Percy Jackson:
I smiled at Piper and Thalia as I sat down at the lunch table, my sack lunch ready to be eaten. I slowly started to take out the food when Jason and Nico sat down. I greeted them too before taking a bite out of my sandwich.
"Oh yuck! Mustard!" I yelled as I spit the terrible yellow bread out onto the table. Piper's face scrunch in disgust as Thalia rolled her eyes. She grabbed the sandwich out of my fingertips and began eating.
"Oh shut up Percy, be thankful you have parents to make this for you!" I flinched slightly from Thalia's tone. Her face softened when Jason gently placed his hand on hers. She smiled softly at him before mumbling an apology me.
"Hey Nico?" I asked after a few seconds had passed. He turned to look at me. "Where's Annabeth? I didn't see her in third?" The fifteen year olds eyes widened.
"What? You don't know where she is? I assumed you knew!" I shook my head and shared a frantic look with the others.
"Nico don't you walk with her every morning?"
"Yes but sometimes she leaves earlier! If she wouldn't tell me where she was going I'd assume she would tell you! She seems to like you enough!" My cheeks started to heat up, giving them a tint of pink. Then I remembered Annabeth wasn't to be found.
"Well let's just go look around the school! And if she isn't here we'll check with Ernie! She has to be somewhere right?" Nico nodded and we all began searching.
0~0~0~0~0
We didn't find her around the school during our lunch period. After our last two classes the five of us piled into Grover's office to see if he knew what was happening.
"Annabeth was taken." He stated casually.
"What? By who? And how do you know that!?" I asked quickly, my mouth seemed to be spitting out questions. Grover stood up to place his hands on my shoulders.
"Percy she's safe…For the moment. I know because I got a message from my friend last night. She's going to help us, come I'll take you to her." He slowly placed his jacket on as we filed out of the school. Jason wiggled his keys.
"I'll follow you out Grover. Percy and Nico ride with him." We nodded and Nico and I climbed into Grover's car. We quickly sped out of the parking lot and I turned to face our principle.
"Who took Annabeth?" Grover opened the glove box and handed me a piece of paper, a note. I quickly read over Annabeth's words and warning.
"How did you get this?"
"Ernie gave it to me this morning."
"And you didn't tell us until now?" I asked annoyed. Grover shrugged and gave me a grin.
"Well I needed to wait until after school. I know your abnormals but I still need to do my job. You guys need to be in school." I rolled my eyes and handed the note to Nico.
"Nico what does she mean a blast from the past? Is that a clue to who took her?" Nico's eyes widened and he sighed. He looked around trying to stay stone faced. He seemed really worried.
"Luke…" He said quietly. Grover smiled sadly and nodded.
"Yeah, Luke." I looked between them.
"Who's Luke? Guys I need answers here!" Grover slowed down until we were parked in an old, dirty lot. A large building used to be here, but got torn down. The only thing in sight was a small, rusted shack. Grover pointed to it.
"She's in there, she'll answer your questions." He spoke quietly. I slowly opened the door.
"Are you not coming in with us?" Grover shook his head before giving me a small smile.
"This is your quest and your girl. Good luck." I nodded and shut the door, letting him leave. I waited for Jason to park. When all five of us were standing in front of the door I shared a glance with everyone before knocking quietly on the door.
It burst open making all of us jump frightened. A sudden force tugged us inside shutting the door behind us. Thalia was the first to speak.
"Woah….This is…Woah." I couldn't agree more.
The outside doesn't do this place justice. It defiantly looked a lot bigger. Lights hung from the ceiling and were draped across the walls, though the room was dim. Scarfs, rugs and old blankets were everywhere. In the way back of the room was a table, a large chair and a door. When I took a step towards the table the chair swung around revealing a red headed girl.
"Ah finally you've arrived! I hope you didn't have trouble on the drive?" She said excitedly. As she spoke her freckles seemed to move across her cheeks. Her red hair was swishing around her head. She gestured us closer.
"I'm assuming you're here about the fire Annabeth? Don't worry my friends she has not met death." She spoke with a smile as if she talks about someone dying all the time…Maybe she has.
I was the first to step closer. I cleared my throat and smiled nervously.
"I am the water Percy. Yes we're here about Annabeth. We want to know who has taken her…And if she's safe." I spoke quietly. The girl sent me a charming smile.
