Naturally, my sleep was anything but peaceful.
This time I was in another cavern, but unlike last time, there were even more figures in the space. I couldn't tell for sure, the fire in the middle didn't really light up that much of the cavern, but it looked like there were at least two more silhouettes this time.
"We really need to find a better place to meet," Came the voice of one of the silhouettes from last time. "Caves are so icky, my lady."
"Maybe we could meet up at McDonald's next time, I love their Big Mac's!" Came a new voice that was so heavily distorted I couldn't tell if it belonged to a male or female.
"First off, gross. Secondly, shut up you pig, food is all you think about!" Snapped another shadow.
"Silence," Commanded the lady from my last dream, who I could now assume is the boss of this operation. "Now then, let's discuss the topic at hand. It would seem our surprise for Jackson on Ogygia didn't pan out the way we hoped. Anything to say for yourself, my dear?"
"Forgive me, my lady! I underestimated the girl's power, I knew she was strong but not to that extent. If I had known, I could have prepared a more deadly beast." The first female figure said quickly, bowing her head.
I really needed to come up with nicknames for these guys until I learn their true identities. Ok, the leading lady is now the Lady, her female subordinate is Servant, the other two are Stooge One and Two.
"Perhaps you could have, but the dragon wasn't the problem necessarily. If Perseus hadn't interfered when he did, the daughter of Atlas would have perished," The Lady spoke in a derisive tone. "If you had taken the full precautions to put up a barrier around the island to prevent his entry, she would be dead right now."
The Servant seemed to shake at that, realizing her error. "I'm sorry, forgive my incompetence!"
"You are lucky I anticipated this turn of events," The Lady sneered before turning to Stooge One. "Is our next plan prepared like I asked?"
Stooge One, who was the one that mentioned McDonald's, nodded rapidly. "Yes, yes, my lady! I merely need the word and I shall deploy it!"
"You mean I will deploy it! If we entrusted you to do anything we'd be stuck at step zero forever!" Hissed Stooge Two.
"What? Rude! I did prepare the thing, you know! It wasn't easy getting those ingredients! All you're doing is smuggling it inside the camp!" Stooge One hissed back.
"Wah wah! Oh no, the ingredients were hard! It must have been a real challenge tossing them into a pot! Do you even know how dangerous and difficult my part is?! I have to—" Stooge Two tried to yell back before being interrupted by the Lady.
"SHUT UP!" The Lady roared, causing the cavern to quake, making everyone else quiver in fear. "I can't believe I'm having to lower myself by associating with trash like you! If I had my way I'd have already vaporized the brats, but because of Zeus and Poseidon deciding to play favorites, I have to use other methods! My patience is wearing thin, so you better not fail me this time!"
Her three minions then began to nod and say "yes ma'am/lady" repeatedly.
"Just get it done or else," The Lady warned before turning. "I'll be leaving now, I have someone waiting on me. When we next meet, I better be hearing good news."
With that, my dream shifted as I went somewhere else.
I was now standing in ruins, ruins that felt familiar somehow. It was like the aftermath of a hurricane or tornado or maybe even a severe battle, everything was destroyed. Buildings were in pieces, trees were toppled over and splintered, and the ground itself was torn up. The sky overhead was a dark, swirling grey mass of storm clouds, lightning occasionally flashing. I didn't understand at first, it just looked like the scene of a disaster. Unfortunate, but what did it have to do with me?
But then, I recognized something. There was a particularly large pile of rubble I was standing on, much bigger than the rest of the destroyed structures. But that's not what caught my eye, what did was the sight of a shiny piece of shaped metal sticking out from the debris.
A bronze eagle weather vane.
My blood ran cold as I knew instantly where I was. I looked around in a panic and took notice of something I didn't see before, like as if they just now decided to appear.
Bodies.
Rows of corpses were strewn throughout the devastated remains of Camp Half-Blood. Some were bent at impossible angles while others were mangled beyond recognition. I wanted to scream, but all that left my mouth was the sound of a massive wave crashing against a hard surface as thunder boomed and a monstrous bolt of lightning struck me.
I woke up so violently I tumbled out of my bed with a loud—thud! I gasped for air, blinking my eyes rapidly.
