Here goes! The Last Chapter of Falling Star! I won't bother you with a long lecture or a long dedication, but this is it.

Dedication: Resh04, for her lovely review and comments :); Frankie-JaymeENGLISHPROUD, for being there since the beginning; Sum1, whoever the heck you are, for just simply saying that you love my story…

And the one who contributed so much…thanks, tlover13. You already know I love ya ;D

Thanks so much.

* * * * * * * * * *

Pain. Endless amounts pulsed angrily through me, my heart flinching at the slightest brush. Molten fire raced through my veins, burning and scarring me forever inside. The memory of the pain would be imprinted in my mind forever.

"It hurts," I moaned.

"I know," he replied, his voice sounding urgent, harried. "Hold on a little longer, Rylin."

"I can't. I can't do this!" My voice came out in a hoarse hiss. "Take it away! Please!"

Lyss's voice sounded broken. "Max, we're going to have to pull the spike out of her. There's no other way."

I felt his trembling fingers on my arm. "The pain will kill her, Lyss."

"There's no other way," Lyss repeated, though she didn't sound so sure of herself anymore. I felt myself twitching, but was still unable to open my eyes. My eyelids felt so heavy…

"Ready…" Lyss whispered. "One."

I was nowhere near ready.

"Two," Max murmured on my other side.

"Three."

I bit down on my lip, drawing blood as I thrashed against the ground. Then suddenly, blissfully, the pain drained from me, and I was left pale and weak. I struggled to open my eyes.

"Ryley?" Lyss asked, full of relief.

"Did I get him?" I asked. I wanted to repay that demon in any way I could for the wealth of pain he had brought me.

Max laughed. "Yeah, you got him on the backswing. Lucky for us, Lyss caught its tail just after it sunk into you; if it hadn't been for her you'd be dead."

I finally opened my eyes. Both of them were looking down at me, their eyes on my face. I slowly lowered my head to look at my chest. And immediately felt dizzy.

"Whoa." I muttered.

A huge gaping hole sat over my ribs, blood speckled up and down my front. Even as I watched my skin was healing over the wound, sewing itself effortlessly back together again. My head spun.

Normally I wasn't fazed a bit by blood, but this was my own, and to see myself hurt so badly threw me off. Max watched me sympathetically, his blue eyes icing over as he recovered from the shock of seeing me nearly killed.

Lyss stood up. "I should go get Ben." She disappeared into the darkness.

I sighed as I leaned back against the wall, my wound burning. I closed my eyes, drained from even that simple movement. "What happened to Ben?"

"Too much blood." Max replied shortly. His voice was closed.

"Ben's not afraid of blood," I muttered, just loud enough for him to hear me. The brick was cool against my neck, easing all the leftover burning from me.

"He's not afraid of blood," Max murmured. "He's afraid of YOUR blood. He doesn't like to see you get hurt, and he couldn't bear to see you in that much pain."

"That's sweet of him." I said dryly.

Max didn't reply.

Someone's aura flashed before my eyes; in an instant I recognized it as Ben's. He was close. I pushed myself up, still holding out one hand to support myself against the wall. My foot caught against something and I stumbled; someone caught me, my eyes flicking open in surprise.

Max let go of me quickly, turning his face away as his brother flew out of the darkness.

"Ryley!" he cried.

I grinned lopsidedly at him. "Hey, Ben."

He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around me and giving me a gentle squeeze. I still winced, flinching immediately away from him, holding my stomach. He looked quizzically at me, and suddenly I found myself dashing away into the forest.

I stopped by an elm, my breakfast coming up fast. I retched, wiping my mouth with the back of my sleeve, coughing like there was no tomorrow.

"Ryley!"

"I'm fine!" I snapped, whipping around.

Ace stared at me, tipping his head. "Really?"

"Yeah," I nodded, leaning weakly against the elm. Pain lanced through me, but I gritted my teeth, gesturing at him to continue. "Your report?"

"Their numbers are great," The Pegasus said calmly. "Kronos seems to be leading them straight toward Athens, where he hopes to meet up with the main force. Zeus and his family lie in wait there, as does your father."

"Who's with Kronos?"

"Morpheus, Oceanus, Crius, Helios. And not to mention Typhon and Atlas."

"Looks like he managed to trick somebody into holding up the world for him yet again. I honestly don't envy them." I had been forced to hold up the world for a day as a Quest once; it hadn't been my fondest of memories. "And Typhon-that doesn't bode well."

"Not for us it doesn't." Ace ruffled his wings. "I should get going. I'll be back tomorrow night."

"Bye, Ace."

I watched as he raced across the ground, tail streaming out behind him. In a couple of heartbeats he was out of my sight.

