AN: Here is chapter 3! I am hoping to go a chapter a week at minimum, but writing has gotten really hard with the holidays and all. Anyway, thanks for the reviews!
To Guest (first reviewer):
I decided to not have one of percy's friends turn on him suddenly and betray him, as are in lots of other stories, because Percy's best friends in the series are known for their loyalty, and I want to stick to that. I just don't feel like it is a plausible solution to getting the plot up and running. Im glad you agree with me
Keep on reviewing and stick with the stories guys :) I have a whole lot of plot twists and I have an excellent outline of the story, and I know you will all like it.
Anyway... Lets get on with chapter 3!
Disclaimer: I do not own Percy jackson and the olympians.
Annabeth's PoV:
It was finally Friday, meaning Capture the Flag was tonight. I was so excited. Even though we were against the Hunters and two children of Zeus, I wasn't afraid, because I have Percy. He just... completes me. I lay there in his bed, his arm around me, and felt him breathe softly against my neck. I was going to ask Chiron if we could have a room in the Big House with a king size bed. I was getting tired of sleeping in his cabin, and Malcolm embarrassing me in front of my siblings.
Anyway, we had prepared all Wednesday and Thursday, setting traps, going over strategy, and the best way of defending against archers. We were going to have a huge bulk of our force, particularly Ares, Athena, and Hephaestus cabins in Testudo formation, which is Latin for tortoise. True, we were "borrowing" it from the Romans and Camp Jupiter campers who taught it to us. Basically, we were all going to link shields in a 7 person by 6 person formation, with the inner people's shields on top, blocking arrows from above, those on the side blocking arrows coming in from our flank, and those in the front blocking head on attacks.
(AN: look it up if you don't understand, it's pretty cool. . .)
While they were distracting the main force of their archers, Me, Percy, Clarisse, Timmy Jones and Layla Jones (both twin siblings of mine), and Steven Schmidt (an Ares camper), were all going along the right flank of the forest, where we would search for the flag and hope to remain undetected. We had the best warriors in this group, who knew their way around a battle, just in case we ran into enemy troops (Thalia especially.) She was a handful in battle, and a superb fighter. It was not fun going up against her. Plus she had her Zeus lightning powers (making her even scarier).
No matter though, we had a demigod just at powerful as her, probably even more powerful, who has saved the world countless times, and he just happened to be my boyfriend. I could feel Percy mumble something as he began to wake up, and our eyes locked, causing him to smile. I smiled back.
"You ready for tonight, Wise Girl?" he teased, and he stroked my hair behind my ear with his hand. I punched him playfully.
"Is that even a question, Seaweed Brain?" He laughed as we both got up and got dressed. I hugged him goodbye, as we headed towards the dining area. It was breakfast time, and I was starving. "I'll catch you later," he said, walking over to sit with Zade. I nodded, and walked over to the Athena table, greeted by a grinning Malcolm holding back laughter. I punched him in the arm, and that shut him up.
"You guys remember the plan for tonight, right?" I asked. My siblings nodded, exchanging smiles between them. I knew they couldn't wait. I couldn't wait. I started digging in to some pancakes and bacon as Chiron walked up to the front of the eating area. Everyone stopped eating and turned towards him.
"Tonight, is capture the flag!" The whole camp roared and cheered, anxious for the night to come. "I am well aware of the eagerness inside you all. Just remember to play fair, and follow the rules. And if I catch any one of you cheating, and trying to learn the other team's strategy, you will forfeit by default. Are we clear?" He raised his eyebrows, making eye contact with each camper. There were a lot more campers nowadays, due to the promise Percy made the gods take.
Everyone in the camp nodded. "Good," he said, "and with that, have a great day everyone." I was so anxious yet so nervous. What did Thalia and Zade have in store for us?
Thalia's PoV:
After Chiron addressed the camp, the hunters and I went back to our cabin, with Zade and the other counselors, to review our battle strategy. We had a really good idea, spreading our archers along the border between each side. That way they couldn't get around us. We were also having Pollux and Phoebe guarding the flag, which was placed at Zeus' fist. The Demeter cabin was going to make a makeshift jungle along the banks of the river, while Zade, Michael, Katie and I ran around the left flank. I had a feeling where Percy was going to have the flag; he generally put it as far away as possibly, near the ant hill he showed me a while back.
