AN: Just a heads up, three characters from a different series will be appearing once Chaldea gets to Bermuda. It'll tie in in the Lost Orders later on,
ANN: Servant poll results are Paris with someone extra joining, Caenis, Asclepius.
Ch 13 Poisoning the Tree
Shouting and metal clashing of Swords against metallic Demonic Beasts. Demi-Gods and defensive machines created by the Hephaestus Cabin to defend the Camp.
But with the two Chiron's commanding and telling where the weak spots were based on their knowledge of these Demonic Beast. But their weapons and machines were least effective against Monsters imbued with power from the past.
Both Dionysus and Argus were helping the injured as more Demi-Gods took over their place.
A loud roar echoes throughout the area, towering over the Demi-Gods defending the Big House. "I-Is that the Chimera!? It's different from what the description was in the scrolls!" A Demi-God exclaims, unsure how to deal with it.
One Demi-God from the Athena Cabin charged for it, taking the metallic Chimera head-on.
Archer Chiron saw the familiar Chimera and immediately tried to reach for the young Hero. "Wait, don't go off and face it!" He shouted as the Demi-God impales it.
"What the-our Swords and Spears aren't even doing damage to these metal Monsters!" A Demi-God exclaimed as his Spear broke once he tried to impale the Demonic Beast. He steps back, having his fellow Demi-God take over with a newly attained Sword.
The other Demi-God took over the first one, following his lead, and block the strike from the Chimera. He gasps, seeing the metal claws were able to break through the Sword. "I-Impossible, how can a Monster break-"
"Get down!" The Demi-God swiftly crouched down as arrows struck the metallic Demonic Beast,
The Living Chiron gallops over to the young Demi-God, protecting him from the strange Monsters. He slashed at the Chimera, though not enough to kill it, he managed to knock it away from the Campers. "Archer, I have your opening!"
Chaldean Chiron dashed forward, grabbed the snake's tail, and pulled the Demonic Beast. He climbed on the metallic Chimera's body and then placed his foot on the goat's head.
The other Chiron followed the Archer's lead, using his bow to hold the lion's head mouth wide open. "Someone, impale the nape between the goat and lion heads! That's the weak spot!"
"I'm on it, Chiron!" A Demi-God from the Apollo Cabin grabs hold of a Sword and stabs the area where the two Centaurs told them to strike.
The metallic Chimera gave a dying roar before falling down to the ground. "W-Wow, they were tough. Since when Monsters had metallic bodies?" The young Demi-God asked, never seen anything like this minus the Automatons the Gods made and the Colchis Bulls.
"They were like Chimeras and Lamia but all metallic and robotic." The Campers talk among themselves about the strange machine versions of the Monsters they have faced.
Dionysius approached Archer Chiron, examining the dead machine Chimera and Lamias. "Let me guess, Theos Klironomia?" The God of Wine asked, knowing what the soft metallic part that was spilling out of the dead Beasts.
Archer Chiron nodded, standing up from the ground. "Indeed it is, Lord Dionysius."
The Living Chiron hasn't seen this since the Leukosmachia and that was thousands of years ago. He looks at the Demi-Gods gathered behind them before looking back at the others. "We'll talk about this later, for now, Argus take the injured to the Infirmary,"
"For those who can still fight, look for others who are injured around the Camp." The Centaur ordered the Campers who quickly followed the orders to the letter.
Once it was the three of them, Chiron went straight into the question. "Theos Klironomia…how is it possible? This stuff was supposed to disappear when the Olympians lost their Alethia." He commented, looking at the Servant version of himself.
"So, do you have any insight about this, Chiron?" The God of Wine asked the Servant version of the Camp Director.
"The enemy must have sent these Demonic Beast to attack, and yet the Bounded Field around the Camp should at least keep them out," Chiron commented, pondering how they were able to get through.
"Archer, Chiron, Dionysus," The three look to the side, seeing Ritsuka, Ana, and two Demi-Gods running towards them.
Dionysus looks at the Chaldean master stopping near them. "So you finally made it. I was starting to think this attack was orchestrated by you." The God of Wine jokes but receives no laughter from everyone.
"Lord Dionysus, I don't think now is the to make jokes." Archer Chiron advises the Olympian God.
"Yeah, yeah, anyways what happened?" Dionysus asked their guest from another World. "As you can see, the Camp is under attack." The God sarcastically said,
"Mr. D, what happened to Thalia's Barrier?" The Athena Cabin member asked the Camp director before them.