"I know you and what your intentions are. Come closer and I shall show you your friend isn't far." She said kindly. My friends followed me as I walked closer. On her table a large mirror was laid out. She gestured to the seats in front of her.
"Um if you don't mind me asking…What is your name?" I asked as I slowly lowered myself into the chair. She smiled at me as she gathered various items.
"You may call me Rachel, I am the oracle. I help abnormals when they need it." Thalia pointed to her.
"You're not rhyming anymore." Rachel smiled and sat down.
"Rhyming isn't required, though it does help keep people's attention." Nico leaned forward.
"Please I don't want to be rude but Annabeth-"Rachel held up a hand and swiped her hand across the mirror.
Slowly an image appeared. Annabeth was unmoving in a dark room, a glass cage around her. She was lying on the floor, her blond hair sprayed out around her hiding her face. I leaned forward trying to get a better view. Annabeth mumbled my name in her sleep as small tears formed in the corner of my eyes. She needs to be safe with me! Not locked up in some cage! I placed my hand on the glass trying to feel her but the image changed.
Annabeth and I were walking down the sidewalk, bruised and beaten. Annabeth's arm was bleeding and I was nervously watching her. Annabeth turned to me.
"C'mon Seaweed Brain stop worrying. I'm alive aren't I? Besides we haven't won yet." I could see myself nod. I watched as I moved closer to Annabeth, I was standing in front of her now.
"I know but Annabeth before we go to defeat Kronos…Just…C'mere for a second." Annabeth's lips twitched upwards as I opened my arms. She practically slid into them and I hugged her tightly. I gently kissed her temple before mumbling in her ear.
"I won't let anything happen to you. Not again."
Rachel lifted my hand and gave me a sad smile.
"I allowed that glimpse but you mustn't see too much of the future. You're here to save your friend and I'm supposed to help." I nodded slowly and Nico handed Rachel the note Annabeth left us.
"Annabeth left this for us. Do you know what it means?" Rachel eyes skimmed over the page before she looked back at us.
"I do, but young Shadow King you do too. The fire has had a troubled past but has managed to last. An old friend of hers has come back, helping plan the attack. He has taken her to their lair that they share. Kronos fueled by greed and power wants to control the mortals; make them cower. It is up to you, the famous six to come together and defeat the evil dark lord. Your powers he seeks." Thalia cut off the girl with a growl.
"We know Annabeth was taken by an old friend of hers and we know someone is planning an attack on the city. We came to find out where she is so we can save her and the city. Those are the answers we need." Rachel was quiet for a minute before she slowly took her head.
"I'm sorry but I can't show you every answer you need. Follow the path, started with greed. You will get your hint in a couple of days. As for defeating Kronos? There are a few ways. Your bond with each other is very strong, don't think I'm wrong. The mind is powerful enough to show the way, you won't even have to say."
I snuck a glance at Piper, she must have something to do with finding Annabeth. I looked up hopefully at Rachel.
"If you can't tell us where she is can you at least tell me if Annabeth is alive? Tell me she's okay." I said pleadingly. Rachel placed her hand gently on top of mine.
"The fire has yet to fully see the light but fear not. Her flame burns forever bright."
Nico sat up a little straighter as Rachel removed her hand. He took up and grabbed the note back. He nodded his head in Rachel's direction.
"Thank you Rachel. You may have been a bigger help that I originally thought. C'mon guys I know what to do first." We all thanked Rachel before following the speeding Nico out to the car.
Annabeth Chase:
I groaned as I slowly opened my ears. My head was pounding and my surroundings were blurry. I could tell, even with a fuzzy vision that I was in some kind of glass cage. Kind of like the ones I built to trap the machines. I sat up carefully and rubbed my eyes. It took a couple of minutes but I was able to clear my sight.
I glanced around. It was a slightly dimmed room, full of computers, tools and unfinished robots. It looked like the classic evil villain lair. I must be in Kronos's hiding spot. I felt eyes on me to my right so I slowly turned.
"Come out, I know you're here." I said quietly, the room was an almost silent. Luke slowly emerged from the darkness and smiled sadly at me.
He moved close to the cage and opened the hatch. He quickly placed a glass of water and two white pills onto the tray and shut the hatch. I slowly walked over.
