Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson and the Olympians or the Heroes of Olympus Series.
Story: Perseus and the Monster Force
AN: Percy isn't all powerful in this story, but he is more than a match for most Greek and Roman monsters because of his heritage. We will learn more about Native American myths and legends as this story continues. Enjoy!
Chapter 11: Raven's Re-Quest
Aunty Em's Garden Gnome Emporium
Thalia, Grover and Annabeth entered the old store.
"I'm hungry; do you think they have enchiladas?" Grover asked expectantly.
Thalia rolled her eyes at the questions. "I doubt it goat boy," she replied.
"You'll be lucky if we find an old vending machine in this dump," Annabeth added.
Grover's face dropped at the prospect. "Maybe we'll find some old tin cans. The old ones taste so much better," Grover exclaimed.
Thalia smiled at her friend. Grover was always thinking with his stomach.
Annabeth saw the smile on Thalia's face. She scowled before she turned away from her former friend. "Grover, don't worry about the food. We need to find a way west," Annabeth scolded.
"Leave him alone. You know Grover. He's always gets hungry when he's scared or nervous," Thalia defended. Grover's cheeks reddened.
Annabeth huffed. "I don't care. He annoys me sometimes," she said angrily. Grover's face fell at her words.
Thalia scowled at the daughter of Athena. "You're annoying me, so shut up," Thalia yelled.
The demigods stood just a foot a part with their fists clenched in anger. Grover stood to the side. He looked between the two frantically. "Please don't fight. We have to find a way west," He explained, but the two demigods didn't look at him. They just glared at each other. "Please help me."
The tone of Grover's voice was so sullen and scared. They both turned to their friend. When they saw the fear in his eyes and sadness etched into his expression they both dropped their heads in guilt.
"I'm sorry Grover," Thalia said.
Annabeth looked at Thalia before she turned to Grover. She sighed. "I'm sorry too. Maybe there's some food behind the counter," Annabeth suggested.
The two demigods and the satyr never heard the doors lock from the outside. They walked toward the back room, but stopped at the sound of whimpering. To Thalia it sounded like a small child; one that was scared and alone. She was the first one in the back room, but Annabeth and Grover were soon behind her. Thalia looked around the room until she spotted movement under an old steel desk. She bent down and saw a girl about seven or eight years old. She had dark brown hair and with light brown eyes. Her eyes were red and puffy. She'd been crying for some reason.
"Hey there, what's your name?" Thalia asked softly. The young girl looked up at Thalia. She flinched at first, but the look on Thalia's face made her calm down immediately. Thalia smiled at her. The aura of the hunters could do that to women or in this case a young girl. "I won't hurt you."
The girl moved out from the under the desk, but she stopped when Grover and Annabeth walked into the room. The girl looked back at Thalia with fear in her eyes. "Don't worry. They're my… friends," she said, but she hesitated when she looked at Annabeth.
The little girl crawled out from under the desk. Thalia helped her stand up. The girl shook with fear. Thalia looked around and saw a small jacket on the floor. She picked it and handed it to the girl. "Is this yours?" she asked. The little girl nodded and took the jacket.
Grover leaned down before his cap fell off. His small horns stuck out from his head. The young girl moved quickly behind Thalia's leg and held on for dear life. "Monster," she exclaimed.
Grover huffed at the comment. "I'm a satyr not a monster," he replied.
The young girl looked down at his legs, but instead of regular legs he had furry ones and hooves.
"You… you," the young girl tried to say.
Grover sighed. "Yes, I'm a satyr. I'm part goat," he explained.
The little girl nodded. A scream echoed through the store. The sound shook the small building and the noise pierced the soul of everyone in the room. The young girl began to cry as she grabbed onto Thalia's leg tightly. "Mon…sters… hurt Bobby… and…. my mommy," the girl said.
Annabeth leaned down. "Who's Bobby?" she asked frantically.
The little girl looked into the grey eyes of the daughter of Athena. Grover leaned down beside her as well. "Bobby is… was… my step daddy," she explained.
Annabeth nodded. "What monsters?" she questioned. Thalia gave her a stern look, but Annabeth continued. "Please tell us."
"Bobby saw this lady. She took off her glasses and he turned to a statue. My momma screamed and ran into the courtyard. We came found this strange man," the girl began. She shook in fear as she remembered. "He smelled bad."
"What happened to your mommy?" Grover asked. Thalia glared at him.
Tears began to flow down the little girl's face. "The man… he was a mon… monster… he changed and attacked mommy," the girl said. Thalia knelt on the ground and held the young girl in her arms. "She told me to run away."
