╔═══════════════╗
chapter three.
( titan's curse )
❝ cain richards! ❞
╚═══════════════╝
There was something with being shaken awake that I really hate.
I nearly hit Michael in the nose out of fright—he deserves it, he's the most annoying person you'll ever meet, but that's not the point—; I wasn't sure whether I would wake up back on the Princess Andromeda, the dark place that Hades called the Transition, or in the Fields of Asphodel, dead. The idea that I would wake and I would not be back at Camp Half-Blood scared me dearly.
Michael Yew jumped out of the way, looking rather offended. "Wow! Okay."
"What do you want, Michael?" I rolled my eyes as I sat up. My back hurt. I must have slept on it wrong.
"Why are you so grumpy, Sunshine?" Michael teased.
I narrowed my eyes at him, "Michael, I've told you a thousand times, no one is allowed to call me that."
"Except Percy."
I hoped I wasn't red. "That's different. Percy is the most stubborn kelp face in the world."
"Sure."
The want to strangle Michael Yew was a constant feeling. He had the most annoying face—pointed, snobby and looking as if he was always judging something or someone (most of which were usually those of the Aphrodite Cabin).
"I will not hesitate in killing you," I glared, and he just rolled his eyes. I guess he was used to my death threats, in fact, he looked like he was thoroughly happy I was giving him them.
"Just get up and come outside! Dad's chariot is coming in—with Percy—"
Just hearing his name made me jump up, "Percy's back?!"
"Yes," Michael started to make his way to the door. "You're Lover Boy has returned."
"He's not my Lover Boy."
"Right."
"Hey!" I tried to catch up to him, rushing to him as he opened the door and squeezing through before he shut it. Michael gave me an annoyed look from the tip of his nose, despite being the same height. "If Percy's back, and Annabeth and Grover ... does that mean Thalia's finally here?"
"Yeah, of course..."
He didn't need to finish, for I saw the crowd hovering around a great big yellow school bus crashed into the water. As soon as I did, I started running towards it. Thalia ... Thalia was alive! What would she look like? The same as I remembered her? Or would have she aged? Would she still wear the same goth and punk clothes—or more precisely, her leather jacket covered in band badges, her combat boots and black ripped jeans?
I pushed through a group of Hermes kids. Travis Stoll gave me an anxious glance as I shoved him over, desperate to see my old friend.
Percy didn't matter anymore, all I could think of was Thalia, Thalia, Thalia—
"Thalia?!"
My voice rang out before I could stop it. I saw her, standing beside Grover looking very shaken. She looked older, but it was her—it was her.
Everyone else around me was all but a blur. Thalia was the only focus. I couldn't stop the laugh, or the tears. I just ran towards her, throwing my arms around her before she could even think twice.
"Oh, my gods! You're alive, Thalia ... oh my gods..." I pulled away, smiling brightly at her confused face.
Out of the corner of my eye, Grover looked like he would faint. "You ... you ...?" he stumbled over his words.
"I don't ..." Thalia arched a sharp black brow. "Who are you?"
My smile faltered a bit. Of course ... she didn't recognise me. I've changed a lot since I was seven years old. "It's ..."
"Claire?"
My heart jumped. To the side there he stood. Unlike everyone else, Percy wasn't drenched in water—he was never drenched, being the son of Poseidon and all. He seemed taller, and his skin had tanned since the last time I saw him. His black hair was messy—well, messier than usual, which made sense, since it looked like the group of them had just crashed into the lake.
I wanted to say hi ... but that was awkward, wasn't it? Either way, I didn't get the chance to, for Thalia spoke with such hesitance as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing. I guess they told her I was dead too. "Claire...?" her voice sounded the same. How could her voice sound the same? "You ... they told me you died..." she seemed to choke up, for her words dripped heavy on her tongue.
And I had to look away. I focused on Thalia, and she was indeed almost crying with tears welling up in her eyes.
I could tell everyone was looking at me. Grover looked ready to pass out, Thalia looked as if the whole world suddenly blew up, Percy—I don't know with Percy, he was pale, he seemed sweaty, and yet his sea-green eyes were filled with a strange fury. The three unbeknownst demigods that they had found were staring at the group of them, having absolutely no idea what was happening. And then there were Artemis's Hunters, which was weird and made a couple of the campers groan. And then there was my father who let out a, "Claire! You're back! I was beginning to think Hades was playing a trick on me, keeping you in the Transition for so long!"
He pulled me away from Thalia to smack a hand on my shoulder. I tried not to glare. He knew—of course he knew. It was his plan all along. "And of course, sorry about the whole Hades Domain silliness," he waved it off like it was no big deal. "But it had to happen. Theres always something in it for Hades, he just makes everything about himself."
And you don't? I resisted the urge to say.
I just wanted to get away. I gave Thalia a pleading glance but she was too stunned to react. I sent Percy a look as well, but the gaze in his eyes just only burned even more before he suddenly stormed away, leaving a rain cloud of misery in his wake.
