AN
Niya: So are we going to be doing this once a month?
Luna: As long as we have something to give to the people right?
Darion: I guess that's what we're stuck with right now then. Any update is better than no update am I right guys?
*Cricket Sounds*
Niya: There's nobody here jackass! We always take too long!
Luna: Don't worry, I'm sure people will turn up. We really appreciate the rare responses and it really pushes us to write.
Darion: This brings us to our first reviewer in FOREVER, TheGuyBehindYou! Special shout out to you and we finally get to do review responses!
Replies:
TheGuyBehindYou: If you're reading this, thanks my dude. It means a lot to us and to me especially. I miss my brother a lot and we are really trying our best. That's a lot of praise but our story isn't that popular to be on their levels. Hope to hear from you soon!
Niya: Now that's over with! On with the chapter! This should be long and good with some spicy fights! We are also trying this thing where we don't announce it's a dream sequence. Tell us what u think on the transition.
Disclaimer: PJO and HOO are not ours! They are owned by big daddy Rick Riordan!
Niya: Enjoy the chapter!
~ Chapter 9: Tether ~
Percy 3rd Person POV
Percy slowly woke up as his vision focused and he found himself sitting down on a chair in front of his desk at his room in the Forethought Manor. The captain of the Forethought Five raised a brow as he saw the familiar etchings he had made on his mahogany desk, the photos stuck on his corkboard and the various notes he had left cluttered on his desk.
He could hear the faint and distant cries of pain from the Fields of Punishment while the artificial sun rays from the Fields of Asphodel streaked through his window and illuminated his room.
It was morning and he was home but Percy felt something wasn't right. He spun his chair around to see a little girl with mousy brown hair in a simple dark colored dress. She had a small smile on her face while her eyes were roaring with a strong flame.
Percy gave a small chuckle as he realized he really wasn't back home but that he was in a dream. Looking at her, he smiled and said, "Ah of course, a dream. Hello milady."
The Goddess Hestia nodded and said, "Hello my champion. Forgive me for interrupting you but I just wanted to wish you fortune on your quest."
Percy got up and knelt on one knee before her and said, "Much appreciated Lady Hestia but I know you well enough that there is more you would like to say."
She gave him a knowing look and said, "That indeed Perseus. I come to tell you that this quest you are taking is not going to be an easy one."
"Understatement," laughed Percy a little as he raised his head, "The group has a lot of holes in terms of information like not even knowing where to start. Frankly I don't think Phoebe's idea of tracking Artemis is the brightest idea. Granted, she is a Daughter of Ares so I cannot blame her."
"You and your quips Perseus," said Hestia amused as she shook her head, "You know that is going to get you in trouble."
"Only if you let me milady," smirked Percy,
She gave a defeated smile and said, "I came here to tell you that the Gods are not to interfere on this quest but I can tell you where to begin your search."
"On whose grounds and authority milady," asked Percy,
She chuckled mischievously and said, "On mine of course. If Zeus has a problem with me helping my champion find his daughter then he can bring it up to me, his older sister, personally."
Percy nodded as she said, "Begin your search at the Smithsonian Museum in D.C. and you will find your lead."
"Thank you milady," said Percy as he knelt down and kissed her hand,
She nodded and said, "You may also want to carry this. It took me a while but I found it by the shore of the cliff."
Hestia snapped and a small fire erupted in front of her and a knife in its leather sheath appeared where the fire was. Percy's eyes widened as he picked it up and drew the knife to reveal Alex's clean and gleaming Bayonet Knife.
Percy felt its smooth dark surface as Hestia said, "Return this to Alex when you save him Perseus. I have a feeling he is going to want it back."
"Thank you once again milady," answered Percy as he sheathed Alex's knife, "We will save Alex, Annabeth and Lady Artemis."
She kissed his forehead and said, "I know you will my young hero,"
Her eyes began to glow a radiant white as she said, "Now awake, you must begin your quest."
In a flash of light, Percy's eyes snapped open and he sat up on his bed. He looked around and the room was still dark except for the few lamps that were lit. He checked his watch and saw that it was an hour before sunrise and on his right hand, he was holding Alex's knife.
He gripped his brother's weapon and stood up and got his gear ready. After finishing up, Percy was in his usual black shirt and dark combat pants. His watch was gleaming and ready and he felt Anaklusmos in his pocket in its pen form. Looking to his bed, Percy picked up his cloak and snapped it on. He then picked up his brother's combat knife and strapped it to his side, finally completing his outfit.
Percy's hood was down as he adjusted his cloak and he heard a faint voice say, "P-Percy?"
His lavender eyes focused on Ara who groggily sat up from her bed. Percy gave her a kind smile as he approached her as he held a lamp and said, "Hey Ara, I'm about to head out for the quest."
She rubbed her eyes and said, "Be careful okay? I don't want to lose the brother I just met."
Percy chuckled and said, "You won't kid. Stick around Jack okay? He'll give you pointers on how to use your powers okay?"
Her brother gave her a head pat and said, "Sleep up Ara, I'll see you real soon."
The Son of Poseidon then left Ara to sleep in her bed as he exited the Poseidon Cabin and made his way to Half-Blood Hill where the quest party agreed to assemble on the morning of the quest.
When Percy arrived, Talon was already there with Felicia poking him in the chest as she seemed to be either berating him or giving him instructions. Either way, Talon had his usual sharp grin on his face while his glowing orange reptilian eyes peered at Felicia with curiosity as she continued to talk to him.
The half-dragon was dressed like Percy with the addition of his green jacket being worn under his cloak. His great sword was on his back while his tail swung back and forth slowly.
