Going back to that disgusting arena a second time did not make me hate it any less. If anything, I hated it more because now I saw for myself what it was meant for. Fighting. Or rather, brutal duels to the death with Antaeus presiding as the host, demanding bloodshed and carnage just for his entertainment, as was the deal with Luke. I hated it all. I couldn't even bring myself to watch and more than once, I almost threw up. Luke didn't force me to sit with him in the honorary seat so I was blended in with the other half-bloods, though they seemed to be enjoying this just as much as the monsters, almost all of our vanguard having gathered as people offered one by one to fight against creatures that had been captured and were now basically being served up for slaughter. I'd tried to argue with Luke, beg him to put a stop to this but this was one of the few times he rejected me. Kronos had ordered him to pander to Antaeus's demands as Kronos wanted him to also join the army, which meant we couldn't just kill him like I suggested. I was stuck, unable to do anything, so I once again broke my rule and silently prayed to the gods to watch over the poor souls of those that were killed and to secure them quick, clean deaths. I do not know if they answered me.
Most of the victims were centaurs as Luke had a particular disfavour for them because of the whole thing where they'd gate-crashed his ship and rescued Percy, Annabeth, Tyson and Grover. I think Kronos had also hardened his mind and his heart, because the real Luke wouldn't stand for this either. Or at least, that's what I desperately hoped. Honestly? I wasn't even sure what was real anymore. My willpower began to crumble as I endured fight after fight with the hopeless screams of the damned, and more than ever all I wanted to do was run home to my mom. I'd scold myself and tell myself to get a grip. What could my mom do other than comfort me? It was my job to protect her and Percy the best I could. I owed her that after everything she'd gone through just for us. So with my lips pressed in a tight line, I sat there wishing for the first time that I was blind again. We were about six fights in, a giant now battling against a half starved centaur, though he did not lose hope all at once. He fought bravely, and it hurt to watch him be battered again and again because every time I saw a centaur I thought of Chiron, unable to imagine something like this happening to him. I was going to be sick.
Just as I was about to race out of there and hide until everything was over, I saw one of the doors to arena open and, to my simultaneous horror and joy, in walked Percy in the clutches of one of the dracaenae along with Annabeth and a girl I had never seen before who was being restrained by Kelli. I forgot the fight, I forgot everything. Percy was standing right there. I would have leaped up and run to him, even pushed my way through the middle of the fight to take the direct line straight for him, but beside me Michael grabbed my arm and kept me pinned to my seat with a warning grip as he hissed in my ear. "You can't! You can't push your luck this time, Luke will kill you if you try and rescue your brother." I was surprised that Michael would go so far as to stop me, but more than that, that he was doing it out of concern for my welfare. His pale eyes flashed with understanding, but I knew he was right. If I was to continue surviving as well as protect Percy as best I can, I needed to stay put and not reveal anything. I had to be as cold and emotionless as stone. It was killing me not to run straight over and hug him, but I planted my hands on the edge of my seat and gripped onto the stone to refrain from moving, Michael also maintaining a secure lock on my arm to make sure. I started to wonder then.
"Michael…do you…not want to be here anymore?" I tested the waters, looking at him with as plain a face as I could make as he glanced at me and tensed, clenching his jaw and shifting uncomfortably. These movements told me far more than any answer he could have given. He was having second thoughts about joining Kronos. If this was true, then perhaps were there others? I looked around me at the faces that I had come to know after so long being together, and one by one, certain people jumped out at me. Their expressions were forced, some were just stone cold, enjoying the spectacle as little as I was. Some looked sick, and some of them just plain terrified. There were not as many as those of us who were jumping up and down whilst cheering, but it was still a significant number. I knew then that I had more than I needed to do, and to do it I needed to remain with the army. Thoughts and plans started to formulate in my mind as pieces of a puzzle started to fit together in my head that I had been struggling to build for months and months. It was still incomplete, but was now more rounded than before. Pulling my arm free from Michael's grip, I then grasped his hand in order to squeeze tightly, both for his comfort and mine, because now all attention was on Percy.
The centaur had been killed by the giant and I was secretly glad that I had missed it, the giant lumbering away in order to join the crowds as Luke's cold voice spoke clearly and rang throughout the arena. I didn't even dare look at him and Michael held my hand so tightly I thought he'd break every bone I had there. "Lord Antaeus, you have been an excellent host! We would be happy to amuse you, to repay the favour of passing through your territory."
"A favour I have not yet granted." Antaeus reminded Luke in that booming drawl that made me break out in a cold sweat as something within me trembled. It felt like a part of me that I was supressing, and I wondered if it was perhaps my godly heritage that was Poseidon's bloodline shaking in recognition of Antaeus. "I want entertainment!"
