Chapter 10

We Meet the Amazons, Sort Of

Frank's P.O.V.

I was expecting to feel attacked, to feel uncomfortable, but after telling everyone about my life tied to the piece of firewood, I felt even more safer. Perhaps that was because Hazel had it now. Now go on, tell me that I am stupid, giving my life to a person, but I trusted Hazel more than even myself. That's what friends do. And if my friends trusted me enough for telling me their secrets, I trusted them with mine.

Well, I'd always had this hunch that Hazel was from another time. I mean, the way she reacted to things, like people using slangs and all, it was quite obvious. Not that I didn't like it, I found it really cute, but I'd always somewhat known it. And that made me appreciate Hazel more. She herself was a returned soul, but she was ready to rescue Thanatos, even though she knew that he would take her back. And well, giving up Elysium, that was something even the most determined of heroes can't.

And then there was Natalie. I would probably never have suspected that type of pain in her life. She always seemed so…. full of life. Putting up a smile even after being through so much, she was probably more stronger than any of us. But the main spice was what they told us about Hera's plan. Things seemed a lot clearer, but when I heard about Percy probably being a Greek, I became a bit upset. I'd never quite read camp history, but the rivalry between Greeks and Romans, that was something you knew about right after a week since you arrived at the Camp.

"If this is really Juno's plan," I said. "Then what if Jason and the others arrive before we get there? Without anyone to explain, the legion will capture or kill them. You can't expect Octavian to welcome Greeks with open arms."

Natalie shook her head. "We'll have to trust our luck. If Juno is planning, she'll probably delay them, do anything to make them reach camp at the right time. We've got to trust her for this."

The boat edged closer to the city. We decided to dock the boat at a distance from the harbour, because if we did at the docking yard, it might raise some questions, such as why four teenagers with a chicken like girl in a boat. The city glinted about a mile away from where we were standing.

"Okay, I'll bite," Percy said. "Does anyone have any idea where we can find the Amazons?"

We shook our head.

"Let's rent a taxi, get into the city and see what to do." Hazel stated. "And by all means, let's get some food too."

"Yeah, let's do that," Natalie agreed.

We walked a few minutes before we reached the road. We rented a taxi into the city and stopped at a local open restaurant. Ella had eaten all the food we'd brought from Phineas' truck, and we didn't blame her, because she'd been hungry for who knows how many days. We grabbed the nearest table and ordered some food. Then I remembered something.

"Does anyone have money?"

"It's on me," Natalie said, leaning on her chair.

Soon the waiter arrived with food, and we were munching mouthfuls. Ella just sat on a chair reading a book, and even if people saw her a bit strange(she did attract some looks), they continued being busy. It really, for the millionth time, amazed me how far mortals would go to avoid the truth, even when it's staring at them right in the face. Then again, I'd have given up anything to be a regular mortal with my friends.

"We still have to find the Amazons," Percy said through a mouthful of pizza.

"The thing is, we don't have any idea how to do that," Hazel sighed.

"Maybe we can ask anyone?" I suggested.

"Oh yeah, that'd be great. We'd be like - Hey ma'am, we're looking for this legendary race of female warriors and their queen with a lot of skill with their weapons and they even like to dominate people. Can you please tell us where to find them?" Percy said sarcastically.

Suddenly, a girl about nineteen came near our table, pulled an empty chair and sat down. She wore an olive coloured shirt and black jeans. She had brown hair tied on the back, and wore a nosepin. She looked like those meditarranean cafeteria girls, but her attitude said otherwise.

"A cup of tea, please. Bill's on me," she yelled to the waiter.

We stared at her, stunned. She folded her hands and kept looking at the waiter until he served her tea. She took a sip and leaned forward.

"So, you guys are looking for the Amazons?"

I didn't know why, but I found my hand tightening around my pack, in case we needed a quick smackdown. I hadn't actually expected something like this to happen.

Percy nodded. "Yeah. Can you help us with it?"

The weird looking girl took another sip. "Well, sure. I heard you talking about them, a bit loudly, I might add. Anyways you need help finding them, you're getting it."

Natalie raised an eyebrow. "Why are you helping us? How do we know we can trust you?"

I agreed with her. Now, when you've already seen weird enough things, you are sure to doubt someone. People don't usually just come up, offer help and even pay for your food. A weird girl who just comes in like this. Doubtful, for sure. Very doubtful.

