Inheriting a New Prophecy Book 3 - The Titan's Curse
By Stargatesg1fan1
Disclaimer: I own nothing of any recognized characters or universes within. I believe most of these universes are owned by J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan. Check out Riordan's work because he is one of my favorite authors. Rowling just created a universe that is fun to play in but ended really messed up.
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AN:
Harry's current lovers:
Annabeth Chase played by Alexandra Daddario
Choria played by Sienna Guillory
Furusia played by Liv Tyler
Aphrodite is played by Sarah Chalke
Thalia is played by Jaimie Alexander
Zoe Nightshade is played by Clemence Poesy
Artemis is played by Julie McNiven
End AN
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"It's about time," Artemis groused as the sky began to lighten. "My brother can be so lazy during the winter." As a blast of light burst over the horizon along with a wave of warmth Artemis warned, "Don't look until he parks."
Harry didn't bother to look away as he noticed the light form into the shape of a red sports car.
Artemis didn't turn her gaze away from the son of Poseidon, declaring, "You are just full of surprises Percy."
The enigmatic teen just threw her a half grin as the car rippled with waves of plasma over its magical surface. The heat flared for a moment before dying completely. A seventeen or eighteen year old looking Apollo climbed out while smiling. The sun god wore loafers, jeans, and a sleeveless shirt.
"Wow…Apollo is hot," Thalia's surprised thoughts rang clearly for the telepaths among the group which happened to include the two deities. Artemis rolled her eyes while Apollo's grin brightened just a bit. Harry threw an amused glance at his girlfriend. "Not hotter than you of course lover," the blue eyed young demigoddess' mental purr reassured her partner a moment later.
"Little sister," Apollo called happily. "What's up? You never call or write. You were worrying me," the sun god declared.
With a sigh the moon goddess pointed out, "We are twins so I am not your little sister. And I am fine."
"So why'd you call now? Do your girls need some tips on archery," the god teased.
"I am going hunting by myself and I need you to take my companions to Camp Half Blood," the redhead informed her brother while glaring daggers at him.
"Ok," the sun god agreed. "I feel a haiku coming on." There were groans from all of the hunters. "Green grass breaks through snow. Artemis pleads for my help. I am so cool."
There was silence after the blonde god had finished his verse.
"That last line was only four syllables. I am so big-headed would work better," Artemis pointed out.
Apollo shook his head before starting to mutter to himself.
"Lord Apollo has been going through this phase ever since his visit to Japan," Zoe explained to the group of non-Hunters. "Tis not as bad as the occasion he visited Limerick. One more poem starting with There once was a goddess from Sparta…I would have strangled someone."
"These Campers will also need a ride," Artemis spoke up to derail further attempts at art from her brother while gesturing towards Harry and his group.
"I can do that," Apollo agreed as he examined the indicated group. "I've heard of you Thalia," the sun god greeted. "You're my half sister but are also very pretty."
"She's spoken for Apollo," Harry spoke up.
"Percy Jackson," the blonde deity turned his attention on the warlock with narrowed eyes. "Of course she's spoken for…a gorgeous female like her. But it never hurts to pay a compliment now does it?" After studying the son of Poseidon for several moments intently the sun god continued, "We'd better get loaded up otherwise we'll miss our ride West."
Apollo took out his car key remote and pressed a button. As the vehicle chirped in response it shifted form with a bright glow to that of a shuttle bus. The Hunters and Harry's group began to load up.
Apollo made the mistake of saying to Zoe, "Here sweetheart let me help with that."
"Brother you do not flirt, look at, talk to, or call my Hunters sweetheart," Artemis censured.
"Sorry sis, I forgot. Where are you off to anyway?" Apollo replied.
"Hunting and anything else is none of your business. Just drop them off at Camp and no messing around," the redhead instructed.
"I'll find out anyway. I see all and know all," the god of prophecy predicted.
With a roll of her eyes the moon goddess knelt and touched the ground, reaching out with her divine senses.
"There's so much danger. This beast must be located," Artemis worriedly muttered before taking off towards the woods, seeming to melt into the shadows on the edge of the forest.
"So who wants to drive?" Apollo asked loudly with a grin a moment later.
The question was left unanswered for the moment as the group boarded the sun bus. The Hunters were in the back while Thalia and the males were seated in the front.
"This is wicked cool," Nico declared. "Is this really the sun? I thought Selene and Helios were the moon and sun gods. Why is it sometimes you and sometimes them?"
"The Romans began the idea but couldn't maintain their immense sacrificial rate so laid off Helios and Selene. Artemis got the moon and I the sun. It annoyed me for a while but then I got this awesome car," Apollo explained.
