Thank you all for the reviews!

Sorry about the late update. I've been busier than usual. I have no excuse for it.

To whom it concerns... Seth isn't meant to be a perfect character- he isn't one of those 'Gary-sues' or whatever those clichés are called. Perhaps swearing on the Styx was 'dumb' in your opinion- but as I have written, Seth isn't good with his emotions, which causes him to make supposedly 'dumb' decisions. So no, in answer to your question, Seth isn't 'retarded'. He's only making choices that goes with his beliefs, and if you still think that's 'retarded or dumb', again, that's your own opinion.

This chapter is now revised.

Credit goes to Rick Riordan.

Chapter 10: Catalyst

I found myself standing in front of Cabin Eight.

The sky had grown dark. There were only a few campers out, while the rest were either in their cabins or prepared to be in one.

I knocked on the light silver door once. When there was no answer, I knocked again, harder this time. For a moment, I thought the Hunters were going to lock me out until the knob slowly turned. A blonde girl looking around twelve years old faced me with narrowed eyes. Her sisters joined her a moment later.

"If it isn't Seth Hunter," the girl hissed. "Feeling proud of that stunt you pulled earlier?"

I shrugged. "Not my fault if you girls are so afraid of a tiny stink bomb. You call yourselves hunters? With the way you all were screaming, I've seen better with mortal children."

The lead girl spat in disgust, about to slam the door in my face before I placed my foot at the door's hinges to prevent her from doing so.

"I need a place to stay," I said harshly, glaring at each of them in turn. "I don't give a damn as to what your thoughts are about it. Whether it's because I'm a guy or some other bullshit, I don't care. Your Lady has claimed me, remember? That means if you continue to block my entry, you are going against Lady Artemis' orders."

I heard a couple mutterings inside the cabin. I took that as a good sign.

"Would you go against her orders, I wonder," I said quietly. "Looks like you girls aren't as loyal and faithful to her as I thought." I moved my foot away. Now, the hunters were free to shut me out, but they didn't. "Oh well, I expected worse."

I backed away slowly, the hunters looking at me in disbelief until I turned my back towards them.

Three...two...one...

"Wait!" one of the girls cried, I stopped, feeling a triumphant smirk on my face before I wiped it off and turned around.

"Yes?"

"You...can come in." She said it so painfully one would think she was chewing on molten rocks.

Hook, line, and sinker. I had these girls dancing on my palms, but I wasn't satisfied yet.

"You girls changed your mind?" I said in mock-surprise, before I scoffed, "That's so-o likely, but since I fear for my well being, I will take my leave anyway."

"What?!" the lead girl said incredulously, "w-we already allowed you to come in! Why are you going back on your own request?"

"Like I said, I fear for my well being," I stressed. "I've read the stories. How would I know you hunters aren't setting up a trap as we speak? Don't take me for a fool."

"You're unbelievable," one of them muttered. "You really think we will go back on our word?"

"I like my head around my shoulders." I said flatly. "Swear on your honor, if you have any. Then maybe, I'll come in. Oh, and while we're on the topic, I want a fine bed-no floor, no desk, no Iron Maiden you have stashed for the occasional male bastard-only a regular, safe bed. I also want you girls to let me sit where I want at the table in the pavilion too."

"Fine," one of them hissed, "but understand we are doing this only because it is Lady Artemis' request. We can care less if you died in a hole somewhere."

I shrugged, the smirk coming back on my face. "I'll have it no other way."

The hunters glared at me a moment more before they backed off hastily, leaving the door open by a crack. With a grunt, I dragged my stuff inside, and suddenly looked around in wonder.

The inside was completely silver, with light blue and white embroidery on the walls. There was a fire in the center of the room, its glow radiating in the half darkness. Most of the bunk beds, layered with silver sheets, were littered with the Hunters' things. A row of different bows and knives were also aligned on the side of the wall in the back. There were a couple of ivory tables and as I looked up, the second floor seemed to be layered with exotic animal skins. The silver banner of the stag was displayed prominently in the middle of the clearing. Best of all, the whole roof was completely translucent: the stars and bright moon clearly visible.

Not bad, I thought grudgingly. Even if this cabin did belong to Artemis, I couldn't deny her good taste.

