Welp. Chapter three.
Here we go! WOOOOO HOOOOOOO!
cough* Sorry. Got carried away there. Just as I got carried away typing this chapter. Heh.
Answers to reviews:
candel06(again): Thanks. I hope this chapter is satisfactory for you and the rest of my readers.
DISCLAIMER: Anything dealing with Artemis will cause her to be OOC. Keep in mind she definitely remains a kickass goddess of the moon and hunt.
Without further ado…
Let's dive in.
Silver Hearts
Chapter Three
"Of Duels and Songs"
Mount Olympus Throne Room
Previously…
Poseidon was cut off as Artemis struck her daggers together three times, a loud high-pitched ping resounding throughout the room with each strike. For about five seconds after the final strike, there was nothing. No movement, no sound, nothing. That is until a rainbow hued wall of mist formed in the doorway of the throne room. Weapons flashed into the hands of every god present and were pointed at the wall. When the mist cleared, there was a tall hooded figure standing in its place.
The hooded figure they had just been discussing.
"I believe," the figure said, his rich voice reverberating in the silent throne room. "Introductions are in order."
Slowly raising his arms, he gripped his hood and pulled it back, revealing his face.
Everyone took in his charcoal gray skin, jet black hair, his glowing color changing eyes, the pure silver circlet adorning his head and his slightly pointed ears. Aphrodite audibly whimpered when her gaze raked over his well-defined muscles and the tight-fitting armor plates adorning his figure. Said armor plates were conformed to his body perfectly. There was no slack or over-tightening in the straps and rigging.
The man grinned, his white teeth flashing in the light.
"Greetings Olympians, I am Strider. First and only Champion of the Ardoni, the True Weaponsmaster and Wielder of all four Prime Songs of Power."
Now
Artemis POV
Silence.
My mind was reeling, unable to comprehend just what this man said.
Ardoni? Weaponsmaster? Songs? What?
To my right, I could see Athena rub her temples with a grimace on her face. No doubt her brain was also going as haywire as my own. Possibly even more so than mine, given her intellectual nature. Aphrodite was practically drooling at the figure's body and Zeus was… Zeus. His mouth was hanging open slightly and disbelief was written all over his face.
Ares, it seemed, had other plans though.
He shot up onto his feet, broadsword in hand, and shrank down to human size. Only to notice the figure was over seven feet tall and emitted a raw power signature that even the combined gods present didn't match. The god of war stormed up to the dark-skinned man and got in his face, staring him down. Strider just crossed his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow, blinking slowly every so often.
"Got a problem, Ares?" the man asked cheekily.
The war god's face reddened to the point where I thought his head would explode. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case as he uttered the dreaded words.
"You. Me. Arena. One on one. Everything at our disposal is permitted so long as it does not include others interfering. Now." He growled.
Strider just raised his other eyebrow and frowned a bit before responding neutrally. "Very well. Your funeral. Zeus, flash everyone there, including the demigods from both camps. They deserve to know what is transpiring firsthand." He turned around and raised his hood back over his head before turning to me and giving a slight wink.
My eyes widened and I felt my face heat up slightly before hearing his voice in my head. "Do you want me to actually kill him or just beat the shit out of him? I know how he bothers you all."
I pursed my lips, knowing he was expecting me to answer for everyone, thought about it for a moment and then smirked. "Break him enough to shatter his pride and ego for me will you?"
I felt a wave of amusement and acknowledgement roll over me from Strider and then Athena snickered behind me. Dionysus, Hestia and Hades suddenly fell out of their thrones, roaring with laughter as they curled into fetal positions and held their shaking sides. Poseidon was gasping for air and clutching Zeus's shoulder while Zeus chuckled beside him. Even Demeter and Hera, the usual party-poopers, were laughing so hard that tears were dripping from their eyes. Aphrodite was laughing so hard, I could hear her wheezing from across the room. Hephaestus was even smiling and chuckling from under his beard.
"I just met the dude and I already like him!" Apollo exclaimed while laughing.
"Hear, hear!" Hermes agreed.
We all flashed out and reappeared in Olympus's massive arena where us gods normally train and practice. Unsurprisingly, the stands were already filled. Demigods, dryads, satyrs, cyclops and my hunters were all present. Rainbow mist screens could be seen as those who couldn't attend watched from wherever they were. Bets were placed and the roaring of the crowd started dwindling down to muted side chit chat.
Down in the circle, I could see Ares in full battle regalia with his sword planted in the sand, staring at the- wait.
Chains clanked as the gate across from Ares rose. Everyone in the stands fell silent as the mysterious Ardonian strode forward. In his hand was a lance that was pitch black yet the barbed blade at the head emitted a faint green nimbus around it. But what captivated me the most was what he wore.