"I believe I have something better than centaurs to fight in your arena now. I have a brother of yours. Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon." My gut twisted but I kept my seat, hoping that Percy didn't see me in the crowds. Rocks began to fly as the spectators snarled and hissed with glee. A whimper escaped me when one rock caught Percy's face and drew blood. Michael continued to hold my hand, now numb from the lack of blood supply. Over in the seat of honour, Antaeus straightened a little with mild interest and I wanted nothing more than to stab his face with my trident.
"A son of Poseidon? Then he should fight well! Or die well." Calmly Luke reopened the barter and this time, I stole a glance in his direction. His face was turned towards Antaeus who was studying Percy with a stupid look on his face, but his eyes were looking at me. I pleaded with him in silence, but it was all I could do. Something hardened in Luke's face, his eyes flickering downwards to where I hadn't realised that Michael had put my arm around me, before then turning his back completely and refusing to look my way again.
"If his death pleases you, will you let our armies cross your territory?" Looking rather gleeful and enthusiastic, Antaeus only conceded to a 'perhaps' concerning Percy's potential death. It was Annabeth who shouted out across the arena, begging Luke to stop this and let them go. Please listen to her Luke, I really don't want to be forced into a tough decision. "Annabeth?" Luke sounded surprised like he hadn't expected Annabeth to be there, but before he could do or say anything, Antaeus interrupted him with his impatience.
"Plenty of time for the females to fight afterwards. First, Percy Jackson, what weapons will you choose?" Watching silently and with baited breath as Percy was forced to the centre of the arena, I hoped that he had been training hard so no matter what they threw at him, he'd be able to beat it. Percy, however, was a little slow witted about his situation because it appeared that the only question on his mind was how Antaeus could possibly be a son of Poseidon. Antaeus and the entire crowd boomed with laughter. "I am his favourite son! Behold, my temple to the Earthshaker, built from the skulls of all those I've killed in his name! Your skull shall join them." Beneath the noise, I could vaguely make out Annabeth shouting to Percy, telling him that his mother was Gaea, or Gaia…same thing regardless. The laistrygonian quickly covered her mouth before she could reveal anything else, clearly intending to try and warn Percy about Antaeus as I shot a dark scowl at the towering form of his grossness as Antaeus simply continued to smirk, revealing rather startling teeth that had been carved like ivory to bear the same wave-like patterns of his skin. Honestly, I would have preferred to see Smelly Gabe again than this thing.
"You're crazy, Antaeus, if you think this is a good tribute, you know nothing about Poseidon." I genuinely hoped this is true, because if Poseidon was into this kind of thing then he was about to lose all of the favourability that I'd stocked up towards him over the past year or so. Insults were launched at Percy like projectiles but if Antaeus was offended by Percy's claim he did not show it, raising his hand so that a sudden hush fell over the arena before he then returned to the question at hand.
"Weapons. And then we will see how you die. Will you have axes? Shields? Nets? Flamethrowers?" Percy scowled, and his expression made me wonder if that's what I looked like when I shot glares at people.
"Just my sword." As if answering his words Percy's sword Riptide appeared in his hand with a seemingly sharp gleam, as if anticipating the battle before it. This startled a great number of the monsters that had started to jibe and sneer, making them retreat slightly in fear. When all things were said and done, Percy was his father's son, a son of the sea god, and he was an extremely talented demigod with extortionate amounts of power and skill. It was stupid to underestimate him. Though I reckon I could still get him in a headlock and knuckle his head just as well as when we were younger. Calling for round one, I couldn't decide if I wanted to press my eyes shut or watch on the edge of my seat. This was maddening. A dracaena entered the arena with a heavy looking net in one hand and a trident in the other, making me grimace slightly and pout. I had become rather partial to my trident. It felt wrong to see someone else using it as a weapon, though don't tell my dad I said that. Despite my worries, Percy finished the monster off so quickly that even I forgot my fear I was so impressed. As I had hoped, he had been training hard and it was showing clearly.
"No! Too fast! You must wait for the kill. Only I give that order!" Antaeus complained like his favourite toy had just been snatched from him and I fully expected him to throw a full blown tantrum with stomping feet and shaking fists, the whole nine yards. He seemed to reign himself in, however. Luke spoke then, praising Percy for his ability and noting that he had gotten better with the sword. I started to fiddle with my bracelet, wringing it around my wrist whilst feeling the charms as I considered throwing Amaryllis to Percy just for the sake of it. "Round two! And slower this time! More entertainment! Wait for my call before killing anybody, or else!" Antaeus warned and this time, a half-blood fighter came out wearing armour that was too big for them. With a start, I realised it was Ethan and sent a glance at Michael who had turned a rather worrisome shade of green. So this was what Luke had meant when he said that everyone who joined the army must prove themselves. Ethan was just fodder to him. Entertainment. For the first time in a while, I was angry with Luke. Truly angry, because this was too much. I had to mentally remind myself that his mind was being influenced by Kronos, and Kronos did not care for one half-blood, or two, or even any of us. Only himself.
