Olympiad is Falling, The Rise of Artemis

The one time I use my powers I land myself in shit. Thank goodness Daylen and Marcus didn’t rat me out. I didn’t come here to end up in jail the more time I wasted the more the more ground I lost on Rocky. I still couldn’t put my finger on why Daylen helped me he seemed intent of getting rid of me earlier. I hoped I wasn’t getting into something worse with these two.

After the door slammed shut and a few more minutes of hiding I emerged from the room. Daylen slouched on a stool by the bar with a glass in his hand and Marcus seemed to be pondering something in the living room.

Daylen looked like any washed up sailor after whatever confrontation he had. His pearly white suit was ripped and brown, yes that was my fault. He unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his defined caramel toned chest. He had the brightest shade of brown eyes I’d ever seen.

He looked up when I fully set foot in the living room. His hair wasn’t as curly as mine and his was chestnut unlike my unruly black hair.

‘Uh… thanks for helping me out guys, but I really have to go.’

Marcus and Daylen stood. Please don’t give me a fight. I wasn’t sure I could take them both.

‘You can’t leave.’ Daylen said.

‘I don’t plan on staying, but thanks for not turning me in.’ I forced a smile and aimed for the door.

‘You have no idea where you’re going Artemis.’

‘Ha, what makes you think I can’t find my way around the mage dimension?’ I whirled and crossed my arms.

The smirks on the boys faces killed my confidence and my arms slipped to my sides.

‘We’re not in the mage dimension we’re in Paradis. The city of angels.’

Oh, crap!

‘You… you mean you guys… are angels? Those guys are angels too?’

Daylen chuckled. I fought with an angel. Rocky would never believe me neither would Stella when I find her.

‘What Daylen meant to say is it’s dangerous for a mage like you to be wondering around half caught own your own. The mage dimension isn’t the safest place right now.’ Marcus said.

‘My sister isn’t here though.’ I folded my arms. Stella had to be worried sick too.

Daylen and Marcus exchanged glances. Daylen sighed and Marcus smirked whatever silent battle going on between them Marcus had won.

‘Make sure none of Storm’s minions are staking out.’

Marcus nodded then shot me a grin on his way out. Daylen shoved his fists in his tattered pants and stared down at me. He was still good looking without the glasses, but I liked the silver glasses. It made me think of Alfie, I wouldn’t be seeing him for a while.

‘You’re not leaving without your sister.’ He said on a sigh.

I stared at the ground, I failed her. ‘She’s all I have left.’

‘Fine. I’ll help you find her, but we work together-‘

‘Whyyy-‘

‘Because Hera can’t get her hands on another powerful mage, she’s ingested herself with enough power. She’s done enough damage.’

I rolled my eyes, if it would help me find Rocky faster then fine. As soon as I found her, we wouldn’t be visiting the mage dimension anytime soon or the city of gorgeous angels.

***

Daylen changed into black sweat pants and a grey hoodie. I desperately wanted to get out of my filthy torn clothes. Daylen brought me back down to the mage dimension well at least that’s how it felt. Paradis wasn’t in the sky, but the portal was particularly why only an angel can get there Daylen told me.

I rubbed my shoulders as we walked the mutilated streets. At least Daylen had cover, but to my relief there weren’t that many people scavenging in the rubble. I bit my lip. I destroyed someone’s livelihood.

I didn’t know where I was going so, I led Daylen to where I thought Calista’s Plaza was, though ended up taking him to an alley with a bunch of cats diving in dumpsters. I scratched my head, what’d I do now?

‘This better not be an ambush, Artemis. That would be a big mistake on your part.’

I sighed and placed my hand on my hip. ‘Of course, it isn’t. I’m just… I think we took the wrong turn that’s all.’

‘Does this friend of yours even exist?’ He blasted.

I balled my hands into fists. ‘You have serious trust issues!’

‘Wouldn’t you if a stranger led you to a familiar’s hangout?’

My eyes went wide. ‘Familiars? As in witches?’

He smacked his forehead and I frowned. Geez, I’ve only read about them. Did Stella have a familiar? He grabbed my wrist and pulled me away from the cat chill spot.

‘Come on, this is ridiculous-‘

‘Let her go!’ Stella waved her wand and a burst of smoke popped up in front Daylen.

‘What the heck?’ I coughed.

Stella reached for so my hand, but Daylen yanked her wand and snapped it like a twig. He waved his hand and the smoke vanished. I turned and wrapped Stella in my arms. At least she wasn’t missing.

‘Where did you disappear to?! You can’t go sight seeing in the mage dimension. And damn it man my wand!’

Daylen crossed his arms and shook his head. ‘Your friend’s a witch, great.’

Stella eyed him up and down, ‘And what are you?’

Daylen smirked, ‘A Dinemus.’

Her eyes popped wide open, she gripped my shoulders and shook me. ‘What have you done to end up with an angel?’

‘Long story- he’s helping me find Rocky.’

Stella rubbed her face. ‘I can’t believe you Arti. Fine let’s go to my place.’

Daylen was silent the twenty-minute walk to Stella’s apartment. She had a whole different life here. Back home she lived under her mother’s roof and here she had a two-bedroom apartment filled with trinkets and lava lamps. Cinnamon filled the air. She must have had something baking.

Stella locked the door behind us.

‘Any idea what your friend is, witch?’ Daylen asked, eyeing the small living room.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

‘My name’s Stella wise guy and I have no idea what she is, no one does.’

‘That gives me confidence,’ he murmured. ‘I’ll help you find your sister we start tomorrow. Try to stay out of trouble, will you?’

I rolled my head, ‘I wouldn’t have gotten into any trouble if you hadn’t shown up.’

Stella rubbed her face and murmured something incomprehensible. Daylen was good looking, but he had an air of arrogance that was enough to choke anyone. I thanked the heavens when he finally left, still I couldn’t wait for him to start searching for my sister. If I was lucky, I would find her and leave the mage dimension before morning.

‘Artemis… what on earth did you get into!!’

I cringed. It wasn’t that bad! I wanted to say, but her twitching stopped me. I landed on the leather couch after speed talking my way through the entire event. Stella slumped next to me.

‘I can’t believe you entered Paradis.’ She said.

I stood, ‘We have to go.’

‘Arti, we can’t go out now it’s too dangerous. We can’t go to Calista’s Plaza anyway… it’s closed.’

‘What kind of ghosts sleep? I don’t care if it’s dangerous. My sister’s in danger and scared. She has no idea what’s going on.’

‘We won’t do Rocky any good if we’ve been captured by Hera’s soldiers or worse! Because things always get worse in the mage dimension. That’s why the gorgeous angel doesn’t want you running around alone.’

I groaned and sat back down. I eyed her and frowned. ‘You think he’s gorgeous?’

She shrugged, ‘All angels are good looking. Dark angels are the worst. Gorgeous but wouldn’t hesitate to drop you into a pit of fire.’

‘So… your mystery guy’s from here! I can’t believe you have a whole life here! Are there any kids hiding? You can come out now.’

She gasped and raised her hands. ‘Goodness, no Arti. No kids! And he’s sort of from here well, not this part anyway.’

I crossed my arms, ‘I expect to meet him.’

‘Ugh, I know. We should get to bed. We have an early day ahead of us and most likely a day full of running.’