Legacy of the Hearth Chapter 10
I'm sorry for the delay, but I was busy, and needed a little break from writing. School, project submissions, exams, take your pick. But my final paper just ended, and I'm back! From here to next Sunday, at least. After that, it's 6 weeks of attachment, so pardon me if I update irregularly. However, we left off at a sour note where Percy didn't have a fun time. I hope you enjoy ='). And this is Chapter 10, a personal landmark for me :-D.
"He's waking!" A voice exclaimed in relief as Percy started to stir.
Percy groaned as he felt a burning feeling deep in his stomach. He opened his eyes to see two worried, but clearly relieved looking people. Chiron and Annabeth. Suddenly, Annabeth moved to hold Percy down, who was startled. Annabeth then fed him nectar, all while dabbing a cloth of water on his forehead.
"Y-you idiot! You almost died! If not for Chiron…" Annabeth said frantically, as Percy smiled wryly at her, earning a small glare.
"Well, I think Percy's powers deserve some credit, as it made my healing much easier than it should, considering this is pit scorpion venom. Speaking of which, Percy, how're you feeling?" Chiron asked.
"Uh, fried," Percy replied, as Chiron nodded.
"Hmm… Better than I expected. You must tell me what happened, Percy," Chiron said sternly, as Percy nodded.
"The prophecy was fulfilled, Chiron. It might sound crazy, but yesterday…" Percy continued as he recounted the events that happened.
"I-I can't believe it… He was never the same after his quest… Now I understand… May the Gods c-curse h-him," Annabeth said, with a hint of betrayal and hurt in her voice.
Percy noticed that she never once spoke Luke's name.
"Olympus must be warned. I will go at once," Chiron murmured, as Percy held up a hand tiredly.
"It's alright, I've told them already. Also, I think Lord Hades and Mom have also sounded the alarm," Percy said, as Chiron nodded in recognition.
Annabeth's stare was blank, as she was still in her state of shock. Chiron, though, suddenly moved, as if he had made a decision.
"Percy, I have one more thing to tell you. You will be a great hero. Your path would, undoubtedly draw many powers to your fate. Train patiently, Perseus. Your time will come," Chiron said.
"I'm in that… Prophecy, am I? The one Annabeth's been rattling off about the past year. It about Kronos, isn't it?" Percy asked with a small voice.
A pause as Chiron carefully worded his next sentence.
"Yes, child, but I am afraid I cannot tell you more than the fact that the Gods have their reasons for not revealing everything, Perseus. You must be careful too, Perseus. Kronos is cunning. He will try to trick you into exposing yourself. He will want to rule over your fears, Perseus, to rule over your dissent. Do not give him what he wishes, Perseus Jackson," Chiron warned, earning a stiff nod from Percy, who was miffed that Chiron couldn't reveal more.
It was Percy's fate, and for some reason, it was clouded to only him. Heck, even Annabeth knew his fate in the prophecy. What was his life, an entertainment show to his friends? They weren't too entertained, but still. Percy stewed in further anger as he stared at Chiron blankly. It was then Hestia came in, to calm Percy down.
'Calm down, Perseus. I will say this; you are not ready to know your fate. Please, trust me on this, Perseus. Trust Chiron on this, Perseus. He means well, and only wishes for your well-being. Do not let the betrayal from your friend Luke cloud your mind further, Perseus. I will not allow you to mistrust everyone else for that sole reason,' Hestia chastised, as Percy bit his lip.
Chiron looked at him for a moment, before speaking, "I'm off to Olympus, Perseus. To give the Gods, a formal report, if you will. When I come back, you will need to tell me your decision, whether to stay year-round, or return to the mortal world for seventh grade for the year and be a summer camper," Chiron said with finality, as Percy nodded.
"Oh, and Annabeth. Whenever you're ready, they're here," Chiron said to Annabeth.
When Chiron left, it was just Annabeth and Percy.
"They're here? What's that mean?" Percy asked curiously, as Annabeth shrugged.
"Uh, just following an advice. It's alright, Percy," Annabeth said, as Percy raised an eyebrow.
"Alright, Percy. I'm, uh, going home for the year," Annabeth finally told, as Percy let out an indifferent 'oh'.
Annabeth was annoyed, and poked Percy at his forehead.
"Home? I thought you hated home?" Percy asked.
