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Trial of the Traitor
Traitors can come in all shapes and sizes. To convince someone to turn their back on all they have known and believed in, isn’t an easy task. Those who do so are quite the skilled manipulators. They learn to hide and lie and pretend they are looking out for all around them, but it’s just a lie. There are many types of traitors too, those who manipulate, lie, pretend, and cause harm to others. Some are aware of their actions, others are not. Some traitors don’t even know they’re betraying someone because they believe they’re doing the right thing. Never knowing better that it’s actually not.
This is where our story begins. With a traitor making a choice to change everything.
-Unknown Location-
The air was thick with mist as two hidden figures met for their secret meeting. One dripping wet from a river, the other cloaked in black with a silver broach. Both of their forms were obscured due to the fog and ensuring that any who watched them, their faces couldn’t be seen. Though the hooded one was holding a tan wrapped parcel.
‘You know there is no going back once you do this.’
The hooded figure nodded as they clutched the parcel close to their chest. A light shines on their silver clasp holding their cloak together.
“I am sure, this is the right choice.” They whispered.
‘This will do nothing to change your fate child.’
They chuckled humorlessly.
“I’m not doing this for me.” They looked past the water spirit and over the horizon, seeing something in the distance the other didn’t bother to look for. “It’s for them. So it finally ends with me.”
The wet one nodded. ‘Very well, let’s begin.’
-TIME SKIP-
Chiron was silent as he arrived in Olympus. A personal summons is not unusual given the last few years prior where so much has been going on compared to previous years. The last five have been mostly tame outside of Apollo’s trials and the near loss of Jason Grace. Only spared by the fates choosing to cut Piper’s string instead.
Poor thing, Annabeth had been inconsolable for weeks after the death of the Daughter of Aphrodite. A pity too, she would’ve made a good submissive tool out of Jason had she lived. It had even taken a bit of convincing to have her do the oath to protect Jason.
Thankfully she did post the war and after the death of her other close friend. She got the message. Mmm such a pity she fell so easily. Then again she wasn’t Annabeth.
Ahh Annabeth.
Now that was a good girl. Obedient. Loyal. Always told him everything. Just like he trained her to. She told him about Percy becoming too much to control and he assured her by giving her power suppressants to keep Percy in line. Apparently they’ve been working well.
Good.
Yet as the centaur arrived on Olympus he felt a pulse in the air. This… isn’t normal. What is going on? He stepped off the elevator and cautiously looked around. It’s… quiet….
Why is Olympus so quiet?
The only time it was like this before is just a few hours before the final battle for Olympus happened several years ago. Where nymphs and gods who weren’t combative but neutral had fled the mountain. Yet… this didn’t feel the same. People were present… well immortals, gods, and nature spirits were present.
But it’s like they were watching him from the shadows.
What on earth is-
“Hero trainer?” A cold voice asked-more like demanded- from before him. These two gods hadn’t been there before. One was a winged woman who wore a long chiton colored like the rising dawn, a watercolor mixture of fading purples and reds and yellows to give way to a lovely blue. Eos.
Next to the goddess of dawn was another winged god. This one he knew well, even with his battle scars from wars fought by the side of Olympus. This god was never swayed by the Titan King. His domains and loyalty to Olympus prevented it. His muscles were thick and rippling with the scars of his battles won and in this modern era he’s elected a shaved head. Cratus (Kratos) the god or daimon of strength, might, power, and sovereign rule. He seemed … agitated.
But why would such opposite gods be-
“We are to escort you, as Lord Zeus did not believe you would arrive at your destination without proper assistance.” Kratos informed.
Eos nodded though her wings fluffed a little in anger.
Chiron had no idea why. He hadn’t done anything against either god or goddess. So why does it look like she wants him dead?
“Let’s go.” Eos stated coldly as she turned around, ready to get this over with it seemed.
With no other way around it the centaur followed the gods to the throne room.
Only … that isn’t where they were going.
They stopped a short ways away from the council room and turned towards a different area.
Chiron blinked as he was forced to turn. This wasn’t the path to the council… this was towards-
The Temple of Justice.
The house of Lady Themis.
What is going on? He tried to stop only to be violently grabbed by Kratos and Eos. Both Gods have his arms in a vice-like grip.
“Nice try.” The goddess snarked as they began to drag the centaur to the Temple.
“But you aren’t escaping this.” Kratos added on, his voice cold and raspy. His hand tightened on the arm of the hero trainer. Bruising would be the least of his worries if he tried to struggle. Both gods were not above harming the hero trainer while bringing him to his destination.
“I demand to know what is going on!” Chiron ordered the gods forgetting just who he was in comparison to the immortals. He’s gotten far too comfortable believing he’s better than those around him.
Kratos snapped Chiron’s arm as did Eos. Both ignoring the centaur’s cries of pain. Though Eos looked gleeful at the sound. Kratos was indifferent though if one knew him well they’d see a small glint of dark glee in the god’s eyes.
