by Lucy Roy
She gave me an incredulous look. “Dude. What are you doing?”
I rested my forehead on the sill, then brought my eyes up to meet hers. “Apparently being a ‘creeper stalker weirdo.’” I shook my head. “I told you I’d come by. I didn’t want to run into the others and have to deal with their nonsense.”
“Ah. Yeah, probably a good call. I can hear Anette’s music from here, so her and Mary’s door is still open.” She set her brush down and looked around awkwardly. “Uh, do you want to come in?”
She glanced at her roommate. “Am I allowed to invite him in?”
Yana’s only response was to snort and bury her face in her pillow.
Tessa rolled her eyes. “What the—lemme get shoes. I’m coming out.” She opened her closet and pulled out a pair of black Chucks, then threw on a white hooded sweatshirt, muttering to herself the entire time.
“…so freaking weird…climbing out a damn window.”
“Agreed,” I said wearily.
Once her sweatshirt was zipped up, she waved her hands, shooing me back from the window.
“Scoot back. I need to get out.”
Yana pulled the pillow from her face and watched as Tessa hooked a leg over the sill.
“Should I leave the window unlocked or are you going to use the door like a civilized person when you return?”
Tessa gave her roommate a withering look. “Close the stupid window and leave the door unlocked.” She quickly pulled the other leg through and hopped to the ground.
“You two have fun, now,” Yana crooned before sliding the window closed.
I shook my head, then turned to Tessa, unsure of what to say now that she was standing before me in her pajamas.
“So, you wanna walk or something?” Tessa asked, her hands in the pocket of her sweatshirt.
“Yes, I suppose that would be the normal thing.” I sighed.
She laughed. “I think we’re a few steps past normal right now.”
I smiled and started walking back toward the street. “I’m inclined to agree, Miss Avery.”
25
Tessa
As Nate and I walked down the hill from my dorm toward Main Street, I realized I hadn’t yet taken in the full night sky on Olympus. Most of the lights of Main Street had been turned off, bathing the small village in only moonlight.
I felt incredibly small and insignificant as I stared up at the night sky, glittering with millions of stars.
“There are so many stars here,” I murmured. “And it’s so quiet.”
“Told you,” Nate said with a smile. “This is my favorite time to be out,” he admitted.
“I definitely get it.” I smiled as I stared across the expanse of darkened sky. “Growing up, we had this massive telescope. I loved begging John and Analise to take me to the lake at night to watch meteor showers or look for faraway galaxies. It was one of my favorite things to do with them.”
A lump built in my throat as I thought back to the first time Analise had shown me how to use their huge telescope so I could see the rings of Saturn. I’d been six, but the memory was still as clear as day. Searching the sky, I located Taurus and smiled wistfully.
I pointed out the K-shaped constellation.
“Taurus is my favorite. My guardians and I made it our common point. Whenever I’m homesick, I look at Taurus and know that at some point, they’ll look at it, too.”
“What is it that appeals to you?”
“It’s a bull, but it looks more like a person dancing.” I shrugged. “And I’ve always thought the Pleiades were fun to look for.”
He smiled. “The seven daughters of Atlas. They’re difficult to see, aren’t they?”
“Yeah, but I love how they’re more defined when you look at them out of the corner of your eye. It’s almost impossible to see them looking straight on.” I sucked in a deep breath of the cool night air. “They’re so big, but just out of sight, you know?”
He craned his neck up toward the sky.
“I’ve always found it to be quite humbling, myself.”
I laughed. “John used to say the same thing. He’d say Earth was ‘nothing but a speck in an ocean of other specks.’” I shrugged. “Not so eloquent, but it works.”
“John sounds like an interesting man”
“Yeah.” I sighed. “The greatest, really.”
“So, how was dinner?” Nate turned left onto Main Street as we came up on the portal field.
“It was good. We went to Stefan’s, that American place.”
“Yes, I’ve gone a few times.”
“Really?” That surprised me. “I mean, I know why we still eat—we’re fresh from our human lives… food is just a normal thing, even if we don’t actually need it. I’d have thought you’d gotten past that long ago.”
He shrugged. “Food was never really my thing until recently because I couldn’t find much I liked. Cuisines today are much more enjoyable than they used to be, so I like to try the new restaurants as they open.”
“I see. So where are we going?”
“You’ll see.” The grin he gave me was almost playful, taking me completely off guard. “Come on.”
He led me past the spot where the cobblestones met the dirt road and crossed into the forest where we were immediately enveloped in darkness. After a few seconds, my improved night vision kicked in and I was able to follow Nate without tripping over every root that crossed our path.
“There wasn’t an easier way?” I asked as I pushed a thin leafy branch out of my face.
“No, but it’s worth it.”
He placed a warm hand in mine and led me further into the forest. Just when I was beginning to think we were never going to reach our destination, we stepped out into a large clearing, about the size of a football field, carpeted with soft grass. Tall wooden poles topped with wide platforms were scattered around the field, connected to one another with heavy ropes. When I squinted, I saw that more ropes continued off into the forest, quickly getting lost in the darkness. Ladders were propped against the poles, allowing access to the platforms at the top.