The Ares Cabin member steps forward, wanting some answers. "Yeah, what happened? What were those metallic Monsters-"
Chiron approached the young Demi-Gods, noticing the small wounds on their bodies. "It's nothing for you two to worry about." The Living Hero said to his Campers. "Go to the Infirmary and get yourselves healed up."
"But-"
"Now," Chiron raised his voice sternly with his order.
The two Demi-Gods looked at each other before leaving for the Infirmary to get patched up.
The Centaur turned his attention to the Chaldeans currently with them. "So, what happened with the Bounded Field around the Camp?" Ritsuka asked, learning from the time they've been here that the Camp provides protection from a Tree sprouting from a dying girl's body. "I thought Thalia's Tree was generating a powerful Bounded Field that wards off Demonic Beasts."
"We thought so too, but something must've happened to it." The Living Chiron explains, hearing the sounds of Battle off in the distance. "Currently, your Odysseus is clearing the path to Thalia's Tree so we can check on it, what about you Mr. Fujimaru?" The Centaur asked the Magus.
"Did anything happen to you?"
"Yes, the Twins and I encountered the person behind this attack and possibly the reason why the Bounded Field is down," Ritsuka informed the two Camp leaders. "It's a Servant, probably sent by Foreigner of London, and the master trying to stop us from getting to them."
Dionysus scoffs, crossing his arms. "Zeus will defiantly not like that the Camp was attacked because they were after you." The dark-haired God commented, "In any case, how did you escape the…Servant, you called it?"
"The Twins are dealing with-"
A white blur crashes near the trees next to the group; Ana and Chiron immediately went into a defensive position from whatever crashed in the brush. "What in Tartarus was that!?" Dionysus asked, looking at the brush.
"Master, stay behind us," Ana told her master, readying her Harpe.
Chiron and the Archer Chiron held their Bows, aiming at the brush.
"Damnit! Damnit all!" A familiar voice cursed in anger. Emerging from the brush was Castor, huffing. He gritted his teeth, "ARCHER!"
The Lostbelt Servant leaps forward, faster than light back to where his Twin Sister was still fighting the enemy.
"Castor!" Ritsuka called out to his Servant, seeing him going back to Pollux. Ritsuka followed the Lostbelt Servant, wanting to ensure that he didn't do anything reckless.
Chiron watched his Student going off. " Wait, Mr. Fujimaru!" The Camp's Activities director called out to the master of Chaldea. He gallops after him, wanting to keep him safe from the Demonic Beasts still lingering.
"Is he really running off to danger like that?" The God of Wine asked the Servants beside him.
"Master has the tendency to run off when someone close to him is in danger," Ana explains to the Camp's director.
Dionysus has lived on this Earth long enough to know the type of person Ritsuka will lead to trouble. "We better make sure he doesn't get himself killed." The God said, not wanting an Outsider to die under his watch.
"My thoughts exactly, Lord Dionysus," Archer Chiron states as they followed after the two.
Ritsuka followed the Saber where Pollux was, he stopped seeing said Servant in combat with the Archer Servant.
"Sister!" Castor leaps forward, his discus spun rapidly as he tosses it at the enemy.
Pollux flips over, trying to kick the enemy under his chin. She then leaps back, allowing her Brother to take over.
Castor's discus hurls towards the Archer of Crete, however, he deflects it with his wings. Archer of Crete saw Humanity's final master and this World's Chiron at a far distance from the Dioscuri. He then caught the incoming attack, prompting him to defend,
"Saber! Here!" Ritsuka held his hand towards the Lostbelt Servants and healed them from their wounds.
Caster and Pollux felt a surge of Magical Energy from their master. "Thank you, master!" Pollux called out to him.
"Hmph, well-done master. Stick to your supporting role," Castor said, getting his stamina back.
Chiron shot three arrows at the Servant as he approached the Chaldean master, looking down at the enemy with metallic wings. "So that's the enemy leading this attack,"
"Ha! Is this really all you can do!?" He spreads his wings, deflecting the discus and the arrows back at the Heroes.
"Those wings are acting as a shield, is it Theos Klironomia?" Chiron asked, seeing even his arrows couldn't pierce the metallic wings.
Ritsuka frowns, seeing both Castor and Pollux struggling with the enemy Archer. Even with the Class advantage, it shouldn't be a problem since they still have Theos Klironomia from the Atlantis Lostbelt. "Archer must have acquired a stronger form of Theos Klironomia."
"Mr. Fujimaru, what do you mean a stronger form?" Chiron asked, curious about what he was saying.
