Unwanted

Chapter Three

I sat quietly in a tall oak tree, listening for any signs of Artemis and her Hunters.

I didn't ask to be killed.

I didn't ask to be reborn.

I didn't ask to be placed as a Guardian of the Hunt.

I didn't ask to be the one and only Percy Jackson.

But the Fates hated me, and this was my price.

I sighed, and flashed out  a new power I had discovered. I needed to apologize to a certain goddess for disobeying her, but who was I to disobey Chaos' direct orders? And who wanted to reveal their identity to some of the people who got them killed? Maybe some idiotic weirdo, but not me for sure.

I found myself by a lake, the water as still as a sheet of glass. Walking forward, I sat down by the water's edge, the minimal waves lapping at my now bare toes. My boots lay next to me, having been removed quickly. I put my head in my hands, holding back tears. Yes, I the great Perseus Jackson was holding back tears.

Why were the Fates so cruel? Why was my life so messed up? I had been happy at first in the underworld, sent to Elysium, hanging out with Beckendorf and Silena, who knew I was innocent. Then Hades had interfered, and I was sent to the Fields Of Punishment.

It was awful, the brochure would've had to say something about 24/7 torture. I got special treatment though, visits from all my past enemies, and some evil primordials too.

Kronos visited the second most. You may ask how he was there? He was summoned by Hades to work in the fields of punishment. But I'll tell you about him in a second. I haven't gotten to the worst part.

My top fan was none other than my step-father Gabe. Smelly Gabe. Hades had released him from his punishment just so he could have fun with me, and believe me, I had never been more scared.

Then again, who wouldn't be? I had been practically raised to have nightmares about the man, he'd beaten me ever since I could stand up.

My position in the Fields was awful too. Hanging in 'x' formation, anyone and everyone got to hit me like a piñata. Except instead of candy, I spilled blood. Come and get it Kelli! Uh....I totally meant kids.

Kronos must have held a really bad grudge against me though. No idea why. That dude came back every day, starting as soon as I woke up. Not that I had a choice for sleeping, I wouldn't have slept if I could. The dreams, they were horrid. But they were part of the torture.

Kronos would start by dunking me in a tank if poisoned water. Slowly then, the water would harden, turning to ice. Then it would soften, just a little, and then morph into quicksand. That, I could drown in.

Suffocating was one of my worst fears, and he had used that to his advantage. And then there were the beatings.

Every day, after our dirt warm up, he would take out his scythe. Slowly and deliberately, he'd make cuts along my face and limbs, carving messages into my back. I hadn't even dared look at the yet, so I couldn't tell you what they said.

Then, he'd go faster, tearing through my bones and causing me such agony it was insane. Then he would dismember me.

Always with the hands first, he'd chop them off, his weapon of choice going down to my very soul, twisting it, the pain unbearable. Then to the elbows, then shoulders, then
ankles and so forth.

Finally, it would just be my bloody torso and head, and he'd cut me into tiny pieces, before waiting for me to reform in my prison. The pain. It was indescribable.

Gabe wasn't as creative as Kronos, but he had some good ideas too. Like making paper airplanes from my skin, or drinking bloody marries made from my blood. It was sickening.

I try not to think about it, for obvious reasons.

"Anagenniménos, what are you doing out here?" A cool and yet warm voice asked, a silvery glow illuminating the water. Artemis.

I had completely forgotten about apologizing to her, and it would have to wait.

"M'Lady." I said, dipping my head. She smiled, radiating warmth and harshness at he same time.

"Artemis please." She urged. "And, you haven't answered my question Guardian."

"I teleported here, unknowingly. I've always been drawn to water." I responded softly. Tears threatened to fall, but I was a warrior of steel. I didn't have time to cry.

"I see. Why are you so unlike other males may I ask?" Artemis said, hesitating before asking the question.

"I do not know M'Lady. Perhaps it is that my stepfather was abusive, and I did not wish to become anything like him. Perhaps it was my mother. Perhaps it was the will of Fate." I said thoughtfully, gazing across the water.

Artemis sat down next to me, glowing silver in the moonlight, her domain making her stronger.

"I see." She repeated, locking eyes with me. "Tell me now, why are you afraid?" She demanded.

"I am not afraid how you think I am." I said through clenched teeth. She was about to retaliate but I cut her off. "I have always been afraid of losing the ones I love. But I am also curious if there is anyone out there afraid to lose me."

Artemis was silent. "That is very wise." She said at last. I chuckled softly.

"Is there anyone who is afraid to lose you?" Artemis asked softly.

"If there is, I have yet to find the person." I whispered, and the river gates broken, open. Tears fell down my cheeks, and I started to shake. A warm hand was placed on my back, and with a jolt, I realized it was Artemis'.

"Hush. I am surprised that you have not already broken down. I think I know who you are." She said softly.

"Who?" I croaked.

"Perseus." She whispered, before gently yanking down my hood.

I nodded, and she saw the tears on my cheeks. With her thumb, she gently brushed them away.

"I am so sorry Perseus. I was foolish to believe the Athena scum." Artemis said, hugging me tightly. I tensed, unsure of whether of not to forgive her, when I decided to take my time.

"Don't rush into things that need time." I whispered sadly, before placing my hand on her forehead and erasing her memories of this moment. "I'm sorry." I mimicked, before flashing off, leaving Artemis there.