Ch28
Chrysaor thought the bus was going to crash as it sped through the air. When they arrived at Camp Half Blood the bus managed to melt the surrounding snow as it landed.
"Alright kids have a nice time," Apollo said as they got off.
"That was pretty cool," Percy said as they got off the bus and were greeted by Chiron and Mr. D.
"Percy Chris what's going on? Where is Thalia?" Chiron asked.
He looked at his brother not knowing what to say. "Um she sort of fell off a cliff," Percy said as he explained the fight with Dr. Thorn.
Chiron and Mr. Dr's faces both darkened, "Damn it if she isn't dead she was taken alive," Mr. D muttered. "Did you search everywhere?"
"Lady Artemis was with us," he said. "They will continue looking till they find her."
"Lets just get some rest for now," Chiron said gravely. "Tomorrow we'll figure something out."
They all nodded and headed their separate ways. "Hey where are you guys going?" Nico asked.
"Oh we have our own cabin," Percy said doing his best to not sound exacerbated. "Grover will show you to the Hermes Cabin until you are claimed. Nico frowned but nodded as Grover should him around camp.
"Poor kid his sister joined those hunters," he said.
Percy nodded. "Yeah he seems annoying but hopefully he can fit in somewhere."
That night he dreamed he was flying through the skies. To his left and right were pegasi, they flew over various cities. Down below he saw the Golden Gate Bridge, passing by it he flew farther passing by an ominous mountain.
He neighed as he ordered the other pegasi to avoid it. "Father we've received reports of monsters nearby we should be cautious. We've been encircling this area for a while but the enemy is elusive"
"Be cautious," said a voice he recognized as belonging to his brother Pegasus. "Make sure none of your siblings fall for the enemy's trap. We must wait to see if the enemy will regroup in this area"
"Yes father," the pegasi said.
"The enemy is gathering its strength we must be careful," Pegasus said as the dream ended.
When he woke up his face was wet with his tears. Damn it. I haven't dreamt of him in a long time, but that wasn't from our memories together. His heart pounded in his chest as he grabbed a tissue from his nightstand and cleaned his face.
His body shook as he sat up. The resentment towards his brother was conflicting with a feeling he hadn't had for a while. Why am I feeling this way? I haven't cared for him in a long time.
What is going on with you brother? His brother usually avoided monsters since if he got hurt his siblings also got hurt. His heart beat rapidly in his chest, unease washed over him as he sat on his bed. What would you think of me now? I'm a little kid again. He looked over and saw Percy sit upright in his bed with a shocked expression on his face. "What's up?"
Percy took a few deep breaths his pale. "Luke and Annabeth have Thalia captured."
"What happened?" He asked.
Percy rubbed his eyes. "She is with them now. I saw it myself she was crying in Luke's army talking about being a family again."
"Well hopefully she isn't a complete fool," he said with a grimace. This could be bad for us. If she joins the other gods may question us. Father will be in a very delicate situation.
"Annabeth was supposedly super smart and she joined them," Percy said shaking his head. "We'll be in trouble if Thalia does the same."
"It would give the gods a bigger reason to distrust us you in particular," he said. Percy looked away a dark look spreading across his face. "Don't worry I won't let anyone harm you, father and Triton will also defend you."
"Thanks," Percy sighed. "I wonder how the rest of the camp will take it, do you think a quest will be issued?"
"I can see that," he said as he went up and fed Circe who had accepted her fate as a guinea pig. "You told me that Artemis would be on some hunt right? It wouldn't surprise me in the least if something happened that would require a quest."
Percy nodded, "I'm sure Chiron would know what to do."
That morning right before capture the flag they found Chiron outside the Big House and told him about the dream. Chiron's face darkened, "I can only hope that Thalia can resist the Titan Lord's influence. After Annabeth I don't know if I can handle another major betrayal." The centaur's expression was so dark he could see the bags under his eyes.
"Well I'm sure she'll resist them," Percy said though from the tone of his voice he could tell that he was trying to make Chiron feel better than to reassure them.
Chiron nodded. "Well Percy you and Chris are going to lead the campers here during capture the flag against the hunters."
"Sounds good," He said patting Percy's back.
"R-Really? We will lead the campers?" Percy said in surprise.
Chiron nodded, "Clarisse is on a special assignment. Both of you are more than capable of being the heads of the campers."
"Don't worry we'll win," he said with a smile. "Come on Percy lets go."
"Oh gods the camp will hate us if we lose," Percy grumbled as they got breakfast.
"Don't worry I'm sure we can win," he said with a smile. "I've fought the hunters before, Zoe will most likely come after me so I can handle her and a few other hunters. You'll lead us well I'm sure of it."
"Wait you want me to lead the campers?" Percy asked his eyes wide with shock
He nodded. "Think of it as practice. You'll do well I'm sure of it."
