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chapter two ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
002. Brainiac Falls Off A Cliff

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Cassie didn't like being a captive.

Now taking people captive was a whole different thing, but being one really sucked.

Percy was barely conscious and just about ready to drop dead. He also had no clue what monster Dr. Thorn was.

The son of Poseidon might be able to defend himself by activating his shield. Then Cassie could help defend the di Angelo kids.

She was already doing it self-consciously whether she meant it or not, Cassie was in front of the two and close enough to jump or shove if necessary.

Still, there wasn't any way Percy could tell Cassie his plan, and help would be nice. There was only one way Percy knew to get it.

He closed his eyes.

"What are you doing, Jackson? Keep moving!" Dr. Thorn ordered.

"He's taking a nap." Cassie laughed. This entire walk she had been doing everything she could to annoy the monster and draw his attention.

Percy shook his head and kept walking. "It's my shoulder. It burns," he practically whined.

"Bah! My poison causes pain. It will not kill you. Walk!" Thorn rolled his eyes and pushed them forward.

Percy imagined Grover's face, focusing on his fear and the thought of danger. He could even sense Cassie's anger.

The son of Poseidon hoped the empathy link still worked. He knew they were still connected but Percy had never tried talking to Grover. It might not
even work with the satyr awake.

'Hey, Grover! Thorn's kidnapping us! He's a poisonous spike-abrowing maniac! Help!' Percy thought.

Thorn led them through the woods, following a path. It was lined with by old-fashioned light posts.

Percy gripped his shoulder and clenched his teeth to keep from chattering. Cassie nudged him slightly to let him know she was there and ready.

"There is a clearing ahead. We will summon your ride." Thorn informed them.

"What ride? Where are you taking us?" Bianca demanded.

"Silence, you insufferable girl!"

"Says the guy kidnapping us," Cassie mumbled.

"Don't talk to my sister that way!" Nico defended, poking his head out from behind the daughter of Ares.

Percy had to admit the kid had guts.

Dr. Thorn let out an animalistic growl. One that sent shivers down the demigods' backs.

Percy kept walking, pretending to be sweet and innocent. Cassie had given up trying and was just about ready to try and stab this guy.

The son of Poseidon tried desperately to get Grover's attention. 'Grover! Apples! Tin cans! Get your furry goat behind out here and bring some bearily armed friends!'

"Halt," Thorn instructed.

The woods opened to reveal a cliff. Percy could feel the sea below. Cassie tried to get a glance at how far the fall was.

To her, anything was better than being a captive. She needed to get back to Annabeth- Annabeth, Thalia and Grover of course.

Thorn shoved them towards the edge. Percy tripped, and Bianca saved him.

"Thanks," Percy muttered, very dazed.

"What is he? How do we fight him?" The girl asked.

"I... I'm working on it."

"We'll work faster," Cassie retorted before glancing to Nico.

"I'm scared," The young boy announced as he fiddled with some sort of toy soldier.

The daughter of Ares had an idea. She conjured up a small dagger in her hand and gave it to the boy.

Bianca's eyes widened in horror. "What are you doing?!" she whisper-yelled.

Cassie shrugged. "If you wanted one too you could've just asked." She offered Bianca an actual sword.

"Are you crazy?!"

"I'd say so."

Neither noticed the look of scared amazement in little Nico's eyes. He pocketed his figurine and inspected the dagger.

"Stop talking! Face me!" Dr. Thorn ordered.

The group turned.

Thorn's eyes drifted over them hungrily. He buried his hand in his coat and Cassie prepared to fight. Turns out he was just grabbing a phone.

They watched as he pressed a button on the side. "The package-it is ready to deliver."

The reply was muffled and static like a walkie-talkie. Cassie found it unfair that monsters got to use phones but half-bloods couldn't.

Percy was busy debating whether or not to throw himself off the cliff.

