I AM ALIVE!
I literally have no explanations as to why this chapter is super duper late. To be honest, I wanted this chapter to be spot on and just perfect, so yes I had to scrap so many things and also answer a few questions that a few of you had asked me in my message box. I also kept changing and it's been hard deciding on who lives and who dies...
To be honest, this story is hard to let go. This is like my first story that has made it this far, has this amount of the reviews and followers, and it has just been insane.
Luckily, I believe we have two more chapters (or is it one?) and those chapters will most likely be shorter. Hopefully, everyone will be satisfied in the end.
I hope you all enjoy chapter 29! Even though it was such a pain in the ass to write! :D be ready to cry though...
I do not owe anything (but my own characters) and I do not owe the song lyrics. Enjoy my lovelies!
Run boy run! This ride is a journey to
Run boy run! The secret inside of youRun boy run! This race is a prophecyRun boy run! And disappear in the trees
Tomorrow is another day
And you won't have to hide awayYou'll be a man, boy!
But for now it's time to run, it's time to run!
- Woodkind (2013)
Luke and Rachel held each other for as long as they could. This mission was tough. The chances of Luke coming back wasn't high. He would most likely miss Rachel's birth which was closing in. It made her feel terrified even more.
"Please don't forget me," Luke whispered, kissing her forehead.
Rachel doesn't meet his eyes. Afraid that if she stares into his sky blue eyes, she's going to lose it.
Luke lifted up her chin though. He wanted to see Rachel's beautiful green eyes. Her eyes were the brightest thing he saw in the darkness of Tartarus as she was getting him out. It gave him hope, which he had lost so long ago.
"What are you thinking about my love?" Rachel whispered, putting her hand on his cheek.
The former Prince smiled, kissing the back of her hand. "I was thinking of the time we first met on that dauntless day. You're eyes were the most beautifulest thing I've ever seen."
Rachel blushed, "I love you, Luke."
"I love you as well, Rachel."
Their foreheads touched, both staring deeply into each other's eyes before Luke was told to prepare his horse. He kisses his fiancé and lows down to her stomach.
"Hey, little guy, well this is your future father talking and I want you to treat your mother good, alright? She means the world to me and so do you. I love you, move if you love me too."
Luke places his hands on her stomach and waits for a moment. He closes his eyes, trying to envision his son. He hoped that their child had Rachel's eyes and hair color. It was his favorite traits from her.
Finally, the baby kicked where Luke's hands were. He gasped and grinned from ear to ear.
Rachel had tears in her eyes, helping Luke stand up. She hugs him and kisses him on the cheek.
"I'll be waiting." She promises.
Luke smiles, kissing her on the lips. "And I'll come back."
Julia giggles madly as Leo continues to kiss her on the cheek repeatedly. She tries to push him off, but she wasn't strong enough to do so. Not that she minded though. The child loved her dad's kisses.
Reyna watches the scene from the kitchen, sadden that this might be the last time Leo will play with her child. She felt the tears coming in her eyes, not bothering to look at them anymore.
She finished preparing Leo's bag though and his time with them were being counted. Putting a straight face, Reyna went to the living room and handed Leo his bag.
"Here," she says, Leo accepting his bag.
"Papa," Julia calls out, reaching out to the man she had learned to known as her father in the past few months.
Leo smiles and picks up Julia. Kissing her on the forehead.
"Aw, I'm gonna miss you!"
"Me," Julia holds up two fingers.
Reyna laughed, knowing that Julia meant to say, "Me to."
Leo didn't want to cry. He's been holding back the tears since Piper's and Annabeth's kidnapping. He didn't even cry when the news came out that Travis had been killed. But Julia was his daughter now. She wasn't even three years old and already she had lost two parents who had loved her. Julia may have regain her real mother, but she could yet lose another father. What broke Leo's heart even more is that she will grow up and not even remember him.
She won't remember him making her laugh or how he would play with her. It scared Leo to death and it made him even more determined to come back alive.
"Leo," Reyna muttered and he looks up. "It's almost time to go."
Leo sighed and got up. He pulled Reyna in a hug, holding her close to him.
Reyna hugged him back, trying not to cry and remain strong for her daughter.
"I love you so much, Reyna." Leo minded the women who had stolen his heart. "If anything happens..."
"Nothing will happen." Reyna says, stopping him from finishing his words. "Promise me nothing bad will happen to you."
"It's an impossible promise, but very possible."
"Then make is possible. Because I have lost everything that I love and I don't want to lose you. Anything but you or Julia."
"Oh, Leo."
"Reyna."
The couple kissed passionately, not wanting to break away anytime soon.
Thalia was about to go hunting with Artemis when a letter came to her from Scotland. It was from her father's royal adviser. In the envelope, it said to not read it alone but with Jason.
So the princess of Scotland was searching everywhere for her younger brother. Not seeing him anywhere until she went inside his room.
Jason was sitting at the edge of his bed, holding what appeared to be a ring. He wasn't crying, but he was close. Almost as if he was afraid to look in front of him.
"Jason," Thalia whispered and her little brother looked up.
The prince wipes his tears, looking away again. "What is it Thalia?"