"No, my dad and I, we kind of… Reconciled," Annabeth muttered.
Percy's mouth opened, before he smiled, with a hint of smugness. Annabeth sighed as she saw him smile like that, and gave him 5 drachmas.
"Nothing beats home, and this time I'm sincerely confident that it won't end up like last time. Bye, Annabeth," Percy said gently, as Annabeth said a muffled 'we'll see', before smiling at her friend.
"Well, before that… What's your decision, Percy?" Annabeth asked.
Percy took a deep breath as he recounted what his parents said to him.
'Will you give me another chance, my son?'
'Everyone has a Hearth, Perseus. Everyone.'
"I'm going home. I'm also following an advice," Percy said with conviction.
'There will always be a hearth waiting for you, Percy.'
"And, my parents and I have some serious catching up to do," Percy finished with a wink.
"Fair enough. By any chance, is something waiting for you, Percy?" Annabeth suddenly asked, as Percy caught the meaning of her question.
"Always," Percy said, as Annabeth smiled, as if she confirmed something.
"Bye, Percy, get well soon," Annabeth said, before leaving, her blonde figure going out through the door.
Percy thought about the things he would do as he lay down. Yes, he had some serious catching up to do with his parents.
'Of course, Perseus, of course. Dinner with your father, me, and you, this Sunday, midnight. I have plenty of time,' Hestia suddenly spoke, as Percy closed his eyes.
'You're on, mom.' Percy said, before drifting into sleep.
LINE BREAK
It was close to summer, and Percy was feeling proud of himself. He wasn't caught being in trouble for nearly the whole year! This was the longest he'd lasted. Then the dreams started, and everything went to hell. The dream went a little like this.
At first, it seemed normal. The landscape changed to a deserted street that Percy recognized as a town in Florida. He saw a similar view in a travel agent booklet once. If there was something Percy had, it was fantastic memory. He did not think things through, though, always making up plans on the spot. Plans were Annabeth's territory anyway. But I digress.
Now, the dream on the surface was pretty normal. It wasn't until Percy saw Grover running out of his wits that Percy finally noticed something was wrong. Now, Grover was Percy's best friend, so usually nothing would be wrong. At least, that was what Percy optimistic mind thought before he heard a bone shattering growl and saw a shadowy, large figure labor down the block. Grover was clearly frightened as he mumbled something about 'warning them' and 'getting away', before he dashed into a boutique store.
Percy held his breath as he watched the monster walk past the store, with Grover still trembling inside. It stopped for a moment, before walking past. Then, Grover did it. He breathed a sigh of relief. Percy had to shout 'NO!' as the monster suddenly returned, blowing the store wide open before shouting, "MIIIIINNNEEE!"
Percy woke with a start as he surveyed his surroundings. He thought he saw a shadow, but he chucked that thought aside. Although, he did note that the shadow looked extremely familiar, but he just couldn't place it. Then, it hit him. That curly hair in the shadow he saw was something he recognized very well. Using his powers silently, his eyes glowed as he confirmed his suspicions. Percy smirked as he thought about the nasty surprise he was going to give her, before his father called to him.
"Percy! Last day of school! And no trouble at all!" John exclaimed with a note of surprise, to which Percy groaned.
Hestia did mention that while he inherited some restraint and tact from her, he still acted like his father. Sarcastic and smart-mouthed, and extremely prone to fits of mood swings too. Except that, John was wilder than Percy. Sad one moment, and suddenly excited the next. It was something that endeared John to Hestia. Percy smiled as he remembered that magical Sunday midnight dinner that the family had.
FLASHBACK
"Uh, Tia, you sure you can do this. I mean, isn't it against the rules?" John said anxiously, as he ladled out food on separate plates.
"Of course, John, you don't need to worry. I have my ways of concealing my presence. Besides, if I couldn't, the Fates would be on me right now. They, and the primordials, are the only ones powerful enough to detect my presence. Also, like I said, I have a lot of free time," Hestia said with a wink, as John smiled.
"Thank you… So, peace?" John said gently, before kissing Hestia on the cheek.
Hestia's face instantly became golden, as Percy smirked, his mismatched eyes gleaming.
"I'll take that as a yes," John said triumphantly.
"Mom looks like one of those death masks in those museums," Percy laughed, drawing a laugh from John.
