Heroes Reborn
Ch. 12 Council Meeting
I do not own Percy Jackson, X-Men, or Avengers.
Rick Riordan and Marvel Comics do.
Positive reviews are welcome.
Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, and Grover Underwood were exhausted, yet resting up as the bike they were situated on flew over California and were soon to pass over its borders into the next state to head to New York when Annabeth felt a familiar presence and gave Percy a heads up.
Tapping his shoulder as he drove the flying bike, he turned his head slightly as she yelled into his ear that their ride was there and to look up. As he did, what can only be described as a hanger bay of their currently invisible jet, opened before them and lowered until it consumed them, and then closed. Once the air was pressurized, Percy powered down the bike as he and Annabeth walked Grover to the cockpit where Charles 'Forge' Beckendorf was waiting for them.
After Forge input commands into the Blackbirds computer, Percy and the others felt the invisible jet shoot off into the air towards Olympus at greater speeds than what the bike could hope to match. Once Auto-Pilot was initiated, he turned to the others, "Annie, Percy, Grover. Good to see your alive still. Victor has been getting desperate, hoping his new master or 'masters' to return home. The Hephaestus and Athena kids alongside my siblings have been taking turns watching over him.", Forge said with a smirk.
"Yeah well, we didn't mean to be gone for so long. But, we got the bolt," Percy raising the pack with the Bolt inside with his left hand, "Kicked a couple of Gods asses, and now we need to head to Olympus.", Percy replied as he leaned back in a relaxed back in his new seat behind Annabeth as she took her position as Co-Pilot, and Grover sitting behind Forge, looking around and admiring the new jet.
"Well be there in a little over an hour.". Annabeth stated as she went over the jets computer readout information.
"In the meantime, who's thirsty and hungry?", Forge asked as he opened a fridge next to him and pulled out some sandwiches and soda's.
A little of an hour later, and after answering many asked questions, the three Demi-Gods and Satyr were in New York as Forge flew nearby the Chrysler Tower where Mount Olympus presided over hidden by a Mystical barrier called the mist. He then pressed some buttons that had them ascend over the clouds and through the Mist barrier until they saw a set of lights for a landing strip with Hephaestus, the Smith God in his usual forging outfit, waiting with his arms crossed. Forge explained how he managed to pray and get into contact with his father who somehow managed to create the landing strip in a short amount of time, just for them almost a day ago.
Upon landing at the designated spot, they deactivated the stealth mode. They saw a blond haired Goddess in a white Greek style dress approaching as the jets wheels came and touched down followed by the canopy opening and lowering, allowing the Demi-Gods and Satyr down.
"Truly magnificent son. She better than the original?" the Smith God said as he ran his hand over the exterior of the jet, marveling at his and Athenas childrens ingenuity. "How does she run?"
"Want to find out father?", Forge asked proudly.
"Hell yeah, you know I do.", Hephaestus cackled excitedly.
"She is one of a kind Charles. You and your siblings have done well.", Athena stated after her and Annabeth were reunited. She went to stand with her daughter and her brother to admire the new and improved Blackbird.
"We weren't alone, my Lady, your children helped too." Charles said with respect.
Athena smiled gently at the positive feedback of her childrens capabilities, "True, but you three were the force behind this beauties construction and redesign.
"So, ol' Ares had the bolt. Always knew he was up to no good." Hephaestus said as he and Athena began to lead their charges to a set of steps leading up to the throne room. "I mean, the man won't even find himself his own woman that he has to sleep with mine. And I'm sorry he dragged you into that amusement park thing.", he said turning and walking backwards as he stared at the young heroes with a look that showed his shame and disappointment.
"Don't worry uncle, he got his via my man here." Annabeth stated grabbing Percy's left hand while Athena rolled her eyes. She had come to accept that Annabeth and Percy were soul mates and destined for one another. She didn't have to like it, but she accepted it.
"Hey, you helped."
"But you did most of the work." his girlfriend shot back.
"I'm not going to win this argument, am I?"
"Nope." Charles choked out while laughing at their playful bickering.
Before too long, the two Olympians, three Demi-Gods, and Satyr, made it to the main doors leading into the Throne Room. Athena and Hephaestus embraced their children first. The Smith God then ruffled Charles hair much to his sons annoyance and yet to his satisfaction at being around his new Godly father. Athena kissed her daughters forehead while smoothing her hair to keep it out of Annabeths eyes, much to Annabeth's annoyance while her mother could only chuckle.
