Forgotten memories

Dark Revelations

I skipped dinner that night, a mistake that didn't go unnoticed by Chiron, who eventually came looking for me. Immersed in my own world of frustration, I was vigorously punching the wooden beam in the center of the cabin, the echoes of each impact reverberating through the empty space. Chiron's arrival was silent, and I only became aware of his presence when he cleared his throat to gain my attention.

"What?" I snapped, my fists still colliding with the wooden beam.

"You can't go out on a quest if your hands are bloodied," Chiron calmly and sadly remarked.

"It will be healed up in the morning anyway," I retorted, a small perk of being a child of Apollo—I healed faster than the norm. I had discovered this trait when scratched by one of Dr. Thorn's spikes, his poison having a diminished effect on me compared to Percy. Finally ceasing my assault on the beam, I looked at Chiron.

His eyes reflected sadness as he took a deep breath before speaking with sympathy. "You remembered something. I am sorry, Hymenaios, about telling you about your father. It was not my intention for you to relive that memory."

Clenching my knuckles at the painful recollection of my father's grave, I looked up at Chiron. "It's fine. I also remembered something..."

I proceeded to share with Chiron the details of my encounter with Athena, recounting how she orchestrated the fading of my memories, the mid-air meeting, and the favor I owed to Apollo. The weight of the memories lingered in the air, a shared understanding between Chiron and me.

Chiron's expression remained understanding, his wise eyes reflecting the complexity of the situation. "Athena's involvement sheds light on your journey here. The gods, in their intricate ways, often set paths for demigods to follow. Your connection with Apollo and the debts you owe him might play a pivotal role in your quest."

I nodded, acknowledging the cryptic nature of divine plans. "It feels like I'm walking a path laid out for me, whether I like it or not."

Chiron gave a solemn nod, acknowledging the gravity of destiny. "As children of the gods, we are often caught in the currents of their desires. It is a burden we bear, and in doing so, we shape our own destinies."

The cabin remained silent for a moment, the weight of our words hanging in the air. Chiron broke the stillness, changing the subject. "Zoe has chosen you for the quest. Her reasons might not be entirely clear to you now, but trust that she believes in your capabilities."

I sighed, the frustration of the situation evident on my face. "I can't say I'm thrilled about joining forces with the Hunters, especially after our little scuffle earlier."

Chiron offered a reassuring smile. "Trust is a delicate thing, and it takes time to build. Zoe's decision, while driven by her beliefs, is also a gesture of trust. Use this quest as an opportunity to bridge gaps and understand each other."

I mulled over his words, recognizing the truth in them. "I'll go on the quest, Chiron. Not for Zoe, but for the sake of what I might discover about myself."

Chiron's eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and wisdom. "That, Hymenaios, is a journey worth undertaking. Now, let us tend to your hands. You cannot embark on a quest with fists wrapped in bandages."

As Chiron led me to the infirmary, I couldn't shake the feeling that my journey, entwined with the gods' plans. 

After we were done at the infirmary, thanks to my brother Will, I went to my bunk to sleep. My other cabin mates came too and when to sleep. I couldn't fall asleep. I was rubbing my knuckles and thinking about the memory about Zoe. Was that the reason for her to make me join her Quest? There is something going on and I don't like it.

I don't remember falling asleep, but I remember the dream. I was in a barren cave, the ceiling heavy and low above me. Annabeth was kneeling under the weight of a dark mass that looked like a pile of boulders. She was too tired even to cry out. Her legs trembled. Any second, I knew she would run out of strength and the cavern ceiling would collapse on top of her.

"How is our mortal guest?" a male voice boomed.

This voice was deep and low, like a bass guitar. Its force made the ground vibrate. A guy that fit the description of Luke emerged from the shadows. He ran to Annabeth, knelt beside her, then looked back at the unseen man.

"She's fading. We must hurry."

The hypocrite. Like he really cared what happened to her. The deep voice chuckled. It belonged to someone in the shadows, at the edge of my dream. Then a meaty hand thrust someone forward into the light—Artemis—her hands and feet bound in celestial bronze chains. I gasped. Her silvery dress was torn and tattered. Her face and arms were cut in several places, and she was bleeding ichor, the golden blood of the gods.

"You heard the boy," said the man in the shadows. "Decide!"

Artemis's eyes flashed with anger. I didn't know why she just didn't will the chains to burst, or make herself disappear, but she didn't seem able to. Maybe the chains prevented her, or some magic about this dark, horrible place. The goddess looked at Annabeth and her expression changed to concern and outrage.

"How dare you torture a maiden like this!"

"She will die soon," Luke said. "You can save her."

Annabeth made a weak sound of protest. My heart felt like it was being twisted into a knot. I wanted to run to her, but I couldn't move.

"Free my hands," Artemis said.

Luke brought out his sword, Backbiter. With one expert strike, he broke the goddess's handcuffs.

Artemis ran to Annabeth and took the burden from her shoulders. Annabeth collapsed on the ground and lay there shivering. Artemis staggered, trying to support the weight of the black rocks.

The man in the shadows chuckled. "You are as predictable as you were easy to beat, Artemis."

"You surprised me," the goddess said, straining under her burden. "It will not happen again."

"Indeed, it will not," the man said. "Now you are out of the way for good! I knew you could not resist helping a young maiden. That is, after all, your specialty, my dear."

Artemis groaned "You know nothing of mercy, you swine."

"On that," the man said, "we can agree. Luke, you may kill the girl now."

"No!'" Artemis shouted.

Luke hesitated. "She—she may yet be useful, sir... Further bait."

"Bah! You truly believe that?"

"Yes, General. They will come for her. I'm sure."

The man considered. "Then the dracaenae can guard her here. Assuming she does not die from her injuries, you may keep her alive until winter solstice. After that, if our sacrifice goes as planned, her life will be meaningless. The lives of all mortals will be meaningless."

Luke gathered up Annabeth's listless body and carried her away from the goddess.

"You will never find the monster you seek," Artemis said. "Your plan will fail."

"How little you know, my young goddess," the man in the shadows said. "Even now, your darling attendants begin their quest to find you. They shall play directly into my hands. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a long journey to make. We must greet your Hunters and make sure their quest is... challenging."

The man's laughter echoed in the darkness, shaking the ground until it seemed the whole cavern ceiling would collapse.