"But how does it work?" Nico questioned. "I thought the sun was a big ball of fiery gas in space."
"That depends if you want to talk about Astronomy or Philosophy. This car is a manifestation of what humans think about the sun. It's their dreams made real. This manifestation is as old as the Western civilization, driving across the sky from east to west daily. There is immense power to be derived from belief and dreams kid," the sun god declared.
"Can I drive?" Nico begged.
"Sorry kid but you are just too young. Thalia, daughter of Zeus Lord of the Sky, you will do," Apollo decided while pointing at the suddenly petrified demigoddess.
"No thanks," Thalia replied.
"Come on…how old are you?" The blonde deity inquired.
"I am not exactly sure," Thalia spoke hesitantly, unsure of her true age because of her time spent as a tree.
"Hmm…well this god of prophecy says you are fifteen, almost sixteen. Trust me, I know this stuff. You will turn sixteen in about a week," the god clarified.
"My birthday is in about a week, on December twenty-second," Thalia pointed out.
Through continued needling Apollo pressured Thalia into taking control of the Chariot.
"Help," Thalia's mind screamed over her connection with her telepathic boyfriend.
"Just relax honey and let me help," the sorcerer calmly instructed.
"Speed equals heat," Apollo announced. "Start slow while gaining altitude before opening her up."
With Harry guiding her movements the blue eyed beauty slowly pulled back on the wheel, causing the bus to gradually rise into the air and gain height. When the bus had risen high enough the natural flyer that the Potter heir was influenced Thalia into leveling off and heading towards Long Island.
"See, you are a natural," Apollo praised.
For the first time Thalia allowed herself to smile as her boyfriend guided her movements via their connection. Thalia was terrified of driving after learning it was the way her mother had died while under the influence.
"There's Long Island, straight ahead. Just ease her down for a landing," the blonde god advised.
Together the couple took the bus in for a gentle and perfect landing.
"Wow…I have never seen such a natural. If I ever need a car sitter I know who I am calling," Apollo declared as the group piled off the bus onto the grounds of the snow covered Camp.
"Thanks Apollo," Thalia responded with a smile that lit up her attractive face.
"I guess Dionysus likes things a bit chilly in the winter," Harry mused. The magical borders around the Camp would only allow snow in if the ward master, Dionysus allowed them to. "Come on Nico. I'll introduce you to Chiron," the warlock directed. "Zoe, would you like me to relay a message for you?"
Zoe did not like men. Yet the silver haired beauty was finding herself attracted to the handsome son of Poseidon. For that very reason the immortal rebelled against her newfound feelings and suppressed them ruthlessly.
"Tell him we'll be in Cabin Eight," the female spoke briskly. "Come along Hunters," Artemis' second commanded.
Despite her not wanting his aid Grover insisted on showing Zoe and the Hunters the way even though they already knew the path. As Bianca was departing with the other Hunters she leaned over and whispered something in Nico's ear.
Nico appeared to war internally with himself for a moment before answering, "Go on and don't worry about me Bianca. Percy has promised to make sure I have everything I need."
The not unattractive new Hunter threw the son of Poseidon a brilliant smile at this news.
"Thanks Percy," Bianca called as she hurried after the other Hunters.
"That was very mature of you Nico. You will take a load off your sister's mind by at least appearing to be happy about her decision," praised the warlock.
"Well…I'm not so worried about myself anymore. Bianca has done a lot for me and I realize that. I would just like her to be happy," Nico explained.
Ignoring the farewells of the departing blonde god Harry ruffled Nico's hair affectionately with the result of the boy ducking out quickly and mock glaring at the older male.
"So who is Chiron?" Nico questioned. "I don't have his figurine in my collection."
"Chiron is a hero trainer from Greek legend. I am really surprised Myth O Magic didn't include him. But they probably concentrate mostly on monsters and deities," the sorcerer mused.
As Harry, Nico, and Thalia made their way towards the Big House they noticed how deserted the Camp was, a testament to the enrollment numbers at the Academy.
"Where is everyone?" Nico wanted to know.
"The Campers for the most part are at the Academy. Percy's father started the school up with Aphrodite. It's a boarding school that teaches during the school year whereas Camp is in session for the summer. With this system half bloods have somewhere safe to live all year round," Thalia spoke up to explain.
The trio found Dionysus and Chiron playing cards in the parlor of the Big House with a crackling fire burning away in the hearth. Chiron was in wheelchair form with a casual appearance about him since he wasn't training any students at the moment.
"Percy, Thalia," Chiron called happily when he noticed the new arrivals. "This must be who you were after."
"This is Nico di Angelo," Thalia introduced. "His sister is Bianca but she got scooped by Artemis' bunch of prudes," the demigoddess growled out the last part.
