A Daughter’s Sorrow

Nine

"Chaos paid me a visit."

Artemis's eyes widened, "What did she say?"

Perci pressed her lips together, "She said that I will always be a hero, no matter what and that I will be needed soon. So I think that means another war is coming. One that I don't want to happen."

The auburn haired Goldess sighed, "I agree with you Perci. I don't want another war either. But if it came to it...would you fight?"

Perci chuckled humorless, "I don't think I could say no. My fatal flaw is loyalty."

Artemis smiled sadly. She then grasped her own chin in thought, "Apollo had a vision a few weeks ago. He said he saw a pale man in a white suit. He was holding a pink blanket. There was crying coming from it, so I assume it was an infant."

The girl nodded vigorously, "I had a similar dream. Although I was trapped in a hallway and attacked by a hellhound and the Minotaur. But the third door I opened I saw that man. He was holding a baby and when I looked over at it..." Perci looked down at her plate and gulped.

"What was it, Perci?"

"It was my baby sister, Hestia."

Artemis gasped softly, her hands flying up to cover her mouth.

"I thought Gaia had killed her along with Mum and Paul...but this guy has her. And I don't know if he has anything to do with Dirtface or not."

"Do you think maybe...you could summon Apollo and ask him about this? He might understand better than I can."

Reluctantly, Perci nodded and broke off the sun charm on her bracelet. She stood from her chair, walked over to the fireplace and threw in the silver piece. This time, it disappeared in a golden puff of smoke.

"Wha? Where the Hades-?"

Perci looked to see Apollo glancing around in confusion. He saw her, but continued turning around until he froze. The God of the Sun spun back to Perci and grinned, "Cousin!!"

Apollo picked her up and shook her around in his hug, laughing heartily, "Oh Gods! Where have you been? How are you? What have you been doing? Anything new? Who have you been playing with? When did you last think of me, huh? Why you shut me out? I thought we were friends-"

"Brother! Calm down!"

Still holding Perci, the god’s ramblings were cut short as he turned his head to Artemis, "Arty!! When did you get here?"

"About half an hour ago."

Apollo let go of Perci gently and rushed forward to hug his sister. Her face turned fierce, before she growled dangerously, "Don't even think about it."

The god pouted and crossed his arms.

Perci began to laugh and the twins turned to smile at her. Both of them were so glad to see her. Especially like this. She was no longer the sad little girl who was broken and lifeless, having lost so much.

It was like she was her old self, "It's so good to you guys."

Apollo grinned at her, looking as bright as the sun, and Artemis smiled, her eyes twinkling like the stars.

"Dessert?"

"Yes!!" The god yells.

Artemis pinches her brow and sighs. Then smacks him up the back of the head, "Don't yell. It's rude."

"Yeeeesss Muuuuuum."

Perci shook her head with amusement and leads them back into the dining room.

:3

Apollo burped as he gripped his stomach, "Best dam ice cream I've had in ages."

Artemis raised an eyebrow, "When was the last time you had ice cream?"

"Never, " He then looks at Perci, "So nightmares?"

The demigoddess winced, then nodded, "Yeah. The first few were from the war. Now they're becoming a little confusing. A baby crying. Evil laughter. I saw the Titans I defeated in one. And the latest one I saw a pale man in a white suit holding a baby. My sister."

Apollo's eyes blew wide open. He then put his elbow on the table and laid his cheek onto his fist, "Hmmm. I'm just trying to think of who that could be. I mean none of the Titans or Giants wore white."

"Chaos also paid me a visit."

"What?!"

Perci nodded and so did Artemis.

"Wow. You young lady, " Apollo pointed at the demigoddess, "Are full of surprises. I love it."

The ravenette grinned and both gods, again, were happy to see her smile, "If you want you can stay the night. Clio usually makes breakfast on Thursdays."

"So you're the one who took my Muses."

"Yep. The one who sent me here thought I deserved some company."

Artemis looked appraisingly at the girl. Perci would not put Hestia at risk of punishment, "Do you guys want to stay the night?"

"Sorry Perci, but I'm supposed to be looking for you," Apollo grinned, "I'll look somewhere else because I certainly didn't find you here."

He winked at dramatically then disappeared in a puff of gold smoke.

"I, however, would love to stay with you, brave one. And maybe talk about my offer." Artemis smiled.

"Yes. Hestia told me about it. I hope you could maybe let me think about it before I do join."

"Of course! As long as you're thinking about it. I would absolutely love for you join the Hunt. I understand that with the War over, you will become restless. You won't know what to do with yourself. So here I am, offering you...to be my lieutenant."

Perci gaped at the Lady of the Moon, "You mean, you haven't chosen a lieutenant yet?"

"No. After Thalia and Zoe, I didn't really see any of my girls... worthy. I love them all, I do. But they don’t have that..."

"Wow."

Artemis nodded, hope in her eyes.

"Can I still think about it?"

"Yes, brave one. And before you do choose, I want to give you the Hunter's blessing. So when you leave..."

"I get it. Thank you Artemis. You're always welcome to visit me again." Perci stood and bowed her head the goddess, who in turn bowed her head. The demigoddess smiled and left the dining room. She called out a goodnight, which Artemis then repeated.

:3

All Perci could hear was her panting. It was dark and hot and she didn't know where she was. The least she knew was that the demigoddess was sitting in a chair, with chains wrapped around her, trapping her.

There was a sinister laugh in front of that made Perci want to roll her eyes.

So cliche.

Another chair appeared in front of her. Echoing footsteps came to a halt behind her. Whoever it was came around and sat on the chair.

The pale man, "Hello great granddaughter. It's nice to finally meet you."

Perci frowned, "We're related?"

"Of course, Little Warrior. And I see you've met my sister."

"Sister? Look dude, I don't know who you are-"

"I am Order. You've met my sister Chaos and you know that soon, there will be another war. I want you on my side."

The girl snorted, "Yeah, I don't think so. I might not like some of the gods but I'm loyal to them, so you can take your deal and shove it up your-"

"If you won't then-"

"What? What will you do? There's no one you can threaten me with, they're all dead."

Order smirked. From nowhere, the primordial being pulled out a pile of pink blankets. He showed Perci the baby inside.

With brown hair and Sally's eyes, Hestia looked at Perci and cooed. The baby made grabby hands at her older sister, making the demigoddess cry.

"I took her before Gaia could. She is such a sweet little thing," Order turned the baby back to face him and bopped her on the nose, "Stay on your island. Or join me. Those are your only two choices to stay alive."