Forbidden Child of Lady Artemis

5

I AM ORIEN, FINALLY.

I thought I'll scream in joy when I'll finally get to see her. But I was wrong.

Seeing her now, I realized that there must be a reason why she didn't acknowledge me as her own. With the huntresses behind her, with their faces contorted and fowl, it's screaming a silent plea for Artemis to just ignore this kid and get back to their work in hunting both predators and preys.

However, Artemis stepped forward. Their faces now deformed and almost angry to their own Lady.

"Young child, my sweet young child, I have longed for you all these years." 

Her face so sincere that I want to believe that her words are true. She wasn't in her godly form when she appeared before me a while ago. But now, as she showed me how goddesses like her change dresses through smokes and mist, she transformed into a sweet deity, almost mother-like, almost looking as if she is my mother all along. I wish.

"But dear Orien, you have to know that I have to... leave you." She trailed off but had managed to look me in the eyes. Eyes reflecting with regret and remorse for all the years we wasted to even just see each other.

"So yeah, you have to do it. Yes... really." 

I obviously drawl echoing sarcasm and anger all at once.

She sadly smiled. 

"I knew you are still keeping a grudge against me. And I deeply understand, my child. But the reason that I kept you from everyone is because of your fated prophecy. And I think, as Pan had warned me since you were born, it is inevitable."

She reached for my shoulder and for once, I have seen and felt the aura of the fierce Artemis, the one in the battle as she spoke.

"Brace yourself."

I gasped. And with that, I woke up in my own bed eyes wandering towards the crystal chandeliers in the plain white ceiling in my bedroom.

Beverly Hills, LA, California

June 7, 2019; 11:59 PM

As I checked the time and date, my mouth flew wide open. Oh, boy!

I traveled back time, didn't I?

 I quickly went down almost jumping from our long staircase when my father, Jacques Gates, called me while sipping his tea.

"Where are you going? It's just 7 in the morning. That's odd." He smirked almost mocking me that I become a goodly good boy that he wished.

"So you're going to school now? Let me call your driver." His gesture was caught mid-air when I spoke.

"I met Artemis. I met my mom."

And before he could utter. I managed to form a crooked smile. 

"I have to go."

I run as fast as I could towards Professor Eugene's office. And there was no fresh breeze felt when I am approaching. Oddly, the door was locked.

Mr. Marvin, the institution's janitor and comfort room engineer walked passed me with his ancient map in his hands. He looked at me confused as I am still holding the unlocked knob. Marvin has been the school's utility officer since god knows when.

"Where's Professor Eugene? Why is his office locked?"

He looked at me clueless and bewildered. "That's my office."

Oh, he had one? "So where's Prof Eugene?"

"Who's Professor Eugene? I've known every faculty member here and there's no one named Eugene." He looked so serious that I have to believe it.

You have got to be kidding me. I looked around and saw a couple, I think, from our department and called them. Vleer, the school's sweetheart and NP Tan, a crazy rich but nerd Asian nearby looked at me. They both raised their eyebrows.

"We have a professor named Eugene, right? World Literature." I need a confirmation. Pan must be here somewhere.

"We have no professor who was named Eugene, Mr. Gates." Tan said to me directly and with that, I heaved a sigh.

Oh, they tricked me again!

As I run towards the gate, I bumped into Lyle still half asleep.

"We have to find Pan." I blurted in the middle of nowhere. But I came into a halt when he replied as if he understands.

"Come."

I have no choice but to follow. He led me into a big Neem tree near the sports field. The Indian lilac covers almost a quarter size of the field if compared.

"We're going to Mt. Olympus. Expect the um, unexpected."

And with that we traveled through whirlwind of smokes and mist. And when we arrived, eyes of gods were heated maybe from an argument. The Greek Temple was designed and constructed according to set proportions. Bright silvers and blues were contrasted with the white building stones of stucco. It was elaborated with figural decoration in the form of reliefs and pediment sculpture. There were porches protruding in the walls. And thrones with diverse themes for different gods.

"Orien Gates... son of Artemis, do you know why you are called here?" Zeus, the god of thunder as he is sitting in the center with a lightning bolt in his hands thundered his voice as loud as his powers. If he is in his good mood, I could've given him a reply "I didn't receive any call today." but he wasn't.

"No, sire."

"Now, we have decided to test you through venturing thy limits. In contrast with your mother's opinion of letting you go, I hereby demand you to go forth north and finished the quest you have started." He looked menacing and ruthless that everyone must follow his bidding or else you'll be turn into a lightning dust.

"Your friend, Veronica..." And then it hit me. Veronica! She's still in the island of Circe!

"... was taken by Circe as you have left her behind." I didn't. I was just... it left my mind!

"Now, the gorgons as led by the resurrected Medusa was planning to open the doors of Death. Circe, on the other hand, wanted to join the scheme. Now, go young child and stop them so you can prove thyself worthy of Artemis."

I looked at my mother as Zeus muttered those words. My mother nodded. And rose up.

"Go, Orien, my son... Hunter of Artemis as I have given you my blessing years ago. You are bearing the power of my bow and arrow as you are my only bearer. You are no longer forbidden."

A golden arrow and a magical quiver appeared in front of me. Similar to Artemis', it only differs with the engraved images. It has Veronica in it. And my clothes as well turned into a warrior-like clothing.

"Rise, Orien Gates, son of Artemis."

Finally.