Harmony's company when she heard the only person she had ever been in love with calling for help, and furthermore, she perceived that something was wrong in his Father Realm. She had to make a choice: looking for her twin flame, or go to the Underworld.
She chose and decided to depart. "Preator," she bowed. "Camp Jupiter will be secure in your capable hands; I hope our exchanges will…."
A week and a half later…
Almost three weeks had passed since the McKinley High School students' journey to Camp Half-Blood took place. The glee kids had adapted partially well, and a certain diva and her blonde girlfriend felt happy; their relationship was growing stronger with every day. Mike and Tina were a couple, Mercedes was being wooed by Sam, Kurt had dumped Sebastian, and Noah was having a great time jumping from relationship to relationship with the Aphrodite kids. The only glee member who had changed for the worst was Artie. He became arrogant when he was able to walk again.
The setting sun found the two teens in Rachel's room. It's supposedly forbidden, but the couple had managed to sneak out. Besides, they were waiting for the other two-thirds of the Unholy Trinity for a ladies night sleepover.
Rachel was lying on the bed as Quinn swept through the room, asking her questions about mythology.
After a marathon of questions and answers, the blonde plopped down on the bed beside the diva.
Quinn cocked her head to the side. "You know, you're so different from the others."
Rachel leaned and twisted her body around so that she could look into Quinn's green eyes. "Hmm, is that a good thing?" Rachel teased, smiling mischievously. "Or do you prefer that I start to chant mailman or Coach Beiste's name?"
Quinn giggled as she punched the brunette lightly in the arm. "You better not do that."
Rachel hesitated for a moment before reaching out, using the tips of her fingers to brush the blonde's arm. Quinn lowered her eyes, and a blush crept up her neck as Rachel's caresses got bolder.
"It's a nice change that we don't have to hear 'mailman'." Rahcel didn't stop her tender strokes.
Quinn looked deep into Rachel's eyes, and time seemed to stand still. The blonde leaned forward and gently placed her lips on Rachel's. The kiss began innocent, but as it lengthened, so did the intensity of the kiss.
I will always be surprised by my stupidity…. The president of the Celibacy Club, what a joke! "Mmmm, Rae." Quinn moved her hands up to cradle the diva's back, pulling her even harder against her. "You are a great kisser," she exclaimed huskily.
The heat of their bodies grew, no longer gentle kisses of acceptance, but rather an ardent kiss of passion. They moaned louder as they gave into their growing desire.
Rachel couldn't even think of what she was doing, her passion was clouding her judgment. Rachel wanted Quinn more than anything.
They stood pressed against each other, their hands exploring as their tongues hunted the concealed wonders of each other's mouths.
Rachel knew that they would have to stop before the situation escalated, even if she was having her doubts. I want touch her breast. The brunette's right hand was almost reaching the valley of her breast. Please, gods, do something. I can't stop and I want our first time to be special.
"…And the dwarf get to second base!" Santana said, mimicking a sports chronicle.
Quinn gasped and Rachel jumped so hard that she ended up on the cabin floor while Santana and Britt were guffawing.
Rachel looked at the ceiling. Whoever listened, thank you.
"Haven't you heard of knocking?" Quinn grumbled, blushing with embarrassment. She was mad as Hades.
Rachel stood up, failing miserably to look dignified. "Dearie, knock it off." She embraced Quinn just on time - the blonde had decided to attack Santana.
"Q, Sanny is teasing you. Rachel and you are so hot together that San is aroused," Britt said nonchalantly.
"Ducky," Santana groaned
FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY
They were sitting in Rachel's alcove.
"Nice place, Berry," Santana said, checking out the place.
Did I mention that my alcove is the farthest from my Father's statue? I don't like the idea of King Zeus peeping at me. "I appreciated your compliment, Lopez."
"Can I ask you something personal, Rach?"
"Sure, Britt."
"The ancient Greeks are widely known for their homosexual and sapphist exploits. Greek poets wrote of same-sex love and notable philosophers and writers such as Plato, Xenophon and Plutarch; also they are many stories involving same-sex relations between gods and heroes and mortals. Were Mercedes and you conceived in similar circumstances?"
The question made Rachel uncomfortable. She wasn't sure if she wanted them to know her family story.
Perceiving her apprehension, Quinn spoke. "Love, you don't have to tell us."
