Chimera’s Path
Chapter 1: Creation
Smooth grassy land stretched far throughout an open field. Upon view layed a utopian palace that was filled with panthers, falcons, swans, deer, and many unique species of animals. This palace is settled on top of a mountain, where the Goddess of the Hunt, Artemis resided. Inside, near a large rectangular pool and four twin pillars, a long green haired woman wearing a silver Greek armor chest plate, long skirt that came almost to the knee caps, strapped Greek bronze sandals, two twin daggers around her waist, and finally a bow with a full quiver of arrows had her arms tied and folded behind her back, as her eyes closed tight.
Suddenly she whistled as a puma, tiger, and male lion started to circle around her. All three growled in fierceness, not showing any signs of backing down. Yet the closed eyed woman hardly gave off any scarcity, instead she just formed a little smirk and whistled once again. Instantly they all attacked in unison, showing off bare teeth and razor claws. The woman leaped off the ground causing the three predators to collide with each other. Spinning in the air, she planted her feet on solid ground, however all three mammals once again got up, but this time the puma struck first. Rushing right at her, it tried to tear her limb by limb, although that didn’t go as planned. Sliding under the puma, she did an axe kick to the back of its head, causing the puma to go unconscious.
Soon the tiger was next to follow suit, but just as soon it came close contact with Artemis, she leaped up to its back then used her legs to put the tiger in a chokehold until eventually passing out. Getting up, she got caught off guard by the lion as it pinned her down to the ground. Yet still, Artemis didn’t open her eyes by the danger. Instead, just as she was about to be engulfed by the lion’s teeth, she jerked her arms up using the teeth to break the ties binding her wrists and avoiding death with a punch across the lion’s mouth. Backflipping away from it, she got out one of her arrows from her quiver, although instead of pulling it back with her bow, Artemis simply twirls it around then throws it at the lion with incredible force. Before the lion could register what went on, the arrow pierced its fur, making it give off a defeated growl.
“And that yelping means I win,” Artemis said, taking off her blindfold while the other predatory animals came close to the lion as they also gave off signed growls.
“You all did extremely well today, especially you; Leon.” She rubbed the lion’s mane now known as Leon.
Soon she heard jealous snorts from the puma and tiger but they eventually left the palace heading outside. Suddenly a black feathered crow flew in, landing on Artemis’ shoulder.
“Coronis, did you have a good flight my friend?” She asked.
The raven only cried out in urgency as its feathers fluffed up some. Artemis immediately could tell what made her friend agitated like this. Gently placing Coronis on Leon’s back, she softly uttered “Don’t worry, I won’t be long.”
Running outside, she focused down the mountain, specifically at a forestland that represented light and dark. At the first half of the forest, fresh trees bloomed steadily with smoothness and calm, flowers swiftly moving from a gentle breeze. Although, from the unlighted half; trees creaked with hollowness, showing no signs of leaves or flourished grass. From there Artemis traveled halfway from the mountain, unwavering her bow and arrows. For a few short seconds nothing but the wind blowing across her face came to bare. Soon, sounds of a low deep growl came from the forest. Heavy footsteps began approaching at a quick neck speed. Without any warning, a creature that had the size of a buffalo, face of a bull, scale dark skin, and two razor sharp horns charged at Artemis. Drawing an arrow out she shot it at the creature’s horn, yet it wasn’t fazed at all. Not being able to move in time, she was caught in the full brunt of the attack. Hands gripped tensely at the horns, making dirt slide right under Artemis’s feet. Quickly she skipped her body some, though it was only very little due to closed off space. Eventually, she got enough air to flip her body forward, landing right on the creature’s back. The being grunted, snorted in anger as he galloped in circles roughly, bucking aggressively.
Not letting go of her grip, Artemis muttered, “That’s it big guy, just tire yourself out.”
