GAEA
Gaea transported herself, Polybotes and Percy to Mount Olympus. She had sent them on a cross-country-express-like ride through the earth, popping the group out just outside the massive doors to the god's council room. She knew they would all be there, having their silly little war meetings. Whether they were in Roman form or in Greek, she couldn't care less.
Gaea looked beside her at Percy, who was being held by Polybotes. The giant was more steadying the demigod than holding him. Percy had his hands chained in front of him now, and the steal was slick with blood from his arms. Gaea smiled at the terrified look on his face. Then she burst the doors open.
Zeus was cut off mid-sentence as the Mother Earth swept into the huge room. She grew to the same size as the gods and smiled winningly.
"Hello, grandchildren. My, how much you have grown."
Polybotes snickered, hiding Percy in his massive hands. Every gods eyes were on Gaea as they reached for various weapons. Poseidon went for his trident and Zeus summoned his master bolt. Hades slipped his Helmet of Darkness onto his lap and prepared to put it on. Gaea tutted.
"No no no, darlings. I don't think you want to do that."
"Why not?"
Zeus snarled, signalling for the other gods to prepare for a fight. Gaea smiled and held up her hands.
"I came only for social reasons," she looked directly at Poseidon and motioned Polybotes forward. The sea god scowled heavily and hefted his trident. The giant smirked, then uncupped his hands, pushing the contents to the floor.
Percy landed on his knees, his head bowed and manacled hands on his lap. He sank down until he was sitting in his heels, not taking his eyes off his bloody hands. Gasps sounded throughout the throne room. Footsteps started towards him, and it sounded as though lots of gods were running to the centre of the room to get a good look. Percy recognised Apollo's feet as the god of the sun stopped right in front of him.
"Percy?!"
Apollo sounded horrified, and Percy snuck a quick look at his face before lowering his eyes again. The sun god looked enraged, sickened and pitiful at the same time. He drew his sword and Percy shrieked at the familiar noise that had brought him so much pain. Apollo stumbled backwards, shocked, and careened into his sister. Artemis threw her twin off her and notched an arrow, aiming it at Gaea. The Earth Mother smiled calmly. Then a bellow that shook Olympus came from the back of the group and Poseidon stalked forward, throwing his fellow gods out of the way with murder, hate and grief in his stare. His sea-green gaze rested on Percy and tears spilled out of the tall man's eyes. He scowled deeply, a hurricane starting around him. Hestia, Athena and Hera scattered, along with Demeter, Iris and all the other female gods except Nemesis. Apollo, Hades, Zeus, Hephaestus, Ares and every male god rushed towards Poseidon. Most were thrown back, like Morpheus, and nearly all the other minor gods. But Zeus, Hephaestus and Hades managed to reach the postal sea god and grab his arms, stopping him from charging Polybotes and Gaea.
"GIVE ME BACK MY SON!"
Poseidon roared, salty tears mingling with the blood seeping along the floor from Percy's bowed head. Dionysus slipped over on the crimson liquid and landed on his butt, grape vines sprouting from everywhere. Zeus pulled his brother away from Gaea and Polybotes. Poseidon pulled against the god of the sky, desperate to get to his son.
"PERCY!"
He shouted, his voice cracking. Percy unwillingly looked up, his head moving without his consent. He realised Gaea had tilted his chin to make him watch his father break in front of him. Percy was too scared of her to look away and Gaea's smile widened, realising exactly how much power she had here.
"Poseidon," she said, looking at the distraught god. "Sit down."
Poseidon roared again and charged for the Earth Mother. In a flash, Gaea whipped out a silver knife and pressed it to Percy's throat. Percy stiffened and started hyperventilating. Every god froze.
"Sit down," Gaea repeated. Everyone took their seats, staring in horror at the glistening blade drawing blood from Percy's neck and the terrified look in his eyes.
The Earth Mother smiled maliciously. Her whole plan was going perfectly. The only loose ends were the demigod friends of Jackson. She had yet to find them and kill them, having already hinted to Percy that their death was imminent. But she had no doubt they would show soon, and see their broken friend.
Don't stay away, Annabeth Chase. Gaea broadcasted her thoughts to the daughter of Athena's mind. You board that ship of Leo Valdez's and come to me. Death will wait with Percy while you travel.
Death will wait with Percy. He will be her death.
I know I said that I wouldn't update until I got back and I still haven't left, but I got a lovely spam from LOTS of guests which I kind of forgot about the check-the-guest-reviewer-stuff before So, I went and wrote chapter 4 for you. This is for everyone who reviewed! See you in three weeks unless I get a review influx in which case maybe see you tomorrow!