Rachel took a lungful of air and started. "My mom, who was a prominent new star in Broadway, fell in love with Lord Zeus. He impressed her with gifts, his role in the universe, and his power; after all, he is the King of Olympus. Being a legacy of Dionysus, she wasn't ignorant of Hera's jealousy or the mythological world. After I was born, their arrogance and my mother's audacity insulted the goddess and…she fell from grace…. Father being immortal, he got away with it. Mom didn't."
"Rach," a joyless Britt said.
Rachel felt a knot in her throat and tears in her eyes. "Luckily, my mom made something right. She arranged that one of her childhood friends, another legacy of Mr. D, and his partner, a child of Demeter, adopted me. She gave me away for my own safety."
Quinn caressed Rachel's face, wiping her tears. "You know, someone once told me, 'Don't cry, because you never know who's falling in love with your smile.'"
Rachel smiled. "I'm pretty sure I said 'don't frown'…."
Quinn shrugged. "Details," she said, and engulfed the diva in her arms.
"Fuck, Berry, I'm almost sorry for what I've done to you."
"That's very kind of you, Santana."
"Rach, I'm sorry." A bawling Brittany was hugging her. "I forgot the stories of Hera's jealousy."
"It's okay, Britt, Hera tried to kill me again when she discovered my mother's connection with Dionysus." The diva was released from Quinn's embrace and began to comfort Brittany while stroking her hair.
"Wow, and I thought my abuela was an evil woman..."
"Careful, Santana. I don't like Hera, but I wouldn't say it aloud. After all, she is the Queen of the Gods," Rachel warned.
FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY
Atalanta was worried. She has been jumping from one place to another, crossing mountains, deserts, forests; all the places she remembered the huntress using to search for prey. Rachel could see her friend was exhausted. Atalanta almost fainted once but the look in her eyes told Rachel that she will not rest…then Rachel heard a wicked laugh.
Rachel woke up in a sweat. The diva tried not to disturb her companions, so she stood up silently and got close to one of her drawers. She opened it and took out an album with photos of her summers in camp.
"Are you alright?" Quinn was at her side. The blonde had felt the brunette's movements.
"I don't know. I had a dream with Atala." Rachel touched the album and Quinn frowned. "Not that kind of dream," Rachel assured her. "She was tired and concerned; she almost fainted but kept shadow-traveling."
"It was just a dream, Rachel," Quinn said.
The diva protested. "We don't have normal dreams." Her knuckles were white from the force she was applying in holding the album.
Santana and Britt woke up and Quinn took the album from the short brunette's hands.
"Turn down the volume," grumbled Santana.
"Are the unicorns safe?" mumbled a sleepy Brittany.
"They're fine, Britt. Rachel is concerned about her friend." Quinn's voice was full of jealousy.
"The death girl. My roomies say she is a little bit weird; a lost cannon and abnormality that should not have born. I think she is a time bomb with psycho murder relatives ready to blow," Santana announced.
Rachel was on top of Santana. "Don't you ever say that of her again!" She was holding her by her collar. "Not all of the children of Hades have been psychopaths, and she is not like them. Atala has always risked her life for others; she is the most honest, unprejudiced, decent, honorable, brave, noble, reliable, and bighearted person you will ever know." Rachel pushed her. "You are being brainwashed by Drew!"
Rachel stormed out of her cabin. Fucking Aphrodite kids. Rachel suddenly remembered the album. She knew that one of the Unholy Trinity would open it, finding photos of her and her friend through the years; the diva growing up and the daughter of Hades frozen at thirteen. I don't want to explain to them. I shouldn't be so angry with Santana, but I was worried, and again, I hate Aphrodite kids. They are a boastful pack…. About Atalanta, she tends to disappear every now and then, and more when her birthday is around the corner, but I can't shake the feeling that something is wrong. She is going to need me, I can feel it in my bones.
FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY
The rest of the day was weird. Rachel ignored the three girls; she was ashamed for her reaction and was worried for her friend.
"Chiron, a word," Rachel requested.
"My child, I always have time for my students. Join me."
His centaur form took her breath away. He was a magnificent been, a great teacher, and an amazing listener.
"I was hoping you have news about Camp Jupiter?"
