Percy Jackson and the Dark Elites

XXXXXVIII

Annabeth

Annabeth felt her head throbbing long before she opened her eyes. After a time, the pain became sort of reassuring. The constant jabs were steady like a heartbeat. 

Annabeth knew what was going to happen next. She didn't have to open her eyes.

She only realized she'd been moaning when someone commented on it.

Annabeth looked up, George and Charlie stared down at her. Annabeth was briefly terrified of them discovering that they hadn't captured Ruin.

She relaxed. Ruin's suit was covered in black crystals. They couldn't see her.

A small boy stood behind the two of them. He had dirty blond hair and pale skin. He was far taller and much skinnier than basic human anatomy would've allowed.

He stood shorter than both Charlie and George—reaching up to their biceps—but the size of his head and hands suggested he was much younger.
About twelve. His babyish face and boyish haircut did nothing to deter the effect he had on Annabeth.

He was completely terrifying.

When he spoke, his lips didn't move. A child's voice echoed throughout the large obsidian room. He is awake.

Charlie rubbed his hands together. "Back up, George."

He pressed each of his hands to the side of her hood, filling the suit with heat. Annabeth let out a grunted if surprise, but instantly focused on breathing.

Scorching air filled her nostrils and lungs.

Charlie started to sweat and he pulled away. He took a few deep breaths and placed his hands in her shoulders, burning her again.

Annabeth fell to the ground. They had no need to restrain her, she was already weak and overwhelmed.

Charlie gazed under the hood, not quite meeting her eyes through the crystals. His face was pale and full of sorrow.

If he was concious enough to know what he was doing, why wouldn't he stop?

What reason could he possibly have to serve Chaos?

Maybe he'd just been waiting for her. Or, at least, waiting for Ruin. Pretending to be okay until he could make his move.

"Try harder!" George snapped.

Charlie no longer looked at Annabeth. He showed no guilt or shame, only determination. His hands sparked with flames again.

Annabeth's hair was sticking to every inch of her skin. The temperature of the suit was so hot she was tempted to leave it.

Charlie focused his attention on a small metal part of the suit. Annabeth bit down. Her tears were stinging her face, but she would not yell. She would not scream.

Chaos could not intimidate her or overwhelm her enough for her to show it.

Annabeth broke her promise. She groaned from frustration and helplessness, the deep noise coming from her burning throat.

Something on the suit snapped. Annabeth felt Charlie stop.

"Congratulations," George mumbled. "You opened a pocket."

Patience. Chaos taunted.

George shook where he stood. "Come on Charlie. We'll all be a lot safer once Ruin is dead. And Chaos wants to see his face."

Charlie pulled something out of Annabeth's pocket. He held up the green pearl for everyone to see.

"We have it now," George bowed, his massive size looked so unthreatening, even next to a child. "The last piece, we should get started."