A/N: Ooh, Update! You can thank me later, folks. Don't forget to vote, comment, review, or leave a kudos. Anyway, it may seem like that but we are not rushing Percy and Thalia's relationship. There is a reason for their…uh, connection, which will be explained later on in the story. Like I said before, there are two Olympian spies now, and the Princess Andromeda is setting sail for The West Coast. As usual, if you have any question, feel free to ask! Excidium Troaie will be out soon :)
LUKE was the first - well, second - camper to rise that day and it wasn't even dawn yet. It was a creaking sound which had made him stir in his sleep - the sound of someone upsetting one of the old cabin floorboards. Luke's eyes narrowed into slits when he spotted the shadow, creeping out of the Hermes cabin. His first instinct was to call out. But that would be stupid. He couldn't tell who it was so it would be better to remain silent. He jumped off the bed, making sure to be as silent as possible.
He followed in the shadow's footsteps, hopping over campers in sleeping bags and in bunks and Luke scrunched up his nose. The cabin was crowded. Too crowded. For a second, he felt a twang of anger. For all the unclaimed campers who had to cramped into this moderately medium-sized cabin, just because his father was the god of travellers. He quickly shook his head, clearing them of those thoughts. He was on the alert now and he walked on cautiously.
The figure walked out the door and Luke took in a deep breath, before slinking out after him.
He spotted the new camper a few seconds later. It was Nico di Angelo. Luke was confused. It wasn't even dawn yet. What was he doing out? Again, he wanted to call out but he stopped himself. It would be better to see what the kid was up to first. Nico made his way through the twelve cabins, in a small crouch, making sure not to be seen. He followed.
Luke came to a stop next to the Zeus cabin. Biting his bottom lip, he looked away. He was feeling a bit guilty and angry with himself for exploding on Thalia the day - well, night - before. He knew he had to apologize. He'd had a lot of time to think that night and although he still didn't like Perseus and the idea of freeing him and giving the titans power, he had to accept it.
Chiron himself had told him. It would happen one day. It was inevitable. And going on this quest…he wasn't even sure why he had even agreed. He guessed it was because he didn't want to lose Thalia too. Sure, he had been a bit of a prat to her the night before. But he had already lost Annabeth and he wasn't prepared to lose the other member of his family once again. The quest would be difficult. It would be like strolling straight into the hands of Kronos and offering themselves to him. The sword would be right there…and he would pull it out. Then Perseus would be free and later, so would Kronos.
He sighed. He had to work up the courage to speak to Thalia and apologize. He knew she was probably still mad at him. For a daughter of Zeus whose fatal flaw was overconfidence and lust for power, she could really hold a grudge. He had learned that the hard way. Luke had called her out in front of the cabin counsellors, Chiron, Dionysus and Zoe. He had made it seem as if she was shielding the greatest enemy of Olympus - which technically speaking, she was. Thalia was probably pissed.
He hated it when he quarrelled with her. It just felt…wrong. He was also always the one who went to apologize first because Thalia would never say sorry unless he did. And he was okay with that. As long as they were on good terms again. The son of Hermes looked up, just in time to see Nico disappearing into the dining pavilion.
He snorted. Had he seriously woke up just to get an early-morning snack? Although that was how it seemed, Luke knew that it couldn't possibly be true. Nico didn't look like the type who woke up in at three am to grab a bag of chips. He exhaled and took off on a jog. Time to bust a ten-year-old.
THALIA was not liking what she was seeing.
She clutched on to the sheets as if her life depended on it. Tossing and turning in bed, her grip on the blankets tightened and she clenched her jaw in her sleep. She faintly heard the sound of footsteps, right outside the door but she assumed it was part of her dream.
Thalia had gone to bed early the night before. Which was saying something because she rarely slept before midnight. Yes, she occasionally joked about beauty sleeps. But she couldn't get a beauty sleep even if she tried. For one, her slumber had been tormented by nightmares, dreams, offers…visits. The same visits, every gods-damn day for two years in a row.