Michael, though thought dead during the war, returned six months after it ended, still shaking up from falling a hundred feet off of the bridge, into the water. We were all amazed that he was still alive, and he said the Apollo had blessed him on the way down.
"Alright everyone," I said, getting the attention of my comrades. "Today is the day we've all been waiting for. And you all know that I HATE to lose." All the girls nodded. Most of them feared me when I was angry, but I tried to be a calm friend when necessary.
"You all know the drill," said Zade calmly. "While the main bulk of our archers is holding back their central unit, we are sending an élite squad around the perimeter. This includes my sister and I," he nodded to me, "Michael, and Katie. Remember to watch out for the best fighters." We all knew he meant Percy, Clarisse and Annabeth. They were all excellent warriors and had the experience of two life changing wars: The Second Titan War and Giant War. We knew it would be hard if we ran into them.
"Remember also," I chimed in, "the Stoll brothers, notorious for their pranks, are sure to be at it tonight. Be on your guard for fart-bombs and other traps."
"We'll show those boys..." one of the Hunters said. We all cheered in agreement. "Now," I said, "You punks get ready for the fight of your lives tonight. Tonight, we beat Kelp-Head!" We all cheered before dispersing. The hunters and I went to the archery range for practice, followed by Zade. I could tell he wanted to talk.
He set up right next to my target, and started drawing me into a conversation. I could only guess what was going through his head at the moment.
"Hey big sis. I know it sounds weird, but... I've never really met a family member before, and I want you to know that I won't let you down," he assured me. I stopped shooting and looked at him.
"The only other sibling I met is my little brother Jason," I said. "We had the same mom but his is the Roman version of a demigod." Zade was confused, and I quickly explained to him about how the gods have two forms: Roman and Greek. Greek being better, of course.
"I'm so glad you're alive little bro. I've always wanted a little brother I can relate to. Jason lives across the country," I sighed. Zade patted me on the back. "I've always wanted a sibling," he said. "Being left with my abusive mom was awful. I just felt abandoned." Feeling his pain, I embraced him in a hug.
"Now are you ready to kick some Poseidon but?" I asked. He laughed, and said, "I can't wait."
*** 8 hours later***
Percy's PoV:
"It is finally time. The moment you've all been waiting for. CAPTURE THE FLAG!" Chiron yelled, as all the campers held their weapons up high, returning his cheer. I could see every camper dressed in armor, weapons ready, for a battle we had waited all week for. I uncapped Riptide, raised it in the air, cheering along with my peers. I grinned at Annabeth excitedly, who did the same.
"The same capture the flag rules apply. Do not cross the river until the conch shell is sounded. Also, please do not kill or maim anyone, I don't want to end tonight on a sour note. I will serve as referee and battlefield medic. Any questions?" Chiron requested. People always got maimed, but deaths were very rare on Camp grounds. "Now, go to your teams, and fight on!" We all cheered. I gestured for my team to rally about 100 yards from the creek. I went over the strategy again. After I finished, I spoke a very corny yet inspirational speech.
"Today, we fight! For our pride, our dignity, our honor! Remember the plan everyone, and use the training you have been perfected for years! For team PERCY!" We all cheered, as we heard an even louder cheer in response from the other team. Some of the campers were intimidated, but I rallied their spirits.
"Ready to kick some ass, sweetie?" I asked Annabeth. She smiled and opened her mouth, about to say something, but the conch shell interrupted her.
"CHARGE!" I yelled, as I heard Zade yell the same. The bulk of our forces quickly formed the Testudo formation, as my task force and I silently ran to the right side of the forest. I took out a map, and gestured for them to gather round. I was never good with strategy, although I've improved over the years. Annabeth thought up this plan tonight, and was describing what to do on the map. She distracted us from listening to the sound of yelling and swords hitting shields.
