Chapter 12- A Matter of Life and Death
I walked towards the edge, still wearing my black coat. I stood there and stared. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
The monsters looked like they increased in number. Krios was still on top of the hill. My friends were growing weak; they had bruises on they're faces, arms, and legs. I have to go help them.
I aimed my arrow at a hellhound and shoot! The monster faded. I aimed for another…and another… until the hellhound specie was extinct.
"Find the child of the Sun god!" Krios roared. I ran around the crater, shooting arrows. That would distract them on where to find me.
"You will never have her, Krios!" Alex growled as he slashed through a Telekhine.
"What makes you think that, my boy? Haven't you learned from your uncle? I get what I want!" Krios said.
Uncle? Okay, that's just plain weird. What did he mean by uncle?
I shot and shot arrows like there's no tomorrow. This was too easy… never thought the monsters were this stupid.
Krios glanced down the foot of the hill. His face turned bright red, and he roared. The earth shook with him. "WHERE. IS. THE. HUNTER?"
Neona did a pretty good job, I guess. She saved Thalia without Krios ever noticing. I smiled at the thought that Krios was as stupid as the monsters here.
Neona got distracted when the earth shook. She lost her balance and fell flat on her butt. The dracanae named Ley, pointed a spear at her.
"I just found you a new hunter, my lord." She hissed.
"Good… She's not as powerful, but she'll do."Krios said. He snapped his finger and a strong wind whooshed around Neona like a mini-tornado.
"Aaagh!" Neona shrieked.
Her face went pale, and I could see in her eyes that it really hurt. She screamed so loud that I almost jumped in the crater and help her; but I knew that it wouldn't do any good. If I jump in there, Krios would just do the tornado thing at me.
"Neona!" Annabeth screamed.
Neona was lying on the floor, completely unconcious. I looked at her and saw a blue-ish sparkly rope tied around her.Titan lord of Constellations….stars…. Krios used the the stars to tie her up! I thought.
The dracanae carried Neona to the foot of the hill, where she lay there like a rag doll.
"Now… where were we?" Krios said. "Ah…yes." He snapped his fingers and another whoosh came. This time it tied up Percy, Annabeth, and Alex. They didn't scream or anything, unlike what happened to Neona. The three of them were kneeling at the foot of the hill. The monsters pointed their weapons at them. They struggled to get out, but the rope was too strong.
"Okay… we had our fun. Now it's time to get serious." He said.
"Let us go, Krios!" Alex growled as he glared at the Titan.
Krios looked at him and gave him an evil smile, "Is that how you talk to your uncle? My..my…Alexander, I think you know better than that."
Alex gritted his teeth, "Release my friends! This isn't their fight. It's ours."
"True… true. But I need your little friends so that I could lure the daughter of the sun god here." He grinned widely. "Don't you get it, my boy? You simply lead her to her death!"
When I heard the "D" word, I gasped. I am the golden eagle… the one who got killed. Maybe the one in the prophecy too; the one Annabeth wouldn't tell us about. Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back. I have to be strong, I thought.
"What do you mean?" Percy asked.
Krios sighed, "I guess I need to explain everything… You see, I needed a Child of night and Child of day, so that the Kronos may rise again."
"You mean, a hunter for the child of night." Annabeth said.
"Very good!" Krios said. "I could've kidnapped any hunter, but I chose the lieutenant."
"Why? Because she's a daughter of Zeus? -It's because of the power, right?" Annabeth said.
"That, my dear… And the fact that she's a close friend of yours."
"What does that have to do about anything?" Percy asked.
"Oh… a lot Son of the Sea god. A lot." Krios said. "You see, I knew that once the Lieutenant is lost, your little Camp of worthless heroes would definitely do something about it. And I was right. They have given you a quest. And now I have the 2nd ingredient—the Child of Day…. The Child of the Sun god. And I have you kids to thank for it."
Annabeth looked at Percy and Alex, "Kaye." She gasped. Krios grinned. The grin that sent a chill down your spine and makes you shiver in fear.
Something suddenly happened. Alex got his right arm loose from the ropes and sent an electric shot at Krios; which he deflected with a wave of his hand. Krios look bewildered. I myself was stunned.
Alex was breathing hard. I've never seen him this mad before. I looked at him more closely and saw that his eyes almost looked gold. Annabeth and Percy stared at Alex in amazement. They were also bewildered about the fact that his eyes looked gold.
"If you—touch her… or try to hurt her. I swear—I swear I'll tear you to pieces and put you back to Tartarus myself!" he yelled. He was so angry he was shaking.
Krios narrowed his eyes, "Brave words, Alexander. Such a shame your not on my side; unlike the old days." He sighed. "It would be such pity to loose a demigod such as yourself."
"Old days?" Annabeth asked under her breath; enough for Alex to hear. He looked at Annabeth but didn't answer her question.