"Where is Annabeth?" Chiron queried worriedly in sudden realization.
"Oh, dear…not another one lost," Dionysus spoke up into the pregnant pause in a bored tone.
Before anything else could be said Grover arrived sporting a black eye yet was grinning.
"The Hunters are all situated in Artemis' cabin," the satyr declared.
"I see," Chiron said with a sigh. "Grover, could you take Nico into the den and show him the orientation film," suggested the ancient centaur.
"Sure Chiron," Grover agreed quickly.
After the pair had left Chiron instructed, "Please sit down and tell us of the events that have occurred."
The couple did so promptly. Harry allowed Thalia to tell most of the tale. The reality traveler was still monitoring Annabeth over the connection the trio of lovers shared. The daughter of Athena was still unconscious at the moment.
"We need to launch a search for Annabeth immediately," Chiron announced when the pair finished.
"We'll go," Thalia spoke up for both her lover and herself.
"Absolutely not," was the wine god's immediately response. "From what you have told me we have broken even on this escapade. We have regrettably lost Annie Bell—"
"Annabeth," Thalia corrected. "Percy…," Thalia whispered in concern as she could tell her boyfriend's anger was growing."
The blue eyed brunette grasped her best male friend's hand tightly. She was worried he would attack another Olympian deity that day.
"Yes, yes," Dionysus conceded. "You have procured a small annoying boy to replace her. So I see no point risking further half-bloods on this ludicrous rescue. It is very probable that this Annie girl is already dead."
"She is alive," the dark haired warlock announced.
"How can you know?" Chiron queried hopefully.
"A little trick my father taught me. I will always know if anything happens to Annabeth. I know right now she is unconscious but I cannot tell where she is," Harry explained.
"Regardless it is still a foolish mission and I am not prepared to take the risk," Dionysus added.
Standing swiftly from the table Harry's expression melted into an emotionless mask courtesy of his occlumency abilities.
"I will remember this Dionysus. You can be sure of that," the son of the sea ruler promised. "I will see to Nico if you don't mind Chiron. His sister is learning about her newfound freedom and I've taken a liking to the kid. Coming, Thalia?" The warlock questioned.
"Sure Percy," the young beauty agreed.
"Percy…please inform the Hunters that we will be playing capture the flag tomorrow. It's tradition after all," Chiron announced just before the couple left the parlor.
"I thought you were going to beat the ichor out of Dionysus," Thalia declared as the duo reached the den where Nico had just finished the orientation video.
"Ready, Nico?" The sorcerer questioned, taking a moment to think about his answer to his lover. "I almost did Thalia. But then I realized getting into fights with a bunch of gods and goddesses won't help me get Annabeth back any quicker."
"Help us Percy, help us," Thalia corrected while leaning forward and stealing a quick kiss.
"Woh…she's your girlfriend," Nico exclaimed in awe. "And what did she mean about fighting a god?"
"Yes she's my girlfriend Nico, as is Annabeth. Annabeth is the young woman that was captured during the fight. And the person you saw playing cards with Chiron earlier is Dionysus, god of wine. Although he really doesn't do much good," explained the warlock.
"Cool," Nico declared with a wide grin.
"I better go break that up," Thalia announced as she indicated some Hunters about ready to get into a fight with some Ares campers on the basketball court. "Can you go tell the rest of the Campers in that direction? By the way…you should be team captain."
"Nico will handle that direction but you and I will both co-captain and I'm not hearing any objections to that," the stubborn wizard declared.
"Whatever you say love," Thalia agreed with a wink and a grin before she turned and jogged off.
"So half bloods have multiple girlfriends like their godly fathers?" Nico questioned.
"So far Percy is the only one brave enough to try, Nico," Grover answered with a grin.
"I know you would like to try with a few tree spirits, Grover," Harry teased.
"I won't deny that," Grover agreed. "But they'd eat me alive."
The trio of males made the rounds of the cabins telling the Campers and any Hunters they encountered about capture the flag. When they reached the Poseidon cabin Harry set Nico up with a bunk. The water wizard knew his father wouldn't mind and the reality traveler wanted to keep an eye on Nico. The normally crowded Hermes cabin wasn't the best place for new arrivals, especially one of Nico's age.
"Why is there a fountain in your cabin?" Nico questioned as he approached the basin of gray sea rock which sported a spout shaped like the head of a fish which projected a stream of salt water into the bottom of the basin.
"The fountain is a gift from my father," explained the warrior mage. "It's actually new and is mostly meant to be used for iris messages."
