Thanks to my 38 favourites and 60 followers!
Reviews:
Please Read my stuff: great / thank you. I aim to please.
aero546: Guesses? erm...maybe Damasen? Bob? Luke?( I honestly AM considering this...lol) Well, by "old friend" do you mean an ally (which im 60% sure) Or an enemy? (40% chance in my head) And when you said "If your the type of person who listens to music while reading fanfiction," well..yeah. i do that. but unless the song you mentioned is a soundtrack, i'm not listeing to it. Currently i'm listening to Waterflame - Final battle. (this just went to Waterflame - Love Shuttle) / One of your guesses was correct. Here's a cookie (::). And uh, friend and enemy. Luke... i may put him in the story later.
ronniefranco8: i love it... and im guessing dameson or small bob, or bob...? pls update tomorrow. Cuz i cant wait / 2/3 in your guesses, well done. Not tomorrow... but was this soon enough?
Cheetah2613: Nice / thanks.
DEVILLICIOUS666: Very good story can't wait for the next update I guess it's bob / Well done.
DemigodVenaurora: Hmmm... Maybe Bob? Anyways, thanks for the awesome chapter! Update soon / Again, well done, and thanks.
shadowkat83: Such a cliff hanger! I hope they run into Percy soon. This is such an interesting idea. Hope you continue it. Can't wait for the next chapter. / I love cliff hangers. So fun to read reviews about you guys complaining.
candycrum: Ugh cliffhanger update soon / Is that complaining? I think that counts.
AgitatedDog9288: we are all starving for the food that is your next chapter it is our only food! good chapter keep it up! / You'll have to be starving for a few more days until the next one, i'm afraid. Sorry. :)
AdmetoUltor14: Oh the cliff hangers, is this how my followers feel reading my story haha. Great chapter and i can't wait for what happens next. Update soon! / Probably is how they feel. Though its fun being the writer and knowing whats going to happen instead of having to wait for once. Thanks, i think its safe to say you'll be surprised by this chapter.
BeautifulHalfBlood: Can I guess Percy? I'm really hoping it's Percy. I really love this story! A lot of stories where Percy is stuck on Tarter Sauce (as my sister calls it ), all the characters are so OOC. You've done a fantastic job of keeping them all in character and I await the next chapter eagerly. / Unfortunately, no its not Percy. Thanks, i do try :p. I know, i have stories where the characters aren't IC, it doesn't feel real. Thanks.
Guest: you should make Percy champion of perses titan of destruction as he is known as the champion of the arena and it would suit Percy as when he is on the battlefield he is described as destruction and percy is also close to sytx who is perses wife / As you'll see in this chapter, that isn't really possible for Percy... sorry. Or maybe i can add it in somewhere...
Guest: I'm going to take a guess and say Bob / A guess, huh? Well done, guest.
Cool person: O my gods you are an amazing writer!the plot is vet y interesting and i love the cliff hangers... Suspense keep updating ur awesome / Thank you, cool person. (I love cliff hangers too, everyone's complaints are fun to read ;).)
Matt: Bob, Luke, or Dam(short for the giant who helped the two.). / 1/3. Good guess.
Widsith18: UPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATE UUUUPPPPPPDDDDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATEEEEEEEEEE / Your review reminded me to update... thanks.
Disclaimer: Don't own PJO and/or HOO.
I think its safe to say all of you will be surprised by this chapter... where's Percy, you ask?..
Chapter 4 - When All Seems Most Dire
Annabeth immediately recognised the Titan facing her. He looked different and had found himself a set of silver armour, but it was definitely Iapetus. The Titan of the Underworld had his hands clenched around the shaft of his spear and seemed to be struggling to control his anger. The other Titan Annabeth didn't recognise at all, he was facing away from her, yet she could tell how relaxed he was.
The air was tense like they were in the middle of an argument, and the heavy feeling was definitely emanating from them. "I'm not Iapetus," Iapetus growled once he was slightly more controlled. "My name's Bob."