"We do not know where their flag is, but it may be at Zeus' fist. That is a very popular spot to place it, as it is easily guarded and is difficult to reach the top without proper climbing training. Zeus' fist is here," she pointed to a rock cluster on the map, "and we are going to flank them along this path." She drew an arc that went from the right side of the forest around towards Zeus' fist. "If you ever get split up, just stick to the plan and head over there, but do not attack or go for the flag until we regroup at the perimeter of the rocks. We should run into some defenses here, here, and here." She continued pointing at vantage points that Zade's team was sure to occupy.
"Alright guys, one last thing," she said. We all waited for what she wanted to say. "Let's kick some ass." We all laughed and nodded in agreement.
"Let's go!" I ordered, as everyone started to head out. "Good going Annabeth. You are really cute when you order people around. Nobody expects a princess to," I kissed her on the cheek.
"Thanks," she mumbled. Anyway, let's go." I nodded. I was getting distracting by my love for Annabeth. We caught up with the others, who were careful not to alert any enemies who may be stalking us. We proceeded across the right flank.
Just then, 4 hunters released a volley of arrows at us, and I yelled to take cover. Timmy blocked one with his shield, which would have gone straight through his neck if he did not. I had to admit, they did a thorough job at surprising us.
"AMBUSH! LEFT SIDE, LEFT SIDE!" I commanded, as three more hunters ran up, knives at the ready. I made contact with one of their swords, parrying before pushing her back onto her butt. I glanced and saw Annabeth put on her New York Yankees hat, which made her invisible. She sneaked behind one of the girls on a hill we had approached, and pushed her off, into a small pond. She took off her hat and laughed, before jumping down to rejoin our ranks.
Clarisse let out a war cry before charging 2 of the hunters, blocking arrows with her shield. She knocked when hunter unconscious, by bashing her face with the shield. I cringed, knowing that must have hurt. She then cut the other's bow in half with a knife, before pulling our her spear, zapping a third one onto the floor. The hunter was steaming with rage, now that her bow was useless.
"You'll pay for that, daughter of Ares," she growled, as she and Clarisse continued to fight. Layla Jones, Timmy's twin sister, look passed out by one of the trees. I think she was knocked back into one. Timmy was kneeling in front of her, before he was electrocuted by a bolt of electricity. We were winning the battle, before I turned around to spot Pinecone Face and her little brother, standing behind me. The hunters were all compromised.
"Annabeth, continue the plan, lead everyone on! I'll handle them!" I yelled, pointing to the children of Zeus. She nodded, and rallied our squad, leaving as quickly as possible.
Being close to the pond that the Annabeth pushed the hunter in, I willed the water to swirl up into a funnel, before launching it at Thalia and Zade. It knocked them off their feet, but they soon stood up a again. Zade looked at Thalia.
"Thalia, go stop the rest of them before the find the flag! I'll take care of Percy," Zade said. I chuckled in disbelief.
"Bring it on pal, bring it on," I taunted. Thalia asked Zade if he was certain he could, and when he replied yes, she agreed, and ran off to Annabeth. I could only wonder what the rest of the fight was like.
Connor Stoll's PoV:
After the conch shell had sounded, Travis and I ran back behind our lines, continuing to place fart bombs and magical traps. We loved doing this, and it either incapacitated the other team or pissed them off beyond belief. I found that hilarious.
"Yo Travis, should I place the Minotaur crap bomb near our flag or the bag of rotten eggs," I asked, holding both up. He thought for a while, before responding. "Definitely the Minotaur poop. It is the worst smelling stuff from here to Hades. And people get stuck in it." I laughed. We fist bumped and continued setting up traps. We ran into Jake Mason setting up some mechanical automatons, which he had worked on for years trying to perfect. They looked like little celestial bronze spiders. They were about 1 foot off the ground and 3 feet in diameter.
"Jake, what are those things?" Travis asked. Jake grinned like a madman.
"Just a little surprise I've been working on. These spiders activate when it detects hostile activity. The other team 'aint gonna see this coming " He grinned with satisfaction, while Travis and I gave a mocking round of applause. We laughed and high-fived, before going over to the creek. We came up behind the tortoise formation thingy that Percy described, which was being attack and bombarded by dozens of arrows and javelins, but to no avail. Our teammates just kept marching towards the enemy, occasionally throwing a spear or two when the hunters were knocking new arrows.
"Not bad," I muttered. I could tell they did not see this coming.