Percy looked at the group of campers in front of him anxiously. Oh gods I never actually led a group of campers before. Taking a deep breath he looked at the campers who were eager for his commands. Well I might have to do this in the future so I guess its better to practice now.
He stepped forward and looked at the campers. "Alright my brother is going to defend our flag. I will choose a group of campers to accompany me to take the enemy's flag. The rest of you will assist in other ways."
Clearing his throat he began to say the names. "Reyna, Will Solace, and Malcolm Pace will accompany me. Hephaestus and Hermes will set up traps along our flag. Any questions?"
The three campers he chose came to his side. "Hey watch out Malcolm may stab you in the back like his sister," Someone from Ares yelled causing snickers to come from the Ares cabin.
Malcolm's face reddened as he clenched his fists. "Hey enough of that," he said stepping forward. "If we want to win we have to work together. Now lets prepare."
He turned to Malcolm. "Don't worry I don't distrust you." He didn't know the kid well but he knew that the Ares Cabin liked picking on the Athena Cabin since Annabeth betrayed the camp and he wanted to extend an olive branch where he could.
Malcolm sighed. "Thanks. It hasn't been easy since summer."
"Don't worry if they do anything me and my brother will stop them," he said firmly. He couldn't stand bullies and it wasn't fair that the Athena be punished for their sister's treason.
"Do you have a plan?" Reyna asked.
"I was thinking of staying close to the water that way I can control it," he said. "You and Malcolm can deal with any close quarter enemies in addition to strategy while Will here will take care of any enemies with his bow."
"Got it," Will said with a smile.
He turned to Malcolm. "I'll leave the strategy to you. My brother will take care of the defense."
Malcolm looked him in the eyes they were like his sister's but saner. "Got it."
His plan was simple just stay by the water. Their flag was right behind the river guarded by Chrysaor and various traps by the Hermes and Hephaestus Cabins.
"Malcolm how does our plan look?" He turned to the son of Athena who was scouring over the plans Chrysaor made.
Malcolm peered over the map his brow furrowed. "It looks good. Did you make it?"
He shook his head. "Chris did."
"Very detailed. It looks like he is planning on defending the flag at all costs," Malcolm said returning the plans to him. "The Hunters of Artemis won't be an easy opponent."
He nodded. "My brother said the same. Don't worry I know he will defend our flag at all costs. All we have to do is engage the enemy, it won't be easy but as long as we are near the water we have an edge."
"I'll keep that in mind," Malcolm said as they finished putting on their armor. "Hey um if you don't mind me asking what was she like when you fought against her?"
He noticed Malcolm avoid his gaze, Annabeth's name was sort of taboo among the Athena kids since she defected. "She was determined to protect him," he sighed as he finished strapping on his armor. "She said he was her family."
For a moment he saw anger flash across Malcolm's eyes. The usually passive boy's face contorted into anger before returning to a neutral gaze. "Then what were we?" He said softly his fists shaking. "Or our mother?" Malcolm shook his head. "Glad to know she sees him as family."
A pang hit his heart, he knew it wasn't easy for the Athena Cabin. "Well you and your siblings shouldn't suffer for her." He placed a hand on Malcolm's shoulder and looked him in the eyes. "If anyone gives you guys trouble they'll answer to me and Chris. In the meantime show the camp what a child of Athena can do."
He wasn't good at giving speeches but Malcolm looked comforted by his words. Malcolm looked at him and nodded. "Thanks. I appreciate that."
A horn sounded in the distance signaling for them to get ready. "Come on we should get going."
Malcolm nodded and followed him. Reyna and Will were waiting for him as the rest of the campers got into formation. "Are you ready?" Reyna asked. She was wearing Greek armor and had a sword at her side while Will Solace had a bow in his hands.
He nodded. "Yeah lets do this. Will keep an eye out for any surprises."
"Roger," Will said as he strung his bow.
"Malcolm stay close by and be alert for any traps," he said. "Reyna stay close to me also."
Reyna nodded. Despite being new she was still decent with a sword.
"Got it," Malcolm said firmly as Chiron's horn blared in the distance.
He uncapped Riptide. "Lets go." Stepping into the stream a wave of protection washed over him as his teammates walked around him.
They didn't walk far when they heard the first volley of arrows fly toward them. "Look out!" He quickly summoned a wall of water just as a group of hunters charged at them.
"Going head first they must be cocky," Reyna said drawing her sword.
"Well lets show them what we can do." Gripping his sword he charged at the incoming hunters the water enhanced his movements allowing him to keep up with the hunters.
He slashed and hacked at them with Reyna at his side. Using the water he willed it to wrap around the hunters to slow them down and allow them to be incapacitated. His reflexes were sharp as he knocked one hunter to the ground and slashed another in the gut. Reyna came to his side as they continued to deal blows to the hunters slashing them to the ground "Good job," he said giving Reyna a high five.
"No problem," she said kicking down the last hunter.
"Hey look out!" Will yelled.
