Added: September 11, 2011
Whooppeeee! Chapter number 7 is finally out! Sorry for the longer-than-usual wait, even without homework, I'm still having some difficulties trying to finish the story. Weekends are the only days I would actually get some decent time to write the story...probably, unless I got A TON of homework to do which I expect since my semester is filled with the subjects where homework s given a lot.
So two things I figured I am missing, is that 1. I am not talking about the other characters too much. Like their past and personalities. 2. Not enough dialogue. Do you think that too? Just let me know, review or PM. BTW I'm gonna be putting some polls about which pairings you like best. So far, only pairings for Percy and Jason are out, since they are the more popular. These polls might just influence my story *wink wink*. Well not really.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything relating to PJO or HoO. Rick Riordan does.
Percy
Seriously! Percy waited all day for this lesson and he barely gets a minute of it because the whole camp went insane! Everyone was going crazy running off somewhere to battle or running into each other, in a more indecisive way than fear. The horn was blowing, but in a different tune than the horn when it was meal time. This one sounded like one of those war horns in the Lord of the Rings that Rohan used when they went to war. Is the camp at war with itself or something? Great, Percy thought, Everyone's losing their minds! It's not everyday he got to see these people get extremely serious and so prepared. What was really happening, Percy didn't know. The whole camp seemed to be dressed for battle.
"O Di! Donec non iterum!" Reyna pleaded to herself. She looked over to Hazel who had the same expression. They nodded at each other, understanding the situation clearly.
"What's going on?" Percy asked.
"We're under attack!" Hazel replied quietly.
Percy expression was in disbelief. Monsters again? Couldn't this demi-god ever get a break? The matter seemed very important at the moment so Percy decided not to think about it. Reyna grabbed Percy's arm and led him to the armoury to get their battle gear such as armour, weapons and magic items, if necessary. According to Reyna, magic items were extremely hard to make and the materials needed to make them are always limited. Reyna handed Percy an imperial gold knife, for back up is he ever loses his sword. Percy didn't really want it since Riptide would just reappear in his pocket if it was lost or just very far away. But Percy decided to take it anyway, since Reyna insisted so much.
Once they were ready, the three headed out the armoury. A step outside, Percy had the urge to punch someone in the face with all his might. Just outside, he saw Dakota. Percy never really liked this guy. Something about him just made Percy feel uneasy. Three others were behind him; two girls and another boy. The boy was named Matthew, son of Minerva, and one of the girls was named Regina daughter of Minerva as well, who seemed to stare at Percy a lot, always in a different way, which either meant: I'm watching you or I love you. Either way, the stare was really creeping Percy out. The other girl was a daughter of Mars, although he's never really met her. In fact, he thinks that he's never even heard her speak. Could she be mute? Anyways, this wasn't the reason why they've gathered. Percy realized that this was all the members of the First Legion, in which Jason used to lead.
"What's this punk doing 'ere?" Dakota complained. "He's not even part of our legion. Neither is the puny girl over there." Dakota pointing his big finger at Hazel.
"Shut up, Dakota!" Reyna snapped. "He's beaten all of u already. I think he has more than enough abilities to be in this legion-even if it's not official. And Hazel will only be with us temporarily. So stop your complaining or you won't have any monsters to kill!" Dakota shrunk back, shutting his mouth. She sounds pretty scary when she's commanding. But you can't help but grin a little when you see that the person giving the order has make-up on all the time. Well, Reyna actually only started putting make-up after they made up for their argument, like 3 months ago. And according to Hazel, Reyna only puts on make-up when she's trying to impress someone. Typical Venus girl. She may look beautiful, but she's deadly.
When everyone was ready, we headed out as a group to the camp borders. As we ran by some campers, they all looked at us in awe, thinking, They're so awesome! We're saved! Thinking about it, it pressured Percy a lot. He better not mess this up. No one is dying on his account. That'd be too much for him to bear. A couple dozen of other soldiers, in groups, were right behind the First Legion. It looked as if First Legion was leading the rest. In a way, that was true, but each Legion had it's own praetor. They all looked so legit (Yes that's what Percy was thinking).
Along the run to the borders, which turned into a sprint, Percy was building up his confidence. He could take anything on with his new found determination. As they got to the borders, everyone stopped and stepped back in shock leaving Percy in front of everyone else, most likely because they all say giants maybe 3 or 4 times their size. Sure they had six arms which could crush someone when grabbed, but hey, somebody would have to lead sooner or later.. Reluctantly, everyone drew their swords, whereas Percy just charged determined and unafraid, not waiting for anybody.