Thalia almost didn't want to tell him about the letter. He was to emotional right now, but he was almost leaving to go after Octavian. Besides, it said not to open alone so it must be really important if it required both of their attention.
"Well?"
Thalia broke out of her thoughts and showed him the envelope. "A letter came from Scotland. It said it required both of our attention."
Jason took the letter from his sister and examined it. He than gave it back to her. "You open it."
The princess carelessly ripped the envelope opened and then takes out the letter.
"Do you mind reading it out loud?" Jason asked.
Thalia nodded and cleared her throat. Unfolding the letter and she read.
"Dear, Prince and Princess, Jason and Thalia. It breaks my heart to tell you the sad news over this letter, but there was had no other choice. Not long ago, Scotland became France's newest target and ordered an attack upon us. Villages were burned, lives were lost, and families were destroyed. Which leads me to tell you that both your parents, the King and Queen of Scotland, had perished. Hera had captured the plague after her return from England and her days were numbered. The palace was invaded and she died through a stab in the heart. As for your father, King Zeus, he bravery fought in battle, but perished as well.
These news sadden all over us who knew them personally and emotionally. It's hard to imagine how you are feeling right now. However, Queen Zeus and Hera had written another letter for you to see. Remember, the fate of Scotland is in your hands if you wish to continue your father's legacy.
I wish you both the best and may your parents spirit live on. And I wish we meet again in the near future.
Sincerely,
Lord Rafael of the Mondoe House."
Thalia was in tears as she finished reading the letter Lord Rafael had written. Her father was dead. He died in the hands of one of those filthy French men.
Jason was stunned by how quickly his parents had perished. Their father was still considered young, only living forty years. Hera was only thirty seven. Still young and beautiful in people's eyes.
"I can't believe this," says Jason. "Mother and father are dead?"
Thalia sniffed, wiping her fallen tear from her cheek. "I'm afraid so. There's another page with their own words on it. Let's see what it reads."
Despite being emotional at the moment, Thalia read her father's final words.
"To my only children, Thalia and Jason.
Words can not describe how sorry I am for the way I had acted towards you. To Jason, you deserved to meet and fall in love with someone. Me and your mother realized how much you love Piper and we both wished we had that opportunity. Which is why we want you to announce your marriage to Lady Piper in Scotland. If this war ever comes to an end. If you decided to do so, I wish that you also continue the royal bloodline of the Grace family. If not then the royal line has ended. Either way, it is your decision and the fate of Scotland lies in your hands my son. Think wisely.
To my oldest and only daughter, Thalia. I have seen you grow from an adorable little girl to a very beautiful young women. It still amazes me on how much you had accomplished in your years. You brought me fond memories of yourself, when you were a child. I'll never forget your music lessons with Apollo, always singing off key just to annoy him. Never had I smile for anyone except for you or your mother. I may have for Hera, but it was never truly real.
You deserve to marry who you love, Thalia. Which is why I personally called off the engagement with Prince Alec of the near by kingdom. I hope this gives you the chance to make your own decisions and marry whom ever you please.
My children, please take care. Don't forget that through every storm, there is a light.
With much love,
King Zeus of Scotland
The children were absolutely shocked by the letter. They couldn't believe that their father, the one who appeared to be cruel from time to time, showed compassion by just one letter.
Thalia was in tears. Her father and stepmother were dead. She didn't have anyone else to return to Scotland for. Thalia still had her uncle Poseidon and cousins, but they weren't close to her. Not at all.
Jason was shaking as he took the letter from Thalia and read it over and over agin. Zeus had given a choice. Rebuilt the kingdom the Grace family worked hard to create or leave it in its ruins. The war still has yet to end and Jason didn't want to come up with a conclusion, until the war ended and he was still alive.
Thalia wiped her tears. "What are you going to do?" She asked her younger brother.
Jason got up from the bed, walking towards the window. Scotland was thousands of miles away and yet, Jason felt like it was nearby. He can already imagine the bricks from the destroyed castle, covering the green grass. The furniture and family portraits, all turned into ash. His servants, friends, and parents corpses burned until there was nothing left. Not even ashes.
"I'm going to kill those filthy french." Jason promised his sister. "I will make sure they regret the day they ever crossed paths with Prince Jason Grace of Scotland!"
Percy and Sally hugged each other for what was most likely the fiftieth time. Sally just couldn't let go of her son. Afraid if she did, it'll be the last time she'll ever see him again.
"Don't be reckless! Think with that head of yours." Sally kissed the top of Percy's head.
"I will, mom." He promised, but he always followed his gut more than his head.
Poseidon watches in sadness as his son and love embrace each other one last time.
He had to look away for he felt his own tears beginning to come up. Tyson stood by his father, also joining Percy and his friends to rescue the maidens. Tyson was against violence, but he wanted to help the man he was proud to call big brother.
Percy gave his mother a peck on the cheek and left to prepare his horse. Sally sees Poseidon and walks towards him.
"Please, protect my son."
Poseidon puts his fist over his heart. "You have my word."
Sally smiles softly and kisses Poseidon on the lips.
As the two were in a passionate embrace, Percy stared at them in the distance. Wishing Annabeth was here, in his arms. He looked at his left hand, seeing the ring he proudly had worn and forever do so.