What was that?! Is Camp Half-Blood going to come under attack again? But how? By who? My mind was racing with a million questions as my heart tried to jump out of my chest.
I then thought about the previous part of my dream, remembering seeing more figures this time. It seems my enemies have grown in number since last. At least now I knew for sure they were behind the dragon attack, so my only conclusion is they must also be behind whatever the hell the latter part was supposed to be. They were planning something big. I had to get back to Camp Half-Blood immediately and warn Chiron!
I then stood up shakily, my shoulder aching from when I felt out of bed. I looked out the window in my room and saw it was very early in the morning, the sun just now starting to peek over the horizon. The others must still be asleep at this hour, but it didn't matter, I had no time to lose.
I picked up my green shirt and pants from yesterday and swiftly put them back on before shoving my feet into my shoes. I then left my room and bolted into Annabeth's, where I saw her sleeping soundly on the bed. I dashed over and started shaking her awake.
"Annabeth! Wake up, we need to leave! Annabeth!" I yelled as I shook her.
"Percy...? What time is it? What's gotten you so worked up?" She yawned with a slightly agitated tone.
"Camp Half-Blood is in danger! My dream—ah forget it, I'll explain later once everyone is up! Just get dressed and head to the front of the villa!" I blurt out, almost rushing all of my words together to the point where they sounded like incomprehensible jargon.
She blinked the drowsiness out of her eyes and looked at me, taking notice of my extreme panic. "Oh no, something has happened again, hasn't it? Ok, I'm on my way, go wake up the others."
Annabeth then hastily got out of bed, wearing just her bra and panties, heading for her discarded clothing. Under normal circumstances, I would have found the sight alluring, but I was overwhelmed with dread. I turned and ran out into the hallway then into Calypso's room, where I shook her awake as well.
"Sorry for waking you, I'll explain later. I've already roused Annabeth and she's heading to the front. I'm going to wake up Reyna and we'll meet you two there!" I quickly said to her before turning and dashing back out once again.
I sprinted through the villa like a madman, navigating my way to Reyna's room. Somehow I managed to get lost, finding myself in the kitchen. I then turned to leave, but out of the corner of my eye I saw a small bowl of sugar cubes on the counter. I remembered how I never did give Blackjack the sugar cubes I promised yesterday, so I scooped up the bowl and took it with me. I soon found Reyna's room again, slamming open the door so loudly she jumped awake in shock.
"Percy?! What are you—" she stopped as she saw my crazed eyes "—is everything ok?" She asked.
I shake my head rapidly. "No! No time to explain, just get dressed and come on!"
She nodded and immediately climbed out of bed. I caught a glimpse of her black sports bra as I turned again and headed to the front of the villa. A minute later we were all standing by the front door, the girls all staring at me, waiting for an explanation for my erratic behavior. I then told them about my dream as fast as I could without forgetting any details. I could tell they wanted to ask questions but I didn't have time for that.
"Save any questions you have for when we get there, we're going to the stables right now!" I blurted before yanking the door open and sprinting outside, the cool morning breeze hitting my face as I ran.
I had to cradle the bowl so none of the cubes fell out while running towards the stables, the girls all hot on my tail. Once there, I then whistled and called out for Blackjack and Porkpie, both of whom trotted out of the stables after a short time.
You're up early, boss. Did you get homesick?
"Very much so, Blackjack! Here's your sugar cubes I promised yesterday. Eat them quick you two, we need to leave A-S-A-P!" I explain as I set down the bowl, causing both pegasi to whinny in joy as they took turns eating cubes from it.
I became very antsy and impatient as they ate, even though they had finished off the whole bowl in a minute. We all then saddled up on the two pegasi, me and Annabeth on Blackjack while Calypso and Reyna were on Porkpie. Before we knew it we then took off and were flying back to Camp Half-Blood. As we soared away from Camp Jupiter, Annabeth turned her head back towards me with a troubled face.
"Percy, something about your dream is really bothering me, and I don't mean the part about camp being destroyed," She started slowly. "When you described the first part of your dream, something the boss lady said stuck with me. She spoke of Zeus and Poseidon like she knew them."