"Well there goes the idiot. Should we help?" Regina said sarcastically.
"Nah! We'll follow after him later-after he dies." Her brother, Matthew joked. Reyna raised her hand, ordering for everyone to pause for a minute. The Minerva siblings had a quick meeting
"Alright. Unfortunately, these things are hard to take down. Therfore, each legion divide into two or three groups and take down those giants!" Reyna commanded. "For Rome!" Her voice sounded so confident that it rejuvenated the campers with energy. The whole camp roared into action, all on their A-game, even the children of Somnus looked wide awake. The giants were on the camp's side of the river. Maybe six or seven giants were on the other side, picking up the earth which modified into rocks and launching them wherever a puny demi-god stood.
Okay so, Percy was charging at around 50 enormous giants alone with a human-sized celestial-bronze sword at half-speed. He decided to let his friends catch up with him. He's been taught to play smart and always have a strategy. That teaching had been stuck in his head the first time he heard the words. Not because it was a really good lesson, but because it sounded familiar somehow. Reyna and Hazel ran up beside Percy who told Percy their plan on taking the giants down.
"Alright this is what we're going to do." Reyna started. She explained how we'd do maneuver 33, a battle plan that is made when fighting in a group of three (because quests were always in a trio) against larger opponents. The maneuver needs a person who fights one on one with the giant while the one is tossed up to kick, slash or do anything to get the opponent's attention. Person number 1 should be on the monster doing whatever. While person 1 hanging for dear life, gettting its attention, person 2 and 3 other slice at the legs, feet or anywhere in the lower body then trips the large foe over. A pretty childish strategy, but it has worked a numerous amount of time in the past...or so the history books say. But, no one has ever fought a six-armed giant before. If Percy recalls, Hercules was the only one who's ever defeated these monsters. Although, Hercules was like 9/10 god or something. Eearthborns! That's what they're called, Percy thought.
"Look out!" Someone yelled. It was pretty hard to see what was coming, until it got to the point where you'd be able to dodge in a split second. Percy's eyes widened as he saw gigantic sharp rocks hurling right at him and his friends. Reyna and Hazel, hadn't noticed anything so Percy pushed Hazel to one side and tackled Reyna out of the way. The rock smashed Percy's right leg which just bounced off and broke a little, but then the burning sensation filled that leg. He could never get over the pain. It was the exact same amount of pain when his left leg and right arm were hurt during the summer. If Percy remembers right, the burning has happened to both of his arms and legs and his face. That means that all these spots were vulnerable.
Alright! Who threw that? Percy thinking angrily. Then he spotted the one throwing the rocks, ahead of them. No one is gonna die! Percy helped Reyna and Hazel up, and told them which giant he wanted to pick a fight against. They all agreed, angry with this guy, given the fact that it threw pointy ricks instead of boulders. Percy led the trio. Reyna had absolutely no problem with him leading, but it seemed like she didn't want to lead this battle at all. She seemed to be lacking self-confidence. If not for that, she could have probably be the praetor of First Legion. Thank the gods Percy was confident. He was a natural leader, not too boastful, actually modest. Technically replacing Jason, but no one ever thought like that.
Sprinting towards the giant was a workout, dodging the different variety of rocks. Going through near-death experiences. But somehow, Percy felt like he's done worse. But the dark made it hard to see and almost got crushed. Luckily for them, Hazel's hazel eyes were keen and could see almost perfectly, signaling us whenever a boulder, rock or spike coming at us. Since Hazel had the better eyes, Reyna made her the distraction, while Percy launches Reyna at the head of the giant. They all thought that the giants were only colossal and mighty and not all that quick.
Hazel ran ahead of the two and went to direct the six-armed monster's attention. She kept dodging the six arms and slashed at them from time to time, while Percy got ready and put his hands together as if he were going to give someone a boost, enough space for someone's foot to step on. Reyna walked back to get some more time to accelerate. Being the daughter of Venus, she isn't that fast at running, but she was quick. Reyna started to run towards Percy, with her javelin, her favourite weapon, so she stayed far from the opponent. Reyna lifted her foot and stepped where Percy's hands made the platform. When Reyna pushed off of Percy's hands, Percy shoved his hands upward, maximizing Reyna's height. He had to put much more energy into lifting Reyna than he thought. He expected her to be more lighter, but she weighed more than she appeared. Reyna flew in the air, passing above Hazel who seemed to have a hard time reading the giant's movements. As she approached, she lifted her spear, preparing to stab it with the help of gravity. The giant made a "Huh?" kind of sound as it saw Reyna flying towards him.