Dr. Thorn seemed to read his mind. "By all means, son of Poseidon. Jump! There is the sea. Save yourself. Leave the daughter of Ares with me."

"What did he call you?" Bianca questioned, glancing fiercely between the two.

"We'll explain later," Percy brushed off.

"You do have a plan, right?"

"Meh, they never work anyways." Cassie shrugged, and in a red flash her sword was in her hand.

'Grover! Come to me!' Percy was begging at this point.

If he could somehow get both di Angelos to jump into the ocean with him and Cassie, they could survive the fall. Percy would use the water and if Poseidon was feeling generous he could help.

"I would kill you before you ever reached the water," Dr. Thorn spoke with a light laugh. "You do not realize who I am, do you?"

With a flick of his tail, Percy was almost stung again. Cassie grumble at the boy's idiocy.

That's when he finally realized. Something flexible and narrow swayed behind Dr. Thorn... almost like a tail.

"Unfortunately, you are wanted alive, if possible. Otherwise you would already be dead." Thorn sighed.

"What a shame." Cassie murmured while flipping her sword.

"Who wants us? Because if you think you'll get a ransom, you're wrong. We don't have any family. Nico and I..." Bianca's voice quivered, "We've got no one but each other."

"Aww. Do not worry, little brats. You vill be meeting my employer soon enough. Then you will have a brand-new family."

"And who the fuck said we want a new family?" Cassie argued.

Bianca shot the daughter of Ares a glare. She now knew to cover Nico's ears around the brunette.

"Luke. You work for Luke." Percy accused.

Dr. Thorn's face scrunched in disgust. "You have no idea what is happening, Perseus Jackson. I will let the General enlighten you. You are going to do him a great service tonight. He is looking forward to meeting you."

"The General?" Percy had mocked the monster's accent without meaning to. "I mean... who's the General?"

Thorn watched the horizon, seemingly ignoring the question. "Ah, here we are. Your transportation."

A light in the distance was moving closer and the chopping of helicopter blades could be heard.

"Where are you taking us?" Nico asked.

"You should be honored, my boy, You will have the opportunity to join a great army! Just like that silly game you play with cards and dolls."

"They're not dolls! They're figurines! And you can take your great army and-"

Yeah, Cassie loved this kid.

"Now, now. You will change your mind about joining us, my boy. And if you do not, well... there are other uses for half-bloods. We have many monstrous mouths to feed. The Great Stirring is underway." Dr. Thorn revealed.

"The Great what?" Percy was keeping the monster occupied while trying to plan.

"The stirring of monsters. The worst of them, the most powerful, are now waking. Monsters that have not been seen in thousands of years. They will cause death and destruction the likes of which mortals have never known. And soon we shall have the most important monster of all-the one that shall bring about the downfall of Olympus!"

"Okay. He's completely nuts." Bianca decided.

"We have to jump off the cliff. Into the sea." Percy whispered.

"Oh, super idea. You're completely nuts, too."

"I could shove you if you'd like." Cassie raised an eyebrow.

Percy didn't get the chance to argue before an invisible force shoved him. Cassie felt her hand being grabbed and familiar fingers lacing with hers.

'Annabeth!' she smirked.

It was a smart move. Invisibly knocking the three to the ground completely shocked Dr. Thorn. His aim was terrible with his first load of missiles.

Maybe grabbing Cassie wasn't necessary but the brunette certainly wasn't complaining.

"Perfect timing Blondie." Annabeth could hear the smirk on her face.

"Not right now Carter."

With Thorn distracted, Thalia and Grover had the perfect advantage. They came from behind, Thalia with her magic shield, Aegis.

You never been actually scared until you've watched Thalia run into battle.

She always bares her expandable spear which collapses into a Mace canister that stays in her pocket. That's not the terrifying part though.

Along with the spear, the daughter of Zeus wields her shield. It's almost an exact replica of her father's and named the same, Aegis.

Made of Medusa's head molded into the bronze. It won't actually turn anyone to stone, but most sane people run as soon as they see it.

