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dumbledearme · 6 years

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chapter seventeen—weakness of affection

read Child of Land and Sea here

Act III — Deep Blue Sea

Part II — No man is worth the aggravation. That's ancient history. Been there. Done that.

Somehow the Hunters defeated the men in the helicopter. Andy didn't see what happened, nor did she care. He was gone. She wouldn't see him again. Anthony was gone. Forever. But he couldn't be... dead. He couldn't. She hadn't had the chance to tell him, maybe show him, how she felt. Could it be too late? She had to let him know!

The one called Zoë eyed Thalia. "You," she spat.

"Zoë Nightshade," Thalia's voice trembled with anger. "Perfect timing, as usual."

Zoë scanned the rest of them. "Four half-bloods and a satyr, my lady."

"Yes," the youngest girl said. "Some of Chiron's campers, no doubt."

Experiencing a wave of panic, Andy got up and tried to run for the cliff again. Once more Thalia held her back. "Let me go! Thalia! We need to save him!"

The young Huntress turned toward Andy, her eyes filled with pity. "I'm sorry, Andy Jackson, but the son of Athena is beyond our help." Andy's throat made a terrible sound she didn't recognize. "And you are in no condition to be hurling yourself off cliffs."

Andy struggled to push Thalia away. "Who do you think you are to tell me-"

"I am Artemis," she said. "Goddess of the Hunt."

Grover gasped and hurriedly knelt in the snow, stammering: "Lady Artemis, thank you, thank you... You are so... wow!"

"Get up, goat boy," Thalia snapped. "We have other things to worry about."

Andy knelt in the snow beside Grover and put her hands together in prayer. She silently asked her father to save Anthony, if Poseidon was there could he please, please, save Anthony, that was all she was asking for, that he'd be safe and alive and-

Thalia smacked her across the face. "Put yourself together, Jackson. You can't afford to lose it right now." Her voice softened. "We're going to find him, alright?"

Andy tried to swallow but her throat was too dry. Her face burned where Thalia had hit her. But she wasn't angry at her. She wasn't feeling a damn thing but that strange aching in her chest.Was that how a panic attack felt like?

Then Bianca spoke, "Who... who are you people?"

Artemis answered, "It might be a better question to ask who you are. Who are your parents?"

Bianca glanced nervously at Nico. "Our parents are dead," she said. "We're orphans. There's a bank trust that pays for our school, but..." she faltered. "What? I'm telling the truth."

"You are a half-blood," Zoë Nightshade told her. "One of thy parents was mortal. The other was an Olympian."

"Does that mean...?"

"One of the gods," Artemis confirmed.

"Cool!" said Nico.

"No!" Bianca's voice quavered. "This is not cool."

Nico danced around like he needed to use the restroom. "Does Zeus really have lightning bolts that do six hundred damage? Does he get extra movement points for-"

"Nico, shut up!" Bianca put her hands to her face. "This is not your stupid Mythomagic game, okay? There are no gods!"

"Bianca, I know it's hard to believe. But the gods are still around. Trust me. They're immortal. And whenever they have kids with regular humans, kids like us, well... Our lives are dangerous," Thalia explained.

"Dangerous," Bianca repeated. "Like the boy who fell."

Andy held her breath trying not to cry in front of all those people. "Do no despair for the boy," Artemis said as if reading Andy's mind. "I will find the son of Athena."

"Is he alive?" Andy glanced at the goddess.

"He is just gone, child of land and sea. If he had hit the water you would have felt it. Some magic is at work. I do not know exactly how or why, but your friend has vanished."

"What about the manticore?" asked Nico. "It was awesome how you shot him! Is he dead?"

"Hopefully," said Artemis, "he is destroyed. But monsters do not die, young one. They re-form over and over again, and they must be hunted whenever they reappear."

"Or they'll hunt us," Thalia finished.

Bianca shivered. "That explains... Nico, you remember last summer, those guys who tried to attack us in the alley in D.C.?"

"And that bus driver," Nico said. "The one with the ram's horn. I told you that was real!"

