A/N: Hey guys I'm back again! Sorry for the wait the fam has had me busy!Just got back from the cottage and warm days without wifi! But now that I'm back have a double chapter to make up for the wait. Remember to review!
Disclaimer: Y'all know the drill I only own the plot and OC's but not PJO or HOO, that's all Rick
Chapter 14: Paradise Lost
Percy had never been a fan of flying without his trusty pegasus. Not even when he had to return Zeus's bolt. This trip further reinforced his ideals, as one can imagine being shot through the air at a couple hundred miles per hour by thousands of pounds of pressure and explosive force made for a turbulent flight. That is to say it sucked shit. He registered his scorched skin and horrible bruises, more than likely a couple broken bones and shattered ribs, then passed out as vast amounts of water roared away beneath him.
Percy woke with a groan. His head pounded, his body ached, and every single joint popped as he moved for the first time after what felt like an eternity. He took a second to slow his breathing an ease his burning ribs before opening his eyes. He immediately regretted the decision as the light made his headache all the worse. After another ten minutes or so of lying around in pain he finally made to get up. He rolled off the surprisingly comfortable bed and found himself half naked beneath the sheets. Simple, white linen pants hung off his hips and exposed his heavily bandaged torso. His arms felt like lead and his legs burned in protest as he stood. He took a moment to make sure his vision wasn't swimming anymore before he left the room.
He was in a tastefully decorated cave with sparse furniture lying about. Herbs laid drying in baskets while the most peculiar silver flowers bloomed upon the window sills. The wind was cool and salt laced making him feel like he was near the ocean. He was probably on an island. He quickly made his way out to the cave entrance and headed down to the beach. He took a quick second to let the sea water take the edge off his injuries before he headed back to the cave. The cool water and wind combined helped quite a bit. Still, he intended to thank whoever had dragged him ashore and tended to his wounds and possibly, hopefully get back to camp. He still had to finish the quest and keep it from being overrun.
He made the snap decision to follow the smell of food and smoke towards the side of the cave by what appeared to be a garden. As he got closer he could begin to make out singing. The voice was beautiful and melodious. It was enchanting and made his whole body tingle as the melody lifted the remainder of his pain. He entered the garden to find a gorgeous girl happily stirring a pot over the fire. The classic chiton she wore was pure white and tied at her waist with a gold band. Her long, rich hazel hair was braided with gold ribbon and hung down to the small of her back. She wore greek style sandals with the leather bindings bound up to her knees. The leather accented her smooth caramel skin while the chiton tastefully presented her figure.
The tune stopped abruptly as she turned and found him staring to which he blushed profusely. "S-S-sorry. I…Um- just wanted to say… Er- thanks for the help and yeah."
Yup. Give him and army of monsters, he was fine. Stick him in front of a pretty girl? Doomed.
She simply laughed lightly and tutted at him. "Really now. You should still be in bed hero. In fact I believe I'm supposed to change those bandages soon." Percy simply nodded dumbly before his voice returned. Her almond shaped eyes and soft features were doing horrendous things to his already addled thought process.
"Right! Again. Thank you miss?"
"Calypso. Just call me Calypso."
"Great well I'm Percy, a pleasure to meet you.
Percy was led back to the bed he woke up in after he helped Calypso bring in the pot of stew, regardless of her vigorous protests that he needed to take it easy. Yes, it did hurt but he still felt like he had to do something since she had practically put him back together after what had been an undoubtedly painful landing. She quickly undid his bandages, leaving him exposed and blushing ferociously while she checked over his bruises with deft fingers. He could have sworn he saw her blush when he shuddered at her touch but dismissed it. Still something tickled at his memories about her name. He didn't have time to think about it further as she finished quickly enough and before he knew it he was seated at the table with a bowl of stew in front of him.
He didn't bother hesitating. He thanked her and dug in with gusto. Thank gods he was sitting cause his legs went numb at the taste. .Delicious. Before he knew it he was done and up for seconds much to Calypso's amusement. Her smile seemed to light up the world and Percy simply blushed beneath it.
He met her gaze and decided he needed to get back to work. "Um… Calypso. Where am I exactly and how long have I been out?"
She didn't seem too excited to answer as she fidgeted around a bit. She sighed, "You are on my island Percy. This is Ogygia."