That was when it had all started. Two years ago, She had taken her last stand on Half-Blood hill. She had almost been killed. Luke and Annabeth had gotten away with Grover and as she was dying, her father had shot down a bolt of lightning. She had thought he was going to kill her before the furies and cyclops did.
He had come back for her. Luke had saved her from being turned into a tree and had helped her get to the borders of Camp Half-Blood, fighting off the cyclops and hellhounds on his own. He even killed Tisiphone and Megaera, two of the three furies who had been leading the monsters. It was after she had been treated that she finally went back to the hill. The hill which was named after them…the hill where every demigod either died or lived and made it into Camp. Half-Blood Hill.
It had gotten that name two years ago, immediately after they had stumbled into camp. She didn't know why they started calling it that. Not that she cared. She was just curious. And she also didn't know how to feel about the tree they had named in her honour.
The tree which she had almost been turned into. The tree which Zeus had intended to house her dying soul so she was made immortal, although gone.
Somehow, when the lightning struck the ground, it formed into the tall pine tree, and it created an invisible barrie around the entire valley, effectively Keeping the monsters out, and keeping the children of the gods protected.
Two weeks. She started getting the dreams two weeks after she had settled into Camp Half-Blood. There was some big prophecy, which had something to do with her. She still hadn't heard it yet, now, two years later, and she wasn't sure she wanted to. Then there was the pact made between the Big Three. The oath to never have any demigod children.
Well, that didn't work out. Because here she was. All in all, she had been a mistake. She wasn't supposed to be spawned. She had been given birth to with a target on her back. Everyone was after her. Most of the gods and Titans wanted her dead because she was dangerous. But none of them wanted to experience the wrath of her father, so she was safe for the time being. At least, that was what she had thought. The Queen of The Heavens, High Queen Cow Patty, the Oh-So great goddess Hera, had tried to kill her on several occasions during her time on the run with Luke and Annabeth, and even after they had entered Camp Half-Blood. It had gotten worse when the Titans had found out about her, and some anonymous demigod had stolen her father's lightning bolt.
That was two years ago. Approximately two weeks after she had settled into camp. Exactly two days after the dreams had started. Two days after Luke had gotten his scar.
It had been her job to retrieve the master bolt, along with the helm of darkness. She succeeded (of course), with her three closest friends by her side. In the end, she, Annabeth, Grover and Luke had found out Ares had been manipulated by Kronos into keeping the bolt for the Half-Blood who had stolen it and framing Hades. Luke had battled the god of war - and won - with a little subtle help from Thalia and the others. They still hadn't discovered which demigod had stolen the bolt but as long as Zeus had his weapon, he was happy. There had been a council meeting, where the gods had graciously decided not to kill her.
And then, a summer later, her tree was poisoned. The dreams had stopped then, and although she didn't want to, Thalia had found herself relaxing. Clarisse La Rue, the daughter of Ares, Camp's most skilled and experienced warrior after Luke, Annabeth and Thalia, had been sent to secure the golden fleece, and Grover had been captured by Polyphemus the cyclops. Thalia, Luke and Annabeth had set out to find Grover and help Clarisse. They had ended up on a monster cruise ship but they still hadn't met with Kronos' secret spy, who had almost made her pine tree die. In the end, they had busted out a pegasus who started hanging around Luke and they had been rescued by a helpful cyclops named Tyson who happened to be in the area.
It had been considerably hard getting comfortable around the baby cyclops. But he was good and he didn't harm them. They'd warmed up to him real quick. Well, all of them except Annabeth. But Thalia understood. After all, it had been cyclops and hellhounds (led by the three demon grandmothers and math teacher) who had tried to kill them on Half-Blood Hill. In the end, she had helped Clarisse, they healed her tree and they returned to Camp Half-Blood with Tyson going back to the palace of Poseidon.
Almost for a whole three months there had been no messages. Winter came. And then the dreams came once again. Two days before they got the distress call from Grover. Two days before they had left for Maine and she had met Percy.