"I see." Chiron tilted his head. "Mr. Hudson has arrived well, the letters grant him a position in the best cohort, and in no time, he will be a centurion; his farther left him enough money to secure him a good life and the best education in Little Rome University, and I heard your sister has her eyes on him." He patted her back. "When he ends his service, I can assure you, he will be a prosperous young man for the Roman and the mortal world." He looked at me thoughtfully. "My words have make you smile, but haven't eased your mind, child. What is troubling you?"
Quoting Atala, 'I love my pony man.' "The news about Finn is amazing. In fact, I'm feeling guilty. I haven't thought of him in a while."
"Don't, my child; you gave him the foundations for a great future. Your encounter was part of your destinies, perhaps not the boyfriend part," he sighed. "But the latest was not in your hands." His words exonerated Rachel's remorse.
"Thank you for your kind words, Chiron," Rachel said, and he smiled. "Chiron, can I ask you another question?"
Chiron nodded. "Of course, child. As I implied before, Finn's whereabouts are just part of what is troubling you?"
"Have you talked with Atalanta?" Rachel asked and he nodded again. "…Recently?"
"She left Camp Jupiter some days ago, why?"
Rachel didn't want to concern him, not until she had more proof. "I'm curious, that's all." The diva could felt his eyes studying her, but she knew he would not push her.
They heard a unique horn sound. The Hunters were entering Camp.
The first time Rachel met one, she thought they were the greatest females in the world. The Hunters were a group of maidens, usually, but not limited to, human, demigod or nymph; each of them had sworn their loyalty to Artemis. They were the goddess companions. In exchange of their allegiance, they were gifted with excellent range capabilities and hunting skills, eternal youth, and magic silver bows, arrows, and two hunting knives, which appeared whenever they were needed. Sounds cool, right? ...But nothing is 100 percent perfect. Most of them have a great hatred for males - dread even traveling with them - and if a Hunter falls in love, Artemis will remove their immortality and may kill them or turn them into an animal…. Not so cool now? ...Did I mention that I despise her latest leader? No? Well I do.
"Self-centered blockheads," Rachel grumbled.
"Child, remember your manners," the centaur reprimanded me.
"I will do my best." I clenched my jaw. "I don't hate them all, just her stupid lieutenant."
Chiron chuckled. "I will welcome them and join you all in the dining pavilion."
FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY
Rachel was enjoying her California Grilled Veggie Sandwich, when…
"Where is she? Where is that traitor…that weak…the thing you called friend." A girl wearing a white shirt, silver jacket, silvery camo pants, black combat boots, and a silver tiara (marking her range like lieutenant or second in command just behind Artemis), yelled at Rachel.
"Greetings, Josephine, your brusquerie and lack of manners are almost comforting." Rachel took a bite of her sandwich. "You should go before Mr. D. gets angry. You know we have rules here: We can't sit with other cabin members except for weekends." Rachel took a sip of her juice.
WHOOSH! ...CLANK!
An agonizing silence filled the place, as no one dared move a muscle.
Rachel was on the floor with a Hades of a headache. That spiteful rascal hit me with a tray in the back, like a coward, when I wasn't paying attention. That's it, that idiot is going down.
Rachel stood up, electricity dancing through her fingers as Hunters with bows got ready to shoot her. At the sign of danger, Sam, Blaine, Mike, Quinn, Britt, and other demigods ran toward the diva, getting ready to defend her.
"ENOUGH!" Mr. D's eyes were gleaming with that spooky violet color. "I didn't ask for a dinner with entertainment."
"Why should I stop?" Josephine barked. "Atalanta is an unworthy human being. She disrespected the goddess, broke the rules, and she kidnapped Artemis. I'm sure of that. After all, she has it in her blood; her father did the same with Persephone. You must track her down. I don't understand why some brainless Gods left her alive."
Mr. D became outraged. He snapped his fingers and ivies started to grow up from nowhere, trapping and squeezing the Hunter. "Young lady, I voted in favor of Atalanta Bailleres. The girl is a troublemaker, but even I have to accept that she is not a complete waste. As of your accusations, I would be more cautious. You never know who is listening. Besides, when that girl sneaks out you can usually find her in the underworld helping her father, helping other demigods, or helping you and your stupid hunt party."
"Her? Helping us? Please, don't be ridiculous!" The ivies tightened. "Ahh!"