Earlier, Percy had looked inside Annabeth's jewelry box. Wondering if she had taken the locket and her ring with her. Both were missing from their place.
"She's going to be fine, Percy." Percy looks to his right and sees Esmeralda. All dressed up to join them in their search.
Percy raises his brow. "How can you be so sure?"
Esmeralda rolls her eyes. "I can't really tell you, for that would sabotage the future. It's bad enough that my grandmother is after my head. I can't give her another reason to hate me."
"But I can though." Percy muttered, but the witch heard him.
"Look Percy-"
"After this is over, I want you gone. Prophecy fulfilled or not." Percy faced Esmeralda, overpowering her because of his height. "Do you hear me? I want you out of our life's, including my friends. Prophecy fulfilled or not, I want you gone."
"Prophecy fulfilled or not, you say?" Esmeralda repeated. "That's the thing, Percy. The prophecy is close to fulfilling."
"How?"
"You haven't heard have you?" Esmeralda asked and Percy shook his head. So she says, "The kingdom of King Zeus has fallen to the French. Everything has perished."
Percy gasped, not believing it for a minute. Everything was suppose to be alright! Something didn't add up though...
"Hold on, wasn't there a line where someone perished with the thunder?"
"Yes, but it didn't refer to Zeus, Hera, or Nico Di Angelo. They were close to the royal family, but not to close. I'm afraid that one of you will die soon."
Percy had an ill feeling in his stomach. He had an idea on who that was, but he didn't want to curse the person by saying their name.
Percy looked at his feet. "Can you tell me which kingdom rises again?" He muttered.
Esmeralda wished to help the poor boy, but it was against the rules to reveal to much.
"Sorry, but no spoilers."
Percy was angry by her response, that if they didn't need her, he would've killed her by now.
Annabeth ate the molded bread with the tomato soup that was given to her and Piper for food. It's been days since they've been here and so far, Octavian and Edward haven't decided on what to do.
There were rumors that the king had sent a search team, but it wasn't possible. Annabeth didn't even care if the search team found her or not. She was already dead to them, but something was keeping her alive.
Annabeth threw up her small breakfast from earlier, outside of the tent. She didn't care if the guards shouted at her and slapped her. Her hands were tied to her ankles, so she couldn't run away. Piper was as well tied up, but her hands were behind her back and her ankles were tied together.
Piper heard her friend vomit again and looks over. "Annabeth, that's the third time this morning." She says. "What's going on?"
Annabeth shook her head. "I probably got sick from yesterday's bread and soup. The bread was moldy and soup lacked taste."
Piper didn't believe her friend, but knew it was pointless to argue. Especially in the situation they currently were in.
Not long ago, Annabeth found out that she was pregnant with Percy's child. Esmeralda was the one who informed her of her pregnancy and urged her to tell Percy. Every time, Annabeth chickened out. Percy was so focused on winning the war, that she didn't want to distract him. Not even for one minute.
She regretted that now. There has never been a secret between them and now, she will most likely die with one inside her.
"How many days has it been since we left?" Piper asked.
"Three? Maybe even four." Annabeth guessed. "Either way, we're still in hell."
"If given the chance, I would've killed Octavian by now."
"Hearing you speak like that, breaks my heart." The two women look at the entrance of the tent and see the French prince standing before them.
"Anything to kill you." Piper stated.
"Haven't you already figured it out my dear, Piper?" He walks towards Piper, lifting up her chin. "I'm impossible to kill."
He was so close to her face, she can feel her disgusting breath. Piper spat on his face.
Octavian wiped the spit from his face. He growled and slapped Piper hard across the face.
The slap echoing in the tent.
"You shall learn to respect your king!" He shouted, slapping her again. Octavian then went on his knees and pulled Piper towards him. Shaking her by the shoulders. "Do you understand?!"
Piper, fearful for her life, slowly nodded her head. Octavian smiled in satisfaction.
He dared to kiss her in the forehead and excuses himself from the tent.
Annabeth felt her heart break, as Piper sobbed quietly. She wanted to comfort her friend so badly, but they were in opposite sides of the tent.
"I want to die," Piper admitted, continuing to sob.
Using the energy she had, Annabeth slowly moved towards Piper. To at least know Piper that she is here and still fighting with her.
"I'm not going to give up!" Annabeth only made it half way, it was just going to be this way. "Not on you, my country, my friends, or my husband! Not after what we've been through, Piper. Fight for Jason. Your mother. Your sister and you future niece or nephew! Just keep fighting, damn it!"
Piper was stunned by Annabeth's words. She didn't think Annabeth had the the voice to yell. Especially since they were in a camp, where their spirits were being crushed everyday.
However, Annabeth had a point. She still had her family back home. Waiting for her to come back alive.
Not only was she fighting for herself, but she was also fighting for her child.
Rachel desperately tried to see any visions of the future. It's been awhile since she has seen glimpses, but she wanted to see how everything ended.
"Your powers aren't fully awoken yet, child." Rachel turned around to see an elderly women standing by the balcony.
She was wearing a long black dress with a veil that covered her hair and flowed behind her.
Rachel immediately grabbed a sword from nearby and pointed it at the women.
"Who are you?!" She demanded.
The women laughed, flowing into the room. "No need for that, Rachel. I'm simply a friend who wishes to help you."