I was about to wonder why he was in such a mood. I thought he'd be happy to see me. Even smile and grin and make a stupid joke and pretend that it was all normal ... that's what I needed. I needed Percy more than anything right now. But then I noticed who was missing from the group of demigods around us: Annabeth.
° ° °
"What happened to her?" it was more of a demand rather than a question, but it was the only way I could get Thalia out of this stupid frozen picture of surprise they had gotten themselves in. "What happened to Annabeth? Why is Percy all angry at me?"
The daughter of Zeus looked nervous. We all sat in the sitting room of the Big House, getting ready to have a counsellor meeting to discuss what had happened. I wanted to know first up, straight away, why everyone was so sombre—and what the hell happened to my best friend.
"What happened to you?" Thalia instead said hesitantly. "Everyone told me you were dead. You had died."
I pursed my lips, "That's not what we're talking about. What happened to Annabeth? Tell me, then I'll tell you."
Something terrible must have happened if they were being so hesitant in telling me. My leg bounced at the thought of something happening to Annabeth. She couldn't have died could she?
No, she can't die. Not after all that we've been through, that would be too cruel—even for the Fates.
No it wouldn't.
"We ... uh ... we were attacked by a manticore while trying to bring these new demigods home..." Thalia started. Her eyes shone with guilt, and I felt slightly bad for being so demanding of her. "Annabeth ... well ... she took on the manticore when she shouldn't have and the hunters shot arrows ..." there was a bitter tone to her voice, very bitter. "Annabeth survived, but the manticore went over the edge with her. We don't know whether she's alive or not."
I wouldn't been preferred being told she had died. Not knowing whether she was alive or not made me squirm. Annabeth was my best friend, a sister to me, and the though of wondering whether my hope was for nothing, or whether she was in terrible danger—and pain—it made me want to punch someone, or something.
"And that's why Percy's so angry?"
Thalia frowned. "I guess ... I mean, that does sound like him doesn't it? But why he would be angry at you, I don't really get."
Realisation came over me, and my shoulders slumped. "I think I know why. He blames me for Annabeth. I wasn't there, so he put the blame on me."
"That's not true," Thalia quickly said. "Percy may be an idiot, but he'd never do that to you. He's happy your back! Trust me, he is! He was absolutely miserable for the rest of the summer. The idea that you've come back alive just might be a bit of a surprise."
"It's been a surprise to everyone," I muttered. "If I were to be honest?" I took a deep breath and sighed. "At the moment I would just rather if Hades hadn't brought me back at all."
Thalia narrowed her eyes, "You don't mean that."
I was about to prove him wrong, but the door opened.
Percy entered—looking rather grumpy. His eyes were drawing up a storm that I was afraid that tidal waves would crash right into me on all sides. He didn't speak a word to me, instead, gestured for two boys to sit on one of the couches. One of them was younger than all of us, with an olive complexion and dark, black curls. In his hand, he clutched what seemed to be a figurine. The boy who sat beside him was probably my age. He casted his eyes down at his feet, fiddling with his thumbs. His light brown hair was hanging over his eyes that were dark with lack of rest. At the sight of him, Thalia shuffled away, which made me frown. Even Percy sat on the chair opposite him, as if they were all scared of him. I don't know why, there was nothing scary about him.
I tried to gain Percy's gaze, but he refused to look at me, so I frowned and turned back to the new-comers. "Hello," I said, rather awkwardly. "I'm Claire, what are your names?"
"I'm Nico," said the younger boy. His eyes seemed to brighten up at the sight of someone talking to him, and the mood he was in before dissipated a little. "And this is Cain," he pointed to the boy beside him. He didn't seem to be scared of him either.
"Hello Cain," I smiled at him, and he blushed. He looked surprised that someone was actually talking to him.
"Uh ... er ... um, hello ..."
"It's nice to meet you," I continued. "How are you guys feeling? I know this experience can be ... well, overwhelming to say the least."
Cain just nodded, scratching the back of his ear. Nico, however burst out, "It's amazing! All my figurines are real! Who's your godly parent?"
I couldn't help but smile at Nico. Already, he was so precious. I just wanted to hug him and protect him. "I'm a daughter of Apollo."
"Whoa..." he gaped. "I met Apollo! He got us here!"
"I saw him," I leaned back.
"Do you have any special powers? Like can you fly a sun chariot too?"
I tensed. I didn't want to seem closed off to this boy, but without realising, Nico had picked the most awkward questions to answer at this point. "Um ... no. I'm just a normal, powerless demigod."
Percy glanced up with a deep frown. He opened his mouth, as if to say something but I sent him a glare that shut him up.
"Oh," Nico's smile turned to frown of sympathy. For a moment, he looked as if he didn't know what to say. Eventually, he managed a, "Well ... that's cool, too!"
Just then, the door opened and Chiron and Mr D entered. Everyone went quiet at the sight of the centaur and god of wine, and the tense air over them thickened even more.
Chiron smiled at the sight of them, "Percy! Thalia! Ah, and these must be—"
"Cain Richards and Nico di Angelo," said Percy. "Nico's sister is a half-blood too."
Chiron breathed a sigh of relief, "You succeeded, then."