"Stop talking Connor and help me," Travis said, as he took bags of rotten eggs, throwing them at the enemy.
"Now THAT's what I'm talking about!" I yelled, before joining him in humiliating the Hunters of Artemis.
Thalia's PoV:
I ran after Annabeth, knowing she would head for Zeus' fist first. I was making ground on her, but she was still 200 yards away and running fast, right in the direction of our flag. I cursed under my breath. I ran after her as fast as I could, and while I was all I could think about was Nico. He'd been gone on some Underworld mission for almost 6 months, and I hadn't seen him. I didn't know, and was confused about my feelings for him. Did I like him as a friend, more than a friend? I just wasn't sure.
"For ARES!" yelled a boy who had interrupted my thoughts of Nico. He threw a spear at me, which I easily sidestepped, before knocking a new arrow onto my bow. I took aim to him, and shot an arrow, ripping a hole through his baggy shirt. He pulled out his sword and shield, and charged me, but I was ready. I took out Aegis, my shield of fear, and a tremor of terror shot instantly through his body, like his was frozen in place.
I approached him, telling him about how no boy was a match for a Hunter of Artemis, let alone the Moon Goddess's lieutenant. I then knocked him on the head with the flat of my sword, knocking him out.
"Boys," I muttered as I ran after Annabeth. She was ensnared in a Demeter Camper's roots. The girl seemed to be Katie, and she had slowed Annabeth down. However, Annabeth could not be taken out that easily. She quickly cut the root off of her ankle with her knife, slashed at Katie, knocking her off-balance. Annabeth then disarmed Katie, and threw her weapon away, before proceeding to head to Zeus' fist, which was now in sight.
Katie failed in stopping her, but had succeeded in buying me time to catch up. I sent a bolt of lightning towards Annabeth; a small one, because she was my best friend, but it still knocked her to the ground. The back of her shirt had a hole in in it from being seared with lightning. She turned around towards me, sizzling, and cursed under her breath before getting up and charging.
"Oh it's on Thals, it's on!" She cried before charging at me. The fun had finally begun.
Annabeth's PoV:
Thalia had caught up to me. Dammit. She was always a great fighter. "Oh it's on Thals, it's on!" I yelled before running at her. She took her shield Aegis out, and I quickly took cover behind a tree, so I wouldn't be stuck in her fear trance. I put on my Yankees hat before disappearing.
Thalia ran around the tree I was at, before realizing I wasn't there. She scratched her head, as if confused, before realizing that I hat put on my invisibility hat. She laughed, knowing I had outsmarted her.
"I should've known Annabeth. You always were a smarter fighter than I," Thalia said, looking around for me. I was sneaking towards the cluster of rocks, before noticing the flag on top of it. "You know, I didn't expect a daughter of Athena to run away from a fight, but I guess I was mistaken." I flinched when she said that. I always cherished my pride, and she had damaged it. I was tempted to take my hat off and fight her, before realizing she was toying with my mind; trying to trick me into engaging her in a fight.
"Sorry Thalia, but that's not happening," I said, instantly realizing my mistake. She turned around and drew her bow, right in the direction I was in. "Gotcha," she smirked, letting the arrow go. I just managed to dodge the arrow, as it flew right above my head, pinning my hat to the tree. I was visible again.
I drew my knife, as she drew her sword. She had the first swing, which I deflected before aiming at her right shoulder. I grazed her arm, but she kept pressing me on. She threw a dagger at my leg, which I dodged, but it knocked my off-balance. She took advantage of this by swinging at my head. I put my knife up and parried, but it knocked me onto my butt.
"Ouch," I gasped. I stood up, but my right leg was really hurting. I suddenly got an idea.
"Percy, run to our side with the flag!" I yelled. I knew Percy wasn't there, but Thalia didn't having her back turned to the great rock. Thalia turned around towards Zeus' fist, and I took advantage of her blunder by kicking her legs out from under her, and pressing my knife to her neck. She had an awe across on her face, before admiring her.
"Not bad Annabeth. You've really gotten good," she said, as I helped Thalia up. Not wanting to take any chances, I disarmed her, and forced her into a tree, and then I tied her up.