Thalia's eyes were still shut, and she couldn't tell if she was awake or asleep but whatever the case, she was still dreaming.
He was still there. The Titan Lord was still coming to her. As he had been doing for two years. It was getting annoying. She hated the dreams and offers. She hated Kronos. But no matter how hard she tried, she could never stop the dreams from coming or end them prematurely, until Kronos was done.
Thalia scowled. This was where she had been since she had drifted off to the land of dreams in the cabin. She had expected to see Perseus and speak more with him, but instead she had ended up in The Underworld once again. In front of the yawning, wide hole, which threatened to suck her in. The expanse of darkness which had almost pulled her to Tartarus two years before. It was huge; like the maw of a wild giant beast. The jagged rocks on the edge almost looked like teeth… Even if she tried to peer down, all she could see was black, red, black and more black.
The earth had been disturbed recently, she could tell. There were about three different footprints on the ground around her and she studied each of them carefully. Kronos was around her. She could nearly 'feel' him. His oppressive presence and the cold, frigid air seemed chilly…almost evil. She was shivering although she was sure it shouldn't have been possible. It was just a dream, after all. But it felt too real to be one. She heard a faint humming sound, and she could make out the din of something - someone - inhaling and exhaling.
It was coming from all around her.
Finally, miffed and just plain annoyed that she was there, Thalia snapped angrily at the air around her. "What, are we just going to stand here all night with you breathing like an elephant in labour or are you going to start talking?"
Already, The Titan Lord was straying from routine. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. He was supposed to greet her in this dark, deep, knife-scraping-rock sort of voice, and then begin talking, trying to fill her mind with doubt and uncertainty (She wasn't going to lie. It had almost worked before. She had almost joined Kronos after retrieving her father's lightning bolt. But she had managed to fight him), after which she would cuss him out so bad, then he would laugh, and keep on saying, "Soon, girl, soon." She would swear some more in Greek and snap at him to let her go back to her life without annoying grandpa titans, and the dream would end, and she'd wake up in bed.
That was all that it ever was. Simply routine. And this time, she was getting a bit confused, dubious, and suspicious. She wondered what Kronos had up his metaphorical sleeve and patiently held her waist, tapping her foot in wait.
She heard the chuckle come from all around her and Thalia's composure broke for a few seconds, her hands dropping to her sides. She glanced around and shouted. "What the Hades do you want with me?"
And then she heard his voice. The one thing she had been hearing every night for two years. She felt a hot breath on her neck and she spun, eyes wide. It felt as if he was right next to her, whispering in her ear. "Bow to me."
Thalia snorted, "You wish."
The Titan Lord laughed once again and Thalia poked her inner cheek with her tongue, trying not to show her fear. She narrowed her eyes at the pit, knowing that the voice was coming from inside of it and that Kronos was somehow playing around with her. The King of Titans spoke once again, his voice low and deep and gravelly. "You shall be coming to Othrys. And Perseus shall be coming with you."
Thalia clenched her fists. She wasn't sure what to think anymore. She couldn't understand how Kronos knew about Perseus and suddenly it occurred to her that he was probably behind it all. "You…you sent him to Westover Hall." Her voice was soft and low and she couldn't hide her disbelief.
She could feel the titan smiling. "Yes, I did. No matter what you believe, He shall serve his purpose. It is his destiny and he cannot escape it. No matter what you think about him, you will fall by his hands one day."
Thalia bit back a retort and said, "That's not true. He wouldn't."
Another laugh. "Maybe you have forgotten, daughter of Zeus. He is a Titan. He is the last son of Gaea. He was born to overthrow the gods of Olympus."
Thalia clenched and unclenched her fists as Kronos went on. "You trust too easily, Thalia Grace-" she growled slightly at the use of her last name but Kronos ignored her and went on. "Luke Castellan is destined to free Perseus. Perseus is destined to overthrow the Olympian gods. You are destined to make a choice to end or preserve their rule. It is Destiny. None can escape The Dissonant Notes of Fate. None can go against them. Unless…you join me. We can make the world a better place. We can rid the universe of the filthy Olympians. You can get your revenge on your father. For not being there. For taking away your brother. For making Beryl into the way she became."
