Chapter 5
I stood on the lake shore with my arms crossed, opening up my cloak to reveal my black leather armor underneath, still keeping the hood over my head of course.
I watched as the other passengers of the Sun Chariot struggled out of the crashed vehicle, half of it submerged in the camp's canoe lake, causing their clothes to dampen.
Once I noticed that Thalia obviously had no control of the vehicle, I had made my way out using the buses emergency exit, believing myself the only one to do so.
I was waiting for the rest of the group to emerge from the scene when I head a voice to my left.
"You really are light on your feet. Surprising with all that gear you carry on you."
I whipped my head to the side to see Apollo standing on solid ground as well. Apparently he too knew how Thalia driving would end.
I didn't doubt that the god had beaten me to the shore.
He didn't look at me when spoke, only keeping his eyes forward.
I glanced back at the bus, seeing the first to escape the wreckage was Zoe, and following her was Thalia.
The former stayed behind to help her fellow huntresses out, while Thalia looked distraught as she sulked away.
I watched her intently.
Her performance behind the wheel and in the sky was strange to me, as I had assumed what her heritage was.
I decided I would speak to her later.
I turned my back on Apollo as I didn't want to be caught with the crowd as the bus emptied out.
I started walking away as the god called out to me.
"Be careful, Plutus. I've seen a lot regarding you. Overestimate yourself too much, and you'll find yourself falling short.
And trust me, it's far from your time to go just yet, son of Death. Be wary."
My eyes widened, and I snapped my head back. I was about to respond to the god, but cringed as there was a large flash of light.
As I shielded my eyes, I yelled out.
"Apollo!" It came out more as a growl as the light had finally subsided.
I was prepared to question the god, but in his place was the group of passengers as his chariot was already revving its way throughout the sky, disappearing in the rays of lights.
"And what do you think you're doing?"
My eyes fell onto the lieutenant.
She was staring at me angrily with her hunt on guard beside her.
"What?"
"You believe that just because the gods have left, you may simply have free reign?
No. I must take you to Chiron at once."
I tilted my head. I wasn't really in the mood for an argument, and Apollo exposing me before simply disappearing had left me irritated.
I wouldn't normally start conflict with Zoe, but if I was to play the part of Plutus, it seemed in character.
My hand dropped down onto my sheathed sword.
"And if I don't go with you."
The huntress scowled, her hand glowing a slight silver. I was sure she was itching to summon her bow.
She was stopped, however, as someone to her side stepped up.
Theseus blocked my view of the lieutenant as he planted himself in between us.
"Zoe's right. It was Artemis's will to have Chiron watch over you, and since your new to camp it's a requirement anyway.
There's no need to fight. Just check in one time and you're free to go."
My gaze was fixed on the kid for a long moment. He had that same look of determination in his eyes that didn't match his soft voice at all.
Eventually, I budged, scowling in response as I turned my back to the group and walking in the direction of what I presumed to be the main house.
I heard a sigh of relief from the boy as the group followed, talking amongst themselves, though separated between the hunters and campers.
After a while of walking, I had risked a glance back to see what the group was doing, but didn't want to get caught as I didn't want to portray any interest.
My discreteness failed miserably as I immediately met eyes with the son of Poseidon.
Apparently, he had been watching me. I quickly whipped my head back forward.
"Wait!" I heard his voice call out as there were hurried steps.
He didn't take long to catch up with me.
"Hold on dude." He said, but I didn't stop.
He ignored my own attempt to ignore him and kept on going.
"Hey, uhh, I think we got off on the wrong foot before.
I really don't want any problems with you, I swear! It's just that I can't really be too careful when it comes to meeting new people.
You're a demigod, right? You should know about that."
I turned slightly to meet the kid's eyes.
"I am nothing like you."
I said nothing else as I sped up my stride.
Surprisingly, the kid was able to keep u with minimal struggle.
"Th-that's ok, that's totally fine. I get it, we're all different, but that doesn't mean we gotta fight all the time, y'know?
Hunters, campers, and, -er, whatever you are..? We can just get along."
Was this kid really the strongest when it came to modern demigods? I hadn't yet seen him really fight yet, but I couldn't wrap my head around someone being this noble while still being strong.
I decided to ignore it as I came to a complete stop.
The kid looked at me confused, as if he was waiting for a response.
Eventually, the silence got to him.
"Uhh, do you have to say something?"
I scowled.
"We're here." I said, acknowledging the fact that we had reached the big house during the conversation.
"Oh, I get it, you want me to go first right? I got you." He stuttered out as he climbed up the steps and opened the door:
I turned around to see the group had thinned out, the hunters all leaving excluding Zoe, with Thalia, Grover, and Nico ahead of her.
The demigods walked past me with little regard, except Nico who gave me a hopeful look. The last to go in was Zoe, who pretended to ignore me, but I knew very well that even just my existence was a major annoyance to her.
By the time I had made it through the door, the group was already talking with a crippled man I assumed to be Chiron.