It clicked. "You were cursed weren't you? Forced to be alone on this island and fall for any hero that washed up on your shores. Only-"
"Only for them to leave me heartbroken and alone once again. The fate I have been dealt simply for helping keep my fellow Titans alive. Never even held a blade lest it was to save a life, not take one."
Percy frowned. Sure the Titan war was brutal but Calypso didn't deserve millennia of heart break simply for keeping her family alive. It didn't sit well with him at all.
"As for how long you've been here… 3 days so far. Unconscious for 2 and you awoke today, however it could be more since this island is enchanted. Time moves differently.'
Percy's head swam. He had been gone for 3 plus days. He needed to leave but he couldn't leave Calypso. Not like this. Not waiting for another heartbreak to come in gods know how many centuries. He needed to get her out of here.
"Commendable Percy, but you should know that won't be possible."
Both heads turned to find a massive shadow standing at the head of the table. The shadow was a massive white owl. It stood there with a face of black and feathered horns to match. A set of black feathers carved what looked like an Alpha character crowned with an Omega into his chest. The rest of the feathers around his stomach were lined with reflective black. The eyes were what truly gave him away. Noir looked warmly down at them.
"Κενό Φως…" was all Percy heard before Calypso was up and being caught and held against Noir's chest as he chuckled lightly. Percy translated Void Light as he watched the pair.
"Yes my dear, it has been a while hasn't it?"
She didn't say anything, she simply held him tighter. His wings lightly rested about her as he faced Percy.
"You can't have expected me to have left her alone all these years could you?"
Percy gave him a teasing glare and then a smile before he sobered.
"Noir, can't you do something."
He shook his feathered head sadly, "I can't interfere with the set course of Fate even if I disagree with it. Ya think I would have let Kronos keep all his limbs after eating his kids if I had a say? The answer is no. I would have ended a lot of things before they started but I can't without tipping the scales in favor of those who stand against me. Regardless of my inability to act without essentially dooming the universe, I will say that all things come in time young ones. Be patient for good things come to those who wait."
For his part he gave Calypso a squeeze and let her down. She smiled once more and finally let him go.
She scowled at him which Percy had to admit looked cute, "300 years since you last visit and no apology! Really Void? Or should I say Noir as Percy calls you?"
Even as an owl Noir looked quite sheepish. "Yeah sorry. I took a nap and lost track of time. On the bright side…" he swiped a wing across the table leaving a wrapped chocolate box. "I know I haven't brought you any of my specialty chocolates in a while my dear."
The way Calypso's jaw dropped Percy guessed this was something unique. With shaky hands she lifted the lid to find 24 gorgeous chocolate delicacies. They were all topped with caramel drizzle and lightly salted. Calypso handed him one. He looked at Noir, then at Calypso, and popped it in his mouth.
He melted in his seat just like the chocolate in his mouth. The salt and caramel blending perfectly. There was the light crunch of hazel nut and a liquid center that danced lightly about his mouth. The salt provided the perfect crunch and counter balance to the sweet milk chocolate and complemented the taste of the caramel. He knew why they were specialty now. Calypso's eyes were closed and her smile was peaceful as she reveled in the taste.
"Hopefully they will make up for me not visiting. I will be back my child but at a later date. Of course with more chocolate and possibly another surprise since we may very well be celebrating."
Calypso nodded and headed to the kitchen for a moment before returning with a small potted plant. The leaves were silver and the scent brought an air of calm.
"Percy, you have a good heart and I don't need the mystical owl over there to tell me that. Take this. It's Moonlace and only grows on this Island. May it bring you peace and light in the darkest of times." She lightly kissed his cheek leaving them both blushing madly and a smug looking owl. Ignoring the stealth bird he silently vowed to get her off this island. No matter who, they don't deserve this as a punishment for defending their family by acting as a medic. He carefully handled the plant and turned to the 8 foot owl. They nodded briefly at each other and made for the exit.
As soon as they left the cave Noir grew to 15 feet tall leaving him with a 30 foot wingspan and more than enough room for Percy. He climbed on his back and they gave one last smile to Calypso.
"I will see you soon my dear, sooner than you would expect."
With those cryptic words Noir took off. Not a single grain of sand was disturbed as they rose and not a sound was made as they took off from the beach.
-THIS LINE BREAK'S ON FIYAAAAA!-
The ride back was smooth. Percy was happy to hear that Annabeth was safe and almost giddy when he heard she was worried about him and had been begging Noir to help.
