Home Is Where The Heart(h) Is

Chapter 6: Sorrow

Chapter 6: Sorrow

Percy stared into the depths of the flames, unable to form a complete thought in his mind. He was unofficially banished from camp with an injured Hestia, hated by his girlfriend, and could not approach anyone, for they would be inflicted by Aphrodite's charm. He was not sure whether his parents would be affected, but better to stay safe.

And so here he was, camping in the woods a considerable distance away from Camp Half-blood. At least he managed to swipe some bandages from a nearby convenience store and dress Hestia's wound. He had also taken two sleeping bags. Lastly, he made a fire for two reasons. One, he needed the warmth, and beyond the borders were not under the magic of the controllable weather. Two, he hoped that Hestia would still remain in her form, and not switch back to Aphrodite.

He recalled the events that happened earlier. What if he had just lied and said that he still loved Annabeth? Would it be better Hestia receive medical attention earlier, instead of after she had lost a lot of blood? Would it be better, if he had distanced himself from her, so that she would be safe?

Then what? He couldn't stand to not be around Hestia at night. She had become something deeper than a friend to him. She had become a part of his life. And nothing would take him away from her.

The conviction in his thoughts rattled him, the part of his mind that told him it was wrong, but he didn't care.

He heard the quiet snoring of Hestia beside him and turned to look at her. Her face looked so peaceful and pale, nothing like the dark side of Aelia Hawthorn. He suddenly noticed that the cinders that sparked from the fire seemed to drift towards Hestia, some touching her although not hurting. They glowed sunrise yellow when they did. At the same time, he heard a soft hiss.

They're expelling Aphrodite from the form.

He reached over and covered her head with her cloak, and as he did that, something deep overpowered him. Something warm, spilling from his head to toe, an overwhelming sense of...

Love.

As though he had been possessed, he gently brushed his lips on her right cheek and whispered, "Good night, Hestia." Then, he turned over and slept.

Just as Percy drifted into a peaceful slumber, the goddess of the hearth opened her eyes and brushed the spot where the demigod had kissed her, the first ever in her entire immortal life. You didn't just go up to a chaste goddess, especially the chastest of all, and kiss her. The gods would smite anyone who did that. But now Percy Jackson had done it, and what was her reaction?

Ever so slightly, her lips curled up into a small smile, lighting up her face.

(Author's Note: YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH I WANTED TO END THE CHAPTER RIGHT HERE TO SEE YOU GUYS SQUIRM. JUST SAYING)

~

Camp Half-blood was in absolute chaos. The Ares campers were missing, along with Percy Jackson. The gods were not responding to the prayers. The strangest thing was, everyone seemed to recall a strange demigod that had appeared, but the description of trimmed blonde hair, blue eyes and stunning radiance was not found in the camp, not even the Aphrodite cabin.

Chiron was having some trouble getting the campers to settle down as the camp assembled in the amphitheatre. The flames were bright orange and moved wildly.

"Heroes!" Chiron roared, stamping his hooves for what seemed like the hundredth time. Finally did everyone quieten, though the flames still burned with the same excited passion.

"I know about the matters everyone wants to discuss! The Ares campers and Percy Jackson are missing, and there seems to be a strange girl that everyone remembers but is not found within the camp. When we turn to the gods for guidance, they have not answered our prayers. Olympus seems to be closed."