Chiron tried to stop the pair but he’s no match for the two gods. Regardless of their status as minor deities. They outrank a mere immortal centaur. One who will finally be getting his dues. He was dragged into the Temple of Justice where Lady Themis along with her attendants Lord Horcus (Horkos) of Oaths and Punisher of Perjurers and Lady Dike of Fair Judgement were waiting.
The god was wearing what could almost be described as a BDSM Dominatrix/Dominant outfit… if it wasn’t for the markings in Greek etched into the black and gold leather. A whip at his side and eyes bright with eager excitement to punish.
The goddess, while dressed modestly, in a white and grey accented chiton, looked just as eager to punish as her fellow god.
“Bring him to the stand,” Horkos demanded.
“With pleasure.” Eos smirked as they dragged Chiron inside. The centaur tried in vain to stop the movement but it was no use. The gods were done letting him choose the pace at which he would meet his fate.
Once inside and trapped in place, the centaur was on the platform the pedestal rose into the air to be bare before the Titaness of Justice. She is as beautiful as ever and as powerful as ever, one of Zeus’ first wives however briefly they were wed, the immortal judge stood tall at 30 ft in her giant form. Larger than the Olympians at their standard 20ft tall for the Throne Room. Her robes were white as common on Olympus, hair ebony black with streaks of silver and grey to highlight the elder age she chooses to portray. Her eyes were neutral compared to the gods the centaur had seen before now. As if she has already passed judgement even though he hasn’t said a single thing.
“My Lady, why am I here?” Chiron finally asked once the Titan of Justice stilled in her position across from him.
“You are here to be tried for your crimes spanning back 243 years.” Themis informed him coldly as her aides moved forward to get his vows. “Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way. I’d rather you behave in my courtroom.”
Chiron winced at her tone and nodded, he needs to be careful this immortal isn’t one he should be getting angry. Loath as he is to do it, he also does the oaths to ensure the Titaness gets the truth she seeks. He heard what she said, his crimes going back to when they founded the American camp.
Okay, this is an easy fix, he’s got this. He planned for this eventuality. They don’t have evidence.
He’s got this.
“Let us begin,” Themis ordered as she shifted to a larger stature and her assistants moved into position.
“Chiron, trainer of heroes, you stand before the Court of Olympus being tried on acts of treason against the gods and their children. Specifically regarding over 3000 counts of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, the reason behind modern Greek demigods having a shorter life expectancy, directly tampering with the camp’s borders prior to and post Thalia Grace’s transformation into a Pine Tree, multiple counts of falsifying official reports to Olympus, Atlantis, and Erebus, directly targeting over 50 different groups of demigods and setting them up to die, tampering with the domains of gods as if you have the authority to do so, knowing a demigod was ascending and attempting to prevent their ascension, tricking over 300 demigods into taking poorly worded Stygian Oaths, and having broken 6 Stygian Oaths yourself. How do you plead?” The immortal titan of justice looked down her nose at the horse as if she’s already decided what his fate was.
-Several Months Prior-
Nico brought his friends down to Elysium to say proper goodbyes to Piper after her death at sea. Apparently the fates weren’t too happy with her ‘playing god’ so often. Between using her charmspeak liberally and cheating death often, the fates chose to kill her instead of Jason. Jay had been mourning and was being consoled by his sister while Annabeth took Piper's death hard.
Currently his dad was letting them go into Elysium to chat up old friends and find Piper. Nico was certain she would be here since she did help take down Gaea which is hella heroic… though given her many crimes, Nico personally thought she'd end up in the fields or asphodel if she didn't wanna face the music.
They did end up chatting with several demigods they knew prior to the Titan War, many friends happy to see them. Honored as heroes. Percy was hugging Beckendorf and Silena, they were dressed nicely in their shrouds having been formed into chitons to wear. Ethan was there too as his sacrifice during the war allowed him to rest in Elysium.
“Has anyone seen Piper McLean? She’s a daughter of Aphrodite.” Nico asked the souls while Annabeth was looking and Percy was mingling.
“Oh she’s not here.” A familiar voice came from the Styx, which has a path through a section of Elysium, and is revealed to be Achilles.
“What do you mean?” Annabeth demanded of the ancient hero bound to the River of Oaths.
“She, like all other oath-breaking mortal souls, is residing in my lady’s river.” Achilles explains. “Pity, one would think the young demigods would stop making such bad oaths.”
He moved to leave, ignoring the girl as she tried to stop him. “One would also think you’d remember your own broken oath,” he mocked Annabeth and disappeared into the River. But not before kissing a man goodbye.
Nico wondered what Achilles was talking about, he looked over and saw Percy was pale but Annabeth looked angry.
“So, Chiron did it again?” A voice called out, Nico looked over and saw a few demigods looking resigned as they heard what Achilles said. Most stood by the River of Hate as if hoping they could find something in the polluted waters. The pair closest to Nico, Annabeth, and Percy were a boy and a girl. The girl looked strong or had been in life before she died, the guy looked kind but also bright… It's hard to describe since the souls of the dead wear their shrouds as clothes.