"Though with you missing for a week and all they think you're dead and whatnot so that might throw a wrench in you guys relationship works."
Percy almost fell off his back. "A WEEK!" he roared. Noir actually winced.
"I know, I know. I couldn't do anything about it. I very well returned to not speaking at all since I couldn't interfere. You know that with such limitless powers rules must be abided without question. I could very simply disintegrate Cheshire's face but that would leave another 7 individuals to eviscerate me while they have the benefit of less restriction on their power usage."
Percy shuddered. Noir was their ace in the hole and the thought of him being annihilated so easily put the scale of their enemy in perspective. It only now came to light that Kronos and his army were mere puppets on strings. It felt like there was an ice block sitting in his gut.
"You see? That is exactly why I act with such caution if I act at all. A millimeter of take can result in a mile of give. This is more or less fifth dimensional chess. Moving a single pawn on a single board may very well cause your kings to lose their heads on the other four. I am sorry, truly. However I cannot help the parts without dooming the whole so far. I only request a bit of patience. My time to act approaches soon and believe me when I say.
I intend the make the most of it."
The change of voice shook the world around them. Reality rippled and trembled. Percy felt like his existence was coming undone. Whatever they were facing, Percy still felt sorry for them.
-And now, a Time Skip of minimal proportions-
Considering that following Noir's statement they promptly broke the sound barrier, it must've taken them roughly 8 minutes before Long Island Sound was visible in the distance. The camp was gathered at the pavilion around the fire. They came down silently and landed behind the crowd as they watched Annabeth, Chiron, and Dionysus stand before a green shroud with a gold trident on it.
They were burning his shroud and Annabeth was holding the torch. Tears fell freely from her face as she spoke, "He was the greatest friend, and always selfless. He was a true hero. He…" her eyes met his, "He's right there!"
The entire crowd swung around to see him standing in white linen pants and the ratty remains of the T-shirt he was wearing when he left on the quest.
He was going to have to explain. Granted the angry Annabeth storming towards him let him keep all his limbs of course. She was busily tossing campers aside and shoving her way through having no patience for anyone as she approached a rapidly paling Percy holding a silver flower. He tossed the Moonlace to Noir who caught it on his owl head and stepped back as Percy braced himself for the beat down of the century. It didn't come as he was squished into a bone crushing hug.
"Thank you for not dying on me Seaweed brain…" He softened at the nickname and wrapped his arms around her.
"Sorry for making you worry Wise Girl." He was socked right in the ribs
"You have so much explaining to do! Why not send an Iris message? Where were you? How are you even alive? What happened that cause the mountain to explode?! What were-"
"Enough, Annabeth. There will be time enough for explanations at the war council tomorrow. We still have a quest to finish and the string to find. Campers return to you activities before dinner and try not to pester Percy too much about his whereabouts. Those bandages hold a story we will all hear about in time. Dismissed!"
Percy sighed in relief, thankful for Chiron's interruption lest he be dissected by Annabeth. Still she scowled something ferocious at him while he managed an embarrassed smile.
She eyed Noir who was in owl form curiously. "Is that…?"
He nodded and Noir spread his wings, ruffling his feathers proudly beneath the campers' gaze.
"Is there anything that wolf- owl- whatever, can't do?" Katie Gardner asked out loud.
"Not really, no." She sighed and nodded, not bothering to be surprised at his speech or even argue with the polymorphic beast. The campers eventually dispersed while Noir took off after saying something about cuddling Lily. He left the Moonlace in Percy's hands and with a massive flap was gone to the find the Hunters. Annabeth eyed the plant warily before she saw the look of sadness on Percy's face.
"Whose it from?" she queried. Percy met her eyes with a sadness she would never thought she would see in him.
"Someone, who is just as much a prisoner of their own destiny as I am."
Those were the last words he said before he disappeared to his cabin, cradling the flower like a life line or a small flame in a high wind on a dark night.
Annabeth shook her head. 'If he's getting Philosophical it can't be good.'
She sighed once more and left for dinner. 'Please be all right Seaweed Brain.'
With the Hunters
Lily should have had her knife buried within a dummy. She was training, really she was. Now she was being cuddled by a giant owl. She sighed. "Guess you're back huh?"
