Sorry if you started to read this chapter, and then found it deleted. I started typing chapter 36 and realized that my planned beginning to that chapter actually worked better as the ending of this chapter. I'm sorry for the confusion and hope you enjoy.

Chapter 35

Percy

Percy blinked his eyes rapidly, "Gwen?"

"Shhh." Gwen shushed while fumbling through the keys looking for the one to the manacles.

Percy was still trying to make sense of Gwen's sudden appearance, "How…"

Gwen sniped, "Percy will you be quiet. We don't have much time."

"I wonder how much she heard?"

Percy hadn't had time to process it himself, but had figured out one thing…he wasn't Roman. On some level Percy had known as much, but finally having it confirmed was a relief. On the other…Percy knew his situation with the Legion had taken a drastic turn. He was a demigod, but would they still accept him? Busiris had mentioned a "Camp Half-Blood" did that mean there was another place for demigods? Demigods like himself?

Percy recalled after the dream he had after the battle a few days ago. He visualized the quiet valley with the sleeping dragon. Re-imagined his conversation with Chiron. He allowed his mind to wander as it recreated the emotional scene on the moonlit beach. He knew…he was positive that place was his home. That place was Camp Half-Blood.

The first lock clicked open.

"Percy…" Gwen whispered. Percy lost in his thoughts had failed to hear her. Gwen was forced to shake him, "Percy!"

Percy turned to her, "Yeah…"

Gwen smiled in relief, "When I get this last shackle off I need to you follow me. Reyna's still asleep, and I can't lift her. You're going to have to carry her, but we've got to hurry. Pretty soon Boden's going to discover his goons have been taken out."

Percy had just one question he needed answered, "How much did you hear?"

Gwen looked into his eyes. Percy could see the uncertainty born from Busiris's words. He watched as Gwen's mind and heart warred for control of her thoughts. But the one thing he didn't see…the one thing he feared was nowhere to be found in Gwen's beautiful blue eyes…Gwen hadn't rejected him. She didn't know what to make of things yet, but no matter what happened from here on out Gwen had already made one decision. They were friends, and regardless of what anyone else might say, that wasn't going to change. Percy now had the one thing all heroes needed…he had hope.

"Percy…" began Gwen.

Percy placed the index finger of his freed hand over Gwen's lips too silence her, "I get it…" Percy assured her, "we'll talk later."

Gwen nodded and unlocked the manacle. Off in the distant darkness a howl of anger pierced the omnipresent shadows. Percy looked at Gwen who replied…

"I guess he found Mike and George."

The look in her eyes was both mischievous, pained, and proud. Percy knew Gwen was a healer who hated to inflict pain, even if the person deserved it, but she was also a Roman trained demigod who did what was necessary to get the job done. He realized this was probably the first time in Gwen's life she had ever performed an act of violence against a human outside the practice field. Percy's aching jaw reminded him that Gwen was more than capable of raising her hands in violence.

"Well maybe the second time." he thought.

They had begun to move and Gwen saw him rubbing his jaw. "How's the jaw?" she inquired.

"Fine…" Percy replied, "I don't think it's going to swell this time."

Just before they left the light Percy saw her smile, "I'm just glad I left my hand open, or else I would be the one with the shattered bones."

Once they were back amongst the shadows the two of them went silent. Concealment was paramount to their survival. While neither feared Busiris they couldn't be sure he was the only thing they had to worry about. Both had heard him mention a boss and neither wanted to chance a confrontation if it could be avoided, especially because Percy was going to be eliminated from the fight once he picked up Reyna. Just as they reached the unconscious godling the lights in the warehouse came on.

Percy and Gwen dropped to the floor. A loud clapping echoed off the distant walls followed by Busiris's silky voice, "Bravo, bravo…Miss Hudson."

The two exchanged a look neither knowing what to make of the change in circumstances.

Busiris continued, "It would appear I overestimated my ability to keep a daughter of Apollo spellbound with a mere sleeping spell." The man laughed, "You are to be commended."

"What's he doing?" asked Percy.

Gwen responded, "Stalling probably."

"I'm sure you overhead some of my chat with dear, Percy. I meant what I said." They could tell the voice was moving despite the echoes, "All you have to do is leave Percy behind and you and Miss Barnes are free to go."

They just smiled to one another. Neither was the type of person that would leave a friend behind.

Busiris's voice had stopped moving and grew harsh, "Last chance." Busiris warned, "Come forward now and I will guarantee your safety. Refuse…well I have little control over my friends here."

They heard metal impacting metal followed by several deep guttural growls.

