Chapter 7- Leaving and Gift

[Skye Hunt PoV]

As always it was dark and grey in this dreary land. I was running with all my might before I made a sharp turn and threw one of the moon darts in the direction I came from after which I jumped behind the rock in my path.

The shadow monsters in the shape of stags jumped over the rock and I threw the second moon dart before catching the one I threw earlier.

The dart flew threw the skull of one of the monsters dispersing it leaving behind the last one.

The shadow stag didn't seem to care or fear that I killed all his companions and charged with the intent to run me thru.

I jumped to the side at the last moment letting the stag hit the rock and jumping on it's back while it was disoriented.

I grabbed one of it's horns with one hand and stabbed it's head repeatedly with the other as it bucked and reared until it finally dispersed.

"Good, you have improved." came a voice from above me.

Scathach jumped from the tall tree as she looked at me with satisfaction.

She beckoned me to follow her. "C'mon we need to talk"

After we got inside Scathach castle, which is the only place that attacks don't occur because even the undying shadows fear Scathach, she took me to the study room where she usually teaches me stuff like language and geography and war stories alongside strategy.

She looked at me and lightly said, "I will assume you noticed what happened."

I answered the implied question, "Yes, the shadow travel took too little energy for the distance which likely suggests that someone very powerful, likely my godly parent was the one to do it. At first I thought it was random, then a quest of some sort, then I thought it was maybe to hunt the two-headed snake--"

"Amphisbaena" Scathach corrected me.

"Amfisbeana" I tried and failed to pronounce that properly.

"Anyway it was only after meeting Sally that I found that whoever sent me hear it was to meet someone who could take care of me which I am grateful for. I guess whoever my parents are aren't completely indifferent to me."

"Good." Sactach looked at me with pride

"But you missed what is truly special about Perseus Jackson."

I was confused so I enquired the reason he was special.

"He is a bearer of Fate. Destined to be a great hero or a great villain. Either way he is destined for greatness. As far as I can tell his fate is still not entirely certain but more than likely he will be one of the main players of this era of heroes."

I was stumped, not because of Percy though but because of the expression on Scathach's usually expressionless face. She showed very obvious signs of sadness and anger luckily not directed towards Percy or me but rather––

"I really dislike the weavers of Fate. The only person who could grow enough to kill me died before he could reach his full potential because of fate. Even his son who could and did surpass his father died at the tender age of 8 died because of the machinations of fate."

Hearing this I muttered, "Setanta and Conla."

Scathach snorted at me. "Yes those two. Cu Chullain died in battle and Conla died by his own father's hand."

I stayed silent not wanting to irritate or sadden Scathach.

"Anyway we have at least confirmed that we are in the world of Greek Mythology. Whether other pantheons exist is still a mystery but we at the very least are related to the Greeks and possibly Roman if the concepts are seperate." She muttered the last part but I heard it though I didn't bother trying to understand.

She then said since we have confirmed the pantheon we will now focus on our studies of Greek mythology and monsters. "Let's begin shall we."

———————————————

A week of staying with the Jackson's did wonders for my state of mind and Sally treated me like her daughter for which at first I was a little uncomfortable with but was soon loved the feeling of having someone to care for me.

But as always problems arose again.

I found that two harpies were watching us, possibly the same harpies that always followed me waiting for a chance to strike.

It was confusing how they found me but I guessed that somehow my powerful scent and Percy's powerful scent was able to catch their attention.

I tracked them too a certain nest they had made in the nearby jungle and even overheard their gravely noises about getting the chance to eat two powerful young demigods.

One dawn where they were still sleeping or rather roosting in their nest. I climbed a tree to a place higher than they are and quickly dispatched them with a throw of my moon darts.

It was quite easy and I dedicated this hunt to Artemis and whoever sent me here.

Are demigods not even allowed to be together? I mean if there were more demigods staying together who knows what other monster might be tempted to prey on us.

I waited it out for another week but Scathach too urged me to leave or some other monster out of my capabilities might target us and while I might be able to get away, Sally and Percy would be in danger.

So, as I really didn't want to say goodbye and also get asked questions which so far have not been asked by Sally, I decided to leave without informing them.

Though I will leave behind gifts.

———————————————

[Sally Jackson PoV]

It was a new day and the sun peeped through the curtains of my room into my eyes awakening me.

I felt a weight on my arm to see Percy still sleeping.

He looks so much like his father. I miss Poseidon, he promised me a lot of things. Some I refused and some he could not keep. Still no matter my relationship with him now I am still eternally grateful for the gift he gave me in the form of Percy.

Percy is starting to attract monsters recently. I will have to do something to hide it, but what?

I remember Poseidom saying that monsters smell demigods, the more powerful the demigod the better and stronger the smell.

I have to figure out how to mask his scent when we go back to Manhattan.

It is painful watching him unable to make friends, unable to properly relate to others his age probably due to his heritage.

I took in little Skye to help her but I think she ended up helping me. She completes the family in a way with her seriousness and maturity even at her young age.

What she gone through to get this maturity is still unknown but it also likely she is a demigod or can atleast see through the mist as I noticed her staring intently at the bird-woman who were eyeing us.

Maybe I should adopt her? As long as I can get a few answers about her origin i could get the appropriate paperwork for adoption. That would be nice. She is someone Percy can get along with and her maturity might keep him from making trouble.

I get out of bed gently making sure Percy isn't disturbed and make my way to cook breakfast, something Skye has done a few times and though the food could be better it is the thought that counts.

I made my way to the kitchen and saw a bag on the dining table. On top of the bag was a letter.

My heart dropped. I didn't like this feeling. I think I already know what is happening.

I picked up the letter and it read–

#Dear Sally and Percy,

I really enjoyed the two weeks I spent with both of you and both of your kindness along with the comfort you provided. I enjoyed having Percy as a friend and brother, and Sally who took care of me like a mother.

Anyway, my scent alongside Percy's will and are already causing problems so I decided it's time for me to move.

I think Sally can see through the Mist so just to confirm the harpies are gone. Also I used a quite a bit of power over the course of the past week to hide and minimize Percy's scent to monsters. It should last for at least a year or so before it starts to deteriorate and in total should last for about 2-3 years.

This is all I can do for now and I left behind the bag. It contains exactly $12,490. Don't worry i have enough to spare. Keep it for emergencies and be careful of both monsters and humans.

Goodbye

Love you two,

Skye Hunt#

I teared up a bit. She said not to trust humans too. What has she gone through to say that at such a young age? Also she covered up Percy's scent? That's great, but what did it cost her? She really was a demigod. Do other demigods not have a good life at all? And why did she leave so much money? While I am not rich I can still afford proper living standards.

*sigh*

Percy will be devastated.

I worry for her. All on her own at such a young age and she still spent her power to help us.

I pray to the gods and I pray to Poseidon.

'May she have a safe journey ahead.'