chapter twenty- seven

Maybe this new feeling, this realization, was more than just Kaz's words tearing down Este. This was years in the making. Kaz's words were only the catalyst that encouraged everything to resurface for one of the first times in the seventeen-year-olds life.

    Her mother was dead, and had been dead for over a decade. Her father was the ruler of the Underworld and one of the worst people alive. He only acknowledged his children when he needed them and they were simply at his disposal. She took more after Hades than she wanted to admit, and Newt took more after Angelica than she liked to see.

    She was a teenager. A teenager who had witnessed horrible things throughout her life that led her to being awful with her emotions. Her mother. Her Uncle Niall. Her father. They were only three nails in her coffin. Being forced to live a lie, become an adult so soon, and fight battles that no mortal could even dream of? They only carved into the stone that the girl had become.

    She was her own greatest enemy.

    She hated the dark because it felt so welcoming.

    Her blue eyes focused on the world around her as it reappeared. The weight of the laurel on her head caused the tension in her shoulders to melt away. The feeling of the stone beneath her sandals only poked and prodded further as the girl was brought back to reality.

    The dock of the River Styx was a few feet in front of her. The murky waters were inviting to those daring souls who wanted to become invincible. The dock was empty, meaning that Charon had ventured off with other souls that he had collected before her arrival. She turned her head as her eyes casted down the vast river, seeing Charon rowing a few lost souls who were screaming through their journey.

    Solo mission, it has been a time since this last happened, Este knelt down on the dock of the Styx. Her eyes cast down towards the waters of the Styx and the fog that hovered above it. The ghost of a smile gracing her lips as she watched the way the water swayed. Until her silence was disrupted by the waves moving harsher as Charon's oar patted against them as he arrived closer to the girl.

    The screams from the punishment fields grew louder. Charon's face was hidden by the shadows that were created by the hood of his cloak. The girl rose back to her feet as she watched as the boatsman drew closer. Her eyes narrowed and a tiny smirk tugged at her lips, this is going to be a fun little trip down here. She looked at Charon expectantly, noticing the look on his face.

"You have returned," Charon's voice was more airy than it had been previously, as he docked and narrowed his eyes at the girl while leaning on his oar, "Do you have your payment to get across?" The girl held out the drachmas, which he swiped from her hands as she got onto the boat, "You shall see Persephone before attending to your duties, Queen of Shadows," there was something sinister behind his voice causing her eyes to narrow.

Well, let's darn diddly hope that I can get out of this one, The girl crossed her arms before remembering to brace herself as Charon started to row away. Her hands gripped the side of the boat as it rocked through the waters of the Styx as the screaming grew louder and louder. Filling her ears as she closed her eyes tightly. I hope Finn's one of them being tortured right now.

The Underworld. A dark place as most saw it, but it wasn't as bad as it had been depicted to be other the ages. Despite the constant screams that echoed from punishment and the sadness of the souls who were giving up their memories, it was a place of total isolation and a place of eternal peace. That is if you managed to be as good as you could be and went into one of the fields that wasn't the fields of Punishment. They'd never be at peace.

There were things that lurked in the depths of the Underworld that had been hidden since the beginning of time, and since the fall of the Titans. None of the Gods spoke of any of it. At least, not from what the demigods could find out about. They were still casted out of where their parents lived, unless they were truly needed and then the rules may be bent. But only a little. Not that Hades would bend any rules for his children, other than letting them live.

Over time, Este had grown to resent the Gods. Zeus had killed her mother, and had split apart her family while trying to kill each member. Their existence was a threat. A broken promise that one brother had made to others, as if Zeus hadn't broken a fair share of his own rules. The Gods were all guilty. They were bad parents and they were even worse when it came to crimes that they had committed against each other, but speaking of what they had done? That would get you killed.

Este knew better than to act on what she thought of the Gods. Knowing that would be an immediate death sentence in her direction as well as her families. A swift blade to the neck like the old times? No. They were bound for torture, or they would be smitted if the Gods decided to be merciful. Which they never were. The Gods were conceited, and wanted nothing more than to be worshiped. But as Ancient times faded, so did their love.

Maybe that is why they kept having kids. Not just to use them off as soldiers, but to keep the power running through them. The children still had to offer sacrifices, serving part of their plates into a fire as well as when they would pray to the Gods. Prayers that were often ignored and seen as ridiculous when it came to the Gods' lives. They would never understand how hard living was for their children. And as much as they would claim that they cared, did they really?

Este stepped off of Charon's boat with ease. Her feet padded against the stone ground as the screams grew louder and the fire blared from punishment. A sudden rush of heat filling the air before the cold took over once more. Este paused as she looked at the garden, it was almost beckoning her to come forward. Well, here goes nothing, Este started to walk forward as the blood continued to drip down her hand.