In a few moments, the creature snorted heavily. giving lesser steam until it collapsed on the ground with Artemis getting off. She kneeled down, gently rubbing the animal’s fur until she saw something quite… disturbing. On the edge of its neck, all the way to its torso, were deep end wound cuts. Inhaling sharply, she put her head close to the heart, hearing slow heartbeats. The beats kept getting fainter and fainter till she couldn’t hear anything anymore. Artemis exhaled sorrow, glancing over to the forest, where a serpent-like figure watched on in anger before heading into the darker part of the trees. Slithering through bright fruitful grass until reaching decayed rock grounds, the figure headed inside a large cave that was shaped like a snake’s tooth. Going in, it was revealed to be an unusual serpent. She had the body and head of a woman, though her skin was grayed scaled, had black feral eyes, and the lower body of a snake. Hissing in pure rage, she yelled out, “Curse that idiotic mammal! Just when you show promise, you fall apart! GAHH!” Suddenly she punched a wall causing some debris to fall down. Taking in some deep breaths, the serpent calmed herself down.
“What I need is something more powerful. Something,” her hands glowed dark purple. “Intelligent.”
Chapter 2: Pup Seeking Joy
Seven Years Later
From the light part of the forest, a leaf broke off from one of its branches; traveling toward a cave. Softly landing on gravel rock, nearby footsteps closed in, revealing a unique animal. It had the body of a lion, light gray fur that resembled a goat, long dragon tail having the length of a python, and head of a female lion displaying the mane of a male. She sniffed it faintly then gave off a curious growl. Using her tail, she picked it up then headed inside.
“Mom! Mom! Look what I found!” the creature said enthusiastically, putting the leaf down. Although her ears fell flat when a serpent tail instantly crushed the leaf. Looking up slowly towards her mother, the vicious viper Echidna, whose eyes were filled with disappointment.
“Chimera, did you forget what I told you?” Echidna slowly expressed, leaning in towards Chimera; her eyes sending daggers towards the young creature. Seconds only passed by but for Chimera, it felt more like eternity. Without any remorse, Echidna raised her backhand and smacked Chimera across her left cheek, earning scratch markings on her face. Aggressively using her tail to grab her by the neck, she pinned Chimera down to the gravel. Frightened to the point where tears came through her eyes, Chimera could only whimper silently to herself. “You are forbidden to leave this cave until you are ready to kill Artemis,” she then put in more extra pressure. “Do I make myself clear?!”
Barely being able to speak, Chimera nodded in submission as Echidna let go, leaving Chimera to lay down on the ground crying to herself. Nightfall began to take its place, replacing the ever summer sun with the coldness of the night sky. Chimera, who was just at the edge of her mother’s cave, tried her best to sleep but no matter what she did or even hummed something to drift off, nothing worked. Eventually she gave in a soulless sign, peering at the night filled sky.
“I wish I could be like you,” Chimera said. “So free and smoothing. Pretty sure you don’t disappoint anyone do you?” Giving another sign, she turned her head back towards her mother, who was sleeping in the darkest part of the cave. To other animals it would’ve been nothing more than a regular pitch-black cave, but to her she could see clear as day. “I’ll make you proud mom.” she thought to herself, though it wasn’t in full confidence. Shutting her eyes down, Chimera tried her best to go back to sleep, knowing that tomorrow will be like living in a nightmare.
Chapter 3: A Demented Lesson
Morning sunshine rose from the lighter part of the forest, even towards Echidna’s cave, where Chimera slept blissfully. Unfortunately she got exposed to a rude awakening as Echidna used her hand again to wake her up. Quickly getting up from the sudden jolt, Chimera stood firm. Circling around her, practically like prey, Echidna hissed in low belligerence.