The man’s shroud was lovely bright colors of dawn with symbols of spears and quills for writing. The girl had depictions of battles and weapons and the symbol of her divine parent which Nico didn’t recognize.
“I’m Albert Graves, son of Eos, this is Leila Kerr, she's the daughter of Kratos. We’ve both suffered from Chiron’s actions, and many of the others behind us are those whose partners have been claimed by the River of Oaths.” Albert explained as he gave a polite nod to them all.
“Why?” Nico asked. “What oath did they take?”
“An oath to keep us safe, one every single partner failed.” Leila stated her voice cold and eyes hard in remembrance of what the Hero Trainer stripped away from them all. “Not that I’m surprised.”
“Leila, some of us did fall in love… even if you didn’t because that betrayal cut deep.” Albert reminded gently.
“I died in 1825! And my so called ‘best friend’ was a spy on me for that fucking horse! I wasted my life being their tool! And you know many of us were! You had been as well.” She snapped at Albert.
“And I died in 1795, Leila, I was around the era he began those stupid oaths and-”
“What do you mean Chiron has made multiple demigods make oaths to protect their partners?” Nico demanded, finally interrupting the pair of friends.
Annabeth looked like she was having a conniption but Nico ignored her. Percy looked like he was gonna be sick.
“What we’re saying is ever since the camp was founded in America, Chiron has been systematically getting anyone who is too strong killed before their time or removing demigod groups that were working to protect our kind from Monsters and Immortal Threats alike.”
“You’re lying!” Annabeth snapped at them. “Chiron would never do that!”
“If you don’t believe us, look into the river, there are many souls trapped there thanks to Chiron’s actions.” One of the voices from the river called out. “Many of our spouses are in this river, when the pollution isn’t too bad we can see their faces.” It was a son of Hekate indicated by his shroud chiton, he had her symbols on his shroud and colors that likely matched him in life. “My husband is in the river, he trusted Chiron and it cost him.”
-Trial-
Chiron squared his shoulders. “Not Guilty.”
He will not go down without a fight. Besides he was careful, there is no way they have evidence of his actual crimes.
The titaness gave no reaction to his decree of his innocence.
“Very well, we will start in order from 1776 to 1812, the deaths of over 320 demigods of which 100 were during times of war and skirmishes of which you lead. One demigod in particular with his wife was the son of Eos and the daughter of Tyche, as the goddess in question has filed a claim against you for dereliction of duty which caused her son to die.”
“Again I plead ‘Not Guilty’.” Chiron began as he wove his words specifically to avoid Horkos’ punishments. “The time you speak of was when the country was young, wars and battles happened frequently as it was a time of discord and chaos. New kingdoms being founded often have a lot of bloodshed in the beginning.”
“Country,” Lady Dike commented. “This is a country not a kingdom, the founding fathers especially Lady Athena’s son made a point that the new world would be a country and not a kingdom.”
Chiron shuffled and glared at the goddess. She should hold her tongue on matters that do not concern her. He would’ve spoken but Lady Themis spoke up.
“Irregardless, what do you say of when the son of Eos and his wife were killed with their friends in an attempt to create what would’ve been a demigod city to live safely alongside local natives and their gods to protect their histories and land from the growing government and land claims.” Themis demanded. “They had been attacked by what had once been deemed a random attack by a local militia, new evidence suggests you had been in contact with said malita and told them about the city holding enemies who would usurp the government.”
Chiron said nothing for a moment but he internally froze. How did they find out? The only record of that is in his personal journals in the Big House. And no one has access to his rooms. The spells he put up would have altered him to anyone going inside without permission, even Dionysus cannot get in.
“I do not- ACK!”
The centaur cried out as Horkos’ oath caused him pain and forced him to speak the truth.
“I couldn’t let those brats mix with another pantheon. Especially one with such weak gods.” He spat out.
“Hmm interesting,” Lady Themis mused. “That’s a funny way to view how the kindness of the Pantheons that were here first had allowed us to come here and hide during persecution in Europe and plant our own roots to ensure we were not erased.”
Dike wrote this down as Horkos grinned maliciously at Chiron.
“Next charge, same time frame using and starting the War of 1812 to ensure the deaths of sea children particularly a son of Poseidon age 9 who had been born with a unique ability to control poison thanks to an accident with a poisonous snake as a child. How do you plead?” The Titaness demanded.
Chiron stood strong. “Not guilty. I had been focusing on children who needed my help and guidance, not fighting a pointless sea war.”
“Said ‘pointless war’ started by unfairly taxed goods according to mortals, but we found evidence that suggests you sent letters to ensure a war broke out to get multiple demigods killed including King Poseidon’s son.” Lady Dike informed as she made more notes.