"That's why Grover's been watching you," Thalia said. "To keep you safe."

"Grover?" Bianca said. "You're a demigod?"

"Well, a satyr, actually," and he showed her his true feet. Bianca almost fainted.

"You're freaking her out," Thalia said. "Bianca, we came here to help you. You and Nico need training to survive. You need to come to Camp Half-Blood. It's where the half-bloods learn to survive."

"Sweet, let's go!" said Nico.

"Wait," Bianca shook her head. "I don't-"

"There is another option," Zoë said.

"No, there isn't!" Thalia argued.

The two girls glared at each other.

"We've burdened the children enough," announced Artemis. "We will rest here. Raise the tents. Treat the wounded. Bianca, come with me. I'd like to talk to you."

"What about me?" asked Nico.

"Perhaps you can show Grover how to play that card game you enjoy. I'm sure Grover would be happy to entertain you for me."

"You bet!" shouted Grover and he took the boy away.

Everyone went about their business leaving Thalia and Andy alone. "The nerve of those Hunters!" Thalia complained.

Andy nodded. "I'm with you," she sniffed. "I don't trust-"

"Oh, you're with me?" Thalia roared. "This is all your fault! If you had done what I said... What were you thinking going after Thorn by yourself? If we'd stuck together, we could've taken him without these Hunters. Anthony could still be here!"

Andy clenched her fists and stood up. "What did you say to me?" she marched toward Thalia. "You're lecturing me? You've been back for a few days and you think you can boss everyone around because you're what? The daughter of Zeus?"

"I have more experience-"

"In being dead!"

"Listen to me, fishy," Thalia growled. "Whatever happens to Tony, that's on you." She pick Anthony's cap from the snow and threw it at Andy's face. Then she stormed off.

Andy wasn't sure for how long she sat on the snow clutching the Yankees cap against her heart. Eventually, Grover and Nico returned from their walk and Grover fixed Andy's shoulder.

Nico rummaged his pockets for his trading cards. "I've got almost all of them," he told Andy, who ignored him.

"Have you been playing a long time?" Grover made conversation.

"Just this year," the boy said. "Before that..." He knit his eyebrows.

"What?"

"I forgot. That's weird." He looked unsettled, but it didn't last. "Can I see that sword of yours?" Andy handed it to him. "Grover said you're the daughter of Poseidon. And the boy who fell..." he hesitated. "Was he your boyfriend?""

Andy shook her head wishing Nico di Angelo would shut up. Then Zoë Nightshade came get her.

The tent of Artemis was warm and comfortable. Bianca was still there, but she looked better, less scared. Finally it hit Andy how weird it was that the hunters were a bunch of young girls.

"Are you surprised by my age?" the goddess asked, again as if reading her mind.

Her throat was still very dry, so Andy just shrugged.

"I could appear as anything I want, but this is what I prefer. I am patron of young maidens. That is, until they get like you."

"Like me?" Andy asked hoarsely.

"Yes. Smitten, silly, preoccupied, insecure. Before they forget themselves, like you did in that cliff."

Andy tried to ignore the word smitten. "I didn't forget myself. Not for a moment. And that's why-"

"You are so angry because of the boy? It is understandable. My Hunters do not welcome boys. They are usually forbidden to have any contacts with the Hunters. That is why Zoë did not hesitate before shooting."

"Well, she could've asked."

Zoë gave Andy a death stare.

"Things are stirring that I have not hunted in millennia," Artemis murmured. "Prey so old I have nearly forgotten. We came here tonight sensing the manticore, but he was not the one I seek. Bianca tells me he mentioned someone called the General?"

Zoë's face paled at the name.

"Yes," Andy agreed. "And he said soon he'd have the most important monster of all – the one that shall bring the downfall of Olympus."

Artemis shook her head. "I've been too slow to see the signs. I must hunt this monster."

"We'll leave right away," said Zoë.

"No, Zoë. I must do this alone."

"My lady-"

"This task is too dangerous even for the Hunters. You know where I must start my search. You cannot go there with me."

Zoë bowed. "As... as you wish, my lady."