Harry then went on to explain iris messages to the newly discovered young demigod. Poseidon had mentioned intending to install the Olympian equivalent of a telephone in the cabin so that his son could contact those who didn't have the reality traveler's special enchanted mirrors. The warlock felt no need to contact anybody because he had already been keeping in touch via those enchanted mirrors or simply by flaming or apparating to those he wanted to meet in the case of his close friends, his family, and his mates.
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That night at the dining Pavilion, Harry sat with Nico, Choria, Furusia, and Thalia at the Poseidon table. It was against Camp rules for the group to sit together but Poseidon had specifically contacted Dionysus and smoothed things over so that the sea ruler's son would be able to sit with his friends and girlfriends. The sorcerer had never found out what Poseidon had done to get the wine god to agree to the exception to the rules but soon after Dionysus had a fantastic swimming pool in a fenced in area out back of the Big House. The dark haired mage was amused at his father's use of the carrot approach while keeping the stick portion in reserve. As long as Dionysus remembered that he was a relatively weak god compared to the elder god of the sea then things would go smoothly for the alcohol lover.
The Hunters were having a great time at the Artemis table although Zoe was a bit reserved, probably from missing her goddess. Chiron made the usual announcements after the meal while greeting the Hunters. The two Naiads and three half bloods made their way back to the Poseidon cabin.
"Nico, the curtains around our beds are enchanted so that no sound travels in or out and one cannot open the curtains unless the occupant of the bed allows it," Harry explained as the three females got changed for bed in the bathroom.
"Cool," Nico announced with his usual grin.
"If you need anything just pull that tassel on the corner of my bed and I will know," instructed the wizard while gesturing towards the tassel at the bottom of the four poster.
Nico nodded his understanding before running off to the bathroom to change.
"He's a good kid," observed Choria as she climbed into bed beside Thalia.
Harry joined his beautiful mates in the expanded space of the bed. As soon as the curtains closed the delicious Aphrodite appeared in a pink shimmer.
"How are things in Olympus?" Furusia inquired of the beautiful goddess of love.
"Messy," Aphrodite grumbled as she pulled Choria to her side and snuggled with the attractive water nymph. "Athena is obviously concerned about Annabeth while the others are concerned about this monster Artemis sent word about. Luckily I managed to distract the others while you had your little show down with Artemis. Some warning next time would be nice, honey," the goddess told her favorite demigod with a mock glare.
"Sorry…I'll make it up to you," the sorcerer promised with a purr as he vanished the clothes from the form of every being present in the bed.
"Oh…I like this method of making it up to me," Aphrodite cooed as her favorite hero showed her the delights of parseltongue applied to the female anatomy.
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That night the slumbering mage became aware the instant Annabeth regained consciousness because at the same time he entered a vision state. The scene took place on a dark hillside with fog shrouding the area and no sky visible above. In place of the sky was a close heavy darkness. The ruins of some ancient structure were clear because the hillside was strewn with black marble pillars.
"Where are you, Thorn? Why did you bring me to this place?" Annabeth called as she made her way to the top of the hill. "Luke," the demigoddess exclaimed as she was met with the sight of Luke crumpled on the ground in pain.
The thick black fog swirled hungrily around him as the son of Hermes was soaked in sweat while straining against an unseen force.
"Annabeth…please help me," Luke cried.
Harry tried to warn his mate of the obvious trap but something in Annabeth's mind was blocking him over their connection.
"What's going on Luke?" The daughter of Athena questioned as she approached the downed traitor.
"Please…it's killing me…they left me here," Luke gasped out.
"Why should I trust you?" The intelligent young woman managed to struggle against whatever force was affecting her mind for a moment.
"You shouldn't…not with the way I've acted towards you. But if you don't help me it will kill me," Luke replied.
At that moment the darkness hovering over Luke began to crack and crumble. Annabeth rushed forward and caught the weight just as large portions of the mystical material began to fall.
Rolling free Luke gasped, "Thanks."
"Help me hold it Luke," Annabeth moaned in pain even as the magic that had been affecting her wits faded rapidly from her besieged mind.
"I knew I could count on you," Luke announced with a cruel grin. "Don't worry…your help is on the way but in the meantime try not to die."
The immense weight of the dark fog threatened to crush Annabeth as she was pushed towards the ground. As the magic cleared affecting his mate Harry was able to connect with her again. The immortal phoenix mage fed his power through the connection he shared with the young woman he loved, forcing the energy link wider and stronger to take the transfer of his will. Annabeth was flooded with a surge of pure magic, relieving and reinforcing her sore muscles. All of a sudden the daughter of Athena felt as if the weight crushing down upon her was not going to be able to harm her.
"Thanks love," Annabeth gasped mentally in relief. "What just happened? How did I fall for that so easily?"