"Everyone knows them, Annabeth, I'm not sure I understand." I responded back.
She sighed and rolled her eyes. "That's not what I mean, Percy, come on. What I meant was I think she knows them personally. It's all starting to make some sense now: her being afraid of taking direct action, the way she talks about the other gods, her snobby attitude about others, her low tolerance and bitterness... Are you following me?"
The cogs in my head started to turn as she spoke, putting the puzzle pieces together. "I think so, Annabeth. Do you think this woman is—"
"Hera? Yes, who else could it be?" She finished my sentence.
I felt a burning hate boil within me, it's so obvious now that I thought about it. What is with that bitch and fucking up my life?! I already consider the immortality and harem to be a punishment, why does she want to layer on more?!
"Of course it's her, of course! Like wiping my memory wasn't bad enough, now she's actively trying to kill us!" I raged.
"I'm feeling just as rancorous, Percy, believe me, but we can't act rashly. The gods won't believe us unless we have proof, and even then, she's Zeus's wife. I doubt he'd punish her severely, if at all, going by how much stuff she's gotten away with before." Annabeth said in a calming voice, but I could hear her struggling to suppress her own anger.
"Maybe we could ask Apollo for help. He's the god of truth, right? They'd have to believe us then." I suggested, wanting to be done with the queen of the gods.
Annabeth just shook her head. "Like I said, Percy, even if we convinced them, there's no guarantee Hera would face punishment. It would ultimately come down to Zeus, and we both know how Zeus gets with his favorites. Remember when Ares collaborated with Luke and Kronos all those years ago and faced no punishment for it? Besides that, we need solid evidence that it's actually Hera. Right now, all we have are words from a dream, and as much as I hope I'm right about it being Hera, I can't deny that there are other possible options besides her."
"There are? Like who—"
The words died in my throat as I realized one person she could be implicating.
"You don't mean... Athena, do you? Annabeth, she loves you! Yeah, she despises me, but she'd never do anything to hurt you; you're her favorite daughter!" I whispered into her ear.
I saw tears well in her eyes as she opened her mouth, her voice cracking. "You remember how furious she looked after my wish was granted? I've never seen her so mad before, I was so scared. For a moment, I thought she was going to kill me..."
"Oh, Annabeth, why didn't you tell me this sooner?" I whispered sadly as I moved up on Blackjack and wrapped my arms around her.
She leaned back into my embrace, tears from her eyes being swept away by the wind as we flew. Annabeth has been crying so much lately, I hated it. I hate that so many terrible things have been happening that it's made her like this, it's killing me inside.
"Have you tried contacting her? Talking things out?" I murmured gently.
"I've been too scared to try, I don't know what I would say or if she'd even answer me." She mumbled. "If she's behind this... Percy, I don't—I don't know what I'd do. I already have a strained relationship with my father, if my mother also ends up hating me..."
"She doesn't hate you, there's no way! Athena is the goddess of wisdom, it would be unwise of her to make an enemy of us. I won't let her or Hera or anyone else hurt you, Annabeth," I immediately say in her defense. "If your wish was enough to make her hate you despite all of the amazing things you've accomplished for her sake, then she has no right to call herself a mom."
"Percy..." She whispered as more tears rolled down her face, except this time they were out of joy.
Annabeth then pulled my head towards hers and pressed her lips against mine in a passionate kiss. We stayed like that for a good minute or so before separating, loving smiles on both of our faces.
"I love you, Percy, so much so that not even Aphrodite herself could comprehend it. I don't deserve you." She said softly as she leaned back against me.
"I love you too, Annabeth, more than anything," I whispered back. "It doesn't matter if you think you don't deserve me, it doesn't change how I feel about you. I love you, and that's that."
She said nothing, but I knew she appreciated my words as a big smile appeared on her face. She snuggled against me, enjoying my embrace as she sighed happily. We didn't talk for the rest of the flight, we didn't need to.
Though, it was slightly uncomfortable feeling the other two girls glare holes into the back of my head the entire time.
