So this is pretty long. I honestly just wrote this to hurry up the process of getting to the good parts, so yes, this is a filler. I worked pretty hard on it, do let me know how it is!
No bad stuff this chapter, just maybe some language. A lot of characters will be introduced, and Vengeance will come into play.
Disclaimer: I do not and will never own PJO or HOO. All I own are my grammar mistakes. And I do not and will never own the weapon company Winchester.
Percy and the other landed hard in the warehouse. They could not have teleported straight to the base, as a set of 'wards' were put up against that. They had a full hour of walking in front of them, and then when they got there Percy would have to report to his superiors. Which, in his case, was no-one.
Yes, Perseus Jackson is a leader of Vengeance. Many say that he actually started the corporation, but then again, many don't. He was one of the first to join, for sure. However, as it would take many people years to move up the ranks, the simple fact of who he is moved Percy from the lowest rank to the highest in a matter of days.
The ranks were set up depending on your powers, age, and capability. It started from the simple 'cadet' then went all the way to 'leader'. Most were recruited at the age 13 or above, and trained from then on to become almost anything. There were assassins, strategists, warriors, archers, brawlers, healers, and elementals. The assassins were trained in stealth and poisons, very often known for pranking the younger trainees. Even if they seemed childish at times, they were very lethal. Only a few graduate every year.
The strategists are exactly what they are called- strategists. At an early age they were trained to win a battle- through their mind. Most often they are sons or daughters of Athena or Mnemosyne, and occasionally a demi-titan child of Pallas. They were currently only a few of this category around Percy's rank, as there were so many that they often don't get above the Captain phase.
Warriors are a brand that is known for their ruthlessness. Many sons and daughters of Ares are trained to become one, and often children of Perses and Atlas came through this option too. These people are trained in almost every blade possible, and then, when they graduate, are divided into groups depending on what their main weapon is. Most are excellent with swords, but the few elites became what are known as Rikers.
The archers excelled in long range combat, and are skilled with bows of all types. Most Apollo kids are trained here, which was expected. Sometimes some talented mortals come through this often. They were trained in crossbows, longbows, hunting bows, and all types of guns. Percy himself was known to be one of the most talented leaders in handguns, although it is well known that he cannot shoot a bow to save his or anyone else's life.
Most of the time, people in the section 'brawlers' never make it past training. Only a select few are trained to go to the next level, and there is a reason why. On day one you are equipped with a gauntlet of your own making, which is why many Hephaestus kids make it. You are then trained and given no healing, which is supposed to make you work harder to protect yourself. Most people in the place are heavy set, but some sons and daughters of Athena are held in higher respect, thanks to their ability of swift-ness. They are fast enough to dodge blows, but strong enough to lay their own hard blows. Overall, only one person has made it to the highest phase from this category, a daughter of Tartarus himself. She had only graduated a few years ago, but climbed quickly thanks to her elevated status as a brawler and an elemental, her name is Terra.
Healers were one of the smallest units, as many didn't have the capacity to heal. Asclepius himself blessed them with his ability to heal, and he controlled all doings in this category. The healers were not treated with cushions and soft words. They are one of the most fiercely loyal and, in Percy's opinion, badass units in Vengeance. That not only heal, but are given intense training underneath Pallas's tuition. This leads to them being one of the most respect worthy units in the army.
Of course, the elementals are some of the most interesting people possible to meet. They include many different demigods and demi-titans. Children of the Big 3, and a few titans are grouped here. It is divided into categories depending on their powers. The Hades kids go into shadows, and his other aspect's kids go to earth. The Poseidon, Hydros, and Oceanus children always get placed into water. Zeus's and Jupiter's never fail to be placed into Air or Electricity, occasionally both if they are that powerful.
One of the most important time comes after they have officially graduated. Depending on their rank in the class, they get placed into separate classes. These classes teach them the basics of every other unit, then separates them into squads.
The squads are usually in numbers, but are occasionally given nicknames, like the Rikers. Most of the time the squads have a member of each unit in it, but sometimes there are exceptions.
Percy graduated at the top once he joined. Afterwards, he chose to be trained in every single combat form. Slowly he progressed to be at the top 5 in every category, except healing. Asclepius's exact words were, "You show more promise in destroying than healing." Percy hadn't asked again.
Once he had gained the top rank, Percy had started recruiting. Within a year, Vengeance had nearly tripled I size. Olympus had officially noticed them as a challenger, and the war had started. Most of the time Percy was away, but the few scenes he had been in; people had noticed a change in his behavior.