"And Zoe Nightshade of the hunters. It is a pleasure to have you here." He said in a tone that seemed force.
"Though I just say, your appearance here is-"
The man was cut off as I closed the door behind me louder than I had expected.
"… and who is this?" He asked in a serious tone.
He already seemed on guard by my mere appearance.
After a quick up down, I determined that even in his wheelchair Chiron was a force to be wary of.
The aura he gave off wasn't the strongest I had felt, but it was the most complete. He was sure of himself.
Unlike others he didn't feel fear or some sort of anger when he saw me, but instead a composed caution.
"This is Plutus. He kinda just… appeared when we went to retrieve the Di Angelos." Said Theseus, trying to sound upbeat, but it was obviously forced.
"So a friend I assume?" Asked the unsure Chiron. He rolled forward to greet me properly.
I grunted. "I wouldn't say that.
My only reason for coming here is the two children. That is all."
"A protector then?"
"A nuisance, more like." Grumbled Zoe.
The man ignored her retort and extended a hand.
Reluctantly, I opened up my cloak to meet him with my own right arm.
"I am Chiron, the director of this camp. We are happy to have you."
"Plutus."
The man raised an eyebrow as he glanced at my left arm.
"Are you hurt? The manticore was known for sometimes leaking poison into his attacks. If that is the case with your arm, you would need immediate treatment." He said with slight worry as he lightly touched the bandages constricting my appendage.
I quickly jerked it back.
"This is not Thornes doing. My arm is perfectly fine. The bandages serve a different purpose, and I would like it if you kept your hands off me." I growled out.
I was expecting Chiron to apologize so as too keep up his friendly persona, but he instead looked at me with a faraway look.
"That wrap is infused with an ancient magic, one I doubt you were alive to experience."
"I am aware."
Chiron seemed intrigued by my arm, and I was worried he had some sort of knowledge of the stone I possessed that may lead to him learning of my identity.
However, he couldn't respond as a man in the back spoke up.
"A feisty one. I hate it when they bring in someone who actually enjoys this place."
I tracked the lazy voice to man in a cheetah suit who dat kicked back in his chair at the end of the table.
"Your Dionysus." I had said without really thinking, simply guessing.
He raised a questioning brow. "Names have power, boy. I suggest you refer to me as Mr. D, before I'm forced to reprimand you.
And I suppose as the director of this camp I must get onto you for talking to Chiron in such a way, though I don't really care.
However, if you were to speak to me in such a manner, then it would be a problem."
I noticed a fiery purple flame flair in his eyes as he finished.
I said nothing, only giving the god a deadly glare from underneath my hood.
I faltered slightly as I felt as if he saw through my hood, staring me into my soul.
The group began talking after awkward silence, recapping the events of Westover Hall as Chiron listened with a troubled look on his face.
However, I ignored the talk completely as my eyes remained on the god.
He had left me with a threat, I realized, but the way he had said it so casually left me on edge. Unlike the other two Olympians I had met, he was good at masking his true thoughts.
Even while reading his magazine, I wasn't sure if it was just a facade, or if he truly had no care for the events that took place.
Either way, I'd have to be careful with him.
He only showed care for the conversation when the boy Theseus had shown signs of aggression at his lack of care for the disappearance of his friend, Annabeth. The girl who thr manticore had abducted.
It was weird to see the usually calm kid talk angrily, and I must say it definitely suited him better. As he was talking brashly to the god, I felt my respect growing.
The kid was saved however as Nico burst through the door, spouting nonsense about his card game.
"I believe this would be the best time to inform the camp of the capture the flag game tomorrow, between the campers and the hunters of course." Said Chiron to Thalia and Theuses, saving the latter from certain doom.
He turned to me.
"As I'm sure the hunters aren't taking any new members, I hope you know you're invited to participate, on the campers' side of course." He said with a slight laugh.
I shook my head as I made it for the door, being the last to leave.
"I'm not interested in yalls little camping games." I said as I shut the door behind me.
I let out a sigh as I posted up on the porch.
I really needed Elaine to talk to, or anyone really.
My mind was cluttered. Did I really have to play along with all this? Was it the best route? Or should I instead take the two demigods and make a break for the underworld.
I didn't know how long I was out there, stuck in thought, but eventually the doors had opened to reveal a young Nico, who looked a lot more cheerful than before.
"He's a centaur!" He said as he ran up to me. "Chiron'a a centaur!"
I scowled at the kid. How did he still not understand that I wasn't his friend?
I glanced up to see Chiron behind the door frame, a mischievous smile on his face.
"You seemed bored, and Nico needs a guide to his cabin.
I hope you don't mind leading him to Hermes's place.
You're a smart man, so I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out even if this is your first visit."
He didn't give me the time to respond as he turned his back and left my view.
I let out a groan as I descended the stairs.
If I had to be stuck with the kid, I'd make this as quick as possible.
I hadn't made it two steps before someone had already appeared in front of me.
I was starting to grow annoyed, but stopped myself as I saw who I was.