The mediterranean girl just found it amusing. "I'd been waiting for someone to ask that. Any intelligent person would have. The answer to your question? I feel like it. Not everyone can tell you where the Amazons are, can they? You don't have another choice if you want to be on time, I'm your best bet. And if you don't want my help, then good luck. I'm sure I'll still see you here after the next ten years. So, I leave it to you to decide."

"Sorry, but who are you?" Hazel asked.

"Alisha, daughter of Mars."

I choked on my orange juice. Alisha raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry, just–," I pointed to my throat.

She took the last sip and put the cup back on the table. "Well, drink your juice carefully next time. I'm gonna go pay the bill. Y'all decide till then."

She got up and went to the bill counter. Everyone turned towards me. Even Ella peeked an eyebrow, then went back to reading, muttering something about choking boys.

"Can we trust her?" Percy asked me.

"Just because she's a daughter of Mars too, it doesn't mean I know her. Phineas is your half-brother too. And he's grosser than her."

"Thanks for reminding us of that," Natalie said. "I don't think we have another choice."

Hazel nodded. "Maybe we're just being too suspicious."

But still, something tingled at the back of my neck. I felt... different.

"Let's see what she's got for us. Maybe it'll be worth it." Percy said.

We all agreed that we'd take her help. Alisha came back from the billing counter.

"So, what have you decided?"

"We're taking your help. Tell us the location of the Amazons."

"Oh no. I'll take you there myself."

"Why?" Hazel inquired. "I think we're capable enough to go there. Just tell us the location."

Alisha chuckled. "Do you know the Amazons? They'll strike you dead before you even get to see them. I know them, not you. So, if you want to stay alive, then you'll have to trust me."

Great, everywhere we went, the only option was to do what others wanted. Not us. Alisha had left us with no other option. So we all nodded.

"Fine." Natalie sighed.

"Bon voyage!" Alisha muttered cheerfully, then stopped a taxi and showed something to the driver. We all hopped inside, obviously crammed. As the taxi started moving, everything became a blur. My stomach felt uneasy. After ten minutes of groans, exclamations and a lot of cursing, the taxi finally stopped. We all poured out as fast as we could. If I'd sat there for one more minute, I'd have been squeezed into Frank Puree™.

I looked around. We were standing at a place I'd seen in some magazines.

I turned to Alisha. "You didn't tell us that the Amazons live at the headquarters of Amazon."

She smirked. "Huh, that's the point isn't it? People think it's a company run by a businessman. In truth, it's run by Amazons. Now, come on in."

She led us inside the building, and gave us a mini tour. People were working here and there. Hustling and bustling around. Now, when I'd imagined Amazons, I thought they'd have been like forest native peoples and living in huts and all that, but here people were working in normal clothes.

"Mortals think they are buying things and all. But in secret, we're being funded. In fact, we've expanded our business to demigods too. You can order weapons, ambrosia, pegasus, stuff like that. We ship worldwide. The last time ambrosia was on a twenty percent discount, there were so many orders. We're thinking of expanding to small monsters too. For mock drills, you know. Demigods will even be able order monsters for practices."

Hazel turned to her. "You're an Amazon?"

Alisha nodded. "Sure I am."

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"Wanted to keep it a surprise. Anyway, I was waiting for you to realize."

"How could we have realized that?" I asked.

She raised her eyebrows skeptically. "Well, I told you I was a daughter of Mars. I live in Seattle, headquarters of the Amazons. I thought that'd be enough. Don't you know Amazons are followers of Mars, and are usually his children?"

I almost coughed again.

"What is with you and Mars? Every time he's mentioned, you go all weird." Alisha asked.

"He's my dad too."

"Oh. That's great. Why don't you join us too?"

Percy intervened. "I thought Amazons were all female."

"Amazons are female warriors. But men do work here. Like that."

She pointed to the right corner. Men in orange jumpsuits with shackles in their hands were picking up and placing boxes. I moved a bit away from her.

"No thanks. I'm fine."

Natalie coughed. "Look, Alisha. We've got work to do. We want to meet Hylla, your queen."

Alisha raised an eyebrow. "Sure, come, I'll take you to her"

She started walking briskly towards the end of the room, and put her fingerprint on a scanner beside a metal gate. The gate opened. A stone stairway led burned on the walls beside the stairway. I couldn't see where exactly it led or how long it was. The Amazons probably had an underground city or something. Alisha started going downwards, and we followed.