"Yes, helping you. You are so oblivious. She has been helping you since she left," Dionysus yawned. "The miracle of the collapsing bridge, the tremor that stopped that volcanic activity, the unconscious lycanthropies in San Francisco, the indigested carnivorous sheep, and so on. I have to admit that Hephaestus T.V. PPV has its moments." A Diet Coke appeared in his hand. "The shoes you are trying to fill are too big for you." The ivies disappeared. "You and your Hunters will stay here until the goddess calls you, and if you don't want to end up as crazy as Don Quixote, you will do what I say." He took a sip of his Coke.
Rachel's mouth was opened wide. Holy Mother of Dionysius! I don't know what shocks me more - Mr. D defending my friend, or the fact that he has said her name correctly.
Sensing the change, Chiron decided to speak. "We will honor our guests with a little game of Capture the Flag today. The game will start at 9 o'clock, and other activities will be canceled. Now carry on with the dinner." He looked at Rachel.
Rachel beamed. Chiron is a cool guy, but I could read his secret message: Make them eat the dust.
"Ms. Fabray, please escort Rachel to the infirmary," the centaur said.
"But…."
"No buts, my dear, or you will not participate," Chiron cut Rachel's complaint.
Why not? I want to Make Kentucky Fried Hunters…. Oh, right! That's why he doesn't want me in the game. He's afraid that I'll overdo my performance... Shit!
Again in the Damn Infirmary…
Rachel was sitting in a chair with her arms crossed and a big pout.
"Rachel, say something," Quinn demanded.
"Rach?" Britt said.
"Dwarf?"
"It is a minor contusion. Drink this and you would not have a bruise tomorrow," a happy satyr announced.
"Thank you, Leto," Rachel grumbled.
The satyr smiled and squeezed her shoulder. "Don't be sad. They are going to kick their silver asses." Leto left the place.
Rachel sighed. "I'm not angry with you – well, maybe a little bit with Lopez."
"Fuck, Berry, I'm sorry, okay? After our fight, I went around asking questions about Atalanta and 95 percent of the campers told me the same thing." Santana raised her arms in frustration. "The girl is a fucking hero. Did you know that she has saved and brought more demigods to camp than any other demigod or satyr? What am I saying? Of course you know. And that puta, you were right about her. She charmed me again. When I was asking about your friend, I ended up in Hecate's cabin, and they almost beat the Hades out of me. Then I told them about my roomies and they calmed down and gave me this," she showed them a ring. "It made me doubt Drew's words. Those kids adore Atalanta. And speaking of your friend…why did that girl hit you, and why does she hate Atalanta? Britt thinks she was a huntress."
"Sanny, we saw the photos, she didn't get old for years. And I found some yearbooks."
"She was a Hunter. She was the best lieutenant in the last seven centuries, and a hero like her mother. Do you remember when I told you about Hera's attempt to kill me when she found my family line? Well, Atalanta saved me and brought me to camp," Rachel started to retell the story.
I was seven years old my daddies took me to my mother mausoleum. The sky got dark and the whole place became covered in fog. One minute I was holding my dad's hand, and then I was in the middle of a forest. I got panicked and started to run. I could hear strange footsteps behind me…I was no longer in the cemetery.
The footsteps belonged to three Cyclops - two males and one old female. I was so scared that I froze.
"Look what we found, Ma." The male with the brown hair pulled me from the leg, breaking my ankle.
"She looks yummy," said the other male as his brother had me hanging.
"Children, don't spoil the food," the female scolded them. "The old lady with funny eyes and goat clothes was right - a demigod was waiting here to be our food."
"And the old lady was…?" asked Quinn.
"Hera," Rachel replied.
"Shit!" exclaimed Lopez.
They took me to their cave. I was crying, scared, and thinking about my daddies. The mother had been reading recipes and was sharpening a big axe outside the cave.
Without a warning, I heard two big TUMPs!
"Don't hit me," the male with the brown hair said.
"I didn't hit you, you did it."
"No, you hit me, and now I'm going to hit you."
"No, you're not."
"Mom!" both Cyclops yelled, going to their mother.
I was still weeping when someone knocked at my cage.
"Little One, why don't we go? Those three are going to be back soon." In front of me was a thirteen-year-old girl in silver clothes and a tiara on her head. She was beautiful, and she was the most exotic girl I have seen in my life. She looked like the princess Sherezada.