"You know son, that was the first thing I said to her when we… Last met after we…" John started to say before Hestia gave him a glare.
"After you… What?" Percy asked, as Hestia bit her lip. Her face was practically shining right now.
"After we…" John said in a teasing tone, as Percy realized what his father meant.
"Um! W-we must eat! Our food is going to get c-cold," Hestia stuttered as she quickly stuffed her face into her food, trying to hide her face within the vegetables.
Percy was stunned. He never knew his father was so… Playful. I mean, granted, he got better recently, but this? It was like a new person altogether.
"No, Percy. This is an old John Jackson. The one I fell in love with," Hestia said fondly, as she leaned her head towards her beaming lover.
"Er, huh?" John asked.
"No, Percy was asking whether you were a new person altogether, you idiot," Hestia chastised, as John pouted.
"No, that was just you snooping in other's minds, Tia. That's not very nice, you know?" John chided, as Hestia pouted.
"It's my son..! And besides, I can tell you some things he's been keeping from us, John. Something like liking-" Hestia said before being cut off.
"No, she's not, mom!" Percy exclaimed, as Hestia smirked.
"You didn't let me finish, Percy. I was about to say fast food… but…" Hestia chuckled.
"He's so much like me," John said, as Hestia nodded.
Percy had an extremely great interest in his shoes, as his parents decided to talk together alone. Deciding that the 'storm' was over, he started to eat, all the while trying to listen in to his parents' hushed voices.
"Tia, stop blaming yourself. We knew the risks when we had Percy."
"But he is in so much danger… Zeus grows more paranoid! Percy's powers haven't stopped awakening, and he has already defeated a God! I don't know! And the enemies he has to face…"
"Tia, have faith. He saved my life. I have the utmost faith that he will have a happy ending. What did you say to me a long time ago? Say it, Tia."
"T-that a hearth w-would never fade, so long a fire b-burns."
"Still cliché, but well."
"Stop being a smart mouth for once. Please."
"I know, Tia, but Percy's fire is strong, bright. I can feel it, somehow. He is stronger than you think, Tia. Have faith in your son, Tia. Isn't that the exact thing you told me a long time ago, when Percy was born? Have faith in him, Tia. He will pull through. I know it. You know it. After all, he's your son. No, he's our son."
"You are such a melodramatic, John. Thank you… Always making me happy, eh? Oh, the boy's listening."
Percy instantly shot up as he heard that. As he heard, he felt the warmth receding from his mind. It was then he realized. His mother hadn't pulled out of the connection at all. Hestia winked at Percy, as John gave him a wry smile. The food was essentially finished, but Percy had one final question to ask.
"So, mom, dad… How did you guys fall in love?" Percy asked curiously, as both his parents nearly fell out of their seats.
John quickly started nodding to Hestia, who sported a deep golden blush. It was even deeper than the death-mask-blush. Hestia started to stutter, before John put her hand to her shoulder and winked. Hestia could only take deep breaths.
"Give us a chance, Perce. We're technically a young couple, and Tia is quite inexperienced. She's also quite easy to tease," John winked, although he crumpled back to his seat at Hestia's blazing glare.
"I'll show you easy to tease," Hestia said as she started to collect fire on her hands.
Percy marveled at this unfamiliar side of Hestia. A teasing, playful, yet wild side that she was showing right now was surreal. John immediately tried to placate her with a smooth voice and change the subject.
"Err, Tia, there's no need for flames. Remember what happened in Montauk? Anyway, err, back to the subject," John stuttered, as Percy snickered.
"Whipped," Percy muttered.
"It was two years before you were born, Percy. I was on holiday at the time, when I first met your mother. I still remembered how I was the one who annoyed the living hell outta Tia. I will say that in the first few weeks we talked, Tia hated me. I believe I am the only one, in history, who would rile her up that much. Her eyes would go reaalllyyy bright red, and I would just laugh at that curious golden tinge her face took. Of course, I didn't know who she really was at the time, so it was really funny to me. I remember we would break out into crazy arguments over nothing," John said, laughing.
"Remember the one where we argued over which kind of pasta was better?" Hestia said, leaning her head on John's shoulder.
"Ah, that one! Yes, I remember… You were basically shoving a plate to my face and forcing me to eat it… Delicious, though… Anyway, back to the subject. Oh, if you're thinking, Tia didn't stay around because she was obliged to or something. It's because I'm just devilishly attractive," John smugly said.