"Here's your bed," the brunette from earlier said to me. Her gaze rested on an empty bunk located at the corner of the room, as far away as possible from the rest of them.

"That's perfect," I grinned. How thoughtful. They even gave me my own space.

The brunette sneered, before backing away slowly and walked away to tend to other matters. There were a couple suspicious glances and narrowed looks as I approached the empty bunk. I placed my weapons and belongings by the side of the bed. Seeing as how no one was sleeping in the bunk above mine, I immediately grabbed the silver covers and draped them over the side, providing a makeshift cover for privacy. I quickly settled myself into the cool and extremely soft bed.

The Hunters were gathered together, their side conversations easily heard throughout the clearing. Even though I couldn't see them, I could sense their piercing looks penetrating the covers. Well aware that I was in enemy territory, I carefully placed one of my black daggers under my pillow, and after an hour of settling in, I suddenly felt sick-

I had Artemis help me. I had her voluntarily help me win over these hunters. I felt my whole body shiver despite the comfortable sheets. It took me a couple hours to finally clear my mind and fall silently into sleep.

-o-

With all that was going on, I shouldn't be surprised when I had yet another ominous nightmare.

I was standing in the middle of a cold dark room, or what appears to be a room. I couldn't see anything despite my enhanced vision, and I couldn't tell if I was alone or if there was anything out there at all. Only darkness surrounded me from all sides.

I didn't know how long I stayed there, standing alone in the stillness. I didn't have a sense of time when I dream. However, there was flicker of light ahead of me, growing larger as it slowly got close. As the light approached, I realized that they were a bunch of torches.

I narrowed my eyes in confusion. Who would be holding torches in this day and age? However, as the occupants got closer, I widened my eyes in fright, my jaw literally dropped:

Skeletons, a bunch of dead and armor-wearing skeletons. Except these weren't those bony things that people expected to see in movies, they actually appeared human, only with transparent, pale skin.

I felt my face pale at the sight of them, my breath hitched unevenly. I never had a liking towards the undead. I even found the Oracle frightening.

I forced myself to calm down as they walked by me, their armor clinking against their bony joints as they walked. Now that it was lighter, I finally noticed that I was actually standing in the middle of a deserted street. There were a couple semi-flashing neon lights on the doors of some shops, but the interior was completely dark. Cars were parked beside the road, and overhead, there were only dark clouds surrounding the night sky. The skeleton soldiers rummaged through the street, forcefully entering into the closed stores, as if looking for something. One of them eventually gave a signal to the others, pointing excitingly at an abandoned white van…

Suddenly, the scene changed.

I didn't even have time to register the change, when I was thrust into the middle of a large cavern. There were numerous pillars, and in the middle of the clearing was a large white table, like in one of those conference rooms, and all the chairs were occupied. I immediately singled out Luke Castellan, who sat at the front. Clare was beside him on his right. I didn't recognize the others, but judging from their ages, they were most likely Camp Half-Blood traitors.

"We are now certain of their whereabouts," Luke was saying, "We must plan our next course of action. If the Quest members even have the smallest chance of success..."

"They won't." One of the members, a young man by the sound of it, stated. His face was obscured by shadow. "According to our source, the Quest need five members, and last they departed, there are only four."

"They have Percy Jackson and Thalia Grace in their group," Luke pointed out, his scar was even more pronounced in the half light. "Not to mention, the Hunt's lieutenant. With the satyr as their guide, they are making progress. We cannot underestimate them."

I have never heard Luke talk like this, as if he was some military captain. His aura seemed to completely dominate the whole meeting.

"What do you suppose we do?" Another asked.

Luke gave a grim smile. "One of the beasts has already been dispatched and the skeleton warriors are already on their trail. It will only be a matter of time before failure is inevitable for them. They don't stand a chance. However…" He signaled Clare to continue.

"The prophecy predicted the death of two members, but it's currently unknown which of the members would die, I have proposed a plan that will rid us our biggest foes."

Luke leaned forward, his expression curious and full of anticipation. "What is your plan?

"The Big Three Children must be ELIMINATED," Clare said, her stoic green eyes giving away none of her thoughts as the rest of the members gasped. "Both of them are outside the safety of that pathetic camp. This is our opportunity to get rid of them for good."

