Scattered Dimensions

Chapter 4: An Unexpected Gift

It's been a few hours since Rachel's condition and Nathan's disturbing news, and we have all dispersed back into our respective cabins. Unable to diagnose the issue with Rachel, the Apollo cabin healers were scratching their heads as they worked in unison with the Athena cabin members to identify what the issue at play was. Rachel was supposedly stable and basically just asleep, but she still isn't waking up. It would be a little selfish of me, but at the moment, I couldn't feel too worried for her. I felt sorry for her, but I had another problem of my own at hand. I needed to figure out what Nathan saw in Rachel's head, her dreams or visions or whatever, I needed to know what it had to do with me.

Soon after, Annabeth and I went to Chiron and explained to him what I had seen in the woods and also discussed with him what happened with Rachel and what Nathan's words meant for our futures. Nico, Will, and Piper had joined in the discussion as well. It's been a while since I saw them, but Nico and Will seem to be doing quite well. Piper looked good too, but I didn't have the free time to indulge in gossip with them regarding how they've been doing. Chiron wasn't looking too good with all this information and had absolutely no idea about anything. I think he was most worried about the lack of an Oracle in the camp, which meant sending people on quests is now almost impossible. We discussed for a few hours and decided to get some rest and hope that Rachel would wake up soon. Chiron had also mentioned that he would try to get some help from the outside.

I was getting tired of all these quests and tasks. These burdens were thrown at me, leaving me no choice but to accept my fate and work for the cause. I've already been through two wars, and I believe I did really well both times. I saved the world twice now, and both times I felt guilty that I put the lives of countless others at risk. I could have saved them. I feel like I should have. I understand that I will never be able to be everywhere and do everything I want to do.But I see them in my dreams from time to time. I hear them scream and cry in agony and pain as I see them impaled, bleeding out, or crushed under the weight of their enemies. I can still hear them calling my name out.

I was lazing around in my cabin, daydreaming in my bed and waiting for Annabeth to come by. There was a knock at my cabin door. Immediately, I jumped out of bed and went towards the door, hoping to see Annabeth on the other side. As I opened the door, I saw an athletic looking guy with wavy salt-and-pepper hair in an orange t-shirt and white shorts holding a small package in his hands. It didn't take me too long to identify the man; his smile was unmistakable.

"Hermes!" I exclaim, as I look surprised.

"How are you, Percy?" asked Hermes, with a soft embracing look on his face.

"I'm doing good. What are you doing here?" I asked, trying not to sound rude.

"I promised your half-brother that I'd deliver his package personally after he helped me with my caduceus. Well, I asked him if I could repay him for his help, and he requested that I help deliver this package, "replied Hermes, as he handed me the package."

"Tyson sent for you, I see. Anyways, thank you Hermes, "I replied, as I stared at him.

"You might want to look away," he said, as golden light started to pour out of him.

I immediately closed my eyes and turned around. After a while, I slowly opened my eyes and turned around to see that Hermes had left. I wondered what was in this package that was so important that Tyson had it directly hand delivered by Hermes himself. Slightly curious, I walked back into my cabin with this package in my hand.

After having seated myself in my cabin, I slowly ripped into the package. Inside I found two different items. Both were completely wrapped in some sort of cloth, and judging by the size and shape, they looked like a dagger and a sword. As I unwrapped the dagger, I was shocked to find myself recognising the dagger. This was Annabeth's dagger. How did Tyson acquire this? I was definitely surprised and in awe that the dagger found its way back. I found a small piece of paper lying at the bottom. I pulled it out, hoping to find any information from Tyson regarding this package.

Dear Percy,

I am sorry for lying to you. This is not Tyson. I cannot reveal who I am. But understand that the contents of this package are meant for both Annabeth and you. I was surprised that Annabeth lost the dagger, but I guess mistakes can happen to anyone. The sword has been reforged by my orders to accompany you, so it should be evenly balanced and extremely potent in your hands. You may not understand the reason right now, but there will come a time when you require that sword. At that time, do not hesitate.

I hope you make the right choice.

A friend ~

What the hell did this mean? So this was not by Tyson? Who sent this? How did they trick Hermes into delivering this to me? Was it Hermes who sent this? More importantly, what was the deal with this sword?

I had way too many questions running through my head. I wanted peace, but all I was receiving was mystery after mystery. I guess the fates really hate me. I put the note aside and left the dagger by the note. I was curious about this sword. I slowly unwrapped the sword to find it completely covered by a plain black scabbard. I slowly unsheathed the sword, and as soon as the sword was out of the scabbard and in my hand, I realised what it was. This shouldn't be possible. This sword was destroyed, and for good reason. Also, I'm positive that Hermes wouldn't have gotten this sword made because it was the former blade of a very old friend of mine. This sword is the Backbiter, previously owned by Luke Castellan, aka Kronos.