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PJO- Fated Champion
Complete Summary: 8 years have passed since the Final Battle. The camps have been dissolved. Olympus has withdrawn. Order has seized power. From the ashes rises a fallen hero who has come to restore the Age of the Gods. Percy Jackson, a champion of the Fates. From the rubble rises an angry hero who has come to avenge her loved ones. Annabeth Chase, a survivor of the Upheaval. But with the fallen hero comes a haunted past. And with an angry hero comes rightfully placed hate. The world has long since burned- and by the Fates, it is up to these heroes to rebuild it. Rated M/High T. AU in which BoO ended differently. ToA never happened. Slight OOC.
Chapter One: A New Mission
Percy's fingers drifted through the sand as he crouched. He wrinkled his nose as he drew in another breath, catching the unfortunately familiar twinge of sulfur in the oxygen. He hated it above ground.
He lowered himself into the sand, taking a seat and turning towards the ocean.
Long Island Sound: once a beautiful nautical destination that he held dearly to his heart, awash with blue waters and runny gray skies. It was commonly adorned with tall, yellowed grass that clung to the low cliffs that overlooked the body of water which in turn complemented the dull clouds that usually graced the backgrounds.
But in the 8 years that had passed since the Final Battle, Order's assumption of power had somehow turned the blue water a permanent shade of iron grey. All wildlife had died over time.
The only constant feature that still held truth to the past was the shore itself. The sand was still damp as always. It still held its grayish tan hue. He was grateful for that.
Percy grabbed a fistful of sand and threw it into the water with a scoff. He watched distastefully as it landed and slowly drifted to the bottom with a kerplunk.
He cleared his throat. "I finally turned 25 last week." His fingers wandered down to his pant legs as he wiped off his hands. "The big two-five," he paused with a chuckle. "Clotho wanted to make a big deal about it- the party, I mean- but I just spent the day training and doing side missions, you know?"
He tossed another handful of sand into the water. "I know it's been awhile since I've been here… and I- and I'm sorry." He continued on without hesitation. "But Vatara's been a complete handful, and she's growing up fast. She learned a new skill a few weeks ago- how to judo flip an opponent while armed."
He laughed without humor. "When she first did it to her training partner… it triggered another memory. It was a memory of that girl I've been telling you about. The beautiful one." A genuine smile cracked onto Percy's lips. "I think it was at the Roman place. She judo flipped me for some reason- but all I can remember is her eyes. Those gray eyes…" He trailed off.
Percy sucked in a breath and turned his eyes towards the cloudless sky. He leaned back on his hands. "I doubt she'll ever need to use it though, Vatara I mean. After all, Order sent most humans and demigods to Eurasia. The chances of us finding one here is slim." He closed his eyes and swallowed. "I wonder if you can even hear me. I wonder why I even come here so much."
He lied down, embracing the coldness that the dampened sand brought to his skin. Eyes still shut, Percy spoke again. "I miss you so much," He swallowed, "whoever you are."
His wrist vibrated, pulling his attention towards his tracker. Immediately, Percy was on alert. He pressed three fingers to his left wrist and waited.
A shadow passed overhead, despite the lack of an opaque object above. The shadow slightly solidified in front of him, revealing a familiar face.
"You're wanted back at the Chamber."
Percy nodded, his eyebrows knitting. "I will be there as soon as I can, Kaesa."
The shadow vanished, leaving Percy to his thoughts once again.
The 25 year old stood and brushed off his clothing. He smiled apologetically at the waves that were steadily crashing into the shore and shrugged. "I'm sorry for leaving so soon. I was supposed to have the day off, but they need me apparently."
Out of habit, he saluted. He pressed his forefinger to his lips before placing it over his heart, a gesture meant to signify that nothing could outrun fate. "May Fate be forever in your favor throughout your travels. May Fate forever guide you through the dark. May Fate have mercy on your transgressions. Until our paths are again crossed by Fate- farewell."