"I shoud've never joined you in the first place! That was the biggest mistake of my life. Now… I've sent things right." Alex said.
"Indeed. So loosing the one you love is a right thing?" Krios teased.
How did he know that? I thought. Is our relationship broadcasted or something? That even a Titan knew about it. This was embarassing and weird at the same time.
Alex hissed, "Just let my friends go."
"Okay…okay….Here's the deal, I'll let you go. Just tell me where the girl is." He said.
"Not in a million years, Krios!" Annabeth yelled.
Alex shook his head, his face red with anger, "I'd. Rather. Die."
Krios chuckled, "Ah… Romeo trying to save Juliet. Romantic! But let me tell you this, it's not worth it. Now… TELL ME!" He yelled.
"NO!" The three of them yelled in unison.
Krios eyed them, obviously loosing his patience. He raised his hand towards my friends. Alex, Annabeth, and Percy began to groan. The rope was getting tighter making it hard for them to breath. A few second later, they were lifted from the ground.
"Tell me, Half bloods!"
"N—Never." Annabeth choked. They were all gasping. Any minute they could die! I couldn't take it anymore. They were risking their lives to save me. Annabeth said that I shouldn't go down there until they're really in trouble. Well, they kinda are now, and I need to go help them.
I went down the crater hole (which was not easy!) The ground was slippery, and the place smelled like monster poop (as in major monster poop! Yuck!). I caught the attention of a Telekhine. Before he could scream to the world about my presence, I shot it and it faded into gold dust.
I shot about five Telekhines before I reached the ground. My hood was on so my face wasn't seen. The hill was just a few feet away from me. Krios didn't seem to notice me. He was too busy torturing my friends.
"How long are you going to keep this up, half-bloods? How long will you try to save your friend?" Krios asked.
"Not for long." I said.
They all looked my way. My friend's eyes were all wide. Alex was shaking his head.
"Who's there?" Krios asked.
I put down my hood and faced Krios. Once he saw my face, he grinned widely. His stare was like ice piercing through me. I couldn't help but look away. He put down his hand and my friends fell to the ground, coughing and catching their breaths.
"Ah… Welcome daughter of Apollo." He said. "I knew you couldn't help seeing your friends suffer. How sweet of you."
I stared at him and tried to look brave as I said, "You got what you want… I'm here. Now let my friends go!"
He smiled his evil smile, "Why should I let them go?"
At first I didn't get what he was asking, but after a while I finally got the message. (I'm slow, I know) "Cause I'll do whatever you want…. Even if it means—"I choked. I can't believe I'm saying this.
"Even if it means?—"Krios echoed.
I closed my eyes and sighed, "Even if it takes… my life."
"Kaye, No!" Alex yelled. He ran to me, but Krios placed some kind of force field between us and he smacked right into it. He fell to the ground. "Ow!"He cried.
Annabeth helped him up and yelled to me, "You can't do this, Kaye!"
"I have to Annabeth." I said. "It has to be done. I wouldn't forgive myself if something bad happens to you guys."
Annabeth fell silent.
"Are you insane? If you do this more people would die!" Percy said. He looked panicked too.
"No Kaye…Don't do this!" Annabeth cried and pleaded.
"There has to be another way." Percy added.
"No… There is not. Kaye is simply making a wise descision. You should follow her example." Krios said.
I looked at Alex as he stared at me from behind the force field. His eyes full of hurt and worry. He mouthed, "Please, don't"
"Krios?" I suddenly said.
"Yes, my dear?" he asked.
"Can I at least say goodbye?" I asked.
"Hmmm… Sure. But make it quick! We can't keep Kronos waiting." He snapped his fingers and the force field disappeared. As soon as it faded Alex ran to me and hugged me fiercely.
"Oh gods, Kaye! You scared the hell out of me!" he said. "You're not really gonna give yourself up aren't you?"
I looked at Krios whose back was facing us. He was talking to Ley, the Dracanae. I was making sure if he couldn't hear our conversation. He probably doesn't, so I think it would be safe for me to tell them my plan.
When I didn't answer, Alex let go and looked at me. "Kaye? You can't be serious?"
I eyed Annabeth, and somehow she got my message. She smiled at me and nodded. If you're wondering what I just told her… well, I simply told her that it was an act. I wasn't really going to give myself up. I just needed Krios to trust me, so that I'll have time to plan. Looking at Alex, I guess I did a pretty good job. He seemed to believe it. I wonder how long it would take for him to realize that this whole thing is an act. Let's find out…
I "choked" a sob, "I-It's the only way for you guys to get out and find help. Tell Camp. We can't take them all by ourselves."
"NO! That's not a solution!" Alex exclaimed.
"He's right, Kaye. You don't have to risk yourself just to save us." Percy said.
"Then what's the solution?" I asked.