Natalie edged closer to us and whispered. "Doesn't she seem a bit weird? I mean, she just let us in and is taking us to her queen. It can't be that easy. It shouldn't be that easy."

Percy nodded. "I've got the same feeling. But, Hylla is Reyna's sister. Maybe she's not all violent and like that."

"Come on. Why are y'all walking so slowly?" Alisha asked us from the front.

The stairs finally came to an end. There was another metal door. Alisha put her thumb on the scanner again. The door opened into a large round chamber.

It was made completely of stones. Torches glinted on the walls. Guards flanked a middle-aged lady sitting on the throne. There were guards circling the room too. The lady had a glinting gold belt around her waist, that was hard not to not notice.

"Hylla can't be that old, can she?" Hazel whispered.

"No, absolutely not." I said.

Immediately, I knew we'd walked into a trap. Alisha went forward and bowed, somewhat reluctantly.

"Lady Otrera. I've done as you asked. I've brought these demigods to you."

Wait, Otrera? Reyna had told us Hylla was the queen. Then what was this strange woman doing here? And Alisha had said that she'd brought us. I understood what was going on.

"You betrayed us!" Natalie yelled.

The queen just chuckled. "Poor. Little. Demigods. Just too humble and trusting, aren't they?"

Percy had the courage to shout. "Who are you? And what're you doing in place of Hylla?"

Otrera studied him. "So you're Percy Jackson, huh? Heard a lot about you. Though I must say, I'm disappointed. I expected someone with more...sense. Haven't you understood yet? Your sister here does. Isn't it, Natalie?"

Natalie's voice trembled. "You've captured Hylla and taken her throne. You work for Gaea. You're the Otrera who was once the queen of Amazons. You're an escaped soul from the doors of death."

Otrera chuckled again. "Wise girl. And now you're all going to experience our hospitality, until Gaea says otherwise."

Alisha intervened. "Lady Otrera, you said that if I brought these demigods to you, you'd–,"

"Later, Alisha. First, I need to talk to my guests and make sure they get proper... treatment."

Alisha muttered something, but left the room. She gave us a look like, I'm sorry, but left the room talking to herself.

Otrera clapped her hands. The guards immediately pointed their spears at us. Just in two seconds, all four of us had formed a circle. My bow was in my hands. The other three had their sword raised in an attacking stance.

"Oh don't even think about attacking and getting your way out," Otrera said. "See above, my archers are all ready to strike you down as soon as you move. Believe me, they don't miss. You'll be dead faster than you even reach the guards on ground. Get into custody quietly, and well, if you prefer dying, then die."

She was right. On a circular balcony above, archers had their arrows aimed at us.

"I'm a Roman. I'm not surrendering to her." Natalie whispered.

But I knew it was worthless. We couldn't win this time, for sure. We had to surrender.

"Look," I whispered. "I appreciate that, but it's no good if you're dead. Maybe we can get a chance if we're alive."

"He's right. I think that's our best bet."

"Fine," Natalie huffed.

We lowered our weapons. The guards still had their weapons pointed at us. Four of them came forward and shackled our hands. They took our weapons too.

Five minutes later, we were in a big square stone room on a small tower. One wall, which had the gate, had metal bars. There was a small window with bars, and even if we could have broken the bars, which was seemingly impossible, the window was so small there was no way we could have escaped through it. I was right, the Amazons had made an underground settlement. We were currently in the prison, surrounded by towers similar like ours, that were meant for prisoners.

Percy was sitting in a corner, his head in his shackled hands. Hazel stared out of the small window outside. I was looking out of the bars on the other side of the cell. Natalie wss pacing from one part of the cell. She was looking so frustrated, that I was staying as far away from her as I could. She smacked her foot against the stone wall.

"Wow! That is the reason why I didn't want to give in. I knew we'd have to spend our time rotting here."

Percy looked up. "Frank was right. We wouldn't have stood a chance. Better alive than dead."

Somehow that seemed to make Natalie more frustrated. She sat down on the other corner, leaning against the wall, and studied her sneakers, muttering furiously. Percy's pen, which always returned to his pocket, had not returned back to his pocket. Probably they were keeping the pen from returning like Terminus had. A clatter came from somewhere, followed by weird sounds.