Her use of that title ‘king’ made Chiron wish to roll his eyes. Please as if that annoying sea god had any right to be a king. Let alone that brat of the Underworld always killing children.
“Your next charges from 1813 to 1857.” Themis informed, regaining the hero trainer’s attention. She seemed calm but the Lady of Justice was eager to see the centaur squirm. “The death toll for this period is 370 demigod deaths of which 150 were specifically targeted for their desire to change things for the country and the pantheon. Two specific deaths being a Daughter of Kratos and a Daughter of Demeter. The former was in charge of leading a resistance against the growing animosity in the South and allied with like-minded Romans to change things and try to unite the pantheon. Their deaths ended up being the precursors that lead to the eventual Civil War between the Greeks and Romans as well as the North and South. The latter’s death was an assassination as the girl had the famine epitaph of Lady Demeter.”
Chiron resisted glaring. He had to be careful. He didn’t know how they got this information but he would find out during this trial. He’d find out who betrayed him.
“Not guilty,” he said once more. He will not be held responsible. “Any and all fights at that time were due to Romans seeking to end the Greek Pantheon. The Daughter of Kratos made her own bed to die in as she trusted enemies. As for the Daughter of Demeter? It was her own fault she died of starvation, unable to control her power. They ACK-”
“Now I don’t believe that’s the truth.” Horkos mocked as he forced Chiron to speak his true thoughts.
“The Daughter of Kratos was a traitor to her people by allying with those Roman brats! And it was far too easy to get that girl killed by starvation when her own parents blamed her for the famine that struck their farm.” Chiron spat out and gave a vicious glare to the attendant of Lady Themis. Oh how he hates that stupid oath forcing the truth out. He needed to make sure, whoever called this meeting of his character will pay! It’ll be easy to make it look like an accident. After all, he's been doing this for years.
-Several Months Prior-
“You sure you heard those old demigods right?” Clarisse asked as she and Drew were helping Annabeth and Nico go over old reports in the Big House. The daughter of war was going over a box from WW2 while Drew was looking into a box of files from a decade or two ago prior to Percy’s arrival at camp, hell prior to Luke arriving at camp. They already found a lot of discrepancies and they’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of these reports. From their own accounts of games and medical issues being forged to others all together.
Annabeth was quiet and methodical as she did her work.
“We’re certain, and it’s why we’re doing this.” Nico informed as he gave snacks to the girls and brought back the boxes he’s made copies of. Said copies would be in Percy’s cabin as he basically lives alone so no one is likely to come in and find things related to what they were doing.
“I’m not that surprised, no offense Chase but the asshole has always played favorites and had an unhealthy obsession over strong demigods.” Drew commented and added that on for Annabeth as it didn’t take a rocket scientist to know the daughter of Athena was a soft spot for the old centaur. He practically raised her himself. So to say she hadn’t taken the accusations well was an understatement.
“Yeah…. I noticed.” Annabeth said but her voice was neutral, controlled. She didn’t want them to know how she felt.
Not like it mattered.
This was to find out how far back and how twisted the hero trainer had become. To prove the ancient souls in Elysium were correct. That the dead still had a voice. They could only do this for so long while Chiron was distracted talking to Jason about temples in the camp. Best they hurry and make their copies before getting more into the nitty gritty details.
-Trial-
“The next years of note 1858 to 1889, the deaths numbered at 310, this does include the Civil War and any deaths associated which are a result of your negligence or done on purpose to ensure the people you wanted ended up dead. The most specific and largest deaths however weren’t from the Civil War but the Great Chicago Fire used to cover up the deaths of a Son of Zeus and a Daughter of Aphrodite. How do you plead?” Lady Themis asked the hero trainer her voice was calm, but she was particularly upset about this charge.
“Not Guilty.” Chiron said, refusing to back down. “The Civil War was going to happen one way or another as the kingdom became bigger and more humans settled onto the land. Including the Romans and their oh so proud Legacies. They made the choice to attack and fight. They lost obviously and turned tail and ran to the other side of the continent. As for the pair you mentioned? I did nothing to them.”
“You avoided the question.” Horkos stated.
“The fire was started by a local drunkard who knocked over an oil lamp, hardly my fault. Let alone a fire killing children? Not so surprising since fire is indiscriminate in whose life it ends.” The hero trainer barked back.
“Said children were rumored to have domains of Aphrodite The Warlike and Zeus of Law and Order. Children born of rare epitaphs, ones that would have helped the pantheon let alone the camp.” Dike stated. “Besides, the mortals claimed it was a drunken accident. But new evidence suggests it was planned by you. Ensuring the area had such poor weather and everything was dry. Perfect conditions for a horrific and out of control wild-fire.”
Chiron resisted flinching. He could not let them know about that. Let alone he wonders how they could’ve gotten such information. He keeps everything under lock and key! He was trying to think of something to say when the Titaness continued.
