Chapter 25
Remus managed to croak two words. "Guys? Help!" before he was lifted off the ground.
Remus' eyes bulged. He knew he wouldn't last much longer if the furry arm didn't cease it's tight grip around his neck. Well, if the smell of the creature's armpit didn't kill him sooner. His peripheral vision allowed him to notice James and Sirius also being choked in the furry monster's other armpit.
The tinkling bell rang again as the Hunters and Annabeth came to the rescue. They saw the trouble; it was the giant bear. Although, he wasn't your average snuggly teddy bear. This was a bear/human hybrid (mostly bear though, appearance wise) that stood eight feet tall. He had thick, brown fur with the feet, body, and snout of a bear and the head and clothing of a human. Yes, clothing. The ferocious creature had a pair of levis on. But, with a few bow twangs and a carefully aimed dagger thrown by Annabeth, the Marauders escaped from the surprised creature's grasp. The beast staggered backwards and knocked over a lamp, sending a crashing sound through the air as he vanished into monster dust.
"That... I recognized him..." Annabeth realized. "He's one of those bear twins from the Princess Andromeda!"
The Hunters nodded knowingly while Marauders looked at her questioningly.
"The Titan cruise ship. Long story. Anyhow, I've seen him before. I think his name was–"
"Yo, Uncle Oreius! It's lunch time," a voice called from behind them. In a doorway stood a replica of the beast they had just killed. Seeing the group of demigods, the monster grinned and chuckled. "I knew it was only a matter of time. Do come in, you mortals," he added with disgust.
"Ahem," Artemis said, stepping forward with a look of pure hatred on her face.
"Oh, I'm sorry lady Artemis! I didn't realize I was in the presence of immortality!" the beast said sarcastically. "Agrios Jr. at your service," he continued, giving a bow. "Do follow, your highness and her lovely assistants."
Art rolled her eyes as the group followed Agrios through the old door and down a long, dark stairwell and into an underground room.
It was a huge chamber with dark purple walls and an elegantly tiled floor. At the end of the chamber was an alcove with several monsters, which Annabeth recognized as empousai, standing in front of it. The Marauders couldn't see past the female monsters, but they didn't need to see to know exactly what was being guarded: the precious cabinet, their ticket to Hogwarts, their only way home.
Next to the alcove were four elevated black thrones. In the first sat a vulture. In the second sat a beautiful woman with a long, elegant, white dress and long, dark hair. She gave off a strange green glow. The two thrones beside her were empty.
"Mom, Dad, guess who I've got?" Agrios said as he entered.
"Well done Agrios. Bring them here," said the glowing woman.
The vulture smiled and cackled an evil laugh. "Yes, yes," he agreed. "They are the ones."