"YARRGGGHHH!" Reyna shouted she thrust her spear into the giant's shoulder. The spear was nearly completely buried in the earth. She attempted to pull the spear out, but it wouldn't budge. Percy and Hazel were now trying to slice at the giant's feet, but something was all wrong. The three demi-gods couldn't get near the giant. It was capable of using all six of its arms separately. Gods, it had to be able to do that! Percy thought. From there, their whole plan just turned upside down. Not only could they not go through with it, but they were pushed back effortless. One of the giant's hand just grabbed Reyna by the waist and threw her in the direction of the river, Hazel was knocked aside and Percy was just picked up by the giant. Mr. Dirty Hands laughed evilly, if that was possible. Its hand gripped tighter and tighter, making Percy feel like his ribs would break anytime soon. But the invincibility was still on for his torso area, so he wouldn't get killed by taking a blow there. The giant tilted it's head thinking, Why ain't this kid bursting? Percy still had Riptide in his hands which was a good thing. He and Riptide were unstoppable. With all his strength, Percy pierced he muddy hands and sliced the hand completely off. The huge monster wailed in pain and growled with fury. The brave demi-god fell, rubbing his butt which he landed on and got ready for round two.
"No way!" Percy said in disbelief. The giant's hand started regenerating. The earth from the ground rose up and created a new hand which seemed more durable and more rockier. Oh snap! He thought.
"Nooooo!" someone yelled somewhere. Percy whirled around looking to see who said that. Did someone die? The person was too far so Percy couldn't really make out who, but a person running towards a giant that looked like it was about to crush something with its hand. Was the person protecting someone?
"Percy! It's Frank!" Hazel called wearily. That hit must have knocked the air out of her because Hazel was breathing heavily and could barely stand. Percy realized why she mentioned Frank. Then somewhere else, a girl's name called his name out. Percy turned around at the other direction and saw Reyna floating down the river, struggling to stay above the water. She kicked and splashed around helplessly. Did she not know how to swim? Percy clenched his fist. He was stuck between three choices, leave Hazel to the giant to save Reyna and lose both Hazel and Frank, or save Hazel and Frank and leave Reyna to drown. Damn it! If he didn't think now, Reyna would be far gone and washed away by the river. The current was too strong, as well as the undertow.
Time seemed to slow down. Or his brain was just processing his thoughts rapidly. His giant opponent was about to strike Hazel down, Frank was dodging countless arm attacks and Reyna was just about out of reach for resuecing. I can't believe this is happening! Percy started thinking. He looked around as he saw his fellow campers getting pushed back, injured and hopefully not dead. If not for these, they were just cut, bruised and exhausted. Percy closed is eyes and muttered something to himself. When Percy opened his eyes, he sprang into action. Percy ran for Hazel and grabbed her away from the giant. He was surprised at how light Hazel was, light enough for him to carry her with one arm. Percy ran towards Frank and trying to become parallel with Reyna at the same time. Percy's plan was to make the water rise, carrying Reyna along with it and the water would slice the rocks, that Hazel said were flying at Frank who was now frozen, to dust. So then everyone would be saved. Percy felt a tugging sensation in his stomach and willed the water to his command. The river burst upwards making the place appear even darker if that was even possibly on a moonless or starless night. Percy could hear Reyna screaming her head off. Percy started to think if Reyna was afraid of the water, but when he saw that her makeup was ruined, he thought otherwise.
Percy let Hazel down when she said she was okay, which was helpful since he could control the water better with two hands. Hazel ran ahead to Frank to help him out of immobility, while Percy commanded the water to his wishes. The water encircled the giant and started to slice it non-stop constantly. Frank and Hazel went to carry the two people who Frank was guarding. One was Alicia and the other Bobby. Although it seemed like Frank was doing all the work. Hazel was still a little weak.
