Mortal Power: A Percy Jackson Fanfiction

Chapter 18

I wake up to the mythology book on my face. I'm about to remove it when I hear Orca and Drake talking quietly as they pack their things.

"Look, there's obviously something different about her," hisses Orca.

"So?" Says Drake. "Afraid of her?"

"Of course not," she replies firmly. "I'm worried about her. I still don't think we should just wander into the wilderness. Especially with these people after her. None of us are safe."

There's a pause, I think Drake is nodding. "Either way, we have the wisdom of Athena, the best swordsman at camp and some... multi-abilities to fight the monsters with. What's the worst that could happen?"

"I still don't feel so great about it."

Before I can stop myself, a cough racks my body. Orca and Drake go silent as I sit up and take the book off.

"Hi," I say cheerfully, as if I'd been asleep. "Packing, are we?" I grab my bag and join in.

Of course, they see right through me.

"Audin," she says tentatively, "whatever you heard, we were just-"

"Talking about me behind my back? That's fine, I'm sure it's some Ancient Greek custom."

"Look," says Drake. "We're just worried about the quest. There's no need to-"

"No, I get it. It's rough being with a fugitive and a weirdo."

Before they say anything else, I go out the door mumbling about 'fresh air'.

______

I kick a pebble on the sidewalk, my hood barely over my face. As I pass a window I notice another poster with my face on it and rip it off, throwing it onto the wet sidewalk.

I turn into an empty alley way and stomp in a little way before dropping onto a step. I huff and blow a strand of hair out of my face.

"You look troubled. Might I help?"

I look up like I've heard a gunshot and can't believe what I see.

A woman is standing before me in a white dress with shimmering peacocks sewn into the fabric. Her soft brown hair is braided with gold over her shoulder. She smiles faintly down at me and the whole alley way lights up in her presence.

"I think you've 'helped' me enough, mother."

Her eyes narrow at me. "I sense a frustrated tone, Audin." Her expression softens again, and she sits on the step next to me after a distasteful glance at it. "I understand things have been frustrating for you. Being a demigod is stressing, let alone..." She gestures at me. "Your situation."

I ball my fists. "And what is my situation? Why won't anyone tell me?"

She sighs. "I'm afraid you must continue on this journey to discover yourself."

I roll my eyes. "Remind me why the gods don't tend to actually help more?"

Hera stands abruptly. "You would do to exercise politeness in a goddess's presence!"

I stand and look her right in the eyes, which is a risk, since she's starting to give off more power and light. "But you can't blast me to bits. You need me, don't you?"

She doesn't reply. We stand there for what seems like minutes, staring each other down. "Well," she says with gritted teeth. "Your gift will have to wait until our next meeting."

"I look forward to it," I snigger.

She steps back and smooths her dress down. "I will await your apology."

"Cuckoo," I mock.

With an angry glint in her eye, she disappears.

______

The door swings open with a bang and I charge inside. Orca and Drake look up quickly.

"Audin!" she exclaims. "We're so sorry-"

"I met Hera."

"What?"

"And made her mad." I grin. "Really mad."

"That's not something to be proud of," warns Orca. "She's a goddess, remember?"

Drake laughs. "What did you say?"

"Cuckoo."

His jaw drops. "In reference to the story of how Zeus tricked her into marriage? Brilliant!"

I smirk. "She said she was going to give us a gift, but now it has to wait."

Orca face palms. "You need to work on your attitude."

I clap my hands together. "Well, we have a road to walk. Let's go."

I grab my bag and walk out. Drake and Orca follow.

"You know," says Drake as he catches up to me. "Orca is right. You need to reign yourself in a little."

I snort. "Like you would've behaved any different."

"I don't know," he replies. "I mean, I've never met my mom, but I'd be pretty dang respectful."

"At least your mom is cool."

______

I'm so sorry that this is so short! I hate it but I just can't write anything else in this chapter.

Either way, did you like it? I hope you did. I'm sad that this is coming to a close ;-;

Hope you guys are all good.

Vote, comment and follow if you will,

K.C. Bailey