Jack, Thalia and Cat were together a few meters from their older siblings. The Son of Zeus was in a simple shirt and shorts as he was standing up straight with his eyes electric and alert. Cat was wearing her pink pajamas as she sat on Jack's feet to prevent her pajamas from getting soiled by the dirty ground. Her eyes were closed as she held out her hand over a card and a faint blue glow from her hand seemed to stream into the card while she muttered a chant. Thalia was speaking to Jack and saying her goodbyes for the quest. When she finished, she headed towards Chiron.
Chiron was speaking to a man who was by the van that they were to ride. Percy assumed the man was Argus as Chiron had mentioned him the day before and how he would be driving them to where they needed to be.
Zoe and Phoebe were silently waiting for Chiron to finish up so that the quest could be underway. They were both in their usual hunters' uniform and they seemed alert and ready for a fight at any time. It was clear that they were uneasy with the information that Artemis was captured and that they did not have any leads. Thankfully, Hestia had solved that problem for them.
Percy walked towards his team as he saw Felicia whisper something into Talon's ear and then she pulled away and began aggressively asking Talon, "Got it Lizard Breath?"
Talon gave her his usual smile and chuckle and said, "Of course I got it. I'll look out for Percy. Dad always called me Percy's protector. I'll do my job you crazy woman."
Felicia placed her fist on Talon's chest as if she had punched him and said, "I know you'll keep Percy safe but get this done and come back to us alright?"
She did not look at Talon's face as she seemed to be looking away while Talon looked down on his chest where her fist was and said, "Jeez Felicia, of course we will. Be careful with your blushing though, people might think you actually care."
Felicia faced him with her face red with either embarrassment or anger and she threw an actual punch to his face but his tail caught her fist as he held his hands in his jacket pockets and he gave her a sincere smile saying, "Thanks Felicia. I'll see you soon."
She yanked her fist away as Talon noticed Percy coming and Felicia nodded at him as Percy said, "Glad to see everyone is here to send us off."
"Cat come on," called Jack moving his leg, "Percy is here"
She frowned and said, "Hold on Sparky, let me focus."
The Daughter of Hecate gave a final word and the streaming energy stopped and the card seemed to glow and tone down. She picked up the card and got up and said, "I don't like getting interrupted you dunce."
Percy chuckled as Jack nodded and gave a mock salute to her and he said, "Good luck Percy, save Alex."
"Will do Jack," said Percy with a nod, "Talon and I will get him back but while I'm gone, can you help Ara with her powers?"
Jack excitedly nodded as static arced around him and he said, "Gotcha cap,"
Percy and Jack shared a fist bump and Cat smiled at him and said, "Here take these,"
She handed him two cards. One of them had the Greek word for horse on them and the other hand an array of symbols that she couldn't recognize and the symbols all seemed to change color.
The Son of Poseidon took them gratefully and worriedly asked, "This isn't going to blow up in the van is it?"
Cat slapped his arm and said, "The one with the horse is for you. I'll be giving the other half to Talon. The other card I gave you is for Alex. When you see him, give it to him."
Percy raised a brow as Cat winked at him and said, "He'll know what it means."
She poked Percy on the cheek and said, "Watch out for each other brother dear."
The Son of Poseidon nodded as Talon approached the two and Talon shared a fist bump with Jack as well and Cat gave him his own card. The two quest members pocketed their received items as they faced their three teammates.
Percy could see the sun rising as he said, "Felicia, hold down the Camp while we're gone will you?"
"Come on Percy," said Felicia as she ruffled Cat and Jack's heads, "I'll make sure these two idiots don't do anything dumb."
Nodding, Percy said, "Make some friends too and play nice got it?"
The three of them nodded and replied, "Got it Captain!"
Talon scoffed as Percy and him turned heel and began to walk toward Chiron, Argus, Zoe, Phoebe and Thalia. The two smiled as they knew that they had people to come back to and they had no reason to fail this quest.
Thalia nodded at them as Talon raised two of his fingers in a V and Percy nodded back at her. She was in her usual punk outfit and she had her spear with her and her shield in their kept forms as they were to undergo travel. Chiron looked towards them as he asked, "So Miss Nightshade, where would you want Argus to take you five?"
Zoe Nightshade frowned and said, "Lady Artemis has a hunting route a few miles due north. We can track her from there but I hope she left enough for us to follow."
Percy raised his hand and cleared his throat and said, "If I may?"
Chiron nodded as Percy said, "I have received information from Lady Hestia that we are to begin our search at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C."
"Why there?" asked Phoebe impatiently, "This had better not be a waste of time."
Talon growled but Percy simply smiled with a closed eyed smile and said, "It is not wise to doubt Lady Hestia Phoebe."
Chiron gave an audible hum and said, "If Lady Hestia gave you this then I don't see why you should not trust her as you are her champion."
"Very well," said Zoe, "Lady Artemis spoke highly of Lady Hestia and I too will trust her judgement."
"Then I bid you all good luck," said Chiron with his head high, "May you be fortunate and safe in your quest."
"Fortunate? Maybe," joked Talon out loud, "Safe? Probably not,"
Percy and Thalia cracked a smile while everyone else remained silent and solemn. Talon nervously scratched his head as they all boarded the van with Percy and Talon in the back, Thalia alone in the middle and Phoebe and Zoe in front. Percy could see everyone outside, waiting for them to depart. He gave a small wave that he hoped they saw and Argus rode the driver's seat and only then did Percy notice that his entire body was covered in eyes as he reached out to adjust the mirror with his multiple eyed arm.
Zoe spoke quietly, "Argus take us to Washington D.C.'s Smithsonian Museum."
Argus gave a low hum and started the car as it began to move forward towards the road leaving Half-Blood hill disappear in the distance the farther they got. When they arrived on the highway, Percy leaned back into his seat. He observed Thalia having her eyes closed while he faintly heard music coming from her earphones. Phoebe and Zoe were quiet and still as if they were ready to spring into action at any time. Talon gave an audible burp as he chuckled and said, "Oops, sorry. Breakfast made me gassy."