"Well then, Bob," the other Titan said mockingly, "what do you say? The gods will be brought down, with or without your help. Your help will only speed up the process once we march to war."
Bob ground the butt of his spear into the floor. "I have given you your answer already. Stop asking for a different one."
The Titan cocked his head to the side, "Are you sure? I don't want you to make the wrong decision, my friend."
"I'm not making the wrong decision. You are," Bob snarled.
An audible sigh echoed around. "Your choices are becoming rather one sided. I would hope you aren't becoming like them."
"It's better than being like you," Bob said bluntly, "keeping a certain demigod under watch in your-"
"Oh, Iapetus," the Titan said in fake sympathy, "are you still going on about Perseus? It's been two hundred and eighty seven years. Let it go."
"Let it go?" Bob growled, his silver eyes suddenly becoming filled with hate and anger directed straight at his fellow Titan. "You keep him for your own twisted idea of fun. To do what you please with him. What you're doing to him isn't showing your good virtue. You're only proving that you're a sadistic monster who deserves to stay down here for eternity."
The Titan seemed completely unfazed by the jibe, and only laughed. "The gods don't seem to care, so why should you? I have full right to-"
"Torture him?" Bod asked furiously, "No one has the right to do that."
"Ah, but I do," the Titan said coldly, "until he breaks. He's only making it harder on himself by refusing. When I see the sarcastic comments gone and his eyes dull, I'll be sure to tell you. Maybe you can visit him."
"Sick bastard," Bob growled.
In a flash the Titan had grabbed the front of Iapetus' armour and pulled him closer, over the altar. "You'll see things our way again," he promised. "Just you wait. When you do, I'll be awaiting your visit. Having you torture the son of Poseidon will break him. He does still believe you're going to come and save him. How do you think he'll feel when you do the complete opposite?"
Iapetus forced the other Titan to release him and glared furiously. "I'm not going to help you. Take your requests to someone who's willing to die for stupid wars."
The Titan chuckled, and Annabeth's blood ran cold. "You'll come back. They always do. When you do, I'll be waiting for your apology. This is strike two. Strike three will cost you your life, my friend."
"I'm not your friend," Bob said, "now leave. I have no more reason to speak with you."
"You can't tell me what to do," the other Titan growled.
"I can, for I have no affiliation with you. Now leave, before I decide to remind you why my name means the Piercer."
The other Titan inclined his head slightly. "Very well. Good night, my friend."
Bob didn't relax until his fellow Titan had exited from the shrine. Annabeth let out the breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding, and carefully eased herself back to her feet to turn and watch his disappearing back. Then she noticed where he was heading. If he continued straight ahead, he would walk straight into her friends.
Annabeth launched herself to her feet and sprinted, not caring if she made noise. The Titan's head snapped over to scan his surroundings, and she pointedly looked straight ahead, not wanting to see his face and confirm her suspicions.
Annabeth burst into the area that the demigods were occupying as she took off her cap, her face desperate. "Hide, now!" She hissed as loudly as she dared.
"Annabeth," Thalia said, "what happened?"
"No time," Annabeth panted, "he's coming. We have to hide."
Frank turned into a Roman eagle and picked up Hazel and Clarisse, taking them up in the air. Jason grabbed Piper and Leo and did the same. Thalia darted under a boulder, Nico melted into the shadows, and Annabeth put her cap back on, slipping into a shadow.
From the opposite direction that Annabeth had ran from, another Titan appeared. His armour spluttered with flames that lit up his surroundings, the golden metal almost blinding to look at. Then, from where Annabeth had come from, the Titan that had been talking with Iapetus strode into the area that the demigods had been waiting, and Annabeth saw him clearly.