"No." Her voice cracked.
Thalia took in a deep breath. She tried to speak again but she couldn't. She was bathing in doubt. She was confused. Kronos continued speaking. "You really think the Olympians will allow you to live after you have served your purpose?"
Thalia looked down, the uncertainty consuming her. He was right. She was just a tool. They would just use her to save themselves and then discard her immediately after. She was a mistake. Kronos seemed to read her mind because suddenly he was chuckling. "Yes, yes."
She took in a deep breath, trying not to fall into the trap the king of Titans was slowly laying out for her. Perseus had changed. She knew. He had saved her life. She trusted him. But what if Kronos was right? What if she was a bit too gullible? Thalia bit her lip in frustration as Luke's words resurfaced.
He's a Titan, Thalia. He cannot be trusted.
Was she wrong to have put that much faith in him? Thalia remained silent for a few more seconds and finally, she looked up, trying not to make her voice waver. "The gods might not want me to live but at least they're better than the Titans ever were. And they're better than the Titans ever will be. You say they will discard me once I have served my usefulness. I know for a fact you would do the same."
Kronos' spoke and Thalia could tell he had gotten serious. "Join me, daughter of Zeus. You can change the world. You can have all the power you want. You and I shall rule together, side by side."
Thalia hesitated at the mention of power and then scoffed. "I'm not stupid, Kronos. You really think I would believe you would share your power with anyone?'
Kronos continued. "You are right, I would not. But you would rule entire kingdoms with me. You would be my second in command. Don't you want to save her? That little daughter of Athena I have in my clutches?"
Thalia's eyebrows knitted in anger when she realized her was referring to Annabeth. "Leave her out of this, you bastard. If you dare hurt her…"
"Think about it," The Titan prompted. "Remember what I have said. Give me your answer before you reach Othrys."
Thalia snarled. "I won't-"
He burst into laughter, cutting her short and all around her the world started turning grey and ash. The entire terrain started folding upon itself and she was still glowering with anger when the dream started to fade away.
Thalia sat up with a start, panting, her forehead beaded with sweat. Kronos' words lingered in her mind.
None can escape The Dissonant Notes of Fate.
That might be so, she thought, But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying.
LUKE scrambled behind one of the pillars, waiting and watching with bated breath. Nico di Angelo's footsteps were almost non-existent and Luke could hear voices from inside the pavilion. Poking his head out slightly, he observed Nico, who was in a position similar to his and was spying on three girls in silver parkas. Luke cocked an eyebrow, trying not to snort. Maybe Grover had rubbed off Nico and now he also wanted to be as close to the hunters as he could.
Shaking his head, Luke grinned slightly and waited, listening. His eyes picked up Zoe, Phoebe and Bianca in the half-light and they were so deep in conversation they hadn't seen Nico yet. His eyes narrowed when he heard what they were speaking about.
"The son of Hermes said he was at the council meeting," Zoe spoke, voice low.
Phoebe, the ginger-haired daughter of Apollo replied to Zoe, her voice also a whisper. "But he couldn't be. He's still stuck on the Island."
Zoe shook her head, her shoulders moving up in what might have been a shrug, and Bianca stated, "So Perseus was the invisible guy only Thalia could see when we were on the cliffside?'
"Do not say his name," Phoebe hissed. "Names have power, Bianca."
Zoe nodded, her face grim. "And he was here again last night, although I cannot figure out how he could get into camp or why we cannot see him." The huntresses looked distraught, and Luke bit his lip to stop himself from speaking up.
"The boy was right, though," Phoebe said, glancing around her. "He is one of the banes of Olympus. Along with that other beast."
Zoe sighed, rubbing her temples and Bianca spoke again. "You should tell Thalia the rest of your dream."
Zoe shook her head. "I have a feeling they already know."