I turned back to the elm. What did it all mean? Kronos hadn't shown his face for decades; who was he to think he could march right up to Athens and blow it to smithereens? Zeus wouldn't allow it, and neither would I.

I walked slowly back to the camp, lost in thought. I unzipped the tent flap and clambered clumsily in; everyone's gazes were on me.

Holding my side with one hand, I collapsed onto my sleeping bag. I recounted Ace's report, wishing desperately that I had better news.

"Situation's pretty grave than." Ben spoke up.

"They need us there!" Lyss said wistfully, her eyes clouding over. "I'm sure we could help. If only your father would-"

"No." Max's voice cut through Lyss's. "Pan knew what he was doing when he told Ryley to stay out of the way. He told us to protect her, and that's what I'm going to do."

His eyes, cold and impassive, stared at me. I glared back, barely noticing that he'd said I instead of we.

"I don't need protection, Max." I growled fiercely. "Why can't you understand that?!"

His icy gaze traveled down to my blood stained shirt and back again. "Doesn't look that way to me."

Ben lay down next to me, one of his fingers running absentmindedly down my arm. For once I let him, narrowing my eyes at Max. I knew what I would find in his eyes, a cold unsympathetic look that I had gradually grown used to in the past weeks.

"C'mon Ben," I said coldly. "Let's go."

I turned my back on Lyss and Max, frustration weighing over anger as I thrust myself through the hole. Ben followed, his hands in his pockets.

"You shouldn't bait my brother like that," Ben said awkwardly, not looking at me. "One day you'll regret it."

I considered his words for a couple minutes, my brow furrowing as I continued to hold my aching side. I could feel myself breaking under all the strain that was building up in me, and I had to bite my bloodied lip to keep from screaming.

"What does he want from me?" I hissed. "He should understand more than anyone. But he doesn't even act like himself anymore. It's like he's been replaced with a statue that walks and talks, but doesn't have feelings or thoughts. I can't do this on my own!"

Ben's blue eyes widened, and in a flash he had gently wound his arms around me, my side not twinging even a little bit. "Me and Lyss are here for you, Ryley. You don't have to do this alone," he whispered into my hair.

Tears slipped down my face, and as I wiped them away I caught sight of a movement in the shadows. A lithe form leaned back against one of the trees, watching me and Ben. I narrowed my eyes defiantly at Max, briefly closing them as I drew myself back from Ben.

"Thanks," I whispered, tears still clinging lightly to my eyelashes. "I owe you one."

"You certainly do," Ben said quietly. His face broke out in a grin.

I looked up at the stars, glowing icily up in the sky. I had made up my mind.

"Get to bed. We've got a long day ahead of us."

"Why?"

"We're going to Athens."

Ben flashed another grin at me as he whipped around, striding back toward the tent. I watched him go, completely ignoring the son of Zeus that came up behind me quietly.

"Forget it, Max." My voice was impassive. "We're going to Athens whether you like it or not. You can hate me all you want. I don't care."

I heard him breathe sharply in. "I don't hate you."

"No," I said softly. "But you will."

And with that, I left the son of Zeus standing in the night, alone under the stars that were glowing so coldly down upon the forest. My destiny was for no one but me, and only I could bear the burden.

The Oracle's voice came back to me, her chilling voice sending shivers through me.

You shall die alone.

The King's daughter will fall.

You will never rise again.

I would fall never to rise. It was my destiny. But something had happened; Lyss had interfered by giving her life up for mine. And things would never be the same again.

The King's daughter will fall.

* * * * * * * * * *

The sunlight grew steadily brighter, flowing smoothly straight through the frantically waving figures of the trees, filling the clearing with blinding clarity. I froze with horror, my eyes focused on the two swords in front of me, one wickedly sharp with one wavy edge and one straight, and one that was as dark as night. Toxin fumes wafted from it, and I felt my head beginning to spin.

"Us, Nico. He'll have to go through us," Bianca added quietly, stepping up beside her brother. "We won't let Rylin go without a fight." Her hand was clenched around her own sword of stygian iron, her dark eyes turning into black holes.

I let my horrified gaze fall on Nico. His face was full of a controlled anger, flashing in his eyes as he knocked Backbiter away from me with a quick spin of his wrist. I barely kept from trembling as he stood protectively in front of me, blocking Kronos from my view.

"The question is, does she want to be saved?" Kronos murmured. "Ask her and then we'll see."

Nico twisted around to look at me, his dark eyes flaring. Bianca kept one eye on Kronos as she turned her attention to me, eager to hear what I had to say. I shifted my weight, my eyes wandering and becoming stuck on Max, his image the only thing I could hold in my gaze. I welcomed the pain- I deserved it for dragging Nico and Bianca into my mess. I had always been selfish, but this was an all time low, even for me.