Percy heard Phoebe grunt, "Filthy half-breed,"
Talon frowned at that and said, "You got something to say huntress?"
Phoebe turned from her seat and glared at Talon with a sharp look and said, "If Zoe and I have to be stuck in this machine with a boy a mongrel like you, I'd prefer it if you didn't stink up the place."
The Son of Godric bared his fangs as Percy raised a brow and said, "That wasn't very nice."
"You expect us to be nice?" asked Phoebe now leering at Percy,
"That is enough Phoebe," said Zoe calmly, "This is going to be a long ride so calm down."
Phoebe gave the two boys one last dirty look and faced front once more. Talon scowled and said, "What is her problem?"
"Beats me," said Percy looking out of the window, "By the way Talon, what did Felicia whisper to you?"
The half-breed raised a brow at Percy and said, "To look out for you of course,"
"Was that all there was to say?" asked Percy bouncing his eyebrows, "Come on dude, you gotta fill me in."
Talon chuckled and put a finger to his own lips and said, "That's a secret Perce,"
"Even to your captain?" mocked Percy,
"Especially to my captain," answered Talon grinning,
The Son of Poseidon shrugged his shoulders in defeat as Talon looked towards the window as they passed a sign. Talon scratched the back of his head and said, "Anyway Washington is a long way from here so you better catch up on some sleep Cap'n."
"Wake me up when we get there alright?" yawned Percy as he turned his back on Talon and leaned on his brother,
Crossing his arms, Talon nodded and said, "Gotcha Perce,"
Percy nodded as he felt himself drift away to sleep to the rocking of the van but as a demigod, a peaceful sleep was rare and yet again, Percy found himself in a dream. It felt like he had been snapped into another reality and Percy groaned as he was dragged once again from a peaceful sleep to another weird dream.
He was in the middle of the most beautiful garden he had ever seen. It was dark as the moon was still in the sky but the grass seemed to glimmer under the lunar light. Flowers of all kinds were in bloom and their colors radiantly shone in the evening. Stone steps of polished marble led around to a five story apple tree where golden apples hung from each bough.
Around the large tree was a massive creature that seemed to coil its massive serpentine body around the tree in a protective manner. Its body hugged the tree but not hard enough to damage it. Its scales shimmered like copper in the evening light and even as a dream apparition; Percy could smell its acidic breath and the sight of its hundred heads made his skin crawl and hairs stand on end.
Percy had read up on his Greek mythology in his years of training and without a doubt, this was the Garden of the Hesperides and what stood before him was the tree of the Golden Apples of Immortality being guarded by one of the most powerful monsters known to time, the beast Ladon.
His focus on the tree and Ladon was interrupted when he saw two people running and stopping behind a large rock. Percy then stepped around and peered behind the large rock to see a man who was large and burly with a tunic with what looked like a lion's skin draped on his back. His hand was being held by a girl with bright glowing hair, luminous skin and glimmering eyes. They breathed heavily as they scanned the garden, still hidden from Ladon.
"Running is not needed," said the large man, "Thousands of monsters have fallen to my bare hands, this one is no different."
"No" said the girl, "Ladon is too powerful even for someone like you hero. The only other way is with my father's path."
The girl's voice dripped with concern and affection while the man chuckled and said "Your father seems dangerous,"
"He is," confirmed the girl seriously, "You will die if you do, and outsmarting him is the best option."
The man smiled at her with a sparkly smile and said "Then help me pretty one and I shall show you the world."
Percy could already tell the man was charming his way to the girl in between his teeth. He was only using her and Percy hated men like this. His hands clenched into fists as the girl gave into his voice and nervously looked around as she took a hairpin from her hair and breathed on it as the bronze hair pin began to glow a faint color.
She handed it to him and said "Take this, use in the fight. It was given to me by my mother Pleione, an ocean goddess, her power and the ocean is within it, my immortal power."
She looked at the man with hopeful eyes and said, "I wish to see the world with you. Take me along when this is over because I can no longer stay here after I help you. Promise?"
The man held the pin in his large hand not even noticing what she said and the girl continued, "Make a weapon of it if you must,"
"A hairpin?" asked the man in an amused voice, "How will this slay such a mighty beast like Ladon pretty one?"
"As a pin, it will do little against Ladon but activate it," said the girl,
The girl's voice was sad as the man spun it in his hands as it became a familiar bronze sword that glowed faintly in the darkness. The man held it and tested it out as he said "A wonderful blade, I often use my hands alone but such a fine weapon deserves a name,"
"Anaklusmos is its name," said the girl, "The current that takes one by surprise,"
The man smiled glumly as a hissing sound was heard and the rock behind them got smashed and from the rubble, Ladon's large form came into view. The mighty Ladon, Guardian of the Golden Apples of Immortality roared before the man as its coppery green scales were faintly glistening in the darkness.
A battle between the two waged until the man escaped Ladon thanks to the blade the woman had given him. The scene seemed to shift as the man walked towards the girl with a golden apple in his hand.
She smiled at him and said, "Where are we going?"
"I am going back to Tiryns," said the man victoriously,
"How will we get there?" asked the girl as she stepped beside him,
The man spun the sword he was given until it was a hairclip once more and said, "I will be riding a boat back but you can do as you wish."
"W-what?" asked the girl in surprise,
The man gave a smug grin and said, "I got what I came for."
"Y-your promise!" said the girl, "You said you would take me with you!"
"I only said that as a means to an end," said the man shaking his head and beginning to walk away, "I agreed to nothing. You were so eager to help me that I just took the chance."
"You can't do this to me!" screamed the girl as she stepped in front of him, "I gave everything up for you!"