Quinn frowned and Rachel explained, "The Tales from the Thousand and One Nights is one of my favorites books, and you can't deny that she looks more Arabian than Hispanic, and she was wearing a tiara."
"Berry, your comment sounded racist," Santana said. "No me gusta."
"I am not prejudiced, you know that," Rachel claimed, and then continued with the story.
"I took care of the two dumbies. Be quiet, we don't want to warn the mother. They are still fighting, and I was the one that hit them." She opened the cage. "Little One, your leg." She gave me her hand, but I was really scared, and moved away from her.
"What is your name?" she asked me, but I didn't open my mouth. "My name is Atalanta Bailleres, and I'm a demigod like you. I'm a daughter of Hades and the lieutenant of the Hunters of Lady Artemis. You can trust me, come on."
"You're a stranger, and my dads told me not to talk to strangers."
"Really, Berry?" Santana blurted out. "The girl was trying to save you from three monsters and you were asking for her credentials?"
"Hey! I was a kid," Rachel stated and continued with the tale.
"Well, I´m no longer a stranger. I told you my name." She smiled at me. "Are you going to tell me yours? You know it's the proper and polite thing to do."
"I'm Rachel Barbra Berry Telia."
The girl face-palmed. "Two dads and your last name is Berry-Telia. I know your dads."
"Really?" I was suspicious, which made Atalanta snort.
"Yes, their names are Hiram Jacob Berry-Corcoran and Jason Leroy Telia. Hiram is a small guy with glasses and Leroy is very tall and he is African American. Your dad Leroy was the sword instructor the first summer I arrived to Camp Half-Blood, and Leroy's sword is called Melia. …Do you need more proof or we can go now? The Cyclops could return at any moment."
''No, we can go." My doubts vanished. The girl in front of me had described my dads, and I didn't want to be Cyclops food.
"Yes, it was his last summer. Come on, Rae, piggy-back ride!" She knew my father's complete name so I let her help me.
The mother returned.
"Of course she did. Atalanta wasted a lot of time, giving you stupid details. You were exasperated even as a child, Berry. The girl entered a cave with three motherfuckers, opened your cage, and you let her help you only after she gave you a résumé of your fathers."
"Can I continue, Santana?"
"What do we have here? Another demigod? This is my lucky day. When the boys return, we will have a feast."
The mother tried to catch us, but Atalanta was faster she took her bow and threw her an arrow. The Cyclops mom was dust.
"Where are we going?"
"I will take you to Camp Half-Blood, but first I have to find the hunting party."
"Do you think my fathers are okay?"
"I don't know, Little One, but from what I've heard them chattering about, I suspect the lady the Cyclopes were talking about was Queen Hera, so it would better if we don't contact them until you arrive to Camp Half-Blood." I started to sob. "Beautiful, don't cry. The Queen doesn't have a problem with them. You are the one she wants and I will take care of you. You are going to Camp and then to your father's arms. She is not going to hurt you."
"Promise?"
"I swear on the River Styx."
I believed her. My father Leroy had told me that you can't break a vow if you swear on the River Styx. It was a magical oath.
We encountered the Huntress and gave the orders. Josephine wasn't happy with Atala's decision; they discussed about her obligations with the goddess for almost an hour.
"Josephine, I am the leader of this group. When our Lady is not with us, my word is law, so stop being an ass. She is a child of Zeus and Hera wants to kill her…and don't you dare admonish me with Blaine, the boy also deserved to get safe to camp. In fact, every child we encounter has to be taken to Camp, it doesn't matter if it is a boy or a girl."
"I will tell Artemis about your behavior and your oversight of the men's rules," Josephine said.
"Do it, I don't care. Some rules are made to be broken. I will deal with the consequences later, but right now, follow my instructions. You and Zoe are in charge. Don't disappoint me. And for your information, Josephine, Lady Artemis weighs individuals by their actions and choices, not by their gender."
The journey lasted four days. Four days full of monsters and danger. She was awe-inspiring, I decided that I wanted to be like her when I grew up. We had arrived to the Camp limits when Hera made and appearance
"Give me that child and you can have anything you want."
"My Queen, I can't do that," Atalanta said.
"She is the bastard-child of my husband."