Athena and Annie were about to tear up until Athena's half brother cleared his throat to get her attention and reminded her that they needed to go. The doors closed behind them after they entered first allowing the Demi-Gods and Satyr to take a breath and prepare themselves.
"Nervous?", Annabeth asked as she saw Percy look skyward and saw the clouds that flew around the magnificent mountain and the amazing Palace that sat upon her. Then to see the stars above and not be affected by the space above, was truly breathtaking. He didn't realized he was rubbing his knuckles as if in anticipation, when Annabeth called out the one-word question.
When he looked at her in a questioning look, she shifted her eyes down and he followed until he saw what he was doing and blushed. "Yeah, I guess I am. But I was just looking at the stars and realizing how truly beautiful they are, especially today.", he said as he rubbed his neck sheepishly. "But nothing could be more beautiful than you Annie."
Taking her into his arms, he kissed her temple and then her lips slowly and sensually which she returned. When they stopped, they leaned their heads on one another, "You complete me. I'm glad we found each other again."
"Me too, my Wolverine."
"I guess that makes you my Phoenix, huh?"
"Believe it buster.", she replied.
As he chuckled some more, the doors began to open. The moment they had been waiting for had arrived, admitting them to enter. They were left breathless of the room as it looked like the ruins back in Greece, only not broken or in ruin. Sitting in a circle on a variety of various seats was the Gods themselves. But standing in front of one of the main thrones with a man who sat and wore an Armani pin striped suit and eyes that seemed to generate electricity, was a familiar red, white, and blue circular shield hanging off his back, was a blond haired, well built and familiar individual. Turning around, the all too familiar face of a very much younger Steven G. Rogers, also known as Captain America stood with his arms crossed and a positive smirk on his face. He wore a T-shirt reminiscent of his original Captain America uniform. His pants was a pair of form fitting blue jeans followed up with black combat boots on his feet.
"Cap? It can't be." Percy gasped. Next to him, Annabeth and Charles too were stunned in shock of seeing another familiar face from another life.
"Hey Logan, it's been awhile." Steve replied back. "And it's Jason now. Jason Grace."
"Grace? As in...?" Annabeth deduced suddenly wide-eyed even further.
"As in Thalia's younger brother. From what I can deduce myself, from the proximity of the closeness of you and Logan or as he's known, Percy Jackson, I'm going to guess you're formally Jean Grey also known as Phoenix, right?" Steve asked Annabeth who nodded.
The Demi-Gods quickly walked up to the former First Avenger/ Super Soldier with Percy pulling Steve/Jason into into his arms. Both cried out in manly joy until a cough from Charles brought them back to reality, prompting them to straighten up and act like nothing happened as they shook like men, causing Annabth, Athena, and even Hera to roll their eyes in annoyance. Annabeth too hugged Thalia's brother followed by Charles reintroducing himself as not just Charles Beckendorf, son of the Smith God Hephaestus, but also the former X-Man Forge. Percy then introduced Jason to Grover after the reunion of the heroes of another world. Before too long, the Gods were forced by Zeus to begin the Summer Solstice meeting.
It was then Hera stepped down from her throne to stand before and study her champions, until she nodded with a smile in acceptance and returned to sit beside her husband, it was then that Zeus began. But before he could speak, all four Demi-Gods and Grover knelt before Zeus in respect, shocking him speechless. They then stood and did the same to their individual parents who smiled down on them fondly. "Well, that's a first, that a set of Demi-Gods have shown me respect first, even when they've been to Hades and back. You may join your parents sides, but first, I believe,...you, Mr. Jackson, have something of mine."
Percy removed the bag from his shoulders and held it out to Zeus, "As requested, Uncle." the son of the Sea God said in a soft yet neutral tone. He had not forgotten the attack on his mother and would let Zeus stew under that memory for a while. The bag flew from Percys outstretched hand, to the King of the Gods. The pack exploded as the bolt came into its true size and form within Zeus' hands.
"You've done well, nephews, Granddaughter, and Satyr. I will admit, until the Fates informed me of your importance, I was rather ignorant and a fool to attempt to hurt a member of my family. To this day, I truly regret my actions where it concerned my brothers children and hope that should the chance present itself to repair the damage I have done, then I will."