"See you after we win, Thalia!" I mocked, as I ran towards Zeus' fist. She laughed, knowing that I had bested her, while I hid a smile of pride on my face.
Zade's PoV:
Percy and I had been at it for nearly ten minutes, neither of us getting the upper hand. We were both slightly on the defensive, and I wasn't making any progress. He wasn't either, but it seemed like he was not tired at all. I swung at his ankles, causing him to jump, as I redirected my strike towards his chest. He swung his sword, quickly deflecting my strike before landing. He had a look of disbelief on his face, before he brushed it aside, and took a step back.
"Wow Zade, you've progressed fast. But even you can't stop me," he challenged, running towards the border. I ran after him, not knowing what trick he was pulling.
"Are you scared Perce! I mean, running from a kid three years younger than you?" I yelled jokingly. He just laughed. "You should be scared, Zade!" he replied as he reached the creek. I realized what he was doing, and I willed all my power into a massive lightning bolt. He did the same, forming an immense wall of water. We both held our elements at bay.
"It's a battle of powers, Zade. Let's see who wins," he said, as he released the wave, sending it directly at me. I did the same, using all my energy to release the bolt of lightning. I don't remember what happened next, as I groaned, spitting water out of my mouth. Percy's clothes were seared, and even he was shaken up. We both got too our feet.
"Let's not do that again," I mumbled. He agreed, brushing off his shoulders. I got my electric sword out and ready, as he readied Riptide. I charged him, lunging at his waistline. He barely avoided it, and in return he feigned a shot at my shoulder, which I went to block, before lunging at my neck. I flinched, thinking I was going to die, before he stopped the blade at my neck. I looked down to see a Celestial bronze blade, inches away from my Adam's apple.
"Nice try Zade, but it wasn't enough," he said cockily. I kicked him in the chest before jumping backwards.
"Let's finish this," I said to him. He laughed and brought up Riptide.
"I've only just begun," he said. He ran towards me, sword at the ready. Here we go again, I thought, blocking his first strike. He had a lot of power behind his blow, which I redirected at him. He stumbled backwards, and I jumped, swinging at his neck. He couldn't get his blade up in time, and I made contact with his body. I gasped, realizing I was about to take his life, before I felt an immense pain in my arm as my sword just bounced off him, as if he was made of metal.
Percy's PoV:
Zade was confused on how I didn't die just there, and I wasn't really in the mood to explain to him the curse of Achilles thing.
"Oh, I forgot to mention. I'm pretty much invincible," I said, lunging at him again. It seemed like his arm was hurt, but he pressed on, swinging away with new-found energy. I was beginning to tire. I fought well in battle, but part of the Curse of Achilles is the sleep that is needed afterwards. He slashed at my head, which I barely parried. I swung at his left arm, which he sidestepped, and he immediately swung down at my waist. I blocked his shot, but was surprised when he thrust his blade at my stomach. I fell for his trick, and tried to swipe it away, as he redirected at the hilt of my sword. I knew what he was doing: he was disarming me, just like I had shown him.
I tried to counter this, but it was too late. He vigorously twisted his blade, causing mine to fly out of my hands, and clatter against the ground. I had a shocked expression on my face, and to his disbelief, he had the same.
"Did I just do that?" he asked, not sure if he was dreaming or not. I nodded, and put my hands up, knowing I was defeated. He started cheering. I could only smile, happy for him that he had bested me, but I was mad at myself for losing.
"Nice job Zade, nice job." I congratulated him. He put out his hand, and I shook it. "Next time though, you're going down," I smirked, and he laughed as well.
"Dream on Percy," he said, walking me back to his side.
At that very moment, I knew something was wrong. It was like an eerie presence was in the area. I felt shivers down my back, like I did when Annabeth took a knife for me. I will never forget the feeling during this moment; it was as if death itself had put a hand on my shoulder. I turned around, and it seemed like time was in slow motion. There, 50 yards behind me, was an old teenage boy. He was clad in all black, head to toe, and only his eyes were showing. I was filled with terror as I examined his eyes. They had no color, no eye white, no nothing. They were all black, as if he had one giant pupil covering his eye. He brought up a bow, knocked an arrow, which was coated in a green substance. He drew his string. He released the arrow, arrogance in his eyes, as he turned away. I turned to warn Zade, but it was too late.
