A/N:
Woah… I'm actually semi on time with updating! The world must be ending, haha! Firstly, I would like to acknowledge that I dropped a lot of bombs in the previous chapter, particularly that there is a new quest. Don't worry, everything will be explained. Due to there being so many characters and a complicated plot, I can only contain so much information in each chapter. I hope you can be patient with me, and in return, I shall try my hardest not to indulge in my bad habit of cliffhangers. And just to clear this up: in this storyline, Chaos is a male. I know there is some dispute over this, so call it AU if you want, but be aware in this corner of the storytelling world, Chaos is male.
One last thing before I release you to reading. There will be a super long authors' note at the end of this chapter, but please read it all, as it is important info.
Alrighty, enough of me, enjoy this chapter!
Brief Recap:
How to recap all that info…hm. Cat revealed she is not who everyone thought she was, and began to explain. Then I dared leave a terrible cliffhanger and ran away before y'all killed me.
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Percy's POV:
Instantly, silence fell over the beach, as if we had all been struck dumb. The blessed silence lasted only for a second, soon broken by an explosion of questions and voices filling the air. I myself had as many questions as the rest of the demi-gods, but I couldn't make my mouth move. I was too shocked by all I had learned today, and even more shocked that this likely wasn't even the full story. I shook my head dazedly, trying to sort through everything that had been revealed, but my brain was just frozen in shock. Annabeth gave me a concerned look, and I tried to smile, but it came out looking more like a grimace. I wished everyone would shut up and let me think, but they just kept shouting. I hoped Chiron would silence them, but when I looked up, he appeared as frozen as I did.
Finally, a voice cut across everyone else. "For the love of all the gods, shut up!" Alex shouted, and immediately the endless explosion of questions stopped. Alex sighed with relief. "You people are completely impossible. None of your questions will be answered if you all keep talking over each other and babbling on like toddlers!" I decided right then that I liked the daughter of Hades, and silently thanked her for quieting the crowd.
Annabeth nodded and stood up. "Alex is right, we won't get anywhere with this. It's getting late," She said, looking at the dark night sky. "And Cat looks tired." I looked up at this, realizing I hadn't given a thought to how my sister was holding up, distracted by her story. By gods, she did look exhausted, and no wonder, after everything that happened tonight. The crystals she had formed out of thin air, which was just one of the things on my "what in hades" list, had mostly vanished. As I watched, the last one shimmered and faded into the night sky.
Chiron stepped forward, nodding. "Annabeth is right. I know you all have many questions, and as do I. But I believe it would be better for us all to get some rest and think on this all before bombarding the poor child more." He said, glancing at Cat, who had sat down on the edge of the dock, looking exhausted. I noticed many of the others were about to argue with Chiron, but Nico stepped in, and I saw Cat shoot him a grateful look.
"I agree. Let's sleep on it and ask questions tomorrow." He shot my sister a weighted look in return, and some message passed between them. I fumed, though I wasn't entirely sure why. Of course, I knew that Nico and my sister were good friends, but he was obviously hiding something about her, and that made me angry with him. Deciding a public confrontation wasn't the best idea, I resolved to speak to him in private later.
Jane nodded. "Fine with me." She yawned. "I'm tired anyways."
Shrugging, Leo stood up and grabbed his stuff. "Sure. But first," He turned to Chiron, an indistinguishable look in his eyes. "Explain what you meant by another quest. You just randomly dropped that bomb on us, with no explanation, and I am not going to sleep on that."
Chiron sighed, and I could see Alex visibly restrain herself from a sarcastic remark. "I had hoped to wait, but yes, a quest. Long ago, before the gods, I was told of an ancient myth, one very few believed to be true. It told of Episis, though not by name, and of her daughter, who was supposedly still alive. I thought nothing of it at the time, until some time ago. Apollo came to me, telling me I must speak to his Oracle. This was at the very beginning of this camp, and so I went. She told me the daughter of Episis and Chaos would one day come to my camp, and that I must send her on a quest. She said little else, only warning to beware the events that would happen after she came to the camp. I was shocked, to say the least, but I heeded her warning and went on my way."
"After many years with no sign of her, and many other prophecies and quests, I mostly forgot about her warning. Until the Oracle visited me in my dreams, telling m that her warning still stood, and giving me slightly more knowledge. She said the child would have no memories, but that a-" Chiron paused, and I noticed a warning look pass between Nico and Chiron. Chiron gave the briefest nod and continued on like nothing had happened. "Time would come she would regain her memories, and that was when I was to send her on her quest. So many years passed again, but this time, I did not forget. Every girl that came to my camp, I feared she would be the one. The Oracle warned me several more times, but barely gave me any more wisdom, other than what the quest must accomplish. When Catalia arrived at camp, I wondered, but the Titan and Giant wars drove it from my mind, though I had a nagging suspicion the time had come at last. And tonight, I was proved right."