"There was some type of magic affecting your mind. I think that was why they had you unconscious for so long. I couldn't figure out why they hadn't woken you until it was too late. They enchanted your mind…confounded you to make it easier for Luke to trick you. There was something about him…he's being changed and is more compelling via his aura and voice. I'm not sure what it is yet. Do you know where you are?" The sorcerer queried.
"No clue…I should be fine as long as you keep on feeding me energy. Is this what you feel like all the time?" Annabeth asked in amazement as she felt like she could do anything with her strength alone.
"Honey…I'm only feeding you a small portion of my power. If I tried to feed it all to you I would burn you out like a used matchstick. Your body won't be able to take these levels for long without you needing some serious healing time afterwards. I would guess that you have a month at these levels maximum before things turn serious. But don't worry…we will find you. Annabeth…I love you," Harry expressed his feelings plainly.
"I love you too honey," Annabeth answered back meaningfully while internally amazed at the power her boyfriend wielded.
"So you don't get bored I have given you access to my mental cabin like we did with Thalia last year. Your body can be put on an autopilot of sorts since it doesn't take much conscious thought to hold up something like you are doing. You will have access to everything Thalia did and will be able to talk with the rest of us," the warlock explained while mentally connecting with his other mates and bringing them into the dreamscape.
The reunion between the parted females was heartwarming and later somewhat erotic. The group could imagine themselves as solid as they wanted to be. The much older and wiser Aphrodite was able to add a healing component to the energy being fed to Annabeth and thereby reducing the effects of having so much power coursing through the body of the grey eyed demigoddess. Between the group they would each take up a shift staying with Annabeth in the dreamscape so that she would never be alone or without assistance if it became needed.
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The next day…
Grover was informed about the vision involving Annabeth on the morning after it occurred.
"That is awfully coincidental that you and Zoe had visions like that on the same night. She came to the Big House demanding to see Chiron while looking panicked," Grover commented.
Harry suppressed a smile because the sorcerer knew his satyr friend was practically stalking the Hunters. Most satyrs were enamored with Artemis and her Hunters.
"I was watching from the bushes. Zoe grew extremely upset when Argus wouldn't let her in. I thought she was going to poke some of his eyes out," Grover explained, talking about the camp security director and a many eyed being.
"Did she say anything important?" The mage inquired.
"When she gets upset she starts talking really old fashioned. That made it more difficult to understand but basically Zoe is convinced Artemis is in trouble and needs the Hunters' help. Soon after, the commotion brought Chiron out. That was when Zoe asked for permission to leave Camp immediately to aid Artemis. Chiron refused, citing Artemis' command to stay here until they received word from her. That was when Zoe said, 'How are we to get orders from Artemis if Artemis is lost?'" Grover finished.
"Thanks for letting me know about this Grover," Harry told his friend before leaving for his daily training with Poseidon.
The magical and physical training offered by the sea god was therapeutic for relieving the stress that had built up since Annabeth's capture. Later that night the game of capture the flag was set to begin with roughly thirteen Campers versus the same number of Hunters. Zoe obviously didn't want to be there playing the game judging from her glances at Chiron.
"I will show them love is worthless," Silena Beauregard muttered while donning her armor. "We'll pulverize them," Aphrodite's daughter continued to tell herself.
The Hunters of Artemis had offended Silena and the other Aphrodite campers earlier and more importantly offended love.
"Do you want the offensive or defensive, honey?" Thalia inquired quietly of her boyfriend as the pair wearing heavily enchanted gear watched the last of their teammates getting ready.
"I will take the defensive this time, love," Harry answered, knowing Thalia needed the challenge in order to work off some of the frustrations she had building up since Annabeth's capture, not having the benefit of a divine parent to spar against like the green eyed male possessed.
"Thanks, Percy," Thalia replied before giving him a quick peck on the lips.
Harry made sure Nico's gear fit well as Chiron came up and explained the boundaries and other rules.
"Blue team let's go," Thalia shouted as she led the way out of the pavilion to the blue team's section of the woods, the west woods.
"Follow me, Nico," Harry whispered at the dark haired younger boy with a wink.
"This is so cool," Nico whispered back with a wide grin as he followed the son of Poseidon.
The blue team positioned their flag on top of a rock formation nicknamed Zeus' Fist due to the fact that the shape of the stone formed a large fist rising out of the ground. The top of the peak was twenty feet from the ground, making the flag clearly visible and at least ten yards away from all guards as the rules dictated. Zeus' Fist was an ideal place to secure the flag.
Nico, Beckendorf, the Stoll brothers, and Harry would guard the flag. The Hallow Master set the other demigods in a spread out pattern which covered the surroundings well.
