Chapter 20
After a while of walking, I found myself trailing a few steps behind the Hunters. We were following a narrow path that twisted through the forest, opening a discreet way among the trees. It was easy to lose sight of one another in that green labyrinth, where every step seemed to pull us deeper into its silent embrace.
The forest around us was denser now, a stark contrast to the clearing where Léo and I had rested earlier. The treetops formed a canopy above us like a protective veil, filtering the sunlight that desperately tried to reach the ground. The few rays that managed to pierce this natural barrier created golden beams that danced in the shadows as the afternoon crept in. The soft darkness surrounding us wasn't frightening; it was almost inviting, as if the forest itself was welcoming us.
I could see small animals scurrying cautiously along the sides of the trail. Curious squirrels peeked down from high branches, and I spotted raccoons staring at us through the foliage, as if we were intruding on their territory. There was a moment, almost imperceptible, when I thought I saw a squirrel whisper something to another. "Am I really losing my mind?" I thought, but dismissed the idea as quickly as it came. If I started believing the animals were talking, I'd definitely be losing what little sanity I had left.
The silence the Hunters maintained was almost oppressive. I knew it was part of their discipline, but after weeks alone, fighting and wandering on my own, the longing for conversation gnawed at me from within. Until now, I thought solitude had hardened my heart, turning me into a silent weapon like them. But, ironically, being surrounded by other people only seemed to highlight how much I craved some sort of human interaction, however brief.
I sped up my pace, catching up to Zoë, who was leading the group with the confidence of someone on familiar ground. Her steps were long and firm, as if nothing could take her by surprise. From where I was, I could clearly see her profile — a youthful face, but with a strength and determination I had rarely seen in anyone. Her eyes were fixed ahead, alert for any sign of danger, like a predator ready to strike.
I walked through the midst of the Hunters, feeling the tension increase as I got closer. Some of them cast cautious glances my way, their hands tightening almost imperceptibly around their bows. I could tell they were ready to react at the slightest hint of a threat, even if that meant turning me into a target. The feeling of being surrounded by experienced warriors should have made me more cautious, but instead, I felt challenged.
"Don't be fooled by our first encounter," I thought as I felt the familiar weight of Riptide at my side. "I was just assessing the situation. If they try something now…" I was so close that, with a quick move, I could take down at least three of them before they could react. The idea surprised me, and for a second, I froze. "Have I really become this kind of person?"
That thought disturbed me. Despite having faced monsters and sent them back to Tartarus countless times, I still hadn't stained my hands with human blood. Sure, monsters were one thing. They didn't truly die; they just returned to their infernal prison. But humans… that would be different.
The idea of taking a human life was something that haunted me. I had already accepted that this wasn't a simulation and that those around me weren't mere extras in a story. They were living beings. And if I impaled a mortal with my sword, they would die forever. It was a burden I wasn't ready to carry.
I shook my head, trying to push those thoughts away. "Leave that for future me to deal with." With a sigh, I forced myself to focus on Zoë again. Now that I was closer, I could smell a subtle scent of lavender emanating from her. Something I would never have noticed before, back when my mind was so focused on survival and battles.
For the first time in a long while, I felt strangely nervous. "What should I say?" It was ridiculous, but after so many weeks in isolation, my social skills seemed to have gotten lost along the way.
I thought of several questions — from their origins to the dangers they had faced — but, of course, my mouth decided to ignore any logic. The words slipped out before I could stop them:
— Uh… how old did you say you were again? — My voice came out too loud, clear enough to echo on the narrow trail. Instantly, all the Hunters stopped. They turned toward me, eyes wide as if I had just committed the greatest blasphemy.
I realized how stupid my question had been a moment too late. Zoë stared at me, her expression shifting from surprise to something closer to… barely contained irritation. Around me, I noticed some of the Hunters averting their eyes, clearly trying not to laugh. Their body language told me they pitied me, as if I had just signed my own social death sentence.
Before I could explain myself, the scene around me suddenly shifted. In place of Zoë and the Hunters, I saw a massive arrow coming straight for me. I couldn't react. I blinked, and suddenly, searing pain exploded in my left eye. A wooden shaft was protruding from my face, and for some reason, my regeneration wasn't working.
My legs gave out, and I fell backward, feeling the cold, damp earth beneath me. I knew these would be my last words:
— D-d…
The word died on my lips as another arrow lodged itself in my skull, and the world went black.
That was how Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon, died.
Well, at least in a doomed parallel universe.
In reality, Percy was still standing there, preparing to ask his question. This time, he decided to try a less dangerous topic:
— So… does your dad have a garden?
End of Chapter
For those who don't know, this is a silly Brazilian pickup line that goes like this:
"Does your dad have a garden?"
— No, why?
— Because you made my cucumber grow.