Lieutenant

Chapter 24

Zoë couldn't enjoy the camp atmosphere as much as she had in the past. The other girls loved it. She could tell by the way they relaxed and laughed, generally the loudest table in the pavilion. Only Zoë couldn't be happy. She was sick with worry and the feeling had yet to leave since Artemis' departure.

What was worse there was no real goodbye. Apollo had arrived and it wasn't like Zoë could tackle Artemis in a hug or kiss her until she nearly passed out from an oxygen deficit. Certainly not in front of everyone else but Artemis knew. She'd learned how to communicate through thoughts.

All Zoë could say was, don't go. And Artemis was left to keep her composure. Well, for the most part. There had been a slip, Apollo's flirtations. She had scolded him, he was not to flirt, assist, let alone look at any of her hunters, especially Zoë. He was smart enough to take the hint.

Zoë snapped from her thoughts feeling a gaze on her. She turned ever so slightly to see Percy Jackson staring at her with those piercing green eyes. Distaste coiled in her stomach and she was quick to look away.

Of course, Zoë wasn't left alone to handle her thoughts. Chiron had his stupid games to keep the little boys entertained. Capture the Flag, how fitting. The hunters would win once again, like usual.

The girls were well equipped to triumph. They followed each of Zoë's commands like a well-oiled machine. Only the night wasn't as simple as it was supposed to be. The game concluded with a brawl.

As it would turn out Thalia was as unfond of Percy as she was. The two got into a scrap that only ended thanks to Chiron. It would have been humerus for Zoë if it had not been followed by such a damning prophecy.

It was why she had lost sleep, why she had laid awake in the cabin staring at the ceiling. The words echoed in her head over and over again until it was more ingrained in her memory than her own name.

What was worse, she knew why Artemis had refused her company. It was her father. He'd managed to awaken, somehow and someway he'd thrust his burden upon someone else. Then it clicked, the girl, Annabeth. She must be there, in the confines of Zoë's home. On that horrible and dreary mountain.

Though she appreciated Artemis' concern and love for leaving her behind, Zoë wished now more than anything that she was with her beloved. It would give her some reassurance even if it meant confronting her father.

What was worse Zoë had to select a team of individuals to accompany her on her quest. She knew the boy, Percy Jackson, would not willingly sit by and allow the quest to go on without him. However, Zoë could not imagine bringing him along. She was tired of impulsive and arrogant young boys ruining girls' lives.

So her trial though it had seemed so simple at first, simply staying at camp until Artemis returned, only worsened. As predicted creating a team of elite individuals to go on the dangerous journey was difficult. Zoë's small consolation was that she would have the company of friends.

At first, she was hesitant to select Bianca but the irk was so eager to prove herself. So eager to be nurtured in a healthy environment with someone who would pay attention to her and guide her. Zoë knew it was her job to nurse Bianca along and thus she would, keeping her safely under her wing even on the quest.

Of course, things hadn't been going smoothly to start hence they wouldn't for some time after. Thalia was journeying with them and Phoebe had been pranked by two ridiculously stupid and annoying boys. A replacement was needed, and though it was cold-shouldered, Zoë still passed over Percy and selected the satyr.

With the quest and relative details settled it was time to retire back to the cabin. What would once have been a safe refuge was no longer as it had been.

Zoë's dreams were infiltrated with a nightmare. It was something more horrific than she suspected. She had no way of knowing whether it was swarming for the future or the current state of things. It did not matter though, her stomach twisted in grief.

Artemis willingly took her father's sky for the sake of Annabeth. A young maiden. Of course, Artemis would be so selfless. Beautiful and stupid Artemis.

Zoë wanted to cry out. To strike her father down right then and there. Only she couldn't. It was just a stupid dream as painful as it was. Only there was some extent of connection and power within dreams.

"Zoë, do not fear." It was Artemis. Under normal circumstances, the goddess' voice would have soothed the Hesperide, but hearing her sound so calm, despite the struggle of bearing the weight of the sky, made her hurt.

"My Lady, please-I..." Zoë didn't quite know what to say. What was there to say? She couldn't do anything, not yet anyway.

"Zoë you must not concern yourself with my decision. You must finish this quest for the sake of Olympus and Perseus Jackson's destiny." Artemis sounded so certain despite the sweat beading on her brow. She was already beginning to struggle.

Zoë did not doubt her lover's strength. Artemis would not give in easily. Her stubbornness and pride did not allow her to, and Zoë had seen numerous occasions where such traits had quite literally, provided the goddess with enough strength to do the impossible.

However, now was not the time for Zoë to rely on complete faith for her goddess. Now was the time where she wanted to bolt awake and drag everyone out to the van and begin the quest.

"I will be by thee side as soon as possible. Thou must withhold." Zoë pleaded.

"Shhh. I will be alright, love. You must be careful. Your father will not hesitate to destroy you." Even now Zoë could see Artemis watching someone from her peripheral. Someone out of sight and dangerous enough to call the goddess' attention away from her lover.

"I know this. Only I must work within the perimeters of my companions. If I was alone I could complete-"

"No!" Artemis' protest was firm. "You must remain diligent. Do not let your emotions cloud you. You are smart Zoë. Do not be a fool."

"Little girl, look at you." The deep thunderous voice was all too familiar to Zoë. It was Atlas. Artemis snarled at him in anger eyes gleaming vibrantly. "Now that is no way to treat your host. I assure you, the entertainment to come, will be well worth the pain."

A loud echoing chuckle rocked through the mountain. Zoë saw Artemis' eyes flick quickly in her direction and the gesture was followed by one word, "Go."

Zoë snapped awake in a cold sweat, heart hammering in her chest. The others were still asleep, it was still dark outside. She would not be going back to sleep. Swallowing hard Zoë curled up in her bunk and clutched the feathered pillow to her chest trying desperately to erase the images from her head.

She could not help but cry. After this, there would be no more time for tears. It was best to get it out now. She had a mission to follow and orders to obey. Artemis would be alright, Zoë had some faith in that fact.