"Based on what we've experienced and the missing Olympians of my World, it's mostly like Archer acquired some to power him." Ritsuka assumes this based on the Battle before him.
Soon the others joined up with the two, "Okay, so what's the plan?" Dionysus asked, catching his breath.
Ana adjusts the Scythe in her hand. "Shall I assist the Dioscuri, master?" The Lancer asked the black-haired Magus. "I may not have Theos Klironomia, but my Scythe can kill anything Immortal."
"The Immortal Killer, Harpe." Chiron saw the Scythe in the Divine Spirit's hands. 'So that's the weapon that killed Medusa by Perseus.' The Living Hero mentally thought, seeing it was different from the one in their World.
"I don't think it might work, true your Scythe can kill Immortals, but Archer's defense is impenetrable." Archer Chiron observes, seeing how each attack was being blocked by the wings. "If you can somehow bypass the wings,"
Ritsuka stood up, holding onto his two Command Seals. "I know only one person who can assist the Twins and have the Class advantage." He said,
Archer Chiron held his master's shoulder, looking at him directly. "Master, the Storm Border is unable to provide quick Command Seals regeneration right now." He said, knowing the limited resources they have. "Know that if you use your Seals then it'll be at least twenty-four hours until you can get them back."
"I agree with Archer, master. I only came due to our bonds but calling someone from the Storm Border." The violet-haired Servant said,
"What's so important with those tattoos? Aren't those what Humans do when they want art on their bodies?" Dionysus asked the Chaldeans, looking at the Command Seals on the Human's hands.
Ritsuka smiles at the dark-haired God. "Let's just say these 'tattoos' can call some help." He held out his Command Seals towards the Lostbelt Servants. His Command Seals glowed, "Help us out, Lancer!" He shouted as one Command Seal disappeared.
Back with the Dioscuri, both Castor and Pollux huffed, trying to keep up with the Archer. "Damnit, we didn't even lay a scratch on this bastard!" Castor cursed, seeing their opponent still in the air.
"He has the advantage over the air too," Pollux stated, gripping her Sword tightly. "I'm afraid we need some assistants, Lord Brother." The blonde Servant said.
Caster doesn't like the idea of them receiving help from the others. He looks up, hearing the blonde Archer laugh at their situation.
"Ahahaha, seems like your Klironomia isn't on par with mine." Archer of Crete mocks the Lostbelt Servant, giving a face at them.
"Damn you!" Castor cursed at the enemy.
"I'll make quick work of you two," Archer flew high up in the air, spreading his metallic wings. "AHAHAHAHA-"
"How about I make quick work of you!" Archer shielded himself with his wings, however, a golden lance pierced through the metallic feathers.
The tip of the lance scratched his shoulders, prompting him to fly back. "NGH!?" Archer was far enough to see who attacked him. "Tch,"
Standing before the Dioscuri Twins was a white-haired, tanned female. She wore revealing armor and had a shield and a Spear, and two animal ears on her head.
"C-Lancer," Castor growls at the Divine Spirit placing her lance on her shoulders.
Caenis grins at the two Lostbelt Servants kneeling on their knees. "Ha, seeing you guys like that is sweet payback from that time in Atlantis." The Lancer mocks them.
Chiron and Dionysus were shocked to see a new person appearing out of nowhere. "S-She just appeared out of nowhere! Not even Hermes can get to one place in a blink of an eye!" The God of Wine exclaims,
"W-Wait, this feeling I got. That woman has some of Poseidon's power," Chiron commented, sensing the Ocean God inside of her.
Ritsuka chuckles, "That's because she has Poseidon's Blessings, but don't mention that to her." He warns the two.
Castor growls at the Lancer reminding him of that time when they supposedly saved her. "How about you shut the hell up, Lancer." He glares at his fellow Chaldean.
Pollux steps next to the Servant. "Lord Brother, Lancer, now's not the time for this rivalry." The Saber stated, "We still have an enemy Servant to fight."
"Rest, I'll handle this bastard." Caenis looks up at the flying Archer and senses something familiar about him. She chuckles, knowing what it is. "Well, well, that bastard on the Storm Border will have a load of this. Oi, blondie!" She points her Spear right at him.
"I'll take you on, right here and now!" The Lostbelt Servant announced.
Archer of Crete frowns before hearing something from the comms. -ZZZ- Lord Archer, we have successfully arrived at our destination. -ZZZ-
The blonde Archer chuckles, seeing the two teams he sent have already arrived at their designated destination. He looks at Caenis, smirking down at her, "Well, seems like I have to end things here for now." He said to the Lostbelt Servants.