The man frowned as he swiped his hand, violently knocking the girl onto the ground. Percy's blood boiled as the girl had hurt herself in that fall and she looked up at the hero as he said, "I would remain here and have a little fun with you if I had time but I desperately need to go."
Percy heard her began to whimper as he said, "This was your entire choice pretty one. I suggest you leave as soon as you can before Ladon awakens."
As soon as he finished speaking, the man walked past the girl as if she wasn't there and the girl began to cry and sob uncontrollably. She watched the man walk away from her as her glowing skin and hair began to turn into a mundane tone. Her dress was now filthy and torn due to her falling to the ground. Percy moved closer and his jaw dropped when he noticed her bright eyes turn into a familiar dark brown cover and he realized this was Zoe Nightshade, the lieutenant of Artemis.
Percy then suddenly felt his body get yanked out the scene as he woke up with a start in the van, accidentally kicking the van's side. Talon looked at him and said, "Woah buddy, you alright?"
The Son of Poseidon could feel his chest heaving and his heart pounding as he nodded while the rest of the van's passengers looked at him. Phoebe scoffed and said, "Had a nightmare boy?"
The huntress was clearly mocking him but Percy could only stare at Zoe who curiously looked at him with her cold, silver-brown eyes. Thalia glared at Phoebe and said, "Lay off dude."
Before Phoebe could retort, the van came to an abrupt stop as Argus faced them with his countless eyes and said, "We're here"
Thalia then reached for the van's door handle and slid the door open and everyone began to step out and when they were all off the van, Thalia nodded at Argus who nodded back and began to drive away from the group as they were left in the middle of Washington, in front of the Smithsonian Museum as countless people bustled around them.
Talon sniffed the air and said, "Huh, looks like Lady Hestia was right with that lead. I smell monster."
"You can smell monsters?" asked Thalia, "Doesn't that mean they can smell us too?"
The half-dragon gave a grin and said, "That's why I'm Percy's protector. My scent is stronger than any demigod's because I'm part Dragon but it's a weird scent to them that they dismiss me as any kind of rabble. This way I can cover up your demigod scents."
Percy nodded and said, "Yeah that's how Jack and I never get detected by monsters when we're close by."
"That is impressive," mused Zoe,
Phoebe crossed her arms and said, "At least you're useful for something,"
Talon gave a low growl as Percy held out his hand and said, "Lady Hestia told me our lead would be here. So we spread out and look around?"
"You don't order us around boy," said Zoe lowly, "Let me remind you this is my quest."
"Then what do you want to do then?" asked Thalia rolling her eyes,
Zoe looks around and said, "We all disperse and meet up here in front of the museum in half an hour. If you find anything, return here immediately."
"You got it," said Percy nodding at Zoe,
Talon, Thalia and Phoebe acknowledged Zoe's orders and Talon said, "Don't worry; nobody will pick up your scents as long as I'm in the vicinity I can assure that."
Phoebe looked at Percy and said, "Don't get too lost now boy; wouldn't want you going missing without your half-breed of a sibling holding your hand right Zoe?"
Talon's claws extended as he bared his sharp teeth and venomously said, "Would you give it a rest already? I wouldn't honestly care if you kept insulting me but do not underestimate or make fun of my captain. I think you forget that he was the one who kicked your sorry ass in the games huntress."
The burly huntress stepped towards him and spat, "That was a fluke half-breed! You boys aren't good for anything but being the smelly pigs you are, you'd make great monster bait!"
Talon clenched his fist as Thalia groaned and said, "This again with you Hunters. Gods, this is why I rejected joining you guys. You're so hateful of men that you don't realize some of them can be good."
"There are no good men," said Zoe seriously, "I am trusting you two as Lady Artemis asked me to but if it were up to me, I would take a set of Hunters with me on this quest."
Zoe eyed them coldly as she bitterly said, "Not a Camper, not a Monster and certainly not an arrogant Captain."
Tension was in the air as they even caught some of the people's attention but Percy raised his head, gave his polite smile and said, "Well sorry but we're all you got right now. We are all here to save Lady Artemis and I know you don't want our help but you have no other choice. We are a part of this whether you like it or not Miss Nightshade."
The Son of Poseidon turned around before she could speak and said, "This has grown tiresome. Let's just get searching. Talon, you're with me."
Percy began to walk away from the group while Talon kept up at his side. Their cloaks swung along as they walked and the mortals did not seem to notice their attire, equipment or Talon's glowing eyes as The Mist cloaked them well to appear normal other than the fact that Talon seemed to tower over everyone they came across.
Walking on the sidewalk, Percy could feel Talon still fuming over the argument they just had and said, "I can feel you're still pissed dude but let it go."
Talon gave a groan of annoyance and said, "Damn Hunters dude, who the heck to they think they are?"
Percy knew his brother well enough that he just had to listen to him so he kept his mouth shut as Talon continued, "They just love looking down on us! That Phoebe just keeps smack talking us and I see how her lieutenant looks at us! We'll show them who's good for nothing when we carry this quest right Cap'n?"
As Percy faced Talon to answer him, the Son of Poseidon caught sight of someone at the distance. Percy focused his eyes and saw a familiar humanoid figure but he could see the person's heterochromatic eyes from a distance and watched the man climb the stairs to the museum. Dr. Thorn, the Manticore, was at the Smithsonian Museum.
Talon noticed Percy looking behind him and he turned and bared his teeth saying, "You see him Percy?"
"Yeah," agreed the young hero with a small smirk, "Looks like we found our lead,"
The monster entered the museum in his human form so Percy and Talon sneakily followed him into the museum. They had no time to warn the others as they may lose track of the monster but wading through the crowd of people in the museum, Percy and Talon managed to stealthily stalk the monster who had taken their brother.
They followed the monster to the Museum of Natural History and to avoid detection, the two made their way to the roof where they sneaked up to and peered into the room below with their access to the ceiling window.