There was murmuring throughout the table. I stared at Clare in shock. Was she suggesting MURDER? What could this plan entail? She couldn't actually be this hateful, could she? Even Luke was looking hesitant. Clare, however, remained inscrutable.

She spoke again, her voice clear and firm. "This is a problem we MUST deal with sooner than later. The Big Three Children are the Camp's trump cards, their only hope of having a chance in defeating us. The rest are nothing. Take them out of the picture, and victory is within our grasp."

"That's murder!" another boy said. He sounded very young. "This isn't right, it's not what we do-!"

"Don't be naive," Clare cut in coldly. "How many monsters have we killed over the years? It's the same thing. Only this time, the targets are demigods." Clare interrupted before the member protested, "Think about it- this is war. If we are to emerge victorious, we must get rid of the enemies' strongest leaders. Without unity, we would have them crushed!"

"Are you sure about this Clare?" Luke asked, "Perhaps if we can convert them to our side, then what you are suggesting isn't necessary."

Clare frowned, "I remember clearly that Percy Jackson rejected your offer not once, but TWICE. I also doubt Thalia Grace would convert to our side, given how alike she and Jackson are. Do you believe otherwise?"

Luke didn't answer.

"Why should we do the dirty work?" one of the members muttered. "Let the monsters handle it! We are in charge for a reason. Let those beasts do the work for us."

That was when Clare smiled, her green eyes narrowed in excitement, "Now that wouldn't be any fun would it? Besides, we all should know better that it takes a lot more than a couple of monsters to take down even ONE of them. No, we need to put in work if we want to get back what's ours."

"What is your course of action?" Luke asked. "You never informed me the specifics."

"It's simple," Clare said, "as long as either are nowhere near their element of power, their strength is cut in half. Engaging them in direct combat is where things get difficult, and even then, the Big Three children still have the superior skills and advantage. They are powerful, but not invincible. If someone were to surprise them, pull off a one-shot kill-they will be done for."

"And if that person misses?" someone asked.

In a mere second, a dagger sliced cleanly through the air and landed, point tilted, in the middle of one of the pillars behind me. Clare had stood up, and was just settling back into her chair. I widened my eyes in disbelief. I didn't even see her move.

She gave a cold smile. "I won't miss."

-o-

I awoke, my whole body drenched in cold sweat.

It was still night. All the Hunters were still asleep.

I sat in my bed, contemplating what I just saw. I had to warn Thalia and Percy, they had to know they were in danger, and with Iris Messaging out of the question...

That meant I had to go.

No, No, No, NO! I thought rapidly, a million things zooming in my head. Why did this always happen to me?! Why couldn't I have a peaceful time in my life for once?! This can't be happening- no, it's not happening. Just a bad dream! Yes, that's all there was to it. Nothing to worry about...

Is your safety more important than theirs?

I hitched a breath, my whole body trembled. Great, now I was hearing voices in my head.

You would even let innocents die, Athena's voice echoed. You are aiding the enemy. Don't let your flaw control you.

"Shut up!" I hissed. One of the hunters stirred close by. I clenched my head in frustration, debating my choices.

I could choose to ignore my dream and go back to sleep, but based on past experiences, I was sure the Fates weren't going to let me rest tonight or the next until they got what they wanted. There was a reason why I have insomnia, and if being sleep-deprived kept me safe from the nightmares, it was worth it, usually. Was it worth it this time? The dream had been so vivid, like I was sitting in at the meeting, surrounded by those traitors. The last time I had such a dream was the night I witnessed Artemis' capture. The dream was authentic-I was sure of that.

That meant Clare was on the move, and I knew she wasn't to be underestimated. I've experienced first-hand how deadly an opponent she could be. If not for my healing abilities, my body would be marked up by all sorts of bruises and cuts from our previous training sessions. She was the one who taught me dual wielding and close combat outside of classes, and I've seen her take down campers twice her size during Capture the Flag with little effort. But what made Clare dangerous wasn't her combat or her dual-wielding ability, it was her poisons. As a daughter of Demeter, Clare had the ability to craft toxins and embed them into weapons. One strike from her blades would mean instant death, which explained the 'one-kill shot' Clare mentioned. Luke had nearly succeeded at killing Percy with a small scorpion. I didn't want to know how Percy (or Thalia) would fare against a poisoned dagger.