Cat looked shocked by all this, but I found myself angry. I stood up and stalked toward Chiron. "You mean, all this time, you knew, and you let her wonder about her parentage?! You didn't warn me, didn't tell us anything! Why!?" I didn't know why I was so mad, and I saw Jane back up a step, looking worried.
"No, Perseus. I did not know, I feared. As for why, every time the Oracle spoke to me, she made me swear I would never speak of it until the daughter of Episis had regained her memories." Chiron said, in a patient tone that only served to infuriate me further, but I backed down, realizing I wasn't truly angry at him. I was angry at this whole situation.
Everyone looked relieved as I took a step backward, Jane especially. Annabeth stepped forward, giving me a gentle look as she passed me. "So… this quest. Is there a prophecy? What are we questing for? Why this large a group? And how do you know who to send with Cat?" Chiron sighed, again, and I guessed he had been hoping to avoid these questions until morning.
"Yes, there is a prophecy, but I have not read it. As for how I knew who would go, I did not. The Oracle told me that I would know who to send when the time came, and she was correct. I suspect when we read the prophecy, we shall learn the answers, or at least the beginning of the answers, to the remainder of your questions." He said, looking at Annabeth, who nodded wordlessly and came to stand with me.
Cat, who had been mostly silent for the past few minutes, spoke up, the weird accent still gracing her words. "When can we hear the prophecy, Chiron? And don't say in the morning. That is too many things to sleep on." Leo nodded in agreement, and Chiron sighed. I was on the verge of strangling him to end the never-ending sighs, but decided to wait until he answered my questions. Glancing across the beach, I saw an identical expression to mine on Alex's face, and I grinned at her. She raised her eyebrows at me and turned away, causing me to sigh. What is it with Hades and grumpiness?
Chiron turned to Nico, and gestured toward the big house, saying something I couldn't quite make out. Nico ran off into the growing darkness, and I saw my curiosity of his actions mirrored in the others. While we waited, I stood and went over to my sister, but found myself unable to find words. She looked up at me, and I finally registered that my little sister… wasn't exactly little. In fact, she was thousands of years older than me. I felt like I had lost something I didn't even know I had. She had always seemed so young and innocent, though with wisdom in her eyes I couldn't understand. Being her big brother had given me a purpose, someone to protect and care for. But now, I felt as if that was gone. She had lived lifetimes… and now that she remembered that, she wouldn't have any need for me anymore. Not wanting to trouble her with my thoughts, I said nothing and simply wrapped my arms around her. She relaxed into me, and I prayed to the gods this wouldn't be the last time I felt like her brother.
Nico's POV:
Climbing the stairs to the attic, I allowed a rare smile to cross my face, feeling as if a burden was lifted. And it was true, a burden had been lifted, at long last. For years, I had watched Catalia, wondering if she would ever remember, and if she did, if she would remember me. That last night in the garden, she had warned me that she might lose her memories of us, which had saddened me greatly. I had been so young then, more like a little brother than a friend. I hadn't truly understood what those dreams meant until I was much older, when I finally realized the role I had been given. Sometimes, I had wondered if they simply were just dreams, figments of my imagination, and nothing more. But those thoughts had vanished the second I met her again. It had been agony, keeping the secret for years, and there had been many times I wanted to blurt it all out to her, tell her the truth, but I stopped myself each time. A loud crash snapped me out of my thoughts and back to the present, reminding me that I had a job. I picked up the book I had knocked to the ground and took the prophecy from the vase of dead flowers where it had lain hidden for as long as I could remember. I climbed down the ladder quickly, and jogged back to the beach, finding everyone in almost the same spot I had left them. Percy had gone over to Catalia, wrapping his arms around her. I met her eyes, hoping to see a spark of recognition, but she just smiled at me and turned her attention to Chiron, and the prophecy I had handed him.
Chiron cleared his throat and began to read from the scroll. I leaned forward eagerly, having waited years to hear the prophecy.
"Seven members across seas and skies
Fire and flame, a void of darkness and pain.
A vengeful power waits to rise,
Eternal flame burns the rain."
Chiron paused for a second, looking at the apprehensive faces before him. Meeting Catalia's eyes with a grave look, he went on to the next stanza.
"Episis's heir faces a losing battle alone.
Daughter of the Earthshaker, trapped in stone.
Son of fire trapped in flame,
Wisdom's queen without shame.
Hero of past, destroyed by demons of old.
Children of death harbor secrets never told."
Chiron paused again, catching his breath and collecting his thoughts. I looked up and met my half-sister's eyes, wondering what secrets she kept hidden behind her mask of rage. I knew my own secrets, of course, but already the prophecy had raised more questions than it answered. Sighing, I turned back to Chiron as he read the last stanza.
"These must save the living and the dead.
On the anniversary he rises again.
The sky shall fall and all will perish,
Lest his vengeance is stopped.
Beginning and end together bonded,
His own power reversed.
Only then the world saved."
Chiron's last words rang in the air, leaving a shocked silence when they faded. Leo was the first to speak, his eyes wide and worried.