"Me." His answer was fast… he just blurted it out. He sounded so sure and without a doubt. "I'll fight them while you guys get out of here. I can't stand it if something bad happens to you guys." He said. "Especially to YOU, Kaye." He looked at me with those warm brown eyes and I felt guilty for lying to him. Annabeth looked at us, trying hard not to laugh.
"You would give up your life for me?" I asked.
"Is that a trick question?" Alex asked. "Of course I will!" he said.
I smiled. He looked cute when he's worried. I stepped closer and kissed him. He hugged me tight and a jolt of electricity hit me. I felt powerful and strong.
After we kissed, I said, "Thanks. But too bad you won't have to give up your life for me."
"Huh?" he looked at me, confused.
"It's an act, Alex. Kaye's not giving herself up. She simply needed to earn the trust of Krios." Annabeth said. I love how Annabeth gets me. She's just so smart.
"WHAT! Then why didn't you tell me?" he asked.
"And me? I feel stupid for panicking." Percy said. He was smiling now.
"I needed to know if my acting was believable." I said.
"Well, it worked! Gods! You scared me there."
I giggled, "I'm sorry. But yes, it worked. And uhm… You look cute when you're worried by the way."
Alex gave me a smile, "You're impossible." He leaned slightly for another kiss, but Percy cleared his throat. "Uh… We're kind of in a hurry. I guess that thing you're about to do can wait."
"Sorry." I said. Alex rolled his eyes at Percy.
"Okay, here's the plan." Annabeth said.
We walked towards the foot of the hill. I stood between Alex and Annabeth. Krios faced us and said, "Ah… done already?"
"Yes." I answered. "I'm ready." I tried to look sad and scared; I didn't know how I did but Krios seemed to have bought it.
"Good." Krios said.
"Oh, one more thing…" I said.
"What?" He sounded annoyed.
"Watch your back…" I gave him an evil stare.
Krios' eyes glowed. I thought he was going to explode or something but he went with the plan. I never thought he would actually do it, but he turned around.
"Now!" I yelled.
Alex raised his hand and a jolt of lightning came from the sky. It hit Krios and tossed him off the hill. He immediately stood, but he was shaky. He was still feeling the shock.
"Wh—what are you waiting for?" He yelled. "ATTACK!"
The monsters roared and ran towards us. My bow and arrows appeared and I immediately began shooting. Annabeth wore here invisbility cap, while Alex and Percy slashed with their swords.
I shot a Cyclops straight in the eye and it fell on about five monsters before it faded to dust. Talk about all in one!
The fight seemed to go on forever. Monsters attacked us like a swarm of bees. I didn't see where Krios was, he simply vanished. I was tired, completely exhausted! My arms were starting to ache from shooting. I didn't know how I stayed alive, but thank the gods I am still. I looked at my friends, who were looking tired too. I remembered Neona. She has to get out of here. I searched for Annabeth.
"Annabeth!" I yelled.
I looked across the field and a figure shimmered. Annabeth just killed a Laistrygonian when she removed her yankees cap. She looked at me; her face was covered with dirt and sweat.
"Neona! Get her out of here!" I yelled.
She nodded and vanished once more. I looked over to Alex and Percy, who were sword-fighting with a couple of skeleton monsters. They were only a few feet away from me.
"Hello Half-blood! My master will be pleased if I kill you." I turned and saw Ley. She had long black hair and green scaly skin. Her eyes were yellow, like a cat. And she had two snake tails instead of one. She was armed with a weird glowing spear and shield.
"Not if I kill you first!" I shot an arrow at her but she deflected it with her shield.
"Is that how you fight?" She teased.
I shot three arrows all at the same time, which caught her off-guard. Her eyes went wide as one of the arrows hit her snake tail.
"Owww!" She shrieked. Yellow-ish blood flowed from the bruise. Talk about yuck!
"I'll get you!" She sneered. At the corner of my eye, I saw Annabeth with Neona. They were on the'yre way up. Thank goodness she was no longer unconscious.
Something zapped in my right arm. I screamed in pain.
"Tsk..tsk…tsk… Focus." Ley teased.
I looked at my arm which was bleeding. There was a huge cut; very deep too, I guess. My blood was bright red. My arm hurt so bad I wanted to cry. Ley stared and grinned. "Now… how can you shoot with a bruised arm? Oh… that's right. You can't!" She laughed an evil laugh. I mean seriously, I never thought real monsters did that. I thought that was only in the movies.
My arms shook as I tried to raise my bow and aimed… Shoot! Her eyes widened, she looked at the arrow which was now plunged in the middle of her chest.
"Who says you can't shoot with a bruised arm?" I said, shakily. She looked at me surprised as she faded.
The battlefield suddenly became cold. The wind rushed through me, and I winced. I looked at my arm, which was still bleeding. Something green-ish covered it. My arm burned like lava. One thought came to my mind: Poison. That monster zapped my arm with poison!