"My Lord and Uncle, there are things you must know." Percy said as he and Annabeth with a bit of small tidbits from Grover debriefed the King of the Gods and the King of the Sea about the successful quest up to and including both battles against Hades and ares as well as Ares part in the theft. They did not speak of the true thief of the bolt as they wanted Luke to come forward willingly and with witnesses.
"Grandfather, we also believe Ares was not himself as after his escape during his and Percy's fight, we felt something, we can't really describe except that whatever it was, it felt ancient and dark." Annbath finished.
"Whatever it was, I believe it may have something to do with the pit to Tartarus. I've had dreams of it and even Ares has hinted at it." Percy added as an afterthought.
Zeus and Poseidon turned to one another and spoke in a quick and intense discussion in Ancient Greek. Percy having mastered various languages throughout his first lifetime and his new one, attempted to listen in. It was obvious that Annabeth and Jason were trying to as well. One word sealed Percy's suspicion of whom may be trying to control Luke, Ares, and attempting to start a war with Olympus, "Father!"
As Poseidon made a suggestion, Zeus quickly cut him with a dismissive wave. Poseidon tried to argue, but Zeus would hear no more of it as he held his hand up angrily.
"We will speak of this no more." he said. "I must go personally to purify this thunderbolt in the waters of Lemnos, to remove the human taint from its metal."
He rose and his expression softened immensely on his son and Granddaughter, yet for Percy who was still upset for what he did to his mother, Grover, and he, at the beginning, his expression hardened just a bit, as if he was still struggling to admit the boy did well.
"Percy," Hera began. "You, Annabeth, Charles, and Grover did well. I may be a little miffed, Percy, about what you did to Ares and my brother, but according to your words, they both received their just deserts. So I will not hold against you whatever it was you did, nor will I do so against you Annabeth for aiding him. You Grover, of course only observed as you have not participated in either fights, so I will not have you judged either. Zeus and I will leave you now so that you may speak with your parents. Jason, please, follow us." Hera said to her stepson.
The Former First Avenger, reborn as a son of Jupiter turned to his old colleagues and handed out his number and vice versa as well as gave out hugs and handshakes. He then stepped up to Lady Hera as she and Zeus touched his shoulder and disappeared in a bolt of lightening. Athena who also sat next to Hephaestus on her throne, stood and beckoned Annabeth while the Smith God directed his son back outdoors, to the jet. Grover decided to head back out his own way, leaving Percy to have a chance to speak to Poseidon alone.
Poseidon took Percy and had him walk a bit with him as they discussed things. As much as Poseidon wanted to stand firm on his and no doubt Percy's thoughts on Kronos' possible attempt at returning, he told his son that Zeus' ruling was final, causing Percy to groan in agitation and contempt.
All he could tell his son was to remain vigilant and ever watchful, which his son took to heart. He also decided to ask Percy to speak with Sally now that he knew she was back home safe and sound, and see if he didn't mind Percy coming to Atlantis some time. Percy informed his father that he'd see about Sally adopting Tyson once he was found and given a place in their home, as he swore he would be evermore vigilant from this day onward as the Sea God 'ruffled' his son's hair somewhat, chuckled, and disappeared as he became like water and drifted away as if blown by the wind, leaving the behind the scent of the sea.
Meeting back up with Annabeth, she informed him Grover was already on his way back to Camp Half-Blood via Athena. Making a decision, he turned to his girl and asked, "Would you like to meet my mother?"
Almost an hour later, Percy pulled up to Sally and Son's bakery/ Apartment as its doors were currently open. After verifying through one of the workers that Sally had come back, Percy took Annabeth by the hand and helped her ascend the steps.
Through the clamminess in her hands, he knew she was nervous as he could smell it on her too. "Annabeth, relax, breathe." he said turning to her and rubbing her arms halfway up the steps leading to his and sally's apartment. "She'll love you, trust me."
"I'm just so nervous, this is a first time thing for me and I don't want to mess up." she said with a red face.
Percy pulled her into a soft and sensual kiss to help her calm down. "Cheater!" she said as she sighed after they took a moment to breathe, their heads touching one another as she took in a deep breath and let it out.
"Better?" he asked.
She nodded.