And with a broken smile, Percy Jackson vanished.
xxxXXXxxxXXXxxx
"You're late." Atropos cocked her head to the side and narrowed her eyes at the former demigod.
Percy stood from his crouch on the stone floor and resisted a scoff. "I've barely been gone five hours. It is still morning. And wasn't I supposed to have the day off?"
His patron hummed in acknowledgment and spun around, turning her back on him. Percy rolled his eyes and started after her. "Why was I summoned?"
"Vatara's been looking for you everywhere, Perseus. Didn't you tell her that you were going to be gone until nightfall?" Atropos disregarded his question.
The pair fell in step with one another as they walked down the path that led to the Chamber. Silence fell between them and the sound of their footsteps swelled in the space. Thousands upon thousands of miles overhead arched the inky black sky that was dusted and dotted with billions of bright white stars.
Percy smiled. Destine- the name of the place in which he, the Moirae, and the others dwelt- had grown on him over the course of the 8 years. He preferred it down here- miles below the surface, where the affects of Order's reign couldn't reach.
He breathed in the familiar scent of wood smoke and iron and gazed at the silver trees that lined the path. Before long, he and his patron came to a stop.
The Chamber's Gate never ceased to amaze Percy, no matter how many times he had seen it. It stretched 15 feet towards the sky. Between the thick bars that were forged from iron and silver and bathed in the Styx were depictions of every prophecy that had ever come true since Chaos.
Meaning every prophecy ever.
Percy's eyes flitted from the illustrations of the gods defeating the Titans, and Aphrodite rising from the sea, and instead fell on the familiar image of the Battle of Manhattan. It had become a habit for him to stare at the image. Sometimes it triggered different memories of his past. He swallowed.
Atropos muttered a few incoherent words under her breath before she kissed her forefinger and pressed it against the metal bar that was in the middle. They waited a few brief moments, and the gate began to move.
It moved soundlessly as it opened, giving them access to the Chamber.
Immediately the sounds of life that came from the inside reached Percy's ears. He could not stop the grin from spreading as he heard the familiar sounds of metal clashing against metal. As he smelled the familiar scents of foods. As he tasted the joy that was in the air.
"Perseus," Atropos called.
He was jolted out of his momentary stupor and followed his patron. "My apologies, Atropos."
The Fate rolled her eyes. "And I thought Clotho was in the wrong for wanting to disregard the formalities all those years ago." She sighed and continued once he was at her side again. "It's been 8 years, Perseus. Please, loosen up."
Percy felt his cheeks heat up and internally thanked the darkness of his skin which he was sure hid the blush. "I don't know how to, Atropos. You know that."
His patron nodded with a slight smile and the two carried on.
They passed by the Square, where many vendors were still setting up their carts- preparing to sell their goods as the day passed. Many of them caught notice of Atropos and Percy and they saluted, kissing their forefingers and pressing them to their hearts.
Percy and Atropos saluted back and continued on their walk towards where Percy assumed was the day's location of the Alcove. But as the sounds of training got louder, and grunts and wheezes filled the air, he realized that they were headed towards the Discipline Center.
Atropos stopped and turned to him. Percy towered over her than over a foot. Even Vatara was taller than the Moirae. He resisted a smile and met her stare, her eyes narrowed and dark. "Why are we here?" He questioned, mildly surprised by the baritone that rumbled from his chest. He scratched at the stubble that was slowly growing into a beard on his chin, his eyebrows raised.
Atropos shook her head and cast a look at the heavy silver doors that separated the two from the trainees on the other side. Then she spun around and kept walking. "We have something that we need to discuss with you."
That piqued his concern. Percy hurried after her. "What is it?"
Atropos kept walking, her expression solemn. She said nothing, but refused to look in his direction. Percy knew that it meant that something was wrong.
"Atropos, please." He begged.