“Your silence is damning enough Hero Trainer,” Lady Themis stated. “The next timeframe of charges. From 1890 to 1921, the total deaths of this age are large but not the largest at 415 dead demigods with three groups of 50 having been a part of relief programs designed to help those sick or injured during World War 1. Relief programs the gods themselves endorsed and you swore on the Styx to protect and aid in. And in this group the targeted deaths of three demigods with unique domains. A daughter of Ares with Civil Order, a son of Iris with an ability to control rainbows and light, a daughter of Enyo with Bloodlust domain, and finally a son of Hermes with the Psychopomp domain.”
Chiron was getting sick of these accusations and decided a more direct route. “You cannot possibly lay every death at my feet when wars and humans or even Monsters are also responsible for killing people!”
“Oh yes we can,” Dike called out. “When we have irrefutable evidence that proves you had a hand in each group's demise let alone for each targeted demigod you sought to ensure either died before their prime or others who died before they could help the gods in troubling times.”
The centaur was about to demand that the minor goddess hand over the so-called evidence so he could refute it. Only to be cut off as Lady Themis began once more.
-Several Months Ago-
Nico was really glad Annabeth had unlimited access to her mother’s temple on Olympus since she is the Architect looking to help fix up and make the home of the gods look nicer than it has in a long time. This also means she has access to the knowledge of things each individual god or goddess likes or dislikes. To ensure the temples are made properly.
“I can’t believe your mom has all this history.” Nico commented.
“It’s a good thing she does, otherwise…” Annabeth sighed.
Nico winced. This entire thing has been hard on her. For Khaos’ sake Chiron raised her since she was 7 years old. He became her second father when her own failed because he wasn’t ready to be a parent. She told him over the course of their investigation how he trained her, babied her, soothed her after nightmares.
Gods he can’t imagine-
“Found it. Good thing mother and the Golden Archer keep such good records.” Annabeth chimed from where she snapped pictures from the book and brought it over to Nico.
“Good, I’ll do my part. And are you-“
“I’ll be fine.” She said calmly and walked away.
Nico frowned; he wasn't sure that was true.
…
About two weeks later three more friends were roped into helping. They were currently in Cabin 3 going over reports and highlighting anything that felt suspicious. Suffice to say it was a lot. Drew found magic coating certain files which were separated to their own pile to find out what was hidden.
Connor was working on organizing the files by date so they had an easier time getting to the specific ones needed. Travis would’ve helped but he was already going to college at NRU. Thanks to Percy’s advocacy and some recent reveals to the Gods the college was suddenly much more easily accepting of Greek Demigods. Instead of having to do 3 quests for the gods. They can do a single fetch quest or aid quest for a god or goddess. Of which they were genuinely easy. Travis got to help their dad on a delivery day and he got his recommendation letter.
Katie was doing hers currently on orders from her mother to get intel about some past siblings who had died under suspicious circumstances. They had come to camp so she was looking for info about who might’ve been responsible for their deaths.
“Ok I’ve got these sorted I’ll go check on our fearless leaders,” Drew commented as she opened Cabin 3’s door and blinked as she saw in the distance Percy and Annabeth hugging but the son of Poseidon was crying. She couldn’t see Annabeth’s face but from what the daughter of Aphrodite did see… it looked comforting…?
It’s hard to tell she didn’t hear the pair, and Percy crying could mean anything. Ever since the trip to the Underworld a lot has changed. Percy has been crying a lot more and become seriously emotional… or rather he’s not so shy about his emotions. At least from what Drew has seen and heard.
Clarisse and Nico bring it up a lot.
The daughter of Aphrodite only hoped this was gonna be a good thing.
-Trial-
Chiron glared as Themis went over the events of WW2 and beyond to the 1970s. Over 1500 deaths were laying at his feet in accusation, with the three brats they brought up being ‘oh so rare’. The ancient hero teacher wanted to scoff. As if those brats were more important than his precious favorites who always obeyed him. A stupid child of Nereus who supposedly had sight. Bah if he did then Chiron would’ve used him. He didn’t, was just a liar. A child of Herakles who has strength? Please they’re a danger to everyone around them, just like his father.
Why else would he be trapped in the Strait of Gibraltar? Unable to teach heroes. A loose canon like all Big 3 children. So he had to dispose of the brat.
Then a pair of twins of Apollo’s, both insignificant and easily replaceable toys. So what if they were both girls he can have more! Besides rats and plagues? Such domains are not welcome at Chiron’s camp! Besides these brats are easily replaceable, ‘dad’ certainly thinks so. As if Apollon actually cared about his children given how his cabin is always overflowing with sunshine menaces. Please they’re best as archers and healers and that is it!!
Then of course the last one another daughter of Zeus. Apparently she had the rare Hospitality domain. How useless for a child of the god king. Especially around a time of war budding. He did the king a favor getting rid of such a stain on his name.
He barely listened to Lady Themis’ next charge which was not stopping May Castellan from taking on the Oracle of Delphi. As well as not taking in Luke Castellan once his mother was driven mad by the Curse Hades put upon the Oracle.