Este knew that she was one of the more... fortunate demigods when it came to speaking with the Gods. She had more conversations with them than some children had ever had in their lifetime. But with that, came a curse. She felt as if she was simply a disposable piece on a chessboard to the Gods. Being forced to play into their games just to survive, which is why she had left Camp Half-Blood and never turned back.

"Perseophone," Este stopped at the edge of the garden as she bowed her head low enough to pay respect to the Goddess before lowering herself down onto her knees, "Charon told me that I was summoned to you before my duties could be fulfilled," She remained where she was for a moment before slowly rising back to her feet as she stood tall.

Persephone turned from the pomegranate tree as she looked at the dark haired girl with a small smile, "I did," She glided over towards Este as she pulled her in for a hug before pulling away, "There is much to discuss. But first," Persephone stopped as she looked at her, "I need you to understand the prophecy, Este."

Este felt as every organ in her body practically stilled as her eyes immediately locked on Persephone, well, I love myself some prophecies, don't I? "Of course, why would there ever be a day where I'm not prophesied," Este simply stated as she narrowed her eyes in the slightest, waiting for the goddess to continue speaking, "Go on."

"The prophecy of something that may as well break nature," Persephone looked at the girl, "You are safer than any demigod has ever been, so is your brother," The goddess gave Este a firm look, "You must make a decision soon, about the Cullen's. And I have a feeling that you have already begun to decide."

Este pursed her lips together as she held back a smart remark, "That is none of your concern," She'd already made a decision, "What does my life mean to any of you?" The girl questioned as she crossed her arms behind her back, "None of you have offered me any explanation on why you are all so involved in what is happening."

"Because," Persephone gave the girl a soft look as she moved around some of Este's auburn hair, "There will come a time that you understand. This is nothing to do with some... order you think that we have. This goes against all laws, and you know that," Persephone let her hands fall, "Tell them, before the time is too late. Before things change in the upcoming months. You are dismissed."

    Este had to bite a sharp remark from slipping past her tongue.

Persephone watched the girl's reaction, "You really are just like him."

    Este scoffed at the remark, not even caring to show the goddess respect as she turned and left. Her jaw was tight as she focused on what she had to do. The duties that she knew she had to do. What she came to do.

    What would that woman know? Saying I'm just like him as if she isn't a case of Stockholm Syndrome.

    Este focused on helping souls reach their final destination. It kept her out of her thoughts for a short amount of time, before she'd dwell back on it. It was almost like her mind was playing an awful game with her. Este's eyes fell on the young kid who stepped out of the court of judgement. His translucent face filled with fear as he looked up at her. He had to be no older than nine.

Este felt a tug at her heartstrings as the next person to walk out of the judgment hall was a small child, "Are you ready?" Her usually cold facade drifted as she gave the child a soft look, "I'm Este, what is your name?" She asked softly as she held out a hand.

"Remus," The small boy whispered, his shaggy blonde hair falling into his ghostly eyes as he took her hand, "I'm scared," He admitted as his smaller hand gripped hers as tightly as it could, Este focused so that it didn't go through her.

"It's okay, little one," Este promised as she looked relieved for the child, "I'm taking you to the fields of Elysium. It's a beautiful place, you will enjoy it," She slowly began walking as she shook her head, "There is nothing to fear. You are protected here, nothing can hurt you anymore."

The walk to the fields of Elysium was short. The sound of laughter ringing through the air, much different than what you would hear when arriving on Charon's boat. Este watched as the boy hesitated, fear written in his eyes despite the place seeming inviting. She bent down on her knees in front of him as she used her abilities to make sure she could hold onto both of the child's hands as she looked up at him.

She realized easily that he was a demigod, and a child that had been killed by the same monsters that had chased her for so long.

"What do you call a dog that can do magic?" Este asked softly, trying to help ease the boy's transition in death to his final resting place.

His eyes looked alarmed before he slowly seemed to feel some sort of comfort as he looked at the girl, head tilted down in the slightest, "What?" He asked.

"A labracadabrador," Este commented as she let a soft laugh leave her lips as soon as the boy started laughing, "You are going to see one, they're very rare," She smirked as she pointed towards Elysium, "He's in there, and he'll keep you company. Keep you safe. I promise, he will," She rose back to her feet as she tilted her head, "Are you ready?"

The boy pursed his lips together as he nodded, letting go of Este's hands as he disappeared into Elysium. Este had the glimmer of a smile make its way onto her lips as she turned away from the fields, making her way towards the docks so that Charon would take her back home so she could disappear into the real world again. He was at peace, and for that, she envied him.

Charon carried Este back across the River Styx before dropping her off where he had picked her up from. The girl looked at the shadows before taking a deep breath and stepping into them. The darkness that had swallowed her whole many times now spit her back out into the world of the living. The sky was quite a few shades darker and the rain had slowly started to come down. Yet, she was protected by the trees as the water droplets slipped onto the grounds of Forks.

She stumbled when the weight of the real world hit her. She sat down against the dirt as she felt exhausted. The tips of her fingers had begun to go translucent. She debated on what she should do for a moment, just let me get home.