"What was that?" they both wondered.

When neither responded Busiris tsked, "I will take your continued silence as a, no. I'm disappointed in you Gwendolyn."

Percy wanted to ram his fist down the arrogant man's throat. A man like Busiris shouldn't be allowed to lay eyes on someone as kind and good natured as Gwen. How dare he allow her name to cross his venomous lips. Percy was on the verge of springing forward, but Gwen's hand on his forearm prevented it.

They heard a metal door swing shut, followed by Busiris's tiring voice, "Very well, you two have left me no choice. I hope for Miss Barnes' sake you left her locked in the storage room Gwendolyn."

Busiris's words of pity sent a chill running up their spines. Then a shrill buzzing rang out. It was followed closely by the sounds of multiple rusty-hinged doors swinging open. Low growls began to play across the background accentuating Busiris's next words.

"As demigods I am sure you are both familiar with the myth surrounding the Sphinx." It was a statement not a question, "Did you know the sphinx actually hails from Egypt?" The question was rhetorical. "The one in the Greek myth was a female. They are quite deadly and far more intelligent than their male counter parts, but that same intelligence also makes them far less vicious. Believe me when I say that encountering a solitary female is bad, but encountering a male is far, far worse."

Busiris paused letting the tension build, "Males travel in packs and they don't bother with silly riddles." Busiris laughed, "And I have just released six of them." Busiris spoke with absolute certainty, "It was a pleasure to meet you Miss Hudson, but I'm afraid now you and Mr. Jackson are both about to die most painfully…curse or no curse, Perseus." Then Busiris ordered, "Kill them!"

Six roars rose in unison. Percy and Gwen didn't hesitate. Percy scooped up Reyna and drew his sword. Gwen ripped off her brooch and touched it to the ring on her left hand. Percy saw them both shimmer. In the span of a heartbeat the small pieces of jewelry were replaced with a silver bow and quiver of arrows. Within seconds of the deafening roar they were off and running for their lives.

They managed to make it make to the door leading to the PCA offices when the first sphinx appeared on the periphery of Percy's vision. Percy spun to face the beast as it was preparing to spring from atop the stack of crates on which it was perched. However, Gwen had seen it first, and already had an arrow nocked and ready. The daughter of Apollo sighted and loosed in less time than it took Percy to blink.

But as fast as Gwen was…the sphinx was faster. The creature was a blur as it moved out of the line of Gwen's arrow. Percy watched as Gwen aimed a second shot, but it wasn't necessary. The half-lion's motion had been so violent that it unbalanced the boxes upon which it had chosen to stand. The precariously stacked containers collapsed half burying the blood thirsty monster beneath them.

Gwen and Percy moved through the doorway, and slammed it shut just as two more sphinxes sprang into view. Gwen used the keys she had hung onto to lock the door. The door shook as one of the creatures slammed into it. The door and its frame were made of better materials than the one attached to the storage room, but higher quality or not it wouldn't hold long as another blow rattled the hinges. They had bought themselves precious seconds that neither intended to squander.

They turned and ran down the narrow hall leading to the door that promised open air and freedom. Halfway there Gwen came to halt. Percy almost fell over as the combined weight of Reyna and himself nearly overbore him. But he somehow managed keep his feet as he staggered to a stop.

Percy gasped, "Gwen what are you doing?"

Gwen closed the door to the small room then started slipping keys into the lock. "Mike and George are unconscious in there. If we leave the door open they're both dead."

Percy knew they didn't have time for this, but he couldn't bring himself to say it. Instead…

"Hurry." was all he said.

Gwen tried another key then ordered, "Go. I'll be right behind you."

Percy refused to move, "I'm not leaving you to face those things alone."

Gwen cursed and moved onto another key, "You're not. I already unlocked that door earlier. Go hold it open…we're only going to have a few seconds when those sphinxes finally break down the door."

It made sense, but Percy couldn't bring himself to do it, "You go. I stand a better chance of beating them now that walls won't let them move so freely."

Gwen shook her head, "I can't carry Reyna. Besides…" Gwen inserted another key, "my arrows will work better than your sword, and we both know it."

Percy cursed and looked away. Gwen was right and he knew it. But he didn't have to like… "Fine, but if you don't get that door locked before those monsters break down the door, you run." Gwen looked at him, "That's an order."

