I closed my eyes as Kronos continued talking and creeping closer, letting my conciousness wander. I was looking specifically for someone. And I found her, alert and open, just waiting for me to slip in. As I did, I felt her squeek, surprised. I thought, Its okay April, its me, Nicole. Remember? She heard my words in her mind, and responded, How are you doing this? I didn't have the time, so I quickly thought, Shh, let it go. She surprisingly did, and let me have full control. I could feel the toll this was going to take a huge toll on me, so I made it quick work. I could feel her face rearranging itself, scars disappearing, eyes getting bigger and brighter, lips getting fuller. Soon, she was beautiful once again. I released her and slipped back into my body. Just a little Aphrodite girl magic. I thought. Then I opened my eyes.
Kronos was staring at me, no longer fierce and determined, but utterly taken off guard. I could feel my skin settle into its new shape, and wondered what I looked like. But I had neither the time nor will to look in a mirror. So I sprung out of the bed, leaving Kronos still shell-shocked. I flung myself into the hallway, remembering the route we had taken earlier, and soon found myself back in the throne room. "Percy?" I said, and heard my voice echo loudly. I then felt a knife press itself against my back. I slowly turned, and saw the last person I expected to.
Annabeth Chase was standing in Kronos throne room, visibly sad and pissed. I could feel her anger focused on me. In the dim light of the dying fire, she couldn't see my face, but had went by my voice. "You!" She spat. "You tricked Percy, betrayed him! That's why Poseidon hates you, he knew your intentions! I followed you, I heard every word you spoke to Kronos, you little whore. And then you let them take Percy and went to bed with him. Slut!" She screamed, advancing forward. I knew I was doomed until I heard another voice, coming from behind me once again.
"Annabeth!" It said, male, and so full of love and joy tears pricked my eyes. Percy came into my view, bleeding from a few cuts and a few new bruises added. He swept her up into a hug, but she was still stiff with anger. He took her face in his hands and directed it at his. "Annabeth, look, im fine. It was all part of the plan. Nicoles on our side, don't you see? I escaped, she escaped, and now were waiting for everyone from Camp Half-Blood to get here. Were going to storm the castle. You would've heard about it if you hadn't left camp to follow us. Its okay, the invasions already begun, their up the mountain now." He reassured her, spilling all of my plan but one part I hadn't even mentioned to him. But it didn't even affect them, so I felt no need to mention it. I noticed that his hand encircled hers, and I smiled. Go mom. was a little thought.
It was almost a peaceful moment, broken by sarcastic clapping coming once again from behind me. I turned slowly, to see Kronos ambling towards us. "Oh, very nice. Good plan, I must say. Except for the fact that your just told me!" He cackled, then continued. "Oh, and Nicole forgot to mention another part of the plan, didn't she? Go on Nicole, show them your new face!" The fire flared, showering the room with light. Dread filled me and I saw my face reflected in the black stone, and I heard the gasps of Percy and Annabeth.
No longer was I the picture of loveliness. That had all gone to April. No, now I had small squinty eyes, too close together, a long crooked nose, and thin chapped lips. Acne coated my face, and my hair was lank. The sad part was, you could still tell it was me. I was just...ugly. A thick silence descended on us, broken only when Kronos took another step forward.
"Tsk tsk, you were a lovely girl. Now Percy, this is all that you have on your side? A hideous Daughter of Aphrodite and a lovesick Daughter of Athena. You can think your armies coming, but mine too has gone after them. It will soon all be over, with me on top. Im giving you a final chance, join me. These useless Godlings can be spared for your entertainment. Join the winning side, Percy."
The sad thing was, I saw Percy thinking about it. I also saw him come to a descision a second before Kronos did. Percys sword was out and slashed towards Kronos, who just barely blocked it, and the fight was on. Annabeth and I watched until we heard the sounds of battle outside. We then rushed to the windows.
The Camp Half-Blood army was advancing, with the Gods as the front line. Their children sprawled out behind them. We had such a massive force, I was filled with hope. But then that happy ballon was popped as I saw Kronos army, which outnumbered ours vastly. Monsters in every form were advancing towards our now meager looking force. Annabeth and I watched wide-eyed, getting so involved in the battle we were leaning against the window. Which was our downfall. We had forgotten the battle going on behind us, but Kronos had not forgotten us. He and Percy had been circling each other when he noticed Annabeths and my position. With a huge bound, he hit the glass, shattering it and sending me off balance. I precariously perched for a terrifying moment, then with a sickening feeling, started to fall. I could feel two pairs of hands grab at me, but I was already tumbling down towards the battle.
A/N: Shorter than the others, but an updates imminent. Im so involved in this, its just pouring out.
Song- Love Me Dead by Ludo