𝑨𝑪𝑻 𝑻𝑾𝑶 ━ 𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑺𝑰𝑿

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐓 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘 before for Iris as she trudged to breakfast accompanied by Theodore who had offered to walk her to the pavilion. She ate silently even when Drew Tanaka asked her about which nail colour would go best with her new dress, which she silently pointed to the dark blue. 

Percy had seen her walk in with Theodore, he didn't really know why she needed to be comforted by him which frankly made him feel bad that these were his only thoughts about her right now. 

After breakfast, Iris was about to walk back to her cabin when she heard Grover calling her name, she turned expecting him to say something but he only gestured to follow him and Percy. 

Confused but curious, Iris trailed behind the two of them, snow crunching softly under her boots. Percy didn't look at her, his shoulders stiff as they walked across the campgrounds toward the meadow.

When they arrived, Grover plopped down in the snow, brushing aside a patch to sit more comfortably. Percy crossed his arms, his expression tight. Iris hesitated, unsure if she should sit or stay standing, so she opted for leaning against a nearby tree.

Percy told them about his dream. Iris stayed silent, she didn't want to say anything. "A cave ceiling collapsed on her?" Grover asked.

   "Yeah. What the heck does that mean?" asked Percy. Grover shook his head. "I don't know. But after what Zoe dreamed—"

   "Whoa. What the fuck do you mean? Zoe had a dream like that?" said Percy, Iris glared at him for swearing at Grover.

    "I... I don't know, exactly," Grover said, looking uncomfortable. "About three in the morning, she came to the Big House and demanded to talk to Chiron. She looked really panicked."

   "Wait, how do you know this?" Percy asked, frowning.

Grover's cheeks reddened as he shifted uncomfortably. "I was sort of camped outside the Artemis cabin."

   "What for?" Percy asked, a teasing edge creeping into his voice.

   "Just to be, you know, near them."

   "You're a stalker with hooves, Grover." whispered Iris. "Not cool."

   "I am not!" Grover said, indignant. "Anyway, I followed her to the Big House and hid in a bush and watched the whole thing. She got real upset when Argus wouldn't let her in. It was kind of a dangerous scene."

Iris frowned, looking between them. "What did she say?"

Grover grimaced at Iris's question, fidgeting nervously with the hem of his shirt. "Well, Zoe starts talking really old-fashioned when she gets upset, so it was kind of hard to understand. But something about Artemis being in trouble and needing the Hunters. And then she called Argus a boil-brained lout... I think that's a bad thing. And then he called her—"

   "Whoa, wait," Percy interrupted, narrowing his eyes. "How could Artemis be in trouble?"

   "I... well, finally Chiron came out in his pajamas and his horse tail in curlers and—"

Percy blinked. "He wears curlers in his tail?"

Grover quickly covered his mouth, struggling to hold back a laugh. Iris, standing quietly by Percy's side, tilted her head, trying to picture it. She almost cracked a smile but said nothing, her arms crossed tightly.

   "Sorry," Percy said, motioning for Grover to continue.

   "Well, Zoe said she needed permission to leave camp immediately. Chiron refused. He reminded Zoe that the Hunters were supposed to stay here until they received orders from Artemis. And she said..." Grover hesitated, gulping. "She said, 'How are we to get orders from Artemis if Artemis is lost?'"

Iris's breath hitched slightly, but she kept her expression calm, her hands clenching at her sides. Percy, however, frowned. "Lost? What do you mean lost? Like, she needs directions?"

Grover shook his head, his face serious now. "No. I think she meant gone. Taken. Kidnapped."

   "Kidnapped?" Percy repeated, his voice rising in disbelief. "How would you kidnap an immortal goddess? Is that even possible?"

   "Well, yeah," Grover said reluctantly. "I mean, it happened to Persephone."

   "But she was, like, the goddess of flowers," Percy argued, his tone skeptical.

Grover looked deeply offended. "Springtime."

