Hey guys! Slight trigger warning: indirect mentions of rape ( the rape of Medusa). Thanks!
"Here we are," Enyo spoke softly. It had been days since Percy had left for the gardens, accompanied by the Graeae. He could see, however, glorious gates before him, just as Enyo had said. The gates were gold, and were decorated with intricate silver swirls. Percy slowly walked towards the gates.
" Wait!" Enyo called," You must give us the eye.'
Percy nodded, placing the slimy ball back into the hands of Enyo.
" I hope for the sake of our sister, you fail.' Enyo spoke, "Yet, I doubt you will. Farewell, hero."
" I hope I don't fail…" Percy muttered, "Goodbye."
With that he stepped forwards, pushing open the shiny gates.
Before him lay a vast garden, flourishing with flora and fauna. Roses of every color bloomed on the bushes. Ivy grew on the walls. Violets and lavender grow like wildflowers all over. In the middle of the gardens grew a single tree, from which hung gold apples. Butterflies fluttered from flower to flower, while peacocks wandered around with their rainbow tails. A drakon, with one hundred snoring heads, was curled around the base of the tree. By the tree sat a group of young girls, playing various instruments and dancing. At his feet, a pathway of stones led to the tree. When he started to walk towards them one looked up at him.
Zoe Nightshade.
She smiled kindly then turned to her sisters, to announce his arrival. They ceased the music and all stood still. The oldest then motioned for him to come closer.
Percy looked about the garden, realizing where he was. He remembered Zoe speaking of her sisters, and their golden apples. How Hercules tricked her, and her sisters banished her. But, here she was. She looked so happy, at home with her sisters. Percy burned with rage at Hercules. He ruined so many lives, the poor river god wasn't the only one.
The oldest smiled kindly, " Young hero, what brings you to the garden of Hera?'
"Hera?" Percy asked, struggling to hide his disgust with the goddess, after what she had done to Annabeth and him. That did, however, explain the peacocks.
" Why yes hero, this garden belongs to Hera. These are her apples. They were given to her by the Earth Mother when she was married to Zeus," Zoe smiled.
Percy looked back at the tree. If only Zoe knew how much trouble those apples would bring her. For a moment he considered telling her. He could spare her all that pain, he didn't want his friend to suffer. Though, if he did it might change something. Percy had no clue what was going on, why he was here, or how he would get home. He didn't even know if he could go home, but he tried not to think about that. Despite not knowing what was going on, he didn't want to risk messing time up.
" I come seeking your aid. I need to kill the gorgon Medusa, and I was told you could help," Percy explained ," I need to know where she is, and tools to kill her."
" Ah yes young hero. We can help. You have the shield, sandals, and weapons. However, I present you with the helmet of Athena," the oldest said.
She handed him a golden hemet, with a spectacular golden plume bursting from the top. The feather was made of gold, and splayed out stunningly behind the helmet, falling down to the nape of the neck. The helmet itself was also gold. It had two holes for eyes. The holes joined in the middle, melding into a small slit running from the top of the nose to the bottom of the helmet. The slit was made to allow breathing.
" Thank you," Percy said, smiling widely, " Do you know where I might find Medusa?"
" She lives on an island in the ocean west of here. It is called Sarpedon. There she resides, with her two sisters Stheno and Euryale. They all have snakes for hair, cursed by Athena for their unholy crimes. Medusa was given the worst punishment of all, for her great sins. All who see her eyes turn to stone, so she may never lay with another man."
" Thank you," Percy said " You have been a great help."
" Farewell, Perseus. May your quest bear great fruits. Perhaps we shall meet again," Zoe called out as Percy began to walk away.
" I can't wait till the day." Percy said, taking one last, long look at his friend for the final time, "Goodbye," he spoke, voice brittle.
With that he turned around, heading back down the stone path to the sparkling gates. Behind him lay a garden for the gods and a dead friend. Before him lay an old enemy and an uncertain future.
Hey guys, Imma Back! Next chapter up whenever possible, probably next weekend. If you wanna know when I manage to get my life together enough to publish, tickle that follow story button. You will get an email when I upload a chapter. Also, thanks so much for over 150 views! I never thought it would happen, and it's all thanks to you!
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