"WHAT!?' Both Castor and Caenis exclaimed at how Archer would abandon the Battle.
"Damn Bastard! I won't let you get away!" Caenis leaps in the air, twirling her Spear before thrusting it at the Archer.
Archer defends by launching some metallic Feathers at the Lancer. However, when he thought that he blocked the attack, he was immediately impaled in the shoulder. "NGH!?"
The blonde Archer used his other wing to swat Caenis away. "HA! Got a hit!"
"Damn you." Archer chuckles at Caenis before taking off into the air.
Caenis fell back to the ground next to Castor and Pollux, seeing that the enemy Servant has left. "Damnit, he left the Camp!" The Lancer growls. "He's no warrior,"
"I hate to say this, but I agree with you, Lancer." Castor huffs, helping his Sister to her feet.
Pollux looks back, seeing their master and the rest coming over to them. "Master, I'm pleased to see you well." The Saber is pleased to see him safe.
Caenis placed her Spear over her shoulder, seeing this World's version of Chiron and Dionysus. "So, these two chumps are in charge of the Camp?" The Proxy of Poseidon asked.
Dionysus scoffs, seeing that their guest has called upon another Hero of Greece. "Tch, so you called for another Hero." He looks at the dark-skinned Servant before them. "And she seems to be those arrogant ones and have Pos-"
In a split second, Caenis held her Spear at Dionysus's neck. "Don't you EVER say that name or what I am," The Lancer warns the God of Wine. "I don't care if you're an Olympian God or a Servant sent by the World. I will kill you the next time you say it." She threatens the God.
"F-Fine, I won't say anything." Dionysus held his finger on the tip of Caenis's Spear, lowering it down from his neck.
"Now, now, Caenis, right now these two are our hosts." Archer Chiron explains to the Servant. "It wouldn't be right of us to show hostility towards their generosity."
Ritsuka smiles at his Servant, "Try not to cause trouble, Caenis. I know you hate the Gods more than anyone."
Caenis huffs, hearing his master and the Archer trying to ease some tension. "Fine, as long as no one says THAT NAME and my current…situation!" She emphasized the condition she was in. "It's bad enough he is aiding us back on sunny Olympus." She waved her hand.
The Living Chiron nodded, having his hand on his chin. 'Caenis huh? The one who was born as a woman only to be turned into a man by the very God who violated her.' The Centaur thought, seeing the Servant before him. "How interesting, it's a pleasure to meet you Caenis. I am Chiron, the Activities director of Camp Half-Blood. So, you're that Caenis that sailed the Argo with Jason and the Argonauts."
"Hmm, yeah, what of it?" Caenis asked the Living Chiron.
"I was merely honored to meet you; I haven't met my version of yourself in this World," Chiron commented,
"Figures, it's the same with me," Caenis added before shrugging it off. "Anyways, now that master called me here, expect me to be the new guardsman here." The Lancer said, knowing what the situation is already from the moment she was Summoned.
Dionysus cleared his throat, "Then you'll be working with Clarisse and Argus on defense. For now, we need to figure out what happened to the barrier that protects the Camp." The dark-haired God stated.
"I can confirm that the Demonic Beasts are retreating," Ana spoke up, sensing the area around her of the Demonic Beasts. "By what I'm sensing, this was a coordinated attack. Thalia's Tree is no longer infested by them."
"Alright, let's go, everyone. This way to the Tree," Chiron leads the group to Thalia's Tree, investigating the weak barrier.
Thalia's Tree
At Thalia's Tree, many Demi-Gods were guarding it under orders of Odysseus as he investigates the Tree. The Rider placed his hand on the tree, slowly peeling off the bark revealing a metallic green liquid bleeding out. "Theos Klironomia?" Odysseus questions, seeing it was different from the ones they used.
Clarisse approached the Rider, "So? What's up with Thalia's Tree and the Barrier?" The Daughter of Ares asked the Trojan Hero.
"Well, Clarisse-" Odysseus sensed his master and the others coming over to them.
"Rider, what's happening?" Ritsuka asked the Servant infused with Hades.
Dionysus approached the Rider, being the director of the Camp. " Thalia's Tree, what happen to the Barrier that protects the Camp." He asked the Servant.
The Living Chiron and Archer Chiron approached the Tree, investigating it. "Master, we've successfully held the line in the Camp's border from the Demonic Beasts," Odysseus explains, turning to the young Demi-God Heroes brave to face the metallic enemy.