"S-shut up! I was j-just drawn to you, alright? If you continue, John, I will do what I did to you at that last day where you called me an old woman," Hestia muttered with a sickly sweet smile, as John started to sweat.
"O-okay. C-crystal, Tia. O-okay, b-back to t-the subject. Anyway, Percy, we had so many arguments, it was obvious there was going to be a breaking point. It was at that very spot behind this house where we had that particular argument. It was something about relationships. Something that Tia takes extremely seriously. Now, I wasn't a very nice person at the time and I started it by saying that I hated relationships. I just came out of a failed one at the time anyway," John explained.
"Bad thing to say?" Percy winced.
"Very. Tia flipped out. Like seriously, she just flipped out. I still remember this very quote that, well, I think started to warm me to her at the time. Why deny a hearth waiting for you? You give up your own hearth like that? A place that will always accept you, nurture you, yet you deny it? No wonder you're alone! Miserable! With nowhere to go! Of course, when Tia started saying that I kinda flipped out too. I said very unkind things to her, and one thing led to another, and she stopped coming," John said, remembering that argument word for word.
"It's okay, John. We're over that now," Hestia comforted, all the while sporting a serene smile.
John took a deep breath as he continued.
"She stopped coming, basically. I remember waiting for her, by that porch, every night. I would basically miss our arguing, and her companionship. I believe it was then I realized I had feelings for Tia. I still remember, that very night, when she came back. I remember calling out for her that very night. Imagine my surprise when she suddenly appeared and gave me a hug! I mean, we were just having a severe argument, and here she was giving me a hug the moment we meet again. I remember apologizing to her a lot of times. Thinking about it now, I think we were just two lonely people who chanced upon each other. And I happened to chance upon such a beautiful heart like Tia," John said fondly as Hestia blissfully smiled.
"One thing led to another, and then we had a dinner, here. I wasn't too hot on money, so we just had a small dinner here, at midnight, on a Sunday. It was a magical moment and I think that was the time where we actually had the guts to say 'I love you' to each other. Percy, you're starting to fall asleep… How about you go get some?" John said kindly.
'I never saw this side of you, mom. Where did you get that?' Percy cheekily asked.
'Since I met your father. Get some sleep child, you look tired,' Hestia winked.
Percy complied, wiping a tear as he left for his room, knowing that he had two parents who loved him unconditionally. There was a question he wanted to ask, but he waited as he did not want to hurt this moment that they had with each other.
Because at this time, they were one family.
FLASHBACK END!
"PERCY! STOP DOZING OFF!" John had to raise his voice even higher this time, as Percy really was deep in his thoughts.
"Oh Dad… Can it wait?" Percy moaned, as his father smiled sinisterly.
Percy, seeing that sinister smile, quickly roused and dressed up. He shuddered as he remembered he was given that particular smile. It was hard to forget being woken up by a gas lighter. Granted, he was immune to fire, but still.
Immediately, Percy dressed up, pocketed his weapons, all the while thinking of the dream he had, and the question he wanted to ask his father. However, he tried to be upbeat, and convince himself that this last day wasn't going to be so bad. For the whole year, he hadn't been nearly killed, or maimed, or basically, gotten into any trouble.
Percy should have known though, with his luck, he shouldn't have been so cavalier about his upbeat attitude.
Percy had breakfast with his father, who made pancakes, and served Vanilla Coke for drinks, which was kind of like a family drink for the Jacksons. No one messed with the Jacksons' Vanilla Cokes. At least, no one messed with John's vanilla Coke cans. Percy shuddered as he remembered his father flipping out when they ran out of Vanilla Cokes. It was one of his many quirks.
Percy had a curious brooding look at his face as he thought about the dream he just had. John instantly recognized it.
"What's wrong, Perce? Any trouble?" John asked.
Percy told his father about the dream.
"Oh, I'm sure he's okay, Percy. If something happened to him, I think camp would have told you about it," John said, wincing as he said the word 'camp'.
"Uh, what's wrong with camp, dad? You look pretty tensed," Percy asked curiously.
"Chiron sent me a message yesterday. There were some unplanned problems. But I'll explain all of that later in the evening. Go to school first, Percy," John said seriously, as Percy tilted his head in confusion.
"What problems? Did something happen?" Percy asked nervously, before the clock rang.