Atala chucked. "With all due respect, I am a bastard too, so my answer is still no.… What you gods need is a couple's therapy session and to recognize that we, your children, are not guilty of your indiscretions."
"Watch your words, daughter of Hades. I haven´t been unfaithful – it's not in my nature. I haven't committed indiscretions. Maybe you have the protection of Artemis and other Gods, but you don't want to be my enemy. I voted in your favor once, don't let me regret my decision."
"Why did she vote in her favor?"
"Santana said it before: the gods didn't want her to be born." Rachel saw a lot of questions appearing in her friends' minds. "She is the daughter of Hades, the grandchild of Hecate, the four-times-great-granddaughter of Poseidon, seven-times-great-granddaughter of Dionysus, the ten-times-great-granddaughter of Athena, the fifteen-times-great-granddaughter of Ares and Hermes, the twenty-times-great-granddaughter of Hephaestus, the twenty-nine-times-great-granddaughter of Bellona..." Rachel looked their faces and decided to summarize, "…Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Demigods that are godly are usually killed in unexpected accidents," Rachel remarked. "They are too unpredictable and powerful. The Olympians fair them, but Atalanta wasn't the exception. They prohibited Atalanta's mother to have kids - they cursed her - but in the end, Lord Hades thought it was unfair and he went against all the Olympians…. Atalanta came into the world and the gods voted and let her live."
"I don't know what to say," Quinn announced.
"Poor Atala," Britt said.
"I don't know Hades, but I like the dude," Santana stated.
"He isn't as bad as some people make him out to be. If I may return to the story…."
"You can continue, Berry."
"I don't wish to be on your bad side. And believe me, sometimes I can't stop my witty comments. Unfortunately, that's part of my nature…well, more of my father's inheritance." Atalanta scratched her neck. "Anyway…you will not touch this child, Lady Hera. I politely request you to let us pass."
"You are brave, child, one of the most powerful demigods that have been born; you lost your arm saving Artemis."
"She has two arms," Quinn interrupted.
"The left one is not of flesh, Hephaestus made it for her," Rachel explained, getting tired of the interruptions.
"Some day, child, you will regret your decision."
"My Lady, I politely disagree, and if I have to fight against you for this child, you know I will do it."
"Remember my words, Atalanta. Someday I will make you pay. Not with your life, but with something you truly care for."
Hera vanished, and two molested and whipping Cyclops materialized in her place.
"Atalanta fought against them and brought me safe to camp. She remained with me for a couple of days…." Rachel retaliated.
"Little One, don't cry, but I have to go."
"But why?"
"I'm a Hunter, and my place is near to my Lady and my sisters. Besides, I have to talk with her and with other members of the council in your favor."
"And the crazy lady won't try to kill me?"
"No. I'm sure she will find a way to upset us, but she will not kill you."
"The cows are the cause of the fact that you are a vegan. Am I right?" Britt asked.
"Yes you are. Believe me, being pursued by farm animals and their ghosts can make you quit the meat."
"Little One, remember my promise: I will always be there for you." She kissed my tears. "I will be in contact, I have my ways."
"We became friends, and through the years, I started to love her like a sister."
"What happened then? Why she is no longer a hunter?" Santana asked.
"Your mother…" Rachel gazed at Santana with anger. "…made a stupid bet with her son Cupid. Supposedly Artemis despises love, so they don't have the best relationship, and your mother thought that harassing her was a great idea." Rachel imitated Santana's bitch posture. "Let's go to humiliate Artemis, it's going to be funny. It doesn't matter if someone gets hurt…fuck the consequences." Santana looked guilty, but Rachel didn't care. "I always suspected Atalanta loved her, but the arrow from your brother was too much. Something happened between them and someone went to my father. Then all went to Hades, many versions started to circulate about my friend and Artemis, and the more there were, the angrier Zeus became. After all, Artemis is his little girl, and he wanted Atalanta dead. Artemis didn't want to decide, so the gods made a council and voted."
"They decided to let her live again" said Britt.
"Yes. She returned to camp and fell from grace in the eyes of many demigods and divinities, but the worst part was her father. He was irritated with her. In fact, Hades was the one who told me about Aphrodite after we won the war against the titans and earned him a place in Olympus and a Cabin for his children," Rachel said.
"And your curse?"