"Do you want to be saved?" Nico's voice came out gentler than I had been expecting, and I looked up at him in shock, like a deer caught in a car's headlights. I was trapped.

I dropped my head and my gaze fell to the ground.

"I was meant to be a sacrifice. I was born to die. It's the only thing that can bring the wild back to life; the sacrifice of their new queen." I took a deep breath. "So no, Nico, I don't want to be saved."

"That's stupid!" Bianca spluttered.

I whipped my head up, fury coursing through me. They didn't understand! As soon as Kronos got past them, which undoubtedly he would, he'd kill me. And then he'd destroy everyone I loved, and my sacrifice would be for nothing. So I had to get them to let go, to let me die in peace.

"The Oracle hasn't been telling you for three hundred years that your life would be brought to a cruel and inhumane end by your own father, has she? The King's daughter shall rise, only to fall. You don't have to hear that crap every single time you wake up in the morning, wondering if it'll be your last day, or if this breath you're breathing will be your last! Ever since she spoke to me on the eve of my fifteenth birthday, telling me that everyone I cared about would be destroyed, and that I would be next, I've stayed away from people for over two hundred years." I paused. "And then I met you, Nico. I can't stay away from you, and I'm the most selfish person alive for that. Look at Max!" Bianca snapped her gaze away from me.

"Oh my gods-" She began, but I ignored her.

"I cared about him, and on the first night I see him again he gets killed! I'm a curse, a murderer, a plague; everybody's been looking at me all wrong! Lyss was wrong to save me, I'm a Titan and I always will be. You should stay away from me if you know what's good for you; I can't stand to see anyone else suffer! That's why I want to die!" I hissed furiously. "It'll be better for everyone when I'm gone."

Bianca's mouth was wide open as my fury died out. I didn't look at Nico, hoping desperately that I'd managed to cushion the blow enough so that it would be a clean break, not a jagged one. He needed to forget me if he wanted to keep living. It was as simple as that.

There was a long silence. I looked around the clearing, and was surprised to see animals lined up along the edge of the forest all around us, watching quietly. Their eyes glittered in the shadows. I sighed. I couldn't let my kingdom down, no matter what the cost.

"I won't let you."

His voice was shaky, the words a spike being driven into my heart.

I wanted to bring up the time when he had happily exchanged me for his sister, leaving me in the Underworld to be in pain for all eternity. But I couldn't hurt him more than I already had.

"Then you don't have to watch," I muttered.

I brushed past him toward Kronos, who looked half amused. How dare he.

Nico's arm stopped me. "Listen to what I have to say first."

I wasn't going to look at him. I wasn't going to…

His fingers gently tipped my chin up, forcing me to look deep into his pitch black eyes. My heart stopped. The words tumbled from me against my will.

"I don't want to hurt you," I pleaded. "If I have to give myself up to save you, I will."

"I know," Nico murmured, his face an inch from mine. "But I'm not asking you to."

"It's the only way. Let me go." I studied his dark eyes, some unfamiliar emotion swimming in them. I wanted to reach out and touch him, but I held myself back. It would just make everything so much harder.

"I can't." His voice faltered. "Stop asking me to."

I lowered my head against his hand. "I guess we have nothing more to say to each other, then." I pushed past him, stopping before Kronos. My eyes met his golden ones fearlessly as I raised my head. I saw a brief flicker of respect in his eyes before he sauntered forward to kill me, his scythe in hand.

"Rylin, you can't do this!" Bianca burst out. I was astonished to see her crying.

"I'm sorry, Bianca."

"Sorry doesn't cover it! It never will!"

I ignored her sobs. Cut myself out of the picture with a brutal slash, feeling the tape holding my heart together crumble into dust. Doing what was best for them, the least selfish act ever in my life.

Then came the words that froze me in my tracks.

"Ryley, I think I'm in love with you."

* * * * * * * * * *

Ace flew in a circle above the forest, as his hawk like eyes scoured the forest for any trace of the demigods. His wings beat heavily on the still air, the sun warming his feathers like the thermals, a comfortable warmth that burned through him lazily. He snorted.

Don't worry; it'll have all the action you can take, bro. Blackjack had said.

That Pegasus had a serious honesty issue.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, enjoying the warmth as he ruffled his feathers in the lovely summer evening. The past few days had been terrible on Ace; flying at his highest speed to get to New York in time, he had nearly given himself a heart attack when Sparkles had plummeted out of the sky right over Camp Halfblood with a happy whinny. His son was quite prone to overexcitement, as he had been to find out that a huge battle was about to take place. Blackjack had assured Ace that he would do everything he could to calm his son down, and Ace had decided he would try to help the demigods with anything they might need. If only he could find them.

His gaze raking over the waving treetops again, this time he caught sight of something. Ace dived to get a closer look.