"Just who the hell are you?"
The women sighed, sitting on the chair. "I've had such a long journey." She eyed the glass of water by the nightstand. "Do you mind sharing your drink with me?"
"Will you tell me who you are?" The women nodded and Rachel quickly handed her the glass of water.
The women gulped down the whole thing. "I'm Jane Winchester. Grandmother to Esmeralda. One of the founding women to our cult."
Rachel took a few steps back. "What do you want with me?! If you think I'm going to join your little cult of witches or something, you can forget it!"
"That's the thing." Says Jane. "I can't simply forget you, Rachel. You're just as powerful as all of us."
"How? All I can do is see the future and some of my visions aren't even clear."
"That's because you haven't mastered the skill yet." Jane argued. "All it takes is one lesson and you can see clear visions of the future! And you can do this."
Jane snapped her fingers and fire danced in her fingertips. Rachel had to rub her eyes to make sure they weren't fooling her.
"Amazing." Rachel muttered.
The witch laughed. "Isn't it?" She snaps again and the fire disappears in mid air.
Rachel wanted to ask Jane how she did it. How long did it take her to get it? Can she do that?
As if reading her mind, Jane says, "Yes, you can do this. If you join the cult and become the new teller of future."
Rachel wrapped her arms around her swollen belly. "Will it affect my child?"
"Not at all!" Jane assured, eyeing her stomach. "In fact, it'll make your children stronger." Jane resisted the urge to slap herself. Rachel wasn't suppose to know that part.
The red head blinked repeatedly. "Children?" She whispered. "As in twins?"
The secret was already out, so Jane saw no harm in telling Rachel the truth.
"You're bearing two children. A boy and a girl."
A boy and a girl. The best of both worlds. Rachel wished Luke was here! She was convinced she was having one, but two?! This is better than expected and it only made sense, for the Castellan family always had twins in the family. But never of different gender.
Rachel sat down, suddenly feeling faint. "May I ask you something?"
Jane nodded. "What is it my child?"
"If Octavian accepted me as the women carrying his children, what would become of Luke?" This thought has haunted Rachel for months. Nearly a year.
The witch bit her lip. "Do you really wish to know?" Rachel nodded. "After your children were born, Octavian would've gotten rid of your daughter. He would've preferred the boy for he would heir. Then, he'll have Luke executed by the willow tree. By public hanging."
"Bastard." Rachel shook her head in shame. "And to think I ever thought I loved him! I did everything for that monster! I gave him my virginity, my heart, my trust, body, and I even bore him two children! Octavian deserves to die!" Rachel, in anger, grabbed a vase and threw it on the ground. Watching it shatter. "He deserves to perish!"
Jane wanted to say more, but Rachel couldn't know about the future. Unless she sees for herself what's in store.
"Your anger is intoxicating, calm down." She says and Rachel takes a few deep breaths. Trying to stay calm for the babies.
"I can't show you the future." Said Jane. "But you can see it for yourself."
Rachel held Jane's hands. "Teach me." She says. "I need to know."
Jane smiled, "Sit down and close your eyes."
The red head sat down on her bed and closes her eyes.
"I want you to clear your mind and only think about the future. Think about what you truly want to see." Jane instructed.
There was so many things Rachel wanted to know. Who was going to die, who was going to live, and who would win the war.
Suddenly, Rachel opened her eyes again. They were glowing as green must surrounded her body. She was seeing something alright.
Sword fighting, bodies falling to the ground. A knight fighting against King Edward. Was it Luke or Jason? Was it possibly Octavian?
Piper, she couldn't see her, but she can recognize her voice. Were those tears?
Rachel soon saw a clear vision of a cliff. Two bodies were laying down, while one was holding one of the bodies.
"No!" Rachel screamed, her eyes returning to their normal color. "No!"
Jane stood up, her hands up. "Rachel please calm down."
"He's dead!" Rachel cried. "He's going to be dead!"
The hunters jumped tree by tree, as they silently followed the French Knights through the woods. They were moving quick, but they were quicker.
With every chance they got, one huntress would shoot an arrow into the back of the one of the Knights. Smiling in satisfaction as their bodies fell to the ground and being trampled over by the horses following behind.
"Don't let them escape!" Zoe ordered, letting a few arrows fly. "Lead them towards the edge."
These soldiers were seen by a village. Burning down everything and killing everyone that got in their way. Artemis and her huntresses were nearby. Having gotten a head start from Percy's rescue squad. The moment they heard a women cry and begging for mercy, Artemis shot the first arrow to the man's head.
It was a bloody battle at first. Artemis lost a few women, but their enemy lost more men. The one in charge of the French yelled for them to retrieve and they headed for the forest. There, more huntresses were waiting for them from the trees.
Now, the knights were having a battle against hunters that they couldn't see.
"Run to base camp and tell the king what is happening!" The general shouted to his comrade in French.
The comrade nodded and went a different direction.
"Get rid of them all." Artemis shouted at Zoe and preceded to followed the comrade.
The young knight knew that one of the huntress was following him and he went faster and faster. It was no use though.
Years and years of running into the forest and climbing on trees, was finally worth spending time on.
"Stop!" Artemis shouted in French. "In order of the king I command you to stop!"