"First off, we will send a decoy to the left led by Silena," Thalia instructed as she set up the offensive portion of the blue team. At a nod of agreement from the attractive daughter of Aphrodite, Thalia continued giving out commands with, "Also take Jason and Laurel with you because they are great runners. Go with a wide arc around the Hunters formation and grab the attention of as many of them as you can. I will meanwhile lead our other forces to the right in order to catch them by surprise. Is everybody clear?"
There were nods of agreement from the offensive team. Just after the offensive team had broken into two groups, the horn sounded to announce the beginning of the game. The group being led by Silena went into the forest to the left while Thalia and her compatriots broke right several moments later.
Several minutes later the warrior warlock had scaled Zeus' Fist and was able to spot Silena and her two scouts being chased by five Hunters from his perch. Another group of Hunters was stalking right towards Thalia's group.
"Hunters coming your way, love," Harry broadcast mentally while directing the view from his spot to the demigoddess.
"Thanks, handsome," Thalia replied before whispering new orders to her squad.
Just as fighting began to break out between the Hunters and Thalia's group the Hallow Master perched on the rock formation sensed a stealthy figure approaching. Creeping to the opposite edge of the stone outcropping the warlock spotted Zoe ghosting out of the woods. Just as she was about to attack one of the Stoll brothers without him ever being aware of her Zoe was flattened to the ground as the reality traveler landed on her. The phoenix hybrid slowed his descent briefly but still hit the second of Artemis with enough force to knock the wind out of her.
"Hmm…I bet it has been awhile since you have had a man on top of you," Harry purred with a grin.
"Get off me," Zoe managed to wheeze out between gasps.
"I think we will be waiting until the game is over for that," the wizard suggested.
The game was over within minutes as Thalia returned victorious with the Hunters' flag.
"The Campers win," an amazed Chiron declared. "For the first time in the last forty-six matches," added the Centaur.
A figure shrouded in green mist emerged from the woods behind the cheering Campers and did not go amiss.
"This should not be possible….she has never left the attic," Chiron cried as several Campers and Hunters gasped in surprise.
A withered mummy, the Oracle of Delphi, came to a stop in the middle of the group with mist projecting out from her form.
A telepathic voice projected for all to hear, "I am the spirit of Delphi, speaker of the prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, slayer of the mighty Python." Looking directly at Zoe the Oracle commanded, "Approach Seeker and ask."
With a hesitant moment of pause Zoe inquired, "What must I do to help my Lady Artemis?"
A misty vision issued from the mummy's mouth to display hazy images of a mountain, Artemis chained to the peak. The attractive goddess was crouching with her hands raised as if bearing a huge burden.
The Oracle declared, "Five shall go west to the goddess in chains. One shall be lost in the land without rain. The bane of Olympus shows the trail. Campers and Hunters combined prevail. The Titan's curse must one withstand. And one shall perish by a parent's hand."
With her message delivered the Oracle seemed to absorb the mist before lying down on the ground and becoming inert. Harry and Thalia volunteered to take the Oracle back to the attic. The sorcerer carried the mummy out of sight a short distance before charming the Oracle's necklace into a portkey and sending her on her way. The couple made their way towards the general area of the Big House so they at least looked like they had carried the Oracle the full way.
Nico came trotting up to the pair and announced, "Chiron asked me to tell you that Dionysus has called a meeting of the cabin leaders to discuss the prophecy."
"Thanks Nico," Thalia told the boy before leading the way into the Big House.
As the only half blood daughter of Zeus and the only demigod son of Poseidon the couple were automatically their respective cabin's leader. The meeting took place in the recreation room of the Big House, funnily enough around a ping pong table. Zoe and Bianca represented the Hunters. Bianca had basically become Zoe's shadow since the new immortal's induction into the Hunters.
"This is pointless," Zoe declared moments after the meeting had started and before anyone else could get a word in. "There is no time for talking when Artemis needs us. The Hunters must depart forthwith."
"And go where?" Chiron pointedly asked.
"West…you heard the prophecy as well as I. Five shall go west to the goddess in chains. Five Hunters can go," Zoe replied while Bianca nodded her agreement.
"As usual you leave out the important details like the line of the prophecy which states Campers and Hunters combined prevail," Thalia pointed out. "You need us."
"No we do not…the Hunters do not require thy help," Zoe argued.
"Your," the blue eyed daughter of Zeus corrected. "Nobody has commonly spoken thy in at least three centuries."
Struggling to form the correct expression Zoe declared, "Yerrr…we do not need yerrr help."
"I am afraid according to the Oracle's prediction that you do need our help," Chiron corrected.