He knew she didn't like it, but he also knew that she wouldn't dare disobey an order. Especially, when she knew he was right. Gwen nodded. Then only, and only then, did Percy start ambling away. With each step Reyna's unconscious form seemed to grow heavier. Percy hated having to say that to Gwen, and was grateful that the kindhearted daughter of Apollo never had to decide between following Percy's order or following her heart. By the time Percy reached the end of the hall Gwen was already through and gaining on him.

The sphinxes finally broke through just as Gwen reached the door. Percy seized his friend, and tried to drag her through, but Gwen stood her ground. So focused was he on protecting his friends…Percy had failed to recognize the opportunity Gwen had begun to exploit. Gwen spun and began loosing arrow after arrow. The nimble predators closest to them managed to dodge by jumping up and off the walls, but the lions at the rear of the group had been blind to the threat. Gwen's frenzied shots dropped two of the monsters. The surviving four beasts, one now injured, proceeded forward slowly. The creatures sensed an arrant movement now meant death. But that wasn't true.

Horrified, Percy and Gwen watched as the dust from the two vanquished lions began to reform. This time when Percy went to pull Gwen he met no resistance. Percy threw Gwen through the opening, and in the same motion grabbed the door's handle and pulled it shut…almost dropping Reyna in the process.

Gwen, still in shock, collapsed to the ground while Percy held the door closed.

"Gwen…" Percy screamed, "Gwen the door!"

Percy watched, silently praying to any god that might listen, waiting for the lights in Gwen's glazed eyes to return. When they finally did Percy again yelled…

"Gwen you have to lock the door now!"

Percy had only been holding the door for a few seconds, but he could already hear the cracks in the grain beginning to form. The outdoor exposure had obviously weakened it. Percy knew they would be lucky if it held half as long as the first door had. Gwen, fully recovered and already knowing which key to use, slammed the deadbolt home breaking the key off in the process.

That done Percy bellowed, "Move!"

As they ran Gwen shouted, "They didn't die!"

"I know!" Percy yelled between pained breaths.

Gwen was still shaken, "Why didn't they die?"

"I don't know." Percy managed to wheeze. Carrying Reyna was taxing him far more quickly than he could have anticipated.

Gwen pleaded, "What are we going to do?"

Percy nearly spent, and already mentally exhausted from Busiris's revelations, just shook his head. As they ran headlong down the narrow alleys separating the dark buildings bordering the canal Percy knew just one thing. They couldn't return to the Parcae. There were too many innocents aboard. He was sure those rampaging monsters would harm or kill anyone they came across while searching for their three course demigod dinner. They had no choice…

"We have to head for the docks!"

Percy didn't know if the docks would be any safer, but he did know the docks would give them an advantage. Surrounded by all that water Percy was reasonably sure they could hold their own…at least for awhile. And once Reyna recovered who knew…the daughter of Minerva might just come up with a plan that could get them out of this mess.

Somewhere behind them a savage roar tore across the night sky. Tired though they were…the two demigods managed to redouble their efforts. Both uncertain if they were rushing toward salvation or doom.

They made their way down the nearest dock, and found a relatively secure shelter by the refueling station at the far end. It was a small storage shed constructed of solid wood. The building had no windows and was nestled between the waters lapping the end of the pier, and the large fuel tanks set behind the fuel station's main building. The rusty lock preventing entry had shattered after only one blow from Riptide.

The interior was small, barely big enough for the three of them, but the owner obviously visited the little shed often. The tools lining the shelves were clean and gleamed in the dim light cast by Percy's enchanted blade. The floor had recently been swept and was clutter free. There was even a light mounted into the low ceiling.

At first they had been hesitant to switch on the light. Neither were eager to give away their position, but it quickly became evident the sphinxes were in no hurry. The cat-men had all night and were obviously enjoying the chase. Once Percy and Gwen's adrenaline began to abate the two realized that the creatures, being mostly cat, probably could see better in the dark than either of them could see during the day. Finally, they turned on the light.

Percy spent the next thirty minutes rummaging through the shed's contents, searching for anything useful. Gwen occupied her time checking and rechecking Reyna. Searching for any signs of improvement. During his ramblings Percy came across a small ice chest. The ice had melted but the water was still cool and so were the four cans resting on the bottom. Percy didn't recognize the brand, but as thirsty as he was he didn't care.

Percy opened one and tried it. He was surprised by the drinks sweetness. The taste was familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. He looked at the dark colored can again. Their was a red illustration that looked vaguely like a fruit...he understood…it was apple flavored soda. Percy opened a second then touched Gwen on the shoulder.

She stared at the strange can, "It's alright." Percy assured her, "It's just apple soda."