Looking down, Talon growled at the large skeletal frame of the T-Rex below them and Talon whispered, "That's no T-Rex, that's a Sybaris."
"A what?" asked Percy confused,
Talon sighed and said, "I don't wanna give you a history on Dragons right now but that skeleton down there is what they called a Drake, not a Dragon."
The half-breed peered down with Percy mumbling, "I don't know what it's doing down there though."
"Look," whispered Percy as he saw Luke, the former hero of Camp Half-Blood.
He was in the attire Percy saw in his dream the day before and he stood with small yet noticeable signs of discomfort with his body language. His well-kept blonde hair had a grey streak in it and his scarred face was tight with stress as he seemed older and sicklier than his photos back at Camp. His tanned skin seemed pale and Percy wondered if he was sick and how could he change so much in a day.
Beside him was a figure in a hooded cloak. The figure wore a dark green cloak that seemed to be covered in fur. Upon further inspection, Percy and Talon saw that the figure's apparel was a hunting uniform made of animal skin, leather and the sorts. The figure's dimly glowing amber eyes were alert and observed the area. The pair could not make out the rest of the figure's face as it was covered from the nose-below by a cloth mask. The figure seemed to be unarmed but the duo knew better than to assume that.
The pair below walked towards the model of the Sybaris skeleton as a figure they did not notice stepped out of the shadows. It was a large figure, at least a few feet taller than Talon. He wore traditional Greek clothing but a hood covered his face. The large figure tightly held a javelin at his side as he spoke, "You're both late."
The figure had a deep and powerful voice that demanded respect. Percy could feel authority and pride from his voice yet the way he spoke sounded familiar.
"My apologies General," said Luke as he and the figure beside him knelt down with a bow,
The General nodded and said, "Do not let this happen again. I do not tolerate tardiness in my army."
Tapping his javelin once on the ground, the Manticore stepped out of the shadows in his monstrous form and said, "General, why have we gathered here?"
Snapping his fingers, the General motioned for Luke and the figure beside him to get up and follow him as he led the two to step with him on the soil display of the Sybaris skeleton.
"Do you have what I asked for Ranger?" asked the General heavily,
The figure beside Luke pulled down her mask and hood to reveal a younger looking girl with a head of medium length wavy hair that fell down to her shoulders. She pulled out a grey pouch from her waist which she handed to the General.
Chuckling, the General dug around the pouch and pulled out what seemed to be a sizable tooth. Percy saw Talon tense up as the General held one up and said, "These are rare to come by but a Dragon's Tooth in the hands of someone who knows what it can do is an invaluable resource."
"Where did you find such a thing?" asked the Manticore to the Ranger, "Only very little Dragons roam the world."
"Took me a while to track down," said the girl in her serious yet amused tone, "but one museum had these on display as thinking they were dinosaur teeth."
The General then planted what seemed to be about twelve teeth into the soil. He then handed Luke a knife and said, "Cut your hand Castellan,"
Doing as he was told, Luke cut his hand and poured the spilling blood over the soil. Suddenly, the Sybaris' exhibit began to shake as the General, the Ranger and Luke walked off the exhibit as the Sybaris model gave out and collapsed. From the soil it stood on, out came twelve skeletons with transparent grey skin. They had hollow eyes that were devoid of any light and they stood in a tight formation quietly. The skeletons also wore an assortment of uniforms, ranging from a solider, a police officer and even a civil war soldier.
Percy clicked his teeth as he realized the General had raised twelve Spartoi from the ground. Talon gave Percy a worried look as the General gave a guffaw while Luke covered up his cut. The Son of Hermes then looked at the Ranger and said, "Riley, give him the cloth."
The Ranger called Riley sighed as she forcefully handed Luke a familiar looking silver material. He then handed it to the General who held it in his hand and held the cloth to the Spartoi's faces as he walked around them.
Riley cleared her throat and said, "As you asked sir, that is cloth from Zoe Nightshade."
A sudden gripping feeling overcame the area as Percy felt his knees weaken realizing the General leaked out a massive amount of killing intent. The ranger shut her mouth as the General yelled, "I told you to never speak of her name Ranger! "
When he was finished, he dropped the piece of cloth and watched as the Spartoi's hollow eyes blazed to life with a malicious yellow. They stood at a salute as their jaws clicked and they radiated an inhuman bloodlust.
"They now have her scent," said the General with glee, "they will never stop until that wench is dead along with her companions."
He then looked at the Ranger and said, "Separate the Daughter of Zeus from them, the beast will follow her."
"As for the rest Ranger," said the General sadistically, "Hunt them down with the Spartoi and leave none alive. Understood?"
Nodding, the girl raised her mask and hood as she gave a loud whistle. Percy faced Talon and said, "We have to get out of here now. Those Spartoi will be coming after Zoe and we have to warn her."
"Yeah and we got Aragorn over there to hunt as down too," grumbled Talon as he opened his wings,
Percy nodded and said, "Alright let's get out of here before-"
Suddenly, the roof they stood shook as an explosion rang out from below them. The footing they had shattered and crumbled to pieces causing the pair to fall down below. Talon landed on his feet while Percy drew Anaklusmos and stabbed a pillar and slid down to the floor.
There, Luke met eyes with Percy in surprise as the Son of Poseidon gave him a dirty look. The Ranger held out a smoking crossbow that was small and so compact that she held it with one hand and said, "Well look at what we have here; a couple of trespassers."
"Don't worry we won't be staying long," said Percy as the enemies around them edged a little forward,
"Ah what do we have here?" asked the General, "Prometheus' brats!"
"Talon now!" shouted Percy as the Son of Poseidon swung his sword down and a pillar of golden fire erupted from the ground while Talon grabbed him and flew out of the hole they fell in.