To say she enjoyed meeting Sally Jackson was an understatement. She loved the woman as she and Sally Jackson got along better than she'd hoped. Everything was good as she aided Sally in making dinner while Percy had to take out Victor for his walk. He'd been surprised Victor had there until Sally explained that it was due to both Poseidon and Persephone who left small messages as to why Victor was at the apartment. Persephone, to again apologize about her husbands stupid actions and explaining that Victor was to be her protector at all times. Poseidon to explain that he had spoke to Persephone before Victor arrived at the apartment and agreed. So long as the only time Victor changed to his true form was if Sally was ever in any real danger.
Of course Percy was embarrassed later in the night after dinner whenever Sally pulled out the baby photos and video cassette tapes causing Percy to hide in his room due to his embarrassment.
The next day, Percy and Annabeth hitched a ride back to Camp via Charles who hovered invisibly over the store with the X-Jet. He of course gave Sally the keys to her new and improved ride as well as a manual for how to operate its special features, to which she squealed like a school girl and nearly hugged her son to death. Giving his mother and Victor a goodbye hug and being slobbered by the great big Hell Hound, the Duo joined Charles and headed off back to Camp.
When they got there, things returned to normal, except now none of the Ares kids came anywhere near Percy. Many of the Aphrodite girls and even some of the obviously Aphrodite boys sneered and hissed at Annabeth, until Percy sent them straight with a dark look, a deep guttural growl, and his left set of Adamantium Claws slowly protruding from his left fist.
This action caused many of the Love Demi-Gods and Demi-Goddesses to either run, take a step back and rethink their life, and whether it would be healthy to continue pissing off Annabeth's obvious boyfriend.
A few days later, on the Fourth of July, the whole Camp gathered at the beach for a fireworks display by Cabin Nine. Like any red blooded human being, Percy with a bit of aid from Sally Jackson, aided the sons and daughter of Hephaestus in shooting off real fireworks and not the lame red, white, and blue ones. Speaking of Sally, with Chiron and Mr. D., Percy got the permission for her to pass the barrier and join in the celebrations. Of course Sally being Sally also provided a truck full of cakes, treats, snacks, and other foods that Percy and some of her own employees helped to bake. They'd anchored a barge offshore and loaded it with rockets the size of patriot missiles.
According to Annabeth who'd seen the show before, the blasts would be sequenced so tightly, they'd look like frames of animation across the sky. The finale was supposed to be a couple of hundred foot tall Spartan Warriors who would crackle to life above the ocean, fight a battle, and then explode into a million colors. As Sally, Annabeth, and Percy was setting up a picnic blanket, Grover showed up to say goodbye.
He was dressed in his usual jeans, T-shirt, and sneakers, but in the last few weeks, he'd started to look older, almost High-school age-like. His goatee had gotten thicker. He'd put on weight. His horns had grown at least an inch, so he had to wear a rasta cap all the time to pass as a human.
Like many other Satyrs, he had a dream to go and seek the Great God Pan who'd disappeared centuries ago. Percy and the others wished him well and gave him their best of luck. Annabeth slipped him a X-communicator that her and her siblings had worked on and perfected, so monsters were not attracted to them whenever they needed to make a normal call. Of course Percy was the Guinea Pig for the test phase after stepping outside of the boundary lines and used the communicator.
One of the former Campers and a Daughter of Athena, who just so happened to have a business in communications, was able to help activate the communicators in such a way that they truly worked without problems in local calls, long distance calls, out of state calls, and so on. Percy couldn't help but worry for his friend but knew that Grover had to follow his own path. Once goodbyes were said and Percy throwing out an Enchilada joke, Grover grinned, waved goodbye, and disappeared as the trees closed around him.
Percy and Annabeth made sure the Satyr had enough drachma's and American cash to get around. After wishing him luck, the mother-son duo plus girlfriend watched with the fireworks with the entire camp with Annabeths backside had snuggled into Percy's chest as his arms circled around her.
July passed, and while a smaller portion of the Camp was devising new strategies for the capture-the-flag and making alliances, Percy, Annabeth, and the remaining sons and daughters of Athena and Hephaestus was hard at work finishing the Danger Room. Percy early on spoke with Poseidon and persuaded his father to allow him a boat from one of his outside human businesses. Of course once said boat arrived, Percy and a small group of Athenians and Smiths went inside and got to work as they tore out any unnecessary materials and began to prep it for a major overhaul for missions, quests, and such.