"I insulted your mother for what she did to Atalanta. She didn't deserve it," Rachel said with fervor.
"No shit, Sherlock! I felt bad for our fight and asked Chiron, and the girl is abso-fucking-lutely amazing. I mean she is wei - eccentric, but damn it, she rocks."
"Yes she does."
"Don't worry, Berry. Me, Q, and Britt will take those bitches down."
They made it, the Huntress lost the game and Josephine almost drowned; Quinn was so contented with the victory that she and the brunette ended up in her cabin.
FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY- FABERRY-FABERRY
Rachel felt herself sink into the bed, Quinn's weight on top of her adding to the sensation of being surrounded by a sea of passion.
The blonde rubbed her hand up and over Rachel's hip.
Rachel changed their positions and Quinn's eyelids slid shut when the diva invaded the blonde's hot mouth with her tongue. Rachel pulled back and Quinn raised her eyebrow. "You are beautiful, Quinn. I'm a lucky girl." The diva kissed her again and again, marking her with kisses and bites in her neck, shoulders, and cleavage, moving slowly. Rachel took off their T-shirts and with trembling fingers. The diva started tracing the outline of Quinn's breast and navel; then the brunette proceeded to blow over Quinn's bra, becoming mesmerized with the blonde's hard nipples.
Rachel sucked Quinn's breast over the bra, while her other hand played with the rejected nipple, then Rachel did the same with her other breast.
A feral growl grew in Quinn's throat as the diva changed places and sucked her other breast. Quinn's inhibitions shattered and the blonde removed her bra.
Rachel swallowed hard when she saw the blonde's bosom. The brunette couldn't move.
Unable to endure the delay, Quinn raised her shoulders up to meet Rachel's hand. The caresses of the brunette's hands made the blonde moan. "Shit! ...Rachel, don't stop." Quinn was intoxicating. Without conscious thought, the brunette's other hand started trailing down her side, coming to rest anxiously on the point of her pelvis.
Soon, the diva's knee was between Quinn thighs in one fluid motion. The two lovers were close to the Elysian Fields, but still so far away. Rachel moved her knee and ground it smoothly in Quinn's core, silencing the blonde's groans with her mouth.
"Quinn, I love you." Rachel felt her tremble. "Are you okay?" Quinn blushed. "Mmm, and I thought you couldn't get more beautiful."
Quinn had had her firth orgasm; Rachel kissed her again until they couldn't hold it any more. The girls were relaxed; they were swimming in their post-orgasmic bliss.
Rachel got up.
"What are you doing?" a mortified Quinn asked.
"Picking up our T-shirts, taking off my jeans, and going to bed with you," Rachel said, and Quinn gasped. "I want to hold you under the covers, feel your skin and sleep surrounded with the smell of your hair." Rachel did what she said.
"What about you?" the blonde asked as she and her diva were lying together.
"Quinn, our first time will be special. I will pamper you and make love to you until the sun comes up, and then sleep in your arms all day and make love again and again. We can't do that in the cabins." Rachel kissed Quinn's shoulder. "Let me have this, let me give you… - no, let me give us the first time we deserve, not the ones we've had."
Mythology Gleektionary
The Hunters of Artemis: they are a group of maidens that can be human, demigod, or nymph. Each hunter has sworn loyalty to the virgin goddess Artemis, to join her in the Hunt and reject men for the rest of their lives. They are gifted with excellent ranged capabilities and hunting skills, possess eternal youth as long as they don't die in battle or break their vows of rejecting boys, and immensely enjoy hunting at Artemis's side. They hunt monsters and whatever else they see fit.
Agora: means "commercial place" in Greek
Cupid/Eros: he is of desire, affection, and erotic love. He is the son of the goddess Aphrodite and her boyfriend Ares. Cupid is also known in Latin as Amor ("Love"). His Greek counterpart is Eros. He has two great weapons:
1) Arrows of Romance: Cupid's power over love is usually exercised and enforced through his romantic golden bow and arrow. Anyone struck with Cupid's arrow will instantly be filled with uncontrollable desire and love for another (of Cupid's choice). This will even work on Olympias, shown when Cupid forced Apollo to fall in love with the nymph Daphne.
2) Coerced Confession: Cupid can also force anyone to confess their true romantic feelings, and can always tell if the person is lying