Gwen accepted the drink and forced a smile, "Thanks." Gwen took a sip. Found the drink agreeable and took a big gulp. Then she asked, "What do you think they're waiting for?"

Percy, drinking himself, just shrugged in reply.

Gwen looked down, "Percy?"

There was a subtle change in the room's atmosphere Percy hesitated before saying, "Yeah?"

Gwen spoke softly, "Do you…do you want to talk about what Boden said in there?"

Percy hadn't had time to think about it while they made their escape. Now that Gwen had brought it up he realized did want to talk about it. Looking around…he knew now was not the right time. First they needed to stop those sphinxes. When that was done, and they were safely away from Busiris and the Panama Canal they would be free to talk all they wanted…he hoped.

Percy shook his head, "No, now isn't the time. First we need to get out of here."

Gwen nodded, "Okay," then she said a little more forcefully, "but we will talk."

Percy couldn't help but grin, "Promise."

"Good." Gwen huffed, "Now what do you suggest we do?"

Percy looked out into the night, "Not sure…" then he looked at the fuel tanks, "when Reyna wakes up we could try and swim for it."

Gwen sighed, "I seriously doubt we have that much time." Gwen shoved his shoulder, "Besides not all us have a sea god for a parent."

The quip broke the tension and Percy smiled, "Well what do you suggest?" Percy pointed out at the fuel tanks, "I guess we could always blow them up."

Gwen thought about it, "That's exactly what we'll do." she declared, "Quick go open the tanks and soak the dock."

Percy thought she had lost her mind, "Gwen, there are two problems with that plan."

"Like what?"

"One, we have no way to start a fire, and two, how would we survive the explosion."

Percy thought Gwen had conceded the point when she held out her hand palm up, but he was wrong. As he stared at the outstretched fingers he noticed a tiny dot of light beginning to form. Within a few seconds the tiny dot coalesced into a miniature sun. Percy instinctively jumped back covering his eyes.

Gwen extinguished the light and laughed, "You were saying?"

Lowering his hands Percy asked, "How did…"

"Daughter of Apollo, god of the sun." she said smugly.

Percy wasn't amused, "Fine, but how do we live through the explosion?"

Gwen stroked her chin, "I seem to recall knowing someone that can manipulate water. I'm sure he could use all the water below the pier to protect us."

Percy just shook his head, "Why not just swim for it then? It would be easier."

"Because…" Gwen corrected, "we can't leave those things to wonder around. Who knows how many people they'll hurt before moving on. Do you think you could keep Reyna afloat?"

Percy, feeling insulted, rolled his eyes.

"Sorry." Gwen spoke coyly, "Now would you please go soak the dock. Oh and wait out there after you're finished."

Percy raised an eyebrow.

"We'll need bait." explained Gwen.

Percy thought as he walked out the door, "And people think I'm crazy."

The plan went wrong immediately. As soon as he cleared the doorway the sphinx that had been lying atop the small shed pounced. The beast landed heavily on Percy's back shoving him to the ground. Percy not knowing what was going on tried to get up, but the creature was strong and held him firmly in place. Before he could do anything else the creature's weight abruptly vanished. Percy rolled over and found himself covered in a fine golden dust.

Percy scrambled to his feet. Moving quickly Percy raced toward the tanks. Before he could reach the first one another sphinx slammed into him knocking him down. This time though Percy landed on his back, and when the monster began raking its claws down Percy's chest he could fight. Percy drew his sword and slashed open the creatures stomach. The mortally wounded beast dissolved.

Percy could feel the dust of the first creature writhing across his clothes and skin as it began to reform. Rising again Percy found himself trapped. The four remaining sphinxes had him encircled. Percy knew the creatures were to quick to engage properly so instead of taking a defensive posture he took a sprinters stance.

"Gwen get your fireball ready!" He shouted. "As soon as I reach that tank launch it, throw it, attach it to an arrow and shoot it. Just set off the gas!"

"What about you?" she yelled.

"Don't worry about me just do it!"

There was no time left to debate it. The lion facing him began to move, and in the same instant so did Percy. Rather than attacking the beast Percy side-stepped its lunge, raised his sword, and slashed the nozzle off of the nearest tank.

There was no warning. The moment the gas began to gush a shaft of light flashed across his vision. Percy had no time to think. On instinct he summoned the water below them and enveloped the shed in a bubble of liquid. Then everything went black as the shock wave sent him and everything on the dock careening through the air. Percy crashed into the water, and began drifting to the bottom of the channel. He was unaware of the sudden pull in the pit of his stomach as he, and the two girls he was still protecting, vanished.