"Like I said, I'll explain later, Perce. You should go. Your friend Tyson should be waiting," John said sternly, with a tone of finality.
Needless to say, Percy would also have some unplanned problems, which would be the reason why John never had the chance to explain to him the reason why he couldn't go to camp.
LINE BREAK
Percy sighed. It was the second time he saw his, ah, stalker. She wasn't very subtle in trying to follow him, though invisible. Percy shook his head, and waited for the time where he would give her the nasty surprise.
Percy's school day at Meriwether College Prep started normally. Well, it was as normal as it could be for this particular school. The students were pretty wild, and the teachers were a little too lax at managing these wild characters. Take for example, a small, insignificant 1 hour break (With no supervision), that turned into a full on wedgie contest between, well, seventh and eighth graders. You get the idea.
There was one particular character though, who would always be the one to lead all the mischief. Sloan. Percy shook his head as he watched the bully give the whole class wedgies. Percy would lose his patience however, when he moved onto Tyson.
Tyson, was huge, tall, and really strong, but was also a big softy. He was scared of, well, many things (Percy's being nice). While he had a relatively deep voice, he would talk funny, like a kindergartener. Percy always had a soft spot for Tyson, partly because Tyson was Percy's only friend in the school.
Percy gave a deathly glare to Sloan, who ignored him. Percy sighed, and stood up to face Sloan, who by this time, was already behind Tyson, poising himself for the wedgie.
"Back off, Sloan," Percy growled.
"Why do you care, Jackson? You might have friends if you'd never stick up for that freak," Sloan sneered, pointing to Tyson, who by this time was already crying.
Percy was struck. He found himself, for the first time, without words, as he opened his mouth. He bit his lip, as Sloan's friends laughed. Percy never did have any friends, other than Tyson. Swallowing, Percy gave Sloan a heated glare, literally, as his mismatched eyes narrowed. Sloan faltered, before gathering himself and smirking.
"PE, Jackson. You're dead," Sloan said with a sinister tone.
The only good news that Percy gleaned from that period was the fact that he passed his English subject.
LINE BREAK
"I… Am a freak?" Tyson asked sadly, as Percy sighed.
"No, you're not..." Percy said with a warm voice, as Tyson relaxed.
"You are a good friend… Miss you if I can't…" Tyson trailed off.
Percy sighed, knowing that Tyson was only enrolled because of some kind of community service project enacted by the school. Percy felt guilty as he worded his next sentence, worried that he'd jinx Tyson.
"It's all going to be fine, really. No worries. Hakuna matata. You remember that class?" Percy laughed, as Tyson's shoulders relaxed.
Percy never knew just how wrong he was.
LINE BREAK
It was the science exams, which thankfully, Percy and Tyson passed. The criteria were to make the chemicals explode. With students like Sloan, and well, Percy, Percy fully understood. He wondered if the teachers would breathe a sigh of relief if the explosion killed the students. Percy and Tyson, though, took it one step further. Tyson fumbled, and dropped all the chemicals into one bowl, which emitted noxious smoke which Percy suddenly, as if on instinct, recognized to be poisonous. Immediately, the teacher, Ms Tesla, evacuated the whole class, all the while praising Percy for his 'impressive' chemistry skills.
Percy wasn't fooled. He caught the sarcasm in her voice, which made him immensely relieved that this was his last day.
The morning passed by quickly, and it was Social Studies class. Percy was however, distracted as he turned the notebook page to the photo Annabeth sent him over spring break. It was a photo of her smirking in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Percy shook his head and sighed as he looked at her expression. You'd think she designed the monument the way she smirked at it.
All of a sudden, Percy wished his best friend was here. She was annoying, and tended to rattle off, but she was his, well, best friend. Not to mention she would have understood his dream, with all her smartiness (as Grover called it).
Percy was about to close his notebook when Sloan suddenly ripped Annabeth's photo out. Percy was livid. All his tact and patience went out of the window, as Percy stood up.
"What the hell do you want, Sloan?" Percy hissed, as Sloan started to smirk.
"No way, you have a-"Sloan chuckled, as Percy grew angrier.
"Give. It. Back," Percy said quietly, as Sloan laughed.
Sloan looked at Percy for a moment, before giving the photo to his friends, who tore it up. Percy had to use all his willpower here, to restrain himself from beating the living crap out of the ugly bullies, who all had weird names. Percy narrowed his eyes as he observed their nametags.