"I will find this creature," Artemis vowed. "And I shall bring it back to Olympus by winter solstice. It will be all the proof I need to convince the Council of the Gods of how much danger we are in."

"You know what the monster is?" Andy asked.

"Let us pray I'm wrong," the young girl said. "Now, I called you here, Andy Jackson, to ask you a favor. I want you to escort my Hunters back to Camp Half-Blood. They can stay there in safety until I return."

"What?" Zoë blurted out. "My lady, we hate that place. The last time we stayed there-"

"I know, Zoë. But I am sure Dionysus will not hold a grudge just because of a little, ah, misunderstanding. It's your right to use Cabin Eight whenever you are in need. Besides, I hear they rebuilt the cabins you burned down," Artemis said. "And now, there is one last decision to be made," she turned to Bianca. "Have you made up your mind, dear?"

Bianca hesitated. "I'm still thinking about it."

"About what?" asked Andy.

"They... they've invited me to join the Hunt."

"What? But you can't! You have to come to camp so Chiron can train you. It's the only way you can-"

"It is not the only way for a girl," Zoë said.

"Bianca..." Andy paused. "What do you get by joining the Hunt?"

"Immortality," Zoë answered for her.

"Are you serious?"

"Zoë's always very serious," Artemis guaranteed. "My Hunters follow me on my adventures. They are my maidservants, my companions, my sisters-in-arms. Once they swear loyalty to me, they are indeed immortal... unless they fall in battle, which is unlikely. Or break their oath."

"What oath?"

"To forswear romantic love forever," Artemis said. "To never grow up, never get married. To be a maiden eternally."

"This is not Neverland, lady!" Andy snarled. "You can't go around offering half-bloods immortality-"

"Not just half-bloods," Zoë interrupted. "Lady Artemis does not discriminate by birth. All who honor the goddess may join. Half-bloods, nymphs, mortals-"

"Which one are you?"

Anger flashed in Zoë's eyes. "That is not thy concern. You wouldn't understand. Your heart has already succumb to the weaknesses of affection. The The point is Bianca may join if she wishes. It is her choice."

"Bianca, this is crazy," Andy turned to her. "What about your brother? He can't be a Hunter."

"Certainly not," Artemis said. "He'll go to camp. That is the best boys can hope to do. But you can see him from time to time. You'll be free, however, of the responsibility. Camp counselors will take care of him. You shall have a new family. Us."

"A new family," Bianca repeated, dreamily. "Free of responsibility."

"You can't do this," Andy pleaded.

Bianca turned to Zoë. "Is it worth it?"

"Yes."

"What do I have to do?"

"Repeat after me," Zoë said. "I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis."

"I... I pledge myself to the goddess Artemis."

"Don't do it, Bianca!"

"I turn my back on the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood, and join the Hunt." Bianca repeated the lines. "Do you accept the pledge, lady Artemis?"

"I accept," Artemis said. Bianca looked no different but assured Andy she felt stronger. "Remember your pledge," Artemis warned her. "It is now your life." Then she turned back to Andy. "I know you don't understand, Andy Jackson. You don't have to. You will still get to show Nico di Angelo your camp. And if he chooses, he may stay there."

Andy gave up. "Fine. How are we getting there?"

Artemis closed her eyes. "Dawn is approaching. I'll summon a ride from my brother."

The Hunters started breaking camp. Bianca took Andy's hand and said, "I'm sorry you don't understand. But I really, truly want this."

It was colder and darker and snowier than ever and Andy stood shivering in the snow, still clutching the Yankees cap. The Hunters didn't seem to feel the cold. Thalia and Grover joined her and she told them about her audience with the goddess.

"The last time the Hunters visited camp, it didn't go well," Grover said.

"And Bianca joined them," Thalia said, disgusted. "It's all Zoë's fault. That suck-up, no good-"

"Who can blame her?" Grover argued. "Eternity with Artemis?" he heaved a big sigh.

Thalia rolled her eyes. Finally the sky began to lighten.