   "Whatever," Percy said, brushing off the correction. "Artemis is way more powerful than that. Who could kidnap her? And why?"

Grover shook his head miserably. "I don't know. Kronos?"

The name struck both Percy and Iris like a heavy weight. Percy's jaw tightened, and Iris's gaze dropped to the snow beneath her feet.

   "He can't be that powerful already," Percy said, his voice firm, though doubt crept into his tone. "Can he?"

   "No, there's no way." said Iris. Her voice was steady, but her arms remained tightly crossed, as though shielding herself from the idea.

   "I don't know," Grover admitted, his brow furrowed. "I think somebody would know if Kronos had re-formed. The gods would be more nervous. But still, it's weird, you having a nightmare the same night as Zoe. It's almost like—"

   "They're connected," Percy finished, glancing toward the frozen meadow.

Across the way, a satyr skidded on his hooves while chasing after a redheaded tree nymph. She giggled and held her arms out as he ran toward her. Then, with a playful pop, she turned into a Scotch pine, and the satyr collided with the trunk at top speed.

   "Ah, love," Grover said dreamily, a small smile crossing his face.

Percy wasn't paying attention to the scene. He thought about Zoe's nightmare, which had happened only hours after his own. "I've got to talk to Zoe," he said suddenly, standing up.

   "Um, before you do..." Grover reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a folded pamphlet, handing it to Percy. "You remember what you said—about how it was weird the Hunters just happened to show up at Westover Hall? I think they might've been scouting us."

   "Scouting us? What do you mean?" Percy asked, frowning.

Grover handed him the brochure. The front read: A WISE CHOICE FOR YOUR FUTURE! Inside were pictures of young maidens doing hunter activities—chasing monsters, shooting arrows, and smiling as if they didn't have a care in the world. The captions read things like: HEALTH BENEFITS: IMMORTALITY AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU! and A BOY-FREE TOMORROW!

   "I found this in Annabeth's backpack," Grover said.

Percy stared at the brochure, his face a mix of confusion and disbelief. "I don't understand."

Grover hesitated. "Well, it seems to me... maybe Annabeth was thinking about joining."

At that, Iris, who had been silent, looked sharply at Grover. Her lips parted as if to say something, but she quickly looked away, her expression unreadable. Percy barely noticed her reaction, his mind too preoccupied with the possibility Grover had just suggested. 

The idea that Annabeth might have been considering leaving. . . it didn't make sense. But then again, neither did anything else lately.

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃, 𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐁𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 Drew Tanaka who was very insistent on getting her a new nail set which to be fair, Drew had her own acrylic set, and she was good at them.  Iris let her do her nails, she needed some change anyway. But now as she had dark red nails, and she really wanted to chip at them. 

After dinner as Iris adjusted her armour, her focus remained on the Hunters gathered across the pavilion. Percy caught her glancing at Zoe Nightshade, who looked tense and upset. The Hunters' usual confidence was replaced by whispered conversations and red-rimmed eyes. Clearly, Zoe's nightmare had unsettled them more than they wanted to admit.

Iris seemed equally focused yet distant, standing beside Silena Beauregard. The Aphrodite girl was uncharacteristically eager, her expression steely as she fastened her armor.

   "I'll show them 'love is worthless,'" Silena muttered, tightening her straps. "I'll pulverize them!"

   "Right there with you," Iris replied, her voice calm but determined. Her hands moved deftly, helping Silena with her gear before checking her own. She looked more ready for battle than a simple game of capture the flag.

Percy adjusted Riptide at his side, trying not to trip over the chaotic energy around him. 

   "I'll take the offense," Thalia volunteered. "You guys take defence."

   "Oh." said Percy unsure. "Don't you think with your shield and all, you'd be better defence?"

   "Well, I was thinking it would make better offense," Thalia said. "Besides, you've had more practice at defence, plus you'll have Iris."

Iris raised her eyebrows, "I don't think I agreed to anything but okay. . ."

