A/N: So, here is the next chapter of the Dissonant Notes of Fate. By next week, Thursday, this arc would be done. Enjoy the story.
THALIA turned in her bed, brow furrowing. Her hair was matted with sweat and her face was damp. She kept tossing and turning, trying with all her might to wake up. It didn't work.
She was still in the same place in her dream,—at the foot of a gigantic black throne in the grand Palace of the Titans—Othrys. The power and energy being exuded from the golden sarcophagus next to the throne was oppressive. It was hard to resist the urge to bow and submit to the Titan Lord. But Thalia held her ground, trying not to panic.
The demigod knew it was just a dream—but it was a sudden one, and it scared her that Kronos had found her location. She had thought she could hide—had thought she would be safe, but here she was, being held inside the Palace by a power greater than her. Thalia gritted her teeth, trying to move her limbs. She couldn't.
The air was humid but smelled sweet. Darkness shrouded all the corners and the coffin was pulsing, sending waves of golden energy towards her. The place felt electrified, and Thalia felt uneasy. She tried again to move a leg. Nothing.
"Kronos!" The daughter of Zeus yelled. "You brought me here! Where are you?!" She was angry that he had infiltrated her head, and had pulled her subconscious away from the safety of the hidden Island. She was angry that he knew she was still alive.
A deep laugh resonated throughout the chamber. And then his voice was in her head, scratchy and imposing, making her feel all dirty and defiled inside at the invasion. You thought you could hide from me, did you?
It was a statement and not a question, and although his voice was similar to how it had always been, there was a tinge of anger in it. Anger which she could feel; which made her head hurt.
"How did you find me?" Clenching her fists, she snarled at the sarcophagus. "What do you want?"
The same thing I've always wanted, Kronos answered, his voice making her shudder.
Anger filled her and her voice rose, "What more could you possibly wish for? You have Nico, you have Bianca! I want no part in your stupid war!"
He laughed, and ice filled her bones. The Hades spawns are good, yes. But they aren't strong. Not like you are. And their loyalties lie with the gods. That much is certain.
"Well I don't care," She snarled at empty air. "I'm never coming off Ogygia to fight for you."
The Crooked One laughed once more and she winced at the sound. That is what you say now, but soon, he paused. Soon, you shall beg to join me.
With another laugh the dream melted into mist and ash around her. And then she bolted upright, wide awake.
-X-
THALIA winced once more as the most recent vision from Kronos faded away, dropping her bow. The deer shot up and dashed away, making Percy give her a confused but worried glance. She was sweaty and tiredness filled her bones. She was sick of it all and she wanted it to end. She wanted it to go away.
The Titan King was driving her mad.
Kronos had begun assaulting her since that first night he had infiltrated her head. She had told him no, so many times. She was not leaving Ogygia to help him vanquish Olympus, no matter what he promised her. And then the dreams had come even when she was wide awake, even when she was eating, hunting, or gardening with Percy. When she was training his presence would fill her head and he would continue tormenting her, convincing her, promising her things, just so she could join him. The time didn't matter. It was always the same. Kronos showed Thalia several memories of the gods, and their wrongdoings and mistakes over the years. She saw how wicked they could be, and how biassed they were.
She saw how power-hungry her father was, and the lengths the Olympians would go to achieve what they wanted. She tried to resist Kronos. She tried to fight against him, but her will was crumbling as time passed, and she knew it.
"What's wrong?" Percy inquired, brow creased.
Thalia shook her head, mumbling, "It's nothing. Just nerves." He looked dubious but didn't question her. She silently thanked the gods for that. She didn't think she could explain to the Titan that his brother was slowly ripping apart the piece of her which kept her grounded. She couldn't tell him that any day now, her mind would crack from the pressure Kronos was putting on it—on her, and she would go insane.
"Okay, then," He said, bending to pick the bow from the ground. "We can continue later. It's time for dinner anyway."
Thalia nodded and motioned for him to lead the way. There was more than one reason why she didn't want to leave Ogygia and join Kronos. It would also mean leaving Percy alone, once more, like all the others before her had. And she couldn't—wouldn't—allow him to go through that pain again. She couldn't leave him broken.
The demigod knew it was probably selfish of her not to leave. But she didn't care. Not anymore. She didn't know why, but the thought of leaving Percy…it made her heart ache.
She had to resist Kronos, even if it meant her mind got fractured. She would find a way. Pursing her lips, she followed the son of Gaea out of the forests.