Inspired by speedboats of today, with the advancements added to it like as in the X-Jet, it would help them get to Polyphemus quicker by boat than by air. Annabeth had taken ample time to study so that when the time came, they'd be able to get there quicker by water if the legends of its guardian Sea Beasts were still accurate.
Percy, Forge, and Annabeth were adamant that Luke not know what they were up to. After a brief discussion between the three Demi-God mutants, it was decided that they give Luke a chance to change by coming forward about whatever plans Kronos had. Percy promised not to act until luke either came forward himself, or he'd suffer the consequences.
The last night of the summer had Percy on edge. Luke still had not acted, and Annabeth had checked the son of Hermes mind and was insured Luke did not they were onto him as well as not knowing what they had planned for the Camp in enhancing its defenses.
After dinner, Luke had presented to Percy in front of everyone, a leather necklace with a bead on it. The bead design was pitch black, with a sea green trident shimmering in the center.
Of course the Camp cheered, much to Percy's chagrin. He didn't like big scenes. Never did.
The next morning Percy found a letter from Mr. D. It basically stated he had a time limit to determine if he wanted to go home till next summer or stay.
He snorted in disbelief at that. He had a busy schedule this year and no way was he staying. He had a half-brother/ Cyclops to find, a home to upgrade. Plus he still had a boat that needed finishing for the trip to finding the Golden Fleece. He also was going to a new school as well, so yeah, he pretty much had a full schedule.
Deciding it was time to check on Luke and get it out of the way, a quick mental conversation with Annabeth and Charles had him knowing that they had placed certain surveillance and audio software in a location Annabeth had found in Luke's mind that Luke would lure Percy to.
Mr. D and Chiron were given and informed to pay attention to a set of miniature visual/audio devices when they came on.
The campgrounds were mostly deserted, shimmering in the August heat. Campers were in their cabins packing, running around with brooms and mops, and getting ready for final inspection. Percy watched as the Aphrodite children were working Argus to the bone and having him carry their stuff instead of handling it themselves. Poor guy.
Percy got to the sword-fighters arena and found Luke where he'd knew he'd be. His gym bag was plopped at the edge of the stage. He was training solo, whaling on battle dummies with a sword that Percy didn't recognize, but knew was very dangerous to all but him. He was hacking and slashing dummy heads off left and right, and stabbing through their straw-stuffed guts. His orange shirt was drenched in sweat, his expression intense, as if his life was in danger. Percy smelt fear, adrenalin, and desperation coming off the Hermes teen.
"Nice sword." Percy said as he stepped up to Luke, his own sword out. He had not used it yet, so he felt instead of his claws this time, why not the sword. He wanted to test how rusty his skills as a sword fighter really was.
Luke turned to him. He looked at the sword in Percys hand and then his own, "Oh this, yeah. It's name is 'Backbiter'!"
"Backbiter?" Percy scoffed, one eye raised.
"Yeah, one of a kind. One side celestial bronze, the other is tempered steel. Capable enough to work on both mortals and immortals."
"Didn't know they make weapons like that here." Percy said as he walked around and studying the son of Hermes and determining his body language.
"They probably can't." Luke smiled. "As I said, one of a kind. Listen, you wanna go somewhere for a bit, say, like in the woods one last time, look for something to fight?" he asked.
"Sure, sounds like fun." Percy said as he followed. Pulling out a six-pack of Coke, they headed into and entered the woods. Percy knew that the monsters would not be around due to whatever decision Echidna made with her children.
Plus it was too hot. They found a shady spot near the creek where he'd broken Clarisse's spear during the first capture the flag game. They sat on a big rock and drank their soda's and watched the sunlight in the trees.
After a while, Luke asked, "You miss being on the quest?"
Percy didn't look at him, just merely shook his head, "No, but only because with my mother being in danger because of my existence. And lets not forget the monsters." he sighed, looking down as if in thought. "You?"
Looking at the son of Hermes, Percy could see that through the scars, and the look in Luke's eyes, that Luke was somewhat older inside than he was inside due to what the life of a Demi-God meant for their kind. The monsters didn't help either, ever since Thalia's defeat and transformation.