For the last 3 years, Perseus Jackson had tortured and killed over 200 people, and not once had he said anything about it. It was common knowledge for them what exactly he was, and that he had a half-sister. Yes, a half-sister.
The Demon Percy had fused with was the legendary Terra's mother. She had treated him with iciness for about 6 months until they made up, and then he disappeared again.
News of Percy's capture had traveled around, and many believed he had sided with Olympus. When he came back it would be a huge shock.
Percy jolted out of his thoughts when they came to the center. It was hidden in the side of a mountain, and then went down several levels into the earth. The main way it was hidden was by its location. Deep in the Rocky Mountains, and covered in snow most of the year. Everybody around Percy had layers of warmth, except for Percy. Since he had begun strengthening his powers, the cold hadn't affected him. The snow swirled around, but anything that came near him melted.
The others shot him glares, their movement had been limited from what they had to wear. They struggled up a stone set of stairs, and the outside of Vengeance came into view.
It was stone, with a set of wide stairs leading up to some wooden double doors. It looked plain and un-protected, but Percy knew that it was anything but. If anyone without the Vengeance mark tried to get up the stairs, it would disappear. Every minute after the intruder left, he would die very, very slowly. There was no set way, but many had died from dehydration, suffocation, and even heatstroke.
Above the doors was a deep black V. It pulsed a red color, and had runes swirling around the letter, almost as if they had a mind of their own.
The runes themselves were a whole different thing. After you graduated, you had the chance to study many different things, and Percy did just that. He found an ancient greek ritual that had been made for leaders of a cult long ago. It inscribed runes into their wrists and ankles. It was excruciatingly painful, and would only work for the most powerful. So, of course, Percy tried it. He was bedridden for days, unable to walk or hold stuff. But then it was worth it.
His power level had increased dramatically, almost like he had taken the essence of a primordial itself. The days after that had been filled with training, until he could control all the power he had. Then, he wanted more.
Percy had heard of a group of monsters located in the deepest parts of Tartarus. They were the demons of the monster world. Terra had warned him not to go seek them, but he did. It took weeks, but after a while he finally found them. The leader was reluctant, but after Percy told them off his reason, they agreed. One of the demons stepped up, sacrificing herself. It was only when he came back the side-effects happened.
For one, he found that normal food was revolting, then he realized what had happened. Terra told him that the only solution was a ritual, which Percy did not agree with. So he had gone with it, delving into the art of torture and cannibalism.
He had been branded an A rated criminal, which was the highest rank. The only reason he was given a 'trial' was to make the public hate him more. But then again, he was a leader of Vengeance for a reason.
For them, he was a symbol of rebellion, and a new cause for hope. The primordials had blessed them, and now he lived without a consciousness. Nothing could command him, so he was a wild card. The other leaders feared him, and some people even revered him like he was a god. And in a way, he was one.
But there was a prophecy. A terrible one, for him. It had stated that he could only be killed by a controller of fire. But Leo was gone, right?
Wrong. Dead wrong.
They had found his magical signature on an island, a certain island in fact. Ogygia. The potion he had taken had revived him on the island of never going back, so he was still as ignorant as before, and now that his mother was alive, they had a good chance of getting to join. If not, well, Percy had no qualms against killing him.
And that brought him back to the reason he was here. They were led up the stairs and to the doors, and they creaked open, revealing what looked like a huge hall. Elegant arches covered the ceiling, which had paintings of battles. Percy left the group and took a sharp left, leading him down the hall to his room.
Many people in the hall froze when he walked down it. Some even managed to sneer at him. A voice spoke up, one that Percy had threatened before. "What're you doing here, traitor?"
Percy slowly turned around. The person in question was a member of the warriors. He had questioned Percy's loyalty many times. They had joined together, but Percy had quickly surpassed; which led to the man becoming very bitter.
Percy's wrists glowed and the runes moved, as if a storm was brewing on his skin. Percy twitched his hand, and the man was crashed down onto the floor, in a very painful way. Percy loomed over him, his alight with anger. He did not enjoy being called that, since if anyone was loyal to this cause, it'd be him. "Say that again?"
The man gazed fearfully at his leader, shaking a little. Percy smirked and flicked his hand. He flew up onto the wall, free to move. "That was your last warning."
They had all seen what Percy did to traitors, as one of his little torture sessions had been leaked. He hadn't minded, seeing as all it did was make them fear him more. They had all been raised hearing of his deeds for the gods, and then of his 'little' scene when he finally betrayed them. They respected him as a leader, but were terrified of him as a person. Many had questioned his loyalty before, and again many had not lived to tell the tale.
