Xenomorphic

Chapter 33: A Mother and Her Sick Child

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Dionysus really needed something strong to drink for the ensuing nightmare, so, exploiting the loophole in his restriction that said he couldn't do anything with wine, he conjured up a ten-gallon jug of moonshine. Then he downed the entire thing in ten seconds flat and belched for his troubles.

His cousin continued to stare silently at him. It was clear that she didn't have a care in the world for what was about to happen to her, nor did she have an ounce of regret for what she had done. Dionysus respected that, in his own way; it made him feel fuzzy on the inside when he saw a parent go to such great lengths for their children.

Still, he had a job to do. Part of being a Camp Supervisor.

At least they were in the privacy of the Big House's living room, and no one else was around.

"As per the rules of this institution, created and made valid by Almighty Zeus upon the inception of this institution, anyone who should raise their hand in any way against this institution's leading director, supervisor, or otherwise figure of authority, will be punished with no less than banishment, upon which the term for this banishment will be decided by an Olympian or a council of Olympians, but the term can be no less than half a decade, and any other punishment the Olympian or council of Olympians sees fit.

"As I am acting Camp Supervisor and Olympian Council Member Number Twelve, I have ample authority to handle this matter as I see fit, and enforce any punishment and consequence I deem necessary. Now, as per the law, I have no choice but to banish you from the grounds of Camp Half-Blood for five years...effective within a month of this day. The added punishment, as per your actions prior to this meeting, is that one Annabeth Chase is now your responsibility and your ward until otherwise specified by the Olympian Council as a whole."

Dionysus conjured another ten gallon jug of moonshine and drained it in less than twenty seconds this time. His subsequent belch nearly blew apart the Big House.

"I personally don't know why they brought in Tantalus of all creatures, but I suppose it doesn't matter now. He's not here anymore and his remains have already been scraped away. Now the problem I face is a bunch crying brats. Thank you for that, cousin. I think I'm going to turn you into a dolphin for the trouble you've brought into my life."

'Are we done here?'

"Yes. We are done here."

Without any more telepathic conversation, or even any gestures of farewell, Asteria spun on her heel and headed for the basement. Dionysus ducked under the swinging tail to avoid getting whacked in the face.

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Asteria observed Annabeth pace around her cell, snapping and snarling, biting and growling at unseen phantasms. She had accepted her feelings for the child less than an hour ago, and because of that, she felt great amounts of grief, hatred, and deep concern for Annabeth.

Grief that the once bright daughter of Athena had been reduced to a rampant beast with no control over herself; hatred for this son of Ares, who was no doubt Ares himself, for what he had done to her, playing with her feelings and emotions, causing her to become like this; and concern for the girl's wellbeing, both mental and physical.

No doubt the diaper around her waist, which had been there for over a week, and bread bacteria and brought disease to Annabeth, and there was how this was going to be fixed. A god couldn't do it, as per the Ancient Laws, and there was a magic surrounding Annabeth's mind that prevented Asteria from simply going in and fixing everything like she had done in the Underworld. But, even after this matter was resolved, what would Annabeth be like?