When the knight wouldn't listen, Artemis took out another arrow and places it on her bow. She aims straight to the shoulder and with one shot, the man falls from his horse. Artemis catches the man for he won't fall to the hard ground and crack his head. Resulting in his death.
"You should've stopped." Artemis chuckled, throwing the man against a tree. "Now, are you going to make things easy for and tell me where the hell Octavian is?"
The knight grinned, eying Artemis up and down. "Shouldn't you be working on the streets or something? A women with that kind of physique can't be a warrior. Men must have their tongue out at the size of your-" Artemis kicked him the groin to shut him up.
"Shut the hell up and answer my question. Where is the camp located?"
"Near the shores, overlooking the hills." He answered, moaning in pain. "Octavian was going to take the two girls to Spain and keep them there, until the war was over and England was ours."
"Octavian will not have England as long as I'm around." Artemis promised. "And because of your crimes, you shall be punished. What is your name?"
"Daniel." He answered quickly.
The huntress smiled, taking out her knife. "I'll make sure to write it in your blood on your stomach, after I'm done with you."
Daniel gulped. Never being afraid of women until now.
Piper gasped when the rope around her wrists finally cut open. Annabeth's mouth was wide from shock. Amazed at how a simple butter knife can do so much.
"Quickly, cut the rope from your legs and then do the same for me."
Piper quickly cuts through the rope and moves towards Annabeth's.
"Hurry." Annabeth muttered. "I think someone is coming."
Sure enough, the sound of the tent being opening frightened Piper.
Octavian appeared again, holding a bottle of water and bag of apples. He looks up, quickly realizing that Piper was no longer tied up.
"How did you-"
"I wanted to surprise you, my king." Piper found herself saying. "I heard about the English men making there way here and that we would be leaving. Meaning we won't have any time together before we stop. How about we have a little fun?"
Annabeth watches the scene. Then realizing what Piper was playing at.
"But Annabeth-"
"Will just close her eyes and pretend she doesn't hear you." She interrupted and made her way towards the corner of the tent.
Octavian frowned at Annabeth, feeling unsure of this. However, he was happy that Piper now realized that he was her king.
The prince puts down the items and grabs Piper's waist to bring her closer to him. He then kisses her hard on the lips. Piper forced herself to kiss back, pushing him down on the mat. Straddling on his hips.
Annabeth took this chance to cut herself free.
"Piper," Octavian muttered, grabbed her back and flipping them over, for he can be on top.
Piper didn't want to have sex with Octavian. She was simply acting like a girl in love to distract him. So far, it was working.
The princess bit her tongue to stop herself from gasping in delight, when the rope finally cuts open. Annabeth notices a large shield by the foot of the mat and slowly moves towards it.
Once she manages to grab it, Annabeth quickly stands up and knocks Octavian over the head with it. Knocking him out cold.
Piper pushes him off her and ties up him. "Quickly, make sure no one is coming." She says, tying up the prince and gaging him.
Annabeth looks from behind the tent and notices that if they run straight, they'll head towards the woods. If they follow the sound of the ocean, they can most likely find a nearby village. There's always one.
"I don't think I can do this." Annabeth cried. "This isn't possible. We can't do this. I can't do this, Piper."
Annabeth was breaking. Whether it was physically or emotionally, she was breaking. The girl who kept a mask on to hide her emotions, was now coming into the light. It broke Piper's heart to see her friend feeling helpless and showing weakness. This war has gone on for to long.
She grabbed Annabeth face, having her look at her in the eyes.
"You listen to me and listen good, Annabeth. You told me that we have to fight and that is what we're going to do to survive. We have both been taught to never cry in front of men, for it makes us appear weak. We have been taught that a smile can cure anything and perhaps thats true, but today. Me and you have been taught, that if you want to live in this world, you need to fight. Not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones. Think about Percy and the baby."
Annabeth eyes widen. "H-how did you know?"
"You hold your abdomen as if you're protecting something. You've been throwing up a lot and you're always hungry. Trust me, I know what it feels like to be pregnant."
Octavian was heard groaning and Piper hits him with the shield again. She decides to take the shield, for it can protect them from any flying arrows.
Annabeth thinks about the child and Percy. She wants to see them alive and well and the only way to do that is to run away. From this hellhole at least. She grabs Piper's hand and gently squeezes.
"Ready to run?"
Piper smirks. "I've been running. I just stopped for my best friend can run with me."
"Then let's go."
Hand in hand, Piper and Annabeth sneak their way out of the camp and into the woods.
Percypulls out his sword from the man's stomach and stabs it onto another man who tried to attack him. It was a tough battle, but they were winning so far.
It hasn't been long since they had left the kingdom and already they had faced a few French troops. As it appears, the French army is trying to prevent them from arriving to their base camp. It isn't working as well for them, as Artemis has found out where base camp is.
Once they had defeated the last few remaining troops, Artemis steps forward.
"They're by the shorelines," she says. "They've been there for days and haven't moved. The king plans to take Annabeth and Piper back to France with him and Octavian. We need to move fast."
Percy nods. "Agree." He jumps back onto Blackjack and orders for half of the men to go West and the other to East.
Artemis jumps back onto the trees and follows Percy.