"What if instead you fail because you try to work together?" Dionysus suggested.
"Mr. D, with respect who's side are you on?" Chiron questioned with exasperation at the wine god.
"Sorry my dear Chiron…just trying to be helpful," the god of wine replied.
"Do you really want to fight against a prophecy Zoe?" Thalia queried.
With a grimace Zoe shook her head.
"There must not be any delay. This Friday is the winter solstice, December twenty-first," Chiron pointed out.
"Artemis must not miss the Council otherwise we will lose another year of war preparations. Artemis has been one of the most vocal arguing for action against the minions of Kronos," Zoe added.
"Now who will be going on the quest," the Centaur prompted the room. "Three Hunters and two Campers would be fair."
"I have hunted at Lady Artemis' side for many years yet I have no idea what this monster could be that is the bane of Olympus," Zoe put forth while seeming to agree on the suggested numbers via her silence on the matter.
"Do you have any ideas Chiron?" Harry inquired.
"Several and none of them quite fit the description," the Camp Activities Director replied. "Typhon is one possibility, a true bane of Olympus. The sea monster Keto is another. But if either of those so much as stirred we would know about it. Both monsters are the size of skyscrapers. I'm afraid this monster might just be harder to detect and even more powerful."
"You lot are facing a lot of danger," Connor Stoll commented, excluding himself from the potential candidates. "From the prophecy I'd guess at least two of the five are going to perish on the quest."
"One shall be lost in the land without rain," Beckendorf repeated. "Stay clear of any deserts."
Silena recited the other portion, "The titan's curse must one withstand."
The perceptive sorcerer didn't miss the nervous glances exchanged between Zoe and Chiron. The Centaur instructor was a son of Kronos, a Titan. The warlock pondered what that glance said about one or both of Zoe's parents.
"One shall perish by a parent's hand," Grover spoke up between bites of the snacks Dionysus had provided the room at the start of the meeting. "Whose parent would kill them?"
"Well given the nature of our parentage that could describe any number of us," Harry suggested while reminding his fellows of the temperament of most deities and Titans.
"Zoe, which three Hunters will be going?" Thalia probed.
"I shall go as well as Phoebe," Zoe began.
"The big girl who bashes people on the head regularly," Travis Stoll clarified which received a nod of confirmation from the platinum haired beauty. "Would you give this shirt to her? She was admiring it in the Camp store," the teen explained while holding out a t-shirt which read ARTEMIS THE MOON GODDESS, FALL HUNTING TOUR 2002.
Zoe must have thought the Stolls had a crush on Phoebe because the head Hunter took the shirt with a sigh of annoyance before continuing with, "As I was saying, Phoebe will be going as well as Bianca."
"Me? But I'm the newest Hunter," the newest immortal protested.
"You will be fine," Zoe assured the younger female.
"I will go too," Grover volunteered quickly. "I will do anything to help Artemis," the satyr added.
Zoe was indecisive for a moment but then after glancing around the room agreed with a simple nod.
"The second Camper," Zoe prompted.
"I will go," Thalia volunteered while adding mentally to her mate, "And you will follow us invisibly, honey."
Chiron was searching the face of Poseidon's son for any hints of disappointment but found none as the group was given the final approval by Zoe. The Centaur would find no hints of emotion other than acceptance on the sorcerer's face because the green eyed immortal was already mentally putting himself in order for the trip to rescue his Annabeth and the goddess Artemis. Although he hadn't been initially selected the warrior wizard would still be going to protect his Thalia if nothing else. But where Artemis was Annabeth would be too.
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That night…
In his dreams later that night the son of Poseidon had another vision of the dark place where Annabeth was being held prisoner.
A male voice questioned loudly, "How is our guest?"
"She's fading fast…we must hurry," Luke answered in apparent concern while gazing at the apparently struggling Annabeth.
The daughter of Athena was putting up a good show of struggling under the weight when thanks to her boyfriend's power the demigoddess barely felt the load.
A dark chuckle emanated from the shadows before a large hand thrust forward gesturing towards the goddess Artemis, chained in celestial bronze. The goddess sported a torn dress and many cuts which bled golden ichor.
"You heard him…decide or she dies," the male voice ordered.
Artemis threw the shadows a glare before looking back at Annabeth with a softer expression.
"Free my hands," Artemis instructed after a moment.
With one stroke Luke cleaved the manacles shackling the goddess using his sword Backbiter. Artemis rushed forward and took the burden from the gray eyed teen. As Artemis staggered under the crushing weight Annabeth collapsed to the ground in apparent exhaustion.
"You are as predictable as you were easy to beat Artemis," the male in the shadows declared.
"You caught me by surprise…something you won't repeat twice," promised the moon deity.
