DIVINE! | percy jackson

chapter five - thalia fails her driving test

CHAPTER FIVE
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PERCY WAS devastated. The last thing he expected from Artemis was for her to potentially ruin his life. Bianca was now one of her Hunters. Immortal... forever. At the Goddess' side... forever.

He felt bad for Nico, he truly did. But what made his heart beat a thousand times faster was the thought that he would lose Estella to Artemis, too. Percy wouldn't doubt that Artemis would ask Estella to join her.

She was amazing at fighting and she had some awesome powers, thanks to her mother, Hecate. But Percy didn't know if Estella would be tempted by the idea of immortality, and most importantly, warding him off forever.

Artemis noticed the look of worry on the boy's face. She chuckled.

"Don't fret, Percy. I don't want young Estella to be one of my huntresses," Artemis said.

Percy snapped his head up.

"She would make a great one. But her mother is... well, she doesn't have the same morals as me, as you know I am a maiden Goddess. Hecate is about temptation, and I doubt her daughter could resist love forever," the goddess said.

Percy couldn't tell if he should be excited or offended on Estella's behalf.

"I don't think us demigods are exactly like our parents. You shouldn't judge Estella off of the decisions her mother makes," Percy argued.

Artemis pondered, putting a delate hand on her chin. "I suppose you're right," she hummed.

Percy gulped, wondering why he had to open his mouth. He wordlessly walked out of her tent before he could hear Artemis decide if she were going to ask his friend to become a Huntress.

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          ESTELLA PRACTICALLY camped out by Artemis' tent, waiting for Percy to come out. She couldn't help but feel offended that Artemis would rather talk to a boy than to her.

Nico sat by her side and showed her his figurines. She couldn't help but feel pity for the boy. The only person he had was his sister, and she wasn't the kindest to him.

"Do you know who our parent is?" He asked. "I hope it's someone cool! Maybe Apollo?"

Estella knew that Nico was far from Apollo's child. The God's genes were impeccable at giving his children sun-kissed skin and golden hair, two things Nico lacked. Estella couldn't put her finger on who could be his father.

"Hmm. Maybe Ares?"

Nico shrugged. "I just want to get cool powers like you! Grover told me all about them. Hey, maybe you can show me some?"

Estella grimaced. She made sure to only practice alone, without the eyes of others on her. Ironically, her powers made her feel self-conscious. Like Chiron reminded her, her abilities weren't performances, and she shouldn't treat them as such.

"Maybe another time, Nico."

The boy sighed, frowning. Estella didn't want to make him more upset than he probably was, but now wasn't the time to show off.

Thankfully, she spotted Percy walking out of Artemis' tent. Estella jumped up and sent a small smile at Nico before walking toward him.

He glanced at her, an awkward smile forming on his face. Something in there must've been uncomfortable.

"What did Artemis want?" She questioned.

Thalia and Grover approached them at Estella's question, wondering the same thing. The hunters packed up camp while they stood together.