-X-
PERSEUS glanced sideways at his companion. The daughter of Zeus was deep in thought, eyes focused on the ground. But he could see the bags under her eyes and her pale face. She wasn't getting much sleep. And she didn't want to tell him what was wrong.
But he was worried, and he could tell that whatever was happening to her, it was bad. And he didn't want to stand by the side while she suffered. He wanted to help her. But he couldn't if she didn't open up. And it hurt a bit, that with how close they had gotten, she couldn't tell him what was bothering her.
"What's wrong?" He repeated the question he had been asking a lot lately. And he couldn't help it. Thalia was retreating into herself. She barely wanted to train or go hunting again. She gardened with him half-heartedly and often froze mid-action, eyes wide, as though there was something going on in her head. And he wanted to know what exactly that was.
He had been questioning her a lot when her behaviour had changed. He wanted to know, so he could be of aid. Sighing, he turned away. And then a sudden thought hit him.
What if he was the problem?
What if she didn't want to be around him anymore? Maybe she missed her home, and she had gotten tired of him and Ogygia already. Bitterness and regret filled him at that moment. But maybe he was wrong. Nevertheless, he had to ask. He had to find out.
Thalia glanced up at him and he saw the irritation flash in her eyes. His heart clenched. Maybe his previous theory was correct. Or maybe she was annoyed because he had been asking her that question a lot. Was he being too pushy and overbearing? Was she getting uncomfortable? Pursing his lips he went back to heaping soil around the base of a glowing flower of Apollo.
"I'm okay," She finally said. "Stop worrying about me too much." She didn't finish her sentence but he knew exactly what she was trying to say. It gets annoying.
"I'm sorry," He said quietly, turning back to his gardening. The daughter of Zeus frowned, and stood.
"I'll turn in early tonight," She told him.
Without looking up he nodded, and watched her make her way into the cave.
-X-
PERSEUS placed the bowl of stew in front of the blue eyed demigod. Her elbows were at the table, chin resting on her fists as she stared into empty air. He took a seat opposite her. Her eyes were glazed over and wide, and suddenly he saw a flash of fear in them.
As if on cue Thalia fell out of her seat and a loud scream ripped through her throat. He shot to his feet and jumped to her, eyes wide, panic flooding him. "Thalia!" He yelled. "Thalia what's wrong?!"
She didn't answer. She was convulsing now, shivering and screaming, as though she was in great pain. "Thalia!" He grabbed on to her hand and instantly a shock passed through his arm. Red hot heat flared in his palm, and he could feel pain, unimaginable pain fill him. Wincing he pulled away from her.
"Thalia," His brow was creased in worry. What was happening to her? What was she going through?
"Thalia," Ignoring the burning in his fingers he reached for her again, grabbing onto her shoulders. "Thalia, snap out of it!" He shook her. "You're right here, I'm with you. You're okay." No response. He didn't know what to do. Her screams pierced the night air and tears streamed down her face.
"Oh, Thalia." Without thinking, he swore to himself, leaned forward, and smashed his lips on hers. She stopped moving almost instantly, turning stiff. And then he wrapped his arms around her and she melted into his embrace. Her lips moved against his, warm, and sweet. He kissed her passionately, trying to make her remember, to stop her sudden panic attack.
After a few seconds he pulled away tentatively. Thalia's eyes were wide, and her bottom lip was trembling slightly. "Thalia," He called her name once again. "Are you alright?"
She was panting, glancing at him like it was the first time she had seen him.
"I-I'm fine," She muttered. "Thanks."
They were silent for a few minutes, just staring at each other. "Are you ever going to tell me what's wrong?" He finally spoke. "You've grown really distant. We don't talk a lot anymore. You always want to be alone now." He paused. "Is it something I did?"
She was silent. He continued. "I apologise if I did anything to offend you. I—"
"No," She cut him off. "Stop."
"What?" He blinked in surprise.
She looked hesitant, and then resignation appeared on her face. "There's no need to apologise." She turned away, glancing at the beach in the distance. "It's Kronos."
He frowned in confusion. "Kronos has been sending me messages," She sighed. "Through dreams and visions. When I'm awake and asleep. When we're hunting or gardening. Even when I'm training. And it's breaking my mind." She faced him.
"Oh," He said softly, realisation dawning on him. "Oh, I'm so sorry."
"There's nothing you can do," She waved it aside. "I can't block my mind from him without magic. And there's none here that can be of help. He won't stop until I agree to join him."
He was silent for a few seconds, mind whirring. "Then join him, then. I don't want to see you lose your mind."