Fear flashed on Dr. Thorn's face but it disappeared as quickly as it came. He growled.

"For Zeus!" Thalia called as she advanced with her spear.

Percy had faith that Dr. Thorn was a goner but he quickly swiped away Thalia's spear. His hands transformed into an orange paw. Thorn used his claws which sparked against Thalia's shield.

The daughter of Zeus would've been sliced to pieces if it wasn't for Aegis. She rolled backwards and stood up.

The distance helicopter chopping was getting louder.

Thorn released another shower of missiles and Percy finally saw his tail. It was scorpion like and had spikes at the tip.

The missiles deflected off Aegis, but the impact force was strong enough to make Thalia lose her balance.

Grover leapt up and frantically blew into his reed pipes. The little jig made the snow melt and grass appear.

The weeds tangled around Dr. Thorn's legs and he let out a ferocious roar.

His true form began to show. He had the body of a lion and a scorpion's tail but his face was still human. His tail threw spikes every which way.

"A manticore!" Annabeth said. She was visible now since her cap fell off when she ran into them.

Her and Cassie's hands were still interlocked.

"Who are you people? And what is that?" Bianca demanded, pointing at Thorn.

"A manticore? He's got three thousand attack power and plus five to saving throws!" Nico informed.

"Wait are you talking about-"

Cassie was interrupted by the snarl of Dr. Thorn as he clawed his was out of Grover's weeds.

The daughter of Ares parried spikes with her sword. She ran forward to try and land a hit but Thorn caught her with his tail and flung her to the side.

"Cassie!" Annabeth cried out before turning to the di Angelos, "Get down!" she pushed them down to the snow.

Percy barely remembered his shield in time. He hit his wristwatch and the shield quickly formed.

Perfect timing. Any faster Thorn could've reacted but any slower and they'd be impaled by spikes. Spikes strong enough that they dented the shield.

A thwack and yelp was heard from Grover's direction before the satyr landed next to Percy with a thud.

"Yield!" Dr. Thorn roared.

"Never!" Thalia shouted as she charged. Percy could swear she was about to pass through Dr. Thorn.

But then there was the repetitive noise of a helicopter chopping and a ray of light from above. The helicopter came into sight and hovered over the cliffs.

It was a military gunship armed with rocket launchers. It had to be run by mortals but why would they work with a monster?

The searchlights blinded Thalia long enough for Thorn to swat her away. Her shield and spear were thrown from her in different directions.

"No!" Percy rushed to get between Thalia and Dr. Thorn. He blocked a spike aimed at her chest. The son of Poseidon shielded them, but one hit from
Thorn and they were done for.

That was until Cassie stepped in front of him. She held Aegis in a red flash and had a fierce staring contest with the manticore.

Dr. Thorn just scoffed a chuckle. "Quite playing around daughter of Ares. Now do you see how hopeless it is? Yield, little heroes."

There wasn't a good way out, trapped between a monster and armed helicopter.

By then came a clear, piercing sound. A hunting horn was being blown in the woods.

The manticore stiffens. Everyone froze. Only the swirling of snow and wind mixed with the chopping of the helicopters blades were left.

"No. It cannot be-"

He never got to finish. Something shot past them, glowing silver like a streak of moonlight. An arrow plunged into Dr. Thorn's shoulder.

He backed away, crying out in pain. "Curse you!"

Thorn launched his spikes into the woods, each intercepted by silvery arrows. Percy's eyes widened. Even the Apollo kids couldn't aim that accurately.

The manticore panted and ripped the arrow from his shoulder. Cassie took the opportunity to try and cut him, but she was only tossed aside.

Apparently Dr. Thorn wasn't as injured as he seemed.

That's when the archers appeared. All girls ranging from ten to fourteen. They had silver ski parkas and jeans along with a bow of their own.

Each held their head high with determination and advanced.