"We need to get out of here," Grover said before he ran out of the back room. Thalia stood up with the girl in her arms.
"What are you doing?" Annabeth asked.
Thalia scowled at her former friend. "I'm not leaving her here," Thalia said.
Annabeth frowned. "If monsters are out there then she's safer in here," Annabeth protested.
Thalia frowned at the idea. "I'm not leaving her," Thalia said. The tone of her voice showed that the argument was over. Thalia led the way into the main room of the old store. She held the little girl in her arms. "Grover check out the back door," she said. "Annabeth"
"I got it," Annabeth said as she walked to the front door. Grover and Annabeth both turned the door knobs at the same time. They both began to rattle the door. "It's locked."
"Mine too," Grover added.
The sound of monsters in the courtyard and the crashing of statues echoed through the small store. "What's going on out there?" Grover asked frantically.
Annabeth looked at Thalia. For the first time this trip Thalia saw fear in Annabeth's eyes. An old memory crept back into Thalia's mind. The memory of a little blonde girl scared and alone, it was the day Thalia and Luke had found Annabeth. She shook the memory away. She couldn't let herself forget that Annabeth threw their friendship away for Luke.
"What do we do?" Grover asked. His goat legs shook as he listened to the terrible noises just on the other side of the door he stood in front of.
"We stay away from that wall and door. We try to get out the front door," Thalia said, before she walked over toward the front door next to Annabeth.
"It's locked from the outside," Annabeth said.
Thalia kicked the door, but it wouldn't budge. "Damn," she said. The young girl shivered in her arms.
"We'll have to wait it out," Annabeth said.
Grover shook in fear at the thought. "What about those noises outside?" he asked worriedly.
Thalia sighed. "We're safer in here then outside. We have no idea what monsters await us," she explained.
Annabeth frowned. "The first monster sounds like Medusa," she said.
A loud thump drew their attention toward the backdoor. Grover had feinted on the floor. "Oh great, Goat Boy has done it again," Thalia said. Annabeth couldn't help the smile that crossed her lips.
Old Steel Mill – Smelter Building
Percy hung from the steel platform that extended from the ceiling above. His hands hurt as a piece of sharp steel dug into his palm. Golden ichor, the blood of the gods flowed down his wrist and forearm. At this moment it was hard for Percy not to think about his life. He had the blood of the gods, but he wasn't immortal. The Fates were cruel and it wasn't just toward demigods. Percy tried to shift his hands away from the sharp metal, but the blood on his hands made him slip, but before he could fall two strong arms grasped his wrists and pulled him up and onto the platform.
Percy looked up into the dark and powerful eyes of Raven. Raven took the form of an older teenage boy, but Percy could tell that he was much more than what he showed on the outside.
"Raven, what are you doing here?" Percy asked curiously.
Raven smiled down at his young friend. "Saving your butt, kid," Raven replied.
Percy rolled his eyes. "How are you in the east? You're a spirit of the west and north," Percy questioned.
Raven sighed. "Always so full of questions my young friend. Yes, I can go to other parts of the country, especially when a friend is in need," he explained.
"Thank you," Percy said.
Raven smiled. "About time kid, I don't like to be kept waiting," Raven said, but there wasn't any anger in his tone, only amusement and mischief.
"We fought the Wendigo," Percy said as he motioned toward the still form of the beast below, but when he looked the creature was gone. "Where is he?"
Raven chuckled. "Don't worry. I transported him back to Canada and into the wilderness there," Raven explained.
"How did he get here?" Percy asked curiously.
Raven's amused demeanor vanished. "That is something that I'll have to discover," Raven replied.
"What's going on?" Percy asked worriedly.
Raven sighed. "I'm not totally sure, but it appears that my family and relatives have decided to choose sides in your upcoming war," Raven said.
Percy's eyes widened at the thought. "What war?" he asked.
"You know about the prophecy. You spoke to Athena," Raven said.
Percy looked at his friend in wonder. "How do you know about that?" Percy questioned.
"I know a lot more than people expect. I think you need to get closer to those kids," Raven said.
Percy looked at the spirit carefully. "What do you mean?" he asked.
Raven grinned. "Congratulations, you need to join the quest," Raven said mischievously.
"What?" Percy asked rather loudly.
Raven chuckled. "Percy, you need to join the quest. Don't worry, they'll make room for you," Raven said. Percy heard noise down on the ground; Molly stalked around the scrap metal pile. Percy turned to look at Raven, but the spirit was gone.