They continued on like that. Percy begging for an answer as she refused to give him one. They carried on walking until he finally gave up and clamped his mouth shut. Frustration boiled in his blood as he sucked in sharp breaths of air through his nose.
Silence swelled between them, turning the air stale with tension. Before long they came to a stop in front of the doors that led into the dwelling of the Moirae. Other than the Moirae themselves, only Percy and the other Paidia* were permitted to enter.
Atropos turned to him. Her eyes were narrowed as usual. She sighed and placed a hand on her forearm, her expression almost serene. "After dinner. We will tell you after dinner. But for now, please, stay here, Perseus."
He nodded silently, and looked away. "I need to find Vatara."
Atropos removed her hand from his arm and sighed with resignation. "Of course," she nodded. Then, kissing her forefingers and placing it on Percy's heart, she saluted, "Until our paths are again crossed by Fate- farewell."
"Farewell, Atropos." He held his hand over her finger and paused. Then briskly, he turned and started back down the path in search of Vatara.
xxxXXXxxxXXXxxx
Percy pushed open the doors to the Discipline Center. An immediate hush fell over the first floor as the trainees caught sight of him. He closed his eyes and inhaled sharply, something he realized he was doing a lot of that day.
He would never get used to this.
Percy saluted at them and went on his way, trying his best to ignore the scattered stares that were thrown at him. He heard a few mutterings here and there.
Protathlitis tis moiras.*
Gios tis tychis.*
After a little while, the chatter and the sounds of training refilled the room and he let go a breath of relief. His eyes scanned the room, looking for Vatara. When he did not find her, his heart sank.
That is, until he felt a pair of thin arms wrap around his waist and he fell to the ground out of surprise. He laughed out loud, causing the chatter to hush slightly.
"Aderfos sti moira!* You're back! I've been looking for you everywhere!" Vatara squealed from her position on his chest. She grinned as she hauled him up, the muscles on her arms gaining definition.
Percy dusted off his pants and laughed again, looking down at the 7 year old girl. She smiled brightly and took his hand. He studied her hair. "You styled your hair differently today, mikros*. Who did it for you?" He cocked his head to the side, admiring the two large puffs in which her kinky hair had been pulled.
Vatara smiled proudly as she pulled him towards the exit, her dark skin glowing under the lights. "I did it myself, adelfos*. Do you like it?" She asked hopefully, turned her head and looked at him. Her silver eyes that matched his own in color glinted mischievously.
Percy stooped and picked her up, placing her on his shoulders. "I like it very much, mikros. How long did it take you to do it?"
Vatara hugged the top of his head and shrugged after a moment. "Only a few minutes. It didn't take long for me because I am Versatile."
Percy laughed again, a genuine smile once again playing over his lips. "And who told you that?" He questioned, walking towards the Square.
"Kaesa and Zija." She stated, as if it were obvious.
He nodded. "Of course."
"Adelfos?" Vatara asked quietly.
"Yes, mikros?"
"Where were you?"
Percy's breath caught in his throat as he mulled over how to answer her question. After a few moments of silence he cleared his throat. "I don't- I don't know, mikros. I was at a place that I vaguely remember-"
"From your past?" She cut him off and tapped his shoulder twice. Percy stopped walking so that she could jump from his shoulders. Vatara landed in a crouch on the stone walkway with the agility of a panther. She stood up and looked him in the face, her eyebrows knitting together and her silver eyes darkening. Her serious expression reminded him both of Atropos and Lachesis.
Percy nodded, sliding his hand in hers. "Yes."
Vatara wrinkled her nose distastefully. "That means you were above ground again. I hate it up there. Doesn't it still stink?"
Percy laughed as they continued walking. He kept his eyes on the Square which was looming into view. "Yes, it still stinks up there."
"So why do you go, then?"
Percy cast a look down at her and raised an eyebrow. Vatara recoiled slightly, realizing that she was asking to many questions. She quickly changed the subject. "One day, my muscles will be as big as yours, and I will be as tall as you, and I will be able to beat you in any fight, adelfos."
