Chapter 10: Good guy within

According to the details of the quest, I have to choose either to help Atlas or Artemis. The reward for helping Atlas is better than the reward from Artemis. But I can't let Zoe die because I made a promise on the river Styx. I followed the dracaena and found Atlas near the summit of the mountain.

"Bring that spawn of Athena. Those half-bloods will arrive here soon." He said.

"Yes, General." I went to the Ship currently docked near the beach and walked toward Annabeth's cell.

Annabeth's pov

I was so stupid and careless. How did I possibly let myself get caught? Not only that now I am being used as bait to capture my friends. I should have thought logically and planned better. But I got swayed by emotions and fell into Luck's trick. After they put me on this cell he visited me once. Even though we didn't talk much I felt the regret in his voice. His voice no longer felt like someone else's voice under it.

suddenly I heard the sound of footsteps. Luke walked towards my cell and opened the door.

"Shall we meet your friends?" He said in a cold voice. I bit my lips in frustration trying to figure out what was happening.

Luke cuffed my hand behind my back. I tried to struggle but he was stronger than me.

"Luke, What's going....mmmph!" Before I could complete the sentence he put a gag in my mouth.

"Don't worry. You will go home safely. I will make sure of it." His voice came behind my ears.

Surprisingly his voice was very gentle unlike before. I could feel the sincerity and care in his voice that's why I believe old Luke was still there. There is still a chance we can be together like a family. Me, Thalia and Luke like old times.

"Let's go." He said and pushed me forward forcing me to walk in front of him. We walked towards the summit of the mountain. When I saw Atlas I unconsciously started to shake. Luke put his hand on my shoulder. I know he is an enemy but his touch made me calm.

Luke's Pov

After my little drama with Annabeth, we were waiting for the quest party's arrival while Artemis glared daggers at us. There were a few dracaenas behind us holding the Kronos's golden sarcophagus.

"They are here," Atlas said and waved his hand. Shadows covered us, making us invisible. I looked at the base of the mountain, three figures came out from the heavy mist covering the mountain. Two girls and one boy, One of the girls had a silver circlet on her heir. She strongly resembled Atlas and I instantly recognized her. Other girl had short spiky black hair and electric blue eyes. The boy had black hair and sea green eyes. Zoe Nightshade, Thalia Grace and Percy Jackson.

As they took few steps forward Hesperides appeared before them. Zoe Stepped forward and they exchanged some words. I couldn't hear what they were talking but a moment later Zoe and others walked past the golden apple tree without alerting the dragon. Threatening Hesperides using Kronos's name worked well.

Three of them walked towards Artemis passing us.

"My lady!" Zoe cried and ran towards Artemis. "Stop it's a trap," Artemis said.

"Ah, how touching," Atlas said in a booming voice after disabling the invisibility. I was surprised by how dramatic this Titan can be. They turned around and Thalia looked directly into my eyes.

"Luke," She said in disdain. "Let her go."

"Thalia, join us. You will be more powerful than a god." I said. For a second she looked like she really going to agree. Then she regains some clarity in her mind.

"Free Annabeth. Luke I know never hurt her." Thalia said.

"We will rise the Mount Othrys here far stronger than Olympus. We can build a better world."

The golden sarcophagus began to glow, ruins of mount Othrys started to rise and an image of a dark palace solidified around us.

"No, Titans will destroy everything." Thalia said.

"It seems Luke was wrong about you, daughter of Zeus."Atlas said. I will have Luke deal with you two while I take care of this traitor." He said pointing at Zoe.

"You are not going to hurt Zoe." Percy said.

" This is a family matter, little hero"

"Family matter?"

"Yes, Atlas is my father." Zoe said.

"What?" Percy asked in surprise. Seriously is this guy's brain made out of seaweeds? Zoe and Atlas look alike a lot. Anyone could guess they are father and daughter.

Atlas continued his villainous small talk. I waited for one of them to make a move. I saw Percy gripping his sword tightly and looking at Annabeth.

"Now" He said and all of them charged toward us.