He huffed, "Well don't you sound happy to see me?" She turned so she was facing his chest and snuggled in.
"No, it's just. Monsters, and wars, and Titans, and domains come to life? I feel insignificant. I know I know. I have family, and I have people that matter to me and me to them but I feel as though every action weighs so little in the grand scheme of things. I'm not a leader like Thalia, or strong like Phoebe. I can't track like Atlanta, and I definitely can't do magic like Sarah." Her emerald eyes met his. "I don't feel like I'm enough."
Noir's eyes briefly flickered to someone else's. Lily was surprised she managed to keep her eyes in her head. They were quasars and singularities for irises and pupils of infinite warmth.
"My child. You need not worry about being enough as you say. Rather you are more and you don't know it yet. In you lies potential my child, amounts of it you have yet to tap into. With time you will be strong, ridiculously so if I do think about it." His chuckle was just as warm as his eyes and his voice had quieted the universe, as if existence hung off his every word. "But, I believe time is not something you wish to wait upon. I will give you the spark child. However, it is in your hands to manage the blaze that will follow."
He brought his forehead against hers, letting the power flow through and in. It didn't stay within her long as it simply brushed up against the well of her potential, drawing out only enough to start her on the right path. Still she could feel the warmth of the power- her power flood her body.
It started to burn. She panicked, her breathing was getting ragged, and he skin was starting to steam. She was being burned away by her own power, she couldn't-
It is in your own hands to contain the blaze that follows
The words rang true in her head. She pushed all the power into her hands. Focused all the heat and flame to her palms. It complied. She focused on a point above her hands and poured everything she had into it.
It burned to life in a flash of brightness, brief as a breath, a tiny sun burst into being before collapsing into nothing, along with her consciousness.
She awoke the next morning lying on a familiar black wolf, wondering if last night was a simple hallucination.
Hail, Lilianna Vale. Daughter of Hemera, Primordial of the Day.
It wasn't.
Chapter 15: Light the Way
As soon as breakfast was done Lily hit the training ground with a renewed determination. Every blade stroke was getting smoother, her foot work faster, and her draw on her bow getting stronger. Lily, for better or worse, was part of the Hunters and the Hunters were going to part of the war. A war she would be ready for since there was no other option. Noir had stopped by to see her before he left to complete the quest he started, and she had never seen him prouder. He had simply told her to strengthen her body, will, and mind; since by the time he came back it would be time to strengthen her powers.
Time was something she refused to waste. She was pushing herself to the brink but not enough to kill her. Her hands were sore and stiff and her finger calloused, but she didn't care. Her aim was improving, she had even split an arrow earlier, now she was just making sure it would be consistent. It somehow felt wrong to be a nine year old working out how to make sure her arrows found their razor tipped way into the soft squishy bits of creatures that were trying to eat her; she dismissed it with a sigh and sheathed her knives. Time for a bath before lunch and then back to stamina practice. She was proud to say that she was able to keep a good pace going for a mile or so but that was hardly anything when she thought about it. By this time she had reached her and Thalia's tent since she shared with her while Noir was absent and snagged a change of clothes. Before she left she noticed something on the dresser.
It was a feather, no doubt from Noir judging by the black and white/platinum coloration, with a note that said, "Save for the future." She was skeptical about it but then again Noir said he would start her not lead her. She took it gently in hand before carefully braiding it into her hair. She was thankful Noir had taught her after much begging. She could still hear him whining about how she wouldn't need him anymore if she knew how. With a small smirk she walked down to the river for her bath.
After the whole lather and rinse routine she laid floating on her back enjoying the midday sun. It led her to think about what would be her mother's domain. Day. As in the sun? All the time before night? Certain aspects of the day as well? She huffed and simply laid back absorbing the sun light. Focusing on the warmth before it started to well inside her.
She stopped cold. Where had the warmth gone? She looked around only to feel a slight trickle of in near her face. She grabbed the feather and could feel the heat within.
Save for the future
She grinned before starting to channel as much warmth as she could absorb into the feather.
Hopefully it wouldn't burn up by the time she was done.
P.O.V Change: At CHB, Third Person
Noir showed up just in time for Percy and Annabeth to leave the Big House after explaining what they had seen so far in the Labyrinth. Incidentally, also in time for them to walk face first into his flank.
"Dudes. I'm ten feet of pure black wolf on a clear day, you could not have missed me."