"I can't," She shook her head. "I can't betray Luke and the others like that. Not after Annabeth. And not after everything Kronos has done to me."
He remained silent. Then he said, "You should have told me." Pain filled her eyes as she looked at him. "I didn't want you to worry."
"Nothing about you is a bother, Thalia," He reminded.
She glanced away. Her voice broke as she spoke. "I-I thought I would be safe from Kronos here. I thought I would be free from everything. But I'm not." She pursed her lips.
Perseus reached out and drew her into an embrace. "Don't worry. I'll contact the gods. I'll get help." She buried her head in his shoulder, and there she broke down, crying, releasing weeks worth of tears she had been keeping locked up since it had started. He ran a hand through her head, whispering soothing words in her ears.
-X-
THALIA found herself in a dream once more that night. But this…this wasn't Othrys. This was different. This was familiar.
Camp-Half Blood stretched out before her and she felt a pang in her chest as she gazed at it wistfully. She turned in a circle, taking it all in, soaking up the home she had left hanging when she had decided to stay on Ogygia.
"Thalia," The voice startled her, making her jump. Her eyes widened as she turned to face the figure. He looked familiar, like she had known him all her life. But she hadn't. She never would.
"Thalia," His voice was soft as he said her name. "I have a job for you." He swallowed, then looked her in the eye. "Olympus needs your help. I need your help." She stared, dumbfounded as he continued talking, and told her everything that needed to be done.
Immediately she woke up, Thalia swore loyalty to Kronos, King of Titans.
-X-
PERSEUS looked up when he heard the rumbling sound somewhere out on the waters. Surprise flashed on his face when he spotted the man making his way onto the beach. Poseidon looked young, like he had millennia ago. He had dark unruly hair, and bright green eyes, much like Perseus' but a little lighter. He wore an odd shirt with pictures of birds on it and brown clothing covered his legs to his knees, like cut strides. Perseus couldn't tell what he was wearing on his foot, but it looked like modern day sandals.
"Poseidon," Perseus stood, and then nodded stiffly. "It is a rare honour."
The god nodded back to Perseus, although his eyes were shining with uncertainty. Clutching tighter on his trident, he turned to Thalia, who had been laying down on the sand next to Perseus. Her eyes were shut, and she was basking in the sunlight and Perseus could tell she hadn't been at Kronos' mercy just then because she had a slight smile on her face. She looked beautiful, as her eyelids peeled open, and Perseus' heart ached as realisation dawned on him. Poseidon wouldn't visit Ogygia unless he was here for something— to take Thalia back.
Perseus' head hurt suddenly, like he had been hit by a club. He accepted it then—he had fallen for Thalia and he was probably going to lose her in a matter of hours, like his curse dictated. She would leave, and his heart would be broken once more.
"Would you excuse us, please?" Poseidon asked gingerly. "I have a few things to say to Miss Grace." Thalia's expression darkened, and then her face was unreadable. Perseus glanced in her direction, and she nodded, subtly. Pursing his lips, he turned and walked away.
He hurried into his cave, plopping down onto the ground nearest to the entrance. He couldn't bear to sit and watch Thalia discuss methods she could use to get home. He didn't even know if she felt the same way about him. She probably didn't. None of the heroines ever did. Luke loved her, and although Thalia hadn't mentioned him for a while, he knew she missed the son of Hermes, desperately.
No matter how much he tried to delude himself that she would stay with him on Ogygia, he had always known her departure was inevitable. Everyday, he stood at the water's edge, waiting, in fear, for the raft that would finally come and take her away from him. Sighing, he shut his eyes.
It was a while before Thalia came into the cave. Perseus fiddled with the hilt of Anaklusmos. "Poseidon is gone," She said. Her voice was soft, and Perseus could immediately see where it was going.
"You're leaving, aren't you?" He asked, voice low.
"In a few minutes," Thalia murmured. "Poseidon says it's only been a week, out in the real world. And everyone thinks I'm dead." Perseus frowned, and pulled himself up into a standing position. He couldn't help the sudden bitterness which engulfed him.
"I guess I should have expected it," He said, looking down. He glanced up to meet her eyes, and he could see the pain in them, no doubt reflected in his own eyes. "I can't convince you to stay, can I?"
"No," She said slowly. "You can't."
Perseus let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "You can stay here, Thalia. You remember what I offered in chapter eighteen. I know you probably won't accept, but you can stay here. You would be immortal forever. You would never die. You would leave the fight to others, and escape the Prophecy. I've told you all of this before."