"It's for your headache…I'm sorry I had to knock you out. You wouldn't stop struggling Annie." Luke said quietly, almost like a small child explaining himself to his Mother. I gave him a look before quickly popping the pills in my mouth and drinking the water.
I wiped my mouth dry as I finished the glass. I glanced around before looking at Luke coldly.
"Where's Kronos? He must have a reason for bringing me here." Luke nodded and pressed a button on the wall next to him. Light poured into the room as a large door opened. I watched silently as a figure slowly advanced towards me. I held my breath until I was finally able to see the eighth abnormal.
He didn't look like anybody special. He could easily pass as a mortal, just like the rest of us. He was around 6'3, dressing completely in black. His dark skin seemed to shine as the light glowed behind him. His eyes were dark enough to match Nico's and his hair was a midnight black. There was a large red streak going on the right side of his head. He smiled crookedly at me, making the scar on his cheek move towards his eye.
"Ah…The famous Annabeth. Luke has spoken so much about you. So glad we could finally meet one another." He spoke casually. My eyes narrowed.
"What's your game Kronos? Why did you bring me here?" He smiled again and leaned against the glass cage.
"Ah now if I were to get technical I would tell you Luke brought you here, per my request." I remained quiet, glaring at him so he continued. "But I needed you here because you have something that rightfully belongs to me."
"If you think I'll willingly hand you the Olympus Amulet you're wrong." I spat out.
"Oh I'm aware. That's why I plan on taking it from you." I practically growled and I opened my palms, letting my flame burn brightly. Kronos eyed my flame before snapping his fingers.
I gasped as cold white foam splashed on top of me, putting out my flame. I shook it off my fingers and tried to light up my fire again but this time a gun above me shot water down at me, enough to fill a pool. I watched mouth ajar as the water drained below my feet. I started to shiver from the cold before Luke gently pushed a towel and blanket through the hatch.
Kronos smiled happily as he walked to a large chair. He clapped his hands and the room was lit up with lights.
"Oh Annabeth. You're powerful I admit but I'm smarter. If the temperature in that container moves even a degree from what it is now you'll be blasted with anything and everything that can put you out." I shivered again as he gestured around.
"I assume you figured out I'm the one sending the machines after you. And the shadows. I'm also sure my associate told you what I am."
"You're the unknown eight abnormal." Kronos nodded but held up a finger.
"Your half right. I'm not in the big book but I was the first born in this generation. The little shadow boy was the eighth born. But I didn't develop my powers until I was sixteen, so I was late." I wrapped the blanket around my shoulders trying to warm myself.
"Why do you want the Amulet Kronos? It wasn't gifted to you; you aren't the one chosen for it."
"And why shouldn't I be?!" He roared as he advanced towards me. "You and Blondie over here weren't the only ones with a troubled childhood! At least you two were able to protect yourselves! I got my powers late! I deserve the power the Amulet gives! I want to destroy the city that destroyed me!"
I shook my head and slowly slid against the wall of the cage until I was sitting down. "You haven't even held the Amulet in your hands and it's already making you lose your mind. You can't destroy the city because I won't let you."
Kronos laughed loudly and slowly walked around the cage. "But how will you stop me? You're in a cage Annabeth, completely under my control. You can't do anything to stop me."
"Percy and the others won't let you destroy their homes." I said with a small smirk.
"It's not up to them though is it? I will have what is rightfully mine. Both the Amulet and the city."
"I don't have the Amulet on me and its hidden where you can't find it. How do you think you'll win? You have five pissed off abnormals looking for you, you're not gonna win." I said almost smugly. Kronos's lips were now in a tight line. He eyed me for a minute before smiling.
"We'll see. Enjoy the darkness Annabeth, it seems to follow you everywhere." On the note I watched stone faced as Kronos walked out of the room, Luke following him. When the door was closed the lights all turned off.
I was surrounded by the darkness once again.
Hello my lovely readers! I was able to get the amount of reviews I wanted in only two short days so I'm excited! I really liked this chapter because it's sort of preparing you for the upcoming battle you know is gonna happen! Anyway
Someone reviewed saying there was more then one shape shifter but that isn't true. Luke is the only one. Kronos can make anything he wants (Machines, shadows even plants!) come alive to work for him. Sorry if that was confusing. Anyway they went to see Rachel the oracle to help them!
I'll update if I can get another five! Though I'd love more then that. Maybe ten?