Thin modulated pitch black plate armor covered his torso, shoulders, biceps and forearms with a strange silvery triangle mesh-plated backing beneath it. The small triangular plate mesh glittered in the sunlight, seemingly drinking in the light as the plates attached to it absorbed the sun's energy. A crowned black helm was over his hood, keeping his face cast in shadow. A black visor hid his eyes so only his mouth and lower face were visible. His previous white cloak had been replaced with one that was pitch black with silver specks adorning it, mirroring stars. The edges of his armor plates glowed brightly, pulsing with barely contained power.
His knives were on his back and the sword from Reyna's story was at his hip.
I looked over at Ares, seeing his confident expression and thought one thing.
This is not going to end well for you, brother.
Strider POV
Fuck this dude.
Yeah. I said it. And I'll say it again.
Fuck Ares.
I know he wanted to prove his strength and I know how much of a bastard he is, but still. What an asshole!
I could see hints of a red aura as my aggressium song briefly flared to life before I managed to reign in my anger. I marched up to the central circle in the arena and slammed my spear into the ground, unleashing an explosion of red energy.
"You don't want to do this, Ares. Final warning." I stated seriously, looking into his eyes.
Ares merely smirked and we entered our respective stances.
Analyzing my opponent, I quickly noticed he would go for power swings and heavy-handed strikes. I shifted from the higher stance into an unknown stance.
Unknown to all those present, that is.
I could see Artemis and Athena pale slightly as I settled into a low crouch with my left hand placed on the ground and my spear resting on the back of my neck, draped across my shoulders. I let my right hand slide down the smooth shaft to grip near the base and I waited. Seeing Ares's sudden hesitation, I took advantage of his bloodlust tendencies.
"What are you waiting for, Boar Brain?" I taunted him. "These people don't have all day!"
Ares let loose a yell and charged, swinging his massive sword horizontally toward my neck at inhuman speed and I literally leaped into action. I not only jumped over the incoming blade, but twisted my body into a horizontal line. As I rotated through the air, I brought my spear around and let it strike the god of war.
CRACK
Ares collapsed immediately without a sound, ichor leaking from the left side of his head. I landed gracefully on my feet and casually leaned against my spear, looking down at my fallen opponent. The crowd was silent, not believing what they had just seen.
Ares, the god of War, taken down in just a single swing.
Turning to Artemis, I cracked a smile, causing her and her hunters to blush slightly. "Guess I hit him with the good night stick eh?" Artemis snickered and I decided to ask the question. "Is getting wiped on the first swing punishment enough? Or do I wake him up for another round or two?"
The crowd chuckled while the silver-eyed goddess's expression morphed into one of thoughtfulness, and she smirked. "I think this was humiliating enough. Athena? What do you think?"
"Hmmmm I think being dropped on the first swing is enough of a humiliation as it is." She turned to Apollo. "I assume we won't let him live this down for a few centuries, right?"
Apollo lost it, falling out of his chair as everyone else burst out laughing. I grinned, knowing I was already liked before my smile faded and I looked at the ground.
Zeus will definitely eviscerate me when he finds out just how powerful I truly am. I thought to myself. I will not make myself viewed as a threat.
I then spotted Apollo among the crowd, laughing his ass off, and I teleported us both to his palace.
Him and I needed to have a chat before the party.
Later that evening at Strider's victory party
Artemis POV
Wow. We gods really know how to throw a party.
Pop music was playing, people were dancing and drinking, and even Hestia and Hades were having an absolute blast. I smiled when Aphrodite pulled Poseidon onto the dance floor only to have Amphitrite yank him back to herself. Everyone laughed as the sea god was reduced to being the rope in a tug-of-war between the two females. Apollo was on DJ duty and I caught a flash of white appear beside my brother.
When I saw him, my heart stopped.
Strider was wearing a silvery tuxedo jacket that shimmered in the moonlight with a tight-fitting black undershirt. His pants were a matching silver and he wore glossy black shoes. A simple silver chain was around his neck. His starry cloak billowed around and behind him as he walked toward me.
Wait.
Walking… toward… oh no. This can't be happening.
Strider stopped in front of me and smiled down at me. I couldn't help but return the smile and his multicolored eyes twinkled in amusement. He gently placed his left hand on my shoulder and leaned in close where he whispered into my left ear.
"I have something for you, but you must come with me."
He drew back and held out his hand, which I took. He led me to the center of the dance floor and handed me a silver rose. I choked up, tears welling in my eyes before he placed a finger under my chin and brought my gaze up to meet his.
"Stay here, Arty."
I nodded numbly, my brain not really registering that he called me the nickname Apollo teases me with. I saw him reappear on the stage, microphone in hand.
What is he-
With a few taps on the microphone and the music stopping, he got everyone's attention.
"Hello ladies and gentlemen. I hope you're enjoying yourselves tonight because this is all on your dollar."
The crowd chuckled at his joke before he continued.
"Now, I spoke with her brother earlier, so I know he is all for this. Can I ask for everyone except Lady Artemis to clear the dance floor please?"