“Due to the disobedience from yesterday,” her hands gripped tightly. “Today’s training will be more severe.“ Without any warning, Echidna’s hands radiated in black amethyst mist. From there puffs of small smoke formed nearby her. The smoke was loose, configuring itself like a puzzle. It stretched out hard until finally getting a shape in. Unexpectedly, bones cracked within and flesh melded together until creating a small creature with four sharp razor teeth, moon night fur, and red deep eyes. “You are to last two hours against this insignificant worm here and trust me; it may be small but you will be begging for forgiveness when it’s done.” Slithering over to her resting area, Echidna crossed her arms, waiting on Chimera’s move. Chimera took in a scared breath, trying her best to remain calm. The mini life form screeched out in feral instinct, running on all fours to attack. Lifting her paws up, claws came forth as she tried to wound him; unfortunately, the rodent was too fast for her. It soon slid underneath Chimera and jumped up high to where her tail was. Then it bit her tail hard, earning a strained yelp from Chimera. Turning her head around, she saw a few drops of blood dripping down from the creature’s teeth. To her shock, it wasn’t the creature’s blood but her own. Not having enough time to react, it let go, causing a small splat to plaster the ground. Chimera gritted her teeth to hold down the pain, yet some drops of water still came through her eyes. Suddenly her balance got knocked off, making her side hit against the rocky pebbles. Trying to get up; she felt a forceful impact in her stomach, taking the air right out of her body. The small creature, whose leg was deep in Chimera’s stomach, led off sustaining no injuries whatsoever. All the while Echidna looked on, saying nothing.
Two Hours Later
Chimera layed down on the ground, panting heavily with small bite-sized gashes all over her body; luckily they were too small to be fatal.
“It seems you’re still nowhere near the mindset of a killer yet,” Echidna exclaimed, grabbing the tiny entity that stood next to Chimera with her hand. “Such disappointment.” Soon she crushed it in her hand, leaving nothing but dust and bone to cover the ground. Slithering past Chimera, who at this point was about to go unconscious, retorted, “I’m going to the Scarred Lands for a bit of study, you can rest while I’m gone,” she then turned back to whisper in Chimera’s ear, ”And if I see you leave this cave again, know that I will personally put you in the grave myself.” Finally Echidna left, leaving Chimera to lose consciousness. Elsewhere, at the mountain palace with Artemis, she and Coronis were setting up red and gold ribbons around the columns. Making sure there weren’t loose ends, she tied everything up in a neat, firmed knot.
“Thank you for putting in such hard work Coronis,” Artemis said, as she landed on her shoulder. She gently rubbed the uppered chin on her neck. “Now hurry on and go join the others, our festival is about to start.” In a confident caw, Coronis flew outside with Artemis following suit. Shortly afterwards, Leon and all the other animals roared in great joy as she waved at them. Turning her hand into a fist, all the animals went silent. Clearing her throat, she announced, “Hello, Everyone! I hope you all had a good night’s sleep last night, because it’s time for our annual Mount Olympus Competition!” Barely able to keep their excitement, all the animals once again cheered on.
Chapter 4: Receiving Gifts & Gaining New Plans
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Artemis gazed on and put two fingers together on her left hand. As soon as she split them apart, four animals came up to her. The first two were Leon and Coronis; as the other competitors were the same puma and tiger she fought a long time ago. They all lowered their heads in front of her with Artemis giving a bow back. Turning back to the herd of species, she yelled out, “These are going to be your champions for this year! You may cheer them on with all your heart, but only one can be the victor!” As the animals celebrated in pure anticipation, Artemis saw a small group of lionesses staring quite seductively at Leon. She chuckled quietly to herself, but could easily hear a small embarrassed growl from him.
“Hey it’s okay, even if you lose, you’ll still get a second win.” Artemis exclaimed, starting to come at the point of snickering, all the while Leon just had a blush on his face. Coronis on the other hand twisted her head some, almost trying to look for someone in the herd. As she kept searching, her feathers began to fluff in distress until a hand rubbed against her head. “Don’t worry Coronis, I’m sure your parents are out there watching, just stay calm and give it your all.” From those words alone, her feathers were at a more stable standstill. Suddenly, Artemis heard an irritated snarl from the puma; whereas the tiger exhaled, annoyed at him.
“Right, sorry about that you two,” she apologized, putting on a sheepish face. “Let’s begin!” Putting her arms out separately, the herd divided itself, opening a path to the forest. “The rules are simple, the champions are to race through the Phanos forest then come back to Mount Olympus. You can slow each other down as much as you want but killing is forbidden. Also, you can’t cross through the Scarred lands, for I’m not able to protect you out there.” Snarling in understanding, more so rattling noise from Coronis, the champions line up beside each other; waiting for the signal. Getting out one arrow and her bow, Artemis aimed at the sky. Once she released it, Leon, the puma, and tiger ran off at high speed, with Coronis flying.