"I've lived at Half-Blood Hill year round since I was fourteen." he said. "Ever since Thalia...well, you know. I trained and trained, and trained. I never got to be a normal teenager, out there in the real world. Then they threw me one quest, and when I came back, it was like, 'Okay, rides over. Have a nice life.'"
Crumpling his empty soda can and throwing it into the creek, his action made Percy pause. One of the first things you learn is not to litter at Camp Half-Bloof, yet here Luke did it. Percy was no saint, but even he didn't want to cross a Nymph or Naiad. They'll get even. He'd heard stories about that.
"The heck with Laurel wreathes," Luke said. "I'm not going to end up like those dusty trophies in the Big House attic."
"You sound like your going somewhere, bub." Percy said as he rose and had the creek water bring him the crushed can with a wave of his hand.
"Oh, I am alright. I brought you here to say goodbye, Percy."
Snapping his fingers, a small fire burned a hole in the ground at Percy's feet. Out crawled a black scorpion the size of Percys hand and began to crawl up his outside pants leg.
Percy acted like he was going for his pen that he left in his pocket after turning the sword into its pen form.
"I wouldn't," Luke cautioned. "Pit scorpions can jump up to fifteen feet. Its stinger can pierce right through your clothes. Even with your healing abilities, I'd doubt you'll last long."
"Why Luke?" Percy snarled. "This Camp and its inhabitants up to and including your siblings look up to you, so I ask again. Why?" Percy demended as the scorpion began to move its little legs uselessly.
"I saw a lot out there in the world Percy." Luke stuttered. "Don't you feel it? The darkness gathering, the monsters growing stronger? Don't you realize how useless it all is? All the heroics, being the pawns of the Gods. They should've been overthrown thousands of years ago, but they've hung on, thanks to us Half-Bloods."
"Luke, they're our parents." Percy said softly. "Even they have their limits on what they can and cannot do."
"It doesn't matter." he growled with clenched teeth. "It doesn't mean we have to love them. Their precious 'Western Civilization' is a disease, Percy. It's killing the world. The only way to stop it is to burn it to the ground, start over with something more honest."
"Listen to yourself, Luke. You're talking just like Ares."
His eyes flared. "Ares is a fool. He never realized the true master he was serving. If I had time, Percy, I could explain. But I'm afraid you won't live that long."
The scorpion was now near his belt and still going up. "Keep him talking love." Percy received in his head from his Annie.
"Kronos," Percy said. "That's who you serve."
The air got cold.
Luke's eye twitched. "I know he's spoke to you too, Percy. You should've listened."
"He's brainwashing you, Luke."
"You're wrong. He showed me that my talents are being wasted. You know my quest was two years ago, Percy? My father, Hermes, wanted me to steal a golden apple from the garden of Hesperides and return it to Olympus. After all the training I've done, that was the best he could think up."
"That's not an easy quest. Hercules or as I call him Jerk-cules did it."
Luke chuckled at the name calling of one of Zeus's favored sons. "Exactly, where's the glory in repeating what others have already done. All of the gods know how to do is replay their past. My heart wasn't in it. The dragon in the garden gave me this" he pointed angrily at the scar on his cheek. "and when I came back, all I got was pity. I wanted to pull Olympus down stone by stone right then, but I bided my time. I began to dream of Kronos. He convinced me to steal something worthwhile, something no Hero had ever had the courage to take. When we went on that Winter Solstice field trip, while the other campers were asleep, I snuck into the throne room and took Zeus's Master bolt right from under his chair. Hades's helm of Darkness, too. You wouldn't believe how easy it was. The Olympians are so arrogant. Tgey never dreamed that someone would be stupid enough to dare steal from them. Their security is horrible. I was halfway across New Jersey before I heard the storms rumbling, and I knew they'd discover my theft."
The scorpion was now situated over Percy's heart and stared at him with its glittering eyes. He kept his voice level firm, "So, why didn't you bring the items to Kronos?"
Luke's smile wavered. "I...I got overconfident. Zeus sent out his sons and daughters to find the stolen bolt- Artemis, Apollo, my father, Hermes. But it was Ares who caught me. I could have beaten him..."
"Bullshit!"
"What?" he said, pausing in his story telling.
"I said Bullshit. I fought Ares and beat him. But was because of what I am Luke." he said as he quicker than the eye could see, snatched the scorpion from his chest and crushed it in his palm, its black life's blood flowing freely from his now closed fist.
