Epsilon and his Army of Chaos (Watty's 2013) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 5: Thalia Joins The Party

AN: I dedicate this chapter to all my friends who have been there for me from the beginning and have always encouraged me to follow my heart and pursue my dreams.

Chapter 5: Thalia Joins The Party - Thalia's POV

The Hunters were just settling down for the night when a glittering image of my old mentor, Chiron the centaur, shimmered into existence in the middle of our camp.

I raced over to talk to him and the Hunters gathered behind me.

'Chiron,' I said, smiling, 'What's up?'

He grimaced, 'We have another upcoming war. This time with one of the most power beings in the universe.'

I frowned, this wasn't a good way to start a conversation. 'I thought that was Gaia.'

I shook his head and stroked his shaggy beard, 'I'm afraid this threat is worse than even that.'

I stood frozen to the spot as he told me all that Annabeth had told him. I'm was especially anxious about this mysterious army. When he was done, I almost didn't believe him. But I knew that he would never make a joke about something so serious.

'So we need your help,' he finished, 'the Hunters help.'

I nodded, 'We'll be there by mid-morning.'

He sighed in relief and the image dissipated. I turned to the Hunters.

'Get some sleep,' I told them, 'We've got a long journey tomorrow.'

***

The next day, we arrived by mid-morning, just like I'd told Chiron. The Hunters always keep a deadline. Unless we're, you know, captured and/or killed.

I told the Hunters to wait in the Artemis cabin. All except for Phoebe, who was my second in command. The two of us raced off to the Big House where Chiron had told me a meeting was being held. We skidded to a halt when we saw the small group of warriors gathered at the base of the porch.

All in all, there was about 15 of them. Not a huge amount, but from what Chiron said, they would've been specially trained by Chaos himself. They all wore armour darker than obsidian underneath their hooded, jet black cloaks. They groups weapons ranged from swords to bows to hunting knives. They looked pretty menacing.

As we watched, one of the group, who appeared to be the leader, sent the rest away. They wandered in all directions. But no one drifted away on their own. I guess they were under orders not to. Makes sense.

Phoebe and I walked right up to the two figures who had stayed behind.

'Hi,' I said as casually as I could.

They both whirled around and stumbled when the saw me.

'Th-Thalia?' one of them gasped.

'Who are you and how do you know my name?' I demanded, my eyes narrowing.

He tried to stammer out an explanation, but it sounded mostly like grunts. His friend came to his rescue.

'I am Commander Epsilon of my Lord Chaos' army,' he said wearily, like he'd said it way too many times lately, 'and this is my second in command, Iroas. We've come to help defend the camp, and the Earth, from Destruction.'

I blinked, 'OK. But that doesn't tell me why he knows my name.'

Commander Epsilon was quick.

'Annabeth told us,' he claimed. But I could tell that he was lying.

'Come on,' he started up the stairs to the porch.

'Wait!' I called. I ran to catch up and grabbed his elbow. Wrong move.