From there, heavy paw prints vibrated the grassy terrain, as Leon was in the lead, tiger in second and puma in third. Without losing momentum, the tiger used its claws to latch itself on top of the tree branches, jumping after tree after tree until gaining the head front. Hissing, the puma rushed into the bushes, leaping over giant logs and stones until sliding over a mud-stained hill, painting his coat in brown mud. As Leon took a right turn, the puma slammed itself into him; making him crack one of the flourish trees. Getting up, he shook his head then stared at the puma who had a snarky smirk on his face. Up top from him, bark began fracturing until coming up to the branches. Its wood snapped apart, hitting against Leon’s back; pinning him to the ground’s soil. The puma smiled mischievously at the result. At the head bark of the trees, the tiger leaped over to what was supposed to be a branch, but realized too soon that there wasn’t any. Shortly afterwards, gravity caught up with him as he plummeted right at the branch Leon was trapped in. Laughing triumphantly, the puma was about to continue until Coronis flew past all three of them. Seconds later his whole jaw opened in disbelief. Nearby, Leon raised up, easily knocking the branch and tiger off of him. As the tiger got down from the branch, he and Leon growled angrily at him. A few pullets of sweat soon covered the puma’s face.
Elsewhere, Coronis soared deeper into the forest. She steadily slowed down her pace, landing near a crossroad. Hopping between the left and right trails, Coronis was at a standstill on where to go; though that quickly changed when she heard paws shake the jungle floor. In a frantic decision she went right, as Leon and the tiger turned left, as well as a mangled puma that had bruises all over his body. Flying through, Coronis felt something… off. The once flourishing grass and healthy trees slowly got replaced with gravel and lifeless husks. As she continued, the whole environment changed into nothing more than a rocky wasteland. Coming near a big pile of rocks, she tried turning around but rumble noises took root. The pile of rocks began colliding with each other, breaking down pieces of themselves until forming an entity that was miniature, displayed bat wings, and a vicious goblin face. He lunged at her, grabbing the crow and squeezing her with his hands. Coronis cawed loudly for help, yet it was in vain. Feeling her body getting crushed more and more, the crowing started dying down. There was even at a point where her eyes couldn’t keep open. Suddenly, she faintly heard a thud as the creature very quickly let go. Hitting the ground, her blurry eyes noticed that his arms were shattered. Across from her was an unknown creature having light gray fur, mane of a lion, and a dragon tail that swung protectively of her.
“Get away from her, now.” Chimera uttered, leaving the creature to give out a snarl, but it came out minkley, using his wings to fly away. Signing in relief, Chimera quickly came over to Coronis, slightly jumping up and down with worry. “Oh, are you ok? Tiny… feathered… thing?” she asked sheepishly. Coronis only looked on at the complex creature before shutting her eyes. At a slow pace, Coronis opened her eyes to find herself back in the forest, laying in a soft pile of leaves. The same creature that protected her was laying beside her, playfully moving her paws around the grass as if mesmerized by them. Turning to Coronis, Chimera’s ears perked up with great joy. “You’re awake! I was starting to get worried. I found some green colored rocks for you to lay on,” she pointed to the leaves Coronis laid on. She tried to get up but was still in awe at this abnormal animal. On the outside, she carries the perfect strength of predators, yet on the inside seemed to be an innocent who won’t even hurt a flower. “I’m surprised they’re not hard, just like this whole landscape.” Coronis tried flapping her wings for any injuries, the left wing felt fine, although a sharp pain would paralyze her whole right wing, even only when extending it. Due to the sudden voltage in pain, she did an anguished caw that sent Chimera’s ears and tail to fall short.