"I have to go back," Thalia said. Her voice was sad. "Ogygia isn't safe. No matter where I go, I'll never be safe from Kronos. Him and the gods will hunt me down as long as I keep living to force me to make a decision. And I can't sit here and slowly go mad. I have to face my fears."
"But why does it have to be you?" Perseus suddenly exploded, throat tightening with anger and pain. He probably wouldn't see her again when she was gone. "Hades has children, doesn't he? Let them take over the Prophecy!"
Thalia reached forward, almost as though she was about to brush his cheek with her hand. Perseus leaned towards her, but then she was pulling away. "All this," She looked around her. "It was the most relaxed I've felt in years. But it was all like an illusion, and it was only a matter of time before it shattered." She turned back to him. "My friends matter to me, Percy."
"You matter to me," He said, voice bitter. "I tried not to, Thalia. I tried so hard to fight it." He whispered the last part. "You know the details of my curse. The gods always send someone…someone I can't help…just the sort of person I can't help falling in love with." Emotions swirled through him. Loss, anger at the gods, pain, and most of all, defeat.
Thalia wouldn't stay. He already knew that. He looked down as he waited for her answer. "I know," Her voice was still soft and he looked up. Her eyes were watering. "I know, and I-I…" She swallowed, as though she had never said the words before. "I have feelings for you too, Percy. And I wish I could stay. But I have a duty. I have responsibilities."
Perseus pursed his lips, too far gone in his frustration to realise the impact of her words. "Of course."
"The Fates are cruel," He continued, voice thick. "They sent you to me, knowing that you would break my heart. They delayed the coming of the raft, so we would get closer, so no matter how hard I tried I would fall. So it would hurt a hundred times more when you finally leave."
"I-I'm sorry," Thalia's voice was still low and anguished.
Perseus ran a hand through his hair once more, and said, "There's no need for you to be. Such is my curse."
"I can't stay," she told him, dismayed.
"I know," He responded.
"I would never do anything to hurt you, Percy," she said, as if pleading with him to understand. "Remember that. But there is something I have to do. And I can't do it while I'm here."
Suddenly she was leaning forward, and planting a short, chaste kiss on his lips. Surprise filled him. Almost immediately she pulled away, and defeat filled him once more. "Come to the beach. I will send you on your way."
There was no doubt now. The raft was waiting.
-X-
PERSEUS and Thalia stopped by the ocean, where a small raft was on the beach. Poseidon was nowhere to be found.
"This will take you wherever you desire," He promised. "It is safe." He let out a shaky breath.
"I'll get you off this Island," Thalia promised, reaching forward and grabbing his hand tightly. "I swear to the S—"
"No," He cut her off. "No person finds Ogygia twice. Don't make promises that will surely lead to your doom."
Perseus shook his head. "When you leave, I may never see you again. Not unless Luke pulls out my sword, which we both know he will never do, or unless I gather power to meet you through your dreams again, which is doubtful." He smiled wistfully as she stepped onto the raft. Perseus watched as it began floating away with Thalia on it. They were silent, and he murmured, "Goodbye, Thalia."
She watched him as she drifted away, and he saw the regret, shining in her eyes. When she disappeared from view he fell to his knees in the sand. And he wept, for the love that had been ripped away from him.
-X-
LUKE and Zoëstood on half-blood hill, underneath Thalia's pine. They had waited one week for Thalia to return. She hadn't. And neither had Bianca, Clarisse or Grover. Luke was devastated. There was a chance that all of them were dead, and just thinking about it made him want to give up. He had gone to Hephaestus, the god had told him how to navigate the maze and where to find Daedalus.
The son of Hermes knew that venturing into the Maze again was not the best idea, but it was the only idea any of them had been able to come up with. As of now he was the only member of their quest who had returned and Chiron and the others were counting on him to find the Inventor. Quintus had disappeared after they had burnt the pyres of his quest mates, which had made everything seem more final. And then Zoë had volunteered to come along because going into the maze alone with a mere mortal was a stupid idea.
Running a hand through his blond hair he clambered into the strawberry delivery van. The huntress was already seated, fiddling with the hilt of a knife. She greeted him with a nod. Argus started up the vehicle and they began moving, away from the place he had called home for three years. It was Saturday, in July, and traffic was heavy going into the city. As Argus drove, Luke got lost in thought. He fiddled with the cell phone in his hand. It had belonged to Annabeth, before she had left camp and turned on them all.