My brother and Ethen talked for a few moments, Percy probably trying to persuade Ethan not to do this, but Ethan struck all at once and from there, the fight began. In Ethan's defence, he was doing impressively well considering that he was slim and a little weak from being trapped in the Labyrinth, and it was probably thanks to his godly side that he was able to keep on going. I noticed that Percy tried to keep moving towards Ethan's blindside, but in my head I thought to myself that this was not the best choice because, strategically speaking, if Ethan had survived this long he had done so with just the one eye, so he was probably excellent at protecting his left. It would be wiser to attack the right, or his legs because his footwork wasn't as clean as his sword technique. I was surprised I recognised this, so I presumed that all my lessons with Luke had taught me more than I realised. The crowds brayed for blood as my brother continued to remain on the defensive, attempting to tire out his opponent which seemed to be working because although Ethan was good, he did not have the strength or stamina to endure longer fights. He became desperate, and that was his downfall. He attempted to strike Percy dead on but with a swift movement of locking Ethan's sword against his at the hilt, my brother then twisted Ethan's weapon clean out of his grasp then with a final strike to his helmet, Ethan crumbled to the ground. The audience were now hissing lowly, adamant for blood but displeased it was not Percy's as Antaeus also scowled. I knew my brother. He wouldn't kill Ethan as it wasn't in his nature, even when Antaeus gave the gladiatorial thumbs down to signal that he gave permission for Percy to end his opponent. Instead, Percy sheathed his weapon and helped Ethan to his feet.
Antaeus's voice blasted at full volume at his outrage. "No on dishonours the games! Your heads shall both be tributes to Poseidon!" I really hope that dad didn't actually choose favourites with sons, and if he did…well I sure hope it was Percy, because otherwise I'll be turning dad into sushi since the next thing Percy did wasn't entirely unexpected. He challenged Antaeus directly. The half-giant looked insulted. "I am the greatest wrestler in the world, boy. I have been wrestling since the first pankration!" This seemed to confuse Percy because Ethan then murmured something to him, probably to explain that a pankration was a fight to the death without rules. Still this did not deter Percy and I admired him for his courage, but internally screamed at him like a banshee for his recklessness. If mom were here, she would probably kill him herself.
"Winner takes all! I win, we all go free. You win, we die. Swear upon the River Styx." Amused by such a small and young boy's challenge, Antaeus agreed to the challenge, though he couldn't exactly refuse considering how many people were watching. He was probably worried that gossip would spread amongst his peers how he had turned down a challenge from a puny little demigod which would mean he could never show his face in public again. Not that I'd want to see him in public. How did anyone make a face like that? It might have been handsome once were it not for all the disfigurement which seemed self-inflicted, yellowed teeth, oily looking hair and the blood red skin. Any attractiveness had long since been lost, and I wondered if that happened to immortal beings when they corrupted themselves so badly, their insides reflected on the outside. With that delightful thought in my head, I glanced at Luke with concern. I hope that doesn't happen to him.
"This shouldn't take long. I swear to your terms!" In hindsight Percy probably have thought this through a little more, because when Antaeus rocked himself to his feet which made the entire arena vibrate and seemingly shift, he was actually a lot taller than you'd expect after seeing him sitting down. Plus, that loincloth. Could someone please get this guy an XXXXXXL pair of pants, please? Bracing myself when Antaeus leaped into the arena, the shaking did not help settle the nauseous feeling in my stomach as the weapons were established and the fight begun with Luke as referee. I chickened out. I hid my face behind my hands. Beside me Michael kept his arm around me ready to console me should the worst happen, however after a few moments I heard him give a short laugh.
"He's actually doing great, though Antaeus keeps on healing every time Percy strikes him. Take a look." He encouraged so I peeped through the gaps in my fingers as the sounds of the spectators rang in my ears and saw Percy had managed to stab Antaeus in the ribs with his sword which caused Antaeus to roar and naturally pull away, meaning Percy was now defenceless. My hand jumped to grasp my charm bracelet, a finger brushing against Amaryllis but I refrained from drawing it. Percy's got this. He's totally got this. Right? I mean…that is one seriously angry giant. Antaeus flung the sword away so that it was far beyond Percy's reach and even as the sword clattered to the ground, the earth seemed to rise up from the ground like some kind of muddy cocoon to quench the sand that was pouring from the wound, because apparently Antaeus was too cool to have blood like normal people. When the earth fell away Antaeus was whole once more without any injury, and with a start I realised it was like when the water heals Percy, only with Antaeus it was earth. So long as he was in contact with the earth, he couldn't be killed. If only there was some water around, because then Percy would totally kick this guy's butt without breaking a sweat.