"Damn," he said. Molly looked up and Percy could see the relief in her eyes. Percy climbed down the ladder before his hellhound attacked him with licks and a crushing embrace. "Down girl; you're going to crush me to death." Molly let go to allow her brother to stand.
Percy looked up at the broken scaffolding and the crushed walkway on the ground. Molly sniffed around the steel scrap pile. "Don't worry girl, the monster is long gone," he said. Percy could sense the sigh of relief from the Hellhound. "We better get back to our family."
Percy and Molly ran through the woods. Even in his human form Percy was just as fast as the Hellhound. They reached the old store and made their way to the courtyard. The broken brick was there, but Aldara was now licking her wounds. The bird's mood lightened as she saw Percy and Molly. Out of the massive hole walked Phelan and Peleus. Phelan had a few dents here or there, but he was actively working on the massive gash across the dragon's chest.
"Thank the gods you're okay," Phelan said.
Percy smiled at his guardian's concern. "How's Peleus?" he asked.
Phelan frowned. "The bleeding stopped, but he was lucky. It could have been a lot worse," Phelan explained. The dragon walked to the brick pile and sat down beside Aldara. The dragon's spirits seemed to rise as he sat down beside his best friend.
Arion and Leora appeared out of woods when they saw their family. Percy let out a breath he didn't know he held when he saw the two. Arion looked relieved when he saw his younger brother and the others.
Percy walked up to Phelan. "You look like crap," Percy observed.
Phelan's red eyes darkened. "Thanks, I feel like I was run over by a truck," Phelan said.
Percy chuckled. "A big white furry truck," Percy added. Percy went on to explain the fight with Wendigo and his conversation with Raven.
Phelan didn't seem happy about any of it. "You could have been killed," Phelan exclaimed.
"I know, but I couldn't let him hurt you. Besides, I'm fine and so is Molly," Percy replied.
"What about this quest? Do you think they'll let you join?" Phelan asked.
Percy smiled. "One way to find out," he said. He looked at his family and frowned. "You'll need to hide and if I join, then you'll need to shadow our movements, but don't interfere unless it's necessary."
Phelan laughed. "When isn't it necessary?' he asked.
Percy scowled at the question. "I can take care of myself," he defended.
Phelan raised his hands. "Sure you can," he said as he led the others into the forest.
Percy shook his head in frustration. He walked back into the courtyard. He stood in front of the back door to the store and unlocked it. He heard movement from inside the building. He opened the door slowly; he looked around and saw Grover on the floor unconscious. The satyr said something about food before he began to snore. Percy chuckled at the sight. A sudden movement from the other side of the room drew his attention away from the satyr. Thalia stood on the other side of the room. A young girl was on the ground behind her. The daughter of Zeus held her bow in her hands with an arrow notched and ready to release. Her eyes widened at the sight of Percy. Percy was about to say something when he felt the cold touch of a blade against his throat. A slender hand appeared in front of him. Where did that come from, Percy thought?
"Don't move," Annabeth warned after she removed her baseball cap; she materialized behind Percy with her dagger held at his throat.
Percy didn't move a muscle. "I'm not here to hurt you," he said.
Annabeth froze at the sound of the voice. It was a voice she knew. "Perseus," she said.
"Yeah, could you move the dagger please?" he asked.
Annabeth removed the dagger quickly. Percy turned around and he could see her cheeks flush scarlet. "Sorry, we thought you were a monster," she said.
Percy laughed. "In a way, I guess I am," he said. Annabeth smiled because he wasn't mad at her.
"What are you doing here, boy?" Thalia asked. Her tone was harsh, but Percy could tell that she was glad he was here.
"It appears that you needed some help," Percy said. He looked at the sleeping form of Grover. "Medusa can be tough."
"Where is she?' Annabeth asked as she held her dagger in defense.
"No worries, she's back in Tartarus," he said. Annabeth and the others sighed in relief.
The little girl stepped out from Thalia's legs. Percy smiled at her. "Who're you little one?" Percy asked.
"Who… who are you?" she asked
"My name is Perseus, but my friends call me Percy. Would you like to be my friend?" Percy asked.
Thalia and Annabeth just stared at the immortal boy. They never knew he liked kids. The little girl nodded her head. She stepped toward the strange boy. "My name is Nyssa," she said. Annabeth and Thalia both gaped at the girl. They had tried to get her to say her name for an hour with no luck.