Some time later, as the sun was well into the sky, we finally arrived back at Camp Half-Blood. As we flew towards the stables, I could see the campers below going about their day. I was also scanning for any sign of Chiron, but didn't see him anywhere. Maybe he was already inside the Big House? We then landed down by the stables, the pegasi looking spent.
"Thanks, guys. I don't think we'll be going anywhere else for a while, so rest up." I say gratefully to Blackjack and Porkpie.
Don't need to tell me twice, boss. Going on such long flights in less than a day really wears a pegasus down.
Totally, I'm going to go crash on some hay.
They then both wandered inside the stables for their long overdue relaxation. After that, I turned to the girls with a serious face.
"We need to go find Chiron and warn him." I stated.
"Or Mr. D." Annabeth added, causing me to raise an eyebrow.
"Dionysus wouldn't care, he doesn't care about anything but himself," I respond harshly, having no interest in seeing the wine god. "In fact, he'd be happy if this camp was annihilated."
"Well, I can't say you're wrong there, but he might show up anyways." Annabeth says with a shrug.
With that said, we then split up to search for Chiron. I made Calypso tag along with me because I didn't trust her wandering around on her own anymore after the Field of Mars incident, though she definitely wasn't upset about it and was more than eager to go with me. Couldn't say the same for the other two, however.
It seemed to me like Calypso was trying to make up for lost time, because she was very touchy during our search. One time I bent down to inspect what I thought to be a hoof print—it was actually just a rock—that was leading down to the lake when she suddenly climbed on my back and demanded a piggyback ride. I didn't have the heart to tell her no, but we didn't have time to lose so I gave her a quick one down to the lake shore. After that she then kissed me deeply before taking my hand into hers as we continued onwards.
Our search was proving fruitless and I was hoping the other two had more luck than we did. Thankfully, that was the case as about ten minutes later I heard Reyna yell out my name and we walked over to see her, Annabeth, and Chiron waiting for us.
"Percy, what is going on? These two told me you had a dream about the camp being destroyed?" Chiron inquired, looking around to make sure no other campers heard him, his troubled face showing off his wrinkles.
I nodded. "That's not all, either. We should go somewhere private to discuss this, we don't need anyone overhearing us and causing a panic."
"Come, let's go to the arena. It's been temporarily closed due to Mrs. O'Leary having an... accident inside there." He said disgustedly.
"You want to talk in a place where a giant hellhound took a giant dump?" Annabeth asked with a raised eyebrow.
The rest of us couldn't help but giggle at that.
"It was finally cleaned up not too long ago, likely not long before you arrived. We just haven't re-opened it yet. Come, I feel like we have much to discuss, children." Chiron said as he waved his hand to follow him.
"What about Mr. D? Wouldn't he be upset if we left him out of the loop?" Annabeth asked as we walked.
"He's not here, at the moment. He was recalled to Olympus for a meeting. What it is about, I do not know." The wise centaur informed us.
"An emergency meeting? Well, that's not worrying at all!" I muttered.
"Indeed, let us pray it is nothing too serious. I've had my fill of war for a thousand years." Chiron agreed with a grimace.
A short walk later and we arrived at the arena. Upon entering, I could see a ridiculously large wet spot covering about a fourth of the entire arena floor. Even though there was no smell since it was cleaned, the image of what was once there made me gag. Chiron then turned and faced me expectantly.
"Go on, child. Tell me everything."
So I did. I retold all of the events of my dream last night. I tried to remember everything about the dream, not wanting to leave out a single detail. Chiron was quiet for a couple minutes after I finished, processing everything I said.
"This is dire news, Percy. The worst part is, I'm not sure what to make of your second dream sequence. It gave no hints as to what could have caused the destruction of the camp." He spoke quietly, still deep in thought.
"We already know the cause, it's the same people who sent the dragon after Calypso." I stated matter-of-factly.
"Chiron means what they did to cause the destruction of camp, Percy. It's obvious they're behind this, but we have no idea what they're doing." Reyna said to me, also thinking hard.
"Well, we do know that they're going to smuggle something inside. One of them mentioned making something in a pot, though what it could be is anyone's guess. I don't know how it could destroy the camp, though." Annabeth added her own thoughts on it.