Jason, Frank, Luke, Poseidon, Tyson, and Leo, were among the men who were following Percy.
Luke looked down at the dagger that he had given to Annabeth. In a way, he was affected by Annabeth's kidnapping as well. Not only have him and Annabeth had gotten close, but she was like a younger sibling to him.
He would return her dagger once they found her and Piper.
"Luke," Luke looks over to Jason. "If we face your father and nether today, will your loyalty based on blood still lay with them?"
Blood and loyalty. Always put blood before anything. In some cases even your country. He was taught this since he learned how to talk and read. If this was true, then why did Octavian kill their uncle? Why did he push the blame on Luke, when clearly it wasn't him that committed the crime? If blood truly came before anything, then Octavian gave Luke a reason to call it all bullshit.
Without hesitating, Luke shook his head.
"They're not my family." He declared. "They never truly were. Not really."
"If it's alright with you, I want to beat the hell out of Octavian." Says Jason.
"Same here!" Percy shouted from the front.
"Go for it. Just know that I want to deal with my father one last time."
The troops rode until the sun began to shine completely over them. It was midday. By this time, the sun would be at its highest and the wind at its strongest.
No knows what was coming for the clouds were also covering the sun. Making the weather gloomy and depressing. Just how this war has now become.
The branches of the trees were rustling and Artemis to assure that it was only her hunters. Jason looked up for a brief second and sees his sister, Thalia. It was only a glimpse, but he can see the tears in her eyes. He didn't know if she was still mourning for their father or mourning for the women she had known for some time now.
When Thalia told Jason that she had join the huntresses, he didn't know what to say. He was happy for her but deadly worried. Artemis has lost a crazy amount of her huntresses these past few weeks. Including Penelope. From Jason knows, Penelope has been with Artemis for years. Yet, she died with a quick slash through the throat. Her body was found lying along her sisters.
He had lost so much. His friends, his parents, and if he didn't hurry, he would be losing his wife. But losing Thalia would ruin him just as much.
Frank noticed Jason being strangely quiet. The prince had a lot on his mind and so did he. Not long after they had left, Hazel told Frank that she was pregnant. He didn't know if she told him to keep him motivated to come back alive or if she wouldn't forgive herself for not telling him the truth of he died tonight. Either way, Frank was over the moon at the news of becoming a father.
"She'll be fine." Frank assured Jason. "They both will." He says, referring to Piper and Thalia.
Jason only half smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.
Back at the castle, Juniper was helping Calypso and Reyna care for some wounded Knights. It wasn't well for her to work, considering she was now in her ninth month, but all of the other maids were cleaning up the castle. So she volunteered to help the two nurses and the doctors.
"When so you think they'll be back?" Juniper asks, as she cuts a piece of cloth and hands it to Reyna.
Reyna shrugged, looking over to see Julia sleeping in the crib provided for her.
"I hope before the third night. The clouds are getting darker and the wind is blowing harder. I believe we are in for a terrible storm."
Juniper felt sorry for Reyna. Leo was among the men who followed Percy to rescue Piper and Annabeth. She understood why of course, for Piper was Leo's best friend. Grover stayed behind to protect the village and to be on the look out for any threats. Luckily, there have been none.
Calypso was in the other side of the infirmity. Looking over Mitchell. He was among the lucky ones who had lived through the war. However, he won't be able to fight because he had taken an arrow to his arm and had a broken wrist.
She long to brush his curly hair to the side and see his blue eyes, but resisted herself. She has seen the pain women had gone when they realize their husbands won't be coming back. Mitchell had a sister to think about and she was beyond relief when she sees him alive. Nearly everyone in the infirmity held back their tears as the siblings embraced.
"Have they come back?" Mitchell asked, trying to sit up.
Calypso quickly grabs an extra pillow from an empty bed and puts it behind Mitchell's back.
"Thanks." He muttered quietly.
"No they haven't returned yet." Calypso replied to his question. "They've been gone for nearly ten hours."
"They'll come back." Mitchell assured his nurse. "I know they will."
"I hope so as well."
Suddenly the doors bursted open and all eyes looked over. Expecting to see a wounded solider checking in, but it was Rachel instead. Her arm was around Hazel's shoulder as she tried to walk.
"Calypso! Reyna! I need a little help over here." Says Hazel, as she took a crying Rachel to the empty bed next to Mitchell's.
Reyna and Calypso quickly run over and examine Rachel. One doctor pass by and also takes a look at her.
"Oh she's in labor!" One of the doctors says, pointing out the stained dress.
"How far is she?" Reyna asked, already dripping a towel inside a bucket to dap it all over Rachel's forehead.
The doctor looks and shakes his head. "Not ready to push just yet." He said. "Change her out of this dress and into something comfortable. Looks like she's going to be here for awhile."
Juniper grabs an extra loose dress and gives it to Calypso. She takes the dress and tells Mitchell to look away. Who happily agreed to do so.
Rachel cried and cried as the contractions continued. But mostly because she would be giving birth to twins, when two people she cared most about would be losing their lives.
"Are they following us?" Annabeth wondered, daring herself to look back.
She sighed in relief when there was no one behind them. "Let's stop."