"About time," Artemis muttered. "He's so lazy in the winter." There was a sudden burst of light on the horizon. A blast of warmth. Apollo parked his red convertible and got out smiling. He was handsome – so very handsome –, tall and blonde and good humored.

"Wow," Thalia said, giving life to Andy's thoughts. "Apollo is hot!"

"He's the sun god," Nico said, clueless.

"That's not what she meant," Andy whispered, biting her lip.

"Little sister!" Apollo called. "What is up? You never call. You never write. I was getting worried."

Artemis sighed. "I'm fine, Apollo. And I am not your little sister."

"Hey, I was born first."

"We're twins! How many times do I have to-"

"What is up?" he interrupted. "Got the girls with you, I see," and he blinked at the Hunters who seemed unaffected by his godly good looks.

"I need a favor," Artemis said. "I have some hunting to do, alone. I need you to take my companions to Camp Half-Blood."

Apollo raised his hands in a 'stop everything' gesture. "I feel a haiku coming in." The Hunters groaned. "Green grass breaks through the snow. Artemis pleads for my help. I am so cool." And he grinned waiting for applause.

"That last line was only four syllables," Artemis said.

"Was it?" he frowned. "Hmm, what about... I am so awesome. That's five syllables." Andy realized she was smiling like a fool and tried to snap out of it. "Alright, let's see." Apollo said, watching them. "Thalia, Zeus's girl, right?" Thalia blushed. "Used to be a tree, didn't you? You smell like Christmas! And... Andy Jackson. You smell like fish."

Thalia laughed. Andy punched her in the arm, deciding she wasn't that into Apollo after all.

"Brother," Artemis said. "You should get going."

Apollo nodded. He took out his car keys and beeped the security alarm button. The convertible turned into a school bus. "Everybody in!"

"A warning," Artemis told him. "You do not help my Hunters. You do not look at, talk to, or flirt with my Hunters."

Apollo spread his hands. "I know, I know. Hey, where are you off to anyway?"

"Just drop them off, Apollo. Zoë, you are in charge of the Hunters. Do well. Do as I would do."

Zoë straightened. "I will."

Artemis disappeared into the woods and the Hunters pilled into the bus. "Who wants to drive?" Asked Apollo.

"Me!" Nico offered.

"Nah. Too young."

"Oo! Oo!" Grover raised his hand.

"Hmm, no. Too furry." He glanced at Andy. "Too fishy," and laughed at his own joke. "But you, daughter of Zeus. You are perfect for this."

"Oh, no," Thalia shook her head. "No, thanks."

"Oh, yes," Apollo nodded. "You'll be eighteen soon," he informed her. "It's about time you learn how to drive." Thalia seemed unsure. "I know you might think you don't deserve an honor like driving the sun chariot. But it'll be fine."

Thalia tried to protest but Apollo wasn't going to take no for an answer. Thalia gripped the wheel so tight her knuckles turned white. She seemed about to puke.

"What's wrong?" Andy asked.

"Nothing," she lied. She pulled the wheel and drove like a mad person. Andy had a feeling she had her eyes closed. Apollo asked her to go slower, but she shouted she had everything under control. She did not lose speed though.

"Hang a left," Apollo suggested. She jerked the wheel throwing everyone aside. "The other left," he said trying to sound calm. "And a little lower."

Thalia tilted the wheel, her face was chalk white, her forehead dripping with sweat. The bus pitched down and somebody screamed. Maybe Andy. She wasn't sure of anything anymore.

"Take the wheel," Grover begged Apollo.

"No worries," the god assured him, but he looked plenty worried. "She just has to learn to- WHOA!"

There was a wild light in Thalia's eyes. Camp Half-Blood was right beneath them.

"BRAKE!" Apollo yelled.

Thalia slammed her foot on the brake, and the sun bus pitched forward at a forty-five-degree angle, slamming into the camp's canoe lake.

"Well," Apollo said. "You did have everything under control. I'm sorry I ever doubted you."

#andromeda #andy jackson #child of land and sea #deep blue sea #fanfic #genderbend #dfcrosas #fem percy jackson #thalia grace

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