Caenis has to admit that these Modern Demi-Gods were able to fight off the enemy. "Damn, I have to admit, that's impressive for weaker Demi-Gods." The Lancer smirks at the young Heroes.
Castor huffs, seeing they have done a decent job in defending their home. "I'd say a minimal at least." He commented before feeling a strong nudge from his Sister. "GAH!"
"Lord Brother!" Pollux scolded him for dismissing the Camper's achievement. "If you don't have anything nice to say, then say it in your head! By the root,"
"Tch,"
Many smiles at the small compliment from a member of the Argonauts. However, some were confused by the new arrival.
Clarisse approached the Servant, "Hey, who the hell are you?" She asked,
"Eh? You have some balls to talk to me like that, Kid." Caenis felt a familiar aura around the blonde girl before her. "You're Ares's kid, aren't ya?"
"Yeah, the Daughter of the War God Ares. Clarisse La Rue," The Demi-God introduced herself sternly at the Warrior. "I don't like newcomers to the Camp. Especially when we already have an outsider spreading teachings without permission. Tartarus, he isn't even a Demi-God."
Caenis couldn't help but compare herself to this kid. She reminds her of herself, like a little Caenis ready to blow. "You're speaking of master, yeah he likes to teach young people." The Lancer said. "Like hell, he even taught at a school, and he doesn't have his papers to teach!"
"Really? He's not even qualified as a teacher? That's something to use against him" Clarisse asked, taking a liking to this person. She paused, realizing what she said. "Wait, master? As in, you are his Servant!?"
"More of a babysitter now since-"
"Now, now Lancer, that's enough." Ritsuka chuckles, waving his hand at the Lancer.
Caenis rolled her eyes, knowing she was right.
Odysseus cleared his throat, "If you are done socializing, I want to speak to both Lord Dionysus and my master." The Rider said, indicating this is something better to speak about in private.
The two nodded, heading far away from the young Demi-Gods with the Chirons. "So what's the prognosis?" Dionysus crossed his arms and asked the Servant.
"Well, it's obvious that the Tree, Thalia's Tree was poisoned," Odysseus stated, looking at both Sages next to them.
The Living Chiron nodded, confirming what the Hero of the Trojan War said was true. "Indeed, though the poison is something I have never seen before. And I have my fair share of poison." The Centaur commented. "And it's eating away rather quickly."
"So do we know what kind of poison that is affecting the Tree?" Ritsuka asked, seeing if there was something they could do.
Archer Chiron crossed his arms, looking at his master. "I'm afraid not. I have taken a sample of the poison and it's obviously Theos Klironomia." The Archer stated, showing the vial in his hand.
"So, another lost thing that the Gods once had is used against us." Dionysus scoffs,
Ritsuka took a look at the vial, noticing something was off with this Theos Klironomia. "Something's off with this, it's not the ones we currently have on the Border."
"That's why I'm going to bring this back to Sion to analyze it." Chiron ponders for a bit before asking his master something. "Master, if you don't mind can you call Caster to assist with the analysis? His medical skills might be able to slow down the speeding."
Ritsuka nodded, "Yes, I'll call him right away."
The God of Wine rolled his eyes, hearing that another Hero was coming to the Camp. "Well, another Hero is coming, great…"
Manhattan, New York
"By Mom, I'll see you when I get back." Percy waved his Mother goodbye before leaving their apartment.
Sally Jackson waved her Son off, "Be safe, Percy,"
The young Demi-God walks down the sidewalk, heading towards the bus stop to Meriweather College Prep.
He held onto his head, thinking of the new dream above Grover. Grover was in danger, and he doesn't know where to find him, however, when he thinks about that dream it leads him back to the sea battle.
But most of all, the person named Rider and how he was entrusted with a title. "Grand…what in Tartarus is a Grand?" Percy asked himself as he walks.
"Man, I've been having so many weird dreams lately." The young Demi-God commented, arriving at the bus stop.
In the alleyway, dark figures watched the Demi-God getting inside the school bus. They smile as one of them held his ears, "We have eyes on the target, Archer of Crete." He smiles,
-ZZZ- Proceed with the plan, master wants any targets who can ruin his plan to be eliminated no matter what. -ZZZ- Archer ordered the figures in the alley. -ZZZ- I have the camp and the Chaldeans busy, once done rendezvous back at the shore. -ZZZ-
The figures went and followed the bus to its destination, where they would fulfill their mission.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.