“How do you plead to the charges hero trainer?” Lady Themis demanded her voice cold.
“Not Guilty,” though he didn’t notice how cold his voice became. He was quite honestly getting fed up with all of these accusations. These lies against his character! He has raised the children of the gods for millennia! He worked hard to train those brats! He needed to weaken the demigods and make them more willing subconsciously to not defend themselves against mortals, and put their the mortals lives before their own lives. After all, mortals are superior. They’re the reason demigods exist afterall. Because their mortal parents were fancied by the gods.
So excuse him if he needed to make sure Luke became a true hero with a harder upbringing.
“May Castellan was meant to become the oracle, she had said so herself. It had been decades by that point and we needed a new Oracle. Not the rotting corpse in the Big House because the Lord of the Dead couldn’t handle losing his most recent bitch.” Chiron didn’t notice the shadows thrashed at that, nor the flowers nearby wilting. “His curse is why she went mad! As for the boy, we do not have the capabilities of raising infants at camp. It is for young children and teenagers, not infants who still need their mothers.”
Dike wrote down what Chiron was saying.
“Hmm in that case let’s move onto the next charges which take place from 1980 to 1998, these include the lack of assistance to Thalia Grace when she was turned into a Pine Tree by her father to preserve her life and the death of a daughter of Apollo with Education as the domain she was blessed with. Supposedly she died just outside of Thalia’s new border because no one was allowed to ‘interfere with the first test’.” Themis said coldly.
“The first test is to ensure demigods have the potential to ascend. To arrive without assistance from the inside.” Chiron replied smoothly. “Children of the gods all have potential to ascend. If I treated them all like they were weak then they’d never grow into gods.”
“Now that is a boldfaced lie you’ve bought into.” Horkos mocked. “Only the fates can determine if a demigod is a prospective ascendant. No one else.”
“And even then they can die long before their ascensions, as they informed us of having happened many times throughout the millennia since you came back from the Pit.” Dike mused as she wrote down what Chiron said.
“They were quite angry to learn what you’d done to their tapestry over the millennia hero trainer.” Horkos smirked, eager to punish the first bastard.
Chiron froze and his face twisted in rage. How could they-
-Several Months Ago-
It was the middle of the day and unless one knew where to look, a figure hidden in shadows snuck into the Big House to gather information. They snuck into Chiron’s personal bedrooms, using a charmed lockpicking kit, as well as an anti alarm tripping charm to ensure the magic protecting his rooms wouldn’t go off and alert the trainer hero to someone breaking and entering. Dionysus was on the porch during this time. He knew what was going on, after all, you can’t actually get anything past him inside the camp.
So as the little one broke in successfully and slipped inside, they grabbed as much as they could before leaving and turning everything back on. Dionysus didn’t even comment as they left the Big House and returned to Poseidon’s cabin. He was glad someone could do something, as thanks to the hero trainer’s popularity with the camp, let alone how he manipulates information. It meant the Wine God had a hard time actually enforcing change that could actually last.
Still he has hope this research will be worth it.
It would be a week later when the little thief went back in for the final amount of information. At least from what they could gather in camp. Dionysus was on the porch again and whispered a question.
“Will this be enough?”
All he got back was a morse code message of. ‘Y-E-S’
He relaxed and whispered. “Then I hope you’re ready for the final steps.”
The god drank down his Diet Coke and prayed that what was to come would explain why this happened. Why he chose to betray them all. If not, well… it’s no skin off his nose. After all, the traitor was trying to make him fade by taking away wine in private. There is no lost love from the God of Madness. Chiron stopped being a friend and family when he let one of Dionysus’ daughters die because of that stupid first test. He crushed the can and tossed it to a nearby satyr who thanked him for the snack.
-Trial-
“The last batch of illegal activities and deaths we’ll go over range from post Thalia becoming a tree in 1998 to just after the end of the second Gigantomachy.” Lady Themis informed them, meaning they were getting to what could arguably be the worst actions the centaur has done to date. Yet it doesn’t excuse his earlier heinous crimes.
Chiron’s tail swished in agitation as he heard those words.
“The first being the gaslighting of Perseus Jackson prior to his arrival at Camp Half-Blood, refusing to aid his fight against the Minotaur, blacklisting Grover Underwood from taking on any other demigod assignments prior to his retrieval of Perseus Jackson. Providing insufficient supplies for a cross country quest, during said quest getting a child of Hermes killed with Diplomacy domain via the ‘first test’, allowing a painted on bedsheet to act as a burial shroud for Perseus Jackson should he have died on his first quest.” This caused a heavy scent of sea salt and ink to fill the air, but the Titaness ignored it. The gods can be angry all they want, this is her courtroom.