My eyesight blurred and my body shook. The burning sensation made me want to scream. I feel like my arm was being chewed by a Lion. My body became weak and I almost passed out, but a voice woke me up.
"Say your last words, half blood." it said.
I turned around and found myself face to face with Krios, holding a black knife. I couldn't move or anything; cause everytime I did, my arm burned. It's useless. There is no way I could be saved now. Maybe the prophecy will be fullfilled...
I glared at Krios. I wanted to say "Do it." But I couldn't speak either. All I wanted to do was scream in agony.
"AAAAAHHHH!" Krios raised the knife as I closed my eyes.
I thought about Camp, my friends, my life, Alex. I didn't even get to say goodbye. Everything fell silent. My arm still burned. I wanted Krios to get it over with… I wanted the hurting to stop. All I could hear was my heart beating and the blood pounding in my ears as I wait for the knife to plunge into my chest.
Then, I felt someone's arms around me. I felt the person's warm breath brush through my face. Then I heard a choking sound. My senses snapped back on, and I could hear everything again.
"ALEX!" It was Percy who yelled.
I opened my eyes and gasped as I found Alex in front of me. He had his arms around me. He went pale and he was breathing hard. I carried most of his weight, but I didn't care even if my arm burned. Looking at Alex made me forget about the pain. Tears fell from my eyes.
"I—I love you, Kaye." He whispered.
I stared at him as he slowly slipped from my arms and to the ground. I knelt beside him and cried, "Alex!"
Krios stood there like a statue. I felt something hot near my waist. I looked at my belt and found my silver blade glowing. I felt my senses kick in. I could see everything now. The pain didn't matter. Everything was sharper and I could sense everything around me. I took my blade and stood. It was payback time.
"So you're going to fight me?" Krios said in an amused tone.
"I'm going to put you back where you belong!" I growled.
Without thinking I lunged at Krios. Our blades met and thunder shook. I slashed through him and he winced.
"Not bad," He said. "Not bad at all."
My strength came back and I knew exactly what to do. I could sense every move the Titan made.
"AGHHH!" I yelled. Something inside me exploded. I felt different emotions burst from within me. Anger…sorrow…happiness…love; memories replayed in my head like an old movie. Next thing I know, I released a bright light enough to blind Krios. You could say that I was like a fireball or a glowing firefly. But let's go with fireball, it sounds much cooler than a firefly.
"Aaahhh! What is this light?" Krios shrieked.
He had his eyes closed. I took my chance and stepped toward him. I plunge my blade into his stomach.
He screamed in agony. He fell to the ground as he pulled the blade out of his stomach.
The earth trembled and I fell flat on the ground. The earth created a huge crack, like a large pit. Flames roared from the crack. It was like in my dream. Krios fell into the pit as he roared, "NO!"
The same thing happened to the monsters. They all fell into the cracks.
After that, the crack immediately closed and everything went silent. It was almost sunrise. The sky was turining to light blue.
"Kaye!" Annabeth called.
I stood and turned around. I found her kneeling beside Alex. I ran towards them.
Annabeth was sobbing, Percy held her as they both looked at the body in front of them. Annabeth looked at me and shook her head. "I'm sorry." She murmured.
Tears fell from my eyes as I looked at Alex's still body. I breathed heavily. The pain in my arm burned again. But I didn't pay attention to it. I was still too stunned to see Alex…lying there…dead.
I knelt and cried. "No…" I sobbed. "Alex… No!" I put my hands on his chest. I cried harder when I couldn't feel his heart beating anymore. I buried my face in his chest and sobbed.
"Why did you have to do it?" I sobbed. "It's all my fault!"
"It's not your fault Kaye." Percy said. "It was his choice. And he chose you…"
The thought of him choosing me didn't make me feel better. Although I know that I would've done the same for him. I would have taken the knife for him too.
I heard footsteps coming towards us. "Guys! Are you ok—"Without looking up, I knew it was Thalia's voice.
"Oh my gods…" She gasped.
I stood from the ground; I turned from them as I wiped my tears. I took deep breaths to calm myself. Be strong, I said to myself. I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Kaye, I'm very sorry." Thalia said.
I wanted to cry more, but something stopped me from doing so. My head started to ache. I felt dizzy. My arm started to burn like hell again; except this time, the hurting was worse, now that Alex's gone.
"Kaye… you're arm." A familiar voice said. I turned around to see who it was. My eyesight was a little blurry. I saw a boy wearing a black coat with matching black jeans. I only knew one person who would wear those kinds of clothes. "Nico?" I asked; my voice shaky.
"Kaye? Are you alright?" Annabeth asked as she stood.
"She's hurt!" Neona said.
I wanted to tell them I was okay. But I, myself, didn't believe it.
"I—I- I'm…"
The next thing I know, everything went black.