Your friends are not weak, that voice reminded. Trust in their abilities. You don't need to do ANYTHING.

I knew Percy and Thalia were strong, likely the most powerful demigods of this generation, but like Clare had mentioned, they were not invincible. Sure Percy could create an earthquake and Thalia could conjure up a storm on a bad day, but they could also get hurt. The prophecy foretold of two deaths, and was it really surprising that Clare and those traitors would make use of the prophecy and twist it to fit their schemes? They saw the opportunity, and they pounced on it. Meanwhile, I was seeing opportunities to stop them and warn the group, but chose to remain in my bed because it was too much effort.

The very thought that those traitors was acting better than me made my blood boil in rage. I hated traitors. I hated how much of a fool I was in letting Clare string me along like that, and I hated how I still didn't regret the times we spent together, back when everything was simpler. Clare was the first to express how much she cared about my well-being and how much she wanted my friendship. Whether those actions were meant to manipulate me didn't matter- it didn't change the feelings of hope I felt back then.

I sighed, and after much contemplation, I knew what I wanted to do, what I had to do. The Fates could be laughing at me right now, giving each other high-fives, but I didn't care anymore. Percy and Thalia were my friends, and if our roles were reversed, and it was me out there being hunted, then they would make the same decision I was making now.

I got up silently, packed my belongings, and stepped quietly outside the cabin. The hunter who stood guard paid me no heed as I exited. Last I checked with Percy, the Quest members were only in downtown New York. It's only been about eight hours since then. They couldn't have gotten too far. I reminded myself that I was doing this for their sake, not Artemis'. The second after Clare is dealt with, I'd make me way back here in a jiffy with no regrets.

I sneaked past the Big House, carrying only my belongings and the drachma I had saved up over the months. As I approached the gate, however, someone was already expecting me. When I realized who it was, my breath hitched and I forced myself to dip my head in respect.

"M-Mr. D," I greeted.

The god of wine stood leaning against the gate, still dressed in his dark purple pajamas made with fine silk. His expression wasn't too happy. "Where do you think you're going this late at night? Do you really believe you can leave my camp without my knowing?"

I swallowed uncomfortably, clearly I had not thought of this. "Please Mr. D, I have to go on the Quest! It's import-!"

"...Important. Of course. That's what they always say," Dionysus finished, not impressed. He twirled one of his fingers, and a large vine grew rapidly, filled with clusters of red grapes. He plucked one and put it into his mouth, savoring it. "You heroes with your big egos. Trying to gallop off and save the day. I thought you knew better than that, Sam Hudson, than to follow that mortal nonsense."

"Mr. D," I said, a bit impatient, "I don't want to go unless I really have to. I had this terrible dream-!"

Dionysus scoffed, "A dream? That, is what got you running out to recklessly toss your life away? How do you know it's not that dull fellow, Morpheus, playing tricks? I'll let you know that he does that when he gets bored. Plays around with foolish heroes like you when it suits him. You could be worried for nothing."

"My dream is authentic," I said firmly. "I know what I saw, and I intend to stop it. I don't know what you have against heroes, Mr. D, but I'm far from being one. I'm just someone who won't sit by and risk his friends' safety."

"Is that so?" Dionysus muttered, looking at me strangely. "Then if I were to stop you, and say, threaten to turn you into a dolphin unless you walk back, what would you do?"

I shrugged, "I'd walk back, and try again another night." Dionysus made a face.

"You and your mother are the same," he said in distaste, and his comparison made my mood sour. "Stubborn and proud to a fault. How annoying." I tensed when the god started walking towards me, but when he merely walked past me, I was confused.

"M-Mr. D?"

"Whether you go or not, does not matter to me," he mumbled, stifling a yawn. "I've done my job. I can care less what you brats do these days."

He kept on walking, his bunny slippers squeaking as he walked. "Well? What are you still standing around here for? Get going! Get out of here!"

I blinked in surprise. "Y-you're letting me go?"

"I was never here," Mr. D replied. He mumbled something about "stupid demigods" before he quickly snapped his fingers, and evaporated out of thin air. Only a wisp of smoke and the scent of ripe grapes were left in his wake.

I paused for a moment, still staring at the empty spot. I gave a small smile before I stepped outside the Camp's boundaries.