Percy shared his playful grin while Annabeth simply shook her head. "We need to get back to the Labyrinth Noir, and this time we can't be walking around blind."
"Chill kiddo. I know the frustration has got you seeing RED, but like I said. I can't alter the fate of this quest without dire consequences."
It didn't matter. Percy had stopped listening at those two words. 'Seeing' and 'Red'. He interrupted Annabeth's glaring with a statement she never liked hearing, "Guys…I have a plan."
There was a knowing sparkle in Noir's eyes, "Good, cause unlike some people" *cough* Annabeth *cough cough* "I like your ideas."
The grinned they shared would've scared anyone.
"Oh boy…" was all Annabeth got out, before they suddenly weren't at camp anymore.
-Line Break for Effect-
Rachel Elizabeth Dare had seen quite a few weird things in her time. From the odd spear wielding snake lady roaming the streets of New York's Big Apple, to massive 8 foot men wielding flaming balls all squished on a bus. What she did not expect to see was the strange green eyed boy that had tried to bisect her with a bronze sword suddenly standing in her flat with a monster wolf and a grey eyed blonde.
"Nice digs cuz."
She did the logical thing and screamed.
It did take a bit for her to calm down, by which she means she fainted after the wolf turned semi-human when Percy said he was making her uncomfortable. Introductions were made as was a proposal.
"Rachel I know this is gonna sound crazy-"
"Crazier than a werewolf?"
"'Scuse, I'm polymorphic, not a shifter." As if to prove a point he changed to an owl, then a jaguar, next a condor, then a pangolin, and finally (just to mess with Percy and Annabeth) a platypus before reverting to semi-human.
Percy shuddered before continuing, "We need your help on a quest."
Noir smirked, Annabeth looked like she was ready to tear her ears off, and Rachel. Well… she tried to maintain a straight face. Didn't work. Rather her face was a myriad of emotions. Too bad she didn't get a chance to settle on one.
"Well look at that!" Noir said in mock surprise, "We're behind schedule! How dreadful! We simply must be going!"
Nothing further could be said as the group appeared back in camp, right in front of Chiron who jumped sky high at their appearance.
Everyone was pale and staring except for Noir who was, of course, grinning like a maniac.
"What a pretty pony…" Rachel murmured before fainting once again.
"Am I terrible for finding this amusing?"
An elbow to the ribs answered the question for him.
-Throw Down, Ho Down, Time Skip, on the Low Down-
Once everyone was packed and ready, Noir blinked them back to where they started the quest. In the dank tunnel of the Labyrinth, Percy let Rachel take the lead.
"Let's try something before we head to the workshop. Let's find Grover and Tyson-"
They were suddenly in a smaller tunnel looking down at a sleeping Grover and scuffed up Tyson. It wasn't long before everyone (including Noir) had been crushed in a hug. They tried to wake Grover to no avail until Noir shifted to humanoid and conjured a plate of enchiladas. He wafted them beneath Grover's nose, causing the goat boy to shoot straight up.
Annabeth didn't join the laughter, favoring a glare at Noir, "And you didn't just warp us places before because?"
Noir shrugged, "This, more or less, doesn't mess with the set course of Fate. I have leeway in smaller matters, but timeframe and such I can't touch. Certain events MUST happen. I already explained to Percy, if I so much as keep you from tripping when you were supposed to, it'll be all our heads. Honestly if you think I'm joking."
Power boiled the air around them and melted the stone they stood upon. Laughter soon followed as the Cheshire smiles started appearing on the walls. All spewing something that forced Percy to start drawing on his powers. The voices were goading Noir to slip up.
For his response Noir simply pulled every last trace of power back into his body causing each and every smile to dissipate. The questers were trembling ferociously at the display of power and the mouths appearing all over the wall. One had even licked Grover, who was now cowering between Percy and Annabeth.
"You see? Not a, "No! Please spare me!" He wants me to do it. They all do. This is facing a hydra Annabeth. Cut off one head, and in this case, another 7 will take its place. So forgive me if I'm not tossing supernovas as peoples' faces or ripping them off with bloody singularities. I have power, but unlike most, I know how and when to act. And I'll have you know, now is not the time. Or are you willing to lose the war over what is comparably a game of rock paper scissors?"