Marrow Sucker
Skull Eater
Joe Bob
"They're joining next year, and they are actually paying for their fees, unlike some retard that I know," Sloan bragged, as Percy gave him a hard, piercing glare.
"Piss off," Percy hissed, clenching his fist, as Sloan chuckled.
"Next period, Jackson. Just you wait," Sloan told ominously.
LINE BREAK
Percy had finally caught her. The stalker that had been following him for the past day. It all started when she, well, whispered to Percy and Tyson as they left class.
"Percy!" A girl whispered as Percy walked through the locker area.
Percy, who was thoroughly annoyed by her sneaky ways, decided to give her a nasty scare. Excusing himself from Tyson, Percy used what little power he currently had (Hestia sealed most of them to keep him undetected) to locate the spying girl.
"Boo, Annabeth. What in the world are you doing?" Percy whispered into the girl's ear as he walked to her sitting form.
Annabeth yelped, a girlish squeal that Percy would never forget for a long time. Annabeth, rousing from her shock, then punched Percy in the shoulder, who immediately winced.
"Following you of course. I wanted to talk to you, but you were never alone," Annabeth said as-a-matter-of-factly, as Percy stared at her.
"And that warranted you to, ah, look into my bedroom window? You little stalker," Percy deadpanned, as Annabeth went red.
"Shut up! Anyway, don't you have classes? We'll talk later," Annabeth said, still with a red face.
Percy laughed. At least, he stopped when Annabeth kicked him in his gut.
"A-alright, Annabeth, whatever. Jeez, why are girls so violent? Anyway, see ya later, outside school. I also have something to talk to you about," Percy said, reeling from the kick.
Percy was in pain, but he'd never forget that girlish squeal that Annabeth loosed. It'd be the first thing he'd tell Grover if he'd return after finding Pan. Percy shook his head. No, when he'd return. Not if. Hopefully, at least.
Percy returned to class, where he had PE. The class where Sloan said that he'd pulverize Percy, who by now kept his guard up. Ever since he saw the funny names that Sloan's friends had, Percy's instincts basically went haywire.
Percy changed in the locker room, where he encountered Tyson, who gave him a familiar look. Getting the message, Percy sighed and stood guard in front of the door as Tyson changed. Percy always wondered if it was related to the scars that donned Tyson's back. Needless to say, the last time someone teased Tyson about the scars, he ripped the door off the hinges. It took all of Percy's people skills to calm his upset friend.
When they reached the gym, Percy winced as he observed Coach Nunley, who was so old and shriveled that Percy nearly mistook him for the Oracle. Thinking back, the school was pretty weird.
Anyway, the class had dodgeball, and Sloan had nominated himself as captain. The coach barely looked interested, and just waved a bored 'okay'.
Naturally, the opposing team consisted of all the bully victims and Percy, while Sloan's team had all the jocks, and the popular kids. Percy narrowed his eyes as he also noticed the visitors. They weren't part of the class, were they? His hands involuntarily tightened on Riptide as he eyed the ugly group of people.
"Scared," Tyson suddenly said.
"Huh, why?" Percy asked, thoroughly puzzled.
"Smell funny. Them," Tyson said, rubbing his nose, while pointing at the visitors.
Percy further narrowed his eyes. Suddenly, a ball was thrown directly at Percy's gut. Percy doubled over in pain, it felt like he was hit by one of those bronze automatons he sparred with at camp set to 'Legendary' difficulty.
It was then Percy made the decision. No human could have thrown that ball with that kind of force. Drawing Riptide, Percy gave a heated glare at the visitors.
Just then, the visitors grew in size, as Percy bit his lip. They were pretty much Giants now, with weird tattoos and sharp teeth.
The kids and big, tough Matt Sloan were screaming. Before they reached the door, however, Marrow Sucker threw his ball at the door, sealing the gym shut.
"Let them go," Percy said coldly, as his eyes glowed at the giants.
"And lose our lunch? I think not, Son of the Eldest," Joe Bob said evilly, before waving his hand.
A new batch of dodgeballs appeared. Except, this was a batch of bronze balls that was nastily hot. Percy looked at the Coach, before deciding that he wasn't any help, from how disinterested he looked. The Mist was troublesome in its own way.