Nico di Angelo bounded over, beaming under his oversized armour. "Percy, this is awesome!" Nico said, his bronze helmet tilting awkwardly over his forehead. He lifted his sword, though it looked like it weighed more than he did.

Percy suppressed a laugh. "Yeah, Nico, it's great."

   "Do we get to kill the other team?" Nico asked, eyes wide with excitement.

   "Uh, no," Percy replied quickly.

   "But the Hunters are immortal, right?"

   "That's only if they don't fall in battle," Percy clarified. "Besides—"

   "It would be so cool if we could resurrect every time we died. Like, bam, back in the game!"

   "Nico, this isn't a game, well," Percy said, shaking his head. "These are real swords. They can actually hurt you." 

Nico's face fell slightly, and Percy realized he sounded way too much like his mom. Awkwardly, he patted Nico on the shoulder. "Hey, it's cool. Just follow the team. Stay out of Zoe's way. We'll have a blast."

He turned to Iris who just smiled and gave him a high five, trying to reassure him that'll be fun, though as she glanced up to the Hunters, she didn't know if that would turn out to be true.

Chiron's hoof clapped loudly on the pavilion floor, grabbing everyone's attention.

   "Heroes!" he called. "You know the rules! The creek is the boundary line. Blue team—Camp Half-Blood—shall take the west woods. Hunters of Artemis—red team—shall take the east woods. I will serve as referee and battlefield medic. No intentional maiming, please! All magic items are allowed. To your positions!"

   "Sweet" Nico whispered eagerly to Percy. "What kind of magic items? Do I get one?"

"Not you, kid," Percy said with a smirk, but before Nico could complain, Thalia called out, "Blue team! Follow me!"

The campers erupted into cheers, grabbing their shields and weapons as they fell into line behind Thalia. Percy darted forward, nearly stumbling over someone's shield. He caught himself and ran to catch up with Iris, who had fallen in step just behind Thalia.

The blue team's flag was planted at the top of Zeus's Fist—a cluster of boulders in the west woods that, depending on the angle, looked either like a mighty fist. Of course, Chiron didn't find that name particularly amusing, given it was dedicated to Zeus.

It was a good spot for the flag. The top boulder stood twenty feet high, making it both clearly visible, as per the rules, and hard to reach. The guards couldn't stay within ten yards of it, so Percy assigned Beckendorf, the Stoll brothers, and Nico to watch the perimeter.

Thalia gathered the team and outlined the plan. "We'll send out a decoy to the left. Silena, you lead that."

   "Got it," Silena said confidently, already fastening her sword belt.

   "Take Laurel and Jason," Thalia continued. "They're good runners. Make a wide arc around the Hunters and draw as many of them away as possible. I'll lead the main raiding party to the right and take them by surprise."

The campers nodded in agreement. Thalia's plans always sounded convincing. Thalia turned to Percy. "Anything to add?"

Percy hesitated. "Um, yeah. Keep sharp on defence. We've got four guards and two scouts. That's not much for a forest this big. I'll be roving. Yell if you need me."

Thalia nodded and then looked at Iris. "Anything?"

   "I'll stay ready to pivot," Iris said. Her tone was even, her eyes scanning the woods. "If you need backup, whistle."

   "And don't leave your post!" Thalia added sharply.

   "Unless you see a golden opportunity," Percy said, smirking.

   "Percy," Thalia warned, giving him a light shove. "Just don't leave your post."

   "Right, unless—"

   "Percy!" Thalia reached out and shocked him lightly on the arm. Percy winced. He hated that Thalia could produce static shocks that actually hurt. Iris suppressed a giggle as Percy glared at her. 

   "Now, is everybody clear?" Thalia asked.

Everyone nodded. The horn sounded, and the game began.

Silena's group darted off into the woods to the left. After a few seconds, Thalia's group charged to the right. Percy climbed Zeus's Fist, scanning the forest below. The Hunters were nowhere in sight. Iris had gone off to the tree line, to scout. 