“Sorry,” Chimera muttered softly. “I don’t know the first thing about healing, let alone helping; just how to be a disappointment.” Coronis turned her head sideways some, before trying to wrap her good wing on Chimera’s right paw. Immediately, she jerked it away, and in a panicked frenzy tried to hide behind a tree. Coronis looked on in confusement, kindly chirping at her. Chimera’s ears perked up on her rhythms. None of them held an ounce of aggression or hardened will towards her, in fact it felt more warm. Steadily coming out of the tree, she sat near Coronis, baffled by it. “Why are you being so… Weird with me? Are you trying to lower my guard down so you can eat me?” Coronis chirped once again as Chimera listened in closely to her. “Affection?” She then rubbed her paw against her head. “What’s that?” Coming closer to her face, Coronis rubbed her head against Chimera’s mane. Suddenly her eyes closed softly as a slight purr came through her body. The friendly sensation may have only lasted for mere seconds, but for Chimera it felt like a timeless loop. However that completely changed when her ears perked up, twitching in a panic.
“Chimera…” A chilling voice whispered in that only Chimera seemed to hear. Her tail moved agitated with her chest sending out rapid breaths. “I… I have to go!” she gasped, small waters covering her eyes. Coronis was about to speak but Chimera quickly headed back to the Scarred Lands. Back at Enchida’s cave, she slithered through the lossy rock with nothing more than pure malice in her eyes. Echidna’s hands resonated in black amethyst vapor, staring in thought for a few moments until thunderous paws came towards her cave. Chimera quietly entered, sorrowfully laying her entire body down to the ground while her ears and tail didn’t move. Echidna creeped closer to her, directly staring at her eyes.
“I guess you don’t deserve life after all.” she said in her ears. Chimera closed her eyes shut, tears leaking more and more as she waited for her mother’s harsh strike. Although, the more she waited, nothing happened. Opening her eyes, she met her mother’s gaze who now looked at with ponderment. Echidna sniffed the air, getting a familiar sensation that centered around Chimera’s body. She sniffed more, expressing a hatred scowl. “Artemis…” Suddenly the vapor from her hands diminished, leaving Chimera utterly stunned. “Chimera, where did you get this scent?”
“Um,” Chimera gulped. “After the lesson, I heard a noise that sounded so weird; like something crying. So I went to look and helped this fluffy feather thing then she rubbed against my mane,” she smiled faintly. “Says that it’s supposed to be a form of affection.” Listening in, Echidna gave a small smirk.
“Looks like you’ll get your chance after all.” she claimed.
“Wh..What do you mean?” Letting off, Echidna put her hand on top of Chimera’s head, showing a wicked smile.
“You are going to befriend Artemis, lower her guard down; and when the time is right, kill her.”
Chapter 5: The Game Of Lies
At Mount Olympus, Artemis sat crossed legged near the steps. All the animals were celebrating the victor, which was the tiger; who was surrounded by the horde of species. Leon was near the group of lionesses, where they were snuggling his mane and even kissed him a few times. The Puma, who at this point was laying down licking his wounds, sat near a small group of ducks. Searching through the area, Artemis still saw no sign of Coronis. Her palm began tightening up in anxiety, now glancing to the Phanos forest.
“Coronis, Please tell me you didn’t.” she spoke under her breath. Briefly, she saw some bushes rustle in. From there, Coronis wobbled with her legs, steadily coming near Mount Olympus. Getting up in a bit of panic mixed with shock, Artemis was about to head down until two bigger crows from the horde of animals quickly flew to Coronis’ side. They cawed at alarming rates, flapping their wings in distress. Coronis softly chirped at the two, showing that she was ok by extending her wings simultaneously; however, the sharp pain from her right wing hit her again. Even though she bit through the soreness, the two older crows made Coronis get on one of their backs; heading towards Artemis directly. Landing near her, Artemis quickly held Coronis in her hands.
“Coronis,” she uttered lightly. “I told you not to go.” Coronis cawed slowly, feeling a bit of shame towards the goddess. Heading towards the pool, Artemis gently put down Coronis. Seconds passed by as the water gave out a faint hum until her right wing was completely rejuvenated. Flapping her wings, Coronis flew out of the pool and landed near the bigger crows, where they wrapped their appendages around her sweetly. “What happened out there?” Artemis asked, kneeling down to Coronis. She cawed in rhythmic patterns as Artemis took it every sound. When she was finished, Artemis was taken aback. “So… a creature with grey fur, body of a predator, and strange tail came and saved you but ran away.” She retold. Coronis only gave her a small bow with Artemis thinking upon this strange specimen.