In the clearing, Ace could see a couple people. They seemed to be arguing, and two of them were standing so close together that he thought they might start throwing punches any second. A girl was standing a couple feet away; she was watching the two close together intently, completely ignoring the fourth figure who stood a ways away, something sharp glittering wickedly in his hand.

Finally the person broke apart from the other, who looked so heartbrokenly after her that Ace felt pity stir his heart. Then he rested his gaze on the back of the girl who was moving toward the guy with the wicked blade. With a jolt, fiery recognition raced through him. It was Rylin!

The guy with the sword raised it.

With dread creeping through his heart, Ace knew what he intended to do.

His wings moving faster than light itself, the Pegasus launched himself at the Titan, his teeth bared in a snarl. Never!

He saw the sword flash down. I have to save her!

Without thinking, Ace threw himself in between Rylin and Kronos.

Pain exploded through the Pegasus. His back felt shattered, his mind swimming hazily on the borderline between life and death, between the feelings pulsing through him and the memories. Rylin's face appeared to him out of the mist, and warm relief spread through him. He had saved her. He had finally paid off his debt to her…

With reluctance, with regret Ace passed over the border, plunging into the dark hole where none could follow.

Following the trail to the place where only the dead could call home.

* * * * * * * * * *

Feathers exploded around me. There was a sickening thud as something ran headlong into the ground, blood blossoming across the ground, lapping against my sneakers. I found myself screaming, having finally found my emotions and my voice.

"ACE!!!" I screamed, tears surging down my face. He had to have survived. He was Ace, the mightiest of all the Pegasi, and he was mine. I hadn't just picked any Pegasus, I had picked the one I had fallen in love with at first sight. "NO!!! ACE!!!"

Why didn't he answer?! A numb fog slowly spread across my mind. Ace had never kept me waiting before, and suddenly I knew that if there was any chance of me worrying about him, he'd come up and whinny his warm little laugh and nuzzle my cheek. Where was he? Didn't he know I was freaking out?

The feathers slowly floated to the ground, drifting down gently. I expected him to come bursting out at any moment, whinnying his hooves off. But he didn't.

Something cool brushed my cheek. Someone turned me gently around, and suddenly I was sobbing into Nico's leather jacket, shaking. He wrapped his arms around me, content just to be there when I needed him.

"Where is he, Nico? Where's Ace?" I asked desperately.

His eyes brimming with pain, he just looked down at me and shook his head.

"He's gone, Rylin."

The ground thundered beneath me. Rain began to fall, huge drops the splattered me from head to toe. But still I stood there, safe in Nico's arms, as my heart tried valiantly to repair itself. The tears gradually slowed, and finally I took in a deep breath.

"KRONOS!!!" A deep voice roared, shaking the earth beneath my feet. Nico wordlessly handed me Aryryn, brushing his lips gently against mine for a second that seemed to last forever.

"Go get him," his eyes seemed to say.

I whipped around, my eyes blazing as new strength poured into me from Aryryn. My grip was strong, my anger even stronger. The storm swirled around me, a tornado of which I was the center, the winds surging around me.

"KRONOS!!" I roared, Aryryn blazing furiously. "YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THAT!"

He chuckled, knowing it would irk me. "Was that Pegasus that important to you, Rylin?"

The animals were racing around me, their eyes burning flames like they were possessed. I nodded at Kronos, and they leapt as one, attacking with a fierce rage that didn't extinguish as the Titan rose to meet them. Kronos' scythe whirled- a wolf fell to the ground soundlessly and didn't get up, and I winced.

Time seemed to slow down. The scythe continued to spin, but its owner was no longer holding it quite as hard. It was hard to tell, but it looked like Kronos' eyes were widening in fear. Wolf after wolf lashed out at him, and I could tell he was tiring rapidly, his golden eyes round with surprise.

"Hold." I thundered, and all the animals froze at the sound of my voice.

I walked softly over to Kronos.

"If Ace were here, he wouldn't want me to kill you, Kronos. He was always gentle, even with his enemies." I saw his face falling into one of relief. "But Ace isn't here right now. I am. And I won't stand for it." Aryryn glowed in my hand, casting shadows across the clearing.

"You finally got your wish, Kronos. I want to kill you." I whispered, enjoying the look of helplessness flickering on his face. "This is what you wanted, wasn't it? You wanted to die?"

His face suddenly hardened and suddenly I was reminded of the look on Kampe's face right before I killed her.

Kampe's old words came flowing back to me.

"We will hunt you until the end of time."

"We will hunt you until the end of time." Kronos growled, hatred contorting his handsome face. I could only wonder at what he meant. After I killed him, he wouldn't be coming back.

"What do you mean?" I hissed.

He narrowed his eyes at me menacingly. "You will find out soon enough. Dream while you can, Rylin. After we're finished with you, you'll never dream again."