"Nice to meet you Nyssa, that's a pretty name," Percy said. Nyssa smiled at him like he was a long lost friend.
Grover groaned before he sat up. "Hey what…" he began, but stopped when he saw Percy. "Percy"
The son of Daedalus smiled at the satyr. "Grover, sleeping on the job, huh?" he asked.
Grover's faced turned a deep red. "Well, it must have been because of the hunger," he replied.
Percy smiled at him. "Sure it was, I believe you," he said sarcastically. Annabeth and Thalia both chuckled.
Grover frowned at their laughter. "What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Helping you out, plus I want to join the quest," Percy said.
The two demigods and the satyr looked at him slack jawed. "What?" Thalia asked.
Percy smiled. "I want to join the quest," he repeated.
"We already have three," Annabeth said, but she had a hint of sadness in her voice. Percy ignored it; he could never understand girls.
"Yes, we have three. We don't need you boy," Thalia said harshly.
Percy didn't flinch, but his smile widened. "I think Medusa would have disagreed with you," Percy said.
"Leave us," Thalia huffed.
"Well, I guess I can if Grover comes with me," Percy said mischievously.
Annabeth and Thalia both looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?" Annabeth asked.
"You already have three demigods here," Percy explained. Annabeth and Thalia looked at each other strangely. Suddenly, a look of understanding crossed their faces. They turned toward Nyssa. "Yep and by the smell of her, she's a daughter of Hephaestus." Nyssa lifted her arm to smell her arm pit, which made Percy's grin widen.
"How can you tell her parent by smell?" Grover asked curiously.
"You mean that you can't smell it?" Percy questioned. Grover's face fell. Percy sighed. "I can tell she's a demigod, but the scent of fire and of the forge seems to hover around her. I can't really explain it, but I know."
"We can't take her with us," Thalia said. Annabeth nodded in agreement.
"I could take her," Grover said.
Thalia frowned. "You're on the quest with us," she protested.
Grover looked at the ground. "I think you'd be better off with Percy, plus he's not a demigod either," Grover defended.
Percy smiled at the satyr. "How are you going to protect her on the way to camp?" Annabeth asked.
"Follow me," Percy said. Percy held Nyssa's hand as they stepped out of the old store followed by the two demigods and Grover. They stood in front of the store before Percy whistled. Out of the forest across the street stepped Phelan followed by Percy's family. Nyssa squeezed Percy's hand at the sight. Percy leaned down. He looked into the little girl's brown eyes. "This is my family. They won't hurt you or Grover. They'll make sure to get you to camp safely."
Nyssa looked up into Percy's sea green eyes. A voice in her head told her to trust him. "I believe you," she said.
"Phelan, this is Nyssa and you already know Grover," Percy said.
Phelan nodded. He looked at the little girl and smiled. Nyssa stared up at the automaton in fascination. "Hello little one," he said.
Nyssa smiled. "Hi," she said.
"Do you like horses?' Phelan asked.
Nyssa nodded. Out of the woods stepped Leora. The unicorn shined in the moonlight. Nyssa stared at the unicorn in awe. A broad smile stretched across her face. "Can I ride the horse?" she asked as she looked up at Phelan.
Phelan smiled. "You sure can," he replied. He reached down and picked up Nyssa and placed her on the back of Leora. Nyssa held onto the unicorn's mane and hugged her tightly. Percy smiled at the happiness that he felt from the girl and from Leora.
"See, she'll be fine," Grover said.
"Grover, you're leaving us," Thalia said.
Grover looked sad. "I'm not sure about this quest Thalia, plus I can't handle anymore fighting between you and Annabeth. The two demigods looked at the ground with guilty expressions on their faces.
Percy cleared his throat. "I don't care if they fight. It might be entertaining," Percy said with a wry smile on his face. The demigods glared at him, but Percy could tell that Grover was happy to be leaving the quest. 'Don't worry G-man, I'll watch out for them."
Grover grinned. "Blah haha," he said. Percy smiled at his friend. Grover looked at Annabeth and Thalia. "Good luck and I'm sorry." Grover walked with the others. Phelan gave Percy a knowing stare before he stepped into the woods followed by the rest of Percy's family.
Percy turned back toward the two female demigods. They both stared at him expectantly. What have you gotten me into Raven? He thought. Percy stepped back into the store, but he swore he heard the sound of a raven squawking as it flew away, followed by laughter.
AN: Poor Percy, he's on a quest with a fighting Annabeth and Thalia. What could be worse? I guess another bout with the Wendigo. Stay tuned more to come.