Both girls stopped running to catch their breath and a little bit of their strength. They don't know for long they've been running for, but it's been awhile. Their feet burn and each step felt as if they were walking on hot coal.
Piper hands Annabeth a jug of water that she managed to take from the camp. Annabeth happily takes a couple of sips before closing it and handing it back at Piper.
"How long before Octavian sent a search party?" Piper wondered, noticing how dark it has suddenly gotten.
"I don't know, but we need to keep going." Says Annabeth.
"Agree."
Both girls continue to run through the forest. Not even hearing the sound of horses or men shouting. This was a blessing to them, for that meant they were alright for now.
Annabeth glances to the ocean. Suddenly remembering Percy. He loved swimming in the lake and the beach. Annabeth doesn't remember him doing much swimming these past few months though. With the war going on and protecting the kingdom, it has gotten into his head. Constantly making plans with her father and the other generals and he would be patrolling from time to time.
Percy had always said that the sea had calmed him down. It sadden Annabeth to know he has been away from the sea from such a long time. She vowed that once this war and Octavian's life was over, she will take him back to the sea.
Suddenly they hear horses and the sound of men shouting orders. Annabeth could've sworn she heard them speaking English, but she can be wrong.
"Keep going!" Piper yelled, passing by Annabeth and grabbing her arm.
They hear the men call out one of their names, but they continued to run. Afraid it could all be a trap.
"Behind the bushes." Piper says and grabs Annabeth. She pulls her down and both hide behind the bushes.
Trying not to move and trying not to breath out loud. They hear one of the horsemen jump from their horse with a loud thump. Their hearts beat faster and faster, as they went closer towards the bush.
"Piper, Annabeth, it's me, Leo."
"Oh my god," Piper cried and immediately walks out of the bush and into Leo's arms.
Leo soothed his best friend as she sobbed in his shoulder. "Sh, it's going to be alright. You're safe now."
"Annabeth." The princess hoped the voice belong to Percy, but instead it was Luke. She quickly hugs him, letting a few tears flow.
"I'm so glad you're okay." He says and pulls away. He took out the dagger and holds it up. "You drop this back home." He tries to joke.
Annabeth chuckled, taking back her dagger. "Thanks."
"We need to get you out of here and back to the others. The French can be tracking us by now."
"Then let's go." Says Piper and Luke helps her get on a horse.
He then helps Annabeth climb on his horse and hops on.
They rode off back to where Piper and Annabeth had started running and they hear screams and shouts. But it didn't belong to the English army, but to the French.
"Shit, try to get into the forest and-" Leo ordered, but stopped when he notices the fifty men of the French army in their way.
Annabeth hears the trees rustling and looks up. She looks up in amazement as the hunters of Artemis jumped branch to branch. It wasn't even humane, but the girls made it work. In their hands were their bows and each had an arrow placed. All ready to shoot.
"Attack!" They hear one of the French leaders shout and they charged towards them.
"Keep your head low!" Piper heard Leo tell her and she does so, as they turn and go back along the shores.
The huntresses shoot arrows at the French, as they tried to catch up to their own squad.
Some fell to their death, as the French also shot their own arrows at them. But they still remained strong.
"Stop in the order of the King!" One of the French shouted at them, but they continued.
"If we don't stop and fight, they'll kill us!" Conner says and Leo considered his words.
Leo draws his sword and shakes his head. "If I die, tell Reyna I love her." He tells Piper and jumps out of his horse. Everyone else following his actions.
He draws his sword and stabs one of the French soldiers that also jumped out his horse.
"Show no mercy!" Leo screams and a battle broke out.
Piper and Annabeth stayed close and also did their share of kills whenever someone neared them. They had their eyes opened, for they feared Octavian can appear at any given moment. But he didn't. Instead, it was King Edward who stood over them with a sword on one hand and a shield.
"You shouldn't have run." He tells them in French.
Piper shook her head, holding her dagger. "Step away." She tells him in his language.
"Marry my son." He pleaded. "You'll be the queen of France and England!"
"Never!" Piper spat on his face.
Edward whips his face from her spit and raises his sword. "You little-"
The girls screamed when a sword stabbed through the king's stomach. His blood splattering onto their face. He coughed out blood as he fell to the ground and the sword was removed.
Luke removed his sword from Edward's stomach. Looking at his father's eyes. "I should love you, father. But instead, I hate you and all of what you've done. This isn't goodbye. For I know I'll be seeing you in hell someday. Just not now."
With a kick, Luke watches his father fall down and taking a few final breathes. Before finally chocking in his own blood.
Jason stood nearby, also stabbing the king of France. "You'll see Octavian in hell soon." He says in French and removes his sword from the king's body.
Piper gasped when she sees their other savior.
"Jason!"
"Piper, Annabeth!" He quickly hugs both girls and kisses Piper on the lips.
"You're alive!" She gasps, kissing him again and again.
Jason smiles, but knew they didn't have time for a proper reunion.
"We need to get you girls out of here. Me and Percy managed to trail off the other troops, but we need to leave now."
Behind them, the chaos had died down. There weren't much French knights as before, but there was enough to kill them all.
"Let's go." Jason grabs Piper's hand and they go to his horse.
Annabeth jumps onto to Leo's horse and they both follow behind Jason, along with the others.