The fire caused the Manticore, Luke and the Ranger to scramble back but the General just stood there, unfazed. The General watched the flames expand but with a mighty swing of his javelin, the flames dissipated and he barked, "After them!"
As the brothers exited, a bronze colored blur almost hit Talon as they shot through the hole; the pair then saw the bronze blur land in front of the ranger. It had the body, hind legs and the tail of a lion but its front legs and head were that of an eagle. The creature was massive as it was about the size of a small car and it had the wings of an eagle. Its talon's looked razor sharp and dangerous and the creature's sharp and piercing eyes followed the pair. A leather saddle rested on its back and it had bags and straps attached onto it with reigns set around its neck.
"Ah crap," said Talon getting Percy on his back, "It's a damn Griffin,"
The Ranger rustled the creature's bronze feathers and mounted it as the Spartoi surrounded her. She rubbed the Griffin's body and said, "Hunting time Vigor, sick'em boys!"
The Spartoi began to rush out of the room as Percy held on tight to Talon's back as the half-dragon flew as fast as he could, tracking the smell of Thalia. He quickly made his way there where Phoebe, Thalia and Zoe frowned at him as he quickly landed.
Phoebe rolled her eyes and said, "We said half an hour boy!"
"No time to talk," said Percy as he looked around and heard a commotion coming from the museum, "We have to leave!"
"Something scared you two cowards?" asked Phoebe insultingly,
"We don't have time for this!" said Talon as he pulled his sword from his back, "Talon and I a giant man called the General, some girl called Riley who is leading a dozen Spartoi to hunt us from Luke's orders. They gave a piece of your cloth to the Spartoi Zoe."
The Lieutenant looked concerned as Percy continued, "They're coming for you specifically."
At a distance, a figure was seen flying overhead as Zoe nodded and said, "Let's run!"
As she said that, the entrance of the museum opened to see a dozen Spartoi making their way towards them. Running out of the gate, Percy pushed the gates closed as he nodded at Talon who blew a breath of fire at the gates, sealing it shut.
"That should buy us some time," said Talon as Thalia watched the Spartoi begin to try and climb the gate,
Zoe and Phoebe led the way to their running through an alley which led them to the Natural Air and Space Museum. Running into the building, it was good to see that it was devoid of any people. Zoe breathed heavily as Phoebe said, "What was that?!"
"What's the plan Zoe?" asked Percy to the Lieutenant of Artemis,
She clicked her teeth in annoyance and said, "We have to figure out what the hell is happening!"
Talon kept looking around as Percy sarcastically said, "Look, long story short, we spotted some monsters, followed them, found their little meeting, got caught, got hunted and here we are!"
Thalia went up to Talon and said, "You said Luke was there?"
Talon nodded and said, "Yep, your boyfriend was the one who set those Spartoi on us!"
The Daughter of Zeus looked pissed at Talon but her attention was pulled away when we loud set of steps were heard and from the corner of the massive museum, a massive creature growled at them.
It was a lion that was roughly the size of a pickup truck. Its hide glistened a little as the lights seemed to bounce off it radiantly. It snarled at the heroes as its saliva dripped onto the ground while it stalked towards them.
The Son of Godric began to form scales on his skin as he gripped his weapon tight and said, "Guess it's my lucky day! I get to fight the Nemean Lion!"
The Lion gave an ear splitting roar and began to stalk towards Talon who returned the roar and stepped forward with his great sword at his side. Clearly the Lion recognized Talon as a monster as well and this other creature was getting in the way of his prey; the demigods.
It pounced as Zoe called, "Split up! Find a way to hurt it!"
Percy watched as Talon swung his sword at the lunging Nemean Lion and his massive sword's edge hit the creature's neck area and it did nothing but send the creature crashing on a displayed jet model.
It got up and Talon looked at his sword and said, "Uh oh, guess the legends were true."
He rolled away to dodge the monster's lunge and said, "Yeah my sword can't cut it."
Zoe and Phoebe had their bows drawn and maneuvered themselves to the suspended jet exhibits in the area where they launched volleys of silver arrows at the monster's vital points but none of their arrows pierced the legendary hide.
Percy looked at Thalia and said, "Well cousin, let's go kill a Lion."
The Daughter of Zeus gave him a grin and said, "Talon's taking the brunt of it so let's flank this thing!"
The two powerful demigods drew their weapons and split up as Percy went to the left and Thalia hit the right. Talon pushed against the creature's face with the flat of his blade to hold it back as Thalia charged her spear with electricity and jabbed it to the creature's side.
Even lightning had no effect on it as it shoved to the right, knocking Thalia down and form the other end, Percy ignited Riptide with Greek Fire as he swung on the monster's torso and legs but nothing, not even a Greek Fire weapon, seemed to hurt it.
From the side of his vision, Percy saw the creature swing its paw and Talon was sent flying and crashing on a wall. The Nemean Lion then turned to face Percy and raised its head to bite down but Thalia sprung from the side with her shield, Aegis, raised up and the creature reeled back as more arrows came raining from the pair of hunters.
Thalia looked at him and said, "Hit it Percy!"
Holding out his other hand, Percy opened his palm and said "Talon get ready!"
The Son of Godric held his great sword ready as flames began to ignite on Percy's hand and in a flash, a powerful torrent of golden flames erupted from his hand and it hit the Nemean Lion, sending it flying and crashing on another exhibit.
While it was stunned, Talon rose up and began to fly up into the air where at a point, he clipped his wings and began to descend at a rapid pace. He spun in the air in a forward motion with his great sword in hand and said, "Eat this Mufasa!"
The Nemean Lion looked up and Talon came down smashing his great sword's edge on the monster's face. The Nemean Lion got pulverized by the hit causing a small crater to appear and Talon bounced away and stood next to Percy.