Este slipped herself into the shadows, and easily braced herself against the wall of her home as it reappeared. The entirety of her right arm was now translucent.

Upon reappearing in her own home, she caught sight of all of the Cullen's cars outside the window. Great, this is going to be very fun to explain. Este sighed to herself as she turned back around to see nearly a dozen eyes resting on her as she remained leaning against the wall. Newt was over to her in an instant after warning the vampires to keep a distance, as this was something they could make worse not realizing it.

Newt tilted his sister's head as he glanced over her, "You are bonier and your eyes are sunken in. Your right arm is almost completely gone though," He let out a sigh of annoyance as he let his hand fall, he narrowed his eyes, "Your eyes are also a few shades darker. You should've been back sooner."

"It's been hours!" Kaz exclaimed as he stared in their direction, causing Este's head to whip quickly in his direction, "A lot more than normal." Didn't expect for him to still be here after everything that was said yesterday.

    Este's eyes cast over to Kaz, internally she was a little caught off guard by his concern after he'd been angry at her for the past two days due to the same vampires that were currently in the home.

"Sorry. They kept me longer to talk originally then I had to lead people from judgment. I took a few minutes longer because there was a child," Este mumbled as she pushed herself off of the wall, "You forget how different time feels when you are down there."

    Though, the smell of blood definitely caused the atmosphere to shift for the Cullens.

"It's an entrance fee, sorry. I didn't think you would all be here to smell the blood," Este looked at her hand back which was stained red with her blood but also due to the pomegranate, "What do you guys need?" She questioned, "Where's Edwin? Is he still on his vacation?" Este had to give Edward a hard time.

Este watched as Carlisle stepped forward, grabbing the girl's hand before she could hide it any more, "Edward is gone for a bit. He needs to clear his mind over Bella. He is visiting our cousins in Alaska," Carlisle answered as he took the bottle of alcohol from Newt, "This is going to sting."

"Alright." Este bit down on her lip as soon as the alcohol met her skin, it burned and bubbled on her palm as she then wiped it on a cloth before taking the nectar and ambrosia from Newt, "It'll heal over enough that it won't bother you anymore."

    She went back to her room with the help of her brother, changing into a pair of sweatpants and one of her old shirts from camp. Ignoring the way her right arm was still very translucent and she was exhausted. She looked down at the cut on her palm which had slowly faded into a thin scar. One more round and it will be gone, she was sure of it.

    A knock on Este's door caught her attention, Newt glanced at her before he walked over and opened the door. On the other side, Jasper and Alice.

    Newt shared a look with his sister before he slid around the two vampires and allowed them to enter.
"I'm sorry. The blood..." Alice paused as she furrowed her eyebrows, "I couldn't see you at all today. It's been changing a lot. Before, it was all broken but I could piece it together. Now, it's... it doesn't come naturally for me to see it."

"Don't worry about it," Este just laid back on her bed, glancing at the two vampires from the side, "It's probably just demigod stuff. No big deal."

"Don't worry. Everythin's okay." Jasper attempted to reassure her but once she heard him trying to pronounce 'everything's' she was trying not to start laughing, his southern accent was definitely betraying his speech.

"Your accent makes that sound so funny." Este's voice was barely above a whisper as she looked down at the floor.

"It does make it that way," Alice laughed lightly as she sat down on Este's bed, eying the girl's translucent arm with a small pang of worry.

"I feel attacked, y'all." Jasper feigned hurt as he looked between the two, his eyes dark as he seemed a little wary of being around Este, "I can't believe my favorite girls are makin' fun of my accent."

"I plead deliriousness from exhaustion," Este joked as she let her eyes close for a moment, "You can't prosecute me." Then her tired eyes peered back open when she registered his words, "Favorite girls, huh? We are not. You're just perceiving it that way. Might need to give a monologue about your doom."

Jasper scoffed as he stayed at a distance from the girl, "Maybe you really do need to go to sleep, darlin'."

"Call me darlin' again and I might smother myself."

Alice shook her head, "You act as if we can't hear your heart rate."

"Minor setback," Este shrugged tiredly as her head lulled to the side, her eyes struggling to stay open much longer.

"Get some rest," Alice rose from the bed as she looked at the girl, "And we'll talk more tomorrow."

"After you sleep a decent amount," Jasper added from his spot on the wall, "And aren't so... translucent."

"Your accent makes that so much better," Her speech was slightly slurred.

Jasper, despite his slight tension, seemed amused, "Don't worry. My accent will always be around to make it better."

    It barely took the two anytime to notice she had fallen asleep. The way her eyes were closed and her head fell a little more over to the side. Her chest rising and falling at a slower rate than it had been previously.

    Alice carefully fixed a blanket over Este as Jasper forced himself to adjust how she was laying so she didn't wake up with a kink in her neck the next morning.

"She'll be okay."