Curly, onyx black hair that instantly reminded her of the Big Three framed his face. A strong jawline that Annabeth had noticed all Titans had enhanced his cold smile. Annabeth had heard that when he smiled, you could never tell if he was about to punch you or tell a joke. He held himself like he was the ruler of the entire cosmos and every other being was below him. His armour was a sharp gold with black trim and his helmet was tucked under one arm. His left arm was covered by a vambrace, but his right arm was bare except for a gauntlet. His muscled breastplate alone must have cost at least five hundred thousand drachma. Not only because of what is looked like, but also because of whose it was. His eyes were the same ones that had haunted Annabeth's nightmares for centuries, and still sometimes did; they were a sharp, cruel gold.
Annabeth sucked in a breath, now aware that they were in a lot of danger. Olympus had to be warned.
"Lord Kronos," Hyperion acknowledged. "How did your conversation with our stubborn brother go?"
"Not too well," Kronos admitted as he fell into step with his elder brother, "he seems dead set on not helping us raze Olympus to the ground."
"Understandable," Hyperion nodded.
"Are you implying you don't want to help, brother?" Kronos asked coldly.
Hyperion's eyes widened. "No, my Lord," he said hurriedly, "I was just saying that Iapetus has always been the more relaxed Titan out of all of us. He never seems to want to engage in any war."
"True, he's a coward," Kronos murmured, "though his help will be irrefutable."
Hyperion nodded slightly, "How long will you give him?"
Kronos tilted his head up slightly to study the red mist above them. "A mortal week. That is all he gets. After that… well, it depends on his decisions. Now," he looked back at Hyperion, "what news have you brought me?"
"You need to finish up with Jackson quickly," Hyperion said carefully, "you're running out of time."
"I have all the time I possibly need," Kronos growled.
"No, brother," Hyperion murmured, "you do not understand. The gods have sent a quest group down here-"
"Led by Chase?" Kronos' voice was cold and unwavering.
"Yes, My Lord. Nine of them are down here to search for the sea spawn. The half-immortal demigods: Annabeth, the children of Zeus, di Angelo and Levesque, Leo, the two spawns of War, and the child of Aphrodite."
"How long have they been in the Pit for?" Kronos demanded, "And why didn't you tell me this sooner?"
"Several hours, a mortal day, Lord Kronos," Hyperion replied immediately. "I thought that since we were originally planning on meeting now I could tell you now and that there was no point in telling you sooner."
Kronos clenched his jaw. "Anything else I should know?"
"Yes, Lord Kronos, the prophecy: Nine will enter the depths of the earth,
find the never forgotten hero and return to the hearth.
But despair when all seems lost,
for his exit will not be without cost.
Wisdom, skies, beauty and fire,
will find help when all seems most dire."
"Help when all seems most dire?" Kronos asked in slight irritation, "Tell me, brother. Who down here would want to help them?"
"Iapetus," Hyperion rumbled. "Shall we go back to pay him another visit, Lord Kronos?"
"No," Kronos said, "let them come to me."
"My Lord?"
"It's been a long time since I have had any mortal company," Kronos said as he cracked his knuckles. "Perhaps when I slit their throats in front of Jackson he'll finally crack. If you come across them, leave them. Spread the word, they are to be allowed through to me and my rather… puny grandson."
"Yes, Lord Kronos," Hyperion bowed his head and hesitated for a moment, "and you, brother? What will you do?"
Kronos chuckled, "I believe it's time I pay my grandson another visit. With this new information I can play with his mind, we may break him yet."
"I'd hope so," Hyperion rumbled as he started changing direction, "it's been two hundred and eighty seven years."
Kronos chuckled, "Next time we meet, brother, shall be when the army is ready to move out. Oh, and if you see Oceanus around here, tell him I am in need of his assistance with the son of Poseidon."
"Going to drown him again?" Hyperion asked in amusement.
"Of course," Kronos scoffed, "what else would I be doing?"
Hyperion laughed, "Good luck with the kid, brother. Remember, there is no problem with cutting out his tongue."
"Ah, but I like it when he screams. Now, go. Leave me be."
"As you wish, my Lord," Hyperion bowed before striding off further into the darkness.