He snapped his fingers, and I stared down in disbelief as his body turned into sand, crumbling, falling in a torrent down to the ground. A small pile of dust stood at my feet.

"COWARD!" I yelled.

"We will meet again, Rylin Becker," his voice whispered in my ear. "That's a promise."

I whirled around, Aryryn held tightly in my hand.

There was nothing there.

We. He said we. We will hunt you until the end of time.

Who else was there?! Who else would he be able to convince to join his cause, who else would be willing to join forces with the Titans? Aryryn sunk blade first into the soft ground at my feet as I pushed down on it, gleaming wickedly in the sunlight as my storm retreated, leaving the sun blazing on my skin. I shivered. It felt as cold as ice to me, like a shard of ice was sinking its way into my back.

Dream while you can, Rylin. And what was that about?

I heard Nico step up to my side, Bianca watching us from across the clearing. Her eyes were narrowed, though they were still sparkling from tears. I turned wordlessly back to my sword, tipping my head back to the sky with a sigh, the wind ruffling my hair with icy fingers.

"I meant what I said." Nico said quietly behind me.

"So did I. I'm a curse, Nico. A curse that will one day destroy you." I said tiredly.

"I don't believe any of that crap." Nico suddenly snapped. "I don't believe you." His voice was angry, but under that were all the emotions warring against each other-his worry, his anxiousness, and the one he tried desperately to hide the most. Love.

I slowly turned around. "After everything, you still want me?" I couldn't help it; my voice fell flat on incredulous.

"Of course I do," he whispered, gentle now. His hands came up to either side of my face, forcing my gaze to stay locked on his. I gazed at him, totally immersed in the joy that was welling up in me, the happiness that was filling up the gap in my heart that Ace had torn away.

"I always will. I love you."

He kissed me lightly, breaking away after a few seconds to look at me curiously. I hadn't reacted at all. I took a deep shaky breath as my legs threatened to collapse beneath me, burning the words in my memory. I love you.

"That works out good, then…" I murmured, a grin breaking out on my face. "I'm in love with you too."

As I launched myself at him, my heart pounding, seeing the love shining in his eyes, I felt something in me click. Some piece of me had slipped into place, and I was finally complete. His lips cool against my own, I couldn't help but feel that perhaps my new destiny had only just begun. My new life.

At last, on the final day, the rose bursts into bloom.

* * * * * * * * * *

"I said that's the ugliest sweater I've ever seen," the Hunter said again, her voice filling with venom and malice. "You've been around for centuries and you still can't afford Abercrombie like the rest of us, can you? You're POOR!" She said it like it was a swearword, and all the Hunters behind her gasped.

We were in the training room, and I had been helping Chiron with the newbies, teaching them which end of the sword that you should hold on to, and how to swing it and such, when Thalia and the rest of Artemis' Hunter had burst into the room. Thalia was at the lead, scathing comments and insults rolling of her tongue as she followed behind me as I attempted to ignore her and continue to teach.

But this time she had gone too far.

"Guys," I said brightly to the class, "I think the time has come for a practice match. Gather round, gather round. Today it will be me versus that slutty Hunter that you see over there." The class giggled.

"Have you taken a look at yourself lately, Ryley? YOU'RE the slut." There was a gasp from the class, and the Hunters sniggered. Thalia looked smugly at me, pulling out her sword. "Let's get this over with."

"Let's," I agreed, hatred dripping in my voice.

Thalia began circling around me, her eyes slinking around trying to find an opening. I kept whipping around, keeping my eyes locked steadily on hers.

Finally, on the third circle around, she lunged at me.

I dodged to the side, sticking out my foot. Thalia stumbled over it and smacked headlong into the wall with a satisfying crack. The class burst into yells, cheering and laughing their little heads off.

"Get her, Ryley!"

"Do that again!"

"Kill the Hunter!"

Thalia turned around, her blue eyes blazing. She ran at me, her sword crackling with electricity that darted straight for me. I held my hand out and sucked it in, the energy briefly flaring over me as I narrowed my eyes, Aryryn flashed up to block her weak swing at my head. In a second I was on the offensive, my sword ringing against hers again and again. Her hand was trembling at the effort of holding me back, her eyes widening in surprise.

My sword caught against the edge of hers. In a second the Hunter's sword was embedded deeply into the front door, up to its hilt in the wood where I had flung it. Aryryn flicked up to her throat.

"And THAT is how it's done, class," I grinned. "I win, Thalia."

She glared at me as I removed Aryryn, slipping it into its sheath strung over my shoulder. She retained her silence as she stomped over to the door, the Hunters following in a large clump as they whispered among themselves. The door cracked as it slammed shut with a loud boom.