"Guys?" I asked slowly. "Did you hear that?"

Hazel, who'd probably heard the voices too, came and clutched the bars.

"Something is wrong downstairs."

A grunt echoed, followed by footsteps. Alisha appeared, her hair hanging loose out of her ponytail.

"You!" Natalie stood up. "What're you doing here?"

"Look," Alisha said. "I'm sorry, but I had to do it. I need to rescue queen Hylla to defeat Otrera."

"Yeah, right," Percy said sarcastically. "And you're doing that by helping Otrera. Good job."

"I had to side with her. Or else I'd have been stuck in the cell too. Someone needed to be out, who's on Hylla's side. I made a deal, that she'll let Hylla out of her cell if I brought you all. But that hag…. she's been holding queen Hylla inside an enchanted room, where her voice can't be heard. She knows if Hylla's allowed to speak, then she'll challenge her to a duel. I need to free her. That's the only way we can hold Hylla and you can go on your quest."

"If you're so smart, why don't you challenge her yourself?"

"Because I'm not the queen. Now, I'm gonna open that lock and I need your help to get Hylla out. If you agree not to attack."

We agreed to her. Alisha opened the lock. We all got out.

"Let's go," Alisha said.

We went downstairs and hid behind a wall.

"Now we're gonna go slowly and stealthily. Let's not attract any attention. You see that small building. We've to go there."

"That's where they're keeping her?" Percy asked.

"No. But that's where your weapons are being kept. We've to go get them first."

We hurried towards the small building. Two wolf headed men stood at the gate.

"Come on, let's get them." Percy said.

"No, I only have my knife. If we even get into their line of sight, they'll alert the others." Alisha whispered.

Great, now how were we supposed to get our weapons?

"I've got this," Natalie said.

I turned to her. "How?"

"They only took my sword. I can still get my bow." She said, as a matter of factly, lifting her hand. Her bow and quiver materialized.

"You couldn't have done it earlier?" Percy asked.

"What good would it have done us? You expected to get out with a bow and sword?"

"Guys," Alisha insisted. "Hurry up."

Natalie stepped forward and nocked two arrows at once. She stretched and released them. The next second, two small piles of monster dust stood where the wolf headed men had been.

We hurried inside and grabbed our weapons. Then we followed Alisha, hiding from the sight of guards. Finally, we reached the cell where Hylla was being held. Two guards flanked the entrance.

"I'll distract them," Hazel said.

"I'll come with you." Natalie said.

"Good luck."

They ran over the other side.

"Here!" Hazel yelled.

The guards followed them, weapons raised. As soon as the coast was clear, we rushed inside. Alisha kicked the lock open.

Hylla looked exactly Reyna's copy, except she looked older, and if possible, more mature. She might have been a bit taller than Reyna. She looked at Alisha, and bolted out of the cell. Then she looked at Percy. Anger flared inside her. She knocked Percy's sword and grabbed his throat, pushing him against the wall. Percy gasped for air.

"You!" Hylla yelled.

Alisha calmed her down.

"Lady Hylla, please, he's helped me rescue you. Leave him."

Hylla removed her hand from Percy's throat. Percy groaned.

"Why would he rescue me? After all he did to me and my sister!"

I looked at Percy, quizzically. He gave me a look like, I'll tell you later.

"Look, Hylla, I didn't mean it. Right now, I don't remember anything about my past, and I've just started getting my memory back. But I remember my trip to Circe's Island. I didn't mean to get you and Reyna into that."

Hylla looked perplexed.

"You came with that girl, Annabeth. I can tell when people are lying. You're saying the truth. But you still destroyed Circe's Island."

"Circe turned me into a Guinea Pig." Percy argued.

"Lady, we don't have much time. Two of their allies are helping us too."

Quickly, she explained to her the situation about Gaea and Hazel and Natalie.

Hylla turned to Percy. Percy told her about Reyna's request and gave her the ring. "I still don't like you, but you've helped me. I'll at least favour you by not killing you and letting you go. Now I've got to solve a few things with Otrera. If I succeed, Camp Jupiter will receive all the help and support from Amazons."

Natalie and Hazel came inside.

"The guards are knocked out."

Alisha looked at them with lit up eyes. "Those were the best fighters we had. You two would make great Amazons."

"Thanks," Natalie said. "But I don't think we're interested in joining."