The three huntresses fell into silence before it was broken by Phoebe's words. 'What are we to do? If he is indeed here…" She trailed off, brushing her ginger hair of out her eyes.
"We must watch," Zoe said, her voice strained. "We shall be journeying to Othrys. The General shall be there. And if Perseus is somehow there too and joins forces with The General or Lelantos, the Titans shall get what they want. They shall be invincible."
The other two hunters looked equally disturbed as Zoe went on. "Chiron informed me after the council meeting. They have found out who is to pull out the sword and free the Titan."
"Who?' Bianca piped nervously.
Zoe sighed. "The son of Hermes. Thalia's friend, Luke Castellan."
Luke's eyes narrowed at the look of disdain which came over Phoebe's face. "If he is to free him, then why is he coming along on this quest? He shall be walking straight into the Titans hands. We'll be giving them exactly what they want."
Zoe answered her, voice diminishing into a small whisper. "I do not know, but Chiron has ordered to go with him. But we must be alert. We shall not allow him to enter The Plains of Perseus."
The three hunters nodded and Zoe pursed her lips. "Bianca, inform Atalanta that she is in charge while we are gone. You are to find more information concerning Perseus and try to get Chiron to speak."
Bianca nodded firmly and Zoe's eyes darted over to him. Luke took in a sharp breath, flattening himself against the pillar and let out a huge sigh of relief when Zoe said, "The lights in the Big House are on. Come, let us leave." For a second there he thought he had been spotted.
A few seconds later, Luke heard the pattering of footsteps as the three maidens shot down the steps and jogged over to the Big House. He took in another deep breath and walked out, almost bumping into Nico. The new camper's thoughtful expression slipped off and his eyes widened when spotting him. Nico exhaled. "What're you doing here?"
The son of Hermes narrowed his eyes and said casually. "I could you asking you the same question, di Angelo."
Nico shuffled back slightly and looked down. "How long have you been here?'
"How did you know the hunters were here?' Luke answered his question with a question.
Nico sighed. "I heard them speaking and walking past the Hermes cabin and…" he hesitated. "I don't sleep well, so I decided to follow them."
Luke nodded, his thoughts moving back to Nico's expression from before. He came to a deduction and arched an eyebrow at the boy. "You want to go on this quest?"
Nico glanced away. "Uh…yes?'
Luke sighed, shaking his head. "You can't, Nico."
The younger boy's head snapped over to him and he looked defiant. "Why? Because I'm new? Because I'm young?'
Luke rolled his eyes. "Yes and yes. You haven't been trained. You saw the manticore. There'll be more beasts like that. And two of us are going to die. And if Zoe found you, she'll have you sent back immediately. If you follow us on the quest, don't you think your sister will be worried?"
Nico's shoulders slumped in defeat and he sighed. Luke was bewildered over how easily and casually he had mentioned two of them dying.
Luke patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, kid. Your time will come." His face darkened suddenly and he said. "Don't speak of anything you heard here to anyone, 'kay?"
Nico gazed at him curiously but responded, "Okay, I won't."
Luke nodded, smiling gratefully. "Thanks. Now come on, let's get back to the cabin. It's almost first light."
Nico's head bobbed and they made their way to the Hermes cabin.
THALIA let out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding and slung her backpack over her shoulder. Gazing one last time at the cabin, she sighed again, before moving out the door and shutting it behind her. The camp was silent and seemingly empty. Thalia's feet crunched on the snow as she began making her way to Half-Blood Hill.
Her mind was filled with thought and doubts as she walked and she tried not to let Kronos' words get to her. She wondered if she could tell Luke about her dreams but then decided against it. She passed by sleeping cabins and the central hearth, making her way through the entire camp. Finally, she came to a stop next to her pine tree which had the golden fleece hanging on the lowest branch.
Petting the guard dragon, Thalia was so deep in thought that she didn't notice a presence come up next to her. Her head spun to the side when she heard Luke clear his throat.
Thalia observed him, working up her nerve. They faced each other, the tension so thick she was sure she could pierce it with her spear. Luke's lips parted to speak but Thalia beat him to it, blurting out the two words she almost never said.