"The Hunters!" Annabeth yelled.

"Oh, wonderful." Thalia grumbled, Percy didn't get to ask what she meant.

Of the archer's, one stepped forward. She was more mature and older than the rest. Her movements were graceful and she was quite tall.

Her coppery skin and long dark hair went well with her silver attire. But unlike the others she had a silver circlet atop her head. To Percy she was like a princess.

"Permission to kill, my lady?"

The son of Poseidon didn't know which girl it was directed at because her gaze never left the manticore.

"This is not fair! Direct interference! It is against the Ancient Laws."

"Not so," another girl argued. She was younger but wisdom radiated from her. Her auburn hair was pulled back into a ponytail and her silvery-yellow twinkled.

She was beautiful Cassie had to admit, but the stern and dangerous look on her face was a warning.

"The hunting of all wild beasts is within my sphere. And you, foul creature, are a wild beast. Zoë, permission granted." She nodded.

"If I cannot have these alive, I shall have them dead!" Thorn declared.

He pounced towards Thalia and Percy, Cassie in the way.

"No!" Annabeth cried out, charging at the monster.

"Get back, half-blood!"

"Get out of the line of fire!"

Then the world seemed to slow for Cassie. She watched as Annabeth leaped onto Thorn's back and dug her knife into his flesh.

He let out a howl and spun in circles trying to get her off.

"Fire!" Zoë ordered.

"No!" Cassie yelled in such a strong, desperate tone.

But the Hunters released their arrows. They punctured Thorn who backed away.

He whined, "This is not the end, Huntress! You shall pay!"

Cassie didn't get to react and before she knew it, Dr. Thorn, still carrying Annabeth, leapt off the cliff into the darkness.

"Annabeth!" Percy called out.

The daughter of Ares couldn't breathe. Without a word she dashed towards the cliff edge. Ignoring the firing of the guns behind her Cassie kept running.

Her mind was a mess, her eyes were a blur, and if she hadn't been tackled to the ground she would've thrown herself over the edge.

Thalia had stopped Cassie and held the brunette. She said nothing and just held the daughter of Ares.

"Annabeth!"

A broken sob came from Cassie but she didn't let the tears fall. She wouldn't. Cassandra Carter had never been more furious.

She gently broke from the daughter of Zeus embrace and whipped around.

"This is all your fault." Cassie accused Zoë.

Zoë went to argue but Thalia stepped in between the two. "Don't speak to her."

"You," Zoë acknowledged, lips turning down in distaste.

"Zoë Nightshade. Perfect timing, as usual." Thalia's voice wavered.

Cassie fell to the ground behind her. She didn't have the energy to keep herself up.

"Five half-bloods and a satyr, my lady." Zoë reported.

"Yes. Some of Chiron's campers, I see." The auburn-haired one replied.

"Annabeth! You have to let us save her!" Percy insisted.

"I'm sorry, Percy Jackson, but your friend is beyond help."

Percy tried to get up but was held down by some of the girls.

"Yeah because of your great timing." Cassie muttered sourly, but it seems she wasn't as quiet as intended.

"You, Cassandra Carter, are in no condition to be hurling yourself off cliffs."

"Better than sticking around here."

The auburn-haired girl sighed.

"Let me go! Who do you think you are?" Percy said.

Zoë was about ready to smack him.

"No, I sense no disrespect, Zoë. He is simply distraught. He does not understand." The other, younger girl informed.

She turned to him, eyes cold and bright.

"I am Artemis. Goddess of the Hunt."

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ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ author's note

Chapter 2!! 🥳🥳

I'm sad nowww, my poor babies are apart 😭 but it's ok!!

Love Cassie and Nico so so much and just a warning: Cassie gets irritated, angry, rude, etc when deprived from Annabeth ❤️

still the same daughter of Ares you know and hopefully love but if she says anything mean or extreme this act 😅

anyways, thank for reading as always!!

byeeee

-Just Another Overthinker