Usually, using cell phones were monster beacons and Luke knew how risky it was to just hold it. But it was a risk he was willing to take. He dialled a number, one he had seen many times on Thalia's hand and unknowingly memorised. Rachel answered on the third ring.
"Hello," She sounded breathless, like she had been running for hours and Luke cleared his throat and spoke. "Hi, this is Rachel Dare, right?"
"Depends on who's asking," The girl answered. He didn't know how exactly but he could picture the redheaded girl folding her arms and narrowing her eyes in anticipation of his answer.
"It's Luke," He told her. "From—"
"Goode," She cut him off. "I was wondering if I'd imagined you, you know." Luke pursed his lips. Releasing a breath, he said, "Yeah, well, I didn't think we'd be calling you anytime soon." He paused. "But I need your help." He exchanged a glance with the dark eyed girl at his side. She nodded to him, silently asking him to go on.
"Me?" Rachel asked, sounding doubtful. "What could I possibly do to help you?"
"Just meet us," Luke said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Speaking over the phone is risky."
Rachel was silent for a few minutes, and then she responded. "Times Square. I'll be waiting."
-X-
LUKE and Zoë found her inside a place called Java Moose on West 43rd. Rachel was sipping a cup of coffee in wait for them, right under the stuffed moose. Her hair hung in curls around her head, and she was dressed similarly to the last time the son of Hermes had set eyes on her—simple tee, short shorts with paint and drawings on them, and shoes.
She looked up when they entered, and held out a hand in greeting. Luke and Zoë slid into the seats opposite her.
"Luke," She nodded to him as he shook her hand. "I see you've gotten yourself a new girlfriend." She motioned to the lieutenant of Artemis. Zoë's eyes flared in anger and in a steely voice she snarled lowly, "Suggest that again, mortal, and I shall dismember you."
Rachel looked unperturbed. She arched an eyebrow and said, "Uh huh." Ignoring Zoë completely, she turned to Luke. "Where's Thalia, and what's this important mission you want me for?"
Loss and a twinge of regret filled Luke. He looked down. "Thalia's dead," He said in a low voice. It had been a week. if she was alive she would have reached out. He knew he had to accept the fact that she was gone—but it hurt, knowing that he would probably never see her again. Luke blinked back tears, clenching his fist. If he had just stayed behind or pulled her along with him…Rachel cut through his thoughts with a gasp. Her eyes were wide and brimming with tears.
"Oh, Luke," she said softly. "I'm sorry." Rachel reached out to touch his hand but he pulled back, stiffening. He cleared his throat and turned to Zoë. "I don't want to talk about it. This is Zoë Nightshade, daughter of the Titan Atlas and lieutenant of the maiden goddess, Artemis."
Rachel was blinking rapidly and she let out a choked, "That's nice."
"We need your help, mortal," Zoë announced. "Go on, Luke," she motioned to the blue eyed boy. "Tell her." He nodded. Luke briefly wondered when Zoë had stopped calling him boy and had started addressing him by his first name. Perhaps it was because they had been on that quest together, and yes, sure, they were somewhat friends now, but he had never expected her to drop her man-hating persona towards him.
Luke shook his head to clear his thoughts and turned to Rachel. "We've got a problem," He began. "And we need your help." And so he told her, about the Labyrinth, about Kronos and Annabeth, and how they had split up, him and Thalia to find Hephaestus' information, the others to find Pan. He told her about Thalia asking him to leave her behind and Hephaestus telling him that she was a clear-sighted mortal who, like Ariadne, could lead them through the Labyrinth. Who could help them locate the inventor Daedalus.
"Let me get this straight," Rachel stopped him, holding up a hand. "You want me to guide you through a place I've never been before?"
"You can see through the mist," Luke argued. "Like Ariadne. You'll be able to see the right path. The Maze won't be able to fool you so easily."
"And if you're wrong?"
"Then we get lost, and die horrible deaths," Zoë piped. "It shall be dangerous."
"And I could die," Rachel said, matter-of-factly. Luke nodded. "Alright, then," She stood, shrugging. "I'm in."
"What?" Luke blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected it to be that easy.
"You asked for my help," the girl reminded him. "And I'm giving it. Where to first?"
"We must find an entrance to the Maze," Zoë spoke up. "There's an entrance in Camp, but you can't go there. It is off-limits to mortals such as yourself." Rachel scowled. "If you're going to use me to navigate this maze, then you're going to have to stop calling me mortal like it's some disease."
Zoë looked confused. "You are a mortal, are you not?"
Rachel muttered something under her breath and turned to Luke. "What does the entrance look like?"