Percy punched the next guy that came towards him with a hatchet and a knife. He then takes his shown sword and stabs him on the stomach.
"Percy! Behind you!" Tyson shouts, giving his brother a warning.
Percy looks behind him and hits the man with his shield. Eventually stabbing him on the stomach as well.
The fight was becoming more gruesome and violent as time passes by. He didn't think they will make it all alive, but he was going to fight until the end.
"Tuer tous les hommes en anglais!" They hear one of the French soldiers shout.
"The hell they just say?" Tyson wonders, punching a man and then killing him.
"Who knows, just keep fighting!"
The fight went on for nearly an hour. Men on both sides were equally lost, but it didn't stop them. Most fell to their deaths over the deadly cliff they were all standing nearby.
"Perseus Jackson!" At the sound of his name being called, everyone stopped fighting.
"Step aside!" One man shouted over the French and they did as told.
Some were pushed over the cliff or fell, for they were close by.
"Those were half of my men!" Octavian makes his way through the crowd, facing Percy.
"Even if I killed all of your men, it still wouldn't make up the number of people we've lost during this war." Percy spatted.
"Just you and me," Octavian pointed his sword Percy. "One on one."
Never in battle, has Poseidon seen two leaders go one on one. Never has he seen such fear in his sons eyes, but it was also bravery.
Percy raises his sword as does Octavian and the two engaged in an epic sword fight. Soon everyone followed as well.
With ever hit that Octavian missed, the more fierce he fought. With all the blows he shouldn't have missed, Percy should be dead by now. But he still fights.
"Why can't you just die?" Octavian growled, trying to give a fatal blow, but Percy kept moving away towards the cliff.
There, Octavian picked up a handful of sand and throws it on Percy's face to blind him. Percy tries to clear his eyes from the sand, which gives Octavian a chance to push him down.
"Percy!" He hears Poseidon and Tyson shout, but Percy waves them off.
"Forget about me!" He screams. "Keep going!"
Poseidon and Tyson became busy with these four guys that kept fighting against them.
Octavian stabs his sword through Percy's shoulder, making his scream in agony. He then stabs his ankle, so prevent him from being able to walk, if he stands up.
"You're nothing, but a pathetic peasant." He removes his sword and takes out a dagger. "You could've lived if you stayed out of my way, but you didn't. All cause you fell in love. How poetic yet suicidal of you."
He scratches Percy's cheek with his dagger and points it at his heart.
"Don't worry," he rises the dagger up. "I'll take great care of Annabeth for you."
Percy closes his eyes and imagines he sees Annabeth's soft angelic face. If he was to die today, he wants her to be the last face he sees.
"Percy!" He hears someone scream his name.
Has he died already? Has Annabeth followed him to the other side as well? Maybe she was already dead and just waiting for him.
"Percy!"
I love you, Annabeth.
Annabeth sees Octavian standing over her husband, as soon as they arrived. Without even thinking and ignoring her friends pleads, the princess jumps from Leo's horse and dashes through. Taking her dagger.
"Percy!" She shouted, stabbing a few knights that crossed her path.
Octavian turns and gasps. "You-"
He never finished his sentenced, for Annabeth stabbed her dagger into his chest.
Piper, Jason, Leo, and Luke all followed Annabeth. Seeing Octavian boiled Piper's blood, that she had the urge to slaughter him like an animal, but no. She couldn't step down to his level. It wouldn't change all of what he has down to her.
"It's over," Annabeth whispers, seeing the white in his eyes.
She pushes Octavian to the side, knowing he was no where strong enough to stand.
"Retreat!" The head general of the French shouts and all of the Knights do a final kill and depart into the woods.
However, most of these men lost their lives in the woods. All because they were struck by a huntresses arrows.
Annabeth knees down in front of Percy, placing his head on her lap.
"Percy, wake up." She pleaded. "Please wake up, Seaweed Brain. I love you. Please wake up."
Everyone felt raindrops fall in their skin and the sound of thunder. Annabeth feared that the final lines of the prophecy were coming true. Percy was losing blood, but he couldn't die from that.
Poseidon and Tyson stood by. Silently praying that their son and brother will live. The world was cruel to them. They met Percy for the first time and now they can be losing as well.
"Is he.." Leo whispered.
No response. Only the sound thunder became the haunting music in Annabeth's ears.
"No!" Annabeth shook her head, hot tears streaming down her cheeks. "Percy, you can't die! We can't lose you. Don't leave me..."
And that's where the title comes from!
...you all hate me and I know it. BUT! We have two more chapters to go and trust me, everything will fall into place.
I was originally going to have Octavian fall over the cliff and take Annabeth with him, which caused Percy to go along so it would've been the ending of Mark of Athena all over again, but then I couldn't do it. It was to much for this story. So it was a tough idea to call off, but I like how this ended instead.
Again, I am so so so sorry for the long wait but I really hope this was worth it...even tho I probably just killed off Percy but hey! You'll going to have to wait till the next chapter :)
Leave a review please! And tell me what you think will happen next chapter with not just Percabeth, but with the other couples :) if you have name ideas for Rachel's twins, feel free to tell me! Cause I have no idea XD
Anyways, till next time! :D