"Kill the girl, Luke," the shadowy figure commanded.
"She may yet prove useful as further bait," Luke suggested.
"Bah! You truly believe that?" The figure in shadow questioned.
"Yes Sir. They will come for her I'm sure," the traitorous half blood answered.
After a moment of consideration the figure decided, "Then the dracaenae can guard her here with Artemis assuming the girl doesn't die from her injuries. She'll be kept alive only until the winter solstice after which if our plans come through her life and the lives of all mortals will be meaningless.
Luke picked up Annabeth to carry her into the shadows where the dracaenae were standing guard.
"You will never locate the creature you search for," Artemis promised.
"How little you know Artemis. Even now your precious servants begin their search to locate you. They will fall right into my plans. If you will excuse me I must go make preparations for your Hunters to be greeted and insure their quest is challenging," the shadowy figure announced before leaving with evil laughter.
When Harry awoke from his vision he heard a knocking at his cabin door.
"Who is it?" A sleepy Thalia questioned.
"Don't worry about it love. I'll go check it out," Harry replied while getting out of bed, maneuvering around a still slumbering Choria, Furusia, and Aphrodite before climbing out of the four poster piece of furniture.
When the powerful warlock opened the door he was met with one of the black pegasi from the Camp stables, an equestrian named Blackjack.
"It's kind of late Blackjack," observed the mage.
"Don't you mean early boss? It's five in the morning," replied the spirited horse.
"There's one in every universe," Harry muttered to himself as he simply stared at Blackjack.
The Pegasi had been a prisoner onboard Luke's vessel The Princess Andromeda until the previous summer when the son of Poseidon's escape distraction had allowed the creature and several other captives to escape the ship. The Pegasi's infatuation with the warlock reminded the teen of Dobby. In the end the house elf had proved to be a loyal friend so the mage would give Blackjack the benefit of the doubt.
"We have another sea friend that needs your help," Blackjack announced to explain his presence. "I told the hippocampi I'd ask for your help."
After quickly sending a mental message to his lovers telling them where he was going the last Potter climbed onto the Pegasi, deciding to let the equestrian lead the way rather than flying under his own power for the moment.
After a short flight out into the waters of Long Island Sound Blackjack announced, "Here we are boss, straight below."
With a mental nod at the flying horse the sea wizard dove into the icy waters below, not feeling uncomfortable during the process at all due to his water loving physiology. The sea mage dove towards the bottom, willing the currents to propel him where he desired to go. The nervous hippocampi were a dead giveaway that something was wrong. The sorcerer saw the problem quickly with his enhanced vision. Some kind of sea creature was wedged halfway under a fishing boat and was tangled in one of the nets attached to the sunken vessel. The boat wreckage was actually teetering precariously on a rock and could fall on the creature pretty easily should the sea being struggle against the attached net very hard.
"Free it my lord," a hippocampus pleaded mentally.
"Moooo," the trapped creature let loose with as the sea wizard approached.
The sea creature being held by the net was half calf and half serpent. The front half had black fur and a white muzzle while the back half looked like an eel.
"We don't know what it is my lord. Many strange things have been stirring," another hippocampus spoke up.
The cow serpent flashed big brown eyes at the demigod.
"I think I'll call you Bessie," the mage decided spontaneously as he grasped the net where it was secured to the wreckage.
With a powerful tug the net ripped free from the sunken vessel. The now unstuck end opened up allowing Bessie to swim free. Bessie did a happy summersault and nuzzled her rescuer with a happy Moooo. Before he left the area Harry shifted the wreckage so that it was firmly on the ocean floor and wasn't in danger of crushing anymore sea creatures. After bidding the hippocampi and Bessie goodbye the warlock shot towards the surface. Blackjack had already left the area, well aware that the son of Poseidon could get around just fine without aerial transport. The immortal sorcerer grew long magical wings from his phoenix form and winged his way back towards Camp while projecting an invisibility field around his form.
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Posted: 8/25/2013 (Edited Version)
Errors corrected in chapter 2 per Alphabeta's review on hpfanficarchive (review made 8/25/2013)
Author's Note 2:
Well here is the second chapter of book 3. To discuss my stories and other fanfiction topics check out my Facebook group Stargatesg1fan1's Fanfiction Works and Favorites (the title on my ff . net profile is hyperlinked to the group). Another great group is Fiction Group.
I saw the second Percy Jackson movie recently and thought it was pretty good. The book is vastly different but I have always considered the books and the movies alternate universes, close but not the same. It gives us a different outlook for the PJ verse. It's always great to see Logan Lerman and Alexandra Daddario up on the big screen. Check out the film if you get a chance.
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