"It could be anything, really," Luke shrugged. "A wall, a boulder, a door, a sewer entrance. But it would have a delta on on. The mark of Daedalus."
Rachel's gaze grew thoughtful. With her finger, she traced the symbol on the table. "Like this?" For the second time, Luke was surprised. "You know Greek?"
"Nope," The green eyed girl said."There's an entrance like that in the hotel Marriott's basement. It's got the Mark of Daedalus."
-X-
ZOË followed the mortal girl and the son of Hermes into the giant building. She scowled in distaste as they walked. She hated the cities, they were always full of pollution and males. Rachel led them behind a laundry bin full of dirty hotel towels and instantly, Zoë spotted the sign etched into the door.
"I tried opening it once," She motioned to the door handle. "It's stuck."
"It just needs," Luke reached out, touching the sign. It glowed blue. "The touch of a half-blood." The metal door unsealed and cracked open, revealing a dark staircase.
"Cool," Rachel said, tilting her head to the side. She hardly looked scared and Zoë briefly thought of how the girl would make a fine huntress should she be given the chance. She made a mental note to ask her later, after they had navigated the maze and found the others and Daedalus.
"I suppose I have to go first," The girl let out a sigh, and moved into the darkness. Luke went next, and Zoë followed, hand resting on the hilt of the dagger at her side. The stairs led down to a large brick tunnel. It was so dark Zoë could barely see, but thankfully, they had restocked on flashlights. Luke turned his on and Rachel let out a yelp of fear. A skeleton was right in front of them, but what was weird about it was the single black eye socket in the centre of the skull.
"We must keep moving," Zoë said flatly. She stepped under the skeleton's arm and kept walking. It didn't take long for Rachel and Luke to catch up with her. After a few feet they met a crossroads.
To the right, the walls were marble and to the left, the tunnel was dirt and tree roots.
"We need to go straight," Rachel announced. Zoë exchanged a glance with Luke. Putting their faith in the mortal was risky business, but she was their guide, and they had to listen to her. As if sensing their doubt, Rachel said, "There's a sort of brightness on the floor. Faint, but visible. Forward is the correct way." She motioned to the left. "There are feeler roots and to the right, there's a trap, with holes in the walls, maybe spikes."
Zoë nodded in grudging respect. The girl knew her stuff.
They kept walking down the brick corridor. It twisted and turned, but there were no more side tunnels. They seemed to be angling down, heading deeper into the ground.
"No traps?" Zoë questioned.
"Nothing," Rachel spoke. "Should it be this easy?"
"It wasn't before," The son of Hermes muttered darkly.
They walked in silence for a while, before the blond haired boy said, "So, Rachel. Where are you from?"
"Brooklyn," She said, shortly.
"Shall your parents not be worried about you?" Zoë asked. She knew next to nothing about mortal life but surely the girl had someone who would be anxious if she didn't come home.
"They won't," Rachel said, sharply. Her tone made Zoë see. The topic was over.
Suddenly there was a creaking noise in front of them. The sound of doors opening.
"What was—"
"Run!" Rachel yelled. "There's something…big down there!" They swivelled on their heels, turning to race out of the corridor. Heavy footsteps shook the corridor—chasing after them. They didn't make it twenty feet. Two dracaena—snake women in Greek armour—levelled their javelins at them, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. Standing between them was a girl with dark hair and dark skin.
"Kelli," Luke snarled.
"Luke," She purred. "How nice of you to join us." Zoë reached for her knives but before she could draw them the girl had shot forward. She grabbed Rachel and spun her with a clawed hand, holding her tight with her talons at Rachel's neck. Zoë bared her teeth. "Empousa."
"Nightshade," Kelli greeted. "It's been far too long, don't you think?"
Before Zoë could respond, a huge form appeared behind them. A tall laistrygonian giant with red eyes and fangs.
"Can I eat them?" He questioned, licking his lips.
"No," Kelli said shortly. "Your master will want these. They will provide great entertainment." She turned back to them. "Now march. Or you die."
-X-
LUKE was shoved through the arena by a dracaena and instantly his eyes roved around for an escape. He spotted several monsters in the stands, and in the centre a centaur and a giant were battling ferociously. Luke glanced up and then let out a small strangled sound. Because seated in seats of honour, next to a disfigured looking giant were his two best friends, both very much alive.
Annabeth and Thalia stared down at Luke, and the son of Hermes fell to the ground, knees buckling from beneath him.
A/N; Happy Valentine's Day. Ha…