The look he shot Annabeth was sharp enough to split atoms. In fact it probably could if he wanted, but the message was delivered. Annabeth had joined Grover in cowering behind Percy while Rachel and Tyson had taken a generous step back.
"Good. Remember that fear, it'll be your guide away from fatal mistakes. Patience children. The war hasn't started yet and it won't be for another little while, don't invite unnecessary turmoil as we wait. Rather prepare for what's to come, for it will be unlike anything you have ever seen before."
With that he exploded into to Platinum flames. When they cleared, a platinum and black hummingbird had taken his place. He blurred around before settling on Rachel's head comfortably. He fluffed himself once before he closed his eyes, and went to sleep.
Rachel broke the silence, "He's not gonna poop on me is he?"
Heads shook slowly in response before she pulled up her ratty jeans and started leading the way.
As they walked Grover stopped suddenly. He whipped his head around to a tunnel and without another word he took off, danger be damned. Everyone shared a look and took off after him. As they ran it became warmer, more humid, and the air was fresher. They came to a halt behind a panting Grover who was eyeing a stone door reverently. Engraved upon it were reed pipes encircled with a laurel crown.
"The symbol of Pan…" Grover hesitantly touched the marking, tracing his finger along the surface only for it to split down the middle. He jumped back as the doors slowly retracted into the wall. They were all hit by the scent of the woods, the freshest air they had ever breathes, and the perfect coolness of humid air. They walked into the cave to find a massive four poster bed made out of branches and curtains of vines. The curtains slowly peeled back to reveal the strangest assortment of animals surrounding what had to be the oldest Satyr ever. Grover knelt so fast Percy thought his knee would splinter the ground.
"My Lord Pan."
The old god smiled tiredly as he gently petted a sabretooth tiger. Percy, Annabeth, Rachel, and Tyson followed suit quickly much to the old satyr's amusement. He chuckled warmly, "Rise questers, I am, nor have I ever been summon to bow to." His voice was rustic and easy, like a wild wind, warm and playful.
They rose save Grover, "My Lord absolutely not! I have searched for so long for you and you cannot expect me not to bow before the hero of the wild." He softened even more if it was possible for the old goat. He went to speak before coughs racked his body, he doubled over for a few seconds before laying back down heavily. His form flickered before solidifying. Grover paled and the Dodo hummed sadly.
"Agreed Dede. I don't have much time left." He turned towards the questers, eyes and attitude hard, "Heroes you must spread the word that Pan is dead."
Grover cried out in outrage but was quieted as Pan raised a weary arm, "I know you wish for me to return young seeker, however even if I did want to I have not the strength. Much of the wild has been lost, and my power along with it. This is one of the last wild places left on earth, and is my death bed. I am-"
"Fading." Noir was standing there in full blown wolf form. Pan looked surprised before narrowing his eyes.
"Perhaps you would better recognize this form."
He shifted to a massive deer. His pupils were X's and his antlers were expansive. Ribbons of light were wrapped through his pitch black antlers. Prismatic crystals sprouted from within the spikes of the antlers, casting a myriad of colors in tune with the ribbons. His massive hooves came to pinprick tips as platinum outlined his massive legs. The ground rippled beneath the tips of his legs and he inclined his head. A pulse of energy roared through the room. Everything was bristling with life, flowers sprouted from the ground around him, and the rock above the bed cracked and water poured forth. The twin streams flowed to opposite sides of the room and poured into pools as massive crystal shards erupted out of the walls, each casting light off the pools illuminating the roof in a spectrum of colour.
Pan's eyes widened before the smile that broke out across his face threatened to split it.
"Απεσταλμένος της Ζωής. My friend. It has been centuries has it not?"
The questers, save Rachel, translated as Emissary of Life.
Noir seemed to smile, well as much as a deer could anyway, "Calypso said very much the same dear friend. It pains me to see you so, I apologize for not visiting before a time like this."
Pan shook his head, his smile never failing, "It is not problem old friend, though I will not be bought so easily with chocolate like she was." He let out a hearty laugh as Noir somehow managed to look sheepish as a deer. He devolved into more chest racking coughs as Noir's face fell. He sighed deeply.
"It seems that time will never be on our side. I believe this is the end."
Grover was outraged he yelled and screamed that this couldn't be, that Noir could save him, that he would lead them to repair the wild. He only stopped short at the sadness in Noir's eyes.
