Percy Jackson: The Knight of Chaos

Challenges

(A/N: Sorry guys, I was on a bit of an unannounced hiatus -- I just finished like five exams. Thanks for all of the reads and feedback!)

When we all appeared on top of Half-Blood Hill, cries rose up from the crowd of confused demigods, as they took in their new surroundings.

"What's going on?" Chiron demanded, as he stepped out of the crowd.

Walking forward to meet him, I looked at the centaur coldly in the eye, though I doubt he could tell my expression with the cloak on. "Like I said before, this ancient force requires the help of all of us working together. Will you accept that fate, or refuse and doom everyone on this world?"

"I think you know my answer." Chiron nodded. "I must go make calls for some old friends. While I'm gone, why don't you consult our most senior camper for more details? She's right over there." The centaur gestured across the grassy hill, to a tall, tanned girl standing with her back to us.

"All right," I conceded. "Alpha Force, with me!"

Approaching the girl, I tapped her on the shoulder. "Hello."

She whirled around, blond hair whipping like a tornado, and only then did I realize who she was.

"Annabeth?" I whispered.

Her brow crinkled in that cute, familiar way that always let me know she was thinking hard.

"How do you know my name?" She questioned, her grey eyes flashing, almost as if she were daring me to answer.

"Uh...." My brain froze as I failed to conjure up a believable excuse.

"Chiron told us," Silena interrupted, saving me. "He told us to talk to you about details."

"Right," Annabeth relented, though she didn't look very convinced. "Details of what kind, exactly?"

Memories of the torturous abuse she had put me through began to circle around and around in my brain, like a broken record. My fists clenched unnoticeably in my sleeves. Hardly able to conceal my burgeoning anger, I took a deep breath before replying.

"We're fighting a war together. I want to begin a training program, so we can all learn each other's strategies, fighting techniques, and battle plans. And I was hoping to bring in Camp Jupiter as well. I would like to speak to Jason Grace."

"What business do you have with Jason Grace?"

"Business you shouldn't be concerned with," I replied curtly.

She raised her eyebrows at the brusque tone. "All right. When do you want training to be?"

"Starting tomorrow. Seven AM sharp. Every single camper is up and ready to go in the arena. Got it?"

Nodding, Annabeth motioned several other campers over. Underneath my hood, my eyes widened as Piper and Leo strolled to us, followed by the rest of the head counselors.

"Omega would like us to start training for everyone tomorrow. Now, we'll have to set up schedules and --" Annabeth was suddenly cut off as an arrogant blow horn exploded behind me.

No, wait.

That was just my least favourite person in the world.

"Who are these guys?" Troy blared. Chills full of pain and anger raced through me once more, like a horse stamping his hooves right before the beginning of a race.

"These guys," I said, leaning in close to him. Behind me, Nico snickered as Troy, in turn, took a step away from me. "These guys are the only chance you have of survival. We know what we're up against. We've trained years longer than you have. We've done this before."

Total bull, Zoe whispered in my head from the group at my back.

Whatever, I replied. We still are more advanced than them.

Her lack of reply gave me her answer to that.

"Oh, yeah?" Troy sneered, "Prove it."

The monotonous mutters and whispers that had been flying through the camp stopped immediately as Troy issued his challenge. Suddenly it seemed like everyone in the camp was here, watching this showdown. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Annabeth glaring at Troy -- the look in her eyes was almost identical to the hatred in my own. Why is she mad at Troy? I wondered.

I answered the pighead, "Alright, fine. You want a fight, you got it. Tonight, at midnight. Meet me in the arena."

Percy, what are you doing? You never would have done this before. Hazel demanded.

They think Percy is dead. And maybe they're right. The old Percy Jackson is dead. He probably never would have done this, but I'm not him anymore. I am Omega. And Omega fights back.

-

The sun's final arcs of brilliant light disappeared past the horizon, leaving the camp cloaked in darkness. I was perched atop the tallest evergreen of the camp's forest, my wings stretched out behind me in all their glory. The other seven were back at camp, setting up the Alpha Force's cabin. I thought about the prophecy that had been delivered to Lord Chaos so long ago, my fate sealed once again by uncontrollable forces. Yeah, the wings were pretty cool, but I'd trade them away in a heartbeat if it meant I could live a normal life, without having to see Annabeth or Troy or anyone else ever again.

Sighing, I rose, and fell off the tree.

The wind screamed past me as I grew closer and closer to the ground. At the last second, I opened my wings, and they caught me, inches from the soil. Instantly, I was back up in the air again, the slightest twitch of my wings sending me soaring. Gliding low over the treetops, I flew to the arena, as midnight grew ever sooner.

"This is all about the spectacle," I told myself, "The bigger, the better. The better, the more the people will listen. The more they listen, the more well-trained they are."

Because of this, I flew over the open arena, circling like a hunting eagle. I could see the campers beginning to file in, finding the closest seats to presumably see Troy beat up the mysterious newcomer. No one noticed me up above. Finally, most campers were inside, and seven cloaked figures entered the arena, lounging against the wall near the door calmly.

In stalked Troy, his sword and shield in hand. "Where are you, Omega? Come out and play! What, are you scared?"

I replied by folding my wings together, and shooting down to the arena like a rocket.

"I seriously doubt that." My voice resonated throughout the stone walls. Gasps rose up from the audience as I seemingly fell from the sky, landing smoothly on the ground.

"'Bout time you showed up!" Troy laughed, but I could see a glint of fear in his all-too similar eyes.

I raised my chin deftly, and shook out my wings until they hung from my back, poised to fly once again. Troy's eyes widened, his sword and shield falling limp at his sides. Smirking, I willed Aquisis and Triteia, my twin swords, to appear. The leather bracelets wrapped around my scarred arms melted into the leather sheaths strung across my back, the hilts of the swords glinting eagerly. Pulling the swords from their sheaths, I held Triteia above my head and Aquisis in front.

"Are you ready, son of Poseidon?" I challenged.

"Are you ready, knight of Chaos?" He answered.

Go.