"ZADE! Nooooo!" I screamed.
When I turned around, I heard the sound of flesh being pierced. Zade turned towards me, blood coming out of his mouth. He looked down at his chest, where an arrow had punctured his heart. It took the utmost precision to be so accurate with a bow and arrow. It took years of practice. Zade dropped his sword, blood running down from his chest and mouth, as he lost his balance and collapsed. There, laying beside me was Zade, son of Zeus, dying before my eyes.
I ran to his side, pulling out some nectar that I almost kept in my pocket. I poured it on his wound, hoping for the best, but I knew it would not work. He started coughing and grimacing in pain, his life slipping away. I pulled out the arrow, which then dispersed into thin air. It was odd, and I then realized that there was no evidence of the arrow.
"Per...r..Percy.." he mumbled, grasping my hand with his dying breath. My eyes started to tear up as his grip was going slack. "You.. have be..been...a good...friend...d..." Those were the last words he spoke. Anger suddenly filled me, as I turned around, pure hatred flowing through me. I expected to see the assassin, but he was nowhere to be seen. Like he had disappeared. I did not like where this was headed.
Just seconds later, Annabeth ran up behind me. "Hey Percy I got the fla-." She gasped as she tried to say flag, as she saw Zade, dead beside me. "Percy, did you-" I cut her off. Thalia then ran up behind her, feeling her brother in danger. She gasped as well.
"Annabeth, Thalia, a man, someone, who just showed up killed him, I-" I didn't know what to say. She just hugged me and called for help. The whole camp seemed to file in before the scene. Murmurs were going around about me killing him. I couldn't speak; I just could not bring words to my mouth.
As if on cue, Zeus, King of the Gods himself appeared, soon followed by my father, Poseidon. It seemed like he knew that I was the only one present when he sensed his son's death. I bowed before him, as did the rest of camp, but his anger pierced through my like a butcher's knife.
"PERCY JACKSON!" he roared in a booming voice. I turned to my dad, who had a frown of disbelief on his face; he didn't want to believe what Zeus was about to say. Thunder clouds spontaneously appeared, and lightning filled the sky. "You, former hero of Olympus, have murdered my SON! You shall pay, and eternally suffer for you crime!"
"Lord Zeus, I didn't kill-"
"SILENCE!" he boomed, as I stumbled backwards. "I have seen what has happened. You will know true pain, puny demigod. I think you know what is coming. You shall be thrown into the depths of the deepest, darkest, most evil place on the face of the planet. The pit of Tartarus!"
"Percy, is this true?" my father asked, a shocked expression on my face. I shook my head.
"I was disarmed, I couldn't have, it wasn't me!" I pleaded.
Zeus started to grow into his fifty foot form. I tried to explain to him, but he would not listen to what I was saying. I looked at Annabeth, who was shocked. She ran over to me, crying, and hugged me. She looked me in the eye. I kissed her one last time, before facing my fate.
"I love you Annabeth. I will forever. And I will come back for you," I choked out, as Zeus grabbed me, after achieving his full form. He raised me fifty feet into the air. Annabeth broke down crying on the ground, before we vanished.
"Percy! No! Perc-" Annabeth screamed, but I was gone before she could finish.
We reappeared in San Francisco, where Tartarus was located. He walked over to the hills, and pointed towards a bottomless, black crevice that stretched miles wide. How humans did not know this was here, I didn't know. Zeus roared, and threw me into the pit.
Darkness enveloped me, as I fell. Everything dear to me was lost. I guess those dreams really did come true. I heard screams of pain, like someone getting tortured, as well as growls and sounds made by monsters I did not want to face.
"Finally. My champion arrives," said an ancient voice, filled with hatred. It sounded exactly like the evil being I had heard in my dream.
I passed out, after falling for what seemed like eternity.
I didn't want to wake back up.
A/N: There's chapter 3! The holidays are right now and I've only had time to edit existing chapters, but stay with me! As soon as I get back on my computer I will be firing up chapters like there's no tomorrow
Anyways, sorry for spelling and grammar errors if there are any. I recently went through and fixed those I noticed. Happy holidays!