“Then the next summer coercing Annabeth Chase into a Stygian Oath at the age of 13 which she never would have been able to keep, selecting the disgraced king Tantalus as your replacement when fired which lead to over 108 minor accounts of dereliction of duty, never punishing the Hunter of Artemis when they did crimes against the children of Camp Half-Blood. You had also been weakening the barrier created by Thalia’s tree prior to and post the poisoning done by Luke Castellan as well as post the Golden Fleece being used to cure the poison from the tree, pointedly not contacting Olympus when you found an entrance to the Labyrinth over a century ago.” There was a scent of grapes in the air as that particular place belonged to the wife of madness, and she wasn’t happy to learn that her labyrinth was used by the centaur to murder children. There was also an undertone of ozone, not surprising the King is protective of his daughters.
“Then systematically killing three adult demigods who would’ve been major players for the gods prior to the final battle of the war; those demigods being a Daughter of Aphrodite with eye of the beholder which could’ve been used to find spies like yourself, a son of Hecate with the pathways domains which would’ve helped with planning a means to fight the enemy, the last a fire proof child of Hephaestus whom would have been invaluable in creating a means to fight the enemy.” The three godly parents were less than pleased at this obviously especially since those children had been adults when Chiron killed them. They had ‘slipped through the cracks and he wasn’t able to touch them until closer to the war breaking out.
“Then delaying your arrival until nearly the last moment with the Party Ponies, pointedly calling a traitor a hero though he was long lost to the Titan Lord. You never told the gods about Jason Grace’s arrival in Camp Half-Blood nor how Perseus Jackson was kidnaped from his own cabin. Refusing to train the children properly for the second war to come against the Gigantes and Mother Earth, as well as coercing a Stygian Oath out of Piper McLean to Protect Jason Grace of which she failed repeatedly. Informing the Roman Legion about weaknesses of the Camp prior to the war ending, and of course being a hindrance when the final battle took place.”
Themis didn’t need to breathe otherwise she would’ve paused more during that long reading, yet once she finished her gaze was cold and neutral as Justice is meant to be. She felt each godly parent’s rage throughout the entire trial and knew no matter what today the former trainer of heroes would answer for his crimes and reveal why he did this.
“How do you plead, trainer of heroes?”
“Not Guilty,” Chiron growled out. He refused to bend now after it all and regardless of defending himself he added on. “I am not guilty of these crimes, and I demand to know who is responsible for these charges being laid at my feet!!”
Lady Themis tilted her head and an amused smile played on her face. “You wish to know who brought your crimes to our attention? Very well, you can see the face of the young woman who decided it was time you faced the music for your crimes.”
The Titaness waved her hand and out came from another area wearing a black cloak with a silver charm, it was too far away for Chiron to make out the symbol and before he could demand their face or name. The figure removed her hood and the centaur was frozen in horrified shock.
No.
No it couldn’t be-!
She wouldn’t-!
She couldn’t-!
He raised her as his own!
“A-Annabeth how could you betray me?” He asked, his voice cracking in the horror of the realization he was betrayed by the very daughter he raised.
She looked up at him and her eyes were shining and more clear than he’s ever seen.
“In truth? You made it easy once I learned the real reason you betrayed us all, when I learned how you used me like you used many other children of the gods to further your goals.” She spoke professionally and calmly. “You sold us all for a chance at immortality promised by your father. To betray Olympus at a chance for proper godhood.”
She didn’t react as she said it. “The irony is I finally grew up and changed because I saw the truth. Had I never known… Perhaps I would’ve gone insane, but that is not a question for this place. Here you will face the consequences of your crimes trainer of heroes.”
-Two Weeks Ago Styx’s Shores-
Annabeth sighed as she arrived. The Underworld seemed extra foggy somehow today. She wore a long black cloak with a hood to cover her face, held together with a silver owl clasp, the only symbol of her mother she dared to wear in comfort. Sure the goddess she was going to speak with knew she was coming but Annabeth didn’t want her being here alone to get back to the Lord of the Dead, let alone her traitorous father figure. She watched as Styx emerged from her polluted river dripping black water from her form.
‘You know there is no going back once you do this.’ She warned the daughter of Athena. Both of what she needed to do with the evidence in her arms, as well as how it would shake up the pantheon.
Annabeth nodded as she clutched the parcel close to their chest. A light shines on the silver owl clasp holding their cloak together. “I know, and I am sure, this is the right choice.” She whispered.
‘This will do nothing to change your fate child.’ Styx reminds her. Reminding her of the oath she swore as an underaged child unaware of the consequences of such actions. Styx has grown even more hateful at the children swimming in her waters thanks to the Centaur and his badly worded oaths.
Annabeth chuckled humorlessly. “I’m not doing this for me.” She looked past the water spirit and over the horizon, seeing something in the distance the other didn’t bother to look for. She looks to where Ereubus’ entrance is, to where Elysium resided, where hundreds of demigods were separated from their loved ones because of Chiron’s actions. “It’s for them. So it finally ends with me.”
Styx nodded. ‘Very well, let’s begin. His crimes go back far as you know. But these are the oaths he swore upon my river and has broken.’