He spotted Silena's decoy team running through a clearing, with five Hunters on their heels. They were successfully drawing the Hunters deeper into the woods. But another group of Hunters was creeping toward the right, clearly aiming for Thalia's team.

   "What's happening?" Nico asked, scrambling up the rocks to join Percy.

Percy's thoughts raced. With the Hunters split on either flank, their centre had to be vulnerable. If he moved fast, he could grab the flag before they regrouped.

He turned to Beckendorf. "Can you guys hold the fort?"

Beckendorf grinned. "Of course."

Without another word, Percy leaped off Zeus's Fist and sprinted toward the creek, adrenaline pumping as he crossed the boundary into enemy territory. He could see the Hunters' silver flag up ahead, swaying gently in the wind. Only one guard was stationed near it, and she wasn't even looking his way.

He charged forward, snow crunching under his boots, but just as he reached the flag, the guard turned. It was Bianca di Angelo. Her eyes widened in shock, but she couldn't react fast enough. Percy slammed into her, sending them both sprawling.

   "Sorry!" Percy called, grabbing the silver silk flag and sprinting away.

He was almost clear when Bianca's yell echoed behind him. ZIP! A silvery cord wrapped around his ankles, yanking him to the ground. He landed hard, snow flying everywhere.

   "Percy!" Thalia's voice rang out from the left, panic mixed with anger. "What are you doing?"

Before Percy could respond, an arrow exploded near her team, releasing a yellow cloud of sulphurous gas. Thalia and her group coughed and staggered, covering their faces.

   "No fair!" Thalia choked out, glaring toward the Hunters. "Fart arrows are unsportsmanlike!"

Iris watched from her position near the creek, her heart racing as Percy got up and started running again, the silver flag clutched tightly in his hands. Only a few more yards to the creek, and victory would be theirs. 

More arrows whizzed past him, some coming dangerously close. A Hunter appeared out of nowhere, her knife slashing toward Percy, but he parried and pushed forward, determination etched across his face. Iris jumped off the tree she was on and ran towards them. 

From across the creek, Iris spotted movement on their side. Beckendorf and Nico were running at full speed, but they weren't heading toward Percy. She squinted and realized with a sinking feeling that they were chasing someone—Zoe Nightshade. 

The Hunter was racing like a blur, weaving effortlessly through campers, her dark hair streaming behind her. In her hands was their blue flag.

   "No!" Percy yelled, his voice filled with disbelief. He pushed himself harder, closing the distance to the creek. Iris darted forward, her dagger ready, but Zoe was too quick.

Zoe bolted past Percy and crossed into Hunter territory just as he reached the waterline. To make matters worse, she slammed into him with a sharp shoulder check, sending him stumbling.

Iris skidded to a halt, her chance to stop Zoe gone. The Hunters erupted in cheers, their victory sealed. 

Both sides converged on the creek, the energy a mix of triumph and frustration. Chiron emerged from the woods; his expression grim. He carried the Stoll brothers on his back, both of them looking worse for wear. Connor Stoll had two arrows sticking out of his helmet like ridiculous antennae, and Travis looked dazed, holding an ice pack to his forehead.

   "The Hunters win!" Chiron announced, his tone lacking any enthusiasm. Then, with a weary mutter, he added, "For the fifty-sixth time in a row."

𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐀 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐅𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐒 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐖𝐇𝐘, "Perseus fucking Jackson!" Thalia yelled, storming toward him with Iris right on her heels. Thalia reeked of rotten eggs from the sulphur arrows, and sparks of blue electricity danced angrily along her armour. Everyone backed away, cowed by the presence of Aegis. Even Percy had to force himself not to flinch.

   "What in the name of the gods were you thinking?" she bellowed, her voice echoing through the clearing.

Percy balled his fists, his frustration boiling over. "I got the flag, Thalia!" He shook it in her face. "I saw a chance, and I took it!"

   "I was at their base!" Thalia yelled back. "But the flag was gone. If you hadn't butted in, we would've won!"

