Titans Wrath

Percy: Chapter 4

     Artemis's glare was enough to fill me with dread, and I started to take a hesitant step away from her. "Listen here, boy, and listen well. I may respect you, you may have been Zoe's friend, but that does not mean I'm going to like you being with the hunt, nor will my hunters. This will not be easy for you." She glowered, walking towards me as she did so. As she got closer, panic swept through me and I reached for my pocket but before I could make a move, her hand touched my shoulder. 

     Searing pain flooded through my whole body and I gasped out in surprise. She kept her hand on my shoulder as every muscle in my body was pull taut. I grit my teeth and closed my eyes, falling to one knee. After what felt like an eternity, the pain subsided to a dull throbbing in my head. As I knelt there, panting for breath, my skin literally steaming, I started noticing things. 

     The crackle of the hearth seemed louder, and I swear I could here Hestia's breathing from across the room. I could hear voices outside, lots of them, and the constant sound of feet on stone roads. My head swam with all the noises as I opened my eyes, only to shut them instantly. Everything seemed sharper, and brighter. I forced my eyes back open and pushed my way to my feet, taking in my surroundings. 

     My eyes snapped to every bit of sudden movement, like my ADHD was given steroids. From across the room I could count the hairs of Hestia's bangs. My eyes turned back to Artemis, and I had to look slightly further down to see her than before. She had look of begrudging respect on her face as she looked me over. 

     "Well, you didn't die, unfortunately. You passed the test, congrats. You proved worthy to bear the blessing of the moon. Your senses are sharper, and it appears to have effected your height for some reason. Give it a couple days and you won't be as sensitive to everything. The Hunt should be reaching Half-Blood Hill right about now, meet us there. I'll inform them of your election so they have some time to calm down." She stated matter of factly. She didn't stand around to give me time to ask questions or anything, only giving me enough time to look away before she flashed out. I sighed and heard a soft chuckle from Hestia. 

     "Why did I have to be assigned to Artemis? Why couldn't they have one of the girls do it?" I grumbled, just to feel a hand slip into mine. I looked down and saw Hestia in her 8 year old form. She smiled up at me and spoke softly. 

     "I'm sure it'll be alright, my hero. Are you sure you are up to this? Even you have your limits." She says with a smile, but I just sigh. "I can't refuse the will of the Olympians, Hestia. And, she's already given me her blessing. And besides, like Athena said, the odds of this prophecy actually happening in this century, much less my lifetime, is extraordinarily slim. I just wanna get this over with so my wise girl and I can be left alone for once." 

     She gives me a warm smile before I start to glow with a faint orange light, and a warmth spread through my chest. It wasn't painful, it was more comforting than anything. I felt the familiar tug in my gut like when I use my powers over water, but this time, all I felt was a cool breeze on my hands. I looked down and saw fire burning up to my elbows, but it didn't hurt. It felt like lukewarm water lapping against my skin. 

     On instinct I shook my hands and the fires went out, and Hestia laughed. "It'll take some time, and do try and keep it to yourself, but you have my blessing as well. I get the feeling you'll need it, in time." Before I could argue she flashed out in a spiral of fire. I sighed and got ready to mist travel back to camp. 'This is gonna be fun.' I thought to myself. Note the sarcasm.

LINEBREAK

     On the bright side, I wasn't shot on sight. On the dark side, it was only because they had to aim first. Thankfully, Artemis was able to swat the arrows aside. Artemis shot me a look that said 'not now' before she turned back to the hunt. "Look, girls, I don't like this any more than you do, but we cant refuse the will of Zeus. Trust me, young Perseus here is just as uncomfortable with this as us." She was saying, and I shuffled in place behind her. There were a few grumbles of annoyance and a lot of sidelong looks of hatred before they all went on their way. Artemis sighed and turned to look at me, a tired look on her face. "I'm going to go lay down, talk to Thalia if you need anything." She started before walking to her cabin. I looked around awkwardly before shrugging and making my way to my own cabin.