Styx handed her a scroll written on it were the six Stygian Oaths the hero trainer had broken:
- He shall protect the children of Camp Half-Blood, be it physically, mentally, emotionally, and ensure a safe environment for them to grow into strong heroes and adults.
- He will properly maintain the Camp and adapt as mortal society adapts to ensure the children can mingle in mortal society or immortal society.
- He will always respect the Oracle of Delphi and ensure she is cared for as the Pythia and direct prophet of Phoebus Apollon.
- He shall not allow for any personal interpretations on prophecies.
- He shall send out Satyrs to find demigods on the orders of the gods when they wish for their children to be brought to camp for their own safety.
- He will always tell the gods about prospective ascendants. To ensure the safety of the future god and new immortal life to come to the pantheon. Ascending Demigods are rare but they are treasured.
Annabeth nodded as she finished reading this and saw next to each oath was a number of times that Chiron broke those specific oaths. This was the final piece she needed to take down the being that had been her father figure since she was 7, almost 8 years old when arriving at camp.
She trusted him, looked up to him, believed him over her own eyes and experiences. She hurt the best thing that had ever happened to her just because he gave her his narrow minded view of things.
She denied him a true future where he could save lives for centuries to come. She denied him a healthy relationship with the camp because of her narrow mind.
Now though. She set him free.
She won’t hold him back anymore.
She loves him, with all her heart.
And it's why she cannot stay by his side. An eternity… as beautiful as it was, she wasn’t going to run from her past anymore.
She recalled Chiron’s writings in his diary. His ‘reasons why’ he betrayed them all for Kronos and for his own selfish desires.
Gods she’d been a fool to take his word as gospel and truth.
But now she can go to the council and begin the changes needed to ensure she is the last of his victims.
-Trial-
Annabeth was silent as she watched Chiron scream at her for betraying him. For selling him out.
“You sold us all out to the Titan Lord for centuries.” She countered calmly. She is glad Lady Justice is tempering her emotions so she can properly be clear headed when talking back to her former father figure. “I am merely ensuring that I am your last victim. Percy will ascend as will Grover. The pantheon needs new gods, it has for a very long time.”
“It's not fair! I was stuck in the Tartarus forsaken unfairness of having to essentially raise all those replaceable brats nonstop!!! All throughout the years without even a reward or word of thanks from the so-called parents! All while my bratty half-siblings get all the glory when I am technically also a kronide as well. It’s not fair at all. I deserve better!!”
“And there it is, what we were looking for.” Lady Dike commented.
Horkos’ chains wrapped tightly around Chiron and forced him down.
“A bitter old fool who got tired of his lot in life and elected to get rid of the children he was meant to care for.” Lady Themis confirmed. “You have plead ‘Not Guilty’ the entire trial but now we see the proof of your guilt and proof of your character has changed from the kind trainer that once existed in ancient times.” She shook her head as if ashamed of the centaur.
“You will be stripped of your immortality once each divine parent you have wronged has had their pound of flesh. Upon your immortality being stripped you shall be cast into Khaos so you can never be brought back to cast a dark shadow over this pantheon again.” Lady Dike read the punishment as Chiron was dragged away to suffer for quite some time before he’s cast into Khaos.
“You did well, daughter of Athena,” Lady Themis told the girl.
“I only did well because I finally grew up when I saw the truth rather than pretending it didn’t happen. To know I wasn’t the only one he raised for slaughter made it easier to do what I did.” Annabeth sighs as her emotions are brought back to the forefront and her tears finally fall. “Will… will Percy be okay?”
“He will be,” Dike tells her. “You didn’t have to break up with him though.”
Annabeth shook her head, “No. I had to. He deserved better than me and all my toxicity. I tried to control that which was never meant for me to have. I might have changed now, but I also caused him to doubt himself. He deserves a partner who will love all of him and not be afraid of him. Percy Jackson was the best thing to ever happen to me, and I hurt him. I’d rather he find love again that will last him a lifetime. Besides, a part of growing up is facing the consequences of our actions.”
Themis smiled at her. “Wise words, you’ve done the pantheon a great service. And I know we’ll be thanking you for a long time to come.”
Annabeth nodded and wiped her tears away. This wasn’t for glory, it was because it was the right thing to do. Perhaps that’s why this rightfully earned kleos felt different compared to just being an accessory to Percy’s adventures. She truly earned this from her own hard work and merit and the help of her friends at camp to find the truth and ensure she didn’t break under the pressure of what they had uncovered.
She didn’t get this from just being around Percy, nor claiming she did more than others.
She wiped her tears away again and went to her mother’s temple. She had to get back to work. Temples needed work after all, she still has temples to work on and make for the gods and goddesses of Olympus. Her death might be a long way off but she has work to do until then.
One special project of course, is making the temples of Olympus’ two newly ascending gods. Her best friends.
So with a bittersweet smile on her face, Annabeth Chase walked out of the Temple of Justice with her head held high and an inspired pep in her step.