Chiron parted the jabbering class, making his way toward me with one eyebrow raised. The class parted for him, slipping closer together to discuss the beating of Artemis' second in command. The voices rose and fell around me, a warm murmur, and I closed my eyes.

"Very nice," Chiron said from beside me.

"Well, I'd heard they didn't teach heroes as well as they used to at this place anymore," I shrugged, flicking my eyes open. "Something about an old centaur not being a good teacher."

A grin burst across his face. "You've always been the best I've ever taught."

"Thank you," I curtsied mockingly. Then I looked at the door, creaking on its hinges. A crowd was pushing their way through, and already I was picking out many of the familiar faces. Percy shoved his way to the front, gently pulling Annabeth along after him. He had a solemn expression, but underneath I could sense his excitement.

"Ryley!" He called across the room, his green eyes sparkling despite his serious face. The class fell silent again as they turned to watch with wide eyes. "What did you do to Thalia?"

"Nothing that wasn't coming to her," I muttered, but Chiron held up his arm to stop me.

"You know when you asked me if Rylin was as good as you?" Chiron said, his eyes glowing with a wickedly sly gleam. "Now's your chance to find out."

I tipped my head curiously. "Not another fight," I groaned.

"It would do the class good to see the masters at work," Chiron insisted, that sly sparkle still in his eyes.

"Only if Percy agrees-" I began reluctantly.

"Sure."

I groaned again. "Let's go outside."

The crowds filed out onto the grass in front of the Big House, their faces alight with grins. They were lucky- today I was in the mood for kicking demigod butt. Now that I had tasted victory in the fight against Thalia, I wanted to try it again. Hopefully Percy would be more of a challenge.

Aryryn slid out, the blade glowing with what could only be called excitement, the sunlight sparking off and decorating Percy's face with rainbow-ed stripes. I stopped in front of the son of Poseidon, who held Riptide casually in his hand, and the crowd made a wide circle around us. I grinned as I remembered the circle at Athens, where I had spent thirteen years as the champion before I'd had to disappear off the face of the earth.

Chiron stood between the two of us. "Same rules as Capture the Flag. Powers are allowed, with the exception of earthquakes, Rylin. I do not wish for the Big House to be demolished." I cracked another grin. "First to be disarmed loses."

He made me and Percy shake hands, then cantered back toward the crowd, who parted respectfully for the old centaur. I met Percy's sea green eyes with a glittering gaze. "Let's get this over with."

He nodded, shifting back. But the way he held himself up told me he'd enjoy every minute of our duel.

To be honest, I felt the same.

I turned my back on him, shutting my eyes gently. I heard the breeze singing over metal, and whirled instinctively; Aryryn clashed with Riptide with a loud clang. I pushed him back, putting the full force of the wind behind me. Percy slid back a couple feet, his eyes narrowed as he fought against the pressure.

I raced toward him, vaulting myself over his head with a gentle push off the ground. He swung Riptide back at me in a flash, but Aryryn blocked it, the blade burning with an inner fury that I felt settling over me. Battle was my element, and I was the one in control.

Riptide quelled the flame burning through Aryryn, and I slipped, my foot sliding over the thin layer of ice that glassed over the grass. Percy came up behind me, and I dodged to the right, slicing with Aryryn as I whirled around. It rang hollowly against Riptide again, the bronze blade glittering coldly at me, hypnotizing me with the gleam that caught my eye…

In a second I was being flung back across the yard; the water that had hit me had felt at least as solid as cement. I caught myself in the air and landed gracefully, my toes brushing the water slicked grass.

"Don't forget," I began slowly, holding Aryryn aloft as I advanced toward him, "that water is MY element too."

Willing it to rise, all the water soaking the front lawn of the Big House flowed effortlessly toward me, collecting in a tunnel around Aryryn, roiling and surging powerfully as I poured my power into holding it there.

"Catch THIS!"

With a flick of my wrist, the water pummeled through the air, soaring away from me and pouring on Percy, who for once actually managed to get wet. He was still smiling, though, as I felt the ground rumble slightly behind me.

Blackjack snorted.

Hello, princess.

I slowly turned around, my eyes wide. "Blackjack…"

He tossed his kingly head smugly, whinnying to the sky. The one and only.

"Cheater!" I yelled across the yard at Percy, who narrowed his eyes. "Blackjack isn't a power! He's, he's…"

"Yours too, if you want him," Percy's breath tickled my ear. "I heard about all about Ace. I'm so sorry." I whirled around, meeting his green gaze with my blue ones, my eyes wide. A half grin was on his face, and suddenly I could see what it was that Annabeth loved about him.

"You would do that for me…?" I whispered, at a complete loss.

Of course the boss would. His heart ain't made of stone, princess. You'll have to get used to the smell, of course; that fishy scent is why he's Poseidon's only son-

"Blackjack!" Percy scolded, rolling his eyes. I grinned halfheartedly, thoughts of Ace still clouding my mind.