"Maybe it's some kind of explosive or curse? There are also plenty of magical items that could devastate a landscape." Calypso suggested.
"At least we know it's not a monster this time, though now I kind of wish it was..." I groaned in annoyance. "I wouldn't have to second guess myself if a drakon showed up."
"We need to heavily monitor everyone and everything that enters and leaves the camp. Pat people down and inspect their belongings, even if they're young kids." Reyna stated, her experience as praetor peeking through.
Chiron hesitantly agreed with her. "I detest the idea of shaking down children, but you are right, my dear. This is a great threat, and our enemies aren't above using the young and ignorant for nefarious purposes."
After that, I felt like bringing up my suspicions about who the head honcho of this group is, but I decided to keep my mouth shut out of respect for Annabeth. We didn't know if it was Athena or Hera or someone else. Chiron must have guessed I wasn't telling him something, as he kept casting glances at me during the rest of the conversation as we talked about what we were going to do from this point forward.
Eventually we ended our meeting and left the arena. Reyna went with Chiron to help him out with enacting the new plan to protect the camp, spreading word to the satyrs, nymphs, Argus, and cabin counselors. Annabeth went off to check in on Piper while Calypso headed to my cabin to sleep since she was still tired from being woken up so early. That left me with some alone time, something I didn't know I needed until now.
I decided to head to the beach to think, salt water always helped clear my head. A short trek later and I waded into the water until I was knee deep. I then began to recall the events of the last few days, all the way up to now. I remembered the conversation I had at Hazel's place last night, starting to wonder again what I was going to do to fix this mess, which girls I could ask. I was running out of time and I needed three more girls in my harem before the end of the week.
Should I just bite the bullet and ask Piper now?
No, I promised I'd give her time, she'll likely approach me on her own eventually...
Then there was Rachel... I couldn't make up my mind on her. I know she had a crush on me, heck, I even liked her at one point. But now? After a year, after she became the Oracle, after me and Annabeth started dating? I had my doubts. Psh, I'm sitting here debating with myself meanwhile Rachel probably already knows what I'm going to do thanks to her Oracle powers.
I wonder if she's waiting on me to approach her or expecting me to leave her alone?
But, if I didn't at least try with Rachel, who was left? The answer was nobody. Even if I convince her too, I still need one more. Was I really going to have to take up Reyna on her offer and have some random Amazon join my harem? Wait, now that I thought about it, could I even do that? The point of this harem, according to my dad, was to give me and my friends a way to achieve immortality without abandoning each other. Could women I wasn't friends with even join? Wish my dad was here so I could ask him...
Ok, I've brooded for long enough, this is so unlike me...
I then walked out of the water and back onto the beach. I thought about what to do next before deciding to go check up on Jason, who I still haven't seen once in days now. Has he been cooped up in the Zeus cabin all this time just like how Piper has in the Aphrodite cabin? I was going to find out soon enough.
I trudged my way back to the cabins and stopped at Cabin One. I then swallowed and knocked on the ornate doors hard.
"Jason?" I called out.
I stood there for a few minutes, hearing nothing. I was about to turn away when the door cracked open finally. I turned my head back to see a greatly disheveled Jason looking at me with tired eyes.
"Hey, Percy..." He mumbled depressingly.
"Hey man... mind if I come in for a minute?" I ask softly.
"Yeah, sure..." He muttered as turned and walked back in.
I then stepped through the doorway and closed the door behind me before following him. The cabin itself was nearly spotless, except for the mess of a bed Jason was laying on. I silently moved over to the bed across from his, sitting down on it as I faced him while he stared up at the ceiling.
"...How long have you been hiding in here, Jason?" I ask. "When was the last time you ate?"
He was silent for a moment before sighing. "Since Olympus."
"What?! That's not healthy, man! You're going to starve yourself at this rate! From the looks of it, you haven't been getting much sleep either!" I exclaimed in shock and worry.
"Yeah." He said despondently.
I sighed. "What's wrong, Jason? Is this about your... breakup?"
He just turned over away from me. "Don't worry about it, Percy."
"Like Hades I'm not going to worry! I haven't seen you in days and I come in here to see you wasting away! What's going on? I want to help you, but I can't if you don't talk to me." I said angrily.