Meanwhile, night plastered the sky with Chimera, who was now around the entrance of the forest; pacing back and forth with her paws. “Okay, now um maybe… but will that work? Oh, how am I supposed to do this?” she questioned herself. In honesty she really didn’t want to do it, how could she? That fluffy creature was the only person who didn’t see her as a killer. Now she has to betray her trust just to get to Artemis, and even then she could hardly think she had the ability to kill her. “Groans… This is to make mom proud,” she stomped her right paw on the ground creating a small crack. “So stop being a disappointment and go for it!” However, no matter how many times she tries to psych herself up, there is always a hint of sorrow. Suddenly trembles from the bushes came through. Chimera backed away slowly, trying to get ready for the attack but it never came as she was stunned by who approached her: Artemis herself.
“Aha, I was wondering if it was you,” she started, stepping outside the bushes in full view with Chimera still stunned. “So you must be the creature Coronis talked about, I have to admit I’ve never seen an animal as magnificent as you before.”
“Um, T-Thank you?” Chimera mumbled. Artemis looked close at Chimera, noticing her body fidgeting and a hint of trembling.
“So what are you doing out here?” Chimera tried to speak yet her body was in a mess. Artemis continued to look at her until snapping her fingers. “You must’ve wanted to see if Coronis was well.” Soon Chimera’s jaw suddenly tightened.
“Y-Yeah, I didn’t really get a chance to talk to her after my gulp… mother called me to come home.” she replied. Artemis only put her arms behind her head nonchalantly, twisting her body like she was stretching.
“If that’s the case, let me take you to her,” she offered. “Afterall, you did so much for her; it’s the least I can do.” Artemis went through the bushes again as Chimera peeked at it. Within a few seconds Artemis’s head popped in, signaling for Chimera to come along. Reluctantly, she went through as her eyes gleamed in pure shock and awe. All types of creatures she never knew were playing, sleeping, and even cuddling together with such peace and tranquility yet that barely compared to the big opened structure that gleamed in the moonlight.
“Whoa…” Chimera breathed speechless. Artemis walked up towards the hill where this glorious place lived as Chimera soon followed. “What is this place?” she asked.
“This is my home, Mount Olympus.” Artemis replied, a fresh breeze going through her hair. As they continued, Chimera couldn’t believe how peaceful this place was, a pure polar opposite of her home. Journeying up the steps Chimera’s ears perked up, seeing Coronis who spotted her, immediately flying to her cawing in joy. She once again nuzzled her head through Chimera’s mane with Chimera feeling the strong warmth once more. Suddenly she noticed that Coronis’ right wing was completely fine.
“Wait, how are you healed?” she questioned.
“That is due to this,” Artemis exclaimed, pointing her finger to a pool that centered right in the middle of the palace. “The pool of Olympus.” Chimera moved closer to it, yet she saw that there was no reflection. “It has been here longer before any god.” In curiosity, Chimera tipped her nostril in the water but stepped back. When Artemis approached her, she expected to be scolded however it never came; just a soft pat on her back. “Sorry if I startled you, you just seemed stressed.” Chimera took in the small sensation that ran through her body. No anger, no resentment or even cruelty came at all, just relaxation. Although her mind went back to what her mother tasked her as she moved slightly for Artemis’ hand to let go.
“Sorry about that, I get jittery when I’m sleepy.” Chimera spoke, yawning as she stretched her paws. Artemis turned her head where all the animals were getting themselves ready to sleep.
“Looks like it’s bedtime,” She then turned to Chimera. “How about you spend the night here? Afterall, I don’t want your mother to be worried about you.” Chimera gulped silently to herself.
“Yeah, I don’t mind.” she replied. Artemis whistled with Coronis leading Chimera to her sleeping grounds. Artemis herself gave a yawn, laying her back down one of the columns yet she glanced sorrowfully at the Scarred Lands. Back with Chimera she layed in some grass with sunflowers. Coronis perched on her back sleeping as Chimera looked at her, forming a small smile but it quickly went away with herself falling asleep.