"Now you see why I never lose, demigod!" Antaeus grinned victoriously as he towered over Percy. "Come here and let me crush you. I'll make it quick." Clearly the giant didn't get the brains in the family, because what moron would willingly walk to their death to be crushed by huge, meaty hands? I watched as Percy feinted left and then to the right, pausing for a moment as if to consider something, before then darting directly forwards. Being smaller, Percy was quicker and thankfully Antaeus was just plain stupid. He made to catch Percy who seemed to be running directly into his hands, before all at once Percy then seemed to jump like a flea onto the giant's forearm then scuttle upwards all the way to his head as Antaeus then stood up with a shout of indignation as I did my best not to laugh, though a small snort and smirk did escape me. With the added lift Percy went flying straight up like a rocket and into the ropes of chains that hung from the ceiling like party streamers of death, owing to the skulls that dotted them. When Percy clung to one of the chains and hung there like some kind of baby sloth, he started to cut through chains as Antaeus swatted at him. "Come down here, coward!"
"Come up and get me! Or are you too slow and fat?" Ever since we were kids Percy had had a quick tongue and some rather awesome one liners. It almost negated the tension owing to the fact that he was in the middle of a battle for his life. Almost. As Antaeus managed to grasp his own chain, Percy then used the one that hung in his hand to swing it at Antaeus's backside, trying to hook him like a rubber ducky at one of those carnival stalls. I held my breath in suspense until he succeeded, moving so fast it seemed like he'd practiced this his entire life, running the chain hooking the giant through the fastening of the chain which he still clung to with his legs hooked over them, making sure the chain was secure and taut which then suspended Antaeus off the ground. None dared laugh, though I had a feeling more than one of us deeply wanted to. Namely me. I watched with silent pride as Percy continued to tie and trap Antaeus in the chains of his own temple, then once he was down upon the ground with Antaeus still stuck in the air, he brushed off his hands. Antaeus begged to be let down and Luke shouted for him to be freed because he was our host, but before anyone could move to obey, Percy had uncapped Riptide which had once more returned to his pocket. "I'll free him." Then he thrust upwards into the giant's stomach, and this time the earth could not save him.
He emptied like a sandbag, and then he was gone, leaving that nasty loincloth still stuck on the curve of a hook. I wonder if Percy had managed to catch him so quickly was because he had a natural talent for fishing? I quickly tossed aside my flippant thoughts, because now Luke was furious. "Jackson! I should have killed you a long time ago." Looking rather sweaty and worn out, Percy merely pointed out that Luke had already tried to before, then reminded him about his deal with Antaeus but Luke merely sneered. "Antaeus is dead. His oath dies with him. But since I'm feeling merciful today, I'll have you killed quickly." Behind his voice I could hear the words of Kronos, the excited hiss of hungry monsters bristling like a thousand rattlesnakes. "Spare the girl." Luke ordered as he pointed to Annabeth, his face flickering for a moment. "I would speak to her before…before our great triumph." It was gratifying to know that Luke still had enough of his own self to care about Annabeth, but right now I had bigger problems. My brother and his friends were about to become snacks for several hundred ravenous monsters. I started to rise to my feet with Michael naturally blocking my way with his arm as I remained poised on the tips of my toes, trying to think of a solution, even beg with Luke to let Percy live, perhaps convince Kronos that he would be a useful bargaining chip against our father, but then I noticed that Percy had something in his hand. It looked like a whistle, though when he blew on it I saw it break and shatter like glass or ice without ever making a sound, though I was certain that I had heard some kind of distant piercing ring just at the tip of my hearing's ability. Were I still blind, I might have been able to hear it better. "What was that supposed to do?" Luke mocked, clearly not knowing what the item was meant for, but he soon ate those words.
When I saw Kelli get picked up in the maw of a salivating and rather huge hellhound before being shaken like a dog chew, I burst out with a laugh. I couldn't help but enjoy her predicament. Not so much though when she was thrown against Luke and she landed in his lap, the two of them momentarily too stunned to move. A flare of irritation scorched my insides but I shoved it aside, rushing to move out of the way as monsters started to stir from their shock from the sudden appearance of a hellhound which was now panting and seemingly grinning, like she was now looking for her next treat having just snarled at the dracaenae holding Annabeth and the other girl hostage. No monster fancied becoming a hellhound's new toy. Percy shouted for everyone to run before calling to the hound, Mrs O'Leary, I think he called her, before they raced towards the far exit as the strange girl had shouted it was the right one for them to take. I remained standing perfectly still, also so completely astonished by what had happened I couldn't even think, but then I looked over and saw Kelli covered in dog drool, and I knew that this had been the best moment of an entirely depressing day.