Turning back to me, Percy raised his eyebrows. "Ready to finish this once and for all?"

"You bet. Let's give these newbies something to remember." I nodded, my hand tightening around Aryryn.

"You won't get too mad if I win, will you?" Percy's voice was suddenly back near my ear. "The Goddess won't get too prissy, will she?"

"Maybe…she…WILL!" I snapped back as I raked Aryryn through the air, throwing myself back. So much for the surprise tactic; Percy wasn't even giving it a chance. His eyes flashed as he backed out of range. Suddenly I was struck by a realization.

"You were in the river Styx, weren't you?" I found myself sucking in a breath as I advanced, Aryryn glowing in a blinding light.

"Yeah," Percy admitted as the water beneath me swirled toward him, coiling around his outstretched hand that he was holding straight at me, his palm open and sparkling brightly. I waved Aryryn once; it burst happily into flames, the embers licking around the edge of the blade. A golden eagle burst out of the end, speeding straight at the son of Poseidon.

Percy raised his fist, and as the golden eagle came within range he let fall, the water pummeling the eagle deep into the ground. As the dust cleared a crater was revealed, an imprint of a fist that would probably be there permanently.

"Chiron won't like that," I murmured to myself. Percy grinned.

"One last charge," he said, raising Riptide. "May the best man win."

"Or woman," someone called out behind me.

"Come to watch the show, Bianca? Did Thalia go back to you with her tail tucked between her legs, whining?" I called out, not turning my back on Percy. I didn't like the way he was eyeing me.

"Be nice, Ryley," Bianca scolded. But then she added, "Well, what would you expect?"

Percy was still grinning lopsidedly as he flew at me, Riptide aimed straight at my head.

I had only a second to dodge, and I ducked at exactly the right moment. I heard Percy stumble unsteadily, and I whirled around, springing at him. Riptide glittered lightly against Aryryn again, and I narrowed my eyes at the green ones inches from my own. I had forgotten all about the water that was floating around under his control- he flicked a finger lazily at me, and it spun around us, cutting off all my air.

"Forget you, Chiron," I muttered, gasping. I raised my arm back and drove Aryryn deep into the ground, ripples spreading outward from it through the lawn. The earth rocked and buckled beneath us, and the water stopped spinning. I took a hesitant breath.

Percy was sprawled on the ground of me, the wind knocked out of him. Riptide was still tightly gripped in his right hand. Bianca stood across from me, on the other side of Percy. Her dark aura was expanding and roiling in rage against the sunlight, fighting to gain ground. The daughter of Hades looked expressionlessly back at me, her eyes reminding me with an aching pain that Lyss had had those eyes, that she had lived on this once grassy green earth, and that as long as Bianca and Nico were around I was never going to forget it…

My sight flickered and then went out. I felt a thick fog of numbness smothering my every breath. My lungs racked in protest.

Before me lay a magnificent throne room, with soft vinyl carpet and soft marble pillars, a room that reminded me so deeply of my home back in Athens that I momentarily forgot to breath. It didn't last long.

Someone was curled up on the throne sleepily, his head resting against the soft leather. He was nothing but a shadow in my gaze; something was blocking me from seeing him clearly. Tremors went through the floor, flooding up to the person in the throne who awoke gently, raising his head to glance swiftly around the room.

Nothing could stop the sudden wave of despair that crashed through me, the ropes that were constricting my throat. I gasped out a warning as I fell sprawled across the carpet, frozen on my back. My eyes were steadily widening in horror.

Come to me.

The boy shook his head weakly. "No."

Come to me, boy. I have not the patience to be waiting for you. Already your brother has made the decision to serve me; the girl has accepted as well. You are the last one standing.

"Liar," the boy's voice whispered, though he didn't sound as confident anymore. "They would never-"

Look for yourself.

The throne room disappeared. Standing in its place was…

Hanna.

She was proud, strong like she used to be, swinging a dangerous looking sword. Enemies were falling like leaves around her; over and over she slashed through the ranks, a fierce look dominating her once gentle features. She was in the center of the hurricane, roiling and whipping out from her as she slammed into the opposing forces.

It was uncontrollable agony, that spike being driven deep into me.

The vision switched, and suddenly Ben was there, lightning surging around him in an arc. His blue eyes sparkled with energy, all around him were the remains of the Olympians' last stand, the burning ruins of Camp Halfblood all around him. And crouching in the dirt opposite him, head low in defeat, bloodied and torn, I recognized…myself.

Aryryn was lying in a pool of my own blood, which I was coughing up repeatedly, my lungs racking. I could feel the shadow's muscles tense, the searing pain that exploded outward from the boy as he whipped around, anger mounting.