Hushed whispering and murmurs erupted but everyone obliged and shuffled off the dance floor until only I was left standing there. I clutched the silver rose he gave me tightly as a lifeline while people stared at me with jealousy, hate and loathing.
As I trembled in nervousness, he continued.
"Now now. I know what you all are thinking. You're all thinking I'm going to ask her for her hand in marriage. Well… no. I'm not. Sorry to disappoint."
My heart skipped several beats before beginning to drum in my chest again as he uttered his next lines.
"Instead of asking her how she feels, I am going to pour out my heart to her through a song. Yeah. I can sing… somewhat. And the song I am going to sing is by Jason Derulo. It is called 'It Girl.'"
The music started and a spotlight shone on me.
When he began to sing, tears spilled from my eyes. It was so lovely, and my unease toward him for being male immediately vaporized.
(If you want to listen to it, just look it up. It's a banger.)
Oh yeah
Oh yeah
I've been looking under rocks and breaking locks
Just tryna find ya
I've been like a maniac, insomniac
Five steps behind you
Tell them other girls, they can hit the exit
Check please
'Cause I finally found the girl of my dreams
Much more than a Grammy award
That's how much you mean to me
You could be my it girl
Baby you're the shit girl
Lovin' you can be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This is it girl
Give me twenty-five to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit girl
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like…
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like...
Let me play it loud
You can't help but turn them heads
Knockin' them dead (oh)
Dropping like flies around you
If I get your body close, not letting go
Hoping you're about to
Tell them other guys they can lose your number
You're done
They don't get another shot 'cause you're love drunk
Like a TV show playing reruns
Every chance I get
I'ma turn you on
You could be my it girl
Baby you're the shit, girl
Lovin' you can be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This is it, girl
Give me twenty-five to life (hey)
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit girl
Let me play it loud (hey!)
Let me play it loud like...
(come on, yeah!)
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like...
Let me play it loud
Can't seem to stop you from running, running
Through my, through my mind, mind
Just keep it coming, coming
'Til I make you mine, mine
You've got that something, something
I wanna be with girl (I wanna be with girl)
You're my greatest hit girl (you're my greatest hit girl)
Just say this is it, girl
Hey baby, don't you know you're my it girl?
You could be my it girl
Baby you're the shit girl
Lovin' you could be a crime
It's crazy how we fit girl
This is it, girl, gimme twenty-five to life (gimme twenty-five to life, baby)
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight (oh yeah)
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit, girl
Let me play it loud
I'ma play it loud like... (baby)
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... (hey yeah)
Let me play it loud
Let me hear you singin' like…
Everybody in the crowd
Let me hear you singin' like…
This is it, girl.
As the song faded into silence, he was standing in front of me as tears flowed freely from my eyes. I could smell his scent: the smell of smoked hickory wood. It enveloped me and I looked up at him with my watery eyes and embraced him, burying my face into his chest. I felt his arms snake around my waist and heard the muttering of the people surrounding us, but I couldn't care less.
I brought his head down to my lips and whispered in his ear.
"I accept your advances and I look forward to learning about you, Strider."
He nodded slowly and cracked a genuine smile, which I returned without hesitation. Looking at the crowd around us, I immediately spotted Reyna glaring daggers at me, making me raise an eyebrow. As Strider placed his cloak over me, I gasped at the sudden warmth and the weightlessness of such a massive article of clothing. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and guided us over to my hunters while everyone else got back to partying.
Thalia and Phoebe were staring at him in shock but the rest were glaring at Strider. Snapping his fingers, another cloak like the one draped over me appeared on him. He smiled at my hunters and knelt in front of them all, bowing his head which surprised them.
"I look forward to traveling with you all." He stated, his head still bowed. "I hope that my presence will not be a problem with your group. If there are problems that arise with me being around you girls, do not hesitate to pull me aside and speak with me about your concerns so we can work something out."
Thalia set her jaw and replied curtly. "Very well. If you break our mistress's heart, harm her or force yourself on her, we will not hesitate to kill you." Her eyes, tone and posture then softened. "We will, however, keep your request in mind and follow what you ask for. It's the least we can do."
Strider raised his head and nodded, smiling. He reached his hand out to Thalia who shook it. The huntresses all relaxed at this, as if a world war had just been avoided.
I smiled as he began learning their names, cracked jokes and had a good time with my hunters. The party blurred past me but I didn't care.
I had something that I thought I would never experience.
And there was no way in Hades I was going to let it slip away. Not if I had anything to say about it.
-
Aaaaaaand cut! Wow. I went all out there. The fuck? I know I didn't explain or demonstrate his songs of power, but I felt it was too early. Maybe in the next chapter or two I'll introduce them but not yet.
As always, be sure to like and favorite! And leave them dank reviews. I enjoy reading them as they let me know I'm satisfying my audience.
Until next time, peace.