I gasped. “No way, is this a zipline course?”
Nate grinned. “It is.”
I felt a dopey smile spread across my face, but I didn’t care. “This is so freaking cool! I’ve always wanted to go ziplining. When do we get to go?” I bounced on my toes and grabbed his arm. “Can I try now?”
He patted my hand and smiled. “In a few months, most likely, and no, you cannot.”
My shoulders slumped. “Then why are we here?”
Nate led me over to the center of the clearing and sat down on the soft grass. “Because it’s one of the most peaceful spots around here, and after the day I’ve had, I need some quiet.”
I sat down next to him and leaned back on my hands so I could look up at the sky.
“Bad day, then?”
He shrugged and mimicked my pose. “It could have been better. I’ve been meaning to ask you, have you had anymore dreams since you got to Olympia?”
“None. Like, literally no dreams at all since that vision.” I bumped his arm with my shoulder. “You better not jinx me by asking.” It had been so nice these last few days, waking up rested and refreshed.
“Doubtful.” He sighed. “So, you’ve got questions for me?”
I took a deep breath.
Questions.
Right. Because he was the most powerful Coercer in all of Olympus, and he’d led me to believe he was just a regular old Ischyra, like some big jerk.
“You’re shouting again,” he said, laughter in his eyes. “You seem to have no problem letting your mental walls down when you want to yell at someone.”
“Aren’t you supposed to have yours up so you aren’t bombarded with thoughts?”
He shook his head. “I only shore them up tightly when I’m someplace very crowded. Otherwise, I leave my mind open a bit so that others can contact me if necessary. I’ll only hear you if you direct your thoughts at me, tho
ugh, just like normal telepathy.”
“Ah, I see.” Interesting. “Anyway, about you.” I kicked one of his sneakers gently. “Why didn’t you tell me who you were? I mean, I know it’s not my business, but…?”
He blew out a breath and laid back on the grass, interlacing his fingers behind his head.
“Honestly? I don’t know.”
I shifted my position so that I was facing him. “Okay… so then for my tougher question. How am I supposed to trust that you didn’t put that vision in my head? Clearly, you’re insanely powerful.”
It felt weird to even voice my question. I didn’t know him well, but looking at him now, relaxing in the moonlight, it was hard to imagine he could be that manipulative. Something deep inside told me I could trust him.
He sighed and closed his eyes. A few seconds passed before he spoke.
“Because I didn’t do it.” He sat up and faced me. “I’m not a bad person, Tessa. I think you know that.”
I smiled wryly. “Because I’ve known you for such a long time now?”
He huffed out a laugh and ran a hand through his sandy-brown hair, causing it to fall into an adorable mess. “Fair enough.”
“So?”
“I was just as caught off guard by that vision as you were.”
“It did seem that way,” I allowed. “But you’ve been around forever. That’s definitely long enough to be able to perfect your ‘holy shit’ face.”
He scratched his forehead and a look of consternation crossed his face. “Okay, that may be true, but—”
“Are you one of the original Ischyra?”
I clapped a hand to my mouth as the question I’d been asking myself since my transformation finally slipped out.
If possible, it seemed as though the field we were in had gotten quieter. Even the crickets who’d been serenading us seemed to whisper, as though they had suddenly decided to eavesdrop, instead.
Nate’s jaw clenched, and I wanted to kick myself.
“I—I’m so sorry,” I whispered. “That’s…not any of my business.”
He closed his eyes and waved off my apology. “No, it’s fine, I expected you’d ask sooner or later.”
Holy shit.
I felt my mouth pop open.
There were only a few dozen Ischyra in the first generation. They were demigods, born with powers of their own from the union of gods and humans. And he was one of them.
“Holy shit,” I murmured. I laid down on the cool grass and put a hand on my forehead. “I was only joking when I said you’d been around forever.”
“Before you ask—” He held up a hand. “While, yes, I am powerful enough to plant visions in your mind, I promise I did not violate you in that way. Or any way. Whoever put that…vision there probably intended for me to pull it forward, but I was just the messenger.”
“You mean Hestia?”
“Probably, although she’s being quite close lipped on the topic now.”
“Okay. I—believe you—I think?” I shook my head. “Gods, I’m sorry.”
I wanted so badly to ask who his parents were, but at the same time, the thought of him being a demigod was almost too much to deal with. I didn’t need to know which of the thirteen Elders had sired him.
Instead, I let the silence hang over us.
“Thank you,” he said quietly after a minute. He laid down next to me and reached for my hand, giving it a light squeeze.
“For what?”
“Not asking questions.” He gave me a flicker of a smile and kept his fingers laced in mine. “I know you want to, but I appreciate your restraint.”
I swallowed hard and nodded. “Are you reading my mind again?”
He laughed. “No. I just know that, if I were in your shoes, I’d be overflowing with questions about me.”
“Oh, trust me, they’re there. I’m just not sure I want to know the answers.” I pursed my lips. “Can I ask one question though?”
He looked at me speculatively. “One.”
“Why does it bother you? Being gen one?”