The creature was still as the group held their breaths but the Nemean Lion began to groggily move and got up, glaring at the group and roaring at them.
Phoebe frowned and said, "We're aiming for its vitals but nothing is going through!"
Zoe looked out of one of the windows and said, "This isn't good. This monster is keeping us here and soon enough, with all the noise we are making, the Spartoi will find us."
The three on the ground evaded the lunge as Percy looked at Talon and said, "That thing was beaten before by choking it to death. Can you do that?"
Talon swiped his sword in the air and said, "I'm strong Percy but not that strong!"
Watching the Nemean Lion roar at them once more, Percy said, "The highlight of this thing was the impervious skin right?"
Thalia nodded as Talon engaged the creature to keep it at a distance and said, "What are you planning?"
Percy waved his flaming sword and said, "The three of you, distract it! Talon and I will finish this now!"
A visible expression of distaste flashed on Zoe's face but Thalia snapped her out of it and said, "Go do it!"
The Daughter of Zeus blasted the creature with lightning, catching its attention. It dashed towards her as Zoe and Phoebe fired an arrow each on a suspended flying machine and when Thalia passed it, the lines were cut and the display crashed on the Nemean Lion.
Percy stood ready next to Talon and said, "Talon when it comes at us, be ready to catch it or I'll die."
Talon gave a laugh and said, "Yeah, like I'm going to let that happen."
The Nemean Lion then burst out of its debris, eyes full of rage and hunger and the first thing it saw was Percy. It then began to dash towards Percy who had Riptide at his side, ignited with golden fire while Talon sheathed his great sword on his back and bent his knees a bit like a linebacker, ready to meet his opponent.
When the creature lunged, Talon gave a roar and held his arms out and caught the Lion's maw and held it wide open. The monster's sharp teeth dug into Talon's hands and blood poured from where he held the Nemean Lion but his orange reptilian eyes were focused and determined while he continued to growl like a beast.
The Lion tried to pry away but Talon held it with all his strength as Percy went to Talon's side quickly and stabbed Riptide upwards into the creature's maw and sure enough, the familiar feeling of blade cutting through flesh was felt by Percy and the Nemean Lion went limp as it collapsed and disintegrated into dust, leaving nothing but its pelt which was now at a reasonable human size.
Talon clenched his fists but Percy immediately sheathed his weapons and put an open hand of golden fire over Talons hands and said, "Nice catch dude,"
"Gotta admit," said Talon as he felt his wounds begin to heal, "That was gnarly,"
"Oh my Gods," said Thalia as she ran towards them, "That was insane!"
Phoebe and Zoe hooped off their stations and approached the two. Phoebe nodded and said, "Not too bad for a half-breed,"
Talon flashed her a toothy smile and said, "Bite me"
As Percy's flames continued to mend Talon's wounds, Thalia curiously looked at it and said, "How are you healing him?"
Percy finished up and quelled the flames and said, "As Hestia's Champion, I can heal others through the power of the hearth."
Zoe gestured to the Nemean Lion pelt and said, "Take it Perseus, it's your trophy."
The group watched Percy pick up the pelt and said, "This must be really valuable huh?"
Talon nodded and said, "Nemean Lions are hard to come by and that thing can be pretty useful in protecting yourself."
Percy looked at the pelt in his hands and gave a short hmm before igniting it with his golden flames and throwing it into a trash bin. Talon looked mortified and said "Yo dude! Why'd you do that?!"
Percy closed his eyes and nodded as he said, "I'm offering it up to Lady Artemis and Lady Hestia. Lady Artemis needs her strength and I'm sure this offering will help her and we have Lady Hestia to thank for leading us to go here."
The group watched the flames flicker and consume the pelt as Talon gave a sigh and shook his head saying, "I should have seen that coming from you Perce but you may need that to protect yourself."
"Nah," grinned Percy, "I don't need it to protect me since I have you as my protector Talon."
Talon gave a hearty laugh and said, "Well I would have kept it but you're the Captain."
A ruckus was heard outside as Zoe said, "The Spartoi are approaching. Come along, we need to escape."
After a good hour of running, the group managed to evade the Spartoi and the Ranger due to Talon's scent and they eventually made it to a train terminal. Looking around for a sign, Percy saw a train that was taking off that said "Sunrise Railways".
He waved the group and said, "Over there! That should take us far away from here!"
Each of the quest members rode the train and from a distance, the Griffin and its rider, the Ranger were settled at a distance seeing them ride the train. She saw the Spartoi attempt to board but some sort of magic kept them from riding the train.
She pulled off her mask and hood and said, "Damn Half-Dragon! Kept their scents hidden and they got away."
The Griffin cawed worriedly as she rubbed its neck feathers and said, "We'll follow them and hit them when they won't see us coming."
Inside the train, Percy and company were amazed to see that the train they had boarded was a carrier of luxury cars as an assorted array of models and colors of cars were parked in the train's box car.
Thalia immediately plopped down on her behind and said, "Holy crap what a day!"
Looking out, the sun was already setting and Zoe and Phoebe rested near one of the cars as Percy nodded and said, "Agreed. Let's take a break here for now and since this thing is heading west and that's where we need to go."
"Why West?" asked Phoebe, "We need to find Lady Artemis,"
"Yeah," said Percy with a nod," but the General mentioned how they were also looking for the beast Artemis was hunting. We find that beast, we find her."
"We don't even know what it is Perce," said Talon leaning on the wall, "The list of monsters we can write down is pretty long."
"That's why we're heading to San Francisco," said Percy with a serious tone, "We know someone who can give information."
Talon's eyes widened and said, "Old Man Nerus,"
Percy smiled and nodded as Zoe said, "I can go along with this plan. Nerus is said to have knowledge on everything. If there is anyone who can help us find Lady Artemis, it's him."