"BEN!" he roared. We were suddenly back in the throne room.

This will come to pass, Kronos promised. I can protect her; with your strength enhancing mine, I can make sure nothing will happen.

Then I felt his malicious eyes on me as he added, Max.

Fury rolled through me. Then agony as the spike was driven further in. I writhed on the floor, holding my head in as the spike drove an irreparable hole in my chest. Carved away my emotions, erasing the walls that kept the hurt from pouring in and overwhelming me. I screamed.

"Ryley!" someone yelled.

I was whipped back to reality. The ground was cold against my cheek, and as I came to I realized that I was curled up on the ground, sobbing my sorry heart out. The tears were falling freely upon the ground, sinking in and dirtying my face. My chest was splitting open, blazing with a fierce flame that seared up and down.

A gentle hand brushed my damp hair from my face, lifting my head and settling it in his lap. I didn't know how he had gotten there, how he had known that I was in pain; he had just sensed it. I didn't care how, all I cared about was how glad I was that Nico was here, with me. He could be strong enough for the both of us.

"I'm here," he whispered fiercely into my ear. "No one is going to hurt you, I promise."

I was still trembling, and I didn't dare open my eyes for fear of what I would see. Kronos' smirking face, him torturing Max…

"Max," I sobbed. "He's got Max. And Hanna, and Ben…"

"No he doesn't," Nico's voice came in soothingly, with the tiniest hint of surprise. "We…honored them this morning. I felt it, Ryley. Felt their souls seeping beneath the ground, already growing sleepy in anticipation of their long awaited rest. Kronos cannot bring people back from the dead."

The tears slowed as my shivers subsided. "They're…safe?"

"Yes, they are." Nico promised, and I opened my eyes just a little bit. His worried face looked back down at me, and I instantly relaxed. Nico leaned down and pressed his lips lightly against mine, the feelings of affection driving out the last dregs of pain.

"Get back," Percy warned as I sat up. From the looks of it, the entire camp had gathered to see my breakdown, and they were trying to surge forward, bursting with questions. I looked around blankly.

"I need to see Rachel," I murmured to Nico. He looked questioningly into my eyes for a moment, then nodded as he pulled me up.

"Get Rachel. It's urgent," Nico said quietly to Percy. The son of Poseidon disappeared into the crowd with a nod. Bianca stormed up to me, her eyes blazing.

"What-" she poked me hard in the chest-"is wrong with you? YOU HAD PERCY AND YOU JUST LET HIM GO!!!"

"It's not like I had a choice," I snarled right back, itching for a fight. "Kronos-"

"That's enough!" Nico said sharply, pushing Bianca away as he slipped in between us. "Ryley's been through a terrible ordeal today! Just leave her alone!"

Bianca opened her mouth to protest.

"Let it go, Bianca," Nico said, his voice softer. She shot me a glare, then turned on her heel and stomped off, presumably to plot my unpleasant death with Thalia. Feelings of indifference pulsed through me. None of it mattered. I had to speak with Rachel.

Percy suddenly appeared, dragging the Oracle of Delphi after him. Rachel looked like she'd been drugged, stumbling along after Percy and tripping over her own feet. That stirred up my first feeling besides numbness: pity. They halted before us, and the crowd fell silent, eager to hear what was going on.

"Rachel?" I asked gently.

She met my stare vacantly, then made more of an effort as she shook her head wearily. "What?"

"Listen; you know about visions, right?" Rachel gave a humorless laugh before I went on, which I took to be a yes. "Well, I just had one."

I could almost see Rachel's ears perk up. "Go on."

"It was about Max, Ben, and Hanna. Kronos was trying to persuade them to join him, and it just felt so real, all of it. The pain, everything." Kronos had already gotten Ben and Hanna; only Max was still fighting. But he wasn't going to last very long; even I could see that. "He showed Max a picture of Ben destroying Camp Halfblood, and killing me. And then he said-"

It will come to pass.

"It will come to pass," Rachel whispered, her eyes growing blank, suddenly flooding black. "And when it comes, Rylin Becker, you had better be ready or all will fall."

The true Oracle stared at me, her night filled eyes bitter.

"So he has them?" I whispered brokenly, fearing the worst.

"That I cannot see," she announced, frustrated. "It isn't possible. They are long gone on the path into the Underworld. Or they should be."

I felt the pit of my stomach drop. And with it, all my hopes for the future.

I had failed to kill Kronos.

And because of me, Camp Halfblood will burn…

The End.

* * * * * * * * * *

Rylin's story will continue in The Secret of Time.

Those of you who have read the beginning of Secret- I know, Rylin and the others haven't been in it much, but the demititans are extremely important to the plot so I thought I'd begin by introducing them. Please R&R with everything you've got.