Luke took two steps back as Percy looked at him, no doubt Luke saw his eyes change color. "I'm a mutant, Luke. A feral mutant, meaning I heal ten times faster than any man and or woman. No matter your training, Ares is stronger as he is a God. So Ares was persuaded to let you go. You couldn't beat him, he let you go. You preyed on his thirst for War because of who he is and what he represents. Am I getting warmer?" Percy's voice getting edgier.
Luke gulped as he nervously palmed his sword.
"It was you who summoned the Hell Hound I now own, Victor. You had me framed. You're the lightening thief."
"So," Luke said as he took a defensive stance, sword at the ready. "What are you going to do about it? So I stole the bolt and helm. It's not going to help you."
"That's exactly it. I don't need or want help. This is your chance to repent Luke, before its too late. You can set things right." Percy said as he lowered his head while maintaining eye to eye contact with Luke.
"What if I don't want to? What if I want Kronos to rule after the Gods end?" he cried out in madness. His eyes wide yet filled with flowing tears, yet the wideness showed only the anger in his heart.
"I'm sorry you feel that way, Luke." A new voice said as both Chiron and Mr. D. walked into view, Annabeth and Charles standing beside them. Luke stared at all of them in shock and then turned back to Percy.
"How? How did you...?" he asked in fear, trying to come up with a way to escape.
"The answers simple. We've known for a time. We wanted you to speak freely, and offer you a chance to change. We failed in that regard. But it not to late Luke." Annabeth cried out.
"It is for me, Annabeth. But That doesn't mean I have to do it alone. Join me Annie, together, we can avenge Thalia."
Annabeth looked down as the tears flowed down her cheeks. "No Luke, this vendetta you have against the Gods, I'll have no part of it. Even Thalia would agree."
His anger reaching an all time peak, he snarled, "If you're not with me, you're against me, Annie. Out of everyone, I'd thought you'd understand better than anyone. But since I'm surrounded and outmatched, I'd say this day was yours Percy Jackson. But believe me, it won't be the last time."
"I know. And when the time comes cousin, you can bet, I'll be ready and waiting." Percy growled back challengingly.
"Luke, wait." Chiron called out, arm outstretched and galloping forward to try and reason with Luke, as Dionysus stood with his arms crossed and a stern look on his face as all gathered watch Luke slashed the air in an arc and disappeared in a ripple of darkness. Chiron stopped and lowered his arms after Luke's disappearing trick, his head hung low.
Chiron with help from Dionysus was transported to Olympus to report on the events as they had occurred concerning Luke. Percy consoled Annabeth at the edge of Half-Blood Hill with both of their belongings beside them on either side. Charles had already departed and said he and the others would get together and try to finish with the X-Ship within the week. Hephaestus had sent parts to aid in the boats design to enhance both armor and speed capabilities as well as its maneuverability.*
As Percy held her, a car came into view as a tall blond man with two children and a woman was waiting for her after exiting the vehicle. Annabeth had taken Percys advice and gave her father another chance, which was for the reason for being here. Not a minute later, Sally pulled in behind them.
Gathering their things, Annie looked at Percy, "Well Wolverine, shall we?"
Taking his own things and looking back, he said with a slight grin, "Might as well, Phoenix."
After they had walked downhill, Annabeth reunited with her father and half-siblings as Percy reunited with Sally. It was then that a sight that brought a sigh of contentment from Percys lips was seeing Mrs. Chase walk up to and apologize to Annabeth. The Demi-Goddess had a look that Percy knew all to well as Annabeth know doubt scanned her step-mothers surface thoughts and then both individuals embraced after Annie no doubt sensed her sincerity.
Annabeth then introduced her family to Percy and his mother, at least until Ms. Jackson and Mrs. Chase had embraced one another as old friends. But that's a story for another time.
Once numbers were exchanged, both sets of families took their separate paths towards home after Percy gave Annabeth a goodbye kiss leaving Mr. Chase with his left eye twitching and giving Percy the stink eye, though Percy was unaffected.
There's chapter 12. took a long while due to my sickness and having just received internet services for my apartment though that will change since I have to move soon. More chapters will be coming and I will be updating the Hulk story when I rewrite its new chapters ending because I think I made it too soft and I think it needs more action, mayhem, chaos, and everything we men love. Until next time.