"Then let's get some rest till we have to go then," said Thalia opening one of the doors of the sports cars, "I call dibs on this one."
Phoebe nodded at Zoe and found her own car while Talon winked at Percy and said, "Dibs on the cherry red Ferrari Percy,"
The large man excitedly entered his own car leaving Percy to watch Zoe give him an impassive look and walk away to her own car. This left Percy alone in the open area where he decided to find his own car; a dark colored Lamborghini.
Shutting his door, Percy opened the light and adjusted the rear view mirror to see someone sitting in his back seat. Percy jumped up in surprise with his fist on fire but the man in the backseat waved his hands and said, "Woah woah! Take it easy!"
Percy lowered his fist slowly and observed the man who had a familiar glint in his eyes but he looked like a Caucasian young man with dark, curly hair and blue eyes. Percy then realized who it was when he saw a bright light flashing in the man's eyes and said, "Nice disguise Apollo,"
"Shh!" said Apollo quietly, "My dad doesn't want us Gods interfering on quests so right now I'm Lester!"
Thunder rumbled outside as Percy smiled and said, "Thanks for the ride. It really helps us."
"I didn't do anything," said Lester grinning mischievously,
Percy shook his head and said, "Anyways, Sunrise Railways is a catchy name. Really holds up."
Lester winked and said, "Thanks for helping my dear little sister with that sacrifice. I owe you and your brother a lot for going through this quest with a pair of the nastiest man haters the hunt has to offer."
The Captain of the Forethought Five shrugged and said, "It's not that bad, I mean Phoebe can be really annoying but you should meet my sister."
"Zoe is the one you should watch out for," said Lester, "Ice cold Lieutenant of my sister. She hates men more than anyone."
Percy raised a brow at that as Lester elbowed him and said, "She does seem pretty nice to you though. Maybe she has the hots for Olympus' new favorite demigod?"
The demigod glared at Lester until he heard a knocking on his tinted window. He looked right and saw Zoe knocking on his right window. Looking back, Lester was now gone as Zoe opened the right side door, sat in the shotgun seat and said, "How sure are you that this is going west boy."
"Pretty sure," replied Percy with a smile,
Zoe rolled her eyes and said, "What made you say that?"
The Son of Poseidon made a pinching motion and said, "A little friend told me,"
"No more games Perseus," frowned Zoe,
He raised a brow and said, "Sunrise Railways? Ring any loud, bright bells?"
Zoe froze for a second and said, "Ugh…Apollo."
Percy looked at her in mock surprise and said, "Nope! No Apollo here, just Lester."
Zoe held in her chuckle but a small, barely noticeable snicker was heard. Percy grinned at her as she composed herself and said, "Very well, I just had to know."
Before she opened the door, Percy called out, "Hold on!"
She faced him with an impatient look as he pulled Riptide out of his pocket in its pen form, held it out with his open hand and said, "I believe this is yours."
Her eyes widened as she looked at it in his hand and said, "W-What are you talking about?"
"This is yours," Percy insisted, "If I didn't give it back to its owner I would be stealing."
Zoe's piercing eyes looked at him as she asked, "You know?"
Percy nodded sadly and said, "I had a dream about it. If it's worth anything, Heracles was a terrible person for doing what he did to you and I can understand why you'd hate men."
She smiled at the pen and gingerly took it from him and said, "I was a fool. I wanted to see the world but I was blinded by that desire to see that I was being used by that male."
Zoe inspected the pen as Percy said, "We got off on the wrong foot but everything up to now really made me feel like we're sort of becoming friends."
"Friends?" asked Zoe, "With a male like you?"
"You did just call me Perseus for the first time if you didn't notice," said Percy giving her a snarky smile, "I believe that's a lot of progress from boy."
She looked at the pen and held it out to him and said, "You need a weapon for the quest. I've seen what you can do with Anaklusmos, this would be a loss to you."
Percy shook his head and put her hand down using his and said, "I have more weapons ready. I just want it to be returned to its rightful owner."
Zoe silently looked at him directly and said, "You are different Perseus,"
"Excuse me?" asked Percy,
"I can see why Milady respects you," agreed Zoe as she gave him an actual smile, "Apart from your sacrifice to Lady Artemis, helping lead the quest and returning Anaklusmos, I just want to say thank you."
Percy nodded as he slowly said, "One more thing…the General is your father Atlas, is he not?"
Zoe scowled and said, "You have a problem with that?"
"Please," said Percy with a roll of his eyes, "My father is Prometheus, I couldn't care less."
Percy the noticed Zoe looking at the ground with fear in her eyes. The Son of Poseidon sighed and said, "You fear for the prophecy?"
She nodded and said, "My fate is sealed by the end of this quest. What else could it mean?"
"They can have another meaning," said Percy, "You need to have hope Zoe."
"I cannot best fate," said Zoe shaking her head, "I will save Lady Artemis from her situation and I will face my death."
"Then I won't allow you to do that," said Percy defiantly, "You're my friend now Zoe whether you like it or not and I'll make sure you survive this quest. I swear it on the River Styx."
The car's lights seemed to flicker and thunder rumbled outside as Zoe seriously grabbed his hand and said, "Do you know what you swore upon? Fail and you will meet a fate worse than death!"
"Guess I'll have to make sure I don't fail then," said Percy with a smile,
She looked at Anaklusmos in her hand one more time, looked at Percy and said, "I shall see you in a while Perseus."
Zoe exited the car and closed the door, holding close the thing she had lost. She was happy that she had it back and the person to thank for it was her new friend.
AN
Luna: We did it! Yay!
Niya: Hope you guys liked this one! We bordered 10k words on this!
Darion: Updates comin in at LEAST once a month but keep an eye out. We might get some done faster.
Luna: Anyways, leave a favorite, follow and a review if you guys liked this chapter! Tell us what you think and see you all soon!