The Werewolf King - A Percy Jackson Fan-Fic

Chapter 11: Son of Hades

 Nico

Chapter 11: Son of Hades

            So I guess Artemis has told the story by far. It was a shock when I accidentally shadow travelled next to that railway track and found her lying their unconscious and her gash on her head bleeding like mad. She wasn’t that all heavy so I carried her a little further from the tracks and tended to it. Yeah, she is very pretty. I liked her black hair and her eyes though by the sounds of it, Leo thinks her eyes are scary. Well, I got to admit, after her dream, she is beginning to be creepy, but she’s made me feel something which I’ve never felt before.

            We arrived at Clevenger Canyon Open Space Park (a mouthful) at around lunch time. Since we had until sunset, Percy suggested we go have lunch. ‘It’s gonna be our last, so might as well make it count,’ he had said cheerfully. I gave him a funny look but followed him. Stopping by a nearby café, we ordered and sat back relaxing our arms and legs. ‘So,’ Artemis asked, ‘does anyone have a plan?’ Percy gave her a sympathetic look. After all, she was the youngest here with us. ‘I suggest we find the place where Lycaon is and then be ready whenever he attacks,’ suggested Percy. ‘Maybe we should listen to what he says as well.’ I stood up and said, ‘I’ll go and scout around.’

‘Me too,’ Artemis quickly said standing up, ‘I’ll go as well. I want to see for myself where he is.’ Percy and Leo shrugged.

‘Alright,’ said Leo, ‘It’s your stomach that won’t get any more food.’ Artemis glared at him and walked off. I followed.

            I walked with her awkwardly for some minutes up hills on paths. Finally, when I could bear it no longer I asked, ‘Artemis, what was the prophecy?’ Artemis stiffened. She looked at me carefully and finally said, ‘In the west, awaits the werewolf king,

Three shall go to him by the middle of spring.

The forge and ocean shall decide whether they prevail or raze,

The fear shall become cursed to the end of her days.

The ghost king shall join along the way,

And find a love which will finally make him stay.’

            I frowned at the lines. This wasn’t the first time I was called the ‘ghost king’. I looked at her and her expression made it clear that she wasn’t going to say anymore. We stopped beside a small bench and sat down watching the trees sway in the gentle wind. ‘Long week,’ commented Artemis. I nodded slowly. ‘What’s it like being a son of Hades?’ she asked.

‘Alright once you’ve got used to it,’ I replied, ‘though I really wish some people would just stop looking at me as if I’ve come from a different world.’ Artemis looked at me looking offended and said, ‘I don’t look at you as if you’ve come from a different world.’

After some silence, she asked, ‘What kind of powers do you have?’ I didn’t think it was a rude question so I answered.

‘I can control the dead and I can also learn things from them. I also brought one of my half sisters back from the underworld.’ Artemis at least didn’t look disgusted. ‘You know,’ I started, ‘the day I saw you, it was as if my heart had stopped beating.’ She looked at me as if I had said something stupid and said, ‘Well duh! I was covered in blood and I was unconscious.’

‘No not that type.’ I said back.

Artemis sighed. ‘I know.’

Leaning towards her, I said, ‘You know?’

‘Yes,’ she said, ‘I’ve been feeling the same was as you since I’ve seen you.’ I assume that’s a good thing since she also likes me. Then without thinking, I leaned towards her and kissed her. Her lips were soft and surprisingly, she kissed me back. At that moment, everything didn’t matter. Not the quest, or Lycaon. We broke away gasping. ‘Wow,’ Artemis finally commented ‘I don’t think we should let Percy and Leo know.’ I grinned at her agreeing, ‘Let’s get back to looking for Lycaon’s hideout.’

‘Alright,’ she replied. We stood up holding hands and walked up the path. A little further, we could see a big cave and could hear faint growling. Artemis absent-minded touched her ring she was wearing. ‘Let’s go,’ she whispered. I nodded and we slowly backed away. After the cave was out of sight, we turned and ran back to the café.