Percy took out Riptide, before having to dodge another batch of bronze balls. The situation wasn't good in anyway, as Percy knew, that he couldn't take them on alone. At this time, Percy wondered where in the flying Hades was Annabeth, before he witnessed Tyson catch the flaming bronze balls and throw it back to the giants, who screamed for their lives. The balls smashed against the giants' chest and they turned to dust.
"My brothers! You will pay for this, Fire spawn!" Joe Bob cried, as Percy's eyes glowed as his powers started to break the seal that Hestia placed on him.
"Shut up, giant," Percy growled as he watched Tyson swat away another ball, which cannoned into the bleachers with a huge explosion.
Finally feeling his powers return to him, Percy let it loose. Although he did not have his dagger, Percy decided his sword should be more than enough. Tyson's hands would have been burnt by now, and with more mortals probably coming in, Percy knew he had to act quickly. He ran towards the giant, dodging through the deathballs, and let loose a beam of red, blazing energy from his sword, that suddenly grew erratic, but eventually hitting its mark, which was Joe Bob. The giant's eyes could only widen, as the bolt of fire pierced through him, and to the wall opposite him, causing a huge explosion that well, scattered all the nasty contents in the locker room.
Percy looked at Riptide. It was a perfect blade, but it felt so… Weird. Erratic would be a nice word for it. He wondered what the blade was to be so unpredictable. Well, at least until he saw a familiar figure standing in front of him.
"What took you so long? Lost your touch, eh, Percy?" Annabeth smirked as she stood in the smoke.
"That's the girl… That's her," Sloan put up a shaky finger.
"And you…" Annabeth said, before punching Sloan clean in the jaw, causing him to crumple.
Percy couldn't help but smile at his friend's dramatic entrance. Although, his smile faltered as he looked at the state of the gym. It was in flames. Percy's attack at blown a hole through the wall, but it didn't help, since the fire was blocking the students' way there. The teachers and Mr Bonsai (The headmaster) was panicking, trying to open the door as students panicked even more.
"See me outside! Bring Tyson too! Especially him," Annabeth said, saying 'him' with a hiss, before disappearing with her hat.
"There!" A teacher shouted in relief as she managed to open the door, as the students ran out of the burning room.
Percy was to follow, before Sloan interrupted.
"It was him! He blew a hole and burned the building! Ask Coach Nunley!" Sloan shouted in terror, as Percy involuntarily let out a frustrated growl and fixed him with a blazing glare.
"Uh, what? Yeah, uhhuh," Coach Nunley said disinterestedly, as Percy bit his lip.
The adults turned to Percy with accusing looks, and Percy knew that they would never believe him, no matter what he said. They wouldn't believe him if he tried anyway. Grabbing Tyson, Percy ran out of the building through the hole, as his eyes continued glowing in anger.
LINE BREAK
Annabeth was waiting at the alley down Church Street. She eyed Percy and Tyson suspiciously, before finally resting her eyes on Tyson, who flinched at her piercing stare. Percy recognized the look. It was the look she gave to enemies.
"Don't be rude, Annabeth. He saved my life," Percy said sternly, not willing to get into a shouting match with her over Tyson being a Cyclopes. Tyson muttered something.
"He can talk?" Annabeth was surprised.
"I talk. You are pretty," Tyson admitted, before Annabeth gave a sour look.
"Ah, gross!" Annabeth stepped away, as Percy gave her his blazing glare.
"Shut up, Annabeth. I said don't be rude. He's my friend too, Cyclopes or not," Percy said coldly, as Annabeth winced.
In fact, Percy had figured out about Tyson earlier. When his powers broke the seal Hestia put, he caught a glimpse of the only one eye Tyson had. The fact that Tyson didn't get his hands burnt was further proof. Chiron taught that Cyclopes needed to be immune to fire, as they worked the forges of the Gods. Percy nodded to Annabeth, who sighed and gave a subdued 'Alright'.
"Now that's over with, what were those guys?" Percy asked, curious.
"Laistrygonians. But that doesn't matter. We have bigger problems. Have you had the dreams?" Annabeth asked with an extremely serious tone.
"Huh? You've got dreams about Grover too?" Percy replied, as Annabeth instantly gasped.
"Grover? What about Grover?" Annabeth asked with a frantic tone.