"Well..."
The smile melted off his face. "What's wrong? And where is Annabeth?"
"Oh, dear," Mr D said in a bored voice. "Not another one lost."
Thalia frowned and she gave me a glance as if waiting for me to explain. "What do you mean? Who else is lost?"
Before she could answer, Grover trotted into the room, grinning like crazy. He had a black eye and red lines on his face that suspiciously looked like a slap mark. I'm guessing the hunters didn't exactly enjoy his company. "The Hunters are all moved in!"
Chiron frowned, "The Hunters, eh? I see we have much to talk about." He glanced at Nico and Cain. "Grover, perhaps you should take our friends to the den and show them our orientation film."
"But ... oh, right. Yes, sir."
"Orientation film?" Nico asked. "Is it G or PG? 'Cause Bianca is kinda strict—"
"It's PG-13," said Grover.
"Cool!" Nico happily followed him out of the room with Cain slumping off behind them.
Chiron then turned to me, and I frowned at the knowledge that I would have to leave too. "Chiron, can't I stay? Please?"
"Claire..." he sighed. "I'm sorry—"
I stood up and with haste, made my way towards him desperately. "Can I at least lead a search party for Annabeth? She's alive, isn't she? She has to be alive."
"We shall see, Claire," said Chiron. "I'll let you know as soon as I am sure on what to do."
I wasn't happy, but I left it at that. Annoyed, I stormed out of the Big House.
Wearing a jumper, plus a long sleeve shirt and another shirt underneath it didn't help me stay warm. Neither did the lanterns of fire that hung down from the porch. Everything was cold. I was cold. My skin was freezing, and so was my anger. I don't know why I was so angry, but I was.
"How's life suiting you?"
I would've jumped. But I was right when I guessed that by being dead, I wasn't scared anymore. I narrowed my eyes at the sight of Hades. He lounged back in the rocking chair, swinging back and forth as he picked at his nails, looking just as unbothered as Mr D does on a daily basis.
He glanced up at me, and with a twisted smile, he said. "Touchy subject? Sorry."
When I didn't say anything, he tilted his head. "Ever thought about changing your hair? The gold doesn't seem to suit you anymore. Too lively for your personality. You would suit something more cold."
"Why are you here?" I crossed my arms, and for a second Hades looked offended.
"Am I not allowed to see my hero?" There was mirth in his soulless eyes. "You're practically my adopted child, now, and Persephone is always determined on me visiting my children—well, our children, but I'm sure you're an exception."
"I'm not your hero," I gritted my teeth. "And I'm not your 'honorary child' either."
"Of course not," he was playing with me, and I hated it.
I didn't want to be of his amusement anymore, so I decided to take advantage of his stupid visit and ask him a question I was dying to ask. "The Oracle didn't talk to me. You told me the Fates said I must consult the Oracle upon my return, why didn't that happen?"
"Upon your return, yes," nodded Hades. "But returning from where and when, well that's an entirely different story."
Realising what he meant, I gaped. "You've got to be kidding." I couldn't help but seethe. "You tricked me. I didn't come back for a prophecy at all. You lied!"
"Ah," he held a finger out and clicked his tongue. "I didn't lie—I never lie. I just twisted the truth. Isn't that what your life full of anyway, twisted truths? You demigod thrive on twisted truths, you rely on an Oracle to decipher your future--that is twisted truths galore!"
He had a point, but that doesn't mean I liked it.
Hades then sighed. For a second I thought Hades held sympathy in his eyes, which didn't make sense. Gods don't show sympathy. "You're meant to be alive, Claire Moore," he told me, gentler now. "It's your destiny to receive this prophecy, it just isn't the right moment. But it will happen, trust me."
"I don't trust any of the gods," I narrow my eyes.
"Well, then, trust in fate."
I couldn't find anything to say back. I frowned at Hades—this seemed greatly out of his character. He was meant to be ruthless and devilish. Not sympathetic and kind.
"One more thing, before I have to leave, Claire Moore," continued Hades as he stood up, and I watched him in anticipation of what he'd do. "The siblings: Nico and Bianca di Angelo. They're mine—but you mustn't tell anyone."
My eyes widened, "They're your children? But ... how?"
"You mustn't tell anyone," Hades said to me again, more sternly this time. "Not even Chiron."
"Why are you telling me then?"
"Because I want you to protect them," said Hades. "It is your job—while you are under my domain—to make sure they survive. Make sure they go down the right path."
"You say it like they won't..."
"Promise me, Claire Moore."
I didn't want to, but I felt like for some reason, I owed him. "I promise," I said, and there was a wash of relief over Hades's face.
"Good, and in return of your promise," he took a step forward. "I will tell you the answer you wish to seek." My heart beat elated, wondering what this meant. Until he said, "Your friend, Annabeth Chase, is alive."
And then my breathing stopped all together.
° ° °
I hate this chapter. I'm sorry but I low-key hate this chapter so much. It's so crap—especially when they all reunite again I just, I don't think I did it justice and I hate that so much.
Anyway, it's a short chapter, but more will be happening soon, I promise.