"Plutus."
Bianca stood in front of me with a guilty look I her eyes. I realized it wasn't towards me however as she glanced down at her brother, who quickly looked away.
It had only been a short time since she had joined the hunters, but she already looked different. Even her aura had changed.
I could really get a good look at her face now that her hair was braided like the rest of the hunters, and could really see the resemblance between her and her brother, and even Hades himself.
"Yes?" I asked. I tried to keep my voice light as possible, as she was someone I needed to at least trust me, and unlike her brother, she wasn't the source of my constant annoyance.
"Uh, well, I just wanted to talk to you. You and my brother at the same time, and I saw you two walking together, so I decided now would be a good time."
Unlike before, she projected her voice more as she spoke, but I could tell I still made her slightly nervous.
"I'm kinda in the middle of something." I said, walking forward and past her.
Nico followed suite. I noticed he wanted to make it seem like he didn't need his sister, but apart of him was still hurt.
"Oh." She said softly. "Sorry."
I stopped for a second and turned back.
"So are you coming?"
This seemed to lighten up both of the sibling's moods.
She seemed surprised for a moment before she perked up and slightly ran to catch up.
"S-sorry." She got out as she caught up.
I didn't respond at first as I used the time walking to study the camp.
All it took was a quick glance to see the campers were nothing much. Some appeared to be physically adept, at least, but I didn't get the feeling of power from anyone, not besides Thalia and Theseus, I guess.
"So what did you need?"
Me breaking the silence startled Bianca a little bit, but she quickly composed herself.
"Well to be honest, Zoe had originally sent me to get some information out of you." She said rubbing her neck awkwardly.
"But I honestly don't want to trick you or anything.
You saved me.
I can't just forget that.
The hunters may not like men or whatever, but you proved that you can be trusted, at least to me.
You were the one to save me from Thorne, and you were the first and only to drop your weapon when Nico was in trouble.
So I guess, just, thank you."
I didn't expect a simple thank you to make me feel the way it did.
Something about Bianca, and even Nico, it just made me feel protective.
I forgot what it felt like to have someone to fight for.
I shook my head slightly.
"I've already been over this. This is all just… part of my job."
Bianca squinted her eyes at me. "I don't believe that."
"What?"
"I said I don't believe you.
You may be getting paid, or whatever, but nothings worth putting your life on the line.
And I've seen the way you talk to others. You can barely hold a conversation with them, but when it comes to Nico, who's arguable more annoying,"
This granted a look of complaint from said boy, but he said nothing as he was determined to ignore his sister.
"You tolerate him."
I scowled at the girl even though I knew she couldn't see it under my hood.
"You got the wrong idea, Bianca." As I spoke, I started questioning myself.
"I tolerate the kid because I need him. I protected you two because I'd much rather 'risk my life', then come back empty handed to my master.
I'll tell you now, there are beings a lot more scary than that little manticore."
Bianca scoffed slightly.
"Whatever you say, Plutus.
You know, I've spent my whole life taking care of me and Nico. I've grown pretty good at reading people over time.
I guess you want to keep this image up, but I think it'd be better if you just drop it and come clean.
For the both of us.
Again though, thank you.
Whether you mean it or not, you're the first person to ever do something like that, for either of us.
I appreciate it."
She said, walking off without giving me the chance to respond.
Being a hunter for only a short time really had changed her. But I didn't think it had anything to do with what she had said.
More like she simply spoke her mind now, as opposed to keeping quiet.
I grunted slightly as the conversation was rubbing me the wrong way.
Why didn't that girl believe me?
Was it because I couldn't fully believe it myself?
I shook my head slightly.
I didn't know what it was, but I was off my game.
Maybe because it was such a different environment compared to the underworld, or simply the lack of having Elaine, but it was getting to me.
I glanced upward, towards the falling sun.
It would be night soon, and if I remembered correctly from the previous meeting, camp dinner would be hosted.
My eyes scanned till the fell upon who I was looking for.
Theseus walked out what I guessed to be the Ares cabin with an upset look on his face.
"Aye kid." I said, grabbing Nico's attention.
"Go find Theseus. I'm sure he'll get you to your cabin much faster." I mumbled out as I walked off.
"Hey! Wait! I wanted to go with you Mr. Plutus." He cried out, but I was already gone.
I glanced back to see a defeated look on his face, but he relented and started walking in the direction of ocean eyes.
"Sorry kid." I grumbled.
I kept on walking without a destination in mind, but froze suddenly.
A chill went through my spine.
I glanced towards the hill where the big house stood, my instincts guiding my eyes.
I watched as Chiron stood atop the hill crest, turning around just before I could make eye contact.
He had been watching me.
I shook my head as I turned back to walking.
Thinking back to my talk with Bianca, I reminded myself of one thing.
This was a mission, an anonymous one at that. There were eyes on me as well.
Now was not the time to screw around.
As of now, Percy Jackson was dead, leaving only Plutus in his place.