"Woah…" He whispered, looking uncharacteristically worried. "On second thought, maybe that should have waited till tomorrow." Catalia stood up before he could continue speaking, marching straight up to Chiron with fire in her eyes.
"You knew. You knew for eight years what I would have to face if you were right. You knew, and you didn't warn me! Not a single word, not even a cryptic look. Instead, you let me get back all my memories, then you drop this on me?" Her voice trembled with barely controlled fury. I was still trying to make sense of the prophecy, but apparently, she knew what it meant… and it wasn't good.
Chiron spoke gently, laying his hand on her shoulder. "I wish I could have, my dear. I am sorry that you must face him again, but know you will not be alone."
She pulled away from him, anger and pain twisting her face. Chiron seemed startled, but before he could comfort her, she turned and ran off into the forest.
"What the heck was that?" Percy asked Chiron incredulous. "Why did she blow up? Who is he? Why does she have to face him? What does whole prophecy mean?"
Chiron heaved another sigh, and I laid my hand on Alex's arm, restraining her. "She knows what the prophecy means. At least a part of it. I will answer this one question, and then for the last time, you will all go to bed, and ask questions tomorrow." His stern tone left no room for argument, and Percy gave a stiff nod. "Good. The prophecy, among other things, warns that her father is rising again. Chaos's vengeance will soon consume the world, unless he is stopped. That is your quest." I froze, horror chilling my veins. Gaea was one thing… but Chaos? He was a whole other level. I didn't dare look at the others, not wanting to see their looks of horror.
"Now, to bed. Further questions shall be answered tomorrow." Chiron said briskly, knowing we were all too shocked to speak. With that, he turned and left for the big house, leaving us all in horrified silence. Jane was the first to leave, grabbing Alex's arm and dashing off toward the cabins. Leo stood next, his eyes looking haunted. Annabeth was the only one who responded to his farewell. Realizing I hadn't moved a muscle since Chiron spoke, I jumped to my feet and walked off towards my cabin, leaving Percy and Annabeth alone to talk. I stopped at the door, my hand resting on the doorknob, before changing my mind and jogging after Catalia. Guessing she had run into the forest, I headed towards the dark mass of trees, cursing the gods and my life in general. Hadn't I had enough trouble for three lifetimes already? Preoccupied with my thoughts, I didn't hear the footsteps behind me until it was too late. A strong arm reached out from the darkness and slammed me up against a tree. Suppressing a grunt of pain, I struggled against their grip, but to no avail.
"Time to explain, death boy."
A/N:
Phew, my hand and my brain were cramping as I wrote this! I hope the cliffhanger isn't too bad…heh…heh. Anyways, sorry this is not the best chapter… I kind of rushed it to post it semi on time. Hope you enjoyed it though! I know everyone is abuzz with questions about Nico, since I finally gave him time from his POV, and, yk, he just got slammed against a tree *evil laugh*. Reviews are super encouraging to me, so if you are willing, please review! I would love to read your thoughts and theories! I won't say too much yet, but I will say that there will be rewards for anyone who guesses a plot point correctly, so more incentive to review, haha! I will also take requests for whose POV to write the next chapter from, so include that in your review if you like!
Alrighty, I warned you of an extensive AN, so here it is!
Firstly, I would like to announce an opportunity for all my readers! I bet you guys have just as many questions as the crew does, so I am going to give you a chance to ask them! Basically, you readers will be able to pick the questions the characters ask in the next chapter! All you have to do is leave a review with the question you want asked, and which character (if you have a preference) you would like to ask it! I will then work the questions into the story, having one of the characters ask it, most likely to Cat or Chiron. You can also state in your review if you have a preference who they ask the question to! I won't be able to take every question (depending on how many are given,) and I won't pick it if it doesn't work with the storyline. A last warning: if you ask a question that I can't give a full answer to yet, due to my cryptic nature, I will still have one of the characters ask the question, but you may not get a satisfactory answer! It would be great if you guys leave a comment or theory along with your question submission, but it is fine if you don't! Be sure you say in your review that you are submitting it, otherwise I will take it as a question to the air or just a normal review! Alrighty, that's it for the first part of my author's note. Hurry with your question submissions so you don't miss this opportunity!
Secondly, I wanted to give you all a warning that I will be re-writing at least the first chapter, maybe the second as well. I won't change anything major, just cleaning up the writing some. I will tell you guys when I post the updated chapters so you know! Please remember, constructive criticism is greatly appreciated!
Almost done with this super long author's note, never fear! My amazing sibling just started writing some PJO fanfiction, and let's just say it's wonderful, with a great author! Please go check out my sib's profile and read the story! The link is in my bio :)
And lastly, I have a question for my readers. Would you all like me to respond to reviews in the author's notes? It does mean the AN's will get longer, but I love interaction with the readers, so just let me know what you would like!
Okay, that's the end of this wayyy too long note. Have a great day!
Coming Soon:
What is happening to Nico? What on earth does the prophecy mean? What secrets is everyone hiding? How angsty will Cat get? Will the author ever post on time?