"I cannot interfere with the set course of Fate." The words fell heavily in their minds. The distaste and rage almost palpable beneath the sadness. "It is time to let go of that which cannot be. And it must start here. Grover, satyrs have searched for Pan for ages on end, their belief alone is what is anchoring him to the world. If I am correct then without your kind he would have faded long ago, and more than likely it was him who told Thamus to announce his death. The refusal of the satyrs has simply left him here weak and in pain, and therefore it must be you that releases him of this world. It must start with you."
Grover looked horrified. He was trying to form words but it wasn't working. He met Pan's sad eyes and closed his mouth. Tears flowed freely as he steeled his resolve and set his jaw.
"I-I-I release you."
Pan smiled one last time before he took a ragged breath. As he exhaled his form faded to dust which split into smaller parts and entered the body of each of the questers, a significantly larger portion entered Grover. When it was over, Dede hummed something happily and fell to dust along with the other animals. The bed started to wilt until Noir slammed a hoof into the ground. The branches exploding into pink blossoms as they formed a makeshift tombstone. Red flowers formed the shape of reed pipes and the crystals began to vibrate. Noir started to sing. This time in the voice of the wild. Sounds much like rivers flowing, leaves crinkling, and winds blowing wove together forming a haunting melody of lamentation.
No one knows how, but Grover joined the lament, singing mush the same providing a welcome soprano to Noir's vibrato. The tune carried and echoed layering over itself, wrapping the questers in a somber peace much like nature before brightening in a celebration of a life well lived. By the end, those who had not sung were in tears and on their knees.
"May you rest spirit of old. Find your peace in the world beyond and may those you have placed your faith in carry on your legacy. The Wild shall live, in soul and life. By my word as the First, Life shall run rampant."
Reality rippled as Noir swore his oath and Grover straightened. He looked older, more serious, more confident. He stood tall, all trepidation erased from his countenance. He knew what he had to do, and he would execute it to the best of his ability and beyond.
"Grover Underwood." Grover looked confidently at Noir, "This is a mantle not to be taken lightly. Much the same as we war for survival you will war for the protection of the wild places left on this planet. This will be no place for weakness for in nature only the strong succeed. Are you prepared to bear the weight of the Wild?"
For his part Grover didn't back down at Noir's hard gaze, "I am."
Noir softened and nodded. "Then the rest is up to us."
With that said he shifted to a falcon and settled comfortably on Annabeth's shoulder.
"Let's get moving."
It wasn't an order but no one disagreed.
-Line Break!-
They found their way back to the crossroad easy enough, getting farther ahead is where problems arose.
They had already trekked for a good thirty minutes and settled down for a rest as Noir of course whipped up another meal for them to share. However, they soon learned to be more expecting of dinner guests. A bronze blade had found it's way beneath Annabeth's neck as she went to sit.
"Well well well. Hadn't even thought to spare a plate for me now did you?"
All eyes shifted to see a demi-god with an eye patch, he was leading a squad of dracnae, and they were caught off guard. Regardless, Noir blurred into action, jumping diagonally and catching the edge of the blade with the top of his shoes and drawing it away from Annabeth's neck. He landed on his hands, but spun sending a lightning fast heel towards the demi-god's neck. When just about everyone thought this kid's shoulders would need a new ornament the kick stopped. Noir's teeth were gritted as he flipped back to a standing position, the growl that escaped his throat practically spelled out his displeasure.
The demi-god's smile threatened to split his face while the questers looked horrified.
"Noi-"
"Don't start! I can't interfere with the set course. This has to happen and it is taking all my will power to let it. For better or for worse you must be taken captive at this particular point in time. However, it is not your time to die either. None of your deaths shall come today, but just to be sure." His hand lashed out at insane speeds drawing the tiniest line of blood from the demi-god's cheek, but cut a 3 meter, foot deep gouge in the wall. Veins were prominently displayed on his outstretched hand as platinum flames played at the tips of his fingers.
"Change their Fate and I put an end to yours."
Everyone shivered at the tone and ferocity of Noir's promise. It couldn't be a threat, he would follow through regardless of the consequences. After that Percy stepped ahead of Annabeth and let the demi-god lead the way. He was happy Annabeth was safe for now, but the seething rage boiling in Noir's gut was palpable as every step he took cracked and melted the stone they trekked on.
This was going to be a long walk, and very awkward walk.