He was quiet for a few seconds.
I held up my hands. “Never mind. I’m sorry I asked.”
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
He smiled. “No, you’re not.”
“I’m not what? Sorry?”
“Stupid. You’re not stupid for being curious.” He ran his free hand over his face. “I’m sorry. It’s just—the war with the Titans had just ended when the gods created the Ischyra, and there were many aspects that made it a…difficult time to be alive.” He paused, considering me for a moment. “The gods didn’t exactly view the Ischyra favorably.”
“You really don’t have to—” I started.
“No, it’s fine. I told you I’d answer your questions, didn’t I?”
“Okay. Why, though?”
“Zeus wanted an army. The others were happy to avoid getting their hands dirty, but once the Ischyra were created, they realized they didn’t trust a bunch of demigods to effectively combat any potential rebel threats that might have arisen on Earth. In general, the gods felt demigods were inherently selfish. They didn’t trust them to put their own desires aside.
“Most of the original Ischyra were very rebellious, so the Elders thought it would be easier to just allow them to leave, then start from scratch with something more pliable than demigods.”
He smiled wryly.
“Most of the Elders don’t like to admit it, but part of the problem was that some of their worst traits—self-centeredness and nasty tempers—were passed down to their offspring. On top of that, they tended to protect their own, so when fights broke out between Ischyra, their parents would ultimately get involved. It was stupid, and it’s why they decided to turn things over to the Fates and create Ischyra ‘artificially,’ for lack of a better word, since they are the only other beings who can dole out godly power.”
“Because we wouldn’t directly inherit traits from them?”
“Exactly. You ‘inherit’ their powers but are spared the potential for inheriting their DNA or building a familial relationship.” He let out a harsh laugh. “You couldn’t imagine how much of an uproar there was when Zeus decided the traits passed down by his brethren were too much of a liability when it came to creating effective soldiers.”
“So where are the rest? I mean, all we learn about the early years of the Ischyra is how they were created, but John and Analise never got into who the first generation were.”
“After a few centuries, a lot of the first generation left Olympus, deciding to use their powers and immortality in ways that they saw fit. Many simply went to live among humans, leaving their lives as Ischyra behind them. They’re a bit like the Titans; they keep to themselves and avoid getting entangled with matters of Olympus.”
“Why didn’t you leave?”
He gave me a small smile. “This is my home.”
“I see.” I sighed. “So, I’m going to go out on a limb and assume I’m to keep this to myself?”
He gave me a relieved smile. “Yes, that would be much appreciated.”
A curious look came over his face.
“What is it?” I asked.
“You know, the first generation really aren’t that special. More powerful, maybe, but other than that, no different than you.”
“I disagree.”
“How so?”
“Look at it this way.” I adjusted my position so that I was laying on my side facing him, my head propped up on my hand. “I had this one teacher in high school, a history teacher, Mr. Forbes. He’d been working on his genealogy for years and was always talking about which ancestor did which cool thing.”
I smiled, remembering the colorful family tree Mr. Forbes had spread across the back of his classroom that grew, year after year.
“Anyway, it was really cool to hear him talk about these people who lived hundreds of years ago, because it can be so hard to find information on them. It was a huge accomplishment for him. A lot of records did
n’t survive, and if they did, they’re either not digital or are hard to locate. The first generation of Ischyra, well, it’s kind of like Mr. Forbes great-great-whatever grandfather. The only difference is, you’re still around to tell us about our past.” I poked him in the side. “Which is really freaking cool, by the way.”
“Hmm.” A thoughtful look came over his face. “Oddly enough, I’d never considered it that way. I just assumed you all saw the first generation as superstars or something.”
“You sure you didn’t get any of those self-centered traits?” I teased. “Cause I’m starting to wonder…”
He laughed. “Fair point.”
“Okay, so moving on…” I didn’t want to pry too much into his past. “There was something Chiron said about Prometheus and Epimetheus having a messy relationship with their dad? And that’s why they’re willing to fight on our side? Are you allowed to tell me about that?”
“Yes, that’s nothing but history.” He rolled so he was facing me. “Back during the war, their mother, Iapetus’ wife Clymene, spoke out against Cronus in support of Zeus’ cause. Her own children were her life, and she saw Cronus’ imprisonment of his own offspring as unforgiveable. She actually helped Zeus’ mother Rhea hide Zeus when he was born to prevent Cronus from imprisoning him. Cronus was furious, obviously, and began to question Iapetus’ loyalty. Iapetus distanced himself from his wife, but Cronus wanted her destroyed.”
He rubbed a hand across his forehead and a pained look clouded his face.
“Do you know how hard it is to destroy a god, Tessa?”
“It’s like a giant energy suck thing, right?” It had been something that was glossed over in my lessons.
“More or less. Gods are all, at their core, energy. Energy can’t be destroyed, but when it comes to gods, it can be…disassembled. Their life force gets sent back into Chaos while their soul is sent to the Underworld. It takes an incredibly powerful being to be able to pull off something like that.”
“So Cronus destroyed her?” I felt my chest clench. “How heartbreaking.”