The sound of more arrows flying snapped him back into battle mode. Willing the water in the river he summoned a small wave to crash into the brush. He heard cursing and screaming as the hunters broke formation.
"Lets go before they reorganize," he said.
His teammates nodded as they followed him through the trail. "Not bad," Reyna said as they passed over some unconscious hunters. "This only seems like a small amount though."
"Trust me the hunters love tricks," Will said gripping his bow tightly. "They could be probing us."
"That is a very good possibility," Malcolm said as he carefully eyed the ground for any traps.
"We'll handle whatever they have to throw at us," he said. "To be honest if they go after our flag they better be prepared for my brother."
"True he definitely doesn't play nice," Will said.
It didn't take long for them to run into the next line of hunters. Willing the water he caused it to crash into them. "Lets finish them off!" He yelled as he lunged at the enemy.
He slashed and hacked at the hunters. His movements were fluid and quick as he slashed and hacked at the hunters incapacitating them before they could react. Reyna and Malcolm fought by his side slashing and hacking at the hunters while Will shot at the ones that he could.
"Come on it must be close by," he said pointing his sword to where the hunters ran
"They want us to get into their territory," Malcolm said. "Their flag must be in an area away from the water."
He grinned at them. "Then I'll just bring the water to them." Snapping his fingers he willed the water from the river around him creating a proactive layer.
"Not bad lets go," Reyna said.
The water around his body didn't impede him, in fact it made him feel great. They continued down the path until they reached a clearing. "There it is!" Will said pointing to the flag in the distance.
"Wait!" Malcolm said holding out his arm. "No one is here."
He looked around and saw that Malcolm was correct, it was too quiet and he couldn't see anyone guarding the flag. "Lets be cautious."
They all had their weapons drawn. "Hey wait for me!" They turned around their weapons drawn to see Nico di Angelo running at them from the other side of the field. "I can get it!" The young boy yelled.
Oh great. He shook his head and sighed.
"What the hell is he doing?" Reyna sighed.
Nico ran towards the flag but tripped and flew in the air. The boy screamed as he was hung upside down from a nearby tree. "Help me!"
"Oh gods," He muttered shaking his head. "Will can you do something?"
"Got it," Will said as he notched an arrow. Nico screamed as Will fired it. The young boy fell to the ground and let out a yelp.
"Come on lets go," he said advancing cautiously.
"I'm ok," Nico said getting up. He took a few more steps. "I just-" Nico di Angelo let out another scream as he stepped on another trip wire and was flung upside down.
Reyna shook her head. "Foolish boy."
You got that right. "Come on lets do this," he said. They advanced forward but were met by arrows.
"Sorry but Zoe told me to protect this," Bianca said firmly. She was backed by four other hunters.
"Bianca please help me!" Nico whined.
Bianca sighed. "Nico we are on opposite sides." Her brother didn't care and only continued to beg and whine.
"Well lets ends this here then," he said gripping Riptide.
Bianca nodded as a volley of arrows came at them. He charged at the hunters willing the water around his body to knock them to the ground. He kicked Bianca di Angelo as she tried to get up and disarmed another girl.
By that time Reyna and Malcolm came to assist him. "We got this get the flag," Malcolm said as Will Solace supported them with arrows.
"Got it," he said. Turning to flag he willed the water that was on the ground around his feet as he charged up the will. The water detected various trip wires which he had to carefully step around but in the end he grabbed the flag and hoisted it up.
A horn blew in the distance. We did it. a smile spread across his face as his teammates cheered, even Nico who was in tears and still hanging upside down cheered.
"Alright the campers have won!" Chiron declared. The centaur stepped from the brush towards them. "Come on lets get your brother and Zoe before they hurt each other anymore."
"What?" he asked.
Chiron sighed and motioned for him to follow. They along with the rest of the campers went to where his brother was defending his flag and he nearly gasped when he saw it.
The around their flag was strewn with the bodies of injured hunters all bleeding out. In the middle his brother and Zoe were doing combat, both of them heavily injured and bleeding.
"Alright Chris the match is over you can release them," Chiron said.
Chrysaor stood up and spat out blood as Zoe glared daggers at him. Damn he went all out. Both his brother and Zoe were covered in sweat in blood as they tried to get the upper hand over the other both of them bleeding profusely. Everyone was muttering at the carnage when someone yelled. "Hey look!"
They turned and saw the Oracle in her tattered clothes facing them as a green smoke covered the area. "I am the spirit of Delphi speaker of the prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, Slayer of the mighty Python. Zoe Nightshade approach and ask."
Zoe limped forward her body bleeding from various cuts and bruises, "What must I do to help my goddess?"
The oracle spoke, green mist poured out of her mouth. "Five shall go west to the goddess in chains. Campers and Hunters combined prevail. The bane of Olympus shows the trail and be saved at the last breath. The bonds of family will be tried, torn, and made anew. Grudges shall form when all is done.
