Demi-God: The Lost

Chapter Five

"Are you sure? She's gonna be okay? You promise?" That's Flynn's voice. So they must have both survived the fall.

"You believe us so quickly? Usually you mortals require much more proof than just our word." A woman's voice. It's soft and gentle. But also fierce and commanding.

"Well...I mean, seeing a centaur and all is kinda proof enough." Riley opens her eyes. They're in an open area in the forest. Parts of her shirt had been singed off, but it's nothing too bad.

Flynn is talking to a woman and next to her is a man. The boy doesn't seem too old, maybe his early twenties. The girl, however, is around twelve years old. They also have a quiver and bow along with some hunting accessories. "Oh good, you're awake. There isn't really much time to talk so we're just gonna have to make this quick." The girl starts off, turning to face Riley. She has silver blonde hair and matching silvery yellow eyes. The boy has short golden hair and simmering blue eyes.

Just based on looks alone, it's obvious the boy is more childish than the girl, his posture being more laid back while her's is rigid and straight, "My name is Artemis and this is my brother Apollo," So these guys are greek gods and goddesses? Then it really is happening. This isn't a dream.

That centaur called Riley, 'child of Zeus' so does that mean Zeus is real too? And is he really her father? Even if he is, she would want nothing to do with him. He's been gone this long, why join the party now?

"You are the child of Zeus. And we have a few rules in Olympus. So listen up, I'll only explain it once." Riley and Flynn lock eyes for a moment, both showing great confusion, "Because you are the child of Zeus, you must participate in a challenge. Win, and you'll be good to do whatever you want again. Lose, and you'll die." Riley flinches.

"Die?" She mutters.

"Yep. Same for if you refuse to participate." Artemis crosses her arms and leans on one leg, "You ain't got a choice really."

"Why me though?" Riley whispers. The sun has crossed most of the sky by now. How long had she been asleep for? Artemis sighs impatiently.

"Because the gods like to have a lot of children, so as a way to prevent Olympus from overpopulating, every half blood or minor blood has to enter a challenge to test if they're worthy or not. Win and prove you are, or lose and die." Apollo stands up and walks over to Riley, he leans his arm on his sister's head, using it to keep standing.

"And our great king, Zeus, just happens to be your unfortunate father." Riley stares dumbfound at the duo.

"You expect me to fight for my life, because Zeus couldn't keep it in his pants?" Apollo smiles while nodding his head swiftly. Riley stares at the two, "Go to hell. Never happening. I'm not putting my life on the line for a man that's never given a single shit about me." She grabs Flynn's arm and begins walking away from the duo.

"I told you, if you refuse, you'll die." Artemis twirls a knife in her hand, "The system is stupid, I know. But I promise there is some good to it. All you have to do is win. Once you do, you can go back to your life."

Riley steps back, her arms folded tightly across her chest, "I refuse to fight for a man that abandoned me." She turns on her heel and swiftly leaves the group. Flynn looks back and forth, a large frown on his face. With a subtle whine, he follows Riley.

"Please Riley. I don't think Artemis was joking about the whole 'you'll die' thing." Riley smacks a branch in anger only for it to fling back and smack her right in the nose.

"Look, Flynn!" Riley shouts in anger, she whirls around to face him.

"Go back to your field and forget this ever happened. I'm going home. I have a brother I need to take care of." Without waiting for a response she turns on her heel and marches through the thick forest trees.