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A Game of Fate

Chapter Thirteen

Apparently, Lady Luck was seriously pissed at them or something, because life just got worse and worse.

Annabeth and Percy stumbled back into the hospital, earning stares from everyone as they dripped puddles all over the floor, staggering into the arms of Jason and Piper.

"What happened?" Piper asked immediately.

As quickly as they could, Percy and Annabeth summarized their rather unfortunate encounter with Hyperion. Piper managed to grab some pastries from the hospital cafeteria, and Jason managed to grab some extra clothes, and screw those dresses. After changing, Annabeth wore a loose white shirt, breeches, boots, and had her hair tucked under a cap. Hopefully those clothes would have better luck surviving.

"We have more bad news," Jason said grimly while Annabeth and Percy shoved the pastries down, scattering crumbs everywhere.

"Go on," Annabeth gestured, chomping down on a croissant. No bad news could be worse than being attacked by Hyperion… right?

"We've run into even more trouble here." Piper explained. "We contacted the Twelve Olympians… and it wasn't good. Artemis has been captured by the Titan, Atlas."

"What?" Percy yelped, a large chunk of blueberry tart flying out of his mouth.

"That's not the worst of it yet," Jason sighed. "Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades are separated. They've had the worst argument in years, because the Master Bolt, the Trident, and the Helm of Darkness have been stolen. They're accusing each other of stealing, and with Artemis missing, it's even worse. The Olympians are scattered all over the world now, taking sides or hiding. It's only been a few hours, but… right now… we're looking at the beginning of a civil war."

The croissant tasted like dust, but Annabeth swallowed it. Beside her, Percy was setting down his blueberry tart, looking sick.

"It's the Titans." Annabeth said hoarsely. "It seems so logical. They've taken the Bolt, Trident, and Helm to get the Big Three arguing. They've captured Artemis, because she's good with negotiating, and without a voice of reason, its chaos. While everyone is fighting each other, the Titans will just step in and take over. When everyone has realized what's going on, it'll be over."

"We have to stop them." Percy said. "We can split up. If no one's going to come, we'll take over. One team can rescue Artemis, while the other team talks to the Big Three. Maybe we can convince them to help us."

"No," Jason shook his head. "It won't work. We don't have enough people. Annabeth and Piper can get Artemis, but it'll be difficult for them to break in. You can get Poseidon, and I'll get Zeus. We might be able to convince them, but what about Hades? We're the sons of Zeus and Poseidon. He has every reason to hate us."

"That's true." Percy said, but he was grinning as he picked up his blueberry tart, taking another big bite. "But I have a friend who might just be able to help us."

Jason blinked. "Me too."

Percy finished off his tart, stood up, and brushed himself off. "We can meet at Jason's house. I'll call my friend, and Jason can call his. Let's see what will happen next, eh?"

Thirty minutes later, Annabeth found herself seated in Jason's house, sitting next to Piper. Percy and Jason sat across from them. While Jason looked excited, Percy looked grim, as if he would jump into battle in seconds.

"Who's those mysterious allies?" Piper asked for the hundredth time.

"Not telling!" Jason and Percy chorused.

Annabeth laughed weakly. There was a knot of dread sitting heavily in her stomach, and she felt like puking.

Suddenly, there was a light knock on the door. A butler opened it, and their first visitor walked in.

It was a woman, her long black hair pulled back from her face and woven into a braid, with dark eyes and tanned skin. She wore a rich purple gown, which evidently didn't really suit her. She looked as if she belonged in a battlefield, not a quaint little town with elegantly dressed people.

"Reyna," Jason said, standing up.

"Jason," Reyna said formally, smiling a polite smile. Her tone was curt and professional.

"It's been a long time." Jason said, grinning. "Percy, Annabeth, Piper, this is Reyna Avila Ramirez-Arellano. Reyna, this is…"

"I know," Reyna said coldly. "Please don't call me by my full name. I left that little girl when I left San Juan."

"Right." Jason said, nodding. Once Reyna took a seat, he started to fill her out on their current adventures.

Annabeth added into the conversation, but she definitely kept an eye on Piper. Piper had her lips pursed, and there was a crease between her eyebrows. In fact, Piper looked almost… jealous. Jason did seem a little… no, Jason seemed too comfortable with Reyna.

Suddenly, there was another knock. The butler opened the door again, this time revealing a thin boy wearing black clothes, his long black hair hiding his face. He seemed to have an almost frightening aura, radiating darkness wherever he went.

The boy walked in, unsmiling. There was a brief moment of tense silence.

"Hello," the boy said quietly. "I'm Nico di Angelo… the son of Hades."