Hazel nodded.

"Alisha, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Alisha nodded.

"If it's true…. then Hazel… take them to Arion. Get them out. I'll deal with Otrera. And thank you."

Alisha smiled, and she looked like she'd been given the greatest honour of her life. Alisha gave Hylla a sword, then we wished her luck and followed Alisha out.

"What happens now?" Natalie asked.

"Hylla will shout a challenge to Otrera. Nobody can harm her unless she's defeated. Which she won't be. Otrera will keep coming back, but Hylla will hold her. We're dependent on you too."

If possible, I felt even more scared. Now everything depended on us. Not just the future of camp, but also of the Amazons.

"But how're we going to get out?"

A yell sounded from somewhere behind us.

"Oh gods! They've spotted us. Run. Follow me."

"Where're we going?" I asked.

"Out of this place."

We followed her through stairs, took numerous turns, and after running for ten minutes, we finally found sunlight. The trouble was, people were already waiting for us. As soon as they saw us, they charged.

Alisha ran back into the tunnel and took another turn. I hated being back in the dark, but better alive inside than dead outside.

We emerged in an open shed. There were chariots lined up on one side. Alisha closed the metal doors we'd emerged out through. The Amazons who'd been following us pounded on it.

"Quick," she turned to Hazel. "They'll get here soon. Whistle as loud as you can."

"What good is that going to do?" Hazel asked.

"Just do it."

Hazel whistled. As on cue, a beautiful horse landed in front of us.

My mouth fell open. "How can it - that fast?"

Hazel looked stunned. Then she seemed to understand.

"Quick, attach the reins. We'll get out on that. We'll have to dump the boat."

We all had all our necessary things, so dumping the boat didn't make us feel any sad. We attached the reins. There were dents in the doors now. The horse neighed.

"Gods, that horse knows some serious curse words." Percy said.

"How're you going to get out?" Natalie asked Alisha.

"I'll manage."

"Wait - what about Ella?" Percy asked.

I cursed. All of this had happened so fast, we'd forgotten Ella was still somewhere in another cell. The poor thing would be freaking out right now.

"I'll take care of her. Don't worry. And good luck."

We boarded the chariot.

"Thanks." I said. Just then, the door burst open.

"Go!' Alisha yelled.

Hazel lashed at the reins. Everything became a blur. My stomach rolled inside my body. We were going so fast it was hard to focus on anything. All of us were literally screaming.

"What is this!" Percy yelled.

"Arion. It's my horse now, kind of," Hazel replied.

"Well, tell it to stop. The chariot won't hold long," Natalie yelled.

I was too sick to say anything. Hazel yelled at the horse to stop. The chariot gave out just as we stopped. All of us fell down. All of us groaned, laying on the ground. Arion neighed again.

"You really need to wash your horse's mouth, Hazel," Natalie said.

I helped Hazel and Natalie up. We had rashes on our body from the fall. Natalie was bleeding from a small cut. I looked around, and immediately recognised the place. It was Vancouver. And I was near my house. My grandmother would be in there. I hadn't met her since I'd come to camp, and I really missed her.

"You're bleeding," Percy said.

"It's alright. Water heals me. Is there water nearby?" Natalie asked, squinting.

"Yeah, there's a pond right there," I said.

"How do you know?" Hazel asked.

"It's near my house. Vancouver. We can go there. Rest for a while."

"Thanks," Percy said, and he and Natalie set off towards the pond.

Hazel ran her hands through the horse. "You can go now. I'll call you when I need you."

Arion bowed, and then set off, a trail of smoke in the path he'd gone from.

"So, it's been a quest to visit our pasts, isn't it? First Natalie, now you and then it's going to be me."

I nodded. "My grandmother is going to be there, and she's a bit….you know, weird. So, don't mind her."

"Oh, I'd love meeting her," Hazel said.

I laughed. "I don't think you'd say that after you meet her."

Percy and Natalie came back, looking as fresh as new. But their faces looked sunken.

"Bad news," Natalie said. "We talked to some water nymphs. They said that Gaea knew we'd be coming here. She has sent some monsters near your place."

"We should go there. Maybe my grandmother can tell us how to get to Alaska now we've dumped the boat."

All of us agreed.

"Let's go," I said, and we set off, with me wondering what it'd be like meeting my grandmother after so long.