Percy left and walked back to his room. Any people on the way just nodded their heads. By the time he reached his room, Percy was tired of people in general. He had a few hours to go, then he would hopefully be able to eat and sleep, hopefully for a long while.
The screen of his laptop was lit when he entered. There was a long stream of emails and messages listed on the main screen, and Percy groaned. He would have to carefully answer each one, as they were mostly from the creators of many companies. They would need weapons and explosives to be made, and there was almost a race to get sponsors.
He soon found the one he dreaded, a message from Winchester, the producer of many different ammunitions. They were currently the only producer of Celestial Bronze bullets, which they needed for obvious reasons. He opened it up, fearing the worst.
Perseus Jackson;
We have officially accepted your gracious offer. We look forward to working with you in the future.
You will have to send us the materials, so we express our apologies. Our stock was wiped out after an attack launched on us by Olympus.
Percy questioned how stupid Olympus was, but the remembered that all they used were swords, which limited their range of weapons.
We have found out how to make Imperial Gold and Chaotic Silver bullets, and soon they will be in production. Please answer as soon as possible, we await your directions.
Percy leaned back onto his bed. They had finally agreed to be bought by Vengeance, although they would be working as partners. Percy personally knew the owner, so it was no surprise that they would be swayed in his favor. And the news they had found how to produce bullets of other metal was astounding. Percy personally knew how hard it was to contain its power into a small section of metal, and it was hard enough to make weapons high enough quality to last while they were firing.
Percy quickly wrote back and skimmed all the others, most could wait until he was finished with his job. He quickly changed into jeans and t-shirt, along with a standard issue hoodie from Vengeance. He knew the others would object to him being dressed so casually, but Percy honestly didn't give a shit.
The halls were empty as he hurried towards the meeting room, where he knew everybody was waiting. The hall took a right to an empty corridor with one steel door at the end. Percy opened it and stepped in.
About 5 people were in the room, and all were staring at him with concealed exasperation. He took a seat at the head of the table, and motioned for a woman to start. She had white-blonde hair with sharp brown eyes, and Percy knew that she was a daughter of Mnemosyne known as Hannah.
"We have successfully gotten information about the inner workings of Olympus. Earlier this week Percy," She gestured towards him. "Was 'captured' by Olympus. During his trial we infiltrated the building and took all we need. Percy warned them of their oncoming demise, in a very dramatic way." Many laughed, as he was known for theatrics.
The lady went on and informed them of their lines for the speech, and Percy tuned her out. His head snapped up when she called his name. "Tomorrow, Percy will be going to Ogygia to talk to Leo." Percy stiffened at the words, remembering the prophecy.
Percy nodded, taking over. "A prophecy states that the only way we can be defeated is by a fire wielder. We all know that Leo Valdez is the only one alive. My first task was to kill him, and that I did. A few weeks ago, our sensors picked up a demigod signature on Ogygia matching his." Many people looked shocked, but Thalia and Nico looked on, stony faced.
"Tomorrow morning, I will be traveling to that island. If he does not cooperate with us, he will be eliminated. Any questions?" A man in all green raised his hand. He was the last surviving son of Gaea, named Joshua.
"How will you get there? The island is shrouded by powerful magic thousands of years old, only the primordials know how to get through it." He sounded skeptical.
"I have been there once, and I can do it again." Truthfully, Percy had just perfected a move he called 'misting'. He could break his body down into tiny particles, and then move them anywhere in the world. It was even easier if an ocean was near. Another hand was in the air.
"Why are we giving him the chance to join us?" A woman in her mid-thirties asked.
"The prophecy states that he could destroy Olympus too. The prophecy wasn't fulfilled in the 1st place." Percy knew that it had changed, as stated by the oracle. That was what caused him to leave the camp. He exposed by it and he had only one way to get out. Percy's thoughts were interrupted by the man's voice.
"What exactly does this prophecy say?" The man asked again.
Percy stiffened. The prophecy was only heard by him and some others, sadly including Annabeth. "If you want to hear it, you need to take an oath stating you will not tell anyone outside of this room." The man scowled but swore on the Styx. Percy sighed.
"I can't give you the exact one, but I can say what it states. Basically, it says that the world had fallen to storm, and its fire's turn to save it. The only thing it says other than that is something cryptic that I can't put into words. I am truly sorry."
Joshua crossed his arms. "I don't like it but I can support you."