Kronos sighed as he continued in the direction he was originally heading, walking within five feet of Annabeth who was tempted to hack away at him with her dagger, but knew it wouldn't end well for her. Then his golden eyes flickered down, to look straight at her, and the corner of his mouth twitched. Annabeth covered her mouth with her hand, but Kronos just continued on walking as if she wasn't there.
He stopped just before turning a corner, and said over his shoulder, "Shall we play chess, demigods? I've always loved chess."
Thalia moved quickly, scrambling out from under her rock and knocking an arrow to train it on the back of his neck. "You bastard," she growled. "You're a sick psychopath."
He chuckled and turned around to study her as the other demigods emerged from their various hiding places. "What a surprise. Thalia Grace, daughter of Zeus. Girlfriend of Luke Castellan… or did that not happen?"
Thalia's hand tightened around her bow. "Where's Percy?"
"If I told you that I'd ruin my fun," Kronos said, "Iapetus knows. Ask him."
"Why're you telling us that?" Annabeth asked carefully.
"I have to give you some advantage, otherwise this is boring for me," the Titan King said with a savage smile.
Jason's eyes narrowed and he released a bolt of electricity from his chest. It harmlessly hit Kronos and circuited around the Titan's body, causing no harm at all. Jason's eyes widened in shock, "What?"
"Father of Zeus," Kronos said with a slightly smug grin, "he had to get his abilities from someone."
Annabeth swallowed nervously as his sharp golden eyes scanned her over. "Give Percy back," she demanded.
Kronos shook his head in fake sadness. "I'm afraid I can't do that, Annabeth. You see, this is a game for me. I've made my move, you've finally decided to come down here, and now my second move has been made."
Annabeth clenched her jaw. "I hope you're used to losing."
Kronos chuckled, "I never lose. I never have, and never will." He turned around and started striding away, "I must be on my way, demigods. I intend to break Jackson soon."
Thalia immediately released her arrow, and in mid-air the point split down the middle, forming a net. Annabeth thought it was going to hit Kronos at first, but there was a flash of gold and the net was cut straight down the middle to fall to either side of the Titan Lord. Kronos' scythe was in his hand, the blade gleaming as he turned around.
"You are more foolish than I remember, Grace," Kronos snarled. "Surely you know that won't stop me. I am the Titan King; you are a little mortal that is risking everything for an already dead friend. You want Jackson? Then you'll have to come and get him. I'll be waiting." The air grew uncomfortably hot and he started to glow.
"Shut your eyes!" Annabeth shouted; since they were half-immortal they could look upon a true form, but not for long, and Annabeth knew that even looking at Kronos for a split second would cause them to spontaneously combust.
Annabeth's head started to throb from the heat, but with the sound of an explosion it was soon over and she opened her eyes to see the Titan King had levelled the entire area. The ground was smoking and burnt where he had been standing. Annabeth looked down to see wisps of smoke curling up from her arms, and she realised with slight giddiness that the hair on her skin was completely burnt off.
"Well," Thalia said, "he was in a bad mood."
Annabeth shot her a look as she sat down and put her head between her hands. "This is terrible," she murmured, "Kronos is alive. Alive. How did that happen? The gods said that his essence was scattered too much for him to be able to reform a consciousness again."
"I don't get what's so bad about this," Leo said carefully.
Annabeth's head shot up to look at him. "Kronos has Percy. Didn't you realise that? Kronos has had him for two hundred and eighty seven years."
"Oh," Leo muttered, "well. Now I see why it's so bad."
"The gods need to know," Jason said, "they need to know he's alive. The Titans are obviously attempting to start another war."
"Things definitely seem dire," Hazel murmured, "where's our help?"
"Bob," Annabeth said and shot to her feet, "follow me. I know where our help's waiting for us." The demigods all quickly scrambled to their feet after Annabeth as she sprinted in the direction of the shrine.
I feel evil. Percy will be making an appearance next chapter, but be warned... there will be blood (or ichor). Next chapter then, we visit Percy and the demigods get the help they need from a certain silver-haired Titan.