He chuckled. "That will be a long time from now, Vatara."
"Patience is a virtue. I am willing to wait."
Percy whistled at her wisdom. "Good." Then he noticed something strange. "Mikros, where is your sword?"
Vatara pulled him into the Square. "I left it in my alcove. I don't have Disciplinary today, after all."
He furrowed his eyebrows at that, but decided to leave well enough alone. Destine was a dangerous place, and the Chamber was no different. However, Vatara was a moirasmeno paidi- a chosen child- and no harm would come to her from anyone who was mentally stable. One look at her silver eyes and they would know.
Plus, she could handle herself.
Percy laughed as Vatara pulled him towards the nearest vendor that was selling her favorite treats. "Don't spoil your dinner, mikros."
"Adelfos, I wouldn't dream of it." She called over her shoulder, eagerly picking out the biggest one.
xxxXXXxxxXXXxxx
Time: 10:00 pm
It was after dinner. The social life of the Chamber was dying down slowly, and Percy cradled Vatara's sleeping form in his arms as he walked up the path towards the Alcove.
Once arriving at said place, he knocked thrice and pressed his kissed forefinger against the mirrored door. He waited five seconds before pushing through.
If he could describe the Alcove in two words, it would be cold and gray. The walls were mirrors, the floor was stone, and the ceiling stretched up and up until you could not decipher the ceiling's end and the sky's beginning.
He trekked through the halls, wandering with a purpose towards Vatara's room. Once inside, he placed the sleeping girl on her bed, catching sight of her favored sword lying on her bedside table.
Percy smiled at that and tucked her in. Then, lifting her head, he wrapped the silk scarf around her head that she insisted on sleeping in. With a whisper, he kissed her forehead. "In peace may you find slumber and sweet dreams, mikros. Until our paths are again crossed by fate- farewell."
Vatara rolled over with a snort and he stifled a laugh. Percy straightened, and at once his expression was solemn.
He marched towards the Court, where the Moirae and all of the Paidia held their meetings.
With each step his frustration heightened, and when he pushed through the silver doors of the Court with a bang, he was desperate for answers.
The Moirae were gathered around the round table, worry flitting across their features. On the table lay discarded lengths of string and the infamous pair of scissors that belonged to Atropos.
They looked up, and once their gazes landed on the angered 25 year old, the worry lines deepened into their faces.
Percy took a slow step forwards, his frustration ebbing. "What's wrong?" He called out, unsure and concerned.
Clotho waved him forwards and turned to her sisters. They all remained quiet.
Percy's eyebrows furrowed. "I refuse to play this game. What is wrong?" His voice was gruff and deepened with an edge.
Lachesis, the Fate responsible for measuring how long one would live, looked at him dead in the eyes. With an even tone, she spoke. "It is time for the Age of the Gods to be restored, Raios."
His eyebrows furrowed deeper. "The Age of the Gods? But that is-"
Atropos cut him off, intensity filling her eyes. "Order's reign has an expiration date. And once he is gone, the Olympians must resume their reign."
"It is Fated." They said in unison.
Percy lowered himself into a seat, his expression fierce. He nodded. "Os protathlitís sas, eínai kathíkon mou na apodechthó. ti prépei na káno*?"
Clotho looked at him again in the eyes, onyx clashing against silver. "You must go to Eurasia. It is time to round up the demigods, mikros."
Author's Note:
And here is chapter 1! Let me know what you think!
Thanks for reading!
XOXO,
PercyJacksonGreekFreak
Glossary
Paidia- children
Protathlitis tis moiras- champion of Fate
Gios tis tychis- son of Fate
Aderfos sti moira- brother in Fate
Mikros- little one
Adelfos- brother
Moirasmeno paidi- chosen child
Os protathlitís sas, eínai kathíkon mou na apodechthó. ti prépei na káno- As your champion, it is my duty to accept. What do I need to do?