   "You had too many on you, Thalia!" Percy shot back.

   "Oh, so it's my fault?" Thalia demanded, her eyes blazing.

   "I didn't say that!"

   "Argh!" Thalia shoved him, and a jolt of electricity sent him flying backward ten feet, landing in the creek with a loud splash. Campers gasped, and some of the Hunters tried—and failed—to stifle their laughter.

   "Thalia!" Iris gasped, stepping between them. "What are you doing?"

Thalia turned pale, her expression immediately shifting to guilt. "Sorry! I didn't mean to—"

Percy rose from the water, his anger roaring in his ears. Without thinking, he summoned a wave from the creek. It blasted into Thalia, drenching her completely. He made sure to miss Iris so that she wasn't drenched. 

   "Yeah," Percy growled. "I didn't mean to, either."

Thalia stood there, water dripping off her armor, her breathing ragged. "You want some, Seaweed Brain?" she snapped, pulling out her spear.

   "Bring it on, Pinecone Face!" Percy retorted, raising Riptide.

   "Dumbasses," Iris mumbled and walked away towards Chiron, but neither listened.

Before Percy could even react, Thalia thrust her spear upward, calling lightning from the sky. It struck her weapon and arced toward Percy, slamming into his chest and knocking him to the ground. A sharp smell of burnt fabric filled the air.

   "Thalia!" Chiron bellowed, his voice commanding. "That is enough!"

Percy got back to his feet, anger surging like a tidal wave. He willed the entire creek to rise, forming a massive swirling funnel of icy water above him.

   "Enough!" Chiron said again, his tone desperate.

Percy's grip on the water tightened, ready to unleash it, but then he froze. In the woods beyond the clearing, something moved. The swirling water collapsed, splashing back into the creek as Percy's concentration broke.

Thalia turned, her expression shifting from fury to confusion. "What's that?"

A murky green mist crept through the trees, curling along the ground. Slowly, a figure emerged. The campers and Hunters collectively gasped.

   "Oh my gods," whispered Iris staring at the figure. 

   "This is impossible," Chiron whispered, his voice laced with unease. "She has never left the attic. Never."

The withered form of the Oracle shuffled into the clearing, its tattered robes trailing behind it. Mist pooled around her, staining the snow a sickly green. No one dared move as her hollow, lifeless eyes scanned the crowd.

Her voice hissed into their minds, eerie and disembodied. I am the spirit of Delphi, the Oracle intoned. Speaker of the prophecies of Phoebus Apollo, slayer of the mighty Python.

The Oracle turned her empty gaze toward Zoe Nightshade, who stiffened. "Approach, Seeker," it commanded, "and ask."

Zoe hesitated, swallowing hard, before stepping forward. Her voice wavered as she asked, "What must I do to help my goddess?"

The Oracle's mouth opened, and green mist poured out. The image of a mountain, and a girl standing at the barren peak. It was Artemis, but she was wrapped in chains, fettered to the rocks. She was kneeling, her hands raised as if to fend off an attacker, and it looked like she was in pain. 

The Oracle spoke, "Six shall go west to the goddess in chains, 

One shall be lost in the land without rain, 

Love shall seek refuge in vain, 

The bane of Olympus shows the trail, 

Campers and Hunters combined prevail, 

The Titan's curse must two withstand, 

and one shall perish by a parent's hand."

Then the mist swirled and retreated like a great green serpent into the mummy's mouth. The Oracle sat down on a rock and became as still as she'd been in the attic, as if she might sit by this creek for a hundred years. And Iris had never been more scared. . .

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❪ ៸ 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄 ━━━━━ ! ﹆◞ ❫
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━━━━━ . . .
❪ . . . the 6th chapter for act 2 of LOVE STORY everyone, 😘😘 ❫
❪ . . . This is about 3.5k words ❫
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❪ . . .PLEASE don't be a ghost reader, comment and vote, I love to reply to everyone and interact with my readers, love all of you darlings <33 ❫