Percy nodded and stood up. He pointed to a woman near the speaker system. "Announce that everyone needs to gather in the cavern." The cavern was a giant cave that was never finished. It had many tunnels leading to it and Percy knew it was the only place in the base to support Vengeance's huge population. It was rarely used, but was well kept as people walked through it daily. Games for the trainees were also held there, but that was only occasionally.
The woman nodded and spoke over it, quickly stating what to do. Percy nodded as thanks and misted towards his room, as he would have to change into something nicer.
Percy was glad about his decision, because as soon as he got to his room, he could hear thousands of people walking down the wide hall. Percy changed into a white button down shirt and a black jacket, nothing too fancy; but it was proper.
When he finished the halls were mostly, but it was almost time for him to make an appearance. He misted again back to the room, and made his way to stand on the balcony above everyone.
Percy watched as people filed into the cave. He talked a bit with the leaders around him, but soon it was time to go.
As soon as he appeared, people quieted down and stared at him. He announce what had happened during the week and dismissed the rumors. His short speech finished and he left, to be replaced by Thalia. Percy left to get his things ready.
His room was filled with weapons one wall. There was section for guns, and he picked up his best ones. Winchester had sent him a few prototypes of their new bullets, and he had a couple rounds of celestial bronze still in his desk drawer. Riptide was in his pocket as always, but he decided to bring along two daggers just in case. He sat down on his bed and went over the mortal headlines.
All over the newspapers were pictures of the the destroyed court, along with headlines like "Infamous villain Perseus Jackson escapes!" or "Manhattan court destroyed!" People were panicking because he was 'on the loose'. Percy laughed a little, knowing that had no idea what was to come.
He set down his laptop and started out the doorway, grabbing his two handguns and their ammo. The whole way to the arena he wasn't encountered by anyone. The arena was clear except for a group of trainees being shown around by Luke. Percy remembered that a new group had come in during the last month, and they were being informed of how it worked around there. Luke waved at Percy. "Come here!"
Percy decided that he could spare the time. "Yeah?" Luke turned to the group. "This is Perseus Jackson, our leader." Luke glanced at him, wondering what he would say.
Thankfully Percy didn't have to say anything, as an 8 year old looking boy excitedly asked him, "Is it true that you killed the Minotaur when you were twelve?" Percy laughed.
"Yup. And at this rate of training, you'll be doing better." Percy really didn't mind the younger kids, it was only when they grew older they got annoying. "I have to go." He looked at Luke briefly. "Sorry." The little boy looked a little sad.
Percy walked towards the gun range, checking the condition of his weapons. Both of the handguns were in pristine condition, and Percy carefully loaded one with Chaotic Silver, and the other with Imperial Gold. Both were extremely dangerous metals, and Percy knew that the silver had tendencies to blow up what it hit.
He aimed at the target and pulled the trigger. He had hit it in the dead center, and soon the whole thing disintegrated, another effect of the silver. It was replaced with another one as Percy aimed the Imperial Gold one.
It shot out quicker than the other, thanks to its magical property of being as light as air. When it hit the target, the whole thing caught fire with green flames, showing that it was filled with Greek flames. Percy admired what they had thought of, while knowing that if it had been any other metal the whole gun would have exploded. He shot a few bullets and then left, getting ready for the next day.
Line break to the next day
Percy had slept dreamlessly, which added to the good mood he woke up with. He got dressed and gathered his things. Everybody was already awake and talking in the meeting room when he arrived. People stopped talking when he arrived. Percy smiled a little and gave them a preview of what would happen when he got back.
Percy misted to the beach. It was like he had remembered, but maybe a bit more taken care of. In the distance he could see smoke rising into the air; it looked like Leo had set up a forge.
Percy knew the way to Caypso's cave but knew that she would know what he had done. Leo was his best chance. As he walked along a worn path to where the smoke came from, everything was quiet. Birds had stopped chirping as soon as he had entered the forest, as if they knew what he could do. Ahead of him a large metal structure loomed, looking way out of place among the leaves and trees.
Percy could hear banging, and he soon approached it. The whole place was spread out amongst a clearing. I bug furnace was in the center, which is what Percy had first scene. Slowly Percy stepped to Leo's side. "Hello."
Leo jumped and nearly dropped the hot piece of metal he was holding. His brown eyes widened and he picked up a bronze hammer from beside him, staring at Percy. "What are you doing here, traitor?" He spat.
Percy's eyes flashed in anger. "Trying to save you from dying, again."
Yes. Very long… I am very proud of myself, honestly. Thank you for reading this! Please leave a review saying how you liked it! It would mean a lot. Review, Follow, and Favorite!
Advice from Reckoners: Don't kill a favorite character.