Percy told her. Annabeth's face was even paler. Percy decided to get off the subject, and settle Annabeth's troubles first.
"What were you dreaming about?" Percy tried to draw away from Grover first – Annabeth had made it pretty clear that her dream meant trouble.
"Trouble at camp," Annabeth said darkly, as Percy sighed.
"Lais-t-try-go-nians called Percy something. Son of the Eldest?" Tyson raised his hand, as Percy and Annabeth exchanged looks.
"Yeah, my mom's Hestia. Why?" Percy was puzzled.
Tyson frowned," But then-"
Suddenly, a police siren could be heard, as Annabeth pulled Percy and said, "We need a cab."
"Huh, we don't have any cash, Annabeth. How do you expect-" Percy said, before Annabeth cut him off with a look.
"Just trust me, Perce. Tyson has to come too," Annabeth looked grim, while she looked at Tyson weirdly, like a disease.
"Annabeth," Percy growled, as Annabeth gave a look of resignation.
"Come on," Annabeth said, as the trio ran through the alley, away from the burning school.
Percy could only feel guilty, thinking about the meeting with his father in the evening, that would never happen. His rotten luck had somehow struck again.
"So much for perfect year."
LINE BREAK
Hestia was biting her nails as she observed her son. She couldn't guide him as she did earlier – a stern threat from Zeus had taken care of that. While Hestia, in her full power, was more powerful than Zeus, the fact that she was restricted by her domains had made sure that her power was restricted. Which was why Zeus feared Percy.
While Hestia was restricted by her domains, Percy was restricted by nothing. Added to the fact that Percy was Hestia's first-born, although a half blood, Percy had the potential to become extremely powerful.
Zeus feared that Percy would someday turn his back on Olympus. If Percy did, darker powers would entice Percy to their side. With Percy on their side and with the Olympians weakening as the millennia passed by, Olympus would be doomed. The fact is, without Hestia's threat, Percy would have been eliminated a long time ago. The only reason Zeus hadn't, was because although he had successfully limited Hestia's power through weak domains, and empowered himself with strong domains, was because Zeus still feared Hestia.
While Hestia was a peaceful goddess, if it meant protecting her child, Zeus knew she would carry on with her threat. Hestia also had many powerful allies that she earned over the millennia with her nature and character, which would most certainly act if she needed to defend herself in some way, or if she was betrayed.
However, the Fates' most recent decree changed everything. Hestia was crucial to the previous quest, and was only allowed to intervene, due to Fate already being set, and the fact that Ares himself interfered. She was only allowed to interfere if it helped along Fate, basically, she could not fight it. She was basically powerless to help Percy, unless it was about mundane things, or just simple facts about his powers. Zeus' reaction was worse. He disallowed any further communication with her and Percy, and gave her many mundane, pointless jobs, to make sure that she didn't visit her family.
She hated it. She hated that her brother was so paranoid. She hated that she was powerless to help her son. She hated the fact that the Fates ruled over the hearts of people, the fact that they abused Ananke's privileges to decide the fates of men, and immortals to their own liking. She still had a firm belief that men should be given free will, as was decreed by Chaos. That particular fact was told to her by well, some of her darker allies.
Turning towards Percy though, she could only look nervously as she sensed his power growing. Zeus was going to take drastic action if Percy awakened his powers further. Not to mention he was already angered by the poisoning of his daughter's tree. He would grow paranoid, and the strongest demigods would be his first target. Or the people close to them, if he couldn't touch the said demigod.
Hestia clenched her fist, though. If he tried anything…
Hestia's pair of blazing eyes then turned white hot, while the room shook with her power, as she thought about how she would act if Zeus lifted a finger against her family.
END OF CHAPTER 10! I'm sorry for the long wait. I hope you forgive me if the flashback scenes were not nicely written, as romance was never my strong suit.
Anyway, may I please ask for a beta? To touch up this chapter. I think I've read over this chapter twice, but it aint hitting the spot, so to speak. Especially the romance scene. I also hope you enjoyed the new dimension I added to Hestia's character. Hahahaha
Oh btw, i have a running plot bunny about a new story in whch PJ is in an AU, and is a son of Akhlys. Pertemis, by the way. I dont know if im going to write it, but i'll do it next week if i feel like it. Hope you enjoyed this chapter
Anyway, thank you so much, Sayonara, and remember one last thing.
REVIEW!