-o-

A few minutes later, I was outside of Long Island.

The streets were dimly lit, and the New York City streets were nearly abandoned; only a couple of homeless folks were outside. All the stores are closed, and everything is silent. Seeing how it was only 3 am, I wasn't surprised.

I held my backpack firmly, making sure my archery weapons were fastened and secured. The prophecy had said that they would be going west. The group departed since yesterday morning. That's a total of at least 10 hours of travel, not including possible breaks.

However, I remembered seeing the abandoned white van. If they weren't using the vehicle, what mode of transportation would they use? A taxi and bus is out of the question, so my guess would be that they took either the subway or the train station.

Making my way through the snowy streets, I quickly reached the glowing lights of the train station. Thank goodness NY trains were open 24/7. I quickly bought my ticket for the quickest way west. When I finally settled myself into a comfy seat, there were only a couple people on board. I didn't have an idea when I fell asleep, but when I was shaken awake by the conductor, I knew I had reached the end of the line.

I have arrived at Washington DC.

-o-

Clare Evergreen was impatient.

The skeleton warriors have at last informed her of the Quest members' whereabouts, and she was getting anxious by the minute. She was seated luxuriously in one of the rented limos the General had so graciously offered. Sitting across from her was another black haired demigod, who was staring outside the window with a bland and bored countenance. His one, visible eye slightly lowered in concentration.

She still didn't understand why she couldn't do this alone. It was her plan. Clare was certain she could handle it without help. But arguing against the General was suicide, so Clare had no choice but to accept it.

"So how are we going to do this?" The boy asked, "You take one and I take the other?"

Clare rolled her eyes. She will have to start training this newbie. Somehow, the thought brought back unwanted memories. She shook her head out of her thoughts, she can't get distracted now.

"It's not that simple, Nakamura." She stated, "This is the Big Three's children we are talking about. They can't be handled alone that easily. We need a much better strategy than that."

Ethan looked at her thoughtfully, "So what's your plan?"

"How about you tell me?" She suggested instead, startling Ethan. "Didn't you say you wanted to prove yourself? This is your chance."

"Oh um, y-yeah," He mumbled as he concentrated. "I think…we should isolate them, separate the group. Take them on one at a time. If we do that, then we don't have to deal with that hunter or satyr." He looked towards her for approval.

Clare nodded, "Very good. That's exactly what I had in mind. Continue."

He nodded, looking enthusiastic after receiving her praise. "Once we separate them, one of us can be the distraction while the other is given the chance to strike."

"I suppose that could work." Clare said, "However, I do not believe a diversion should be used in that context. Instead of distracting our targets, one of us- meaning you- should keep the other occupied while I carry out the task. Once I take him down, then the two of us will finish her off later."

"Him?" Ethan wondered. "You're going after Jackson first?"

"Yes, his weaknesses are easier to exploit. Thalia Grace is much more difficult. We may need to wait another time to deal with her, seeing as how the sky is her father's domain. It would be inconvenient if she decides to call her daddy for help," Clare said matter of fact, before glancing at him. "Do you have your weapon with you?"

Ethan nodded, taking out a dagger. He unsheathed it, its blade clean and deadly.

"Hand it to me," she ordered. He did so. Once she had it in her grasp, she took out a bag from her leather jacket and sprinkled some of her 'homemade' powder. In seconds, the blade's color changed from silver to black. She handed it back to him. Ethan couldn't help but stare at his new black dagger, like it was foreign to him.

"What was that stuff?" Ethan said quietly as he admired it.

"A mix of crushed hemlock and Wolf's bane, also known as Aconitum," Clare said deviously, "even by the smallest cut, the victim will die in less than 30 seconds. Just make sure you don't cut yourself by accident."

"Amazing…" Ethan said quietly, mostly to himself.

Clare smiled, with her face partially shadowed and her penetrating green eyes gleamed, Ethan thought she looked like an avenging angel from hell. He wouldn't ever want to be on her bad side. He almost pitied Jackson.

"Of course it is," she said softly, "this mission must be perfect."

For the rest of the trip, it was mostly silent. Clare gazed at the city as it rolled past. In less than five hours, the two of them would be at their destination. In less than three hours after that, once they located the group, Percy Jackson would cease to live another day.

-o-