He let out a long, depressed sigh. "Fine. Yes, it is about my breakup. I have no idea why it's messing with me so much, we both agreed on it. We were on good terms back on Olympus, but as soon as we returned to camp... I just, I fell apart. I have no desire to eat, I can barely sleep, I haven't even changed my clothes. I don't know what's wrong with me."
"It sounds like you have heartbreak, Jason. I spoke to Piper yesterday, she was in a similar state you're in. I helped her, so I can help you too." I say gently.
"That's the thing, Percy. I don't understand why I'm heartbroken! We weren't even together that long, our relationship likely wasn't even real! Why does it bother me so much?!" He shouted in frustration.
"You two cared for one another, I think that's why. Maybe your love wasn't completely fake. Besides that, any breakup is going to sting." I said.
Jason just shook his head. "No, I don't think that's it. Sure, I cared for Piper, still do, but I don't think I ever genuinely loved her. Because of my memory wipe, I didn't know if I was actually her boyfriend or not, but I played the part. I thought maybe my feelings would awaken, but I don't think they ever did. See what I mean? It makes no sense!"
I was silent for a couple minutes, thinking about his words. Could it be that...?
"Jason, I think you might be lovesick, or something like it," I start slowly. "Your heart seems to be yearning for an actual romance. One that isn't built on faulty memory, but a genuine attraction and connection. Does that make sense?"
He rolled over and sat up, looking me in the eyes. "Could that actually be it...? Am I really acting like a girl who watches teenage dramas?"
I shrug. "Maybe? Try closing your eyes and picturing yourself in a happy, normal relationship with a girl that isn't Piper. If that makes you feel better, that's probably the reason why you've been down in the dumps."
Jason then closes his eyes and goes silent for a moment. A smile stretches across his face after a second. He then opens his eyes and smiles at me.
"Yeah, I think you're right, Percy. Imagining that just now made me feel so happy. Thanks." He said gratefully.
"No problem, man. I'm sure you'll find the girl for you out there. Plenty of nice ones here and over at Camp Jupiter. Bonus is you're a hero." I assure him.
"Speaking of girls, how's your... harem?" He asked me quietly.
"It's been a rollercoaster of emotions and I don't see it stopping anytime soon. I'm sure Chiron stopped by and told you about the dreams I've been having as well." I admit as I look down.
"Oh, those... yeah, he stopped by yesterday, nearly knocked down my door before I let him in. Don't worry, Percy, I've got your back no matter what happens," He said with a smile as he gave me a thumbs up. "But how's your deadline on the harem thing going? Think you'll be able to get enough girls to join before that?"
I then let out a loud groan. "Honestly? I have no idea. I've got three right now—Annabeth, Calypso, and Reyna, but I don't know what I'm going to do about the last three. Piper may be interested, not sure though. I thought about asking Rachel, but that would be a whole can of worms to deal with. Even if both of them join, I have no ideas for the sixth girl."
Jason nodded in understanding. "I get your frustration, bro. If it were me, I wouldn't even know where to start. I don't envy you one bit, Percy. I can only imagine how poorly Annabeth is coping with this."
"You have no idea the amount of drama I've had to deal with already, Jason. Believe me when I say she doesn't like it, to say the least. I don't either, to be fair." I mutter as I pinch the bridge of my nose.
"No pressure, man. You only have a few days left to get three more girls or all of our female friends get stuck with you, including Hazel and my sister." He said with his voice lightly trembling with anger.
"I know, it's awful. What am I going to do?" I moan in annoyance as I cover my face with my hands.
"You'll figure something out, don't worry. You escaped Tartarus, compared to that this should be much easier." He reassured me as he leaned over and patted my shoulder.
"I specialize in killing monsters. Talking to girls? Not so much..." I murmur. "But you're right, I'll manage, I hope."
I then stood up. "I'm going to go now. I'll see you around, Jason. Tell me if you find a girl you like, I'll be your wingman."
Jason chuckled before standing up and bro fisting me. "Sure, I'll do that. See you later, Percy."
I then walked towards the cabin door and opened it to leave, stepping back out into the campgrounds.