Wrath of a Halfblood (A Percy Jackson Fanfic)

2.2

She felt sick the moment they stopped moving, though still in Hermes' arms, she felt like she was falling over. 

"Woah, easy princess! Please do not purge yourself in my direction." He cringes setting her on her feet but not releasing her until the moment of nausea past. 

When her vision unblurred she glanced at her surroundings. They were at the base step of a large temple covered in the symbols of Apollo. 

"The Oracle will be up those stairs... this is where my hospitality ends... I hope you gain everything you wish for my little anomaly." Hermes spoke softly as he raised her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. 

"Thank you, Hermes... really." She smiled softly. 

"I will see you around, princess." Hermes winked before he was gone. No god would be able to interfere after receiving her prophecy. Up the stairs she ran, two at a time, not giving the fates the chance to stop her. 

Her bare feet slamed against the marble stairs slapping like lightning with every step. She heard the gasps and awe of the worshipers who had come to leave offerings for Apollo. She wore the clothes of a goddess of the sea, shells, and pearls decorating her hair, and blue shining silk draped over her. 

Not only was Percy objectively extremely beautiful, but she also had the slightest glow of divinity, displaying her weakening mortal shell. Many watched in awe, whispering among themselves to determine which goddess had appeared before the temple. 

It was then that one man recognized her, he had been an Achaean soldier in the Trojan War who returned to his homeland of Delphi after receiving an arrow in the leg and losing his ability to fight. 

"The goddess, Percy, Daughter of the sea, lady of ships, defender of the Legion, the maiden warrior." He shakily released his grip on his crutch and fell onto his injured knees, praying and kissing the steps. 

Others heard his gasp and turned. A little girl came up to the man and asked who the goddess Percy was. The soldier was quick to tell the tale of the young goddess who visited the Achaeans. The people gathered around as they heard the story of the goddess who saved the princess and single-handedly guided their ships. He then told the tale of how the goddess battled war himself on behalf of the army and won.

And with that, her worshipers grew. 

Percy paid no mind to the chaos in her wake as she entered the temple, startling many of the maidens who served the oracle, "I need to speak with the Oracle." 

The smell of incense was overpowering but Percy paid it no mind as she stepped into the sacred temple. 

"My Lady, please this is not how it is done. We would be happy to announce you to the oracle but there are proper channels." One of the older maids spoke up, placing down the oil she was using to refill the lights around the temple. 

"I'm sorry but I am in a hurry. I'm Percy Jackson, on a quest, and I need a prophecy from the oracle now." Percy hissed. She didn't want to be rude but there was a very real possibility the gods would try to interfere before her quest officially began. 

There was silence before a figure emerged from behind a sea of silk curtains. An elderly woman emerged, her eyes distant and dreamy as she gave no indication of confusion, "I am whom ye seek, daughter of the sea god. Come..." 

She turned her back and with an arrogant smirk to the meddling maid, Percy was quick to follow behind, fighting another wave of dizziness as prayers began pouring in her ears. 

The Oracle sat down on a stone bench and extended her hands to the demi-goddess, "Approach, child... Face your destiny." 

"Facing my destiny is exactly what I'm trying to avoid," Percy muttered to herself but knelt before the oracle anyway and placed her own hesitant hands in the iron grip of the older woman. 

The room felt colder and her eyes turned a sickening neon green. Her voice grew distant and dreamy as the prophecy fell from her lips.

"In shadows deep where whispers call, A hero's fate awaits her fall.

To journey where the dead do dwell, and hear the ancient secrets swell.

To save a life, yet lose your soul, or remain a mortal but pay the toll.

A god you'll rise, with endless might, or die a human, fate rewrite.

Heed this warning, make it true, the gift freely given your quest undo.

For in the end, when all is clear, you'll find the price is far too dear.

Beware suitors with smiles so bright, who claim to aid and share your fight.

For underneath, their hearts are cold, and treachery is what they hold.

Death cradles the elixir a god bane To grant thee mortal breath and end thy pain

One sip, and life will softly slip away, A fleeting whisper, at the close of day.

Two paths ahead, both veiled in night, One leads to power, one fates do spite.

And yet, to die as mortal's best, to join your kin, to find your rest.

To earn your death let morals slip, Forsake what's right, and loose your grip."