"Percy! Aaaaghhhhhh!" Reyna cried out, but the voice sounded to be further away than from the river. Percy let the water free, which led him to a great energy loss, searched for Reyna. He spotted her getting carried by one of the giants away from the camp followed by the rest of the army. Percy was about to follow when he saw that the giants were sinking into earth along with Reyna. Percy fell to his knees, and put his hands to his face. I've failed, he thought. He punched down on the earth furiously until his knuckles were bright red. How could that have happened? How did the giant get a hold of her? He couldn't save her-second to the commander of the camp. Everyone started gathering the injured to one place, and the dead at another place. A few that died were people Percy didn't know. Markus Laurier: the son of Ceres, Chris Gartler: the son of Somnus, Rita Salvadore: the daughter of Venus and about 7 others. Gwen came up to Percy and put a hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him.
"I'm sorry, Percy. I should've been here with you guys earlier, but I was having a vision all about this and blacked out." Gwen comforted. She was part of First Legion mainly because she was the best archer, but also the oracle. "The visions come to me at random times." Percy nodded and told her it was okay. It wasn't her fault. Then Frank stepped in and opened his mouth to talk.
"No. I should've told you earlier." Frank started saying to Percy glumly. Everyone near them were confused. Everyone's trying to take part of the blame for Percy. The different dude. The outcast. The unaccepted. "When I left you at the beach, the first day of your training, something talked to me. Earth started swallowing me up and telling me these nasty lies, which turned to reality. It told me to join them, and that I would die if I didn't. Of course I turned it down and everything. But before the voice left, it told me that I would have a taste of its power. I didn't think it would end up like this." His voice trailed off as he finished the sentence. Percy couldn't believe that Frank hid so much vital information. Gwen on the other hand was understandable. But Percy didn't blame anyone. It was his responsibility to protect his friends. He broke his vow to not let anyone die on his account. Reyna, dead or alive, he still broke his promise.
"No one blames you Percy. I'm sure Reyna would've understood your choice." Hazel trying to sound convincing. Percy thanked them all for the comforting, but he still felt guilty. "You saved four people. If Reyna did...pass away, I'm pretty sure she wouldn't take it so bad." Hazel paused at pass away trying to figure out a different way of saying dead. Everyone seemed struck by Reyna's disappearance. First Jason, now Reyna.
The wind started to pick up blowing leaves into people's faces. The moon finally showed itself along with its fellow stars. Why didn't it appear sooner and gave his friends the light they needed? When the wind vanished, what appeared in front of everyone was a giant wolf. Everyone bowed respectfully to Lupa, who didn't help at all. Percy clenched his fist at the thought. Why didn't she come? If she came to help Percy, she could've gotten Reyna safe too. Rage filled up Percy. But he knew better to battle an immortal (yes Percy was surprised at the fact too).
"I see we all have a lot to talk about." Lupa said bitterly. She studied the situation, like she never knew what happened. "Alright. Go rest for the night. You all have been through quite a rough one. We'll do the ceremonies tomorrow." She went back into the forest and headed for camp, followed by some campers.
Percy looked at the surviving campers. They were all beat up and bruised, all with a gloomy face on. Some just looked dead sad, staring into space, eyes tearing up. Percy thought about the people who died this battle and thought about those people's friends and boyfriend or girlfriend. Those special friends took their deaths badly. One guy was crying, holding a girl in his arms. Percy couldn't believe this. All he wanted to do now, was go to sleep and block out his thoughts. He wanted to clear the memories of today. This was just too much for him to bear.
"Hey, Perce. C'mon. Let's get going." Frank said sadly. He helped Percy up and together they walked together back to camp. "Thanks for saving me back there. It's just that..." He couldn't finish his sentence. Percy just nodded, not in the mood to talk to anyone. But Percy also had a feeling that someone else was gone and not just Reyna.
Translation:
O Di! Donec non iterum! - Oh gods! Please not again!
Awwww yeeaaahhh! I'm glad I got this finished. I hope you guys liked this one! I know I had a blast typing it. Next chapter is probably gonna take another week or so, and I still haven't figured out a prophecy. Hopefully I finish it in less than 10 days. So probably for you guys to know what I'm am dealing with I'll let you know know what.
-Basketball tryouts Wednesday night
-Daily Homework
-Other activities I am involved in.
You see? I am a very busy guy for a grade 9. Anyways, stay tuned for next chapter. And please review!
NinjaReads :D