"I'm sorry."
Luke was stunned into silence and he blinked once, then twice. "What?"
"I said, I'm sorry," Thalia spoke slowly. "I shouldn't have been defending him like that yesterday and-"
"No, Thalia," Luke said softly. "It's me who should be apologizing. I was being a prick and I'm sorry." He passed her a small grin, although Thalia could tell he was nervous.
She smiled. "I'll only accept your apology if you accept mine."
The boy next to her chuckled. "Yeah, sure. You're forgiven."
Thalia snorted at that. The awkwardness in the air seemed to dissolve and she turned away from him, focusing on the white minivan which stood on the road. Zoe and Phoebe were making their way there with Bianca, all three of them deep in conversation. Suddenly, Thalia felt fingers graze against hers and electricity flowed through her arm at the contact.
Turning to peer curiously at Luke, she looked down softly at their hands, which were brushing against each other. Thalia blushed and took his hand in hers and Luke intertwined their fingers. Smiling contentedly, she turned back to the van as Luke rubbed circles on the back of her hand.
Chiron came to a stop next to them and she turned to him. The old centaur took in a deep breath and spoke up. 'Remember not to argue with the hunters too much, Thalia."
She rolled her eyes. "No promises, Chiron."
Their mentor's lips spread into a smile. "Zoe and Phoebe already know about Perseus and the sword." He turned to face them. "Be safe. Look after each other."
They both nodded again and Chiron said. "Goodbye, heroes. And good luck."
Thalia glanced at Luke and his eyes told her everything they needed to know. Taking in another deep breath, they made their way to the white camp van, fingers still intertwined.
Thalia settled into her seat at the back with Grover, who was already in and asleep. Luke took his place next to her, his grip on her hand tightening. She smiled reassuringly at him, silently telling him with her eyes everything was going to be okay. She knew what they were walking into. But she was determined. They were going to find Annabeth and they were going to defeat The Titan Lord.
PERSEUS took in a deep breath, strapping the knife to his thigh. He gazed softly at the Island of Ogygia and brushed his hair out of his eyes. Sighing and moving back into his cave, the Titan of the Earth plopped down onto his bed.
It was afternoon on Ogygia but he knew it wasn't even six am in Camp Half-Blood. The questers would be setting out now. He sighed once again and His eyes drifted close, his breath becoming softer and quieter.
Slowly, he entered the Land of Dreams, trusting the minor god behind it all to take him to his destination.
Perseus slept soundly, knowing he probably wouldn't be waking up for a long, long time.
The girl stared at the black water, her eyes hard. She couldn't bring herself to step into it. She knew it was necessary if she was going to host Kronos but she just couldn't do it.
Taking in a deep breath she stuck one foot into the water. The searing hot pain made her feel dizzy. She wanted to scream out, but she tightened her jaw in defiance. She needed this.
Her other foot entered the water and then her waist was disappearing. Soon, the girl was completely submerged.
A few seconds later she shot out of the water, gasping for breath. Her eyes were wide and she was freezing and burning at the same time. But she felt…stronger. She felt like she could take on an army of monsters and win. The girl's thoughts drifted over to the two people who had been her link to the mortal world while in the river.
It pained her that she had to fight them soon. The girl turned, pushing the thoughts out of her head and walked out of the water.
Her mother and the other goddess stood, waiting, at the bank of the River Styx. The two Olympians were smiling in satisfaction and the newer spy said, "You are ready."
The girl nodded and ordered. "Let's get back to the Mountain. And then we wait. They'll be here soon."
The two goddesses obeyed, and her mother placed a hand on her shoulder. The girl shut her eyes as They exploded into golden light and disappeared from the Underworld.
A/N: So, this chappie was really short. It's more of a filler, to be honest. We had some offers from Kronos, some minor Thaluke, and the demigod spy bathing in The Styx to host the king of titans. Tell us what you think and please do not forget to vote, review or leave a kudos.
Cheers,
Triple Homicide.